Category Archives: FilmReview

2006, Acceptable for children, Adventure, Based on true facts, Dog Story, Flirting

Eight Below (2006)

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From NetFlix:

When an unforeseen accident forces a trio of Antarctic scientists (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood and Jason Biggs) to leave behind their team of steadfast sled dogs, the animals must survive a cruel and punishing winter on their own without human contact. Revealing his penchant for subzero survival stories, Frank Marshall (Alive) helmed this heartrending drama, which was adapted from a Japanese film based on real events.

Yikes! Not only a dog story, but (gasp) a general rated Walt Disney film to boot! What was I thinking! Guess what … I LOVED IT!

Forget the fairly juvenile and at times maudlin human interactions. Those dog actors were amazing. I here quote from the Wikipedia article:

The 1958 ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica inspired the 1983 hit film Nankyoku Monogatari. Eight Below is the adaptation of the events of the 1958 incident moved forward to 1993. Dog teams were removed from the ice in February 1994. In the 1958 event, fifteen Sakhalin Husky sled dogs were abandoned when the expedition team was unable to return to the base. When the team returned a year later, two dogs were still alive. Another seven were still chained up and dead, and six unaccounted for.

In Eight Below there are two Alaskan Malamutes (Buck and Shadow) and six Siberian Huskies (Maya, Max, Truman, Dewey, Shorty and Old Jack). Each actor-dog had help from other dogs that performed stunts and pulled sleds. In all, over 30 dogs were used to portray the film’s eight canine characters. Max, Maya, Dewey and Buck (Old Jack’s stunt double) were played by dogs seen in Disney’s Snow Dogs.

Is it true that dog teams have a hierarchy so strong that when the dogs are very hungry and manage to capture food (e.g. leaping up and catching a bird), all the lucky dogs defer to the leader by bringing the food to the leader without eating it ?

One critic was concerned that for very young children, the dog portion could be too strong. After all, not all the dogs survive. You see some dogs die. But you also see the survivors mourning and caring for the suffering dogs. Could this be real ?

Yes, I was glued to my seat (despite the length of the film) and yes I had goose flesh at the appropriate “Aw Shucks” moments.

2010, Bullying, Comedy, Coming-of-age, Explicit sexual discussion, Vulgar

Submarine (2010)

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From NetFlix:

When he learns that his mother is on the verge of deserting his father for a dance instructor, young Welsh teen Oliver (Craig Roberts) resolves to do whatever it takes to save his parents’ marriage before the end of summer. Meanwhile, the offbeat lad also schemes to seduce pushy pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige) with nothing but the power of his mind. Richard Ayoade directs this quirky coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne.

Each of us has undoubtedly experienced at least some of the problems facing Oliver in this Welsh coming-of-age comedy. But a lot seems piled on poor Oliver: his parents’ troubled marriage, bullying at school, first love (sound familiar ?). What separates this film from all those many similar coming-of-age plots is Oliver’s unique take on things. There is a kind of crass daring in his methods: how he spies on his parents, his house break-ins to save his parent’s marriage, his fastidious planning of his loss of virginity. And his girl friend Jordana is a real match for him (a pun, since they both enjoy setting fires).

Expect some good sight gags (especially one freeze frame near the beginning). Expect some outrageously frank if not downright crass talk, even from the grownups.

Hope this is your cup of tea!

2009, Coen Brothers, Dark, Drama, Jewish Culture, Religious Theme, Satire, Sex Scenes

A Serious Man (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Larry Gopnik (Golden Globe nominee Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a “rough patch,” according to a colleague, and it would seem so: people are dropping dead all around him, his wife (Sari Lennick) wants a “get” and his whining kids (Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus) only add to the heavy load. Larry is just looking for some help. Can a few rabbis guide him to life’s answers? Richard Kind co-stars in Joel Coen and Ethan Coen’s 1960s-set, dark Jewish-culture send-up.

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this satire on the Book of Job. However, the entire story centers on American Jewry and there are many Hebrew phrases appearing throughout.

One Saturday Kathy and I went to the Trinity Rep Theatre in Providence and I was sitting next to a young man who had recently received his Master of Fine Arts from Brown University. We started to talk about film and he suggested “A Serious Man” and said he was quite overcome with the final scene.

Probably I didn’t really get the film. Poor Larry Gopnik suffers one outrageous problem after another, but this constant sequence of misfortunes is comical. Part of the humor is the straight-faced, sincere, passive Larry who is always questioning “Why” in the manner of Job. He goes from Rabbi to Rabbi looking for answers. To my gentile (i.e. goy) eyes these Rabbis seem like such fakes giving poor Larry pat answers or, worse, answering his questions with more questions.

Let me remind you that Job suffers many losses and setbacks, meanwhile always asking “Why” in interminable discussion with friends and associates. But finally God changes Job’s life for the better and he ends happily with a new family and other blessings.

Pay close attention to the end of the film. As far as I can tell, the Cohen brothers have changed the end of the story considerably. Let me know what you think.

2010, Car Chase, Crime, Detective, Gangs, Mayhem, Mediocre, Mixed Martial Arts, Police Story, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Takers (2010)

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From NetFlix:

With their collective eye on a huge payoff, a motley crew of bank robbers (including Paul Walker, Michael Ealy, Chris Brown and Hayden Christensen) get busy planning out their next heist. Their former colleague, Ghost (T.I.), convinces the boys to target an armored car carrying $20 million. But a detective (Matt Dillon) who’s obsessed with his work is just as obsessed with making sure the thieves never pull off their scheme.

Yet another gang planning that great final heist with lots of car chases, shooting, foot chases, and general mayhem (read that – violence). If there is a main star, it is Matt Dillon obsessed with his work and ignoring his family. You have seen this film over and over. There is a foot chase that defies belief even if the runner is a super athlete. And of course there is an opposing Russian gang. As I have just said, you have already seen this plot many times.

As far as cast is concerned, this is the first time that I have seen Marianne Jean-Baptiste (of “Without a Trace” fame) in a film. Paul Walker did just about nothing in the film.

Next film, please!

2007, Car Chase, Crime, Disturbing Image, Drugs, Gangs, Mediocre, Mixed Martial Arts, Motorcycles, Prison, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Bobby Z (2007)

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From NetFlix:

DEA agent Tad Gruzsa (Laurence Fishburne) offers jailed ex-Marine Tim Kearney (Paul Walker) a way out of his prison sentence: impersonate legendary surfer-dealer Bobby Z in a hostage switch with a Mexican drug lord. Kearney takes the bait, but the plan quickly goes awry. Soon, Kearney finds himself on the run — with Bobby’s 6-year-old son in tow. This fast-paced action thriller also stars Olivia Wilde and mixed martial arts champ Chuck Liddell.

One bag of popcorn is pretty much like every other bag of popcorn. Similarly, “Bobby Z” is chuck full of Mexican drug traffickers (Joaquim de Almeida, age 54 from Portugal, seems to be type-cast as the quintessential Mexican bad guy), nasty motorcycle gangs, crooked federal agents (Laurence Fishburne of current CSI television fame), mixed martial arts, beautiful women, and last but not least a young, handsome, male hero. Now, isn’t that a lot better than a bag of popcorn?

Paul Walker, our hero, IS the film. Former heroes of movies in the past were strong he-men completely sure of themselves. Lately the hero is a bit less confident. Walker (now a 38 year old Californian) doesn’t take himself too seriously, is willing to show a softer side, and has a sense of humor that makes the film a fun bag of popcorn. Does he really do all those action scenes, including fighting and mixed martial arts, on his own? In the films of today the fighting action is better and more realistic, which is to say that it fools me.

According to a Wikipedia entry: In an interview to the Portuguese channel SIC, Paul Walker called it a “bad movie”. Why not take a different point of view: You know in advance it is a B-film, so just sit back and watch the forgettable fun.

2011, Acceptable for children, Acceptable Trash, Could be boring, Fantasy, Mediocre, Sci-Fi, Super Hero

Thor (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Kenneth Branagh directs this Marvel Comics-inspired action flick about the thunder god Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful warrior whose father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) — the king of Asgard — forces him to live among humans on Earth and learn humility. Once there, he finds a friend (Natalie Portman), along with unexpected enemies sent from his world. Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård and Rene Russo co-star.

Making this film at least helped keep the actors employed. What other reason could there be for a talented man like Kenneth Branagh using (wasting ?) his time directing this B- movie for kids ? Of course Anthony Hopkins has been appearing in junk films for a long while. Newer talent such as the 28 year old Australian Chris Hemsworth can use the screen time. But what is the ever beautiful “Black Swan” Natalie Portman doing in such schlock? Do you suppose I could have had at least a minor role in this film?

Fairly gratuitous special digital effects are what this adventure offers. Certainly kids will enjoy the often violent fun. But digital violence never seems as real as, say, a hurtful comment. As for sex, Natalie gives Chris a real smoocher of a kiss. Adults will just have to suffer along.

Adios, I am off to another superhero spectacle!

2010, British, Car Chase, Crime, Dark, Drugs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Police Story, Revenge, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Blitz (2010)

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From NetFlix:

With an insidious serial killer known as “the Blitz” on the loose in London, Detective Brant (Jason Statham) takes to the case while working out his own aggression issues with a police-appointed psychiatrist. But when he and his partner (Paddy Considine) eventually corner a suspect, they don’t have enough evidence to apprehend him. Elliott Lester directs this frenetic crime thriller based on a novel by Ken Bruen.

“Blitz” offers the usual Jason Statham, take it or leave it. Of course he takes the law into his own violent hands despite being a British policeman, that goes without saying. Perhaps there is some novelty in the fact that:

  • His police division is noted for rough irregularities. That division gets a new boss (Porter Nash is the character’s name) who is both highly qualified and gay. Whereas the other policemen dislike and deride Nash, Detective Brant (Statham) respects and works well with him. In fact …
  • Brant confides in Nash that he, Brant, suffers from blackouts which Nash correctly attributes to burnout.

Cat and mouse with the serial killer is intelligently written. Eventually the killer gets his due. So does the amoral journalist who seeks glory in cooperating with the killer.

But in the end, it is the usual Statham.

2006, Bullying, Car Chase, Child Molestation, Crime, Dark, Disturbing Image, Frenetic, Gangs, Grim, Kidnapping, Mayhem, Revenge, Sadism, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent

Running Scared (2006)

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From NetFlix:

Low-level mobster Joey Gazelle (Paul Walker) is tasked with disposing of a gun used to kill cops during a drug bust. But when it’s stolen by his son’s friend and used in another high-profile crime, Joey must find the gun quickly — or pay the ultimate price. Along the way, he’ll lock horns with the Russian mob and other dregs of society, which includes a corrupt police detective (Chazz Palminteri) who’s hot on his trail.

Excuse me, I am out of breath just watching this frenetic and ULTRA VIOLENT film that just never lets up for a moment. Just when you think some situation is going to work out well, whammo! an unexpected event occurs.

Hats off to Paul Walker (“Fast Five”, “Takers”, “The Lazarus Project” – yes there is a violent streak here) and Vera Farmiga (“Source Code”, “Higher Ground”, “Henry’s Crime” – a cut above). But special credit goes to 13 year old Cameron Bright as the much abused but brave child Oleg.

Expect to see some really ugly and evil characters. Bring a strong stomach with you.

2010, Child Molestation, Could Be Hard To Watch, Could Be Sad, Drama, Rape, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Wonderful acting

Trust (2010)

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From NetFlix:

After curious and vulnerable teenager Annie (Liana Liberato) falls into a trap set by an online sexual predator, her family begins to disintegrate, uncertain how to cope with such a devastating tragedy. Utterly consumed by rage, her father (Clive Owen) sets out seeking vengeance. Directed by David Schwimmer, this intensely emotional drama also stars Viola Davis, Jason Clarke and Catherine Keener.

Being a parent of a teenager in today’s world of internet chat rooms is a perilous responsibility. Perhaps this film shows what happens if the parents fail to monitor the child’s online activities, no matter how much that child will resent the interference.

Possibly this sad sequence is all too common, but that does not make it any easier to watch: young girl chats with cute boy; young girl arranges to meet with cute boy; cute boy turns out to be in his 30’s; cute boy rapes young girl. But now comes the part that surprised me: young girl, despite the entreaties of the FBI, her parents, and her psychotherapist, remains convinced that the predator truly loves her and that everyone else is just being mean in refusing to see what a wonderful person that predator is.

Meanwhile Clive Owen goes nuts. He fantasizes his revenge on the rapist. He becomes estranged from his daughter, although to be fair, she is angry and distances herself from her family. You will have to watch the film to see what happens.

Clive Owen, Catherine Keener, and Liana Liberato deliver wonderful performances.

Please pay attention to the scenes unfolding during the final credits. If you don’t understand what you are seeing, then please read the final line of the plot synopsis in the Wikipedia article.

1956, Black and White Film, Car Chase, Classic, Conspiracy, Dark, Flirting, Grim, Horror, Old-Fashioned, Sci-Fi, Suspense

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

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From NetFlix:

Something is amiss in the sleepy California hamlet of Santa Mira. Initially, Dr. Miles Bennell (Kevin McCarthy) dismisses reports from the citizenry accusing friends and family of behaving like automatons. But the doctor soon makes a startling discovery. Extraterrestrials capable of replicating humans and assuming their identities have invaded Santa Mira. It’s up to Bennell to sound the alarm and almost single-handedly battle the alien forces.

Suppose you could trust no one around you, could you survive ? Of course, wartime spies are somewhat in that position. But this story is a famous extreme example. As an experiment in film comparison (which I also did with True Grit (1969) and True Grit (2010)) I decided to watch at least two if not three versions of this film.

For those of you too young to remember, Kevin McCarthy played many roles in the 1960 TV series “Twilight Zone”. Dana Wynter (the female lead) played Eva Wainwright in the 1966 TV series “The Man Who Never Was”.

What makes this film seem old ?

  • Black and white
  • Real orchestra music composed by Carmon Dragon that seems corny by today’s standards.
  • Precious few special effects except for the pods bursting open
  • The actors themselves actually had to run on streets and hills
  • Unfortunately in this version, the ending is a terrible cop-out

Following is an excellent review that I found in IMDB attributed to someone billed as InfoFreak:

‘Invasion Of The Body Snatcher’s is my favourite 1950s science fiction movie alongside ‘Forbidden Planet’. Both are very different movies. ‘Forbidden Planet’ is arguably the first SF blockbuster, an intergalactic adventure, in colour, with a large budget and impressive special effects. ‘Invasion Of The Body Snatcher’s is a smaller movie, a low budget black and white paranoid thriller that is a classic of its type. Many subsequent movies have been influenced by this one, and there have been at least two remakes (Philip Kaufman, Abel Ferrara), but it still takes some beating! Director Don Siegel is best known for tough guy crime dramas like ‘The Killers’ and ‘Dirty Harry’, but shows his versatility with this extremely effective and disturbing horror story. The legendary Sam Peckinpah had an uncredited hand in the script, and (keep an eye open for) a small cameo as a meter reader. Kevin McCarthy is terrific as the small town doctor turned hero. His performance is excellent, and made him a legend to SF and horror fans everywhere (he reprises it briefly in Kaufman’s excellent 1970s remake by the way). The lovely Dana Wynter leads a strong supporting cast, and buffs will get a particular kick out of seeing Carolyn Jones (a.k.a. Morticia Addams) and Whit Bissell. (‘I Was A Teenage Werewolf’, ‘Creature From The Black Lagoon’ and too many others to mention!) This movie has aged very well, much better than say, ‘The Thing From Another World’, and still stands as THE 1950s paranoid SF/horror movie. An absolute classic that I guarantee still packs a punch! Highly recommended!

Have fun!