Category Archives: FilmReview

2011, Complicated, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Fantasy, Feel Good Not For Children, Flirting, Love Story, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Terrorist Attack, Trains

Source Code (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Jake Gyllenhaal portrays a soldier recruited for a time-bending government investigation that places him in another man’s mind and body, reliving the same traumatic event repeatedly in an effort to identify the perpetrators of a terrorist bombing. Vera Farmiga plays a communications specialist who provides the vital link to the soldier’s primary reality as he searches for critical clues within a recurring nightmare.

Jake Gyllenhaal has done it again, or at least his agent has. Somehow Gyllenhaal finds vehicles that for the most part suit him perfectly.

Although Michelle Monaghan does a perfectly acceptable job as Jake’s love interest, Vera Farmiga does an outstanding job as a conflicted member of the military whose human values eventually trump the self-promotion of the ever preening Jeffrey Wright (Dr. Rutledge).

WARNING: Although this film rates as a “feel good”, it is probably NOT for children because (without spoiling anything) there is one disturbing film shot involving a human body that is a shocker.

Why see this great film ?

  • Fun flirtatious love story
  • Clever sci-fi plot
  • Heart-warming interaction between Jake and his dad
  • Exciting action
  • Feel-good film

If any of the above interests you, DO NOT MISS THIS FILM !

2011, Ballet, Complicated, Could be boring, Fantasy, Flirting, Imperfect, Love Story, Religious Theme, Suspense

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

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From NetFlix:

A congressman (Matt Damon) who’s a rising star on the political scene finds himself entranced by a beautiful ballerina (Emily Blunt), but mysterious circumstances ensure that their love affair is predestined to be a non-starter. Screenwriter George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum) makes his directorial debut with this romantic adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic sci-fi short story “Adjustment Team.”

Matt Damon comes across as a nice down-to-earth person. For years I have tried to convince myself that he can act. I am still trying. It is true that his flirting conversations with Emily Blunt come off as being very authentic and natural. Perhaps he was chosen for this role because there is a lot of running involved, something he does in many of his films (example, the “Bourne” movies). At 41 years of age I suppose he can still run.

Based on a pseudo-religious gimmicky idea, for me the film got tiresome if for no other reason than there were just too many doors to open. Of course, there was no way David (Damon) could explain his behavior to Elise (Blunt) without showing her all those doors.

Finally, I really did not need a final sermon on free will (of which I am a big fan despite the film).

Emily Blunt was another Emily in “The Devil Wears Prada” and was also “The Young Victoria”.

John Slattery, who played the angel Richardson, for me will always be one of the “Mad Men” of HBO fame.

An acceptable film on a night when you just don’t want to exert any effort thinking.

2011, Ancient Rome, Corny, Military, Suspense, Violent

The Eagle (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Haunted by the disappearance of his father, who vanished with the Roman Ninth Legion on an expedition into the north of Britain, centurion Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum) sets out to unravel the mystery and recover the legion’s eagle standard. But in the wilds of Caledonia, the soldier and his British slave (Jamie Bell) encounter fierce native tribes and other dangers. Kevin Macdonald directs this adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel.

Corny at times, this B+ film is also nonetheless exciting at times. Concentrate on the story and its intent rather than expect great acting. Is it a clichéd plot when our hero Marcus is an idealistic young man fully invested in the notion of Roman honor while some of his noble superiors are cynics ? Afghanistan recruits versus Blackwater mercenaries ?

Compared physically with Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell seems almost diminutive. After awhile the weight of their characters even out.

And just who is this Jamie Bell ? Surprise! He was “Billy Elliott”. He was also the minister St. John Rivers in Jane Eyre (2011).

Lutorius is played by Denis O’Hare who is one of those actors you see everywhere but whose name is not even on the tip of your tongue. Lately his most notorious role is the vampire king Russell Edgington in that all-important HBO series “True Blood” (What! You are not a True Blood fan ?). Additionally he pops up in “Law and Order” and “The Good Wife”.

Why watch “The Eagle”? Will our hero retrieve the Golden Eagle and restore the honor of his revered father ? Will those nasty blue-painted British savages catch Marcus and Esca his slave? Will Marcus and Esca be best buddies forever and open a fish and chips shop?
It’s just violent fun, that’s all. (Sorry, no sex).

2009, Crime, Drama, Gangs, Mayhem, Redemption, Revenge, Sadism, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Charlie Valentine (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When problems come to prey on an otherwise “perfect” crime, hard-boiled gangster Charlie Valentine (Raymond J. Barry) seeks assistance from an unlikely source: his estranged son, Danny (Michael Weatherly), who’s been living his own life in Los Angeles. With father and son working together, a series of crimes starts falling into place. But that doesn’t reduce the danger in teaching Danny the family business.

Michael Weatherly plays Anthony DiNozzo in the TV series “NCIS” which is one of the few TV series related to crime that is not violent (“Bones” is another example). Playing a character in a successful TV series is a wonderful meal ticket. But the question arises: could that actor survive outside the supporting cocoon of the show? As an experiment I watched Weatherly play Danny Valentine, the son of Charlie Valentine played by Raymond J. Barry. My verdict is that Weatherly can act, although in my opinion that acting is weak in the very last scene.

But Raymond Barry captures the show! He was born in my birth year, 1939. So here is a man in his 70’s doing a marvelous acting job. His lifelong list of credits is huge. Recently he plays Arlo Givens in the TV series “Justified”.

In a nutshell: Charlie has been a self-centered, violent sociopath his whole life. He abandoned his wife and son. On the run Charlie seeks help from his son Danny who has ambivalent feelings toward his father. On the one hand he is justifiably resentful, especially since his mother died not too long after his father left them. On the other hand he admires his father and longs to be the same kind of career criminal. So it isn’t that Charlie forcefully perverts his son, rather his son actually asks to learn the resourceful ways of his father.

Meanwhile aging Charlie is starting to feel remorse for his murderous lifestyle. As a climax to the story Charlie is put to some kind of test. Watch the film to witness the test and its resolution.

2011, Acceptable Trash, Comedy, Corny, Nudity, Sex Scenes, Slapstick, Vulgar

Cedar Rapids (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Terrified of leaving his tiny town for the first time, sheltered insurance salesman Tim (Ed Helms) nervously sets out for the bright lights of bustling Cedar Rapids, where he attends a chaotic insurance convention and learns how to survive in the real world. Miguel Arteta directs this delightful fish-out-of-water comedy that also features Sigourney Weaver, Rob Corddry, John C. Reilly and Anne Heche.

Lebanon, PA (2010) and “Cedar Rapids” are two films about small-town USA that could not be more different. Whereas the former touches sensitively on contemporary problems, the latter is a vulgar romp at an insurance convention.

Which is not to say this B-movie doesn’t offer at least something worth saying. As luck would have it I convinced my wife Kathy that we could watch this film together. As far as I know, Kathy has forgiven me. In fact we both learned some really crass and original sexual remarks that were a revelation. John C. Reilly expertly paints himself as a gross, aging, alcoholic adolescent who eventually grew on me (is that a good sign ?).

Underneath this layer of prurience there is a story. Ed Helms (Stu in the “Hangover” films , is there a pattern here ?) plays in somewhat an exaggerated and at time embarrassing manner the role of a timid, naive, and very honest insurance salesman Tim whose experiences at this convention sadly teach him the not-so-honest ways of this world. You just have to accept that such a person could possibly exist and would triumph unbelievably in the end.

Meanwhile just sit back, learn some really colorful language, and watch (or cringe at) the fun.

2010, Drama, Gloomy, Religious Theme, Sex Scenes

Lebanon, PA (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Urbane Philadelphia ad man Will (Josh Hopkins) heads to small-town Lebanon for his father’s funeral, and the road leads not only to closure but to a revelation when the 35-year-old meets his precocious teenage cousin, CJ (Rachel Kitson), and her winsome teacher, Vicki (Samantha Mathis). As his friendship with CJ deepens and his warmth for the married Vicki grows, Will comes to realize that life can’t always be summed up in a catchphrase.

It probably can’t get any more real than this film that sadly captures the difficulty of living in a small town. Almost a feel-good film because of the way in which characters help each other with their problems, it is just those problems that are all too real and present in today’s world. You learn about those problems early in the film, so listing them is not a spoiler. But you will have to watch the film to discover what, if any, are the resolutions for those problems.

  • Will is a lonely 35-year-old dissatisfied with his life and finding it difficult to come to terms with his memory of his deceased father.
  • Vicki is in a troubled marriage and sees life and opportunities passing her by.
  • CJ is pregnant in her last year of high school and wants desperately to go to Drexel University for college. She suffers at the hands of her spiteful school mates, her conservative Catholic father, and others in the small(-minded) community.
  • Will’s mom faces poverty in her old age

Seems like a microcosm of today’s world, wouldn’t you say ? But it is NOT a downer film. Stay tuned for the good parts.

2009, Black and White Film, Car Chase, Dark, Horror, Suspense, Violent

Dark Country (2009)

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From NetFlix:

“Hung” star Thomas Jane directs and stars in this thriller that follows the hellish adventures of a newlywed couple who rescue a wounded stranger on the side of the road on their way back from their Las Vegas nuptials. When the almost-dead man goes berserk on them, the couple’s nightmare is just beginning. Ron Perlman (Hell Boy) and Lauren German also star in this chiller penned by Guerillas in the Mist writer Tab Murphy.

More “Twilight Zone” than horror, this plot by Tab Murphy is more subtle than works by Stephen King. Note that Thomas Jane was 40 when he both directed and acted in this film. His films often have saxophone blues as music. As far as I can recall, this is a black and white film.

You will either be bored by or fascinated by this film. From almost the very beginning I had correctly guessed what was going to happen. (Do I watch too much trash for my own good ?) Nevertheless I felt compelled to endure to the end.

Good news is that the dialog, acting, atmosphere are well-done. Both the realistic interaction between Jane and German and the suspenseful plot details held my attention. There will be no gore in this creeper except a man’s bloodied and disfigured face.

Is it bad news that you should not expect a happy ending ?

WARNING: This film is certainly not for everyone, especially for someone who tends to be impatient.

2009, Based on true facts, Drama, Redemption, Wonderful acting

Get Low (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Oscar winners Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek team up to tell the true story of irascible Felix Bush, a backwoods Tennessee loner who planned his funeral in 1938 while he was still around to attend — and enjoy — the proceedings. Director Aaron Schneider’s deft blend of dark humor and poignancy also stars Bill Murray as Frank Quinn, the huckster owner of a failing funeral home, and Lucas Black as his dubious assistant.

Despite the above NetFlix paragraph, Felix Bush did not “enjoy” his funeral. But you will have to watch this wonderful film to understand why.

Even at the age of 78 Robert Duvall is still the master of his craft. I kept thinking “Wow, he really can project the infirmities of old age!”, but perhaps he was not faking all those seemingly painful movements. Here is an actor’s actor who completely adapts to his film character. Moreover Duvall, as far as I can tell, remained true to acting in worthwhile films as opposed to other actors (e.g. Anthony “I’ll play in any piece of trash as long as they pay me” Hopkins).

Sissy Spacek is a young thing of 60 in this film. And yes, she still has the knack.

Forgive me but Bill Murray (age 59) will always be for me one of the “Ghost Busters”. It was shocking to see him so aged.

Lucas Black (a mere 27 years old) adds a touch of sincere honesty to the film. So far I cannot find any memorable film performance in his history.

Question: What happened to all that money ? An answer would be appreciated.

Do not let the slow pacing keep you from this well-acted film.

2004, Acceptable Trash, Car Chase, Dark, Gay theme, Graphic Novel, Mayhem, Revenge, Sadism, Super Hero, Torture, Violent

The Punisher (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Undercover FBI agent Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) is crushed when his wife and children are killed after accidentally witnessing a mafia hit. So with nothing left to lose or to live for, Castle becomes “The Punisher” — a one-man judge, jury and executioner. John Travolta, Laura Harring, Samantha Yathis and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos co-star in this moody action film based on the adventures of the popular Marvel Comics character.

Murderous Marvel Mayhem for Misguided MovieFans.

Yes, it is just kid stuff watching 35 year old Thomas Jane play a brooding, alcoholic Marvel comic “superhero”. So why would you ever watch this film ?

  • You love violence and mayhem.
  • You love revenge supposedly justified as “justice”.
  • You love seeing our hero get beat up repeatedly and yet bouncing back each time.
  • You love wondering just how our hero will escape from his latest predicament (and he always does in some clever fashion).
  • You think John Travolta makes a super villain.
  • Your hobby is exploding automobiles.
  • You have nothing better to do.
2011, Crime, Detective, Drama, Lawyers, Prison, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent, Wonderful acting

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Tasked with defending rich lothario Louis Roulet, who’s been charged with assault, lawyer Mick Haller finds himself and his family in danger when he deduces the truth behind this and former cases he’s worked on.

Let me just remind you of where we have seen some of the many, many actors in this film. After that, for the first time ever, I am going to quote entirely an unattributed review of this splendid film which I found in NetFlix.

  • Who could ever forget Marisa Tomei in “My Cousin Vinny” ?
  • Ryan Phillipe was one of the soldiers in Stop-Loss (2008). He makes a wonderful rich-boy serial killer.
  • Josh Lucas plays a pediatrician in Life As We Know It (2010). Here he is a frustrated prosecutor up against his opponent McConaughey.
  • Michaela Conlin has a very minor role. She has played for years in the TV series Bones (2005).

There is no way to know who provided the following helpful review for NetFlix, but thanks, whoever you are:

THE LINCOLN LAWYER is a smarter-than-average courtroom drama. It’s based on a book by Michael Connelly and definitely shows some signs of a full novel being chopped down to movie length. However, director Brad Furman keeps the movie tightly-paced and maintains a good balance between the lighter moments and the dramatic ones. If I were a betting man, I’d put money on Furman as a director on the rise. He did a movie a few years back called THE TAKE, which is also set in LA. It’s a gritty, well-made flick, which I also suggest. As for the LINCOLN LAWYER, McConaughey is (for once) perfectly cast. He’s a smooth talker, as are most of his characters, but he also shows a weariness that’s new for him. Furman shoots in extreme close-ups at times, which gets you in the face of the McConaughey’s alcoholic turmoil. He also does an interesting rotating shot that starts behind an actor and spins fully around them during a take. It was a bit disorienting but was used to good effect. For an average studio movie, this sure has its share of great actors in smaller roles. William H. Macy stands out as the investigator who works with McConaughey’s lawyer. Bryan Cranston from “Breaking Bad” has a small role as cop who’s not keen on ole Matthew, and he’s so good I wished for more of him. I love Marisa Tomei, but her character feels like it was more developed in the book though. Overall, the movie is well-shot, gritty but polished, funny and tense, and a fresh spin on an old story. I’ve seen movies about lawyers with a conscience before, but never has the predicament seemed so real and complex. I honestly had no idea how this lawyer would be able to get himself out of the jam he’s in. For once, it’s nice to have a movie one step ahead of the audience.