Category Archives: FilmReview

2004, Drama, Feel Good For All, Quiet

Around the Bend (2004)

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From NetFlix:

Four generations of men are suddenly brought together by the chance to uncover the truth about their family’s past. When their eldest member passes away, the remaining trio embarks on a journey that takes them out on the road and into a world full of surprises — some comic, some dramatic, and all of them personal. Stars Michael Caine, Christopher Walken, Josh Lucas, Glenne Headly and Jonah Bobo.

Where there are Michael Caine and Christopher Walken, you would expect something good. In fact, you will not be disappointed with the eccentric and somewhat sad plot. As the boy Zach’s great-grandfather, Michael Caine’s behavior is “around the bend” as he plans a bizarre final trip for the other three actors as a way to reunite the three immediately following his death. Walken is Zach’s grandfather who abandoned his son Josh Lucas who is Zach’s father. Surprises and quirks along the way keep the plot interesting and eventually lead to some sad final revelations.

Good acting kept the film from being sentimental. Jonah Bobo avoids being too cute. Josh Lucas plays a man who is not only physically cripple, but emotionally repressed. He may fit the category of actors who act by not acting.

Not at all a waste of time.

2011, Acceptable Trash, Crime, Mayhem, Revenge, Sex Scenes, Violent

The Mechanic (2011)

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From NetFlix:

When his mentor is murdered, lone hit man Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) trains the man’s son, Steve McKenna (Ben Foster), in the ways of the professional kill. Together Arthur and his eager apprentice hunt down those responsible for executing Steve’s father. But the partnership gives rise to new dangers and deceptions. Simon West directs and Donald Sutherland co-stars in this action-packed remake of the 1972 Charles Bronson thriller.

Whoever really performs in the action sequences is a real stuntman athlete. Needless to say, Statham’s firearm aim is always perfect. No matter how many or how big or how well-armed his opponents are, he always wins. So suspend all that disbelief, sit back, and enjoy the well choreographed mayhem.

Expect some completely unnecessary sex scenes. After all, you can’t just have “violence”, you have to have “sex AND violence”.

Actually the story line has a gimmick that works. But who cares ?

2009, Acceptable for children, Acceptable Trash, Corny, Imperfect, Melodrama, Sex Scenes

The Other Woman (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Romance becomes reality for Emilia Greenleaf (Natalie Portman), who wins the heart of the handsome object of her affection (Scott Cohen), only to find that the relationship comes with some very real baggage — including her new beau’s troubled son (Charlie Tahan). Don Roos directs the film adaptation of Ayelet Waldman’s compelling novel, co-starring Lisa Kudrow, Lauren Ambrose and Elizabeth Marvel.

As B-level melodramas go, this one is not a complete waste of time. At the very least Natalie Portman (Emilia) is easy on the eyes, although she doesn’t come across as a great actress. For some reason, her speech seemed downright ordinary, as in American high school. Or perhaps I am harsh. Am I correct in assuming that her character was almost purposely a “home wrecker” ?

Scott Cohen was adequate as the husband, although he did not have to do very much but look concerned. He played in Love and Other Drugs (2010) but I cannot remember having seen him.

Charlie Tahan as the precocious son William played Ethan in I Am Legend (2007). Tahan was well-coached and did his part perfectly.

Most fun for me was watching Lisa Kudrow (who in my mind will always be Phoebe from “Friends”). It is hard to believe that she is now 48 years old. She has never been a great actress but in this film she is really believable as a hard-nosed, determined, resentful, controlling b _ _ _ h. Still her character exhibits some almost noble qualities on one occasion.

Sorry, but for me the ending was a bit too “goody good goody”.

2010, Complicated, Conspiracy, Documentary, Not Feel Good, Talking Heads

Inside Job (2010)

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From NetFlix:

From filmmaker Charles Ferguson comes this sobering, Oscar-winning documentary that presents in comprehensive yet cogent detail the pervasive and deep-rooted corruption that led to the global economic meltdown of 2008. Through unflinching interviews with key financial insiders, politicos, journalists and academics, Ferguson paints a galling portrait of an unfettered financial system run amok — without accountability. Actor Matt Damon narrates.

For a long while I resisted watching this infuriating film. But then my dental hygienist, Kathleen, said it is better to know even if there is nothing that can be done and even if I have to admit that our bankers, financial system, economists and government are very corrupt. But I was particularly disappointed in the current President Obama who has done NOTHING to improve the situation.

Is this film the legacy of all those crooks ? Will this film even be remembered ? Who will take the trouble to watch a film about complicated financial instruments that probably no one understands (including the corrupt economists) ?

Only at one point was it fun watching a slimy Harvard economist lose his cool.

You will NOT be happy after having watched this documentary!

2010, Could Be Sad, Drama, Explicit sex, Not Feel Good, Sex Scenes, Violent

Blue Valentine (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Once crazy about each other, Cindy (Michelle Williams) and Dean (Ryan Gosling) have now grown apart. Cindy is bored and disenchanted with her life while Dean languishes in the emotional emptyness of their sexless, routine life in rural Pennsylvania. As they muddle through their marriage, they hearken back to the golden days when life was filled with possibility and romance. Derek Cianfrance writes and directs this drama.

What can be sadder than the dissolution of a once happy marriage ? Expect wonderful acting and real unhappiness.

Ryan Gosling at the time of filming was 30 years old. In his listing in IMDB he racks up 28 appearances beginning when he was 15 years old. Another recent (and chilling) film was All Good Things (2010). In this film I can only assume he captures well the attitudes, mannerisms, speech patterns, and goals of a middle class handyman.

Michelle Williams was also 30 at the time of filming. In Brokeback Mountain (2005) she was Heath Ledger’s wife.

Your comments here are most welcome because I feel I must take sides in this film. As far as I could tell it was Cindy (Michelle Williams) who was disenchanted with the marriage. Dean (Ryan Gosling) seemed to be trying very hard to keep the marriage together while she resisted.

Finally, because there were details of which I was unsure, I offer the following quote from the WikipediaThey rush into marriage after discovering Cindy is pregnant from a previous boyfriend, Bobby (Mike Vogel). Dean agrees to raise Cindy’s daughter, Frankie, as his own. Before the wedding Bobby, unaware of Cindy’s pregnancy, finds and assaults Dean at his job.

Prepare to be unhappy.

2011, Acceptable for children, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Feel Good For All, Sports

Win Win (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Paul Giamatti stars as bush-league lawyer Mike Flaherty, who agrees to become an aging client’s legal guardian as a way to pay the bills. But his visions of an easy stipend begin to fade when the man’s teenage grandson suddenly appears on the scene. Just when the attorney thinks he’s found a way to make this new development work for him, the boy’s mother shows up and puts Flaherty’s dreams of a big score in jeopardy.

Feel-good films acceptable even for children are becoming an endangered species. Better grab this one while you can. Nothing is maudlin in this well-written and well-acted drama.

Paul Giamatti is his usual pitch perfect everyman, not a saint but still a hero in his everyday efforts to do the right thing (most of the time). His wife Amy Ryan (Helene McCready in “Gone Baby Gone”) is an understated pillar of strength.

As the lawyer Mike Flaherty, Giamatti is also a high-school wrestling coach with two assistant coaches: Bobby Cannavale (Eddie Saccardo in the TV series “Cold Case”) and Jeffrey Tambor (who, for me, will always be the crooked father of the Bluth family in the TV series “Arrested Development”, which I strongly recommend for those of you who love outrageous comedy).

Burt Young (Paulie in all the Rocky films) plays the senile Leo Poplar. Leo’s estranged drug-addicted daughter is played by Melanie Lynskey who was 34 during the filming. That age is just about right because Leo claims he has not seen Melanie for 20 years. And she could have a 17 year old son.

Alex Shaffer was perfect as the run-away champion wrestler (Leo’s grandson). He was 17 during the filming. Moreover in 2010, at the age of 17, he won the New Jersey State Wrestling Championship.

One small complaint: Alex was too polite a kid. If he was neglected by a drug-addicted mother, I doubt he would be such a model teen, although he did steal a car a while back.

DO NOT MISS THIS CHARMER !

1993, Could Be Hard To Watch, Grim, Rape, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent, Vulgar

Kalifornia (1993)

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From NetFlix:

While researching a book on serial killings, writer Brian Kessler (David Duchovny) and his girlfriend, Carrie Laughlin (Michelle Forbes), travel cross-country to the murder sites and unwittingly stumble upon strangers who know the subject firsthand. A pair of hitchhikers (Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis) offer to share expenses for the trip, but Kessler doesn’t realize just how close he is to his subject — even as bodies pile up behind them.

Brad Pitt and Juliette Lewis steal this show. David Duchovny was a success in the X-Files, but he is not much of an actor. Michelle Forbes also did well.

But Brad Pitt was sickeningly convincing as homocidal trailer trash. His character Early Grayce was not so much a serial killer as he was a willful out-of-control monster who did whatever he felt like which was usually and often to shoot people.

Juliette Lewis almost trumps Brad Pitt. She plays Adele Corners who is Early’s live-in girl friend. Naive almost to the point of seemingly retarded, Adele remains steadfastly blind to Early’s obvious faults because she feels that he can protect her from life’s dangers. For example, when he shoots someone she just says “Early you are mean”.

Almost entirely this film is a relentless blood bath. Supposedly the conceit is that David Duchovny is researching serial killers and when he realizes just how unhinged Early really is, the author wants to delve into Early’s motivations. This conceit just doesn’t work for me.

Because I had to see Early get his comeuppance, I stuck with the film to the expected end. Only the final body count could not be predicted.

You are warned !

2009, Could be boring, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Fantasy, Gloomy, Grim, Quiet, Religious Theme, Revenge, Slavery, Slow, Unusual, Violent

Valhalla Rising (2009)

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From NetFlix;

After years of slavery, Viking warrior One-Eye (Mads Mikkelsen) escapes from his captors and seeks refuge on a Norse ship bound for his homeland. When a storm throws them off course, the crew lands at a mysterious realm inhabited by invisible demons. As the bloodthirsty creatures claim one sailor after another, One-Eye rediscovers his fighting spirit but begins to wonder if they have arrived in Jerusalem or someplace much more sinister.

Slow to the point of glacial, you might want to skip this one. After reading the Wikipedia article you get the impression that this is one of those film critic’s specials, although one critic called the film “unbearably self-important”.

After waiting 93 minutes for the lead character “One-Eye” to speak, he never utters a word. Instead he telepathizes to a young boy (yes, that really is an English word).

For some reason or other there are six parts none of which make a lot of sense:

Part I Wrath
Part II Silent Warrior
Part III Men of God
Part IV The Holy Land
Part V Hell
Part VI The Sacrifice

So did I waste 93 minutes ? If nothing else the film is a quiet, mysterious, SLOW “happening”. In a “happening” you just wait to see what will “happen” next. I am still waiting.

2011, Acceptable for children, Classic, Drama, Love Story, Wonderful acting, Wonderful photography

Jane Eyre (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her love for her brooding employer and his secret past, young governess Jane Eyre reflects on her youth and the events that led her to the misty moors in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel.

Visually, this film is easily one of the most beautifully photographed films I have ever seen. Every scene is almost a work of art with very little repetition of sites. Attention to detail, especially the clothing, was paramount. Northern British landscapes are desolate beauty themselves.

Once again you should read the Wikipedia article for all the details. Of those details I repeat the following:

  • “Although they estimated the setting was the late 1830s, they settled on four to five years later in 1843. Fukunaga commented that “the clothing style of the ’30s was just awful. Every woman looked like a wedding cake.” However, they decided to allow a few characters in older fashions to reflect that some would not have updated their style.”
  • He looked at some 60 residences for one to represent Thornfield Hall but settled on the previously-used Haddon Hall as it had not undergone much redecorating.
  • The conditions were very cold and Fukunaga admitted that Wasikowska nearly got hypothermia on the second day while shooting the rain sequence.

“Jane Eyre” the novel is too long to be filmed literally. For this version be aware that following the filming fashion of our era (2011) the scenes are not in chronological order. After awhile (and possibly some discussion with someone else) you can put the pieces together. In fact some scenes are repeated and make sense the second viewing.

As far as characters are concerned:

  • Wife Kathy objects that Michael Fassbender is too handsome for the part because in the novel Mr. Rochester is supposed to be homely and somewhat brutish. He is an older man in comparison to young Jane. In reality during the filming Fassbender (Stelios in “300”) was 34.
  • Mia Wasikowska as Jane was perfect. She used little makeup and presented the very young girl that Jane was supposed to be. During filming she was 22 years old. Jane’s age is somewhere between 18 and 20.
  • Jamie Bell (the minister who saved Jane’s life) in this film was 25 years old. Eleven years ago he was a mere 14 year old who was “Billy Elliott” (a must-see film).
  • And Judy Dench played Judy Dench

For Brontë lovers, this film is also a must-see.

2006, Based on true facts, Conspiracy, Could Be Hard To Watch, Cynical, Grim, Kidnapping, Latino Culture, Political statement, Rape, Serial Killer, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent

Bordertown (2006)

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From NetFlix:

Nearly 400 women have been murdered in the border town of Juarez, Mexico, since 1993, prompting newspaper reporter Lauren Fredericks (Jennifer Lopez) to investigate and unearth a startling cover-up by the local authorities. With the help of a colleague (Antonio Banderas), Lauren helps the only survivor find the courage to tell her story. Director Gregory Nava weaves a dramatic narrative against the backdrop of shocking true events.

Before you get all riled up after seeing this film, you should read the Wikipedia article in the sections entitled “Background” and “Critical Response”. To summarize their ideas: basically it is true that many Mexican women are raped, tortured, and murdered in Juarez. It is not clear that NAFTA has to take all the blame.

So what if critics panned the film ? From my Spanish teacher Joaquín (from Mexico) I have learned enough about to Mexico to understand just how corrupt and dangerous a place it is. Moreover, despite the film’s faults, there was more than enough suspense to keep me interested.

Perhaps some faults are preachiness and a really unnecessary and out of place sex scene between Lopez and an almost random Mexican factory owner.

Whether you see the film or not, above all else do NOT visit Mexico.