The midweek review this week sees Don Cheadle in a type of role I am not used to see him in- leading man. Does it suit him? Read on and find out.
Scott.
Traitor (2008)
The Jeffrey Nachmanoff film from 2008, Traitor, casts Don Cheadle in a leading role (this was the first time I had seen him as a leading man), and I am here to tell you, it should happen more. He is excellent in this suspenseful spy thriller that makes good use of his considerable acting skills. Guy Pearce is also perfect in his role as the FBI agent Roy Clayton, who is heading a task force to link Cheadle's chracter, Sam Horn, an American Muslim, to terrorist bombings all over the world. This is about all the synopsis I can give you, because this is a very easy film to spoil.
Jeffrey Nachmanoff seems to be a more-than-competent director and the secondary characters are good enough to make the story move at a good pace. A very good script, written by Nachmanoff and Steve Martin (yes, that Steve Martin) makes this an interesting, sometimes fascinating film from beginning to end.
I would like to mention two more performances that stand out and really surprised me in their strength. Jeff Daniels plays one of the most important characters in the film, though he doesn't have much screen time. In what little time he does have on screen, he steals the limelight from the more prominent actors. The other performance worth mentioning comes from Said Taghmaoui. His is the character in the film that makes you question your emotions and feelings toward him, and his performance is possibly the most powerful in the film.
This is a film I have been palnning to watch for a long time, and our good friend Shane requested I watch it, and write a review. I am glad I took his advice.
Scott's Final Grade: B
Scott's Final Recommendation: A must watch for any fan of spy thrillers.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Our Top Ten Animate Favorites
In honor of all the great animated films to be released in the last few years, we have compiled a list of our favorites. You may be surprised to see How to Train Your Dragon on all of our lists, but take it from us, this is truly a great animated film. I wouldn't at all be surprised to see it on our list of Top Ten Films of 2010 when this year is over.
The first list is from Becky and it shows that she has a varied taste in animated films, and it makes for a very eclectic list.
Becky's List
1. How to Train your Dragon
2. Up
3. Sleeping Beauty
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Finding Nemo
6. The Little Mermaid
7. Thumbelina
8. Vampire Hunter D
9. Kung Fu Panda
10. A Christmas Carol (2009)
The next list is from our good friend Leila. She has compiled an excellent list and I was surprised - and delighted - to find movies like The Secret of Nimh and Fantasia. These often-overlooked gems don't make it on many lists of the greatest, and that is a bit of a shame.
Leila's List
I have to go with Bug's Life for my Number 1 for 2 main reasons: 1. Kevin Spacey is the voice of the villain (You really can't go wrong with that). And 2. It's the first animation movie that had a blooper reel in the closing credits. Not only was it brilliant, it was also just as funny as the movie itself.
1. A Bug's Life
2. Aladdin
3. Toy Story
4. The Little Mermaid
5. The Secret of Nimh
6. How to Train Your Dragon
7. Ratatouille
8. Lady and the Tramp
9. Shrek
10. Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 (okay, this one had to be a tie because I couldn't decide between the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the original and Rhapsody in Blue, the scene set in New York City from Fantasia 2000, so they both win.) :)
Scott's List
1. The Little Mermaid
2. Spirited Away
3. Up
4. Dumbo
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. Princess Mononoke
7. Finding Nemo
8. Coraline
9. How to Train Your Dragon
10. Kung Fu Panda
You can leave a comment that will appear at the bottom of our site, and feel free to tell us what we did right or what we did wrong. Also, feel free to send your lists of favorite animated films. Be sure to come back Tuesday, as Scott will be reviewing Traitor.
The first list is from Becky and it shows that she has a varied taste in animated films, and it makes for a very eclectic list.
Becky's List
1. How to Train your Dragon
2. Up
3. Sleeping Beauty
4. Beauty and the Beast
5. Finding Nemo
6. The Little Mermaid
7. Thumbelina
8. Vampire Hunter D
9. Kung Fu Panda
10. A Christmas Carol (2009)
The next list is from our good friend Leila. She has compiled an excellent list and I was surprised - and delighted - to find movies like The Secret of Nimh and Fantasia. These often-overlooked gems don't make it on many lists of the greatest, and that is a bit of a shame.
Leila's List
I have to go with Bug's Life for my Number 1 for 2 main reasons: 1. Kevin Spacey is the voice of the villain (You really can't go wrong with that). And 2. It's the first animation movie that had a blooper reel in the closing credits. Not only was it brilliant, it was also just as funny as the movie itself.
1. A Bug's Life
2. Aladdin
3. Toy Story
4. The Little Mermaid
5. The Secret of Nimh
6. How to Train Your Dragon
7. Ratatouille
8. Lady and the Tramp
9. Shrek
10. Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 (okay, this one had to be a tie because I couldn't decide between the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the original and Rhapsody in Blue, the scene set in New York City from Fantasia 2000, so they both win.) :)
Scott's List
1. The Little Mermaid
2. Spirited Away
3. Up
4. Dumbo
5. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
6. Princess Mononoke
7. Finding Nemo
8. Coraline
9. How to Train Your Dragon
10. Kung Fu Panda
You can leave a comment that will appear at the bottom of our site, and feel free to tell us what we did right or what we did wrong. Also, feel free to send your lists of favorite animated films. Be sure to come back Tuesday, as Scott will be reviewing Traitor.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Oscar Picks & Pans 2010
Our first post this week is written by our good friend and follower Leila. Her love for film matches our own and we greatly appreciate her taking the time to send this to us, and we encourage anyone who reads our blog to do the same. Thank you all for reading!
Leila's Post
Oscar time! Most Academy Awards are pretty straight forward- you know who pretty much has it in the bag before it even starts. But for once, in a long time, it's anyone's guess on who it belongs to. Below are my picks for the winners , and even these are tentative picks...
Best Actor
Most likely to win= Jeff Bridges ("Crazy Heart")
Dark Horse= Jeremy Renner ("The Hurt Locker")
I haven't see Crazy Heart yet, but I have seen The Hurt Locker, and if there is one to steal the spotlight from Jeff Bridges on Oscar night, it would be the complex performance by Jeremy Renner. However, Jeff Bridges has locked this one down. I won't be upset if he wins- this man really deserves it and has been overlooked for years. Not quite the Susan Lucci of the Oscars, but maybe close.
Best Supporting Actor
Most likely to win= Christoph Waltz ("Inglorious Basterds")
Dark Horse/ Should Win= um, yeah not that many other choices
Of all the categories this year, this is probably the most one-sided. Stanley Tucci made a convincing run as the creepy-neighbor- who-is-really-a- serial-killer in the somewhat decent but lackluster The Lovely Bones and would possibly be a dark horse, but no one chewed the scenery like Christoph Walz as a sadistic Nazi in Inglorious Basterds. If he didn't win, I might just give up the Academy Awards all together ... but don't quote me on that.
Best Actress
Most likely to win= Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side")
Dark horse / should win=Carey Mulligan ("An Education")
All through the awards season, all people have heard is who is it going to be- Sandra Bullock or Meryl Streep? While it's hard for someone to compete with Meryl Streep (much less Sandra Bullock), Carey Mulligan gave an amazing performance as the young and completely engaging Jenny in An Education, and the best lead performance for an actress. I hope when Oscar night arrives, and the envelope is opened , the Academy remembers this instead of going with popular opinion (aka Ms.Bullock).
Best Supporting Actress
Most likely to win = Mo'Nique ("Precious")
Dark horse/should win= Mo'Nique ("Precious")
I really enjoyed both performances by Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga in Up In The Air (Kendrick, especially, was the movie's highlight) but from everything I've heard (sorry, have not seen the movie yet), Mo'Nique's performance as the abusive mother in Precious was a powerhouse performance, and the award will be richly deserved.
Best Animated film
Most likely to win= Up
Dark horse= Fantastic Mr. Fox
Up was the critic's darling and fan favorite of the year for an animated movie (I mean, it IS up for Best Movie as well), so this one is a given. The only other movie that could overthrow it is the OTHER critics' darling for animated film: Fantastic Mr. Fox. If popular opinion does rule, Up has it in the bag.
Best Original Screenplay
Most Likely to Win= Mark Boal ("The Hurt Locker")
Dark horse/Should win= Quentin Tarantino ("Inglorious Basterds")
As much as I liked The Hurt Locker, no one can craft words to provide such great dialogue and imagery as Quentin Tarantino did for Inglorious Basterds. It's a great revenge story like no other .
Best Director
Most Likely to Win= It's a tie: James Cameron ("Avatar") or Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker")
Dark Horse = Quentin Tarantino ("Inglorious Basterds")
James Cameron did provide great visions in this movie....or should I say, his special effects team did? Hmmm food for thought, Academy voters. And come on, do we really want to see another narcissistic speech from Mr. "King of the World"? Give it to his ex-wife, who's Hurt Locker thrived under her care- the carefully planned shots and sequences. Both Ms. Bigelow and Quentin Tarantino did a better job, and didn't have to use a blue screen for most of their movies.
And of course, the big one....
Best Picture
Most likely to win= Avatar
Dark horse /Should Win= Hurt Locker or Inglorious Basterds
It has really been a tight race this year, and the front runners are Avatar (winning the Golden Globe for Best Picture) and The Hurt Locker (winning
many other awards). Needless to say, The Hurt Locker AND Inglorious Basterds had better acting, better dialogue, and a better storyline than Avatar. And let's face it- they are just better films all together.
Happy Oscar watching!
Scott's Post
It's the time of the year I look forward to, and when it is over, I am glad it is gone. Oscar season is exciting for me, but always proves to be frustrating at the same time. The snubs get to me, and the winners frustrate me, and yet, I never miss it. I decided instead of just remaining idle this year, I will put in my two cents, and give everyone a chance to respond how they see fit. If you agree, great, just let us know. If you disagree, good, it means you are thinking for yourself, and we welcome any feedback be it positive or negative.
Best Actor
Will Win: Jeff Bridges
Should Win: Jeff Bridges
I was totally blown away by this performance. Bridges as "Bad Blake", a down-on-his-luck country singer who finds love on the road, is in my opinion, easily the best lead performance of the year by a male. Bridges has been snubbed too many times, it won't happen this time. I think bridges has this one.
Supporting Actor
Will Win: Christoph Waltz
Should Win: Christoph Waltz
This one is, and should be, a lock. His performance in Inglourious Basterds is one for the ages. I think this performance, and this film will be talked about for many years to come.
Best Actress
Will Win: Sandra Bullock
Should Win: Gabourey Sidibe
Sure, Gabourey's role in Precious takes a certain type of actress, with a certain look. But should this detract from the first time professional actress's accomplishments in this film? I think not! She was absolutely wonderful as the illiterate teen trying to make a life for herself, despite a terrible mother. Her chances of winning this award are slim to none, and that's a shame.
Supporting Actress
Will Win: Mo'Nique
Should Win: Mo'Nique/Anna Kendrick
Mo'nique will win this easily, but I also believe Kendrick was equally as good in Up in the Air. If either won, it wouldn't hurt my feelings.
Best Animated Film
Will Win: Up
Should Win: Up
Up is not only the best animated film of the year, but one of the best films of the year all-around. The first twenty minutes of the film will melt the even the hardest heart. Up is in the bag, as Pixar films are every year. They continually produce the best animated films year after year.
Best Original Screenplay
Will Win: The Hurt Locker
Should Win: Inglourious Basterds
I will be royally pissed if The hurt Locker wins this. There is no competition here. Inglourious Basterds is one of the best screenplays of the last decade and if Tarentino wins no other award, he should win this one. The writing in this film is what makes us sit on the edge of our seat, laugh, cry, and cheer for the good guys. This is the award I am most passionate about this year, and I hope the Academy does the right thing here.
Best Director
Will Win: Kathryn Bigelow
Should Win: Quentin Tarentino
I am so afraid of seeing this award passed to Cameron again. I will not cry if Bigelow wins this as The Hurt Locker is a superbly directed masterpiece of a war film. However, I feel this should be Tarentino's year. Inglourious Basterds will be talked about way after The Hurt Locker is forgotten. Tarentino is the best director in the biz, and this, in my opinion, is his best direction.
Best Motion Picture:
Will Win: The Hurt Locker
Should Win: Inglourious Basterds
I believe The Hurt Locker will narrowly snatch this away from the grimy paws of Satan himself: James Cameron. That is all I have to say about Cameron. Inglourious Basterds in my humble opinion (hehe) is a superior film to The Hurt Locker, but again, I wouldn't shed tears if it won. It is after all a superb film and deserves it's awards.
Becky's Post
Leila's Post
Oscar time! Most Academy Awards are pretty straight forward- you know who pretty much has it in the bag before it even starts. But for once, in a long time, it's anyone's guess on who it belongs to. Below are my picks for the winners , and even these are tentative picks...
Best Actor
Most likely to win= Jeff Bridges ("Crazy Heart")
Dark Horse= Jeremy Renner ("The Hurt Locker")
I haven't see Crazy Heart yet, but I have seen The Hurt Locker, and if there is one to steal the spotlight from Jeff Bridges on Oscar night, it would be the complex performance by Jeremy Renner. However, Jeff Bridges has locked this one down. I won't be upset if he wins- this man really deserves it and has been overlooked for years. Not quite the Susan Lucci of the Oscars, but maybe close.
Best Supporting Actor
Most likely to win= Christoph Waltz ("Inglorious Basterds")
Dark Horse/ Should Win= um, yeah not that many other choices
Of all the categories this year, this is probably the most one-sided. Stanley Tucci made a convincing run as the creepy-neighbor- who-is-really-a- serial-killer in the somewhat decent but lackluster The Lovely Bones and would possibly be a dark horse, but no one chewed the scenery like Christoph Walz as a sadistic Nazi in Inglorious Basterds. If he didn't win, I might just give up the Academy Awards all together ... but don't quote me on that.
Best Actress
Most likely to win= Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side")
Dark horse / should win=Carey Mulligan ("An Education")
All through the awards season, all people have heard is who is it going to be- Sandra Bullock or Meryl Streep? While it's hard for someone to compete with Meryl Streep (much less Sandra Bullock), Carey Mulligan gave an amazing performance as the young and completely engaging Jenny in An Education, and the best lead performance for an actress. I hope when Oscar night arrives, and the envelope is opened , the Academy remembers this instead of going with popular opinion (aka Ms.Bullock).
Best Supporting Actress
Most likely to win = Mo'Nique ("Precious")
Dark horse/should win= Mo'Nique ("Precious")
I really enjoyed both performances by Anna Kendrick and Vera Farmiga in Up In The Air (Kendrick, especially, was the movie's highlight) but from everything I've heard (sorry, have not seen the movie yet), Mo'Nique's performance as the abusive mother in Precious was a powerhouse performance, and the award will be richly deserved.
Best Animated film
Most likely to win= Up
Dark horse= Fantastic Mr. Fox
Up was the critic's darling and fan favorite of the year for an animated movie (I mean, it IS up for Best Movie as well), so this one is a given. The only other movie that could overthrow it is the OTHER critics' darling for animated film: Fantastic Mr. Fox. If popular opinion does rule, Up has it in the bag.
Best Original Screenplay
Most Likely to Win= Mark Boal ("The Hurt Locker")
Dark horse/Should win= Quentin Tarantino ("Inglorious Basterds")
As much as I liked The Hurt Locker, no one can craft words to provide such great dialogue and imagery as Quentin Tarantino did for Inglorious Basterds. It's a great revenge story like no other .
Best Director
Most Likely to Win= It's a tie: James Cameron ("Avatar") or Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker")
Dark Horse = Quentin Tarantino ("Inglorious Basterds")
James Cameron did provide great visions in this movie....or should I say, his special effects team did? Hmmm food for thought, Academy voters. And come on, do we really want to see another narcissistic speech from Mr. "King of the World"? Give it to his ex-wife, who's Hurt Locker thrived under her care- the carefully planned shots and sequences. Both Ms. Bigelow and Quentin Tarantino did a better job, and didn't have to use a blue screen for most of their movies.
And of course, the big one....
Best Picture
Most likely to win= Avatar
Dark horse /Should Win= Hurt Locker or Inglorious Basterds
It has really been a tight race this year, and the front runners are Avatar (winning the Golden Globe for Best Picture) and The Hurt Locker (winning
many other awards). Needless to say, The Hurt Locker AND Inglorious Basterds had better acting, better dialogue, and a better storyline than Avatar. And let's face it- they are just better films all together.
Happy Oscar watching!
Scott's Post
It's the time of the year I look forward to, and when it is over, I am glad it is gone. Oscar season is exciting for me, but always proves to be frustrating at the same time. The snubs get to me, and the winners frustrate me, and yet, I never miss it. I decided instead of just remaining idle this year, I will put in my two cents, and give everyone a chance to respond how they see fit. If you agree, great, just let us know. If you disagree, good, it means you are thinking for yourself, and we welcome any feedback be it positive or negative.
Best Actor
Will Win: Jeff Bridges
Should Win: Jeff Bridges
I was totally blown away by this performance. Bridges as "Bad Blake", a down-on-his-luck country singer who finds love on the road, is in my opinion, easily the best lead performance of the year by a male. Bridges has been snubbed too many times, it won't happen this time. I think bridges has this one.
Supporting Actor
Will Win: Christoph Waltz
Should Win: Christoph Waltz
This one is, and should be, a lock. His performance in Inglourious Basterds is one for the ages. I think this performance, and this film will be talked about for many years to come.
Best Actress
Will Win: Sandra Bullock
Should Win: Gabourey Sidibe
Sure, Gabourey's role in Precious takes a certain type of actress, with a certain look. But should this detract from the first time professional actress's accomplishments in this film? I think not! She was absolutely wonderful as the illiterate teen trying to make a life for herself, despite a terrible mother. Her chances of winning this award are slim to none, and that's a shame.
Supporting Actress
Will Win: Mo'Nique
Should Win: Mo'Nique/Anna Kendrick
Mo'nique will win this easily, but I also believe Kendrick was equally as good in Up in the Air. If either won, it wouldn't hurt my feelings.
Best Animated Film
Will Win: Up
Should Win: Up
Up is not only the best animated film of the year, but one of the best films of the year all-around. The first twenty minutes of the film will melt the even the hardest heart. Up is in the bag, as Pixar films are every year. They continually produce the best animated films year after year.
Best Original Screenplay
Will Win: The Hurt Locker
Should Win: Inglourious Basterds
I will be royally pissed if The hurt Locker wins this. There is no competition here. Inglourious Basterds is one of the best screenplays of the last decade and if Tarentino wins no other award, he should win this one. The writing in this film is what makes us sit on the edge of our seat, laugh, cry, and cheer for the good guys. This is the award I am most passionate about this year, and I hope the Academy does the right thing here.
Best Director
Will Win: Kathryn Bigelow
Should Win: Quentin Tarentino
I am so afraid of seeing this award passed to Cameron again. I will not cry if Bigelow wins this as The Hurt Locker is a superbly directed masterpiece of a war film. However, I feel this should be Tarentino's year. Inglourious Basterds will be talked about way after The Hurt Locker is forgotten. Tarentino is the best director in the biz, and this, in my opinion, is his best direction.
Best Motion Picture:
Will Win: The Hurt Locker
Should Win: Inglourious Basterds
I believe The Hurt Locker will narrowly snatch this away from the grimy paws of Satan himself: James Cameron. That is all I have to say about Cameron. Inglourious Basterds in my humble opinion (hehe) is a superior film to The Hurt Locker, but again, I wouldn't shed tears if it won. It is after all a superb film and deserves it's awards.
Becky's Post
I love this time of year because I greatly enjoy speculating (and arguing with my fiance) about who is going to win which award. Of course, during these discussions, I rarely dare to mention James Cameron's name as Scott will then describe to me exactly why Cameron didn't deserve ANY of the awards he's EVER gotten. Lol, I kind of have to agree with him, but the discussion is a lot of fun, anyway. Sadly, though, Cameron will be mentioned, soon. Sorry, Scott.
Best Actor
Who Will Win: Jeff Bridges
Who Should Win: Jeff Bridges
I am in absolute agreement on this movie. While Crazy Heart was not the most original story on the market, Jeff Bridges’ performance in this movie was nothing short of genius. While Jeremy Renner’s performance in The Hurt Locker was brilliant, Bridges made us laugh and he made us cry, and he thoroughly deserves the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Supporting Actor
Who Will Win: Matt Damon/Christof Waltz
Who Should Win: Christof Waltz
I’ve been hearing a lot about Matt Damon winning this award lately, and, with all due respect to you, Matt, I hope this isn’t so. Christof Waltz in Inglourious Basterds was utterly amazing. He played a murderous Nazi sociopath in the movie and still managed to somehow be endearing. His performance was this side of genius and I’m really rooting for him on this one.
Best Actress
Who Will Win: Gabourey Sibide
Who Should Win: Gabourey Sibide
Okay, readers, you may disregard this section of my post. I haven’t seen any of these movies. However, from what I’ve heard, and from the small snippets I’ve seen of the movie, Gabourey Sibide wholeheartedly deserves this award. I’m just enamored of this girl. She is an incredible actress, and I’m hoping that over the coming months, Hollywood won’t try to “fix” her as Hollywood has been known to do…
Best Supporting Actress
Who Will Win: Mo’Nique
Who Should Win: Mo’Nique!!!
Of all the categories in this award show, I fancy this one as being the hardest to decide. Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick were both wonderful in Up In the Air and I don’t think it’s really possible to decide which one gave a better performance in the movie. Maggie Gyllenhaal was pure gold in Crazy Heart, and I do believe that if Mo’Nique wasn’t nominated here, Maggie would be the clear winner. However, Mo’Nique as the absolutely AWFUL mother of precious is going to be a piece of cinematic history.
Best Animated Film
Who Will Win: Up
Who Should Win: Up/Coraline
Pixar has a tendency to take over this category, and I must admit, it is usually deserved. In the case of Up, again, I think it’s deserved. However, I couldn’t decide between Up and Coraline for this one. Up is a sweet, witty, and beautiful movie. The characters – including the dodo-like bird, Kevin – are all endearing and acted just perfectly! On the other hand, Coraline is an incredible animated film that doesn’t really resemble any other animated film ever made. Thoroughly creepy and entertaining, Coraline definitely deserves the award as well, and I have to say, I wouldn’t be disappointed if either one of these movies wins the award.
Best Original Screenplay
Who Will Win: Inglourious Basterds
Who Should Win: Inglourious Basterds
Killin’ Naatzees and Hitler turned into hamburger. Nuff said.
Best Director
Who Will Win: James Cameron
Who Should Win: Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds)/Katherine Bigelow (The Hurt Locker)/Lee Daniels (Precious)
Okay, this one is a crap shoot. I think James Cameron will win (sorry, Scott) merely because of the beauty of the movie and the fact that the movie was so expensive and took so long to make the Academy would feel remiss in not choosing it. I think that’s sad, but it’s perfectly possible. Quentin Tarantino, Katherine Bigelow, and Lee Daniels are definitely the deserving people in the group.
Best Motion Picture
Who Will Win: Avatar or The Hurt Locker
Who Should Win: Inglourious Basterds or The Hurt Locker
Okay, I am rooting for Inglourious Basterds all the way. This movie deserves it all the way, and I think Quentin Tarantino deserves it, too. However, if it comes down to The Hurt Locker and Avatar – as much as I LOVED Avatar – I hope The Hurt Locker wins just to teacher James Cameron a lesson. I don't know if anyone saw it, but recently, in an interview, Cameron hinted that if Katherine Bigelow won an award, it would be because she was a woman. Not because she's a fantastic director. I take offense to this! So, If Quentin Tarantino can't win this award, Gooooo Katherine!
Enjoy the Oscars, everyone. I know we will!!!!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
For this week's post, we are posting a review written by one of our followers, and good friends, Leila. Done on An Education, we are sure you will find the post very interesting! Thank you for following, and we encourage all of our readers and followers to send in reviews and ideas for future reviews!
An Education
Set in early 1960s, young and precocious 16 year- old Jenny dreams of life beyond her dreary high school doldrums - listening to French albums, smoking with her high schools girlfriends, dreaming of college life. She yearns for the glamorous life she feels like she know all about but has yet to experience. Enter not -so- young and dashing, David. Older than Jenny, he swoops and charms Jenny and her parents as if the answer to all of their prayers, and shows her the life she has been dreaming of: jazz clubs, extravagant trips, glamorous friends and anything she wants. But when David offers to take her away permanently and glide her into this perfect life, will she give her up her future to this exciting life?
Carey Mulligan is astonishing as young Jenny- she is the perfect combination of innocent youth wanting to grow up and an old world soul. You would think being a sheltered high school girl, she would not fit in to the high society that David and his friends have created for themselves but she quotes French, speaks of art and literature naturally, and becomes more charming that her not-so- worthy counterparts. As David (played with smooth subtlety by Peter Sarsgaard) is charming and caring, Jenny is the one who is truly captivating as she is smart, sassy and steals almost every scene she is in. As I said, almost-- the only competition she has in this arena is Rosamund Pike as the ditzy Helen, the girlfriend to David ‘s best friend Danny (Dominic Cooper). Helen is suave but brings comic relief, as she is the anti-Jenny. She detests anything college related and urges not Jenny to “not be one of those”. You don’t want to like her, but she is draws you in completely- as much as the movie itself does.
And as any love, the movie isn’t perfect. Granted England might have had a slightly different culture than America in the early 60s, but the idea that parents of a 16-year-old girl falling prey to the charms of a 35-year-old man courting their daughter seems a little far-fetched. And when David deepens their relationship, the parents seem thrilled that this young man is wanting to change their daughter’s future that easily and not put up a fight, especially when David might seem to good to be true.
The real question of the movie never really stems from the moral questions on whether this May-December romance is appropriate, but more of whether Jenny the feminist can survive the limited choices of an education vs. the need to be with a man who can provide for her, and would she become the brunette version of Helen, trophy girlfriend but co-dependent on the fun lifestyle? And that is what is interesting about this movie, because one could argue that after 40 years of the movie’s time period, and with slightly different circumstances, it’s still a relative question for women today.
GRADE: A
An Education
Set in early 1960s, young and precocious 16 year- old Jenny dreams of life beyond her dreary high school doldrums - listening to French albums, smoking with her high schools girlfriends, dreaming of college life. She yearns for the glamorous life she feels like she know all about but has yet to experience. Enter not -so- young and dashing, David. Older than Jenny, he swoops and charms Jenny and her parents as if the answer to all of their prayers, and shows her the life she has been dreaming of: jazz clubs, extravagant trips, glamorous friends and anything she wants. But when David offers to take her away permanently and glide her into this perfect life, will she give her up her future to this exciting life?
Carey Mulligan is astonishing as young Jenny- she is the perfect combination of innocent youth wanting to grow up and an old world soul. You would think being a sheltered high school girl, she would not fit in to the high society that David and his friends have created for themselves but she quotes French, speaks of art and literature naturally, and becomes more charming that her not-so- worthy counterparts. As David (played with smooth subtlety by Peter Sarsgaard) is charming and caring, Jenny is the one who is truly captivating as she is smart, sassy and steals almost every scene she is in. As I said, almost-- the only competition she has in this arena is Rosamund Pike as the ditzy Helen, the girlfriend to David ‘s best friend Danny (Dominic Cooper). Helen is suave but brings comic relief, as she is the anti-Jenny. She detests anything college related and urges not Jenny to “not be one of those”. You don’t want to like her, but she is draws you in completely- as much as the movie itself does.
And as any love, the movie isn’t perfect. Granted England might have had a slightly different culture than America in the early 60s, but the idea that parents of a 16-year-old girl falling prey to the charms of a 35-year-old man courting their daughter seems a little far-fetched. And when David deepens their relationship, the parents seem thrilled that this young man is wanting to change their daughter’s future that easily and not put up a fight, especially when David might seem to good to be true.
The real question of the movie never really stems from the moral questions on whether this May-December romance is appropriate, but more of whether Jenny the feminist can survive the limited choices of an education vs. the need to be with a man who can provide for her, and would she become the brunette version of Helen, trophy girlfriend but co-dependent on the fun lifestyle? And that is what is interesting about this movie, because one could argue that after 40 years of the movie’s time period, and with slightly different circumstances, it’s still a relative question for women today.
GRADE: A
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Midweek "Masterpiece: Four of the Apocalypse (1975)
Synopsis: Four petty criminals, 3 men and 1 woman, seek to cross the Utah terrain, and in the process are hounded by a sick, twisted individual who will kill them all if given half a chance.
I guess you can tell by my choice for this week, I am a genre film fan. I have chosen a spaghetti western directed by Lucio Fulci. The best of both worlds, the old west, and bloody gore. Would Fulci's talents translate from gorehound cinema to the dusty plains of Utah? The answer is..... not in a good way. I adore Fulci's horror films, even the not-so-good ones. So, of course, I had high hopes for this film and had actually heard good things about it. Boy, was I disappointed.
Fabio Testi is actually quite good in his role as Stubby Preston, a petty, a**shole thief and criminal, who eventually shows he has a heart of gold (sigh). His, actually, is not the only good performance as Michael J. Pollard gives a performance good enough to make you root for him (as usual for Pollard). Though, there is a TERRIBLE performance for every good one, and the worst of these is Lynne Frederick as Bunny. She overacts so badly, I would swear she is mid-orgasm every time she spouts a word. Of course some of this is the fault of Fulci's misogynistic views, and the way he directed actresses, but it doesn't matter whose fault it is, this is one of the worst performances I have seen in the last few years.
The score itself was very good, but the folk songs do not fit. Fabio Frizzi has done much better work (Zombi 2, City of the Living Dead).
I was hoping Four of the Apocalypse would benefit from Fulci's direction, but unfortunately the opposite is true. This just comes off as a weird, unwestern-like Italian film where all the buildings look old and the people dress funny, but talk like us (yes, the language is too modern). This is one of Fulci's films that suffers from being a Fulci film. Horror works beautifully in the Fulci style. Westerns just don't stand up as well.
Scott's Review
I guess you can tell by my choice for this week, I am a genre film fan. I have chosen a spaghetti western directed by Lucio Fulci. The best of both worlds, the old west, and bloody gore. Would Fulci's talents translate from gorehound cinema to the dusty plains of Utah? The answer is..... not in a good way. I adore Fulci's horror films, even the not-so-good ones. So, of course, I had high hopes for this film and had actually heard good things about it. Boy, was I disappointed.
Fabio Testi is actually quite good in his role as Stubby Preston, a petty, a**shole thief and criminal, who eventually shows he has a heart of gold (sigh). His, actually, is not the only good performance as Michael J. Pollard gives a performance good enough to make you root for him (as usual for Pollard). Though, there is a TERRIBLE performance for every good one, and the worst of these is Lynne Frederick as Bunny. She overacts so badly, I would swear she is mid-orgasm every time she spouts a word. Of course some of this is the fault of Fulci's misogynistic views, and the way he directed actresses, but it doesn't matter whose fault it is, this is one of the worst performances I have seen in the last few years.
The score itself was very good, but the folk songs do not fit. Fabio Frizzi has done much better work (Zombi 2, City of the Living Dead).
I was hoping Four of the Apocalypse would benefit from Fulci's direction, but unfortunately the opposite is true. This just comes off as a weird, unwestern-like Italian film where all the buildings look old and the people dress funny, but talk like us (yes, the language is too modern). This is one of Fulci's films that suffers from being a Fulci film. Horror works beautifully in the Fulci style. Westerns just don't stand up as well.
Scott's Final Grade: D
Scott's Final Recommendation:
For die-hard Fulci fans only. Spaghetti western fans will be sorely disappointed.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Edge of Darkness
Hello everyone! We had a great week of watching movies and we would like to share our reviews of one of those- The Mel Gibson comeback, Edge of Darkness. I hope you enjoy this review enough to come back next time!
Scott's Review
Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, The Legend of Zorro), directs this revenge thriller starring Mel Gibson, and I couldn't be happier to see Mel back on the big screen.
The film opens with a scene that wouldn't be out of place in a Hitchcock thriller and it works very well, asit gives the film a sense of foreboding. The next few scenes seem a little fast and choppy, and at the time I didn't know what they were going for. However, there is a massive SHOCK shortly after. It is at this time that we realize what we are watching.
Yes, we are watching a revenge thriller, but this one goes beyond the formula and works hard to create something smarter (sometimes is succeeds, sometimes it doesn't). By the time we get to Ray Winstone's character, we are in need of something to break the monotony, and that is exactly what Winstone gives us. He is the mysterious character we usually see in these types of films, and none have played it better. I can't say enough about his performance, and can't say much more without posting spoilers. This film has quite a few twists to keep the viewer entertained and guessing. It has politics, revenge, violence, and definitely deserves it R rating. There are quite a few shocking scenes of violence that I wasn't expecting, but to a horror buff such as myself, this serves as redeeming value.
Mel Gibson gives a great performance, and though I thought he could've done without the Boston accent, I didn't even notice it after the first 45 minutes. He is believable in his role as......well I won't say what he is.....spoilers and all that. I enjoyed this film and though I won't remember it in a year, I can't say much bad about it right now.
Edge of Darkness
When his daughter is murdered, police detective, Thomas Craven, delves into investigating her murder. What he discovers is corporate lies, government corruption, and a minefield of secrets his daughter was keeping. With the help of his daughter's friends and the government agent sent to clean up the mess of the murder of Craven's daughter, Craven goes on the hunt.
Becky's Review
I love a good revenge movie. If a film has a stand up and cheer moment, I'm the kind of girl who likes to stand up and cheer. Edge of Darkness has some stand up and cheer moments...three or four of them in fact. That makes me happy.
I was delighted to see Mel back on the big screen in a leading role. With all due respect to Passion of the Christ (2004) and Apocalypto (2006), acting is where Gibson shines - though he seems to have an affection for roles of bereaved fathers. Let me just say that Gibson does Martin Campbell proud in Edge of Darkness. His performance is, if not masterful, then convincing.
The very first scene of the movie serves to make the audience nervous, and this nervousness stays with you throughout the first twenty minutes of the movie, despite Craven's (Gibson) domestic appearance. The murder of his daughter, coming on the heels of a mundane period in the movie, is absolutely vicious and traumatic. The scene will stick with me for a very long time to come. What follows, Craven's investigation and all of the people he comes into contact with, is a study in fine directing.
Martin Campbell does a wonderful job directing his star-studded cast. As Gibson moves among his colleagues and friends, there is an awkward, almost embarrassed air about the meetings. It is almost possible to hear what the characters are thinking as they come into contact with the bereaved Craven. There are awkard pauses and silences that only add to the tension of the movie, so that by the time the climax of the film rolls around, the audience is as tense as the characters.
All in all, this was a great film! I thoroughly enjoyed it, although, every time Danny Huston (Craven's daughter's boss) came onto the screen, I found myself comparing him to Ray Wise's Devil from the TV show Reaper. They dressed and even looked the same. Perhaps this was on purpose...
Becky's Final Grade: B+
Becky's Final Recommendation: Go see it. Definitely go see it.
Scott's Review
Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, The Legend of Zorro), directs this revenge thriller starring Mel Gibson, and I couldn't be happier to see Mel back on the big screen.
The film opens with a scene that wouldn't be out of place in a Hitchcock thriller and it works very well, asit gives the film a sense of foreboding. The next few scenes seem a little fast and choppy, and at the time I didn't know what they were going for. However, there is a massive SHOCK shortly after. It is at this time that we realize what we are watching.
Yes, we are watching a revenge thriller, but this one goes beyond the formula and works hard to create something smarter (sometimes is succeeds, sometimes it doesn't). By the time we get to Ray Winstone's character, we are in need of something to break the monotony, and that is exactly what Winstone gives us. He is the mysterious character we usually see in these types of films, and none have played it better. I can't say enough about his performance, and can't say much more without posting spoilers. This film has quite a few twists to keep the viewer entertained and guessing. It has politics, revenge, violence, and definitely deserves it R rating. There are quite a few shocking scenes of violence that I wasn't expecting, but to a horror buff such as myself, this serves as redeeming value.
Mel Gibson gives a great performance, and though I thought he could've done without the Boston accent, I didn't even notice it after the first 45 minutes. He is believable in his role as......well I won't say what he is.....spoilers and all that. I enjoyed this film and though I won't remember it in a year, I can't say much bad about it right now.
Scott's Final Grade: B
Scott'sFinal Recommendations:
See it as long as you don't mind a little blood and some fairly brutal scenes.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Mid-Week "Masterpiece"
Happy Tuesday everyone!
This is the first Mid-Week Masterpiece post, and as you will see, masterpiece is a relative term here. As I said in our last weekend post, I am a fan of genre films, and I plan to post a new genre film review every Tuesday. These are usually films Becky wouldn't be caught dead watching, or is too nice to hurt my feelings by "tearing it a new one" in a review. I am sure some of you will agree with her when it comes to these films and that is great. Just write in and tell me how wrong I am. I don't mind a bit.
In these Tuesday posts I will review anything that could be tagged as a genre film (within reason), and these include spaghetti westerns, Euro-horror, Euro-crime, Ozploitation, Blaxploitation, Cult horror, Giallo, among others. If you have any ideas and would like to see a review of a genre picture that you enjoy (or hate for that matter), just send a comment or an email and let me know.
Ok. Now on to the first Mid-Week Masterpiece review
A short synopsis of this film is: A group of American soldiers are being transported to a German military prison, but in the process are attacked by a German militia and the prisoners escape. The rest of the film shows the prisoner trying to reach neutral Switzerland until they can be rescued and transported back to the US.
Most of this film is action-packed, and the action is done very well. Though obviously choreographed, I was drawn into these action scenes, despite the cartoonish and bloodless sequences, or maybe because of it. This is not your typical run-of-the-mill 1970s action film, and what I like most about this film is that it knows what it is. It is a fun action romp with a simple story and this gives time for the characters to bring a dimension to the film that many action pictures are lacking, pure unadulterated fun. This is the first time I have seen a killer slingshot and a polearm used in a modern action movie, and it works!
I wont give much more away but definitely wanna say, Fred Williamson was AWESOME in this movie. He is better known in his blaxploitation roles, but he is a standout in this film. He provides good comic relief and quite an intimidating presence. Some of the racially motivated humor can be a bit much, but works here.
This is the first Mid-Week Masterpiece post, and as you will see, masterpiece is a relative term here. As I said in our last weekend post, I am a fan of genre films, and I plan to post a new genre film review every Tuesday. These are usually films Becky wouldn't be caught dead watching, or is too nice to hurt my feelings by "tearing it a new one" in a review. I am sure some of you will agree with her when it comes to these films and that is great. Just write in and tell me how wrong I am. I don't mind a bit.
In these Tuesday posts I will review anything that could be tagged as a genre film (within reason), and these include spaghetti westerns, Euro-horror, Euro-crime, Ozploitation, Blaxploitation, Cult horror, Giallo, among others. If you have any ideas and would like to see a review of a genre picture that you enjoy (or hate for that matter), just send a comment or an email and let me know.
Ok. Now on to the first Mid-Week Masterpiece review
The Inglorious Bastards (1978)
Let me start off by saying, "calm down." I know Inglourious Basterds has been reviewed hundreds of times by hundreds of critics, but this is the 1978 Enzo Castellari Italian action film by sort of the same name (compare the spelling). However, I will not pit these two film against each other as they are two completely different movies and though they have a few things in common, this is the last time I will mention Tarentino's masterpiece in this review.A short synopsis of this film is: A group of American soldiers are being transported to a German military prison, but in the process are attacked by a German militia and the prisoners escape. The rest of the film shows the prisoner trying to reach neutral Switzerland until they can be rescued and transported back to the US.
Most of this film is action-packed, and the action is done very well. Though obviously choreographed, I was drawn into these action scenes, despite the cartoonish and bloodless sequences, or maybe because of it. This is not your typical run-of-the-mill 1970s action film, and what I like most about this film is that it knows what it is. It is a fun action romp with a simple story and this gives time for the characters to bring a dimension to the film that many action pictures are lacking, pure unadulterated fun. This is the first time I have seen a killer slingshot and a polearm used in a modern action movie, and it works!
I wont give much more away but definitely wanna say, Fred Williamson was AWESOME in this movie. He is better known in his blaxploitation roles, but he is a standout in this film. He provides good comic relief and quite an intimidating presence. Some of the racially motivated humor can be a bit much, but works here.
Scott's Final Score: A-
Scott's Final Recommendation:
If you are an action fan, this is a must-see. Go rent it now, but don't take it too seriously.
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