RENDITION

RENDITION TRANSLATES TO A LANGUAGE WE ALL CAN UNDERSTAND

"Rendition: handing over prisoners to countries where torture is allowed." This is what is happening right now. This is our world. If you have a different skin color or come from foreign soil, even if you look like you do, you are perceived as a threat. We've grown into a country waiting for the other shoe to fall. Since 9/11 everything has changed. The "we" is now an "us" and "them". We are alone in this world, just like the characters in this film. Anwar El-Ibrahimi (Omar Metwally) is detained while trying to return home to his wife (Reese Witherspoon) son and his soon to be born baby. This is where to nightmare begins. He is sent back and footsteps ultimately erased, albeit sloppily. He now lives in a dark damp cell; a dirty, bloody, intimidating place. He is tortured in full view of the American CIA agent, Douglas Freeman ( Jake Gyllenhaal) who has been thrust into a situation, not by choice, and has to decide which side of the road he intends to walk. After a while of witnessing this brutal and bloody torture he asks, "In all the years you've been doing this, how often can you say that we've produced truly legitimate intelligence? Once? Twice? Ten times? Give me a statistic; give me a number. Give me a pie chart, I love pie charts. Anything, anything that outweighs the fact that if you torture one person you create ten, a hundred, a thousand new enemies." The paperwork and red tape and politicians all get intertwined when meanwhile, this man is dying a slow death by torture. His wife is doing all she can with people who simply won't acknowledge her presence, even when contradictory proof is offered. Meryl Streep plays a cold hearted bitch, with class. Her dismissive "I can destroy you" attitude made me sick. Witherspoon could be playing a more sympathetic character against this politician who eats people like her for breakfast. I can't say I was overjoyed by Gyllenhaal's performance, but it may have been an error in the script as he is a proven actor. He was able to play the man caught in the middle and when dealing with politicians. He has a tough choice to make. What does he decide; protocol or humanity? Overall, it was an intense, gripping drama that must be paid the most careful of attention to; so that the end will come full circle and make sense.

PICK: The truth hurts and this will too, but it is worth the payoff at the end.

TWO WEEKS

TWO WEEKS SURPRISINGLY WORTH EVERY DAY

There was no rush for me to watch this film. It is technically 2006, but I notice video stores calling three and four year old movies "new" releases. Perhaps it hits a chord with me in a personal way that clouds my better judgement to review a Sally Field tear-jerker, but I'll take my chances. No mystery here, Anita Bergman (Sally Field) is the terminally ill mother of four children. Two Weeks is the time the adult children begin to stand vigil for their mother in her time of need. Keith (Ben Chaplin) is the oldest and acts as our narrator as he films his mother in better condition to live a "living will" of sorts, a message from beyond the grave. Those were the most sappy and not the better part of this film. The better part is watching the siblings act and react to and with each other in realistic ways that one acts while in this sort of situation. Each actor does a wonderful job in their role, although I believe Chaplin actually glows. This isn't a pleasant issue to discuss, as is watching the slow death of a loved one. There is humor that is appropriately inappropriate. They call "dibbs" on the left over morphine and pain killers. Our society doesn't place value on the dying process. We hide our elderly in over crowded "homes" like they have something we could catch. Brilliant scene where clergy is called in. Death is highly personal and everyone deals with their own or others mortality in unique ways. This movie sparks such conversation. Nothing is candy coated, not even the Darvocet. If you can stand the typical mother loves you transition between the Two Weeks, it is well worth it.

PICK: Perhaps a bit syrupy in some parts, but a valuable and well done film.

SMILEY FACE

SMILEY FACE SHOULD BE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
If you can't say something nice...


Since the emergence of Sean Penn as Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High (including, lesser known actors such as Eric Stolz, Anthony Edwards and Nick Cage) came a new kind of character; the surfer/stoner dude. Other movies have tried to match the "dude-ness" and some came close. The gimmick in this movie is that the girl, Jane (Anna Faris), who is a "pot head" already, accidentally eats her roomie's cupcakes, which are laced with marijuana. The rest of the film is her wacky and crazy adventures. It just doesn't work... AT ALL. Even with a decent cast, there is nothing funny about this film. There are stoner women (not girls) who smoke weed (Mary Louise Parker, HBO Weeds) but no girl/young woman counterpart that come close. Faris can not hold a whole movie on her own. John Krasinski (Jim from the Office) was good to watch, but he could have been given a bigger bite of these cupcakes. Some bits work, but there aren't enough of them to save this crap. Some called it a cult classic. Let the cult have it.
NOT a pick unless you're too stoned to care. Worthless and unfunny.

AMERICAN GANGSTER

AMERICAN GANGSTER NEEDS TO BE WHACKED

"This is my home. This is where my business is, my wife, my mother, my family. This is my country, I ain't goin' nowhere." This is Frank Lucas' (Denzel Washington) world and we're just living in it. This is after his rise from errand boy for an infamous heroin dealer to replacing that man and crowning himself the new king. Not only did he call it, he demanded it and those who got in the way were "moved" to a more permanent out of the way place. As Lucas is on the rise, Detective/wanna be lawyer, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) isn't. This is due in part to his drive to become an attorney and crossing the 't's and dotting the 'i's which doesn't sit well for his less scrupulous colleagues. Roberts is obsessed during his downward spiral while Lucas is reveling the high life. Lucas is the true OG (original gangster). Based on a true story, the 2 disc release shows you both men as they helped the movie's production. The theatrical version is 236 minutes. The un-cut version is 255 minutes. Even with the editing, this movie is still too long. It is slick, looks great, but maybe too great. Washington and Crowe are both incredible actors. Why it didn't translate, I don't know. This film was a walking corpse, the body intact but no heart, no soul. Their performances as real life men may be dead on, but their impersonations were lifeless. All the ingredients were there, just not mixed to the right consistency. It was interesting to watch, but not enough for me to recommend it.

NOT a pick: Too long and no energy; a huge waste of talented actors

SLIPSTREAM

SLIPSTREAM... JUMP IN, THE WATER'S GREAT!

What did I just watch? Very reminiscent of one of my most beloved existential psychology professor's quest for "images" and trying to define what "being" is (or Being, capital B). Is this a dream, within a dream, or a movie within a movie, or both? Written and directed by Sir Anthony Hopkins, this movie was compelling to watch, almost hypnotic. If you can let go of the idea of a plot or storyline, then you'll enjoy it for the curiosity to see if it turns into something or ends up nowhere. At some point we discover that this man Felix (Hopkins) is a screenwriter working out a particularly stressful project that puts his brain into overdrive. This film also pokes fun at the "players" in the movie business and gets quite amusing when this writer (Hopkins) interacts with his own characters. Speaking of which, the list of stars in this movie is incredible and spans decades of actors. John Tuturro (one of the most talented and underrated actors to date) goes all out overboard and it works. This film is not for everybody, but I couldn't stop watching. It was like David Lynch on acid. The camera angles, film editing and whatever else they did will make you wonder if something was slipped into your drink. Not a movie for the faint of heart (or head) but really neat to see something so different.

PICK WITH CAVEATS: Very entertaining and interesting. Must watch till end of credits!

DEATH AT A FUNERAL

DEATH AT A FUNERAL PUTS THE 'FUN' IN FUNERAL

Only the British could get away with the antics in this film. It's the day of the funeral of two brother's father. One is a mild mannered man, the other his famous writer brother arriving first class from New York. There are far too many characters to summarize here. When the film starts with the wrong body delivered to the house, it can only go up from there; and it does go up. Higher and higher, faster and faster... there are a million stories and subplots going on at the same time, like an Altman film on speed. This movie does an amazing job at getting you really dizzy and then bringing you back to a sober halt. There is as much drama, realistic and genuine than there is comedy and bawdy humor. Very real issues are covered during the course of this film and at the end of the day, it is another movie about life and death. There is one scene that is truly the most disgusting and horrific scene than I have witnessed in a very long time; worse than anything from the Saw series or any other horror film. It must be seen to be believed. So well done and enjoyable from start to finish.

PICK: Must see film, funny and sad and everything in between. Big Pick!

THE DARJEELING LIMITED

THE DARJEELING LIMITED IS A TRAIN NOT TO BE MISSED
There are two kinds of people in this world; those who love Wes Anderson's work (The Royal Tenenbaums, Bottle Rocket, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou) and those who hate it. The DVD has a short "featurette" before the film officially starts, Hotel Chevalier, starring Natalie Portman and Jason Schwartzman (Jack).It offers some insight about Jack that comes up later during the film and is a nice short little added extra. After meeting Jack in the featurette, we are then introduced to his other brothers, Francis (Owen Wilson) and Peter (Adrian Brody). Francis has pulled his brothers together for a "spiritual journey" in India. "The past has happened, but it's over isn't it? Not for us." They haven't seen each other since their father's funeral and they start to re-bond before getting kicked off the train. Soon it is revealed that Francis has ulterior motives for their quest, despite his daily itinerary. Wes Anderson's films are magic to me. They are all about family and relationships and their complications and this film is no different. Some of the story is literate and some is unknowingly beautiful. It seems that the train if forever in motion and to get on it they must run after it. The film begins with this and ends with this practise. Bill Murray, a veteran Anderson cast member, gives an appearance as a business man who misses the train. When the brothers catch the train after literally loosing their baggage the effect comes full circle. Angelica Houston also a veteran "Andersonite", also makes a brief, but valuable part in the film. Although mostly humorous, this film has it's serious moments too. In my mind, movies, at the end of the day, are always about life and/or death. This movie is about both. Anderson's work is not for everyone, but I adore him and his vision and adored this film.

PICK: While not for everyone, I loved this film, both in subject matter and execution thereof.

MICHAEL CLAYTON

MICHAEL CLAYTON IS OUTSTANDING WHY???

I have no problem with George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, or Sydney Pollack. This was a well-crafted movie about a lawsuit, the good guys and the bad guys. Clooney restrains himself from the funny/charming part of him and plays the part straight. There are twists and turns, but nothing overly dramatic or spectacular. Frankly, I felt like I was watching a long episode of Law and Order. We've seen this before. There wasn't anything new or cutting edge. I think everyone did a good job, but best actor/best actress/best picture good??? I felt no connection to these characters and if anyone did die, go to prison, lose their practice... I didn't care. It was slick, well cut and wrapped in a pretty box with a big bow, but I still didn't think this movie was anything to get excited about.

This is NOT a pick: TNT shows reruns of Law and Order... you'll see the same stuff there (and for free!).

MARGOT AT THE WEDDING

MARGOT AT THE WEDDING SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT THE BOUQUET Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale) brings to us an odd assortment of characters, fully developed and interesting to watch... at least for a while. Nicole Kidman is Margot, who is on her way to her estranged sister, Pauline's (Jennifer Jason Leigh) wedding with her preteen age son, Claude. Their arrival gives everyone a few days to visit before the ceremony. We meet the groom, Malcolm (Jack Black) who practically steals the movie away from his dynamic co-stars. He is crass, vulgar and speaks his mind, which is against everything Margot is for. Kidman realistically reveals the realities of her character as she imbibes wine, Xanax and tries hard to repress her feelings. Typically she hurls insults and cruelly snaps at her son and her sister. She gives new meaning to inappropriate parenting skills. Leigh is comfortable in Pauline's skin. She dances between calm and chaos. The script is tight and mixes subtle comedy in this mostly dramatic film. Again, we see a family that puts the 'fun in dysfunction'. The film moves a bit too slowly. When all is said and done, the ending left me dissatisfied. The whole movie flows from one scene to another with minimal effort except the end. I'm not always one for a happy ending, but there were too many unanswered questions. I didn't like spending the time (maybe too much time) to get to know and understand these people only to be cut off so curtly. Overall an entertaining film to watch, especially Black in a serious role, but not one of my favorites.
Pick-ish: A middle of the road pick, not great but interesting to watch.

WE OWN THE NIGHT

WE OWN THE NIGHT OWNS THE VIEWERS TOO
This is not an average "cop" movie. This is a powerful and intense drama about two brothers; neither living the life they wanted. Joe (played by Marky Mark Wahlberg) is his father's son and a cop. His father, Bert Grusinsky (Robert Duvall) is the Deputy Chief and is quite proud of his son... one of them anyway. The other son, Robert Green (Joaquin Phoenix) manages a disco/dance club and is fond of his Russian boss who treats him like family. Eva Mendes is Amanda, Bobbie's ubersexy girlfriend. Now this is where the train jumps the tracks. I'll not be specific so as not to ruin the twists and turns which usually only covers the ending. Not so here. The film is not a "typical" cop movie. There are no "dirty cops". There is no black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. This film is emotionally charged and driven which is a different place to go with a mostly all male cast. It's about emotion and sympathy and vengence and fear. The audience is challenged to forget what we think we know. I liked that, but would not have forseen it. Brothers who rival each other, and also love each other AND don't have a problem saying it outloud. Mendes, although ravishing, is more than an ornament. She doesn't hang off Phoenix like a cheap suit; she is a real and sincere person. This is the best I've seen from her thus far. Each character is individually well crafted and yet there is a connection between them that is implied, but not obvious. It is raw and vulnerable and tough all at the same time. Phoenix steers the ship, but Wahlberg, Duvall and Mendes are solidly rowing. Fantastic film all around.
Pick: Well crafted acting and solid script make a delicious and riveting film.

INVASION

INVASION NEEDS A GOOD DOSE OF PENICILLIN "My husband is not my husband." My movie is not my movie. See Nicole. See Nicole run. Run Nicole, run. I've seen this movie before: Invasion of the Body Snatchers, War of the Worlds, Children of Men, Stepford Wives, Planet Terror. INVASION is the answer to recent additions to the english language such as Pandemic, SARS and Avian Flu. It goes along in a quite and predictible plot-line. Nicole Kidman is Carol Bennell, a therapist who is having a really bad day. Her ex-husband wants to have their son spend the night and then goes and turns into a "zombie", then her friend does, her patients do and her special "best friend" as well. Most of the movie is spent in rapid running/speeding cars. Everyone's gone and turned zombie, there's no hope in sight until they all lived happily ever after. There is absolutely no connection between Kidman and her "love interest", Ben (Daniel Craig), and both he and her ex-husband, Jeremy Northam, were VERY convincing as zombies. The crucial part for Kidman in this film is not to fall asleep (and turn into a zombie). Too bad the movie didn't want the same from its viewers.
NOT a Pick: Mildly entertaining but nothing to lose sleep over.

GONE BABY GONE

GONE BABY GONE was GREAT BABY, GREAT "I always believed it was the things you don't choose that makes you who you are. Your city, your neighborhood, your family. People here take pride in these things, like it was something they'd accomplished. The bodies around their souls, the cities wrapped around those." For a man who was born in Berkley, Ben Affleck as Director and Co-screenwriter, has again paid tribute to the city of Boston. Cocky and young, Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) is a private detective who is called upon to help find a missing girl. The police don't like him and he isn't taken seriously until his 'street cred' proves that he is a valuable asset in the search. He is not as harmless as he looks. But this movie is much more complex than that. It's like a super long and well done version of Law and Order. Kenzie is 'that guy'... the kind of guy that doesn't let things go. He wants to do the right thing, which is not always clear-cut black and white. Add Michelle Monaghan as his partner/love interest; Morgan Freeman as the somewhat menacing, Capt. Jack Doyle; Ed Harris as the tough detective, Remmy Bressant; and Amy Ryan as Helene McCready, the questionably unfit mother of the lost child. To date, this has been the best role I have seen Affleck in. He has expressive eyes that shout volumes above any words could. Bottom line: What is the right thing to do and how do you live with that choice? Not an easy question to answer. See this film and then ask yourself that question.
BIG pick: An exceptional piece of work, clever dialogue and a tightly written plot. Must see!

MARTIAN CHILD

MARTIAN CHILD NEEDS TO GO BACK TO SPACE "I don't want to bring another kid into this world. But how do you argue against loving one that's already here?" This story is based on the scriptwriter's real life experience with adopting a child. I wanted to like this movie. I adore John Cusack; alas, my love just wasn't strong enough. The premise is good and pure. David (Cusack) recently widowed, decides to do something good with his life. He adopts a child (Bobby Coleman) who claims to be from Mars. I didn't buy it. There was Cusack being Cusack and then a first-timer, Coleman, who I didn't believe. The setup is too neat, clean and predictable. Every effort was used in attempt to cry. Toward the middle-end of the movie I did shed a tear and for those few moments Cusak was David. The messages are trite; 'be yourself', there is no 'normal', parents aren't perfect. Good messages, but expressed too precisely. Amanda Peet and Joan Cusack filled their roles well. I wanted this movie to be magical and semi-believable and it just wasn't.

NOT a pick: K-PAX did a better job with the same idea. I just didn't feel it.

PERFECT STRANGER

PERFECT STRANGER IS NEITHER PERFECT OR STRANGE... DISCUSS
What crap... that's it, nothing left to say. I won't go into detail about the plot, because by the time any significant action happened in the movie, I didn't care. Neither Bruce Willis nor Halle Berry did anything close to acting and the script was terrible. The plot made no sense until the big reveal at the end of the film and it really doesn't matter because there is NO attachment to any of the characters. A HUGE waste of time by anyone and everyone involved in the making of this film, but more importantly, the time I lost watching it!

SO NOT A PICK: With bland actors and an uncomprehensive script, this film couldn't have sucked more.

VALENTINE'S DAY 2008

BEST VALENTINE'S DAY MOVIE
"Random thoughts for Valentine's Day... Today is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap." Boy, Joel Barish (Jim Carey) meets girl again. Boy almost loses girl, again. Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Girl, Clementine (Kate Winslet) gets her memory of boy erased with the help of Dr. Mierzwiak (Tom Wilkinson). Then, boy retaliates and erases his memory of her. It really isn't this complicated, perhaps a bit hard to track upon first viewing, but the bottom line is boy and girl get a second chance to fall in love with each other all over again, depite how it may or may not end. "Sand is overrated. It's just tiny, little rocks". This is one of my favorite movies. Along with the aforementioned, the cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst, and Elija Wood. This film is almost magical in the way it suspends reality. Check out Lacuna's website, the company that designed the "memory eraser". "Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders. Nietzsche. Beyond Good and Evil. Found it in my Bartlett's". Would you want to forget your past, or would you want to remember it all, good and bad? Happy Valentine's Day!

Rating: Must see film, gets easier to track after watching more than once. LOVED it!