SAVAGE GRACE

SAVAGE GRACE... MORE SAVAGE THAN EXPECTED
WARNING: The images in this movie may cause blindness, paranoia, motion sickness, anxiety, depression and/or gastronomical distress. This film belongs to Julianne Moore as Barbara Baekeland and it's a shame that it was treated poorly due to its subject matter. Baekeland was a socialite extraordinaire, jet setting with her husband Brooks (Stephen Dillane) and their son Tony (Barney Clark/Eddie Redmayne). Brooks and Barbara live large by old money. She is prone to almost manic episodes of temperament while Brooks keeps it close to his vest. The movie begins with Tony as a baby and end with Tony as an impaired young adult. The one thing she could count on was her relationship with her son; unconditional and loving. As events unfold, it seems that they are two against the world and the world is winning. The movie is stylish, lush and ornate. Unfortunately, the characters are broken, depraved and indifferent. Moore presents a roller coaster of emotions during this film and was placed in some not to comfortable situations. It would have been easy to villanize Baekeland, yet Moore is able to find at least one hair, a thin strand of compassion, as misplaced as it was. The ending to this essentially one-woman monologue builds piece by piece until the last scene that I remind you, is not for the faint at heart. I myself can stomach a fair amount (Shortbus) but this made my arms hairs stand straight. When I thought it had reached the crucial scene, it was made more disturbing by the afterword on each character as the film was based on real life. How much love is too much and how much is too little?

PICK: Disturbing to watch. A period-piece delight and engaging and unusual story.

RUN FAT BOY RUN

RUN FAT BOY RUN IS WORTH TRAINING FOR

Gordon: Go on then, run!
Dennis: Isn't there some kind of like... special technique?
Gordon: Well... yeah... you put one leg in front of the other over and over again really really fast.

Dennis (Simon Pegg) likes to run; mostly figuratively than literally. He works as story security, but is much out of shape from smoking and living on the couch. Five years ago he ran away from his pregnant bride, Elizabeth (the lovely Thandie Newton). Since then, they have kept in touch as Dennis does his best to be a good father to his son, Jake. However, Elizabeth has moved on and is in a serious relationship with Whit (Hank Azaria). I have never seen a whiter American man portrayed to aptly than Azaria. Whit runs, and is planning on running in a local marathon, so to try to win Elizabeth back, Dennis begins to train for the marathon too.

This film has it's touching dramatic moments and even somewhat predictable scenes. The nasty, slap stick comedy is what made me laugh so hard I almost snorted diet Coke out of my nose. It has all the falls, farts and spatulas than one can handle. Pegg was in another fabulous movie, Hot Fuzz, that had similar gags, but owns this film. From laughter to tears in my eyes I enjoyed every minute of this film.

Big PICK: A love story/comedy/drama that will more than entertain you.

THE FALL

THE FALL CONQUERS GREAT HEIGHTS

Luigi: [reading from Evelyn's locket] My dearest daughter, never marry for money, fame, power or security. Always follow your heart.

Your ever loving father

Blue Bandit: It says all that on that little locket?

Luigi: Si

If you see one movie this year, I would ask that you chose this one. This is a golden fairy tale, along the likes of The Princess Bride with more sarcasm, dry humor more blood and death. The story follows an oh so sweet and heartbreaking little girl, Alexandria (Cantinca Untaru) , who is stuck in a hospital while waiting for her broken arm to heal. Curious as a bug, she wanders around, taking in all that she sees with her wide saucer-like eyes. She comes across a man, Roy Walker (Lee Pace) a stunt man who was injured while filming a movie. Thing is, his heart also broke and leaves him suicidal confused man. The two make a perfect odd combination. He tells her an adventure story, which introduces us to other characters, most having a place in the girl's real world, much like Wizard of Oz. The tale of the Blue Bandit begins, however, he makes her bring him things (like Morphine) so that he might be able to kill himself. It is cruel and so selfish of him, but she does not understand his ulterior motives and plays along to get more story. This film is magic. It is as visually stunning as it is full of life and adventure and love. It is NOT a predictable film and even makes light of that during the story telling. I was so enthralled by this film that I watched it again before returning it, which I rarely do. You will laugh and cry and hold your breath as I did toward the ending. The Fall covers a lot of territory and there are many ways the title fits the situations, as diverse as they are. A beautiful film; both visually and emotionally.

Big PICK: What a wondrous world this can be; to old and young alike. This movie broke my heart and reminded me how magical films can be.

SEX IN THE CITY

SEX IN THE CITY... THE SEVENTH SEASON

If you have not followed, cherished or watched the last 6 seasons of Sex In The City, stop here and look for another movie to rent. This movie is for die hard fans only. It follows a year in the lives of these four infamous characters. It's like closure. All the loose ends are tied up and although the ends are not necessarily tied nicely or cleanly, there is a certain satisfaction knowing how "it" ends; or should I say how Mr. Big and Carrie end. It's only a lackluster movie insofar as it stands alone. Without the background from the series the movie falls flat and almost offensively portray worldly women as having a passion for shoes and shopping. There are some "real" moments where the characters express their inner-selves, but only a few. It could have been edited and tightened up so as not to run for 2 and 1/2 hours and some of the "comedy" is what you would expect in a Seth Rogan film. I liked it because I was a fan of the show and lived vicariously through it. NOT a movie I would expect any heterosexual men to sit through. A potential fun fan gathering with plenty of Cosmos.

PICK: ONLY for serious fans of the series. Does not stand alone as an even mediocre film.

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL

THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL KEEPS HER HEAD HELD HIGH

"In an age where a woman's destiny was determined by her father,

one sister followed the rules. The other defied them."

Who knew? I've been avoiding this film for fear of over acting and a puffy little plot untrue to the history that guided it. Alas, I was wrong. This was some kind of medieval soap opera. Boy gets girl. Other girl gets pissed. Girl's sister gets boy and the kingdom with a mint on her pillow at night. For the first part of the film, I couldn't tell which was the "other" Boleyn girl. At times it was both. For a period piece, the costumes and scenery didn't overshadow the actors. Both Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson kicked monarchy ass. One didn't overshadow the other, which is what I expected to see. I'm not saying this is a great film, but an entertaining one that didn't lose my attention. Worth a look.

PICK: Well done; an unexpected and pleasant surprise.

THE PROMOTION

THE PROMOTION DOESN'T COME SO EASY
This isn't a particular kind of movie. Sure, it's classified in under comedy, and some of it was funny (not enough though) but then they toss a few drama lines that don't make sense. Seann Scott and John C. Reilly are two men in the grocery business and there is only room for one at the top. As witnessed in Election, this film has the dark humor/comedy borderlining on politically incorrect stuff that dreams are made of. I wasn't compelled to the characters, their sub-plots or most anything in this farce. Stay in your place worker bees!
NOT a pick: Go clip coupons and watch Election again.

PAUL NEWMAN: RIP 9/26/2008

WESTPORT, Conn. (AP) -- Paul Newman, the Oscar-winning superstar who personified cool as the anti-hero of such films as "Hud," "Cool Hand Luke" and "The Color of Money" — followed by a second act as an activist, race car driver and popcorn impresario — has died. He was 83.

Newman died Friday at his farmhouse near Westport following a long battle with cancer, publicist Jeff Sanderson said. He was surrounded by his family and close friends.

MARRIED LIFE

MARRIED LIFE NEEDS A DIVORCE
All dolled up and no place to go. The mere power of the names acting in this film is enough to dazzle and entice, but that's it. It ends with the rental check out. A film-noir-ish style and great period costumes and props garner this film with much ado about nothing. Who's cheating on whom? Who knows they are cheating on the other's spouse? Who cares? Chris Cooper sleep walks through his role as the divided husband who wants to spare his wife (a wasted Patricia Clarkson) the news that he is divorcing her by killing her. And Pierce Brosnan is in it and Rachel McAdams tries really hard to look like Kim Novak. Did I leave anything out? It was entertaining, even in a mediocre, I've got nothing better to do on a rainy afternoon kind of way. The bad news is the ending. When a film comes with alternate endings it is a red flag that their work was not executed well enough to stay with just one. But in most all their alternates (and yes, there were several) the film flip-flopped from a lukewarm thriller to a hardcore drama. It just didn't work in ANY of those endings.
NOT a pick: Everything was set out to make the sandwich but someone had soup instead.

SON OF RAMBOW

SON OF RAMBOW "Make Believe. Not War."

I suppose it's not considered a good review when the first sentence contains the words, 'I wanted to like this film...'
This film is a story about friendships and the imaginable forces that lurk from behind a young boys wide eyes. I wanted it to make me feel something; something other than bored. There were several spots here and there where it was cute or heartwarming, but not enough from start to finish. My biggest compliment is to the film's musical content; a huge bonus for us 80-somethings. Aside from not meeting my high expectations, this is a friendly film with moments of poignancy and wonder.

PICK: Although not a great film, it is entertaining and worth the time.

THEN SHE FOUND ME

THEN SHE FOUND ME AND THEN SHE LOST ME AND THEN I FOUND HER AND THEN...
My first impression upon watching this much hyped film is that Helen Hunt looks like crap. I wondered if she did that on purpose so it really shows us her struggle, so she can look really good at the end of the film or maybe it's to prove her transition into directing, but no, she just looks like crap. This is an attempt at a story about motherhood and what it takes to be one. April (Hunt) hears her biological clock going off like a police car siren. Her adoptive mother dies and suddenly, the biological mother pops up out of nowhere and voila, instant mom. When dealing with men, clocks and mothers, the rest is not easy to summarize. It wasn't a great film, but it did hold my attention and the subtle nuances slipped in between the obvious biological clock/baby/mother and relationship jokes. I'm not sure I liked the ending, but you be the judge.
PICK: Not an obvious film, but provides a new insight into an age old tradition.

THE AIR I BREATHE

THE AIR I BREATHE IS FRAGRANT AND COMPELLING
"Sometimes risking everything is the only choice you have." -Pleasure

This film is magical and moving. By far, it is one of best movies I may have ever seen. Based on the Chinese proverb that divides life into four major emotions: Happiness, pleasure, sorrow and love. When put together they make a whole that defines life and our existence. Like the proverb, there are four story lines that fit together piece by piece. Alone they are interesting character pieces. When combined they tell a story of the human condition.

"No emotion, any more than a wave, can long retain its own individual form." Henry Beecher

Each character is named for their emotion. Forrest Whitaker is Happiness and begins the movie. He is a man who is afraid to breathe and apologizes for his very existence. Brendan Fraiser is Pleasure, a man who is anything but afraid and is able to glimpse the future. Sorrow, is Sarah Michele Gellar who has a name, Trista, which means sorrow. She is a pop star who is trying to escape her life. Kevin Bacon rounds out the stellar ensemble as Love, a doctor who loves with his very being. Yes, for a film that received so little reception, it has strong star power. I've not even mentioned the fine work of Andy Garcia, Emile Hirsch, or Julie Delpy. I watched this movie twice, a rarity. It moved me and struck a chord down deep that is the gift I love most about good movies. There was never a dull moment and when you see how each action sets up the next, the end product is a feeling of total satisfaction. How a film like this never received acclaim is shameful, but believable in a world full of Step Up 2 The Streets and Mirrors. The acting in this film is razor sharp. The story is well written and the plot is gripping. I was moved down to the bone.
Big PICK: Not a movie to miss. It is sharp, touching and well done across the board.

THE SECRET

THE SECRET IS A GOOD ONE TO SHARE

Almost all ages can remember one version or the other of Freaky Friday, the story of a woman and daughter who "switch" bodies and have to literally walk in the other's shoes. Here we have another Freaky Friday of sorts. This one is a dramatic one. Hannah Marris (Lili Taylor) and her daughter Samantha (Olivia Thrilby) have hit the normal progression in time when a teenager doesn't want her mother (or father) so close anymore. It's not cool to love your parents, so 'Sam' acts accordingly. They end up in a serious car accident; enter Dr. Benjamin Marris (David Duchovny) who finds himself standing between the two hospital beds containing his wife and daughter. His wife dies. It gets 'freaky' when his daughter regains consciousness and seems possessed by the spirit of Hannah. This could have gone so many different bad ways, but it didn't. Like the similar movie of years back, Birth staring Nicole Kidman, the implications hang above our heads waiting to "go there" but this one doesn't. It is amazing to be put in this sort of situation, for the most part, Dr. Marris. How do you treat your 'wife' when she is inhabiting the body of your daughter. Hello, Dr. Freud?! They cover a normal range of emotions and limitations in this situation for which there is no president, but they are covered well and believably. A very odd film, but oh, so well done. Trilby inhabits Taylor which in her first role, is awesome.

PICK: Different situation makes for an interesting film.

THE TRACEY FRAGMENTS

THE TRACEY FRAGMENTS DON'T MAKE WHOLE FILM

"My name is Tracey Berkowitz. Fifteen. Just a normal girl who hates herself." And she is not alone in the hate...

I confirmed my suspicion by checking with IMDB. This movie was released just before Juno hit. It was in "post production" for 9 months. Now we see her on the cover of the DVD and want to see more of 'Juno' but instead we get Ellen Page as Tracey. Tracey is having a fifteen year old version of a nervous breakdown, which happens to be every ten minutes or so. At first the images shot are so artsy and well, fragmented. It was a neat trick... until they used it all through the whole movie. At that point, I didn't care. The handheld camera work took me back to the same nausea I felt with the Blaire Witch Project. The plot is thin at best. Tracey runs. Tracey screams. Tracey rides the bus. Tracey goes to therapy. Tracey makes me want to bleed a slow and painful death as opposed to watching the end of the movie. It is a sluggish and damp, soggy excuse for a film.

NOT a pick: Go watch Juno again instead. Nothing redeeming in this film.

WHY DVD RENTAL CHAINS SUCK: AN EPIGRAM

WHY BLOCKBUSTER AND HOLLYWOOD VIDEO CHAINS STORES SUCK
Mind you, I understand why rental prices have increased steadily since Netflix came on the scene and changed everything. I cancelled Netflix after the second or third month because I could go through too many new releases and had to dumb down my movies in queue. So back in the stores renting for a few days despite the option of returning them 'whenever I want'. A GALLON OF GAS IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN RENTING A MOVIE. Stew over that one a minute. It costs $5 (tax not included) to rent a "new release" at Blockbuster and $4.67 (tax included) at Hollywood Video. Mind you, their definition of "new release" has nothing to do with the actual release date. It is of my opinion that if these stores want to bring customers back to the store is to make them less expensive not more. I am grateful to the Pierce County library system and their taste in DVDs because they are free. It might take a while to get a newer movie, but it's free and still as new as the "new releases" in the stores. I've been hoping to attract movie studios with my blog in hopes of reviewing new to theaters movies, but nothing yet; everyone is a critic. Just food for thought because for every video you rent, a child in Bangladesh goes to bed with no movie at all.

SLEUTH

SLEUTH CUNNING MYSTERY
What a fantastic film!!! I'd put off watching it because I knew it would basically be Jude Law and Michael Caine acting together for an hour and a half and I wasn't sure I was up for that. I wish I hadn't waited. This is a remake of the 1972 version and lots of critics have their knickers in a twist about that. Fine, whatever, but don't miss the tree for the forest. (Caine played Milo in the prior version.) Without prior knowledge, I watched this film unfold before me showing two of the most outstanding performances I have seen. This may have well been Law's best work. He is on fire in this movie and you can feel every drop of sweat from his pretty little head. From the start, this was a game of cat and mouse. The difference was that they kept changing from cat to mouse and so on. It takes place in Andrew's estate (Caine) as Milo (Law- is it hot in here or is it just me?) is there to persuade Andrew to agree to divorcing his wife, who Milo is now intimate with. But it goes so much further than that. It is a duel between charm and intellect; young versus old. Things are not what they appear to be and by things, I mean every thing. Caine and Law play off each other like dancing a tango. It is a constant power struggle and even when it seems that one has the advantage, they really don't. Listen carefully as Milo asks "What's it all about?" which is the tag from Alfie, a movie that Caine starred in and Law tried to star in its remake. These are two remarkable actors and with clever dialogue, it makes for one edge-of-your-seat journey.
BIG PICK: One of the best films I have seen. Top notch and intense acting. Kudos.