Replenished Gibson presents the epic to end all epics

“Apocalypto”
Starring: Rudy Youngblood
4 stars out of 4


Having seen previews for “Apocalypto” months and months ago, I looked at it as another risky gamble from controversial director Mel Gibson that probably wouldn’t pan out with major audiences, or even anyone. Gibson has a gift behind the camera that few possess. He shoots in exotic locations and his costumes and set designs are beyond exceptional, that along with bold storytelling make “Apocalypto,” one of this year’s best.

As the Maya kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young man chosen for sacrifice, flees the kingdom to avoid his fate. Leaving his son and pregnant wife behind, Jaguar knows he must escape his captors and return to his family. Although the film is completely in Mayan, the English subtitles have no distractions towards the film.

Gibson is so talented with his original and lost material, I have honestly never set a glance on the images and moments Gibson creates in this epic story of survival. He places his main character Jaguar in so much danger and near death that the audience is always gasping during his fleeing scene, which is the whole 2nd half of the movie. The first half is all leading up to it, the civilization is crumbling, and more are needed to be sacrificed. When you watch the film, you will constantly become baffled at how they shot some of the scenes, and how much research had gone into this, although it won’t garner any acting nominations, it should be a lock for makeup, cinematography, and costume design. Since the competition will be rather stiff for foreign language film, and Gibson’s stagnant reputation, the academy could shy away from the film altogether.

If there were any negative aspects of the film, I’d say the dialogue could have been tweaked, and the lack of a larger storyline, although what was in front of me was ambitious and non-stop great filmmaking. Mel Gibson should really consider staying out of the public eye, and focus on being behind the camera more, when he is, he makes outstanding, and thought provoking material. For its braveness and pure heart, “Apocalpyto,” is a very straightforward film about the beginning of the end, and what is to come afterwards. I was thrilled for 2 and half hours

An extremely satisfying 138 minutes

“Little Children”
Starring: Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Noah Emmerich, and Jackie Earle Haley.
4 stars out of 4


I wouldn’t even know where to start describing and dissecting “Little Children.” A film so rare and true to it’s nature, that I would be shocked if I didn’t gather several Oscar nominations. New Line has failed to market the film appropriately, and that will serve as its downfall come award season, unless it gets a late push come December.
Todd Field is a master crafter; he knows the ins and outs of the settings that he paints. Field’s last effort “In the Bedroom” was he debut film, it garnered many nominations, and it’s stood on its own as one of the best finds of 2001. Field, who has been away from the big-screen, returns swiftly as we come to notice fast that only he could create a film with so many haunting, but yet true and bold undertones.

The film takes place over a very long summer, we are always sitting in on conversations at the playground, or the local pool, Field creates such innocence, and as much guilt at the same time. Winslet plays Sarah Pierce, whose young daughter Lucy doesn’t get as much attention as she should at her age, Sarah has a PhD in English literature, but never finished her dissertation. She is now a stay at home mom, while her husband Richard is off at work all day, or is he? Sarah and Richard are never really on speaking terms, mainly after Sarah catches him sniffing the panties of an online woman who likes to be called by all of her fans, or net perverts, “Slutty” Kay. Sarah dulls around all day long, taking Lucy to the playground and sitting with the other mothers, who fantasize about Brad (Wilson) who they call the “Prom King”, due to him being so dreamy, and of course, them not knowing his name. Brad is marred to Kathy (Connelly) who is a PBS type documentary-film maker, while she isn’t at work she protects and loves there young son Aaron, who Brad entertains all day with Kathy is at work.
Brad has failed the bar-exam twice, and is constantly pressed by Kathy to attempt a third try. When he is pretending to go to classes, Brad watches the local young kids skate around, a young life Brad still obsesses about, no responsibility or commitment.

Meanwhile a local pedophile has just moved back into town with his mother, Ronnie McCorvey, played to a haunting tee by Earle Haley, is one of the many characters we feel bad for, he is also the only one who is grown up and faces reality, unlike Sarah and Brad who aren’t doers. The town hates the idea of McCorvey roaming around amongst the many children, one particular man who hates this is former cop Larry Hedges (Emmerich), since he got kicked of the force for mistakenly shooting a black kid, Larry has arranged a late night touch football team. Larry introduces Brad to this, and also to the pleasures that he gets from damaging McCorvey’s property, and making sure everyone knows this man lives amongst them.

The film is so complicated as these characters come to grip with there needs, there pleasures, and there regrets. Field is truly crafty in the way he presents equal screen time to everyone, but mostly Sarah and Brad, who share an intimate and truthful affair over the summer. Neither realizes the consequences that might arise, but they feel comfortable and safe with each other, recognizing one another needs at all times. They are happy together, but will it last?

Todd Field’s sophomore effort takes the closest look at modern suburbia since “American Beauty” and asks some pretty tough questions. I try to think of weaknesses of the film, but I draw a blank, although the ending was realistic, I wanted a little more. Other than that “Little Children” proves that acting, dialogue, and characters on the edge can truly form a stellar movie. Although I had to watch the film on my computer, I look forward to watching it again, and hopefully it comes to a local theatre to capture all of the cinematic effects. The film also has a narrator, that doesn’t hand feed us what is happening, but simply adds another touch to the characters thoughts and flaws. Wow do these characters have flaws, but I’ve never cared for, or identified with them more in my life. Keep it up Todd Field; you have made two great films.

Oscar Predictions

Best Picture
-Babel- Needs support from the supporting categories to be a for sure nod (4/4)
-The Departed-Pretty much a lock for a nomination (4/4)
-Dreamgirls-A lock for a nomination, also the supposed frontrunner (not seen yet)
-Little Miss Sunshine- Breakthrough of the year, (3.5/4)
-The Queen-This is Capote of last year, will garner a best directing nod, and will win best actress(3.5/4)
Darkhorses-Children of Men, Blood Diamond, Little Children, Flags of our Fathers, the Good Shepherd

Best Director
-Martin Scorsese(The Departed)-A lock for a nom., has missed out on the gold his previous 4 noms.
-Clint Eastwood(Flags of our Fathers)-Looks to be a nom, although his film could miss out on best pic nomination
-Stephen Frears(The Queen)-Will get a nomination
-Alejandro Gonzalez Inarittu(Babel)-This will be close, academy voters like voting for foreign directors, and how could you not with how good this film is
-Bill Condon(Dreamgirls)-Lock for a nomination

Best Actor
-Ryan Gosling(Half-Nelson) Breakthrough performance, small indie with a lot of heart
-Will Smith(Pursuit of Happyness) This will probably be the film's only nomination
-Peter O Toole(Venus) Due for an Oscar
-Forest Whitaker(The Last King of Scotland) Voters have placed him in this category, it's probably his race to lose
-Leonardo Dicaprio(The Departed or Blood Diamond) Strong acting in both films will give Leo a nod.

Best Actress
-Helen Mirren(The Queen) Lock for a nom, probably lock for a win
-Kate Winslet(Little Children) New Line better start pushing this film hard, it's getting raves, but no one has seen it
-Judi Dench(Notes on a Scandal) Seems fair
-Meryl Streep(The Devil Wears Prada) Weak year, and good performance
-Penelope Cruz (Volver) Voters love those foreign performances with heart
Darkhorses-Beyonce Knowles(Dreamgirls)

Best Supporting Actor
-Jack Nicholson(The Departed) Jack is a lock for a nod.
-Jackie Earle Haley(Little Children) Said to be one of the best performances this year, again not many have seen this movie, will need a wider release to expose this performance, and the film itself.
-Michael Sheen(The Queen) A safe bet
-Eddie Murphy(Dreamgirls) Said to have been his best performance ever, will he attract voters?
-Adam Beach(Flags of our Fathers)Not sure here, but could get a nod.
Darkhorses-Ben Affleck(Hollywoodland) Alan Arkin(Little Miss Sunshine) Brad Pitt(Babel)

Best Supporting Actress
-Abigail Breslin(Little Miss Sunshine)-Youngster could get a nod.
-Jennifer Hudson(Dreamgirls) Frontrunner
-Rinko Kikuchi(Babel) Praying she get's noticed for this heartbreaking performance
-Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal)Seems like a safe bet
-Adrianna Barazza(Babel) Yes, 2 Babel stars could get nods.
Darkhorses-Demi Moore, Sharon Stone(Bobby) Sandra Bullock(Infamous)

This movie fuckin rocked!

“The Departed”
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Whalberg, Martin Sheen, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Alec Baldwin
4 stars out of 4


O Marty Marty, wow have you returned with some spectacular stuff! I can’t believe how good this movie was. From Jack’s opening monologue, to the dialog, to the acting, to the bloody shootouts, this is movie going at its finest. We know from the beginning that this isn’t going to be a pretty story, there will be betraying, killing, and fuck said about 150 times.

Although this is Scorsese’ film, he has turned it into a remake of the Hong Kong film “Internal Affairs.” Not only is the material top notch, Scorsese has gathered a cast of A-listers to fill out this masterpiece. The story while simple to explain gets even trickier and more dangerous for the characters as the film moves on, ferociously clocking in at 152 minutes, it gives all the time in the world to the characters to plan, counter plan, and make there moves.

Leonardo DiCaprio is a stunning actor, full of charisma and charm, he can play probably anything, here he plays Billy Costigan, a kid who has been surrounded by a family of crime his whole life. He, along with Matt Damon, who plays Colin Sullivan, are both training to be policeman for the Massachusetts staties. Nicholson who isn’t as cuddly this time around, does his first Scorsese film, you would think he had done a dozen previous to this for how good he is in it. Nicholson plays Frank Costello, the kingpin of Boston, the “it” when it comes to organized crime. The staties have been on his trail forever and plan to get even closer if they Costigan in as mole in Costello’s crime outfit. Only Mark Whalberg and Martin Sheen mind you, know the identity of Costigan, as they faked kicking him off the force, as he took a bumb prison sentence to make sure he looks more like a criminal. Costello takes him in slowly, trusting him, as Costigan is scared for his life the whole time.

Matt Damon and Leonardo can be called the same actor, they both have turned down the same roles, one has declined a role, the other has accepted. These two are as close as your gonna get to charming A-listers these days. They are so talented and believable, they make this story so dangerous and exciting that you would think these were they’re real jobs. As Damon takes the part as a member of Costello’s crew who gets in the Staties and may even climb into better positions. Two moles are planted; let the games begin Scorsese style, which means violence, swearing, great music, gangster appeal, this film flat out makes you want to shoot somebody in the head.

Rounding out the solid supporting cast is Alec Baldwin, head of the team trying to get to Costello, Anthony Anderson, a fellow cop, and Vera Farmiga who comes across as very sexy in a breakout role as Sullivan’s girlfriend who doesn’t know his real identity, but who also shares some intimate moments with Costigan as she is a psych inside the department.

This movie is as old school as it gets, the writing is spectacular, and you get the feel of true, down to the bone vintage Scorsese. The cast even knows it, I can’t even imagine how much fun they had shooting this movie. It’s so fun watching Damon and DiCaprio play cat and mouse. The 152 minutes felt like an hour and half. Although some may shy away from the hard on machismo displayed in almost every shot, the film relies on it, as these characters thrive on what they know best, either being a cop, or being a gangster.

Nicholson hasn’t had this much fun in years, as he could be a Best Supporting Actor contender come Oscar time. Jack plays such a wily guy, that while still dangerous we can't avoid his persistence as the nucleus of the film, yes he's getting old, but he remains the best at what he does. I still can’t stop thinking of DiCaprio’s performance, he is so convincing and hard nosed, who could have seen the heartthrob from “Titanic” doing this kind of work? Not I.


This film is balanced incredibly, everyone is given sufficient screen time, what a shame it would’ve been if you couldn’t get these A-listers enough time to develop in a story like this. So much is on the line in every scene, so much at risk for these characters. You can tell how devoted they are to this stuff, trusting Martin(Scorsese) was never an issue. He is back ladies and gentleman, after “Gangs of New York” and “The Aviator” the Marty that everyone loves had made his mark, this is the best film of the year so far, and a true crime masterpiece.

Thoughts days before Dallas v Philly

The game is approaching, and I hope that we are leading late into the game. As it darkens outside of Lincoln Financial Field, I hope all Dallas fans around the world are eagerly awaiting our 3-1 record, with increasingly exciting thoughts of the Houston Texans visiting us the week after. I picture many outcomes after around 7 p.m on Sunday. I picture the Eagles out in front most of the game, as we struggle to find a spark on offense, or even on defense. I picture us receiving the ball first, the crowd craving a hard hit on Owens when he is called for a slant towards Brian Dawkins' territory. I picture that drive molding the whole season, as we start from our own 25 and tire the clock down to 7 minutes remaining in the first quarter. The drive hopefully will consist of us converting a key 3rd down in our own territory, silencing the crowd for a moment. Then, when we actually get down to business and past all of the T.O. hoopla, he breaks Philly's back in the red zone, scoring on a 17 yd fade. All would be well until Donovan answered quickly, using all of his weapons in a fast-paced drive putting 6 on the board.

I imagine so many things come Sunday at 4... Can we hang with these Eagles? Will T.O. disrupt our gameplan and cause Philly to outplay, and if possible outcoach us? This without a doubt, would be a gigantic achievment, I really don't expect us to win this game, I expect us to fight, to hang, but not to win.

Some Keys.... Can we get enough pressure on McNabb that he will force throws? Can our offensive line hold up against Jim Johnson's schemes that will put everlasting pressure on the immobile Bledsoe? Can Julius and M.Barber combine for a well earned 150 on the ground? Can Witten caught 5 or 6 key balls for 70? Can Glenn breakthrough out of T.O's spotlight and break Philly's back with a 55 yd score late in the game? Can T.O. do a well respected thing, can he catch 7 balls for 124 and maybe a TD that means something?

Please Dallas, come into Philly and throw it all out there, please! I don't want to lose 27-17 like I think we will... Please Mike Vanderjagt if the game is in your hands, come through, this game more than anything will overcome your Pittsburgh letdown lastyear, if you hit the game winner in a hostile game on the road. Parcells, don't be too conservative with the playcalling, let Drew go deep a few times to keep Philly DB's honest... Please Dallas, secure this one in any fashion, sloppy, clean, close, or blowout, it DOESNT MATTER!, just get the W!!!... Let's be 3-1, have control of the divison, and come home to face the Texans the week after... Please...Please!!!!!!

Indie with humor to spare is Summer's buried treasure

"Little Miss Sunshine"
Starring: Greg Kinear, Tony Collete, Steve Carell, Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, and Alan Arkin
3 and 1/2 stars out of 4


Starting with a limited release on it's plate, "Little Miss Sunshine" hoped to find an audience in the long run, it grabbed me as I enjoyed every second of it's dark wit and humor feel.

The overly problematic family, including the young cutie Olive (Breslin), who dreams of competing in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pagent, her failure of a father Richard (Kinear) who stresses winning, and the qualities of losing and or losers. The mute brother Dwyane who is following in the steps of Frederick Nietsche. The mother Sheryl (Collette) who is basically the glue that holds the family together, her suicial brother Frank played to a tee by Steve Carrell, who is also homo-sexual. Also Grandpa, played Alan Arkin who snorts heroine, and cannot stress enough to Dwyane to sleep with enough girls.

At every moment it seems the family is on the brink of a meltown, as they can't help but support eachother, or look at eachother and roll there eyes. The scene stealer Abigail Breslin is the center of the story, she idolizes her Grandpa, as he taught her all of her "moves" for the upcoming, but not possible Little Miss Sunshine contest. The family gets a call, and Olive is suddenly in. Next a roadtrip to California that will either make or break the family, as they will all be packed into a VW as transportation.

All-star acting across the board, absolutely no one missing a beat. Carrell is perfect as the emtionally out of tune brother, Collette and Kinear as the parents both looking to help there marriage along with surviving this roadtrip. Dano and Arkin are also great, this movie is just genious. Nationwide critics have praised it for it's shattering honesty and crazed road-trip humor, as the family struggles for an identity, the audience struggles to catch it's breath after laughing most of the film's short run-time.

Coming straight out of the Sundance factory, small indies like this are what brighten this downer Summer of cinema, I look forward to somehow seeing "The Illusionist" and "Half Nelson."
Some have called "Little Miss Sunshine" cliched using corkiness and dark humor to win over audiences who aren't familiar with "Garden State" and "Sideways", but this film has it's own identity and I cherished it the whole way through. It's an R rated family film that does just fine on it's own 2 emotianally detached feet.

Upcoming films that I fancy

"The Last Kiss"
Starring: Zach Braff, Rachel Bilson, Tom Wilkinson, Blythe Danner

Zach Braff's first film "Garden State" awoke my senses and spoke me to LOUDLY, after seeing it 3 times in the theatre, I knew whatever he was involved in next I would be in line for opening night. Oh not to mention, Paul Haggis who wrote "Crash" and "Million Dollar Baby" wrote this film.

"Children of Men"
Starring: Clive Owen, Michael Caine, Julianne Moore

Clive Owen is one of my favorite actors, knowing that he is teamed with a good cast, a crafty director and an original plot is a can't miss for me. The story takes place in 2007, the world is ending due to babies not being able to be born, Clive and company come upon 1 women who still can give birth, they must accompany her on a war filled path to "The Human Project." If you aren't familiar with Clive Owen, rent "Closer", enough said.

"Babel"
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

This film right here might end up being my favorite of 2006, directed by the same man who brought us "Amores Perros" and "21 Grams." Already getting raves from the Cannes' film festival, it took home best director, and looks to be a lock for the Oscar race. The multi-cultural storyline follows Pitt and Blanchett as husband and wife on vacation, after tragedy strikes them, the lives of several people in several countries will be altered forever.

'The Departed"
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, Alec Baldwin, Mark Wahlberg

Besides maybe the best ensemble cast of the year, throw in living legend of a director Martin Scorsese and top notch remake of a Hong Kong crime story, this will be great.

"Flags of our Fathers"
Starring:Ryan Phillipe, Adam Beach, Barry Pepper, Paul Walker

The story of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, and the turning point in World War 2, is directed through the eyes of Clint Eastwood. His last 2 efforts paid off with the Academy, with "Mystic River", and "Million Dollar Baby" walking away with many awards, look for this to do the same.. Oh yeah, Paul Haggis wrote the script.

Stone's "WTC" shows impressive and heartfelt tribute

“World Trade Center”
4 stars out of 4
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Michael Pena’, Maria Bello, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jay Hernandez, Stephen Dorff, Frank Whaley


Oliver Stone’s most recent film before “WTC” was a complete whiff, wasted money, talent and overall reputation. Most ridiculers thought Stone would have to work from the ground up to even start a decent production again and be trusted with precious work. News came that he would be looking into telling the story of two Port Authority cops from New York who went into the Twin Towers the day of 9/11 to save people, but ended up being stuck under rubble for hours. I for one wasn’t thrilled, not because of the fact that it was a 9/11 film, just the fact that this could be the completely wrong film for Stone to do after coming off of the horrendous “Alexander.”

Stone is surely one for controversy, he has directed countless films with his own opinions and propaganda thrown in, some are great, some are less-fulfilling. With “World Trade Center”, Stone has done something he isn’t use to, he stuck to someone else’s script. Andrea Berloff, who wrote the script for “WTC” leads Stone down the right path, as he tells one of the greatest American stories to ever be made, it screams and cries out how important courage, bravery, friendship and family ultimately are.

Nicholas Cage plays the true life John McLoughlin, having been with the Port Authority for 2 decades he even doesn’t have a plan for when he is called to the towers after the first plane hits. Cage tells one of his colleagues while approaching the defeated tower, “We’ve prepared for everything, but not this, not something of this size.” Michael Pena’ who most will recognize as the locksmith from “Crash” plays the new guy within the Port Authority named Will Jimeno, he leaves his home that morning with a beautiful wife played by Maggie Gyllenhaal and his daughter Bionka, and another 4 months away.

The movie starts off with both men leaving there houses, arriving at work, and hearing the news. They aren’t hesitant in the least bit to start doing there job and taking huge risks in the midst of immediate danger and confusion. The two men don’t know each other real well, but what they don’t realize is that they will soon be in a living hell for hours buried under rubble without hardly any movement. This is what makes this story so admirable, Cage and Pena’ play these characters only from the neck up, something I have never seen in a movie, they talk to keep each other awake, as they support each other waiting for help.

The film jumps back and forth at a steady pace between these two men, and there families as they endlessly wait for news of there husbands and there condition. Both wives watch the news coverage endlessly, much the same as we did on that day, trying to figure out what to do, but with no direction. The film plays out in the darkness with these men, as they picture there wives, and talk back and forth for comfort and security, knowing that any second could be there last. Usually when you see a film, you can label it by it’s director, but this doesn’t feel like an Oliver Stone film, it’s packed with heart, emotion, realism, and it just what this country needs as a reminder of why were still here. People like John and Will, along with all of the rescuers that have dedicated hours in the agonizing dust and stone to save there loved ones, and there fellow stranger.

“World Trade Center” is by no means a masterpiece, but what it does do is put in crystal clear perspective the foundations of our country, and what we will do when the odds are stacked against us, this is far and away the best film of the summer, and stands alongside “United 93” as the two best films of the year so far. The film runs around 2 hours and 10 minutes, but it feels as if it runs for a good 3 hours, it's slow at times, but in a good way. I haven't had this movie-going expierience since "United 93" another film about bravery and courage, along with "WTC" both films show the best of us.

Hoping for more, but hey it's Brett Ratner

“X-Men : The Last Stand”
Starring: Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Kelsey Grammer, Anna Paquin
3 stars out of 4


The X-Men series has maybe gasped it’s last breath, if ended now it would stand as a fine trilogy and antecedent to all comic-book trilogies. Now in the hands of Brett Ratner (Rush Hour, Red Dragon) who gave his best effort under a tight shooting schedule and supposed lower budget.
Bryan Singer directed the previous two installments, which both fared well at the box office and in critics favor, some critics felt X2 was one of the better superhero films in recent time. Singer has moved onto bigger and maybe better things as he tries to resurrect the Superman franchise, most fans felt he owed the X-Men series one last hurrah before he bid farewell.

Ratner has stepped into his place, not knowing what to expect, The Last Stand ends up standing fine on it’s own two feet. The regulars are all back including some new faces such as Kelsey Grammer playing Beast/Hank McCoy, who can walk in both worlds as he stands as a representative for the Government on behalf of mutant betterment, and also as a friend to Xavier’s students.

The struggle between humans and mutants is growing stronger, along with the dispute that has waged forever between Magneto played wondrously by Ian McKellan, and Charles Xavier who looks to cure one of his own, Jean Grey. Grey has been taken over by a dark force called Phoenix who can make her turn her anger, love, and passion into rage and destroy anything in her path, Magneto would love to use her in his fight against the humans.

Meanwhile the Government looks to permanently cure mutants, some will turn themselves in and be accepted, some will fight for who they are. Rouge is one of the ones looking for change, as she longs for human touch and emotion, the cure is her only freedom. Along with many mutants from the Xavier house, Wolverine and Storm will lead the charge as several of there friends fall victim to Jean’s Phoenix creation.

The film is about equality, and fighting for it. The first X-Men was introducing all of the main characters and there traits, explaining the difference between Magneto’s view along with Xavier’s view of human and mutant equality. X2 brought Magneto’s followers and the X-Men together against William Striker, a military rebel of sorts looking to end all mutant activity.

The Last Stand knows where it lies, I believe it’s a tad better than the original, but no where near as good as X2. Some faults to note, Ratner is extremely clumsy when handling important deaths among the characters, he uses Wolverine’s intensity as an exciting character in a throw away fight in the woods. Why not add another 15 minutes on to the film to add some meat and color in some grey and forgotten areas, make Beast a little more intriguing. Ratner did what he could, with what he could, the film was rushed if you ask me, I’m sure Ratner could have made a great follow up to X2, instead he makes a good one that doesn’t mess up to bad. If this does turn out being the last X-Men for a while, I think the fans will accept Ratner’s trademark of directing, which is being conservative

Rookie director Abrams saves the series, barely

“Mission Impossible:3”
Starring: Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Keri Russell, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Ryhs Meyers, Maggie Q, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup
3 stars out of 4


Once again new blood is brought to the helm of the spy series, this time it’s in the hands of the creator of Lost and Alias. J.J Abrams who makes his directional debut here, leaves nothing to chance and sticks to what he knows best, non stop action that audiences crave.

Cruise is back as super agent Ethan Hunt, who is now engaged and is actually in love. Michelle Monaghan plays his fiancée Julia, who doesn’t know the true nature of his work. In a quiet scene that Abrams makes work, Ethan tells Jules to just trust him, that all that he asks. This time the villain is Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman who plays Owen Davian, an international arms dealer who has a long list of clients and an even deadlier list of merchandise. Davian is after the “rabbits foot” which he will sell for a large price and the buyer will probably use it for world domination.

It’s Hunt’s mission to detain Davian and grab possession of the rabbit’s foot. Hunt’s team consists of his long time friend Luther(Rhames) and new IMF blood that includes Rhys Meyers and Maggie Q. Abrams fast pace scope takes us to Germany, Rome, Shanghai and every stunt in between. The set pieces are there, it just up to this good looking cast to perform well in front of them.

The problem with the last 2 films of the series, was that with the first one a lot of the cast is killed of early, no character development anywhere. The 2nd installment placed in John Woo’s hands contained to much action, it was basically Ethan against the world, especially no character development there. Abrams knows how to show relationships, he does it all to well with his gold mine T.V series’, but he shows a strong relationship between Ethan and Jules, MI:3 shows emotion and some humor, both sorely lacking in the series so far. With this film most likely being the final installment, Abrams goes out with style as he mashes together a handful of movie stars and let’s them have fun. Laurence Fishburne plays the head honcho over at IMF headquarters, Billy Crudup does fine work as the hands off mission leader for Ethan's team.

Shattering Tribute to all involved

“United 93”
4 stars out of 4
Directed by Paul Greengrass


Some say it’s too soon, some are neutral on the subject, some can’t even speak about it, I believe it isn’t to soon to retell the terror and horror that Americans faced on September 11, 2001 and how we rose and wouldn’t go quiet into the night. It isn’t something pretty to remember, but I honestly think many have forgotten what that day meant. United 93 was the fourth plane to crash on that sobering day, taking off from Newark, and heading to San Francisco, it was taken over by 4 terrorists and headed towards the capital building in Washington, D.C.

The film in its whole 111 minutes is shocking at every bend, even though we know what will happen, I have never sat through a movie where my heart was pounding the whole time. As the suspense builds and builds we watch everyone involved in air-traffic controlling departments that day as they sort through the mess, the frustration, and the tragedy.

Paul Greengrass who is at the helm here who had previously done “Bloody Sunday“, and “The Bourne Supremacy” has made this film into a landmark, and captivating piece of cinema that will never be equaled as long as this story is told on the big-screen. His devotion, and accurate scope portrays every ounce to perfection as he doesn’t plug in any Hollywood clichés, heroic moments, or any outlook that isn’t 100% true. Greengrass would only go through with this production by the blessings of the family’s of United 93, he has crafted something so sacred that it’s a shame that people will make money off of the film when it’s all said and done.

The film starts off showing the process of a flight’s take off and the leading men coordinating these flights and others throughout the day. It quickly moves into uncomfortable territory when they report the first plane hitting the towers, then they actually show the second one hitting and the following reactions by those who have witnessed it. Greengrass reveals everything, and nothing. We don’t hear any mention of Osama Bin Laden, any mention of George Bush, we only know what the passengers know, they are on a plane that is being hijacked.

The film also doesn’t talk any political sides, it avoids everything other then the fate that awaits the 40 passengers on the flight. All of the characters are unknown actors who are extremely convincing as they decide what they will do when time is running out, some men take charge, one being Todd Beamer who uttered the famous line “Let’s roll,” right before making his last stand along with other passengers.

In Hollywood these days, controversy surrounds films like these that explore tragedies and uncomfortable topics or ideas. The last film that received attention like this, that was filled with emotion was “The Passion of the Christ.” When it comes to religion and the last days of Christ sure controversy will surround the project and it’s intentions. But “United” 93 is truly a masterpiece, some critics will throw that term around recklessly anymore, but when something relating to that day is made with brutal honesty, it’s a tribute not an exploitation,

“United 93” is the first film made about 9/11, mark my words it will be the best EVER made about it. Seeing this film is reliving that whole month and what it felt like. Trust me, what is shown on the screen isn’t soft and underplayed, it’s appalling, and it sticks in the depths of your stomach, “United 93” is extremely haunting, and truly devastating. I have no problem with anyone who wishes to have nothing to do with this film, it’s one of those films that will either flourish from word of mouth, or dissolve as a masterpiece, one thing is for sure, I will never forget the experience that I had watching

Eckhart along with tight script and witty cast shine under the radar

“Thank You for Smoking”
3 and ½ stars out of 4
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Katie Holmes, Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, J.K Simmons
William H Macy, Adam Brody, Robert Duvall

Nick Naylor probably doesn’t sleep well at night as he envisions new ways to approach his speeches towards Americans as it comes with his job title as a major lobbyist for Big Tobacco companies. Naylor is good looking, fast talking, and witty. He is divorced, and loves his young son Joey. Naylor played by Eckhart is basically flawless as this slimy but charismatic lobbyist who tries to spin everything not only in his favor, but in the tobacco companies favor.

This film isn’t serious, it works better as the satire it presents itself to be, the character of Naylor actually dines weekly with people who have the same job as him, but representing alcohol, and firearms, and yes, they do talk, scheme, and compete with each other to see whose business can kill the most people, they call themselves The Mod Squad (Merchants of Death)

Naylor works under B.R played by JK Simmons, who works under “the captain” who started it all, Robert Duvall. Naylor is there henchmen who can hopefully bring smoking where it used to be with presenting the idea to a Hollywood guru(Lowe) to find a script with big money names and throw in some steamy scenes with nicotine usage. Consider the fascinating idea discussed between Lowe‘s character, and Naylor, of Brad and Catherine-Zeta lighting up in a futuristic world right after “ravishing” each other throughout intergalactic frenzies. The film also maintains a confrontation between Senator Finistirre, Vermont environmentalist(Macy) who exceedingly proposes the idea of a skull/cross bone illustration on all cigarette packs with “Poison” written below the noticeable illustration that should advise teens to not touch the substance.

This film is full of playful surprises with a dozen cast members who have made either decent or solid names for themselves, as they all play a part in Nick Naylor’s decisions and underlying foul mouth “bs” that he presents almost everyday as disguised innocence when describing his business motivations.

Directed by Jason Reitman, who makes this film sleek and satisfying in only 93 minutes, is successful in performing a satire that not only doesn’t take sides on a serious subject like tobacco use, but gets the best out of every character and presents bright futures for not only the usually fair but now solid Eckhart, but sheds light on the careers of Adam Brody who plays Lowe‘s assistant, and Cameron Bright who plays Naylor’s son, who basically without knowing it is groomed by his father to maybe excel in the same upbringing as his father in the future.

“Thank You for Smoking” is not only surprisingly funny and insightful, but it’s fun, aggressive and something new. Since the film will not expand to all theatres, it’s the kind of film that he can hopefully serve as an impressively nourishing appetizer to what looks to be a strong summer at the box offices.

One of Lee's most accomplished works

“Inside Man”
Starring: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Plummer, Chiwetel Ejiofor
3 and ½ stars out of 4


Spike Lee is so used to doing social commentary’s with something to say or for the audience to look inside themselves and possibly change. Lee is also familiar with using post 9/11 feelings and behaviors as a backdrop in some of his newer films. While “Inside Man “ is strictly supposed to be a heist film Lee cannot help put plug in some of his favorite themes and use them in favor of the script.

The film is lined with an all star cast, something Lee is usually associated with, but with “Inside Man”, his most mainstream effort and most notable cast, Lee crafts a heist film with actual brains and insight rather than your standard assembly line heist film.

Clive Owen plays Dalton Russell, he is controlled, determined, and knows he can pull of the perfect bank robbery, he requires immediate attention throughout the film as we hardly see his face as him and his crew mask themselves along with everyone else in the bank. Denzel Washington plays Keith Frazier, not only will he have the privilege of working the bank robbery with his partner played by Ejifor who appeared in “4 Brothers“, and “Love Actually”, but he also has other things on his plate. He is in the process of being accused with $140,000 somehow falling into his lap, also he can’t afford a ring to appropriately propose to his girlfriend with.

I love how Lee sidesteps all the routine stages of a bank takeover, he doesn’t find new or brutal ways to punish the hostages if they step out of line, not only is his script tight, but the criminals are always one step ahead of the audience, and ahead of Frazier in this cat and mouse showdown where nothing is what it seems. Things get more complex and confusing when the chairman of the bank branch (Plummer) is notified of his bank being taken over. He hides something in the vault, but only with the help of Madeline (Jodie Foster) can he hopefully keep his secrets hidden and safe.

There are to many crucial plot points in the film that I cannot mention without giving anything away, “Inside Man”, manages to be slick and fully entertaining for 130 minutes while still remaining decently realistic. Owen is picture perfect as the leader of the crew, Denzel is so used t playing a cop character, that he probably couldn’t pass up this project to do what he does so easily with Spike Lee at the helm, who also directed Denzel in “He Got Game.” Jodie Foster and Christopher Plummer are solid as the sleezy key players with a lot of pull both hiding a crucial secret, which is also the reason for Dalton’s heist. Willem Dafoe is also good as Captain Darius.

While there is much more and then some for the audience to piece together and figure out, “Inside Man” constantly pulls it’s own weight and will surely give the spring box office a shot of much needed adrenaline.

"CRASH"ing the Party

An unbelievable night at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood was capped off around 11:30 eastern time as Jack Nicholson presented the Oscar for Best Picture, with Ang Lee winning best director, statistics basically say that Brokeback Mountain would be a shoe-in right after Lee took home his first trophy. But as Nicholson took the stage most viewers and audience members knew the award was between “Brokeback Mountain,” and “Crash.”

Nicholson along with the entire viewing audience was shocked as “Crash” was named best picture of 2005 as the frontrunner for months, “Brokeback Mountain,” was upset by the low-budget ensemble piece involving race-relations in modern day Los Angeles during a 36 hour period.

Ang Lee left the building shell-shocked, as he slowly left with disbelief running through his body, as the “Crash” cast celebrated like it was an early New Year. I cannot say how happy I am to have witnessed my favorite film of 2005 pull it off, the momentum that it had being gaining leading up to the show had been enormous and the vast efforts run by the staff to promote the film started when they showered Oscar voters with “Crash” DVD’s left and right, which could play a strong role in future promotional strategies. One things for sure, the controversial film certainly “CRASHED” the party and left everyone breathless.

In other major categories both favorites for leading actor and actress ran away victorious as Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Reese Witherspoon both won respectively as they both gave great speeches praising there families for how they were raised, and so on.

In the supporting races, 3 time nominee of the night George Clooney went 1/3 as he snagged his first Oscar for his role in Syriana, Clooney’s speech was politically correct as he was honored to be a member of such an honorable and humble group as the Academy. Pregnant Rachel Weisz shined with glamour as she accepted her award with class and sophistication, also garnering his first Oscar for her role in “The Constant Gardener.”

Jon Stewart reviews came late the same night, and early the next morning as he was sworn in as first time host, and praised with words such as fresh, funny, and possibly a keeper as the Academy and critics seem to have appreciated the work that he did hosting. He wasn’t over the top, he wasn’t too political, and he didn’t do what most expected, a 3 hour gay joke on Brokeback’s behalf.

Many of the night’s nominess are also available on dvd, I will name the following that I recommend….
Crash
The Constant Gardener
Hustle & Flow
Cinderella Man
Walk the Line
North Country
Batman Begins

"The New World "dazzles with poetic grandeur

“The New World”
Starring: Colin Farrell, Christian Bale, Christopher Plummer, and Introducing Q'Orianka Kilcher
4 stars out 4


A lingering effect will last as the remains of Terrence Malick’s poignant and sincere love story fades into black as one 2005’s best films, which I think hasn’t been exposed enough to nationwide audiences. It will be true as audiences either embrace or find it as 2 hour plus bore fest in desperate search of meaning.

I didn’t imagine “The New World” getting so much right, talk about a movie that accomplishes emotional feats without too much dialogue, this is that movie. It’s a love story between John Smith and Pocahontas, as Smith and his crew sail the shores into Virginia in 1607 as they possess there new land and hope to further prosper from trading and planting. Smith immediately transcends into the vast beauty and wonder of the newly discovered forests and valleys, as him and his men are immediately at odds with the fellow Indians that already live among them.

The film is honest and playful in a way, as first we see Smith as possible an outlaw or rebel as he is almost hung upon arrival, we then see his true nature as he tries to save and preserve his love for Pocahontas, favorite daughter of her father with many wives and children. She is young, innocent and played beautifully by newcomer Q’Orianka Kilcher, who is the center of the film as we later see.

Malick is so intelligent and responsible for his work, being that it’s light-years away from the recent epic-dramas. His work is always the same, as we know to except a film that seems like a long lost poem, swept away in nature and finally found and told. “The New World is so alive in it’s intentions as it skips the violent clichés and is what it’s supposed to be, this love story between two people, searching for meaning and companionship. This is exactly the kind of role Colin Farrell needed to accept to wash the bad taste of his Alexander the Great portrayal out of everyone’s mouths. He is gentle, bold and we’ve never seen this side of him. Christopher Plummer and Christian Bale are good in supporting roles as Plummer plays the settlers captain, and Bale coming into the film later on with a solid performance in the 20-25 minutes that he’s given.

There is so much to explore here as we are blown away as this past world comes into a crystal clear perspective, I found myself looking in awe at the screen several times as the feelings, and ideas were pure and vibrant. We follow this young women’s discovery of two loves in her life as she tries to understand her surroundings and nurture her feelings into actions as she lives so poetically and unknowingly of the word life.

“The New World” surpasses a lot of films this year mainly because it transcends you far beyond your dreams, as a cinematic escape into a far off land that was once breathed in and favored as life was lived out as two cultures inevitably clashed for understanding and survival.
Most of the main critics have praised the film, announcing Malick as the constant visionary and master of his trade, who will peek out of his hole and make a film every couple of years. The film he has made here with undertaking cinematography will be remembered by me for a long time.

Oscar Predictions

Best Picture
-Brokeback Mountain
-Crash
-Capote
-Good Night and Good Luck
-Munich
Preference-Crash
Prediction-Brokeback Mountain

At this point in the year Brokeback Mountain is simply unstoppable, garnering the most nominations(8), Brokeback has a lot going for itself, a controversial plot, a groundbreaking love story, 3 acting nominations, and a director that is familiar with the Academy, not to mention almost every other precursor award for best picture. The only chance for an upset would come from Crash, which is slowly but surely gaining strong momentum.

Best Director
-Ang Lee(Brokeback Mountain)
-Bennett Miller(Capote)
-Steven Spielberg(Munich)
-George Clooney(Good Night and Good Luck)
-Paul Haggis(Crash)
Preference-Ang Lee
Prediction-Ang Lee

Ang Lee's emotional portrait will award him best director, only threat comes from Clooney.

Best Actor
-Philip Seymour Hoffman(Capote)
-David Strathairn -(Good Night and Good Luck)
-Joaquin Pheonix(Walk the Line)
-Terrence Howard(Hustle & Flow)
-Heath Ledger(Brokeback Mountain)
Preference-Philip Seymour Hoffman
Prediction-Philip Seymour Hoffman

Although 2005 had it's fair share of great male performances, only Hoffman and Ledger have a shot here, the Academy loves giving the Oscar to newcomers that have been waiting for there shot i.e. Hoffman, this is his to lose. Look for Ledger to have the 2nd best shot due to Brokebacks success, but a slim one as Hoffman has taken awards season by storm with his career changing portrayal of author Truman Capote

Best Actress
-Reese Witherspoon(Walk the Line)
-Dame Judi Dench(Mrs. Henderson Presents)
-Keira Knightley(Pride and Prejudice)
-Felicity Huffman(Transamerica)
-Charlize Theron(North Country)
Preference-Reese Witherspoon
Prediction-Reese Witherspoon

One of the weakest classes ever for best actress will award Reese Witherspoon her first Oscar as her song and dance portrayal of June Carter, lifelong love of country music legend Johnny Cash.
Although many critics describe Reese as a shoe-in, don't be suprised if the desperate housewife herself, Felicity Huffman steals the award as a male-to-female transsexual in Transamerica.

Best Supporting Actor
-Matt Dillon(Crash)
-George Clooney(Syriana)
-Paul Giamatti(Cinderella Man)
-Jake Gyllenhaal(Brokeback Mountain)
-William Hurt(A History of Violence)
Preference-Jake Gyllenhaal
Prediction-Paul Giamatti

In the most competitive category this year, I believe that all 4 of the nominees could win the Oscar, except for Hurt who appeared in A History of Violence for 5 minutes, and somehow garnered a nomination. My preference Jake Gyllenhall will be ignored here because of his age, the Academy tends to shy away from giving the young ones the trophy, although Brokebacks success still gives him a tiny chance. Matt Dillon is one of the many great supporting actors in Crash, but he hasn't received any other precursor awards, only nominations. It comes down to Clooney and Giamatti, I think Giamatti wins it by the hair on his beard, as ringside trainer to legendary brawler James J. Braddock. Since Clooney is nominated for best original screenplay, supporting actor, and director, his best shot is winning here.

Best Supporting Actress
-Amy Adams(Junebug)
-Michelle Williams(Brokeback Mountain)
-Catherine Keener(Capote)
-Rachel Weisz(The Constant Gardener)
-Frances McDormand(North Country)
Preference(Rachel Weisz)
Predtion(Rachel Weisz)

It only makes sense to give it to Weisz here, as she won the Golden Globe and the Sag, playing activist Tessa, don't count out Williams, or Adams who would shock the world by winning.

"You don't know how bad it gets"

"Brokeback Mountain"
Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway
4 stars out of 4
Directed by: Ang Lee

The two lead males in the film, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, share a key conversation early on in “Brokeback Mountain”, that paves the way for the rest of the emotional film. Ennis mentions to Jack something he saw as a boy. “There were two guys living together, they were the joke of the town.” Ennis tells Jack that one day they were found dead, as his dad showed him and his brother.

Jack and Ennis meet for the first time in 1963, they work together protecting sheep on the lonely brokeback mountain. At first glance we can tell Ennis’ past has been filled with loneliness and disappointment and were are told of his shortcomings later in the movie. Ennis is the type of person that struggles to get words out his mouth, it actually looks like hard work for him, assuming that he wants to talk. Jack has a bigger scope of life, he realizes he must get what he wants and run with it, without ever turning back.

Days turn to weeks on the mountain, and the two grow closer as they seek companionship without ever dreaming that they would find it within each other. They connect sexually and emotionally as they also don’t know how to understand there feelings and how to deal with them. That what makes this movie special, Ang Lee has directed a landmark film about love, having ever loved anything with immense passion, one can connect with this story once they get passed the cliché “gay cowboy movie.” It’s so much more than that, the story takes place in the 60’s and stretches on through the years, as both men eventually separate after there first summer on the mountain and go off and start families of there own with women. They both have kids, and seem to be living happy, until one day Jack writes Ennis from Texas with intentions of coming to visit.

When they connect after 4 years since there summer on Brokeback, we know this will be a hard film to watch, not only because of the time they were living in and the rejection of homo-sexuality , but because we as the audience don’t know where these two cowboys are going to take us. They both realize they have a “one shot thing going on.”

Ennis’s wife Elma, played by Michelle Williams sees Jack and Ennis kissing during there first meeting after Brokeback, she holds it in so long, and we identify with her as her denial turns into realism and she now cannot truthfully live with Ennis. Even though she holds the truth buried deep inside, we know it will take some time for her and her two girls to leave there dad. Jake marries Lureen, also seen as a victim of the male relationship.
Jack is able to undertake a little more willingly that he is undeniably gay. In defeat and sexual need, he goes to Mexico one night and finds a male prostitute. Ennis eventually finds out but realizes that all time without Jake is time passed to move on and look forward to eventual meetings and encounters, this is the same thing for Jack, but the feeling in stronger.

Jack looks for commitment throughout to Ennis, he wishes to move to his family’s ranch, and some day settle down, Ennis is shy towards commitment, because he fears himself. Ledger and Gyllenhaal with merit undeniable Oscar consideration, along with director Ang Lee, and possibly Michelle Williams.

“Brokeback Mountain” is obviously not for everyone, at one point during the film I told myself it wasn’t for me, then before I knew it I was sinking deeper and deeper into the film’s message and themes of undeniable and forbidden love. This is hands down the riskiest film of the year, it will stir up controversy, it will cause long discussions on a scene during the end and the themes, and it must be said that it is the one of the best films of the year, if not the best.

Films seen in 2005

Constantine 2/4
Sin City 4/4
Crash 4/4
Star Wars Epi 3 3/4
Cinderella Man 4/4
Mr.and Mrs. Smith 3/4
Batman Begins 4/4
War of the Worlds 2.5/4
Fantastic 4 1/4
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 3/4
Wedding Crashers 3.5/4
Bad News Bears 3/4
Hustle and Flow 3.5/4
4 Brothers 3/4
40 yr old Virgin 3.5/4
History of Violence 3.5/4
Good Night and Good Luck 2.5/4
In Her Shoes 2.5/4
2 For The Money 3/4
Waiting 1/4
Elizabethtown 2.5/4
North Country 4/4
Saw 2 3/4
The Weather Man 3.5/4
Jarhead 3.5/4
Walk the Line 3.5/4
Just Friends 0/4
Syriana 4/4
King Kong 4/4
Capote 3/4


Still need's to be seen, and what I think i'll give them
-The New World
-Munich
-Match Point
-Brokeback Mountain
-Narnia
-Broken Flowers
-The Squid and the Whale
-The Constant Gardner