Best of 07 so far.

“Zodiac”
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Brian Cox, Elias Kites, Chloe Sevigny, Phillip Baker Hall
4 stars out of 4


David Fincher’s most profound work happens to be the best film of 2007 as of late July, having not seen the film in theatres, the DVD purchase was well worth it, as I recognize “Zodiac” as a masterpiece. The film spans the killings and the investigation of the Zodiac killer for decades, through the perspectives of several characters.

Fincher has a knack for dark material; this is the man who directed “Seven” and “Fight Club”. With “Zodiac”, Fincher doesn’t dwell on dark material, he leaves the audience with some of there own ideas and views on the subjects, and how much or how little it affects them. The film is dense in running time, information, and plot. Some viewers may find the pacing too slow, or dull, but it’s just right.

There are a lot of names, places, and information to digest, making the film all the more fun to keep up with, although I knew the outcome of the story, it took away nothing from my viewing. If you unfamiliar with what the story is about, here is a quick overview. A serial killer in the San Francisco Bay Area taunts police with his letters and cryptic messages. We follow the investigators and reporters in this lightly fictionalized account of the true 1970's case as they search for the murderer, becoming obsessed with the case. Based on Robert Graysmith’s book, the movie's focus is the lives and careers of the detectives and newspaper people.

Graysmith is played by the popular Jake Gyllenhaal, who is awarded points for a dead on portrayal of someone whose life is taken over by this investigation. Graysmith is a cartoonist for the San Francisco chronicle, who is on the outskirts of the case, but pays close attention, as his newspaper is the one the Zodiac killer writes too. Covering the case is writer Paul Avary, played by Downey Jr, with a solid role as a drunken reporter, with a big ego. Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards play detectives constantly on the case, searching for answers themselves. Along the way we meet Brian Cox’s character, a psychiatrist who the Zodiac seeks help from, a handwriting specialist, played by Philip Baker Hall, and many more cops, witnesses, and familiar faces that lay out this perfect cast of dozens.

This is truly mature work for Fincher, who hasn’t had a homerun per say with the critics. Although the film didn’t make much at theatres, collecting only 30 million, on an 80 million dollar budget, the critics recognized it for its directing, cinematography, and editing. Although the performances are good, none of them are meaty enough to snag any nominations.

The Zodiac case is truly unremarkable, so much evidence, insight, and thousands of opinions about the killer all being compiled into this near 3 hour movie, which isn’t boring for a second. While some people may find the ending abrupt, I find it perfect, topping off a remarkable film.

Paper thin script saved by mindlblowing CGI

“Transformers”

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Dumahel, Tyrese Gibson, John Voight
3 stars out of 4


Director Michael Bay is known for only 1 thing, either messing up movies, or creating arresting visual effects. Here with his latest film, he manages to become a decent storyteller, but not the greatest; he has a long way to go. But hey, the special effects and Shia LaBeouf save the movie.

“Transformers” is everything you could want, its big, loud, noisy, there are dozens of explosions, along with annoying fast paced editing that gives you a headache, but director Bay succeeds in luring us in and enjoying this 144 minute thrill and action ride. Many have awaited this release, since following the story as kids or on TV, the story is simple. Robots from another plant have come to earth to reclaim a powerful tool that will give them much power, there that is it in a nutshell. The good robots, which are called autobots, have been at war with the decepticons, led by Megatron, who is cryogenically frozen and under close guard by a secret classified government unit. If you not familiar with the material, and all the names, this comes as confusing at first, but I found my rooting, and realize there was no actual plot, just a lot of confusion on the government’s part once the transformers reach Earth.

The film plays between action and comedy; there is little drama in this big summer blockbuster. Bay needs to excel as a storyteller to grow some directing chops. But, Bay is successful in doing what he does best, CGI, CGI, and did I mention CGI? That’s right, there is enough effects in this film to explore in probably 3 viewings, but once again, Bay’s ultra-quick editing confuse the viewers into what is actually going on at times, but we still enjoy it.

Up and coming superstar Shia LaBeouf earns his star power here, playing Sam Witwicky, a junior in high school trying to earn enough to get his own car and impress the girl of his dreams, played by the uber-gorgeous Megan Fox. We follow a few storylines until they all merge near the end, on is Sam’s discovery that his car is a transformer, another is the characters of Duhamel and Tyrese in the Middle East desert fighting off a transformer, and one following the Secretary of Defense played by John Voight. The whole military and government is baffled over what is going on with the arrival of these robots, as the decepticons have only come to earth for the cube, which is the key to overall rule.

LaBeouf and his sexy female co-star easily have the most accessible storyline, playing into Sam’s family, a lot of jokes come out of this, also we care for these 2 characters more than anyone else. Bay should have used this kind of storytelling with the rest of the film; instead it plays like a jumbled fiasco. There is also screen time devoted to John Turturro’s crazy government character, who knows a little more than he should.

While this review may sounds negative, I can assure you that there won’t be a more entertaining film this summer, this is it right here. The entire 200 million dollar budget is put to use, and is easily seen on the screen. The transformers come to life with flair, and excitement as director Bay pushes the envelope once again and makes the audience feel young again watching this summer action flick on steroids, that is what this is. Pure, big and in charge entertainment, that plays exceptionally at well at theatres than at home. This is the best popcorn flick this year.

Good thriller with great acting

“1408”
Starring: John Cusack, Samuel L Jackson, Mary McCormack
3 stars out of 4


Too many horror films these days fall flat on there face, usually in the first 30 minutes, due to lack of story, acting, or directing. With “1408” director Mikael Hafstrom creates a film with tension, scares, and exceptional acting from its leading man. Based of a Stephen King short story, the film revolves around haunted house guru, and supernatural writer Mike Enslin. As research for his latest book, Enslin is determined to check out the notorious room 1408 in a New York City hotel by personally staying as a guest in the fabled room.

When Mike Enslin's (John Cusack ) daughter died , he became obsessed with the paranormal , particularly the ' other side '. After years of being a paranormal writer & investigator, he has found - nothing. Mike is ready to give up his search for evidence of the paranormal. Until he hears of a possible subject for his new book - Room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel, New York City. Mike is determined to prove that the rumors surrounding the room are fakes by staying in the room himself. He cannot be dissuaded by anyone , even the hotel manager Mr. Olin ( Samuel L Jackson ) , tries to warn him off , but Mike is having none of it. That is until Room 1408 shows him its true colors ... and its many horrors

The film is shifty and creative in the ways of horrifying Enslin, the scares are totally surprising, as well as what ends up happening. Most of the film takes places in the room, making the viewer feel claustrophobic like Enslin, who also becomes disoriented when he starts seeing visions of his dead daughter. Cusack is what makes this film; he is so believable in this role that he really makes the script come alive, and the audiences believe. Most of the characters are minor, as Jackson playing the manager, and Mary McCormack as Enslin’s wife.

This is really good for a PG-13 thriller, the script was smart, without being to over the top, while the acting was also good. If your looking for an under the radar summer film, check out “1408” and enjoy the ride.