An epic masterpiece from David Fincher

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Julia Ormond
****/****

It’s hard to ask the brain for adjectives to describe this film. David Fincher has created a magical yet accessible story that will emotionally connect to all ages. Fincher, who is known for bleakly lit and toned films, has crafted another world on screen in which the characters live out their lives on a large canvas.

This film, which has been ,uch hyped in the past months, has holiday and family film written all over it. Much like “Forrest Gump,” in terms of scope, Button should garner the same amount of awards attention as well. The film uses cutting edge technology to portray Brad Pitt as an old man, we watch as he edges backwards through time, while everyone else grows older. As soon as Pitt is his recognizable self, we truly feel like this is his best performance; subtle, and heartbreaking all at once.

“Benjamin Button” is many things, it’s a fairy tale based plot in which the protagonist ages backwards through time, and it’s a timeless and classic love story. New Orleans, which is the primary setting for most of the film, is shown in great light and admiration, this film is a love letter to the city, and the people.


Most will have a hard time describing this film. It’s many things, but it doesn’t suffocate itself. Fincher doesn’t mix genres, or pull many narrative punches. He simply tells the tragic story of Benjamin Button, an orphan who is left at the step of a nursing home the day that World War 1 ends. He is taken in by a woman who runs the home. Queenie, played by Taraji P. Henson, is the definition of a loving mother, she watches over Benjamin like he is one of her own.

The film starts in a hospital, an old lady lays in her death bed. This character is Daisy, Benjamin’s love interest throughout the film. Julia Ormond plays her daughter Caroline. Daisy doesn’t have long too live; she gets Caroline to read an old diary to her in her final moments. The diary belongs to Benjamin Button, last dated 1985, this diary tells his story, one that Daisy feels obligated to tell.

Benjamin does indeed start off young, but in an old body. Most can’t understand his condition, making it difficult to connect with anyone. He eventually is introduced to Daisy (Blanchett), a young red-head who loves to dance, she finds Benjamin odd, but in a good way. We can tell their relationship will be on and off due to his condition. As Benjamin grows and begins to understand the world around him, he leaves home and works on a Tugboat with colorful characters, while promising to write Daisy from everywhere.

We watch as Benjamin grows, experiences, and enjoys the wonders and beauties of a somewhat normal life. The film mirrors “Forrest Gump,” in which the protagonist meets many people that shape his life. One of them is Elizabeth Abbot, played by Tilda Swinton. They meet at a hotel in Russia, Abbot is another person drawn to the nature of Benjamin. They have an affair and after a while Abbot disappears out of his life, we catch her later in the movie, in a moment in which only Benjamin could have inspired her.

As Benjamin continues to grow younger, Pitt’s good looks surface, making the audience even more surprised and aware of the great special effects throughout the film. Daisy once again enters his life, as the rest of the film is spent with the two trying to sort out their lives in order to stay together. Blanchett plays Daisy with such grace, creating a character that totally absorbs Benjamin throughout the film. Blanchett once again proves that she is the best actress of her generation.

As the film runs a long 167 minutes, my attention once wasn’t ever taken away from the grand and layered story being told. Eric Roth, who also wrote Forrest Gump, surrounds Benjamin with grief, love, death, regret, and hope; none of which seem forced or clichéd.

I could go on talking about how great this film is. Fincher’s direction combined with the CG, the set design, the acting, the story, it’s all grade A. The film will prove to be polarizing, unlike Gump, this story has a darker tone, one that Fincher never strays from.When awards season swings around, I hope Pitt, Blanchett, and Henson can grab some attention, they, along with others, mold this film into another caliber with their rich and nuanced performances.

David Fincher has proved that he is a groundbreaking film-maker. Along with a handful of others at the moment, Fincher‘s work from here on out would be a crime to miss.

Updated Best Picture Predictions

With all of the big Oscar films being released in the next few weeks, and most already released limited, it seems easy as this point to predict the 5. Weeks ago it was extremely murky, the best picture race was as cloudy as ever. A year ago at this time, No Country for Old Men was winning every precursor and seemed like a lock come Oscar night, sure enough, it beat out the crowd pleasing Juno, along with Atonement, Michael Clayton, and There Will Be Blood.

Last year I thought, who has seen these films? None of them except for Juno had made for than 100 million at the box-office. This year, Oscar could go a different route, if my predictions are correct.

Best Picture

Slumdog Millionaire: The little indie that could. In limited release right now, this film when released nationwide, will excite and thrill audiences. A strong crowd pleaser that will send audiences out out on a high. Most films from last year were bleak in tone and in themes. Slumdog is not sunshine and rainbows, but the films comes full circle at the end.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Once the film is released on Christmas Day, it will either make people flock to see it, or it will be polarizing. The film is long, but most movie-goers can stand the 167 minute running time with this great cast. Pitt, Blanchett, Swinton, I expect greatness.

Frost/Nixon: This film could reach audiences with its topic of Richard Nixon. It's a Ron Howard film, he usually does well at the box-office, with past successes at Apollo 13, Cinderella Man, and A Beautiful Mind. Some critics are saying that this is Howard's best film, if so, this should be nominated.

Milk: Has been praised by critics, just needs a wider released to attract audiences. Penn and Brolin will both received nominations. It's just a matter of time before its announced as a nominee.

The Dark Knight The 500 million dollar film WILL receive a nomination, and that's its prize, even though Ledger will have won earlier in the night.

Alternates, in order...

Doubt, Revolutionary Road, Rachel Getting Married

Boyle's "Slumdog" will excite audiences

"Slumdog Millionaire"
Starring: Dev Patel
***.5/****

"Slumdog Millionaire," based off the novel "Q & A," is a vibrant film, directed with unlimited uniqueness and originality by the underrated Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Trainspotting).

The film tells of Jamal Malik, a young orphan who battled the tough life of being a "Slumdog" in the run down city of Mumbai, India. The gritty landscapes and towns are reminiscent of the same settings in the 2003 film "City of God." With Mumbai as a setting, Boyle creates immediate atmosphere and grit from the first few scenes, transporting the audience into this hostile and bleak setting.

Boyle has always been a great storyteller, he has created strong narratives with multiple film genres throughout his filmography. Boyle's strong vision enhances this material from predictable storytelling, to a film with strong narrative structure.

As the film starts, a 20 year old Jamal is being questioned by the Mumbai police. He is a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," and he's one question away from winning 20 million rupees. As the show breaks for the night, Jamal is tortured and beaten, as he is suspected of cheating. After all, how can a young slumdog be smarter than doctors and lawyers who have previously tried their hand at this game show.

As Jamal is questioned, we flashback through his harsh upbringing and his brutal survival methods to where he is now. Episodes in his life have granted him the answers to the game show questions. We watch Jamal transform from a young thief, to a contestant who really seeks more than the winnings on the show.

This film won the coveted audience award at the Toronto Film Festival, if it's momentum increases throughout the Oscar season, and I believe it will, "Slumdog" may have a chance to win best picture. Don't miss this film which offers stunning visuals, solid performances, and a winning story.

Ohhh Charlie...

"Synecdoche, New York"
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Diane Wiest, Tom Noonan, Hope Davis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Emily Watson
***.5/****

What a film, what a film. It's excruciatingly difficult to write about a Charlie Kaufman film, who also wrote and made his directorial debut with "Synecdoche, New York," pronounced (sin-nek-duh-kee). Kauffman has written some brilliant screenplays in recent memory (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). This is his most ambitious, and brilliantly flawed script.

Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Caden Cotard, a New York play director who fears that he is dying. With many signs of sickness, Cotard is left by his wife and child who move to Berlin to pursue their own life. The fragile and paranoid Caden is then surprised to the news that he has received the MacArthur grant, Caden now chooses to create a piece of brutal realism and honesty, something he can put his whole self in.

I will not describe all of the characters in this film. Caden has half a dozen feminine influences in his life, most whom have deteriorated his life. Caden's play will take place inside an obscenely large warehouse in the middle of New York. The warehouse will be filled with life-size replicas of buildings, homes, and other New York city fixtures. The whole cast will act out their lives in the created mockup city.

As the film progresses, Caden's artistic craft is disturbed by all of his fears, regrets, wishes, hopes, and dreams. Reality and fantasy are blurred throughout the film creating an endlessly surreal vision from Kaufman. The play extends for decades as the cast and scope grows larger. Caden hires actors to play himself in the play, as well as actors to mock his assistant. Follow me so far?

The film is way to complex and surprising to touch on plot points, characters, and themes. A review can't do this film justice, nor should it. The experience that this film provides is mesmerizing, I will have to see it 1-2 more times to fully capture Kaufman's vision.

While the film isn't for everyone, it will capture an audience of film aficionados who love Charlie Kaufman, who is becoming as odd a screen writer, as David Lynch is a director, and that's a compliment. Seek this film out for a bizarre and touching experience.

A minor misstep for Eastwood

"Changeling"
Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Amy Ryan
**.5/****

Clint Eastwood's latest film is a dark period piece commentating on the corruption of the LA Police in the late 20's in Los Angeles. The film mirrors other good police noir's like "L.A. Confidential," and "Chinatown." The film is also a showcase for Angelina Jolie, in what could land her an Oscar nomination later in the year. Other than Jolie's solid performance, the film relies on hand me down cliches not amounting to the greatness that Eastwood has crafted with his last handful of films.

Jolie plays switchboard supervisor Christine Collins. She lives with her young son Walter in a nice home in Los Angeles. One day Collins is unexpectedly called into work, with no one to look after Walter. She returns home, and Walter's lunch still remains in the fridge. Has the kid been stolen or is he simple lost around town?

Months later, the L.A. Police returns a child that looks very similar to Walter, except it isn't him. Collins struggles to explain that the child isn't Walter, but the FBI won't admit there mistake. Collins is soon admitted to a psychiatric ward where she undergoes bad treatment. A fiery pastor played by John Malkovich seems like one of the only decent and honest men in town as he devotes his radio show towards uncovering the FBI's corruption.

The film tries to portray the corruption as harsh, menacing, and cruel. A standard audience will fail to see that Eastwood gives no character depth to the crooked cops, yet we see them as villains and nothing more.

Around and around we go as Collins struggles and struggles, etc. The film also plays in other scenarios as murder mystery, court-room drama, as well as the previous hospital scenes already mentioned. Eastwood tries too hard to tell this story, the drama is heavy-handed and overbearing. The audience isn't given enough respect or time to breathe.

"Changeling" is a long 140 minutes, but there are some redeeming qualities. Eastwood creates a great looking 1920's darkly lit city, the set design is crucial in creating mood and atmosphere. Jolie and Malkovich in their respective roles. The film just fails to add humanity throughout, creating a less than pleasurable experience.

Early Best Picture Predictions

This time last-year, the Oscar race wasn't as cloudy as it is now in early November. With many of the big hitters waiting to be un-leashed upon critics and audiences in the coming weeks, I will try my best to jot down 5 that I think have a very strong chance of emerging as the chosen 5 come February, here we go...


Best Picture

Revolutionary Road- Kate, Leo, and Oscar winning director Sam Mendes all involved in an adaptation of a strong book, sounds like a good combo for me.

Doubt-Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Probably the two best working actors of their gender. Adapted from a play, dealing with race, sex, and religion. Sounds like a good bet.

Milk- If Sean Penn's performance is strong enough, look for this bio-pic about homosexual Harvey Milk to breakthrough in the Best Pic category. If conservatives can accept it, this could be a shoe-in.

Australia- Sweeping period piece directed by Baz Luhrman (Moulin Rouge) Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackson star in this epic war/love story set against WWII. Could be great, or too stylish for the Academy's taste.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- This is my most anticipated of the year. Behind David Fincher, this multi-talented cast could carry this near 3 hour fantasy/drama/love story to the podium come Oscar night. Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett make it even more attractive and bankable.

Politcally In-Correct

"Zack and Miri Make a Porno"
Starring: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, Craig Robinson, Jeff Anderson
***/****

I'm not sure where "Zack and Miri" ranks in director Kevin Smith's filmography, but this raunchy comedy with its unprecedented title, is a good hearted film with with lots and lots of vulgarity.

Zack and Miri are played by the already Hollywood A-listers, Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks, who play best friend roomies who are strapped for cash. The title of the film doesnt hold back from what we actually see, Zack, Miri, and other do make a porno. There is a lot of the Kevin Smith low-brow humor and dialogue your mother would never approve of. There are many c-words, f-words, and p-words, but the cast is believable enough to pull this joke of a premise off in Kevin Smith film.

The film plays like a Judd Apatow production, Smith is known for using most of the same actors in his films. Jason Mewes and Jeff Anderson are two of the main cast members that can be seen in other Smith films. It's not Rogen, Banks, Mewews, or Anderson that steals the show, it's Craig Robinson who steals every scene as the under appreciated black husband to a demanding wife. All of his one-liners and jokes make the movie, along with Zack and Miri's somewhat believable relationship.

Can an attractive women like Miri actually fall in love with a bearded schlub like Zack? This movie would like to make you think so, and it does a fine job. The basic premise is for the most part predictable, the audience can see most things a mile a way, but the surprising dialogue and small camoes are what make the film go.

If you're looking for a good comedy with solid acting, "Zack and Miri" is the film too see, Rogen and Banks can sit back and watch themselves become big stars.

The size of "4 Weddings" without the funeral.

"Rachel Getting Married"
Starring: Anne Hatheway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin, Mather Zicker, Tunde Adepimbe, Debra Winger
****/****

Kudos to the strong film-making by Jonathan Demme. Demme has crafted some of the best films of the 90's, i.e., Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia. This decade he has stayed quiet. He has returned to form here, with his best film since The Silence of the Lambs.

The film is also a showcase for actress Anne Hatheway. In this film, Hatheway's Kym shows the angst and growth of females of her generation. Hatheway breaks out of her familiar mold as getting typecast as the next Reese Witherspoon.

Hatheway plays Kym, a recovering addict, who has been in and out a rehab for years. Rachel played by the lovely Rosemarie DeWitt is marrying Sydney, played by Tunde Adpimbe, who is also in the real-life band T.V. on the Radio.

The arrival of Kym back home is unsettling for the family. Everyone walks on eggshells wondering how Kym will act outside of rehab. The film is honest in its attempts to not forgive Kym so easily for her past acts, but to dwell on how she can gain support around her family.

While the film is a drama, it is also a "wedding movie." It has the authentic feel and flow of being filmed on a hand-held throughout. The actors roam free with their actions, not knowing the camera can be on them at any moment. Demme's direction is suberb in creating atmosphere and mood for a whole 120 minutes.

There are scenes in the film that will ring true with everybody. Portraits of family regret, sadness, forgiveness, etc. The honesty of the performances and the script are what appealed to me. Everyone's actions are real, and all feelings are revealed for each character, except for Kym's distant mother played by Debra Winger, in a fiery yet restrained performance.

The film reveals its layers gradually, stemming from dialouge to facial expressions. Rachel Getting Married is a true film, an American film, and breakout role for Anne Hatheway who truly arrives on the list of A-list actresses after this role. Look for her name to be mentioned during awards season.

Another Coens Achievement

"Burn After Reading"
Starring: George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovitch, Tilda Swinton, Brad Pitt, J.K Simmons
***.5/****

Hot off of the Oscar success of No Country for Old Men, brothers Joel and Ethan Coen have directed their latest dark comedy. Burn After Reading is a spy based comedy that mocks the follies of National Security with amazingly stupid characters played by amazingly good actors.

George Clooney who has starred in other Coen films, plays Harry Pfarrer, a smooth talking womanizer who is having an affair with the wife of a recently terminated CIA member. The analyst is Osbourne Cox played by the underrated John Malkovich. Cox has been with the CIA for decades and is blindsided at his forced resignation. His wife played by recent Oscar winner Tilda Swinton wants to know what he will do for money. Cox dreams of writing a memoir, hoping to sell it for big bucks.

Thrown in two dim-witted gym employees played by Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand and soon everyone is intertwined. Pitt played Chad Feldheimier, a gum chewing, water guzzling fitness freak that only Pitt has the unseen humor to play. McDormand, a Coens regular, plays Linda Litzke, an aging woman looking to get plastic surgery in all the right places.

The narrative and tone has the feel of a thriller, but its truly a black comedy for those unsure of it. Only the Coens can create such characters and worlds where there are truly no rules. If you're a fan of films like The Big Lewbowski and other Coen farces, Burn After Reading will please you. If you go in expecting No Country for Old Men or an award caliber film, you will leave dissapointed.

The film is fun, and breezy at about 95 minutes. J.K Simmons who plays the father in Juno, has a excruciatingly funny role as the head of CIA branch trying to make sense of all of the characters actions. He sums up the entire movie in two scenes. Only the Coens can create a character that has 2 minutes of screen time, and make him memorable.

An excellent stoner comedy/action film

"Pineapple Express"
Starring: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez
***.5/****

Director David Gordon Greene has made a living doing indie art house films such as "All the Real Girls", and "Snow Angels." With Pineapple Express, Gordon Green delves into comedic territory for the first time. With the Apatow name branded on this film, Gordon Greene should finally breakout into the mainstream after this picture.

Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server who smokes all day between delivering notices to people from the courthouse. He dates a high school student, and isn't looking for much responsibility. His dealer is Saul Silver, played perfectly by James Franco. With his greasy hair, and pajama attire, Franco re-defines the role of a pothead.

From the start, Rogen and Franco mesh perfectly to create a duo the audience can like and care for during the 2 hour runtime, where most of the gags and laughs pay off. The film places them in a drug war between a big time dealer named Ted Jones, and some feisty Asians. Jones is played by Gary Cole from "Office Space," as his character feels like the bad guy straight out of any action film from the 80's.

In fact, this film plays a lot like a B-movie, as we watch these two friends trudge through car chases and shootouts, as they're clearly in over their heads. Rounding out the cast is a middleman between Saul and Jones named Red, played by the increasingly popular Danny McBride, who also went to film school with Gordon Greene. Also, look for him in the upcoming "Tropic Thunder." Rosie Perez, who hasn't been in a film in ages plays a crooked cop who has ties with Jones and his goons.

The key to the film is the charm and likable aspect brought to the table by Rogen and Franco, if that relationship feels forced or fake in any ways, the film fails in my opinion. While most of the action on display in the film is over the top or too much, that's because its supposed to be that way. Walking out of the theater, I was reminded of films like "The Big Lebowski", "True Romance", and "Pineapple Express", films that may make a few bucks on the big screen, but will have a lifetime worth of value on DVD.

A Moving and Touching Gem

"The Visitor"
Starring: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Guirira
***.5/****

"The Visitor" is an honest film about a man breaking out of his shell at the age of 62 and experiencing a re-awakening of his soul. Richard Jenkins who has played the traditional supporting actor for most of his career finally gets his own role to show audience how good he actually is.

Jenkins plays career Economics Professor Walter Vale, a 20 year man at Connecticut College. Walter is a widower who has recently taken up piano lessons to fill the voids of time in his day. Walter also likes to drink wine, and not grant late turn-in assignments from his students. One could say this is a crusty old man, mad at the world or even at himself.

Walter is soon assigned to go to New York and speak at a conference on behalf of a paper he co-wrote with another colleague. Walter sets himself up in his own apartment, one he hasn't stayed at for years. Instead of checking in for a few days and flying back home, Walter is startled by an immigrant couple living in his apartment.

The couple agrees to leave Walter and his apartment alone after he proves hes the rightful owner. They had been given a place to stay by a friend not knowing Walter or any tenant would soon re-appear.

Walter soon opens his home back to the couple, not knowing the effect they will have eventually have on him. Having failed with the piano, Tarek teaches Walter how to play the African drum, Walter takes a deep likening to this as he and Tarek bond over music and the fact they they're truly enjoying each other as friends in a post 9/11 world.

A misunderstanding eventually occurs that puts Tarek in a detention center. The film then explores upon the treatments of immigrants after 9/11. While the film isn't preachy, the messages are clear, but aren't over-bearing.

The characters are real, genuine, decent, and caring. Walter goes through changes, subtle at first, but life changing and re-assuring by the end. This is what makes "The Visitor" not only a film about character depth and the world today, but about finding ones identity, meaning, and place in the world.

A Flawed and Dark Masterpiece

"The Dark Knight"
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhall, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine
****/****

Director Christopher Nolan has once again set the bar for a genre, he did it back with "Memento", and he does it again with this groundbreaking sequel to "Batman Begins." I have to come out and say it right now, "The Dark Knight" is a special film, if you're one of the people that was too young to experience "Star Wars" or any of those epics, the "Dark Knight" has brought cinema back to that moment of sheer wonder and spectacle.

What makes the film so special are the characters and the respect that the script and the direction has given them. With an A-list cast like this, everyone delves deep into their respected character and gives 110% throughout the film.

Christian Bale is back as the caped crusader, also as Bruce Wayne, the billionaire playboy who is still in love with attorney and friend Rachel Dawes played by Maggie Gyllenhall, who has easily stepped in place for Katie Holmes this time around. Aaron Eckhart plays District Attorney Harvey Dent, the so-called White Knight of Gotham. Dent has gained respect from the people of Gotham, but not the criminals and gangsters, he is putting most of them away behind bars.

The biggest and brightest addition is none other than the late Heath Ledger. Playing the role of The Joker to the max, he adds menace, humor, and the haunting ability to make you wonder how this terrific actor pulled this epic performance off. When Ledger's creation and portrayal in on-screen, the audience cannot in any way take thier eyes off of this man, he demands attention in no way that I've seen a performance demand in years. Sorry Jack, but Ledger's Joker has surpassed Nicholson's in every way possible. Leger's mannerisms and facial expressions, not to mention his voice, cannot escape my head, that is literally all I have thought about. This man is an "Agent of Chaos", as he puts it. His greasy green hair, scarred face, and yellow teeth add to the psychotic derangement of his character. He wants Gotham to burn in every way, and its hard for the audience to know what he'll do next.

I would also like to mention that the city of Gotham actually feels like a character, in "Batman Begins" it was just a simple backdrop. In this film, the city itself is breathing, a home for corruption, evil, and insanity. The cinematography welcomes wide shots of buildings, skyscrapers and anything to make the city feel more alive. When we see Gotham at night, its truly beautiful, even if The Joker is prowling the streets.

All of the performances are first rate. Gary Oldman as Commissioner Gordon is superb, he shares as much screen time as Bale's character. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are also exceptional, serving as mentors of advice for Bruce Wayne in his darkest hours.

The film is large in scope, complexity, and plot. While it's not a hard plot to follow, it can be difficult to juggle the many sub-plots that are going on. Kudos to the tight script written by Chris Nolan and his brother.

The film is about good and evil, also about the morals of 3 good and honest men looking to stop a crazy killer with no real plan. The film echoes "Heat" and "The Departed" the most, mostly for its layered plot, and story about two men on the brink of colliding with each other. Those two men being Batman and the Joker.

It truly is a dangerous and intense thrill ride for 152 minutes, the film will likely leave viewers drained and tired afterward, but the film does fly by. What separates "The Dark Knight" from ALL the rest of the comic book films is the seriousness brought to the story. The complex nature of the characters, and what motivates them.

If you want to get into award season conversations already, this film should garner nominations for supporting actor, cinematography, makeup, original score, and directing.

I titled this article "A Flawed and Dark Masterpiece", there are two flaws in my opinion, the ferry scene at the end seemed out of place and unnecessary, but I will learn to get over it because the rest of them film is pitch perfect. Also, Harvey Dent's character arc seemed a bit rushed, but nothing to drastic.

Dark, haunting, and unforgettable, the "Dark Knight" will stay with you for weeks, as well as Heath Ledger's performance which will stick with you for a life time.

Wanted is this Summer's guilty pleasure

"Wanted"
Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie
***.5/****

The rated R Summer action flicks have been a thing of the past. In the last few years, comic book films have taken over the Summer. With "Wanted", this over the top, balls to the wall action flick hopefully will give the action genre a severe boost.

Russian director, Timur Bekmambetov is quick with his constanly moving camera, as he films all the action scenes at a high pace with no time to breathe in between. The story centers on Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) who is the standard average joe office worker who no one appreciates. His best friend is even sleeping with his girlfried. Wesley is too afraid to even say a word about it.

After Wesley's presumed dead assassin of a father is killed, an orginzation called "The Fraternity" recruits Wesley to kill the man that killed his father. Wesley believes his father to be dead 25 years ago, Fox (Jolie) explains to him that he was gun down the day before on a rooftop.

It takes some time, but Gibson is soon training in a mansion with the likes of Fox, and The Fraternity's boss, Sloan, played by Morgan Freeman. Wesley discovers that The Fraternity lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: to carry out the death orders given by emotionless Fate itself.

We see the usual action cliches, the young pupil not believing in himself, and being beaten by those training him, they ask him to curve bullets, he doesnt believe in himself, so on and so forth.

With all the cliches, and what people think would be an obvious plot, there is more to this action flick. First off, James McAvoy truly shines in this role, this actor is versatile and is now on the Hollywood A-list. Angelina Jolie has never been sexier, and is believeable in this Mr. and Mrs. Smith type role. Morgan Freeman is the leader of a group, which he has proven capable in many a film.

The special effects are excellent, the action sequences are first rate along with the directing. About an hour into the film, a few engaging twists emerge in the plot making the film even more enjoyable.

I'm not sure if I'll forget about this movie in a week, or ff I'll see it again. But one thing is for sure, I haven't had this much fun in a movie in a while.

In Bruges is an excellent dark comedy

"In Bruges"
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes
***.5/****

Colin Farrell was supposed to be the next big thing. With recent failures including Miami Vice, and Alexander, many thought Farrell would never be able to re-grasp his bad-boy image, along with his proven acting chops that go back to his debut film, Tigerland, which is also his best performance.

In Bruges is a dark-comedy/action thriller. It walks the tightrope of many different genres, and in the end, writer/director Martin McDonagh has crafted a superb buddy film about two moral hitmen.

Colin Farrell plays Ray, who is new to the hitman business. Ray botched his first assignment, and he and his partner Ken played by Brendan Gleeson are sent to hide out in Bruges for two weeks. They wait for thier boss, Harry, played by Ralph Fiennes to call with further instructions.

The film starts off in Bruges, as the two leads prove to have opposing views of the city. Ken finds its beautiful, enjoying the simple attractions and tourist festivities. Ray is miserable as he doesnt fancy the city nearly as much as Ken.
Bruges plays like a character in the film, it's a medieval town, with a gothic and fairy-tale feel.

The film starts as a buddy comedy of sorts, Ray and Ken are both handling the situation in thier own way. As the film progresses, we learn more about the guilt that Ray has and why. Gleeson is a perfect compliment to Farrell's young and fiery character, Gleeson tries to provide wisdom and ease all situations with his fatherly qualities, keep in mind these are both gangsters.

In Bruges handles the narrative like any other gangster film would, except Ray and Ken are truly three-dimensional characters. They each have thier own moral compass, and code with which they follow, fleshing out thier characters even more.

There are some interesting twists in the 2nd half that don't come across as shallow or pretentious, they progress the plot in a plausible and interesting manner.
What amazed me about the film was how it balanced itself between familiar and original work, as soon as we think we know where the film is headed, it flips the audience on its ear.

The dialogue is tremendous, as writer/director Martin McDonagh proves to be a worthy first time film-maker with an extremely promising future. The score done by Carter Burwell is also tremendous.

Getting back to Farrell, this guy was born to play this frustrated and wiery character. It also helps that the character is Irish, which Farrell obviously is in real life. After some huge misses, Farrell has re-gained his footing and will hopefully continue to do great work from here on out, I've been waiting for this type of performance out of him.

In Bruges is dark, unique, and something fresh. I enjoyed the characters company for two hours, along with the gorgeous backdrop that is Bruges. Please seek this gem out.

Upcoming Reviews...

Updated Top 10 of 2007

After re-peated viewings of my favorite films of 2007, I present my final top 10.

1. There Will Be Blood (6 viewings)
2. No Country for Old Men (5 viewings)
3. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2 viewings)
4. Into the Wild (4 viewings)
5. Zodiac (3 viewings)
6. Once (3 viewings)
7. Atonement (3 viewings)
8. Juno (2 viewings)
9. Michael Clayton (2 viewings)
10. The Bourne Ultimatum (2 viewings)

Films seen in 2008 so far

Iron Man: ***/****
Cloverfield: ***/****
The Incredible Hulk: ***/****
Recount: ***.5/****
Forgetting Sarah Marshall: ***/****
Smart People: ***/****
Stop-Loss: **/****


It's been a down year so far, although I have only given 1 film a bad review (Stop-Loss), only 1 film has surpassed 3 stars. That would be Re-Count, an HBO film about the 2000 election between George Bush and Al Gore. Many people haven't seen the film, but it's the most involving and interesting thing I've seen in 2008. Although I have missed some films I wanted to see, including In Bruges and Snow Angels are out on dvd very soon, that excites me. I've also caught up on some 2007 titles I've missed, including The Savages, and Control, both of which I gave 3 stars. The only films from 2007 that I havent seen, that appeal to me are, Charlie Wilsons War and Ratatouille (spelling?) Everything else, I have consumed

I am also sad to say that most of the Summer films that I was excited for got torn apart by critics, and therefore, I havent seen. These films include: The Happening, Speed Racer, and Indiana Jones. Things are looking bleak for this Summer, but we still have potential hits like Hancock, Wanted, Hellboy 2, Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express, and The Dark Knight.

Control (2007)

"Control"
Starring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton
***/****

Music biopics are usually hit or miss, with Control, director Anton Corbijn uses a promising young actor to carry this film. Sam Riley plays Ian Curtis, the lead singer for Joy Division. If you're into music of the 70's, or music period, you most definitely know of Ian Curtis and the band that he lead into fame long before he took his own life in 1980.

This film is a chronicle of the late Curtis, who married young, and couldn't keep together a stable marriage with his wife Debbie, played by the underrated Samantha Morton. Debbie is a caring and concerned wife, she tries to understand Ian but cannot, shes aches for some kind of emotion to come out of him, but she, nor the audience ever catches a glimpse of it.

The actor Sam Riley, truly commands the screen in this performance. He gets all the mannerism of Curtis on-stage correct, and gives this film its pulse for 120 minutes. The muted chemistry with Riley and Morton is always there, even though they share few words together, just quiet scenes that explain more with silence than dialogue.

The film is shot in black and white and for good reason. It captures the dark and somber tone of the film, as well as the working class atmosphere of Curtis's home town in England.

Control is an absorbing film, film-critic Peter Travers of Rolling Stone said that, "You don't watch this film, you live this film." That is a great way to summarize this film. During all the concert scenes, the film sucks you in, as you're isolated with Curtis, and the young actor portraying him.

My only problem with the film is that the first hour is much better than the second hour, the pacing got slower in the second hour and I felt less care for the characters by the time the film ended. Even with those flaws, Control is a good film, and one worth seeing.

The (good but not great ) Incredible Hulk

"The Incredible Hulk"
Starring: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt
***/****

The first Hulk film directed by Ang Lee back in 2003 wasnt a huge box-office success, it received a good grade among critics, but not among comic fan boys and the popcorn crowd. The film that everyone expected back in 2003, has now been released in 2008.

The franchise has received a much needed facelift, the cast and director changed, along with the pacing and scope of the story. The new Hulk looks more realistic and human, he's also meaner and much more frieghtening. Director Louis Letterier, who directed both Transporter movies, steps in the directing chair, with Ed Norton and Liv Tyler playing Bruce Banner and Betty Ross.

Norton is one of the most interesting actors in Hollywood, he has had success since the mid 90's, and is the perfect casting choice for this big-budget comic sequel. He can get people into the seats, which Eric Bana couldn't back in 03.

The story starts with fugitive scientist Bruce Banner hiding out in Brazil. He works in a labor factory where no one will notice him. Throughout the film we are updated with how long until the Hulk's last incident, as the movie opens, Banner has gone 158days without an incident.

An accident happens with Banner in the bottling factory, and his blood drops into one of the bottles being shipped. Soon, the bottles end up in the states, with a man having drunk the mixed blood from Banner with the soda. The man received Gamma poisioning and soon General Ross (Hurt) hears of the news. Ross asembles a team, headed by Emil Blonsky (Roth) to head to Brazil to detain Banner and bring him back to the States. The team fails miserably and Blonsky is the only survivor of the team, amazed at what he witnessed, the transformation of Banner into The Hulk.

Throughout the film Banner communicates with "Mr. Blue", a scientist trying to find a cure for Banner. Betty Ross, Banner's past love interest, may also have the data needed to cure Banner. The story shifts to the states, and everyone is on the tail of Banner, who has met up with Ross. They meet up with Mr.Blue played by Tim Blake Nelson, who does have the cure for Banner. When Ross's men interfere, and Banner escapes, Blonsky makes Mr.Blue inject him stuff to give him similar traits as The Hulk, he turns into "The Abomination."

The film turns into The Hulk against The Abomination, which gives way to great action sequences with impressive CGI and directing. This film reminded me of The Bourne Series and Transformers, we see a lot of Banner on the run in a lot of quick cutting scenes, and these two giants monsters battling in the streets causing carnage. A very entertaining film that hints at more Marvel genius in upcoming years.

The Swell Season

On Sunday night, The Swell Season performed to a sold out crowd at Allen Theatre in Cleveland. Coming from their Academy Award win for Best Original Song, their performance was absolutely beautiful and emotional. It was by far, one of the most memorable shows I've gone to.

In between the storytelling and jokes, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová along with their band made up of Joe Doyle (bass), Colm Mac Con Iomaire (violin), Rob Bochnik (guitar), and Johnny Boyle (drums), performed songs from Once and songs on the The Swell Season and The Frames albums.

It was a fantastic performance, Hansard is a pure talent, his vocals are filled with raw power and a relentless vulnerability.

It's nice to see the thier fanbase steadily growing. I look forward to discovering more of thier music, and I may even be seeing them perform in Chicago in mid-June (I hope)

Iron Man has enough charm and action to satisfy.

"Iron Man"
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, Shaun Toub
***/****

The summer film season begins with "Iron Man", a superhero film based off of the Stan Lee comics. John Favreau, who directed "Elf", is behind in the camera for this big-budget popcorn flick. Robert Downey Jr. plays weapons manufacturer Tony Stark, a multi-millionaire and playboy who enjoys the ladies and quick witted conversation.

Stark is charismatic, and Downey Jr. is the perfect casting choice for this role. With his slicked back hair and neatly designed goatee, Stark is the embodiement of confidence and naturalsim.

The film is basically an origin story, much like "Batman Begins," in that it shows Starks transformation into the superhero, which we don't see until 45 minutes in. In the beginning of the film, Stark is in the desert with soldiers and military personnel, trying to sell his new missle, called "Jericho."

On his way back to his plane, his convoy is attacked by terrorists, and Tony is wounded by a Stark Industries missile. Tony is captured and held hostage in a cave with Yinsen (Shaun Toub), a doctor who saves his life. The terrorists force Tony and Yinsen to reproduce the new destructive Jericho missile Tony was demonstrating from parts of other weapons. Instead, Tony decides to build a suit of armor with Yinsen's help. The suit gives Tony the strength and protection to be able to escape the terrorists.

Other supporting characters are played by Paltrow, who plays Pepper Potts, Starks assistant and love interest. Odadiah Stone, played by Jeff Bridges with his bushy beard and bald head. Who is Starks partner and eventual villian. Terrence Howard plays Air Force Lieut. Jim Rhodes, a close friend to Stark.

With all of the good performances and special effects, "Iron Man" is nothing more than the first film and starting point, in what will probably become a film trilogy. The pacing if a tad slow, and there isn't enough action. Downey Jr. has enough star power to carry the film, and Paltrow is also good, but Bridges isn't exactly an ideal villian.

"Iron Man" will surely appeal to all of its comic book fans, and any person looking for a good popcorn flick. While this doesn't rank with the first two Spidermans, or Batman Begins, its better than most comic book to film adaptations. See the film for Downey Jr. and the good CGI.

Fine performances save Smart People

"Smart People"
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page, Thomas Haden Church, Ashton Holmes
3 stars out of 4

Dennis Quaid may be one of the most un-appreciated actors of today, he's a likeable actor with solid acting chops and plenty of charisma. Quaid is usually reliable as the father figure in many of his films, he portrays that same role in "Smart People."

Quaid plays Lawrence Weatherhold, a burnt out English professor whom many of his students don't really like. Weatherhold is an intelligent man, but may be to self absorbed, much like the character of Bernard in "The Squid and the Whale." Weatherhold is also widower who still keeps the clothes of his former wife stored away in the house. His kids are played by 2007 Oscar nominee Ellen Page, who is way to busy studying for the SAT's to care about his recent accident, and Ashton Holmes, who is a college student, and who also played in "A History of Violence."

Recently, Weatherhold had an accident breaking into a parking lot. He suffered a concussion and is advised by his docter, Miranda, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, not to drive for six months. They have an instant attraction, as Miranda was his former student in her freshman year of college. Weatherhold hopes to form a relationship with Miranda, but she doesnt seem like right girl for him, maybe a casting mistake in my eyes.

The adopted-brother of Lawrence soon shows up looking for some quick cash, but he ends up being the chauffer for Lawrence. The adopted brother Chuck, is played by the wonderful Thomas Haden Church, in a much more toned down version of his "Sideways" character. Chuck is a moocher who smokes pot and drinks, he is unemployed, but adds some much needed humor to the Weatherhold home.

Pretty soon, all the dysfunctional characters are living under one roof, save for Miranda, and most of the characters learn something about themselves before the film ends. It sounds like the formula indie script, and it basically is. What made me enjoy this pleasant film were the peformances and the genuine slice of life portrayal that the film portrayed. I admit the script could have been touched up, but the performances are the main reason to see the film.

Ellen Page is the quick witted and uber intelligent Vanessa, a 17 year old who looks up to her father in an admireable way. She does fine work here, this film was actually filmed before "Juno, " but certainly will remind viewers of why she is such a promising young actress. Thomas Haden Church is solid as the supporting comedic gem, and its nice to see Sarah Jessica Parker stray from the romantic-comedy genre, and do something with a little weight to it.

"Smart People" is no masterpiece, but an indie that has clever dialogue, if only the script had room to breathe and manuever, the film could have been better. Still, I recommend the film.

Iraq War films continue to stuggle with audiences.

"Stop-Loss"
Starring: Ryan Phillippe, Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Abbie Cornish
2 stars out of 4

Director Kimberley Pierce has waited 10 years to do a film since her directing debut "Boys Don't Cry." That film told a strong story with real characters and real heart. Stop Loss has good intentions, but stumbles many times along the way.

Ryan Phillippe plays Brandon King, a Texas boy who has just returned home from duty in Iraq. Along with Brandon, other friends return to wives, girlfriends, alchohol, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Pierce starts the film with a shootout in a housing compound where several of King's men were wounded and killed. The memories of those men aren't forgotten when the troops return stateside.

The film has its own style, some may call it "The Deer Hunter" for the MTV Generation. The film is shot well, but the narrative structure is flawed. The film is supposed to be about one soldiers fight against being stop-lossed, which is the Military term for being placed back into duty after your initial service has finished.

King is the soldier who has been stop-lossed, and he soon flees with his best friends girlfriend to hotels, bars, and in search of anyone who can find a solution for him. King even thinks that a Senator in D.C. will handle the situation. Brandon ponders many solutions, Canada, Mexico, but struggles to find a true answer. He even has a run in with another soldier gone AWOL, who tells him of a man that can secretly get him into Canada, apparently there are more soldiers than people think that have been stop-lossed.

The film and its plot are interesting and thought provoking, but most of the dialogue is forgettable, and none of the characters had any emotional attachment that the audience could grasp. Ryan Phillippe is real good in his part, and Channing Tatum still needs some more work before he is cast as a true leading man. Joseph Gordon Levitt is fine, but this isn't exactly a meaty role for him.

While the film felt like it could go places at times, Stop-Loss seems thrown together and sloppy. Back to the drawing board for Pierce, and any other film maker looking to make a buck off of this topic.

In Bruges and Snow Angels

These 2 films are in limited release, and I'll probably have to drive up to Cleveland to catch both, that being said, reviews for both films are positive. In Bruges and Snow Angels looks to be the early gems of 2008

"Snow Angels"
Director:David Gordon Green

Writers (WGA):David Gordon Green (screenplay)
Stewart O'Nan (novel)

Genre:Drama
Tagline:Some will fall. Some will fly.
Plot Outline:A drama that interweaves the life of a teenager, with his old baby sitter, her estranged husband, and their daughter.

"In Bruges"
Director:Martin McDonagh

Writer:Martin McDonagh (writer)

Release Date:7 March 2008
Genre:Action / Comedy / Crime more
Tagline:Shoot first. Sightsee later.
Plot Outline:Holed up in Bruges, Belgium after a difficult job, two hit men begin to differ on their views of life and death as they become used to local customs.

DVD Releases

March 11, 2008

No Country for Old Men not only won 4 Oscars including Best Picture, but it would have been my #1 film of the year, if There Will Be Blood didn't come out in 2007. No Country for Old Men is the Coen Brothers best film, while some may argue that Fargo, or The Big Lebowski is, look no further than this Western noir. The film adapated for screen from Cormac McCarthys novel is the story of the nature of evil, death, and fate.

There has been much controversy regarding the ending, while I will not spoil it, I will only say that the ending to this movie is the only way the movie could have ended. Your average movie-goer will love 2/3 of this movie, but for critics and film junkies, this film is an instant classic. If you are un-sure of whether to buy this, try reading the novel first. The film is basically 100% faithful to the novel, save for a few minor things.

DVD Releases

March 4, 2008 DVD releases

"Into the Wild" was not only snubbed, being left out of the best picture, actor, director race, but it was not seen by many people. This film is 3rd among my top 10 of 2007 and it's a must own dvd purchase. "Into the Wild" is the true story of the young Chris McCandless who abandoned all his belongings and hitchhiked his way to Alaska to live off of the land. While the journey proved harsh and laboring, McCandless' spirit got him through grueling battles with nature. I believe there is the regular release and a special edition 2-disc while I will be purchasing. Once you put the film on, you will get lost in its beauty and emotional narrative that proves to be an exhausting, yet rewarding journey in the end.

Final Oscar Predictions

The ceremony won't be held until February 24th, but if you're into a poll, or a contest, maybe I can help you out with my predictions.

Best Picture

Will Win: No Country for Old Men
Should Win: There Will Be Blood

Best Actor

Will Win: Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
Should Win: Daniel Day-Lewis

Best Actress

Will Win: Julie Christie (Away from Her)
Should Win: Ellen Page (Juno)

Best Director

Will Win: The Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men)
Should Win: Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) or Paul Thomas Anderon (There Will Be Blood)

Best Supporting Actor

Will Win: Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
Should Win: Javier Bardem

Best Supporting Actress

Will Win: Toughest race of the night. Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There)
Should Win: Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There)

Best Original Screenplay

Will Win: Diablo Cody (Juno)
Should Win: Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton)

Best Adapted Screenplay

Will Win: The Coen Brothers (No Country for Old Men)
Should Win : Coen Brothers

There you have it, some categories are locks, including Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Director. No Country should be safe for Best Picture, but not a lock. Julie Christie looks safe for Best Actress, but look for Ellen Page or Marion Cotilliard to upset. The Best Supporting Actress race is a toss-up between three people, any of them could win.

Let your imagination set you free

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”
Starring: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Max von Sydow
3.5 stars out of 4

“The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” is the true and inspiring story of Elle editor Jean-Dominique Bauby, who at the age of 43 suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed except for his left eye. Bauby couldn’t speak, or move, but could still use his brain to function. The film directed by Julian Schnabel, is in the perspective of Bauby’s left eye most of the film, as we are left feeling claustrophobic just as Bauby is. The rare disease that occupies his body is called “locked in syndrome,” and everyone except for Bauby believes in him to overcome it.

Bauby is played by the French actor Mathieu Amalric who can be seen as the villain in the next Bond movie. In a brave and restrained performance that feels authentic and heartbreaking. Bauby’s body is trapped and he is stuck in it, much like a diver floating in the ocean. Before the stroke, Bauby was a charismatic man; he’s divorced from his wife, but still sees his 3 young children. They visit him in the hospital and comfort him on the beach for Fathers Day. Bauby is also visited by 2 nurses daily who help him write his memoir, they dictate the alphabet to him and he blinks his eye for what letter he wants. Its truly remarkable how Bauby’s spirits kept him intact and able to push through this tragedy, he uses his mind and imagination to create places he would like to go, see or experience. His envisions are breathtaking, he places himself on a beach, or skiing down a steep mountain, or floating through a vast field of weeds as a butterfly.

The direction by Julian Schnabel has garnered much attention, for its bravery and immense attention to detail. He shoots scenes with an artistic and original eye, this story is personal to him, and that’s how he treats it. Schnabel upset the Coen Brothers at the Golden Globes for best director, and his momentum should get him an Oscar nomination.

If foreign films aren’t your cup of tea, there’s a good chance that this film may be one to sway your decision. The storytelling is so real and profound that I felt like I was in Bauby’s condition. I also appreciated the respect the film-makers had for the audience. Any other film would have went down the clichéd road and tried to pry away at the audiences tear ducts with one emotional scene after another, although this film is very emotional without being pretentious, most of the film is told in a straightforward manner.

The film has been praised by critics nationwide, and made the AFI’s top 10 films of the year. It’s in limited release as of now, but may come to Youngstown after it receives several Oscar nominations.

Abrams' monster flick lives up to hype

"Cloverfield"
Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller
3 stars out of 4

All of the built up hype for this movie started when the trailer premiered infront of "Transformers" in the Summer. The marketing campaign has been great, as the actual title for the movie hadn't come out until a few months prior. "Cloverfield" is basically a monster movie for the MySpace/YouTube generation, and it worked for me. Think "The Blair Witch Project" meets "Godzilla" and that is what "Cloverfield" is. Not to say that I didn't like it, it was very entertaining, and at times scary.

The film succeeds mainly because of the vision of the film's producer, J.J Abrams, who also created the hit tv series Lost. Abrams and director Matt Reeves create likeable characters, none mainstream, and thrust them into the destruction and chaos of one night in New York City. The film introduces us to the main character Rob, he's moving to Japan for business, as his friends throw a going away party for him a few nights before his departure. There are other characters, the comedic guy, the brother,and the love interest. All are surprised when an earthquake, or so we think erupts in Manhattan causing buildings to collapse along with the head of the Statue of Liberty. We learn that its actually a gigantic monster and as one military commander says, "We don't know what it is, but it's winning."

The film follows this band of friends through streets, tunnels, and buildings in search of survival and a subplot involving Rob's love interest. The most interesting thing about the film isn't the monster, it's the way the film is shot. Everything is seen through a videocamera, as one of the characters is taping everything that is going on. The feeling may turn off viewers, as the camera work is shaky,and confusing at times, but it worked for me. It feels very real as the destruction occurs, almost strangely reminiscent to the 9/11 attacks. This film may rub New Yorkers the wrong way, but as a monster film to kick off the new year, "Cloverfield" works.

Oscar Predictions

Best Picture
No Country for Old Men-The only lock thus far and the frontrunner
There Will Be Blood-To big and too good to be ignored
Juno-The underdog
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly-Getting some great love at the right time
Michael Clayton-Most likely to not make it out of this bunch

Alternate-Atonement,Into the Wild
Long Shot-Sweeney Todd

Best Director
Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men)
Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood)
Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)
Sean Penn (Into the Wild)
Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton)

Alternate-Joe Wright (Atonement) Tim Burton (Sweeney Todd)

Best Actor
Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)
Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd)
George Clooney (Michael Clayton)
Viggo Mortenson (Eastern Promises)
Denzel Washington (American Gangster)

Alternate-James McAvoy (Atonement) Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild)

Best Actress
Julie Christie (Away from Her)
Ellen Page (Juno)
Marion Cotilliard (La Vie En Rose)
Angelina Jolie (A Mighty Heart)
Keira Knightley (Atonement)

Alternate-Amy Adams (Enchanted) Laura Linney (The Savages)

Best Supporting Actor
Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men)
Casey Affleck (The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford)
Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild)
Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Charlie Wilsons War)
Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton)

Alternate-Tommy Lee Jones (No Country for Old Men)

Best Supporting Actress
Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There)
Amy Adams (Gone Baby Gone)
Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton)
Catherine Keener (Into the Wild)
Ruby Dee (American Gangster)

Top 10 of 2007

Of the 40 movies I saw in theatres this past year, I can easily say that 2007 has been the best year for films since 1999. There was so much ambition, depth, and intelligent writing to go around the whole year. Although the better films didn't come along till November-December, there were many great movies that no one saw early in the year. Here is my list of the 10 best movies of 2007, and some honorable mentions. Keep in mind that there are a few films I haven't seen that could've made this list including "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"- "The Savages", and "The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford."

10. Gone Baby Gone-Many critics appreciated Ben Affleck's debut film, but I really found it engaging and thought-provoking. Afflecks uses his knowledge of his childhood city Boston, to create a gritty and realistic version of crime a small neighborhood. With a solid cast, and good performances from Amy Ryan,Casey Affleck, and Ed Harris, Gone Baby Gone has a conclusion that is intriguing and hard to shake. Good work Ben.


9. Michael Clayton-First time director Tony Gilroy feels like a veteran in this corporate thriller that boasts an involving and a thinker of a plot. George Clooney gives one of his top performances as an in house fixer for a big time law firm. When things get messy Clooney's character is called upon to clean up the mess. The consistent Tom Wilkinson and the underrated Tilda Swinton also provide nomination worthy performances in this excellent film. The last shot of the film is also noteworthy, while many were walking out of the theatre during it, I still felt as if the film was playing out.


8. The Bourne Ultimatum-The years fastest film, is also one of the best action movies of this decade. Director Paul Greengrass raises the bar with this great and involving spy chase film. While some hated the rapid and jerky handheld camera work, it didn't bother me and it made the film even better. Matt Damon is really restrained in his performance, very little dialogue, but his facial expressions are more telling than words, these films are going to continue to get him great work.


7. Juno- Juno has a lot going for itself, its the year's best written comedy, and also shows off some of this years most surprising performances. The young and mature actress plays Ellen Page, plays a smart and sarcastic teen who gets pregnant on accident and gives the baby to an adopting couple. Some people hated the original and cathcy dialogue, but it worked perfectly with Juno's character and attitude. Also, look for maybe Jennifer Garners best performance. With a great soundtrack and a cuddly story, Juno is a real winner that will appeal to most audiences.


6. Atonement-This film actually caught me off guard, sure it received good reviews but when I walked into it, I didn't think I'd like it this much. After seeing it twice within 5 days, the story and the scope of the film really stuck with me. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy play lovers seperated by war and a lie told by a young girl played by 3 different actresses. Director Joe Wright uses great visuals and an great score to tell this story of loss and regret, Atonement is excellent.


5. Zodiac-This is director David Finchers most mature and involving work. He has made a living doing dark films, and Zodiac is no different. The film chronicles the history of the Zodiac killer seen through the eyes of a handful of characters. The film is methodical in its run time of 158 minutes, but I was never bored. This is more of procedural and wordy film rather than a scary retelling of the Zodiac murders. Robert Downey Jr gives another great performance,as well as Gyllenhaal and Mark Ruffalo. This film will stick with you for weeks.


4. Once-Appearing in critics top 10 lists is this gem of a movie. Once is the story of two lost lovers who meet in Dublin and connect by writing, singing,and sharing the art of music with eachother. Many people classify this as a musical, its simply a film with music in it that thrives on being charming and honest. Once will make you smile for 90 minutes as you get involved in the songs and lives of these two people.


3. Into the Wild-Easily the years most emotional film, telling of an idealistic and romantic youth who hits the road and hitchhikes to Alaska to live off of the land. Emile Hirsch defines breakthrough performance, and Hal Holbrook is truly heartbreaking. Director Sean Penn proves that he can direct, as this story pulls you in and proves to be beautiful, poetic, and gut-wrenching. Into the Wild is truly a cinematic experience that is worth taking if you can handle the final destination.


2. No Country for Old Men-The Coen. Brothers have made there best film with this literary adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name. This film tells of a chase in Texas involving interesting characters and themes of death,fate,and greed. Javier Bardem's performance is truly frightening as the face of death. Tommy Lee and Josh Brolin are also great. There isnt a dull or boring scene in this involving and suspenseful crime drama. Every shot, word spoken, and action means something in the end, with a lot under the surface, No Country for Old Men is truly a masterpiece that will haunt you.


1. There Will Be Blood-The years biggest, most ambitious film, is also the best film in a GREAT year of films. There Will Be Blood is the story of career oil man Daniel Planview, played by the best living actor Daniel Day-Lewis, in a seismic and larger than life performance. Plainview's story is also the story of the maturing of America through business,religion,ambition,and greed. When you talk about perfection and overall originality, this film along with No Country for Old Men seperate themselves from almost all of the films I have seen since 2000. There Will Be Blood is many things, it's a fascinating and terrifying character study, it's a dark and strange horror film, it's a drama, and ultimately it's an odyssey into the darkest sides of a human being ever shown of screen. Director P.T Anderson doesn't fail after all of the initial hype and praise. The cinematography by Jack Fisk shows the epic and young landscapes of the early oil days and long after. The haunting score by Johnny Greenwood perfectly captures the mood of this film, and the ending, wow that ending.... This film is in limited release, but please drive to a major city and let this film take you over.


Honorable Mention: All of these films are worthy of being in my top 10,but just so many great films this year.

-Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
-Before the Devil Knows Your Dead
-3:10 to Yuma
-Knocked Up
-28 Weeks Later
-In the Valley of Elah
-American Gangster
-Walk Hard:The Dewey Cox Story

Worth Noting: These films were also good by not quite on par with my honorable mention selection.

-Waitress
-I'm Not There
-Away from Her
-Rescue Dawn
-Eastern Promises
-Paris Je T'aime
-Superbad

Worst movie of the year
-Spiderman 3

Torn by lies and war

“Atonement”
Starring: Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave
4 stars out of 4

“Atonement” is a lush and intimate period piece directed by Joe Wright, it’s based off of the novel of the same name written by Ian McEwan. This epic film tells the story of three lives destroyed by a simple lie that was told at a dinner party in England in 1935. The two main leads are played by Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis the oldest daughter of a wealthy family, and her lover Robbie Turner who plays the educated son of the family housekeeper. They are flirty around the house when the film starts, but there relationship is seen as something else by Cecilia’s jealous sister Briony, who has a teenage crush on older Robbie. The character of Briony is played by 3 different actresses throughout the film, due to the time shifting structure and her aging character. She is also a writer and a very good one at that, the film uses the harsh pounding off a type-writer to build suspense in many scenes.

One night Briony walks in on Cecilia and Robbie making love in there library, she sees it as something else and makes up her mind quickly of what she wanted to see. Her jealously overwhelms her and she goes on a rant about how Robbie is deceiving and sexually aggressive. Later that night something happens that Briony can use as leverage to get rid of Robbie, he ends up going to prison and Cecilia is left without her love, due to a childish lie.

The film jumps 4 years into the future, and each character is now in a new setting. Robbie is a soldier in the war, after choosing duty instead of prison. Cecilia is a trained nurse who consistently writes Robbie, and Briony is older, feeling the weight and guilt of the lie she told when she was 13. Each character weaves in and out, but the truth remains evident to all that Briony’s lie has changed everything. Robbie is seeing the broken world during World War II, Cecilia is awaiting his freedom, and Briony is a training nurse looking for redemption for her actions. As the films moves on, the story builds to a shattering conclusion due to one lie.

This is a great and involving film; the visuals are breathtaking and are always great to look at, the acting of Knightley and McAvoy are nomination worthy, and the dynamic character of Briony done by 3 different actresses is truly noteworthy. “Atonement” is more of a technical achievement than anything, the directing is crisp and vivid, the music is vast and epic, and the overall achievement is a great film that will garner many nominations as the Oscars. This is definitely a must-see, it runs at 130 minutes and all of those minutes are needed to tell this story of deceit, love, and war.

The pacing is slow at times, but there are so many revealing and exciting scenes that are truly riveting. The film also makes great usage of the word c-u-n-t, which I found humorous. I don’t think I would classify this as a chick-flick, it’s definitely comparable to other war, love stories, but there was something different and unique about this film. “Atonement” is just beautiful to watch play out, all of the characters are made of skin and bone and feel very real. I underestimated this film before I walked in, the last 10 minutes are going to floor you, and I only encourage people to look for this movie.

Hard to describe, but easy to love

“There Will Be Blood”
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Dillon Freasier
4 stars out of 4

Director PT Andersons 5th film is a gigantic sprawling epic that places him amongst the best filmmakers in Hollywood. The film tells of the earliest days of the oil business from 1898 to 1927, seen through the eyes of a heartless oil man named Daniel Plainview played by the extraordinary Daniel Day-Lewis, who most will recognize from his work in “Gangs of New York.” This is Anderson’s most mature and ambitious film to date, with works such as “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia” behind him.

The film is gigantic in scope, and large on themes of capitalism, religion, and greed. It’s also a character study of one of the most ruthless characters even seen on the big screen. The character of Daniel Plainview is a monster, his goal and only goal is to make enough money with his oiling business, so that he can get away from everybody. He has a 9 year old adopted son named H.W, played by child actor Dillon Freasier, they both get word of rich land in an area called Little Boston in California, where oil is flowing, and where big money can be made. Plainview promises the townspeople riches and soon brings in some men to erect machines and start drilling.

Throughout the film, Plainview is at odds with a local preacher named Eli Sunday, played by Paul Dano from “Little Miss Sunshine”. Sunday thinks he is a prophet and a healer; and he wants money from Plainview to build a church. They’re greedy ambitions collide in scene after scene, leaving the audience feeling uncomfortable and unsettled. Dano really could have a better shot at a nomination if he wasn’t completely overshadowed by the monstrous work of Daniel Day-Lewis, Dano does well in each scene with him, but you’re re only paying attention to DDL. Another subplot also arises with a half brother that comes to the town, seeking a relationship with Plainview; it builds and escalates into the theme of family which the film speaks upon.

The film is in limited release as of now, but is creating a whirl wind of buzz and optimism from almost anyone who has seen it. This is the kind of movie that isn’t made anymore; an intelligent and enthralling epic that includes a character that nobody would ever want to come into contact with. Plainview possesses a stare, or even a laugh that rivals the chills that any horror movie could give you. The score for the movie is done by guitarist Johnny Greenwood from the band Radiohead; it’s haunting and mysterious at the same time.

2007 has been the best year for movies since 1999, and I can honestly say that “There Will Be Blood” is the best that 2007 has to offer, with “No Country for Old Men” falling slightly behind. This film is a poetic and haunting portrayal of what greed and power can do to a human being, Daniel Day-Lewis is a lock for best actor at the Oscars, and this movie is a lock for a best picture nomination. If you’re in the mood for a deep, deranged, and oddly satisfying masterpiece, please seek this great film out.

There is so much more to say about this movie, PT Anderson is just a genius, this is such a departure from anything he has ever done. This film is art, it compares to Kubrick, Malick, and the works of others. Wait till you see the performance from Daniel Day-Lewis, words don’t come to mind, just scenes from the movie that had me glued to his face. His mannerisms, along with the way he carries himself are truly noteworthy, this man IS the devil.

The film runs at 158 minutes, but every scene contributes to this work of PT Anderson, he shoots this oil town in Little Boston as the beginning of a new time in history, the audience feels like they’re watching the development of early life, that’s how real it is. The landscapes and set pieces are all vivid and blossomed with detail; everything is alive and pumping with oil, even the heart of Daniel Plainview.

There is much to say and I am rambling at this point, I can only say that I have to see this movie again, I haven’t even covered everything that I want to say. A lot of average movie goers are going to hate this movie, movie buffs and film fanatics will love this, I guess that is what makes this film “art” and not just a movie. This film will make you sick, make you think, make you fall in the love with the idea of making a great film and reading of the praise, such as what I am writing now. PT Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis are Gods, and this movie will be talked about for many many years. What an achievement and a un-precedented original work this is.

All films seen in 2007

Still waiting on There Will Be Blood, Atonement, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfuly.. but here is everything I have seen.

Alpha Dog 2/4
Smokin Aces 2.5/4
300 2.5/4
Reign Over Me 2.5/4
Disturbia 3/4
Zodiac 4/4
Oceans 13 3/4
Knocked Up 3.5/4
28 Weeks Later 3.5/4
Transformers 3/4
Breach 3/4
Waitress 3/4
Live Free or Die Hard 2/4
1408 3/4
Spiderman 3 2/4
The Bourne Ultimatum 3.5/4
The Lookout 3/4
Once 4/4
Paris J' Taime 3/4
Rescue Dawn 3/4
Superbad 3/4
3:10 to Yuma 3.5/4
The Kingdom 3/4
In the Valley of Elah 3.5/4
Michael Clayton 3.5/4
Gone Baby Gone 3.5/4
Dan in Real Life 3/4
Into the Wild 4/4
30 Days of Night 2/4
American Gangster 3.5/4
No Country for Old Men 4/4
Away From Her 3/4
Sweeney Todd:The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 3.5/4
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead 3.5/4
Juno 3.5/4
Walk Hard;The Dewey Cox Story 3.5/4
I'm Not There 3/4
Eastern Promises 3/4