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

Oscar Predictions

*=Winner

Best Picture

Brokeback Mountain*

Munich

King Kong

Walk the Line

Goodnight and Goodluck

Darkhorse-History of Violence

Outside Shot-Crash

Best Director

Ang Lee*

Steven Spielberg

Peter Jackson

George Clooney

Woody Allen

Darkhorse-James Mangold

Outside Shot-Fernando Meirelles

Best Actor

Heath Ledger

Philip Seymour Hoffman*

Russell Crowe

Joaquin Pheonix

David Strathairn

Darkhorse-Terrence Howard

Outside Shot-Eric Bana

Best Actress

Felicity Huffman

Reese Witherspoon*

Keira Knightly

Charlize Theron

Naomi Watts

Darkhorse-Q'Orianka Kilcher

Outside Shot-Gwyneth Paltrow/Joan Allen

Best Supporting Actor

Matt Dillon

Paul Giamatti*

George Clooney

Jake Gyllenhall

Daniel Craig ???

Darkhorse-Peter Sarsgaard

Outside Shot-Jeffrey Wright

Best Supporting Actress

Scarlett Johansson

Rachel Weisz

Mario Bello

Michelle Williams*

Catherine Keener

Darkhorse-Frances McDormand

Outside Shot-Anne Hathaway

What is the price of Oil ?

"Syriana"
Starring:George Clooney, Matt Damon. Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Amanda Peet, Christopher Plummer, Alexander Siddig
4 stars out of 4

"Syriana" is an extremely complicated think piece asking dozens of questions. Keeping track of characters, places, and reasons I imagine would be similar to solving a cinema rubix cube. The film is more than a great movie, and one of this year's best, it breathes life into your imagination. I can't ever remember the last time I frequently checked my cell phone to see what time it was during the movie, not because I wanted it to be over, but wishing it would never end. That's what kind of movie this is, don't pay attention to hard or you will lose your mind.

An extraordinary ensemble cast molds "Syriana" into serious Oscar consideration. Very few films I appreciate with heavy dialogue, this is certainly one of them. It's the kind of movie where you can't describe the cast as characters, but as key players. Oil is the epicenter of all the 4 intersecting story lines. We are asked, along with everyone in the film, what is the price of oil? Scheming, lying, cheating, murder, stealing..... are all bold ways of getting to the top of the food chain of the fight for oil and power.

George Clooney is fantastic as Bob Barnes, a CIA veteran who we first meet in Tehran, Iran. He shares the spotlight with every other character, but we see him as the central character. Barnes throughout the film inches closer and closer, to figuring out his own purpose, and the ways of his superiors at the CIA. He does all the dirty work, bringing down foriegn threats, or messing up a missle deal that forms another storyline involving a young teenage Pakistani.

Matt Damon is an energy analyst out of Geneva, married to Amanda Peet, has two kids, and is happy with life. Damon's Bryan Woodword along with family face an un-imaginable tragedy early on, but Woodword finds redemption and hope when he shuns his family and advises a idealistic Gulf Prince. This Gulf Prince, played by Alexander Siddig is absolutely fascinating, we are not sure what his plans are, but we fear him, he has an immediate stare of determination towards any goal, and Damon is his main-man. Woodword at one point is actually in the middle of the desert with Prince Nasir delivering great dialogue about what the business world think's about Nasir. Damon is an honest character, he is another character we can't really figure out, his motives are cloudy to the audience, we can't figure out if we like him or not.

The slimy players arise in the subplot mainily involving Jeffrey Wright, an up and coming corporate lawyer, Wright is caught up in an investigation of the merger of two oil companies. Connex and Killen oil, Chris Cooper represents Connex oil, and will stop at nothing to see the merger go as planned. Wright plays Bennett Holliday, his storyline involves his dad showing up at his door step at random times, this small sub-plot isn't needed. Bennett is the kind of character that can bring balance to his firm and others if he does his job right.

"Syriana" is endlessly intriguing, and always interesting. Stephen Gaghan is at the helm here, he also wrote "Traffic", if that was found complicated and dense, you will never find your footing in this one. The thing is, there is so much information to digest, that I only imagine a second viewing being better than the first viewing. The funny thing is, with a second viewing I could probably add another 250-400 words to this review.

At a time in Hollywood, when we are not exposed to films like this often, it is grealy appreciated when an effort by Gaghan and his cast can produce a winning struggle like this. I'm anxious to see what this does down the road, come Oscar time. Many of the actors will be discussed as supporting actor and actress, I only wish that this gets best Picture, and Director nods. Two or three downfalls to mention.... Would have loved 25-30 more minutes added to the film, replace the Pakistani teenager storyline with more weight, or just get rid of it, scrath Bennett's alcoholic father part.

If "Traffic" can get the nominations that it garnered, "Syriana" CERTAINLY can, especially in a fairly weak year of film, in my opinion.... "Syriana" doesnt surpass my favorite film of the year "Crash", but it should end up in my top 3 of the year when it's all said and done....

Joaquin "cashes" in

"Walk the Line"
3 and a 1/2 stars out of 4
Starring: Joaquin Pheonix, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Patrick

Not being a Johnny Cash listener or fan may shy people away from a film dedicated to his work, his love, and his life. It would be a shame to deny the power and dedication put forth on the screen by the two leads. Joaquin Pheonix and Reese Witherspoon truly become who they are portraying, Pheonix as "the man in black," Johnny Cash, and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter.

"Walk the Line" directed by James Mangold is alive in every sense of the word, it surpasses last year's "Ray" which chronocled the life of Ray Charles. Don't get me wrong, Jamie Foxx was nothing short of brilliant in his performance as Charles, but when breaking down Joaquin Phoenix's performance certain words like life-like, real, vivid, and determined jump out at you. You also have to figure in that Pheonix did all of his singing unlike the Oscar winner Foxx.

Reese Witherspoon is a revelation as June Carter, also doing her own singing, this is the best work Witherspoon has ever done and she's a shoe-inn for her first Oscar nomination. Reese becomes a lightning rod for Joaquin's character, in a way that is actually quite scary. After all, Reese is from Nashville, and her Southern affect is flawless and absolutely winning.

The film starts off examining a young Johnny, or J.R as his family called him. He looks up to his older brother Jack, and is looked down upon by his demanding and alcoholic father, who picks cotton for a living. A tragic event happens that we know will send Johnny's life in a tail-spin. Years later he would join the Air-Force in Germany and record his first song, we are then shown his rise to fame with Sun Records in Memphis, where he recorded alongside Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

The subtle romance for Johnny and June starts off when they are touring with the rest of the guys, that is when Johnny is introduced to drug addiction, he eventually goes on a downword spiral, and loses his first wife. Although Cash's father (played with merciless precision by Robert Patrick) eventually does sober up, it is June's family that saves Johnny. They take a chance on there daughters best friend, and true love.

"Walk the Line" is a testament to Hollywood that says: "If your going to do a film about real people, this is how you do it." If Hollywood will listen, and more performances and scripts can can be as real as this, then we as viewers are in for tasty cinema treats in the future. James Mangold and his two glorious leads are all sure fire Oscar nominations, with talent to spare. "Walk the Line " is a portrait of a singer who bled and sweat into his music.

Vintage Cage

"The Weather Man"
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, Hope Davis

I have seen 3 movies this weekend, that is a personal best for me, only of one them depicts the world that the characters live in perfectly and realistically. "Weather Man" is a simple story of a basic man, that wants to touch base with life. David Spritzer (Cage) divorced, maybe depressed, making an honest $200,000 a year as a Chicago weatherman seeks more in life. Michael Caine plays his father Robert, a genuine, pleasent, and succesful man that is quiet nowadays, it's not that he looks down upon his son, he just wants more for him.

David owns the goofy haircut that drags down his persona in social Chicago life, he is locally often noticed as "that weather man." David is tired of getting food thrown at him, not just food, but fast food, he explains "it is useful, but not nourishable." Cage's narration as his pathetic character adds miles of depth to his character, it yields all hope of progress of hope, personal success and family security. That is all David cares about, he wants to mend past difference with his wife Noreen (Davis) by making the kids happy, and by going to classes with her, things turn out bad when a group activity goes wrong and causes much held back tension by Noreen. The good thing is that David gets along with his kids, one son Mike who is looked upon sexually by an adult, I didn't understand this subplot, but not that big of a problem for me. His overweight 12 year old daughter Shelly is called "cameltoe" at school, but she think's it a compliment. Shelly smokes and is in-decisive, David just wants to buy her clothes, bring her to archery classes, which becomes more of a hobby for him than her.

The movie is about lost family, with a chance to get it back, just that one shot to do something about it, making it right at all costs. This isn't a tearjerker, it takes an odd approach to the theme of family redemption, mainly because it's a comedy. I actually laughed out loud 5 or 6 times,Cage is so good at playing these types of characters, there is an outside chance of a nomination for him. Michael Caine is also very good as the overseer and glue to the family, he informs everyone of whats going on with everyone in the family.

"Weather Man" directed by Gore Verbinski was such a pleasent surprise, I will recommend it to anyone who liked "About Schmidt" and films along those lines. There were some very deep scenes, some very funny scenes, and an emotional sense of realism. Cage's David knows what he wants, but is so good at messing it up, it's not his fault, he actually believes his divorces was caused by his lack to remember an order of tartar sauce for the weekly family dinner when he was still married. That is the kind of humor this is, Cage isn't shooting for greatness, he is being himself with a great script. I cannot even give this a rating, because I do not want to give it 3 1/2 stars, I think it defines itself as existing as between 3 1/2 stars and 4.

The other two movies that I saw this weekend were....

"Saw II"-3 stars
"In Her Shoes"-3 stars

November-January = a critics heaven

It is only October 30th..... There have only been a handful of worthy films that will be up for Oscars, and a handful and a half may be to much to give credit for right now... You may have Crash... Cinderella Man... North Country.. Capote... Goodnight and Goodluck....that's all I can really think of right now....

Now right now I will go ahead, and predict my 5 best picture nominations for the Academy Awards..... here they are... and reasons why... My goal is to predict 3/5 correct... here I go....

"Jarhead"-(mirror of our war right now, focuses on Desert Storm, a war that gave every soldier blue balls, WILL be directed with poignancy by Sam Mendes(A.Beauty, Road to Perdition) he's familiar with the Oscar scene, has a GREAT cast on his side with two of the most underrated actors going right now.(Jake Gyllenhaal, and Peter Sarsgaard) Has Chris Cooper and Jamie Foxx on board, both having prior Oscar success.

"Munich"- I absolutely know nothing of this story other then it is being driected by S.Spielberg, it's a true story, and it's a drama. If you throw those 3 elements into a hat, you basicaly have a best picture nomination. This will be there in the end.

"Walk the Line"- Although Ray was a decent film, I didn't realy care for it, it didn't deserve a Best Picture nomination lastyear, Ray along with Finding Neverland robbed Closer of a nomination. But Walk the Line starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon chronicling the life of Johnny Cash and his wife, I think will be more powerful then Ray, a better love story with more depth and less jumping around of the story. Phoenix is one of those guys who is STILL under the radar, there is something about him, and he will break out of his supporting character label here, and maybe win a best actor trophy. I like it's chances to get a best pic. nod.

My next prediction is stricly boom or bust, it will either shoot through the roof or be a major dud. the next one is....

"The New World"- Terrence Malick's depiction of the romance between John Smith and Pocahontas with a side dish of violence COULD be great. Although the last plate of epic movies have mostly been duds i.e "Alexander" "Troy" and "Kingdom of Heaven." The scary thing is, the 3 directors of those previous duds are all fantastic directors, truly great ones. Now, Terrence Malick doesn't make too many movies, I haven't even see the ones that he does make, all I know is that he made "The Thin Red Line," about Vietnam and it was up for best picture. I also know that it was very poetic and hard to digest. With Colin Farrell, Christian Bale on board, you GOTTA believe that this could be good stuff, I think it will be "The Last Samurai" meets "Last of the Mohicans." The set design i trust will be spectacular, the acting will be there, I think there will be some brutal violence, that gives it some realism around those times, but I just hope I end up appreciating more of Farrell's work by the time the movie ends.

"Syriana" - I don't know much about this also, but the trailer was spell-binding, it includes Clooney and Matt Daman, the screenwriter of Traffic wrote and directed it.

If I had to pick my next five in order of it's chances, I would pick.....
1.Memoirs of a Geisha
2.North Country
3.Capote
4.Goodnight and Goodluck
5.Crash

Exceptional work by this cast

“North Country”
Starring: Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand, Sissy Spacek, Sean Bean, Woody Harrelson, Richard Jenkins
4 stars out of 4


Very few movies have moved me this year; “North Country” is one of those few. There are so many positives for this production under Niki Caro to dish out. Niki Caro isn’t new to the Oscar scene; her teenage lead in 2003’s “Whale Rider” was the youngest girl to ever earn an Oscar nomination. With “North Country”, Charlize Theron has an unbelievable chance to garner her second nomination in three years; her first nomination was taken to the bank as she won for her vicious portrayal of female serial killer Aileen Wournos in “Monster.”

It’s very odd, I hardly want to take credit away from Niki Caro for her earnest depiction of female miners in the late 80’s, but I feel like this was Theron’s show from start to finish, in other words Theron made this film possible with her extensive screen dominance.

You may also not find a better ensemble cast the rest of this year, I can’t decide which cast was better between this and “Crash” but they’re both excellent achievements. Even though I liked “Crash” better, this should have much more going for it come Oscar time, Theron and McDormand should both grab nominations, the fact that this is similar to “Erin Brockovich,” definitely helps it’s chances to snag a best picture nomination, and maybe directing.

Now to the fascinating story, Theron plays Josey Aimes, single mom who can’t even tell her kids who there father is, now that may be because she doesn’t know, or because she’s afraid to tell them, the answer to that question is important in the latter part of the thick running time. Aimes seeks work after leaving her home from her abusive husband, she straps her two kids along who are wiser then they look. Josey unfortunately lives a life where she can come to her parents’ house with bruises, and her father insists that it was her fault for getting beaten. Her past has been filled with negative moments; one most remembered was her pregnancy at the age of 16 which is the reason for her father (Richard Jenkins) to shun her. Josey just wants to get rid of her past and start over with her two kids, first she needs money to buy a house of her own, and pay for it on her own, and take care of her kids…. on her own, we like her so much in this.



Josey’s friend Glory (McDormand) who is currently working at the mines in North Country suggests Josey get a job there and actually earn the money that her dad makes. The mines are no place for a woman to be, everyone in the town knows this, even Josey’s dad, who is embarrassed and ashamed that his only child will be working among him, along with the dozens of ignorant men who destroy the decency of the women daily. One of the men is Bobby Sharp, someone who ignored Josey in high school when she needs him the most, he has no respect for her, but why should he, that is what the mines are made of.

Day by day, each of the 5 or 6 women that are employed are harassed, embarrassed, and the worst thing is working daily in the claustrophobic world of mining in Minnesota. They are even looked down upon by the big wigs of the there company, who give them the chance of resigning immediately instead of filing a sufficient report.

A world is turned upside down for the lonely Josey, whose oldest child has totally turned his back on his mother, she is constantly humiliated in public, for basically anything by anyone, how could a child not hate his mother. The extremely underrated Sean Bean who plays Glory’s husband, has an important scene with her son (Sammy) about how he can hate his mom all he wants, Bean says everything with reason and commitment in this scene and he arranges Sammy to come back home to Josey, with love not hate.

My word counting is nearing 700 and I’m not done yet, I haven’t mentioned Woody Harrelson, no one has mentioned him for years, and he does justice with his fitting role as Josey’s lawyer who guides her through this ferocious landmark case. He tells her straight to her face that he is taking the case just because it’s the first sexual harassment case in history; they both know there is no hope. My writing is reaching such sloppiness at this point, but I was totally blindsided by this emotional ode to brave women who fought for there cause of safety, comfort, and justice.

An irrelevant dud

"Elizabethtown"
Starring: Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, Alec Baldwin
2 1/2 stars out of 4


When someone is talking about cinema miscalculations, they’re mentioning failures, fiascos, and total disappointments. “Elizabethtown” is one of those miscalculations; it misfires on so many levels it turns agonizing to keep watching. Director Cameron Crowe, who is responsible for such titles as “Jerry Maguire, “Almost Famous, and “Vanilla Sky,” has created a collage of all different movies with “Elizabethtown.”

Orlando Bloom who can finally step out of his routine role as an elf, or swashbuckling hero, had the chance to turn a corner with this role. Bloom plays Drew Baylor, the kind of person whose cell phone is there life. Drew works for a shoe-making company in Oregon, he has created a new model called Spasmodica, and Drew’s boss quickly informs him that his model will cost the company 972 million dollars, along with Drew being fired. Drew looks to suicide in a comical way as he attaches a knife to a workout bike by controling how fast the knife will go once the machine is moving, kinda funny. A mild interruption arises when Drew’s sister calls him with bad news, “Dad died,” she emotionally exclaims.

A trip to Elizabethtown, Kentucky is now in the cards for Drew, he must go there for the first time to visit his Dad’s side of the family, and convince them into cremating his Dad.
After hopping on a Redeye, Drew remains weak, tired, frustrated and the last thing he wants is interaction. On the flight he meets a quirky stewardess named Claire Colburn, (Kirsten Dunst) she asks way to many questions for the emotionally ailing Drew to even fathom. Claire speaks in an eager language, full of advice, sayings, and perky ballyhoo. After the flight, they part ways and she gives him directions to Elizabethtown as if it’s the center of the world and it’ll be easy to find, but it’s not.

Drew finally arrives and breathes in the world that his father loved. Elizabethtown isn’t just a city; it’s full of simple pleasures, where a man can enjoy his family, a city full of proximity, tradition, and probably not many 4 star hotels. During his stay, Drew makes discoveries about his father and his family that are mostly positive. He goes through all night conversations with Claire, who gives him insight, and they form a relationship that is too confusing to define.

“Elizabethtown” is Cameron Crowe’s experience, something like this supposedly happened to him, and that’s why we trust him so much with the story. There isn’t much emotional activity going on here, Bloom isn’t bad in the role, but he’s plain, you would think a better chemistry would form between him and Claire, their relationship doesn’t extend beyond the word “cute.” Although there are some positives, the dry humor, the exceptional soundtrack and the acting, the plot doesn’t turn out challenging enough. Drew is sent on a mission to his father’s hometown to decide whether to bury him or cremate him, he meets the other side of the family along with Claire, and he somehow finds emotional stability by acting cute, friendly, and confusing. All of that wasn’t enough for me, I wanted personal victories for Drew, I wanted more then what the end had to offer, these characters deserved more.

Instead we are brought along for this supposed emotional journey, which left me unsatisfied, semi-interested, and disappointed. Crowe is so good with simple stories of love, families, hope and loss. He falls flat on his face here and hopefully he will learn from the shortcomings of this and move on. The small town USA theme isn’t captured too well, along with Crowe’s views on emotional security saved by a young woman; we saw that in the fabulous “Garden State.”

The cast didn’t gel well at all; Crowe usually gives his performing cast wealthy screen time and moments but ceases to capture the talent that he had on his side. From here I don’t know where Crowe stands, he had 2 gems with “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous”, and before “Elizabethtown”, “Vanilla Sky” wasn’t received well by critics, even though I liked it. Films are definitely not made for the critics, Crowe for one definitely know this, but when he pitches two donuts to the critics in 4 years he must be worried no matter what anyone says about him. Even though it’s only October, I am worried that the outcome for the whole 2005 movie season will not even equal the parts of last December. CAN’T WAIT FOR JARHEAD!


NOTE- 2 1/2 stars is bad for a Cameron Crowe movie.

Flawed, but slick and entertaining

"Two for the Money"
Starring: Al Pacino,Matthew McConaughey, Rene Russo, Jeremy Piven, and Armand Assante'
3 stars out of 4


Al Pacino is so great at playing the boss, the manipulative mentor that sees all the moves before they are played out. In "Two for the Money" Pacino stars as Walter Abraham a tycoon in the gambling world of football. McConaughey plays Brandon Lang a new hot shot who had his chance to play pro-ball until he underwent a career changing injury during a bowl game.

6 years later Brandon is working with a 900 -number company, he gets lucky one day when asked to fill in for the companies sports handicapper. Just asked to put the bets on a recorder , Brandon ends up soaring at making his own recordings, he is so quick at having 9 winners a week out of 11 that he eventually gets recognized by Abraham and is asked to fly to New York for an interview.

McConaughey is such a bright and talented face, it's impossible to resist his charm and charisma as an actor, he doesn't come across as cocky, but he isn't boring by any means. "All he does is work out and pick winners," Walter mentions to Tony (Russo) as if Brandon is the newest, most undiscovered treasure in the world. As you can guess, Brandon is recruited by Walter and will be the hottest new voice on the telephones over at Walter's gambling headquarters. We see the first floor of the building as a starting point, new beginnings for Brandon, just as long as he picks 75% winners a week, he'll be fine.


Walter and Brandon are transformed into best friends, but Tony can see that both are on a collision course. Tony isn't a trophy wife, she seems more like a good friend to Walter than a wife. Thier relationship is confusing, but it's still believeable as a marriage. The stakes get bigger when Walter turns Brandon Lang into John Anthony, the only difference is a haircut, a few new suits, and gallons of hair goop. John Anthony is Walter's version of what a true sports handicapper should look like, talk like, and live like.

The story at times is predictable, but fresh and alive with altercating personalities and a look into sports gambling that is flawed. We are showed the world that revolves around it, how big of a business it is, but there is no substance, just miles and miles of style. It's fun watching Pacino, McConaughey, and Russo not conive, but clash together in turmoil as though they are auditioning for parts of greedy people in a world of gambling on eachother.

Jeremy Piven and Armand Assante round out the cast, Piven as a cocky wingman under Walter's eye at the company, and Assante as a Euro' who bets millions on games, and counts on Brandon's bets. "Two for the Money" could have been better, it feels like "The Recruit" mixed with "The Devil's Advocate," and that isn't the best of combos. Pacino is loud, McConaughey is good enough, and Russo is just there. If you can't catch "A History of Violence" check this out.

Cowboys gain respect by thrashing Philly

It has to be one of the best feelings as a sports fan to know that your favorite team can still surprise you. The Dallas Cowboys (3-2) defeated the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday 33-10. I knew we had a chance but not this good of a chance. Now granted, the Eagles rallied last week with a HUGE comeback on the road in maybe the toughest arena to play (Arrowhead, home of the Kansas City Chiefs) Even the fact that we were at home this Sunday, and the fact that we were due to beat them still doesn't change the glory of surprise. A total rout it was Sunday in Big D, Drew Bledsoe proves that he is for real this year, Terry Glenn proves that when he isnt injured he is a big time WR, and the Eagles prove that they aren't invincible in the NFC.

This was a MUST WIN for the Cowboys who lost a hard fought battle to the Raiders last week on the road. Parcells knew this, every Dallas fan knew this, every sports anchor covering NFL knew this. Holding the best offense in the NFL to under 200 total yds was a huge statement made by our Dr.Jekyll, Mr.Hide defense. Our offense feasted immensly on the Philly secondary who are usually solid every week, they had no answer for Bledsoe and Glenn early on. The defense without leader Dat Nguyen, made a gigantic statement holding Philly to 10 pts, and without an offensive TD, and also holding Terrell Owens to 50 yds.

Even though I respect the Eagles, FUCK them! I believe they were outcoached and outplayed. Andy Reid thinks he can pass every down and win ball games. I only wish more frustration came from Owens who points the finger too often.

Looking ahead for both teams, an even bigger game next week for the Cowboys vs the NYG at home will be a huge challenge for us, especially with G-Men coming off a bye week. The Chargers will travel to Philly after getting done with there Monday nighter tomorrow against the Steelers.

What a sweet, sweet moment, 33-10, out-tL

Violence is used as Cronenberg's favorite toy.

"A History of Violence"
3 stars out of 4
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mario Bello, Ed Harris, William Hurt


David Cronenberg's "A History of Violence" is a tricky film, the director plays the audience like a piano to see what makes them tick, and to see how they react to his risky character piece starring Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stahl, a small town nobody turned hero after he defends his diner from two criminals looking for some cash.

Tom becomes an instant hero around the town, he can't stop appearing on the news, and it seems as though his family of three has never seemed safer then now. His family including faithful wife Edie (Bello), and his children Sarah and Jack. Reporters come to Tom's house after he has returned from the hospital, it's safe to say he wants to keep a low profile and move along with his family toaward lighter days.

Now to the moment that intrigues us early, while the robbers are getting dealt with in Tom's diner, it's made awfully clear to the audience how trained it seems that he is in killing, no mistakes made, it just seems to easy to defeat a threat thrusted towards him. We suddenly get the feeling that Tom has done this before, and that is the basis for the rest of the film.

Old faces from the past start to appear in Tom's life, faces that pose a threat to his family. Ed Harris plays Carl Fogarty, a high level mobster of sorts from Philly who knows Tom only as Joey Cusack. During there first conversation that we see in the film, Carl and Tom talk back and forth with opposing views on who Tom is. Tom doesn't know a Joey Cusack, but Fogarty knows a man by that name all to well, Joey Cusack is the man who ripped Carl's left eye out with barb wire.

Things get difficult for the Stahl's when Edie comes closer and closer to believing Fogarty about her husband's real identity. She witnesses his real identity when Fogarty and his goons bring there business to Tom's house, things get quite messy. " A History of Violence" is Cronenberg's to win or lose, his many risks pay off along with the tight story, we never know what will come next, maybe nothing will come next, but we are suprised either way.

Other notables are awarded to William Hurt, playing Tom's brother who plays a specific role to a precise stature. Mortenson and Bello are believeable and thier roles, along with Harris who supports Mortenson and Bello good enough. "A History of Violence" could grow more on me with a 2nd viewing that requires more attention paid to Cronenberg's style and storytelling.

News

As of right now 2 movies ignite the anticipation in my mind, Elizabethtown due out in October, and Jarhead due out in November will hopefully be worth talking about long after seeing them.

With these two films release dates approaching, the buzz for them will increase, but hopefully there will be good buzz, "Jarhead" is already being mentioned as a lock for Best Picture and possibly director (Sam Mendes-American Beauty) and Elizabethtown is secretly anticipated by the Cameron Crowe fans who haven't seen his work since the underrated Vanilla Sky in 2001.

"Jarhead" will include Oscar Winners Jamie Foxx, Chris Cooper, the talented Jake Gylenhall, who bangs Kirsten Dunst in real life, and the unbelieveably un-noticed Peter Sarsgaard(Garden State, Kinsey, Shattered Glass) The story is told through the eyes of Anthony Swofford, an ex-marine who tells of his boredom and hate during the Gulf War, and other wars, Swofford is played by Gyllenhaal.(I'm reading the book, only on page 54)

Now Elizabethtown MUST be good, Crowe has hibernated and will come out of hibernation when this premiere bits nationwide. Orlando Bloom, Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon, Jessica Biel, and Alec Baldwin round out the cast. The story seems much structured along the blueprints of Garden State; guy comes home for funeral, guy meets, girl, guy figures out life, guy is set free. Now hopefully Croew can tell a different story that seems like a distant-cousin to Garden State, but a film that is still worth mentioning as a succesfull Crowe film.

Also some star reviews. 4 Brothers =3/4 stars Bottomline: Unrealistic, but very watchable
The 40 yr old. Virgin=3 /4 stars Bottomline: Simply doesn't have the upper hand on Wedding Crashers.

"Hustle and Flow" vibrates the screen with authenticity

"Hustle and Flow"
Starring: Terrence Howard, Anthony Anderson, DJ Qualls, Taryn Manning, Ludacris, Elise Neal
3 and a half stars out of 4


Who would have ever guessed that midway through the cinema year and with the overrated summer movie list ending, a strong and unexpected heat wave would arrive called "Hustle and Flow." Another thing jumps into my head, is it a coincidence that the best movie of 2005 right now(Crash) and one of the best movies of the year (H&F) both have Terrence Howard and Ludacris in them?

Unknown rookie Craig Brewer and excitingly underrated Terrence Howard put together an original film about a pimp, and his mid-life crisis. The pimp is D Jay(Howard) and he seeks meaning right after hearing a gospel song sung right in front of him, not only does it make him seek out his dreams, but brings the lives of his surrounding prostitutes upward and provides them with hope.

TO BE CONTINUED( I HAVE TO WATCH ENTOURAGE)

Goodbye Old School, Hello Wedding Crashers!

“Wedding Crashers”
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Isla Fisher, Christopher Walken
3 and a half stars out of 4


Wedding season is here and there are honestly no other men we want to spend it with except for Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, shall I give the review first or talk about there chemistry? These two are better then Stiller and Wilson, better then Ferrell and anyone, period. They have such a knack for pissing each other off, but a better knack for knowing each other inside out as they star as best friends John(Wilson) and Jeremy (Vaughn).

There season of crashing weddings is a long horny season filled with drinking, dancing, and sliming there way along with there fabricated stories and pasts into as many girls’ pants as possible. These guys are fun to watch and that’s what makes this such a classy and sleazy comedy, it’s rare, very rare how we can watch these two guys get caught up in off the wall events for a full two hours, it doesn’t lag, it actually a full two hours of raunchy, comedic bliss that appeals to pretty much anyone who can appreciate work done by Vaughn or Wilson.

After about the first 20 minutes, they feel pooped out and partied out after the wedding season in there books is officially over, heaven comes early when the “Kentucky Derby” of all wedding’s strolls along. They know they will have to bring out there best game in order to be sufficient enough for any girl at the wedding. It’s an elegant wedding, the daughter of the Secretary of Treasury is tying the knot, and John and Jeremy must study what they are getting themselves into before diving in head first. They quickly discover they are trying to bed both daughters of Mr. Clearly (Walken) who happens to play the Sec. of Treasury to a tee. His daughters Gloria (Fisher) and Claire (McAdams) are first only targets by the John and Jeremy, but John quickly falls for Claire who is isn’t available due to a relationship with an untrustworthy snake, and then there’s Gloria, she must be noted as being played by Isla Fisher because she steals every scene that she’s involved in. Gloria isn’t shy when it comes to sex and Jeremy quickly learns that after she basically jerks him off under the dinner table, at first Jeremy is freaked out completely but then learns to love her freakish ways.

Everything will go fine for the duo just as long as they aren’t revealed as wedding crashers, while they spend there weekend with the Clearly family and others. The events that take place feel like Meet the Parents events, but with a younger group of funny guys and gals that take charge of every scene and comedic romp. This is such a fresh movie, it will be compared to being on the same comedic level as Old School, but in my opinion it blows far past it, the laughs are bigger, the acting is actually worth noting, and Vince Vaughn is a genius along with vastly underrated Owen Wilson.

It’s so very safe at this point to call this the funniest movie of the summer, if I would have seen it on January 1st, I would still call this the hands down funniest movie of the year. Drop what you’re doing, and attend “Wedding Crashers.”

Burton and his muse Depp, find redemption for Burton.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Deep Roy
3 stars out of 4


Tim Burton along with his favorite actor arrive in the summer scene and have done something worth noting, they have successfully translated a re-make on to the big screen that is worthy of being mentioned as the re-make to the late classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The new tale comes alive with the heart and soul of the story, Freddie Highmore the young Charlie Bucket and his family are poor, and they live in a small shack near Willy Wonka’s factory.

The dream of Willy Wonka’s factory is much a mystery nowadays to Charlie, his grandpa Joe explains to him how Wonka once fired all of his workers, he felt threatened they were stealing his recipes, how he pushed everything away from him, due to the neglecting he received from his father as a boy. This updated film is more of a character study for the quirky Wonka, since it’s solidly based on Roald Dahl’s book, it explains a lot about Wonka’s past while the audience is enjoying was is shown in his present.

Everyone knows the story; Wonka suddenly decides to open up his factory, but only to 5 young kids, the overweight non-stop chocolate eating Augustus, the spoiled Varuka Salt, the competitive and bratty Violet, the non-believing Mike T.V, and the considerate and lucky Charlie Bucket. Freddie Highmore plays the innocent Charlie well, and is extremely convincing along with the other young actors.

This is a Tim Burton movie, his creation of the new and improved Oompa Loompa’s is also to be noted, they are played by Deep Roy, who surprisingly has a lot of screen time, he plays inside and outside mostly within Wonka’s wacky world. Let’s talk about Johnny Depp in this, it seems like every role he confronts is a unique character that gives him his current reputation in Hollywood. It seems as though Depp can be himself in this role, but then again not. This is a different but similar role for him, it’s hard to describe this, he reaches to further depths with this liberating Wonka character.

This movie still isn’t perfect; I was actually surprised that I even liked it, and at times I appreciated things. The main flaw is that while were watching, we are being entertained with great things to look at and good acting, but we are not sucked in and ultimately intrigued as we wish to be. The funny thing is, while it has it’s flaws, it could be better, but not that much better, I can’t figure out why I think that.

With some of the recent movies out, there is no denying the magic and delightfulness that is on the screen when Depp and Highmore connect, this is there 2nd get-together and it’s the 2nd take on Willy Wonka’s story, and we like it.

Spielberg's alien invasion bag is filled with more good then bad.

“War of the Worlds”
Starring: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Tim Robbins, Miranda Otto
3 stars out of 4


Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds” is a 4 star movie all the way until its final act; it is so utterly disappointing that it automatically makes you think about how you wish the movie stopped after the first 2 acts of the film which chew up about an hour and a half of the 2 hour running time.


Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier a crane tower in New Jersey that has his two kids for the weekend. Ray is made out to be the dad that no child would want to stay with on there weekend, they are left to him by there mother and step dad who the kids both respect more. (Fanning, Chatwin) When the kids arrive at Ray’s working class bachelor pad it seems all too awkward for them and him and they realize they will have to make the best to survive the weekend.

When Rachel (Fanning) is flipping through the channels while her deadbeat dad sleeps, there are news postings everywhere about citing strange occurrences throughout the world that involve electro magnetic pulses, they seem harmless at first until Ray and his kids , along with the whole neighborhood experience them on there own. Robbie (Chatwin) later tells dad that lighting has struck 26 times in the same spot, and there is no thunder. We know trouble is coming when the street is completely trembling are there are for sure signs that a mysterious object will arise from it.

This is the genius of the first 30 minutes; everyone is in total disarray along with Ray, who is inspecting very closely while his family remains indoors. Drastic turns take place when the tripods finally show themselves in such an epic revealing sense that most of the film lacks, Ray and the rest of the neighborhood are running around hiding and trying to escape the sight of these tripods that instantly kill once you are zapped by them.

The rest of the movie unfolds when Ray quickly, and I cannot stress that enough, sucks everything up and realizes he has to hide his kids from this immediate danger. This is what is good about the beginning, Ray grows up FAST, and realizes his duty, and his children’s lives have become far more important to him. The innocent Rachel asks questions rapidly after Ray steals the only car in miles that seems to work, Ray is the only one in the car that realizes that this situation is obviously far from solving, and he must do WHATEVER is possible to get these kids to Boston, where there mother has traveled to.


The whole movie is hiding, running and traveling; it’s actually impressive how real all of it seems up until a certain point. The audience gets a phenomenal sense of what it must have been like in New York during the 9/11 attacks. The alien attack isn’t every scene non-stop in your face action. It’s an organized, decently spaced out schedule of filming that takes place, Spielberg gives a few minutes to digest what is happening, and then he goes right back at it, and leaves you claustrophobic, especially in a scene where dozens of citizens are surrounding the family’s transportation in the pouring down rain. That scene was absolutely horrifying along with the many other scenes of Ray doing everything in his power to not let his son fight, and his daughter feel fear.


My review at this point must sound like a 4 star review, but there are so many flaws in the last 30 minutes, when Tim Robbins comes into the film, he not only takes away from the atmosphere of the film, but his basement is a scapegoat for one of the most clichéd scenes a thriller could have. Taking Jurassic Park for example, the scene where the two kids are hiding in the kitchen from the raptors, this is the EXACT same thing, and we are reminded that.When the supposed climax takes place it leaves us under whelmed and unsatisfied, there are a certain amout of plot holes that also leave the viewer baffled.
If you’ve read this review and you trust my words, leave the movie when Tim Robbins enters it, and then go home and dream about how ridiculously good the first hour and a half is. How does S.S. (director) make a great 2/3 of an epic summer horror movie, and then totally lose his grasp on the plot. If you aren’t going to see this movie and you haven’t seen M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs, I highly suggest renting it.


The worst part about this review for the reader is that this movie sounds great and terrible, but trust me many people will automatically love this movie, and some will hate it, I however am the rare in-between person that steadily prays for an upcoming successful movie that will wash the taste of the last 30 minutes of this film out of my mouth.

Bale is the right man for the job

“Batman Begins”
Starring: Christian Bale, Katie Holmes, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe, Gary Oldman, Tom Wilkinson
4 stars out of 4


Chris Nolan’s “Batman Begins” isn’t some cinematic prequel trip down memory lane reminding us how much potential the Batman movies have, Nolan’s Batman is a dark, tormented, and surprising prequel that may very well lay the foundation for comic book movies in the future.


The story is as follows, Bruce Wayne is far off in a poor Eastern country that is un named, his whereabouts are known by Henri Ducard, (Neeson) who convinces Wayne to train under him and his leader Ra’s Al Ghul (Watanabe). Al Ghul is the leader of the League of Shadows, there plan and the plan of there leaders Ducard and Ghul is set on destroying Gotham City, the famous city that once showed promise when it was controlled by the Wayne family, the city’s chances fell short after a young Bruce witnessed his parents death. The steadily decaying Gotham is now run by high level criminal Carmine Falcone (Wilkinson) who is the “muscle of the city.” During Wayne’s training under Ducard, he learns how to control his fear, and hopefully in the future turn fear against the people that prey on it.

Wayne returns to Gotham shortly after his training settlement run by Ducard and Ghul is destroyed after they reveal there plan to not help Gotham, but destroy it completely, Wayne hates the idea and set’s off an incident that blows up the whole mountain. The first hour is devoted to Wayne’s development towards revenge, his anger outweighs his guilt, and that is the key thing that drives him to becoming a symbol that the short lists of noblemen in Gotham stand by. The short list includes Rachel Dawes, (Holmes) Bruce’s lifelong friend, who is now a district attorney that seems to be the only person willing to put Carmine Falcone’s crime ring behind bars. Another is Jim Gordon, an honest and decent cop that is pretty much the only non-corrupt official in Gotham, along with Dawes; Wayne feels that the 3 of them alone are the only people that can slowly save Gotham. Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman play Alfred and Lucius Fox respectively, Caine brings a comfortable and caring presence in his warming character as Alfred, the lifelong butler of the Wayne family, who never gives up on Bruce Wayne. Lucius Fox is the forgotten mastermind of Wayne enterprises, he supplies Wayne with his creative weapons that the Wayne company manufactures, but has stored away for a rainy day.

Cillian Murphy plays Dr. Jonathan Crane, he scares us mostly when he is the Scarecrow, the main villain that feeds on fear, and is plotting to drive the whole city mad by emptying a poison into the Gotham’s water supply. Murphy is on the verge of becoming a breakout star in Hollywood, and he brings a fresh new face to the villains that the Batman series has head, although this one has 3 or 4 villains, the Scarecrow is probably the most terrifying and feared upon.


Now about Christian Bale, some said he wouldn’t work, he obviously is working perfectly because the Batman series just took a giant step in the right direction under Chris Nolan’s helm, and he is so visionary and precise that he can’t screw this up like Joel Schumacher did with “Batman Forever”and“Batman and Robin.” Nolan’s is has made all the right choices so far, his casting was flawless, his vision is dark and bottomless, and with Christian Bale by his side, and probably sequels on the way, Chris Nolan has just struck gold.

Cinderella Man

“Cinderella Man”
Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zelwegger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Paddy Considine, Bruce McGill
4 stars out of 4


Throughout Ron Howard’s new drama “Cinderella Man” I kept thinking of what I would rate the movie, that is my problem when I am viewing a film, I ask myself too early and often what I should rate it. I came to a truce with myself that I would rate it 3 and a half stars or 4 stars. But afterwards I realized how much of a good thing was shown in that 2 and a half hour timeslot that Ron Howard along with the wonderful cast had painted.

Everyone knows that this is the first mainstream Oscar contender of the year, and it has so many good reasons to be; Russell Crowe, Renee Zelwegger and Paul Giamatti all could be nominated respectfully, the Academy appreciates period pieces, and uplifting ones at that, take a look at 2003’s “Seabiscuit” if you need convincing.

The story is set in the depression era; it starts off in 1928 with a James J. Braddock victory, his manager is played by Joe Gould (Giamatti) who might be a shoe-in for best supporting actor, consistently supporting Braddock, they know each other to well to ever argue, and Gould is only looking for Braddock’s best interests, due to the fact that he knows his strengths. We witness Braddock’s family, his loving wife Mae (Zelwegger) who never goes to his fights or listens to them, and his 3 children Howard, Jay, and Rosie

Howard’s script fast forwards 4 years into the Great Depression, Braddock and his family are now tenants of a low scale, run down living style that the Depression ultimately depicts. Howard is key at making this seem real, the Depression is the main character of the story, it breathes suffering, despair, and family unity quickly through the Braddock family, and the entire nation. Jim and Mae’s kids soon begin to starve and freeze and there father will have none of that.

Now to Russell Crowe, the man who is criticized as being a punk, he seems to be portrayed as a “know it all” actor who cannot make a wrong move. Crowe’s creation, James J. Braddock, is the most decent character in the movie along with his wife; Braddock is so much of a family man that when he fails to pay for the heating bill he has to ask for help from the Emergency Relief Dept. of New Jersey, since they only grant him $19, he then travels as a respected beggar and asks Mr. Johnston (McGill) along with his friends for more money. This takes place after Braddock’s boxing license is stripped away from him by Johnston, mainly for putting on a boring fight that he got paid $50 for.


The story’s pacing is also important, it starts slow showing the downside of this family then reaches towards hope, when Gould gets Braddock 1 more fight, “it’s not a comeback he explains.” Braddock will fight for $250 against the number 2 contender that is in line for the championship. Sure enough Braddock wins that fight, and learns that not only has he surprised the nation; he has surprised himself and his family. One fight leads to another, those fight’s lead to Braddock’s chance to fight the world champion Max Baer, who had killed 2 men in the ring with his vicious blows.

Baer played by Craig Bierko is not in the movie that long, but his presence gets under the audience’s skin so much that you can’t help think of the genius in Ron Howard’s mind when making that casting call. The last fight is made with precision and craftsmanship, the editing is so slick that our eyes bounce everywhere excitingly.

Throughout “Cinderella Man” everything seemed perfect; there weren’t a lot of scenes that were irrelevant, every word spoken had meaning, especially by Crowe who could very well receive another Best Actor award come Oscar time.