Raimi's return to horror

"Drag Me to Hell
Starring: Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer
Grade: B+

Not only is Drag Me to Hell a great bounce back for director Sam Raimi after the dreadful Spider-Man 3, it's also good to see a scary movie that scares. Raimi's past directorial efforts prior to the Spider-Man series were campy horror flicks like the Evil Dead and Darkman. With his latest film, Raimi breathes some life into the genre with this spook a minute tale of gypsy's, demons, spirits, etc.

Alison Lohman who most will know from Big Fish and Matchstick Men plays Christine Brown, a loan officer with a pretty normal life. She's successful at her job, and is dating Clay, who is maybe to good of a guy, played by Justin Long (the Mac guy). One day Christine evicts an old women from her house, mostly in attempt to show her boss played by David Paymer that she can make tough decisions in hopes of getting the assistant manager position. Soon Christine's world is turned upside down, shes cursed by the old women/gypsy, and evil spirits will visit her for three days, on the third day she will be brought to hell unless she can stop it.

While the premise sounds over the top, and not that interesting, I beg to differ. The movie tries to have fun with the viewer, and it succeeds on almost every level. It's loud film with jumps a plenty. This movie has characters puking up insects, coughing up blood, along with many supernatural things that are more than entertaining.

Alison Lohman is the perfect non A-list actress to pull this role of. She has a natural vulnerability that makes the audience care. Justin Long is convincing enough as her boyfriend and Psychology professor. They have a good on-screen chemistry together, which doesn't hurt the movie either.

I haven't seen Raimi's past horror films, but I bet there were a few wink-wink homages to his other films in this. The movie succeeds as being unpredictable for the most part, and total fun for 95 minutes. It's a shame the film will probably only match it's $50 million budget, and not exceed it. For quick thrills, and un-matched fun, nothing stands toe to toe with Drag Me to Hell.

The tiring mess that is "The Hangover"

"The Hangover"
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin Bartha, Heather Graham
Grade: C-

Todd Phillips had proved pretty reliable for making raunchy comedies that appeal to wide audiences. He usually casts his films appropriately with a likable cast that the audience will love. This is not the case with Phillips' latest adult-comedy. The cast of unfamiliar faces, save for Bradley Cooper, are unappealing and not fun to watch.

I feel I'll be in the extreme minority by saying this film is mediocre at best. It has all the formulaic plot twists and predictability that restrains it from being something truly funny. The familiar plot goes like this, four guys shove off to Vegas for the weekend in hopes of showing their friend Doug the time of his life before his wedding. The group of guys couldn't be any more un-original. Bradley Cooper plays Phil, the asshole of the group, Ed Helms plays Stu, the soon to be engaged, play it safe guy, Zach Galifianakis plays Alan, the step-brother to Doug, and overall wierdo/creep, and Justin Bartha who plays Doug, who is in the movie for maybe 20 minutes.

The movie is 90 minutes of these guys tracing their steps around Vegas to try to find Doug, figure out what to do with a lost baby, and many other things that would take up the next paragraph trying to describe. I guess it sounds like I really hate this movie, I didn't hate it as much as I was letdown by it. I laughed a few times early on, but the whole middle was a long stretch of "I've seen this seen many times in other movies."

"The Hangover" has a made a killing at the box-office, and a sequel is on the way, I can't even imagine what the movie will be about, but I assume it will also make good money. The movie does make a star out of the Alan character, and the actor that plays him. Zach Galifianakis is the next Danny McBride, Seth Rogen, or even John Belushi.

Phillips does a fine job directing, the performances are there, but the characters are cardboard when it comes to being original. The movie jumps from one episode to another, I swear this could have played out better if it was a TV show. Each episode could visit each place these guys visit, yes it's that tiresome. Mike Tyson is the only redeeming quality, he provides a decent cameo and a few laughs as well.

"The Hangover" wont be the best comedy of the Summer, and maybe not of the month. See it if you must, since I'm sure it will be the talk of the town until the next Transformers comes out.

Oh OH!, the credits should never be the funniest part of the movie.

Pixar delivers the goods once again

"Up"
Starring: Edward Ashner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai
Grade: A-

The best movie of the year so far is a heartfelt and entertaining film from Disney Pixar, no big surprise here. Last year the studio released Wall-E, the film got rave reviews and many felt it should have been nominated for best picture. With "Up," the studio once again proves that their films are filled with as much quality and substance as most mainstream films.

The story is about loss, coming of age, friendship, and a journey. The main character is 78 year old Carl Fredrickson, he's a crusty old man who has no patience and little understanding of the world changing around him. We see in a perfect opening credit sequence the love he had for his now deceased wife Ellie. They lived a happy life and always wanted to travel and seek out adventures in South America. They never got their chance due to different reasons, after many years together, Ellie died. Carl's street is now being torn apart for tanning salons and technology stores way beyond Carl's understanding. He meets a young boy scout named Russell who he initially despises due to Russell's willingness.

The story ends up following Carl and Russell as Carl's ties his house to thousands of balloons. There is no where left to go for Carl expect one last adventure in Ellie's name. Russell troubles him early with his nagging and persistence, but Carl eventually warms up to the lonely youngster who has troubles of his own.

On their journey, they encounter storms, animals, past heroes from Carl's past, and life-lessons that will serve them well in time. "Up" is a touching film with some tender and quiet moments that adults can identity with. The kids will enjoy the hilarious birds, dogs, as well as the touching relationship between Russell and Carl. The film has nearly flawless pacing, and incredible exotic images and beauty throughout. Director Pete Doctor, who also did "Monsters Inc," has done a fine job representing himself and Pixar with this home-run hit that will be the delight of the Summer.

Salvation isn't enough to care about

"Terminator: Salvation"
Starring: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin
Grade: D+

The first two Terminators were successful because they followed the following principles: 1. Make your audience care about the characters. 2. Show the audience jaw-dropping effects and action. The latest Terminator just wants to follow the second rule and abandon the first.

Director McG who helmed both "Charlies Angels", and "We Are Marshall," would seem like a decent enough film-maker to director this series re-boot. The man can blow stuff up real good, but the question going into the film was whether he could add humanity and worth to the characters. The answer is hell no, and the film suffers for it.

The story follows the origin of "The Resistance," which is led by John Connor (Bale). The resistance fighters are dead set on infiltrating the computer network Skynet, and putting an end to the machines reign for good. The story also introduces us to new and unique machines that eww and aww the audience.

Upcoming breakthrough actor Sam Worthington plays Marcus Wright. We follow this man throughout the film wondering if hes human or machine. After his re-awakening from being cryogenically frozen, he bumps into Kyle Reese (Yelchin). Reese as we all know is Conner father, the man sent to protect Linda Hamilton in T1. After the audience is caught up with most of the mythology of the previous films, they can concentrate on the actual story, or lack there of. The plot is lazy, watered down, and boring. The characters either aligned with Conner or Wright, walk around, fight, talk, then do the same, something in a different order.

Bale's character shares the screen with Worthington's, who I preferred in this movie. Bale is still saying his lines with a Batman tone, and not sounding human at all. Worthington shows great potential, but the script here doesn't support either men. There are several other characters, none worth caring about.

The action and effects save this movie from being an all out disaster. McG can shoot action, but lacks in directing actors. The pacing is also shallow and without inspiration. Going into the film, I sure didn't expect much, but throughout I kept shaking my head at the dialogue, the plot devices, and the one-dimensional characters. Skip Terminator and see Star Trek again.

Star Trek re-boot will please fans and non-fans

"Star Trek"
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Karl Urban, Zoe Zaldana, Bruce Greenwood, Eric Bana
Grade: B+

J.J. Abrams sure knows how to excite audiences nationwide. Not only has he created the sci-fi phenomenon known as LOST, but Abrams also had a hand in last years Cloverfield. Now, Abrams has directed a faithful re-boot to the global phenomenon that has dominated modern television for decades.

Abrams' cast is young and sexy, and oh yeah, they can act. Chris Pine plays the cocky and devil may care Kirk, whose father died while saving lives during a 12-second stint as Captain while Kirk was being born. The film opens with this stunning scene, quickly giving the viewer some humanity in the story. For every Kirk, one needs a Spock, who is played by Zachary Quinto, who plays the uber-villain Sylar on Heroes. Quinto and Pine's chemistry is a solid foundation for the future of this franchise. Both have enough charisma to make us care.

The plot, which is a tad muddled at times, follows the origins of Kirk and Spock and their eventual roles as Enterprise leaders. Eric Bana, who has leading man ability, plays the villain Nero, in an un-recognizable role. Nero creates an alternate time line in the beginning of the film, something that clearly has repercussions for Spock and his family. While most of the film is dedicated to character growth, there is no shortage of action sequences and thrills.

Throughout the film, a certain smile kept sneaking up on me as I was caught up in this awesome world. I had no familiarity with this story, and its characters, and now I can't wait to see this franchise take off. In a summer of many sequels, pre-quels and re-boots, Star Trek should take the cake in terms of caring more about characters than explosions, this is a good thing. I dare you to go into this movie with low expectations, I dare you.

Watchmen proves to be very polarizing

"Watchmen"
Starring: Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Malin Ackerman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Carla Gugino, Matthew Goode
Grade: B/B+

There is a scene in "Watchmen" in which a blue character named Dr.Manhattan flees to Mars to escape the follies and madness of New York, circa 1985. While on Mars, he narrates his existence and how he came to be Dr.Manhattan. His human name was Jonathan Osterman. When he was transformed due to an untimely experiment, he gained superpowers and could basically control anything he wanted to. This character is so out of touch with existence and society, that he reminds me of many audience members who will visit this movie and feel out of touch with it.

"Watchmen" written by Alan Moore in 1986, it tells of an alternate America where Nixon is in his fifth term as President, and Cold War paranoia has taken a hold of Americans. Superheroes are also banned, stemming from The Keene Act that Nixon also executed.

At the beginning of the film, a man named Eddie Blake, or The Comedian, is thrown out of his apartment window as his body splatters all over the pavement below. This death is important to a masked vigilante and misanthrope named Rorschach, pronounced "Roar-Shack" . We hear from his journal entries and narration that Rorschach is fed up with society and it's ugliness, much like the character of Travis Bickle from "Taxi Driver." Roarschach was a former member of "The Watchmen," a group of superheroes who protected New York from crime, he believes whoever killed Blake will come after the rest of the retired Watchmen and do the same.

The rest of the cast is rounded out surprisingly well, save for a few people. Billy Crudup plays Dr.Manhattan, a man who can control space, time, and pretty much everything else. Patrick Wilson plays Dan Drieberg, or The Nite Owl. Malin Ackerman plays Silk Spectre II, the daughter of Silk Spectre I, played by Carla Gugino. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays The Comedian, and Matthew Goode as Adrian Veidt, or Ozymandias. Remembering these characters for newcomers to the story will be quite the task, one of the many that film presents.

We learn through the opening montage that starting in the 40's there was a superhero group that came before the Watchmen, called the "Minutemen." We also see true U.S. events that have been fictionalized to set up the mood of the story. The opening credits are tuned to Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A Changing," one of the many soundtrack choices that director Zack Snyder chose to use, some succeed, some fail.

For newcomers to this material, the story and the way its presented will seem foreign and out of place. For readers of the novel, they will be able to pick parts of the movie that have transitioned perfectly from the novel, and those that haven't worked as well. For one thing, the ending has been changed, Fan-Boys have looked down upon this, but Snyder made it work to an extent.

The visual effects are all superb, Snyder once again uses slo-mo as he did in "300," but in this film it works better. The fights and action sequences are all choreographed pretty well, and Snyder takes all of the big moments from the novel, and pays them respect.

The art design creates a seedy New York, much like ones depicted in "Seven," and "Blade Runner." New York seems like a grim metropolis, instead of an upbeat city. Some of the makeup doesn't work so well, Silk Spectre I and Richard Nixon are poorly conceived and look almost like caricatures.

Most of this review has been positive, I will now speak of the stuff I wasn't so happy about. First of all, the film is 160 minutes. Some may complain that this is too long, but Snyder needed every minute of that to adapt this story the way it should be. There are some parts that fell flat, including the relationship between Dan and Laurie, which is a pretty important part of the book. Some of the song choices were awful, including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower," they just didn't fit with the scene. The pacing was off to, some scenes felt rushed, or too slow, Snyder could improve in that department.

To the acting. Jackie Early Haley and Billy Crudup were easily the best, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan now far behind. Haley plays the perfect outsider who wishes pain of anyone who crosses his path. Crudup plays the stoic and emotionally detached Dr.Manhattan who can't give Laurie the companionship she needs, his origin/back story, is worth the price of admission alone. Jeffrey Dean Morgan plays the maniacal Comedian to a tee, rough around the edges and brutal, The Comedian really gets under your skin. Patrick Wilson and Matthew Goode were just average in my opinion. Wilson is supposed to play the character the audience can most relate with, but most of the time we don't care about him. Goode is average, with his better scenes coming towards the end. Malin Ackerman turns in the worst performance of the movie, she looks as if she's reading of cards in all of her scenes. She portrays no emotion in the scenes that audience are supposed to be invested in.

In "Watchmen," the good segments outweigh the bad resulting in a solid comic book adaptation. The first hour had my hopes up, but the rest was sub-par. All in all, "Watchmen," should please readers of the novel, and hopefully those who haven't read it. It's truly an ambitious film that surpasses other comic book films in terms of scope and originality, that reason alone is worth seeing it again and dissecting it even more.

Final Oscar Predictions

Best Picture

An extremely average year for film in my opinion. 2007 left me in awe over and over again. 3 films from 2007 are probably in my top 10 of the decade, yes the decade. But anyways, back to 08, of all the five nominated, "Slumdog Millionaire" makes the most sense to win. It's uplifting, and its themes are universal. This film has won basically every precursor possible, and the Oscar is the last thing standing in it ways.

Prediction: Slumdog Millionaire
Preference: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Director

The academy made one of its many mistakes by not nominating Christopher Nolan for "The Dark Knight," instead they let in Stephen Daldry for "The Reader." This is also another easy category to predict, look for Danny Boyle to win the best directing award right before Slumdog wins best picture

Prediction: Danny Boyle
Preference: David Fincher

Best Actor

This is where things get interesting. This has been a two way race ever since The Critics Choice Awards back in early January. Penn has won The Critics Choice, and The SAG, but Rourke has won The Golden Globe and The Bafta. This is basically a coin-flip, will The Academy look to reward new blood with Rourke, or will they award Penn with his 2nd Oscar?

Prediction: Sean Penn
Preference: Mickey Rourke

Best Actress

First, I would just like to vent real quick, Kate Winslet was nominated in this category for "The Reader," when she should have been nominated for "Revolutionary Road." Not only does she give the better performance in the latter, but I firmly believe the Academy is going to reward her for the wrong performance. Streep and Hatheway could both win, but this is Winslet's year.

Prediction: Kate Winslet
Preference: Anne Hatheway

Best Supporting Actor

This category has been a joke (no pun intended) since July.

Prediction: Heath Ledger
Preference: Heath Ledger

Best Supporting Actress

Over the years, this has always been the toughest category to predict. Last year, everyone thought Blanchett or Amy Ryan, then Tilda Swinton who hadn't won a precursor all year, snuck in and stole the whole thing. Much of the same could happen this year, but I think since the Academy didn't nominate Winslet in this category for "The Reader," the trophy will go to Penelope Cruz.

Prediction: Penelope Cruz
Preference: Marisa Tomei

Top 10 of 2008

1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (David Fincher)
2. Rachel Getting Married (Jonathan Demme)
3. The Wrestler (Darren Aronofsky)
4. Snow Angels (David Gordon Green)
5. The Dark Knight (Christopher Nolan)
6. Synecdoche, New York (Charlie Kauffman)
7. In Bruges (Martin McDonagh)
8. Burn After Reading (Joel and Ethan Coen)
9. Dear Zachary (Kurt Kuenne)
10. Milk (Gus Van Sant)

A haunting story about redemption

"The Wrestler"
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
****/****

Great directors are those who often re-invent themselves after a few films. Darren Aronofsky has just re-invented himself with his 4th feature, "The Wrestler." Aronofsky has also resurrected an acting career in Mickey Rourke, who was more than left for dead a decade ago.

The topic of wrestling has never been tackled in a film, the documentary "Beyond the Mat," has been the only true look into professional wrestling done by a film-maker. I grew up a wrestling fan as a kid, I would order every Pay-Per-View event, and if I was lucky I would go to Cleveland or Pittsburgh to view one. The whole idea of a scripted wrestling match done by trained athletes could seem ridiculous to some, but millions of fans have followed the sport for decades.

"The Wrestler," successfully shows the end of an era for a wrestler who was big in the 80's but has faded into obscurity. Mickey Rourke plays Randy "The Ram" Robinson, an 80's fan favorite, who is now at the end of his time, he now wrestles in local gyms, halls, and run down arenas. He is broke, alienated from his daughter, and alone. He leaves in a trailer in Jersey, where he regularly can't pay the rent. When he doesn't have a low-paying wrestling gig on the weekend, he goes to a strip club to see his favorite dancer Cassidy, played by Tomei.

Aronofsky takes a very indie approach to making this film, the budget was only 6 million, and Aronofksy shoots the whole film hand held. There are no fancy shots, or edits, only an actor and a director telling an intimate story. The film doesn't capture the high-caliber wrestling shows that the WWE would represent, but the lower level circuits that travel through small towns to put on shows. Aronofsky captures the behind the scenes real life stuff with authenticity. All of these wrestlers are friends looking out for each other, before the match they go over what they will do in attempt to fire the audience up. After one brutal fight that Randy is involved in, he walks back to the dressing room with medics waiting to treat him, he suffers a heart attack and wakes up in a hospital.

Mickey represents Randy in every sense of the word, they are each other through and through. While most of the other wrestlers have different persona's in the ring, Randy doesn't, he IS Randy "The Ram" . After Randy's heart attack, he attempts to visit his estranged daughter Stephanie played effectively by Evan Rachel Wood. They're relationship now means the world to a man that can no longer do what he loves. When the opportunity comes around for "The Ram," to face a rival opponent in the ring on the 20th anniversary of their last match, he must risk his health and career on one last match.

The film could have been over-wrought with cliches, but screen-writer Robert Siegel humanizes the 3 main characters in the film. Mickey Rourke's career-comeback has stemmed from this brutally honest performance; his physical ability along with his battered real life persona have created a likable character that wants redemption.

Marisa Tomei as the love interest/stripper is deeply touching, she along with Randy, depend on their bodies to live, a strong parallel that connects them. Tomei, along with Rourke will get nominated for their tough performances.

Films like these don't come along often, original ideas blended with a realistic approach by a director who based his last 3 films on style more than story. Aronofsky's vision, along with his ability to awaken a forgotten actor, have proved to be worthwhile in this exhilarating tale of a man who has become the product of his environment. "The Wrestler," is in limited release now, but should expand wide in the coming weeks, its as true a film as you will see this year.

A relevant topic that speaks to any decade.

"Milk"
Starring: Sean Penn, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, James Franco, Diego Luna
***.5/****

Sean Penn disappears into this chameleon like role as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay male elected into public office in San Francisco in 1978.

It’s easy to forget that Penn is Harvey Milk, this is a sign of a great performance.
Director Gus Van Sant has made his name directing minimalist dramas about youth; his themes of death and alienation have consumed his last three films. With "Milk", Van Sant re-invents himself, other than Good Will Hunting, this is Van Sant’s most accessible and straightforward film. He manages to re-create the 1970’s time period with documentary style footage from that decade. This plays more like a docudrama than anything, giving the viewer the notion that they are living this film, which I felt. Most of the film takes place on Castro street in San Francisco, a widely gay populated area where Harvey Milk first opened a camera shop on Castro street, making it also a place to congregate and hang out. The camera shop later turned into a campaign center for Harvey, as he and his followers populated the area with their liberal ideas and hopes.

James Franco is possibly the films biggest surprise. He has had a quite a year, and is clearly breaking out with his performance in Milk. He plays Scott, Harvey’s on and off lover, Franco brings subtlety and emotion to what could have been an easy throwaway role.

Emile Hirsch shows new range, as Cleve Jones, a hands on gay activist who fights alongside Harvey Milk throughout the film. Hirsch who was directed by Penn in “Into the Wild,” has made a name for himself as one of the best young male actors working today.

Josh Brolin is somewhat of a mystery throughout this film, his character is truly the wild-card in the cast and in the film. Brolin has come off a red-hot 2007, and continues to find success with any role he consumes. He played George Bush, and he also plays a demanding city supervisor named Dan White. Brolin can say more with silence than many other actors, his stillness is haunting and his presence alone is noteworthy. White and Harvey are dynamic together, always needling each other for support and favors.

The film is a history lesson, and a relevant one at that. This film couldn’t’ have come out at a better time, 2008 saw changes that will go down in history, just like the changes that Harvey Milk stood for in the 1970’s.

The film also manages to pack in a plethora of information and characters, in just under 2 hours. Van Sant’s pacing is spot on, and his shots are always precise. "Milk" is a smart breed of acting, writing and editing, with all of the key characters representing something. In the end, the film transcends the usual biopic standards, creating a powerful and worthwhile experience.

Mendes, Leo and Kate provide 1950's angst, and a bit more

"Revolutionary Road"
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon
***/****

Not many directors can dramatize suburban angst better than Sam Mendes. A director of darker themed films, Mendes' 4th film is "Revolutionary Road." This domestic drama re-unites Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet for the first time since "Titanic."

The film, based off of the cult novel by Richard Yates takes place in the mid 1950's. It tells of two young dreamers, Frank and April. When they both meet at the start of the film they are instantly attracted to each other. Frank speaks of returning to Paris as soon as possible, "People are alive there, not like here," he says. April is immediately drawn to his desire and ambition. April of course is a struggling actor, who has just starred in a badly reviewed local play as we see that she eventually married Frank.

They have two kids and a nice suburban home with red shutters. Frank commutes to work via train everyday with his gray suited, cigarette smoking co-workers, while April attends to the home like a nice and proper stay at home mom. They have everything and nothing. The film transports us right into their struggling marriage, they aren't happy anymore; all of their young dreams have vanished into this air as life as taken ahold of them.

Frank is the guy you would see in a 1950's magazine or newspaper, his styled hair, the proper suits, and the occasional affair with a new trainee just after martini's at Frank's place of choosing.

April craves and wants more, she figures she can convince Frank to move them to Paris, once and for all. A new life will be waiting; April can work, and Frank can pursue dreams other than being a 9-5 office worker. Paris is a dream, a symbol of fresh beginnings that Frank and April hope can save their marriage. When several things get in the way of that dream, the Wheelers crumble from the inside out, making for some heavy dramatic scenes played out in this haunting yet beautiful suburb.

Some fine supporting performances are turned in by Kathy Bates, who plays a realtor who one days brings her mentally unstable son to visit Frank and Wheeler; the son played by Michael Shannon breathes some comic relief and truth to the story. He sees right through the Wheelers, and pegs them for who they are, two people who want to play "house."

Mendes does a fantastic job with the mood and setting of the film. His shot selection is revealing, devastating, and true. He has yet to make a bad film, this being his 4th. His wife Kate Winslet has already won The Golden Globe, and could easily win the Oscar for her brutally honest depiction of a fractured female with no escape from unhappiness.

"Revolutionary Road" is certainly bleak in tone, but if your a fan of "Mad Men," the novel by Yates, or Kate and Leo, this film will appeal to you.

Frost/Nixon provides solid characters, but is light on the dramatics

"Frost/Nixon"
Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall
***/****

Ron Howard is a likeable director known for connecting with audiences; he makes relatable films that usually include real life stories and forgotten characters. His filmography includes such films as, "Apollo 13," A Beautiful Mind," and "Cinderella Man."

With "Frost/Nixon," Howard re-creates the interviews between playboy talk-show host David Frost, and legendary President Richard Nixon. The film was adapted from a play, in which both actors, Michael Sheen and Frank Langella, orginally portrayed their respected characters.

Having never seen the play, I can only assume that Ron Howard felt enthused by the idea of having more liberties and freedom by having shown this story on the screen rather than the stage. With that being said, the film plays like a standard history lesson.

Michael Sheen plays David Frost, a highly regarded TV personality in Britain, Frost schemes along with a few researchers to interview Richard Nixon after his initial resignation. Frost's crew are played by strong character actors such as Sam Rockwell and Oliver Platt, both whom would love to make Nixon confess to covering up Watergate.

Now to Frank Langella, an aging and overlooked actor who has never garnered the attention for a performance until this film. Langella's re-creation of sorts is original and familiar. Langellas wears a droopy face, and tan skin giving off the recognizeable figure of "Tricky Dick." Langella will surely receive his fair share of award-circuit mention as he relishes this dream role. I also want to mention Kevin Bacon, who plays one of Nixon's key advisors, Bacon is one of those past leading men, who have come to accept and thrive in supporting roles.

The film plays like a boxing match, in which both characters try to gain the upperhand through a series of taped interviews. Sheen has the right amount of charisma and charm to play off of the complicated and layered character of Nixon, these two make a solid on-screen pair.

With a few things holding this back from being great, "Frost/Nixon," remains a solid re-creating of history, where once again Ron Howard has proved to be on of the most consistent working directors.

A sad, but important documentary

"Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son About His Father"
Starring: Kurt Kuenne, Zachary Andrew, David Bagby, Kate Bagby, Andrew Bagby
***.5/****

Kurt Kuenne is a documentary film-maker who has made home movies ever since he was a kid. Growing up he had a close friend named Andrew Bagby, everyone loved Andrew, many adjectives could define the man. Their friendship remained intact as they reached adulthood. With "Dear Zachary," Kuenne has decided to document Andrew's life for his young son Zachary . For those who haven't heard of this true life story, I will briefly tell of it, so people can hopefully discover this film on their own.

Andrew Bagby was your average Joe, he came from a good family, most notably two lovable parents named David and Katherine. They raised Andrew to become the man he was up until his life was taken from him. The person who took his life was his ex-girlfriend Shirley Turner. Police later gathered evidence, but Shirley skipped town and went to Newfoundland where she was eventually able to walk freely without justice.

As Kuenne tells this powerful and heartbreaking story, he reveals portions of it slowly. He talks to a lot of Andrew's family, friends, and colleagues. The film runs only about 95 minutes, but will likely draw anyone in from the start.

As the film progresses, we found out that Shirley was eventually pregnant with Andrew's baby, most of the film is about the struggle of custody over Shirley and Andrew's parents to keep the child. As soon as we feel the story is predictable, another layer is revealed which I will not tell about.

This story is meant to be sought out, it's a film about ordinary people facing the daily grief and loss that makes us human. Kuenne has crafted a documentary about strong people, weak people, and the laws that connect us.

Seek "Dear Zachary" out at your own risk, the film will knock you out again and again.

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.