In Bruges and Snow Angels

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

"Snow Angels"
Director:David Gordon Green

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

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

"In Bruges"
Director:Martin McDonagh

Writer:Martin McDonagh (writer)

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

DVD Releases

March 11, 2008

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

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

DVD Releases

March 4, 2008 DVD releases

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

Final Oscar Predictions

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

Best Picture

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

Best Actor

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

Best Actress

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

Best Director

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

Best Supporting Actor

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

Best Supporting Actress

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

Best Original Screenplay

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

Best Adapted Screenplay

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

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

Let your imagination set you free

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abrams' monster flick lives up to hype

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

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

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

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

Oscar Predictions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 10 of 2007

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

Worst movie of the year
-Spiderman 3

Torn by lies and war

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard to describe, but easy to love

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All films seen in 2007

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

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

Lumet shines at the age of 82

"Before the Devil Knows Your Dead"
3.5 stars out of 4
Starring:Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, Albert Finney

The aging director Sidney Lumet has made one of his best and most accomplished works. Honored at the Oscars a few years back for the lifetime achievement award, Lumet proves that at the age of 82 he can still make effective films. He has always made socially charged crime dramas, and this time he has made a morality tale about two brothers.

The film revolves around a botched jewelery store heist that weights heavily upon everyone involved. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play two brothers that need a quick score to start there lives over, pressured by work or nagging ex-wives, each brother has his own issues. They plan a "mom and pop operation" to knock of there parents jewelery story, the score will get them around 60k each to get there lives in order. Both men, Andy (Hoffman) and Hank (Hawke) are sleeping with the same women, played by Marisa Tomei. Andy is married to her and doesnt know how to love her, Hank wants to run away with her. Tomei's character is only used for sexual purposes, and doesn't do much but show off some skin the entire movie.

Lumet's contributions come into play with how he shifts time and how we see the plot from different points of view. He goes back three days before the robbery, 10 days after the robbery, and so on, showing what each character has done/will do. The shifting time frame works more often that not, as we are always one step ahead of the characters, knowing more than them at all times.

The acting is really superb, PSH turns in an electric performance, he's a scheming and street smart guy who has been profiting from checks cashed for employees that don't exist in his business. It's a fiery and angry role for him, he sheds all in scene after scene, we really see his world crumble before his very eyes. Ethan Hawke is good enough to act alongside Hoffman, and Tomei is mostly there for eye candy. Albert Finney also stars as the father of the two men, in a role that reminds of his solid acting.

Overall, the film is dark in perspective, and bleak in actions and intentions. It plays as a family melodrama, and a crime-thriller all at the same time. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in these characters ruthless lives, each trying to get out of a very tough situation. The film is just shy of 2 hours, and I was into it the whole time except for the last 10 minutes where it really got ahead of itself. If the film had a better ending I would have given it 4 stars, but with solid acting, plot, and execution on Lumet's part, "Before the Devil Knows Your Dead" is one hell of a film

A coming of age story with witts and heart

"Juno"
Starring:Ellen Page,Michael Cera,Jennifer Garner,Jason Bateman,Allison Janney,J.K. Simmons
3.5 stars out of 4

"Juno" is the most heartwarming film of the year, small in scale and large on wits and charm. Director Jason Reitman, who also directed the comedic satire "Thank You for Smoking" brings even more knowledge behind the camera in his second film. This time around the star isnt Reitman, it's debut screenwriter Diablo Cody. Cody's female perspective brings honesty and truth to growing up and being a young teen in today's world. Cody's intelligent script may earn her a best origial screenplay award in February.

Ellen Page whose career will blossom after this film, is nothing short of a miracle in this film. Page who plays the 16 year old "Juno", is big on pop culture dialogue, and quietly prides herself on being witty. Juno MacGuff lives with her father played by the underrated J.K Simmons, her observing stepmom played by Allison Janney, and her younger sister. She recently became sexually active with boyfriend Paulie Bleaker, played by Michael Cera, recently seen in "Superbad." Juno decides a baby is too much for her and seeks a couple that really wants a child. She meets a posh couple played by the elegant Jennifer Garner and her husband played by Jason Bateman. Garner is fabulous in this film, she feels born to be a mother, and wants to know every detail about Juno's pregnancy, the more involved the better. Her husband Mark still watches old movies, and plays music, to her disliking.

All of the characters are relatable making this film honest and heartfelt, Ellen Page's performance is something to admire, she's a young actress who can display actions and emotions of an ageless actress, she's so good you just want to jump through the screen and hug her. The film prides itself on superb dialogue for its generation, screenwriter Cody has a keen ear for the language and slang for the myspace,and blogger generation.

"Juno" never misses a beat, it knows when to be smart,serious,dramatic,and comedic. The whole cast contributes to this coming of age story that cannot be missed. This film will be recognized come Oscar time, I loved this movie.

A blood soaked Christmas

"Sweeney Todd" : The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
3.5 stars out of 4

The holiday season takes a turn for the dark and dreaded, with this dreary and bleak musical based off a broadway play of the same name. "Sweeney Todd" is Tim Burton's picture, he uses his lifetime muse Johnny Depp, as the Demon Barber Sweeney Todd. The film takes place in a gothic and bleakly styilized London. Depp plays Benjamin Barker a barber, and family man who is falsely accused of a crime and is seperated from his wife and young daughter. Alan Rickman is the devious judge who sets him up and envy's his wife,Barker is soon imprisoned for over a decade.

Barker appears in London after his sentence as Sweeney Todd, with his slick big hair and revenge on his mind. Todd is seeking revenge for his past injustices, as he seeks to kill Judge Turpin and re-claim his family. Only his wife has poisioned herself and died and his daughter Joanna is living under the roof of Judge Turpin. Todd opens a barbershop in the upstairs of a meat-pie shop run by the lonely Mrs. Lovett played by the charming Helena Bonham Carter. Carter who is director Burton's wife, plays the role with ease was she brings her usual dark female undertone to the role as someone who wants to love Todd, but doesn't know how to express it. She invites him to setup shop in the upstaris of her establishment where Todd slits the throats of anyone he pleases, the bodies transcend to the basement, where Lovett burns the bodies and cooks them into her meat pies. Carter and Depp form an unusual chemistry and an understanding for there characters, more of a bond than a trust.

While the film doesn't have an extensive plot or outline, the set designs, costumes, music, and acting were enough to satisfy me to highly recommend this film, Todd's killings are whimsical yet sad as he mourns the loss of a lost life with his family. Todd spends the film singing of his vengaence and trying to imagine a life with his now older daughter, who knows not of Todd's tortured and lonely existence. Not only did I single out Depp's performance as great and fresh, but Helena Bonham Carter has gone unnoticed for years and Burton places her in the right film to be noticed, her voice and lyrics are humorous yet insightful, especially when she sings alongside Depp.

The film plays as many things, a musical first, a thriller and suspense blood bath, and a comedic stage play, as most of Todd's killings are laughworthy instead of shockworthy. Burton's gothic vision of old London is re-created through the characters who sing there songs in streets, alleys, and in shops. I admired the film to a special degree, the songs were simple and plot was basic, but I mostly enjoyed Burton vision and the performance of Depp and Bonham Carter. Sweeney Todd is a film to breathe in and and imagine, rather than think about. Also look for a small role from Sasha Baron Cohen, the star of "Borat", as a rival barber with a bleak future once he meets Todd.

"Sweeney Todd" is proof that Burton is getting mature in his works, his style remains the same but that isn't a fault against him. Depp continues to impress in broad and stylish roles. While Holiday season viewers may not be ready for all of the blood and gore of Todd, the film wears it's heart on it's sleeve in the personas of it's actors. A definite must see, look for Depp and possibly Bonham Carter to receieve Oscar recognition.

Comedy event of the Holiday

"Walk Hard": The Dewey Cox Story
Starring: John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Tim Meadows
3.5 stars out of 4

"Walk Hard" is another hit from team Apatow, the writer and director of "Knocked Up", and "The 40 Year Old Virgin". Apatow who produced "Walk Hard", has made another hit and is clearly the leading comedy influence working in Hollywood.

John C. Reilly has always been the standard leading man that no one talks about, appearing in dozens of movies including the "The Aviator, "The Hours", "Magnolia", and "Gangs of New York", Reilly FINALLY gets his own leading role and movie, and he sure does shine. He plays Dewey Cox, the singer-songwriter who has been tormented by the death of his younger brother which he caused as they battled with a machete as kids, yes this is making of "Walk the Line" and all other hollywood music biopics.

The film gets most things right, as it gives a behind the scenes look at musicians. Cox struggles with booze, girls, drugs, and all of the burdens that weigh on famous rockstars, Reilly plays this character perfect, and the screenwriting is what prompts this comedic riot of a film. We follow Cox's journey from success to eventual downfall, hard drugs and infidelity are things Dewey can't live without, as he finds out in uproarous ways.

The film is mainly SNL actors including scene stealing Tim Meadows as the drummer with a vast addiction to any drug, and Chris Parnell. There are also many celebrity cameos. Paul Rudd, Jack Black, Jason Schwartzman, and Justing Long amazingly mimic The Beatles in there LSD phase. Cox also runs into the likes of Elvis, and parodies Bob Dylan in a hilarious scene. It's not hard to tell why John C. Reilly for a Golden Globe nomination for this, he's believelable as this musician without a clue, and a knack for success. The film is going to win any Oscars, but it's the best comedy maybe of the year.

Best of the Rest

Upcoming Films That I'm Dying To See!

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"


"There Will be Blood"

"Juno"

"The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"

"I'm Not There"

"Eastern Promises"

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

"Before the Devil Knows Your Dead"

"Atonement"

MASTERPIECE, best work of 07 and beyond

“No Country for Old Men”
Starring: Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Kelly McDonald
4 stars out of 4

With “No Country for Old Men” the Coen Brothers have not only made the best film of 2007, but have crafted there best film as a whole, even surpassing there 1996 masterpiece “Fargo.” This film may solidify there spot as two of the greatest American directors working in the business, they made a few un-memorable films after “Fargo”, but have smoothly landed on there feet with this haunting and suspenseful work of art.

The film takes place in Texas in the 1980’s; the rural lands have been rid of ranchers and instead have been filled with drug runners. One day a good-ol boy named Llewelyn Moss played by Josh Brolin is hunting antelope near the Rio Grande; instead of catching game he stumbles upon a half dozen dead bodies and a drug deal gone wrong. He also finds 2 million in cash, and takes off with it. He makes the mistake of returning later that night to lend one of the wounded some much needed water, but this time there are men waiting for him, and the chase begins. Not only do the Mexicans want the money from him, but so does a psychopath named Anton Chigurgh played eerily by Javier Bardem, in an award winning performance. Chigurgh has his own motives, and will kill anything that comes between him and the money that Moss has. Moss is a savvy and knowledge welder who experienced two tours in Vietnam; he’s married to a younger girl named Carla-Jean played by British actress Kelly McDonald. Without giving too much away, the cat and mouse game that takes place between Chigurgh and Moss is brilliant, as soon as Moss stumbled upon the money he knew his life would change that instant, but he didn’t know the nature of what was chasing him. Javier Bardem has made his career in foreign, and independent films, this is truly his breakthrough performance. His character Anton Chigurgh may be the best villain to appear on screen since Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lector. Chigurgh’s character is invincible, psychopathic, and un-relentless all at the same time.

I haven’t even mentioned the performance turned in by the reliable veteran Tommy Lee Jones, who plays Sheriff Ed Tom Bell. Ed Tom is having a hard time fathoming the amounts of violence that are taking place, and can’t understand how it snuck up on him so fast, he comes from a family of cops, his father, and his grandfather were cops also. Tommy Lee Jones graces the screen in each of his scenes as he is always one step behind the doings of Moss and Chigurgh, he’s set to retire soon, as he feels out of place and out of time in this chaotic and violent world. All of the performances turned in are top notch, Brolin and Bardem don’t miss a note in there respective roles. After seeing the film, it was hard to get Bardem’s performance out of my head, extremely scary and chilling. “No Country for Old Men” isn’t for everyone; it’s truly for those who can appreciate the finer elements of film. The Coen Brothers do many things in this epic crime tale, but one thing they do not do is wrap everything up in a pretty bow for the audience at the end. There are many underlining themes that one must grasp in order to appreciate the film as a whole, themes of death, redemption, and fate just to name a few.

Even though the film season isn’t over yet, I can’t imagine seeing a better film the rest of the year, “No Country for Old Men” is as good as it gets, this is one film you don’t want to miss, as it reaches levels of philosophical commentary, and a vast meditation on violence and death. The effective use of cinematography in the lonely desert, the brilliant use of no score, only relying on sounds the characters create to build tension and suspense creates a Hitchcockian feel to much of the film. This movie is truly mind-blowing; it hits you right in the gut and doesn’t let up. I have heard many complaints of people saying they enjoyed the movie up until the ending, let me just say that I had no problem with it. This film was too deep to only see one time, I can’t wait to pick it apart and analyze more with repeated viewings. Javier Bardem has the statue in the bag for best supporting actor, and the film will be nominated for Best Picture, Director, Editing, Adapted Screenplay, and Cinematography.

Solid crime drama with great performances

“American Gangster”
Starring: Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejifor, Josh Brolin
3.5 stars out of 4

Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” is the crime saga of two flawed and hard nosed men. Denzel Washington in a great performance plays Frank Lucas, the main distributor of Heroin in Harlem in the early 1970’s. Russell Crowe plays detective Richie Roberts, an honest cop, who is also a deadbeat father and husband. The whole film plays as an epic buildup until these two men collide. Scott directs with style, and gritty detail.
When Lucas was up and coming, he looked up to an older businessman who then died of natural causes. Lucas saw an opportunity to get ahead, and started his own business. He would fly to Bang Cock during Vietnam, buy 100 kilos of heroin and have it shipped to the U.S. through Vietnam caskets. From there Lucas would name the drug Blue Magic, and have his family help him organize his product. His right hand guy is his brother Huey, played by Ejifor, in a solid but plain role. Lucas stresses family, hard work, and sees himself as the definition of a true American.

“American Gangster” is supposed to be Denzel’s film, but Crowe has no problem stealing some of the much deserved attention. Both men dominate the screen more than anyone else, and when we see them at work its like watching two men in there actual real job. We believe Denzel as Frank Lucas, a smart and ambitious businessman who brings the best product to his people and neighborhood. Crowe as a by the book cop Richie Roberts, who stumbled upon $1 million in untraceable money and turned it into the cops, without even blinking. Roberts is looked down upon for doing the right thing, as most of the cops he knows are corrupt or crooked in some way, most notably Detective Trupo, played by Josh Brolin. Trupo is sleazy and arrogant and will find anyway to make sure he gets his handout from all the top guys, straight or crooked. Trupo sticks his nose into Lucas’ business demanding $10,000 on his doorstep on the first of each month; instead he gets a rooster in a cage and his fancy car blown up. This is how Lucas works, is orders are barked at him in a demanding and disrespectful way, he’ll come after you. Denzel plays this character with control, but we see his crazed psyche at times of frustration and anger. While Lucas stresses family, Roberts family life is completely out of whack, he sleeps with a different girl every night, and isn’t around for his kid, but he’s an honest and hard working cop, assigned to bring down the big sharks. He soon gathers a team of street smart guys who are tough and mean, and are likely to bring down Lucas.

The film is 2 hrs and 40 minutes in length, but doesn’t feel that long. We watch Lucas earn a name on the streets and build his empire from the ground up, he sells his product cheaply and gets rich, he owns the cops, and the mafia, and has the city by the balls. Meanwhile Richie and his crew are shaking everybody down to find out who in fact the big distributor in town is. When Roberts attends a real life Ali-Frazier fight dressed as a photographer, he notices Lucas having better seats than the main mafia guys, and even the corrupt Trupo. Roberts is a tough guy from Jersey who is as honest as they come, if its turning down bribes, he doesn’t care. Roberts’s character is just as important as Lucas’s

Director Ridley Scott comes close to a great crime epic, but ultimately falls short, he has a great cast but doesn’t use everyone to there fullest potential. Although I must say I did enjoy Josh Brolin as Detective Trupo, a true prick. There are a few rappers cast like Common and T.I. who don’t really do much, but just add there own gangster and hip hop vibe to the film, which doesn’t require any. The film has some great and stunning moments, but overall Scott falls short of greatness. The ending is a bit rushed and unpolished, and unsatisfying, those are just some of the minor flaws. Don’t get me wrong though, “American Gangster” is one of the best this year, and sure to be the best gangster movie of this year.

Another horror film undertaken by cliches

"30 Days of Night"
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Ben Foster
2 stars out of 4

Very recently someone sat in a room, and undeniably thought the success of graphic novels, in this case a scary graphic novel would translate to a solid big screen genre horror picture. This, however isn't the case. Most good horror movies have to establish characters we care for. I can say that I didn't care for 1 person in this movie.

"30 Days of Night" is about the northernmost town in Alaska, which sees night for 30 days, hence the title. The town of Barrow is home to a population only reaching the hundreds, among the population, we meet the local Sheriff Eben Oleson played by Hartnett, also his divorcee Stella played by Melissa George. Also a stranger to the town, played devilishly by Ben Foster, who looks dirty and slimy in almost every role that he's in. This stranger leads the ancient Vampires to the city as they arrive on ship. When the last sun goes down for a month, they will prey on the city. This is the story in a nutshell, pretty original huh? Quite the contrary, the film is filled with horror movie cliches, all of the remaining alive characters hide in attics, diners, anywhere to wait and buy time until the 30 days end. The film actually jumps from day 1-7-18-27.

The film has no good beginning, we don't even know where the vampires have come from, they have no backstory, all we know that is that they speak another language and make an annoying shrieking sound whenever they're mad. They're led by the actor Danny Huston, who is usually used in good films, I don't know what he saw in this script. Getting back to the cliches, the broken couple of Eben and Stella somehow start to love eachother again, I guess if vampires attack your town, it's the right medicine for any broken relationship. The vampires, of course are destroyed by any bright light, gun, the usual. It seems that there is actually enough light in the town during the blackout, but it doesn't hurt them one bit. This movie could have been better if nearly all of the town was pitch dark, making it more eerie, and haunting. No such happenings occur here, the characters run and drive through the snow, get in fights with eachother, and you guessed it, when one of them is bitten, they ask someone to "take them out." One has to wonder when Josh Hartnett is going to wise up and start accepting some good roles, he has appeared in this, and "The Black Dahlia" recently, two bombs.

I can't recommend "30 Days of Night" even for a mediocre Halloween film, it's bad writing, some bad acting, and un-original. Try passing out treats instead of spending $8 on this movie.

Emotional, and profound movie-going experience

“Into the Wild”
Starring: Emile Hirsch, William Hurt, Marcia Gay Harden, Katherine Keener, Vince Vaughn, Hal Halbrook, Jena Malone, Kristen Stewart
4 stars out of 4


“Into the Wild” is Sean Penn’s adaptation from the John Krakauer book of the same name. This film tells the true story of 22 year old Christopher Johnson McCandless, who at young age left behind all of his possessions, and donated his entire bank account of $24,000 to charity, while planning to hitchhike to Alaska and live in the wilderness. McCandless, a bright and young idealist, graduated from Emory University with a 3.7 GPA, and had plans to go to Harvard Law before he left for his epic journey.

McCandless is played magnificently by rising star Emile Hirsh who truly defines the phrase breakthrough performance for his role in this. McCandless, has had a rocky relationship with his parents Walt and Billie played by William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden. They are an upper class family who define themselves by possessions. Although they are hard working and good people, McCandless and his younger sister Carine played by Jena Malone understand where the parent’s flaws lie. In an early scene, McCandless rejects a graduation gift of a new car that they offer him; this among other things has set Chris over the edge.

While on the road, McCandless changes his name to Alexander Supertramp, abandons his car, and burns the rest of his money. In search of beauty, freedom, and independence, Chris encounters many interesting and friendly people on his journey. He meets Jan Burres played by Catherine Keener and her husband Rainey. They are hippies who move from place to place and basically live simple lives. McCandless appreciates there way of life, and becomes friends with them. They see him as a bright young man, who should contact his parents and let them know his whereabouts. This happens with most people that Chris meets, the others include a grain manufacturer played by Vince Vaughn, and an old lonely widower named Ron, played gently by Hal Halbrook, who gives a touching Oscar worthy performance as who has found a deep friendship with Chris. They all see themselves as surrogate parents in some way, and all wish the best for Chris.

McCandless works odd jobs, and gathers what money he can to prepare him for his great Alaskan adventure; he also canoes, camps, and catches any ride he can to get him to that moment. The moment of living in the wild, catching game, and being free. This is McCandless’ dream. The film shot beautifully by Sean Penn, is a tribute to the young McCandless and his aspirations. Penn also uses original songs by Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam to enhance the journey that Chris is on. Vedder’s vocals contribute largely to this story. The character of McCandless is portrayed as having strong rifts with his parents, as he displays his frustration in many scenes, mainly his father who really can’t understand Chris’ motives. Carine McCandless who is closest with Chris, narrates the story, and tells of her families’ frustration and fear of what has happened to Chris, as he hasn’t contacted them in two years. They live in disbelief of what Chris has done, and just hope there son is safe.

As Chris finally arrives in Alaska, we fear of what may come to him, as he is very inexperienced in hunting, and living off in a remote location. His only shelter comes from a bus, that McCandless shelters himself in, which becomes a resting place for him near the end of his journey. Its hard to understand this character, is he brave, naïve, or just stupid. Viewers of this film can arrive at there own conclusion. This film is touching, emotional, and haunting. It’s a story of the road, and the pressures of one man to escape society and create his own utopia in the rough and unforgiving wilderness.

This film is emotionally draining, heartbreaking, and triumphant in telling this kids story, it’s my favorite movie of the year, and Sean Penn has crafted his own personal masterpiece with such passion and craft. “Into the Wild” is a film of substance, intelligence, and righteousness, a character study of the highest and most haunting magnitude. Also, listen for the original score by Pearl Jam vocalist Eddie Vedder, he composed original songs for the film, which feel like a character all themself. Best movie so far this year