Daniel Craig is back on the big screen, this time he's James Bondless in the new true story of Defiance. Defiance now in wide release, originally in some theaters in December, has gotten lost in the midst of all of the big hyped movies. The timing of this movie is curious , I think mid fall would serve it much better than the Holidays or soon after.
Defiance is the true story of a group of Jewish brothers in WWII who defiantly hid hundreds of Jews from the Nazi's and kept them safe in the early days of the war. They built a "city" deep in the woods of war torn Russia out of sight from the German SS. All the while stealing food, and supplies in one way or another to stay alive in the hopes that help would soon arrive. Moving and rebuilding a few times to stay away from Nazi patrols and SS guards.
Defiance is the struggle of survival, infighting, brotherly rivalry, and the huge pressure these defiant people were under during troubling times in world history. The movies main attribute is the truly amazing story. These are absolutely incredible people performing a feat that most of us could not imagine, fighting for their very lives against all odds - with literally nothing. It's also a story that really has never been told before, and that is compelling.
But with all that said, from a movie standpoint, Defiance has it's troubles. First, Defiance is too long, two hours and twenty minutes. Not normally bothersome for a really good movie, but there is an awful lot of the same thing here time after time. Shorter would have been better. Many side plots do not serve this film as well as the intention. Defiance also to be honest, is probably a better "story" than "movie." This great story is not really captured in a riveting form like it maybe could be. It's interesting enough alright, but the picture doesn't jump out of the screen and hold you like it could have. This movie has a few draggy areas that make you want something to happen on screen. A tighter edit, is in order.
But this is not a bad night at the movies by any stretch of the imagination, but it's not the really great movie it maybe could have been. More than likely a real movie goers movie, and having some knowledge of WWII is really a must. Defiance doesn't spend a whole lot of time giving you a history lesson to get you caught up up front.
Defiance. Story - Great Movie - Okay.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Doubt
More Oscar nominated movies to talk about, this one starring Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams - Doubt
Doubt is the movie adaptation of the stage play of the same name, and many times during this movie, it really feels like a play, more than a movie. It has that "stage play" feel to it, which is a testament to the movie makers and the players within it.
Doubt is the story of an inner city Catholic School in 1964. Streep plays the schools aging nun-principal, who runs a tight ship that was standard in those days. Hoffman is the schools priest, and the over all person in charge of such. Adams is a young nun who teaches the 8th grade, and is overall still naive of the world and the people in it.
After a series if circumstantial events witnessed by the young teacher on school grounds, the priest is suspected of "improper" behavior with one of the schools young male students, who happens to be the first black child ever admitted to the school. The principal then begins a crusade at her own risk to "bring down" the priest, and the drama ensues.
Doubt is serious drama. This is a highly adult film that takes on some of the toughest issues that face any church, or certainly any of us. It is a story that challenges the faith of some, and reaffirms the faith of others. It will all be in the beholder.
The three lead characters are all huge roles, with Adams very strong in her portrayal of a young nun, getting a worldly lesson early on in her career. Her performance is the stuff of Oscar worthiness. But truthfully, Doubt belongs to Hoffman. Hoffman is completely believable as the enigmatic priest who is seemingly both friend and foe to his congregation. His performance is both compelling and powerful. With an Oscar already on his shelf at home from Capote a couple years ago, he may have to make more room for this performance in Doubt. He is the real deal here.
Doubt is not light move going, and isn't for everyone. Some of these issues are very close to the surface, and will make you uncomfortable, which of course is Doubts intent. You be the judge before you buy your ticket if you're willing to go down a road that could possibly make you a bit fidgety in your seat. Doubt dares to take on a tough issue, and then lets you be the judge.
Doubt. Very good, and very thought provoking.
Doubt is the movie adaptation of the stage play of the same name, and many times during this movie, it really feels like a play, more than a movie. It has that "stage play" feel to it, which is a testament to the movie makers and the players within it.
Doubt is the story of an inner city Catholic School in 1964. Streep plays the schools aging nun-principal, who runs a tight ship that was standard in those days. Hoffman is the schools priest, and the over all person in charge of such. Adams is a young nun who teaches the 8th grade, and is overall still naive of the world and the people in it.
After a series if circumstantial events witnessed by the young teacher on school grounds, the priest is suspected of "improper" behavior with one of the schools young male students, who happens to be the first black child ever admitted to the school. The principal then begins a crusade at her own risk to "bring down" the priest, and the drama ensues.
Doubt is serious drama. This is a highly adult film that takes on some of the toughest issues that face any church, or certainly any of us. It is a story that challenges the faith of some, and reaffirms the faith of others. It will all be in the beholder.
The three lead characters are all huge roles, with Adams very strong in her portrayal of a young nun, getting a worldly lesson early on in her career. Her performance is the stuff of Oscar worthiness. But truthfully, Doubt belongs to Hoffman. Hoffman is completely believable as the enigmatic priest who is seemingly both friend and foe to his congregation. His performance is both compelling and powerful. With an Oscar already on his shelf at home from Capote a couple years ago, he may have to make more room for this performance in Doubt. He is the real deal here.
Doubt is not light move going, and isn't for everyone. Some of these issues are very close to the surface, and will make you uncomfortable, which of course is Doubts intent. You be the judge before you buy your ticket if you're willing to go down a road that could possibly make you a bit fidgety in your seat. Doubt dares to take on a tough issue, and then lets you be the judge.
Doubt. Very good, and very thought provoking.
MOVIE REVIEW - Frost/Nixon
With the Oscar nominations now official, it's time to take at good look at some of the pictures up for some awards this year. Frost/Nixon is one of them.
Debuting in December, FN has finally gone in wider release, and it's a shame it didn't get more play early on. FN is a movie of the first order. Directed by Ronnie Howard this is look back to 1977, when then British talk show host David Frost risked everything to stage a series of interview's with former President Richard Nixon who had resigned in disgrace 3 years earlier. FN is the story of the negotiating, and the 4 days of taping the TV interview that both Frost and Nixon thought was the stepping stone to another level in their public lives.
With tremendous skill, both Frost and Nixon's characters in this movie are developed wonderfully, and you feel at the movies end you've really learned who these guys were, and what made them tick. The performances by Micheal Sheen (Frost) and Frank Langella (Nixon) are absolutely stellar. Langella in particular as Nixon, invokes both rage and sympathy to the viewer. The sheer amount of dialogue is amazing, and delivered with incredible passion deep within the character. One of the years best performances, if not THE best.
Both characters are incredibly complex individuals, who were pulling the same chain in different directions and for different reasons. FN takes on some meaty issues in the Nixon White House, with the focus squarely on Vietnam, and Watergate. Frost attempting the impossible, getting Nixon to admit wrongdoing, and Nixon attempting to propel himself back into the limelight by crushing Frost on TV. Throw in a great supporting cast of Oliver Platt, and Sam Rockwell, and Frost/Nixon turns into into one of the years best dramas.
Frost/Nixon is a powerful movie, that has the innate ability to transport you back in time to 1977. Some movies do this so well, you think when you come out of the theater it's going to be 1977. I remember the 1997 Oscar nominated movie L.A. Confidential set in 1953. I felt the same way This movie is a learning tool of the era. the event, and the men. It is one of Ronnie Howard's best movies, and that's saying something. He has been one of the best film makers of this or any generation.
Frost/Nixon. Just fantastic. Oscar Worthy!
Debuting in December, FN has finally gone in wider release, and it's a shame it didn't get more play early on. FN is a movie of the first order. Directed by Ronnie Howard this is look back to 1977, when then British talk show host David Frost risked everything to stage a series of interview's with former President Richard Nixon who had resigned in disgrace 3 years earlier. FN is the story of the negotiating, and the 4 days of taping the TV interview that both Frost and Nixon thought was the stepping stone to another level in their public lives.
With tremendous skill, both Frost and Nixon's characters in this movie are developed wonderfully, and you feel at the movies end you've really learned who these guys were, and what made them tick. The performances by Micheal Sheen (Frost) and Frank Langella (Nixon) are absolutely stellar. Langella in particular as Nixon, invokes both rage and sympathy to the viewer. The sheer amount of dialogue is amazing, and delivered with incredible passion deep within the character. One of the years best performances, if not THE best.
Both characters are incredibly complex individuals, who were pulling the same chain in different directions and for different reasons. FN takes on some meaty issues in the Nixon White House, with the focus squarely on Vietnam, and Watergate. Frost attempting the impossible, getting Nixon to admit wrongdoing, and Nixon attempting to propel himself back into the limelight by crushing Frost on TV. Throw in a great supporting cast of Oliver Platt, and Sam Rockwell, and Frost/Nixon turns into into one of the years best dramas.
Frost/Nixon is a powerful movie, that has the innate ability to transport you back in time to 1977. Some movies do this so well, you think when you come out of the theater it's going to be 1977. I remember the 1997 Oscar nominated movie L.A. Confidential set in 1953. I felt the same way This movie is a learning tool of the era. the event, and the men. It is one of Ronnie Howard's best movies, and that's saying something. He has been one of the best film makers of this or any generation.
Frost/Nixon. Just fantastic. Oscar Worthy!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - The Reader
With all the accolades The Reader has been getting, I thought we had better get to it here. The Reader has been honored by the Golden Globes, and now has some Oscar nods.
The Reader stars Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes. It's another example of the simple fact that all good movies start with a really great story. Meeting characters we've never met before, and told in way that keeps us guessing, and wondering where and when the next shoe is going to drop. That is The Reader.
Meet Hannah (Winslet) . A 35 year old German woman living in Berlin in 1958. She has no friends, and a very simple life. She works on the Tram system as a toll taker. She befriends Micheal (Fiennes) a 15 year old school boy by helping him when he was sick on the streets. After he recovers from Scarlett fever a few months later he returns to her apartment to say thanks. She seduces him, and a quick, but torrid affair ensues. All she asks of him is to read to her. Afterwards she rewards him with sex. He reads her book after book for a steamy summer. From simple books to big time literature, she drinks up his reading like a sponge.
The whole time you're wondering why, and you feel Hannah is keeping secrets. And she is. What are they, and how many there? Won't tell you here, but you should find out by going to this great movie. This is fantastic movie making, with great performances. I will tell you there is a large amount of nudity, especially at the movies outset. This is not for kids in any way shape or form. The Reader deals with real adult issues, and by not giving anything away, some of the most hanous and guarded parts of history grown ups have spend decades learning about.
This is a definition of art in film. This is not for everyone. Films like The Reader are an acquired taste that will miss with many, but score heavily with real film fanatics. This is NOT light movie watching. This is intense drama. The Reader is adult, serious, and dark at times. Told primarily in flashback form, though is easy to follow.
The Reader. First class in every way.
The Reader stars Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes. It's another example of the simple fact that all good movies start with a really great story. Meeting characters we've never met before, and told in way that keeps us guessing, and wondering where and when the next shoe is going to drop. That is The Reader.
Meet Hannah (Winslet) . A 35 year old German woman living in Berlin in 1958. She has no friends, and a very simple life. She works on the Tram system as a toll taker. She befriends Micheal (Fiennes) a 15 year old school boy by helping him when he was sick on the streets. After he recovers from Scarlett fever a few months later he returns to her apartment to say thanks. She seduces him, and a quick, but torrid affair ensues. All she asks of him is to read to her. Afterwards she rewards him with sex. He reads her book after book for a steamy summer. From simple books to big time literature, she drinks up his reading like a sponge.
The whole time you're wondering why, and you feel Hannah is keeping secrets. And she is. What are they, and how many there? Won't tell you here, but you should find out by going to this great movie. This is fantastic movie making, with great performances. I will tell you there is a large amount of nudity, especially at the movies outset. This is not for kids in any way shape or form. The Reader deals with real adult issues, and by not giving anything away, some of the most hanous and guarded parts of history grown ups have spend decades learning about.
This is a definition of art in film. This is not for everyone. Films like The Reader are an acquired taste that will miss with many, but score heavily with real film fanatics. This is NOT light movie watching. This is intense drama. The Reader is adult, serious, and dark at times. Told primarily in flashback form, though is easy to follow.
The Reader. First class in every way.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
How Did I Not Know?
Funny thing how men and women communicate, or NOT sometimes. I had a funny experience today that is worth repeating here.
We've had a ton of snow of course, and shoveling has been a big deal at all of our houses. On the air with my partner Sue Wilson, we've been joking about shoveling and all that's involved in it. I suggested a few days ago that she go out and buy a "kinky shovel," that's what I call it. You know, the shovel with the kink in the handle so you don't have to bend down as far to clear the drive? Sue had stated she had a sore back from all the shoveling, and I thought this was a great thing for her. It's a great invention. The official term is "ergonomically correct" shovel. But I didn't know that then - but I know it now! I was just horsing around calling it the "kinky shovel." Sue and I have strong communication chemistry and I was under the impression there was no misunderstanding. I was wrong!
Sue has been putting off buying one. I asked why with all the snow, and she said she couldn't find one. I was shocked. She said she couldn't find the brand name "Kinky Shovel." I laughed and said there is no such brand. Sue thought I went all Billy Mays on her and was recommending a certain brand name "Kinky Shovel." You know like this would be the Cadillac of snow shovels. After we shared a good laugh about it on the air and agreed it was all my fault , we had many calls in her support from other frustrated listeners stating they couldn't find the official "Kinky Shovel." I had no idea anyone was looking for one! But I gotta tell you, I'm thinking about calling Billy Mays right now and recommending he start marketing one asap!
Lisetners calling saying they'd gone on extensive Internet searches looking for the fore mentioned shovel with no luck either. Sue even had a colorful line about being shocked as to what popped on the screen after Googling the dreaded words. (not recommended) And here's me...I have no clue. I'm just standing in the drive with my kinked handled shovel clearing the drive.
Ironic here isn't it? Here it is my joke, silly as it was and is, and I'm not in on it. Who would have thought an ergonomically correct shovel could cause such amusement? I guess I should have made myself clearer. And I'll have to keep that in mind for the future. But really, no one on earth is going to say, "Hey Murray, hand me the ergonomically correct shovel will ya?"
Call it what you may.....it's still the kinky shovel.
We've had a ton of snow of course, and shoveling has been a big deal at all of our houses. On the air with my partner Sue Wilson, we've been joking about shoveling and all that's involved in it. I suggested a few days ago that she go out and buy a "kinky shovel," that's what I call it. You know, the shovel with the kink in the handle so you don't have to bend down as far to clear the drive? Sue had stated she had a sore back from all the shoveling, and I thought this was a great thing for her. It's a great invention. The official term is "ergonomically correct" shovel. But I didn't know that then - but I know it now! I was just horsing around calling it the "kinky shovel." Sue and I have strong communication chemistry and I was under the impression there was no misunderstanding. I was wrong!
Sue has been putting off buying one. I asked why with all the snow, and she said she couldn't find one. I was shocked. She said she couldn't find the brand name "Kinky Shovel." I laughed and said there is no such brand. Sue thought I went all Billy Mays on her and was recommending a certain brand name "Kinky Shovel." You know like this would be the Cadillac of snow shovels. After we shared a good laugh about it on the air and agreed it was all my fault , we had many calls in her support from other frustrated listeners stating they couldn't find the official "Kinky Shovel." I had no idea anyone was looking for one! But I gotta tell you, I'm thinking about calling Billy Mays right now and recommending he start marketing one asap!
Lisetners calling saying they'd gone on extensive Internet searches looking for the fore mentioned shovel with no luck either. Sue even had a colorful line about being shocked as to what popped on the screen after Googling the dreaded words. (not recommended) And here's me...I have no clue. I'm just standing in the drive with my kinked handled shovel clearing the drive.
Ironic here isn't it? Here it is my joke, silly as it was and is, and I'm not in on it. Who would have thought an ergonomically correct shovel could cause such amusement? I guess I should have made myself clearer. And I'll have to keep that in mind for the future. But really, no one on earth is going to say, "Hey Murray, hand me the ergonomically correct shovel will ya?"
Call it what you may.....it's still the kinky shovel.
MOVIE REVIEW - Slumdog MIllionaire
Critically acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire won a Golden Globe last week as the best picture of the year. This movie has been out for a few weeks, and is has been doing a more brisk take at the box office since it's win at the GG's.
SM stars no one you know, and resembles no movie that you've ever seen. SM is a fascinating movie told in a way no movie has ever been told before. To be very honest, it's not for everyone, and I feel this is a "movie goers" movie. In jest, SM is a fill-em (pronounced film.) You get the gist.
SM is the story of an 18 year old boy from India, and the Indian version of the TV show, Who Wants o Be A Millionaire. I know it's a strange combo, but we'll do our best here. He is about to become the first to win the big prize on the wildly popular show in a nation of literally a billion fans. He is arrested and is charged with fraud, and the authorities are wondering how he's has known all the answers. Hang in there! The movie is then told in flashback style of his life, and his sometimes horrible life experiences from childhood right up to the present.
Each question he is asked on the show coincides with his own life. He's not an educated kid, just a lucky one. The story will take you down a road or two that's hard to watch, or imagine. It is a graphic depiction of life in big city India, that is both eye opening and eye covering at the same time. Will he win the record jackpot and become a national hero in India? Well, go see.
I get it, this is a tough story to articulate in written form, but SM is a movie that has to be seen to really get. It's form is so unique that it's worth the time and ticket. Some will totally get this movie and put it on their "stranded on a desert island" list, others will walk away wishing it was two hours ago.
Slumdog Millionaire. I'm not sure it's the years best movie, but it's awful good. It's a movie that has be experienced to really appreciate. A real "movie-goers" dream in every regard.
SM stars no one you know, and resembles no movie that you've ever seen. SM is a fascinating movie told in a way no movie has ever been told before. To be very honest, it's not for everyone, and I feel this is a "movie goers" movie. In jest, SM is a fill-em (pronounced film.) You get the gist.
SM is the story of an 18 year old boy from India, and the Indian version of the TV show, Who Wants o Be A Millionaire. I know it's a strange combo, but we'll do our best here. He is about to become the first to win the big prize on the wildly popular show in a nation of literally a billion fans. He is arrested and is charged with fraud, and the authorities are wondering how he's has known all the answers. Hang in there! The movie is then told in flashback style of his life, and his sometimes horrible life experiences from childhood right up to the present.
Each question he is asked on the show coincides with his own life. He's not an educated kid, just a lucky one. The story will take you down a road or two that's hard to watch, or imagine. It is a graphic depiction of life in big city India, that is both eye opening and eye covering at the same time. Will he win the record jackpot and become a national hero in India? Well, go see.
I get it, this is a tough story to articulate in written form, but SM is a movie that has to be seen to really get. It's form is so unique that it's worth the time and ticket. Some will totally get this movie and put it on their "stranded on a desert island" list, others will walk away wishing it was two hours ago.
Slumdog Millionaire. I'm not sure it's the years best movie, but it's awful good. It's a movie that has be experienced to really appreciate. A real "movie-goers" dream in every regard.
Monday, January 19, 2009
MOVIE REVIEW - Paul Blart Mall Cop
Kevin James is back in a new movie, this one is Paul Blart Mall Cop. You more than likely have seen the 400,000 TV commercials for this movie which did open with a bang over the weekend. James of King Of Queens fame, does make profitable movies, and this one will only add to his huge financial coffers. If you choose to slap the green down to make sure he stays rich.
James can be a funny guy not doubt. But I feel in the movies, less of him is more. I really loved him in Hitch as a side dish to Will Smith. But here, there are only two jokes. He's a loser and he's fat.
Paul Blart is a mall cop at a huge mall in New Jersey. He finds himself in a situation he is not prepared for. A group of bad guys take over the mall at closing time, and are trying to get the credit card receipts for the day, and then jet off to the Cayman Islands. When local cops and even SWAT isn't up for the job, Paul Blart is.
The packed theater today howled with delight at this 90 minute comedy. But to be square with you, the average age was about 12, most of them there with their parents. And that's going to be the target here. Although I'm not convinced that that was the intent. It's juvenile and aims low at times, and the kids loved it. For a movie that really seemed to connect with kids, and mildly amuse the adults at times, I could have done without the following. Lines like this, "Next time I see you Blart, I'm going to put a bullet in your head." or "Good, I'll just shoot your girlfriend first." Or the numerous gunpoint lines referencing that they were going to kidnap Blarts 10 year old daughter and take her to the Caymans with her. A touch harsh for a kids movie, but by today's standards, maybe not.
Mall Cop is loaded with old and tired sight gags that have been used a million times before, and nothing that is spoken is going to crack anybody up. But in it's defense, language is fine, and somehow they managed to make a movie like this that doesn't reference bodily noises and bathroom humor.
Paul Blart Mall Cop. Nothing new here. Just a couple of hour getaway at the local theater that will make you forget that it's freezing outside. Not great, not horrible......right in the middle. Kids will roar, and that's okay. You'll get a kick out of their laughter. I did.
James can be a funny guy not doubt. But I feel in the movies, less of him is more. I really loved him in Hitch as a side dish to Will Smith. But here, there are only two jokes. He's a loser and he's fat.
Paul Blart is a mall cop at a huge mall in New Jersey. He finds himself in a situation he is not prepared for. A group of bad guys take over the mall at closing time, and are trying to get the credit card receipts for the day, and then jet off to the Cayman Islands. When local cops and even SWAT isn't up for the job, Paul Blart is.
The packed theater today howled with delight at this 90 minute comedy. But to be square with you, the average age was about 12, most of them there with their parents. And that's going to be the target here. Although I'm not convinced that that was the intent. It's juvenile and aims low at times, and the kids loved it. For a movie that really seemed to connect with kids, and mildly amuse the adults at times, I could have done without the following. Lines like this, "Next time I see you Blart, I'm going to put a bullet in your head." or "Good, I'll just shoot your girlfriend first." Or the numerous gunpoint lines referencing that they were going to kidnap Blarts 10 year old daughter and take her to the Caymans with her. A touch harsh for a kids movie, but by today's standards, maybe not.
Mall Cop is loaded with old and tired sight gags that have been used a million times before, and nothing that is spoken is going to crack anybody up. But in it's defense, language is fine, and somehow they managed to make a movie like this that doesn't reference bodily noises and bathroom humor.
Paul Blart Mall Cop. Nothing new here. Just a couple of hour getaway at the local theater that will make you forget that it's freezing outside. Not great, not horrible......right in the middle. Kids will roar, and that's okay. You'll get a kick out of their laughter. I did.
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