Two Short Reviews- Bolt, Nothing But the Truth

March 25, 2009

Bolt (2008) **1/2
Directed by Byron Howard & Chris Williams

I’ve commented before about the downfall of the genre of the Animated Film. If not for Pixar, there would be little reason to hope that things will get better. Bolt surprisingly received positive reviews from critics. Sadly, I was not at all won over by its predictable plotline matched with irritating vocal performances by Susie Essman as Mittens the Cat and Mark Walton as Rhino the Hamster. Essman’s New York accent comes off distracting and inauthentic, and a little of Walton’s shrill attempts at humor go a very, very long way. There are inspired moments, most notably the speaking style of three pigeons. Yet, a few inspired moments do not an animated film make—please, please, please someone tell that to the script writers who work for animated films as mediocre as Bolt. Miley Cyrus as Bolt’s owner Penny is fine, and John Travolta ought to be applauded for the appropriateness of his understated vocal performance as the title character. Ultimately, I don’t believe the premise that a canine star of a television action show must learn of his own delusions by attempting to save his owner is a winning one to begin with. Bolt’s nothing special at all. Makes me love Buzz, Woody, Nemo, Dory and WALL-E that much more!

Labels: 2008, Animated Film, Two and a Half Stars

Nothing But the Truth (2008) ***
Directed by Rod Lurie

Kate Beckinsale gave two wonderful performances in 2008 films—Snow Angels and Nothing But the Truth. While the former is more of an ensemble piece, Nothing But the Truth is a Beckinsale vehicle considering that she’s in just about every single scene. She plays Rachel Armstrong, a Washington reporter who gives away national security secrets in an article only to find herself behind bars for well over a year because she refuses to give up her source. Rod Lurie’s script doesn’t seem to understand its own essential identity—is this a prison movie or a politically charged morality tale? Rachel experiences violence behind bars in a brutal scene which ultimately proves redundant. The audience sympathizes with the injustice in her situation without having it exemplified through inmate violence. Despite its muddled aspirations, Nothing But the Truth is worth checking out not only for Beckinsale, but also for Alan Alda who plays her loyal attorney. Alda is one of the best actors of his generation, and he’s excellent as usual. The biggest reason that I refuse to unabashedly sing Lurie’s praise lies in a revelation that comes during the final five minutes that had me rolling my eyes so hard that I was worried they might pop right out of their sockets. Seriously, this ending is one of the very worst of recent years. If you do decide to check this one out, take my advice and turn it off a few minutes before the credits roll.

Labels: 2008, Drama, Three Stars

Five Short Reviews- The Wackness, W., The Reader, Happy-Go-Lucky, Changeling

March 24, 2009

The Wackness (2008) *1/2
Directed by Jonathan Levine

In the immortal words of Whitney Houston, “Crack is wack!” In the immortal words of Brian Dunn, “The Wackness is wack!” Josh Peck and Ben Kingsley give the worst leading and supporting performances of 2008 hands down. In this aspiring to be hip mess of a film, the audience is subjected not only to bad acting but also to bad writing and directing. The fact that the story takes place in the mid 1990s allows for the stupidest attempts at nostalgia. So which is worse—crack or The Wackness? Let me think about that one and get back to you.

Labels: 2008, Drama, One and a Half Stars

W. (2008) ***1/2
Directed by Oliver Stone

Oliver Stone perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the general liberal judgment/indictment of the W. Bush administration—and yet, Stone missed the mark big time by releasing W. while 43 was still in office. W. would have been infinitely better had it been released a year or two later once frustrations calm down just a bit. W. comes from Stone’s heart; what’s unfortunately lacking is a contemplative screenplay. Josh Brolin again proves himself as one of the best actors working today with his glorious portrayal of the title character. He appropriately balances impersonation with interpretation. I feel that I need to mention one scene that left a bad taste in my mouth. A conversation takes place between Laura and George in their bedroom as young adults. Laura removes her shirt so she can put on a nightgown. George gets up from sitting on the toilet, grabs toilet paper, uses it and then flushes. I’m as disgusted with our previous president as anyone, but there’s something truly mean-spirited and pedestrian by depicting these people in these ways—especially Laura Bush, who did a fine job as first lady. To me, these were low blows by an exceptionally talented filmmaker in a fascinating glimpse into the most recent of all history.

Labels: 2008, Comedy, Drama, Three and a Half Stars

The Reader (2008) ****
Directed by Stephen Daldry

David Kross is a real find playing a fifteen year old boy who has a sexual relationship with a woman with a dark past. Though English isn’t his first language, Kross wonderfully captures the joy and innocence of youth during The Reader’s explicit first act. When his character is shown years later as a laconic law student, I really missed the wide-eyed, naïve young man which Kross successfully embodies. Stephen Daldry presents a sweeping, ambitious Hollywood Nazi drama. Unlike The Hours, The Reader has a soul; that’s the good news. Unfortunately, this movie lacks the charm and passion of Daldry’s Billy Elliot. There exists in The Reader what is supposed to be a “surprise twist” which I saw coming from a mile away, and therefore, it did not pay off. Ultimately I was left feeling cheated because of my own insightfulness. It’s hard being as amazing as me sometimes! Still, the plot is overall quite engrossing, making Daldry’s latest a cinematic achievement. Now that I’ve reviewed the film itself, I will finally mention the aspect of The Reader that people will be talking about for centuries to come. Kate Winslet gives one of the best performances I’ve ever seen as Hanna Schmitz, and for that reason alone, you ought to see this movie. The three best performances of 2008—Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler, Sean Penn in Milk and Kate Winslet in The Reader—could possibly be in my list of the top five performances of the decade. Winslet is a force of nature--you’ll see why when you see The Reader.

Labels: 2008, Drama, Four Stars, Best Picture Oscar Nominees

Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) *****
Directed by Mike Leigh

I’ve known people in my life like Sally Hawkins’ Poppy—always happy, always joking, never too serious, never wanting to be alone. I loved being around them, but I never really got to know them, and more importantly, I never came to trust them. We all have our ways of coping with life, and the defense mechanisms which result hopefully won’t shut us out from the world. Poppy’s defense mechanism is to turn a blind eye to everything unpleasant. It’s no wonder she’s got a lot of friends but no husband. In many ways, we should all be more like Poppy. Anyone who wouldn’t laugh at the tango lesson needs to learn to find humor in life. Yet, when you open yourself up to people so easily in the hopes that you won’t be rejected, you run the serious risk of inviting in the wrong kind of person. Worse yet, you could send the wrong message to someone who is not used to being reached out to. Eddie Marsan plays just this sort of person, leading to one of the best final acts of 2008. Should Poppy change who she is? No. Should Poppy perhaps come to terms with the fact that life can’t always be happy-go-lucky? I’d say yes. Hawkins is just spectacular; here’s hoping that her acclaim from this film will lead to a long career in the industry. Happy-Go-Lucky writer/director Mike Leigh surpasses the considerable achievement of Secrets and Lies and presents a meditation on an all-too-common defense mechanism which hits every note spot on. This is easily one of the best films of 2008!

Labels: 2008, Comedy, Drama, Five Stars

Changeling (2008) ***1/2
Directed by Clint Eastwood

The fact that the story in Changeling is based on a real event fills me with sadness and anger. Members of the Los Angeles Police Department in 1928 tried to pull of an elaborate scam in order to help their image. A woman whose son was kidnapped was given another son months later and told that this is her boy. She knows he’s not, and when she attempts to do something about it, she’s held against her will in an insane asylum—all this injustice to avoid a little bad press. Things become exponentially more infuriating when we learn that a child killer is on the loose. Had the LAPD kept Christine Collins’ case open, perhaps lives could have been saved. I’m not going to give away the ultimate fate of Christine (Angelina Jolie) or her son Walter; that’s for you to see for yourself, and I am recommending that you see Changeling. It’s an extremely well made indictment of society’s universal injustices towards so many in the early part of last century. Perhaps Eastwood’s movie could have been even better had it been shorter and crisper. Also, the focus on the child killer himself began to comment on a different kind of injustice, and I’d argue that one focus is enough in a film like this one. Jolie is solid as usual—this woman can act! Changeling proves this once again. You won’t like the reality depicted within, but overall there’s enough to embrace to recommend this one.

Labels: 2008, Drama, Three and a Half Stars

Six Short Reviews- Revolutionary Road, Gran Torino, Frozen River, Defiance, Hunger, Waltz with Bashir

March 24, 2009

Revolutionary Road (2008) ****
Directed by Sam Mendes

My favorite actress at the moment is Kate Winslet. 2008 solidified that for me. Winslet gives the second best female performance of the year in Revolutionary Road losing out only to her own performance in The Reader. Leo DiCaprio has moments of greatness as well which just about match those of his Titanic co-star. Yet, when he’s trying to be ordinary and low-key, he betrays some of the holes in his acting skill. Overall, Revolutionary Road is a fine film—be warned though! This is not at all a good time at the movies. A friend of mine who wanted to see a movie with her husband on Valentine’s Day mentioned that this was one they had thought about seeing. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Could there be a less romantic movie? Perhaps Hunger. Michael Shannon plays the couple’s next door neighbor, and his performance garnered him an Oscar-nod. In my opinion, it was not deserved. His character is awfully convenient, existing for no other reason than to move the plot forward. Still, though, Winslet’s entire performance, DiCaprio’s impressive moments and the sad suburban truths which Mendes insightfully explore make Revolutionary Road a must see.

Labels: 2008, Drama, Four Stars

Gran Torino (2008) ****
Directed by Clint Eastwood

Sure, it’s predictable, and sure the amateur supporting actors are so bad at times that they are painful to watch. Yet, I’m compelled to wonder how anyone can refuse to be won over by the charm of Clint Eastwood’s performance, which according to him will be his last. In a way, Gran Torino serves as both homage to and an apology for Eastwood’s Dirty Harry character. “Get off my lawn,” will no doubt become a staple among the great movie quotes of all time, and rightly so. In that one line, we see everything that we love in the violent westerns Eastwood produced in the sixties and seventies. Yet, the death in those films was senseless, and for this reason, Eastwood’s Dirty Harry-esque Walt Kowalski seeks and ultimately acquires redemption. This is an important film because it is Eastwood’s acting swan song. More importantly, however, Gran Torino is a hell of a lot of fun!

Labels: 2008, Drama, Four Stars

Frozen River (2008) ****1/2
Directed by Courtney Hunt

Melissa Leo and Misty Upham are absolute revelations in this tense and engrossing thriller about illegal immigration and the love that mothers have for their children. The danger Leo’s single mother of three puts herself in so she can provide for her children truly inspires awe. The snowy atmosphere perfectly heightens moments of sheer terror, allowing us to care for both women despite the possible consequences of the crimes they are committing together.

Labels: 2008, Drama, Thriller, Four and a Half Stars

Defiance (2008) ****
Directed by Edward Zwick

I’d argue that Daniel Craig is charismatic on screen, though someone I know believes the opposite to be true. In a film that doesn’t feel totally fresh in its subject matter about a group of Jews escaping the Nazis during World War II by living in a commune in the woods, Craig commands the screen and gives Defiance its lifeblood. He’s helped by effective supporting performances from Billy Elliot’s Jamie Bell and Liev Schrieber, whom I believe to be one of the most underrated actors working today. Yes, the love stories are cliché, and yes, the scenes of bloody violence are pretty standard in a war film. What makes Defiance special is the full realization of its characters and the commune. In my opinion, Defiance is one of the most underrated films of 2008.

Labels: 2008, War Film, Four Stars

Hunger (2008) ***1/2
Directed by Steve McQueen

Here’s another one of those films that has its actors go through a startling physical transformation. Michael Fassbender goes farther than any actor I think I’ve ever seen to play Bobby Sands, an Irish revolutionary imprisoned for his radical political agenda. Hunger is certainly a chore to sit through with its merciless depiction of the effects of a hunger strike, as well as its reliance on showing how urine and feces can be used by a prisoner to protest against injustice. Yet, what holds this impressive film back from greatness is Steve McQueen’s arthouse ambition. Smack dab in the middle of the film, we get a pretentious 17 minute unbroken take showing a conversation between Sands and his priest. I applaud any director who takes his craft seriously; I applaud even louder for a director that can meet his own lofty standards without the direction drawing attention to itself which is unfortunately the case in Hunger.

Labels: 2008, Drama, Three and a Half Stars

Waltz with Bashir (2008) *****
Directed by Ari Folman

Here’s a hard sell—a documentary with superimposed animation highlights a filmmaker’s search to find out the meaning of a recurring nightmare about a bunch of naked Israeli soldiers emerging from the water during the 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Some have called the animation gimmicky. I’ve been asking myself whether or not I agree since I first saw the movie, and the answer that I have come up with is that I agree and disagree at the same time. Is the animation necessary? No, probably not. Is it distracting? Maybe a little in the fact that it does often draw attention to itself. Does it make the movie visually more interesting? Absolutely, and for that very reason, I think it’s acceptable. What makes Waltz with Bashir stand out as a stellar film is twofold. First, the audience is presented with a wonderfully insightful glimpse deep into the psyche of a soldier. Second, director Ari Folman doesn’t allow his goals to overshadow the discoveries he and we come across, especially during Waltz with Bashir’s disturbing live action conclusion. Israel’s complicity in historical injustices is a touchy subject among Jews—look at the backlash Spielberg received after making Munich. Yet, the best way to learn from one’s demons is to confront them and make them known. Kudos to Folman for doing just that.

Labels: 2008, Documentary, Animated, Foreign Film, Hebrew, Five Stars