The Wrestler
Slice of life drama about a has-been wrestler who pushes his battered body into handling a comeback. Mickey Rourke is Randy “The Ram” Robinson. Truly the line between reality and acting has never been more indistinct. His understated performance seems to come from a very real place. Both tender and heartbreaking, Rourke transcends the film. […]
Eyes Wide Shut
Severely misunderstood psychological drama about an affluent married couple whose marriage begins to crumble after the wife reveals a potent sexual fantasy she’s been having. Lust, jealousy and sex are the subject here. Soft, luminescent cinematography highlight the opulent production design and the lifestyle of the wealthy elite in Manhattan. Stanley Kubrick’s last film used […]
A Cry in the Dark
Absorbing true life drama about one of the most controversial murder cases in Australian history. Film’s dissection of how the media shapes the “truth” should be mandatory viewing for any reporter. Meryl Streep, in an Oscar nominated part, gives a subtle, even-handed performance that proves she is one of the greatest actresses….ever.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ambitious romantic fantasy about one man’s odyssey as he is born an old man and ages in reverse. This rambling 3 hour film’s success depends on the affection you have for the characters he encounters. Daisy, his true love, for example, is a vain, aloof woman. Throughout it all, our main character remains a passive […]
Gran Torino
Reactionary tale about the redemptive journey of one Walt Kowalski, a Korean War vet forced to confront his prejudice when his life converges with a Hmong family next door. As Walt, Clint doesn’t just speak, he snarls, spitting out racial slurs and curses with a raspy growl. He is the very definition of a grizzled […]
Baghead
Ultra low budget horror comedy about four actors who are terrorized by a mysterious man in the woods while trying to write a screenplay that will make them all stars. Film’s reliance on an apparently improvised script and non-professional actors seems unfocused and sloppy at times. However this unique film manages to incorporate a tale […]
Slumdog Millionaire
Jamal Malik is competing on India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? As he gets closer and closer to the grand prize, the authorities wonder how a street kid from such abject poverty could know so much. Flashbacks, masterfully woven into the modern day storyline, make this clear as they detail our young hero’s […]
Death Race
Did Joan Allen realize there were two directors named Paul Anderson when she chose to be in this hackneyed remake of the 1975 car race film Death Race 2000? Oops! This isn’t the Oscar nominated director of There Will Be Blood. For people who think the Ultimate Fighting Championship is a bit too intellectual.
Flawless
60s period detail is lovingly created in this woefully unappreciated “gem” of a movie about a jewel heist. Michael Caine is great as expected, but so is Demi Moore, who gives a mature, sophisticated performance.