The Lodger
Updated remake of an early Hitchcock thriller about a psychologically unbalanced landlady and her enigmatic tenant. There’s also a parallel story about a troubled detective who’s on the hunt for a killer whose method bears a striking resemblance to Jack the Ripper. It all unfolds like one of those procedural TV shows, but the story […]
Pollock
Curiously uninvolving biography of the revolutionary American painter. Does not delve deeply enough into the man. Instead we get standard snapshots of the life of a troubled artist. He is difficult, demanding, and alcoholic, everything we expect an artist to be. Marcia Gay Harden, however, is memorable as Lee Krasner, Pollock’s wife and influential painter […]
Revolutionary Road
Leo and Kate are Frank and April Wheeler, a couple that have grown dissatisfied with marriage, work, and life, in general. Bleak tragedy of a couple trapped in a suburban malaise is highlighted by outstanding art direction of sterile rooms and pale hues. The problem is that their predicament in becoming a typical suburban family […]
Friday the 13th
Music-video director Marcus Nispel, who updated The Texas Chainsaw Massacre in 2003, now turns his attention to the Friday the 13th series. Not a remake, but rather the 12th entry of the film franchise. If “assorted young naked teens are violently murdered by a hockey-masked killer” sounds like a great plot, you will be entertained, all […]
Undertow
Southern Gothic tale of a family in crisis. Jamie Bell plays Chris Munn, a volatile teen who runs away from home, bringing his sickly brother along. Deel Munn, the boys’ uncle, pursues them. Why, is a question best left answered by watching the movie. However, the reason will be the only excitement you’ll find in […]
Coraline
Wonderfully unsettling children’s fantasy about a girl who walks through a door in her new home and finds a parallel reality which initially appears to be an improvement over her present life. Fanciful, but also deeply eerie. Neil Gaiman’s animated adaptation of his international best-seller is a treat for the eyes and ears. An absolute […]
Lucas
Sweet coming of age comedy that perfectly captures the awkward high school years. Shatters “teen movie” clichés every step of the way. Corey Haim, who heads a talented cast, is excellent as the bespeckled, picked upon title charcater. Winona Ryder’s film debut.
RocknRolla
Confusing British crime film about a Russian mobster who arranges a lucrative real estate scam with a high ranking crime boss. Assorted thugs from London’s underworld all want in on the action. Sluggish pacing and stock characters abound. There is no wit or joy. Just a lot of hipster posturing, fast cutting, and camera tricks. […]
Xanadu
Big budget musical fantasy based on the 1947 movie Down to Earth updated to Los Angeles, circa 1980. Graphic artist Sonny Malone finds his muse in the form of a stunning Olivia Newton-John sent down from Mount Halcyon [sic] to inspire him to open a roller disco club. The musical numbers, combining animation, 1940s big band, […]
The Wackness
Quirky indie character study about a naïve young drug dealer who begins dating a girl who also happens to be the daughter his psychiatrist. Ben Kinglsey plays Dr. Squires, a man who accepts pot in exchange for his sessions with the young boy. To say Dr. Squires is unethical, is an understatement. Mentally he’s an […]