The Heiress
Wealthy, but painfully shy woman is romanced by charming young man whose motives are questioned by her father. Extraordinary adaption of Henry James’ novella Washington Square is cinematic perfection. Olivia de Havilland is electrifying in her character’s metamorphosis and Ralph Richardson has a commanding presence as her domineering father. Spectacular production values complement this compelling drama […]
Sin Nombre
Tense, unrelentingly grim drama of two people whose paths cross violently atop a moving train: a Honduran girl attempting to emigrate to the US with her family, and a Mexican gang member attempting to rob them. Film’s ability to seamlessly combine a story about immigration with gang warfare is fascinating. The action feels completely authentic […]
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Misfit scientist tries to solve his island’s food problem by inventing a device that turns water into food. Silly, harmless family entertainment provides a few chuckles, but the story is rather jejune. Children under 12 will appreciate the colorful computer-animated 3D and ridiculousness of the story. At least the third feature from fledgling Sony Pictures […]
9
Animated post-apocalyptic fantasy about a rag doll named “9” who leads a courageous mission to save the earth from evil machines. Visually stylish film is undone by its simplistic narrative. The action of the film just isn’t as compelling as the stunning images. Director Shane Acker’s expansion of his original 11minute animated short, just doesn’t […]
The Informant!
Bizarre account about rising corporate star, Mark Whitacre, who turns whistleblower against his employer, agribusiness giant ADM, for price fixing. Jazzy 60s game-show music underscores every scene into silly wackiness. Indeed it feels as if the film is set in that decade, when in fact it’s taking place in the 90s. As the story progresses, […]
Woodstock – 3 Days of Peace & Music
Sprawling, historically significant documentary about the concert that occurred on Max Yasgur’s farm at Bethel, New York in August 1969. This chronicle does more to explain the 60s counterculture than perhaps any other record. Using split-screen techniques, director Michael Wadleigh, shows us performances, mixed with interviews of both the artists and attendees. The many logistical […]
Death Becomes Her
Black comedy about Madeline Ashton, a fading actress who steals the fiancé of her longtime rival, Helen Sharp. Years later, Madeline feels compelled to try a miracle cure for aging, after seeing how well her nemesis has aged. At best, the film is a delightful romp, infused with satire and wit. At worst. it’s a […]
Extract
Amusing workplace comedy about a defeated factory owner whose life is on downward spiral after a freak accident happens to one of the workers at his plant. Subtle comedy has a quiet rhythm to it that gets better as it goes along. Many of the laughs come from how quickly his life spins out of […]
Wendy and Lucy
Road movie about a down on her luck woman whose car breaks down in Oregon on her way to Alaska. Michele Williams gives an intimate, heartbreaking performance as Wendy, the woman who continues to experience one setback after another with only her faithful dog, Lucy, to keep her company. Film’s low key, deliberate pace may […]
The Final Destination
Despite avoiding death during a horrible accident at a racetrack, a teenager finds he and his friends are still marked for death. Deceptively titled 4th film in the slasher franchise (THE final destination? Yeah right) is just an excuse to kill more people in bizarre ways. The deaths are formulaic and campy but the 3D […]