Off the Reel

Who are your picks for the Golden Globes?

2012-01-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

The 69th Golden Globe Awards air this Sunday on NBC and there are many worthy shows, movies and actors for the Hollywood Foreign Press to choose from. I’m going to do my best to predict the winners in the most notable categories, but the Golden Globes have been on of the most unpredictable awards shows in the past so the following are my winners.

Best Motion Picture Drama award should and most likely will go to “The Descendants” starring George Clooney. The HFPA loves Clooney and it seems fitting in a lackluster year for film that a movie starring Clooney will win. Also “The Artist” the current front runner for the Oscar isn’t nominated in this category so it’s looking good for Clooney.

Actress in a motion picture award is difficult one to choose. Meryl Streep gives an outstanding performance as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” and everyone seems to love her, but my pick for the award goes to Viola Davis from “The Help.” She steals the film and after watching she is the one that I remembered the most.

Actor in a motion picture award is another toss up. Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Michael Fassbender are the three nominees that are most likely to win. My bet is Clooney wins the Oscar so I’m going with Brad Pitt for his performance in “Moneyball.” It is by far his best performance to date and lets face it he deserves and award for “Tree of Life” but wasn’t nominated for that film so he may get the Golden Globe as a combined award for both performances.

Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical will be “The Artist.” A brave move by the filmmaker to make a silent movie in the 21st century that is captivating and beautifully made this is one of the better films to come out in the past few years. It also helps that there isn’t much competition in the category with “50/50” being the only one to come close to a possible win.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical I hope goes to Kristen Wiig, but I don’t see the HFPA choosing her. Charlize Theron or Michelle Williams will most likely be the winner but I hope the HFPA looks past the goofiness of “Bridesmaids” and gives Wiig the award.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical will go to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for his brilliant performance in “50/50.” This small film that embraces cancer with humor is one of the best of the year and it has been a breakout couple of years for Levitt who just may see his first award.

Best Television Series Drama will probably go to “Boardwalk Empire.” The HFPA loves HBO and since “Mad Men” and the show that was snubbed “Friday Night Lights” aren’t in the running so it looks like an easy win for this gangster drama.

Best Television Show Comedy may be a bit of a surprise but I’m giving the award to “New Girl.” This quirky comedy starring Zooey Deschanel, who I think should win Best Actress, is a refreshing new show that rivals “Modern Family” its only real competition.

Other notable wins are Best Director Motion Picture to Michel Hazanavicius for “The Artist.” Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series Drama should go to Bryan Cranston for “Breaking Bad” but I see Steve Buscemi for “Boardwalk Empire” possibly sneaking in and stealing the award and Claire Danes may have the edge for Best Actress in a drama for her work in “Homeland” since the Globes like new shows. Best Actress and Actor in a Television Series Comedy will go to Zooey Deschanel for “New Girl” and Alec Baldwin for “30 Rock.” Johnny Galecki could win for “The Big Bang Theory” but he plays a set up role in the show so I just don’t see it happening.

Hopefully I am right about these picks but as I previously stated the GOlden Globes are very unpredictable but it will definitely be the most entertaining awards show this season with Ricky Gervais returning to host and no one ever knows what he is going to say.

Tune in Sunday night at 6p.m. on NBC.

Contact Joey Hancock at joey.svherald@gmail.com or Twitter: @joeyhancock

Top Ten of the Year

2012-01-13T23:36:00.000-08:00

The end of the year has come and that means awards season is right around the corner. Soon all the biggest stars and the years best movies will descend upon Hollywood for the annual award shows. Everything from the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and Oscars will be bestowed upon the best of the best of the year. This is my list for the top 10 best films of the year.

1. “The Artist”

A homage to the golden era of cinema this mostly silent film is a delight for movie lovers. Jean Dujardin plays George Valentine, a silent film star whose career is destroyed with the invention of talkies. Berenice Bejo plays Peppy Miller, whose star rises with sound. The movie is unique in the way it pays homage to film.

2. “The Descendants”

Alexander Pyne’s beautiful film provides a look at loss and betrayal and allows George Clooney to shine in this perfect role for him. The supporting cast is very good, too, but this is Clooney’s film and he shines in every way imaginable.

3. “50/50”

Joseph Gordon Levitt stars as Adam, a 27-year-old man who learns he has cancer and must sort out what his life means. Often comedic and always moving, this film shows an often unseen side of cancer and the people involved with the disease. Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick also provide good performances.

4. “The Tree of Life”

Director Terrence Malick takes on life literally in this thoughtful film about family and everything involved with it. Beautiful montages and excellent acting create a mood to the film that is undeniably great. Sean Penn doesn’t have much to do in this film, but Brad Pitt is outstanding as a stern father raising three boys in the 1950’s.

5. “Melancholia”

Kristen Dunst gives the performance of a lifetime as a depressed woman who gets married in the first half of the movie with instant disastrous results and gains momentum as a planet threatens to collide with Earth during the second half. A beautiful and often disturbing portrayal of depression but not as depressing as it sounds.

6. “Martha Marcy May Marlene”

Elizabeth Olson, younger sister of Mary Kate and Ashley, is amazingly good as a young woman who walks away from a cult in upper New York and tries to make her way back to a normal life with her sister and her sister’s husband. Director Sean Durkin plays with time involving flashbacks and concludes the film with an open ended peak that adds to its power.

7. “Take Shelter”

Michael Shannon, who is good as always, plays a man haunted by apocalyptic visions and this is especially concerning to him since mental illness runs in his family. The visions are real enough to him that he risks everything and builds a shelter to protect his family from his fears.

8. “Drive”

A throwback to the John Hughes films on the 1980’s this dramatic and action packed thriller is what movies are all about. Excellent acting by Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan add to the atmosphere of the movie and have great chemistry on screen.

9. “Moneyball”

Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane a cash strapped general manager of the Oakland A’s who tries to put together a winning team using science and the help of Peter Brand, played by Jonah Hill. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to love this movie. The look of the film is also very similar to Friday Night Lights from a few years ago.

10. “Win Win”

Paul Giamatti is excellent as it seems he always is as a lawyer who coaches the high school wrestling team in his down time. A talented but troubled wrestler, played by Alex Shaffer, comes to the team and could possibly win state until his mother comes and wants him back. Excellent film of hardship and triumph.

Twitter: @joeyhancock

The Sound of Midnight

2012-01-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

A small independent film created by Arizona native Aaron Hudson and his Arizona native crew is an apocalyptic thriller which emphasizes the post economic crisis and what could happen if the world turns to anarchy to solve their problems.

Made on an extremely low budget, this small film follows a man simply known as Drifter and a rag tag bunch of mercenaries trying to survive in the post apocalyptic world.

Drifter, played by Robert Hudson, is one of the few people left with a conscience.

After running into one of the “Crazies” at the beginning of the film, he embarks on a quest for water which is when he runs into the “Lost Boys” which is ironically lead by a young woman named Taylor, played by Hannah Vegh. The story plays out as the lonesome drifter slowly opens up about his past to Taylor and then continues to play out as an enemy attack thwarts all efforts to obtain the water they desperately need.

Originally created by Hudson and his film company, Rainstorm Video and Film, in association with Midnight Pie Train Productions, this is the first film that has been longer than a 5 to 10 minute short created by the company. Made as a way to reach film festivals the short film has promise and a story that has a lot of story lines that could be explored in the future. Working on a small budget is hard for any film and Hudson and his team have done the best they can with what they have.

While not an excellent apocalyptic thriller, there are moments in the film that I want to know more about. With the vast amount of the story line that can be explored, I hope that Hudson will further this film and explore some of the other intriguing characters.

Nick Gonzalez is a writer and actor in the film. Playing Philly from Brooklyn, he gives an excellent performance as the big guy with a heart. Dave VanSickle plays Farnum with an intriguing perception of the world.

Overall this an interesting story that needs a little work but for a first feature it is executed quite well and with just a little work I can see it becoming a bit of a cult hit.

Currently, Hudson is working on getting the film into more festivals in Los Angeles, Arizona and further. Be on the lookout for this small director. I possibly see good things in his future.

It is always important to support local talent and Arizona is trying very hard to get back in the film industry. With talent like this it seems to be going in the right direction.

Link to trailer: http://www.rainstormvideoandfilm.com/portfolio_indie_film.html

IMDb info page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2142935/.

Twitter:@joeyhancock

A Dangerous Method ***1/2

2011-12-09T00:17:00.000-08:00

A fiercely thoughtful film of ideas and the understanding of how powerful ideas can become.

Starring Keira Knightley, Michael Fassbender, and Viggo Mortensen, this elaborate period piece weaves the three lives together to form a psychological tapestry that is at times unnerving and other times heart warming.

Knightley plays a mentally disturbed young woman, Sabina Spielrein, who visits Carl Jung, played by Fassbender, to sort out her problems. Over the time of her stay at this mental institution she slowly becomes healed of her disorder and attends college and medical school, all along secretly in love with Jung.

Jung is one of the fathers of psychology and his story is intertwined deeply with Mortensen’s Sigmund Freud. The story depicts the two doctor’s struggles to find common ground as they work to change the world of psychology and the way people think of the mind and behavior. Much of the story is spent on Jung but the few scenes that are lengthy involving Freud are captivating and interesting to say the least.

This film has the look, the actors, the writing and directing to make it a great awards contender. The timely release also helps it’s chances.

Director David Cronenberg captures each nuance of the film perfectly and lets the story play out without much involvement. His fascination with matters of the mind manifests itself in compelling but non-mind-bending fashion.

Overall this film is very good. A couple of scenes seem to drag as there is a lot of dialogue in this movie. Great performances by all of the actors and can see Fassenbender’s award chances growing after this film and after this big year for him. Knightley is great as always but seems to take it to a whole new level in her edgy performance in this film. I thought she was good in Never Let Me Go, but she is way better in this.

Psychologically engrossing with a story and script that surpasses the characters in many ways. Find this film and give it a watch. You won’t be disappointed.

joey.svherald@gmail.com

Twitter: @joeyhancock

Like Crazy ***1/2

2011-12-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

“Like Crazy” captures the excitement of being young and in love and the inevitable anguish that emerges when desire can’t overcome real world problems.

The movie may have been written by Drake Doremus and Ben York, but much of the dialogue is improvised. This makes the interaction between American graduate student Jacob and British undergrad Anna believable as they gradually fall for each other.

Because both are infatuated so much with one another, they pay no attention to the restriction’s of Anna’s visa. When she attempts to return to the U.S. after overstaying her visa in Los Angeles before returning to England, Anna is detained at LAX and deported.

Jacob begins his quest to be with her despite distance, expense and time difference. Marrying Anna is an option but immigration officials refuse to expedite her return because they are afraid of attracting undesirable people.

The strength of this film is that it shows that even the most consuming love can vanish or fade once obstacles come into place. Both Anna and Jacob stray from each other and take up relationships with other people as the obstacles become too difficult to deal with. Acknowledging that their romance falters under the burden of paperwork, “Like Crazy” becomes easier to believe. There’s a powerful sense of disappointment because the characters continue to disrupt the process by giving in to their own faults.

“Like Crazy” has a feeling that once the love spell is broken, there isn’t much left to the story. Anna and Jacob have to decide if their love is really worth all of the trials and tribulations, but because both are young they might eventually regain their focus and move on from one another. The two characters may have received more sympathy if they had been older or had been in a longer relationship where it would have been more difficult to begin again or to even think of starting over.

In the end,the film is a great love story, and Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones are convincing as enamored misguided youths. Director Doremus captures the two in this relationship perfectly and shines a light on true romance unlike many of the bigger budgeted romantic movies that are in the theaters today.

Attack the Block ***

2011-11-09T16:22:00.000-08:00

Attack the Block is a fun and energetic alien invasion film that shows the genre how it is supposed to be done.

Set in England the movie follows a gang of tough inner city kids trying to defend their block against a savage alien attack that turns a London apartment complex into an extraterrestrial war zone.

This movie is over the top exciting and features just enough gore to keep fans of those films interested. This isn't your typical alien film involving kids. It's nothing like Super 8 which is a good thing. The action packed storyline involves twists and turns that you only see in British films. A certain British humor and language is also used that can be difficult to decifer at first, but you pick it up along the way.

The entire film is set during one night in South London. The group of teenagers are set out to rob people when a mysterious ball falls from the sky. After investigating the fallen ball of light the story picks up and sets the kids on a path of death, destruction and mayhem.

Attack the Block is made by the producers of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz so if you have seen those movies you have an idea of what you are getting into.

The movie is great and I know I only gave it 3 stars but there really isn't much I would change about it. The actors are great with a great performance by John Boyega as Moses, the leader of the gang, who resembles a young Denzel Washington, and is also set to play a young Mike Tyson in an upcoming biopic. The actors make the film by adding humor and emotion to each scene. Each member of the gang has their own separate personality and they have their own qualities that are likeable.

With Halloween coming up this would be a great film to watch, especially if you don't like the gory slasher films that are out there. I definitely recommend this over the top alien movie that puts a new spin on the genre and makes it interesting to kids as well as adults. A truly great movie.

Exit Through the GIft Shop ****

2011-11-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

Exit Through the Gift Shop is the tale of an eccentric French shopkeeper and amateur filmmaker, Thierry Guetta, who befriends graffiti artists in Los Angeles, tries to make a movie about them only to have the camera turned on him by world renown graffiti artist Banksy.

The film first follows artists Shephard Fairey, Invader and eventually Banksy once he is tracked down. Banksy has painted scenes all over the world, including New Orleans, London, and the wall on the Palestinian border.

The film follows groups of graffiti artists as they go about their work on the streets of Los Angeles and London. The behind the scenes look at how these artists work is extremely interesting and enthralling. The men go to great lengths to not be arrested and to make sure that their views, often political, are scene by the masses.

The beginning of the film follows these artists and their quest to tag the best walls in the biggest cities but quickly changes as Banksy takes over the film. Banksy describes the film as follows,”It’s basically the story of how one man set out to film the un-filmable and failed.”

Long conversations and interviews intertwined with action scenes of artists climbing massive buildings to paint their work, and close encounters with police and theme park security, the film paints a picture of two men that both have a healthy passion for art. Guetta has an unhealthy hoarder mentality when it comes to filming every aspect of his life while Banksy sets out on creating controversial art.

Once Banksy takes over the filming the movie takes a dramatic turn in showing how Guetta is a thief and has an unhealthy obsession for perfection. Guetta quickly comes to believe that he to can be a world famous graffiti artist much like Fairey and Banksy but all Guetta does is steal ideas from his former friends and other well-known artists.

Nominated for best documentary at last year’s Oscars, this film shows the hidden underworld of artists who canvases encompass building facades, and international borders. Banksy provides a look at an oddly interesting little French man who wants to take over the art world with his new persona Mr. Brainwash.

Overall this is a great look inside a world that is often unseen and has drama and humor that keeps the story moving along in a direction with an ongoing plotline. The story is not over and people still are not sure who the real Banksy is.

Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times **1/2

2011-10-19T00:45:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this review then you must have at least a sliver of interest in print news publications, the value of newspapers, and you like it enough to pay for it. If you enjoy reading newspapers then you will probably enjoy Page One.

As a reader of many technology forums and newspapers myself I didn’t come away from watching this film with any big enlightenment to the business. The New York Times is the best known newspaper in the world and it seems fitting that a documentary be made on the business, especially at this time when everything seems to be going online, on to tablets, and in our pockets on smartphones. This film follows a small group of publishers, editors and reporters as they deal with the new technology and the task of reporting truth during this time when people aren;t sure what to believe.

The movie is fast paced and discusses many topics from the previously mentioned technology changes to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, the war on terrorism, and a lengthy discussion on the use of Twitter by journalists. Director Andrew Rossi, best known for “The Thin Blue Line,” paints a picture of a media giant that refuses to fail no matter what might be thrown in their way. Nothing seems to scare the men and women that work at the Times and the film depicts that in a precise manner.

David Carr

I felt this film needed more in the storytelling department. The documentary just lacks the punch that is needed to keep an audience connected to the story. Other documentaries like “Restrepo” and “Pearl Jam Twenty” tell a story while informing the audience and showing never before seen images. This documentary could have been a hundred times better if it was more focused. The movie jumps around to too many topics and never really hits home on any of them. The moments when David Carr, long time reporter and editor for the Times, is on camera are the most captivating because he is such an interesting character and does not fit the model of what we think of as a Times journalist. If the story of this film would have centered more on the reporting and storytelling by writers at the Times I believe it would have been a much better film.

Having said all that I do believe it is a decent documentary. It has it flaws, but making documentaries are much more difficult to make than regular films. A story or idea has to come up in reality and not the mind of someone writing a script in a dimly lit room. So, yes watch this movie. Anyone who still likes the feel of a newspaper with their morning coffee will enjoy this look inside the most recognizable name in the newspaper

All ratings based on 4 stars

Twitter: @joeyhancock

Melancholia ***1/2

2011-10-12T02:40:00.000-07:00

A film of great depth, deep emotion and incredible strength. Melancholia is just as the title suggests, depressing and slow, but it is easy to find the beauty in the story underneath all the pain.

The film begins with the supposed destruction of Earth by another planet. This slow motion sequence sets the tone of the movie from the very beginning. Part 1 of the movie begins with a wedding. Justine and Michael’s wedding to be exact. The film starts surprisingly with a humorous scene of a limousine trying to wind down a very curvy country road. A reception is taking place for the newlyweds at the end of the road which the bride and groom are extremely late to.

Kirsten Dunst plays Justine the depressed newlywed and sister to Claire played by Charlotte Gainsbourg. Seemingly happy in the beginning Justine soon returns to her depressed ways that seem to have been going on since she was a child but is never really revealed. The reception continues as the typical wedding events take place. Cutting of the cake, the first dance and many toasts take place with Justine just playing the part as a happy newlywed. Soon the story takes its dark turn. As the party ends Justine is back into her full depression and part 2 begins.

A planet named Melancholia is on a path to pass by Earth in the coming days and Claire’s husband John, a scientist, played by Keifer Sutherland, is distracted by the amazing sight of this newly found planet coming so close to Earth. Claire begins to panic at the inevitable doom that seems so near while Justine accepts their fate with little emotion.

This film is a very difficult one to interpret. It is easy to see that director Lars Von Trier’s own battle with depression plays a large part to the story, and Dunst plays Justine with a beauty that has not been seen by her in any of her former films. The artful design creates an almost new character to the film as the beauty of each scene has been shot with extreme detail. The film itself is overly depressing and much of the first half is extremely slow. After making it to the second part of the film the story really begins to take hold and the son of Justine and John begins to take a larger part of the film. This innocence of the little boy draws a new perspective on the end of life as we know it and Justine’s presence brings all of the emotions together.

Kirsten Dunst is at her best in this film and this is also the best I have seen Sutherland in a film. Dunst will definitely garner an Oscar nod for best actress and if something doesn’t come out soon to challenge her she will win. Right now she definitely deserves the award. This is the first time that we as an audience have been able to see Dunst as a real actress and not just a troll to the screenplay. She is extraordinary in this role and even with it’s slow start, this film is by far the best of the year. I know I said that last week with “Drive” but after seeing this film the emotion and family element propels this film to Oscar worthiness and will definitely surpass anything else that has come out thus far.

Drive ****

2011-09-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

An excellent thriller with art house elements “Drive" delivers on all levels.

Starring man of the moment Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan, this film is a must see for any film enthusiast. Gosling plays Driver, a mechanic and part time movie stunt driver who seems to be stuck in his own little world with not much going for him. He moonlights as a getaway driver for small time thugs and has a strict set of rules. “ If I drive for you, you give me a time and a place. I give you a five-minute window, anything happens in that five minutes and I'm yours no matter what. I don't sit in while you're running it down; I don't carry a gun... I drive.” These rules have kept him safe up until now.

Driver gets involved with Irene(Mulligan) after a chance encounter in the hallway of his apartment building. Slowly their relationship grows, but the Irene’s husband is released from jail and returns home. Standard’s return home proves problematic for Driver as he involves himself in Standard’s money problems After a heist intended to pay off Standard’s debts goes wrong, Driver finds himself driving in defense of the girl he loves. When he realizes that the gangsters are after more than the bag of money in his trunk and intend on hurting Irene and her son, Driver goes on the offense and takes the fight to the gangsters.

Drive is a small movie with a big feel. Much of the film plays out like an 80‘s crime thriller. 1980‘s theme music pumps through the speakers as the film heightens in action. The pace of the film is a little slow in the beginning but once the story of the film develops it is nonstop action.

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, best known for “Valhalla Rising,” creates an action thriller with the art house style that is rarely seen in American movies today. He interlaces action, drama, and a love story seamlessly throughout the film.

Gosling performs flawlessly as we have come to expect from him and Mulligan is perfect in her role as a vulnerable naive young mother. Other notable performances are Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman. Each delivers in their own way, but Gosling steals the film as he drives his way through the streets of Los Angeles.

This film is easily the best of the year so far. Many more films will come out that are better but at the moment this is the best bet in theaters. Gosling will surely be in the Oscar hunt for one of his roles this year and I would not doubt it if it was this small role as Driver.

Soundtrack:

College – A Real Hero (feat. Electric Youth)

Zombies

2011-09-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Zombie movies over the past few years have become increasingly popular. “Shaun of the Dead,” “Zombieland,” and the television series “The Walking Dead” have helped to increase the popularity in this genre that began in 1968.

George A. Romero jumped on the scene with the ground breaking “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968. One of the first films to star an African American in the leading role, this film jump started a new genre of horror films that would soon become loved by millions.

Over the past 40 years zombie films have garnered a cult following. Books, movies, television series and comic books have all been dedicated to zombie lore, and have all benefited greatly. Tombstone is even getting in on the action with a possible zombie film being filmed there in the near future.

Zombie films come in many forms. Groups of zombies terrorizing people in a small country town, large city wide invasions, and even individual zombies killing and terrorizing high school kids. These films may have different story lines but the context of the films all remain the same. Zombies can only be killed by a blow to the head, they eat human flesh, and the only way to become a zombie is by being bitten. Small variations on these elements come up every now and again but the premise still remains.

Zombie movies of recent years have changed to a more comedic style rather than the torture and killing styles of the 1970‘s and 1980‘s. “Return of the Living Dead,” has been replaced with “Zombieland.” It’s hard not to find the humor in films about walking dead people trying to eat human flesh and groaning “Brains” as they attack their victims. This comedic outlook on the zombie film has helped to raise the interest in these films. They are no longer looked at as gore filled torture fests but are now looked at as good times movies. The idea is so over the top that people love these films and watch them as an escape to reality.

Since Romero’s films of early Zombie legend began, these movies have only grown in popularity. I don’t see the trend ending anytime soon. Especially with “The Walking Dead” set to air season 2 starting in October on AMC.

There are many Zombie films on the market but below you will find my top 10 favorite zombie films. You may recognize a couple but the ones you don’t I hope you go out and find. They are all worth the watch.

Top 10 Zombie Films

1. Night of the Living Dead

2. Dawn of the Dead (1978)

3. Dead Alive

4. Dead Girl

5. Day of the Dead

6. Army of Darkness

7. 28 Days Later

8. Cemetary Man (Dellamorte Dellamore)

9. Shaun of the Dead

10. Dawn of the Dead (2004)

The Whistleblower ****

2011-09-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Trafficking women, prostitution, and an international cover-up by the

United Nations summarizes this crime thriller.

I’m usually deterred when a movie opens with “Inspired by true

events,” or “based on a true story,” but not this time.

This ripped from the headline thriller stars Rachel Weisz as Kathy

Bolkovac, a normal police officer that is offered the chance to work

as a peacekeeper in postwar Bosnia. Her expectations of helping to

rebuild a nation are thwarted when she discovers a corruption that

runs so deep that the head of the international contractors is even in

on it.

Bolkovac works on ending the trafficking of the young girls that are

being sold as prostitutes, during which she uncovers that the crime

ring spreads to more than just a few immoral contractors.

The movie is constructed as a crime thriller. Bolkovac is shown

countless times walking the streets at night with an atmosphere of

pervading male menace. The male controlled world that Bolkovac finds

herself in regards her as a sex object. The film does not shy away

from showing violence towards women to manipulate us and it succeeds.

What makes it work is Weisz’s portrayal as a normal cop thrust into a

situation that is bigger than her and not as some action figure

heroine.

The entire film is based on court findings and is based on facts. Many

of the situations are heightened for cinematic effect, but the real

events I’m sure were much worse than what is depicted in the film.

The shocking thing about this film is that, DynCorp., the company of

contractors is still in use by the U.S. government today in Iraq and

Afghanistan. No one was ever charged for these crimes because everyone

had diplomatic immunity.

These type of crimes are happening all over the world and “The

Whistleblower” does justice in it’s thriller style capacity to inform

the public of these human atrocities, and sheds a new light on an

event in history that seems to have been swept under the rug.

Now playing in select theaters.

Hesher ***1/2

2011-09-06T20:01:00.001-07:00

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in the quirky and depressing independent

film by Spencer Susser.

Loud music, pornography, and burning things is what Hesher brings into

the lives of TJ and his father, Paul when he takes up residence in

their garage after a chance encounter with TJ at a construction site.

Paul and TJ are grief stricken by the loss of their wife and mother

and are coping with the intense pain caused by her loss. Each are

looking for a way to come back to reality and out of the haze of

mourning.

Hesher enters their lives uninvited and just won’t leave. He becomes a

household fixture and becomes close with the grandmother. Hesher

brings his own brand of discipline and life experience to TJ as he

tries to help him get out of his destructive ways by causing more

destruction.

Natalie Portman also stars in this little film. Her acting is superb

as always and Gordon-Levitt is spot on in his head banging outcast

role. Gordon-Levitt is best known for playing serious and proper roles

but this is a welcome change to his other work. When watching the film

you can see how much fun he is having by portraying Hesher. This role

is a far cry from his work in “(500) Days of Summer,” and “Inception.”

Rainn Wilson’s portrayal as Paul is typical to the roles he usually

takes on. Being a depressed and awkward father plays right into his

strengths as an actor.

Many critics did not like this film because the story never really

shows who Hesher is or where he came from. If you can get past the

missing back story and focus on what is in the present I feel that you

will enjoy this film.A little hard to watch in moments but entertaining all the way

through, Hesher will keep you interested until the end.

DVD release Sept. 13

The Beaver ****

2011-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

Mel Gibson’s performance in “The Beaver” is one of the best of his career.

The film is the picture of Walter Black, the beaver, then Walter Black again. Black is a CEO of a toy company and is extremely depressed for what seems to be no reason at all. Black’s depression leads him to an alter ego which is portrayed through a puppet simply named the beaver.

Jodie Foster plays Gibson’s wife and the story primarily revolves around Black’s depression and his eldest son’s battle to not become like his father.

The film is funny, then sad, then weirdly funny again and then not. The movie has its moments where the comedic element is needed but Foster, who also directed the film, brilliantly plays off the comedic performances with intense dramatic episodes. The life of Walter Black has changed and everyone else around him is effected by the alter ego of the beaver. The only odd thing that I can say about the movie is how welcoming and receptive everyone is to this beaver puppet that Black carries with him everywhere he goes. That part is a bit over the top and unrealistic but Gibson’s acting makes it believable.

This film is kind of Gibson’s return to film after all of his controversies, and is an excellent return.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to get from this movie but after watching I have to say it is a must see. Gibson is pitch perfect in his role and the beaver steals the entire movie. It is unlike all other Mel Gibson films and is a refreshing change from his typical roles.

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What's on TV?

2011-08-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

I decided to steer away from movies this week to talk about the upcoming fall season of television. There will be many new shows as well as the beloved favorites returning in September and October and these are just a few to be on the lookout for.

Sons of Anarchy begins its fourth season on Sept. 6. Jax, Gemma, Clay and the rest of the motley crew will be back to their old ways this season. Beginning the season the boys are in jail following the events of last season but there is one big change. Jax is a new daddy with Tara and I’m sure there will be a long story line involving those two. Gemma is sure to get into more trouble as she tries to protect her family and more of the underlying plot that is Jax’s understanding of his father will surely be revealed.

Going into the fourth season the show is at a major point in its lasting capability. This season will surely be the one to make or break the show and its future.

Be sure to watch on FX.

The sixth season of Dexter begins Oct. 2 on Showtime. Dexter was last seen telling Lumen goodbye and figuring out what he is going to do about his “dark passenger.” The promos for the new season show a dark Dexter. “I’m feeling like my old self again,” says Dexter in one of the many new promos. Hopefully this is true. There was no possible way that Season 5 could live up to Season 4. They added Julia Stiles to the cast last season but John Lithgow was gone. That is a big difference.

The new season will have a few special guests as well. Colin Hanks, Mos Def and Edgar James Olmos are set to star this season and I’m pretty sure there will be some sort of religious tone to the new season. The good thing this season will be that Dexter is once again the Dexter that we came to love during the first season.

The Office returns for an eighth season on Sept. 22. Missing will be Steve Carrell and added in the cast is James Spader. I have a strong feeling that this will be the final season of this beloved show. Without Michael Scott I just don’t see the show excelling. Yes there are many other great actors and funny people but no one can replace Carrell. The show will be funny as always and Dwight and Jim will be picking up a lot of slack in the comedy department.

The show is extremely popular but I just don’t see it working without Carrell. Hopefully, I am wrong.

These are just a few of the shows that I recommend for the upcoming fall season. There will be a few surprising shows that come out this year and many will be canceled soon after they air. Odds are the shows that have succeeded in the past will continue to be the ones that do well this year.

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Hobo with a Shotgun ***

2011-08-18T22:53:00.000-07:00

A hobo seeking justice one shell at a time. That’s pretty much the entire premise of the movie. A weary-eyed old man rolls into town on a freight train and is appalled by the crime and cruelty that is happening in a small town. The town is run by corrupt cops and a man called “The Drake.” Drake and his sons rule the town with a murderous rampage and sickening violence. Then enters the hobo with a shotgun.

After witnessing a disturbing murder on the streets of the town the hobo is fed up with the crime that is taking place. While in a store looking at a lawnmower to buy, the hobo picks up a shotgun and takes on the evil that is devouring the good people of the small town.

Gruesome and detailed murders take place, and the film is filled with blood, guts and gore. This is typical Grindhouse style cinema and provides its audience with exactly what they want while still managing to be aware of how silly the entire premise of the story is.

Jason Eisener made this film with friends after entering a trailer contest where they came up with the idea of the hobo. After the trailer was viewed many times online, the audience began demanding a full length film. Eisener gave the people what they wanted.

This film is not for the faint of heart. Many gruesome murders take place and there is a lot of blood. Graphic scenes take place throughout and the story is quite ridiculous.

If you are a fan of Grindhouse cinema or the exploitation films of the ’70s, check out this movie. It’s over the top and silly, but it definitely leaves a lasting impression.

Newspaper Review: Click Here

Rise of the Planet of the Apes ***1/2

2011-08-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

This apes movie is different than all the others. while not as good as

the Charlton Heston version it is way better than the Mark Wahlberg

Planet of the Apes.

This prequel is thrilling and emotional and takes advantage of today’s

motion capture technology to bring these apes to life.

The apes are the heart of the movie, mainly Caesar, the leader of the

ape army. The apes are better actors than the human counterparts in

this film which has to be a first. The motion capture technology

brings to life each ape and creates a human quality that has not been

seen in previous Planet of the Apes films. Gone are the ridiculous

costumes, and computer created monkeys are in.

The story is more sci-fi than summer action movie. Will, played by

James Franco, is a scientist at Gen Sys. He is working on a drug that

will restore cognitive ability to Alzheimer patients. While testing

the drugs on apes Will realizes that these test subjects are far

exceeding expectations. After an incident in the beginning of the film

Caesar comes to live with Will. He raises the baby monkey until

adulthood when another event places Caesar in captivity. Caesar

creates an army with his super intelligence and then the action packed

climax takes place.

This is by far the best action film of the summer. If it would have

come out on July 4th weekend instead of the horrific Transformers it

would easily have been one of the top grossers of the summer.

The film isn’t perfect by any means but where it lacks, the human

actors with the exception of John Lithgow, it excels in the computer

generated ape actors. Caesar is portrayed by motion capture veteran

Andy Serkis best known for his work as Gollum in the “Lord of the

Rings.” Serkis brings emotion and realism to Caeser that hasn’t been

seen before, other than Gollum.

James Franco and Freida Pinto are a bit of a disappointment in the

movie, but this isn’t their fault. It is due to a lack of writing, but

they do well enough in their roles to keep the story moving.

An excellent prequel to a huge franchise that started 43 years ago.

Sequels will be a definite after this reboot and I can only hope that

they live up to this first one.

Exporting Raymond ***1/2

2011-08-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

One wouldn’t think that a documentary about Phil Rosenthal’s trip to

Russia to re-create a version of Everybody Loves Raymond for russian

audiences would be interesting, but it is. “The Nanny” and “Married

with Children” were very successful remakes in Russia so Sony studios

decided to export Raymond to see if it would work in the very

different culture of russian television.

Written and directed by Rosenthal this film follows him through his

trips to Russia to promote and help develop the new version renamed,

“Everybody loves Kotsya.”

During his trips he comes up against directors, writers, and a costume

designer who just do not understand his version of comedy. The

Russians at first can not relate to the everyday home life of a family

that became one of America’s top shows for 9 years. Over time

Rosenthal battles with these directors and writers to make the show

real and tries tirelessly to get his input heard. He just does not

understand the comedy of Russia.

What the plot of the documentary boils down to is a cultural standoff,

and it is awkward and funny. Definitely funnier than the show thatthey are trying to make.

The documentary feels like Rosenthal set off to Russia intent on making a documentary rather than to re-create his hit television show.This can be seen in his reactions and seems to have shaped his

portrayal in the film. While these ideas came to mind while watching the film they quickly went away as Rosenthal becae intwined in some new situation that he seemed to be honestly uncomfortable, which leads to many laughs.

This is probably the funniest documentary since Morgan Spurlock’s “Super Size Me.” It doesn’t tell some highly intellectual story like a lot of documentaries , but it tells a story of how different cultures react differently to situations. If you liked the television show you should watch this film and see how much stayed the same and how much changed to make this show suitable for the russian people.

Life in a Day ****

2011-08-05T23:42:00.001-07:00

Ridley and Tony Scott, along with Youtube, have created a film like no

other. On July 24, 2010 people from all over the world filmed their

lives for one day. Over 4500 hours of footage from 192 countries were

received by the directors and were compiled into an hour and a half

long movie of people’s lives from across the globe.

Everyday activities like shaving, and brushing teeth, along with a man

travelling the world on a bicycle, and a group of goat herders are

depicted in this oddly familiar film.

While the film doesn’t have a conventional plot line or story the

characters lives are intertwined in a way that we are all part of this

world, and even though we don’t know each other we are all connected.

Small stories are shown throughout, such as a man trying to ask a girl

on a date, and an asian man with his son going through their morning

routine.

This is the first time a film has ever been made in this fashion.

Combining narratives and characters of all cultures the film shows the

world from all angles. No two lives are exactly alike but in small

ways we are all the same.

Ridley and Tony Scott tackled this project and the thousands of hours

of footage perfectly. They created a film that isn’t just home videos

but short stories of average people. They sent cameras to remote parts

of the world for the project and many clips are shown in the film from

these regions. This film feels like a time capsule of one day of life

on Earth.

It is a remarkable achievement, creating something meaningful, funny

and sad from home movies of thousands from around the world.

http://www.svherald.com/content/tempo/2011/08/04/216654

YellowBrickRoad ***

2011-08-05T23:41:00.000-07:00

A thriller that tags itself as a horror movie is rare. This small

independent film made in 20 days in the backwoods of New Hampshire is just that.

In 1940 the inhabitants of a small town in New Hampshire walked north on a trail and were never heard from again. Some were found mutilated, others just disappeared. While researching this story for a book Teddy and his group of friends encounter mysterious events and circumstances on the trail.

The trailhead that the group needs to follow begins at the town’s

movie theater where “The Wizard of Oz” had been playing before the

townsfolk wandered off down their own “Yellow Brick Road.” Did the movie inspire or possess them to escape their lackluster lives of

their depression era town? That’s what the group of researchers are

there to find out.

The team brings camera gear, supplies, mapping equipment and an ATV with them on their journey. Within hours of hiking their gadgets begin malfunctioning. The GPS shows that they are in Guam, then Florence, Italy. Within a few days the team is out in the middle of the woods, far from

civilization. Nerves begin to take over the group and that is when the music starts. Loud Bing Crosby music begins to possess the group and distort their minds. The music is a torture tool of some sort much like the military did with Noreaga. Instead of giving up like he did, this group begins to go insane.

Co-writers/directors Jessee Holland and Andy Millon miss many opportunities as they develop the story, but they maintain the mystery and ratchet up the suspense. The camera work shows that this isn’t found footage like “The Blair Witch Project,” but the settings and

characters are real enough, with good performances across the board.

The movie even works without “Wizard of Oz” gimmicks. The film is anti-climatic in its ending, but the lead up is worth the watch. I would have liked a more definitive ending to the film but the story along the way was enough to keep me interested.

http://www.svherald.com/content/tempo/2011/08/04/216654

Trust ****

2011-07-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

David Schwimmer of Friends fame may not be the greatest actor but he

is an excellent director. Schwimmer brings out the best in his actors

in this often disturbing film that centers around a terrible event.

Trust is a cautionary tale of the dangers posed by pedophiles grooming

kids on the internet and the dangerous outcomes that can happen.

It tells it’s story of a 14 year old girl and a pedophile as a series

of events following a rape. The rape is only the first and probably

not the worst event to happen to its young victim. This film could

easily have been exploited but instead works with sympathy and

intellect.

At the center of the film is Annie Cameron played by newcomer Liana

Liberato. She is a happy child from a good home. She portrays a good

girl who isn’t too mature for her age and feels uncomfortable at a

party where popular girls fake maturity.

Annie has never had a boyfriend and then she meets Charlie through an

online chat room in which he tells her that he is a high school

junior. Like Annie, he plays volleyball and he’s a nice kid too. Over

time she grows closer to Charlie than any boy she has ever known. They

talk endlessly on the phone and online.

After a while Charlie makes a confession, he’s in college. Then he’s

25 and a graduate student. Annie is worried about these revelations

but Charlie eases her mind and Annie falls back in love with him all

over again. She eventually agrees to meet him in a mall.

When Charlie turns up he is in his mid-thirties. Annie is devastated.

Once again Charlie persuades her that everything is fine and age is

irrelevant.

This point the film could have gone a completely different direction,

but instead of becoming a crime thriller the movie continues with its

deep emotion and intellectual content.

Annie’s worst experience may not have been the rape after all. Her

worst experience is losing her reputation, her self esteem and the

world around her as she knows it, high school, is crumbling.

Annie’s parents are average good people. Her father Will, Clive Owen,

is a marketing executive, catering to the sexy teen fashion market.

Her mother Lynn, Catherine Keener, is a loving woman and caring

mother. What Annie wants is privacy and space, but instead she gets an

FBI investigation, gossip, a cruel joke on the internet, and the loss

of her idealization of Charlie that she is desperately clinging too.

Trust does not offer heart warming conclusions. Annie will survive

this tragedy, but has been damaged perhaps more by what happened after

than the rape itself. The movie shows exactly how predators prowl the

Internet for children. Showed by text of what Annie and Charlie are

saying in chat room form. Lynn tries to give Annie the love and support

she needs while Will develops a deep hatred of Charlie and vengeance

begins to take over his mind.

This film is a bit uneasy to watch and emotionally complicated. The

script is very well written and the actors portray their characters

wonderfully. This may be Clive Owen’s greatest performance yet. David

Schwimmer, while not a great actor is definitely a great director. He

has made a very perceptive and powerfully emotional film that is easily one of the best of the year.

Afghan Star ***1/2

2011-07-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

When the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 1996, one of the

things they banned was popular music, considering it sacrilegious.

Though the Taliban was knocked out of power in 2001 many Islamic

militants still regard music as sinful.

Afghan Star is trying to end this view of popular music in the Islamic

community of Afghanistan. Based on the “American Idol” idea, Afghan

Star does a nationwide search for the most popular singer in the

country.

This film follows four of these stars through their process in the

show and what happens to them.

Rafi, Hameed, Lima, and Setara are the four contestants that the

director foilows throughout the show. Each one is from a different

province, and tribe. The film shows the political like campaigns that

each singers supporters create to get their favorite voted as the

winner. The voting takes place through text messaging and the show is

watched by millions of Afghan people.

People use car batteries and makeshift antennas to be able to watch

this show that they love so much. Small children work in shops that

recharge the batteries and deliver them to houses for a small bit of

money.

This film is about a singing competition but is also about so much

more. This voting style is, in many cases, the first democracy that

many of the young people have ever experienced. Afghan Star creates a

bit of freedom for these people who have been persecuted by their own

people since the 1970’s.

Afghanistan is not the country that we see on the evening news. It is

not all radical suicide bombers and terrorists. These people are just

like everyone here in America. They just want freedom and Afghan Star

gives them a bit of hope. The final episode of Afghan Star was watched

by 11 million people. That is a third of the population of

Afghanistan.

In the end a winner is crowned and two of the contestants receive

death threats and are extremely fearful for their lives as well as

their families.

This look at a pop music show in a war torn part of the world shows

that even though these people may not have much they still have the

desire to be free.

A must see for anyone. This movie will open your eyes to the real

people of Afghanistan and not just the evening news version.

Winnie the Pooh ****

2011-07-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney returns to Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh.

Featuring the charm and wit of the original movie. This all new

version reunites the audience with the bear of very little brain and

all of his friends, Rabbit, Piglet, owl, Kanga, Roo, Tigger and of

course Eeyore.

The story is the typical story of Pooh bear. He is hungry and wants

honey. The group of friends get themselves in a bit of trouble as the

story progresses and the true story begins. Christopher Robin has left

a note at his tree house that says he is busy and will be back soon.

Pooh is confused by the letter and takes it to Owl who interprets it

as Christopher Robin being kidnapped by a “Backson.” The group of

friends figure out a way to catch this creature and save their friend,

while Tigger goes out on his own to hunt the Backson.

Along with the Backson and Pooh wanting honey, Eeyore has once again

lost his tale and is very depressed about it. He is always depressed

anyways.

The story wraps up nice and neat in the end and everyone is happy.

The stories of Pooh are ones that everyone loves. It doesn’t matter

your age, it is hard to not like A.A. Milne’s story of the honey

hungry little bear.

This film thankfully used real animation. I mean hand drawn animation

not that computer mess that has become so popular over the past

decade. Every frame of the movie is drawn by hand and shows what real

cartoons are supposed to be. Original music was made for the film with

only a couple songs being sung throughout. Just enough music to not

make it over the top Disney.

This would be a great film for parents to introduce their kids to the

theater. A wonderful story about Pooh and friends is good for anyone.

Along with the Pooh movie there is a short featurette at the beginning

that tells the ballad of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. A great introduction for a great movie. Take the kids and go see this one.

Lars and the Real Girl ****

2011-07-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of role in which Ryan Gosling excels. Lars and the

Real Girl is the story of an oddball character that has many social

issues and therefore buys a “Real Girl Doll” for companionship.

While the premise is a little bit out there, it is a fun movie. This

movie could have easily failed and become gross and stupid, but it

doesn’t.

While having comedic moments, and may be considered a dark comedy it

isn’t. It is the exploration of a man’s mind and how he interacts with

the people around him.

Lars brother and sister-in-law cope with Lars love of this doll and

try to help him through what they believe is a phase. Over time they

too come to love the doll, along with everyone else in the town.

This strange little movie was written by Nancy Oliver of the

critically acclaimed HBO show “Six Feet Under.” Her odd stories that

were created for “Six Feet Under” show through in this tale of Lars.

Excellent dialougue as well as inner monologue drive the story and the

look at a socially inept young man.

Ryan Gosling portrays Lars with a loving and a bit ignorant

mentallity. He comes off as a sweet person that just has a few issues.

He dives into the character as he does in all of his other films. He

doesn’t just act as Lars he became Lars for the film. Gosling does

this in almost every film he is in and I am hard pressed to find

another actor of his quality and ability in Hollywood today.

This movie is a little offbeat and has an unexplored storyline, but the acting, and writing make this movie truly a must see.

The Amazing Spider Man

2011-07-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

First official trailer of The Amazing Spider Man
Set for release July 3, 2012
Columbia Pictures
Directed by Marc Webb
Cast:
Andrew Garfield
Sally Field
Emma Stone
Irrfan Khan
Denis Leary

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/