I had the opportunity to watch a favorite movie of mine once again, and thought I would do a throwback review. An all star cast comes together in Traffic, an incredibly suspenseful movie about the drug trade in the United States and its components in Mexico. Traffic is a so-called "hyperlink movie" - that is, the protagonists of the film rarely share screentime together, but their seperate storylines touch just enough to bring everything together in a central message. I personally am a big fan of this method of film-making - and nearly every movie I have seen that does this well has ended up as a favorite of mine (Babel is another notable film that employs this method of film-making).
Plot Summary
Traffic tells the story of the drug trade from four perspectives - a user, a DEA officer (played by Don Cheadle) and his partner, a U.S. politician (played by Michael Douglas), and a Mexican police officer swept up by circumstance into helping the drug cartels in Tijuana (played by Benicio Del Toro). The plot is a bit intricate, and as I said before, these four story lines barely touch, so I will let you read the plot at Wikipedia if you want a spoiler. However, I would recommend seeing this movie without reading too much about it - the plot develops in a way that is endlessly surprising, and very moving.
Why you should go out of your way to see this movie
This movie is very compelling on many levels. Visually, the film makers added a heavy yellow tint to everything that happens in Mexico, and a blue tint to everything that happens in the United States - which give the characters and storyline in the U.S. a detached and cold feeling, which goes very well with the politicians struggling to figure out how to wage the war on drugs, and the users who have a great deal of angst against the society in which they live - and give the characters and storyline in Mexico a hot and in your face feeling, which adds depth to those parts of the movie.
The acting is superb. Benicio Del Toro won an Oscar for his work here, and well deserves it. He is so authentic as a man torn by his morals and his instinct for survival as he gets swept up in the drug trade that dominates the Tijuana landscape. Douglas, Cheadle, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Dennis Quaid all round out the all star cast and really give great performances.
The plot as I mentioned before is intricate, and as the film wraps up, the resolution really resonates and conveys the ongoing battle and struggle that rages around drug use, trafficking, and policy. However, the movie doesn't seem to take one side or another on any issue - it does a great job of just laying out the problem and letting the audience soak it in. It definitely makes you think, and gives you a peek into a dark world that really exists out there, though many of us may never have realized it.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone.
Here is the trailer from youtube, but actually, I don't think it does the movie much justice - I couldn't find a better one, so here it is anyway.
Showing posts with label Rating: Go Out of Your Way to See this Movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rating: Go Out of Your Way to See this Movie. Show all posts
June 11, 2008
June 8, 2008
Fargo (1996)
After watching No Country For Old Men a few weeks ago, I had to go back and watch another classic film by the Coen brothers, Fargo. The movie is a classic, and I believe one of a dozen or so that really stand out for me that were made in the 90's.
Fargo is set in North Dakota, and Minnesota, and follows the bizarre plot by Jerry Lundegaard, played brilliantly by William H. Macey, to have his wife kidnapped in order to get ransom money from his wealthy father-in-law. Things go awry, resulting in several murders which are investigated by a quirky pregnant police officer Marge Gunderson, even more brilliantly played by Francis McDormand (who won an Oscar for her role).
What makes this movie so interesting is that the setting highlights the ordinary and regular people of North Dakota and Minnesota, complete with their strong Midwest accents. This is juxtaposed with the ruthlessness of the two men who are hired to kidnap Lundegaard's wife. The intersection of these two complete polar opposites is of course Francis McDormand's character, who deals with the brutal killings, but at the same time keeps her small town and homey personality.
Another interesting message in this movie is that of unintended consequences. Lundegaard is a simple man, but gets himself involved with ruthless people, and the rest of the movie is a chain reaction - the results of which could never have been foreseen.
Particularly poignant is the final scene in the movie, which is truly horrifying and leaves the usually upbeat Officer Gunderson to wonder with her final words, "I just don't understand it."
Though the plot twists a bit, the movie is pretty straight forward - yet every time I watch it I find it impossible to look away, or do the "good parts version" as I commonly do with many other movies I have seen more than once. The acting and music are just great, and the drama and the comedy are sublime. I highly recommend this movie to anyone.
Fargo is set in North Dakota, and Minnesota, and follows the bizarre plot by Jerry Lundegaard, played brilliantly by William H. Macey, to have his wife kidnapped in order to get ransom money from his wealthy father-in-law. Things go awry, resulting in several murders which are investigated by a quirky pregnant police officer Marge Gunderson, even more brilliantly played by Francis McDormand (who won an Oscar for her role).
What makes this movie so interesting is that the setting highlights the ordinary and regular people of North Dakota and Minnesota, complete with their strong Midwest accents. This is juxtaposed with the ruthlessness of the two men who are hired to kidnap Lundegaard's wife. The intersection of these two complete polar opposites is of course Francis McDormand's character, who deals with the brutal killings, but at the same time keeps her small town and homey personality.
Another interesting message in this movie is that of unintended consequences. Lundegaard is a simple man, but gets himself involved with ruthless people, and the rest of the movie is a chain reaction - the results of which could never have been foreseen.
Particularly poignant is the final scene in the movie, which is truly horrifying and leaves the usually upbeat Officer Gunderson to wonder with her final words, "I just don't understand it."
Though the plot twists a bit, the movie is pretty straight forward - yet every time I watch it I find it impossible to look away, or do the "good parts version" as I commonly do with many other movies I have seen more than once. The acting and music are just great, and the drama and the comedy are sublime. I highly recommend this movie to anyone.
May 31, 2008
There Will be Blood (2007)
Daniel Day Lewis deservedly earns his Oscar nod in the dark There Will be Blood, based on the novel Oil! by Upton Sinclair. The movie is quite an exploration of human greed and ambition.
Lewis's character, Daniel Plainview is the epitome of these base human traits, and from the beginning of the movie he has no qualms about treading heavily upon all who stand in his way. What makes this movie even more interesting, is that his character is juxtaposed with another ambitious figure, the local preacher. The two spar and dance around each other grasping for power and influence. There are moments in the movie when you think Plainview might just have an inkling of humanity as he cares for his son - but it becomes evident that even if he did, his son is not as important as his ambition.
There are two scenes in particular that really stand out (see two embedded videos below). One in which Plainview must be baptized in the local church in order to get the lease on a piece of property owned by one of the church parishioners. The confession of his sins is quite moving, and is one of those moments that you wonder if Plainview might just be a good man at heart. The second is the final scene in the movie, in which the preacher and Plainview square off, and Plainview revels in his triumph over his rival by mercilessly berating him after the preacher begs him for money.
The ideas portrayed here about religion, capitalism, the affluent, the poor, ambition, humility, and ultimately egoism and selflessness are sublime. Although there is some impressive scenery, the movie is subtle in its message, and very insightful. It is a movie that will make you think for many days and weeks afterwards about what it all means. And it is one of my favorite movies of the year.
The first scene:
The second scene:
Lewis's character, Daniel Plainview is the epitome of these base human traits, and from the beginning of the movie he has no qualms about treading heavily upon all who stand in his way. What makes this movie even more interesting, is that his character is juxtaposed with another ambitious figure, the local preacher. The two spar and dance around each other grasping for power and influence. There are moments in the movie when you think Plainview might just have an inkling of humanity as he cares for his son - but it becomes evident that even if he did, his son is not as important as his ambition.
There are two scenes in particular that really stand out (see two embedded videos below). One in which Plainview must be baptized in the local church in order to get the lease on a piece of property owned by one of the church parishioners. The confession of his sins is quite moving, and is one of those moments that you wonder if Plainview might just be a good man at heart. The second is the final scene in the movie, in which the preacher and Plainview square off, and Plainview revels in his triumph over his rival by mercilessly berating him after the preacher begs him for money.
The ideas portrayed here about religion, capitalism, the affluent, the poor, ambition, humility, and ultimately egoism and selflessness are sublime. Although there is some impressive scenery, the movie is subtle in its message, and very insightful. It is a movie that will make you think for many days and weeks afterwards about what it all means. And it is one of my favorite movies of the year.
The first scene:
The second scene:
In Bruges (2008)
In Bruges is a dark comedy reminiscent of Pulp Fiction to a degree, albeit with a European setting. It is violent, quite disturbing in parts, equally as hilarious in parts, and in the final moments rather pensive and philosophical. That having been said - I loved the movie.
The movie follows two hit men that are hiding out in the town of Bruges after a hit went awry and an innocent child was killed. Collin Farrell's character is tortured by guilt after inadvertently killing the child. One of my favorite actors, Ralph Fiennes plays the mob boss, and Brendan Gleeson plays Farrell's mentor. The plot is endlessly surprising, and is filled with supremely ironic moments which are really great, so I won't ruin it for you.
The interplay between the characters is quite funny - and the dialog shows the humanity of the characters even though they are in the end, hired killers - which makes for the same kind of cognitive dissonance in the audience that you get watching Pulp Fiction. How can a hit man be a moral person? Do immoral people who do immoral things actually have a conscience? These are the things you will be asking yourself as you watch this movie.
I was very entertained, and give this a hearty recommend. The sensitive should beware though - like Pulp Fiction it is very violent and disturbing.
The movie follows two hit men that are hiding out in the town of Bruges after a hit went awry and an innocent child was killed. Collin Farrell's character is tortured by guilt after inadvertently killing the child. One of my favorite actors, Ralph Fiennes plays the mob boss, and Brendan Gleeson plays Farrell's mentor. The plot is endlessly surprising, and is filled with supremely ironic moments which are really great, so I won't ruin it for you.
The interplay between the characters is quite funny - and the dialog shows the humanity of the characters even though they are in the end, hired killers - which makes for the same kind of cognitive dissonance in the audience that you get watching Pulp Fiction. How can a hit man be a moral person? Do immoral people who do immoral things actually have a conscience? These are the things you will be asking yourself as you watch this movie.
I was very entertained, and give this a hearty recommend. The sensitive should beware though - like Pulp Fiction it is very violent and disturbing.
April 28, 2008
Aocalypto (2006)
Apocalypto is a highly stylized epic set in ancient America that follows the travails of Jaguar Paw, a Mayan hunter. See more on the plot here.
This movie is quite remarkable, and I am surprised I have missed seeing it for so long. The costume design and makup is absolutely amazing - one of the few movies where costume and makup alone tell a huge part of the story. The whole movie is subtitled being spoken in a native American tongue, but it really feels authentic. Perhaps one of the ingenious things about this movie is that it still feels like a personal movie focused on a small set of characters even though there are sweeping epic scenes that show off Mel Gibson's version of the Mayan civilization. Jaguar Paw is so removed from the present, and witnesses things and places that are so different and quite unfathomable from the modern experience. Yet, you really identify with him as a person who wants to be good, to live a life of peace and happiness with his family.
Oh yeah, and there are some freaking awesome fight/chase scenes. Not to mention the horrifying close call with a Mayan priest on top of a pyramid and his attempt to cut out Jaguar Paw's heart in sacrifice to the Gods. Really fantastic movie - one of my favorites from 2006.
This movie is quite remarkable, and I am surprised I have missed seeing it for so long. The costume design and makup is absolutely amazing - one of the few movies where costume and makup alone tell a huge part of the story. The whole movie is subtitled being spoken in a native American tongue, but it really feels authentic. Perhaps one of the ingenious things about this movie is that it still feels like a personal movie focused on a small set of characters even though there are sweeping epic scenes that show off Mel Gibson's version of the Mayan civilization. Jaguar Paw is so removed from the present, and witnesses things and places that are so different and quite unfathomable from the modern experience. Yet, you really identify with him as a person who wants to be good, to live a life of peace and happiness with his family.
Oh yeah, and there are some freaking awesome fight/chase scenes. Not to mention the horrifying close call with a Mayan priest on top of a pyramid and his attempt to cut out Jaguar Paw's heart in sacrifice to the Gods. Really fantastic movie - one of my favorites from 2006.
April 5, 2008
Into the Wild (2007)
Into the Wild is a deeply introspective film that is based on the life of Christopher McCandless. McCandless is the son of wealthy parents, and appears headed towards Harvard law school, when suddenly he decides to forsake everythin, and search for a deeper meaning and spirituality. He donates his life savings (about $20,000) to charity, burns his Social Security card and what little cash he has left, and wanders the country. Along his journey he meets a variety of people, shares tender moments with them all, but eventually leaves them all behind. Eventually he decides to go to Alaska, far away from anything to do with modern society.
The plot may seem a little bare - but the reality is, the film was very moving for me. McCandless seems to exude authenticity, sadly a rare attribute in today's world, and something I have always striven to have myself. The story of his rejection of society as a fake and invented system is something that is not new for the thousands of drifters in the world, but is a breath of fresh air, and gives a new perspective on life and love and the things that really have meaning to all of us. Well, there I go, blithering about the story - you can tell I loved it. The story is all the more poignant since it is a true story - the film is based on the book about McCandless. For those who haven't heard about McCandless before, I won't ruin the ending.
The acting was great, the music was great, the story was great, and the scenery was incredible -- definitely one of the best movies of 2007, and I highly recommend this to anyone.
Here is the trailer from youtube:
The plot may seem a little bare - but the reality is, the film was very moving for me. McCandless seems to exude authenticity, sadly a rare attribute in today's world, and something I have always striven to have myself. The story of his rejection of society as a fake and invented system is something that is not new for the thousands of drifters in the world, but is a breath of fresh air, and gives a new perspective on life and love and the things that really have meaning to all of us. Well, there I go, blithering about the story - you can tell I loved it. The story is all the more poignant since it is a true story - the film is based on the book about McCandless. For those who haven't heard about McCandless before, I won't ruin the ending.
The acting was great, the music was great, the story was great, and the scenery was incredible -- definitely one of the best movies of 2007, and I highly recommend this to anyone.
Here is the trailer from youtube:
March 21, 2008
No Country for Old Men (2007)
I finally got my hands on the Best Picture Oscar winner for 2007.
No Country is a raw and dark movie that really makes you think. The movie is set in a dusty small Texas town, where a small town guy (played by Josh Brolin - remember the Goonies?) stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong. After sifting through the dead bodies, he finds a satchel with 2 million dollars in cash, and decides to take his chances in keeping the money. Little does he know that one of the most frightening and heartless killers you are likely to see in a movie (played by Javier Bardem) has been hired to recover the loot. What follows is an immensely engaging cat and mouse game, in which the cat spreads death and destruction everywhere he goes. Then of course is the local Sheriff (played Tommy Lee Jones) that is trying to make sense of the aftermath, always one step behind the hunted and the hunter.
Several things about this film really stick out:
The first thing I noticed is that there was almost no music at all, I only remember some odd strains starting a good 60 seconds after the final credits start to roll. The effect is that everything feels very realistic and in-your-face. The last time I remember such an approach was with one of my favorite movies, Castaway.
Secondly, Javier Bardem's character, Anton Chigurh, is perhaps the most frightening and memorable villain of the decade - I put him in the same class as Darth Vader, Hannibal Lecter, and Mr. Smith. I am actually surprised that Bardem was up for the supporting actor Oscar, he could easily be considered the lead character. This guy is literally out of this world, and something of a case study in psychology. From the first scene, Chigurh almost guided by principle in his killing, as if it is his calling in life - no one is immune, and even in some of the tender moments where innocent bystanders are pleading for mercy, Chigurh's face reveals that they might as well be flies to be swatted.
Third, the setting of the film is quite reminiscent of Fargo, one of the Coen's previous films. It reveals a real down to earth people. Coming from a small town in the west myself, I have to say this movie absolutely nailed it. I could point to half a dozen people in my town that mirror the people that I grew up with.
The ending of the movie was a little strange - but honestly, the more I think about it, the more I like it - I won't give it away. Suffice it to say that this movie was easily one of the best movies of 2007, and one that I am dying to watch again. The movie is not just a violent movie for guys who like violence, but a deeply introspective film that challenges your perceptions on what is right and what is wrong, the reality of violence no matter what part of the world you live in, and how people cope with it and try to make sense of it. I heartily recommend this movie to anyone (who can stomach the violence).
Just wanted to show one of my favorite clips from the movie, where Chigurh meets a random guy at a gas station and starts a tense and fascinating dialog:
And here is one of the trailers:
No Country is a raw and dark movie that really makes you think. The movie is set in a dusty small Texas town, where a small town guy (played by Josh Brolin - remember the Goonies?) stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong. After sifting through the dead bodies, he finds a satchel with 2 million dollars in cash, and decides to take his chances in keeping the money. Little does he know that one of the most frightening and heartless killers you are likely to see in a movie (played by Javier Bardem) has been hired to recover the loot. What follows is an immensely engaging cat and mouse game, in which the cat spreads death and destruction everywhere he goes. Then of course is the local Sheriff (played Tommy Lee Jones) that is trying to make sense of the aftermath, always one step behind the hunted and the hunter.
Several things about this film really stick out:
The first thing I noticed is that there was almost no music at all, I only remember some odd strains starting a good 60 seconds after the final credits start to roll. The effect is that everything feels very realistic and in-your-face. The last time I remember such an approach was with one of my favorite movies, Castaway.
Secondly, Javier Bardem's character, Anton Chigurh, is perhaps the most frightening and memorable villain of the decade - I put him in the same class as Darth Vader, Hannibal Lecter, and Mr. Smith. I am actually surprised that Bardem was up for the supporting actor Oscar, he could easily be considered the lead character. This guy is literally out of this world, and something of a case study in psychology. From the first scene, Chigurh almost guided by principle in his killing, as if it is his calling in life - no one is immune, and even in some of the tender moments where innocent bystanders are pleading for mercy, Chigurh's face reveals that they might as well be flies to be swatted.
Third, the setting of the film is quite reminiscent of Fargo, one of the Coen's previous films. It reveals a real down to earth people. Coming from a small town in the west myself, I have to say this movie absolutely nailed it. I could point to half a dozen people in my town that mirror the people that I grew up with.
The ending of the movie was a little strange - but honestly, the more I think about it, the more I like it - I won't give it away. Suffice it to say that this movie was easily one of the best movies of 2007, and one that I am dying to watch again. The movie is not just a violent movie for guys who like violence, but a deeply introspective film that challenges your perceptions on what is right and what is wrong, the reality of violence no matter what part of the world you live in, and how people cope with it and try to make sense of it. I heartily recommend this movie to anyone (who can stomach the violence).
Just wanted to show one of my favorite clips from the movie, where Chigurh meets a random guy at a gas station and starts a tense and fascinating dialog:
And here is one of the trailers:
March 15, 2008
Casablanca (1942)
Here is another golden oldie - considered by many as one of the greatest films of all time, the iconic Casablanca.
The film features Rick (played by Humphrey Boghart), who plays a slick and unscrupulous American ex-pat that runs a night club in Casablanca during World War II. Through a series of flash backs the audience comes to know his long lost love, played by Ingrid Bergman. The two split inexplicably after a short stint together in Paris. Years later, Rick leads an emotionless life after his heart break. Finally one day, by chance, Bergman's character walks into Rick's bar and upends his life. To further complicate matters, she is married to a prominent player in the resistance against the Nazi occupation of France. Oh yeah, and there are a few other delightfully corrupt characters to mix up the pot. Political and romantic tensions combine to make a really great drama.
I am a big fan. This movie has everything - romance, drama, backstabbing, politics, great music, and even a little comedy here and there. If you haven't seen this movie, I accuse you of not being a true fan of the silver screen.
At the risk of giving away the end of the movie, I am giving a clip from the final scene, which is easily the most iconic and memorable. If you haven't seen the movie, don't watch the clip below - although, it is so famous, you have probably already seen it.
The film features Rick (played by Humphrey Boghart), who plays a slick and unscrupulous American ex-pat that runs a night club in Casablanca during World War II. Through a series of flash backs the audience comes to know his long lost love, played by Ingrid Bergman. The two split inexplicably after a short stint together in Paris. Years later, Rick leads an emotionless life after his heart break. Finally one day, by chance, Bergman's character walks into Rick's bar and upends his life. To further complicate matters, she is married to a prominent player in the resistance against the Nazi occupation of France. Oh yeah, and there are a few other delightfully corrupt characters to mix up the pot. Political and romantic tensions combine to make a really great drama.
I am a big fan. This movie has everything - romance, drama, backstabbing, politics, great music, and even a little comedy here and there. If you haven't seen this movie, I accuse you of not being a true fan of the silver screen.
At the risk of giving away the end of the movie, I am giving a clip from the final scene, which is easily the most iconic and memorable. If you haven't seen the movie, don't watch the clip below - although, it is so famous, you have probably already seen it.
March 2, 2008
Michael Clayton (2007)
I was finally able to see one of the Best Picture nominees, Michael Clayton, which was also nominated for Best Actor (George Clooney), Best Supporting Actress (Tilda Swinton), and Best Supporting Actor (Tom Wilkinson). My thoughts on their performances? George Clooney was good, Tilda Swinton was good, and Tom Wilkinson was awesome (I am still waiting to see Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men, but until then, Wilkinson is definitely my favorite supporting actor performance for 2007).
Michael Clayton (played by Clooney) is a "fixer" at a prestigious law firm in New York City. What is a "fixer" you say? Basically, he cleans up difficult situations with sometimes unconventional methods. The plot really gets kicked off as one of the senior partners at the firm (played superbly by Tom Wilkinson) has a mental breakdown of sorts in the middle of a deposition for a 3 billion dollar class action lawsuit. Clayton is dispatched to get the situation under control and try to ease the minds of the General Counsel of the firm's client (played by Tilda Swinton). It soon becomes apparent that Wilkinson's character will not be settled, and starts working against his former client. With 3 billion at stake, how far are people willing to go to silence him? Dunh dunh duuuuuuh....
I thought this movie was superb. Easily one of the most memorable films of 2007 - I actually watched it twice, and then the good parts version a third time. The acting is great, the plot intricate, the moral questions deep, and even little details like the cinematography, and music were just perfect for dramatic effect at just the right moments. Another thing I really liked about it was that it didn't waste time talking down to the audience, to explain things, which happens sometimes with movies like this. It was sharp and direct, and the drama carried me through the movie without me thinking once about when it was going to end. Oh, and the ending, by the way, was perfect.
I still have a deep love for Once so I can't put this at my top movie for the year, but so far, it neatly slides into second place, with a strong recommend.
The movie is rated R for language - though this is no Scarface in that regard, it is definitely not one I would watch with my grandmother :).
Michael Clayton (played by Clooney) is a "fixer" at a prestigious law firm in New York City. What is a "fixer" you say? Basically, he cleans up difficult situations with sometimes unconventional methods. The plot really gets kicked off as one of the senior partners at the firm (played superbly by Tom Wilkinson) has a mental breakdown of sorts in the middle of a deposition for a 3 billion dollar class action lawsuit. Clayton is dispatched to get the situation under control and try to ease the minds of the General Counsel of the firm's client (played by Tilda Swinton). It soon becomes apparent that Wilkinson's character will not be settled, and starts working against his former client. With 3 billion at stake, how far are people willing to go to silence him? Dunh dunh duuuuuuh....
I thought this movie was superb. Easily one of the most memorable films of 2007 - I actually watched it twice, and then the good parts version a third time. The acting is great, the plot intricate, the moral questions deep, and even little details like the cinematography, and music were just perfect for dramatic effect at just the right moments. Another thing I really liked about it was that it didn't waste time talking down to the audience, to explain things, which happens sometimes with movies like this. It was sharp and direct, and the drama carried me through the movie without me thinking once about when it was going to end. Oh, and the ending, by the way, was perfect.
I still have a deep love for Once so I can't put this at my top movie for the year, but so far, it neatly slides into second place, with a strong recommend.
The movie is rated R for language - though this is no Scarface in that regard, it is definitely not one I would watch with my grandmother :).
February 18, 2008
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Ben Affleck's directorial debut finally came out on video, and I snatched it up. There has been a lot of buzz around this movie, and I was interested.
Casey Affleck (Ben's brother) stars as a private detective hired to help search for a kidnapped little girl in inner city Boston. Turns out the girl's mother (portrayed by Amy Ryan) is just about as despicable of a person as you could find - addicted to crack, prone to leaving the little girl alone for long stretches at a time - and yet, she is guilt ridden for leaving her daughter long enough to be taken from her. Affleck's character knows "the people" around the neighborhood - meaning of course, he knows all the drug dealers and shady people that lurk around. One clue leads to another as he searches for the girl, and well... the plot is a little complex, and it has a twist ending, so I won't ruin it for you.
I will say this though - it was very good. I have been hearing hype about this movie for a while now, and though it wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be (thats usually the way it is with movies that I have heard a lot about), I still consider it one of the best movies of the year, and think it does deserve the Oscar and Golden Globe nods it is getting. Casey Affleck really shines, and he has a great supporting cast which includes Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris - two fantastic actors. Who would have thought that geeky dude from Ocean's Eleven was a headlining actor?
Casey Affleck (Ben's brother) stars as a private detective hired to help search for a kidnapped little girl in inner city Boston. Turns out the girl's mother (portrayed by Amy Ryan) is just about as despicable of a person as you could find - addicted to crack, prone to leaving the little girl alone for long stretches at a time - and yet, she is guilt ridden for leaving her daughter long enough to be taken from her. Affleck's character knows "the people" around the neighborhood - meaning of course, he knows all the drug dealers and shady people that lurk around. One clue leads to another as he searches for the girl, and well... the plot is a little complex, and it has a twist ending, so I won't ruin it for you.
I will say this though - it was very good. I have been hearing hype about this movie for a while now, and though it wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be (thats usually the way it is with movies that I have heard a lot about), I still consider it one of the best movies of the year, and think it does deserve the Oscar and Golden Globe nods it is getting. Casey Affleck really shines, and he has a great supporting cast which includes Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris - two fantastic actors. Who would have thought that geeky dude from Ocean's Eleven was a headlining actor?
January 30, 2008
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
By far the best of the bazillion sequels that came out this last summer is latest Bourne film. The movie continues following amnesia-ridden Jason Bourne, who, in the first film, found out he was a government assassin working for the CIA. As the film begins, the CIA comes up with another reason why Jason Bourne is still a threat - the exact reason doesn't matter much, it is just a plot device to get us on the path to gratuitous violence, which - lets face it - is why we decided to watch this movie anyway.
As the plot develops, Bourne decides to take the fight back to CIA headquarters, and so the aforementioned gratuitous violence moves from London, to Tunisia, and finally to New York, where the headquarters of Bourne's former CIA division are located.
I was actually just so-so about half way through the movie, even though the first scene was pretty cool. However, there is an amazing chase/fight scene that occurs about 2/3 of the way in that sealed the deal for me. Bourne gets in a foot chase, and a wicked-awesome-fist/martial-artsy fight with another assassin in Tangiers, the likes of which I have not seen recently. Then, as the fight moves to New York City, there is a car chase that rivals the intensity of the culminating chase scene in The Bourne Supremacy. I was on the edge of my seat solid for the last half of the movie. I highly recommend this movie, one of the better movies of 2007.
As the plot develops, Bourne decides to take the fight back to CIA headquarters, and so the aforementioned gratuitous violence moves from London, to Tunisia, and finally to New York, where the headquarters of Bourne's former CIA division are located.
I was actually just so-so about half way through the movie, even though the first scene was pretty cool. However, there is an amazing chase/fight scene that occurs about 2/3 of the way in that sealed the deal for me. Bourne gets in a foot chase, and a wicked-awesome-fist/martial-artsy fight with another assassin in Tangiers, the likes of which I have not seen recently. Then, as the fight moves to New York City, there is a car chase that rivals the intensity of the culminating chase scene in The Bourne Supremacy. I was on the edge of my seat solid for the last half of the movie. I highly recommend this movie, one of the better movies of 2007.
January 28, 2008
Once (2007)
Several months ago, I saw one of the most refreshing and interesting movies of the year. A small budgeted independent film set in Dublin called Once. The movie follows the fortunes of an Irish guitar playing busker (who remains unnamed throughout the film), who I will call "Dude". He meets a Czech immigrant girl one day on the street, and almost by accident they realize that they make great music together. There is a great scene near the beginning where they sit in a piano shop and play one of Dude's songs together. The effect is quite magical, and the rest of the movie plays out like a musical, but feels grounded in the real world. A quasi, un-requited romance develops between the two as they move into a studio to record an album, and we begin to learn about their past loves and shipwrecked dreams.
Maybe this is the music lover in me talking, but I loved the film. Each one of the songs was great, some of them quite moving, and the acting was surprisingly very good for two unknown actors. Glen Hansard (who plays Dude) and Markéta Irglová who plays his charming young sidekick, wrote all but one of the songs in the movie, and this is one soundtrack that I will definitely be picking up at my next opportunity.
I really want to recommend this movie to everyone, but it actually has quite a bit of vulgarity, so the sensitive should beware. At the end of the day though, the merits of the film shine through brilliantly. The movie took Sundance by storm, and is easily one of my favorite films of 2007.
Maybe this is the music lover in me talking, but I loved the film. Each one of the songs was great, some of them quite moving, and the acting was surprisingly very good for two unknown actors. Glen Hansard (who plays Dude) and Markéta Irglová who plays his charming young sidekick, wrote all but one of the songs in the movie, and this is one soundtrack that I will definitely be picking up at my next opportunity.
I really want to recommend this movie to everyone, but it actually has quite a bit of vulgarity, so the sensitive should beware. At the end of the day though, the merits of the film shine through brilliantly. The movie took Sundance by storm, and is easily one of my favorite films of 2007.
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