The Great Buck Howard

Loosely based on the "amazing" Kreskin, a famous mentalist from the '60 & '70's, "Buck Howard" is a star vehicle for John Malkovich. As the fading star who's claim to fame is 61 appearances on the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson", Mr. Malkovich brings both swagger and pathos to the character. In many ways, this film runs parallel to "The Wrestler", both portraying stars past their prime still working the circuit and looking for one more shot of glory.

Buck's much maligned road manager, Troy, is played by Colin Hanks, who also serves as the film's narrator. Also co-starring are Ricky Jay as Buck's long time manager, Emily Blunt as a publicist and in smaller roles, Deborah Monk and Steve Zahn. There are also many real life cameos of talk show hosts and fading stars of TV and film. In a bit of inspired casting, Tom Hanks plays Troy's father in a small cameo.

This "indie" film is an obvious labor of love for writer/director Sean McGinly and is a must see for any fans of Mr. Malkovich.

Duplicity

Writer/Director Tony Gilroy newest effort is a cross between his own "Michael Clayton", "Ocean's 11", and any Bourne film. The film stars Julia Roberts and Clive Owen as corporate spies duping each other and their respective companies. Unfortunately, it's the audience that ultimately gets duped.

It's a simple story made very complicated by the multiple flashbacks and various scamming going on. The story zigzags across the globe in "Bourne" fashion and has great locations. It's just difficult to follow the timelines. It's like watching a single episode of "Lost" if it was about corporate espionage. On a positive
note, it's a refreshing spy story without guns or car chases that makes you think how far pharmaceutical companies will go to protect a secret formula.

Ms Roberts and Mr. Owen have proven chemistry between them but the games they play and all the mistrust they project loses their credibility with the audience. Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson co-star as the heads of the rival companies locked in a corporate power struggle. Mr. Wilkinson is credible but Mr. Giamatti chews the scenery and is miscast as a company CEO.

There's a final twist to the story that still leaves questions but by that point, you probably won't care anymore. It's all much ado about nothing.

Watchmen

An extremely different and very cool "superhero" movie. I understand fans of the graphic novel have issues with the film but having not read the story, I found it original and very entertaining. Director Zack Synder has found his niche, first with "300" and now "Watchmen".

These "superheroes" don't have powers (except one) and rely on weapons and fighting skills to get the job done. Many of the group are not even likeable. They live among us in an "alternate" 1985 where Richard Nixon is still president and we've won the Vietnam War. When one of them is killed, it sets off a chain of events that have repercussions on the fate of mankind.

The visuals are stunning (especially in IMAX) and the acting is what you'd expect when your character walks around in a heavy rubber or spandex costume. Jackie Earle Haley steals the film as "Rorschach", the "watchman" who narrates the story and seems to be having the most fun with his dark role. He also has the best line in the film, which I understand is a direct quote from the novel. The film also features Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, and Malin Akerman.

You may be confused at first if you are unfamiliar with the story, but it all comes together in a spectacular way. It's a trippy fun time at the movies. And I'd be remiss to not point out the terrific opening credit sequence and the excellent soundtrack.

Gomorrah

A pseudo documentary about the criminal activities of the Camora, street level mafia gangs that populate the area around Naples, Italy. The film focuses on six different characters in four main subplots that rotate throughout the film. This is not linear storytelling and won't appeal to the average film fan. If you are a fan of the HBO show, "The Wire", this film may appeal to you.

There are no heroes or heroines and actually, no redeeming characters at all. All the characters are caught up in the violent way of life and it's just a matter of who lives and who dies by the end of the film. The subplots introduce us to characters of all ages from the young boy making a dangerous life decision to the old man looking for a way out of the only life he's known.

This is not the Hollywood idea of the "Mafia". This is a grim, realistic portrait of a brutal life and while not a film to enjoy, it is certainly a fascinating two hour glimpse into this very real existence.

The International

With the exception of a exciting shoot out in a NY icon, this film is a "Bourne" clone without the action.

Clive Owen does an admirable job playing the action hero. It's just a shame there is not much action. The film is all talk and you need to pay attention to follow the story. Naomi Watts co-stars in a unnecessary role just so Mr. Owen has an additional person to talk to about the plot.

The story concerns an international bank that is up to it's books in shady, criminal activities and Mr. Owen is determined to get his interest's worth bringing them down. The best thing that can be said is the film is truly international taking the viewer on a world tour from New York to various European locations.

This is the kind of "thriller" that dominated the '60's. If "The International" had been made back then, it would have starred Michael Caine and you probably would have rushed out to see it. Today, you can wait for the DVD.

The Jonas Brothers: 3D Concert Experience

And what an experience it is. The live concert was fun even if I couldn't understand any of the words above the screaming girls. The film recreation is faithful to the concert but while it tries hard, it lacks the true excitement of a live show.

The 3D effect provides a sharp clear image but is not used to much special effect, except for some drumsticks and guitar picks thrown into the crowd. The songs are certainly easier to understand without all the screaming (although the film audience tried to recreate that effect as well).

This is purely for tween and teenage girls who find these brothers the "it" boy band of the moment.

Defiance

From writer/director Edward Zwick, comes this harrowing true story of a group of Jews that hid in the forests of Poland during WWII. Led by the three Bielski brothers, their numbers swelled to 1200 surviving four years hiding and fighting back again the German army.

The three brothers are played respectively by Daniel Craig, Liv Schreiber, and Jamie Bell. All three are excellent and the story is really remarkable. The film can be difficult to watch as you experience how these people survived but ultimately, it is an uplifting story and a very different kind of portrayal of Jews in a war movie. Rather than play the victims, these people band together for survival and to fight back against their oppressors.

As with most Zwick films, there are overly melodramatic moments and dialogue but overall, "Defiance" is a strong story, well told.

Coraline

Brilliant stop motion animation brings Neil Gailman's book to the screen. The film is being shown in 3D at most theaters and it is a visual treat.

The story starts out fairly normal but once Coraline Jones discovers an alternate world hidden behind a wall panel in her new house, things begin to get very weird. It's a cautionary tale of "be careful of what you wish for" and it's beautifully crafted.

Dakota Fanning does the voice work for Coraline and Teri Hatcher provides the voice of her mother. Also lending their vocal talents are Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, and Ian McShane.

The film doesn't stoop to 3D tricks just for the effect. It does use the technique to add more depth to the animation and is only really playfully used during the end credits.

The film may not be suitable for small children as the story gets progressively weirder and creepier as it goes on. It is a great companion piece for "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Corpse Bride".

Wendy & Lucy

Co-written and directed by Kelly Reichardt, "Wendy & Lucy" is a simple, yet poignant story of hardship in America today. Michelle Williams stars as Wendy, a young woman down on her luck, traveling through the Pacific Northwest with her dog Lucy.

The film pulls no punches and plays more like a documentary than a drama. Wendy becomes stranded in a small town and her economic situation has huge ramifications for both her and Lucy. At times, dire and hard to watch, there are moments of tenderness and what passes as friendship to give one hope and restore faith in humanity.

Ms. Williams does a remarkable job as Wendy. Everything about her performance is real and very raw. It is an Oscar worthy performance, unfortunately just overshadowed by Melissa Leo in "Frozen River". The two women, respectively, share performances of such depth and realism, it must have been a hard choice for Academy voters to award that last nomination.

Ms. Reichardt provides no easy answers but such is life in this sad and moving story.

Paul Blart:Mall Cop

With an opening at #1 for the week, you know it must be January. "Blart" scored based on the popularity of comedian Kevin James in the starring role. Mr. James is a funny physical comedian and the slapstick will appeal to kids but for adults, "Blart" has little to offer. This is usually the case with January openings.

The script is not bad but the direction is flat and much of the material misses the mark. The first half of the film is spent much too long establishing the fact that Blart is a overweight, lovable loser and only comes barely to life when his beloved mall is threatened by a robbery.

Skip this one unless the kids are restless and catch up on some of December's quality films you may have missed.

Revolutionary Road

Sam Mendes directs his wife, Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio in this suburban period piece. Reunited after starring together in "Titanic", this serious exploration of a marriage cracking at the seems, couldn't be more different than that box office titan.

The direction is excellent and the cinematography beautiful. The acting is what you'd expect from Mr. DiCaprio and Ms. Winslet. They both give their best to inhabit these characters. Ms. Winslet, in particular, is simply amazing and I'm convinced can do anything at this point in her career. Michael Shannon in a minor role does outstanding work in his scenes and helps bring out DiCaprio's best. What bothers me about the film is the script. Frankly, watching these two unlikeable characters come apart is boring. They have two children who we barely see and for all their scenes together, only a few really crackle with energy.The film also seems to end on four different occasions which is not the best sign for a good script.

The TV show "Madmen" captures the same period and characters better than this film. The complicated marriages in Madmen has much more depth of it's characters and their relationships. Save "Revolutionary Road" for DVD and be glad "Madmen" has been renewed for another season.

Valkyrie

You have to give director Bryan Singer and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie a lot of credit. They have crafted a very suspenseful film even though you already know the outcome. This is not easy and they really pull it off. You almost expect a different ending to World War II based on this true story.

Tom Cruise plays Col. Claus Von Stauffenberg, a German soldier who believes his country but not Adolf Hitler and along with others plot his assassination. Mr. Cruise is passably in the role but only because there is not much range to the part. The film is well stocked with a fine supporting cast including Kenneth Branagh, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, and Terrance Stamp. Everyone plays Germans but speak in their natural English voices. This is an interesting decision on Mr. Singer's part to not bother with phony accents but rather start the film in German and blend it into English almost as if the audience has a Star Trek universal translator.

Everyone acts with with much pomp and circumstance and Mr. Singer frames the film with a countdown clock reminding us of the building tension. The taut direction and moody music all contribute to the mounting suspense of the operation. You almost expect them to pull it off but of course they don't. Everything leads to an unsatisfying conclusion but watching the plot unfold and learning the aftermath still make for a suspense filled thriller.

Doubt

A master class in acting. Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis are all superb in the film adaption of the John Patrick Shanley play, "Doubt".

Mr. Shanley wrote the screenplay and directed the film himself. Unlike "Frost/Nixon", which opened the stage play up quite a bit while still maintaining the intimacy of the conversations, Shanley opts to keep the action pretty much confined to the church and it's adjoining school. The film is powerful but is viewed like a filmed play. We only get a few glimpse's of life beyond the church and school grounds.

The scenes between the principle actors are all volatile and riveting. Ms. Streep is just a wonder taking on the persona of Sister Aloysius, the school principal who accuses Father Flynn of a very inappropriate act with one of the male students. Viola Davis has but one major scene but she too is excellent as the boy's mother in a confrontation with the Sister.

Regardless of your religious background, "Doubt" is a universal story about the ramifications of accusation and the aftermath of all involved.

Best of 2008

(10) Frozen River- Excellent Indy film. Melissa Leo is remarkable in a stripped to the bone, raw performance as a mother forced to do the unthinkable to save her family.
(9) The Reader- Intense drama with unexpected twists capped by an excellent performance by Kate Winslet.
(8) The Visitor- Another excellent Indy film with terrific performances and an emotional punch.
(7) Iron Man- Robert Downey Jr. makes you believe he is Iron Man. The comic book as film, done completely right.
(6) Wall-E- The most amazing animated film ever. The first 20 minutes are sheer poetry and the cautionary tale disguised as a robot’s love story is honest and poignant.
(5) Milk- Sean Penn in a wonderful performance that honors Harvey Milk and what he stood for.
(4) The Wrestler- Mickey Rourke in the comeback of the decade. Powerful, raw and not what you’d expect.
(3) Frost/Nixon- Frank Langella and Michael Sheen dazzle in this recreation of the political equivalent of Rocky.
(2) Slumdog Millionaire- Everything you could want in a film. It transports you to another world and pulls no punches while being extremely entertaining at the same time.
(1) Tell No One- The perfect thriller and perfect film. It works on every level. Direction, acting, plot, cinematography, editing and the music all come together to leave you breathless by the credits.

Honorable mention –

In Bruges- One of the best buddy films in a long time. Dark, yet extremely funny, this tale of two hit men hiding out in a picturesque city is bloody good fun.
The Dark Knight- Heath Ledger steals the film as The Joker but Christian Bale holds his own a s a dark brooding Batman in a very adult comic book movie.

2009 Worst of-

(10) The Spirit- All style and no substance.
(9) Leatherheads- Clooney tries hard but misses in this “screwball” period piece.
(8) Baby Mama- All the good jokes are in the trailer.
(7) Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull- A total rehash of every Spielberg/Lucas film ever made. Completely unoriginal and I hate to say it…boring.
(6) Hancock- All over the place. The “Sybil” of movies.
(5) The Day The Earth Stood Still- Cheesy effects including Keanu Reeves acting and boring non-action can’t even be helped by the dynamics of IMAX.
(4) You Don’t Mess With The Zohan- The rudest, crudest, stupidest film Adam Sandler has ever done. Who was the audience for this mess?
(3) Marley & Me- The dog was cute. The film was not.
(2) Righteous Kill- DeNiro and Pacino should be ashamed of themselves.
(1) Cloverfield- What the @*$%&? Gave me a headache.

Dishonorable mention-
The Happening- The word of mouth was so bad, I didn’t even have to see it to tell you it stunk.

The Reader

An intense human drama capped by an excellent performance by Kate Winslet. "The Reader" starts as an affair between a young man and older woman in post war Germany that affects them both for the rest of their lives.

The young man is played by David Kross and his older version played by Ralph Fiennes. Both are very well cast. Mr. Fiennes is particularly good as the elder Michael Berg, tortured by actions of the past. As good as the two men are, the film really belongs to Ms. Winslet. She plays Hanna Schmitz with restrained emotion, holding on to secrets of her own.

The film takes unexpected twists and turns with intricate results. It is a film that is sure to spark conversation and debate when it ends. A fascinating story that will definitely stay with you.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

David Fincher has always been a visionary director. He's made some remarkable films over the years and "Benjamin Button" is no exception. Everything about the production is first rate. There's just one thing nagging you as you sit in the dark enjoying the film, "where have I seen this before?", you're thinking to yourself...

"Benjamin Button" is "Forest Gump" revisited. Don't get me wrong. I thought Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett were excellent, especially Ms. Blanchett. I thought the special effects of Mr. Pitt's aging were amazing but the story was "Forest Gump" with a different plot device and it just bothered me throughout the film.

The concept of reverse aging was original and the love story, classic with a twist. If you haven't seen, "Gump", you will have a wonderful film experience seeing "Benjamin Button". But even if you have seen the earlier film, "Button" is still very enjoyable, just not original.

Run Benjamin, run....

Marley & Me

A terrific memoir reduced to a TV movie of the week masquerading as big screen entertainment. Yes, the dog is cute but unfortunately the film is not.

To begin with, Marley as a young puppy is adorable but there is too little screen time for the pup and before you can say pooperscooper, Marley is an adult dog tearing through the house chewing anything in his way. Nicknamed "the world's worst dog" simply because he was never trained properly is certainly not Marley's fault. Who waits until a dog is an adult before going for training or obedience lessons? I guess his owners, played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Anniston, were too busy trying to find chemistry between them or solving their own life problems. For a film named for the dog, way too much attention is spent on the humans.

All the cute fun moments are found in the trailer or commercial and for the few laughs and smiles they produce, there is much more sad and unsettling moments throughout the film. Certainly any dog lover will need a full box of tissues by the credits.

Pass on " Marley & Me" and rent the DVD of "My Dog Skip" instead.

Happy Go Lucky

From writer/director Mike Leigh comes a charming story of an eternal optimist. The film has all but disappeared from most theaters but is well worth hunting down. It has made quite a few Top 10 lists for this year and much about it is merited.

Sally Hawkins stars as Poppy, a free spirited young woman who rolls with life's punches with a smile and laugh. Ms. Hawkins is wonderful in the role and you can't help getting caught up in her good nature and positive outlook. When her bike is stolen Poppy signs up for driving lessons and Scott, her instructor turns out to be her exact opposite. This makes for some terrific scenes during the driving lessons. During the course of the film, Poppy encounters many of life's curveballs but she keeps swinging away affecting everyone around her.

This is a "small film" filled with many little pleasures. The acting is terrific and Mr. Leigh's direction, as always, is simple and direct, letting his actors create their roles along the way. You can't help but feel good after "Happy Go Lucky".

Slumdog Millioniare

A friend recommended this months ago and then the buzz began to build. I finally got a chance to see it for myself and the buzz is real. This is one of the best movies of the year.

When an Indian street kid gets a chance to appear on the Indian TV version of game show, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", it seems like everyone in India begins to root for him except the police who think he's cheating. Through flashbacks we learn how a poor, uneducated boy named Malik manages to make it to the final question.

This is a suspenseful journey giving us a glimpse of life on the streets of Mumbai. It is also at it's heart, a love story between brothers, Salim and Malik and Latika, the true love of Malik's life. It is a remarkable tale of survival, love and destiny.

Throughout his life, Malik endures terrible hardships which the camera doesn't hide but the film is ultimately uplifting and director Danny Boyle does a wonderful job with his Indian cast.

Don't miss this soaring achievement.

The Spirit

"The Spirit" was created by Will Eisner, a pioneer in American comics. Artist and writer Frank Miller brings the character to life in the film version. The film has the look and feel of Mr. Miller's earlier film, "Sin City" but not the energy.

Comic fans and fans of "Sin City" will flock to "The Spirit" and probably admire the effort but the problem is Mr. Miller should have left the direction to someone else. The material is fun and the visuals unique and exciting but the film drags the thin plot out like a wet rope. There are some inspired sequences but much of the film is boring exposition and Mr. Miller would have been better off again with Robert Rodriquez as director.

Curiously the look of the film is 1940's and yet, people use computers and cell phones. There is also a Nazi sequence for absolutely no reason. While it's an interesting script, it does tend to meander in strange directions and that's where a better director might have tightened the story.

The film stars Gabriel Macht as The Spirit, Samuel Jackson as his nemesis, The Octopus. Mr. Macht plays the part as straight as a boy scout while Mr. Jackson is totally over the top, obviously having fun with the part. Also starring as various good/bad girls are Eva Mendes, Paz Vega, Sarah Paulson, and Scarlett Johansson. Jamie King also has a minor role as Lorelei, the angel of death and is barely recognizable. Louis Lombardi plays multiple clones of henchmen to The Octopus and Dan Lauria does his best tough cop bit as Inspector Dolan.

This one is strictly for the fans...