The White Ribbon

Writer/director Michael Haneke brings us his latest film to excite and confound us. Mr. Haneke's work is always intelligent, provocative, disturbing, and frustrating. "The White Ribbon" is all of this and more.

Set just before World War One, in a small German village, the film concerns itself with an escalating series of strange accidents befalling the townspeople. There is an underbelly of hate and anger growing beneath the seemingly peaceful village and the actions at work here are not obvious or easily explained. By the end of the film, you should realize where this is going but, as with much of Mr. Haneke's work, there no easy answers.

The cinematography is remarkable. The film is shot in black and white and the stark images are haunting. It is beautiful to watch. There is no soundtrack. The lack of color and music add to the tension but may put off many viewers. The acting is excellent with never a false note. The children, in particular, will remind you of the '60's British film "Children of The Damned". They are convincingly creepy and marked with a sense of growing evil.

The White Ribbon of the title signifies innocence but the film shatters that innocence and will provoke discussion and debate long after it ends. It is in German with English subtitles.

Crazy Heart

A career high performance from Jeff Bridges anchors this tale of a past his prime county singer just trying to survive day to day on his charm and what's left of his talent. We've seen characters like this before in films, most recently in "The Wrestler" (which could be a distant cousin). Like Mickey Rourke in that film, Mr. Bridges gives a raw, uncompromising performance that drives the film and fully engages the audience.

When we first meet "Bad" Blake, he is getting by on booze, cigarettes, and one night stands in cheap motels. He hasn't written a new song in years and his protégé has passed him by to become a superstar on his own (Tommy Sweet, played by a surprising Colin Farrell). When he meets reporter Maggie Gyllenhaal, she awakens something in him, he had thought long dead. To it's credit, Crazy Heart avoids the relationship cliché and what remains is touching and authentic.

I also can't say enough about the great soundtrack, put together by T-Bone Burnett. Mr. Bridges and Mr. Farrell do their own singing on the original songs and there are some classics thrown in as well.

Robert Duvall produced the film and also co-stars in a small role, which brings to mind his own star turn in "Tender Mercies", a film with similar themes. In his younger day, I'm sure Mr. Duvall would have coveted the role of "Bad" Blake for himself. But the part belongs to Mr. Bridges and he reaches down deep for what will surely be an Oscar nominated performance ( as of this review, he has just won the Golden Globe).

BEST & WORST of 2009

Best of 2009

Honorable mention- Up- A very warm human comedy told through rich animation.

10) Star Trek- Works on every level. Great casting, credible story and action at warp speed. This one delivers the goods!

9) The Messenger- Excellent human drama with fantastic performances from Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster

8) Avatar- Spectacular visuals enliven and enhance the retread plot. Tells an old story in an entirely new setting and makes it fresh and exciting

7) Precious- devastating urban drama with amazing performances.

6) Fantastic Mr. Fox- Delightful. Visually brilliant in its simplicity and crafty in it’s dialog.

5) An Education- Coming of age story brilliantly written and acted.

4) District 9- Fantastic, original filmmaking. A political Sc-fi film like no other.

3) Inglorious Basterds- Another triumph from Quentin Tarantino.

2) Up in the Air- Very entertaining but also depressing dramady with spot on acting by George Clooney, Anna Kendrick and Vera Famiga.

1) The Hurt Locker- Authentic, visceral, and gripping story of war that keeps you on edge with unbearable suspense.

Worst of 2009

10) Wolverine- All Style and little substance. Decent action but flimsy story.

9) Paul Blart Mall Cop- Silly comedy with a few laughs courtesy of Kevin James.

8) Duplicity- Audience is the one who gets duped in this confusing, empty star vehicle for Julia Roberts and Clive Owen.

7) Twilight:New Moon- I just don’t get it but then again I’m not a teenage girl.

6) Sherlock Holmes- Overindulgent and actually tedious with characters that have no depth at all.

5) The International- Clive Owen can’t save this “Bourne” ripoff minus the action. A silly plot and a wasted Naomi Watts can’t make for the great worldwide locations and one solid action sequence.

4) Nine- Some enjoyable flashes but disappointing and a miscast Daniel Day Lewis.

3) Knowing- Not knowing would have been better. Un-original and dreary.

2) Year One- An awful mess on every level. How disappointing from the man who directed “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes”.

1) The Box- better left unopened.

It's Complicated

Rich white woman fairy tale with a charming Alec Baldwin and a very natural Meryl Streep. Nobody does "chick flicks" for adult women better than writer/director Nancy Meyers. However her films never seem to take place in the "real world". You have to laugh when Ms. Streep explains to her architect, "now I can have a real kitchen" when the one she is standing in comes right out of Architecture Digest. And this is also an alternative universe where minorities don't exist.

Steve Martin co-stars as a potential love interest for Ms. Streep who, after 10 years, is suddenly having an affair with her ex-husband played by Mr. Baldwin. Once again, the trailer gives you the best bits but John Krasinski provides much comic relief not seen in the trailers. Even if you know what's coming, the movie is still light and fun, even if unrealistic outside of certain circles.

If not for the A-list cast, this would have made a fine Lifetime Channel film. The principles elevate it beyond that and it does have it's charms. Who can resist Meryl Streep exclaiming "turns out I'm a bit of a slut"

The Messenger

How unfortunate that this film is disappearing all too quickly from theaters. It is a powerful, moving and honest drama with wonderful performances from Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, and Samantha Morton.

Ben Foster plays Will Montgomery, a solider back from Iraq after being wounded in a firefight. With three months left on his tour of duty, he is assigned to the Casualty Notification Unit reporting to Tony Stone, played by Woody Harrelson. It is the job of these officers to notify the next of kin when a soldier is killed in service. Samantha Morton plays a young mother notified of her husband's death who touches something in Mr. Foster and Steve Buscemi has a moving cameo as a notified parent. On the surface, you might dismiss the plot as too depressing but there is also humor and healing at work here.

Each notification brings it's own special circumstances and as the two men bond, their own emotional layers reveal themselves as they grow closer. The acting is just superb. Ben Foster is no stranger to complex roles and this is easily one of the best things he's ever done. Woody Harrelson caps a busy year of work with a terrific performance and both actors honor the work of the real military personnel who perform this difficult assignment.

This is a deeply affecting story that will linger long after it's over. Don't miss it when it's available on DVD.

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes as action hero? Basil Rathbone is turning over in his grave. Director Guy Ritchie re-imagines the famous sleuth for the 21st century and the result is an over the top film starring Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson.

Mr. Ritchie bludgeons us with fast paced sights and sounds practically begging for approval. He might as well be screaming "isn't this fun?" and "isn't this exciting?" Mr. Downey Jr. appears to have free reign over the character and his usual charm and wit are overblown and his portrayal soon becomes tedious even as total mayhem erupts on screen. Mr. Law tries his best to reel things in but as written, his relationship with Holmes plays like an 19th century version of "I Love You, Man".

Rachel McAdams co-stars as Irene Adler, a character who's motives are unclear. We never learn much about her except that she can run from the sewers of London to the top of Tower Bridge in record time. Her relationship with Holmes seems to change with every scene and while enjoyable to watch, her acting is wasted on a hollow role.

You can't escape the ads and previews for this film so once it starts, you feel as though you've already seen it. This is an prime example of Hollywood overindulgence. The audience is force fed a Holiday meal that looks appetizing but once digested, leaves you stuffed, uncomfortable and not asking for seconds. Unfortunately, the end sets up a sequel anyway. We can only hope for more character and less effects.

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus

Writer/Director Terry Gilliam once again takes us for a wild ride inside his imagination. His vehicle is a magic mirror that transports a person into the imagination of the title character, played to perfection by Christopher Plummer. Of course many will seek out this film to see Heath Ledger's last performance, not even being familiar with Mr. Gilliam's earlier work or fertile mind.

Mr. Ledger does not disappoint as Tony, a mysterious and loveable rogue, who becomes part of the Dr. Parnassus Traveling show. In a macabre twist, when we first see Tony, he is dangling from the end of a noose, apparently dead. Revived by Dr. P's daughter, Valentina and the two other members of the troupe, Percy and Anton, Tony begins to earn his keep by attracting a bigger audience to the show.

And what a show it is. As the audience members pass though the mirror and into the mind of Dr. P, the screen fills with wild visions as the souls of each person are tempted by both good and evil. The evil comes in the form of Mr. Nick, the devil himself, played with flair and malice by Tom Waits. Besides the star power, the rest of the cast is also quite good. Verne Troyer (known primarily for Mini-Me) shows versatility as Percy, Andrew Garfield is heroic as Anton, and Lily Cole is delightful as Valentina.

What has created the most interest for this film was how to complete Mr. Ledger's role since he passed before the film was done. Luckily, the film has the luxury of a magic mirror and sequences of imagination that allow Tony to be played by three different actors, each time he passes through. Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell each take turns playing Tony and the transformation works seamlessly in the context of the film. Mr. Depp and Mr. Law have the shorter scenes but do an admirable job keeping the character in synch. Mr. Farrell does a great job with the pivotal role of Tony in the last sequence.

Mr. Gilliam borrows from his earlier work with parts of the film resembling "The Fisher King" and even a nod to Monty Python with a dancing policemen bit. The film is a fanciful, trippy tale that will probably be best appreciated by Mr. Gilliam's fans but the pleasure of Mr. Plummer's performance as well as the "four Tonys" can appeal to anyone.

Nine

Hoping to recreate the magic of "Chicago", director Rob Marshall takes on the film adaption of the Broadway show, "Nine". Unfortunately, it lacks "all that jazz".

Daniel Day-Lewis is miscast as Guido Contini, the famous director who has lost his way while trying to make a new film. Mr. Day-Lewis is too good a dramatic actor to just brood or watch others perform from the sidelines. And as for his two musical numbers, well let's just say, stick to drama. The majority of the film is set on one incomplete sound stage where Guido is trying to start his new film and it's where most of the musical numbers take place. That alone makes things very repetitious and may have worked better if the songs were more memorable.

Mr. Marshall made "Chicago" work on screen by having the musical numbers play out in the actors minds. He utilizes the same technique here but the songs aren't as strong and the actors are just adequate performing them. The exceptions are Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz, who both shine above the rest of the cast. Ms. Cotillard is easily the best actress in the film, playing Guido's long suffering wife. Her singing and acting are terrific. Ms. Cruz does a great job as the mistress, Carla and does herself proud in her big, sexy musical number.

The rest of the "star" power fizzles. Judi Dench tries hard but shouldn't be doing musicals, Nicole Kidman has nothing to do but look pretty, and Kate Hudson has a fun number but is less than memorable. Sofia Loren adds some Italian authenticity as Mama and it is nice to see her on screen once again but she's not asked to do too much. Stacy "Fergie" Ferguson doesn't act but performs the most popular song "Be Italian" and it's one of the few musical highlights.

Skip "Nine" and rent "8 1/2", the original Italian film the musical is based on. It's a classic.

Invictus

Director Clint Eastwood gets overly sentimental with this new film based on Nelson Mandela and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The story is inspiring enough but Mr. Eastwood manipulates the script, the music, and the cinematography to drive the emotion and inspiration over the top.

The story of how Mr. Mandela uses rugby to help unite his country is very inspirational. It's a tricky move to get an American audience involved in a film about South Africa and rugby. While the game sequences are exciting, not knowing enough about the sport hindered my emotional involvement and Mr. Eastwood's musical choices are very manipulative. When the 99% white team does a rugby clinic with a group of South African black kids, do we really need to hear a song called "Colorblind" during the scene.

Morgan Freeman is outstanding as Nelson Mandela. It's always tricky to recreate a true story with bigger than life true characters but Mr. Freeman honors Mr. Mandela with a very natural performance. The other big name in this film is Matt Damon as the captain of the South African rugby team. Unfortunately Mr. Damon's role is reduced to some inspirational team speeches and few shots of him actually involved in the rugby matches.

Mr. Eastwood is an accomplished director, who finds the human story behind the politics and sports but "Invictus" is far from his best film.

Avatar

James Cameron is once more "King of The World" with the release of his latest masterpiece, "Avatar". This new film is a visual spectacle that seamlessly fuses live action and computer images to create a stunning new world.

It's important to be dazzled by the visuals because you've seen this basic plot before in hundreds of film dating back to the earliest westerns. The evil "white man" or in this case, humans, exploit the indigenous population for their valuable resources. And, as with many of these films, resort to destroying their homes and killing off the local population to line their pockets.

Mr. Cameron liberally borrows this theme, along with plot points from the sci-fi classic book, " The Dragonriders of Pern", and even his own earlier films, "Aliens", in particular. Giovanni Ribisi, in "Avatar", basically plays the Paul Reiser role from "Aliens". But these are minor complaints because even though you've seen the plot before, you have never seen it presented like this.

Setting the story on his fictional world of Pandora, Mr. Cameron makes the story seem fresh and exciting in a most spectacular way. Every detail is perfect and moments into the film, you will forget you're watching computer generated images and everything and everyone will come alive before you. There are so many sequences that take your breath away, you might be better off with an oxygen tank rather than popcorn.

Sam Worthington plays Jake Scully, the former Marine turned Avatar to learn about the local population. Sigourney Weaver (in "Ripley" mode) is the biologist who has developed the avatar technology and opposes the military option. Stephen Lang is Coronel Quaritch, the tough as nails military leader, who easily becomes one of the all time great screen villains. Zoe Saldana, Wes Studi, and CC Pounder lend their voices and features to the main Na'vi characters. Mr. Cameron's film technology is so advanced, you just don't know where the actor stops and the technology begins.

To truly appreciate this film, I strongly recommend you see it in IMAX 3-D. This was the medium Mr. Cameron had in mind when he created the film and to see it on a regular screen in basic 2-D will just not do it justice. Avatar is a grand adventure on a whole new level.

Bad Lieutenant: Port of New Orleans

In 1992, Harvey Keitel starred in "Bad Lieutenant". That film is a classic due to the raw, gutsy, over the top performance of Mr. Keitel as the most amoral cop ever. Now, Director Werner Herzog re-imagines the character, setting him in post Katrina New Orleans. This is not a sequel and has no connection to the former film except for the fact this new Lieutenant is just as amoral and into as much illegal activity as the original.

Nicolas Cage is an interesting actor. He seems to make many films just for the paycheck and then every once in a while, he pulls out all the stops and digs deep into his character. In "Bad Lieutenant", he pays homage to Mr. Keitel but also makes the character his own and gives one of his best performances. While he is excellent in the film, the story lacks the depth and raw emotion of the original.

The film has features a fine supporting cast. Eva Mendes is Mr. Cage's hooker girlfriend (with an original twist), Val Kilmer is his partner, the rapper Xhibit plays a drug dealer, Brad Dourif is a bookie (nice to see him working again) and Jennifer Coolidge (playing out of her comedy safety zone in a dramatic turn) is an alcoholic step mom. I must voice two complaints, however. Since the film authentically takes place in New Orleans, why don't any of the characters have a "Nawlin's" accent and why must all rapper turned actors play drug dealers?

The first film had religious overtones with deep Catholic subtext. There is nothing in the new film to suggest guilt or atonement. Mr. Cage never seems to suffer for his transgressions but his performance is riveting and on the surface captures the spirit of the original film.

Fantastic Mr. Fox

Simply delightful.

Wes Anderson has crafted a wonderful stop motion animated film for children of all ages. His cast of vocal talent couldn't be any better. George Clooney is the dashing Mr. Fox. Meryl Streep holds it altogether as Mrs. Fox. Jason Schwartzman is their odd son Ash and Bill Murray is Weasel, the lawyer. And as the lead villain, Michael Gambon is perfection.

The visuals are amazing. Animating the puppets for stop motion is painstakingly slow work but it pays off in a big way. It's familiar and yet totally original at the same time. The story is a simple tale but the dialog is subtly subversive and adult. The film will surprise you. And it's got a great eclectic soundtrack as well.

It's impossible not to like this film. Try to see it on a big screen before it disappears but if you miss it, grab the DVD when it comes out.

The Road

If you've read the book, skip the film. The book, by Cormac McCarthy, was a bleak but absorbing story of a father and son trying to survive in a post apocalyptic America. As written by Mr. McCarthy, one could envision the story unfolding on the screen in his cinematic prose. The film recreates the story but just can't convey the bond between father and son with the same depth.

Viggo Mortensen is excellent as "Poppa", a man pushed to the brink, to keep his son alive. His acting with Kodi Smit-McPhee, as the son, is convincing enough but again can't reach the emotion and conviction of the book.

Robert Duvall, Garret Dillahunt, and Michael kenneth Williams all have very minor roles as people met along "The Road". Charlize Theron, also has what amounts to a cameo as Mr. Mortensen's wife (seen only in flashbacks).

The film is dark and bleak, true to it's source, as it follows the father and son on their journey across a barren and hostile wasteland. There is little in the way of hope and it is an unrelenting 90 minutes. If this storyline intrigues you, read the book instead for a more fulfilling experience.

Up In The Air

George Clooney is perfectly cast in this new comedy/drama from director Jason Reitman. His character, Ryan Bingham, is a corporate "terminator for hire" sent in to fire employees when companies can't do it themselves. He spends the majority of his life on planes, in airports, and Hilton Hotels jetting from city to city to downsize corporations.

Ryan's lifestyle is threatened by Natalie Keener, a young upstart with plans to fire via the internet and he is forced to take her on the road to "show her the ropes". This begins a journey of self examination by both Ryan and Natalie, which is further complicated when Ryan meets Alex Goran, a female equivalent of himself.

Anna Kendrick plays Natalie and she is just terrific, watching her character deepen as the story evolves. Vera Farmiga plays Alex and she plays beautifully against Mr. Clooney. In minor roles are Justin Bateman, as Mr. Clooney's boss, J.K. Simmons and Zach Galifianakis as downsized employees, and Danny McBride as a nervous bridegroom.

It's an entertaining film but, at the same time, depressing to those of us who have been "downsized" in real life. Mr. Reitman acknowledges the terminated by having real people play many of the employees fired in the film. The story itself takes some unexpected twists and turns but has much to say about corporate America in our current climate and the digital age.

Pirate Radio

The year is 1966 and rock and roll is banned from British radio. Pirate stations take to the high seas to broadcast without government approval. This sets the stage for Pirate Radio. The film stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Nick Frost, and Rhys Ifans. January Jones (of Mad Men fame) has a small cameo that doesn't seem worth her time (or ours). Pirate Radio could have been a dramatic retelling of rock rebellion but instead plays it light and fast in an enjoyable romp with a great soundtrack.

Mr. Branagh is over the top conservative as the uptight government official trying to shut them down. His scene at the family Christmas dinner is priceless. Mr. Hoffman plays "The Count", an American DJ and defacto leader of the radio rebels. This is rare chance to see him obviously having a good time in a fun role. Each of the other DJ's are played by well known British actors and each is a character unto themselves.

The film is nothing more than a series of vignettes about the various characters juxtaposed by the efforts of the government to ban them from the airwaves. The soundtrack is classic '60's rock and roll ( and I won't quibble if some of the songs played were post 1966).

A fun time is had by all.

Red Cliff

Director John Woo returns to his Chinese roots with this epic tale of medieval China. Fans of "Braveheart" and "300", will appreciate the fine art of war as an outmanned rebel army makes it's stand against thousands of invading soldiers.

Featuring a real cast of thousands, arrows fly and swords clash in the epic battle at Red Cliff. Mr. Woo directs like an general, leading his cast through battle after battle until the final fiery climax. The cinematography is breathtaking with sweeping panoramas and vivid close-ups. The battle scenes have striking realism, on foot, horseback or at sea, everything is authentic.

Chinese superstar, Tony Leung is in fine form as the leader of the rebel army. He is probably the most recognizable name to an American audience. Lin Chi-Ling co-stars as his wife and plays a pivotal role in the outcome of the battle. The rest of the cast all do admirable work but the real stars of the film are the action sequences, which are spectacular.

The film is in Chinese with sub-titles but once the action starts, it's just good vs. bad and their weapons do the talking. If you are a fan of this genre, don't miss it on the big screen.

The Blind Side

A terrific true story of a poor, homeless, Black American teenager who is taken in by a well to do white family is given a sugar-coated screenplay making it the "feel-good" holiday movie of the season. It's the story of Michael Oher, who manages to succeed at academics,and with the help of his adopted family, gets a football scholarship at Mississippi State. This kind of true life tale can be a true inspiration but gets bogged down in a sanitized script that ultimately still succeeds on the strength of it's cast.

Sandra Bullock stars as Leigh Anne Tuohy, the feisty mother, who feels sorry for "Big Mike" and takes him home and under her very protective wing. Ms. Bullock inhabits the role completely and is just terrific in the part. It is easily one of her best roles to date. Country singer Tim McGraw plays her husband and does a good job as second fiddle to the fiery Leigh Anne. Newcomer, Quinton Aaron plays Michael Oher and he is excellent, especially with very little dialog. He has great expression and uses it effectively in every scene.

It's a great success story but the film manages to make everything look too easy. The film lacks tension until a potential problem near the end, which is resolved rather quickly. I enjoyed the acting and the football background but the film left me wanting more than a 20 second flashback of Mr. Oher's back story. In real life, I'm sure Mr. Oher's triumph came with more blood, sweat, and tears.

Broken Embraces

The latest film from Spanish writer/director Pedro Almodovar is a wonderful tribute to the '50's film noir, filled with many cinematic references, including nods to his own earlier work. Mr. Almodovar, once again, works with Penelope Cruz and she is just wonderful in the film. There is something so natural in their collaboration that brings out her best work.

While a homage to the "50's noir, the film is very contemporary in it's use of color. Bright colors are a staple of Mr. Almodovar's work and he paints a bright palate as he weaves his tale of love, betrayal, and deception shifting back and forth in time from the '90's to today. The cinematography is wonderful with fanciful angles and fascinating shots throughout the film.

The intricate story unfolds at it's own pace and plot points slowly reveal themselves. Ms. Cruz has never looked lovelier and does some of her best work as Lena. Lluis Homar is Mateo, the film director blinded years earlier and now living as a screenwriter. Mr. Homar is excellent as a man reinvented after horrible circumstances who finds himself reexamining the past only to confront his future. How these two lives become entwined is the central plot of the story.

The film is in Spanish with subtitles but don't let that deter you. It's a deep and rich story that will pull you in and and you'll find yourself happy in it's charms.

New Moon

Not a film I would ordinarily review but since I took 4 teenage girls to see it, I'll weigh in. Bogged down in teenage angst, the film just crawls along dragging the audience with it. The cast has returned to part two in the series and this time the focus is on Jacob (Taylor Lautner) after Edward (Robert Pattinson) turns his back on Bella (kristen Stewart).

Mr. Lautner's idea of acting is to remove his shirt and let his buff body carry him through the film. Mr. Pattinson and Ms. Stewart have cornered the market on brooding and sleepwalking through a role. The film is joyless and painful to watch as Bella procrastinates between her vampire and her werewolf.

Polling my 4 teen viewers, one really liked it, two thought it was ok, and one disliked it. The young lady who didn't like it said it didn't hold up to the expectations of the book. I didn't read the book but I did see the first film and I was expecting more as well.

The legions of fans make this film critic proof and frankly, that's just who the film is for...the fans. Everyone else can skip it and and not miss anything.

Precious

Devastating drama of an overweight, illiterate 16 year old African American girl in Harlem circa 1987. Director Lee Daniels pulls no punches exploring the horrors that are this young girl's everyday world. Precious has been raped twice by her father resulting in her second pregnancy as the film begins. She struggles in school, and and lives under the tyranny of her abusive mother.

Pregnant and failing, Precious is sent to an alternative school where she begins to improve under the guidance of a friendly teacher. While her educational awakening begins to change her life, her world at home continues to spiral out of control.

Gabourey Sidibe stars as Precious and she is a wonder. This is an extremely difficult part and yet Ms. Sidibe never compromises and pours out every raw emotion on screen. The film co-stars the comedienne, Mo'nique, playing against type as a monster of a mother. The physical and mental abuse she brings down on Precious is almost unbearable to watch. I would expect Oscar nominations in the future for both women.

The film also features Paula Patton, as the teacher who gets through to Precious, Lenny Kravitz as a hospital nurse and Mariah Cary, almost unrecognizable in her role as a social worker. Mr. Kravitz and Ms. Cary only have a few scenes but they are both very credible.

This is not an easy film to watch but it is powerful filmmaking. There is no doubt that girls like Precious are out there struggling to survive every day. However, while not a traditional "upbeat" ending, there is a message of hope at the end.