Animal Kingdom

Writer/director David Michod's first feature film is a nasty piece of business imported from Australia. Guy Pearce is the only "name" actor American audiences will recognize but you will not soon forget the rest of this cast.

This contemporary crime drama centers around the Cody family. The film's narrator is 17 year old grandson, J Cody, who comes to live with his grandmother and three uncles after a shocking opening scene. J is played by James Frecheville who, in his film debut, leaves quite an impact. Jackie Weaver plays grandmother Janine, the matriarch of this criminal brood. She resides over her family like the lioness analogy of the film's title. Her scenes late in the film are especially chilling.

All of Janine's sons are also well cast and make a very scary lot, especially "Pope", the oldest, played by Ben Mendlesohn. Mr. Pearce plays the lead detective trying to bring the whole family to justice. He knows J is minimally involved in their dirty deeds and tries to turn him against his family.

Mr. Michod shows confidence behind the camera and builds his suspense well. Violence is hovering on the edge of almost every scene but credit Mr. Michod for creating the mood and keeping the actual violence to a minimum (graphic though when it does happen). I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

Middlemen

Luke Wilson shines in an otherwise annoying film about the introduction of "porn for pay" on the Internet.
The story is "Inspired by real events" but inevitably creative license runs amok. The film is all over the place, at once comedic and then deadly serious. It's filled with stock characters like Russian mobsters, middle eastern terrorists, shady lawyers, porn stars and kindly FBI agents. At the center of it all is "Jack Harris", the problem solving business man with the brains to sort out everyone's problems and get rich quick.

Mr. Wilson does a great job as the family man, Harris, who succumbs to the lure of big money, sex and power only to find it's what what he really wants. Hmmm, haven't we seen this plot before...in about a gazillion movies? While his acting is terrific, the story is annoying and grating on the nerves. The action constantly moves back in forth in time confusing the viewer and the constant narration by Mr. Wilson really gets under your skin (no pun intended). A good script wouldn't need the voiceover to explain everything happening on screen.

The film also stars Giovanni Ribisi and Gabriel Macht as the two drug fueled friends that start the Internet porn business and James Caan as the aforementioned shady lawyer. While all the acting is good, it's not enough to sustain your interest in all these unlikeable characters.

At it's root, this little known history lesson is a cautionary warning of excess. Let this review be a cautionary warning as well.

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

What easily might be misinterpreted as another "torture porn" film in the vein of "Saw" or "Hostel" is actually nothing like that. Instead, the British import, "Alice Creed" takes a well prepared kidnapping and turns it south but not before many twists and turns in the road. There are scenes of violence as well as sexual situations and language but it is far from over the top and used sparingly without being exploitive.

This film reminded me a bit of an earlier British crime thriller, "Shallow Grave". All may not be what it seems and to say anything more would be unforgivable. The plot twists keep coming and I enjoyed every turn. The three character cast does a good job of keeping you guessing right up to the end.

Gemma Arterton stars as "Alice", the kidnap victim and while she plays most of the film tied to a bed with a gag in her mouth, she still manages to convey a wide range throughout the story. The only other characters are the kidnappers, Vic and Danny, played respectively by Eddie Marsan, (so good in "Happy Go Lucky") and Martin Compston ("The Damn United" and "Red Road").

There is some clever camera work particularly in the opening sequence and a great scene involving a bullet casing (which makes an interesting reappearance later on). Writer/Director J Blakeson takes a familiar plot and makes it fresh with the help of his talented cast.

Get Low

Not a lot happens in this backwoods tale of an old hermit who decides to throw himself a funeral before he dies but it's still worth the price of admission. The reason is simple...Robert Duvall plays the hermit, Felix Bush and Bill Murray plays the funeral director, Frank Quinn. It's a pleasure to watch these actors work.

Mr. Duvall is at the top of his game as the old man who decides it's time to "get low", a southern term for time to die, but not before he can confess a 40 year old secret. His "Felix Bush" comes off as a crazy old coot but he's a man with a twinkle in his eye, who knows exactly what he's doing at all times. His monologue at his funeral party is a class in acting all by itself. Mr. Murray's "Frank Quinn" is a perfect foil to Mr. Duvall. Quinn is a desperate man as business has been slow and he really needs this last shot to stay afloat. He's oily and conniving but Mr. Murray holds back what could have been over the top and balances his personal needs with his belief in his client.

Co-starring is Sissy Spacek, who is so comfortable in her scenes with Mr. Duvall, you'd think they've worked together for years (when in fact, it's their first film together). In addition to Ms. Spacek, Lucas Black plays Mr. Quinn's assistant, Buddy and the great Bill Cobbs plays Rev. Charlie Jackson, the only other person who knows Bush's secret. Everyone in this film is perfectly cast and the acting is just wonderful to watch.

The script is a simple one but filled with some great dialog and on-liners. The cinematography is breathtaking with beautiful shots in the Georgia woods. Like Mr. Duvall's character, the film itself is quiet and reserved but it sneaks up on you and will have a lasting impression.

Salt

It's been hard to escape the advertising for this film. Everywhere you go, you see these huge billboards asking the question, "Who Is Salt?". Salt is actually Evelyn Salt, play in full action hero mode by Angelina Jolie. Ms. Salt is a CIA agent who is identified as a Russian "sleeper" agent and suddenly everyone is after her, including her best friend and fellow agent, played by Liv Schreiber.

While the action comes fast and often, much of it is just hard to believe, especially Ms. Jolie's hand to hand fights with various agents and police. One punch or kick brings down every assailant. That criticism aside, it's still fun to watch her outsmart everyone and the script has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing which side she's really on.

This is a crowd-pleasing summer "popcorn" flick. You can check your brain at the door and just have fun with it. The ending leaves "Salt" wide open for a sequel although they do say, too much salt is not good for you.

Restrepo

This award winning documentary from Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington is a harrowing journey that puts you smack into a year in the lives and deaths of a platoon of soldiers fighting in Afghanistan. The soldiers are real, the bullets are real and the emotions run high.

Credit Mr. Junger and Mr. Hetherington for capturing every moment, whether it be boredom or the middle of a firefight, with unflinching camera work and editing. The film was shot over the course of a year from 2007-2008 in the Korengal Valley, know as "hell on earth" to the soldiers deployed there.

The filmmakers avoid any political or outside commentary and concentrate solely on the 15-20 men that make up the unit, that comes to be know as OP Restrepo. (You'll understand the name when you see the film) The film intersperses headshot interviews of the various men in between footage of them going about the daily routine of war.

This is a "no holds barred" look at modern warfare in a war that will seemingly never end.

The Kids Are Alright

It's entertaining to watch five good actors playing a very dysfunctional family but the novelty of this nuclear family having gay parents who's sperm donor suddenly enters their life wears thin. Not that the excellent cast doesn't try hard but the plot turns melodramatic and predictable.

Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play the parents of Mia Wasikowaska and Josh Hutcherson. Ms. Bening's character is written to be the annoying overbearing parent and she overplays the part annoying the audience as well as her screen family. Ms. Moore's character is more of a free spirit and it's hard to imagine they've been together at least 20 years, let alone raising two children who seem so well adjusted.

Into their lives comes Mark Ruffalo, when Mr. Hutcherson convinces his sister to contact their biological father. His presence soon turns the family dynamic upside down. Mr. Ruffalo's character is just too good to be true. He's sexy and single, owns an organic restaurant, drives a motorcycle and just so happens to be in need of Ms. Moore's gardening skills.

Everyone plays their part very well. It's a treat to watch the acting and there are some well written scenes but overall, it's just...alright.

Inception

Writer/Director Christopher Nolan is back in full brain twisting mode after giving us the thrill of "The Dark Knight". He confounded us with the trippy "Memento" which played with the concepts of the space/time continuum and now he enters our dreams to steal our thoughts and asks, "can the dream be the reality?"

This is a brilliant film filled with solid acting and wonderful effects. It demands your attention or, like many of the characters themselves, you will be lost in its dreams. Mr. Nolan constructs a multi-layered dream within a dream landscape and takes us on a wild journey that followed carefully will captivate and stimulate your own mind. Your pilot for this flight of fancy is Leonardo DeCaprio and he is excellent as the self tortured "dream extractor". Ellen Page is your co-pilot as "The dream architect" who's main purpose is appears to be the audience's avatar and ask the questions that help explain the logic of the film. This is Ms. Page's first foray into an "adult" role and she handles herself admirably against heavyweights like Mr. DeCaprio and Michael Caine (In a little more than a cameo as Mr. DeCaprio's father).

The film also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Cillian Murphy. Mr. Levitt has a wonderful sequence without gravity that is remarkable to watch and even more so as I believe it was done without any CGI effects. Mr. Murphy plays the "mark" who mind is invaded by Mr. DeCaprio and his team. Also co-starring Ken Watanabe, Tom Berenger, and Marion Cotillard. The entire cast is just perfect without any false notes to shatter the concept.

If you have trouble following the plot, I recommend you just let yourself go and enjoy the ride. There will be plenty of time for analysis and debate once the credits roll. And trust me, you will analyze and debate. "Inception" is the first truly original movie of the summer and one of the year's best.

The Girl Who Played With Fire

All of the "Millennium" trilogy has already been filmed in Sweden and now Part Two arrives here with sub-titles for fans who can't wait for the American version. If you haven't read the books, you may still enjoy the film but also find it confusing and not really appreciate the nuance of the characters. The film is very much the middle of the story and will only be fully appreciated after viewing the final chapter.

To trim the story for film, excess parts have been exorcised and that's both good and bad. The entire first 150 or so pages of the book exist for mere minutes during the opening credits which is a good thing as that sub-plot was silly to begin with. What has been trimmed and very much missed, is the investigation from the police point of view. Detectives that figure so prominently in the book are reduced to minor roles as the film focus remains on Salander and Bloomqvist. A major plot point left out of the first film removes the explanation of why Lisbeth has stopped talking to Bloomqvist as the second film begins. There other other minor changes to hasten the film along but they can be forgiven.

The good news is that Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist have returned as said characters and it's fun to watch them, once again, bring these people to life. I can't imagine anyone else as Lisbeth Salander at this point as Ms. Rapace loses herself in the role of a very complicated woman. Thankfully, they will continue to play the roles in the third and final film, " The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest".

While the first film, "Dragon Tattoo" introduced the characters in a great stand alone mystery, this time the story gets personal and much more convoluted. Reveals and sequences stretch the boundaries of credibility but still make for an exciting story. Like the book, this film ends on a cliffhanger so don't expect closure. For that you'll have to wait for "Hornet's Nest".

Knight and Day

After a recent round of Indie films, I decided to jump back into the Hollywood pool with "Knight & Day". Now I know why I prefer Indies. Before we get to the film itself, let's chastise the studio marketing department for the worst title and marketing campaign to come along in years. The title has absolutely nothing but a sliver of a connection to the film and has no appeal whatsoever. Therein lies the problem. 20th Century Fox figured they have Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz...heck we can call the movie "paper" and people will come. Guess what, they won't... according to the recent box office.

This film is a perfect example of the Hollywood machine gone awry. Take two superstars, add exotic global locations (including Brooklyn NY?), mix in a formula villain you can spot immediately and drag it out for maximum stunts, explosions and comedic interplay between the leads and what do you have? A film you have seen countless times before and probably done better. The script really insults the audience's intelligence.

You never forget for a moment that you are watching Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. They don't even bother trying to create characters. They try hard to just get by on their looks and charm. Credit Ms. Diaz especially in the charm department. She actually outshines Mr. Cruise in the fun to watch category. She is obviously having fun with her role and lets the audience in on the gag.

To be fair, the stunt work is good and many sequences are exciting (with the exception of some sub-par CGI) but just when you've have your fill of explosions, globe hopping and gunplay, you get more. For a film that runs under 2 hours, it seems like an eternity. A better title would have been "A Long Day's Journey Into Knight".

Micmacs

From the fertile mind of writer/director Jean-Pierre Jeunet comes this wonderful new film. Mr. Jenuet has brought us "Delicatessen", "City of Lost Children", "A Very Long Engagement" and most notably, "Amelie". His visual style is like no other and his whimsical approach to storytelling brings us films you never want to end. "Micmacs" happily falls into the same category.

This is a most original tale of a man plagued by arms dealers (don't try to understand, it's clear when you see it) who, with help from a ragtag band of misfits living under a junkyard, plots his revenge in a most outlandish and amazing way. It is delightful from start to finish. The actors are wonderful and the cinematography is incredible. The artistic, visual storytelling is done with a minimum of dialog propelled by a wonderful score (including vintage Max Steiner material).

Dany Boon stars as Bazil, the loner seeking revenge and he is a combination of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Marcel Marceau. The film also stars Andre Dussollier, a popular French actor known more for drama than comedy and Julie Ferrier, a charming and most nimble contortionist. Rounding out the cast are a number of Mr. Jeunet's usual stalwarts from his earlier films.

In New York, "Micmacs" is still playing at The Angelika in Manhattan and Cobble Hill Cinema in Brooklyn. If you miss it, add it to the top of your Netflix list. It is easily one of my favorite films of the year.

The Killer Inside Me

Casey Affleck leaves his older brother Ben in the dust as the star of this new drama from director Michael Winterbottom. Mr. Affleck is mesmerizing as Lou Ford, a deputy sheriff in a small Texas town in the '50's. Beneath his quiet and polite exterior lies a total sociopath who leaves a trail of broken bodies in his wake as he goes about his daily business.

Mr. Winterbottom directs from the source novel by Jim Thompson, the very definition of pulp fiction. This slice of film noir has it all. Sex, violence, blackmail and murder all boil to the surface in a mix of "Blood Simple", "Body Heat" and "Blue Velvet". Be warned, the violence is graphic and difficult to watch.

Co-starring with Mr. Affleck are Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Ned Beatty, Simon Baker and Elias Koteas. For Ms. Hudson, it's a brave departure from her usual roles and she is quite good. Any film with Mr. Koteas is always a bit left of center and yet for him, it's one of his more subtle roles. Ms. Alba is physically revealing but also taps an inner strength she has only hinted at in other films. And of course it's always good to see Ned Beatty back on screen (he's been busy of late. He also does the voice of Lotso Huggins Bear in "Toy Story 3"). Mr. Baker is a bit of a disappointment bringing nothing new to his character, the town D.A. and the only person who suspects the truth. He might as well be playing his role from "The Mentalist" minus the humor.

I can't say enough about Mr. Affleck, who puts you inside the mind of Lou Ford and it's a chilling place to be. It's a performance that should be recognized but probably won't be due to the graphic nature of the role.

I Am Love

Tilda Swinton stars in this new Italian drama. She plays the matriarch of the rich and powerful Recchi family. A family that begins to show cracks in their perfect world as the film progresses. The story develops slowly as the camera lingers over every detail. Every frame of the film is like walking through an art museum. The direction and cinematography are exquisite. Ms. Swinton is excellent as always and one of the finest actors of her generation.

Metaphors abound in food, architecture, clothes and relationships. Food preparation becomes as sensual as new lovers in their seduction. Layers are slowly peeled away and new truths are revealed. This is very much an adult drama in a sea of animation and explosions typical of summer fare. Like a good meal, it is to be savored slowly. In many ways, it feels like a '50's melodrama and no doubt was inspired by films of that period.

The film is in Italian with subtitles. It's pace and low key style may not be for everyone but it does sneak up on you and lingers long after the credits roll.

Winter's Bone

Director Debra Granik made her debut with the excellent Indie film "Down To The Bone". That film also introduced Vera Farmiga, who has gone on to more well know Hollywood fare. Ms. Granik follows "Down To The Bone" with "Winter's Bone" and again launches the career of a wonderful actress.

"Winter's Bone", like it's predecessor, is set in bleak surroundings focusing on people living on or below the poverty line and features a strong female lead. Jennifer Lawrence plays Ree, a 17 year old taking care of her ill mother and younger brother and sister in the Ozark mountains of Missouri.
When her missing father skips a bail bond, Ree must find him or lose their home (which was put up against the bond).

Ms. Lawrence is wonderful as Ree. She's both tough and tender, beautifully balancing a complicated character. Co-starring as her uncle "Teardrop", is veteran actor John Hawkes, who was a regular on the excellent HBO series Deadwood. Mr. Hawkes brings multiple layers to a character who easily could have been a one note role. They are both terrific.

The script has elements of a Hollywood formula but it frequently veers off that path. The film has a documentary quality as we follow Ree's hunt for her criminal father. Ms. Granik has a knack for capturing the resolve of her characters living in a bleak and raw environment. She can make you feel the chill of an Ozark winter and find humanity buried beneath rough and sometimes scary exteriors. Her camera transports you to Ree's world and if you are unfamiliar with this way of life, this film will certainly raise your social awareness.

Jonah Hex

What is Josh Brolin thinking? Coming off terrific work in "No Country For Old Men" and "W", he picks this western based on a comic book for a follow-up? Josh, come on...I know Megan Fox is your co-star but really??

Based on the DC comic, "Jonah Hex" is the story of a disfigured bounty hunter looking for revenge against the men who killed his family. Mercifully the film is a mere 81 minutes but we still have to sit through wooden acting or in Ms. Fox's case, no acting and in John Malkovich's case, overacting. The premise is interesting only because of the supernatural twist (Mr. Hex can speak to the dead) but otherwise, this type of film has been done many times and much better. Ms. Fox appears on screen looking very pretty in her low cut bodice and if pretty were talent, she'd already have an Academy Award. Mr. Malkovich hams it up as the villain of the piece and while nice to see Will Arnett and Adian Quinn, their talents are totally wasted in small bland roles.

If you are a fan of the comic, which I was at one time, you'll want to see this out of curiosity, otherwise rent "The Outlaw Josey Wales".

Toy Story 3

Leave it to Pixar to get it right. An original story starring characters you've grown to love with witty dialog and wonderful animation. "Toy Story 3" completes the trilogy with sentimental closure that will satisfy and tug at your heartstrings.

All your favorites are back with their original vocal talents intact. Along with Woody, Buzz, Mr. & Mrs. Potatohead, Jessie and the rest, we are also introduced to Lotso Hugs Bear, Ken and Big Baby, among other new toys. When Andy (the owner of our favorite toys) grows up and packs for college, a new adventure starts and many adult themes are explored. There are many funny lines, some inside jokes (poking fun at other films) and surprisingly, quite a bit of suspense. Older kids as well as adults will really enjoy the film. Young children may find elements of the film very frightening and the message will definitely go over their heads.

The 3-D animation is not gimmicky but rather enhances and enriches the film, drawing out the colors and movement of the characters. I truly hope we don't get "Toy Story 4". Pixar nailed it here and these toys should go out on top.

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

An interesting and insightful look at the comic icon, Joan Rivers. This new documentary follows Ms. Rivers through a year in her life, interspersed with video clips of early stages of her career. Directed by Rick Stern and Anne Sundberg, the film is a brutally honest portrait of Ms Rivers on and off stage.

Opening with a tight close-up of Ms River's face sans makeup, you know you're in for a revealing look and credit Ms. Rivers for letting the cameras so completely into her life. Even if you are not a fan, it's interesting to walk in the shoes (and fabulous clothes) of the most successful female comic working today and discover what makes her tick.

There are ups and downs, outrageous comedy, plenty of foul language, and some touching intimate moments. The film is obviously made with love and while honest, it does skirt some issues and avoids controversy.

Ms. Rivers truly is a piece of work and may she continue to work for years to come.

Killers

About what you'd expect from a bunch of TV stars playing movie stars. "Killers" takes an retread storyline, mixes it with Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl, Tom Selleck and Catherine O'Hara. It promises action, laughs and romance. All it delivers is an annoying Ms. Heigl, a bland Mr. Kutcher, Mr. Selleck's famous moustache (pointed out repeatedly in case you miss it), and Ms. O'Hara playing drunk for cheap laughs.

Spencer (Mr. Kutcher) and Jen (Ms. Heigl) meet "cute", marry and three years later live a dull life in the suburbs, when to her surprise, Jen discovers her husband is a CIA agent and people are suddenly trying to kill them. Mr. Selleck and Ms. O'Hara play Jen's parents who, under normal circumstances wouldn't have very much screen time but hang around enough for you to realize they are important to what passes for the plot.

You seen this before in "True Lies" or more recently "Mr. & Mrs. Smith". There is so much illogic in this film, 30 seconds can't cover all my questions. If you find the two young leads appealing, you probably won't be disappointed. If you care about acting and a good script, prepare to be let down.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Fans of this bestselling book will appreciate the work of the film's screenwriters. They have managed to trim the fat, streamline the story and for the most part, keep all the integrity of the book. I say most part, because I was disappointed in the ending. However, it's a minor point, especially for people who haven't read the book and are seeing the story through fresh eyes. Whether you know the story or not going in, it's a terrific mystery with clever plotting and unexpected twists.

The cast is excellent, especially Michael Nyqvist as Mikael Bomkvist and Noomi Rapace. Ms. Rapace, is remarkable as Lisbeth Salander. She captures the spirit and physical aspects of Lisbeth perfectly. She breathes life into Lisbeth with subtle facial expressions as well as broad strokes. She is an exciting actress to watch and I look forward to her recreating the role in the sequel.

The film is in Swedish subtitles but remains easy to follow for an American audience. There are moments of horrific violence but as in the book, they are important to the characters and the story. An American version is in the works with reportedly, Brad Pitt to star and David Finchner to direct. Mr. Finchner is a great choice to direct and Mr. Pitt, I'm sure will make a fine journalist but the success of the film will turn on who is cast as Lisbeth Salander. But don't wait. The original will grab you from the start and not disappoint.

Holy Rollers

Inspired by true events, this is a fascinating story of Hassidic Jews that became Ecstasy smugglers in the late '90's. The film stars Jessie Eisenberg as Sam, a young man at a crossroad in his Jewish life and Justin Bartha as Josef, the Orthodox yet conniving hustler that gets Sam caught up in the drug trade.

With this film, Mr. Eisenberg is starting to shed the awkward teenage roles he has played for so long. He is an engaging young actor and always interesting to watch. Mr. Bartha, known primarily for "The Hangover" as the missing groom, shows his range here as he pulls Sam deeper into into a corrupt world, betraying his values, family and his faith.

The best part of the film is early on watching Sam go about his daily Hassidic life and then his initiation and seduction into the drug trade. From there on, the story takes on familiar themes of the "good guy gone bad" and it's only the unusual setting that keeps the viewer engaged. While the principles do a good job, many of the secondary actors fall flat and even a cameo from rapper Q-Tip is disappointing. He should stick to rap. Mr. Eisenberg, however, is taking the next step in what continues to be a solid acting career.