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...

Gran Torino

Archie Bunker meets Dirty Harry. These may be dated references but they are American icons and so is Clint Eastwood. More occupied in directing (including this one) than acting, this may be Mr. Eastwood's acting swansong. If so, he goes out on top with an Oscar worthy performance as Walt kowalski, a cranky, bigoted Korean War veteran.

Walt is a combination Archie, Harry and some William Munny thrown in too. The film opens with the funeral of his wife and we quickly learn this is a man living with past demons in a modern world not to his liking. Walt could easily have been played over the top but Mr. Eastwood has tight control on the character and the layers come away ever so slowly.

The Asian family next door set off a series of events that reluctantly begin to involve Walt and while the racial slurs fly, he slowly comes around to his new neighbors.
The gang that terrorizes the family are stereotypical but a necessary evil to further the story. While you may think you know where it's going, you just may be surprised.

El rey de la montanta (King of The Hill)

A U.S. Premiere at the Spanish Cinema Now festival at Lincoln Center features the beautiful scenery of Spain's mountains but transforms them into something evil and menacing.

A man and woman, strangers brought together by a chance encounter soon find themselves targets of an unseen sniper. The film is a tense game of cat and mouse and plays out like an existential "Deliverance". There are no heroes nor villains, no clear motives and while there is closure, it is devastating and the final image may haunt you for some time.

Shot entirely on location in the mountains with a minimal cast and not much dialog, this may not be a film for everyone. Ultimately, it will provoke conversation long after it ends. The film is in Spanish with English subtitles.

Changeling

This one will be hard to find as it's been shoved aside for newer holiday films. I still wanted to see it before Award season and I'm glad I did.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, with his usual attention to detail. "Changeling" tells the true story of a missing child in 1928 Los Angeles. Angelina Joie stars as Christine Collins, a single mother who comes home from work to find her 9 year old son, Walter missing. What follows is an absorbing but tragic story that goes deeper than just an abduction. Christine's treatment by the Los Angeles Police department is a horrendous crime by itself.

Showing great range, Ms. Joie is excellent as Christine. It's amazing that this is the same actress who was so tough and strong in "Wanted". Her frailty here masks an inner strength that rises to the surface over the course of her ordeal. Ms. Jolie does a great job losing herself in the character and keeping the audience involved in her plight.

The film co-stars John Malkovich, Amy Ryan ( who steals her few short scenes), and Jeffrey Donovan. Credit Mr. Eastwood for employing many other actors who are just right for their parts and not stuffed into the film for name recognition. Colm Feore, Michael Kelly, Peter Gerety, and the rest of the cast are all terrific.

One could argue that the film runs too long but that is typical of Mr. Eastwood. He doesn't make short movies. He takes his time to involve his audience and give you a full, rich movie experience.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

Not even the grandeur of IMAX can save this stinker. Keanu Reeves is perfectly cast as an emotionless alien who drops into Central Park (in a swirling globe of bad CGI) to warn earthlings that the grand intelligence of the cosmos has decided to wipe us out as a species because we're screwing up the planet.

We then spend almost two hours watching a ridiculous Katy Bates as the Secretary of Defense, Jennifer Connelly as an Astro-biologist going all weepy over her step son, and Jaden Smith as the annoying step son, all debating over to kill or listen to Mr. Reeves.

As a New York Jet fan, my only satisfaction was watching Giant Stadium get destroyed by the aliens although I think I have a better model in a snow globe at home.

This film is boring, badly acted and a complete waste of time. Rent "Independence Day" ironically starring Jaden Smith's father, if you want to see landmarks being destroyed. And if you really want quality Sci-fi, rent the original "Day The Earth Stood Still" (cheesy effects by today's standard, but still the superior film).

And note to John Hamm- stick to "Mad Men"

Frost/Nixon

There are simply not enough superlatives to fit a 30 second review. This film is a crowning achievement for director Ron Howard and everyone associated with the movie.
Frank Langella and Michael Sheen recreate their Broadway roles and both are remarkable.

Mr. Langella won the Tony Award for the Broadway show and there is no doubt he will be nominated and have an excellent chance of taking home an Oscar as well. With hardly any makeup, he completely transforms himself into Richard Nixon. It is a performance of such depth and honesty, it takes your breath away. Michael Sheen matches him scene for scene in the interview sequences and channels every nuance of Mr. Frost.

The direction is crisp, lively and Mr. Howard opens up the story very naturally while keeping the intimacy of the theater experience. The lighting, music, and sets all recreate the period perfectly and enhance the story which plays out like a political version of "Rocky".

I can't say enough about the supporting cast either. Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell, Rebecca Hall, Toby Jones, and Matthew MacFadyen are all brilliant.

Intellectual, yet immensely entertaining, "Frost/Nixon" is not to be missed.

Milk

Utilizing archival footage and recreated scenes, director Gus Van Sant brings us the life and times of Harvey Milk (not to be confused with the documentary of the same name). Mr. Milk was the first openly gay official elected to public office back in the late 70's. His short time as San Francisco City Supervisor was a major victory for gay and civil rights.

Sean Penn, as Mr. Milk, adds another terrific performance to his portfolio. He is truly the best actor of his generation. Along with Mr. Penn, the film also features James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna, Allison Pill, Dennis O'Hare, and Josh Brolin. All are excellent in their roles with Mr. Brolin, especially adding another excellent notch to his belt coming off "No Country For Old Men", and "W.". James Franco, as well, has shown depth and diversity to every film he's been in this year and he does the same in "Milk".

While a fascinating and important time capsule of a turbulent time, "Milk" becomes a bit tedious with protest after protest and election after election. It is Mr. Penn's powerful performance that propels the film to it's inevitable end. Where "Milk" succeeds is in honoring the life of a remarkable man who helped bring change to a country very much in need of it.

W.

Oliver Stone has done a remarkable job documenting past Presidents. In "W.", he chronicles the life of a president while still in office and misses the mark of his earlier films.

W. is interesting enough, giving the viewer insight into what makes Mr. Bush tick and showing us the uneven road his life has taken to the White House but it is little more than a TV movie of the week missing much of the bombastic style Mr. Stone is best known for.

The cast is uneven. Josh Brolin as "W." is wonderful. He captures every nuance, every gesture, of Mr. Bush perfectly and at times truly resembles him. Richard Dreyfuss is a perfect Dick Cheney, also getting the mannerisms correct. Also well cast are James Cromwell as George Bush SR., Ellen Burstyn as Barbara Bush, Scott Glen as Donald Rumsfeld, and Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush. Missing the mark are Jeffrey Wright as Colin Powell and Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice.

The script cherry picks important moments in Mr. Bush's life (did we need the pretzel choking scene?) and range from satire to drama with a little "fairy tale" thrown in for good measure.

Once Mr. Bush leaves office, I'd like to see Mr. Stone try it again and not hold anything back.

Quantum of Solace

After a terrific debut as James Bond in "Casino Royale", Daniel Craig is shaken, not stirred into a mess of a follow-up. "Quantum" has one of the worst Bond plots ever (if you can even call it a plot). It is basically one long action sequence after another in order to distract the audience from realizing how ridiculous the whole thing really is.

Daniel Craig tries his best to live up to what he started in the previous film but there is only so much he can do when everything is literally falling apart around him. He makes a dashing Bond and certainly one of the best but he's never given a chance to develop the character beyond a human killing machine. Mathieu Almaric plays one of the lamest Bond villains in history. He should stick to what he does best, serious drama and eye blinking. Olga Kurylenko is the Bond "it" girl and while beautiful, can't decide if she is a damsel in distress or an action heroine. Judi Dench is back as M and has her usually fun with the role. And Jeffrey Wright also returns as Felix Leiter, with basically nothing to do except give Bond an address.

The action scenes are excellent but by the numbers. You can almost hear the writers..."Boat chase, check. Car chase, check. Foot chase, check. Airplane chase, check." Aside from a beautiful world tour, this is a bloated soulless Bond film. At the end of the credits, we are promised, "James Bond will return". He better be carrying a better script when he does.

Zack & Miri Make A Porno

Writer/Director Kevin Smith returns with a new comedy, that true to his nature will offend many and have others singing his praises. "Borrowing" Seth Rogan from his recent run of comedy hits, Mr. Smith has made a romantic comedy filled with the most vulgar language you can imagine.

Mr. Rogan stars as Zack and Elizabeth Banks is Miri, friends who find themselves beyond broke and looking for a way to pay the bills. Craig Robinson, from "The Office" is Delaney, Zack's friend who finances their attempt at a porno film.

Mr. Smith hides a sweet romance under mountains of offensive (to some) dialog, giving Mr. Robinson the best lines. He manages to also save some good stuff for Kevin Smith regulars, Jeff Anderson and Jason Mewes. Actually, Mr. Anderson probably has the funniest line in the movie following a particularly graphic scene.

Mr. Rogan and Ms. Banks have natural chemistry and their "porno" scene is at first very funny and then turns into something unexpected. This is a fun, silly film that is not about porno (although casting Traci Lords does add credibility) but rather friendship and true love. If not for his trademark dialog and sight gags, you would think Kevin Smith has gone mainstream. If you enjoy the film, make sure you stay through the credits.

High School Musical 3

Strictly for the tweeners, this franchise is wearing out it's welcome. The songs are forgettable, the acting is below average, and the plot is wafer thin. The only thing going for it is the choreography which, while not Bob Fosse, is enough to keep adults awake during this shameless sequel.

Only in Disneyland, will you find a high school as squeaky clean as East High. Everything about this film shines like it's just come through a car wash. The film belongs on Disney channel like it's predecessors and releasing it in theaters was strictly a marketing ploy by the Disney machine to put more cash in it's coffers. And based on it's weekend take at the box office, their efforts paid off in a big way. Biggest opening ever for a musical will surely produce "High School Musical 4: The Reunion". And as long as kids continue to grow up with Disney channel, this franchise will live forever. Heaven help us!

Appaloosa

Ed Harris pulls off a trifecta, co-writing, directing and starring in this old fashioned western, in the tradition of "Unforgiven". While not as powerful as that classic, "Appaloosa" will still satisfy lovers of the western genre.

Viggo Mortensen co-stars as Everett Hitch, Mr. Harris's best friend. The two men make their living as lawmen for hire. The relationship between these two fine actors is relaxed and natural, and their characters are men you can believe in. Rene Zellweger plays the woman who comes between them in the town of Appaloosa. And rounding out the major players is Jeremy Irons as the villainous, Randall Bragg.

Much of the screenplay has been lifted verbatim from the novel by Robert B. Parker and there is some wonderful dialogue as well as beautiful cinematography by Dean Semler. The film moves slowly but methodically and is filled with many classic western themes and clichés. There are moments of suspense and surprise and while an enjoyable film, it doesn't break any new ground in a familiar genre.

Rachel Getting Married

Ann Hathaway plays against type in the new film from Jonathan Demme. She plays Kim, just out of rehab and returning to her family's home for her sister Rachel's wedding. Last year Noah Baumbach gave us the similarly theme, "Margot At The Wedding" with Nicole Kidman. "Rachel" is the more realistic and emotional charged film.

Ms. Hathaway reaches into her dark places and pulls out a terrific performance as Kim. Newly sober and loaded with emotional baggage, Kim bursts into the wedding weekend like a bolt of lightning, striking down everything in her path. This is a intense family drama filled with both anger and happiness.

The film co-stars Bill Irwin and Deborah Winger as Kim's divorced parents. Mr. Irwin is excellent as the father overly protective of his damaged daughter while at the same time, trying to celebrate his other daughter's big day. Ms. Winger is a welcome return to the screen and makes the most of her few scenes, especially during a raw confrontation with Kim. Rosemarie DeWitt plays Rachel, torn between an love/hate relationship with her sister, which casts a cloud over her wedding plans.

Mr. Demme's direction brings out the best in Ms. Hathaway, struggling with her family and her inner demons. She carries the film and it's her performance you'll remember most.

The Wrestler

From Darren Aronofsky, the man who bought us "PI", "Requiem For A Dream" and the metaphysical mess, "The Fountain" comes a raw and powerful new film, "The Wrestler". This is not a "Rocky" or "Raging Bull" saga, but rather an intimate portrait of man 20 years past his prime trying to find his place in the world.

Mickey Rourke...that's right, Mickey Rourke, gives the performance of a lifetime as Randy "The Ram" Robinson, past his glory days and looking for worth beyond the ring. Mr. Rourke bares his soul and gives everything he has to this character. It is an Oscar caliber performance that will not be forgotten.

Co-starring is Marisa Tomei as a world weary stripper connecting, against her better judgment, with "The Ram". Evan Rachel Wood also stars as the daughter long ago left behind, angry and bitter when Mr. Rourke shows up at her door. They only have a few scenes together but they are filled with emotion as father and daughter try to reconnect.

Mr. Aronofsky films with camera work that puts you in the story, capturing every detail and bringing stinging reality to every scene. This is an honest, sometimes violent, and yet poignant film that will thoroughly surprise you.

Miracle At St. Anna

Spike Lee goes to war and leaves me confused. The film starts out in the 80's when a postal worker, working at his window, shoot a customer point blank in the chest. The police discover the head of an Italian statue in his apartment and he refuses to explain the head or his actions. A few scenes later and we flashback to Italy in WWII where the majority of the film takes place.

The story centers on a group of four African American soldiers who become separated behind enemy lines. What starts out as a war story about the Buffalo soldiers division soon turns into a more intimate tale of these four men and their impact on the Italian village where they are hiding from the Germans.

Early on there is a massacre at a river and while it doesn't equal the ferocity of the opening moments of "Saving Private Ryan", it certainly makes it's point. Mr. Lee actually drills his point home as the camera lingers far too long over the dead soldiers floating in the bloody river. His characters are stereotypes of almost any war movie including the over the top racist Major.

Eventually we learn why the postal worker kills the customer and along the way there is much death and destruction. The ending, while obvious, is still too easy and I'm still left wondering why a postal worker would bring a gun to work everyday, much less get away with hiding it under his counter.

I admire Mr. Lee's past work but this project is very ambitious and could have been shorter, tighter, and more cohesive.