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.

The Box

Cameron Diaz, James Marsden and Frank Langella star in a film based on a Richard Matheson story...what could be bad? How about the whole thing?

Written and directed by Richard Kelly, of "Donnie Darko" fame, you expect an off the wall story and you get it. The possibility of Martians conducting human experiments , zombie-like townspeople with nosebleeds, conspiracies by NASA and The NSA, it's quite the mix for a simple tale of human imperfection. Faced with a simple choice, "push the button and get a million dollars but a stranger dies", do you push it or not?

It's a promising premise and Mr. Langella is quite chilling as the messenger (with great CGI makeup) but the film loses it's way and get tangled up in it's own intricacies. In the end, it's just a convoluted mess.

An Education

A terrific new drama that is smart and brilliantly cast. The adapted screenplay is by Nick Hornby and it easily deserves an Oscar nomination. The dialog is sharp, witty, and authentic.

The film stars Alfred Molina, Peter Sarsgaard, and Cary Mulligan as the 16 year old school girl swept off her feet by Mr. Sarsgaard's "older" man. Ms. Mulligan reminds me of a young Audrey Hepburn. She is a marvel to watch and along with Mr. Hornby, also deserves an Oscar nomination. Mr. Molina, as her father and Mr. Sarsgaard as her "boyfriend" respectively are both terrific. Everyone in the cast fill out their characters perfectly. There is not a false note to be found. Even Emma Thompson, in a small supporting role, is a wonder.

The story takes place in 1961 England and while everything is very proper, there are hints of change in the air. The mood, the music, and the styles are captured just right and the film clicks on every level. This is easily one of the best films of the year and shouldn't be missed.

Paranormal Activity

Shot on a shoestring budget, this "homemade" horror film is the heir apparent to 'The Blair Witch Project". Shot with one camera and featuring a cast of two, the story takes place inside the house of Katie & Micah, who decide to document the strange events happening in their home. The difference between this and "Blair Witch", aside from the steadier camera work, is that "Paranormal Activity" actually scares you.

The "film" leads you to believe that what you are watching is the video evidence of an actual haunting from 2006. There are no credits and nothing that resembles a "film". It's just 90 minutes of Katie and Micah trying to cope with the increasingly menacing activity in their house. The point of view is completely through Micah's video camera and computer images of footage captured while they sleep.

There are a few brief scenes with Katie's girlfriend and a doctor who communes with the dead, but it is left up to Katie and Micah to provide the creepy atmosphere unfolding through the camera. They start out rather boring and routine but build a serious sense of realistic dread as things go bump in the night. They are convincing enough to make you question whether or not this is real or scripted until the very end, which for this viewer, goes a bit over the top.

Where The Wild Things Are

Based on the famous children's story, "Wild Things", the film faithfully recreates the creatures and their surroundings in a live-action film with the use of costumes, puppets and some animation. Max, the little boy in the story is brought to life by the young actor Max Records and he couldn't be more perfect for the part.

The cast of creatures are voiced by James Gandolfini, Lauren Ambrose, Chris Cooper, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Dano, and Forest Whitaker. With such distinct vocal talent, the "Wild Things" take on real personalities and are portrayed as much more complex creatures than in the book.

The cinematography is excellent and the Australian locations are amazing. Director Spike Jonze has done a wonderful job bringing this classic to the screen. The only drawback is,while interesting to watch, the story still lacks depth so don't plan on trying to analyze what's going on. Just enjoy the simple pleasure of "the Rumpus".

Zombieland

Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg star in this comedy gorefest and seem to having a good time among the zombie mayhem. The audience will too if you check your brains (least they be eaten) at the door and enjoy the silly ride.

Apparently the only other humans left besides our heroes are Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin, as con artist sisters also trying to survive. Oh, and one other unbilled cameo who pretty much steals the film with minimum screen time. Besides these players, the film is filled with flesh eating, blood dripping zombies of all shapes and sizes who are anything but scary. The film is played completely for laughs with lots of sight gags and clever dialogue.

I'm a big fan of Jesse Eisenberg but he's got to start appearing in films that don't include an amusement park. He is a deadpan, young neurotic, quick witted, and loveable in a vulnerable way. If he wasn't available, I could see Michael Cera in the part as the two of them have these types of characters down cold.

I guess you can call this an American cousin of "Shaun of The Dead". They would definitely make a great double bill.

Whip It

Actor and now first time director, Drew Barrymore takes us into the world of Roller Derby in this female fueled comedy. As the new recruit for the "Hurl Scouts", Ellen Page continues her winning ways with support from Ms. Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Jimmy Fallon, Juliette Lewis, Alia Shawkat, Daniel Stern and Marcia Gay Harden.

The film is a fun, appealing story that doesn't take too many chances and stays true to it's formula. Unhappy with the life her mother has chosen for her, Ms. Page discovers a love for Roller Derby and becomes "Babe Ruthless", the new star of a team of lovable losers. Both the team and Ms. Page turn their fortunes around much to the chagrin of her disapproving mother (Marcia Gay Harden) and rival team leader (Juliette Lewis).

Already a star on "Saturday Night Live", Ms. Wiig continues to grow as an actress in her largest supporting role to date. Ms. Lewis appears to be having the time of her life as "Iron Maven", the leader of "The Holy Rollers". Everyone else is in fine support mode including Landon Pigg as the musician (big stretch) who rocks Ms. Page's world.

Ms. Barrymore direction is straightforward and she handles the action scenes well. The action-comedy is a fun glimpse into the hard knocks life of Roller Derby.

Life During Wartime

The latest feature from writer/director Todd Solendz is a sequel of sorts to his earlier film, "Happiness". It is a series of vignettes revolving around the dysfunctional family we first met in that amazing film. The difference here is that all the characters are played by an entirely different set of actors.

Having thoroughly enjoyed "Happiness", it's a bit disorienting at first to reconnect to the characters when they are played by different people. I don't think the film will appeal to anyone without seeing the previous work. It doesn't really stand on it's own as it's major theme is forgiveness and without seeing "Happiness", you just won't get it.

Many of the new actors are terrific. Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Paul Reubens, Ally Sheedy and Michael Kenneth Williams make the characters their own, which for some of them is a very hard thing to do considering who played their parts in "Happiness". Conversely, Shirley Henderson and Ciaran Hinds (while good actors in their own right) do not do justice to their characters and could not make me forget the originals.

The plot line is typical of Mr. Solendz. Multiple story lines overlap with many uncomfortable situations. You find yourself laughing even as Mr.Solendz makes you squirm uneasily as the observer of these emotional distraught people, all looking for forgiveness in one way or another.

A Serious Man

The new film from the Coen brothers is a personal, some say autobiographical, story of a Jewish family in Minnesota in the '60's. Far from the broad appeal of their last two films, "A Serious Man" has no "A" list star power, although Michael Stuhlbarg (best know for his Broadway work) is excellent as the lead, Larry Gopnick. Also co-starring is Richard Kind and Adam Arkin.

The story has universal themes but is heavily steeped in Jewish culture. Mr. Stuhlbarg plays a college professor with growing problems at home and at work. As the film progresses, his problems mount and he seeks council from various place, including three very different rabbis. The Coen's ruminate on religion, family, and one's values. The film is a drama but there is much humor underlying the serious story.

As usual with the Coen Brothers, the film is brilliantly photographed (by Roger Deakins), directed with a detailed eye, and extremely well acted. The story will probably not appeal to a wide audience but as a young Jewish teen growing up in the '60's, the film brought back many memories of my own experience.

AntiChrist

It's been reported that Lars Van Trier was in a terrible depression when he wrote the screenplay for "Antichrist". Making the film may or may not have been cathartic for him, but his state of mind at the time is clearly visible on the screen. This is clearly the work of a man trying to deal with his personal demons.

On the surface, it's a simple story of a man (Willem Dafoe) and his wife (Charlotte Gainsbourg) trying to deal with the aftermath of their young son's death. The film is basically just the two characters who retreat to a remote cabin in the woods to deal with their loss. Both actors give remarkable performances, raw, powerful and not easily forgotten.

What lies below the surface will either astound you or repulse you (probably both). Visually, Mr. Van Trier has literally painted an unforgettable portrait of pain, grief, and despair. The film is divided into a prologue, multiple chapters, followed by an epilog. As it progresses, it takes the viewer to places you may not want to go. This film is not for the squeamish but if you enjoy challenging cinema, it is not to be missed.

The Informant!

Director Steve Soderbergh crosses "Catch Me If You Can", "Ocean's 12", and "The Informer" to make an film based on a wild true story. Mark Whitacre is a bio-chemist executive and the world's greatest bi-polar sociopath. A series of events turn him informer against his corporation and the ensuing intrigue turns more outrageous the deeper Whitacre goes, building lie upon lie, right up to the end.

Matt Damon plays Mark Whitacre and he is terrific. He completely inhabits the character and the role is unlike anything he's ever done before. The problem is when you begin to realize what a nut job Whitacre really is, you lose your sympathy for the character. While Mr. Damon is very entertaining to watch, the film is all style and not much substance.

Mr. Soderbergh captures the mood and style of the mid- 90's and Marvin Hamlisch's kitschy score is perfect for the story. The film is very amusing but never laugh out loud funny, and the trailer spoils many of the best lines.

Scott Backula, best known for his TV work, does a good job as the FBI agent assigned to the case as Whitacre's handler. He tries hard to keep up but he's no match for Mr. Damon, who completely owns the film. Tony Hale also co-stars and does some great double takes as Whitacre's attorney.

The disclaimer at the beginning alerts you that the film is based on a true story but names and elements have been changed and or embellished. Truth be told, thanks mostly to Mr. Damon, "The Informant!" is worth your time.

Extract

Mike Judge's "Office Space" is a cult comedy classic. The same will not be said for "Extract". While the film has some pretty funny moments, the plot and characters dissipate into the air and don't stay with you very long.

Jason Bateman plays Joel, the owner of an Extract factory and the film is built around his problems at work and at home. Mr. Bateman is a wonderful comic "everyman" but watching him here only made me miss "Arrested Development". Ben Affleck, surprisingly, is the funniest character in the film and when his character disappears for most of the 3rd act, he is sorely missed. All of the factory workers are portrayed as morons or immigrants who have no skills and don't speak the language. It's a wonder the factory runs at all.

Clifton Collins Jr. plays Step, a worker injured in a freak accident. When a beautiful con artist, played by Mila Kunis convinces him to sue, Joel's problems multiply and the plot thickens. There is a funny cameo by Gene Simmons as a bottom feeding lawyer and a subplot about infidelity featuring Kristen Wiig, as Joel's wife Susie. Ms. Wiig is a very funny sketch comic but her character here has very little to do and J.K. Simmons is wasted as another factory manager who keeps popping into Joel's office like a blue collar version of Kramer from "Seinfield".

When the film is funny, it's very funny. Unfortunately it's not funny enough. The bar for Mr. Judge is still set at "Office Space" and fans of that film, if they look carefully, will catch a glimpse of Gary Cole in the background in a bar scene.

World's Greatest Dad

Written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, this is one dark comedy. While not as twisted as "Shakes The Clown" , "World's Greatest Dad" uses a rather nasty plot device to reveal a film with a strong emotional core. That said, this is not a mainstream film and will not be for everyone.

Robin Williams is just terrific as a dad coping with a poor excuse for a son. When tragedy strikes (in a unusual way), an opportunity arises by accident and sets in motion very unexpected results. Mr. Williams plays this role very straight and shows his best dramatic side since "Insomnia" and "One Hour Photo". The subject matter is dark but Mr. Goldthwait shows maturity in his writing and keeps the film honest even when his protagonist isn't.

The film co-stars Daryl Sabara as Mr. Williams son, Kyle. This is not the cute kid you remember from "Spy Kids". Also featured is Henry Simmons, Alexie Gilmore, and Evan Martin as Kyle's best friend, Andrew. Mr. Martin is very good as the kid who is sharper than anyone thinks.

This is the type of film that won't draw a big audience but one day may reach cult status. I look forward to seeing more from Mr. Goldthwait.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Making a film out of a bestselling, complex, romantic Sci-fi novel is a difficult thing. The film succeeds on the simplest level. It brings out the best in it's lead characters, highlights the most memorable parts of the book and draws the viewer into the romantic conundrum of it's time traveling tale.

Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana are very believable in their love although it's a great leap of faith to accept how it starts. I was disappointed in Mr. Bana's aging process in the film though. Wearing a long hair wig to be appear younger and adding a few gray streaks to appear older really wasn't that convincing.

If you buy into the relationship, you will be rewarded by a very romantic tale of love unconstrained by time. If you don't, you'll probably find yourself walking out mumbling how idiotic it all is. The story works so much better as a novel. The book was a complex story that had the luxury to tell it's tale at it's own pace. As the film must inevitably edit for (ironically) time constraint, so much is lost but the central story still does work. I think fans of the book will be happy with the film but if you haven't read the book, you may have a hard time accepting Henry and Claire's relationship.

Taking Woodstock

Using the Woodstock festival as a backdrop, Director Ang Lee recreates events behind the scene that add up to a sweet coming of age film. While we never actually get to see the bands play, Mr. Lee cleverly recreates an atmosphere that gives the viewer a sense of what it must have been like for those remarkable three days.

The film centers on Elliott Teichberg, a young man trying to help his parents hold on to their decaying motel in White Lake NY. It was Elliott who contacted Woodstock ventures and eventually helped to arrange to have the concert held on Max Yasgur's farm. Elliot's relationship with his parents, friends and the townspeople is the focus here with the concert itself taking a backseat.

There are some terrific performances from Imelda Staunton and Henry Goodman as Elliot's parents. Liv Schreiber and Emile Hirsch have interesting cameos (although I would have enjoyed more of their own back stories) and Eugene Levy plays it straight as Max Yasgur. Elliot is played by Demetri Martin and it is Mr. Martin who has the unfortunate task of being the bland glue holding all the other colorful characters together.

The film is interesting if only for the back story of how the festival came together. Elliot's coming of age tale is nothing new but Woodstock does make for a colorful fabric to weave the tale. If you're more interested in the concert itself, rent the recently released 4 hour uncut version of "Woodstock". One of the greatest concert films ever produced and a visual reminder of something that we'll never experience again.