Disconnect

    This new ensemble drama loosely connects individual stories of characters unable or unwilling to connect in the new millennium. Cell phones, iPads, laptops and the internet all play important characters in director Henry Alex Rubin's cautionary tale.

   The film stars Jason Bateman (serious for a change), Hope Davis, Paula Patton, Alexander Skarsgard, Andrea Riseborough, Frank Grillo, Michael Nyqvist and Max Thieriot. Everyone is excellent in their roles, whether they are parents dealing with disaffected teens, a reporter who oversteps her boundaries to get a story, or a couple trying to cope with the loss of their child.

  Mr. Rubin is heavy handed in making his point. The movie is filled with internet chat superimposed on the side of the screen or text messages going back and forth. Facebook pages reveal more emotion than characters can express in person.

Everything going wrong in our society today is consolidated by this microcosm of disconnected people. It's a serious drama that can leave you depressed. However, there is a glimmer of hope at the end that reminds you it's not to late to change the way we live our lives in the 21st century.

Deceptive Practices: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay

 "Sleight of hand" master and magic historian, Ricky Jay is profiled in this new documentary by Alan Edelstein and Molly Bernstein. Not only is it a wonderful peek into the world and mind of Mr. Jay but it is a fascinating look at the magicians who influenced him.

  We learn a little bit about his childhood including his desire to perform magic at the age of four.  Also his love for his grandfather, who encouraged him and introduced him to some of his early mentors. We learn about Slydini, Cardini, Dai Vernon (The Professor) as well as many more colorful characters and master magicians.

    Mr. Jay does not do "stage" magic like David Copperfield or Doug Henning but rather is a master at cards and "close-up" magic. In addition to the fantastic history lesson, we are treated to many of the effects, illusions and sleight of hand that have made him famous. Through archival footage (some of it quite old), we we also get to experience some of the illusions by the masters.

    There is quite a bit of video footage of Mr. Jay as well performing through the years and also interviews with fans and friends, such as David Mamet (Mr. Jay has acted in many of his films). It's a wonderful ninety minutes that I could have easily watched for ninety more. It also made me immediately want to see "The Spanish Prisoner" again. A wonderful and surprising film in it's own right.

Oblivion

       What an appropriate title for the latest Tom Cruise snooze fest. This new sci-fi adventure is like instant hot cereal. Just add elements from other classic sci-fi films, add Tom, heat and serve.

        The first hour could be best summed up as watching "Top Gun" if it took place way in the future as Mr. Cruise flies around in a cool helicopter, shooting flying copies of R2D2. Earth, we come to find out has been destroyed. Mr. Cruise and his co-star, Andrea Riseborough spend their days making sure all of the planet's water is siphoned off safely to holding tanks for Earth's survivors on Titan.  We are basically watching a remake of "Wall-E" with live actors.

         Things pick up in the second hour with the introduction of a mysterious earth woman (Olga Kurylenko) and the ubiquitous appearance of Morgan Freeman. The special effects are well done but why do we always see remnants of The Statue of Liberty, The Washington Monument, The Brooklyn Bridge, and The Empire State building in every disaster movie? Aren't there other recognizable landmarks to choose from?

          For some strange reason, Melissa Leo thought appearing in this mess was a good idea. She dos play it safe though as she filmed her scenes from home using Facetime on an iPad.

          Of course if you are the type of person who enjoys watching Mr. Cruise grimace, square his jaw and shoot things for two hours, then "Oblivion" is for you.

42

     "42" is a rousing, crowd pleasing film based on the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball. Even if you don't like baseball,  it's a very human story of triumph, both in sports and over racial discrimination.

      Chadwick Boseman, a fairly unknown actor, plays Jackie Robinson with all the charisma and self assurance of a major movie star. Co-starring is an almost unrecognizable Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who give Mr. Robinson a shot at the majors. Mr. Ford is absolutely wonderful in the role. It's one of the best things he's done in years.

        The film also stars Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife, Andre Hollard as Wendell Smith, a sports writer and chronicler of Jackie's story and Christopher Meloni as Brooklyn Dodger manager Leo Durocher. The film was written and directed by Brian Helgeland with much love and reverence for his subject. 

       Mr. Helgeland focuses on the first three years of Mr. Robinson's career and does a great job avoiding melodrama. Everything about the film glows with authenticity. Mr. Helgeland doesn't shy away from the ugliness of racism. A scene when the opposing manager in a game taunts Mr. Robinson with unbelievable slurs is difficult to watch but necessary to the story.

         The film has a great cast, a great script and a real life American hero. It should not be missed. 

The Place Beyond The Pines

      The first "serious" drama of the year has a great cast in an unusual character study. The film stars Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper but don't expect fireworks between them since they only have one very short scene together. Of course, that scene is pivotal and extremely crucial to the story.

         The Place Beyond The Pines is an Indian translation for Schenectady in upstate New York where the film takes place. It's a refreshing location for a film that deals with age old themes. Fathers and sons, family, and the choices we make that define our lives all play out in a low rent Shakespearean drama.

          The film moves in a slow deliberate rhythm seemingly weighed down by it's heavy subject matter. However, the acting is excellent and supporting players Harris Yulin, Eva Mendes, and Ray Liotta all shine (although Ray Liotta's bad cop routine is getting old). Only Rose Bryne is wasted as Mr. Cooper's wife. Newcomers Dane Dehaan and Emory Cohen have a bright future ahead of them.

            The cinematography is beautiful. Schenectady and the surrounding countryside have never looked better. Director Derek Cianfrance (who previously directed Mr. Gosling in "Blue Valentine") has stepped up his game and while it has it's flaws ( It could have easily been called "The Place Beyond The Cliches) it's still engaging and worth your time.

Trance

          The latest film from director Danny Boyle messes with your mind from the very start. Most thrillers stick the twist in the middle or at the end but "Trance" starts right out with a twist and keeps you guessing for the rest of the film.

         The film stars James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel, and Rosario Dawson. Mr. McAvoy works in an auction house and Mr. Cassel is a thief who wants to steal a valuable painting. Ms. Dawson's character is better left unsaid to avoid spoiling the fun.

         Mr. Boyle sets the story in motion rather nicely and the film gets off to a quick and exciting start.  The film bogs down in the middle, caught in it's attempt to be too smart for it's own good and the audience suffers for it. It makes a decent recovery in the last act but unless you've been totally won over by the premise, it ends as a disappointment.

         Mr. Boyle's films always have great editing and music. "Trance" is no different.  The song choices are terrific and the editing, especially with this plot, really makes a difference. It's just too bad the script asks too much of it's audience and then has a major character explain everything just to make sure you don't walk out totally confused.

Warm Bodies

    Yes, it's another zombie movie but it has a clever twist. "Warm Bodies" asks the question, what if zombies still have a shred of humanity buried within them and still maintain memories? Nicholas Hoult stars as "R", a teenage zombie who spends his life shuffling around an airport in search of human flesh. R speaks to the audience in voice over, explaining his situation but is definitely undead.

      Like most zombie movies, its never explained why the planet has become over run with zombies but of course there is always a small band of humans left trying to survive. When Julie, played by Theresa Palmer ventures out on a supply run with her boyfriend and a few others, they are attacked by R and other zombies. It's at this point, our twist is set in motion and the story becomes rather clever. Of course, it's an obvious zombie take on Romeo and Juliet when R and Julie fall in love but it's all in good fun when love literally sparks life. 

        Ms. Palmer and Mr. Hoult are both very attractive teen actors and have good chemistry together. In a bit of strange casting, John Malkovich is Julie's dad and the leader of the humans. This is not the usual type of film you would expect to find John Malkovich but I guess every actor needs a regular paycheck. Rob Corddry, on the other hand is perfect as R's zombie "best friend"... for lack of another term.

          "Warm Bodies" is probably already gone from theaters by now as the Spring crop of films begin to arrive but it's worth a viewing paired with "Night of The Living Dead".

Oz, The Great & Powerful

     A terrific idea with a disappointing result. As a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz", it's definitely fun to revisit Oz itself and learn how the wizard became the all powerful Oz. And course, we want to know how the witches ended up on their destiny's path but lackluster direction from Sam Rami and a miscast James Franco diminish what really could have been magical.

      Mr. Franco stars but his energy level is far below what we would expect from the con man who defeats the wicked witches and wins the heart of Glinda. What saves the film from being a complete dud are the fantastic visuals and the performances of Michelle Williams as Glinda, Rachel Weitz as Evanora, and Milla Kunis as Theodora.

        Especially in 3-D, the film looks beautiful and in a nod to the original, starts in black & white in the Kansas scenes and then turns to color when Mr. Franco arrives in Oz. For an adventure of this nature, you would expect more from Mr. Rami but the director moves the film ever so slowly toward it's big climax. There are some clever nods to the original and moments of intelligent wit but it's a dull trip down the yellow brick road. Kids will probably enjoy it although the flying baboons may be frightening for little ones.

A Good Day to Die Hard

        The fifth installment in a series that should have quit after two. The only thing remaining in the spirit of the original "Die Hard" is Bruce Willis's smirk. The plot (or what passes for a plot) moves the story to Moscow for a ridiculous story linking Russian villains and the Chernobyl disaster from 26 years ago. To most, Mr. Willis will be the only recognizable face in the film, which co-stars Jai Courtney (best know for cable TV's "Spartacus"). 

         Mr Courtney plays Jack McClane, Mr Willis's son, who as it turns out is a CIA operative in Moscow, unbeknownst to Mr. Willis. The fact that Mr. Willis doesn't know this is only the first of a series of poor plot points. Wounds heal miraculously, weapons appear just when they are needed and villains continue to talk (or in this case, dance) instead of shoot when  the heroes are captured.

        Aside from watching an infinite amount of vehicles being destroyed early on and a transport helicopter blown up later on, there's nothing here to hold your attention. Even a good joke about "a vacation" is wasted when repeated constantly. And don't even get me started on the rest of the bad dialogue.

         Yippee Kay Ay, this one dies easy.

Side Effects

      The new thriller from director Steven Soderbergh has a great cast and a very clever plot that I can't discuss without spoilers. While it may take some liberties with drugs and the pharmaceutical companies that make them, the script really takes off in unexpected ways and a film that starts slow ends with quite the payoff.

         Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum are a young married couple with issues. He's been in jail for 4 years on inside trading charges and she suffers from depression. Jude Law plays a psychiatrist who ends up treating Ms. Rooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Ms. Rooney's former doctor. These are the things that are apparent. Everything else is quite fun for the audience as the film follows a very unexpected road.

         Ms. Rooney and Mr. Law are terrific in their respective roles. Mr. Tatum is a bit more restrained than usual (probably due to Mr. Soderbergh's excellent direction) and it's good to see Ms. Zeta-Jones in a clever part. The pace of the film starts slow and never really takes off but rather unfolds at it's own deliberate speed, slowly revealing layers like a good thriller should.

         The first third of the film wasn't really impressing me but by the time it ended, it had completely won me over. It's much more clever than you might suspect and a welcome relief during the traditional winter movie blues.

Parker

      Donald Westlake's anti-hero "Parker" has been played in the past by Lee Marvin and Mel Gibson. Now it's Jason Statham's turn and he makes the most of it in this action thriller. The story is fairly simple. Parker is a thief who is double crossed by his crew on a job. Left for dead, he manages to survive and seeks revenge.

       The Florida locations are beautiful and so is co-star Jennifer Lopez, who is surprisingly good as a real estate agent who gets involved with Parker. This is easily her best role since "Out of Sight" with George Clooney.  A nice twist in the plot is that Ms. Lopez is not a love interest but rather becomes a partner of sorts for Parker. The central villain in the film is played convincingly by Michael Chiklis.

        Mr. Statham is known for his fighting skills and action sequences and while "Parker" has fewer of them than most of his films, there are still some exciting moments. A fight sequence in a Miami high-rise is a highlight. By the time you read this, the film has probably left the theaters but its worth your time on video if you are a fan of either Mr. Statham or Ms. Lopez.

Gangster Squad

       There have been many wonderful gangster movies over the years. This is not one of them. But that isn't to say you won't have a good time watching "Gangster Squad".

            First of all, it has a great cast led by Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling and Sean Penn. It also features Emma Stone, Robert Patrick, Michael Pena, Anthony Mackie and Nick Nolte. Second of all, it has plenty of action. What it lacks is any depth.

            The look and feel of the period is right. The story is "inspired" by real events but it's all flash and no substance. Ms. Stone is miscast and Mr. Penn plays the gangster Mickey Cohen in a cartoonish performance complete with cartoon makeup.  The dialog is pretty silly and there are plot holes galore but it's still fun to watch Mr. Brolin and company take on Mickey Cohen and his thugs. 

             January is traditionally a dumping ground for Hollywood and "Gangster Squad" definitely has that "sat on the shelf" feel but it's expiration date still has a few weeks left. You could do better (rent "L.A. Confidential") but you could also do a lot worse.

The Impossible

        The emotional and gut retching true story of one family's nightmare that was the tsunami of 2004. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor star as parents of three young boy on Christmas holiday in Thailand who are caught right in the middle of the deadly wave that killed thousands. 

           The first half of the film is riveting. The recreation of the wave and the destruction it brought is remarkable. Watching the very realistic way the family is torn apart is heartbreaking. Ms. Watts and her oldest son, played by a terrific Tom Holland, manage to find each other but both are wounded physically and emotionally by the impact of the wave.

            Later on we find out what has happened to Mr. McGregor and the other two boys and the second half of the film becomes an emotional journey to reunite a family.

            This is not an easy film to enjoy but the resolve of these two people and their sons gives you the strength to stay the course. Many films say they are inspired or based on a true story. This film makes the claim "true story" in the opening moments. Whether or not you feel manipulated or find the story drifting into melodrama, you are watching what really happened and can't walk away unaffected. It is a powerful film with wonderful performances by it's lead actors.

Best & Worst of 2012

Best of 2012-

10) The Dark Knight Rises- A fitting end to a wonderful trilogy.

9) Skyfall- A return to form for Daniel Craig and the James Bond franchise. A Bond film with heart and soul.

8) Silver Linings Playbook- The genius of this film is the way it sneaks up on you and wins you over. A terrific ensemble cast.

7) The Avengers- I was worried how all these superheroes would be able to share screen time. Writer/director Joss Whedon pulls it off beautifully. 

6) Bernie- A very black comedy based on a true story. A really wonderful performance from Jack Black, not to mention his great chemistry with Shirley Maclaine.

5) Zero Dark Thirty- The most intense performance of the year by Jessica Chastain fuels the back story of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Brilliantly directed by Kathryn Bigalow and meticulously written by Mark Boal.

4) Searching For Sugarman- Amazing documentary that is part mystery, part musical and a revelatory introduction to the music of Rodriguez.

3) Django Unchained- Quentin Tarantino does it again with a film that is funny, smart, violent and always shocking. A great tribute to spaghetti westerns and black exploitation films while staying true to itself.

2) Argo- Blend an outrageous truth with an unbelievable fiction and you get a surprisingly funny and very suspenseful drama from director Ben Affleck.

1) Beasts of The Southern Wild- There is no easy way to describe this original, wonderful fairy tale of a drama that takes place in the Louisiana lowlands. I saw it in July and it's images still linger. Six year old (at the time) lead actress Quvenzhane Wallis is a revelation. 

 Honorable Mentions- Lincoln, The Master, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Life of Pi.

 Foreign Thriller Honorable Mentions- Easy Money, Headhunters, and Sleepless Night. See them before Hollywood ruins them with American remakes.

Worst of 2012 (in no particular order)-

Underworld: Awakening, One For The Money, John Carter, Dark Shadows, The Dictator, Men in Black 3, Snow White & The Huntsmen, Rock of Ages, Savages, and Trouble With The Curve.

Le Miserables

    I must admit, I'm not a big fan of screen musicals. I always believed musicals work better as live theater. "Le Miz", is a beloved show and pretty much critic proof so I approached this film cautiously. My attitude about musicals isn't changed. I don't mind the musical numbers but really can't stand it when actors have to "sing" the dialog that bridges the songs. Having got that out of way, I will admit, the film is still very entertaining.

              Hugh Jackman is excellent throughout as Jean Valijean, the poor tortured soul chased throughout the film by Inspector Javert, played with appropriate intensity by Russell Crowe. Mr. Crowe may not have the best singing voice in the cast but he does a good job with vocals that match his character. Anne Hathaway is getting plenty of accolades as Fantine, deservingly so as she knocks it out of the park with "I Dreamed A Dream". Rounding out the cast is Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, and Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen as the comic relief, Thenardier and his wife.

               Director Tom Hooper makes a bold move by having the actors sing live and it pays off with wonderful performances (except for that annoying "singing dialog" in between). Mr. Baron Cohen and Ms. Bonham Carter are a perfect pair and pull off a rousing version of "Master of The House". Ms. Seyfried and Mr. Redmayne are well cast as the young lovers but their singing is just adequate.

                The cinematography is beautiful as are the costumes and the seamless CGI work. Mr. Hooper does an admirable job bringing the musical to the screen but with the exception of Ms. Hathaway, it still lacks the thrill and emotion of live theater.

Not Fade Away

     Writer/director David Chase (the creator of The Sopranos) turns his attention to film with this nostalgic look at growing up in the 60's when rock & roll meant everything. There will always be "coming of age" films and the trick is to find an original way to tell your story. While probably not purely biographical, Mr. Chase delivers a film that honestly recalls growing up in suburban New Jersey obsessed with music after seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and The Rolling Stones on Hollywood Palace.

      Doug (played by an excellent John Magaro) lives with his sister and parents in a pretty typical family setting. With a hard working dad, stay at home mom, but a restless urge to break out of the mold, Doug forms a band with some friends and starts to play local parties doing covers.  What happens to Doug over the course of the film and where the music takes him is the basis of the story. 

      Doug's dad is played convincingly by James Gandolfini, a blue collar "every" dad who finds solace in his evening ice cream (much like his TV mobster counterpart). His mom is played by Molly Price, also perfect in house coat and curlers usually behind an ironing board. His younger sister, Evelyn narrates the film and offers significant insight and thoughtful questions throughout. The other major characters are Wells, played by Will Brill, the lead guitarist of the band and Grace Deitz, played by Bella Heathcote, the object of John's affections.

               What really sets the film apart is the fantastic soundtrack and attention to detail of every musical aspect. Mr. Chase gave the reins to Steve Van Zandt as musical director and supervisor. As a true historian of rock & roll as well as a wonderful musician in his own right, Mr. Van Zandt is the perfect choice to oversee this important aspect of the film. From his Cuban heels to the way he positions his wrist while playing drums, Doug's got the look and sound just right, as does the rest of the band. Apparently Mr. Chase hired actors first and then Mr. Van Zandt took them to a sort of "rock & roll boot camp" to prepare them for playing musicians. A lot of the instrumental work is actually done by members of the E Street band and fellow guitarist, Bobby Bandiera. The song selection is an eclectic mix of hits and rarities from the 60's.

              "Not Fade Away" is made with love and respect. It's a fresh look at an amazing era, seen through the eyes and actions of a very talented cast. Not to mention, a great musical history lesson for today's teens.

The Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey

        It's great fun to return to Middle Earth but the awe and magic of "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy is gone. Director Peter Jackson and his team of writers, so anxious to film the prequel and satisfy millions of fans have overstuffed a wonderful tale with unnecessary sound and fury. They have super-sized the enchanting story so much that it was necessary to split it into three films. Be warned that "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is only part one and part two is coming next holiday season.

          The CGI work and the New Zealand landscapes are remarkable. At times, it's hard to tell the real actors from the computer images...and that's not a good thing. Only Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and Thorin, the dwarf King have any personality. Oh and of course, Gollum, who doesn't show up until late in the film. Hopefully characters will be better defined as we move through parts two and three but for now, it's all a noisy set up for what's to come. It's basically run, fight, repeat.

          Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Wizard and he hasn't missed a beat. He wears his wizard hat proudly. Thorin is played by Richard Armitage and he smolders beautifully. Our reluctant Hobbit hero, Bilbo is played by Martin Freeman and he is perfectly cast in the role (although he is basically playing the same part he played in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy" albeit with bigger feet). Mr. Jackson offers a tasty treat  in bringing back Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett and Christopher Lee for one scene and it will have to satisfy until the trilogy continues. The scene when Bilbo first encounters Gollum (the always terrific Andy Serkis) is well worth the wait as it's the only one with any real depth and emotional resonance.

           As a side note, the film is available for viewing in multiple formats. I did not see the new High Frame Rate process but I did see it in Imax 3D and it looked and sounded great. As for the overall film, you can't really review this as a finished work since we are only a third into the story but if this is the appetizer, I expect a lot more for the entrée and Mr. Jackson better blow us away with the dessert.

Life of Pi

   Director Ang Lee and screenwriter David Magee pull off an amazing task with this wonderful adaptation of the best selling novel. Many said the book was impossible to film but Mr. Magee keeps the screenplay incredibly close to the original narrative and Mr. Lee, choosing 3D as his playground delivers a visual stunner of a film.

       Using 3D to enhance his colorful palette, Mr. Lee doesn't waste a shot. From the beautiful opening sequence to the horrific storm at sea and everything that follows, the screen is filled with unforgettable images. The digital creation of many of the animals is flawless and also given an upgrade by the use of the 3D cameras. It is the best use of 3D since "Hugo".

       The central story of teenage Pi's survival at sea is bookended by the adult Pi relating his story to a character known only as "The Writer".  While acted with conviction by Irfan Khan as the adult Pi, these scenes come off a bit clumsy serving as a bridge to the moral and spiritual center of the tale. If you have read the book, seen the trailer or even a poster, you know that a Bengal tiger is a major character in the story. The how and why he's important I will leave for you to discover. God's plan and man's place in the universe are central themes explored in the book as well as the film. It is is the teenage Pi and that Bengal tiger that take us on the emotional and spiritual journey to explore those themes. Teenage Pi is played by Suraj Sharma and he is well up to the physically demanding and emotional draining task.

        The film is long, running over two hours. Mr. Lee definitely could have tightened up his editing with a little cutting now and then. Instead, he choose to put it all out there and let the outstanding visuals and suspenseful plot keep you engaged. The revelations at film's end should have you deep in discussion well after the final credits.

Django Unchained

       Quentin Tarantino is a craftsman. He knows exactly what he wants and never compromises. The man has made only eight films in twenty years. There is no mistaking a "Tarantino" film, regardless of the genre. And now he takes his camera to the wild west and south for a mash up of spaghetti western meets black explotation. "Django" clocks in at almost three hours and there is entertainment in every frame. If you are easily offended by over the top violence and foul language (especially liberal use of a particular "N" word), this is not the movie for you but if you are a fan of Mr. Tarantino's work, you will certainly not be disappointed.

          Mr. Tarantino has found the perfect muse for his dialog in Christoph Waltz. While Jamie Foxx may play the title character, the film truly belongs to Mr. Waltz's character, Dr. King Schultz. He is brilliantly written and Mr. Waltz is Oscar caliber in the role. Mr. Foxx is also excellent but Django is a man of action, not words and you appreciate him in an entirely different way. When Dr. Schultz frees Django and the two men become partners in the bounty hunting business, a true "bromance" is formed. Both actors play off each other so well and so naturally, it's a beautiful thing to watch.

           Heroes have to have their villains to balance any good story and who would expect Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson to sign up as two of the most vile characters to ever appear on screen? Both are so good at being bad, its scary. It's a toss up for which is the more despicable of the two.

           As a well documented student of film, Mr. Tarantino fills the screen with lots of movie references, some more subtle than others, and pulls character actors out of his bag of tricks that haven't appeared on screen in years. Victoria Thomas, the casting director, must have had a blast filling parts with with the likes of Don Stroud and Russ Tamblyn. James Remar is so good, Mr. Tarantino uses him twice. Robert Richarson's cinematography is wonderful and I believe he captures on film exactly what Mr. Tarantino has visualized in his head. Complimenting the visuals is a perfectly eclectic choice of songs and score. A sequence I especially liked is a montage set to Jim Croce's "I've Got A Name". 

           Early in the film, there is a scene with hooded riders that while amusing, comes off like an outtake from "Blazing Saddles", complete with stunt casting. It's an unnecessary cheap laugh. I forgive the stumble, however, because what follows is such a rich blend of smart movie-making on both sides of the camera.  Mr. Tarantino can take all the time between films he likes as long as the end product is worth the wait.

            "Django Unchained" was worth the wait.

Zero Dark Thirty

     Director Kathryn Bigalow and screenwriter Mark Boal  pull off an amazing achievement. Based on real accounts, they have taken a ten year manhunt and condensed it into a riveting two and a half hour film. "Zero Dark Thirty", if you don't know by now is the story of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and even though we all know the outcome, it is fascinating to watch how it all came together (taking a leap of faith that the real events are just that). 

     Credit Mark Boal for a script that compresses ten years worth of material into a film that flows smoothly and keeps the audience involved throughout. Credit Kathryn Bigalow for her taut, precise direction of the actors and the faithful recreation of actual events. And credit most of all, Jessica Chastain for her lead role of Maya, the CIA analyst who devotes 12 years of her life to one goal, find and kill Osama Bin Ladin. It is Ms. Chastain's performance that is the heart and soul of the film. Her devotion to her character, her driving dedication to her mission is what anchors the film and propels the story forward like a bullet. She is on screen for almost the entire film and never permits herself time to breath until her goal has been reached.

      Besides Ms. Chastain, the film enlists a large cast with many speaking roles but most are flashes of dialogue and short scenes to connect the dots. James Gandolfini, Mark Strong, Harold Perrineau Jr. and Joel Edgerton all do admirable work, each with a key scene or two but they will not be the ones you will remember. Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Ehle, Edgar Ramirez and Jason Clarke rise above the others and are all outstanding. Mr. Clarke continues a star making trajectory started way back on Showtime's short lived but excellent series, "Brotherhood".

      The film may be too intense for some, too technical for others but I found it well balanced and an exciting glimpse inside the shadowy world of international espionage and intelligence where occasionally the good guys win (even if they have to get their hands dirty to do it).