Are You ‘FED’ Up? December 18, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Politics, Videos.Tags: Ben Bernanke, Federal Reserve, Katherine Lanpher, Movie Review: America: Freedom to Fascism
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Ben Bernanke has been named TIME magazine’s person of the year. Raise your hand if you know what the Federal Reserve actually does and who they are? Katherine Lanpher asks TIME business columnist Justin Fox to explain how the Federal Reserve System manages America’s economy. (Lanpher used to be All Franken’s sidekick on his Air America radio show). Watch here.
In 20o6 a film called America: Freedom to Fascism was released. Here was my review.
Movie Review: America: Freedom to Fascism
Alternate Title: Taxation Without Explanation
Story: Is there anyone who likes to pay taxes? I think not. But most us think we understand why we have to pay them. Or do we? Produce Aaron Russo (The Rose, Trading Places) was dead set upon finding the law that says we have to pay income tax. (Spoiler alert: there is no such law). And so we find this very interesting, filled with facts, film.
The viewpoint is non-partisan (he sort of treats everyone as an equal opportunity sleaze bag in Washington). He methodically exposes the systematic erosion of civil liberties since 1913 when the Federal Reserve system was fraudulently created. My favorite line was ‘ the Federal Reserve Bank is as much a part of the Federal Government as Federal Express.
Did you know the Federal Reserve was a private agency. A quasi-governemtnal entity? I sure didn’t. We learn who these honchos are and what Russo thinks is their ultimate goal (it does not include you or me).
With many talking heads and interviews, including a U.S. Congressmen, a former IRS Commissioner, former IRS and FBI agents, tax attorneys and authors, Russo delivers info on money creation, federal income tax, and the national identity card which becomes law in May 2008.
I wish he had stayed with the money premise but about an hour into the film the laundry list of other Governmental intrusions including voting rights erosion, computerized ballots, micro chip implants, the thuggish tactics of the IRS and the Patriot Act flaws.
This is an important film that should be seen by every tax paying citizen. For more info on the Federal Reserve check this site.
Acting: Not applicable in a documentary.
Predilection: I like documentaries
Opening Titles: The opening titles go on for quite awhile into the film. Some are pretty funny.
Theater Audience: I saw a screening of this film with other reviewers.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: I squirmed at how we have all been duped.
Drift Factor: I did not drift but wished the film was a bit tighter.
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Oh go for the big screen and rant with other tax paying folk.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 6
Movie Review: Crazy Heart December 17, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Jeff Bridges, Movie Review: Crazy Heart, Oscars, The Dude
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| Movie Review: Crazy Heart
Alternate Title: The Dude Goes Country Story: I did not want this movie to end. Now how often have you heard me say that before? This fine piece of celluloid delight was directed and written by first time director Scott Cooper and based on the novel by Thomas Cobb. Bad Blake is a 57 year old washed-up, boozed up, has been of a country western singer/songwriter is now relegated to playing in bowling alleys and small blue highway bars. He is broke, an alcoholic and has no future to look towards. Four time married Blake meets a much younger woman and the love bug strikes him again. Will he change? Can he change? Will he ever be able to write those great songs again? You think that you have seen this story before but it is handled with the touch of a director who possesses an artist’s eye. Just when you think the film is going to a place that is film weary, it takes a slow turn to somewhere else. Little surprises, authentic detail, slow camera shots, a fine script, wonderful music and outstanding acting make this a must see film. The film is unforced, easy on the eye, ear and intimate. I will also always root for a film that has the possibility of redemption as one of its themes. Watch the trailer here:
Acting: Four time Academy Award nominee Jeff Bridges as Bad Blake was sensational. Bridges is so comfortable i his own skin that he brings tears to one’s eyes. If he does not walk away with his Oscar this year I will be very pissed. Maggie Gyllenhaal as Jean Craddock was lovely. She has a willowy, grace that fills the screen. Robert Duvall as Wayne, brings home the bacon in a small, pivotal role. Colin Farrell as Tommy Sweet was not over the top as he tends to be at times and he, like Bridges, did his own singing. Trivia: Jeff Bridges’ performance as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski in The Big Lebowski (1998) is ranked #90 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006) and is ranked #55 on Premiere Magazine’s 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. He is well known for his liberal political views. He is good friends with Nick Nolte and Gary Busey. Maggie Gyllenhaal is the older sister of Jake Gyllenhaal. Her mother is a Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated scriptwriter. Her father is an Emmy-nominated director, her grandmother is a doctor and Eric Foner, her mother’s first husband, is an acclaimed historian at Columbia, the college she attended. She is of Swedish (noble) and Russian-Jewish descent. Predilection: I like Jeff Bridges. Critters: Lots of fish in a a scene in the Houston Aquarium. Food: Biscuits. Soundtrack: Wonderful music by Stephen Bruton and T Bone Burnett . Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell do their own singing. Opening Titles: Other than the title all credits are at the end. Visual Art: Masterful landscapes of the southwest. Theater Audience: Opening day saw a large crowd of admiring dudes and dudetttes. Weather: Sunny Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I did not drift for a second. Predictability Level: Moderate. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: Oh my YES Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. Jeff Bridges is one of my all time favorites. Here are some of my favorite films of his and some of the awards he has been nominated for in the past: The Last Picture Show — Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, The Last American Hero, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot — Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Cutter’s Way, Against All Odds, Starman – Nominated — Academy Award for Best Actor and Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, Jagged Edge, Tucker: The Man and His Dream, See You in the Morning, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Fisher King, American Heart, The Big Lebowski, Arlington Road, The Contender – Nominated — Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor, Seabiscuit, The Door in the Floor, Crazy Heart, Alliance of Women Film Journalists Eda Award for Best Actor, Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Nominated — Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Nominated — Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Nominated — Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor, Nominated — Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama, Nominated — St Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor Length: Under two hours LOBO HOWLS: 9.25
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Movie Review: Invictus December 15, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Jewish Stuff, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Politics.Tags: Clint Eastwood, Joel Stransky, Matt Damon, Nelson Mandela, rugby
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| Movie Review: Invictus
Alternate Title: Against All Odds Story: There is nothing wrong with a feel good film that also has important historical significance and just happens to appeal to the masses. Director Clint Eastwood knows how to make these movies and is counting on his fan base and earned appeal to get people into the theaters for this inspirational, uplifting film. It was written by Anthony Peckham and is based on the book “Playing the Enemy” by John Carlin. It is 1995 and recently elected Nelson Mandela is desperately trying to bring together a troubled nation after the nightmare of Apartheid. The Springboks are a rugby team loved by white South Africans and hated by black South Africans. Along with Mandela’s idea for national reconciliation and forgiveness he decides that uniting the country around this sports team is worth the effort. The film revolves around this Herculean task. The film gets bogged down in a few too many side stories and a bit too many sappy visuals, that at times, seemed cloying, obvious and sanctimonious. That said – I am sure the masses who see this film will fall for its evident appeal and actually tear up. We did not. I know nothing about rugby and after seeing this film only learned that you have to throw the ball backwards or sideways. The film spends the last 20 minutes in the throws of the World Cup final game and I got a bit tired of the grunting, weird pile ups and other sporting stuff. Should you see this film? Why not? Who does not like stories that inspire with heart and who does not like watching Morgan Freeman do his thing. Watch the trailer here:
Acting: Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela hits a home run. He captures his style, grace and spirit perfectly. Matt Damon as team captain François Pienaar is always good – period. Trivia: Joel Stransky kicked the winning goal in the 1995 game. For a profile of him read this article from Jewish Week. The poem, Invictus was written by William Ernest Henley in 1875 and was inspirational to Nelson Mandela while he was in prison. Here is the poem: Out of the night that covers me, Predilection: I have always been fascinated by the politics in South Africa. Critters: Some street dogs. Food: Tea and cookies Sex Spectrum: None Soundtrack: Often soaring by Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens; Opening Titles: None Theater Audience: About 20 other people and us. Sappy Factor: 2 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: The idea of Apartheid is very squirmy. Drift Factor: I did not drift but it did get a little long and sappy at times. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No – but the award shows just love Clint Eastwood and who doesn’t like Morgan Freeman? Big Screen or Rental: This is one for the big screen. Length: Too long at 2 hours and 15 minutes. LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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Movie Review: The Lovely Bones December 14, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Alice Sebold, Movie Review: The Lovely Bones, Peter Jackson
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| Movie Review: The Lovely Bones
Alternate Title: The In-between Story: So what’s wrong with this picture? Mostly, it will be very difficult for the millions of fans that loved the novel by Alice Sebold to stop comparing it to the book. A director, such as the famous Peter Jackson, had a thankless job when he tried to ‘adapt’ a beloved book to the big screen. Yet, Mr Jackson along with writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens gave it a shot. Did they succeed? The short answer is no. The longer answer is maybe. The biggest problem is that Jackson crammed too much into this film. I remember the book to be refreshingly hopeful, often humorous and very focused considering the topic. Young Susie Salmon is brutally raped and murdered (not shown in the movie). She dwells in a place called the in-between where she can observe her family as they try to cope with their loss and grief. Here is where the film does not succeed. Peter Jackson’s reliance on his love of computer generated special effects gets all marshmellowy. Susie’s 14 year old in-between place is mostly filled with puppies, rainbows, butterflies and goofy costumes. After one or two of these sequences I was into eye rolling. The grief stricken family on terra firma is handled well but after about an hour, that too, turns into a formulaic thriller. We learn from the onset that the creep across the street is the murderer and it is just a matter of time before it all comes to a frenetic head-on collision. Remember in ‘Amadeus’ when Emperor Joseph II complained to Mozart about The Marriage of Figaro having “too many notes?” Well that is my complaint to Peter Jackson This film has too much stuff. It is a murder mystery, a teenager in hormone hell film, a domestic tear duct factory and a corn ball depiction of the afterlife via CGI. So should you see it? Sure, why not. The acting is fine, the production values are top rate and if you read the book it would be fun to talk about it with your movie buddies afterwards.
Acting: Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon is a good little actress. She is credible and I look forward to seeing her in more films. Mark Wahlberg as Jack Salmon, replaced Ryan Gosling at the last minute when he dropped out of the film. I like Mark Wahlberg and he was fine as the grief stricken father. Rachel Weisz as Abigail Salmon, was her usual competent self. I had a hard time accepting that Susan Sarandon now plays a Grandmother. I know she is old enough – but still. Her part is a comic relief role that honestly does not fit. Stanley Tucci as creepy neighbor George Harvey was suitably detestable. Michael Imperioli as policeman Len Fenerman, does not have a whole lot to do. Rose McIver as the sister, Lindsey, was terrific. The rest of the supporting cast was fine including: Christian Thomas Ashdale (Buckley Salmon), Carolyn Dando (Ruth) and Reece Ritchie (Ray Singh). Trivia: Saoirse Ronan’s first name is Irish and means ‘freedom’. Although she was born in New York City, she was raised in Ireland. In 2008, at the age of 13, she became the seventh youngest actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Atonement (2007). The only actresses younger than her to be nominated are Tatum O’Neal, Mary Bedham, Quinn Cummings, Abigail Breslin, Patty McCormack and Anna Paquin. Rachel Weisz’s parents escaped to England from central Europe before the start of WWII. She won her Oscar for playing a pregnant woman in The Constant Gardener (2005) while she was pregnant in real-life with her first child. Predilection: I liked the book. Critters: A loyal golden retriever named Holiday and lots of dogs are seen in the In-between. (good to know). Food: Lima beans, corn on the cob, pork chops and oatmeal. Soundtrack: Sappy at times and scary at times. Opening Titles: An opening vignette of a young Susie Salmon with her adoring Dad. The only thing you see is the title of the film after that. All of credits are at the end of the film. Visual Art: The 1970’s are depicted well in the homes and of course Peter Jackson’s flair with CGI is well known. The In-between is a bit like a Celestial Seasoning’s or Claritin commercial – all rainbows and puppies. Theater Audience: About 20 other people. Weather: We get to see the family mourn through the 12 months after Susie’s murder. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: Stanley Tucci is extremely squirmy. Drift Factor: I drifted in the In between. Predictability Level: I read the book. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: The artistry of the filmmaker warrants the big screen. Length: Two hours and 15 minutes. LOBO HOWLS: 7
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Movie Review: A Single Man December 13, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Christopher Isherwood, Colin Firth, Movie Review: A Single Man, Tom Ford
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| Movie Review: A Single Man
Alternate Title: Style Over Substance Story: Oh dear. Fashion designer, turned director, Tom Ford has jumped head first into the movie world. He should have made sure there was water in the pool before he jumped. The film is based on the novel by Christopher Isherwood and written for the screen by Mr. Ford and David Scearce. It is 1962, Southern California – where we first meet Professor George Falconer. He is overcome with grief months after the sudden death of his long time companion, Jim. Nothing will help his sense of grief, isolation and sorrow so George decides to commit suicide. How he lives what he thinks will be his last day on earth is the bulk of the film. Director Ford decided to make George’s life devoid of color to emphasize his grief. Only his flashbacks allow the screen to become blindingly bright and alive. This technique was overused and quickly became predictably annoying. The style of the film was the main character. Scene after scene, while visually lovely, seemed most of the time to be an advertisement for cologne, ties, appliances, cigarettes or cars. It was too glossy and devoid of substance. So the bad news is that the film is aesthetically top heavy. The good news is that there are a few fine scenes that show hints of humor and humanity. It is also a fine time waster to be able to watch some of the beautiful men seen up on the big screen. It did not matter to me whether they were gay or straight – they were really nice to watch. I remember the first time I saw the trailer I wondered why there was no dialogue in the clip. Was it a foreign film? Now that I have seen the movie I know why – it is more like a big advertisement, rather than a movie. There’s no need for words when there is so much style. Watch the trailer here: Acting: Colin Firth as George was the heart and heft of the film. I wish Ford has let me emote a bit more every now and then. Julianne Moore as Charley was awful I like Julianne Moore but her accent and over the top performance was embarrassing.Matthew Goode as Jim was fine and Nicholas Hoult as young Kenny did the best he could in a role that was marginally written. Trivia: Tom Ford is an American fashion designer. He is known for his legendary turnaround of Gucci. When Ford joined Gucci in 1994, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. By the time he left 10 years later, Gucci was turning over in excess of $3 billion per year. He started his own line of mens- wear in 2006 after a liaison with Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. Colin Firth has played a Mr Darcy on three occasions. Once in “Pride and Prejudice” (1995), in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) and again in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004). Nicholas Hoult was the adorable little boy in ‘About a Boy’ with Hugh Grant. Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy were longtime companions. Their relationship was made into a film in 2008 called. Chris & Don: A Love Story. You can read my movie review here: Predilection: None Critters: An owl, a cow, a chicken, a pig and a few Fox Terriers. One of the beloved fox terriers is seen in the aftermath of an auto accident. You do not see the dog killed. Food: Lots of booze. Sex Spectrum: Sex is the underlying current throughout the film. Blatant Product Placement: Mercedes, Hershey’s chocolate, Lucky Strike, Tanqueray Gin. Soundtrack: A blend of sounds in the track that is often over the top. Opening Titles: An underwater dream sequence that ends with the title. All other credits are at the end. Visual Art: Style, style and more style. Theater Audience: Fairly crowded with a Chelsea crowd for a Sunday morning show. Weather: Most of the film takes place in Southern California – ergo, it is nice. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I drifted a bit in the middle. Predictability Level: I started not to care somewhere around one hour into the film. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: I would not be surprised to see Colin Firth get a nomination or two. Big Screen or Rental: Oh, go for the big screen and look at all of the pretty boys. Length: 100 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 5
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Movie Review: Big River Man December 9, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Big River Man
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| Movie Review: Big River Man
Alternate Title: Swims With the Fishes Story: If ever there was a character made to be the subject of a documentary it was Martin Strel. Director John Maringouin and co-director Molly Lynch struck gold with the material they had to work with, in one – Martin Strel. Martin Strel is from Slovenia (I had to check it out on a map to make sure I knew where Slovenia was located). Strel is a long distance swimmer – really long distances. He has swam the lengths of the Danube, the Yangtze, the Mississippi and for this film – the Amazon. No kidding. Martin Strel is in his 50’s. He drinks heavily. He gambles. He plays the guitar. He has high blood pressure and he is overweight. He is also a hero in Slovenia. Strel introduces us to his beloved Slovenia, which he says is shaped like a chicken. He also brags that Slovenians hold the European record for the most drinking while driving. This is a very strange, often funny, sometimes hard to believe and captivating film. Strel, along with his adoring son Borut (not Borat), who is his publicist, the narrator and often his English translator and Matthew Mohlke a surfer dude type from Montana venture to the Amazon to break another record for marathon swimming. Strel claims he is swimming the Amazon in order to help save the rain forest. Some of his do gooder message gets lost along the way- but what the heck?
Acting: Not applicable in a documentary but sometimes I was not really sure if Martin was acting or not. Trivia: John Maringouin won the Best Cinematography Award at Sundance for this film. Predilection: I like documentaries. Critters: Tapir, anaconda, piranhas, crocodiles, birds, fish, monkeys, pigs, horses, cows and more. Food: Horse Burgers and chicken. Sex Spectrum: None Soundtrack: A bizarre mix of tunes. Opening Titles: Almost 15 minutes went by before titles showed up on the screen. Visual Art: The Amazon is amazing. Theater Audience: One other guy and me. Weather: Lots of rain and heat on the Amazon Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 2 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: It got a bit redundant in the middle. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine for this film. Length: 100 minutes. LOBO HOWLS: 6 |
Movie Review: Up In the Air December 8, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Review Archives, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Up In the Air
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| Movie Review: Up In the Air
Alternate Title: Fly By Night Story: George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, is sleek, slick, detached and noncommittal. Depending on your own lifestyle he could ether be a character that garners your sympathy or sows seeds of avid jealousy. His character works for a company that is hired by corporations to fire people. He swoops in, does the dastardly task and moves on to the next city. He travels most of the time, sits in in front of the plane and has loyalty cards to big, fancy hotels that allows him access to the front of the check-in lines and all of the other perks that frequent travelers accrue. The film was crisply directed by Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking, Juno) and written by Mr. Reitman and Sheldon Turner. It is based on the novel by Walter Kirn. Bingham’s life is turned upside down when a young woman, hired by his firm, comes up with a cost saving way to do their job. It entails the use of teleconferencing technology to fire people. They hit the road together so he can show her how it is really done. This road trip allows the romance, satire and comic relief that a film with an underlying premise of sadness needs. The film focus’ of course on the main characters. However, a day later, I am fixated on all of the people that were shown being fired by Bingham. Reitman hired some non-professionals to tell their stories. It was current, emotional and sad. Will Ryan Bingham ever settle down? Does his impermanence define him? The film grows on you as it develops and is well worth your time.
Acting: George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, hits the mark. He is eye candy for all. Vera Farmiga as love interest Alex has a nice chemistry with Clooney. Anna Kendrick as young Natalie Keener is terrific. The supporting cast is perfect too including the always great J. K. Simmons (Bob), Danny McBride (Jim Miller), Jason Bateman (Craig Gregory), Melanie Lynskey (Julie Bingham), Amy Morton (Kara Bingham), Sam Elliott (Maynard Finch), Zach Galifianakis (Steve) and Chris Lowell (Kevin). Trivia: Jason Reitman is the son of director Ivan Reitman. Anna Kendrick was nominated for Broadway’s 1998 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role – Musical) for “High Society.” She was the second youngest nominee (after 1991’s Tony winner in the same category, Daisy Eagan) in Tony history. Vera Farmiga grew up in a Ukranian-speaking enclave in New Jersey and did not speak English until she was six. George Clooney says he will never get married again, nor have any children, but Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole Kidman both bet $10,000 each that he would be a father before he turned 40. They were both wrong, and each sent him a check. He returned the money, betting double or nothing that he won’t have kids by age 50. He will be 50 in 2011. Predilection: I like George Clooney Critters: None Sex Spectrum: There is some discussion of the Mile High Club and a scene of ‘after sex’ but nothing to be seen on the big screen. Blatant Product Placement: American Airlines (not on my favorite list of airlines) must have paid a small fortune for this blatant product placement. We also get to see many Hiltons, a Hampton Inns and Hertz. Soundtrack: Fun mix. Opening Titles: The opening credits, with ‘This Land is Your Land’ in the background include a photo montage of those generic landscapes one sees from 35,000 feet as they fly across country. Visual Art: Bingham’s one room apartment in Omaha has absolutely no personal touches since he lives in hotels for most of the year. Theater Audience: There was one other guy in the secret balcony with us. I did hear laughter coming from downstairs. Weather: It snows in many of the cities where American Airlines flies and where people are getting fired. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: It is squirmy to see people being fired. Drift Factor: It could have used a bit of editing in the middle. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No – but it would not surprise me if there were some nominations anyway. Big Screen or Rental: Either would do – but I like looking at George Clooney on the big screen. Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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Movie Review: Brothers December 6, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Brothers
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| Movie Review: Brothers
Alternate Title: The Human Toll Story: Director Jim Sheridan and writer David Benioff do a terrific job of bringing Susanne Bier and Anders Thomas Jensen’s 2004 Danish film ‘Brodre‘ to American audiences. Yes, it is another film drawn from the horrors of present day wars. The emphasis, however, is not on any particular political agenda but on the terrible toll that war brings to everyone both fighting the war over there and those left at home. Sam is about to deploy to Afghanistan, leaving behind his adoring wife and two small daughters. His ne’er do well brother Tommy is getting out of prison and could have used Sam as a role model and helper in his transition back to society.When Sam’s helicopter crashes he is pronounced dead by the military and the grief and nightmare strikes home. The family, including Tommy, slowly starts to put the pieces together of their new life – but Sam is not dead. He has been taken prisoner and undergoes nightmares we can not dare imagine. His homecoming becomes fraught with problems because Sam is no longer the man is was when he left. He, in essence, died over there and the shell that remains is deeply scarred. This is a film for grown ups who can deal with the consequences of the toll of war on the individual. It deals with highly emotional issues and tugs at your heart without being maudlin. Director Sheridan has a wonderful way of dealing with children and the strong performances throughout the cast make this a film well worth your time and consideration.
Here is the trailer from the original Danish film here:
Acting: Tobey Maguire as Sam, gives a powerful performance. He is a long way from Spiderman. Jake Gyllenhaal as Tommy, also delivers a fine performance. Natalie Portman as Grace, is believable and underplayed perfectly. Sam Shepard as Hank is a bit stereotypical. Young Bailee Madison as daughter Isabelle is sensational. Taylor Geare as little Maggie is adorable. Patrick Flueger as Private Joe Willis tugs at your heart. The supporting cast is fine all around, including Clifton Collins Jr. (Major Cavazos), Carey Mulligan (Cassie Willis), Omid Abtahi (Yusuf), Ethan Suplee (Sweeney) and Mare Winningham (Elsie Cahill). Trivia: Director Jim Sheridan’s In America (2002) was loosely based on his own family’s struggles in the early 1980s in New York City. Jim Sheridan lived in NYC with his wife and children from 1981-1989, before moving back to Ireland to film, My Left Foot (1989). He has been nominated for six Oscars. His other films include, In the name of the Father, The Boxer and The Field. Predilection: I like Jim Sheridan and I enjoyed the original film, Brodre. Critters: Goats and horses Food: Pancakes, meatloaf, peas, mashed potatoes, birthday cake, milk and pizza. Sex Spectrum: Cuddling Blatant Product Placement: Heinz Ketchup, Coca Cola Soundtrack: A nice soundtrack including work by U2. Opening Titles: We see Sam heading to the base to get ready to deploy and with his adoring children before the title. Al credits at the end. Theater Audience: Two guys and me. Weather: It is cold in Minnesota. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: War makes me squirm. Drift Factor: I was attentive throughout. Predictability Level: I saw the original. Tissue Usage: I welled up a few times. Oscar Worthy: Hmm Big Screen or Rental: I always say go for the big screen whenever possible. Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 8
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Movie Review: The Road November 26, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Cormac McCarthy, Movie Review: The Road, post-apocolyptical world
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| Movie Review: The Road
Alternate Title: No Country for Anyone Story: The Road’s less traveled because there aren’t any people left to travel. Due to an unspecified worldwide cataclysm, we meet a man and his son as they travel south in a post-apocolyptical world. This powerful adaptation of the novel by Cormac McCarthy was directed by John Hillcoat and written by Joe Penhall. The world is devoid of sun, has lost it’s wildlife, it’s forests are denuded and life seems to have been drained. The planet is dying. It is a frightening place where everyone you do meet is most likely a predator, murderer, rapist or cannibal. In this horrific backdrop we find a man devoted to his young son and is trying desperately to keep the flame of hope alive by teaching his son the techniques to survive. Every day is a struggle to find food and shelter. There are unseen dangers everywhere. This strong film deals with enormous subjects such as loss, isolation, fear, death and the very fine line between good and evil. Earth’s color has been desaturated. The only time we see color is in a few flashbacks before the catastrophe. Not your typical holiday fare you say? I am not sure who the audience will be for this film, but if you have the stomach to sit for two hours you will see images that will stick with you for days, terrific acting, fantastic cinematography by Javier Aguirresarobe and pitch perfect production values by Chris Kennedy.
Acting: Viggo Mortensen as the Man should be expecting some nominations for Best Actor in his future. His performance has economy and smolders. Kodi Smit-McPhee as the Boy is terrific and believeable. In cameo roles we meet Robert Duvall as the Old Man, Guy Pearce as the Veteran, Molly Parker as the Motherly Woman, Michael Kenneth Williams as the Thief, Garret Dillahunt as a very scary Gang Member and Charlize Theron as the Boy’ Mother. Trivia: Director John Hillcoat directed music videos for Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Einstürzende Neubauten, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Manic Street Preachers, Bush, Placebo, Suede, Atari Teenage Riot, Depeche Mode, HIM, Alec Empire, Muse, AFI and more. At a young age, his paintings were featured in the Art Gallery of Hamilton (Ontario, Canada). Cormac McCarthy’s novel “All the Pretty Horses” won a National Book Award in 1992 and his ovel “The Road” won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2007. Viggo Mortenson speaks fluent English, Spanish, Danish, and French, but he also speaks Swedish and Norwegian reasonably well. Born in NYC he lived in South America from age 2 to age 11. He has been photographing for years, recently debuted with an exhibition at the Robert Mann Gallery in NYC. — American Photo, July/August 2000. He writes poetry in his spare time. and is also a jazz musician – he has released three CDs so far. Predilection: None Critters: A horse, beetle and a dog. Food: Food is scarce. Spam, beans, slop, gruel, crackers and canned fruit cocktail. Sex Spectrum: No sex. There are a few scenes showing Viggo Mortenson in the nude (from the rear). Blatant Product Placement: It is somewhat funny to see which product survived the nightmare. Guess what? You can still drink Coca Cola if you can find it, drink a bottle of Vitamin Water, eat Cheetos, Spam and canned Dole Fruit Cocktail. Soundtrack: At times a bit too sentimental but mostly appropriate by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis; Opening Titles: An opening scene before the cataclysm and then the film’s titles. All other credits are at the end. Visual Art: Shot in Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Mt St, Helens the visuals are a major player in this film. Theater Audience: Pretty crowded for the first show on opening day. Mostly filled with 20 or 30-somethings, a few Goths and me. Weather: If accu-weather still existed the forecast would be the same each day – rain, clouds, lightning, fire and earthquakes. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 3 – Some of the images are quite disturbing. Drift Factor: I did not drift at all. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: I welled up a bit towards the end. Oscar Worthy: Yes Big Screen or Rental: Absolutely, the big screen Length: Two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 9
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Movie Review: Four Seasons Lodge November 24, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Jewish Stuff, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Politics.Tags: Catskills, Holocaust, Movie Review: Four Seasons Lodge, survivors
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 Movie Review: Four Seasons Lodge
Alternate Title: Lust for Life Story: A spirited, upbeat film about Holocaust survivors is not your usual fare. However, director and writer Andrew Jacobs has sensitively delivered us such a film. Ably supported by director of photography Albert Maysles we meet a group of survivors who share a lust for life that is contagious. The survivors are all from Poland, Austria and Hungary. When they somehow found themselves in the United States after WWII, they also somehow slowly found one another. Their common thread was the unspeakable horror they all shared. To enjoy life to the fullest, though dark memories haunt them all, they gather each summer at one of the last bungalow colonies in New York’s Catskill Mountains. They collectively bought shares in the place and in their 26th year (which could be their last) as owners we catch up with them. Well into their late 70’s and 80’s these once hearty people are now the invisible Grandparents we do not notice in the streets. To one another, they are still vibrant and share their joy. They dance, they eat, they laugh, they play cards and they get entertained by some of the last of the Borscht Belt entertainers in the evening. We get to meet only a handful of the survivors and get to hear bits and pieces of their stories. Some refuse to discuss the past. I got hooked by this group of people and left the theater with a little bounce in my step as I tried to emulate their zest for life.
Acting: This is a documentary so this category does not apply. Here are some of the major players in this film and you can read more about some of these happy campers here. Hymie Abramowitz, Tosha Abramowitz, Aron Adelman, Basie Adelman, Olga Bowman, Eugenia Boyman, Tobias Buchman, Carl Potok, Cesia Popk, Lola Wenglin. Trivia: From the film’s web site: Andrew Jacobs has been a staff writer at the New York Times for the past 8 years, where he has covered a wide variety of beats, from the American South and the aftermath of Sept. 11, to New Jersey politics and the New York City Police Department. The idea for “Four Seasons” grew out of a six-part series Jacobs did for the Times about summer life in the Catskills. A graduate of New York University, Mr. Jacobs spent a year teaching and writing in China during the pro-democracy movement. He also owns an old dairy farm in Ulster County, NY, not far from the Four Seasons Lodge. Albert Maysles is a pioneer of Direct Cinema who, along with his brother David, was the first to make nonfiction feature films (Grey Gardens, Salesman, Gimme Shelter) where the drama of life unfolds without scripts, sets, interviews or narration. With his first film, Psychiatry In Russia (1955) he made the transition from psychologist to documentary filmmaker. In 1960 he co-created Primary. His 36 films include What’s Happening: The Beatles in the USA (1964), five films of the projects of Christo and Jeanne-Claude (1972 to 1995), and three documentaries for HBO. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship (1965), a Peabody, an Emmy, five Lifetime Achievement Awards, the award for best cinematography at Sundance (2002) for Lalee’s Kin, which was also nominated in 2001 for an Academy Award and most recently, the Columbia Dupont Award (2004). In 1999 Eastman Kodak saluted him as one of the 100 world’s finest cinematographers. Predilection: I like documentaries and I am drawn to films about Survivors. Critters: A gopher. Food: It is a bungalow Colony filled with Jews? Is there food? Vu den? White fish, lox, onions, bagels, tomatoes, lettuce and on and on. Yummy. Sex Spectrum: Sex is joked about quite a bit. Soundtrack: A delightful mix of ethnic, Broadway and other tunes including ‘I Will Survive.’ Opening Titles: A landscape shot of the changing seasons and the opening of the Colony for the summer months. Visual Art: Albert Maysles is a master photographer and his handiwork is visible throughout the film. I especially liked his subtle passing of the seasons at the opening and closing of the film. Theater Audience: Less than a minyan. Weather: Mostly filmed in the summer but we do catch shots of the symbolic passing seasons. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: Seeing those horrifying arm tattoos from the concentration camps is very hard to accept. Drift Factor: I thought the beginning was a bit slow. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: I welled up a few times. Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: If you can find it I always recommend the big screen but rental would be fine too. Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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