THE SECRETS IN THEIR EYES 3.5**** ( almost 4***)
The Secret in Their Eyes, the recent Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film from Argentina, is a murder mystery and psychological thriller, a lighthearted love story, a meditation on memory, and a look at justice , or more so the lack of it in Argentina in the 1970s during the military junta. As the film opens, Benjamin Esposito, a retired Buenos Aires state criminal investigator, decides to write a novel about the 1974 rape and murder of an attractive newlywed 23-year old woman, a case that was closed by the authorities but never solved to his satisfaction. To obtain access to the file on the unsolved rape-murder case he spent so much time on, Esposito pays a visit to Irene Hastings, his former supervisor and chief supporter who is now a judge.
The story is set in 1999, but is told in flashbacks that for a change are well done and seamless. Espósito, becomes spellbound by and subsequently entangled in the investigation of the crime of the young woman . Her widowed husband is shocked and distraught by the news and Espósito, feeling the man’s deep pain, vows to find the killer and bring him to justice. In his exhausting search he is aided by his alcoholic assistent and a newcomer, the upper class lawyer Irene, who takes over as department chief. Espósito's rival, Romano pins the murder on two immigrant workers so as to get rid of the matter, an issue that enrages Espósito. Nonetheless, and persisting in the investigation, he finds a clue soon enough while looking over some old pictures provided by the husband. He comes across a dubious young man - identified as Isidoro Gómez – who looks intensely at the victim in a suspicious way in several photos. This much is revealed early in the film…the rest you need to see for yourself to experience the excitement and suspense of the hunt.
The movie also weaves into the story the love between two couples…the intense realized love between the victim and husband and a subtle unspoken love that boils beneath the surface between Esposito and Irene.... with the love of the husband for his young murdered wife highlighting the somber effect of time, or its lack thereof, on those whose eyes may or may not hold the secret. And this movie is also about the people who get left behind when someone they love dies . It's about loss, memories, and bittersweet revenge . Oh and another thing ..... with such a powerful ending for the movie we learn another thing about the potential for the cruel nature of us human beings . When a film comes together as well as this, with the full advantage of classic mystery and graceful originality, it's a joy to behold.
NOTE: This Argentine movie is in Spanish with English subtitles. Also, it is rated “R” for a rape scene, violent images, some graphic nudity and language. Lastly, it’s fairly long at 2 hrs and 7 mins.
Clark
Sunday, June 20, 2010
THE BIG LEBOWSKI 4.0***
The reshowing of the movie, “The Big Lebowski”, at the Colony Theatre last Wed. night was a sell-out. Watching the movie with fellow dudes and dudettes was quite a fun and even electric experience. The Colony did some special things to make it even better..door prizes connected to the film, the best of which was a big and little rug, and 1998 movie previews of other movies of that year. The only thing missing was White Russians although they do serve beer and wine there. I’m sure most of the viewers got a WR before or after the movie in honor of the Dude.. I did.
I won’t attempt to describe the plot. Let’s just say it begins with a thug peeing on the Dude’ s favorite rug and goes from there. Along the way you come to be understand the pros and cons of bowling, smoking weed, White Russians, the Eagles music, delivering a ransom payoff, being unemployed, etc. It is one of the earlier Coen brother’s movies.. came after “Fargo” and has become a full-fledged cult classic.
The Dude is played by Jeff Bridges with a goatee, a potbelly, a ponytail and a pair of Bermuda shorts so large they may have been borrowed from his best friend and bowling teammate, Walter Sobchak (John Goodman). Their other teammate is Donny (Steve Buscemi), who may not be very bright, but it's hard be sure since he never is allowed to complete a sentence. Jeff Lebowski calls himself the Dude, and is described by the narrator as ``the laziest man in Los Angeles County.'' It also has a great supporting cast ( including, Julianne Moore, George Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, Sam Elliott, and Ben Gazzara). The Dude lives only to go bowling, but is mistaken for a millionaire named the Big Lebowski, with dire consequences. Jeff Bridges gives such a terrific performance but he makes it look too easy and, as a result, he lost out on an Academy Award.
“The Big Lebowski” is about attitude, not a story. It’s easy to lose sight of that because the story is do frenetic…what with a kidnapping and ransom money, a porn king, a runaway girl, a woman who paints while nude and strapped to a harness and, of course bowing. Lebowski is the ultimate personification of a Dude…so laid back, so chilled and yet so with it. If we could all be a little bit like the Dude, there would be an interesting world peace, a whole lot more unemployment than even now and, of course, marihuana would be legalized.
A warning for those adverse to profanity… the F-word or a variation of the F-word is used 292 times…. but remember, that’s how dudes talk.
Clark
TRIVIA NOTES:
The word "dude" is used around 161 times in the movie. .
The F-word or a variation of the F-word is used 292 times
The Dude says "man" 147 times in the movie, nearly 1.5 times a minute.
The Dude drinks 9 White Russians during the course of the movie.( Recipe for making a White Russian: 2 parts vodka, 1 part coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa) and 1 part cream. Served with ice in a low ball glass. )
The reshowing of the movie, “The Big Lebowski”, at the Colony Theatre last Wed. night was a sell-out. Watching the movie with fellow dudes and dudettes was quite a fun and even electric experience. The Colony did some special things to make it even better..door prizes connected to the film, the best of which was a big and little rug, and 1998 movie previews of other movies of that year. The only thing missing was White Russians although they do serve beer and wine there. I’m sure most of the viewers got a WR before or after the movie in honor of the Dude.. I did.
I won’t attempt to describe the plot. Let’s just say it begins with a thug peeing on the Dude’ s favorite rug and goes from there. Along the way you come to be understand the pros and cons of bowling, smoking weed, White Russians, the Eagles music, delivering a ransom payoff, being unemployed, etc. It is one of the earlier Coen brother’s movies.. came after “Fargo” and has become a full-fledged cult classic.
The Dude is played by Jeff Bridges with a goatee, a potbelly, a ponytail and a pair of Bermuda shorts so large they may have been borrowed from his best friend and bowling teammate, Walter Sobchak (John Goodman). Their other teammate is Donny (Steve Buscemi), who may not be very bright, but it's hard be sure since he never is allowed to complete a sentence. Jeff Lebowski calls himself the Dude, and is described by the narrator as ``the laziest man in Los Angeles County.'' It also has a great supporting cast ( including, Julianne Moore, George Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, Sam Elliott, and Ben Gazzara). The Dude lives only to go bowling, but is mistaken for a millionaire named the Big Lebowski, with dire consequences. Jeff Bridges gives such a terrific performance but he makes it look too easy and, as a result, he lost out on an Academy Award.
“The Big Lebowski” is about attitude, not a story. It’s easy to lose sight of that because the story is do frenetic…what with a kidnapping and ransom money, a porn king, a runaway girl, a woman who paints while nude and strapped to a harness and, of course bowing. Lebowski is the ultimate personification of a Dude…so laid back, so chilled and yet so with it. If we could all be a little bit like the Dude, there would be an interesting world peace, a whole lot more unemployment than even now and, of course, marihuana would be legalized.
A warning for those adverse to profanity… the F-word or a variation of the F-word is used 292 times…. but remember, that’s how dudes talk.
Clark
TRIVIA NOTES:
The word "dude" is used around 161 times in the movie. .
The F-word or a variation of the F-word is used 292 times
The Dude says "man" 147 times in the movie, nearly 1.5 times a minute.
The Dude drinks 9 White Russians during the course of the movie.( Recipe for making a White Russian: 2 parts vodka, 1 part coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa) and 1 part cream. Served with ice in a low ball glass. )
Thursday, June 10, 2010
GET HIM To The GREEK 3.0 ***
Aaron Greenberg (Jonah Hill) gets things done. The ambitious 23-year-old has exaggerated his way into a dream job just in time for a career-making assignment. His mission: Fly to London and escort a rock god Aldous Snow ( Russell Brand) to L.A.s Greek Theatre for the first-stop on a $100-million tour. His warning: Turn your back on him at your own peril. British rocker Snow is both a brilliant musician and walking sex machine. Weary of yes men and piles of money, Snow is searching for the meaning of life. But that doesn’t mean he can’t have a almost daily orgies while he finds it.
As the countdown to the concert begins, Greenberg, as his agent and guy-Friday, must navigate a minefield of London drug smuggling , New York City brawls and Vegas lap dances to deliver his charge safe and, sort of, sound. He may have to coax, lie, cheat, steal, to keep Snow moving along and on schedule, and at all times the question is: “Will Aaron l “get him to the Greek” on time or at all.
The movie opens with the filming of Snow's latest music video and then showing his downward spiral that leads to present day which is hilarious a hilarious, perfect beginning for this innovative comedic spin-off. If you saw 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' then this is exactly what you would expect a movie about Aldous Snow to be like. Surprisingly, this movie even has heart although it's buried under very lewd, vulgar and crude wit, but it's in there.
Russell Brand just opens his mouth and his words are comedic gold. Jonah Hill takes a step out of his comfort zone, and plays a "lack of confidence good guy". (Usually he's the overconfident prick). Sean “P.Diddy”Combs, as Aaron’ boss, delivers a surprisingly strong comedic performance. He's actually hilarious! His repartee with everyone he comes into contact with is spot-on. The entire cast has hilarious one-liners and the two main characters really make this movie a joy to watch.
WARNING: Rated “R”, and this is a strong “R” for strong sexual content and drug use throughout, and pervasive lewd and vulgar language and situations.
Clark
Aaron Greenberg (Jonah Hill) gets things done. The ambitious 23-year-old has exaggerated his way into a dream job just in time for a career-making assignment. His mission: Fly to London and escort a rock god Aldous Snow ( Russell Brand) to L.A.s Greek Theatre for the first-stop on a $100-million tour. His warning: Turn your back on him at your own peril. British rocker Snow is both a brilliant musician and walking sex machine. Weary of yes men and piles of money, Snow is searching for the meaning of life. But that doesn’t mean he can’t have a almost daily orgies while he finds it.
As the countdown to the concert begins, Greenberg, as his agent and guy-Friday, must navigate a minefield of London drug smuggling , New York City brawls and Vegas lap dances to deliver his charge safe and, sort of, sound. He may have to coax, lie, cheat, steal, to keep Snow moving along and on schedule, and at all times the question is: “Will Aaron l “get him to the Greek” on time or at all.
The movie opens with the filming of Snow's latest music video and then showing his downward spiral that leads to present day which is hilarious a hilarious, perfect beginning for this innovative comedic spin-off. If you saw 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' then this is exactly what you would expect a movie about Aldous Snow to be like. Surprisingly, this movie even has heart although it's buried under very lewd, vulgar and crude wit, but it's in there.
Russell Brand just opens his mouth and his words are comedic gold. Jonah Hill takes a step out of his comfort zone, and plays a "lack of confidence good guy". (Usually he's the overconfident prick). Sean “P.Diddy”Combs, as Aaron’ boss, delivers a surprisingly strong comedic performance. He's actually hilarious! His repartee with everyone he comes into contact with is spot-on. The entire cast has hilarious one-liners and the two main characters really make this movie a joy to watch.
WARNING: Rated “R”, and this is a strong “R” for strong sexual content and drug use throughout, and pervasive lewd and vulgar language and situations.
Clark
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
BABIES 3.0****
“Babies” films the lives of four children, from four different countries ( Africa, Mongolia, Japan and the United States ), born into different economic classes, but each experiencing the same trials and tribulations that the first year of life brings with it. From birth to the joyous moments when they first sit-up, crawl, stand, walk, and eventually run, we see that while these babies may be raised in dramatically different environments and conditions, their stories are shared global experiences. Toys are played with, animals poked and loved. The parents teach, scold, nourish, and love these children. The film delivers an overwhelming sense of joy and hope in a world of filled with fear and division. This is a breath of fresh air. A joyous, heartwarming tale, that will have you cheering at the simple feat of standing up under your own power.
Surprisingly there is no narrative or subtitles. Even more surprising, it works without it… it just that some things are understood in all languages. “Babies” shows how beautiful, terrifying, and often hilarious the first year of life is, no matter where you are born. The movie literally puts you alongside these children, through all of the ups and downs, joys and frustrations that life presents. It is a beautifully shot, touching film looking at a time in our life that we will never, ever remember on our own.
Why are all babies so cute? Why is the first word in any language appear to be "mama"? Why are the animals so ambivalent and nonthreatening to the babies? Why are moms so naturally tender with their little ones. It’s all there to take in.
So, if you have or have had kids, you’ll enjoy remembering. If you are going to have kids, this will be a “ learner”. If you will never have kids, this will be a pleasant revelation.
This has already played out at most theatres and didn’t have much of a run to begin with being an independent film. But find it on TV or rent it…relive that first year of life.
Clark
“Babies” films the lives of four children, from four different countries ( Africa, Mongolia, Japan and the United States ), born into different economic classes, but each experiencing the same trials and tribulations that the first year of life brings with it. From birth to the joyous moments when they first sit-up, crawl, stand, walk, and eventually run, we see that while these babies may be raised in dramatically different environments and conditions, their stories are shared global experiences. Toys are played with, animals poked and loved. The parents teach, scold, nourish, and love these children. The film delivers an overwhelming sense of joy and hope in a world of filled with fear and division. This is a breath of fresh air. A joyous, heartwarming tale, that will have you cheering at the simple feat of standing up under your own power.
Surprisingly there is no narrative or subtitles. Even more surprising, it works without it… it just that some things are understood in all languages. “Babies” shows how beautiful, terrifying, and often hilarious the first year of life is, no matter where you are born. The movie literally puts you alongside these children, through all of the ups and downs, joys and frustrations that life presents. It is a beautifully shot, touching film looking at a time in our life that we will never, ever remember on our own.
Why are all babies so cute? Why is the first word in any language appear to be "mama"? Why are the animals so ambivalent and nonthreatening to the babies? Why are moms so naturally tender with their little ones. It’s all there to take in.
So, if you have or have had kids, you’ll enjoy remembering. If you are going to have kids, this will be a “ learner”. If you will never have kids, this will be a pleasant revelation.
This has already played out at most theatres and didn’t have much of a run to begin with being an independent film. But find it on TV or rent it…relive that first year of life.
Clark
Thursday, June 3, 2010
CITY ISLAND 4.0**** out of 4****
It's a rare, exhilarating experience to see a film and not find a single false note within. This is one of the best written, perfectly acted, impeccably directed movies I have seen in a long while. It has a feeling of familiarity, and yet is surprising at EVERY moment, taking your expectations and turning them in the most interesting and unique ways. The story has the potential to be unbelievable and over the top, and it could have been a disaster in the wrong hands, but very early on you find yourself feeling so 'happy' with what transpires, that you are completely drawn in by the brilliance that's displayed. Achingly funny, and sweet without being too sentimental, it is an amazing piece of work. In creating the special world of 'City Island’, Director Raymond De Felitta has given us rainbow of universal emotions. Secrets, lies, miscommunication, love, and most of all, family, and make that a LOUD but loving Italian family.
City Island (2009) is a comedy/drama that gives us a glimpse into the lives of a somewhat dysfunctional but still quite lovable family from City Island, New York – and in this family everybody has a secret. Vince Rizzo Andy Garcia) is a mid-life corrections officer who wants to be an actor and is married to Joyce (Julianna Margulies). Joyce doesn't know his aspirations and suspects he is having an affair. Vivian (the daughter) and Vince Jr. (the son) have their own secrets as well, and Molly (Emily Mortimer),Vince's acting partner) is a slightly mysterious character we are never quite sure we understand. For the Rizzo family, things begin to unravel when Vince brings Tony home from jail to live with the family – based on yet another secret. It is only as all these secrets come out that the family can move forward together, and that is where the real center of power and meaning is for this film - in watching the characters grow, change, and respond to one another as the film progresses, and as the secrets are unveiled.
All the performances are quite good but Andy Garcia's performance as the gentle soul just trying to do right in the world keeps this marvelous soap opera as entertaining as you can ask for. I don't know if City Island will ever get the credit it deserves (it’s only playing at the independent movie houses), but in my opinion Andy Garcia's performance in City Island is the stuff that Oscars are made of.
So, grab on to your cinematic passport and get on that pleasurable movie cruise to "City Island”….it’s excellent.
It’s rated PG-13 for sexual content, smoking and language.
Clark
It's a rare, exhilarating experience to see a film and not find a single false note within. This is one of the best written, perfectly acted, impeccably directed movies I have seen in a long while. It has a feeling of familiarity, and yet is surprising at EVERY moment, taking your expectations and turning them in the most interesting and unique ways. The story has the potential to be unbelievable and over the top, and it could have been a disaster in the wrong hands, but very early on you find yourself feeling so 'happy' with what transpires, that you are completely drawn in by the brilliance that's displayed. Achingly funny, and sweet without being too sentimental, it is an amazing piece of work. In creating the special world of 'City Island’, Director Raymond De Felitta has given us rainbow of universal emotions. Secrets, lies, miscommunication, love, and most of all, family, and make that a LOUD but loving Italian family.
City Island (2009) is a comedy/drama that gives us a glimpse into the lives of a somewhat dysfunctional but still quite lovable family from City Island, New York – and in this family everybody has a secret. Vince Rizzo Andy Garcia) is a mid-life corrections officer who wants to be an actor and is married to Joyce (Julianna Margulies). Joyce doesn't know his aspirations and suspects he is having an affair. Vivian (the daughter) and Vince Jr. (the son) have their own secrets as well, and Molly (Emily Mortimer),Vince's acting partner) is a slightly mysterious character we are never quite sure we understand. For the Rizzo family, things begin to unravel when Vince brings Tony home from jail to live with the family – based on yet another secret. It is only as all these secrets come out that the family can move forward together, and that is where the real center of power and meaning is for this film - in watching the characters grow, change, and respond to one another as the film progresses, and as the secrets are unveiled.
All the performances are quite good but Andy Garcia's performance as the gentle soul just trying to do right in the world keeps this marvelous soap opera as entertaining as you can ask for. I don't know if City Island will ever get the credit it deserves (it’s only playing at the independent movie houses), but in my opinion Andy Garcia's performance in City Island is the stuff that Oscars are made of.
So, grab on to your cinematic passport and get on that pleasurable movie cruise to "City Island”….it’s excellent.
It’s rated PG-13 for sexual content, smoking and language.
Clark
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