WAITING FOR SUPERMAN 3.0***
This documentary sends out shock-waves of frustration and a sense of futility when it explores the state of America's public schools. Interviews with education specialists, school superintendents and even Bill Gates add up to an impressive assembly of informed adults who know what the problem is, but haven't figured out a way to fix it on a large scale.
Washington, D.C. schools superintendent Michelle Rhee says it well when she summarizes the basic problem: "Public schools fail when children's education becomes about the adults." The adults who fail these children are not limited to public officials and government bureaucrats although a large portion of the blame is reserved for ineffective teachers and the teachers' unions who ensure that those bad teachers receive tenure and cannot be removed from schools even for cause.. The documentary focuses on five public school children who represent inner-city kids with broken families and day-to-day financial struggles (except for a student of middle-class parents in the Silicon Valley). With that one exception, all are enrolled in failing public elementary schools and have little chance of graduating high school if they move on to the regularly assigned secondary schools in their districts. Often their only hope is to literally win the a lottery drawing for limited spaces at public charter schools and rare, effective public schools within or outside of their district. The film deals with a tangled web of adult issues that make a child's education more difficult, which probably puts it outside the spectrum of interest for most kids under age 12. .
Top of Form
Waiting for Superman is useful as a way to get people who have no idea what's going on what is going on to at least get the cliff-notes version of it. It is, in short, a good documentary but not quite a great
one, and will be a big upper or a big downer depending on who you are in the audience, if you have kids, if you're a teacher, or if you're a politician.
Clark
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
LET ME IN 4.0*** for the genre and 3.5*** overall
To begin with, I was quite skeptical at the thought of an American version/remake of the beautifully haunting Swedish film “Let The Right One”. But after seeing it, I'm happy to report that Director Matt Reeves has knocked it out of the park! This is an incredible movie... dare I say even as good as “Let The Right One In”. It is truly hard to believe that flawless adaptations ( it's based on the same book) of this great story could be done this well twice. But the level of skill on every point is startling. These are two of the best vampire film stories to come around in years. And since Director Reeves faithfully sticks to the story it means an audience who may not have watched the subtitled original will get a chance to take it in.
“Let Me In” is not the in-your-face horror movie as the previews would lead you to believe. “Let Me In” is actually a rather tender tale of boy meets vampire girl and how they come to bond with each other. Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a twelve year-old who is constantly and brutally bullied at school and has no friends and lives with an alcoholic mother. One night, Owen meets a strange, but friendly girl who moves in next door. She is 12 (more or less) and appears perfectly normal except she walks around barefoot in the snow. Her name is Abby (Chloe Grace Moretz) and as Owen gradually learns, she is anything but normal… she is a 250 year old vampire who was frozen in time as a 12 year old girl when she was vampirized .
Nobody could have ever predicted that someone could reproduce “Let the Right One In” in a way that is both original and different but at the same time faithful to the story. The performances by Kodi Smit-Mcphee and Chloe Grace Moretz are absolutely stunning. The films directing is right on…he let the child actors teach him what 12 year olds are like and he learned well…and the sound track is awesome… somber and lilting during the quiet moments and “Psycho”- like during the horror moments…great contrast.
The story and the film are a wonderful study of human nature and asks important questions. Are there truly evil people in the world? And are they always evil, or can they actually be wonderful in the eyes of someone else ? One of the great strengths of this film is that it constantly moves between two worlds--the sweetness of youth, and the true horror of what a vampire really is. We get a front row seat to both you’re left to decide if the evil outweighs the good.
If you’re a vampire movie fan, it’s a must see. If you’re a novice at this kind of film, this is a good one to “cut your teeth on”.
Clak
To begin with, I was quite skeptical at the thought of an American version/remake of the beautifully haunting Swedish film “Let The Right One”. But after seeing it, I'm happy to report that Director Matt Reeves has knocked it out of the park! This is an incredible movie... dare I say even as good as “Let The Right One In”. It is truly hard to believe that flawless adaptations ( it's based on the same book) of this great story could be done this well twice. But the level of skill on every point is startling. These are two of the best vampire film stories to come around in years. And since Director Reeves faithfully sticks to the story it means an audience who may not have watched the subtitled original will get a chance to take it in.
“Let Me In” is not the in-your-face horror movie as the previews would lead you to believe. “Let Me In” is actually a rather tender tale of boy meets vampire girl and how they come to bond with each other. Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a twelve year-old who is constantly and brutally bullied at school and has no friends and lives with an alcoholic mother. One night, Owen meets a strange, but friendly girl who moves in next door. She is 12 (more or less) and appears perfectly normal except she walks around barefoot in the snow. Her name is Abby (Chloe Grace Moretz) and as Owen gradually learns, she is anything but normal… she is a 250 year old vampire who was frozen in time as a 12 year old girl when she was vampirized .
Nobody could have ever predicted that someone could reproduce “Let the Right One In” in a way that is both original and different but at the same time faithful to the story. The performances by Kodi Smit-Mcphee and Chloe Grace Moretz are absolutely stunning. The films directing is right on…he let the child actors teach him what 12 year olds are like and he learned well…and the sound track is awesome… somber and lilting during the quiet moments and “Psycho”- like during the horror moments…great contrast.
The story and the film are a wonderful study of human nature and asks important questions. Are there truly evil people in the world? And are they always evil, or can they actually be wonderful in the eyes of someone else ? One of the great strengths of this film is that it constantly moves between two worlds--the sweetness of youth, and the true horror of what a vampire really is. We get a front row seat to both you’re left to decide if the evil outweighs the good.
If you’re a vampire movie fan, it’s a must see. If you’re a novice at this kind of film, this is a good one to “cut your teeth on”.
Clak
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
MY NAME IS KHAN 4.0***
If there is a movie worth watching this year, then it has to be this one as it contains a pure and simple message, not just for one person, or a religion, but for everyone, a message for humanity. The lead character, Rizvan Khan, suffers from Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism that allows the person to function more than otherwise. Born with this social interaction disability, Rizvan detests anything yellow or loud, but is gifted with the ability of repairing most any kind of appliance.. Events lead him to the US to live with his brother where he falls in love with and marries the vivacious Mandira who has a son by a prior marriage. Things change after 9/11 when Mandira’s son is killed as the outgrowth of intense communal hatred for Muslims and, therefore, his Muslim last name ‘Khan’. Heartbroken Mandira comes to hate her husband, Rizvan, for marrying her and giving her and her now dead son his Muslim last name. It is now up to Khan to regain his lost love!
The movie brings home very vividly the message that not every Muslim is a terrorist, and Rizvan’s mission, his obsession, is to tell this to the US President, and by doing so, he hopes to win back Mandira. Many obstacles are thrown in his path, including his being suspected of being a terrorist and the imprisonment and torture that follows. But nothing deters our undaunted hero who even generously offers to repair the air conditioner in the prison! Ah yes, he also teaches us about the correct pronunciation of his Muslim name “Khan”
Khan’s perception of life is as his beloved mother taught him: the world includes only two groups of people – good people and bad people. This may be overly general yet is so very true. The memory of his mother follows him always. The portrayal of Rizvan’s childhood is amazing. His relationship with the love of his life, Mandira who works as a hairdresser and who ultimately agrees to marry him, is totally charming. And his efforts to win her back are awe-inspiring and heartwarming, and are guaranteed to bring many tears to your eyes.
Simply stated this is a wonderful film that should not be missed. It comes out of India from the Bollywood franchise but is way beyond their usual fare. This is excellent and should be nominated for Best Foreign film and should probably win,
NOTE: You’ll have to rent this one as it came out earlier this year. Also, since it’s an authentic Indian film, you’ll have to read subtitles most of the time BUT it is worth it.
Clark
If there is a movie worth watching this year, then it has to be this one as it contains a pure and simple message, not just for one person, or a religion, but for everyone, a message for humanity. The lead character, Rizvan Khan, suffers from Asperger Syndrome, a form of autism that allows the person to function more than otherwise. Born with this social interaction disability, Rizvan detests anything yellow or loud, but is gifted with the ability of repairing most any kind of appliance.. Events lead him to the US to live with his brother where he falls in love with and marries the vivacious Mandira who has a son by a prior marriage. Things change after 9/11 when Mandira’s son is killed as the outgrowth of intense communal hatred for Muslims and, therefore, his Muslim last name ‘Khan’. Heartbroken Mandira comes to hate her husband, Rizvan, for marrying her and giving her and her now dead son his Muslim last name. It is now up to Khan to regain his lost love!
The movie brings home very vividly the message that not every Muslim is a terrorist, and Rizvan’s mission, his obsession, is to tell this to the US President, and by doing so, he hopes to win back Mandira. Many obstacles are thrown in his path, including his being suspected of being a terrorist and the imprisonment and torture that follows. But nothing deters our undaunted hero who even generously offers to repair the air conditioner in the prison! Ah yes, he also teaches us about the correct pronunciation of his Muslim name “Khan”
Khan’s perception of life is as his beloved mother taught him: the world includes only two groups of people – good people and bad people. This may be overly general yet is so very true. The memory of his mother follows him always. The portrayal of Rizvan’s childhood is amazing. His relationship with the love of his life, Mandira who works as a hairdresser and who ultimately agrees to marry him, is totally charming. And his efforts to win her back are awe-inspiring and heartwarming, and are guaranteed to bring many tears to your eyes.
Simply stated this is a wonderful film that should not be missed. It comes out of India from the Bollywood franchise but is way beyond their usual fare. This is excellent and should be nominated for Best Foreign film and should probably win,
NOTE: You’ll have to rent this one as it came out earlier this year. Also, since it’s an authentic Indian film, you’ll have to read subtitles most of the time BUT it is worth it.
Clark
Monday, October 4, 2010
WALL STREET MONEY NEVER SLEEPS 3.5***
Oliver Stone's 1987 film "Wall Street" took viewers into the exotic world of high finance and stock trading. Now, 23 years later, Oliver Stone returns with its sequel. This is the first ever sequel Stone has directed. The first movie was a huge hit as it came at time when financial news was just news and suddenly there was this movie on banking that was a thriller. This time there's nothing ground breaking about it except in gets into exotic mortgage securities and the outlandish sale of insurance to cover losses on them. This is the rare sequel that took its time (23 years) and not only advances the story but also has something new to say. Stone and his writers have crafted a tale that takes advantage of viewers' newfound knowledge and cynicism about banking and high finance and “being too big to fail.”.
Also, Stone brings Gordon Gekko back to the big screen with Michael Douglas reprising his screen-stealing role as Gekko. He is but one of many talented actors who make up the strong cast, which include Shia LeBeouf (Transformers, 2007), Carey Mulligan (An Education, 2009), Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon, 2008), Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, 2007), and Charlie Sheen, who played Bud Fox, a lead character in the first Wall Street, also makes a cameo appearance.
The story settles quickly on young proprietary trader Jake Moore (LaBeouf), who just happens to be in love with Winnie Gekko (Mulligan), Gekko’s estranged daughter. Despite Gekko's attempts to warn Wall Street of the economic downturn and impending stock market crash, no one takes him seriously because of his early crimes for insider trading. Then Gekko tries through Jake to rebuild his relationship with his daughter who blames him for her brother's suicide. In the mean while, the global economy is on the verge of disaster,
Can Douglas win two Oscars playing the same role? An actor rarely gets the opportunity to revive a breakthrough role in a way that allows him to rethink the character and to reflect on where fatal flaws once lay. Douglas does this brilliantly and, in my opinion, coupled with his probable death from throat cancer, he could win the Oscar posthumously. LaBeouf is top notch. He nicely balances his character's idealism and shrewdness. Mulligan and Brolin deliver strong supporting roles with attention-grabbing characters.
I say that you should go to this movie to experience Gordon Gekko after 23 years and to experience a well done classy movie by Oliver Stone. Oh too, it has a nice romantic story and is a thriller.
Clark
Oliver Stone's 1987 film "Wall Street" took viewers into the exotic world of high finance and stock trading. Now, 23 years later, Oliver Stone returns with its sequel. This is the first ever sequel Stone has directed. The first movie was a huge hit as it came at time when financial news was just news and suddenly there was this movie on banking that was a thriller. This time there's nothing ground breaking about it except in gets into exotic mortgage securities and the outlandish sale of insurance to cover losses on them. This is the rare sequel that took its time (23 years) and not only advances the story but also has something new to say. Stone and his writers have crafted a tale that takes advantage of viewers' newfound knowledge and cynicism about banking and high finance and “being too big to fail.”.
Also, Stone brings Gordon Gekko back to the big screen with Michael Douglas reprising his screen-stealing role as Gekko. He is but one of many talented actors who make up the strong cast, which include Shia LeBeouf (Transformers, 2007), Carey Mulligan (An Education, 2009), Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon, 2008), Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, 2007), and Charlie Sheen, who played Bud Fox, a lead character in the first Wall Street, also makes a cameo appearance.
The story settles quickly on young proprietary trader Jake Moore (LaBeouf), who just happens to be in love with Winnie Gekko (Mulligan), Gekko’s estranged daughter. Despite Gekko's attempts to warn Wall Street of the economic downturn and impending stock market crash, no one takes him seriously because of his early crimes for insider trading. Then Gekko tries through Jake to rebuild his relationship with his daughter who blames him for her brother's suicide. In the mean while, the global economy is on the verge of disaster,
Can Douglas win two Oscars playing the same role? An actor rarely gets the opportunity to revive a breakthrough role in a way that allows him to rethink the character and to reflect on where fatal flaws once lay. Douglas does this brilliantly and, in my opinion, coupled with his probable death from throat cancer, he could win the Oscar posthumously. LaBeouf is top notch. He nicely balances his character's idealism and shrewdness. Mulligan and Brolin deliver strong supporting roles with attention-grabbing characters.
I say that you should go to this movie to experience Gordon Gekko after 23 years and to experience a well done classy movie by Oliver Stone. Oh too, it has a nice romantic story and is a thriller.
Clark
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