THE DEBT 3.0***
In the “The Debt”, three young Jewish Mossad agents in 1966 East Berlin seek to find and capture The Surgeon of Birkenau, a ruthless doctor that performed horrific acts on imprisoned Jews during World War II. We watch them as they prepare for and begin 'The Mission' and follow them through the intricate plot details that, if all goes correctly, will get the doctor across the Berlin wall to West Berlin and then back to Israel to face trial for his heinous actions But things don't go according to plan and soon the three (Rachel, Stefan and David ) are forced to remain in hiding with their prisoner until they can determine a new course of action. Something happens with the doctor and the three of them have to decide how to handle the screw-up and then to agree that it will be their secret… their ‘debt’ to each other. In the more modern times of 1997, we learn that Rachel and Stefan married and divorced, and then David reappears after being away, sees both of them and then commits suicide. Their daughter has written a book about the kidnapping and the days that followed in the apartment detailing her parents as heroes to the cause.
Where "The Debt" excels is in the outstanding performances of its very good cast. Top billing goes to the older versions of the Mossad agents, Helen Mirren (Rachel), Tom Wilkinson (Stephan), and Ciaran Hinds ( David ) and each hold their own. Mirren does a solid job of exhibiting the weight that a 30 year secret leaves on a person As for their younger versions, both Marton Csokas and Sam Worthington give strong portrayals. Jespersen Christensen, too, gives the evil Doctor Vogel a terrifying aura of refined Nazi hatred and menace. But in the end, "The Debt" hangs primarily on the performance of Jessica Chastain as the young Rachel. Her portrayal is measured and cautious and often her best moments are those in which she does not speak but instead lets her eyes and body language do the talking. What is remarkable is that she is an actress that virtually no one had heard of at the beginning of this year (2011). With only a handful of credits to her name, by the end of this year (2011), she will have appeared in no less than six films including “The Help”.
Good movie but I did find some minor annoyances. First, the secret (and thus “the debt”) the characters kept concerning acts they committed were not mere "mistakes."… not "Oopsie! My bad." Rather acts of cowardice and selfishness on an order that bordered on treason. Second, the characters had stupidity beyond typical character weaknesses in that they oddly were derelict in letting their own personalities get in the way of fulfilling their mission. I found it hard to believe that real life Mossad agents would have been that dumb.
Beyond being a thriller, though, this was really about the motives and morals of the people involved. The main theme of the film was always more about the terrible secret the former Mossad agents carried. As the plot unraveled and revealed for us what that secret was, and what that might have meant to the characters, we are presented with a clear case that it was the process of keeping a secret and what it cost them to do so that was the real movie story. The thriller story merely gave us an excuse, an occasion, to glimpse inside the hearts and minds of people in anguish.
Not a cheerful movie, but not overly grim, either. Very well cast, very well acted.
Clark
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
APOLLO 18 2.5***
In "Apollo 18," the Department of Defense ( a red flag in and of itself) is in charge of the next and what ends up being the last mission to the Moon, but they keep it shrouded in complete secrecy. "Apollo 18" resembles low-budget horror films without a celebrity cast like "The Blair Witch Project" and "Paranormal Activity" where the chills are caught on camera as they actually occur. Apparently, everything that the "Apollo 18" astronauts videoed was transmitted back to Mission Control. Years afterward, some mysterious people gain access to these classified videos and edit the footage together and then upload it to the Internet. "Apollo 18" purports to be the reason NASA never launched another Moon mission. There are good performances by Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, and Ryan Robbins as the astronauts. And indeed, our heroes encounter aliens, but not the kind of aliens that Hollywood usually serves up., "Apollo 18" qualifies as a creepy exercise in suspense and tension .Sort of a “Paranormal Activity” in space which is intensified to some extent because of the so narrow view from those space suits and the so cramped interior of the moon lander.
This is of course a make believe, i.e. fictional documentary. What is sometimes called a mockumentary. The problem with these films is the almost constant use of hand held cameras which result in a the picture being shaky and out of focus. They could've easily stationed a camera outside the ship and in areas inside the ship which would've given us a bird’s eye view and some good shots, but no, they persisted in the “reality” effects of hand held cameras. The picture is constantly shaking up and down, focusing on background shots and the whole thing gets a bit disorientating after awhile while trying to follow what's happening. You can hear the great stuff going on, but again the damned camera's block the effects and everything else that makes a horror movie great.
This was an excellent effort that was poorly executed. Saying words like “poorly executed” sounds so pretentious, but here it is so true.
Clark
In "Apollo 18," the Department of Defense ( a red flag in and of itself) is in charge of the next and what ends up being the last mission to the Moon, but they keep it shrouded in complete secrecy. "Apollo 18" resembles low-budget horror films without a celebrity cast like "The Blair Witch Project" and "Paranormal Activity" where the chills are caught on camera as they actually occur. Apparently, everything that the "Apollo 18" astronauts videoed was transmitted back to Mission Control. Years afterward, some mysterious people gain access to these classified videos and edit the footage together and then upload it to the Internet. "Apollo 18" purports to be the reason NASA never launched another Moon mission. There are good performances by Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, and Ryan Robbins as the astronauts. And indeed, our heroes encounter aliens, but not the kind of aliens that Hollywood usually serves up., "Apollo 18" qualifies as a creepy exercise in suspense and tension .Sort of a “Paranormal Activity” in space which is intensified to some extent because of the so narrow view from those space suits and the so cramped interior of the moon lander.
This is of course a make believe, i.e. fictional documentary. What is sometimes called a mockumentary. The problem with these films is the almost constant use of hand held cameras which result in a the picture being shaky and out of focus. They could've easily stationed a camera outside the ship and in areas inside the ship which would've given us a bird’s eye view and some good shots, but no, they persisted in the “reality” effects of hand held cameras. The picture is constantly shaking up and down, focusing on background shots and the whole thing gets a bit disorientating after awhile while trying to follow what's happening. You can hear the great stuff going on, but again the damned camera's block the effects and everything else that makes a horror movie great.
This was an excellent effort that was poorly executed. Saying words like “poorly executed” sounds so pretentious, but here it is so true.
Clark
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
FLY AWAY HOME 4.0****
I’ve decided that after re-watching this 2004 film, “Fly Away Home”, this is one of the best family movies ever made. So, gather the family, the kids, yours and your neighbors' and fire-up the pop-corn-popper or microwave and kick back and enjoy a delightful really feel-good family movie !!. Yes, it is THAT good.
Amy( Anna Pacquin) is only 13 years old when her mother is killed in an auto wreck in New Zealand. She goes to Canada to live with her estranged father (Jeff Daniels), an eccentric inventor whom she barely knows. Amy is miserable in her new life...that is until she discovers a nest of goose eggs that were abandoned when developers began clearing a local forest. The eggs hatch and Amy becomes "Mama Goose".( In fact this “imprinting” is a true because without their real mother goose, the geese attach and bond to whatever and whoever is around when they hatch. Later, the young geese must fly south for the winter or die, but how will they get there? Could it be with a pair of ultra-light airplanes.? Amy, her dad and their friends must find a way to do it
It's difficult to pin-point which of the many elements of filmmaking that make this movie such a joy to watch again and again. But, first and foremost, it all comes down to a great story and the excellent screenwriting. The key point in the story is the discovery by Amy of the abandoned nest of Canadian geese eggs, and that becomes the impetus that takes with her on her journey. While the story is primarily about the geese and they will absolutely grab you from the get-go and you’ll love the way they are lovingly photographed on land, water and in the air. And wait 'till you get a gander at the dad-made goose-looking ultra-light plane that Amy flies to lead the flock.
But the story is also about Amy's recovery and reconnection with her future, with her life. It plays out masterfully through the performances of Anna Paquin as Amy and Jeff Daniels as her father. The awesome story is supported with moving consistency in the music, the gorgeous cinematography and fine casting. The cinematography is National Geographic quality. When the goslings ( baby geese) follow Amy around, much of the photography is from ground level. Later when they are all flying, the photography is right there in the flying formation. You are seeing the birds, in flight, right next to you. The beauty of the motion is unbelievable. There is beauty in seeing them fly. There is beauty in seeing them in their habitat. But the overwhelming beauty is in their living.
The final sequence is a thing of sublime, powerful beauty that is rarely seen in movies these days. A powerful, wordless climax. Something that happens so effortlessly, because the story that comes before has been told so completely and with such skill. I cried a little out of the pure joy of the moment and most who watch it will at least tear-up a little.
Clark
FOOTNOTE: Yes this is the same Anna Pacquin who plays sultry role of “Sookie” in the hit vampire TV series, “True Blood”.
I’ve decided that after re-watching this 2004 film, “Fly Away Home”, this is one of the best family movies ever made. So, gather the family, the kids, yours and your neighbors' and fire-up the pop-corn-popper or microwave and kick back and enjoy a delightful really feel-good family movie !!. Yes, it is THAT good.
Amy( Anna Pacquin) is only 13 years old when her mother is killed in an auto wreck in New Zealand. She goes to Canada to live with her estranged father (Jeff Daniels), an eccentric inventor whom she barely knows. Amy is miserable in her new life...that is until she discovers a nest of goose eggs that were abandoned when developers began clearing a local forest. The eggs hatch and Amy becomes "Mama Goose".( In fact this “imprinting” is a true because without their real mother goose, the geese attach and bond to whatever and whoever is around when they hatch. Later, the young geese must fly south for the winter or die, but how will they get there? Could it be with a pair of ultra-light airplanes.? Amy, her dad and their friends must find a way to do it
It's difficult to pin-point which of the many elements of filmmaking that make this movie such a joy to watch again and again. But, first and foremost, it all comes down to a great story and the excellent screenwriting. The key point in the story is the discovery by Amy of the abandoned nest of Canadian geese eggs, and that becomes the impetus that takes with her on her journey. While the story is primarily about the geese and they will absolutely grab you from the get-go and you’ll love the way they are lovingly photographed on land, water and in the air. And wait 'till you get a gander at the dad-made goose-looking ultra-light plane that Amy flies to lead the flock.
But the story is also about Amy's recovery and reconnection with her future, with her life. It plays out masterfully through the performances of Anna Paquin as Amy and Jeff Daniels as her father. The awesome story is supported with moving consistency in the music, the gorgeous cinematography and fine casting. The cinematography is National Geographic quality. When the goslings ( baby geese) follow Amy around, much of the photography is from ground level. Later when they are all flying, the photography is right there in the flying formation. You are seeing the birds, in flight, right next to you. The beauty of the motion is unbelievable. There is beauty in seeing them fly. There is beauty in seeing them in their habitat. But the overwhelming beauty is in their living.
The final sequence is a thing of sublime, powerful beauty that is rarely seen in movies these days. A powerful, wordless climax. Something that happens so effortlessly, because the story that comes before has been told so completely and with such skill. I cried a little out of the pure joy of the moment and most who watch it will at least tear-up a little.
Clark
FOOTNOTE: Yes this is the same Anna Pacquin who plays sultry role of “Sookie” in the hit vampire TV series, “True Blood”.
FLY AWAY HOME 4.0****
I’ve decided that after re-watching this 2004 film, “Fly Away Home”, this is one of the best family movies ever made. So, gather the family, the kids, yours and your neighbors' and fire-up the pop-corn-popper or microwave and kick back and enjoy a delightful really feel-good family movie !!. Yes, it is THAT good.
Amy( Anna Pacquin) is only 13 years old when her mother is killed in an auto wreck in New Zealand. She goes to Canada to live with her estranged father (Jeff Daniels), an eccentric inventor whom she barely knows. Amy is miserable in her new life...that is until she discovers a nest of goose eggs that were abandoned when developers began clearing a local forest. The eggs hatch and Amy becomes "Mama Goose".( In fact this “imprinting” is a true because without their real mother goose, the geese attach and bond to whatever and whoever is around when they hatch. Later, the young geese must fly south for the winter or die, but how will they get there? Could it be with a pair of ultra-light airplanes.? Amy, her dad and their friends must find a way to do it
It's difficult to pin-point which of the many elements of filmmaking that make this movie such a joy to watch again and again. But, first and foremost, it all comes down to a great story and the excellent screenwriting. The key point in the story is the discovery by Amy of the abandoned nest of Canadian geese eggs, and that becomes the impetus that takes with her on her journey. While the story is primarily about the geese and they will absolutely grab you from the get-go and you’ll love the way they are lovingly photographed on land, water and in the air. And wait 'till you get a gander at the dad-made goose-looking ultra-light plane that Amy flies to lead the flock.
But the story is also about Amy's recovery and reconnection with her future, with her life. It plays out masterfully through the performances of Anna Paquin as Amy and Jeff Daniels as her father. The awesome story is supported with moving consistency in the music, the gorgeous cinematography and fine casting. The cinematography is National Geographic quality. When the goslings ( baby geese) follow Amy around, much of the photography is from ground level. Later when they are all flying, the photography is right there in the flying formation. You are seeing the birds, in flight, right next to you. The beauty of the motion is unbelievable. There is beauty in seeing them fly. There is beauty in seeing them in their habitat. But the overwhelming beauty is in their living.
The final sequence is a thing of sublime, powerful beauty that is rarely seen in movies these days. A powerful, wordless climax. Something that happens so effortlessly, because the story that comes before has been told so completely and with such skill. I cried a little out of the pure joy of the moment and most who watch it will at least tear-up a little.
Clark
FOOTNOTE: Yes this is the same Anna Pacquin who plays sultry role of “Sookie” in the hit vampire TV series, “True Blood”.
I’ve decided that after re-watching this 2004 film, “Fly Away Home”, this is one of the best family movies ever made. So, gather the family, the kids, yours and your neighbors' and fire-up the pop-corn-popper or microwave and kick back and enjoy a delightful really feel-good family movie !!. Yes, it is THAT good.
Amy( Anna Pacquin) is only 13 years old when her mother is killed in an auto wreck in New Zealand. She goes to Canada to live with her estranged father (Jeff Daniels), an eccentric inventor whom she barely knows. Amy is miserable in her new life...that is until she discovers a nest of goose eggs that were abandoned when developers began clearing a local forest. The eggs hatch and Amy becomes "Mama Goose".( In fact this “imprinting” is a true because without their real mother goose, the geese attach and bond to whatever and whoever is around when they hatch. Later, the young geese must fly south for the winter or die, but how will they get there? Could it be with a pair of ultra-light airplanes.? Amy, her dad and their friends must find a way to do it
It's difficult to pin-point which of the many elements of filmmaking that make this movie such a joy to watch again and again. But, first and foremost, it all comes down to a great story and the excellent screenwriting. The key point in the story is the discovery by Amy of the abandoned nest of Canadian geese eggs, and that becomes the impetus that takes with her on her journey. While the story is primarily about the geese and they will absolutely grab you from the get-go and you’ll love the way they are lovingly photographed on land, water and in the air. And wait 'till you get a gander at the dad-made goose-looking ultra-light plane that Amy flies to lead the flock.
But the story is also about Amy's recovery and reconnection with her future, with her life. It plays out masterfully through the performances of Anna Paquin as Amy and Jeff Daniels as her father. The awesome story is supported with moving consistency in the music, the gorgeous cinematography and fine casting. The cinematography is National Geographic quality. When the goslings ( baby geese) follow Amy around, much of the photography is from ground level. Later when they are all flying, the photography is right there in the flying formation. You are seeing the birds, in flight, right next to you. The beauty of the motion is unbelievable. There is beauty in seeing them fly. There is beauty in seeing them in their habitat. But the overwhelming beauty is in their living.
The final sequence is a thing of sublime, powerful beauty that is rarely seen in movies these days. A powerful, wordless climax. Something that happens so effortlessly, because the story that comes before has been told so completely and with such skill. I cried a little out of the pure joy of the moment and most who watch it will at least tear-up a little.
Clark
FOOTNOTE: Yes this is the same Anna Pacquin who plays sultry role of “Sookie” in the hit vampire TV series, “True Blood”.
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