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GRAN TORINO

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Bee Vang, Ahney Her and Cory Hardrict

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Rated R for language throughout and some violence

By John Delia

Clint Eastwood does it again with Gran Torino, a brilliant film that deals with life and it's stumbling blocks. Giving another great performance in the lead role, Eastwood shows his mastery for portraying subjects that are interesting and imaginative. If you like dramatic films that give you a view of society that you don't readily see, than Gran Torino is for you.
Eastwood portrays Walt Kowalski, an iron-willed and inflexible Korean War veteran living in a changing world, who is forced by his immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices. A retired autoworker Kowalski fills his days with home repair, beer and monthly trips to the barber. Though his late wife's final wish was for him to take confession, for Walt--an embittered veteran of the Korean War who keeps his M-1 rifle cleaned and ready--there's nothing to confess. And no one he trusts enough to confess to other than his dog, Daisy.
The people he once called his neighbors have all moved or passed away, replaced by Hmong immigrants, from Southeast Asia, he despises. Resentful of virtually everything he sees--the drooping eaves, overgrown lawns and the foreign faces surrounding him; the aimless gangs of Hmong, Latino and African American teenagers who all think the neighborhood belongs to them; the callow strangers his children have grown up to be--Walt is just waiting out the rest of his life. Until the night someone tries to steal his `72 Gran Torino.
Eastwood is at his best when his films involve a life struggle. As Walt, a cantankerous old codger who has pushed away his children and makes war on his new neighbors, Eastwood commands the screen. He is very convincing here with his crass and no holds barred racist attitude that touches almost every ethnic group. I enjoyed his banter between his son's who seem to want the best for him but more than likely want to move on from the years of not being loved.
As a director Eastwood brings out some very good performances in the young teens that are the antagonists and antithesis within the storyline. Vang does a great job as Tao, the Hmong boy who is the target of a gang and Her gives a touching performance as his sister who sees the good side of Walt.
The film does contain a lot of racial slurs and is Rated R for language throughout and some graphic violence, so be cautioned.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Gran Torino is a very good film that has great acting by Eastwood and visualizes a seedier side to life. (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchette, Jason Flemyng, Tilda Swinton, Taraji P. Henson, Elle Fanning and Julia Ormond

Directed by: David Fincher

PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking

By John Delia

The film may be the best of the year with stellar acting, amazing make-up and CGI, superb directing and remarkable cinematography. I loved the odd yet touching romantic drama that held my interest throughout the nearly three-hour length. If you like films with wonderment at every turn, then The Curious Case of Benjamin Button should fill your fantasy.

The film, based on a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, centers on the birth of a child who is so hideous that his mother is forced by her husband to abandon it at a retirement home. A worker at the home takes the child in as her own and raises him. Aging backward, from his eighties the boy starts to grow in mind much like normal children, but still in the shell of an old man. As his life progresses we get to rummage though his loves, a stint in the war, his travels and the wonders of change all seen from the odd perspective of reverse ageing.

I found the film very fascinating as it played out showing the reverse aging process while the other characters aged normally. The film is brilliant in capturing the life of Benjamin as he catches up to his childhood with stopovers along the way.

Pitt does a terrific job of keeping in character throughout the film even under the most difficult circumstances of portraying Benjamin at challenging age levels. His ability project to me the believability of the character's age progression, especially the younger (when he is old looking) years where he is learning life skills, shows genuine talent.

In support Blanchette as older Daisy who tells the story and Swinton as a forlorn Elizabeth Abbott who falls in love with Benjamin are excellent. The two pull the story together and make it romantic and interesting. I also enjoyed the acting of Fanning as the younger Daisy who befriends Benjamin while others shun the boy.

Topping the cast however, is Henson as Queenie the housekeeper who takes Benjamin in and raises him. With an endearing performance, her devotion to raising the odd looking boy is moving and admirable.

The film is rated PG-13 for brief war violence, sexual content, language and smoking so be sure to take this into consideration when deciding to take immature children to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The amazing and enjoyable film has Oscar awards written all over it. (5 of 5 stars)

THE SPIRIT

Starring: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Jamie King, Scarlet Johansson and Sarah Paulson

Written and Directed by: Frank Miller

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of stylized violence and action, some sexual content and brief nudity

By John Delia

I am a big fan of filmmaker Frank Miller movies like Sin City and 300 both with a highly stylized presentation of their plot. With The Spirit he's added another creative gem that should be easily enjoyed by comic book lovers and those who enjoy unusual up in your face movies.
The movie plot centers on Denny Colt (Macht), a murdered cop who is mysteriously reborn as the masked crime fighter called the Spirit. Determined to keep his beloved Central City safe, the Spirit pursues Central City's villains from the shadows and seeks to remove the worst of them all: the psychotic megalomaniac known as the Octopus (Jackson) who seeks to rule the world with powers obtained from the blood of Hercules. Yet as busy as his ongoing mission keeps him, the dashing crusader always manages to make time for beautiful women, including; San Serif (Mendes), Ellen (Paulson) and Lorelei (King), though he never quite knows if they want to seduce, love or kill him. When San Serif uncovers two chests that contain life-changing booty, the Octopus sets out to gain control of the treasures, making him the prime target for The Spirit.
Even though the plot of The Spirt is just a simple fight against foes, it is not unlike the sequels of Spider-Man, Batman or Superman for that fact. The Spirit does delve into the life of Danny Colt, but not to the extent that other superhero like Clark Kent, Peter Parker or Bruce Wayne. In The Spirit you learn about the man as the film progresses. If you are already a fan of The Spirit, this is a good thing, if not, Millers seamless style of incorporating it makes no difference to the film's enjoyment.
I found the movie fun and exciting to watch, as most avid comic book readers should as well. Miller makes the film look totally comic bookish. Using cartoonish visuals much like those in Sin City, Miller puts his characters on a computer graphic set that simulates the pages of the comic book itself. His main characters are either evil or heroic, and those in between are there only to help the plot. The wicked characters are dastardly, corrupt and power hungry while his heroic ones are cunning, tactful and ambitious both at war with each other for one purpose, good vs. evil.
While all the actors in the film do a fine job, I especially liked the performances by Jackson and Mendes. Jackson's Octopus is brutal and despicable as evil can be. He stops at nothing to achieve power, even if it kills every henchman he has. Jackson is so good in this role that he made me cringe at times. Mendes gives a delicious performance as San Serif. Her lithe beauty and natural acting ability make it easy for her to depict Serf's sultry charm, cunning mind and strong will.
The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of stylized violence and action, some sexual content and brief nudity so be wary of this when allowing immature children to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: If you are a comic book lover or you like highly stylized films, then The Spirit is best for you. (3.5 of 5 stars)

CHRISTMAS 2008 MOVIE REVIEWS
By Denise Castillón

EENY, MEANY, MINEY, CHRISTMAS MOVIE

‘Tis the night before Christmas, but, indecision on which movie to go to on Christmas Day runs through your house.

If you’re looking for happy escapism (-and, who isn’t!), then you have a tough choice to make among the merry comedies opening Christmas Day, – Adam Sandler’s BEDTIME STORIES, Jim Carrey’s YES MAN or Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston’s MARLEY & ME.

But, if you wish to treat yourself with a well-deserved cinematic gift instead, in that case, you still have a difficult decision between three very unique films, - Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s DOUBT, Will Smith’s SEVEN POUNDS or Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett’s THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON.

DEFINITELY CONTEMPLATE “DOUBT”
(Running Time: 104 min; Rated: PG-13)

“DOUBT” is certainly flawless as a film more thought-provoking than emotionally stimulating.
Even more perfection is crafted from supreme performances by Oscar winners, Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Amy Adams and Voila Davis are also highly accomplished stand-outs in their roles in John Patrick Shanley’s film adaptation of his Tony-winning Broadway play, titled “Doubt: A Parable”.
Set in the midst of the social and political changes of the 60’s, a catholic school, in a working-class Bronx neighborhood, becomes the center of a storm between two formidable adversaries. Beyond the verdict of guilty or innocent, you must carefully interpret motivations, and heed "Every easy choice today will have its consequence tomorrow. Mark my words."
Directed and written by John Patrick Shanley.


“SEVEN POUNDS” WORTH ITS WEIGHT
(Running Time: 118 min; Rated: PG-13)

Will Smith plays grief-stricken IRS agent Ben Smith in “Seven Pounds”, who pays mysterious personal visits to unsuspecting citizens. While we strive to understand his puzzling behavior and uncover his true intentions, we observe him court Rosario Dawson as the sickly and equally lonely Emily Posa. After revealing flashback unravels this films’ mystery, we are emotionally transported into a heartrending drama by fine acting performances from Will Smith and Rosario Dawson.

Directed by Gabriele Muccino (The Pursit of Happyness). Written by Grant Nieporte.

SPOILER ALERT! The film’s title alludes to the plot’s premise; think “seven pounds of flesh”.


SURRENDER TO THE MAGIC OF “THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON”
(Running Time: 159 min; Rated: PG-13)

Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett star in this magical, heart-warming story that follows the backward ageing process of an orphaned baby raised in a loving “old folks” home in Louisiana. Based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, the script for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was written by Eric Roth, (FORREST GUMP). There are obvious similarities as both are well-crafted, fantastical dramas revolving on the titled characters’ life adventures. However, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is based in emotional honesty, and overflowing with genuine life experiences that remind us “It’s never too late”.

Directed by David Fincher, (ZODIAC, FIGHT CLUB, SE7EN).

Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring much success and good health!

SEVEN POUNDS (Running Time: 118 min; Rated: PG-13)

Reviewed by Denise Castillón
Enigmatic and Heart-wrenching, SEVEN POUNDS Worth Its Weight

Will Smith plays grief-stricken IRS agent Ben Smith in “Seven Pounds”, who pays mysterious personal visits to unsuspecting citizens. While we strive to understand his puzzling behavior and uncover his true intentions, we observe him court Rosario Dawson as the sickly and equally lonely Emily Posa. After revealing flashback unravels this films’ mystery, we are emotionally transported into a heartrending drama by fine acting performances from Will Smith and Rosario Dawson.

SPOILER ALERT! The film’s title alludes to the plot’s premise; think “seven pounds of flesh”.
Starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, along with Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper and Michael Ealy.

Directed by Gabriele Muccino (The Pursit of Happyness). Written by Grant Nieporte. Edited by Hughes Winborne. Cinematography by Philippe Le Sourd. Produced by Will Smith, James Lassiter, Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch. Executive producers are David J. Bloomfield, David Crockett and Domenico Procacci. An Overbrook Entertainment Production. Distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Mahesh Manjrekar, Madhur Mittal, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Kahn

Directed by: Danny Boyle

Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language

By John Delia

Probably the most unnoticed film of 2008, in my opinion Slumdog Millionaire happens to be one of the years best. Although there is no storyline resemblance to Juno or Little Miss Sunshine, the film fits in their category of an independent film that’s different and full of heart. I liked this drama because it was entertaining throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat up to the time the credits rolled.
Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik (Patel), an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, who is about to experience the biggest day of his life. With the whole nation watching, he is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees (about $400,000 US) on India’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
But when the show breaks for the night, police arrest him on suspicion of cheating; how could a street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells the story of his life in the slum where he and his brother grew up, of their adventures together on the road, of vicious encounters with local gangs, and of Latika (Pinto), the girl he loved and lost. Each chapter of his story reveals the key to the answer to one of the game show’s questions. But one question remains a mystery: what is this young man with no apparent desire for riches really doing on the game show?
Under the keen direction of Boyle (Millions, 28 Days Later) the entire cast gives brilliant performances. I was completely captivated by the three main leads at all ages depicted on the screen. The game show Jamal at 18 takes on most of the dialogue in the film, but performances by Pinto as the older Latika and, Manjrekar as his brother Javed make the storyline work for the screen. Patel and Pinto are acting for the first time in this movie, but you would not believe it. Their strong screen presence and ability to deliver their character consistently within the storyline is a treat.
But the winner in acting here is Khedekar as the youngest Jamal. His innocent smile and lovable personality captivate the screen. Facing the danger of a wild escape from his would be captors the wild-eyed Khedekar gives an unforgettable emotional performance that had me glued to the screen.
The film brought some excellent films about children to mind including; City of God, City of Men, Millions and Kite Runner. If you are into films that inspire, are thought provoking and ultimately uplifting, then you will love, as I did, Slumdog Millinaire, my choice for best foreign film.
The film is rated R for violence, disturbing images and language so be cautioned when deciding to bring youngsters to see the film. The movie was filmed in English in Mumbai, India.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Slumdog Millionaire is an inspiring and courageous film that should not be missed. (5 of 5 Palm Trees)

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, John Cleese, John Hamm and Jaden Christopher Smith

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Rated PG-13 for some sci-fi disaster images and violence

By John Delia

I wanted The Day the Earth Stood Still to be good so much that I could taste it, but unfortunately it didn’t make the grade. I guess if you’re between the ages of 7 and 16 and a sci-fi nut however, then check it out. Even science fiction lovers should have a hard time liking the film that not only stumbles on the remake a classic, but also makes it an environmental issue. The only thing missing in the film is Al Gore. If you liked the remake of War of the Worlds, then this one should suck you in too.
The only redeemer here is that the film is packed with some great special visual effects that makes the simple storyline pop off the screen. This is a plus, especially if you can find the movie showing in the IMAX format.
In THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, a contemporary reinvention of the 1951 science fiction classic, renowned scientist Dr. Helen Benson (Connelly) finds herself face to face with an alien called Klaatu (Reeves), who travels across the universe to warn of an impending global crisis. When forces beyond Helen’s control, lead by the US Secretary of Defense (Bates) treat the extraterrestrial as a hostile and deny his request to address the world’s leaders, Benson and her estranged stepson Jacob (Smith) quickly discover the deadly ramifications of Klaatu’s claim that he is a friend to the Earth. Now Helen must find a way to convince the alien who was sent to destroy us that mankind is worth saving – but it may be too late as the process has begun.
 The only winners in this film are the special effects and CGI people who designed the huge globe that transports Klaatu to Earth, the robot Gort and hordes of nanobots. Mesmerizing, the sphere looks like it would shatter if touched, but not in the world of science fiction. The design of Gort, the giant robot, is very much like the one in the 50’s production, but instead of a man in a rubber suit, this computer generated entity looks more menacing and real. At one point in the film millions of nanobots (Think Michael Crichton’s novel Prey) are sent via Gort to destroy the earthlings. The bots resemble locusts and swarm over anything in its path raising them to the ground. Football stadiums are turned into dust, 16 wheelers are pulverized and buildings are shredded.
Most of the acting in the film suffers from lack of good dialogue, faulty direction, and type casting, even though it doesn’t take a super performance to bring a character to life in a science fiction movie. Connelly plays her scientist role very nonchalant and robotic. Looking more amazed than clever, her role as the connecting tool between the alien and the Earthlings seems to be no more than a tour guide. There are moments however where she shines especially during her interaction with Smith who plays her son Bobby. The two are at odds with helping Klaatu and Smith does a very admiral job with portraying a young man with an attitude opposite Connelly.
Performances that were not a good fit included Bates as Secretary of Defense. Kathy is doing Kathy here adding nothing but a familiar face rather than a forceful character that has to deal with a very disturbing situation. Her staunch roles as Delores Claiborne (in Delores Claiborne) and Annie Wilkes in Misery always seem to come to mind when I see her in a film and in The Day the Earth Stood Still, she remains no different.
The film is rated PG-13 and contains some sci-fi disaster images and violence so take this into consideration before allowing the very young to see the movie.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Day the Earth Stood Still has a lot of problems and unless you need a dose of sci-fi CGI, you may want to avoid the film. (2 of 5 stars)

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THE READER

Starring: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, and Lena Olin

Directed by: Stephen Daldry

Rated R for some scenes of sexuality and nudity

By John Delia

An amazing little film that tugged at my heartstrings, tested my mercy and then challenged my mind has hit the big screen. The movie is called The Reader and with outstanding performances by Kate Winslet and David Kross, an intriguing script, and impeccable direction by Stephen Daldry, it’s a huge winner. If you like dramas that draw you into the lives of others, touch on the evils of war and the consequences thereof, then The Reader measures up.
The film opens in post WWII Germany as teenager Michael Berg (Koss) falls ill on a trolley and is helped by Hanna (Winslet), a stranger twice his age. After resting in her apartment and collecting his composure, Hanna guides the boy home. After several months recovering from scarlet fever, Michael visits Hanna with flowers for her random act of kindness. The two are hastily drawn into a passionate love affair that lasts for months. During that time, Michael reads several romantic novels to Hanna adding to their bond of lust and love. Despite their growing physical relationship, Hanna mysteriously disappears and leaves Michael broken hearted. After 8 years of separation Michael encounters Hanna under the most abhorrent circumstances, which lead him to make a heart-rending decision.
The direction in this film by Daldry bests his previous intriguing film The Hours where he dealt with similar issues like freedom, responsibility and identity. Here he takes us on an odyssey with a young boy as the central figure trying to cope with his first affair with the coming of age. His life becomes a quest for the truth and when he comes face to face with it, he doesn’t seem to know how to handle it. Daldry keeps the storyline moving as he develops his characters and leads you though their ill-fated lives.
Winslet gives the performance of the life as Hanna the shameless woman that feeds the mind and body of Michael with love and lust. Her depiction of the absorbing yet callous lover who has a secret that haunts her is engrossing and realistic. She opens her soul to the role much like Charlize Theron did in the film Monster, never flinching during the awkward moments and rising to the occasion in scenes calling for a sexual or depressing vision.
In his first major lead role Kross stands out as the young man who becomes in lust then in love with a much older women for his first sexual encounter. His performance showing a naive boy who changes into a man is convincing. I especially liked his reactions when Hanna makes her first move on him and later on in the film when a waitress comments that he has a beautiful mother. The astonishing look on his face when he finds out that Hanna has left him and later when he discovers her secret is priceless.
The film is rated R because it contains a lot of graphic nudity and scenes of sexuality so be cautioned if you are deciding to take youngsters to see the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The Reader is an excellent compelling film for drama lovers and film buffs. (4.5 of 5 stars)

DOUBT

Starring: Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis and Alice Drummond

Directed by: John Parker Shanley

Rated PG-13 for thematic material

By John Delia

Excellent acting, good direction and a provocative plot make Doubt a deserving film for those that like their drama dark and disturbing. Special acting kudos to Amy Adams and Viola Davis for their superb performances that should garner them Golden Globe or Oscar attention.
The film takes place in the early 60’s at a parochial school in New York. Recently appointed to the school, Father Flynn (Hoffman) has been getting a lot of admiration from his students because of his gentle hand toward discipline. In the meantime, principal Sister Beauvier (Streep), a staunch disciplinarian has become peeved by the priest’s actions. In the meantime Donald Miller (, the first and only black student in the school has become charmed by Father Flynn’s flamboyant ways. Sister Beauvier makes note that she feels Father Flynn is getting to close to Miller and a suspicion develops. When Sister James (Adams) tells Principal Beauvier’s that she has seen something strange going on involving Miller, Beauvier starts searching for the truth. Thus starts a battle of wits between the Father and Principal that could have devastating results.
The smart direction by Shanley of keeping the actors confined in the school makes the film very suspenseful. Every encounter with students in the hallway by Father Flynn gets the camera’s close attention allowing his actions to exude suspicion. The close-ups in the scene where Sister Beauvier and Flynn go toe to toe are gripping. At one point you do not know who to side with, as both sides of the story seem pertinent to innocence and guilty to the accusations.
Outstanding performances by Adams and Davis help the film work. In a tearful moment Davis as Mrs. Miller the black student’s mother brings out a clear prospective of the situation from her point of view. Her performance is masterful and convincing enough to earn her a supporting nomination for a Golden Globe or Oscar. I have never seen such a wonderful performance for Adams. Usually she is this goofy yet charming person in films like Enchanted and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, but not here. With a stunningly serious performance, Adams’ portrayal of the frail nun makes the movie a success. Not wanting to disappoint Beauvier in her quest to take Flynn down, Sister James timidly becomes her spy.
The film does contain some adult content involving a sexual inference and has been rated PG-13.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Doubt is a very good drama for those that like strong confrontational films. (4 of 5 stars)

MILK (Running Time: 128 min; Rated: R)
Reviewed by Denise Castillón

YES, MILK!

Director Gus Van Sants’ dynamic film MILK opens with Sean Penn as Harvey Milk narrating a final message of hope into a tape recorder in prediction of his assassination before he reaches fifty years of age. Weaving historical black and white footage, the biographical drama goes on to recount of the last eight years in the life of Harvey Milk, prior to his appointment as the US's first openly gay elected official and until the San Francisco supervisor is shoot to death along with Mayor George Moscone by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White.

The most powerful scenes occur late in the film with the stunning performance of Sean Penn in the climatic shooting of Milk, and the painfully touching conclusion sequences. The provocative kissing exchanges between Penn and James Franco, as Milk’s long-time lover, arrive early in film. This will ease a mainstream audience to draw back into the story of Milk’s social activism and political campaigning to preserve Human Rights that included racial minorities and senior citizens, and not exclusively gay issues.

Many contemporary films have depicted prejudices in the 60’s and 70’s, and show how they ignited citizens at that time into vociferous activism. However, none of these films seem to have remotely inspired today’s generally complacent American society into demonstrating like passionate fervor for present-day injustices. Time will tell if the departing words of the film’s hero “You gotta give ‘em hope” are in effect encouraging.

Oscar and Golden Globe Award winner, Sean Penn stars along with a sizeable and talented ensemble of actors, -James Franco, Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Victor Garber, Diego Luna, Alison Pill as well as non-actors, who were among Milk’s real-life supporters, -Allan Bard, Frank Robinson, Tom Ammiano and Cleve Jones (who is played in the film by Emile Hirsch).

While Sean Penn has deservedly received much Oscar-talk for his riveting acting performance, equal attention is warranted for Josh Brolin as Dan White. Brolin’s superb characterization eloquently exposes Dan White the true “outsider” amongst the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Whereas, Diego Luna’s interpretation of Milk’s later lover was just plain silly.

Directed by Gus Van Sant (Elephant, Good Will Hunting, My Private Idaho). Written by Dustin Lance Black, (Big Love). Director of Photography, Harris Savides, A.S.C. Edited by Elliot Graham. Music by Danny Elfman. Costume Designer, Danny Glicker. Production Designer, Bill Groom.

Produced by Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen. Executive Producers, Michael London, Dustin Lance Black, Bruna Papandrea, Barbara A. Hall, William Horberg. A Focus Features Release.

AUSTRALIA

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, David Gulpilil, and Brandon Walters

Written and Directed by: Baz Luhrmann

Rated PG-13

By John Delia

At last, a true front-runner for the best motion picture Oscar for 2008, Australia. Filled with an emotional storyline, magnificent acting and cinematic grandeur the nearly three-hour film is marvelous yet untiring. If you like impressive period films that entertain, then Australia is your cup of tea.
Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) a British aristocrat goes to Australia to meet with her husband who has been working their ranch Faraway Downs. Arriving in 1939 with the South Pacific in turmoil over a possible world at war, she sets out to the backcountry with Drover (Jackman) hired by her husband to take her to the ranch. She arrives at Faraway Downs after a long a dusty trip and finds that her husband has been murdered. Torn by the news, and offered a shady deal for her land, Lady Ashley’s strength starts to dwindle. In one last effort to save her property, Lady Ashley, together, with Drover, a rag tag group of volunteers and a young half-cast boy Nullah (Walters) try to move 2000 cattle over undeveloped territory to the port city of Darwin. After a hazardous journey during which they face many hardships Lady Ashley arrives at her destination only to face even greater peril.
Although the love story was not as emotional as I would have liked, Kidman and Jackman have a great chemistry together in their portrayal of the tormented couple that choose to fight off their adversaries in an attempt to bring order to their lives. Getting into some very testy situations, the two prove their acting skills with excellent character development much like Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn in African Queen.
I loved the touch by Director Luhrmann of working with an all-Australian starring cast that is brilliant in their roles. The casting of Walters in the pivotal role of Nullah is also brilliant. The boy has the emotion and charisma needed to make the center of this tale plausible and sensational. His presence in the film shows the segregation of the half white, half black children that were taken out of society much like the ones depicted in Rabbit Proof Fence.
Direction by Luhrmann of the epic period piece is award winning. Dealing with hundreds of cast members and numerous scenes that require that extra effort, Luhrmann turns in a masterpiece that will last for years to come. Luhrmann who gave us Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet and Strictly Ballroom provides a film nearly equal to David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, A Passage to India and The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Cinematographer Mandy Walker creates an amazing backdrop for the saga that runs nearly three hours long. Focused on the bleak wilderness, unforgiving terrain and explosive attacks, yet intertwining a touch of beauty with softened highlights, the dramatic photography provides a poignant landscape for the dramatic storyline. Costumes by Catherine Martin are perfect for the period. I especially liked Kidman’s attire throughout the film.
The film has been rated PG-13 and contains violence, language, and a scene of sensuality so please be cautioned when deciding to bring youngsters to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Australia imparts a dramatic and visual satisfying film with magnificent acting and directing. (5 of 5 stars)

TRANSPORTER 3

Starring: Jason Statham, Natalya Rudakova, Francois Berleand, Jeroen Krabbe and Robert Knepper

Directed by: Olivier Megaton

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence, some sexual content and drug material

By John Delia

The Transporter series has been good up till now, but killing this sequel is the acting of Statham’s costar Rudakova and some major silliness. Much like the previous flicks, there are plenty of explosive scenes to keep your attention. If you like films that provide an adrenaline rush with stylized fights and absurd car chases, then Transporter 3 should kick you into high gear.
Frank Martin (Statham) has been pressured into transporting Valentina (Rudakova), the kidnapped daughter of Leonid Vasilev (Krabbe), the head of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Ukraine, from Marseilles through Stuttgart and Budapest until he ends up in Odessa on the Black Sea. Along the way, with the help of Inspector Tarconi (Berleand), Frank has to contend with the people who strong armed him to take the job, agents sent by Vasilev to intercept him, and the general non-cooperation of his passenger. Despite Valentina’s cynical disposition and his resistance to get involved, Frank and Valentina fall for each other, while escaping from one life-threatening situation after another.
The more they make films like Transporter 3, Crank, Hitman, Shoot Em Up, and Fast and Furious, the bar gets raised even higher to out do one another. Tranporter 3 however, misses the high jump by a mile. There are several scenes that make the film absurd including a fight between Statham and several bad guys where he uses almost every piece of clothing on his body as a weapon (I guess cloth is a weapon), bracelets that do not allow Frank and Valentina to go 75 feet form the car in which they are riding (except when you are riding a bicycle) and tilting his car so it can slide between two sixteen wheelers (there must have been a secret mechanism to get it to tilt).
Direction by Megaton was not his best effort. Either he was strapped with Rudakova or there must have been a breakdown between the two as her performance was slovenly at best. The scenes were she doesn’t talk are her most bearable, while those where she recites her lines are emotionless. Her wardrobe looked like it came courtesy of K-Mart and her make-up person should have covered up the thousands of freckles that distract from her beauty.
On the upside, Statham keeps his kick-butt attitude going in this installment and makes the weak script at least tolerable. The car landing on the train scene was really wacky and the wild bike chase radical.
The film contains some sequences of intense action and violence, some sexual content and drug material so immature children are not recommended as tagalongs.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Transporter 3 looses its energy with absurd scenes and mundane acting. (2 of 5 stars)

FOUR CHRISTMASES
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Voight, Sissy Spacek
Directed by: Seth Gordon
Rated PG-13 for some sexual humor and language
By John Delia
Vince Vaughn does his best to save Four Christmases from doom, but the nervous little comedy is too over the top to come out a winner. Trouble in the film includes overacting, a too predictable plot and a lot of overused comical banter. The film may have been a lot better had they used lesser known actors. If you like Vaughn so much that you have to have more of his glib humor, then Four Christmases will be your mistletoe of delight.
Brad (Vaughn) and Kate (Witherspoon) are an unmarried couple that has been avoiding spending the holiday with their dysfunctional divorced parents and going on a vacation instead every year. This year has not been any different, except when they get to the airport, they find out that there flight to Figi has been cancelled for at least a day. To top it off, a news crew spots the disappointed couple and they become the number one TV news item. With their plans revealed they decide to visit each of the four families in reckoning for their ill-fated plan. When they do, however, a lot more gets revealed about their lives then they want told.
The film has many problems, some of which could have been avoided with more directorial control. In addition, Four Christmases is void of imagination and so predictable that it becomes more of a stand up for Vaughn than a platform to show his genius. Some of the blame for the not so original script has to be placed on rookie feature film director Gordon who seems to let his high profile cast get away from him and take over the production.
Vaughn plays himself, the glib comic that doesn’t see his own faults except when they are pointed out to him. He seems to go off on tangents at times and Gordon allows Vaughn to dominate. Miscast Witherspoon seems to be trying to just keep up with Vaughn as he overshadows her overly abiding character. The topper comes with Favreau putting wrestling holds on his brother (Vaughn’s character) time an again until it isn’t funny anymore.
The film is not devoid of humor however, and contains some very funny scenes, including one with Witherspoon getting cornered by kids in a bounce house following a pregnancy test and another when she handles a puking child. Vaughn’s funniest involves him attending a church and volunteering to be Joseph in a Nativity play.
The film contains some sexual humor and language so be cautioned when deciding to bring youngsters.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Four Christmases gets a little too predictable with not enough original comical situations. (2.5 of 5 stars)

SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK

Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michelle Williams, Tilda Swinton, Hope Davis, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest, Robin Weigert and Tom Noonan

Directed by: Charlie Kaufman

R for language and some sexual content/nudity

By John Delia

This may not come as a surprise to you who have seen Synecdoche, New York, but the film is amazingly acted, superbly filmed, and totally off the wall. Mainstream filmgoers will be hard pressed to sit through the convoluted plot that only a true indie lover or film student could avail.
Theater director Caden Cotard (Hoffman) is mounting a new play. His life catering to suburban blue-hairs at the local regional theater in Schenectady, New York is looking bleak. His wife Adele (Keener) has left him to pursue her painting in Berlin, taking their young daughter Olive (Sadie Goldstein) with her. His therapist, Madeleine Gravis (Davis), is better at plugging her best seller than she is at counseling him. A new relationship with the alluringly candid Hazel (Morton) has prematurely run aground. And a mysterious condition is systematically shutting down each of his autonomic functions, one by one.
Worried about the transience of his life, he leaves his home behind. He gathers an ensemble cast into a warehouse in New York City, hoping to create a work of brutal honesty. He directs them in a celebration of the mundane, instructing each to live out their constructed lives in a growing mockup of the city outside. However, as the city inside the warehouse grows, Caden's own life veers wildly off the tracks. Somewhere in Berlin, his daughter is growing up under the questionable guidance of Adele's friend, Maria (Leigh). His lingering attachments to both Adele and Hazel are causing him to helplessly drive his new marriage to actress Claire (Williams) into the ground. Sammy (Noonan) and Tammy (Watson), the actors hired to play Caden and Hazel, are making it difficult for the real Caden to revive his relationship with the real Hazel. The textured tangle of real and theatrical relationships blurs the line between the worlds of the play and that of Caden's own deteriorating reality.
The years rapidly fold into each other, and Caden buries himself deeper into his masterpiece. As he pushes the limits of his relationships, both personally and professionally, a change in creative direction arrives in Millicent Weems (Wiest), a celebrated theater actress who may offer Caden the break he needs.
The reason I have given you the full synopsis of the film is that if you go to see it, you will be able to follow the reasoning behind the whole thing. The somewhat complicated film did not amuse me, as it tended to be very wordy and unashamedly boring. After some time I found myself saying, ‘so what’s the point? ’.
The acting however, is superb and if that’s what you are looking for, then this is your cup of tea. Hoffman gives his best performance as the delusional director who just can’t get a grip on his mind numbing life. The actor shows how great he is even though the role in the long-winded script was probably not the best choice of his great career. Others giving their best support include Davis, who came out of hiding to give a great performance as Hoffman’s therapist in the film, Leigh as his wife’s sarcastic best friend and Morton who portrays the love interest he cannot seem to hold onto.
The film contains language and some sexual content with nudity, so even though the children you have to lug along will probably fall asleep within the first half hour, please be forewarned.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Film buffs and students may find the film interesting and enjoyable, but don’t count on it too much. (1.5 of 5 stars)

BATTLE IN SEATTLE

Starring: Charliz Theron, Jennifer Carpenter, Martin Henderson, Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, Michelle Rodriguez, Channing Tatum, Joshua Jackson and Andre Benjamin

Directed By: Stuart Townsend

Rated R for language and some violence

By John Delia

Interesting, captivating and realistic, Battle in Seattle delivers a powerful message and some lessons to be learned. Directed with precision by Townsend, the docudrama reflects the reality of the true incident and comes off the screen delivering strong emotional content. Comprised of excellent cast performances enhancing the thrust of the film, the Battle in Seattle comes up a big winner.
In November of 1999 five days rocked the world as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seattle in protest of the World Trade Organizations Ministerial Meeting. Among them are Django (Benjamin), Sam (Carpenter), Lou (Rodriguez) and Jay (Henderson). Each has a unique story, but they're united in a common desire to be heard and to make a difference in the world. For these four protesters, this is very personal and the stakes are higher than mere politics.
A peaceful demonstration to stop the WTO talks quickly escalates into a full-scale riot, and soon the Mayor of Seattle declares a State of Emergency. The streets are mayhem, and the WTO is paralyzed. Caught in the crossfire of civil liberties and keeping peace are Seattle residents, including its beleaguered mayor (Liotta), a riot cop on the streets (Harrelson) and his pregnant wife (Theron). The choices everyone involved make, will change their lives forever.
Mixed with real film footage of the actual riot, writer/director Townsend gave me the feeling that it was all in real time. Without the fine actors telling the stories of their characters that show different points of view on the protest however, the message that the film provides would not have been as powerful. Giving an outstanding portrayal as Seattle’s mayor Tim Tobin, Liotta steals the show. Under pressure from the state and national governments, Liotta shows two sides to his historic decision-making. Sympathetic with the protesters yet caught between big government and the World Trade Organization, the mayor found himself at odds with his decision-making.
In support, Theron gives a gut wrenching performance as a pregnant woman who gets accosted by the police, while Rodriguez makes a believable anti-WTO protester caught up in the heat of the full-scale riot. Add to this the aggressive cinematography that makes the film frightful and unsettling, and Battle in Seattle comes up a winner.
The film is rated R for frequent use of harsh language and riot violence.

FINAL ANALYSIS: If you like realistic docudramas with a message of protest, Battle in Seattle makes a huge statement. (3.5 of 5 stars)

QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Starring: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylanko, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Jesper Christensen and Mathieu Amalric

Directed By: Marc Forster

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content

By John Delia

This has to be the most action packed Bond ever as it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with bombs, bullets and blades. Proving me wrong in Quantum of Solace, as I was unhappy with his performance in Casino Royale, Daniel Craig has become the new improved Bond.
The film opens right where Casino Royale ended showing the completion of Bond’s (Craig) assignment with the delivery of Mr. White (Christensen) to M (Dench) for interrogation. In an instant we find that there has been betrayal within the ranks and a mysterious organization Quantum has become a major player in the game of world domination. Bond jumps right in on a quest to find the man who heads up the ruthless organization. Along the way he runs into Camile (Kurylenko) who has a vendetta for Dominic Greene, a businessman working on a deal in South America. When Bond finds out that the two are the key to major takeover, he waists no time getting to the bottom of it.
Craig plays Bond much edgier than the pervious actors. With Craig you get a lot less debonair and more relentless vengeance. Even most of the stunts are attempted by Craig allowing the camera work to flow with the character adding more potency to the role. The look of Craig is more ruddy than previous Bonds. He has sterling eyes and very few smiles, while Roger Moore for example was always grinning after he took out his foe. In most scenes Moore came up without a scratch, while Craig most always shows signs of being in a fight, most of which were probably real.
I like the new Bond although it took a second film to prove his worth. But, the producers have let me down a bit. The central theme music in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace leaves a lot to be desired. Where all the previous 007 moves have the rhythmic Bond theme running through it giving the audience the feeling that the agent is about to be engaged in some action, the new Bond thrillers are not so enlivened. Only at the end of the film do we get the Bond theme, where it is too late to really enjoy. Producer Barbara Broccoli, PLEASE bring back my running James Bond theme for the next one, so I can feel the power.
The film has some intense sequences of violence and action, and some sexual content, so be forewarned.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Quantum of Solace is an action packed thriller with an edgier Bond. (4 of 5 stars)

Interview with Olga Kurylenko, Actress Quantum of Solace

By John Delia

Ever chat with a beautiful woman and get tongue-tied? Well, I almost did when I interviewed the newest James Bond Girl in Miami. Her role is that of a tough cookie in Quantum of Solace, however the conversation I had with her was nice and easy.
Although she may be known in the future as one of the Bond Girls, Olga had already made a name for herself in Hollywood with some very high profile films. She played in the high energy films Hit Man with Timothy Olyphant and as the hot siren Natasha opposite Mark Wahlberg in Max Payne. Those two quick hits put her in front of millions of moviegoers, but I predict she will be on top of the world when Quantum of Solace hits the screen.
Quantum of Solace finds James Bond (Daniel Craig) back in action exactly where he left off in Casino Royale. His new mission has him moving from one country to the next in pursuit of Dominic Green the ruthless head of an organization called Quantum. His trek leads him to South America, where with his newest bond girl Camille (Olga), he corners the mysterious man who’s trying to get power over a small country.

Your Entertainment Ticket: You have chosen some very good sexy characters in past films you were in. What was your motivation to play a tough Bond Girl and how did you prepare for it?
Olga: “Everything about the role made me want to play it. The role was just so exciting to me, because I had so much to learn. I had to go through so much transformation for my part, that I think it’s the movie that I had to make the biggest change. I am not even talking about all the fight training I had to do and learning to sky dive and working with guns, all of which I have never done before. Learning to adopt a different accent and being a person from a different country, getting a tan and physically trying to look like a Latina, and everything, was a lot of work. I was a different person than I am in my real life, so I had to get into a different skin.”

YET: But weren’t you a tough person in your other films?
O: “I haven’t been very rough in any of the other movies except this one. This is the first one where I am a fighter because in Hitman and Max Payne I am just a girl. So this is the first experience where I was involved in action scenes. Now I don’t want to do just that, but this was amazing because it was the first time. Anything that’s new to me is amazing.”

YET: Tell us about your character. What was Camille like? Did you do some of your stunts?
O: “Kicking a guys butt does feel good especially when I am fighting this big guy Medrano. I mean my character Camille was very well prepared and obviously went through a lot of training. It is possible to be a woman like that, but it is very rare. You have to have a strong background and that is obviously where she is coming from. ”



YET: Now that you have described your character, what was the most difficult part of your role?
O: “The most difficult part was getting all the stunt things right. It was all very precise and very technical and I had to train very hard for it. Even little thing like punches that look easy on the screen was still very difficult to do. It is not like fighting in real life, as you have to also make it look good in front of the camera. That is why stunt guys are stunt guys because they know how to do it on camera. It has to be much faster because the camera catches everything. You need to do it precisely and that is why we trained for six months and then you see it on screen and it is thirty seconds, but it took so much work. That was something new for me apart from the acting. I had to suddenly become a stunt woman too. It was like a different job. I had some bruises and cuts, but that was to be expected.”

YET: Do you think the audience will like the film and your character Quantum of Solace?
O: “I think this movie will please all kinds of people. It is made for a very big audience and I hope they enjoy it. The people I have met who have seen the movie at a screening have been so happy that I am portraying this different strong woman. I think women are very satisfied to see this woman who can kick ass. I am glad for women like her. It is very important.”

YET: Were there any fun experiences you can relate that happened on the set?
O: “We had fun making the movie. Even when we were fighting with the stunt guys we were always joking amongst ourselves. We spent six months together so I can’t come up with anything specific. We just had a really good time because the people were so nice.”

YET: What was it like working with Daniel Craig?
O: “Working with Daniel Craig was good. He is a wonderful actor. He is a good inspiration because you see this actor who works so much and is so focused on his role. I have never seen anyone so focused. He worked on his role everyday, all the time. He does many of the stunts himself so he sets the bar really high. You want to keep yourself at his level. He is a good example so it made me work even harder too. Everybody is so involved it makes you want to be involved that much more. When I came on board, I already wanted to be involved because it was exciting, but when you see these people working it inspires you even more.”

YET: How did you get the part of Camille in Quantum of Solace?
O: “The audition process was different in that it was long. For this movie I went through three tours, three different auditions and each time I got a call back the circle was smaller and smaller. At the end I was very happy when I found out I got it. The casting process was intense because this movie was so big. It is not like any other movie. This was Bond, the biggest movie of the year. You feel tense. It is a big competition to go through. I knew there were a number of people all around the world going for it so in the beginning you think what is your chances when there are so many people from around the world. It is kind of unbelievable.”

YET: There are many Bond Girls over the years of making 007 series. Do you have a favorite Bond Girl?
O: “I don’t have any favorite Bond girls. They are all been different and great. Some have been less interesting as a character as they were just there for eye candy but the last one I thought was a beautiful character in Casino Royale. She was smart and independent.”

YET: You were born in Russia in the late 70’s. What was it like growing up during that time and what is it like now?
O: “In the Ukraine today people are doing slightly better as they have more opportunities. My situation changed so I am helping my family, but there are still people who struggle and have no money. If you keep working and you study and get an education there are jobs. Before there was nothing, no matter what you tried there were no opportunities. You know what I mean? Now there are professions that can allow you to earn, but still there are many that are underpaid. The most important professions like doctors and teachers are always underpaid. The people who make us who we are and the people who save our lives, are the ones that are the most underpaid. It is not fair, but that is life. Life is very unfair. It makes no sense.”