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FT. LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST- Mini Reviews
(www.fliff.com)
By John Delia

The following are quick reviews and descriptions of some of the films playing at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in the coming weeks. Please consult HYPERLINK "http://WWW.FLIFF.COM" WWW.FLIFF.COM for more information as to prices, locations and time of screenings.

KASSIM THE DREAM
Directed By: Kief Davidson
One of the most shattering documentaries at this year's FLIFF, Kassim the Dream brings viewers into the world of Ugandan-born boxer Kassim Ouma, the 29-year-old former Int'l Boxing Federation light-middleweight champion, and his struggle with his deadly past. Abducted from school at the age of 6 and forced to become a child soldier, Ouma fought in the National Resistance Army during Uganda's harrowing “bush war” in the 80's, engaging in brutal acts that still haunt him to this day. Later, he discovered boxing and fled for the U.S. to try his hand at going pro. Since then, under the tutelage of his manager Tom Moran (whom he affectionately calls “Uncle Tom”), Ouma has become not only a renowned athlete but also an outspoken advocate for African issues.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The amazing cinematography and heartfelt story are worth a look. (4 of 5 stars) Runs October 29

CAIO BELLA
Directed By: Mani Masserat-Aghat
Mustafa, a Swede of Iranian descent is sixteen years old and his most intense wish is to lose his virginity. But all the girls at home in Gothenburg's middle class suburbia seem to think of him as a kind and considerate “nice enough Turk” and “just a friend” and prospects look bad… until the day he accidentally stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime. When Mustafa travels to Gothenburg's summer youth soccer tournament with his high school team, a clever series of events results in him playing on the Italian side. The confident, attractive Italians attract gaggles of gorgeous Swedish girls. Renamed Massimo by teammate Enrico, Mustafa is transformed into a Latin lover.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Well acted, the coming of age storyline makes the film enjoyable to watch. (3.5 of 5 stars) October 29 and October 30

OCEAN
Directed By: Mikhail Kosyrev – Nesterov
At a small fishing village on the shores of Cuba Joel, the oldest brother in the traditional fisherman family is deeply in love with Marisel. By chance, Joel learns that his fiancé got married to someone her family prefers. Heartbroken he moves to Havana. Full of hope to find a new life, he is impatient to try his luck in the big city, only to discover more betrayals and disappointments. Tragic confrontation leads to Joel's fall from the grace bringing even more drama into his young life.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This Russian made Cuban film is both heartfelt and tragic. It reminded me of the exasperation exhibited in City of God. (3 of 5 stars) October 29 and October 30

CAPERS
Directed By: Julian Mark Kheel
Three teams of criminals share the same Brooklyn block, but each exists in a separate genre of film. The Amateurs are trapped in a 1970's anti-hero movie. The Sputniks live in black and white. The Moolies can't escape their rap video life. But they all share a hatred of Connie, a racist local pawn shop owner and mafia widow. So when Connie has a heart attack, each team decides it's time to find out what's inside her legendary safe. Unfortunately they all plan their big score for the same night...
FINAL ANALYSIS: My pick for best comedy in the festival. Capers pulls out all the stops for laughs and chaos. (5 of 5 stars) November 1

LOST EVERYTHING
Directed By: Kim St. Leon
A closeted movie star arrives in Miami, and immediately begins a steamy love affair with a hot South Beach bartender. His manager tries to “protect” his image by running interference against the reporter hell-bent on outing her client. A happy gay couple faces a televangelist, as a tormented hit man observes them from afar. A glammed-up Diva Crime-boss, and a hooker with a heart of gold complete this multi plot line thriller. As the storylines begin to cross and spiral out of control, lives begin to unravel and sizzle in the scorching, South Florida sun. Lost Everything is a controversial, multi-plot line thriller that takes you on a ninety minute roller coaster ride of celebrity outing, deception, and undying love against all odds. Some people will do anything… to keep the things they have.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Probably the most intriguing and thought provoking film in the festival. (4 of 5 stars) November 1

TERROR INSIDE
Directed By Jozef Lenders
A well driller unearths a strange substance that changes the lives of everyone in the small town of Montverde. Townsfolk are unaware as they are exposed to the primordial virus. The illness alters each victim's deepest instincts for survival and reverses their sense of pain and pleasure. Fear takes hold, as love becomes hate with bloody consequences. As university researchers fall ill an opportunity for profiteers brings more danger to the small town. A handful of survivors must fight more than just the disease to stay alive.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Slips in directing, a weak gory storyline and amateur acting, make the film hard to watch. (1 of 5 stars) November 2

SATELLITES & METEORITES
Directed By: Rick Larkin
A quirky love story set in the subconscious imagination of two coma patients after a car accident in which they were both involved. Having never met prior to the accident, Daniel and Lucinda literally have a meeting of minds as they start down the windy road of romance, however, when the hospital where they both lie asleep tries to wake them up, they have to fight to stay in their dream, and to stay together.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A different kind of love story with a heavenly twist. (3.5 of 5 stars) November 3

TAOS
Directed By: Brandon Schmid
John works round-the-clock as a corporate attorney in a large Washington D.C. law firm, trading his nights and weekends for extra cash and the promise of a secure future. Lyndsey, John's girlfriend, wants more. She's blue-blood, well-bred and has plans for John as soon as he accepts a job with her father's bank. On his way to Aspen for her family's Christmas holidays, John's car breaks down alongside a lonely highway in northern New Mexico. Stranded in Taos for repairs, old wounds surface and new perspectives emerge as John gets caught up in the events of the mystical town. Lost in the high mesa of the desert southwest – where life finds its balance – John must decide if dreams can truly become reality.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Although a good plot with fair acting, the film seems to play out in slow motion. (2 of 5 stars) November 5

PLAY THE GAME
Directed By: Mark Fienberg
A ladies' man, David (Paul Campbell), teaches his dating tricks to his lonely, widowed grandfather Joe (Andy Griffith). But as David's games begin to fail him, Grandpa quickly transforms into the Don Juan of the retirement community. Slowly, the teacher becomes the student, and it's up to Grandpa to teach David that the best way to win the game of love is not to play games at all. But both David and Grandpa may have met their match in more ways than one…
Andy Griffith and Paul Campbell have great chemistry and look like they had a lot of fun making the film.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The festival saves a great one for the final week with this touching comedy. Andy Griffith still has it with a heart-warming performance at 82 years of age. (4.5 of 5) November 5 and November 6

I DO AND I DON’T
Directed By: Steve Blair
Three weeks before their wedding, Bob and Cheryl discover they have not taken the pre-marital classes required by their Catholic church. Their pastor arranges private classes for them with the Stelmacks, a couple whose seventeen-year marriage is the definition of dysfunctional lunacy. Unfortunately the Stelmacks are determined to enlighten them, and encourage indiscriminate “sharing.” As the wedding approaches, Bob and Cheryl's emotional and physical scars accumulate.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The funny little romantic comedy shows well on the big screen. I loved all the screw-ups by the groom. (3.5 of 5 stars) November 7 and November 8

FLING
Directed By: John Stewart Muller
By all appearances, Samantha and Mason are the picture perfect couple: young, attractive, successful and madly in love. At her sister's idyllic spring wedding, Samantha finds herself irresistibly drawn back into the arms of her dashing ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Mason barely thwarts the flirtatious advances of his best friend's 18-year-old sister. But when Samantha confesses her affair, Mason's reaction is not quite what you would expect. So begins "Fling", a lively, sexy and provocative exploration of young adults navigating the hazards of an open relationship.
FINAL ANALYSIS: This modern love story has a great plot, wonderful actors and a 90’s romantically tragic ending. (4 of 5 stars) November 7


THE MAP READER
Directed By: Harold Brodie
Sixteen-year-old Michael escapes the realities of his small-town New Zealand life by immersing himself within a world of maps. Yet his seemingly happy isolation is broken by the serendipitous arrival of two young women into his life. Mary is twenty and blind from birth, on the verge of voyaging into the world on her own. Alison is Michael's peer, whose grace betrays darker secrets. Suspended beside it all is Michael's single mother Amelia, who cherishes her son, while simultaneously pushing him away.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A charming coming of age film that has excellent acting and direction. (4 of 5 stars) November 8

STRENGTH AND HONOR
Directed By: Mark Mahon
The story of an Irish-American boxer, Sean Kelleher, who accidentally kills his friend in the ring, promises his wife that he will never box again. However, years later, circumstances force him to take back that promise in order to save everything he loves.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Great character build up, a good story and impressive acting make this heart wrenching film a winner. (4.5 of 5 stars) November 8 and November 9

PANTS ON FIRE
Directed By: Colin Campbell
Brad Spoofer is a compulsive liar who moved to LA to become a star. But he's a dismal failure. His only clam to fame comes with being an extra in movie Dusty Town. When his hometown buddies surprise him with a visit, he pretends to be the next big thing. Thanks to a housesitting gig in Bel Air, he keeps the lie going, until he foolishly claims to be friends with Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. Now his friends want to meet their idol. Meanwhile, Brad's fallen for Lucy, a cute painter. As his lies multiply and his checks bounce, he has to dodge creditors, woo the girl, and somehow, deliver Pedro.
FINAL ANALYSIS: The running gags of Dusty Town, a couch that won’t fit through the door of his apartment, a bouncing check, a pirate gig and more, make this film a fun watch. (3 of 5) November 8.

BART GOT A ROOM
Directed By: Brian Hecker
"What other evening in your life is as big? Maybe your wedding, but odds are that's gonna end in divorce anyway," says Danny's best friend Craig as the two nerdy pals lounge poolside in the Florida community they call home. The night in question is the Prom, of course, and high school senior Danny Stein wants what any reasonable young man wants on prom night - to get to home plate with the perfect girl. He's got the hotel, the limo, and the tux, and his recently divorced, slightly dysfunctional parents are rooting for him. He's only missing one thing -- the girl.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A great closing night choice with witty performances by William H. Macy, Steven J. Kaplan, Cheryl Hines, and Alia Shawkat. This teenage angst film was shot entirely in Broward County with a lot of familiar locations. Don’t miss it. (5 of 5 stars) November 9 (Plays twice)

Film Lover’s Guide to the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival
By Denise Castillón

The on-going Ft Lauderdale Film Fest will gift festival-goers with a first-rate selection of special film screening events. Beginning this weekend with I‘VE LOVED YOU SO LONG and SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK, then, into next week with NOTTURNO BUS (Night Bus).

French novelist and literary professor, Philippe Claudel debuts as a scriptwriter and director with I‘VE LOVED YOU SO LONG (Il Y A Longtemps Que Je T’aime), starring Kristin Scott Thomas as a woman with a secret past hiding an unspeakable crime, who, after many years, reunites with her younger sister (played by Elsa Zylberstein). (French language, with English subtitles). A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Screens at FLIFF on Friday, October 24th, 7PM at AMC Coral Ridge.

Charlie Kaufman, the surrealist writer of “Being with John Malovich” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, makes his directorial debut with his latest scripted comedy SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK [pronounced Sih –NECK-doh-kee]. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as a regional theater director in Schenectady, who escapes his messy personal life by relocating to a New City warehouse, where he confines an ensemble cast to rehearse his latest play. Hoffman is supported by an impressive array of actors, such as Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams, Catherine Keener, Emily Watson, Dianne Wiest and Hope Davis. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Screens at FLIFF on Saturday, October 25th, 7PM at AMC Coral Ridge

In NOTTURNO BUS (Night Bus), a noir-styled caper comedy from Italy, Franz is a night bus driver with a heavy gambling debt. During his airport destination route, he picks up Leila, a beautiful thief who has unknowingly stolen a top secret microchip. Together, they embark on a thrilling and zany adventure. (Italian language, with English subtitles).
Screens at FLIFF on Wednesday, October 29th, 7PM and Thursday, October 30, 7PM at AMC Coral Ridge

For more information, go to www.FLIFF.com

Film Lover’s Guide to the 2008 Ft Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival

By Denise Castillón
Here are recommendations for festival-goers attending FLIFF’s Opening Weekend, October 18th & 19th, for must-see indie arthouse, foreign language and/or documentary films:
From FLIFF’s American Independent Program:
THE 27 CLUB USA/Running Time: 85 min

“THE 27 CLUB” invites its audience to a moving drama about friendship and surviving loss. Though measured flashbacks, accompanied by an awesome original acoustical and lyrical soundtrack, the backstory reveals the path of two childhood friend’s to rock star fame that ends tragically.
Elliot (JOE ANDERSON) is devastated after his best friend and band mate Tom (JAMES FORGEY) dies from a drug overdose. By his death at age 27, Tom becomes the latest member of “the 27 Club”, and joins fellow famous musicians, such as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain.

Desperate to escape his fame, an over-wrought Elliot hires a driver to take him from Los Angeles to New York for Tom’s funeral. Elliot’s journey across America enables him to eventually reclaim his humanity and his music.
Starring Joe Anderson (“Across the Universe”, “Control”), and James Forgey, who perform both as actors and musicians, and are supported by the excellent acting talents of David Emrich as “Three Words” and Eve Hewson (Bono’s daughter) as the beautiful hitchhiker, “Stella”.
Also appearing as the fictional bands’ talent managers are Alexie Gilmore, who is receiving the 2008 FLIFF Star On The Horizon Award, and Kyle Luker (Gilmore’s real-life manager).

Written, produced and directed by Erica Dunton. Cinematography by Stephen Thompson. Edited by Les Butler.
The director’s father, celebrated cinematographer and camera technician Joe Dunton, designed new 35mm anamorphic lenses to created the film’s very unique composition and very specific color palette.

Music composed by Michael Tremante, who also scored several award-winning independent feature films, (including “Village Barbershop” starring John Ratzenberger, also screening at FLIFF). Original music written and performed by Joe Anderson and James Forgey, (lead singer of electro-acoustic band, “Sleep Control”) as the fictional band “FINN”.

Also appearing in the film and performing are the “Down by the Wayside” Choir and Peter Stampfel, (one half of The Holy Modal Rounders, of the infamous “Fly Like a Bird” track from “Easy Rider.”).

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Screens on Sunday, October 19th, 2:55PM at Cinema Paradiso

View the Trailer for THE 27 CLUB

From FLIFF’s World Cinema Program:
A DEAL IS A DEAL (AKA “Three and Out”)

United Kingdom/ Running Time: 95 min

A warm-hearted comedy full of generous belly laughs, starring Mackenzie Crook, (“City of Ember”, BBC’s TV series, “The Office”), and Colm Meaney, (“Kings”, “Layer Cake”), as an oddly coupled two-some, who embark on a road trip. A good ear for British and Irish slang will ensure that you won’t miss any of the hilarious dialogue between these bickering buddies.
By unfortunate circumstances beyond his control, London subway driver, Paul (MACKENZIE CROOK), has run over two subway riders within weeks of each other. A remorseful Paul is advised by co-workers that if one more rider met their death beneath his subway car their company would offer him a payoff called “three and out”. It’s a company benefit policy for drivers traumatized by three deaths by train to receive a lump sum severance equal to ten years of salary.

Such an unexpected windfall could make Paul (MACKENZIE CROOK) realize his dream of owning a cottage on an isolated Scottish island, where he can write his first novel. He now only needs to find a willing suicidal volunteer to jump in front of his subway car before the month ends. Enter Tommy (COLM MEANEY), who Paul offers his rent money for his cooperation. Paul proposes Tommy he could use the money to fulfill an unmeet dream or make amends with his estranged family of wife, Rosemarie (IMELDA STAUNTON) and now-grown daughter, (GEMMA ARTERTON). Together, they embark on a road trip full of hilarity and touching emotional reconnection.

Starring along with Mackenzie Crook and Colm Meaney, are Gemma Arterton (“Rocknrolla”, newest Bond Girl in “Quantum of Solace”), Imelda Staunton, (Oscar-nominated for “Vera Drake”).

Directed by Jonathon Gershfield, written by Steve Lewis and Tony Owen, cinematography by Richard Greatrex (“Shakespeare in Love”; “Run Fat Boy Run”), edited by Jon Gregory (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”) produced by Wayne Marc Godfrey and Ian Harries.

Screens on Sunday, October 19th, 6:45PM at Cinema Paradiso

Q & A session with Gordon Synn, associate producer, follows screening.

View the Trailer for A DEAL IS A DEAL aka "Three and Out"


From FLIFF’s Documentary Program:
SAVING FACE (Running Time: 81 min)

“Saving Face” is an engrossing documentary about an unremorseful criminals’ road to redemption. Matt Kern was an over-achieving high school student, with an attraction to trouble. Matt participated in a carjacking that ended in murder. His wealthy family dutifully turned him in to the law for punishment. Unfortunately, Matt flourished in prison by running a gambling and drug operation behind bars. Matt surprises himself, and his family, by finding God after spending 13 months in solidarity confinement. With his family now on his side, they rigorously work to have Matt’s sentence commutated and receive clemency.

Written, directed and edited by H. James Gilmore, cinematography by Gareth Paul Cox, produced by James. A. Kern, James W. Kern and Eleanor Kern Buff.

Screens on Saturday, October 18th, 7:40PM at Cinema Paradiso.

Q & A session with H. James Gilmore, Matt Kern and representatives of the judicial system follows screening.

View Trailer for SAVING FACE


www.FLIFF.com

Max Payne

Written By: Alyn Darnay

If you’re only looking for a fast-paced shootem-up, with some cool effects and a driving musical score, then this is the film for you. As with most films that start out as video games, Max Payne is for the adrenaline action junkie in all of us, a guilty pleasure even I sometimes suffer from.

Don’t look for any deep abiding story here, you won’t find it. It’s a simple tale of obsessive revenge that moves from one excess to the next utilizing every cliché in the book; the partner, the murdered family, the retired cop, the bad girl with a heart of gold, the evil villain, and even the corrupt corporation.

What Max Payne does have going for it is Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and Ludacris, all strong screen personalities who are fun to watch. What Max Payne has to offer is a beautifully executed visual style, state-of-the-art effects, and the non-stop action of the game. Unfortunately what Max Payne lacks is an interesting coherent story, but then again, a heavy story would slow down the action and when you want to experience a video game on a big screen, that’s a big no, no.

The movie is not for everyone, but for those of us who thrive on action it’s a quick, loud, easy, distraction. By the way, there’s a beautiful gun and bullet montage during the end credits that’s more than worth the viewing.

BOOK REVIEW

“The Script…A Breakthrough Guide To Scriptwriting”

Author: Alyn Darnay

By Al McGhee

At first I thought, why would I need a book about scriptwriting, as it should be easy to write a screenplay? Just get a computer program that helps you write a script and you are on your way. I was recently introduced to the book “The Script…A Breakthrough Guide To Scriptwriting,” by filmmaker and author Alyn Darnay; and I now know that there is more to writing a film than that.
Everyone has a script hiding inside of them waiting to be written, this book brings it out. His informal, easy to understand writing style combined with his passion for filmmaking generates the enthusiasm for putting down the story that you have always wanted to tell in the form of a workable script for a movie or even a play.
It has all the elements needed to write your script including; creating original characters with their traits and mannerisms, making your characters multi-dimensional and compatible, creating their emotional interests and more.
The book helps to break down your characters and give them believable traits. Most people want to sit down and write a story and say here it is, but they never give their characters a personality. Darnay covers this important area and makes it easy to understand.
The book goes into all the facets you need to write a good screenplay. But what if you have already written that script and are stuck or not quite sure you want to send it to a filmmaker. This book is a great way to make sure it is ready for the scrutiny of filmmakers. It even has a chapter on “Stuck,” that will give you some ways of clearing your head.
The book also covers how to register and copyright your script. And don’t forget to read the page about completion of your script.
You can purchase the book from Alyn himself at HYPERLINK "http://www.ScriptWritingBook.com" \t "_blank" www.ScriptWritingBook.com. The cost of the book is only $18.95 plus a small charge for shipping. The book is not available at this time at major bookstore chains or online book outlets. And when you make your request for “The Script,” ask him to autograph it for you.

TROUBLE THE WATER

Documentary

Directed By: Tea Lessin and Carl Deal

By John Delia


Trouble the Water is stark realization of Hurricane Katrina’s mighty blow on New Orleans. From a home video camera a whole new perspective of the devastation comes to life and it was very shocking. For those who like to see reality shows, this account should keep you on the edge of your seat.
Kimberly Roberts took her new camera and decided that she was going to stay in her home and film Hurricane Katrina as it came barreling down on her city of New Orleans. Little did she know that being within blocks of the levees her life would be put in mortal danger, not from just the wind, but the rising water. With the wind blowing and the water filling her streets, she went up to her attic with her husband. Scenes of the water getting higher and higher are very scary. With the lights off and her battery dieing on her camera and cell phone, Kimberly continues her terrifying story.
But the film does not just cover the initial hit of the hurricane, but the aftermath that most television crews were not able to cover. Getting down to the grass roots, Kimberley and her husband along with a new friend explore the area in which they live. Over several days we see her chats with the military and the local police, none of which were any help during their captivity from the storm.
Seeing the tragedy that took place in New Orleans unfold is a great way to get the real facts and not the sugar coating. I liked the way the documentary editors integrated the footage taken by Roberts with film from others, including television accounts. I also was pleased with finding out what happened to Roberts after she and her husband left the area to seek living quarters in another state and then back again. It sort of tied the whole story together.
If you can find the film in your area, go see it. Trouble the Water should have you talking about it to others long after the lights come back up in the theatre.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Trouble the Water is a great documentary that should be viewed by all. (4 of 5 stars)

W.

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Burstyn, James Cromwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Scott Glenn, Toby Jones, Stacy Keach, Bruce McGill, Thandie Newton and Jeffery Wright

Directed By: Oliver Stone

PG-13 for language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images

By John Delia

Oliver Stone the filmmaker that brought you JFK, Nixon, The Day Regan was Shot and The Last Days of Kennedy and King, continues ‘docu-dramatizing’ famous political faces with W., a strange perspective on the current President of the United States. The main problem I had with the film is that it could have been a great satire, and it wasn’t. It is a conservative movie about a president that tells us no more than we already know. This ‘so what’ story turns out to be much like the results of the last four years of the 43rd President of the United States, not much for which to be thankful.
The biography follows George W. Bush from his wild life in college to his association with his professional baseball team, conflicts with his father, and the years leading up to his decision as President to go to war in Iraq. The film delves into his troubles and triumphs, how he met his wife, his association with Karl Rove, and how he got to be President. The only controversial thing that I could ferret out from the film is the hint that Bush wanted to bring down Saddam Hussein to show his father that he was not a wimp. Since Bush is still in office, the ending leaves you with no real ending.
Although the film is presented with a lot of factual material, researched by both screenplay/writer Stanley Weiser and director Stone, there are a lot of dramatizations that I found very amusing. At one point we find George on the toilet while taking to his wife in a hotel room. It made me wonder where they found that little tidbit and who would have brought that to light in the first place. Oh, and the conversation he had at a party where he met his wife, kind of cute, but with what meaning. In my opinion, if you are going to make a film about any President, it should be a documentary whereby we get reality and not dramatic prose.
As for the acting in the film, I think that Josh Brolin did a good job of portraying the President, but he was a little distracting at times. While his voice and swagger do resemble Bush, his facial expressions were over exaggerated at times. Those actors making doubles for the people surrounding Bush that were extremely good fits, include; Toby Jones as Karl Rove and Richard Dreyfus as Dick Chaney. While Thandie Newton did look a little like Condi Rice and Jeffery Wright looked somewhat like Colin Powell, neither could make the grade.
The directing in the film was lacking as compared to Stone’s previous biographies on famous people. Maybe if he would have waited some five or 10 years or so like he did with JFK or Nixon, that it would have been a more interesting film. For those who are obsessed with government figures, there’s a documentary coming out soon called Boogie Man which tells the story of political activist Lee Atwater the “truth spinner” who worked for Republican Presidents like Ronald Regan and George H.W. Bush. In the documentary, you will get some insight on George W. Bush that verifies some of the image created by Stone in W.
The film contains language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images

FINAL ANALYSIS: W. is a ho-hum movie that may be somewhat interesting to curiosity seekers and history students. (2 out of 5 stars)

SEX DRIVE

Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke, James Marsden and Seth Green

Directed by: Sean Anders

R for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, and some drug and alcohol use--all involving teens

By John Delia

Sex Drive follows in a long list of teen centered films that have popped up over the past years, but I have to say that this one has a lot of unbelievable situations that make it a fun watch. What make this film good besides the outlandish script are the comedic acting of Duke, Marsden and Green that give strength to the simple storyline. If you liked films like Super Bad and Hot Rod, then Sex Drive is a must see.
While in a chat room on line, eighteen-year-old Ian makes contact with Ms. Tasty and gets a picture from the voluptuous young lady who he believes will help him lose his virginity. Although his brother tells him that Ms. Tasty is probably a scam artist (“It’s probably a guy,” he says), his best friend Lance convinces Ian to take a chance on meeting with her. The only thing in the way is his brother Rex's beloved 1969 GTO, which he needs to “borrow” as part of the plan to win over the gorgeous Internet woman. In the meantime another close friend Felicia, who Ian dreams of one day changing friendship to a hot love relationship, happens onto the plan and makes them take her along on the eight hour road trip from Chicago to Knoxville. Along the way they run into some very funny situations leading to his final meeting with Ms. Tasty.
Even though there are movies with similar stories like The Sure Thing and Road Trip, I found this one to have a funnier edge. The characters in Sex Drive are more in the vein of Super Bad, naïve, yet bursting to find the one thing that has eluded them, sex. Not just any sex, but with the right girl. The side story where Ian finds himself in a quandary over his female best friend that he really loves develops nicely inside the situation comedy.
Marsden as Rex (Enchanted) and Green as Ezekiel (Austin Powers: Goldmember) make this film hilarious. In order to get Ms. Tasty Ian has to borrow his brother’s hot GTO in which he told her he would pick her up. When Rex finds out that Ian has stolen his car, he spars with his garage door in a very comical karate fight. Seth Green ads to the fun playing Ezekiel an Amish farm hand that knows more about cars than you would expect from his carriage bound lifestyle. His off handed style of comedy provides some reoccurring belly laughs.
Sex Drive wouldn’t have been as funny if it weren’t for Duke who as Lance the devil-may-care friend makes the film work. I especially liked the scene where Ezekiel picks him up in his horse drawn buggy. The two are a scream with some extremely witty dialogue.
The film contains some strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, and some drug and alcohol use--all involving teens so you may want to keep pre-teens from viewing this film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A very funny road movie that provides some great laughs. (4 of 5 stars)

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

Starring: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Bettany, Alicia Keys, Hilarie Burton and Nate Parker

Directed By: Gina Prince-Bythewood

PG-13 for thematic material and some violence

By John Delia

The Secret Life of Bees breaks out of the hive with a wonderful story, enjoyable characters and an amazing acting Tour de Force. The film grabs you from the very beginning and keeps your attention till the emotion filled ending. Although skewed somewhat toward female viewers, most males, especially drama lovers will feel the passion of the racial discrimination storyline.
The film opens in the early 1960’s during a period of American History where racial segregation in the South has hit a high mark. Young Lilly (Fanning) lives with her domineering father (Bettany) who can’t get rid of the haunting memory of his wife Deborah (Burton) being killed in a freak gun accident he blames on his daughter. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen (Hudson), her caregiver and only friend, to the South Carolina home of the Boatwrights, May (Okonedo), June (Keys) and August (Latifah). Here she finds the secret to her mother's past.
I was totally taken by this period piece involving the weakness of America during the time when African Americans were fighting for their rights. Although government legislation was put in place, most segregationists would not accept the law. The film touches on the bigotry and racial tension that was widespread in some southern states during that time.
The film has a remarkable cast in Latifah, Keys, Hudson, Okonedo and Fanning. Okonedo’s performance certainly deserves extra praise as May who’s harboring deep seeded memories of her dead sister. Her depiction of the sweet and kindly yet depressed woman brought a tear or two when she makes a decision that brings sorrow to their sisters’ lives. Keys shows her acting ability with the character June, an attractive young lady that shows her condescending side when August takes Lilly into their home. While Hudson gains more and more domination of the screen with her portrayal of the racially disparaged Rosaleen, Latifah continues her gentle side as the acting patriarch of the Boatwrights. I was pleasantly surprised with Fanning’s performance as the white abused child who has to come to terms with the spirit of her mother.
There is some very harsh brutality, brief language and depiction of death in the film, so take this into consideration when bringing youngsters to the film.

FINAL ALALYSIS: The Secret Life of Bees is a magnificent must see film for drama lovers. (5 of 5 stars)

RACHEL GETTING MARRIED

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, Bill Irwin and Debra Winger

Directed by: Jonathan Demme

R for language and brief sexuality

By John Delia

Jonathan Demme takes a long look at a dysfunctional situation and slowly spools it out for all to see. That is my take on Rachel Getting Married, a movie with powerful acting that should garner attention for a major award. The film however, is solely a film buff’s delight and not for the mainstream moviegoer; unless you like your movies with a lot of family drama.
The movie centers on Kym (Hathaway), the sister of the bride to be Rachel (DeWitt), who by chance has been released from rehab where she has been incarcerated for drug abuse. Returning home Kym jumps into the frail, letting her sister know that she is there for her in spite of the problems she has had. The family is leery of Kym’s intentions and makes little attempt to make her fell wanted. In the meantime, although Kym has tried to nose in on the procedures, Rachel goes through all the motions of finishing plans including fitting the dresses as if Kym were not a problem. When Kym starts loosing her ability to cope, the family waits for the bomb to drop.
The acting in the film is some of the best I’ve seen in a drama this year. Hathaway’s performance is outstanding as the on the edge Kym, exuding a feeling of unease every time she gets brazen with someone or deliberately tries to take over a conversation. Her intensity is shown when she confronts her mother (Winger) about a tragedy that she could have avoided. From delightful to devilish, Hathaway’s performance is amazing and right on the money.
In support DeWitt, as Rachel, does a superb job of holding back while her sister tries to tear her most important day apart. When push comes to shove however, Rachel lets her sister know where she stands. The film would not have worked, however if it weren’t for the wonderful sets, the supporting cast and the great house for the wedding.
On the downside, some of the cinematography from the hand held home camera is to often and bothersome. In addition, the constant band music tended to make me wary and unsettled. Although Demme seemed to want us to see a complete wedding, he could have held back on the length of time it too to go through the pre wedding party. On a good note, however, the scene at the beauty parlor was brilliant.
The film contains language and brief sexuality. It is best seen with a group of friends, mainly female.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Rachel Getting Married should play well to females and film buffs. ( 2 ½ of 5 stars)