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!
Doubt-Movie Review
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)
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