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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)

BODY OF LIES

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Golshifteh Farahani and Mark Strong

Directed By: Ridley Scott

R for strong violence including some torture, and for language throughout

By John Delia

Body of Lies starts with a bang and keeps the excitement going to the very end. Think James Bond fighting terrorism in the Middle East. For those who like their action mixed with a good storyline and a reasonably good ending, this film should be on your list to see on the big screen.
The movie follows Roger Ferris (DiCaprio) the best man U.S. Intelligence has on the ground, in places where human life is worth no more than the information it can get you. In operations that take him around the globe, Ferris' next breath often depends on the voice at the other end of a secure phone line, CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Crowe). Strategizing from a laptop in the suburbs, Hoffman is on the trail of an emerging terrorist leader who has orchestrated a campaign of bombings while eluding the most sophisticated intelligence network in the world. To lure the terrorist out into the open, Ferris will have to penetrate his murky world, but the closer Ferris gets to the target, the more he discovers that trust is both a dangerous commodity and the only one that will get him out alive. When he starts an affair with Aisha (Farahani) however, mixing business with pleasure takes on a whole new meaning.
I liked DiCaprio in the role of the CIA agent being dangled as bait at times while his boss (Crowe) oversees the operation thousands of miles from the danger. Still the consummate actor, DiCaprio here reminds me of his performance in Blood Diamond, which turned out to be one of his best performances. With Body of Lies he commands the screen and makes his character a standout.
As for Crowe, however, I believe his talent was wasted in the film. Pictured as a frumpy, overweight CIA chief with little to do than pressure DiCaprio’s character from most times miles away, Crowe’s Hoffman could have been played by any B list actor who probably would have put a lot more vigor into the role.
Scott’s direction continues to be great with total command of each scene making the film a winner. Although I did not agree with the ending, the energy Scott puts into the film keeps the film entertaining.
Body of Lies contains some harsh language and horrifying scenes of terrorist bombings and should be considered when deciding whether to take youngsters to see the film.

FINAL ALALYSIS: With Body of Lies, Scott brings an explosive film to the screen. (3 ½ of 5 stars) 


CITY OF EMBER

Starring: Tim Robbins, Bill Murray, Toby Jones, Martin Landau, Saoirse Ronan,
Harry Treadaway, Mary Kay Place and Liz Smith

Directed By: Gil Kenan

PG for mild peril and some thematic elements

By John Delia

City of Ember is a very good family film with a lot of challenging situations, enjoyable characters and a lot of excitement. The film is based on a series of novels for young people called “The Books of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau with “The City of Ember” being the first of four. In the crowded PG-13 to R rated movie market, City of Ember is a welcome breath of fresh air for the adults that have youngsters.
It is very hard to put the story into a synopsis without giving away too much, but what follows should protect you from any spoilers of the surprises and adventure in the film. Humanity has built an underground city called Ember due to a prophecy that the earth was doomed. Over 200 years have passed and deep down in the earth the descendents of the people are now running out of food and resources to sustain their lives. But life goes on as usual even though a missing secret box that contains a map to the surface should have been opened during their 200th year.
Teenage friends Doon (Treadaway) and Lina (Ronan) have just graduated from school and are now old enough to have appointed jobs in the tiny city where everyone works for the common good. Doon gets a job as plumbing worker while Lina on the other hand gets just what she wanted, to be able to use her fleetness as a messenger girl. Little do they know that their chosen professions would help them uncover answers to a mystery kept secret for over 200 years? We follow Doon and Lina as they start a race against the clock, following clues and avoiding danger, trying to solve the unknown and save humanity.
The film kept me totally engrossed in the storyline much like National Treasure did with their map of clues that lead them to a different kind of riches. Ronan (the young girl who plays Briony in Atonement) is marvelous as Lina the feisty young girl who stirs up trouble in the underground world of Ember. Her wistful manner and effervescent personality make the young girl among director Kenan’s brilliant players. Treadway adds his fine talent that’s needed to make Doon the instrument that allows Lina to complete her adventure. Robbins, Murray and Landau are cunningly inserted into film completing the excellent cast of unusual characters.
Directing, cinematography and sets are all amazing in the film. I loved the old city and the monstrous generator that flickers and groans from age. I’m hoping that City of Ember does well at the box-office so there will be depictions of book two through the final chapter in book four.
The PG rated film does contain mild peril and some thematic elements such as a huge mole that may be a little scary for the very young.

FINAL ANALYSIS: City of Ember is a terrific film for the whole family. (4 of 5 stars)

HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND ALIENATE PEOPLE

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Bridges, Gillian Anderson, Danny Huston and Megan Fox with Thandie Newton as herself

Directed By: Robert B. Weide

R for language, some graphic nudity and brief drug material

By John Delia

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People may be the year’s best comedy. Loosely based on the true memoirs of Toby Young, the funny antics are hard to believe could actually happen in real life. The sidesplitting dialogue just keeps coming and coming until the last line is delivered. Simon Pegg’s over the top whit and humorous appearance make him the new Peter Sellers. If you want to laugh out loud, then this film should give you the motivation.
The film follows Sidney Young (Pegg) a failing British celebrity publication owner who has bumbled his way through the royal society. About to lose his publication, he puts his nemesis Clayton Harding (Bridges), managing editor of competitor Sharp magazine on his cover in the nude. Soon after, he gets a call from Harding asking him to come to New York and write for his magazine. Thinking he has now become an insider in the world of entertainment, Young goes all out to impress his new boss. Accidentally he insults Alison Olsen (Dunst), a fellow writer who is working her way to the top, and starts finding it difficult to cope within the office. Young doesn't give up trying, finding creative ways in the face of everyone just to get a story, including top New York publicist Eleanor Johnson (Anderson). When Young falls for Sophie Maes (Fox), one of Johnson’s up and coming young starlets, he gets a rude awakening.
The storyline is snappy and full of very funny remarks that make the film fun to watch. I especially liked Pegg’s expression in the elevator when he hits the boss’s daughter in the back with food he chokes up. Another scene has him facing his worst fears when he finds out he is bedding Bobbie, a tranny. There is lot of sight gags and clever comments all coming at you at a quick pace, so don’t forget to take a breath.
What makes the laughter work so well are the support cast of remarkably funny characters. For example, Miriam Margolyes plays the owner of his rooming house who questions him a lot of weird things going on in his apartment; and there’s a belly-laughing interview with Thandie Newton by Young during a cocktail party.
But the winner here is Simon Pegg. He was great in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead, but here he tops them both and gives his best performance ever.
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is a perfect date film so choose your best girl or a bunch of friends and start laughing. The film contains graphic nudity and drug use, so be cautious when deciding to bring young children.

FINAL ANALYIS: How to Lose Friends & Alienate People’s the right medicine to kick the blues. (4 of 5 stars)

THE GODFATHER: The Coppola Restoration Edition DVD

Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, James Caan, Lee Strassberg, Talia Shire, and Andy Garcia

Directed By Francis Ford Coppola

Rated R for violence and language

By John Delia

It has been years since The Godfather has been up on the big screen where it shines the most, and after it was released on DVD I purchased the set. Now the film has been fully restored to its original brilliant cinematography and in addition to the trilogy being available on ordinary DVD, is for the first time on Blu-ray Disc. The package has over 4-hours of supplemental material along with the three complete films. And, in conjunction with the release of the DVD, The Godfather I has been digitally remastered and will be playing at some of the local theatres around the country starting Friday, October 3. If you live in South Florida, the theatre showings will be at the Muvico Palace in Boca Raton, Florida.
Most everyone knows the saga of The Godfather as told in three separate movies, but to refresh your memory the following is a brief as possible description of all three episodes. The film centers on three phases of the lives of a New York Mafia family including Don Vito Corleone (Brando) the patriarch, Michael Corleone (Pacino) the son who becomes his heir to the ‘throne’ and the weakening of the New York criminal families.
In The Godfather Part I we are scooted ahead to a time where Don Vito Corleone is living in his guarded enclave and we get a glimpse of the family’s personal lives and their business. Here we become aware of each of the main characters including the Don’s three sons Sonny, Michael and Fredo who become the loyal soldiers under the godfather’s big business crime. During this period a lot of action takes place that keeps the central plot hot and interesting.
The Godfather Part II gives us flashbacks as we are treated to young Vito Corleone (DeNiro) who is eking out a living on the streets of New York in the heavy populated Italian section. During this period we see the rise of Vito to Don status and the power he gains over the community. This is where we obtain the pieces of writer Mario Puzo’s puzzle that magnifies the present day family as depicted in The Godfather Part I. This episode also show’s Michael’s rise in the family.
In The Godfather Part III all the loose ends of the two pervious films are tied together and Michael shows his power over rival New York crime lords. It may be the weakest of the three, but totally necessary to the overall story.
I love this story, the characters and the actors who portrayed them. It is probably the basis for all the future mafia related films that followed. Having this set provides hours of entertainment that cannot be found on this genre anywhere. If you are a collector of the best films ever, this trio should be in your library to replay whenever you want to enjoy a great crime drama. The Oscar winner for Best Picture for The Godfather Part I and Part II, if you have never seen this Trilogy, it’s a chance to see it in all its glory.
The bonus features that were on the previous trilogy release are included in this one, they feature commentary by Director Francis Ford Coppola, making of The Godfather, additional scenes, filming locations, the Corleone family tree (a must see after you seen I), the music of The Godfather (this is the thread that keeps you in focus during the trilogy), The Godfather historical timeline (a must after you have seen parts I and II), profiles of the characters (watch this after The Godfather I), photo galleries and storyboards (not that interesting and probably used for fill).
The new bonus features on the DVD with this release include; “Godfather World,” “the Masterpiece that Almost Wasn’t,” “When the Shooting Stopped,” “Emulsional Rescue Revealing The Godfather,” “The Godfather on the Red Carpet,” “Four Short Films on The Godfather,” “The Godfather vs. The Godfather Part II,” Cannoli, Riffing on the Riffing, and Clemenza.
Please note that the Blu-ray edition does contain a additional selection of Bonus features in HD including, a crime organizational chart, Connie and Carlo’s wedding album, behind the scenes, on location, Francis Coppola’s notebook, Coppola and Puzo on screenwriting, Gordon Willis on cinematography, and others.
The films do contain some strong violence, language and a scene of gory animal cruelty so please be cognizant when youngsters are present.

FINAL ANALYSIS: The Godfather is a brilliant trilogy that translates very nicely to DVD. (5 of 5 stars)

GHOST TOWN

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni

Directed By: David Koepp

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, sexual humor and drug references

By John Delia

Although Ghost Town does tend to be a bit over the top, I found the fun little film enjoyable to watch. If you like you humor with a British flare, then this film will be perfect for you. The film’s strong side comes with solid comical interaction between Gervais and everyone he runs into.
This romantic comedy centers on Bertram Pincus (Gervais), a dentist that after having a colonoscopy, finds out he died on the operating table and was brought back to life. What has transpired however is that Pincus has gained the power of conferring with the dead. No not spiritually, but in person with dead people who have unfinished business on Earth before they can be taken to the beyond. Totally bemused by his new power, Pincus tries to go on living like he has done in the past. However there is one ghost, Frank, who keeps bothering Pincus because he knows that he’s the only one who can make things right with his widow, Gwen (Leoni). When he finally agrees to help Frank, Pincus runs into more than he had bargained.
The amusement in this film comes from the great comedy of Gervais who makes every scene he’s in funny. His British accent and offhanded delivery of the witty dialogue had me laughing during each of the many situations he found himself. I especially like the scene where he is talking to the admitting nurse. His answers to her questions are priceless. Gervais can also deliver a warmer side of himself, especially when he has to make a decision that could change his life forever.
The writing is top notch with Keopp (Spider-man I, The Panic Room, The Lost World: Jurassic Park) keeping the plot interesting and not overly ridiculous. At first I thought that this was just another Ghost, but Keopp stays away from the main thrust of that tearjerker and instead provides a funnier side of death. I especially liked the scene where Pincus has to deal with the non-stop talking woman in his dentist chair, the conversation with the doctors who tell him he died and the meeting with Gwen at the museum.
Although the film is rated PG-13 it’s mostly for the strong language and sexual innuendos.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Ghost Town is a romantic story that will make you laugh.
2.5 out of 5 stars

RIGHTEOUS KILL

Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, 50 Cent, Donnie Wahlberg and Carla Gugino

Directed By: Jon Avnet

R for violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and brief drug use.

By John Delia

As far as crime drama’s go, Righteous Kill is humdrum and ordinary. This film should have been made in the 80’s while the two main actors, De Niro and Pacino were in their prime. The film does nothing to showcase their talent. However, for those who just can’t get enough of the two actors, this film would be a good choice.
The plot involves partner detectives Turk (De Niro) and Rooster (Pacino) on the New York City police force who realize that a killing they are investigating may be the work of a serial killer who leaves poetry with their victims. The two above reproach detectives have been working together for 30 years and have seen many such crimes, but this one seems to point to a member of their precinct. The oddity with this case is that each of the killings tends to be at the hands of a vigilante who has singled out victims that have come in contact with Turk and Rooster. When Perez and Riley, two fellow detectives get the impression that Turk may be their killer, they put all their efforts into bringing him down.
The film has some good things going for it including the stunning performance by Gugino (Spy Kids, Sin City, American Gangster) as the over the top tough as nails detective Corelli who gets her kicks out of masochistic love play. The ferocity she lends her character steals the show from the De Niro and Pacino.
As far as De Niro and Pacino go, I believe that it is a little to late to be pairing up and with the trivial script it made it even worse. If they had done something more their age in the fashion of The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, it would have been more enjoyable to see the two going at it on the screen. Most audiences today are craving strong performances from their “A” list stars, and individually (De Niro in Meet the Fockers in 2004 and Pacino in Any Given Sunday in 1999) you would have to go back several years in order to find their peak. They are icons in the film industry, but are sorely miscast for Righteous Kill.
But you can’t blame acting for the failure of the film, it mostly stems from the predictable plot. With so much pending on it’s revealing finish, the writer failed to realize that his prospective audience is educated adults who should be able to figure it out midway through the hour and forty minute film.
The film contains some drug use, sex and brutality so be cautioned when allowing your under 17s to attend the showing.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Unless you really want to see De Niro and Pacino together in a film, there’s not much here to challenge your mind.

I SERVED THE KING OF ENGLAND

Starring: Oldrich Kaiser, Ivan Barniv, Julia Jentsch, Jeri Labus, Josef Abrham and Milan Lasica

Directed By: Jiri Menzel

R for sexual content and nudity

In Czech with English Subtitles

By John Delia

I Served the King of England is a charming adult film that sets itself in motion and moves along at a steady pace delivering an amazing storyline that should delight most film lovers. Whether you are a film buff or just want an afternoon or evening of distraction, this film should fill the need.
The story of Czech born Jan Dite starts with his release from a Czechoslovakian prison where he has been officially pardoned following 15 years of incarceration. Being that the Czech’s wrongly imprisoned him after the fall of WWII German domination, Jan is awarded a backwoods shanty as compensation. We then are treated in flashbacks to his remarkable past from a provincial waiter in a pub to employment in a luxury brothel and finally an elegant restaurant in a fashionable hotel in Prague. His desire to become a millionaire in the face of amazing odds against him is at the center of the storyline. Jan meets and marries Laza (Jentsch), a Sudeten German living in Czechoslovakia during the Nazi takeover, which keeps himself out of harms way. But when Laza decides that she must fight for the Nazi’s and goes to the warfront, things start to take a downward turn. When the Germans take over the hotel in which he works and turn it into a birthing place for Aryans, Jan’s fate becomes in doubt.
The acting directing and cinematography in the film are magnificent, but the storyline does tend to be quite whimsical. Following Dite’s lengthy odyssey does tend to make the movie a bit involving, but it was overshadowed for me by the unusual journey in life Dite had to make in order to find his ultimate goal. Add to this some amazing cinematography of the hotels, restaurants, villages, hillsides and even the celebration of the birthing rights by a luxurious pool.
Topping the talent is a pair of actors who play Dite, Kaiser and Barniv. Both do a teriffic job in bringing Dite to life as the short in hight but high in ambition main character. I give a tip of the hat to Menzel for drawing out great performances from both.
The film contains a lot of nudity, sex and some visions of gore and should be viewed only by mature adults. I Served the King of England is presented in the Czech language with English subtitles. I found the titles easy to read and visually acceptable.

FINAL ANALYSIS: If you like your foreign films unusual and engrossing than I Served the King of England is your cup of tea.