ELEGY - MOVIE REVIEW
ELEGY (Running Time: 106 min; Rated: R)
FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Reviewed by Denise Castillón
TOUCHING “ELEGY” DELIVERS A PASSIONATE TRIBUTE TO CINEMA
The superbly crafted ELEGY is a potent drama with brilliant and moving performances from Sir Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz and, quite undeniably, Dennis Hopper. Despite its pre-Oscar season release, this impressive film is sure to evoke multiple nominations by the Academy.
ELEGY embraces deliberate plotlines, strong character development and a deviance from a conclusive ending. These characteristics of French Cinema are undoubtedly derive from its award-winning European director Isabel Coixet (THE SECRET LIFE OF WORDS, MY LIFE WITHOUT ME).
Nicholas Meyer’s screenplay, based on “The Dying Animal” by Philip Roth, retains the satirical humor and powerfully expressive language as written in the acclaimed author’s novella. In contrast to his previous film adaptation of Roth’s “The Human Stain”, Meyer effortlessly translates this shorter story onto screen.
Aging serial seducer and college lecturer, David Kepesh (BEN KINGSLEY), enjoys the attention of young female students drawn to his minor celebrity status as a cultural critic on TV and radio. Professor Kepesh calculatingly avoids sexual harassment charges by dating his students after posting their grades. He has managed to preserve his personal independence by maintaining purely sexual relationships, until Consuela Castillo’s (PENÉLOPE CRUZ) “elegant austerity” graces his classroom. Now, the once self-assured philanderer is completely befuddled by this “work of art”. David and his best friend, poet George O'Hearn (DENNIS HOPPER), regularly confide each others sexual escapades. George strongly urges his pal to end the tenuous affair before the girl does. Although still fearful of their 30-year age difference, Kepesh obsessively pursues the sexually-confident Cuban beauty. When David’s jealousy reduces him to impulsive and destructive adolescent-like behavior, George further advises that he should “stop worrying about growing old, and start worry about growing up.”
An introduction speech prepared by Kepesh, honoring George’s esteemed literary contributions, set offs significant and life-changing events for both friends.
A later turn in the plot leads to this rebuke from Consuela, “You do everything…alone.”, and causes Ben Kingsley’s character to finally grasp the costly restrictions of his treasured autonomy.
Additional fine performances given by cast members Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard and Deborah Harry.
Directed by Isabel Coixet. Based on the novella, The Dying Animal, by Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth. Screenplay written by Nicholas Meyer. Cinematography directed by Jean-Claude Larrieu, with collaboration from the director, Isabel Coixet. Edited by Amy E. Duddleston. Produced by Andre Lamal, Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg. Executive produced by Eric Reid. A Lakeshore Entertainment Group Production, released by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
DEAL - DVD REVIEW
DEAL on DVD
Starring: Burt Reynolds, Bret Harrison, Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilly
Directed by: Gil Cates, Jr.
Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and brief drug use
By John Delia
Although slow moving, I found Deal an interesting movie. Those into gambling or slow paced dramas should get a kick out of it. There are a few twists, but the main one was predictable. Very limited on bonus features, but the main one, which features some Texas Hold’Em tips, is worth the watch.
The storyline of Deal involves two complete opposites, Tommy Vision (Reynolds) a retired card player who lost in the big time and Alex Stillman (Harrison) a hotshot poker playing college kid who really doesn’t have a clue about big stakes gaming. After Stillman comes in at a high level on a internet poker contest, Vision looks him up for a possible opportunity of being his protégé. When the boy starts to click, Vision decides that he should enter the World Series of Poker. But after a miscue by Vision, Stillman takes an unexpected turn leading to a face-off between the two.
The film plays out quite slow and methodical, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Reynolds is at his best putting on his Jack Homer (Boogie Nights) face, which mimics one of the best roles he has ever had. But that’s not enough to carry the insubstantial predictable film that shadows in the recent 21, which had a similar gambling plot. Harrison’s acting was rather weak and if he had upped his performance it could have made a difference. Although not in the film for very long, I enjoyed Jennifer Tilly’s bold look and sassy candor at the poker table.
Gates, Jr. who directed and wrote the film does not make his characters believable enough. Everything is too easy, the only conflicts are Vision’s wife who doesn’t project enough anger to show her unhappiness with the breaking of their 20 year agreement and Stillman’s father who looks like he is just reciting lines instead of providing the emotion over his son’s decisions that may ruin a projected law career.
The only bonus feature ‘Winning Big at Texas Hold’Em’ involves two world championship poker players; ladies champion Isabelle Mercier and men’s 2004 World Series of Poker champion Greg Raymer. The cool feature gives a quick education on Texas Hold’Em and bluffing.
The film does contain some drug use and a scene of presumed sex so be cautioned when viewing the film around children.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Deal is a fascinating film but folds to predictability.
THE SHIELD SEASON 6 - DVD REVIEW
THE SHIELD Season 6 DVD
Cast members include: Michael Chiklis, Walton Goggins, Benito Martinez, CCH Pounder, Jay Carnes and Catherine Dent, with appearances by Forest Whitaker
Created By: Shawn Ryan
By John Delia
The sixth season of The Shield had me very involved with the plots intrigue and outcome of each of the 10 episodes. I have to admit, it was hard to sign off each night after watching several, but the series has enough incentive that made me look forward to another night of the crime drama. With no commercial interruptions the DVD plays like a movie.
In case you have not seen The Shield before, here is a synopsis provided by Sony/Fox/FX. The Shield plays out in a tough, morally ambiguous world in which the line between right and wrong is crossed every day. The series focuses on the tension between a group of corrupt but effective cops and a captain torn between bringing them down and advancing his own political ambitions. The Shield stars Michael Chiklis (The Commish) as rogue cop Det. Vic Mackey, leader of the elite Strike Team unit, who is effective at eliminating crime but operates under his own set of rules. Benito Martinez (Outbreak) plays Cpt. David Aceveda, the young precinct head who doesn’t like Mackey’s tactics and wants to bust him off the force. CCH Pounder (ER & Boycott) plays Det. Claudette Wyms, a veteran detective who understands Mackey and knows how to play both sides of the force.
The commentary on most of the episodes is very helpful and interesting, especially if you have missed previous seasons. For those who have seen season six on television, you have an opportunity to view deleted scenes that were not shown in the series. Some of the scenes are questionably desirable, while others were definitely not needed.
I found the behind the scenes featurettes interesting and educational. ‘The Directors’ featurette was the better of the two. It was enjoyable watching Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) putting a scene together and then watching it play out. If you are really into film this is an extra good educational piece for budding directors. Paris Barclay (NYPD Blue, CSI, Monk) was a completely different kind of director who depended more on the actors to bring a scene together. It was fascinating to watch him bring the characters to life. After watching this featurette, I though it must be very difficult for the continuing actors to deal with a new director in each episode.
As for the second feature, ‘Full Circle: Franka Potente’ it was more of a thank you to her for coming on board the series. Franka says in the featurette that she always wanted to do an episode on The Shield because she liked it so much. She is an amazing actress and made her character a favorite of mine.
Chiklis does a great job of keeping his character on track. I especially liked him in the episodes ‘On the Jones,’ ‘The New Guy,’ and ‘The Math of the Wrath.’ But the actor that makes the series work by estimation is Walton Goggins who plays Detective Shane Vendrell. Check him out and let me know if you agree.
The only downside I can find is with the character played by Forest Whitaker. I had seen the film Street Kings in which Whitaker plays a similar character. It bothered me a bit, but not enough to take away from the production. His performance here as with all his films is a standout.
FINAL ALNALYSIS: The Shield is a smart crime drama that plays out well and keeps your interest.
THE LONGSHOTS - VIDEO REVIEW
Review of this good family movie.
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