Fab Film Forum

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ***

2009-01-09T21:33:00.003-06:00

The movie has it all: big stars, sprawling story, resplendent score, and beautifully shot by one of the hottest directors in Hollywood. But why did this hyped movie leaving me a bit underwhelmed? Here's 3 reasons:

A) Unlike their perfectly-synched couple in 'Babel', Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett have little chemistry. I suppose this could be attributed to the unusual unfolding of their relationship, but I doubt that would be what the filmmakers intended.
B) Until the magnificent Tilda Swinton kick-starts the movie when she appears after the first hour (its nearly 3 hours long), the movie felt like an aimless string of vignettes....dare I say it: Forrest Gump-ish (same screenwriter). OK, sorry, this good movie does not really deserve that awful comparison.
C) Benjamin seemed more like a plot device than a fleshed-out character. I do not think Pitt is quite enough of a resourceful actor to convey the complicated feelings and situations that he experiences as he ages in reverse from being old at birth to being a newborn at death. It always looked like he was trying to act his "real" age because he was supposed to act that way, not because he actually was that way.

Cate Blanchett was reliably very good as Daisy. Director David Fincher sure knows how to make her look absolutely gorgeous and ethereal. You can't your eyes off of her! The ending seemed quite emotional...more so because I was supposed to feel it, not as much because I actually did feel it. And I'm not quite sure what Hurricane Katrina was doing there. I was actually most affected when Benjamin and Daisy began to slip out of each others' lives, as the movie effectively reaches its denouement about fleeting love and one and only chances. It stayed with me afterwards. The fact that Blanchett's Daisy is the driving character at the end of the movie helps a lot. The score by Andre Desplat was sublime, and it continues his string of impressive work that includes the highly-praised score for 'The Painted Veil'.

Slumdog Millionaire **

2008-12-04T23:43:00.003-06:00

“Slumdog Millionaire” is this year’s “Crash”: a manipulative piece of slog that ups the ante of emotions by tying it to a mass “in”, in this case a game show. Sure, the fact that it is set in India gives it a catching angle and interesting gravitas – few Westerners have experienced or seen this type of life. I was primed to be whisked away and entertained. Unfortunately, the movie sets up its shorthand fairly quickly: footnoting the lead character Jamal’s life through the present-day game show questions and game stakes. The fact that the screenwriter does this instead of actually showing me a life and making me care about it because he is a person is almost insulting. And it could have been both, but it is not. Jamal is one of the most vague characters I have ever seen in my life of movie-watching. The same goes for his two compatriots. On top of this, sorry to say, this is one of those movies where kids act and say things to incredulously overpower adult villains. Yep, things like 8-year-olds saying, “You are my destiny” or wrangling out of extreme life and death situations by their wiliness. Please, don’t remind me of the last third of “The Kite Runner”! Let the eye-rolling ensue.

I wanted to connect to a great story and memorable characters, like I did watching the modern masterpiece “City of God”, which it reminded me of at the outset. Instead, director Danny Boyle (the flashy, overrated “Trainspotting”) gave me weak tethers to stock characters and, ironically, given the escalating game show, a flat story arc – and I use the term “arc” loosely. Do I understand who the characters are and why they are that way, good and bad? Nope. Do any of the characters change, affected by people and situations like in real life? Not really. Does the lead make us believe in him for any reason more than we would root for a “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” contestant? Absolutely not. Tellingly, the most interesting characters – and I was grasping for them – were the game show host and the inquisitor who interrogates Jamal about cheating. Both of them show traits of real people: they wanted something, and they showed varying shades of being a person. In fact, I left the theater not caring one iota about how the leads end up (as if its not pre-ordained at the start), but more about these other two people and what may have happened to them. Let me see what these two characters do on the next game show taping. Next contestant please.

The Duchess ***

2008-09-26T23:57:00.013-05:00

Caste system? Check. Heaving bosoms? Check. A woman ahead of her time? Check. All of this and everything else you expect in a bodice-ripper is entertainingly presented in "The Duchess", a star-vehicle movie for actress Keira Knightley and only the second film of British director Saul Dibb. Disguised as a high-brow period-piece, this film's historically-based story would fit smack right in a prime-time soap opera a la Brothers & Sisters or Desperate Housewives, but with great costumes, enhancing score by Oscar-winning composer Rachel Portman, and huge, awesome hair. Oh, and the party scene with longing looks amidst the choreographed group bounce-dancing of the day - gosh, can it get any better?! Knightley shows range, subtlety and wit in playing Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire - and distant relative of the former Lady Diana Spencer. Ralph Fiennes as the awkward Duke is at least one dimension short of three - a deficiency of the screenplay. WHY is he the way he is? Nevertheless, very good performances all around - including newcomer-to-me Hayley Atwell - kicked this movie up a notch in roles that could easily have devolved into trite characterizations - and usually do in less movies. A too quick wrap-up left me wanting a bit more of this true-life tragedy, but points for closing it on a truthful note.

If Only

2008-09-04T20:42:00.001-05:00

If a poll were taken to find what people thought was the most pro-Christian film ever made, it would hardly surprise anyone if the most frequently cited film was “The Passion of the Christ”. That movie racked in billions. Millions of people, mostly Christians, flocked to witness Mel Gibson’s exaggerated and wildly fabricated depiction of Christ’s suffering on the day of his crucifixion.

The driving message of the film to its viewers was “It’s all about YOU! Jesus loved you so much that he suffered this brutality for YOU! And now YOU get to go to Heaven. All you have to do is BELIEVE.” To tack on a quote from my evangelical aunt about this notion, “It’s that easy.”

I pose that this film is actually extremely anti-Christian. The Gospels of the Bible make very little of the crucifixion and the suffering he endured at the hands of the Romans. Matthew devotes only 25 verses from the moment of his conviction to his death. Mark and Luke both offer only 21 lines; the Book of John doesn’t even mention it.

The most explicit description of the abuse Jesus received comes from Matthew:

And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

While the Bible has little to say about how greatly Christ suffered for the sake of mankind, it certainly has quite a bit recorded about how Jesus expected us to behave toward another. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” “Love one another”. Gibson gives those ideas a cursory treatment, but clearly they are not the most important lessons of his film. After all, such things are not easy. And in this newly retooled modern Christian era, they are not even necessary. All you have to do is BELIEVE that Christ suffered for YOU, and you’re in Heaven.

I saw a film last night that I would argue is quite possibly the most pro-Christian film ever made; though it is unlikely one would hear many Christians say so. The film is about a socially awkward, yet endearing young man who develops a severe and unusual mental illness. His family and fellow churchgoers, under the guidance of a clever, compassionate psychologist, and encouraged by their church pastor, devote themselves to a slow, effortful course of treatment requiring them to overcome their own ignorance, to refrain from judgment and to put themselves in a position of feeling awkward and ridiculous. The love, care, and compassion of this man’s friends and family is powerful and moving and they succeed in helping this man overcome his illness. It is really quite a lovely film.

Now today’s evangelical Christian will have difficulty latching onto the Christianity of this movie. For one, the young man’s mental illness is that he holds the delusion that a mail-order sex doll is a living woman who has fallen in love with him. But probably even more so, there isn’t a whole lot of overt Jesus in the film. I think I heard his name mentioned once. No one is running around quoting Bible verses (apart from the pastor during his church service); no one is claiming to do His work. No one is talking about being a Christian, they are just simply caring for somebody in need. There is no validation and no self-congratulation; Christians get no vicarious self-satisfaction from watching the film and so I can see how many would be unable to see its Christian foundation. To quote the Good News Film Review: “Silly concept, stupid movie.”

The most disheartening aspect of the film is the utter absurdity of how the film unfolded. I didn’t believe for a moment that this group of people could band together and with the courage of conviction and pure love for a fellow man, pull off what they did. It would take a tremendous amount of compassion, devotion and selflessness. It would take behaving precisely in the manner that Jesus taught in all those pages before he fell into those treacherous Roman hands. It wouldn’t be EASY and it wouldn’t be about YOU.

Lars and the Real Girl ****

FROZEN RIVER ***

2008-08-16T12:49:00.022-05:00

Even the title of this movie suggests hardship where life keeps living. Such is the true-to-life tale nurtured from a one-act, into a film short and finally into an impressive feature debut by writer-director Courtney Hunt. Long-time character actress Melissa Leo steps up big-time to play lead protagonist Ray Eddy, a hard-luck woman who is trying to live a decent life and support her two kids. Abandoned by her gambling-addict husband, Ray is the not-so-uncommon working-class American who works hard but gets knocked down by bad decisions and back luck. The fact that director Hunt makes it so compellingly real instead of a "what a stupid 'only-in-the-movies' decision THAT was" sentiment is a testament to both Hunt and also Leo, who imbues Ray with a dignity and honesty that dares you to think it could be any other way. The movie becomes a heart-tugging - and heart-pounding - study of two lives and two cultures, with her acquaintance through circumstance Lila (sympathetically played by Misty Upham) having a backstory of her own. Together, they very nearly convince us that there are no bad decisions, only decisions that must be made. And just when you need it, on Christmas Eve no less, a savior gives you hope.

Rent It! (and you can rent these NOW!)...

2007-03-05T14:05:00.000-06:00

After my last post where I recommended movies that were not yet on DVD, I thought, "That was lame -- recommending films they can't watch yet." So, by popular demand, here are 3 movies that were not big hits but deserved to be, available on DVD right now that you can rent TONIGHT.

Requiem For A Dream
A deeply probing drama about 3 lives -- a mother, her son, and the son's girlfriend -- in a tailspin. What is so great about this film is the way the lives careen so suddenly and sharply, as if this could happen to anyone...because it can. Heavy but fascinating stuff. The director, Darren Arononsky, who most recently did "The Fountain" with wife Rachel Weiss and Hugh Jackman, is such an innovator that simply watching the film is entertaining, regardless of what is actually happening. Jared Leto is very good as the son, and Jennifer Connelly is excellent as his co-dependent. But the one who knocks it out of the ballpark is Oscar-nominated Ellen Burstyn, as the mother whose inward life turns so far inward it becomes a black hole from which she cannot escape.

The Weatherman
So what if its a Nicolas Cage movie? Its great! Set and shot in Chicago, this is a dark comedy about familial relationships: a father, his outcast daughter, his uptight ex-wife (the wonderful Hope Davis), and his hilariously ambivalent yet observant father (Michael Caine). Cage does one of his manic characters, but Davis and Caine are superb. If you don't get dark humor or can't laugh at the humor in others' problems, this movie isn't for you. But if you're looking for an original, dead-on dark comedy that hits all the right painful notes of dysfunctional family relationships, then this is right up your alley.

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
Off-putting title, engrossing movie. Tommy Lee Jones stars in and directs this overlooked feature about friendship, loyalty, and making an honest life when it sometimes seems easier not to. Set in southern Texas and Mexico, Jones weaves a Western tale of a good friend lost and the journey the one left behind goes through in honor of his friend. The journey involves a third major character, play by the excellent Barry Pepper, who as the antagonist sets this story in motion. Absorbing, moving, and funny, The Three Burials... won Best Actor (Jones) and Best Screenplay at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

Rent It!...

2007-03-05T00:45:00.000-06:00

...when these come out on DVD. Alas, they've both left the theaters too soon:

The Dead Girl
Fascinating character study of people associated with a dead girl. Sounds morbid and uninteresting, right? But wrong you would be! (I know that's annoying Alannis Morrissette-speak, i.e. Under Rug Swept, but I digress). The film captures moments in people's lives that were, are, or will be affected by a dead girl, for example, the medical examiner, the mother, the stranger who found her, the girl, etc. Each has their slice of life story told as a separate vignette, but the impact of this one incident on their lives combined -- as an observer of all of their stories -- leaves a bigger impact. In a way, its kind of like Babel in structure and goal, except the goal is executed better. And what a cast! Toni Collette, Mary Steenburgen, Giovanni Ribisi, Mary Beth Hurt. Nominated for Best Feature Film at the Independent Spirit Awards, Best Actress Mary Beth Hurt, others.

Sweet Land
OK, I haven't seen this, but its in my Netflix queue. It was here for about a week in October; I noticed several rave reviews but missed it. A delicate story set in Minnesota two generations ago about immigrants, ignorance and love, it won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature (and was nominated for others). I don't know what I was thinking when I saw "Bobby" up in Minneapolis over Christmas instead of this movie, which was playing next door! (must have done better up in Minnesota still playing in December). This film is my priority to see when it hits DVD.

Oscar Observations...

2007-02-25T20:46:00.000-06:00

- Great! First 2 awards go to my #1 movie of the year, Pan's Labyrinth.
- Yay, Alan Arkin won!....uh-oh, not a good sign -- Little Miss Sunshine might win Best Pic. No. Just No.
- Jack Black is f------ hilarious.
- Cool, I love James Taylo...zzzz...Awesome I love the music of Melissa Etheri...zzz...Al Gor...zzzzz...wait, that was hilarious!
- Why when there's a Mexican comment made they show Babel Mexican actress Adrianna Barazza....or a Black comment and they show, of course, the Smith family...or a gay comment and they show T. C. (I don't wanna get sued)...or a Japanese comment and they show Iwo Jima's Watanabe or Babel's Kikuchi.
- Way to throw an award to Marie Antoinette.
- Valium does work.
- And this year's Lauren Bacall "I'm pissed I didn't win but I better do my best poker face unlike Ms. Bacall in 1996" Award goes to - Eddie Murphy.
- 1st female studio head and native Chicagoan Sherry Lansing gets an honorary award....but SHE WAS THE ONE responsible for Forrest Gump. I despise her forever.
- Wow, Oscar #3 for Mexican film Pan's Labyrinth! Cue cutaway to the Mexican actress - who had NOTHING to do with the film.
- I can't wait for the Dreamgirls medley yet to come....I heard its gonna be great.
- Foreign films that will be added to my Nexflix queue: Z, Day For Night, The Sea Inside, No Man's Land
- Hottest Presenting Couple: Clive Owen and Cate Blanchett.
- Mouth Agape moment: The Lives of Others wins foreign film - really good film but you know how I feel about Pan's Labyrinth.
- OK, cool silouhette thingy's but c'mon already. Waste. Of. Time.
- Go J-Hud! And nice J-Holl-er (can I trademark that?).
- Documentary that will be added to my Netflix queue: Jesus Camp.
- And this year's Lauren Bacall "I'm old and my eyesight is bad and I get easily flustered when trying to read the teleprompter" Award goes to - Clint Eastwood, Director/Interpreter.
- Wow, Gustavo Santaolalla wins his second musical score Oscar in a row (won last year for Brokeback Mountain).
- Little Miss Sunshine wins BEST Original Screenplay of the year?? C'mon.
- Saw the Best Song upset coming - Melisse E over the Dreamgirls songs - but "Listen" should have won.
- Scorsese's longtime editor wins for The Departed. Tidbit: the film winning Best Editing usually wins Best Picture.
- Can they at least mute out the popularity contest applause for the montage of those passed away?! Awful.
- And speaking of montages -- enough already!!
- Its going to be painful to see Peter O'Toole lose again. I can't watch. And is Reese's chin related to Jay Leno or what?
- Runner-Up Lauren Bacall "I'm pissed I didn't win but I better do my best poker face unlike Ms. Bacall in 1996" Award goes to, unfortunately, Peter O'Toole. Hey, at least he won something. Well, not really since he's runner-up.
- OK, if Scorsese doesn't win with presenters Coppola, Lucas and Speilberg then that's just cruel....whew, and monumental...a few tears in my eyes.
- L-O-V-E Diane Keaton. Not sure I like Jack's bald head (Note to Jack: it only works when it looks like a fashion statement, not like its age-appropriate).
- Yeah, LMS didn't win! Yes, I'll admit it, I wasn't overly enthusiastic about any of them winning the Best Pic of the year. But Babel and The Departed were my top 2 (see my earlier "Top Movies of the Year!" post).
- I thought Brad Pitt was a producer on The Departed. Shouldn't he also have picked up the Oscar?
- Overall Ellen grade: B. Good, but bring back Steve Martin.

First gay buddie movie..a Jerry Lewis/Dean Martin vehicle?

2007-02-10T22:00:00.000-06:00

Okay soo this is a head scratcher! Back in the MID 50s (yes the Eisenhower years). Hollywood greenlit a Martin/Lewis vehicle called Artists and Models. It is a study (natch) of 2 single guys sharing a bedroom in single beds in swingin 50s New York. But the subtext is off the charts! Jerry and Dean crawl into each others beds, jump in bathtubs together and paint little quaint mustaches on each other with such LOVE and CARE!. MY OH MY...was the joke on them or us (being the 50s movie going public?) This little trifle will have you arching your best Faye Dunaway manicured eyebrow thruout the alloted 100 minutes!

Sure there are the hags, a YOUNG Shirley matching Jerry scene for scene as his supposed love interest (they have a great number together where Shirley vamps and Jerry klutzes), Dorothy Malone as Deans supposed love interest, and lastly the late Eva Gabor as a sultry Russian spy that comes out of nowhere in the final act. But this is ultimately a touching tome between Dean and Jerry. And in the 50s no less! They are so in love in this picture (character wise at least) that the Brokeback boys would be sooooooo jealous!

In full Vista Vision and the costumes are over the top as they only could be in that time frame. Only on VHS BUT I have a vaunted DVD version that COULD be loaned out to the curious. Harmless fun (this is Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis for chisesakes!) But oh my!

Ponder if you see it!

Q

Who is prettier? New exercise in critical thinking.........

2007-02-10T16:15:00.000-06:00

Cillian Murphy or Jonathan Rhys-Davies?

In a hairball.......Im gonna go with JRD!

Academy Award Acting Analysis...

2007-01-26T12:38:00.000-06:00

I told an acquaintance this past Tuesday that it was a big day for me. "Quarter-end reporting finishing up?" she asked. "No...the Oscar nominations are out," I said with a grin. And then, to my surprise, we proceeded to enthusiastically talk about each of the categories (this person didn't seem like the type to do so). And that's why this past Tuesday is a big day for everyone....because everyone has an opinion. The Heralded Academy has spoken: mostly fu-reaky LA actors and studio execs...not exactly the ideal barometer of the best in art, but easily the best at getting press. So for your consideration, we little people here at our demure blog, the Fab Film Forum, digest and dish on this year's chosen few in the acting categories.

Best Supporting Actor:
Alan Arkin - Little Miss Sunshine
Jackie Earl Haley - Little Children
Djimon Hounsou - Blood Diamond
Eddie Murphy - Dreamgirls
Mark Wahlberg - The Departed

AA all the way! I loved Alan Arkin in LMS. He got the cadence, the cavalier nature of someone his age. It was one of those performances that is so on that you cannot think of a single way it could be improved upon. I missed him when he was not on screen. Jackie Earl Haley was also fantastic - I would love if either of them won. I thought Mr. Haley's role would be one thing, and he got me to believe it was another. Its one of those performances where you feel what he's feeling even when he's not doing a single thing in that moment on screen. OK, the Blood Diamond guy Djimon Hounsou...call me once he does a romantic comedy well. He's like the Black Sean Penn...all anger and angst, but can they really act in any role? Perhaps, but I'm not buying yet. Eddie Murphy was really good, but on further thought, my thrill for his performance was more about what it was within that movie and also that it was a major change for him (admittedly done very well!) than it was for just his performance. His scene with Danny Glover wasn't all that when it should have been. And Mark Wahlberg...what was his role again?

WILL WIN: Eddie Murphy
BETTER NOT WIN: Djimon Hounsou
SHOULD WIN: Alan Arkin

Best Supporting Actress:
Adrianna Barraza - Babel
Cate Blanchett - Notes on a Scandal
Abigail Breslin - Little Miss Sunshine
Jennifer Hudson - Dreamgirls
Rinko Kikuchi - Babel

Enough with the J-Hud train! Yes, she was great and entertaining, and she can definitely act. But I offer that it was a great song and a 2-note performance. It'll be very interesting to see what role she does next....but could she have done the other nominated roles very well? Adrianna Barraza was excellent as the Brad Pitt's and Cate Blanchett's nanny - what a range of scenes and emotions, and all believable - you just want to rescue her from that day. Ms. Blanchett was so fabulous that I didn't care that she was a felon. She should get an award for not only holding her own but also just matcing note for note Dame Judi's fierce acting. The Little Miss was a little cute. Fine. And Rinko Kikuchi of Babel was mezmerizing as the deaf-mute girl - look how she physically changes on the swing as she escapes one world for another. But in the end, I would go with Adrianna Barraza's heartbreaking performance of the nanny who is swept up in life-changing events.

WILL WIN: Jennifer Hudson
BETTER NOT WIN: Abigail Breslin
SHOULD WIN: Adrianna Barraza

Best Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio - Blood Diamond
Ryan Gosling - Half Nelson
Peter O'Toole - Venus
Will Smith - The Pursuit of Happyness
Forest Whitaker - The Last King of Scotland

Wow, I just realized I have not seen a single one of these performances! Unfortunately I will never see all five...sorry Will Smith; your back-end movie profit sharing will have go on without my $10. Always. Forever. Back to more important things...I am very excited to see Ryan Gosling and Forest Whitaker, both transcendent I've read. And that ol' coot Mr. O'Toole (isn't he a "Sir" yet?). He almost declined an honorary Oscar a few years back, saying he thought he could still win one outright (after seven previous nominations!)...and now he almost proves himself right. The sympathy vote is legendary against more critically praised performances (Paul Newman in 1986 beating critical favorite Bob Hoskins, Jessica Tandy in 1989 winning out over Michelle Pfeiffer, who was the Helen "I will win every critics award" Mirren of that year, etc.). But I also have read that O'Toole is right on the heels of Mr. Whitaker in terms of critical praise. And Leo - all I can say is that I was not buying his South African accent in the previews. And what happened with his performance in The Departed? Was it slotted into the supporting actor race like it is at the SAG Awards? Overall, very exciting race...could Mr. O'Toole - or Mr. Gosling - pull an upset?

WILL WIN: don't know yet
BETTER NOT WIN: Duh. Yes you, Mr. Smith
SHOULD WIN: don't know yet

Best Actress
Penelope Cruz - Volver
Judi Dench - Notes On A Scandal
Helen Mirren - The Queen
Meryl Streep - The Devil Wears Prada
Kate Winslet - Little Children

We can't even call this a race. But what a great year for lead actress roles. There's probably another five performances that would have been nominated in other years. Can Kate Winslet do no wrong? (OK, let's not bring up The Holiday - everyone needs a cush job that pays well every now and then). The poor thing will have to win an Oscar - or not - the hard way: through her sheer skill and rich subtlety, not flashiness and pizaaz. You don't even realize she's acting, and we all know the Academy rewards Acting, not acting. She's the Julianne Moore of her generation - should've won by now yet perhaps never will. Penelope Cruz was simply wonderful! I loved everything about her performance; she really took command of that movie in a role different than any other she has played and was a joy to watch. Dame Judi was magnificent. This role reminded me of her role in Mrs. Brown (I hate you forever Helen Hunt for beating her that year) - it starts quite regal and stoic and closed, and then she reveals more and more so that by the end, you're looking at a masterpiece. I love how she uses her voice; her performance should be studied in acting classes. Meryl Streep was great as usual, but would she have been nominated if her name was Mary Smith? Are we getting into auto-nomination with Ms. Streep? That leaves us with Helen Mirren, who should have won a few years back for her portrayal of the sad, regretful staffperson in Gosford Park. Here in the Queen, she again uses her inflections and the briefest of brushstrokes to convey the weight of the nation on her shoulders...and her heart. It really is amazing. In the end though, its the one performance that would not let me go that wins for me: Judi Dench.

WILL WIN: Helen Mirren
BETTER NOT WIN: Meryl Streep (never thought I'd ever say that!)
SHOULD WIN: Judi Dench

Babel, or Babble?

2007-01-18T22:02:00.000-06:00

***1/2

It had the most Golden Globe nominations with seven, but for a while Monday night it looked like Babel was about to go home empty-handed! And then it snags the BIG one - Best Picture, Drama. Wow, somewhat unexpected...I thought The Departed had that wrapped up. Directed by one of the talented trio of Mexican directors who've each had a big year (Alfonso Cuaron directed Children of Men, Guillermo del Toro directed Pan's Labyrinth, and Alejandro Gonzales Innaritu [AGI] directed Babel), Babel is the third movie in a trilogy (Amorres Perros, 21 Grams) that AGI created around the themes of chance, miscommunication, humanity, and redemption. The first 2 movies carried a weight that were commensurate with the drive, the plot, and the outcome of the movie. Babel is like the flashy, talented younger sibling that attracts a lot of attention but may or may not completely deliver on the promise. But like that sibling, it still has a lot to offer! Four stories intertwine - sort of - to show the chasms and yet intimacy that we share as a human race across this world. AGI's films have a distinct style, further marked by the sparse musical scores by Gustavo Santaollala (who also composed the moving, Oscar-winning score for Brokeback Mountain). Like Scorsese, AGI's movies have that certain look and feel due to a strong artistic vision of the director - you know you are going to go deep into characters' psyche's, you know not everything will be spelled out, you know the performances will be top-notch, you know the story is probably not linearly told, you know if you invest in watching it, the payoff will be well worth it. In Babel's case, the four stories were each so compelling that I almost wished I could've seen just one of the stories with a backstory. I wanted to know more about Brad Pitt's and Cate Blanchett's marriage (although because we don't is also one of the interesting qualities of the film - we don't need to know, we faintly recognize where they are in life...and generally why they are there). I wanted to know more about the Japanese Girl (who was amazing) and what happened earlier - and after the movie ended. I loved the way these stories each told just enough so that the choices they made and outcomes they experienced was as it should have been....as traumatic, emotional, or hopeful as truth itself. In the end, however, I felt a little ambushed. That these stories intertwined in the ways that they did was, in some cases, almost incidental. Sure, we visually see glimpses of one story within one of the other ones. But the fact that they are related did not add up to something "more," other than...oh, that's cool. I even caught myself toward the end almost searching to feel more as I saw a couple more threads come together. Do NOT get me wrong and think that I'm bordering on Crash territory here. That movie was so heavy-handed and basically instructed me to feel A because of B. I consider Babel an artistic achievement with great performances, but unlike AGI's 21 Grams, the sum of the excellent parts did not yield something more than the really good whole.

one night only! one night only!

2007-01-17T19:13:00.000-06:00

I KNEW they would use that song for the opener. See previous post.

Anyway....here is the skivvy as I see it and what it means going into the Oscars. Sadly, very NOT full of surprises, but the Oscars may prove that its not a sealed deal yet! Hello.......Adrien Brody! Where has he been anyway? I can recall King Kong and thats about it post-Piano (oops that was a thankfully muted Holly Hunter) Pianist. He is FUGLY hot btw-I have seen him in New York on the streets. FUGLY HOT!

Anywho....the show started BIG literally and figuratively with Chicago native J-HUD telling the foreign press that YOU YOU YOU YOUR'E GONNA LOVE ME in her best HELL to the N-O kinda way. To quote the obvious...... "you go girl!" She graciously acknowledged Flo Ballard ( the one with the better voice then Diana that ended up in the Detroit housing projects penniless) but where was the shout out to J-HOLL? Wihtout her the SONG would never have been ingrained in the consiousness of theatah loving types and their kindred souls. J-HOLL has been waxing some sour grapes over a rumored gag order from La Geffen saying no sangin that song no more. So maybe the dis-missive is gag ordered in general? Hmmmmm...ponder! Beyondce looked divinely non-plussed as she bravely attempted happiness at the win of her equal on screen time co-star. We are all happy for the HUD though and expect her to be the ONLY American Idol contestant to ever win the Golden boy in March. No stoppin this train. BTW-She did voluptuous women proud with the 'fit. It 'fit her to a tee! So scores on that as well!

THen there was some TV crap that I could care less about EXCEPT for Miss America stealing the rug out from the Housewives to win the ingenue award for Ugly Betty. I like the show, I like her and think it was well deserved! She looked great too in the voluptuous 'fit. Im also glad the assistant to Ms. Meryl in Prada won for some tv thing she did. She is one to watch!

Ms. Meryl Streep...where do I even begin??? Is there even enough words anymore? I think not. Does our generation remember a film landscape without her? Kneel to the altar of the greatest living actress of all time (okay Bette Davis and Kate Hepburn fans-one of the best actresses) and thank whomever you worship that she is one of the hardest working gals out there right now. Her speeches (and Lord knows there have been many) are always a treat. And the ole girl always brings a tear to this avid awards show watcher whenever she ascends the stairs. We love you Meryl! Please be cryogenically frozen so that we can worship forever!

Eddie Murphy-will be an Oscar winner love it or not. Especially after the sentiment involving the death of the Godfather of Soul..Mr. Brown. Cus thats who he channeled in this performance. No more Party All the TIme as Eddie proved once and for all that he can do more then Haunted Mansion and Daddy Day Care. He was on fire and the Academy will recognize that fact. The first SNL member to win the coveted one. Cuz Mr. Murray has yet to do that and sadly Gilda has passed.....SNIFFF!!!!

Sasha Baron Cohen-YUM YUM! Boy does he scrub up well! hard to believe the last time I saw him was sucking face with a hairy ass. Ummm......not going to go any further with that one. But come on.......youd rethink it if it was Sasha's ass in your face? Wouldnt you? :) Sadly, the other two hot Brits Clive and Daniel were no-shows. Tis the year of HOT British menz..........

And now we get to the dramaaaaaa of it all........Dame Helen (not so humorous at this gala....was she just plain old tired of all the accolades?) and Forrest Whitaker...has anyone seen this movie? It played here for like 2 weeks. They both will win, knocking HOT SASHA and Ms. Meryl off the heap. But I guess the dame du jour deserves it for the body of work ( I still prefer the old DAME Judis performance in Notes). And maybe big Willie style will squeak by FUGLY (and not in the Adrien Brody kinda way) Forrest. Who knows? Only the Academy voters....

Babel for picture was a given cuz they gave Scorsese director for Departed. Apples and oranges, I havent seen either. Oh well.....not enough DAME drama for me in either of them. And do I really need to see ANOTHER Scorsece picture use Gimme Shelter as background music. Should have won for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull or Goodfellas but didnt. So now give it to him for the Departed. BLAH BLAH BLAH!!!!

on to the juicy couture. Vanessa Williams hair exploded on her way to the awards...please forgive her. Nicollete Sheridan looked like a cadaver next to her corpse groom Mr. Tyler Hicks wannabe Michael Bolton. Reese looked like she was 12 and was shamelessly hanging out at Jacks table whenvever cameras flashed......ewwwwwwww........Daddy! The Arquettes looked positively ghoulish and how close were they (and Courtney) to the Bradgelina table anyway? Speaking of Bradgelina, I pity anyone who came waltzing thru before or after them cus they were nothing but ether if they did. The whole red carpet was dominated by them in their first official Hollywood sanctioned waltz together. And Angelina looked like she stuck her gargantuan lips around a big ole lemon all night. Why doll? Cuz you had to be the wife for a change?

Go away PULEEZE for at least a year: Jamie Foxx, J-LO, Hilary Horsey Swank, Renee chipmunk Zellwegger (who apparently had to duck out early for a HOT date with Luke Perry-my my), and Jennifer Garner. GO AWAY FOREVER INTO THE BOTTOMLESS PIT OF HELL FROM WHICH YOU SPRANG-SKANK FEST SIENNA MILLER. And Cameron.....well I cant even go there, its just too painful..............simply hideous! Altho...Justin looked dapper (was he there because of Alpha Dog? Whatever....and WHY was POOP Daddy there? Is he like an actor now?) I loved Princes win over the Beyondce song. How pathetic.....give me a song in the movie Daddy that doesnt sound like any of the other songs in the movie. A loser again Beyondce and I was lovin every second of it! Prince is my home town boy!

Always nice to see Ms. Drew looking good! Joaquin and JAKE!!! Especially after his classic rendition of YOU YOU YOU on SNL the previous Saturday.

Where were they? My MATTS (Dillon and Damon), perennial fashion plate Nicole (comforting a fresh out of hab Keith Urban-good luck on that one!) and the TOMKATS (cuz Lord knows they havent had any press this year.) And the hobbling out of the ARNOLD at the end is not the same as seeing old Hollywood legends like Olivia d Havilland lurching for the nearest podium at the Oscars a few years back. I want more old school......well maybe at the Oscars. Is Warren Beatty really 75? I swear thats what he said. That would make Shirley 80!?!?!?!?!?!? WHo knew?? He rambled endlessly and I thought Tom Hanks intro. was crass at best (why didnt Jack do it-dead men tell no tales?) but Annette took it for what it was. After all the beauty did tame the beast (or vice versa). Altho Warrens glamour puss days are looooonngggg gone (hello chemical peels).

We love the globes, they drink, they fraternize, and get into each others pants at the after parties (hopefully someone got into Sharon's pants after her desperate attempts in BI 2). But I digress..........

On to the next big one.....the SAGS where at least Jackie Earle Hailey was nommed over Mark Wahlberg! AND Miss Julie is getting the lifetime achievement award! Dont even go there if you dont know who Miss Julie is. Altho...I will give you SOME points if you thought Christie. Maybe next year for that dame! And then the big guy.......OSCAR!

Keep reading and please post comments! Now is the time for action!

Smooch

Q

Top Movies of the Year!

2007-01-15T10:22:00.000-06:00

Alright, its time. Yes, the proverbial Year-End Lists: Movie, Actor, Actress, Supp Actor, Supp Actress. First up, Movies. I haven't seen everything I need to see, so I've added a "yet to see list," and the right to modify my list after I see them! I have a feeling it might change (does The Painted Veil look great or what?). I like that there is not a clear front-runner. Without further delay:

Joe's Top 5:
1. Pan’s Labyrinth
2. United 93
3. The Departed
4. Little Children
5. Babel

Runners' Up (alphabetical order)
- Casino Royale
- Dreamgirls
- Inside Man
- Notes on a Scandal
- The Queen
- Volver

Yet To See:
- Children of Men
- Letters from Iwo Jima
- The Painted Veil
- Half-Nelson
- Sweet Land

Won't Be on My Top Lists:
- Borat (but it was funny!)
- Bobby (stupid)
- Little Miss Sunshine (above average but no dice)
- The Devil Wears Prada (ditto)

The Streep Theorem

2007-01-14T12:49:00.000-06:00

My friend Brian half-jokingly proposed to me this theorem: "Having Meryl Streep in your movie will automatically elevate it at least 1 star higher than it would be rated without her." By the end of our conversation, the theorem proven, we were no longer half-joking. Perfect case in point this year: The Devil Wear Prada. As soon as Streep makes her commanding entrance, I leaned forward a little more - my attention under her control. When she was off the screen, I thought about what her character was doing or thinking. When she was on the screen, I barely looked at anyone else (although charming supporting player Emily Blunt held her own). Anne Hathaway was engaging enough as naive, earnest lead Andy. She was wonderful in Brokeback Mountain in the small, pivotal role as the spoiled Daddy's girl who, calcified by years of a sham marriage, sadly has become the brittle Texan wife barely showing signs of emotional life. But that movie was directed by actor's director Ang Lee (Sense & Sensibility, The Ice Storm). In DWP, I thought Hathaway was literally going to be blown over by Streep. Hathaway is fine, but Streep is in a another stratosphere. Imagine someone lesser in her role as Miranda Priestly and this movie would be revealed for what it is: an average, frothy girl-power movie. And except for Blunt, do any glaringly worse two and one-dimensional supporting players exist this year? - they were appalling. Streep commented in an interview she created her character from an amalgam of ideas and persons, one, interestingly, being Clint Eastwood. Her strong, wordless gaze, her quiet deliberate annunciations making all stop and listen or else (audience included!) - its all there. Even notice how little she moves in "bigger" scenes. Somehow she seems to own her space and a large surrounding swath, as if she were the sun with all else in orbit about her. Media reports this week revealed that Streep has signed on for the lead of the mega-blockbuster ABBA musical, Mamma Mia. Again, a frothy girl-power-centric megahit (a stage musical in this case instead of a book) adapted into a polished movie, this time with catchy, entertaining songs amusingly wedged into a dumb story. Watch the Streep Theorem apply when it is released: **1/2 to ***1/2.

and the stinking turd of the year award goes to.....

2007-01-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

drum roll please!!!!!!

Well first lets muck our way through 4 little turdlets on our journey to the big TURD.

5. My Super Ex Girlfriend with UMa. I have never been a big fan of her acting skills and have found her to be more of a stage prop then anything else. But this turkey with Uma playing a superwoman on the verge of a nervous breakdown is truly awful and sophomoric. Co-costarring the king of moronic movies next to McConaughey..........Luke Wilson. I will give him Tannenbaums and thats it. And Uma.......Dangerous Liasons was a LONG time ago. Can you stop making crap? Too many to mention and not enough room on this post. I ony saw this cuz I was unemployed last July and everyone else was working and I had to take a week off from the beach cuz I was looking like an orange.

4. Basic Instict 2-Hey its only the 4th and not the 1st.......who knew? See separate posting on this mess and Sharon trying to be a desperate sexpot YET again......

3. Deck the Halls-I was treated to a bootleg screening of this while home in Owatonna for xmas. I sat with a dear friend and her family as they laughed uproariously throughout and I cringed and tried not to scream out "STOP LAUGHING DON'T YOU PEOPLE HAVE ANY SENSE!!!!" Danny DeVto is so annoying in this, that it makes poerfect sense why he was all boozy on the View (well that and having Rosie Hee Hawing at you like a Jackal). And poor Mr. Parker er.....I mean Broderick. Cant he just stay home and play house husband? She makes all the $$$$ anyway. Rewind to the 80s and se Neighbors with John Belushi if you are that desperate to see the dueling neighbors motif.

2. Running with Scissors-Horrible adaptation from another supposedly true memoir written by the increasingly annoying and oh so important dubious literary sensation Augusten Burroughs. The supposedly true book had a few laughs on the family that takes Augusten in at their expense of course. Sadly, none of that translates to screen. The movie/script/director fails in every attempt to show any compasssion and just trots one character after the next out for the viewer to gawk at the freak show on screen. BORING! Annette Bening plays the selfish, mad as a hatter mother to the hilt and tries so hard for the elusive statue that you almost feel sad for her. Dont even get me started about how much i LOATHE Gwyneth and she is LOATHSOME in this movie. I think its time for Augusten to shut the little factory down and sit on his millions for his "truth". And hopefully, no more of his literature will ever be translated to the screen again. OOO...look at haggard Jill Clayburgh eating dog food-shocking!!!!! Dreck.....

And the biggest plop in the bowl goes to................

1. Black Dahlia-At least Annette is not in the worst movie of the year! That would go to her awards season nemesis Hilary Swank. And Hilary dont ever play a sexpot again-cuz you stank! You can only play gender neutral heroines that are martyrs and then die in the end. Thats it, is that to much to expect? This movie is based on the true unsolved crime of a youg girl making her way to Hollywood who is murdered (horribly.) Josh Hartnett who isnt even that cute anymore gives another wooden performance as the cop hot on the trail to solve. This movie is a mess from the get go. Everyone in it stinks and the director, Brian DePalma just plain loses control of the proceedings. But at least he gave us Carrie, Dressed to Kill and Body Double so I can somewhat forgive him....somewhat..............

Golden Globe Meltdown.....

2007-01-09T20:55:00.000-06:00

Yes....the awards season officially opens next Monday MLK day with this televised spectacle. Now on NBC versus USA or whatever third rate channel it used to be delegated to. I expect much chatter after this one. And for those of you who salivate and await my breakdowns in the past...you will only see it here (natch!) One Night only, One Night only to lift from the Dreams. And I guarantee you THE theme song for pre-awards soundtracks going into this season! Sorry Beyondce but this song is from the original............

SHARON SPREADS THEM AGAIN......WORLD YAWNS...

2007-01-09T20:15:00.000-06:00

BI 2. WHAT A TRAIN WRECK BUT OF COURSE MY MORBID CURIOSITY WON OUT AND I VIEWED. The result.......not truly bad just bad and BORING!!!! Poor Sharon...yes the upfront paycheck for this crap helped.....but the b.o. (in this case body odor must have been devestating for the ole puss....I mean lady). Yes...apparently the world was clamoring for La Sharon to reprise this role and then had an after thought or maybe Sharon just thought the world needed more of this role. In any case, the movie actually isnt the worst of the year (in my book) that would be Black Dahlia with Hilary (Horse Lips) Swank trying to emulate ms. Stone in the original (separate post for that mess.)

Sharon aka Catherine Trammel is now getting pummeled all over London and leaving dubious corpses wherever she goes. Her latest victim is played by some Brit actor who thought maybe this would be his calliing card to CLIVE and DANIEL status. He needs to fire his agent, Altho....his ass is not as saggy as Mr. Michaels in the orginal hit movie. Michaels sagger is referenced in the new disaster for continuties sake. But who really cares? He must be thanking his lucky stars that he was non-negotiable (most likely due to CZJ stomping a Jimmy Choo heel then collecting a paycheck-cuz we all know he LOVES doing that!) This is really seeing how SHARON looks after all these years. And with all the cosmetic surgery and acid peels and vaselined lenses she looks pretty darn good. Two thumbs up from that perpective!

I wont bore with details....cuz if you have seen the first one...this is a formulaic next outing. But for camp value, Sharons robotic performance is worth a few laughs as she taunts, teases, double crosses, and WINS again at the ending. Lucky bitch! This instict leaves you without taste, smell, vision, and sex drive and qualifies only as a * for Sharons sheer determination to never be forgotten by her admiring pubic er public!!! Love it or leave it!!!

Smooch!

Little Miss Sunshine is a Little Amiss

2007-01-07T22:44:00.000-06:00

**1/2

What is it about this film that has everyone so enraptured? The story of a quirky family is such a manipulative piece of cliche it could have been written using a touch-tone survey. Cranky grampa? Check. Ambivalent teen? Check. Precocious child? Check. Sensible mother? Check. A journey that is a metephor for...oh my gosh, a Life Journey! Check. Alright, alright, I'll give it some props where they are truly earned. Its the story of little girl who, through [script] circumstances that cannot be resolved any other way at all, ends up roadtripping with her family to California for the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. Quirky characters and hilarity ensue. Of course, we cannot have a regular car for this journey - no, no. Its got to be the quirky yellow van that - and this one is So Funny! - does not run well. I hope they make it to California!! Please. Alan Arkin was the highlight of the movie for me (SAG-nominated and hopefully Oscar-nominated too). His first scene as he saunters into the kitchen with his "thoughts" on dinner is hilarious, honest, and priceless. Another scene toward the end as the family is trying to find the right exit for the hotel rings dead-on true for anyone who has does the same (I can see but hardly ever GET to the Ikea off of 290 in Schaumburg on the first shot). And why oh why does Greg Kinnear have to ride that damn moped down a freeway caught between 2 semi's? What is this? Dude Where's My Car II? Toni Collette is fine as the mother, the ambivalent teen is boring and I wanted to smack him, and Steve Carrell is good as the suicidal uncle (and as opposed to comedians Will Ferrell or Jim Carey, Carrell shows ease with dramatic performance). Nevertheless, the story held my interest, and I chuckled at more than one or two scenes. I just wish the 2 first-time co-directors would have done away with so many crutches and just stode confidently on a strong story and good acting. It will be interesting to see what they do next.

The Return of a BAD NEWS BEAR!

2007-01-06T10:13:00.000-06:00

For those of you who like a good comeback, look no further then the stunning return of original Bad News Bear himself Mr. Jackie Earle Hailey. Off the radar since the late 70s, Mr. Haliey has resurfaced in the film adaptation of the Tom Perrota novel Little Children. Yes the movie also stars Dame in waiting Kate Winslet, the sublime Jennifer Connelly and the HOT Patrick Wilson (plenty of footage of Patricks buff bod poolside, dropping towel for Kate to behold his perfection) but when the credits rolled it was Mr. Haileys performance that stuck with me.

The basic premise is suburban, safe and bored can be a deadly combination. Kate plays a frustrated creative type who gives it all up to play mommie. Patrick plays an emasculated stay at home dad. The two meet on a dare in the neighborhood playground as defiant Kate refuses to be a part of the mommie club and approaches Patrick. From there fireworks erupt under the VERY watchful eyes of the Gladys Kravitzes that they find themselves surrounded by.

Another story line features Mr. Hailey as a guy who flashes kids. He has been released and turned over to his mother as guardian. The two live a very secluded, co-dependent life that erases some of the sordidness of the situation and makes it just plain sad. The mother (equally good) tries to create a normal life for her son by playing match maker,etc. But there is always the unease in her mind and the audiences that this sitiation will never be normal. But what is normal and thats what this film plays with.

Is it easier to point out the bad egg in the hood and forget about the eggs rotting in your own backyard? You betcha as that is the American way. The movie brings the two story lines to a collision by the end as all the characters run into each other/miss each other/react to each other by fate/accident/intention. There are several lynch pins that bring this about including a satirical swim by Mr. Hailey in the neighborhood pool that clears the waters faster then you can say LAND SHARK!

Mr. Hailey gives a sad, brutally honest portrayal of a man that knows he cannot fit into society and has given up trying. His end is more a punishment onto himself for this crime than a punishment by others. I hope there is a NOM for him at Oscar time as the Globes have already annointed him for supporting. Hollywood does love a comeback and he could be a LONG shot. We shall see. The seemingly "normal" other characters end up back in their "normal" lives or do they? There is a slight unease at movies' end that makes me think only the sequel LIttle Adults can bring that question to an answer. ***1/2

A or B? Ying or Yang?....

2007-01-06T09:29:00.000-06:00

Yes, its the inaugural post series for stories that have been filmed twice...and in some cases nearly at the same time! Which one crushed the other? Which one bit the dust? Or a draw??

First matchup: Dangerous Liaisons (1988) vs. Valmont (1989). The original source material is a scandalous 18th century French novel, from which Valmont was directly adapted. Dangerous Liaisons was adapated from the hit 1980's stage play "Les Liaisons Dangereuses," itself adapted from the novel.

Valmont - uh, boring, expensive miss. OK, I'll back up. Very interesting cast: Annette Bening in one of her first films as the scheming Marquise de Merteuil and boyishly handsome Colin Firth as the predator Vicomte de Valmont, with Meg Tilly as pious Madame de Tourvel. Directed by Milos Forman (One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest, Amadeus) with about double the budget as Dangerous Liaisons, on paper this film appeared to have the advantage. Oddly, it was all over the place. Starts out as ambiguous chamber drama, then seems to go for broader humor (Valmont meeting Tourvel - ugh!), then just seems to settle in for a soft landing - or nearly a nice nap in my case. There was little delicious bite in the film, as Merteuil and Valmont do not engage fully in ruthless, random manipulation - and that was the point (I think) of their characters - doing so to fill or replace something missing. Bening and Firth look like they're just having fun playing games. Nevertheless, each has moments, especially the appealing Bening, like when she's asked by virginal Cecil Volanges if 'saintly' widows like Merteuil ever take lovers again (needless to say, she has several), "No..." she says with sly grin, "No, dear...they don't," barely able to hold in her laughter while amusingly building confidences with this porcelain toy. That Bening and Firth were both about age 30 at the time adds to the aura of surface, libidinous game-playing rather than risking all. And speaking of risking all...

Dangerous Liaisons - now that's entertainment! An early film by talented director Stephen Frears (The Grifters, High Fidelity, The Queen), DL gets it right. First off, very well cast, with Glenn Close in one of her career-high performances as Marquise de Merteuil, creepy John Malkovich as Vicomte de Valmont, and goody-goody Michelle Pfeiffer as goody-goody Madame de Tourvel. The big difference in this film is the way Frears starts off with these interesting characters and then heads inward. We sense that there is a very ugle past between Merteuil and Valmont, with perhaps the type of unforgivable, regretable acts that change people (whereas the film Valmont presents it simply as an affair that ended). And in probably their mid-40's, the stakes are higher now. From there it digs deeper, cleverly using dark humor and sharp moments of satisfying drama. Why does Merteuil challenge Valmont as she does? Why does he accept the challenge? And - in the words of Tina Turner! - what's love got to do with it? Nothing? Everything? Maybe even the characters vascillate on this point as much as the viewer. And Pfeiffer does a fantastic job (also at a career peak) of playing a woman perilously at the edge of her deeply-held morals and her own betraying desires, drawn out - duplicitously or not - by Valmont. As the film's tension builds, the viewer knows debts will be repaid, as they must, and Frears does not let down. By the time the viewer witnesses fallen souls and truths redeemed, we feel spent, thrilled and satisfied - ironically what the Marquise de Merteuil sought but never fully attained.

WINNER: Dangerous Liaisons

DO I REALLY.....LOOK LIKE A YOUNG(er) at this point..

2007-01-06T00:09:00.000-06:00

Jack Nicholson??? Think Five Easy Pieces, Carnal Knowledge, hell Easy Rider and the Shining if you must? Just anything prior to the Joker in Batman. Cuz I am adopted.........hmmmmmmmmm.............I wonder if he swung thru Mpls. in the late 60s? Discuss! And I only bring it up because I have heard it umpteen times since college days. :) ME ME ME! WHen does it stop?

Worth a Second Look......

2007-01-05T21:08:00.000-06:00

YEs we are now in filmland doldrums until Summer Blockbusters start arriving in April (April is the new JUNE!) So fire up those DVD players, restart that netflix subscription and take a second look at some of these treasures (or first look if you have never seen.) I am very methodical about film viewing so these are some A titles I recommend from the recent past.

Accidental Tourist-Willam Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davis (supporting actress winner 1988). Somber but moving and at times humorous account of life's peculiarities. Peculiar in the form of Davis (never better and a early front runner of the SUPPORTING actress curse-come on do I have to explan that?) as Muriel Pritchett and Hurt's alphebetizing food pantry immediate family. Davis plays the best clicking dog walker known to man. I'm ashamed to admit that the click click of the tongue I have been using for years came from this film (natch) ***1/2

Adaptation-Nicholas Cage, Marvelous Meryl, and Chris Cooper (supporting actor winner in some recent year). Reimagining of the Susan Orlean best seller The Orchid Thief from some years back. Who knew the world of Orchid harvesting and selling could be so devious? Well Charlie Kaufman did and scripted a two hour movie surrounding it! This movie is brilliant! And Meryl? Well....she wil knock your sock(s) off as well as Cage and Cooper. Great performances from all 3. ***1/2 stars.

Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Smarter Brother-Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, and Madeline ( if you dont know who I am referring to here then get OFF the blog now....:)) Gene learned a lot from mentor Mel Brooks from the 70s heyday and took his cue to direct this madcap movie. Stealing co-conspirators Feldman and Madeline from the Brooks stable only enhances the comedic elements. Worth a look! ***

Afteglow-Julie Christie, Nick Nolte in a film directed by Alan Rudolph (indie pioneer). Gettin old aint for sissies quoteth Bette Davis. But damn has Julie Christie aged like a fine wine. She is still HOT in this movie in her early 50s and earned an OScar nom. playing a faded "b" movie film actress on a downward spiral. Nolte plays her patient husband in this tale of revolving beds. I love you Dame Julie! Yes another dame......... ***

Alfie (The original British film)-YOUNG Michael Caine alert and a pre-Poseidon Shelley (nuff said). Caine plays a swingin sixties London Lothario who is trying to figure out his responsibilties in life. Winters plays one of his many mistresses that beats him at his own game as only Shelley can! ( I miss you immensely SHELLEY-no pun intended!) SNIFF alert! Trivia- the original title song is sung by a British songstress NOT the Dionne classic that we all know stateside. ***1/2

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore-Oscar winner Ellyn Burstyn 1975 (who should have been a double winner years later for Requiem for a Dream but the Julia factor entered in to voting-SHAME ON YOU ACADEMY to loosely quote Michael Moore) and a young Harvey Keitel and Jodie Foster. Scorsese does women's pictures to a tee with this. And foster plays the lesbitronic, tomboy love interest for Ellen's pubescent son. Yep it was apparent even back then, we dont want to see Jodie in romances (see awkward romantic involvement with McConaughy years later in Contact.) Altho...we do buy her "love scene" in the Oscar winning performance in the Accused in 88. Unfortunately, the only love Jodie can get in a film is as a victim (see SOTL.... like no one hasn't .......in Oscar winning bookend from 92.) BONUS: The always welcome and great Diane Ladd plays FLO and Vic Tayback carries Mel from movie to TV in the hit late 70s/early 80s sitcom Alice with Linda Lavin. Holy continuity Batman! ****

Amelie-Audrey Tatou and a bunch of other frenchies. This move is magical, frothy and fun. I love it and you should too. Paris is the CITY of romance and this is a great film to capture that. Yes it is subtitled but get over it and enjoy this great romantic adventure! Sigh..........****

American Splendor-Paul Giametti and Hope Davis. Based on the hapless real life story of PULP cartoonist Harvey Pekor. Giametti brings the common man brilliance he got recognized for shortly in Sideways. The under rated Hope Davis plays his wife who inspired him through real-life tragedy. This is not glam Hollywood production but boy does it captivate you. Please watch for great performances by two of the best "real people" actors working right now. A gem. ***1/2

Amores Perros-Gael Garcia Bernal and who cares who else...Babel is gettiing a lot of buzz due to the Pitt factor (still need to see). But this film is a great intro. into the interlocking story theme that this director likes to use (Inacuoa (sp??)) The story line with the dog trapped under the remodeled apartment floor boards had me at hello. THe director also did 21 grams for you completists. Did I mention GAEL GARCIA BERNAL is in this????? ***1/2 Subtitle alert: Spanish film.

Angel Heart-Mickey Rourke, Lisa Bonet and the always watchable Charlotte Rampling=Devilish fun. Their creepy and their spooky and they are in Pre-Katrina New Orleans acting and sexing up a storm. Writing blood on the walls, elevator rides to ???, chicken sex, Frank Sinatra (dead men tell no tales.......) This movie is a creep fest from the get go! Did I mention DeNiro as the devil eating eggs? See it to believe it! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! ***

Annie Hall- THe most classic Woody out there (altho I love Interiors and Husbands and Wives with Oscar spurned Judy Davis losing to Smellin for As Good as It Gets-Oscar travesty # 596 or did she lose to Marisa for MY COUSIN VINNY-in that case # 584, Ellyn Burstyn was #500 due to Julia). The lobster scene and Diane Keaton making a 70s fashion statement for years to come (at least on her end) are worth a look see. And the coke scene is priceless! Cuz coke wasn't even "addictive" yet. Spot Sigourney at the end in front of the movie theatre re-uniting and it is a perfect 70s time capsule! ***1/2

Atlantic City-Late great Burt Lancaster and a Young Susie Saran wrap (Sarandon) directed by the late Louis Malle (Candice Bergens deceased). Tongue twister there! Old Atlantic City before Trump and that sex and the city ep. Didnt used to be so semi-glam. Burt plays a down on his luck everyman who falls for and wants to protect lemon-washing Susie (one of the more interesting and strangely sexy scenes on celluloid). This movie is poignant and beautifully shot. A must for any cinephile. ****

I'm exhausted from this post....but more to come in the A-Z backlog of must sees and why did I miss in the first place world of film!!

Q

IF I WAS ROSIE, CLIVE WOULD BE MY TOM!

2007-01-05T20:34:00.000-06:00

ANd thank god Im not Rosie except for the $$$ and Clive doesnt need to put inserts into his shoes! The latest CLIVE OWEN fest is Children of Men. And scuffed he is still looking fine! That voice, that hair, that face........sadly not enough body in the movie but thank goodness for imagination....swoon and thud! LAdies and Gentlemen there quite frankly is nothing finer on film today. Well.......maybe Daniel Craig as the new Bond ( a film Clive passed on to do this one-good move as now Clive is franchise free to titilate us further in random movies he chooses to make.) I think Im ready to meet my mate on British soil.....dentistry has improved since my last visit I hear.

The film also stars Julianne Moore briefly and Michael Caine (who has finally stopped collecting paychecks and is in GREAT form here) as a co-conspirator of Clives. No awards mentions for this film sadly as it is excellent! Definitely in my top 5 of the year after The Holiday, Rocky Balboa, and never mind..........I am getting carried away.......

It is a dystopian future say 10 years from now and Britian is the only safe haven in the world (I suspect New Zealand or the Falklands after BUSH is done with his legacy) and no foreigners are allowed in to the EMPIRIC island. And no women can have babies due to.......global warming, pharmecuticals, chemicals in food, toxins, need I go on.........But Clive saves the day as he escorts the only woman who is miraculously with child out of this hell. The movie reminds me of some of my faves from the past (Planet of the Apes, Blade Runner, Escape from New York) in that 80% of the movie surrounds the issue of will they be able to pull off their mission in the face of all-consuming adversity? You will have to watch and see! But the last 30 minutes of the movie had me thinking of Bagdad and what those poor citizens and soldiers are going through there because of a handful of idiots. Yep Im a lefty and Bush hater and proud of it and this movie will ultimately spark converstation of "Gee that actually could happen in our lifetime" cus the seeds have been planted my friends. Ok off the soapbox and with one final comment, this movie is unrelentingly grim ( and I loved that the theatre was packed to the rafters as you actually have to think about it afterwards) but it still has the CLIVE and that is enough as well as beautifully poignant cinematogrphy and a smart script to give this **** alll the way. Do yourselves a favor and see this movie and then have a STIFF drink and some great sex afterwards! Cheers! PS-Did I mention I LOVE Clive Owen?

DAME WARS NOTHING BUT DAME WARS.....

2007-01-05T20:06:00.000-06:00

(to be hummed to Bill Murray singing Star Wars nothing but star wars) when SNL was funny and Gilda was still alive....I cant even go there to this day. SNIFF!

The word dame will be a hot topic in this year's awards circuit party fer sure. YOu have the DAME du jour Helen Mirren in the QUEEN (separate post forthcoming) and the DAME of all time Ms. Judi running neck and neck in every Best Actress Race this year. Not to mention future dames Kate Winslet and Cate Blanchett (shes Aussie and still part of the EMPIRE never forget!) scrambling for attention. Heavens my head is spinning just thinking about it!

This post is in regards to DAME JUDI and DAME TO BE CATE. The move Notes from a Scandal. I loved this movie on many levels. It had a camp element (Judi has some choice narratives) and had a baby jane vibe that is undeniable (CATE in full Siouxsie makeup bitch slapping the old broad when all hell breaks loose at the end). Plus the lesbitronic undertones are enough to make me shiver, spoilers galore could be forthcoming but in a nutshell the JUDI loves her some of CATES creamy white skin! WHEW!!! I have to admit that Perrenial DAME Judi held my attention more than DAME DU JOUR HELEN (most likely cuz she was playing that old cold fish Queen Elizabeth) and I would love to see her recognized. Sadly, that moment will not happen and JUDI will have to settle for her SUPPOrtiing win for 8 minutes of screen time in Shakespeare in LOVE. EWWWWWW a FISHSTICKS Paltrow movie on top of it. Bill Nighy winning raves on BWAY starring with lukewarm Julianne Moore in Vertical Hour plays CATES befuddled hubby effectively. And the boy playing CATES paramour is very cute in a GAY REPUBLICAN POLITICIAN PAGE SCANDAL kinda way.

The endding does descend into a moment of LIFETIME TV as JUDI searches for new love in public parks (GOD so hard to say much more as we would descend into SPOILER territory). But at least its JUDI and not PATTY DUKE ASTIN!!!

***1/2 stars for pure enjoyment factor alone and crackling dialogue. Not to mention 2 of my fave actresses in the same film together. GOD DAME IT!!!!!

Pan's Labyrinth

2007-01-04T22:04:00.000-06:00

****
Wow, this movie blew me away - one of the best films of 2006. Its an absorbing tale told in an utterly original way; I'm not even sure how to review it. So here's the a list of words that come to mind about this Spanish-language movie:
1. beautiful
2. gripping
3. dramatic
4. emotional
5. fantastical
6. horrific
7. absorbing
8. stunning (and I mean that literally)
9. heartbreaking
10. wondrous

Dreamgirls

2007-01-02T22:38:00.000-06:00

***

OK, yes Quinn, I know you already posted something about Dreamgirls. But I know you wanted to add to it since you had a slight change in opinion the 2nd time you saw it. So...I await your comments! But for me....hmm, where to begin?

SINGING - I gotta hand it to them on this point. Extremely entertaining!! I never liked Beyonce's [the pop singer] singing-screaming style, like I said in my other comment post. But I really liked how she sounded in the film as she's channeling Diana Ross - the soft, supple style. And my point is made by Deena's big new number, Listen. Good song. But she's sing-screaming it! I thought that Deena was supposed to be an average singer. Oh, that's right - this was the song that I'm sure someone stipulated had to be added to feature Beyon...uh, I mean the Deena character. I give props to Anika Noni Rose, who plays trio singer Lorell. I read that a big song of her character was cut from the film - too bad, I love her voice, i.e. in the fighting scene right before THE SONG. And speaking of THE SONG, yes, Hudson (playing trio member Effie) sings the s--- out of it. She's got PIPES. And speaking of Hudson...

ACTING - Very good. I say Hudson's "got it" as far as acting, i.e. Whitney Houston can act, Madonna cannot. But I offer that Anika Noni Rose is a better actress. The Tony-winner has great comedic timing too. Hudson is a 2-note actress: great singer/performer and great bitchiness/sassiness. That's pretty much her character. But consider the scene when Jamie Foxx's character is dumping her - when she's not singing or being sassy - she's got this generic, dramatic!, actor-y look on her face. Eddie Murphy is fantastic. Oh, and he's a spectacular performer on his songs too. Beyonce...well....she's not bad. She got shafted on her scenes when something dramatic was about to happen or something dramatic just happened - you felt like there was supposed to be more to the scene. Or maybe those scenes ended up on the cutting room floor for some reason...I'm just saying! But I did like her in the scene near the end where she's leaving. But I'm afraid she's a Madonna, not a Whitney. As for Foxx, I won't even bother going there - what a letdown. Ugh!

STORY - Cliched! And too pat. What is up with these 10 second scenes resolving huge life issues... like the father who didn't know he had a child? Or the 2 friends who patch-up years of not speaking and professional and emotional strife? Or the death of a lover? And the fall of the "bad" guy. Does anyone even fully understand what happened with Foxx's character? Lame-o!

I venture that it does not deserve to be nominated for Best Pic. Off the top of my head, I think I'd have at least 5 other films I'd rank ahead of it. I rate it a robust *** for the sheer entertainment.

P.S. Loved the costumes and styles. It was like eye porn - I couldn't get enough and eagerly wanted to see the next thing.

Buh-Bye Bobby

2006-12-30T19:29:00.000-06:00

*1/2
I was so excited to see Bobby when I first heard of it. Then my interest waned - and then I saw it anyway in Minneapolis over Christmas. Ugh! TEDIOUS! Unlike United 93, which also has a historical tragedy as its centerpiece, Bobby builds zero momentum - it was more like "bring on the assassination scene, that should be great." In fact, I cared less about some characters as it progressed. Clearly, Emilio Esteves, who wrote and directed this ambitious pet-project, was trying to channel the master tapestry storyteller, Robert Altman. And its a creative and very interesting angle: tell fictional backstories of real and fictional individuals who were at the Ambassador Hotel the night Kennedy was shot. The problem is Esteves makes too few characters compelling enough. We see two campaign workers ditch their assignment to get high. Ooo! We see a retired doorman and his buddy reminisce (aww :) about - I don't even remember (yawn...). We see racial strife happening right before our eyes! in the kitchen between buspersons, cooks, waiters. Big deal. We know zero about these people or where they want to go. Well no, wait, we are told that the Freddy Rodriguez busperson character wants to go to the LA Dodgers game. Fine. But come on, doesn't Laurence Fishburne's cook character overreact just a little bit when Rodriguez gives him the tickets due to his double-shift conflict - you'd think he was giving him a kidney. This sets up, or more accurately, this was inserted to setup a portent for later. A few characters gain my sympathy toward the end: Lindsay Lohan is very believable playing a compassionate young adult who agrees to marry an acquaintance to prevent him from going to Vietnam. Even Helen Hunt, NOT my fav (and reliably Helen-Hunt-annoying in her first scene trying on shoes), reveals layers of her character with husband Martin Sheen that left me wondering what may have happened to her later in life. Sharon Stone was effective as the hairdresser who listens to Demi Moore (who's Acting with a capital A) and Lohan at different times in her salon. I wanted more of Stone's scene with her husband, played by William H Macy, as they confront his infidelities with the Heather Graham character. Actually, throughout the movie, Estevez employs some very odd editing choices - I was either wondering "what the hell is going on with this person" like I walked into a nearly finished scene, or just "huh?" as a scene is stopped at a point when something interesting was about to happen and instead cut to...jeez, the doorman story. At least the obtrusive music cued whatever emotion I was supposed to feel. The last half hour of the movie became compelling as I wondered how the assassination would impact some of the characters - but more out of curiosity since I was sitting there watching the thing than anything else. Besides that interesting last portion, this film is an overly-ambitious and poorly executed flop. Why it is up for Best Drama at the Golden Globes instead of United 93 is beyond me. Oh wait, this is the Golden Globes, that's why.

The Pursuit.......

2006-12-30T17:52:00.000-06:00

of Happyness.....

Lots of Oscar clip footage of Will Smith running around "the streets" of San Francisco flailing his long limbs trying to catch buses, thiefs, running from taxi fares, etc. I would say at least 2/3 of the movie is about Will playing Chris Gardner doing just this. The other 1/3 explains his situation. Will plays earnest and low-key here. This is NOT action star Will. It is the typical "true" (after Million Little Pieces nothing is true for me anymore) story, rags to riches, in some places LONG and repetitive saga of hero du jour Chris Gardner. Worked his way out of the homeless shelters of SF with child and became a stock broker, profiled on 60 minutes, played by Will Smith in a major Hollywood film and now commanding 30,000 for 90 minute speaking engagements (he will be speaking at one of my conferences in April). Nice work if you can get it! Will will :) be nommed for an Oscar and already has been for a GG. Im thinking that he will be a front runner in male category for both. Both he and the story are well-liked in Hollywood and that is 1/2 the battle. Im still not certain what the Peter O'Toole factor will play in this race. Old actor who should be dead by now in a movie no one has seen and probably never will.......could spell OSCAR!!!! And too ugly to look at Forrest Whitaker could spoil Wills Oscar chances as well. Im thinking the Academy will not go for an actor playing real-life monster Idi Amin. They only like heroes and fictional monsters like Hannibal Lecter. Thandie Newton has a throw away, thankless role as Will/Chris's girlfriend/Wife??? (was never really made clear) and mother of Will and Jadas real life son Jayden. He is adorable and there is one scene with him that got the old water works going for me concerning a Captain America doll. This is my first review post.......the Good Shepherd is up next I think........with Lips and Matty (my BOY!!!!!)

**1/2 standard fare stars for this pursuit

film vault of the living dead aka..........

2006-12-30T17:48:00.000-06:00

what were they thinking? Stay tuned as I review some movies that feature some Hollywood greats slumming it in some wretched crap they collected desperate paychecks for! Dont throw away the VCR's just yet, most of these will probably NEVER be released to DVD.

First up: What movie contains Audrey Hepburn and SNUFF films in the same 2 hour piece of trashy celluloid.........all will be revealed shortly!

okay...so heres the skivvy. For some reason that makes NO SENSE, Audrey Hepburn was lured out of a long retirement for a MAJOR motion pic. release of a Sidney Sheldon novel.......Bloodline. Heady stuff indeed. Perhaps she needed funding for her upcoming Gardens of the World coffee table book. Hmmmmmm....

Audrey plays the daughter of a multimillionaire who was mysteriously killed while mountain climbing. In FAB Hubert de Givenchy 70s couture Audrey globetrots as she proceeds to take over Daddy's company. But their is a stable full of sinister "cousins" that would like her to step down so they can collect the loot from the sale of the family business. Headed by an all star international cast that the 70s were notorious for assembling......James Mason, Omar Sharif and some hagatha old European actresses play nice with Audrey while her jeep brakes are tampered with on a winding cliff in Santorini, etc. Good ole Ben Gazzara is always on hand to save the AUD from peril though. And the two end up in an arranged marriage that turns to REAL LOVE. Poor ole Beatrice Straight (blink and you'll miss her Oscar Winner for Supporting in Network as Peter Finch's widow) even plummets to her death in an elevator ride to Hades intended for the AUD.

In the mix, are sporadic SNUFF film stagings with women and a baldy sinister type. Who knows why? But the women are killed while having sex with the baldy while a mysterious stranger watches. The calling card a piece of thin red ribbon around their necks....the BLOODLINE!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Could one of the sinister cousins be behind this? Is that the only plausible way that the two storylines could intersect? The ending spells it out as AUD is terrorized in her fab. Santorini digs by an unknown assailant. OH and Michelle Phillips from the Mamas and Papas and Knots Landing fame gets her knees nailed to the floor due to gamling debts. Yes, AUD and Michelle Phillips in the same movie. Ghastly stuff to quote the oh so British Mr. Mason.

You'll laugh, you'll laugh some more and then you will scratch your noggin wondering what the HELL she was thinking. But she looks great and any AUD movie is a veritable fashion feast so there you go!

NEXT on FILM Vault of the Living Dead....Lana Turner freaks out on ACID! Yep you read that right! And soon a rhapsodization of LA LIZ and her late 60s, early 70s period. Wasnt pretty but oh my was it fun!!!!! Til............

United 93

2006-12-23T09:11:00.000-06:00

****

Quinn, I know you won't see United 93, but I have to say it is indeed one of the best pics I've seen this year! It actually unfolds in real-time, i.e. around 8:15 am to 10:15 am (or whenever it crashed - that's exactly where it ends). I was astounded by the guy who plays the head of the NY air traffic control center - its actually the real guy, not an actor! He was so commanding and authoritative and you saw that he was making the best decisions possible given the situation. Smart guy and fantastic acting - the best character and best acting in the film.

The dialogue was so natural you would swear its a documentary. No cutesy or prophetic lines like "I don't want to fly today." Just scenes like people waiting at the gate or flight attendants prepping for flight - and with natural, overlapping, REAL dialogue to match. Kind of reminded me a bit of a Robert Altman film in that respect. And the director (Paul Greengrass, who did both - and finishing the 3rd - Matt Damon Bourne ID movies) was so deft at knowing the right scenes to show at the right time to keep the story moving forward and be interesting - especially showing who knew and who did not know information at a given time. Its kind of like Apollo 13 in that respect - you know what is going to happen, and yet somehow the director crafts this propelling, tension-filled story with acutely drawn characters. I also really liked what the director did NOT show: the other planes (mostly), the persons the passengers were calling (you see/hear only a one-sided conversation) - it kept the focus clear and melodrama down. Clearly, this was one of the most spectacular moments in U.S. history - a writer could not have come up with this. And at the same time it shows where great art can come from. The DVD extras showed several victims' families meeting the actors who portrayed their loved one - the families were quite moved, thankful, grateful, so many emotions were shown. And I thought "how can this film, which immortalizes a group of patriots, really, not be appreciated for what it is: great American war film in the tradition of so many others that shows Americans fighting for what they believe in." I was suprised, and then not suprised, that the New York Film Critics named it best picture of the year. From what I've seen so far, it deserves to be nominated for a best picture Oscar.

Here we go! "Dreamgirls" and "For Your Consideration"

2006-12-23T08:30:00.000-06:00

Quinn wrote:
I am home in MN hopped up on cold meds, did see Pursuit of Happyness. More on that later. I will be meeting Chris Gardener thru one of my clients in April. Glad YOU got this up and running!

Joe wrote:
OK Quinn, here we go! The battle of opinions is on! Of course, its not really a battle but a friendly compare and contrast of our tastes. But who are we kidding - I can't wait to crush your posts. :) I copied/pasted portions of your last emai below. Of course I haven't seen Dreamgirls yet, but I have a feeling I'll be let down a bit. I've always been bored by Beyonce - ever her singing - can't she sing without sing-screaming? She comes from the Faith Hill school of talent: very beautiful, good sing-screamer, and boring on screen. And did I hear B's not 25, but really 32?? But I digress. I'll have to get back to this post with my Dreamgirls review.

For Your Consideration was mildly entertaining. I, too, was disappointed. I actually rank it 4th behind all 3 of his previous "mockumentaries": Waiting for Guffman, Best In Show, and A Might Wind (way underrated, and one of the best titles in a some time!). I expected more from Christopher Guest with FYC mining such fertile ground for satire. Yet scenes like Jane Lynch as this Amazonian Mary Hart character just killed me. She could have not said a word and I'd be in stitches just looking at her aggressive stance and heightened celebrity facade. Catherine O'Hare, of course, is the standout. She had the best written part. As opposed to her character, O'Hare does give an Oscar-worthy performance. However, its quite the crowded field of Supporting Actresses this year: Jennifer Hudson, Cate Blanchett (from Notes on a Scandel), the 2 ladies from Babel, Sharon Stone, Emily Blunt, Abigail Breslin (from Little Miss Sunshine). I've even heard buzz on Angelina Jolie - that the Good Shepherd comes to life only when she's on screen. I fear O'Hara will be lost in the shuffle, but I hope not.

JZ

On Dec 18, 2006, at 2:02 PM, Meyer, Quinn wrote:

> I agree with the NYTimes reviewer in that it was very good but not great.
> It did seem a little long but held your interest at the same time.
> Murphy and Hudson as expected are the two linch pins to the whole
> thing. Murphy will WIN supporting actor and deservedly so for his
> manic, but ultimately tragic portrayal. And Hudson does nail the
> SONG (yes it is almost like saying MacBeth in the theater at this
> point) but in a different way then Holliday. Holliday was two tons
> of raw emotion (literally and figuratively) on stage years ago
> singing the HELL to the NO out of this song. Now Hudson does the
> same thing but in a much less elephantine way and much more
> polished (this is movies not the theatre...) Hudson will be nommed
> but not win is my guess...although if the SONG generates enough
> emotion within the community, then who knows..
>
> Beyonce doesn't even channel Diana Ross. She is herself and
> ultimately this generations Diana Ross. I couldn't get past how
> much of a BEYOTCH she is in real life, and wanted to shoot a
> harpoon into the screen most of the time she was on. I hate
> her!!!!!! And Jamie Foxx is ditto. One hit wonder with Ray, now go
> away for awhile. So when you intensely dislike two of the 4 main
> characters, I can only give this Dreamgirls **1/2 to ***. The
> opening sequence, sound in general and costumes and hairdos/donts
> are tons of fun to behold though....
>
> Saw For Your Consideration this weekend. Not as good as Best in
> Show or Guffman but better then a Mighty Wind. The shtick is kind
> of wearing thin I think. Kind of like Mel Brooks movies after High
> Anxiety.
>
> Q