Monthly Archives: November 2011
Flash Movie Review: Food, Inc.
Let me be the first to admit, I have indulged in mindless eating from time to time. However, after watching this movie, I now notice I pause when making my food choices. This documentary had some scenes that were hard to watch (especially so for animal lovers); but the topics would set my mind reeling. Seeing how corporate farming has altered the food chain, I sat and wished I had a patch of land for growing my own vegetables. Discovering what ingredients are mixed into some of our packaged food, I have a new appreciation to those who partake in a cleansing fast. Think about the rise we have had with health issues: the effects from polluting the environment, E. coli bacteria outbreaks; I suggest you consider viewing this movie a must.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Tower Heist
Make sure you drop off your brains at the ticket counter before seeing this movie. Nonsensical, unfunny, boring; the only bright spot–and we are talking on a dimmer switch here–was Alan Alda. Playing a wealthy financier who has been running a ponzi scheme (think Bernie Madoff), he agreed to take the condominium staff’s retirement fund, where he resides in the top floor penthouse. The staff, lead by Ben Stiller, find out and decide to take matters into their own hands. To help them in their plans, Ben’s character enlists the help of Eddie Murphy. Eddie coasted through this film. Doing the same act he was doing when the Pointer Sisters sang “Neutron Dance” for his film “Beverly Hills Cop,” it was stale. Take a pass on this movie, you will not regret it.
1 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Crazy Stupid Love
This being the year of Ryan Gosling, it all started here. Ryan as the smooth alpha stud, becomes the mentor to Steve Carell, just as Steve’s life goes into crisis mode, when his wife tells him she wants a divorce. The script is smart and I actually laughed out loud in places. Besides Ryan Gosling, the other bright star of the movie was Emma Stone. A fun movie with well crafted scenes.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Martha Marcy May Marlene
If the rumors are true, then I can see why the Olsen twins (Mary-Kate & Ashley) are jealous of their little sister, Elizabeth. She evidently got the acting talent in the family. A serious solid performance, Elizabeth added to the steady tension in this film. Portraying a troubled woman who tries to blend back into her sister’s life, she is plagued with painful memories of her time in a cult and with brimming paranoia. The direction is well done and the changing of time periods was not an issue. Nor was the one bloody scene, in the latter half of the film. There is a good chance, Elizabeth may get an Oscar nomination for this role.
3 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Rape of Europa
Even if you are not knowledgeable of fine art, you can not help but be drawn into this incredible documentary. As Hilter’s armies were fighting allied forces, there was another mission taking place: the plundering of famous art works across Europe. I was moved by the dedication of individuals who were determined to try and save the world’s art pieces from falling into Nazi hands. I cannot begin to fathom the impact of never having some iconic masterpieces in our lives.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: In Time
I was grateful to the director for shooting a majority of the movie in dark subdued lighting. It was easier to sit and watch this bad film. The story line intrigued me: people do not age past 25 years. However, they have the means to buy more time to live. In actuality, what I watched made no sense, filled with poor acting. What was Justin Timberlake thinking? He was on a decent run of movie roles; didn’t he read this script? This film was simply boring. The only bright spot for me was seeing the old classic cars, that were used in this dreary futuristic setting.
1 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Sarah’s Key
One of the best movies I have seen this year. What an incredible story about a little girl who locked her baby brother into a closet, to hide him, just as the family was forced from their home in Paris. The year was 1942, during the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup. The French police, to lessen the Jewish population, began arresting Jews. A parallel story within this movie was Kristin Scott Thomas (she was incredible) as a journalist, who found her life becoming enmeshed in the story of the little girl. The movie was spoken in half French with subtitles and half English.
3 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Moneyball
One doesn’t need to know or even like baseball to enjoy this movie. The story is based on Billy Beane, who was the Oakland A’s general manager. Going against the norm, he set out to create a winning baseball team on a budget, using computer generated data–unheard of at the time. Brad Pitt’s performance is solid, though not Oscar caliber. For me, the surprise was Jonah Hill, whose role was acted out low key; something new for him.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Departures
This academy award winner for best foreign film was a touching movie. A newly unemployed cellist answers a want ad, thinking it has to do with the travel industry. Surprised by the actual job, he takes it but is too embarrassed to tell his wife. I found the ceremony he became involved in simply fascinating. Do not pass up this movie gem. A Japanese film with subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Drive
What a great looking movie in the film noir style. I loved the way this film was shot, with some great scenes. Keep in mind there is graphic violence; but if you want to see a possible Oscar nominee, you have to see Ryan Gosling’s performance. He is simply outstanding here–subtle with minimum dialog, just his expressions speak for themselves. Ryan plays a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a driver for criminals. Also, Carey Mulligan puts in a wonderful performance in this dark story.
3 1/2 stars
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