Monthly Archives: January 2012
Flash Movie Review: Anastasia
This classic movie was the impetus for me to delve into Russian history, for a period of time. Revisiting this film reminded me how I had been enthralled with the stellar cast. After her self-imposed exile from Hollywood, Ingrid Bergman (Casablanca, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) returned to triumph in this Oscar winning role. She played the confused Anna Koreff, a woman with a striking resemblance to the Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. For a long period of time, there were stories that Anastasia, the youngest of Tsar Nicholas II’s daughters, survived the execution of the family, that ended the Romanov dynasty. This majestic movie has to be watched, just to see how superb acting generates the story. Take a look at this mighty trio of actors: besides Ingrid, there is Yul Brynner (The King and I, Westworld) as General Sergei Pavlovich Bounine; the Russian businessman who is determined to turn Anna Koreff into a believable grand duchess, hoping to get his hands on a potential fortune. And then there is Helen Hayes (A Farewell to Arms, Airport) as the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovn, Anastasia’s paternal grandmother, who must be convinced that Anna is really her granddaughter. This is a great movie to view in that good old, Hollywood tradition.
3 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Every Little Step
What you see in front of the stage does not show you the amount of sweat, tears and hard work everyone gives, to put on a broadway musical. If you appreciate live theater, then this is the documentary to watch, for the behind scene workings on the revival of the musical, “A Chorus Line.” In my early years of teaching fitness (aka aerobics), I would have to audition to get on staff. So, I have an appreciation of what it feels like to stand in front of strangers and perform. However, watching the audition process in this film, I have to give tons of credit to all those who put themselves through such a grueling process. A side note: “So You Think You Can Dance” fans will recognize Tyce Diorio going through his paces. For me, this was a fascinating movie to view. Seeing the creative minds in action was exciting and I got a kick (pun intended) out of learning the show’s history. I certainly will have a new appreciation the next time I go to the theater to see a musical.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Pariah
Think about a time when you felt out of place, where you did not belong and were in the minority. Imagine if it were in your own family. The powerful story coming across the movie screen did not sugar coat the pain, the sadness, the fear as high school senior Alike, played by Adepero Oduye (Half Nelson), is in the beginning stages to her coming out as a lesbian. With a religious mother, who wants to believe feminine clothing could put an end to her daughter’s tomboyish facade and her policeman father’s avoidance of the obvious, Alike struggles to be the person she knows to be inside of her. Adepero was incredible in this role, with a face that was a canvas for the array of emotions that streamed through her body. There is a good possibility she will get an Oscar nomination for this role. A surprise for me was seeing Kim Wayans (In Living Color–TV series, Juwanna Mann) as her strict mother, Audrey; she was excellent in this serious role. In conjunction with the telling of this story, there was the beautiful, intimate filming of it, with stark close-ups washed in rich colors. Whether you are gay or straight, I feel all can appreciate this movie; for ultimately, we are all human.
3 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: A Better Life
The sacrifices one makes for a loved one and especially when that loved one is a child. What I believed to be an honest depiction, this movie had a lot of heart in it. The story is about Carlos Galindo, played by Demian Bichir (Che: Part Two, Don’t Tempt Me), who is trying his best to keep his son Luis, played by Jose Julian (Mi Verdad), on a path to better opportunities–to stay in school and out of the gangs. This meant Carlos was willing to do anything he could to make a better life for his son than himself, an illegal immigrant. For a movie to be good, it has to move me, make me think. Watching the challenges, the heartbreak, the love; I was certainly moved by this picture. I know there are worse hardships, more tragedy in one’s life; however, I felt this movie was truthful and worth your time to view.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: In the Land of Blood and Honey
In times of war, women are a commodity that can be discarded like used facial tissue. This message was repeated over and over again throughout this film. Due to the breakup of Yugoslavia, a territorial conflict exploded with ethnic cleansing, systematic mass rape and genocide. I have to give credit to Angelina Jolie for her effort in bringing this story to the silver screen. She was the writer, director and one of the producers. However, the movie’s focus was not about the why and how of this horrific war. The story was about Danijel, played by Goran Kostic (Hannibal Rising, Children of Men), an officer in the Serbian army who re-encounters Ajla, played by Zana Marjanovic (Snow, It’s Hard to Be Nice), a woman he was dating before the conflict, who now is a captive in his camp. For me, the story was a re-telling of Romeo & Juliet, but not as well done. Also, the directing was not strong enough to give this movie some needed power. Angelina did accomplish in showing us how sexist men can be, especially when they are in uniform. Bosnian/Serbian/English.
2 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Flame & Citron
With the flair of Bonnie & Clyde and the closeness of Thelma & Louise, Flame & Citron were assassins in the Danish resistance during Nazi occupation. Flammen, played by Thure Lindhardt (Angels & Demons, Into the Wild), was the red haired shooter; while Citron, played by Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale, Clash of the Titans), was the driver. Targeting Danish Nazi sympathizers at first, a curious shift unfolded as they are suddenly being told to assassinate specific Germans. Add a mysterious woman who could be a double agent, along with a traitor in their inner circle; the layers of this story were kept tight and focused. There were some beautiful scenes, that had a topcoat of film noir style. The suspense, I felt, ebbed and flowed in subtle shifts, demanding my constant attention. Based on true events, essentially this is a war movie; however, I have to tell you, it was one of the more beautifully stylized movies I have seen about World War II. Danish/German with English subtitles.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Enchanted
If you are anything like me when it comes to movies; every now and then you want to take a break from your daily routine, sit down, slow the pinballs in the brain and just laugh. This is the movie to watch. I fell in love with Amy Adams (The Muppets, Julie & Julia) as Princess Giselle in this film. Imagine when a Disney type fairy tale world smacks into present day Manhattan. The evil Queen Narissa played by Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking, Thelma & Louise) banishes the princess to New York City, where her fairy land sensibilities get tested. Waiting for her prince to come and rescue her, she meets divorce lawyer Robert Philip played by Patrick Dempsey (Made of Honor, Valentine’s Day) and her belief of living happily ever after begins to take on a whole new meaning. This movie is perfect for all ages and if I can end here with one last thought–picture the wonderful Amy Adams singing with a pack of rodents. Need I say more?
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Adjustment Bureau
If you believe there are no accidents, that there is a reason for everything; then this movie will intrigue you. What if there were forces outside of us, keeping watch on our every move–how would you feel? David Norris played by Matt Damon (Inside Job, Green Zone) was a promising politician. By chance or was it by chance he meets Elise Sellas, played by Emily Blunt (The Wolfman, The Jane Austen Book Club), who has an immediate effect on him. This movie presented a different spin on what it means to experience deja vu. It was thrilling without a single gun being fired or setting off a fiery explosion. And it was a romance, like the kind Tony and Maria felt for each other in West Side Story. Matt is such an affable actor, so believable in this movie. Pairing him up with Emily was the perfect choice for the roles needed in this film. My major criticism of the movie was it petered out towards the end. I felt the writers had so much going on, that they did not know how to end the story. And that was a disappointment for me.
2 3/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Vitus
What do you think happens to a child when a parent/authority figure tries to force their dreams upon him/her? Imagine the possibilities that could unfold for that child. For me, an elementary school teacher told me to “forget it, you will amount to nothing,” when I told her what I wanted to be when I grew up. It altered the course of my life, until I found my way back, to what I loved. And this is why I felt connected to this movie and think you will, too. Vitus was a gifted child. At a young age, his parents decided he would become a great pianist. But was that what Vitus wanted to do; for he really was just a little boy. Teo Gheorghiu, who at the age of 15 made his Japan debut with the Tokyo New City orchestra, was perfect as the 12 year old Vitus. His grandfather, played by Bruno Ganz (Downfall, Unknown), was the only one who would provide his grandson a place of comfort. I feel this movie will resonate inside many viewers; it certainly struck a chord inside my heart. Swiss German with English subtitles.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
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