Author Archives: moviejoltz
Flash Movie Review: Downfall
Imagine what it must feel like, to be picked out of the secretarial pool by your new boss, Adolph Hitler…during the final days of the war. This movie not only used the memoir of that secretary, Traudi Junge, played by Alexandra Maria Lara (Control, Youth Without Youth), as a basis for the story; but also, Albert Speer’s memoir and several other historical books. What we are presented with is a direct portrayal of the Third Reich without the “monster” connotations or political slant; simply human beings. In a tour de force performance as Adolph Hitler, Bruno Ganz (Unknown, Bread and Tulips) is outstanding, as he displays extreme emotions during the final days of Hitler’s life. It is one, if not the best, depictions I have ever seen of Adolph Hitler. As the Russian forces are nearing Berlin from the east and the Allied forces from the west, life inside Hitler’s bunker begins to crumble. This movie, with scenes of deep tensions, fury and despair; was one of the best dramatic portrayals of World War II’s history, I have ever seen. German with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Red Tails
Should a movie inspired by true events inspire us? Already in place was a wonderful piece of history that just needed to be told. A crew of African American pilots have endured prejudice, segregation and the lowest priority missions during World War II. They never backed down, hoping that one day they would do what they were trained to do–fly an important mission. How in the world did they come up with this lifeless script is beyond me. What could have been a powerful movie with outstanding characters, sounded so melodramatic and one dimensional; I was bored. It is an utter shame that George Lucas, who bankrolled this movie with his own personal money, could not have hired proper writers. His reason for using his own funds, he has said, was due to the banks fearful to back a movie with a black cast. Is he kidding? I assume they did not want to throw money at a poorly made movie. Now I get it, that actors wanted to be part of this movie, hoping to tell the story of the pilots from the Tuskegee training program. However, in my opinion, Terrence Howard (Iron Man, Hustle & Flow) playing Colonel A.J. Bullard and Nate Parker (The Secret Life of Bees, The Great Debaters) playing Marty “Easy” Julian should get new managers. This movie had no excitement, no strong action scenes and idiotic dialogue. What a shame.
1 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Waiting for Superman
With my brothers having been teachers and myself teaching in the health fitness industry, this documentary was astounding to me. If I had a child, this movie would be horrifying. Using a mix of families’ personal stories, educator interviews and surveys, I cannot imagine anyone not being moved by the plight of the United States’ education system. With stand out interviews of Michelle Rhee (Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public School System 2007-2010) and Geoffrey Canada (CEO of Children’s Zone in Harlem, New York), we are lead to believe there is hope for our education system. But please do not misunderstand, there are some incredible roadblocks, for our nation to improve the system, depicted in this film. After I was done watching this movie, one statistic really stood out: our students are number one in the world when it comes to confidence; however, they do not have the grades to back it up. Whether you have children or not, old or young; I feel one can get a better understanding of our quality of life, by seeing this adventuresome documentary.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Haywire
There is a new addition to the tough, female action hero genre; joining the likes of Emma Peel, Xena, Honey West and Lara Croft. Her name is Gina Carano (Blood and Bone, American Gladiators-TV) and she is unbelievable to watch. It is worth seeing this film, simply to watch her fight Michael Fassbender (Shame, Jane Eyre); one of the best male/female fight scenes I have ever seen. Gina plays Mallory Kane, a covert operative, working for a private contractor. Her handler, Kenneth played by Ewan McGregor (Beginners, Amelia) has one more job for her, before she can take a well deserved break; however, Mallory discovers she was being set up. What follows is an international chase as she tries to stay alive, while finding out the reasons why she was double crossed. The story was a bit fuzzy and the acting is only okay. What I liked about this film, was having less gun battle scenes, usually found in a film of this nature. Instead, the focus was on Gina Carano’s considerable skills as a mixed martial arts fighter. For those who want to get a bit of aggression out of their system, this is the movie you want to see: fight scenes, even paced, with a steady dose of tension.
2 2/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Music Within
The true story of Richard Pimentel; a Vietnam vet who returned to the states severely hearing-impaired. Played accurately by Ron Livingston (Office Space, Adaptation), we watch as Richard struggles not only with his disability, but with the way people perceive him. Channeling his anger, he sets out on a path to alter those perceptions and champion the rights of anyone with a disability. Little did I know when I got this DVD that I was going to watch the history of the American with Disabilities Act. This was such a powerful movie for me, that taught without being stale, along with some humorous moments. The performance of Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, The Queen) as Pimentel’s friend, Art Honeyman, a man with cerebral palsy, was outstanding. I feel everyone should see this movie, to see what type of obstacles people with disabilities have and how Richard Pimentel’s passion, to make a change, has affected us all.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Contraband
Many have heard the line, “Do it because he/she is your family.” And even if we really do not want to do it, we do to keep the peace. What if the relative did something that had dire consequences, if you did not participate? Chris Farraday, played by Mark Wahlberg (The Fighter, Boogie Nights), found himself in such a situation. His brother-in-law became involved in a drug deal that went bad and if Chris does not make good on the deal with the brutal drug boss, Tim Briggs played by Giovanni Ribisi (Avatar, The Rum Diary), the brother-in-law would be killed. Farraday left that type of life behind, now married with two children. The story was set up to provide us with conflict, time limits, action and thrills. The issue was the execution of it. Wahlberg is not a great actor and tends to be the same character in each of his movies. With lifeless eyes and monotone diction, he does not have screen presence that pops out at the viewer. This movie had some exciting scenes and is fine for those who just want to sit and see some action. Nothing great, nothing horrible; it is like settling for a fast food burger when you really wanted filet mignon.
2 stars
Flash Movie Review: August Rush
What do you call that feeling, where you have no reason to believe something is true; yet, in your heart, you know it to be true? Is it deja vu, a sixth sense, or a connection that was made early on? Regardless, this film is a magical and musical urban fairy tale, that will strike a chord with the viewer. Being raised in a family of music lovers, the variety of music genres performed was in synch with my musical tastes. A young orphan and musical prodigy, August Rush played by Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland), believes his parents are alive. He has no reason to believe this is true; but, feels he can hear them and if he can simply perform the music he hears, they will come and get him. As young as Freddie is, he has some soulful facial expressions and was a joy to watch. His birth mom, Lyla Novacek played by Keri Russell (Bedtime Stories, Felicity-TV), was a concert cellist and that is all I wish to tell you about this film, wanting you to experience the magic of this movie for yourself. The story was written to pull at your heart strings–so what? Let the music carry you through this sweet, tender movie as you learn to trust the voice you carry inside of yourself.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Shoot ‘Em Up
With the feel of a cartoon rivalry like the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote or Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, this movie was an over the top thriller. From the imaginative fight scenes–delivering a baby in the middle of a gun fight–I was buzzed from this film. Clive Owen (Children of Men, The Bourne Identity), as the cool Mr. Smith, becomes involved with a gang of thugs, when they cross his path, chasing a pregnant woman. From a single act of kindness to protect the woman, a battle of wits ensues between Smith and Hertz, the leader of the gang, played by Paul Giamatti (Sideways, The Illusionist). Hellbent on stealing the baby, Paul does such a good job with his character, having been given some of the best lines from the writers. Now I have to tell you, check out your logic and common sense before viewing this crazy thriller. This film knows it is displaying everything to the max, including blood and violence, but not taking itself to seriously. Simply enjoy the rush as the story reveals more than you might have thought there would be, with such a movie title.
2 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Eight Below
My love of animals came from Maxine’s unconditional love, my aunt’s French Poodle. Even if you have not experienced that type of love from a pet, I feel you will still connect with this amazing story and fall in love with the dogs in this movie. The acting from the cast, such as Paul Walker as Jerry Shepard (The Fast and the Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious) or Bruce Greenwood as Davis McClaren (Star Trek, Deja Vu) is not worth talking about, it is mediocre. The real stars of this movie are the huskies and they will quickly get under your skin. Inspired by a true story, Jerry the sled dogs’ trainer, must leave the canines behind, as the polar base must be quickly evacuated, due to a fast approaching Antarctic heavy storm. Promising his furry friends he will return after the storm, Jerry Shepard is confronted with complications that prevent him from keeping his word. Will the dogs be able to survive on their own? My attention was drawn to the plight of these brave huskies. Watching this story unfold, one will see the courage, the bravery, the deepest love that drives us to do whatever it takes to help the ones we love.
2 3/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Adam
Have you ever gone out of your comfort zone because of a hope or desire? Or maybe even for love? That feeling as you first cope with the uncomfortableness, to only have it replaced with sheer joy– it is a wonderful thing. This touching movie played out on this theme as Adam Raki, played by Hugh Dancy (Black Hawk Down, King Arthur), who has asperger’s syndrome, meets his upstairs neighbor Beth Buchwald, played by Rose Byrne (Knowing, 28 Weeks Later). What begins is a course of new experiences. Watching Hugh as he displayed the characteristic traits associated with Asperger’s, I could feel the anxiousness and confusion that he was experiencing. It was a well done performance that was perfectly suited for the story line. I always fine it amazing when the heart and mind try to form a connection, that will lead to a strong emotion. After viewing this sweet film, my wish for you is that one day you tap into your courage and let it sail you across that sea of discomfort, to land you on the shores of delight.
3 stars — DVD
moviejoltz 