Author Archives: moviejoltz
Flash Movie Review: Carnage
What I have always said about being in a love relationship is this: it is not the things you love that keep you together, that is the easy part; it is the things you do not like. If you can handle the tough aspects of your significant other, then it is true love. At least that is what I have found to be true. Watching these characters in the movie, I was not really clear on why they were still married to each other. But no matter, I did laugh at them throughout the film. The script undulated from sad moments to happy ones to pure lunacy, as the actors were all convincing in their roles. The movie takes place within a short span of time; when two sets of parents agree to meet, to discuss the fight their sons had earlier, where one of the boys was injured. The female leads, Jodie Foster (Panic Room, The Silence of the Lambs) and Kate Winslet (Finding Neverland, Titanic) were stronger on screen than the 2 male leads, John C. Reilly (Step Brothers, Chicago) and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds, The Three Musketeers). For me, the two actresses’ characters were the power behind the story. The movie started out strong with tight, perfectly framed scenes from the director, Roman Polanski (The Pianist, Chinatown). However, the story petered out as it got towards the end. I felt all the energy was used up in the 1st half of the movie. Maybe with all the energy coming early on, everyone just got tired by the end.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Penelope
When you look at couples who are together, do you ever wonder, what was it that each of them saw in the other? What was the initial attraction: looks, personality, heart? For me, I have always said what is on the outside is only rented, changing every day. What a person has inside of themselves is what nourishes my heart. This movie could be called a modern day fairy tale of “Beauty and the Beast,” but it is something more. I felt a kinship with Penelope, played wonderfully by Christina Ricci (Monster, The Addams Family). Born into a high society, wealthy family, Penelope came into the world bearing the family curse. Horrified, her mother keeps her hidden away within the family’s estate, determined to find a way to break this dreaded curse. And the only way to destroy it, is for Penelope to find true love. Once she is of age, Penelope’s mother begins a constant stream of possible suitors for her daughter’s affections. However, each of them leave in horror or disgust until one interesting gentleman arrives, played by James McAvoy (Atonement, X-Men: First Class). Part comedy, part fantasy, this movie will offer you a sweet treat of movie time.
2 2/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Iron Lady
Sadly, this iron lady has an unattractive patina of rust. No matter your political allegiances, you would have to agree, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom has an important place in history. If this movie is supposed to honor her legacy, I am afraid it failed. This film was a series of flashbacks seen through the eyes of an elderly Mrs. Thatcher and from what I perceived, as she was going to the doorstep of dementia. We all know Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada, Doubt) is the queen of accents and she looks the part here of Margaret. But do we really need the camera to anchor itself on her face, so we can watch Meryl go thru a checklist of every emotion? As her husband Denis Thatcher, I have always enjoyed Jim Broadbent (Another Year, Vanity Fair) in past roles, but in this movie he comes across as a court jester to his wife. I do not know, maybe in real life that was his role. For me, this movie was more like the cliff notes for an incredible woman’s life. I cringe to think of the real Margaret Thatcher sitting in horror, as she watches this lackluster series of vignettes, that is supposed to be a video history of her life.
2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles
Even within simplicity, one may find complex beauty. This thought came to me as I watched this beautiful movie. Having seen director Yimou Zhang’s “Raise the Red Lantern” and “House of Flying Daggers” movies, I was intrigued to get this film. Without the martial arts fighting or special effects, this movie gently settles on the viewer like a fine silk cloth. With wonderful landscapes as a backdrop, my already abundant appetite to travel simmered to a boil. The story will draw tears from your eyes and spread a smile onto your face. A Japanese fisherman, played by Ken Takakura (Black Rain, Railroad Man), who is estranged from his son, is turned away from the hospital room where his only child lies dying. Being given an unfinished movie by the son’s wife, the fisherman embarks on a journey to China’s Yunnan province. His hope is to film a famous Chinese folk-opera star, to complete his son’s movie project and in so doing, honor him and possibly win back his affections. The trip leads the father down a road that changes his life forever. My wish for you, when viewing this movie, is you discover the road you are traveling on has unexpected rest stops, filled with wonderment. Mandarin/Japanese with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
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
moviejoltz 