Author Archives: moviejoltz
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
Flash Movie Review: Mao’s Last Dancer
What would we be without our arts, our culture? To think about the sacrifices artists endure for their passion; I so admire their dedication, their perseverance. This DVD provided yet, another example of an individual forfeiting; in this case, his family and country, to follow his dreams. Based on the autobiography of Li Cunxin, this movie’s story was inspiring to me. At the age of 11, Li was chosen to leave his family and their poor, Chinese village to study at the Beijing Dance Academy. Watching the strict dance regiment the children were put through, one has to wonder: can artists be manufactured? For me, they can be made to reproduce precise movements; however, they cannot be taught passion. The film moved back and forth from Li’s childhood to him as an adult, when he was being hosted in the United States by Ben Stevenson, portrayed by Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek, Super 8), who was the ballet director of the Houston Ballet. An inspiring story, this movie will resonate with those who appreciate the arts.
2 3/4 stars –DVD
Flash Movie Review: Another Earth
What if there was another you somewhere in space? Would you want to meet them? I was fascinated with the concept as I viewed this DVD. On the day a new planet is discovered, Rhoda Williams played by Brit Marling (Sound of My Voice, Political Disasters) was the cause of a horrific car accident. You can say, there is this common theme that with death there comes birth through the movie. I loved this motion picture: the way it was filmed made it more believable for me, the parallel story of a romance, the cerebral mindset; added a fresh, some may say twisted, take on the story line. William Mapother (The Grudge, In the Bedroom) as John Burroughs did a believable job as a man in pain. This is not your typical science fiction movie, could easily be classified as a romance. Either way, I feel the viewer will either love this movie or hate it. If one is able to keep an open mind, I feel this movie will be a worthwhile watch for you.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Adventures of Tintin
Alas, my adventures were ruined by a drunken captain. Within several minutes of the character Captain Haddock played by Andy Serkis (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Lord of the Rings franchise) appearing on screen, I became tired of the role. For me, he was the Jar Jar Binks of this film. All I will say about the story is that it has to do with a treasure hunt, with the sinister Sakharine played by Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Defiance) trying to beat out Haddock and Tintin, played by Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, Jumper), to find a hidden treasure. The action was overpowering–fast paced with scenes flying by one after another. I had thought with the pairing of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson they would have produced exhilarating, motion picture magic. There were some well done and exciting scenes; but I have to tell you, the majority of the action scenes reminded me of the Indiana Jones movies, but without the fuel to make them pop out at the viewer. If the film studio has hopes of making this a long running franchise; I seriously hope, they consider a whole new team to bring on board, to make a worthwhile movie.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Machete
I pushed the DVD into the player with some trepidation. This was not a movie I was looking forward to seeing, since I am not fond of bloody scenes. My reason for viewing this film was its director, Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Once Upon a Time in Mexico); so, I decided to view this DVD on an empty stomach. The story is about Machete Cortez, played by Danny Trejo (Griindhouse, Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D) as an ex-federale, hired to assassinate a Texas senator. Just as he was about to complete his job, he discovers he has been set up to be killed. From that point on, Machete goes on a bloody killing spree of revenge against the man who hired him. In real life, Danny was a drug addict who had been in and out of jail for 11 years, spending time in San Quentin. So when I say he was a bad ass in this movie, he was a crazy bad ass. The scenes in Mr Rodriguez’ directing style are so over the top, that I actually did not have a problem watching this movie and got a kick out it. Maybe it has something to do with the revenge angle or the perfect co-stars of Jessica Alba (Sin City, Fantastic Four) and Michelle Rodriguez (Avatar, The Fast & the Furious). Who knew killing could be so much fun. If you can handle the violence and blood, this is a wild movie to watch from Robert Rodriguez.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Artist
Are movie reviewers jumping on the bandwagon here, so they will be considered cool? There is such a buzz about this movie; that I feel it has surpassed the reality of watching it. Seriously, I had to wait in line at the doors to theater eleven, so that we all could walk in an orderly fashion to our seats. Let me say right at the start, this film is a novelty and for younger viewers, it may be the first time they have sat through a movie that has, for the most part, no dialog. This black and white picture portrayed the period of Hollywood 1927 easily enough, with wonderful sets and some beautiful scenes. The acting had to be all physical with an emphasis on facial expressions to convey emotions. The French actor Jean Dujardin as George Valentin along with the Argentine/French actress Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller were quite good in their physicality. The story played out with no surprises; essentially about Valentin’s downward spiral at the onset of talking pictures, as Miller’s star begins to rise. Is it worth seeing this picture? Overall, I would say yes; for if nothing else, to get a flavor of what the movie experience could have been like, back in the early days of motion pictures. Is this the best picture (several Golden Globe nominations) of the year? I am afraid not. If that means I can not be with the cool crowd, so be it.
2 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Darwin’s Nightmare
As if squeezing the last drops of sweat out of one’s workout clothes, watching the life being drained out of the people around Lake Victoria in Tanzania was horrifying. Food has been scarce since the introduction of a predatory fish, the Nile Perch, into the former beautiful lake. The native species of the lake have been eradicated by this aggressive perch. The only legitimate industry available is to work in the fish factory, where the Nile Perch are packaged and flown to Europe, to be served up as a fine delicacy. Russian transport planes fly in to unload their cargo of weapons, then fill up their empty bellies with the fish, to fly out in a continuous cycle. This documentary has to be seen; for whatever words or images I place here will not show you the unbelievable hardships, the struggles of how the strong get stronger by feeding on the weak. This film is a perfect example of Darwin’s theory on the survival of the fittest. But then what does it say about our humanity?
3 1/4 stars — DVD
moviejoltz 