Author Archives: moviejoltz
Flash Movie Review: Hugo
Give yourself a real movie treat, let the kid in you come out and if you do not see any other movie this year, do yourself a favor and see this magical movie. Martin Scorsese has made a truly classic film. I am not a fan of 3D but in Martin’s hands, the 3D was like an invited guest at the dinner table, instead of the drunken neighbor who intruded on your dinner party and wouldn’t go home. If you do not see this movie in 3D, I don’t believe it will make the experience for you any less; but if you can, see how Martin uses it to complement a scene by not making it the main focus, such as objects coming out of the screen to poke you in the eye or fly over your head. Because I want you to go into this movie with as little information as possible, let me just say it is about an orphan who lives in the Paris train station. Asa Butterfield, who portrays the orphan, has some of the most expressive eyes I have seen on a young actor. By the way, of the entire audience I was with, there was only one child. Please make the time to see this movie and get lost in its enchanting story.
4 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Devil’s Double
Don’t look now, but there well could be a dark horse in the Oscar race and it is Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia!, My Week with Marilyn) in the dual role as Latif Yahia, who was the real life body double to Uday Hussein–Saddam Hussein’s elder son. What an amazing performance as Dominic portrays the ruthless, decadent Uday and the look alike Latif who tries to maintain his sanity as he is forced into servitude. This intense drama was horrific to watch in parts as Uday truly was allowed to run amok; whether it was raping, beating or killing anyone who came within his line of sight. If you can handle it, then do not miss this movie based on the true story by Latif Yahia and the incredible portrayal by Dominic Cooper. As far as I am concerned, Dominic has every right to get a best acting nomination for his work in this film.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: My Week With Marilyn
What an incredible performance by Michelle Williams as she plays Marilyn Monroe. Based on the memoirs of Colin Clark, an employee on the set during the filming of Marilyn’s and Sir Laurence Olivier’s movie, “The Prince and the Showgirl,” we get a peek behind the scenes into the friction when old theater people meet young Hollywood movie people–mainly Marilyn and Laurence. Truthfully, it did not matter to me if everything I was watching was true or not; I could not take my eyes off of Michelle as the camera truly caressed her in every scene. The era this took place, the 1950’s, was laid out perfectly in scene, in costume; I really started to get lost into the magic of this movie. Also, as far as I am concerned, Judi Dench could read the Waffle House menu to me, I loved listening and watching her in the few scenes she was in. There is no doubt in my mind that Michelle will get an Oscar nomination. Whether gentlemen prefer blondes or some like it hot (young ones may not get this) go see this wonderful film.
3 2/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
I am not Team Edward nor Team Jacob; though, I do have the unread 1st book sitting on a shelf. And after seeing this movie I may never read the book. This movie was so boring–I cannot remember being at a wedding this long since my nephew’s wedding. At least his was amazing and I was eating and dancing the nights away. So little action in this film, opposite from some of the trailers I previewed. And do you know what was the worst part of this film? It was the soundtrack, absolutely annoying. There seemed to be music in every single frame–swelling up and slipping back, trying desperately to inject some drama into this dull story. Now as a side note here, I did my own informal polling and discovered that most women enjoyed this film, where men did not. No statement here, just an observation. I consider myself an old-fashioned romantic but I am telling you, this was not my idea of romance. For those of you who have seen the previous movies and will see this one, make sure you do not leave when the credits begin.
1 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Raise the Red Lantern
China in the 1920’s, the head of a powerful family weds his 4th wife, moving her into his compound with his three other wives. Each wife plots and schemes to gardner the attention of the lord and have the red lanterns hung in front of her residence, which meant he would be spending the night with her. This was a steady paced, fascinating story with the wonderful actress Gong Li (Memoirs of a Geisha, Farewell My Concubine), who did a quiet and powerful performance. The director had individual scenes set up to emphasis the emotions that were on display. I was totally into this film and think you will be too. Chinese with English subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Descendants
So hear is the exciting news: this is a 4 star movie! I loved everything about it. First off, this was George Clooney’s best role, I have seen to date. Playing a detached father, George is forced to be the primary parent to his two daughters, when his wife is hospitalized from a boating accident. Next, the story was real and filled with real emotions. Watching the relationship between the father and oldest daughter was great chemistry between the two stars. The directing was perfect with scenes unfolding in a gentle progression. This is not a fairy tale family; this is a dysfunctional family, trying to find their way in life. Do not miss this movie, since George Clooney should be nominated for best actor. And I would not be surprised if the older daughter, Shailene Woodley, gets a nomination her way, too.
4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Baraka
I am grateful to a couple of friends who mentioned this movie to me. It is simply an incredible experience to sit down and watch. With no dialogue, it is all about the visuals–and it delivers on them. Imagine seeing various parts of the world in a wide spectrum of activities, all from the comforts of your home. I believe, the best way I can convey what this documentary is about, is to tell you this: with majestic cinematic filming, one sees how natural and human events, small or large, have a profound impact on the other. Seriously, do your best to see this amazing film.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: J. Edgar
A stellar performance by Leonardo diCaprio in this new Clint Eastwood movie is enough reason to see it; albeit, it may be the only reason to do so. I was enthralled with Leonardo’s acting–the look, the speech, the mannerisms–it is Oscar worthy in my opinion. On the down side, the script was weak and a bit silly to me. Keep in mind, this movie was based on a true story about J. Edgar Hoover and I felt the writer (Dustin Lance Black) took liberties in telling the story, drawing it out more than it needed to be. In regards to Mr. Eastwood’s directing, I was getting somewhat distracted from the constant jumps in time frames. And what was the point of shooting the film so dark, with sharp black and white contrasts? I felt Clint was trying to capture an arty, film noir style and all it did was annoy me. But with all that being said, you should go and see Leonardo in this role–it is amazing.
2 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Amreeka
A Palestinian mother’s determination to get her son out of the West Bank, to a better life, is the driving force of this independent film. And of all places, they settle in rural Illinois–talk about cultural shock. The acting is wonderful on the part of Nisreen Faour, who plays the mother, Muna. To watch her 16 year old son Fadi, played by Melkar Muallen, find his way through the minefields of high school, brought back some old memories for me. A touching, sensitive movie that, I hope, gives one pause to look beyond the surface. Don’t pass this one up.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Puss in Boots
Do children find getting hit in the crotch funny? This is a question I was pondering, while watching this movie. I felt the writers were tring to appeal to adults and children, yet not being very successful at it. Granted, I still can appreciate a good story, whether the characters are live or cartoon…or should I now say CGI created? But I did not find this movie particularly funny or exciting. The story line was odd, not holding my interest much: Puss in Boots teams up to steal a goose that lays golden eggs. As for the computer graphic imagery, it was good. Based on the children’s reactions around me during the movie, I did not think they were much into the movie either.
2 stars
moviejoltz 