Author Archives: moviejoltz
Flash Movie Review: The Rape of Europa
Even if you are not knowledgeable of fine art, you can not help but be drawn into this incredible documentary. As Hilter’s armies were fighting allied forces, there was another mission taking place: the plundering of famous art works across Europe. I was moved by the dedication of individuals who were determined to try and save the world’s art pieces from falling into Nazi hands. I cannot begin to fathom the impact of never having some iconic masterpieces in our lives.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: In Time
I was grateful to the director for shooting a majority of the movie in dark subdued lighting. It was easier to sit and watch this bad film. The story line intrigued me: people do not age past 25 years. However, they have the means to buy more time to live. In actuality, what I watched made no sense, filled with poor acting. What was Justin Timberlake thinking? He was on a decent run of movie roles; didn’t he read this script? This film was simply boring. The only bright spot for me was seeing the old classic cars, that were used in this dreary futuristic setting.
1 1/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: Sarah’s Key
One of the best movies I have seen this year. What an incredible story about a little girl who locked her baby brother into a closet, to hide him, just as the family was forced from their home in Paris. The year was 1942, during the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup. The French police, to lessen the Jewish population, began arresting Jews. A parallel story within this movie was Kristin Scott Thomas (she was incredible) as a journalist, who found her life becoming enmeshed in the story of the little girl. The movie was spoken in half French with subtitles and half English.
3 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Moneyball
One doesn’t need to know or even like baseball to enjoy this movie. The story is based on Billy Beane, who was the Oakland A’s general manager. Going against the norm, he set out to create a winning baseball team on a budget, using computer generated data–unheard of at the time. Brad Pitt’s performance is solid, though not Oscar caliber. For me, the surprise was Jonah Hill, whose role was acted out low key; something new for him.
3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Departures
This academy award winner for best foreign film was a touching movie. A newly unemployed cellist answers a want ad, thinking it has to do with the travel industry. Surprised by the actual job, he takes it but is too embarrassed to tell his wife. I found the ceremony he became involved in simply fascinating. Do not pass up this movie gem. A Japanese film with subtitles.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Drive
What a great looking movie in the film noir style. I loved the way this film was shot, with some great scenes. Keep in mind there is graphic violence; but if you want to see a possible Oscar nominee, you have to see Ryan Gosling’s performance. He is simply outstanding here–subtle with minimum dialog, just his expressions speak for themselves. Ryan plays a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a driver for criminals. Also, Carey Mulligan puts in a wonderful performance in this dark story.
3 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Seraphine
Not familiar with the French artist Seraphine, I was fascinated watching this movie of her life. With no formal training, at times by candlelight, she would draw these beautiful paintings in the naive style. Poor for most of her life, when Seraphine finally starting selling her paintings, she had no idea how to manage it. This award winning film should not be passed up. French with subtitles.
3 stars – DVD
Flash Movie Review: Warrior
This movie was a total surprise for me. I had no desire to see it, only going because I wanted to see Nick Nolte’s performance. Not only was he excellent in it, the movie was one of the best movies I have seen this year. Nolte plays a former alcoholic boxer who is surprised when his youngest son shows up one day, wanting his father to train him. What Rocky did for boxing, this movie does for mixed martial arts. We have heard the story before, but the way it unfolds is fresh and wonderful. The audience cheered, they cried and we left feeling good. Don’t miss this film.
3 3/4 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Debt
I liked the idea behind this movie and it started out well. A trio of Mossad agents are on a mission to capture a Nazi doctor who performed horrible experiments on prisoners. The mission takes an unexpected turn and the 3 must keep a secret, that plagues them 30 years later. I always love Helen Mirren but I could not take my eyes off of Jessica Chastain — good acting chops on this one. The last half of the movie was a big disappointment for me and I felt the ending was a cop out.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont
Such a sweet and touching movie, I really enjoyed watching this one. An elderly woman moves to a retirement hotel to be closer to her grandson. With the grandson’s lack of enthusiasm, Mrs. Palfrey meets a young man and they strike up an interesting relationship.
2 3/4 stars — DVD
moviejoltz 