Category Archives: Drama
Drama
Flash Movie Review: Rabbit Hole
How does one handle tragic loss? For me, it can manifest into a physical pain that feels as if it is consuming my body. When a family member or friend experiences a heartbreaking loss, I never know what to say or do, always feeling I’m not doing enough for them. It is an uncomfortable feeling and it was this same type of feeling that welled up in me as I watched this powerful drama. Becca and Howie, played by Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge, The Hours) and Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight, Thank You for Smoking), were a married couple dealing with the heartbreaking loss of their son. Each of them had their own way in dealing with the loss. Unfortunately, this caused the bond between them to crack, bringing forth deeply embedded emotions. Even though I felt uncomfortable, I am grateful to have seen this raw yet beautiful movie. Nicole was wonderful in this role, easily conveying her feelings without uttering a single word. And I have to give her credit for hand picking Aaron to play her husband, for his performace blew me away. The depth and range of his emotions on display were a complete surprise. The play this movie was based on won the Pulitzer prize for best drama and was nominated for a Tony award. Even though the movie drew a feeling of discomfort out of me, it did not compare to what I witnessed in this intense actor driven film.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Big Miracle
Do you remember where you were when the real story was breaking news? Please do not tell me you were at a fish fry. I have no memories about the trapped whales; but no matter, the movie still charmed me. This dramatization of the real story was sweet and smooth to watch. Adam Carlson, played by John Krasinski (It’s Complicated, Leatherheads), was the reporter who spotted the three whales trapped by encroaching ice off the coast of Alaska. His news reel hits the airwaves where his former girlfriend, Rachel Kramer played by Drew Barrymore (Charlie’s Angels, 50 First Dates), witnesses the mammals’ plight. Now she happens to work for Greenpeace, so you know she is going to fly up there and try to save the whales. There were no surprises here and the acting was a bit mundane. However, I have to tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. Maybe I am just a sucker when it comes to an animal in peril. Drew is not a great actress but she is reliable, while John comes across as your old childhood friend, who has a little more growing up to do. This film is what they call “a feel good” movie. We have opposing groups wanting their needs met as the clock is ticking on the whales’ fate. But in the end as the audience applauded, I left the theater feeling upbeat and happy.
2 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Last Station
His novels were not the only place where drama took place. In this movie, Leo Tolstoy’s personal life was filled with substantial drama. Played magnificently by Christopher Plummer (Beginners, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), the majority of this fiery drama occurred between Tolstoy and his wife of 43 years, the Countess Sofya, played with electrifying fire by Helen Mirren (Arthur, The Tempest). Determined to prevent her husband from changing his will, relinquishing his copyrights and property to the Russian people, Sofya enlisted a confederate in recently appointed assistant to her husband, Valentin played by James McAvoy (Wanted, Atonement). The acting was superb in this movie, as the dialog had a fine accompaniment in the musical score. Completing the movie’s feel were the beautiful set pieces, with the attention to detail; I felt as if I had been transported back to Tolstoy’s estate, to witness the final years of this great writer’s life.
3 1/3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Albert Nobbs
Happiness is not something that can be given or bought for you. Its birth starts inside of you. For this reason, I felt the movie was lifeless, that Albert Nobbs, played by Glenn Close (Dangerous Liaisons, Air Force One), was an odd character. I felt no matter what Albert did there was never a solid foundation where her/his emotions could bloom. Glenn played this role live on stage years ago, but I do not understand why she wanted to bring it to the big screen. Set in Dublin, Ireland in the late 19th century, Albert Nobbs was born a woman but living her life as a man. Was it because she was a lesbian, or was it because women had very few opportunities open to them in business, or maybe because she felt she was a man trapped in a woman’s body? I never found the reasons why. As a butler working at a hotel, Albert had a dream of opening up a small business for himself. But with no sense on his ability to be truly joyous, I did not believe Albert would ever find true happiness. As a result, the movie was dry for me; I did not find an emotional connection to the character. The real star of this movie was the painter, Hubert Page, hired by the hotel. This character had life, purpose and emotions. It was a powerful performance. By the end of the movie, I simply felt tired and thought, what was the point of this film? As I left the theater, I did treat myself to some ice cream and felt better.
2 1/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Vow
Could the only reason to see this movie be the opportunity to see Channing Tatum’s (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Dear John) bare buttocks? Based on the majority of the crowd’s reaction, I think that was enough for them to say this movie was great. For the rest of us, it was not enough. Channing is not a great actor; however, what works in his favor is the combination of his physique with his sad, teary eyes and romantic streak on display throughout this film. Playing husband Leo to wife Paige, played by Rachel McAdams (Sherlock Holmes, Midnight in Paris), the happy couple’s life is shattered when a car accident causes a memory loss for Paige. She has no memory of Leo, let alone being married to him. Rachel is good in this type of romantic drama and the two actors blended easily enough. The story is predictable and I wonder how much of the actual true story was used to make this film. With that being said, this is an easy movie to watch as it tries to squeeze your heart and elicit a tear from your eye.
2 1/2 stars
Flash Movie Review: Dear John
The heart is a hard organ to understand. There are times where it elevates us to a state of euphoria, feeling as if we can float on air. Other times it weighs us down, where every step we take feels as if it takes all of our energy just to lift our foot off the ground. For Savannah Curtis and John Tyree, played respectively by Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia, In Time) and Channing Tatum (The Eagle, Step Up), it was their hearts reaching out to embrace the other in a matter of a couple of weeks. I can see where this scenario can work for some people; however, I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between John and Savannah. Not that it was totally unbelievable, but it lacked a key element for me–passion. It is that passion and connection of the heart and mind that keep a couple together when distance is an issue, as it was for this couple. There is nothing awful about this movie; in fact, I enjoyed the surprise twist in the story. But I found my interest waning as I watched Savannah and John deal with the miles that separated them. Were their hearts strong enough to hear the echo of the other one’s heartbeat as time passed on? If you are interested, you may want to fast forward through a few scenes to find out.
2 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: The Great Debaters
My 7th grade teacher told me I would “amount to nothing,” when I told her I wanted to be a writer. I have since had a couple of stories published. In high school I flunked physical education class twice. Presently I am a yoga, cycle and group fitness instructor. My point is this: when you have a belief, follow it. Isn’t it better to have tried to accomplish something instead of wondering, “What if…?” It is that internal strength that resonated with me as I watched this movie; based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, played by Denzel Washington (Training Day, American Gangster), who was a professor at Wiley College Texas in the 1930’s. This man inspired his students to form a debate team, which would later surprise the country. As you may have guessed, I root for the underdogs. In my case, I had to deal with people’s prejudices. However, I did not fear for my life as some of the characters had to do in this film. This movie was a clear inspiration, which left me feeling as if I could accomplish anything I put my heart and mind to. What a well done movie about an historical time.
3 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Hunger
When under harsh conditions, I am always in awe of the mind’s strong power. To watch what some say was Michael Fassbender’s (A Dangerous Method, Shame) breakout role as Bobby Sands, was exceptional but painful. Based on true events, this beautiful yet brutal movie grabbed hold of me, forcing me to watch each and every frame. The year was 1981 in Belfast’s Maze prison and a group of Irish Republican prisoners’ demands, to be treated as political prisoners, were not being met. Instead, they were being abused by the guards, under inhumane conditions. A group of the inmates decided they would go on a hunger strike. When I tell you this was tough to watch, it really was and some of you may not be able to handle some of the scenes. However, this directorial debut by visual artist Steve McQueen stands out as a masterful visual experience. Fassbender was incredible in this movie; reminding me of the same physical transformation Christian Bale went through in The Machinist. I advise you to view the trailer, to get an idea of the intensity in this film.
3 1/4 stars — DVD
Flash Movie Review: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
I have to say a more apt title would have been, “Extremely Long & Incredibly Annoying.” The main character Oskar Schell, played by Thomas Horn (Jeopardy-TV), was so annoying, it was a distraction for me. I would be curious if the young boy was just as irritating in the book. The story revolved around 9 year old Oskar ‘s search through New York City, for a lock that matched a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. With a lack of drama and decent script, the searching for this lock became boring for me. Interspersed throughout the movie were flashbacks of Oskar interacting with his Dad, played by Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump, The Green Mile). For me, the writers tried to do their best to manipulate us into feeling emotions for these lifeless characters. On some level I think the story, in the hands of better writers and director, could have been an interesting tale of perseverance after tragedy.
1 2/3 stars
Flash Movie Review: The Illusionist
For those of you who wish to have an extra serving of magic, gaze upon this movie review. A rich, sumptuous film that continuously teases the viewer with doses of drama, mystery and excitement. The time is the early 1900’s in Vienna and Eisenheim, played by Edward Norton (Fight Club, The Incredible Hulk) settles into a small theater, to enchant the ever increasing patrons with amazing magical feats. Ah, but the illusionist becomes enchanted with Sophie, played by Jessica Biel (Valentine’s Day, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry), who is engaged to a crown prince. What begins is an intricate cat and mouse game, as the amazing Eisenheim uses his skilled abilities, with the hope of succeeding in mastering the ultimate dream. Beautifully filmed as if with a velvet brush and earthly palette, I was enthralled with this wonderful, creative movie.
3 1/2 stars — DVD
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