Category Archives: Drama

2008, Bullying, Drama, Sex Scenes

Fireflies in the Garden (2008)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In the wake of an unexpected family tragedy, novelist Michael Taylor (Ryan Reynolds) is forced to confront his fractured relationship with his father (Willem Dafoe) while dealing with painful memories of his mother (Julia Roberts), a woman who moved mountains to protect him. Emily Watson, Hayden Panettiere, Ioan Gruffudd and Carrie-Anne Moss also star in this semiautobiographical tale of rage and redemption from writer-director Dennis Lee.

FINALLY I got to see Ryan Reynolds deliver a worthwhile performance in a worthwhile film. Why has his agent been so inconsistent ? Oddly enough this film predates such forgettable wonders as “The Green Lantern” and “The Change-Up”. Why revert to juvenile roles when you can do so much better ?

Willem Dafoe is perfect as the father you love to hate.

Hats off to Cayden Boyd who captured perfectly Michael Taylor as a boy imprisoned in his home with his monster of a father.

For me the ending was hard to accept. Your opinions would be welcome.

2011, Based on true facts, Cynical, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Political Suspense, Sex Scenes, Wonderful acting

The Ides of March (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film, directed by George Clooney, is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.

Sometimes a film with many “stars” can be a disaster. But this time the combination of Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Paul Giamatti has produced a superb political film.

“Loss of Innocence” is the sad theme of the story. Idealistic Ryan Gosling makes some personal mistakes and also discovers the dark side of handsome, well-spoken (“smooth” is the better word), and inspiring George Clooney. Hoffman and Giamatti contribute the elements of cynical compromise. Acting could not be better. Both Gosling and Clooney have mastered the art of having their eyes mirror their emotions.

Marisa Tomei plays a newspaper reporter who is not to be trusted.

For a better understanding of the title you could read the Wikipedia article. Even there I could find no reference to the Howard Dean compaign.

You have a treat in store. DO NOT MISS!

2011, Based on true facts, Bullying, Conspiracy, Cynical, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Finance, Scam Artists

Margin Call (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

An all-star cast shines in this engrossing drama about a critical 24-hour period at a high-profile investment bank in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, when young analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers information that could destroy the firm. When he alerts upper management to the precarious position of their risky investments, an emergency meeting is held to decide if they should alert clients or abscond with the profits.

Infuriatingly excellent, this financial “thriller” is a sad expose of America’s greatest enemy, her own financial industry. You need not understand the financial details to appreciate the plot.

Sometimes a large cast of well-known actors can be a disaster. But this time cast choices probably could not have been better. Old-timers include:

  • Kevin Spacey (age 52) is officially middle-aged. His role is thoughtful and sad.
  • Jeremy Irons (age 63) is his usual wonderfully creepy self playing the head honcho who makes 83 million dollars a year even if his clients lose all their investments.
  • Stanley Tucci (age 51) is another sad pawn in Jeremy Iron’s claws.
  • Demi Moore (age 49) is a pawn in a different way.

And then there are some relative new-comers:

  • Paul Bettany (age 40) was the albino Silas in “The Da Vinci Code”.
  • This is the first time I have seen Simon Baker (age 42) in something other than “The Mentalist”.
  • Zachary Quinto (age 34) was Spock in the 2009 “Star Trek”.
  • Zachary Quinto’s sidekick in the film is Penn Badgley (age 25) who plays the son in “The Stepfather”.

At times the script can be a bit preachy, especially when the characters rationalize their basically dishonest dealings.

Is our financial industry really completely corrupt? DO NOT MISS!

2009, Biographical, British, Drama, Love Story, True Story

The Young Victoria (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Eighteen-year-old British royal Victoria (Emily Blunt) ascends to the throne and is romanced by future husband Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) in this lush period film that chronicles the early years of the British monarch’s larger-than-life reign. Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film also stars Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.

While visiting our daughter Kate in London we just happened to see this film on television. Lucky for us the timing could not have been better. That Victoria and Albert were truly devoted to one another is made quite clear by the film. In addition Albert was an honest, sincere consort that really tried to help the British commoners and to protect Victoria from various predators trying to control such a young queen. Her devotion to him after his early death from typhoid at age 42 is splendidly manifest if you visit the lighted Albert memorial at night. Also wonderful is the Victoria and Albert museum (called the “V & A”).

Such a well-done historical drama comes well recommended.

2003, Based on true facts, British Mystery Series, Conspiracy, Drama, Gay theme, Made For TV, Nudity, Political statement, Sex Scenes, Spy Theme, Wonderful acting

Cambridge Spies (2003)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In 1934, four brilliant Cambridge men are recruited to spy for Russia. Fueled by youthful idealism, a passion for social justice and a talent for lying, they take huge personal risks to pass Britain’s biggest secrets to Moscow.

At the start of the film there is a disclaimer that some of the details are fictional. Let us hope that at least we get some insight into why these four men decided to spy for Russia. If nothing else, the acting is superb and the scenes both in England and in Germany ring true. Sex, both straight and gay, seems to pervade the atmosphere.

Cambridge’s four young spies are as follows:

Give this British production a strong recommendation.

2009, Crime, Dark, Detective, Drama, Kidnapping, Prison, Serial Killer

Stolen (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Investigating the mystery behind the mummified, half-century-old remains of a young boy found in a box at a construction site gives a detective (Jon Hamm) key clues to his own son’s disappearance eight years prior. Unfolding through flashbacks, this mystery-thriller from director Anders Anderson also stars Josh Lucas, James Van Der Beek, Jessica Chastain, Rhona Mitra, Jimmy Bennett and Beth Grant.

What distinguishes this child abduction plot from the many others is that two abductions, one fifty years older than the present abduction, are developed in tandem. Josh Lucas is the father in the older case whereas Jon Hamm is the father detective in the present case. Little by little the two cases merge in a clever way.

Jon Hamm will probably always be remembered as Don Draper of the TV series Mad Men (2007).

Josh Lucas was the high school teacher Barry Anderson in Daydream Nation (2010).

Rhona Mitra, who plays Jon Hamm’s wife, played Tara Wilson as one of the many lascivious women employees of Boston Legal.

Both plot and acting are acceptable.

2009, British Mystery Series, Could Be Hard To Watch, Dark, Detective, Disturbing Image, Drama, Grim, Gritty, Made For TV, Occasional gore, Police Story, Sadism, Serial Killer, Suspense

Whitechapel (2009)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Historic horror meets modern investigative methods in this atmospheric crime series set in 2008. When a killer mimics the murders of Jack the Ripper, a team of detectives and a tour guide join forces to bring the copycat to justice.

UPDATE IN DEC 2014:

You may now stream all three seasons (3 episodes per season) from Amazon provided you purchased Amazon Prime (which has many benefits). Each season solves one crime. Each season is gory and you should read the following which is an old review just to be fully warned.

OLD REVIEW:

As an ardent fan of MI-5 (having watched 38 episodes), I first saw Rupert Penry-Jones as the character Adam. Using IMDB I found that he also appeared in a British TV series “Whitechapel” of which only one season is available from NetFlix.

Be forewarned that this excellent series (all on one disc) is gory, as in “Jack the Ripper” because the search is on for a serial killer trying to exactly duplicate the crimes of the original Ripper.

Penry-Jones plays DI Joseph Chandler who is an upper-class Brit who has been groomed to quickly climb the police hierarchy. But first he must prove himself by catching the maniac before more deaths occur. He is resented by the rank and file under his command, especially DS Miles played by Philip Davis. Philip Davis is one of those secondary actors whom you have probably seen many times. Most notable for me is his role as the husband of “Vera Drake”, another worthwhile British film. This conflict among the policemen is actually the most important theme in the series and its resolution is very satisfying.

Wonderful acting, but not for the squeamish.

2011, Bullying, Circus, Disturbing Image, Drama, Feel Good Not For Children, Love Story, Sex Scenes, Trains

Water for Elephants (2011)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson) joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). An affinity for elephants brings together the young pair, but the warmth between them sends Marlena’s cruel husband, animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), into a frightening fury.

After reading Sara Gruen’s popular novel “Water for Elephants” it is easy to see that the original story had to be adapted for a film. For example, in the book we read about Jacob’s life in a nursing home when he is in his nineties. Frankly, I preferred the film.

Someone once opined that one successful way to make a movie is to just tell a good story. Indeed this is a captivating story that held my attention for several reasons. August was so out of control that I kept waiting for the explosion. Jacob and Marlena made such a good couple that eventually they had to somehow get together.

You do see at least indirectly some cruelty to animals, especially Rosie the elephant. Mostly you see the bloody results of August’s anger toward Rosie, which could be difficult for young children.

And the ending is so goody good good that I just snickered a bit. Great film!

Based on true facts, Cancer theme, Drama, Gay theme, Love Story, Quiet, Sex Scenes, Slow, Unusual

Beginners (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

Ewan McGregor (now 40 years old) is not afraid to appear in movies outside the mainstream such as “Moulin Rouge” or “I Love You Philip Morris”. In fact, if you are looking for a good time, search for Ewan McGregor in IMDB for a long list of films. His biography in IMDB points out his determination to NOT conform.

And who could forget Christopher Plummer (now 82 years old) in the romantic role of Captain Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music” from way back in 1965.

Mélanie Laurent (age 28) is a French actress who appears in both French (“Jusqu’à Toi”) and American (“Inglourious Basterds”) films.

Possibly this film is not for everyone for reasons such as:

  • One half of the film centers on the 75 year old father coming out as gay.
  • Another important theme is the son’s difficulty in maintaining a relationship.
  • You could hear a pin drop because this is such a quiet film.
  • “Move Slowly” is the film’s motto. Often the young couple just stare at each other.
  • There is humor but it is very quiet and subtle.
  • Should I believe that a 75 year old gay man can find a young lover ?
  • You watch the father slowly succumb to lung cancer.

Despite these possible objections, I loved this unusual film.

2010, Acceptable Trash, Bullying, Dark, Disturbing Image, Drama, Grim, Horror, Made For TV, Occasional gore, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Zombies

The Walking Dead (2010)

Leave a comment

From NetFlix:

Sheriff’s deputy Rick Grimes awakens from a coma to discover the world plagued by zombies and small bands of human survivors forced into small, fiercely protective groups. Falling back on his old job, Rick sets out to lead mankind out of darkness.

While giving blood samples (coincidence ?) at my yearly physical I got to talking with the medical assistant about TV series. We both liked “True Blood” and “Six Feet Under” and “Dexter” which prompted her to suggest “The Walking Dead”. Zombies? You have to be kidding!

Believe it or not, despite the proliferation of zombies, the writing and acting and plot line are all well done. Expect a lot of suspense and, of course, gore. But it is the human interaction that makes the series worth watching. Who’d a thunk it!