2005, Drama, Love Story, Mediocre, Psychological Drama

Neverwas (2005)

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From NetFlix:

After taking a job at the mental institution that once housed his father (Nick Nolte) — a famous children’s author — erudite psychiatrist Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) befriends a schizophrenic (Ian McKellen) who unlocks a string of family secrets. Joshua Michael Stern makes an impressive directorial debut with an all-star supporting cast that includes Brittany Murphy, Jessica Lange, Bill Bellamy, William Hurt and Alan Cumming.

Ian McKellen usually appears in good films. Sadly, “Neverwas” is merely acceptable. Considering the impressive cast of characters I can only conclude that the story is less compelling than the characters would wish it to be.

Among the actors we find:

  • Aaron was Howie in Rabbit Hole (2010)
  • Ian McKellen is a grand old man of acting. Besides “Lord of the Rings” I remember him especially in “Gods and Monsters”.
  • Brittany Murphy was Daisy in “Girl Interrupted”
  • Nick Nolte was Joe Bechstein in The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (2008)
  • William Hurt was Richie Cusack in “A History of Violence”
  • Alan Cumming is currently in “The Good Wife” and also currently
    in the MC for BBC Masterpiece Theater.

Start-studded, but not important enough to watch if your time is limited.

2003, Clever Plot, Complicated, Dark, Disturbing Image, Mediocre, Plot Twist, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Identity (2003)

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From NetFlix:

Complete strangers stranded at a remote desert motel during a raging storm soon find themselves the target of a deranged murderer. As their numbers thin out, the travelers begin to turn on each other, as each tries to figure out who the killer is. John Cusack, Jake Busey, Rebecca De Mornay, Clea DuVall and Ray Liotta co-star in this spine-tingling thriller that culminates in a surprising twist for everyone concerned — including the murderer.

Let me begin by quoting someone else’s opinion:

Good, smart psychological thrillers are so rare that we all ought to be grateful for James Mangold’s IDENTITY. It begins terrifically well and keeps up this pace for most of its running time. It also keeps you guessing right up to the end. Some may find this part over-the-top, but it has stayed with me longer than I expected, and I keep turning it ’round and ’round in my mind. Here’s a good idea, filmed with all the necessary follow-through of intelligent writing, good acting (from a top-notch cast) and clever directing. And considering the amount of corpses that pile up in the course of events, there is relatively little gore. All in all, IDENTITY’s a class act.

Not everyone will gush so much over the film, including yours truly. That phrase “over-the-top” describes how I reacted to the end of the film. With so many known good actors the film should have been better. When the actors shout A LOT, that is a bad sign.

Let us review the actors:

  • John Cusack was in “High Fidelity” and Grace Is Gone (2007).
  • Ray Liotta was in “Powder Blue” and “Crossing Over”
  • Alfred Molina was the girl’s father in An Education (2008)
  • Pruitt Taylor Vince is the actor that fascinates me. You might remember him from the TV series “The Mentalist” in which for many episodes he was the Mentalist’s boss’s boss. He is a corpulent bald man whose eyes suffer from nystagmus, a condition which causes a person’s eyes to move involuntarily. Once you see him, you will never forget him.

Although I don’t regret spending the time watching this film, you can do better.

2006, Acceptable for children, Adventure, Based on true facts, Dog Story, Flirting

Eight Below (2006)

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From NetFlix:

When an unforeseen accident forces a trio of Antarctic scientists (Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood and Jason Biggs) to leave behind their team of steadfast sled dogs, the animals must survive a cruel and punishing winter on their own without human contact. Revealing his penchant for subzero survival stories, Frank Marshall (Alive) helmed this heartrending drama, which was adapted from a Japanese film based on real events.

Yikes! Not only a dog story, but (gasp) a general rated Walt Disney film to boot! What was I thinking! Guess what … I LOVED IT!

Forget the fairly juvenile and at times maudlin human interactions. Those dog actors were amazing. I here quote from the Wikipedia article:

The 1958 ill-fated Japanese expedition to Antarctica inspired the 1983 hit film Nankyoku Monogatari. Eight Below is the adaptation of the events of the 1958 incident moved forward to 1993. Dog teams were removed from the ice in February 1994. In the 1958 event, fifteen Sakhalin Husky sled dogs were abandoned when the expedition team was unable to return to the base. When the team returned a year later, two dogs were still alive. Another seven were still chained up and dead, and six unaccounted for.

In Eight Below there are two Alaskan Malamutes (Buck and Shadow) and six Siberian Huskies (Maya, Max, Truman, Dewey, Shorty and Old Jack). Each actor-dog had help from other dogs that performed stunts and pulled sleds. In all, over 30 dogs were used to portray the film’s eight canine characters. Max, Maya, Dewey and Buck (Old Jack’s stunt double) were played by dogs seen in Disney’s Snow Dogs.

Is it true that dog teams have a hierarchy so strong that when the dogs are very hungry and manage to capture food (e.g. leaping up and catching a bird), all the lucky dogs defer to the leader by bringing the food to the leader without eating it ?

One critic was concerned that for very young children, the dog portion could be too strong. After all, not all the dogs survive. You see some dogs die. But you also see the survivors mourning and caring for the suffering dogs. Could this be real ?

Yes, I was glued to my seat (despite the length of the film) and yes I had goose flesh at the appropriate “Aw Shucks” moments.

2010, Bullying, Comedy, Coming-of-age, Explicit sexual discussion, Vulgar

Submarine (2010)

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From NetFlix:

When he learns that his mother is on the verge of deserting his father for a dance instructor, young Welsh teen Oliver (Craig Roberts) resolves to do whatever it takes to save his parents’ marriage before the end of summer. Meanwhile, the offbeat lad also schemes to seduce pushy pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige) with nothing but the power of his mind. Richard Ayoade directs this quirky coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne.

Each of us has undoubtedly experienced at least some of the problems facing Oliver in this Welsh coming-of-age comedy. But a lot seems piled on poor Oliver: his parents’ troubled marriage, bullying at school, first love (sound familiar ?). What separates this film from all those many similar coming-of-age plots is Oliver’s unique take on things. There is a kind of crass daring in his methods: how he spies on his parents, his house break-ins to save his parent’s marriage, his fastidious planning of his loss of virginity. And his girl friend Jordana is a real match for him (a pun, since they both enjoy setting fires).

Expect some good sight gags (especially one freeze frame near the beginning). Expect some outrageously frank if not downright crass talk, even from the grownups.

Hope this is your cup of tea!

2009, Coen Brothers, Dark, Drama, Jewish Culture, Religious Theme, Satire, Sex Scenes

A Serious Man (2009)

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From NetFlix:

Larry Gopnik (Golden Globe nominee Michael Stuhlbarg) has hit a “rough patch,” according to a colleague, and it would seem so: people are dropping dead all around him, his wife (Sari Lennick) wants a “get” and his whining kids (Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus) only add to the heavy load. Larry is just looking for some help. Can a few rabbis guide him to life’s answers? Richard Kind co-stars in Joel Coen and Ethan Coen’s 1960s-set, dark Jewish-culture send-up.

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this satire on the Book of Job. However, the entire story centers on American Jewry and there are many Hebrew phrases appearing throughout.

One Saturday Kathy and I went to the Trinity Rep Theatre in Providence and I was sitting next to a young man who had recently received his Master of Fine Arts from Brown University. We started to talk about film and he suggested “A Serious Man” and said he was quite overcome with the final scene.

Probably I didn’t really get the film. Poor Larry Gopnik suffers one outrageous problem after another, but this constant sequence of misfortunes is comical. Part of the humor is the straight-faced, sincere, passive Larry who is always questioning “Why” in the manner of Job. He goes from Rabbi to Rabbi looking for answers. To my gentile (i.e. goy) eyes these Rabbis seem like such fakes giving poor Larry pat answers or, worse, answering his questions with more questions.

Let me remind you that Job suffers many losses and setbacks, meanwhile always asking “Why” in interminable discussion with friends and associates. But finally God changes Job’s life for the better and he ends happily with a new family and other blessings.

Pay close attention to the end of the film. As far as I can tell, the Cohen brothers have changed the end of the story considerably. Let me know what you think.

2010, Car Chase, Crime, Detective, Gangs, Mayhem, Mediocre, Mixed Martial Arts, Police Story, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Takers (2010)

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From NetFlix:

With their collective eye on a huge payoff, a motley crew of bank robbers (including Paul Walker, Michael Ealy, Chris Brown and Hayden Christensen) get busy planning out their next heist. Their former colleague, Ghost (T.I.), convinces the boys to target an armored car carrying $20 million. But a detective (Matt Dillon) who’s obsessed with his work is just as obsessed with making sure the thieves never pull off their scheme.

Yet another gang planning that great final heist with lots of car chases, shooting, foot chases, and general mayhem (read that – violence). If there is a main star, it is Matt Dillon obsessed with his work and ignoring his family. You have seen this film over and over. There is a foot chase that defies belief even if the runner is a super athlete. And of course there is an opposing Russian gang. As I have just said, you have already seen this plot many times.

As far as cast is concerned, this is the first time that I have seen Marianne Jean-Baptiste (of “Without a Trace” fame) in a film. Paul Walker did just about nothing in the film.

Next film, please!

2007, Car Chase, Crime, Disturbing Image, Drugs, Gangs, Mediocre, Mixed Martial Arts, Motorcycles, Prison, Revenge, Suspense, Violent

Bobby Z (2007)

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From NetFlix:

DEA agent Tad Gruzsa (Laurence Fishburne) offers jailed ex-Marine Tim Kearney (Paul Walker) a way out of his prison sentence: impersonate legendary surfer-dealer Bobby Z in a hostage switch with a Mexican drug lord. Kearney takes the bait, but the plan quickly goes awry. Soon, Kearney finds himself on the run — with Bobby’s 6-year-old son in tow. This fast-paced action thriller also stars Olivia Wilde and mixed martial arts champ Chuck Liddell.

One bag of popcorn is pretty much like every other bag of popcorn. Similarly, “Bobby Z” is chuck full of Mexican drug traffickers (Joaquim de Almeida, age 54 from Portugal, seems to be type-cast as the quintessential Mexican bad guy), nasty motorcycle gangs, crooked federal agents (Laurence Fishburne of current CSI television fame), mixed martial arts, beautiful women, and last but not least a young, handsome, male hero. Now, isn’t that a lot better than a bag of popcorn?

Paul Walker, our hero, IS the film. Former heroes of movies in the past were strong he-men completely sure of themselves. Lately the hero is a bit less confident. Walker (now a 38 year old Californian) doesn’t take himself too seriously, is willing to show a softer side, and has a sense of humor that makes the film a fun bag of popcorn. Does he really do all those action scenes, including fighting and mixed martial arts, on his own? In the films of today the fighting action is better and more realistic, which is to say that it fools me.

According to a Wikipedia entry: In an interview to the Portuguese channel SIC, Paul Walker called it a “bad movie”. Why not take a different point of view: You know in advance it is a B-film, so just sit back and watch the forgettable fun.

2011, Acceptable for children, Acceptable Trash, Could be boring, Fantasy, Mediocre, Sci-Fi, Super Hero

Thor (2011)

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From NetFlix:

Kenneth Branagh directs this Marvel Comics-inspired action flick about the thunder god Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful warrior whose father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) — the king of Asgard — forces him to live among humans on Earth and learn humility. Once there, he finds a friend (Natalie Portman), along with unexpected enemies sent from his world. Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård and Rene Russo co-star.

Making this film at least helped keep the actors employed. What other reason could there be for a talented man like Kenneth Branagh using (wasting ?) his time directing this B- movie for kids ? Of course Anthony Hopkins has been appearing in junk films for a long while. Newer talent such as the 28 year old Australian Chris Hemsworth can use the screen time. But what is the ever beautiful “Black Swan” Natalie Portman doing in such schlock? Do you suppose I could have had at least a minor role in this film?

Fairly gratuitous special digital effects are what this adventure offers. Certainly kids will enjoy the often violent fun. But digital violence never seems as real as, say, a hurtful comment. As for sex, Natalie gives Chris a real smoocher of a kiss. Adults will just have to suffer along.

Adios, I am off to another superhero spectacle!

2010, British, Car Chase, Crime, Dark, Drugs, Gay theme, Grim, Love Story, Police Story, Revenge, Serial Killer, Suspense, Violent

Blitz (2010)

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From NetFlix:

With an insidious serial killer known as “the Blitz” on the loose in London, Detective Brant (Jason Statham) takes to the case while working out his own aggression issues with a police-appointed psychiatrist. But when he and his partner (Paddy Considine) eventually corner a suspect, they don’t have enough evidence to apprehend him. Elliott Lester directs this frenetic crime thriller based on a novel by Ken Bruen.

“Blitz” offers the usual Jason Statham, take it or leave it. Of course he takes the law into his own violent hands despite being a British policeman, that goes without saying. Perhaps there is some novelty in the fact that:

  • His police division is noted for rough irregularities. That division gets a new boss (Porter Nash is the character’s name) who is both highly qualified and gay. Whereas the other policemen dislike and deride Nash, Detective Brant (Statham) respects and works well with him. In fact …
  • Brant confides in Nash that he, Brant, suffers from blackouts which Nash correctly attributes to burnout.

Cat and mouse with the serial killer is intelligently written. Eventually the killer gets his due. So does the amoral journalist who seeks glory in cooperating with the killer.

But in the end, it is the usual Statham.

2006, Bullying, Car Chase, Child Molestation, Crime, Dark, Disturbing Image, Frenetic, Gangs, Grim, Kidnapping, Mayhem, Revenge, Sadism, Sex Scenes, Suspense, Violent

Running Scared (2006)

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From NetFlix:

Low-level mobster Joey Gazelle (Paul Walker) is tasked with disposing of a gun used to kill cops during a drug bust. But when it’s stolen by his son’s friend and used in another high-profile crime, Joey must find the gun quickly — or pay the ultimate price. Along the way, he’ll lock horns with the Russian mob and other dregs of society, which includes a corrupt police detective (Chazz Palminteri) who’s hot on his trail.

Excuse me, I am out of breath just watching this frenetic and ULTRA VIOLENT film that just never lets up for a moment. Just when you think some situation is going to work out well, whammo! an unexpected event occurs.

Hats off to Paul Walker (“Fast Five”, “Takers”, “The Lazarus Project” – yes there is a violent streak here) and Vera Farmiga (“Source Code”, “Higher Ground”, “Henry’s Crime” – a cut above). But special credit goes to 13 year old Cameron Bright as the much abused but brave child Oleg.

Expect to see some really ugly and evil characters. Bring a strong stomach with you.