2010, Comedy, Corny, Feel Good For All, Flirting, Love Story, Mediocre, Slapstick

Morning Glory (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Whiz-kid producer Becky Fuller (Rachel McAdams) finds her abilities put to the test when she’s charged with bringing a network morning show back from ratings purgatory. Her first job: getting the show’s feuding, acid-tongued co-hosts (Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton) under control. Jeff Goldblum co-stars as Fuller’s network-exec boss and Patrick Wilson is Becky’s put-upon boyfriend in this comedy from the writer of The Devil Wears Prada.

“Why don’t we formerly successful actors get together and make some money by making a B-film?” Perhaps I am overly critical, but with a cast consisting of Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, and Jeff Goldblum would you expect more ? Rachel McAdams seems to carry every film in which she appears. And of course there is the requisite handsome boy friend, this time barely played by Patrick Wilson.

Since playing Ira Buchman (alongside Helen Hunt) in “Mad About You”, John Pankow has had a few lean years.

You have seen Matt Malloy just about everywhere and I bet you do not know his name. As a secondary character actor he has been incredibly successful. In this film he plays Ernie Appleby and provides the best belly laughs of all. If for no other part of the film, it is worth waiting for his scenes late into the film. Hint: “amusement”.

Don’t get me wrong: I enjoyed this fun feel-good that is probably OK for kids (ignore the F-word). Don’t let me scare you off from this easy to watch film.

1997, Bullying, Drama, Nudity, Sex Scenes, Unusual

Lawn Dogs (1997)

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From NetFlix:

In the affluent, gated community of Camelot Gardens, bored wives indiscriminately sleep around while their unwitting husbands try desperately to climb the social ladder. Trent, a 21-year-old outsider who mows the neighborhood lawns, quietly observes the infidelities and hypocrisies of this overly privileged society. When Devon, a 10-year-old daughter from one family, forges a friendship with Trent, things suddenly get very complicated.

Infuriating is the first emotion that comes to mind for several reasons.

  • Sam Rockwell plays the underdog “trailer trash” Trent as an athletic, honest, but very underprivileged young man who accepts his low place and life and rarely fights back.
  • Snobs in the gated community (more real than caricatures) demean him constantlySpoiled snob children devise mean tricks that eventually rob Trent of his ability to earn a living.
  • Was that ending a cop-out ? Did the movie break down ?

Mischa Barton was only 11 when she played the young girl Devon who drives the entire film with her curiosity, wild imagination, and unrestrained behavior. Today she is a beautiful woman of 25.

Sam Rockwell seemed much younger than 29 in the film. My first reaction was “Boy, is he homely ! Where did Hollywood get him ?” But he makes a perfect foil to Devon’s escapades. As a man of 43 years he is about to appear in “Cowboys & Aliens”.

Their relation is completely innocent but for me the entire film seemed menacing in the sense that sooner or later someone will suspect something foul. And I kept waiting for him to get even with all the injustices.

Google did not help me find references to cheese infected with a fatal bacteria given to our Korean soldiers.

By the time the film ended I was really angry but at the same time I found the film to be a successful breath of fresh air. Tell me what you think of that ending. Expect some surprises.

2009, Drama, Gay theme, Not Feel Good, Sex Scenes

Handsome Harry (2009)

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From NetFlix:

For many years, small-town resident Harry Sweeney (Jamey Sheridan) has avoided confronting painful memories from his past. But when his best friend becomes seriously ill, Harry builds up enough courage to explore long-hidden secrets and uncover his true identity. Bette Gordon directs this character-driven drama that boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Steve Buscemi, Aidan Quinn, John Savage and Campbell Scott.

Very soon into this film you discover that it is a gay-themed film. But more than that, it is a film about an old betrayal and how that wrongful act has over the course of 20 years eaten away at the lives of five men:

  • Harry Sweeney played by Jamey Sheridan (whom we see almost weekly as Captain James Deakins on Law and Order: Criminal Intent).
  • Thomas Kelley played by Steve Buscemi (who plays Lenny Wosniak on 30 Rock).
  • Prof. Porter played by Aidan Quinn (who played John Miller in Third Watch).
  • Peter Rheems played by John Savage (who ?)
  • Gebhart played by Titus Welliver (who plays Glen Childs in The Good Wife)

Cambell Scott plays the victim David Kagan. Scott played Father George Hibbert in Saint Ralph.

Kelley’s wife is played by Jayne Atkinson who plays Erin Strauss in Criminal Minds.

Some small amount of gay sexual activity may put this out of bounds for children.

If you have any strong reaction to the ending, please let me know.

2010, Based on true facts, French, Military, Occasional gore, Quiet, Religious Theme, Slow, Suspense, Terrorist Attack, Unusual

Of Gods and Men (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Awarded Grand Prix honors at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, this compelling historical drama relates the ordeal of seven French Trappist monks in the mountains of Algeria who are taken captive by Islamic fundamentalists. Before the monks’ abduction, they have ample reason to believe they may be in danger, but their assumption that there can and must be common ground between Islam and Christianity leads them to remain at the monastery.

Quiet, beautifully photographed, possibly inspiring (depending on your point of view), this film is an unusual gem. It is based on a true story which you will find in the Wikipedia article.

Notable throughout is the chanting of the monks. In fact the only other music that I can recall is Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake overture played on a tape recorder in an unforgettable dinner scene.

Among other things the film is a study in the characters of each of the monks, each of whom must decide whether to flee from death by terrorists or to stay at the monastery and accept his fate. In this respect there is a constant atmosphere of menace at war with the peace and quiet.

Kathy and I debated afterward about whether their decision to stay really did any good for anyone or had any meaning at all.

Normally I don’t like to include spoilers, but here I make an exception for a good reason. Do not avoid this film because you expect to see violence brought against the monks. You never see this violence explicitly. (However, you do witness a Croatian worker having his throat slit.) Rather that final violence is implied in the perfect photographic ending.

French with subtitles.

2010, Acceptable for children, Drama, Feel Good For All, Supernatural

Hereafter (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Clint Eastwood directs this supernatural thriller about three very different people and their responses to death, including a hesitant American psychic named George (Matt Damon) who may be able to help the others find answers and peace. Marie (Cécile De France) is a French journalist caught up in the aftereffects of the devastating 2004 tsunami, while in London, young Marcus (Frankie and George McLaren) seeks to contact his deceased twin brother.

Finally I have found a current worthwhile feel-good film suitable for the entire family. Years ago a colleague at work said “If you want to make a good movie, why not just tell a good story ?” Perhaps the idea sounds simplistic, but this film tells a good story that keeps you interested. What’s more it has an ending that was perfect as a pleasant surprise because I thought the film would continue past that point.

Is Matt Damon a good actor or is he just plain lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time ? He made this film when he was 40 years old. He has put on weight but is fortunate to have a young face. For this film I think he fit well. His part was understated. In fact his character wanted nothing more than to be an ordinary man.

Please note the importance of the final handshake.

2008, Drama, Explicit sexual discussion, Feel Good Not For Children, Military, Quiet

The Lucky Ones (2008)

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From NetFlix:

Three soldiers injured in the Iraq War return to native soil, only to find that their tour of duty has taken its toll on the home front. Hoping to repair their tattered lives, Colee (Rachel McAdams), Cheaver (Tim Robbins) and T.K (Michael Peña) set off on an impromptu cross-country road trip. While Colee seeks to repay her dead boyfriend’s family, Cheaver dreams of a big win in LasVegas, and T.K. tries to regain his confidence.

Low key and feeling like an independent film, this story rings true. Three sympathetic characters gradually relate more and more with one another. Each has his or her story to tell and their stories do take on some unexpected twists.

Almost nothing that happens seems contrived with one exception. T.K. was wounded with shrapnel in his genitals and is on leave and currently impotent. On this topic many matter of fact discussions are centered. His “cure” was a bit hard to accept.

Without spoiling I will only say that the ending was perfectly believable, very probable, and for me a disappointing solution to their problems.

Tim Robbins (Mystic River (2003), The Secret Life of Words (2005), “The Shawshank Redemption”), Michael Peña (“The Shield”, “Million Dollar Baby”), and (Rachel McAdams (State of Play (2009), “The Time Traveler’s Wife”) all do a fine job.

1000NYTimes, 1001BeforeDie, 1955, Acceptable for children, Black and White Film, Classic, Corny, Suspense

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

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From NetFlix:

Bogus “preacher” Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) learns cellmate Ben Harper (Peter Graves) has stashed stolen loot on his property. So after the demented Powell is released, he charms Ben’s widow (Shelley Winters) into getting hitched, and in time, only Ben’s kids stand between him and the money. As he stalks the siblings relentlessly, they seek refuge with the indomitable Rachel Cooper (Lillian Gish), setting the stage for a battle of wills.

Lately I have read much praise for this film. In fact you should read the Wikipedia article that mentions the positions this film occupies in various anthologies of worthy films. Its descriptions of why the film is special surpass any description I could write.

Personally I found the black and white impressionistic photography incredibly clear and a new experience. This film was Charles Laughton’s only directed film (probably because it was not a success). Times have changed and for me the film was a bit corny and much too long. Moreover in those days you had to see the bad guy get his comeuppance. Today’s films love ambiguous endings instead of the clear resolutions demanded in the black and white years of the 50’s.

You may never have heard of Lillian Gish (1893-1993) but surely you have heard of Robert Mitchum and Shelley Winters. I always knew Peter Graves (TV’s “Mission Impossible”) as an older man. In this film he played Ben Harper (the bank robber father) and was only 29 years old. Billy Chapin (John Harper, the son) had a small part in “Leave it to Beaver” and seems to have vanished.

At the very least you get to see and feel what small towns were like during the depression. It’s a bit like going to a museum to watch a “talkie”. I don’t regret the experience.

2001, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

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From NetFlix:

In this dark, contemplative tale, an advanced prototype robot child named David (Haley Joel Osment) is programmed to show unconditional love. When his human family, unprepared for the consequences, abandons him, David embarks on a dangerous quest to become a real boy. Steven Spielberg helms this futuristic story, the brainchild of the late Stanley Kubrick, who died before he could bring it to the big screen.

Steven Spielberg spares no expense in this LONG piece of science fiction eye candy. Consistent with his style, Spielberg is telling a fairy tale and will not end on a note of any ambiguity whatsoever. When David lands at the bottom of the sea that is now New York City I could have ended the film resignedly. But this is indeed a LONG film (2 hours 25 minutes) and the fairy tale goes on and on. Also consistent with his style, for me the film seemed at times overly sentimental.

In 2001 Haley Joel Osment (“Pay It Forward”, “The Sixth Sense”) was 13 years old. In 2001 Jude Law (“Repo Men”, “Breaking and Entering”) was 29 years old. Isn’t the idea of a sex robot (Jude Law as “Gigolo Joe”) with unmatchable techniques somewhat intriguing ?

To envision the planet earth without human beings and inhabited only by super intelligent self-producing robots is a chilling idea. From an artistic point of view I got great pleasure just watching how these final exotic robots moved, almost like amazingly graceful ballet dancers.

2009, Comedy, Gay theme, Lawyers, Love Story, Prison, Scam Artists, Sex Scenes, True Story, Vulgar

I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

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From NetFlix:

When upstanding Texas cop Steven Russell (Jim Carrey) realizes he’s gay, he changes his entire life and pulls a series of bold con jobs that lands him jail — where he meets his one true love, cellmate Phillip Morris (Ewan McGregor). When Morris is transferred to another prison, lovesick Russell mounts a series of jailbreaks just to be with his beloved soul mate. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa direct this comedy based on a true story

Only someone as nutty as Jim Carrey could pull off this tour de force. Although the plot seems absurdly impossible, it is extraordinarily accurate. Please read the Wikipedia article on the amazing life of the real Steven Russell. That article only briefly mentions Phillip Morris whereas the major theme of the film is the homosexual relation between the two men.

Gay films are getting more and more mainstream. Just as heterosexual films continue to push the boundaries of acceptable explicit sex scenes, so too does this film contain some few explicit scenes and dialog. There are many scenes of tenderness, dancing, and kissing between the two partners.

At one point in the film the plot seems to bog down into a tear jerker of a disappointment. Do not be fooled! At times, however, I worried that Jim Carrey might be trying to do some serious acting. God forbid!

Be sure to read the final captions that explain his fate. It seems he was an embarrassment to Texas and to George Bush.

Have fun!

2010, Acceptable for children, Could be boring, Horror, Independent, Suspense

Monsters (2010)

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From NetFlix:

Six years after aliens invaded Earth, a security force maintains tenuous control in the Infected Zone straddling the U.S.-Mexican border. Andrew (Scoot McNairy), a photographer, is documenting this war-torn area when he’s interrupted by an unexpected rescue mission. Samantha (Whitney Able), daughter of a media mogul who just happens to be his boss, needs an escort home, and Andrew reluctantly takes on the job.

Only superficially is this a horror film. Rather it is more an independent film that is somewhat like a travelogue showing an American man and woman trying to get out of Mexico’s monster-infected region and back safely into the United States. Underlying the trip are his problems with his illigitimate son and her problems with her parents and her fiancee. Kids would be bored to death and if you do not like slow-paced films then you too can be bored to death. Yes, you get to see a monster or two, but it really doesn’t matter.

Probably the most impressive site was the gigantic Hadrian’s wall that has been constructed on the border between the U.S. and Mexico. For details about the many mistakes and the effort involved see the Wikipedia article.