Mountain Patrol: Kekexili (2006) NR - 3 Stars

The movie is in Chinese with subtitles. Based on a true story, I was really into the "passion behind the cause" of this film. The landscape is magnificent and while I still do believe in the cause, the movie was somewhat monotone visually, in it's rugged terrain to lose my interest a bit. Perhaps the filmmaker intended it that way to show the devotion of these devoted men on mountain patrol.

In 1985 there were over 1 million Tibetan antelope roaming the wilderness mountainside of the largest animal reserve in China, Kekexili. By 1993, those numbers were down to 70,000. The animals were slaughtered for the woolen coats and their carcases strewn over the land for vultures to pick clean. In this harsh environment, a volunteer civilian patrol, put together led by Ri Tai (Duo Bujie), with their intent to bring the poachers to justice. This team of men endure dangerous conditions for the love of their land and it's the right thing to do, protect the antelope.

In 1996, Ga Yu (Zhang Lei), a journalist from Beijing, comes to interview Ri Tai and by telling him he may be able to help publish the plight of the antelope in order to gain more government funding. It's agreed Ri Tai and Ga Yun join the mission is to find the poachers responsible. Over a 17 day journey and traveling many miles over treacherous landscape in freezing temperatures, these merciless adversaries are relentless in their quest. The men encounter hardships along their way, and with their finances low, are forced to ilegally sell pelts themselves for needed money.

As the group dwindles in numbers as they forage up the mountainside, Ri Tai comes face to face with the man he has been seeking for years only to be killed by him before Ga Yu's eyes. It is Ga Yu who will bring Ri Tai's body down the mountain for a proper burial, while telling his story. The film is a National Geographic International Film and you can read more about the cause by going to their web site.

Independent Distribution Partnership (IDP), Samuel Goldwyn Films
Director: Lu Chuan
Writer: Lu Chuan
Producer: Wang Zhongjun

I viewed 11/08

Love in Thoughts (2005) NR - 3½ Stars

In German with subtitles, this movie gives takes you on an emotional whirlwind of the late 1920's. Set in a picturesque landscape, the cinematography adds to the sensuality innocence of the time period. Anna Maria Muehe is wonderfully seductive as she playfully lures men into her bed with those beautiful bedroom eyes. I've seen her in anything else, but her beauty made her perfectly cast for this role. The acting is top notch on every ones part. Based on the true story of a young man who was involved in a "Suicide Club" plot that witnessed one of his best friends shoot himself. Paul Krontz was and inspiring author or who wrote poetry and attended this fatal party aka "Steglitz Student Tragedy" where love is the only reason to die for. The friends have decided that when they no longer feel love, the will end their lives and the lives of those who have robbed them of it.

Paul Krotz would later publish his 1st novel in 1931, Die Mietskaserne, under the pen name of Ernst Erich Noth telling what really happened that weekend. In 1933, the book was publicly burned by the Nazi's and 2 months after Krontz went into exile. Reporting anything about his trial, is still considered a scandal today.

Although at moments, the movie is rather slow and sometimes confusing as to who is with whom, and how they all relate to each other, it sexually and emotionally draws you into it's web of passion.

In 1927, Gunther (August Diehl), his sister Hilde (Anna Maria Muehe) and one of his best friends Paul (Daniel Bruhl) went on a long weekend retreat to the summer house of Gunther and Hilde's parents. Paul had a crush on Hilde and hoped to be alone with her for the weekend. Instead Hilde is secretly seeing Hans, who her brother, Gunther, is still in love with. And then there's Hilde's girlfriend who is secretly in love with Paul and shows him. Talk about a love triangle when a group of friends show up to the retreat for a four day orgy, drug and drinking fest, that leaves everyones feelings betrayed.

X Verleih
Director: Achim von Borries
Writers: Hendrik Handloegten, Achim von Borries
Producers: Stefan Arndt Producer, Christophe Mazodier, Manuela Stehr

I viewed 11/08

The Lazarus Project (2008) PG13 - 3 Stars

Nice concept but not a great execution. The mad doctor has tried to do a good thing by sparing the lives of men convicted to die, in order to rehabilitate them. I never did quit understand the snake imagery on how the men survived the lethal needles injected into their arms. The acting is weak but I did eventually get into the story because of the mind games being played on Walker.

Ben Garvey (Paul Walker) is an ex-criminal trying to live a legit life in order to avoid ever being in prison away from his wife (Piper Perabo) and daughter. But a bad decision gets him involved with his brother in a burglary that goes fatally bad. Now Ben faces death row and must say goodbye to his family forever. As lethal injections fill his body, he awakes suddenly to find himself in some type of a hospital run by Dr. Lazarus.

It is here that he is told he must spend the rest of his life and forget about his past as he's been given a second chance on life. Ben longs to see his family again but consistently sees mysterious figures in the dark, threatening him to stay put. The good doctor tries to explain to Ben that his memories don't exists but just images he has created on his own. Ben starts to believe in a second chance when he begins to fall for Julie (Linda Cardellini), his psychiatric doctor, but he soon learns he can't replace the love he feels for his family and must do anything he can to get back to them.

Double Edge Entertainment, Inferno Distribution, Mandeville Films
Director: John Patrick Glenn
Writer: John Patrick Glenn
Producers: Matt Milich, Todd Lieberman, David Hoberman

I viewed 11/08

Before the Rains (2007) PG13 - 3 Stars

The story and location were equally magical and I think Rahul Bose gives the strongest performance as he tries to obey his people yet still hang on to his dream of modern prosperity. The soundtrack is very soothing and aids in setting the stage.

Henry Moores (Linus Roache) is an Englishmen on a mission in the jungles of Kerala, Southern Indian. Along with the help of his right hand man T.K. (Rahul Bose), he's paving a road to richness in spices. It's 1937, and Moores has the vision of setting up his own spice plantation. Along with T.K.'s persuasion of the local village men, Moores has full team to cut his way to the top. But not everyone thinks the English should be in their country.

Sajani (Nandita Das) is Moore's housekeeper, and the two have been secretly slipping away on journeys to collect honey. She's in love with Moores and the two take small excursions away from the eyes of the village. It is here where they're are alone in secret. But when Sajani is spotted making love to Moores by two young boys, they're secret travels fast back to her husband. When soon she becomes missing and Moores wife and son return from England, just how many lives will come undone as the monsoons approach as Moores plows farther up the mountain.

Roadside Attractions, Merchant/Ivory Productions
Director: Santosh Sivan
Writer: Cathy Rabin
Producers: Andrew Spaulding, Mark Burton, Tom Hardart

I viewed 11/08

Taxi to the Dark Side (2007) - 3½ Stars

After seeing this movie I'm really afraid of these prisoners ever being let out of custody. They're sure to take justified revenge against "US", for their inhumane treatment given to them in the prisons of Abu Ghraib, Bagram and Guantanamo Bay. I wasn't terribly shocked by the treatment as through movies, I've been exposed to what I imagine most prisoners of war go through mentally and physically before escape or release. I just didn't think America would be right up there on the list, with some other parts of the world, for this "over the top" treatment. If it were Bin Laddin in one of the cells, I am sure most of America would be joining in to kick his ass, but a lot of these prisoners have nothing to do with our war, and are being inhumanely treated just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

What I was surprised to learn from the documentary that only 7% of the prisoners, were actually captured by Americans. The other 93% were brought in from warlords who profited by them going to prison, and various other "non-terrorism" crimes, from Iraq and Pakistan. Without a trial, or any representation, these prisoner's lives will never be the same.

Collen Powell is quoted as saying "it was the worst day of my life" recalling his speech regarding having told the United States now had credible confessions and proof that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction, also training for chemical warfare. This confession was received by water boarding a main suspected player of Sept. 11th. Water boarding, now there's a technique I had little knowledge about but, its the act of pouring water into someones mouth over a cloth so it gives the victim the sensation of drowning. Wanting to pin Sept. 11th on some thing concrete, we water boarded confessions that help secure the Iraq war.

This movie sort of parallels my movie from yesterday, Standard Operating Procedures. It really gives you a good look, from the inside, on how these young soldiers can get caught up in the moment and perhaps cross the line of what is "humane treatment." The sad part is, most of the soldiers would have never acted the way they did unless presented with their circumstances and given orders to do so. Remember, Sept. 11th had just exploded across our nation, they thought Iraq was housing nuclear and chemical weapons, rounds are exploding all around them, their fellow soldiers are being killed by civilian looking citizens strapped with bombs, their safety was threatened, and basically survival techniques took over. These soldiers were told the men in their custody, were directly responsible and do what's necessary to get information. They became so caught up in the moment from adrenalin and their surroundings, that I feel, for at least most of them, their behavior somewhat justified. You go with the flow and the brotherhood of your unit for it's he/she who watches your back. But, I believe most of the blame goes a whole lot farther up the chain of command.

The main story of this film is based on an Afghan taxi driver named, Dilawar, who vanished one day from his family, after taking three men for a ride. In 2002, Dilawar was taken by American soldiers and brought to Bagram Air Force Base for a suspicious substance that was in the trunk of his car. I am still unsure of what exactly that was, but it had the characteristics of something similar that was just used in a deadly rocket attack.

Dilawar, was shackled by his hand to the ceiling with a burlap bag over his head, and left for 20 hours at a time. Not being able to relax, strain on the wrists from allowing you body to not stand, sleep deprivation, light deprivation and the humiliation of being stripped naked, were used to hopefully gain information from him. The interrogators were also allowed to give kicks to the legs if the prisoner would not talk. Dilawar deteriorated quickly in this environment and 5 days later, he would die from his wounds. He was iced down and hidden away in a room while military decided how to handle the situation quickly. But something had to be done as his ice packing melted away. He was dressed and put on a gurney with a needle in his arm, to take him away in front of the other prisoners. They did not want a riot on their hands. The medical examiner expressed that even if Dilawar would have lived, his legs were so badly beaten, they would have needed to be amputated. After a 2nd prisoner died, 2 days later, an investigation was started, and just as quickly ended, with the blame being put on the soldiers directly involved.

I feel this movie, and others like it I have reviewed already, should be seen by the majority of people in America who sit back and believe the spoon feeding of propaganda our government shoves down our throats. Before you take sides, try to see many angels of the whole picture, to get to the truth that's hidden away from us. Lets face it, war is good business, but it's definitely not pretty.

2007 - Taxi to the Dark Side - Tribeca Film Festival - Best Documentary Feature
2007 - Taxi to the Dark Side - Writers Guild of America - Best Documentary Screenplay

ThinkFilm
Director: Alex Gibney
Writer: Alex Gibney
Producers: Susannah Shipman, Alex Gibney, Eva Orner

I viewed 11/08

Standard Operating Procedure (2008) R - 3½ Stars

Remember, a few years back, the photographs that hit the air on nightly news, exposing abuse of Iraqi prisoners. A female soldier holding the leash to an Iraqi naked male prisoner. A human pyramid of naked Iraqi prisoners with American soldiers smiling in the background. Iraqi naked men handcuffed behind their backs to bars stretching them out and the famous Iraqi man standing on a box with wires attached to his fingers garbed and blindfolded. Well this is a documentary from those accused of the abuse and those responsible for taking the pictures and videos.

I've given up trusting most of what I see on T.V. and read on the Internet and I love to always see the other side of a story. I used to write to an American soldier in the Gulf War and he would tell me of stories that the public wasn't a privy to. After seeing the film, I am not condoning the photographers for taking their smiling in the photos. However, I do believe there is a whole lot more of this that goes on and these few kids are being the scape goats trying to proof to the country that our government does everything by the book when it comes to war. I would hope we all know that is bull shit.

Abu Ghraib is the largest prison in Iraq and was built in the 1960's with the Germans money and with American standards. It once held captives of Sudam Hussein who were tortured and killed there. During the Iraq war it was used to house high profile criminals under the direction of command of General Janis Karpinski. Eventually even Saddam himself would be a prisoner of these walls. But after photos surfaced, that exposed less than human interrogation of prisoners, the military tried to put a hush on it very quick by carting off a group of young soldiers to jail. Wipe it under the road let go General Janis Karpinski and move on. However, the people involved would not let it lay down so easily.

Errol Morris has made a film about these interviews trying to expose the larger picture of what really goes on behind the closed doors of war. This "scandal", as told in the documentary, interviews everyone involved, except Graham who's still in prison, picture and video taping, interrogators, as well as the forensic investigator working on the picture time line. His job is to dissect the photos into particular time frames in order to get a clearer picture of what really was going on. It's one of those movies where you will have to view it for yourself in order to form your own opinion. While I do feel some of the photos taken were out of line with smiling soldiers in them, I can half way understand why they did it and especially Sabrina when you read her letters written to home as it was happening. I believe, with a doubt, there is a whole lot more to the story we will never know about. Standard Operating Procedure is not something the general public would ever understand or agree to.

Starring:

Javal Davis - Roman Krol - Ken Davis - Tim Dugan - Jeffery Frost - Brent Pack - Megan Ambuhl - General Janis Karpinski - Tony Diaz - Lynndie England - Sabrina Harman - Jeremy Sivitz

Sony Pictures Classic Inc.
Director: Errol Morris
Writer: Errol Morris
Producers: Errol Morris, Julie Bilson Ahlberg

I viewed 11/08

Schultze Gets the Blues (2003) PG - 2½ Stars

In German with English subtitles, this is a cute little movie about Schultze, a large simple salt mine worker with the love of music. However, I didn't feel the connection with the movie as much as I am sure the director wanted me to. This is one of those movies where I am sure if I understood German, I would have absorbed more from the movie.

Schultze (Horst Krause) has lived and worked his entire life in a salt mine in the former East German state of Saxon-Anhalt. To get to work he rides a old bike and being a larger man, he stands out doing so. Schultze lives a simple life drinking beer with his co workers Jurgen (Harald Warmbrunn), and Manfred Karl (Fred Mueller). They fish together at the local pier and together, they are laid off at the mine. Talk about the blues, Schultze can not find anything in life that brings him pleasure anymore.

When Schultz is going through the radio stations one day, Schultz gets a taste of zydeco music and he is instantly hooked. Just as quickly, Schultz is determined to see the where the roots of this music comes from and plans a trip to America to unleash his new calling.

2003 - Schultze Gets the Blues - Venice International Film Festival - Countercurrent - Special Prize for Directing

Paramount Vantage
Director: Michael Schorr
Writer: Michael Schorr
Producers: Jens Korner, Oliver Niemeier, Thomas Riedel

I viewed 11/08

Colditz (2005) R - 3½ Stars

In World War II, Colditz Castle in Saxony, was the only German POW camp with more guards than prisoners. It was also known for having the most people trying to escape from it. This movie is a great epic tale of romance and even with war, you can't keep hold a good man back from being with the woman he loves. Okay so maybe it was like that way back then. But the acting is great and I like that the movie involved other prisoners of war you seldom learn about like the French, Dutch and Polish prisoners. Originally made for a mini series, I just didn't understand the ending very well. Without giving it away, I don't see why Lizzie acted the way she did towards Jack.

Jack Rose (Tom Hardy) can think of nothing but getting back to his sweetheart Lizzie (Sophia Myles) who's waiting for him. Nick McGrade (Damian Lewis) and a couple others attempt an escape where Nick makes it free but Jack twists his leg and can not go on. He begs Nick to find his girl and tell her he will see her as soon as he can get out. Jack is then sent to Colditz. The most troublesome allied prisoners are send to this castle so they can be watched at all times. Every man in the prison had tried to escape at some time or another, which make it handy for Jack to make friends easily.

But as he sits in jail, Nick grows closer and closer to Lizzy begging her to forget about Jack and become his. When Jack gets word of Nick's bad intentions, it makes him all that much more determined to get away. He immediately starts to plan his next escape hoping to be in her arms soon.

Powercorp
Director: Stuart Orme
Writers: Peter Morgan, Richard Cottan
Producer: Stephen Smallwood

I viewed 11/08

Manda Bala (2007) NR - 2½ Stars

From what it says at the beginning, this movie can not be shown in Brazil, for fear of the people involved will be assassinated. Manda Bala, meaning "Send a Bullet" is a documentary of the corruption of some politicians and the scandals involving them. It gives insight into the kidnappers themselves and why they do it, and the plastic surgeons that are hired to piece the pieces of the victims lives back together. Though I've seen the movie get extremely high ratings, it found it very hard to understand. It starts out with frog farms, I have to say a main reason I rented this one is for my love of frogs. These frog ranches are to cover up illegal business operations and have made some politicians very very rich.

But the movie jumps around a lot and left me wondering if the film was about the frog farms, San Paolo and the how most people flock from the poor areas of south Brazil, to the city just as they would rather have have crumbs in the city instead of bread in their villages. Doctors and some people are so afraid of being kidnapped, they have their cars rendered into bullet proof vehicles. Then it jumps to interviews of victims and plastic surgeons, with body guards, that fix them. Also there are many parts in Portuguese and no English subtitles so it's hard to know what some of the interviews and conversations were about. It did open my eyes to yet another problem of the world that we probably know little about.

You can read more about the film by going to their web site.

2007 - Manda Bala - Chicago International Documentary Film Festival - Discovering Eye Award 2007 - Manda Bala - Sundance Film Festival - Best Cinematography - Documentary
2007 - Manda Bala - Sundance Film Festival - Grand Jury Prize - Documentary

City Lights Pictures
Director: Jason Kohn
Producers: Jared Goldman, Joey Frank, Mario Kohn

I viewed 11/08

20 Years After (2008) R - 3 Stars

I think this movie, aka "Like Moles, Like Rats" is styled after the same theory as "Children of Men." Mankind's existence is threatened after plague and war. Even though a lot of the acting is pretty weak, I did love the Doctor of the Soul, Samuel. For a small budget film, it's a decent rental at 3 stars.

Basically this Post-Apocalyptic film takes place after World War III erupted, with the fallen out of bombs, and the plagues that ran their course, not many have survived. Those who have, are living underground like moles and rats, or sealed up in a basements. Everyone is in it for their own gain and it's hard to know who to trust. Food consists of insects, water is scarce and wondering to far outside could get you killed. But hope lies ahead for the future when one pregnant girl is about to give life to a new generation.

Sarah (Azura Skye), and her mother Margaret (Diane Salinger), are held up in a basement as Sarah is almost ready to give birth. No child has been born in 15 years and Sarah is about to make history. But it's not safe to go to far away from your shelter, so the two have made the best of it where they are. Sarah clings to her radio listening to the voice of Michael (Joshua Leonard) who broadcasting from another area, and brings new hope from the outside world. Samuel (Reg E. Cathey), comes up from the very sub basement beneath them, where he's been living. This doctor of the soul, has a way to take the viewer back to see themselves before the war.

Samuel encourages the women to leave the home and head towards a larger colony in a cave. Michael from the radio has also made his way to the cave and everyone finds comfort in each other. That is until David (Nathan Baesel) Margaret's son and Sarah's brother, whom they have not seen in 20 years, is working on the side of evil to take Sarah's baby away. Will the good of family win out over the greed of evil?


Kooroc Films, LLC.
Director: Jim Torres
Writers: Ron Harris, Jim Torres
Producer: Derek Thornton

I viewed 11/08

Do the Right Thing (1989) R - 4 Stars

Has to be Spike Lee's best movie!!! I just re-rented the movie and it has not lost any of it's flavor. Probably worthy of 3½ Stars, I'm giving it the extra boost to 4 stars just because it makes one stop and take a look at racism from all angles. Though I don't think there was enough interaction with the white man, the movie does a good job realistically, yet comically, of the daily interactions of racism within this minority, late 1980's neighborhood. Spike Lee humanises ALL of his characters so you truly feel and identify with ALL of them as they struggle day by day in the poorer part of town. This would be a great movie to show in a high school humanities and tolerance class but I guess the language might be too strong.

On the hottest day, in a small suburb of Brooklyn New York, Sal (Danny Aiello) and his two sons Vito (Richard Edson) and Pino (John Turturro) are serving up slices of pizza that have been feeding the community for over 25 years. Sal is well known in the neighborhood and he built Sal's Pizzeria up from the ground, brick by brick. For him, these people are his family as he has watched them grow up and old. He's even hired Mookie (Spike Lee) a non hard hard working local black man in the community, to show he holds no prejudices. Vito and Mookie have become friends while Pino distrusts the blacks and is tired of dealing with them daily basis.

Mookie is just trying to get paid and get by with as little as he needs to do to make money to stay with his sister Jade (Joie Lee, Spike's real sister), and help out his girlfriend Tina (Rosie Perez) and their son. Meanwhile, the rest of his friends are kickin' it in the street instead of working for a living. Cee (Martin Lawrence), Charlie (Frank Vincent) and Clifton (John Savage) are just up to no good all day doing as little as they can but basically causing no one harm.

Mother Sister (Ruby Dee) looks from her window voicing her disapproval on the behavior of the local drunk, Da Mayor (Ossie Davis) who fancies her. Sweet Dick Willie (Robin Harris), ML (Paul Benjamin) and Coconut Sid (Frankie R. Faison) represent the older crowd and sit on the corner reminiscing of younger days. They're tired of the Koreans taking over the stores instead of black owned business in their neighborhood. Mister Senor Love Daddy (Samuel L. Jackson), watches from his window as he spins his favorite tunes of Love to his listeners at 108 LOVE FM.

Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn) shows his power on the streets by his gi-normous bomb box tuned to play Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" over and over. Smiley (Roger Guenveur Smith) is a Malcom X and Martin Luther King supporter and though he is handicapped, it doesn't keep him from actively peddling pictures of his hero's for cash. Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito), is named appropriately due to his coke bottle eye glasses. He is passionate about equal rights for the black man and he wants Sal to put pictures of famous black man on the wall in his store instead of the pictures of only Italian's, proudly displayed there now. He feels the need to get together a group to boycott Sal's and enlists the help of Radio and Smiley. But things are about to really heat up with tensions growing as the temperature rises and Sergeant (Joel Nagle), Officer Long (Rick Aiello) and Officer Ponte (Miguel Sandoval) are called to the scene before a riot breaks out.

Awards:

1999 - Do the Right Thing - Library of Congress - U.S. National Film Registry
1988 - Do the Right Thing - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Music Score
1988 - Do the Right Thing - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
1988 - Do the Right Thing - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director
1988 - Do the Right Thing - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
1989 - Do the Right Thing - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography

40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, Da Moulan Van Movie Company
Director: Spike Lee
Writer: Spike Lee
Producer: Jon Kilik

I viewed 11/08

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) PG - 3½ Stars

Great Sci-Fi mystery writer Jules Verne, would probably not like the latest version of his classic novel, Journey to the Center of the Earth he wrote way back in 1864. And perhaps if I were not old enough to have seen the original 1959 version of this classic, I would have enjoyed the movie more myself. I read the book after seeing the 59' classic and I will never forgot how curious yet frightened the primitive dinosaurs and non special effects has me feeling. Even though I knew, going into the movie, I was not going to like the 3D hype that was advertised with it, it just seems they could have done so much more with the story rather than spending it all on the special effects. I'm probably being too critical but, based on the original, this version seemed like a Hollywood - Disneyland production right down to the 3D glasses. The glasses did nothing for me on my television but I have heard that watching it IMAX style, makes the viewer feel they are actually part of the scenes. I am sure this would be an awesome effect if it's true. Perhaps the producers also tired to reach a wider audience by adding the movie's romantic element, and family element by involving a young boy into the adventure. I really did like the magnetised stepping stones Sean had to get across. The movie served it's purpose of the classic summer movie all the kids wanted to see and it was entertaining. Definitely more entertaining than the other 2008 version produced I've already reviewed.

Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) is a professor of science and clings to a theory that there is a center of the earth man can travel to. Ever since his brother was lost trying to prove this theory, Trevor has fantasized about finding some sort of sign to prove he was right. But what he doesn't expect is to have his brothers son Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson), dropped in his lap to spend time with now that his father is gone. He figures Sean might be in the way of his determination, but he also looks at it as a way to give his nephew a piece of his father back.

On a whim, the two travel to Iceland and meet Hannah (Anita Briem). Hannah too has lost her father to the believe of this underground world. When the trio finds evidence of her father's research, the three set out to find more clues. But a lightning storm traps them inside a cave with the only way out going down. Once below the surface of the earth, they must find their way back out before either becoming dinner for some large plants and creatures or being evaporated in the constant exchange of molten rock.

Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution
Director: Eric Brevig
Writers: Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin, D.V. DeVincentis
Producers: Charlotte Huggins, Beau Flynn

I viewed 10/08

Zola's Intermission Take 10 - Nov. 15th, 2008

Well today has not been a good day for a lot of people loosing their homes in the many raging fires all over Southern California. Today was not a good day for myself either as I woke up to find one of the two outdoor cats I take care of, ripped apart and decapitated in my front yard. She was such a sweet cat, she didn't deserve to go that way especially in her own front yard. I'll assume a dog, not on it's leash, got to her as she liked to sleep towards the front of the drive way in order to get a good view of her neighborhood. I have never seen a coyote in my city neighborhood yet.

I feel for Zora, the other cat outside who's alone now after being her side kick for the last 9 years. She's been looking for her all day. I guess it's survival of the fittest in the animal kingdom.
Zora misses you Amber Bamber as do I when you were not there for dinner. I pray you didn't suffer long through your savage demise.

In memory of Amber

On a lighter note, I needed something to do all day to keep my mind distracted so I cleaned up my blog a bit. It's official - Every single movie I have on line right now, and in the near future, will contain the directors, writers, producers and production companies involved. A comment, on one of my movie reviews, suggested I add the directors name to the movie as it was just as important as who's in it. I took the comment to heart and have now added that information to all 488 posts I have made to date. I think it will be a feature in those cases where someone would like to search for movies based on directors, names and/or distributors. It's taken me a while but I just finished tonight.

Also, I've already scheduled my posts for the next 12 days as I do not want to get behind and keep the movies coming. My next goal is to take a break from watching movies so I can catch up posting the approx. 300 movies I've seen but not gotten on line yet. Give up movie watching???
Can't see me being able to do that.

War of the Planets (2005) PG13 - 2½ Stars

The movie should be called War ON the planet as the battle the entire movie doesn't go to far from the site of their crashed rocket. It's pretty bad when the graphics on the cover of the DVD box look better than any of those in the movie. Very low budget Sci-Fi film that appears to feature the director and his family members and friends as cast. Story line ends up being very weak however having said all that, I actually somewhat enjoyed the movie. I liked the concept of the crews vulnerability at the start of the film being picked off as a food source and they could do nothing about it. Though all of the monster, alien and special effects not very scary and that of something you could do in your back yard, I would be very interested in seeing what a high quality special effects production company could do with the story. I was unable to find a list of the actors names but I do know that Mike Conway also plays the minister in the film and I'm assuming the other Conway must be his wife.

A group of 12 scientists, engineers and experts in their fields are sent to a mission to colonize a new planet. The journey will take 15 years to reach so the crew are put to sleep for that time period and awakened at their new destination. Problem is, as they slept, the ship was hit by a meteor that knocked out their tracking and monitoring and they crash land into an unknown world.

Everyone knows that after sleeping in a pod for 15 years, none of your muscles or joints will function until they are re-awakened with stimulation thus making it impossible to move until the recirculation occurs. Well that's the freaky part of the film as the crew are now sitting ducks for a flesh eating creature that is munching on them one at a time. When they finally are free of the creature, the learn that their ship and crew have been put behind a in a giant wall of glass as they are being studied by aliens. Their new mission is to survive and colonize this hostel world.

Lightning Entertainment, Lion's Gate Films
Director: Mike Conway
Writer: Mike Conway

I viewed 10/08

Deception (2008) R - 3 Stars

While the movies started out with a pretty good storyline, it ended tragically disappointing. I mean, who would in their right mind would go through the trouble of obtaining 80 million dollars to leave it behind for the slight chance that your "love at first site" affair would pan out. The acting can get a bit cheesy but it does arouse your inner sexual sensitivity.

Jonathan McQuarry (Ewan McGregor) is what you would might call a guy in need of a life. He's a corporate auditor for New York’s powerful, and he consumes his entire life with his work. Working long hours and lacking any outside passion, he becomes an easy target for deception.

Wyatt Bose (Hugh Jackman) fancies himself as a high ranking New York attorney, and encounters Jonathan at work one night in the board room. The two strike up a conversation and Wyatt lures Jonathan away by smoking a joint with him and inviting him for tennis and a night on the town. Jonathan has no friends or any type of social life so he welcomes the opportunity to enjoy life again. But when Wyatt leaves town on business, Jonathan finds his cell phone has been switched and answers a phone call asking, "Are you free tonight?" Feeling a new sense of security, Jonathan agrees to meet the woman on the other end of the line. It seems Wyatt is connected to a network of available women seeking sexual pleasure for the evening, no strings attached. But maybe he should have said, "wrong number", to the other side of this call as he will soon find out that nothing is as it seems and now finds himself being framed for murder.

20th Century Fox Distribution
Director: Marcel Langenegger
Writers: Jason Keller, Mark Bomback, Patrick Marber
Producers: Christopher Eberts, Robbie Brenner, Meena Sajwani

I viewed 10/08

The Visitor (2007) PG13 - 3½ Stars

From the director of The Station Agent, Tim McCarthy does it again with another small quirky but enjoyable film. Like The Station Agent, Tim throws together the most unlikely of people you would not probably picture together. Yet in someway, they all fit as they somehow need each other. The storyline starts out slow but eventually catches up to itself and I have to say for once, I like how this movie ended. It's not a big budget movie but Tim gets his message across by casting the roles with little known actors of interracial cultures, that emit huge emotion and compassion. He makes you feel for what life can be like if you're an illegal immigrant.

Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) age 62, sort of stumbles through his life emotionless. He misses his wife who died and as an attempt to capture some of the void he feels, he tries to learn to play the piano like she used to. But he isn't very good at it and his lack of enthusiasm with life is beginning to show. He limits the classes he's teaching to one and tries to convince himself it's due to his writing of his 4th book. When he's asked by a co-worker to travel to Manhattan for a conference, he highly objects as he doesn't want to upset his casual quiet structured environment he's grown accustom to. But he can't talk his way out of this one and heads off to his seldom used apartment in New York.

Upon entering his home in Manhattan, Walter opens the door to find an immigrant couple has been living there for the past few months. His first reaction is to throw the trespassers out and as he watches them struggle with their things, he has a change of heart and decides to let the couple stay a few days while they seek other shelter.

Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and his Senegalese girlfriend Zainab (Danai Gurira) were told they would have access to this home as part of a real estate scam and with no where else to turn, little money to their names, and illegally in the U.S. their options are few. When Walter allows them to stay at his home until they can get settled somewhere else, they at least feel their situation has some hope. Tarek sings and plays the African drum in a small band and Zainab peddles her hand designed jewelry at the local swap meet.

Walter is extremely curious about the drum he sees Tarek playing and though hesitant, he accepts the offer to learn how to play. The more he practices, the more alive he becomes until he finds himself risking public humiliation as he joins in with local street musicians performing. Walter has never felt to alive and the three find new hope coming alive within all of them. Things couldn't be better until one day when Walter and Tarek are taking their drums on the subway. Tarek is arrested while entering through the turn style that his drum became caught on and he had to climb over. Even with Walter defending Tarek's ticket price purchased, the police take Tarek away where now he could risk deportation. Walter takes on the task of fighting for the Tarek's rights, while Zainab fears she won't see her love again.

When Tarek's mother Mouna (Hiam Abbass) has not heard from her son in days, she arrives at Walter's apartment to insure Tarek is okay. Mouna awakens a new romance with Walter that he'd thought was dead for ever. Sometimes life "is what it is" and the unlikely friends find themselves at the mercy of political intervention.

Overture Films
Director: Tom McCarthy
Writer: Tom McCarthy
Producers: Michael London, Mary Jane Skalski

I viewed 10/08

Anamorph (2007) R - 2½ Stars

I was disappointed in this movie as it looked so cool in the coming attractions. Most of it just got so complicated that I lost interest a few times. I liked the concept of the movie about the murderer leaving his artistic mark almost as a jigsaw puzzle that you really had to study well in order to move to the next piece. The definition of Anamorphic is producing, relating to, or marked by intentional distortion (as by unequal magnification along perpendicular axes) of an image. In this case the murderer has hidden meanings that are revealed by viewing the crime scenes from different perspectives.

Detective Stan Aubray (Willem Dafoe) alleged he had shot to death the man suspected of being the "Uncle Eddie" murderer, in a case he had worked on 5 years ago. Images of the last of Uncle Eddie's victims, still haunt Aubray today and he's become sort of a recluse because of it. But Detective Aubray images are soon awoken as new murders start taking place around New York City.

Believing "Uncle Eddie" had been killed, these new murders are believed to be that of a "copy cat." Aubray tries to avoid working with recently promoted, detective Carl Uffner (Scott Speedman). Uffner is working on his own ideas about each case while he keeps a watchful eye on Aubray's observations giving Uffner new "perspective" eye. But when it becomes personal after the killer takes one of Aubray's only friends, Aubray is determined to once and for all solve this case, even if it means becoming a victim himself.

First Take (IFC), IFC Films
Directors: Henry S. Miller, H.S. Miller
Writers: Henry S. Miller, Tom Phelan, H.S. Miller
Producer: Marissa McMahon

I viewed 10/08

The Happening (2008) R - 3½ Stars

I had to check the rental box a few times to make sure I didn't see the name Stephen King on the outside. It sure had the look and feel of one of his movies. And while I enjoyed the movie, I have to say I was sort of disappointed in the NON happening. I think the movie had a great storyline up until the end, but some the characters give such poor performances, I wish they could have come of with a better explanation of the event to help the movie out. However having said that, I still feel it's worth the cost of a rental.

Elliot Moore (Mark Wahlberg) is a high school teacher living in Philadelphia. He and his wife Alma (Zooey Deschanel), have been having problems and their marriage is falling apart. As an escape, he wraps his life around science. As he lectures to his students about theory's behind the disappearance of honey bees, strange things begin to happen outside in a near by city. It's decided that everyone will leave school and flee the city before they are affected too.

Elliot leaves for home to get his wife and pack a few things to leave the city. They meet up with their friend Julian (John Leguizamo), and his daughter, Jess (Ashlyn Sanchez). It's decided the best way out is by train. But as the train stops at one last small town, they can go no further or they will be driving into their own demise. Something is affecting the people in large cities to cause fatal chemical imbalances in their brains. Now they much try and make their way out of the city in time before the happening effects them all.

20th Century Fox
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Producer: Barry Mender, Barry Mendel, M. Night Shyamalan

I viewed 10/08

The Magdalene Sisters (2002) R - 4 Stars

A lot of times I rent movies for no reason at all. I don't even read too much of what the story is about. The title alone, or the DVD cover can sometimes intrigue. This is how I choose to expand my movie selection to not only Hollywood current hits. This is true for the Magdalene Sisters and what an excellent disturbing movie this is. Every character gives an incredibly fantastic Oscar worthy performance and it wasn't till the end of the movie that I realized it was based on a true story - my personal favorites. That's what makes this whole movie even a little more creepier.

The film is set in 1964, Ireland where men were men and girls were girls with little or no rights. The story line focuses on the Catholic Church's most infamous institutions and three of the young girls, Rose, Bernadette and Margaret, who are sent there by their families. The head nun, Sister Bridget (Geraldine McEwan) gives an outstanding performance and portrays the stereo-typical nun of olden days. The type you are afraid of.

Margaret (Anne-Marie Duff), is rapped by her cousin at family wedding so she was removed due to arousing the young man. Bernadette (Nora-Jane Noone), grew up in an Orphanage and when caught flirting with some boys over the fence, she was sent to Magdalene. Rose (Dorothy Duffy), had a child out of wedlock and her parents refused to even look at their grandchild, forcing () to sign papers giving the new baby away. She was then sent to Magdalene. It is here where the girls suffer endless humiliation and physical labor, as they work in the laundry room making money for the convent.

The girls are not aloud to speak to one another but instead spend their entire existence at Magdalene in the laundry room or being preached to at the supper table. Reaching out to any other girl in the form of conversation or compassion, was strictly forbidden and punishable by whippings or hair removal from their heads. There's nothing happy about their lives at this place and some like Crispina (Eileen Walsh), are driven mad while others do eventually find freedom. The Magdalene was closed in 1996 as well as other boarding type schools like it.

Some of the awards for the movie are:
2003 - The Magdalene Sisters - National Board of Review - Freedom of Expression Award.
2002 - The Magdalene Sisters - Toronto International Film Festival - Discovery Award.
2002 - The Magdalene Sisters - Venice International Film Festival - Golden Lion.

Miramax Films
Director: Peter Mullan
Writer: Peter Mullan
Producer: Frances Higson

I viewed 10/08

Primal Fear (1996) R - 4 Stars

Based on the novel by William Diehl, this is a pretty intense movie that keeps you involved until the end. Richard Gere does a great job playing an arrogant lawyer and Edward Norton is outstanding in his role of the victim. It's one of those movies that does an "gotcha" at the end where ya walk away thinging, damn.

Martin Vail, (Richard Gere) is a very cocky infamous defense attorney. He's always got one ear open to the news to see who's been arrested. When it's announced that Archbishop Rushman (Stanley Anderson) has just been murdered and a young teenage boy from Kentucky, was caught fleeing the scene covered in blood, he immediately gets involved taking this high profile case "pro bono." Vail isn't interested in what really happened as much as he is in coming up with explanations for the blood covering the boy's clothing. Vail assembles his team to dig up all they can about the Archibishop to see what skeltons hang there and who might have wanted him dead.

Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) swears he didn't do it. And with his boyish face and innocense in his voice, Vail becomes even more determined to get his client off. The more meetings he has with Stampler, the more he begins to think his client his telling the truth. As the trial begins, Vail finds he's up against his old collague and sleeping partner Assistant District Attorney Janet Venable (Laura Linney), and old memories resurface. But Janet is not too fond of the ways things were left between her and Vail and she is even more deteremined to bring him down publicly. Without giving too much of the story away, lets just say Vail comes out on top. OR does he?

Awards include:
1996 - Primal Fear - Chicago Film Critics Association - Most Promising Actor.
1996 - Primal Fear - Golden Globe - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture.
1996 - Primal Fear - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Writers: Ann Biderman, Steve Shagan
Producer: Gary Lucchesi

I viewed 10/08

Baby Mama (2008) PG13 - 3½ Stars

Cast members from Saturday Night Live crew come to screen in this cute little movie about wanting a baby so bad, you'll even seek out a crazy person to carry it for you. Well it didn't actually start out that way and ends even better. All Angie wanted was to be a mom but soon discovers that unless you are carrying the baby yourself, you have little control over the behavior of the bun in the oven. The movie has some funny scenes and it will make you feel for both of the moms

Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey), now 37, has spent her entire adult life being a strong career driven woman and not thinking about a family. But single, and in mid life crisis, she discovers the harsh reality that there's a very small chance of becoming pregnant. Kate wants to be in control of this chapter of her life too and since she's used to getting what she wants, she seeks out a surrogate mother to have the child for her.

Chaffee Bicknell (Sigourney Weaver) runs the surrogacy center and informs Kate of a woman who just became pregnant and asks if Kate is interested. Extremely excited about finding a baby mom, she begins this new chapter of her life of setting up a nursery and buying every book off the shelf that has to do with preparing for a baby. Unfortunately, she is not prepared for the woman showing up at her door with no where else to go.

Enter Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler) and Kate now finds her once perfectly in order life, is turned upside down. She tries to conform Angie into the perfect expecting mom but nothing could be farther from the truth for Angie. This "odd couple" living arrangement brings with it many ups and downs but also proves that families can be made from the oddest of circumstances when true friendships are born.

Universal Pictures Distribution
Director: Michael McCullers
Writers: Michael Goldwyn, Michael McCullers
Producers: John Goldwyn, Lorne Michaels

I viewed 9/08

The Cuckoo (2002) PG13 - 4 Stars

What a great little foreign movie this is. From the imagery to the storyline and the characters, they are all just fantastic. And the best part of it all is, none of them can communicate with each other in normal traditional speech which makes the movie that much more enjoyable. And since I don't speak Finnish, Lapp or Russian, I felt like the 4th character invited in to share in the fun. A whole new storyline is formed just by what each character thinks the other is saying to them. For that part alone, I'm marking it a comedy too based on these interactions.

Finnish sniper Veiko (Ville Haapasalo) is dressed in a German uniform and nailed to a rock and left to die by his comrades for being labeled a pacifist. Armed with his weapon, a few rations and his eyeglasses, Veiko must find a way to escape his inevitable doom before it's too late. In 1944, with World War II in the background and a possible Finland's withdrawal, if he's spotted he could be shot for his appearance in German garb. He makes good use of his glasses for starting a spot fire over the rock and nail of his tomb, slowly chipping away at his release. Through the scope of his riffle, he sees a small convoy approaching carrying a Russian man accused of collaborating with the enemy. As he watches, a bomb is dropped from the sky lading on target.

Anni "Cuckoo"(Anni-Christina Juuso), is a Laplander who has been on her own for the last six years while her husband is off to war. She doesn't want to admit he's dead and has become extremely lonely and must make due for herself while she scavenges for food by her very primitive home. Though her home lacks any modern convenience, she is able to farm her deer and the waters for fish. When she runs into the bombing site, she finds one of the disgraced soldiers still alive. After burying the others, she drags the soldier to her home to nurse him back to health.

Ivan (Viktor Bychkov) is the soldier rescued and though Anni and he can not communicate through their language, they both form a bond between them. As Veiko is able to set himself free from his imprisonment, he stumbles upon the home and wanders in to ask for help to release him from his chains that still bind him.

Now is when the fun begins as the three complete opposites of culture, war and communication, co-exist to find comfort between them. The interactions of the three are truly enjoyable and the differences that bind them together, will also split them apart.

Sony Pictures Classics
Director: Alexandr Rogozhkin
Writer: Alexandr Rogozhkin
Producer: Sergei Selyanov

I viewed 10/08

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) PG13 - 3½ Stars

It would seems that the art of movie making these days is to take a concept of a movie, make a great hit of it and then continually try and make it work over and over again in the sequels. I have to say that I was more into the movie than I thought I would be having seen so many other versions of Indiana Jones. But even 20 years later, to me it's still the same storyline of characters doing the same thing and so very predictable. And now with the son in the picture, I trust we will be seeing more of the same in the future.

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his old friend George "Mac" McHale (Ray Winstone), suddenly find themselves dropped out of trunk and into the arms of Russian agent Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). Her goal is to find the missing Crystal Skull as she believes with it comes the greatest of all powers from another world. But Indiana Jones soon find himself pitted against even his old friend Mac, as he has joined up with the wrong side obsessed with the money. Jones makes fast work out of locating the skull in a large storage facility and makes his escape only to be watched by the Russians who still need his help.

Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) an arrogant teenage rowdy boy who is way too much into his looks, is trying to track down Jones as he thinks he can help save his mother from doom as she has been taken hostage. Jones doesn't want to become involved but when the Russians are on to his location, he makes a quick get away with Mutt on his bike. Since it seems Jones can't return home anymore, he decides to help Mutt with his quest.

As the two solve a serious of riddles to get to the crystal skull, they come in contact with Mutt's mother, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) where she is being held. Jones realises now he has a son and together they must escape but not before fulfilling their quest of returning the crystal skull to it's resting place.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Steven Spielberg, George Lucas
Writer: David Koepp
Producer: Frank Marshall

I viewed 10/08

88 Minutes (2008) R - 3 Stars

This was a decent thriller showing the art of allowing someone to get inside of your head. Al Pacino is in true form though I don't think this is one of the best movies he could have been in. Although a solid performances by Pacino, Witt is not convincing in her role - a little too much of an airhead for her forensic educational level. I was able to feel the plight of Pacino's fate but I was a bit disappointed overall with the movie. It's action packed and worth the rental as I'm sure you've missed nothing from viewing on the big screen.

Jack Gramm (Al Pacino) is a professor at a university specializing in forensic psychiatry. His services are requested from the F.B.I. to solve many high profile cases. He is also in court testifying against criminals and it seems that one of them has made a threat on his life. A phone tells him he has 88 minutes to live and hangs up. Within minutes, he feels himself being targeted by someone but he doesn't know who. Gramm doesn't know who he can trust anymore and turns to the help of an ex girlfriend Kim Cummings (Alicia Witt). Keeping himself alive for the next hour and a half will be the greatest challenge of solving a case in his life.

TriStar Pictures
Director: Jon Avnet
Writer: Gary Scott Thompson
Producers: Jon Avnet, Gary Scott Thompson, Randall Emmett

I viewed 10/08

Atanarjuat the Fast Runner (2001) R - 2 Stars

I was hoping this movie would do more for me than I got out of it. Taking place long ago, it tells the story of the culture and traditions of the native Inuit tribe of Northern Canada. It is the first movie ever made to be in the native language Inuktitut, with English subtitles. Shot in a documentary type style, the movie is based on the notes of Captain William Edward Parry, a British explorer who visited the area in 1822. I became bored with the movie quite quickly and while there are some beautiful scenes as well as funny parts too, I am just not sure what the point of the movie is. There are some pretty over the top rituals that must be preformed between the two men that can really mess up your head - literally.

Atanarjuat (Natar Ungalaq), desires the hand of Atuat (Sylvia Ivalu) but she has already been promised to Oki (Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq) who just happens to be the son of the chief. In a slap happy ritual, Atanarjuat and Oki due battle in front of all tribal members inside of their igloo. Atanarjuat's older brother Amaqjuaq (Pakkak Innukshuk) watches his younger brother achieve victory and take the hand of Atuat.

As Atuat becomes pregnant with their first child, Puja (Lucy Tulugarjuk), Oki's sister, puts the move on Atanarjuat and seduces him away from Atuat. Oki himself, still has revenge on his mind and sneaks up on the brothers in their sleep killing Amaqjuaq as Atanrjuat is able to run away, running naked across the thing layer of ice covering the sea. While I have appreciation for anyone who could live in the hostel environment these people are accustomed to, I didn't get a lot out of the movie.

Awards include:
2001 - Atanarjuat the Fast Runner - Cannes Film Festival - Camera d'Or
2001 - Atanarjuat the Fast Runner - Genie Awards - Best Director

Igloolik Isuma Productions - National Film Board of Canada
Director: Zacharias Kunuk
Writer: Paul Apak Angilirq
Producer: Zacharias Kunuk

I viewed 10/08

Towards Darkness (2007) R - 3 Stars

In Colombia, every 3 hours somebody is kidnapped. 1 out of 10 victims never live to tell their story. This was a fact I was unaware of and even though the movie was not as exciting as normal large Hollywood productions, I still always love movies that open my eyes to something I am unaware of. In Spanish with English subtitles, and some speaking parts in English the ending is something I was not expecting.

Jose Guiterrez (Roberto Urbina) is a young man from Colombia who is studying in America. He has a lovely girlfriend in the states, but feels the need to visit his homeland in Colombia. Once he's landed, he's quickly reunited with his friends Jaime (Andres Toro), Pedro (Roberto Cano), and Luiza (America Ferrera) as well as his mom Marta (Alejandra Borrero) and dad Carlos (Tony Plana). Life is as if he had never left Colombia.

Luiza is his childhood sweetheart who he finds himself becoming involved with again. But many changes have happened in his home land and while visiting with Luiza, he is abducted on the city streets and taken away. When he awakes, he finds himself gagged and his legs and arms bound. Unable to speak, he lies there awaiting his fate.

Meanwhile his parents, have no choice but to hire special American agents to help in finding their son. The parents risk punishment from Colombian policy for not alerting the authorities immediately when he was taken. When their insurance company denies their claim for ransom money, Carlos must make a deal with Colombian drug lords to get it. But once yo make a deal with the "devil", you're in it for life. It's a race against time, and traffic, to get to the ransom drop location in time. The movie takes twist at the end that I was not suspecting and I must leave that for the viewer to figure out.

Peach Arch Entertainment - Negert Films
Director: Antonio Negret
Writer: Antonio Negret
Producers: Craig Anderson, Luiza Ricupero

I viewed 10/08