Black Rain (1989) R - 3½ Stars

Here's an underrated, sleeper movie I don't remember hearing anything about. Also known as "Pioggia Sporca," Douglas is at his finest in "Black Rain." Great little action / drama of a cop determined to get his man. Though it's hard to believe that one detective would be so committed, you don't pay attention to that but more with the honor Douglas wins back, taught to him by a simple Japanese assistant detective. Not your typical cop movie, the acting is superb with great character development and excellent cinematography. It's most definite worth the cost of a rental and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

New York vice cop Nick Conklin, (Michael Douglas), is under investigation for skimming money off the top of a recent drug bust. With an ex wife to pay and a child to feed, investigators are pretty sure they have their man. His partner Charlie Vincent, (Andy Garcia), trusts Nick is not involved in any wrong doings. While consoling Nick at the bar, members of a Japanese mafia enter the restaurant killing two men after the exchange of a small box. Nick chases the bad guys down and captures Sato, (Yusaku Matsuda); a major player in Yakuza mafia gang. Problem is Nick can't put this thug in jail as the Japanese government is holding the cards of extradition and all Nike can do is to be in charge of flying him home to Japan.

Upon landing in Japan, Charlie and Nick are tricked into surrendering their prisoner to the wrong people. Nick is dedicated into recapturing Sato and will stop at nothing, bending the laws and rules of Japan to do so. The Japanese police are unwilling to receive Nick and Charlie's help, remove them of their weapons and assistant detective Masahiro Matsumoto, (Ken Takakura), is assigned to watch over them. In a world of no one to trust, Joyce Kingsley, (Kate Capshaw), offers Nick important yet beautiful assistance.

Paramount Pictures
Director: Ridley Scott
Writers: Craig Bolotin, Warren Lewis
Producer: Michael Douglas

I viewed 12/10

Despicable Me (2010) PG - 4 Stars

Once again, little girls have a way of finding the hearts of even the most villainous types of men. Really wonderful animation, cute story line and the greatest yet strangest bunch of minion workers you've ever seen. Together they form the perfect dysfunctional family. You gotta love Despicable Me! It's the perfect family film.

Gru, (Steve Carell), has been the leading villain of the day until the great Egyptian pyramids are stolen. He's jealous of Vector, (Jason Segel), the up and coming geek whose antics have surpassed Gru, posing a challenge. For his entire life, Gru has dreamt of building a rocket to the moon even though his mother (Julie Andrews), has always been less than in encouraging. To prove her wrong and get back on top, he only needs to get his hands on an amazing shrinking weapon. Once that's done, he can rocket to the moon shrinking it down to size and stealing it, putting him back on top of the number one villainous list. Bank president Mr. Perkins, (Will Arnett), refuses to loan Gru the money needed to construct such a perfect weapon. Gru learns Vector has the incredible shrinking gun. Even with Gru's enormous team of dedicated half wit minions and a mad scientist Dr. Nefario, (Russell Brand ), Gru discovers entrance to Vector's fort needs a softer approach. Gru visits Miss Hattie, (Kristen Wiig), and adopts three little cookie selling orphan girls, Margo, (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes, (Elsie Fisher), and Edith ,(Dana Gaier), to gain access to Vector's fortress to steal the weapon. After all, who can resist cookies! Now, with shrink gun in tow, Gru pulls off the greatest heist of the century only to find out his mission was really learning the lessons of fatherhood.

Illumination Entertainment, Skywalker Sound, Universal PicturesDirectors: Pierre Coffin, Chris Renaud, John Cohen
Writers: Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio
Producers: Janet Healy, Christopher Meledandri, John Cohen

I viewed 12/10

The Town (2010) R - 4½ Stars

I really really enjoyed this entertaining movie based on the novel by Dennis Lehane aka, "Prince of Thieves." I'm not a huge Affleck fan but he's at his best both acting and directing this modern day classic about bank robbers. With great action, suspense and romance, an award winning cast and the perfect visual costume and set design, "The Town," really delivers one of the best heist movies in a long time. The chase scenes are perfect without being overdone and you'll find yourself rooting for the bad guy. Jeremy Renner is superb. If you didn't have a chance to see it in the theater, make sure you rent it. I feel it's got Oscar written somewhere in it.

Set in the Charleston, MA., suburbs of Boston, Doug MacRay, (Ben Affleck), leads a group of ruthless bank robbers made up of James "Jem" Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), Albert "Gloansy" Magloan, (Slaine), and Desmond Elden, (Owen Burke). His group is very good at what they do getting in and out leaving no loose ends. After all, Doug's learned from the best, his father Stephen,(Chris Cooper) a former Charleston's thief doing time in jail.

On one of their heists, Doug encounters the pretty bank manager Claire Keesey, (Rebecca Hall). Plans start to fall apart as Claire trips the alarm and the gang is forced to take her hostage in order to escape. After letting her go, they discover Claire lives in the same part of town as they do. Even though they pull off their jobs under full costume, they're hoping she won't be able to recognize any of them. Always one step ahead of FBI special agent Adam Frawley, (Jon Hamm), Doug slowly approaches Claire feeling compelled to comfort the residual effects the robbery has etched into her soul. He volunteers to keep an eye on her and forms an instant attraction to her. Jem is eager to see her completely removed from the picture but Doug stops him and is willing to give up all of his bad habits for her. Now if the two can only escape from the town.

Awards:
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Ensemble Cast
2010 - Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards - WAFCA Award

GK Films, Legendary Pictures, Inc., Thunder Road Pictures, Warner Brothers Pictures
Directors: Adrian Lyne, Ben Affleck
Writers: Chuck Hogan, Aaron Stockard, Sheldon Turner
Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Graham King

I viewed 12/10

Tooth Fairy (2010) PG - 3½ Stars

Extremely cute little story about believing. I really do think Wayne Johnson is perfect in these types of movies. Big strong burly guy getting in touch with his softer side at the hands of a little girl. Great for the entire family, good clean honest fun. The children are believable and the movie gives you a warm fuzzy spot inside. I especially like the boldness of making a good family film using an interracial family.

Derek Thompson, (Dwayne Johnson), is a hockey player who once intimidated on the ice. Nicknamed the "Tooth Fairy" for knocking other players teeth out, he's seen better days since injuring his shoulder though he thinks he is still number one. He has the perks that go along with the job, nice home, car and an attractive girlfriend but his attitude has turned sour and his glass always half empty. Even his girlfriend Carly, (Ashley Judd), sees the bitterness in him as he almost ruins her daughter's hopes of the tooth fairy visit. For punishment, Derek receives a summons to report to the higher court of fairies run by Lily, (Julie Andrews.) He's assigned case worker Tracy, (Stephen Merchant), who must whip him back into shape to believe again. Luckily Jerry, (Billy Crystal), will equip Derek with all the latest gadgets this years tooth fairies need to perform their duties.

Blumhouse Productions, Mayhem Pictures, 20th Century FoxDirector: Michael Lembeck
Writers: Josh Sternin, Randi Mayem Singer, Lowell Ganz
Producers: Gordon Gray, Mark Ciardi, Jason Blum

I viewed 12/10

Polar Storm (2009) PG13 - 2½ Stars

Oh why can't we make a good science fiction with some good acting and special effects. While this made for T.V. movie did have me captivated, half way through the movie things were becoming absurd. The submarine animation was ridiculous and impossible and the fact the world can be in one mans hand, God help us all. The acting couldn't be much worse for most of the star characters, I mean the kids friend and a father dies and they hardly show emotion? But in fairness, it looks like they did the best they could in their budget. It's not a horrible Sci-Fi, I've definitely seen worse. The stories concept is right on for me just not well executed.

All eyes are star gazing a massive comet passing closer to earth than ever before. Dr. James Mayfield, (Jack Coleman), is taking calculations from a post in Alaska when a peice breaks off and heads straight towards earth. Mayfield is able to download his data before the comet collides proving his therory that the earth has been thrown off it's axis disturbing the Earth's magnetic field.

Mayfield's wife Cynthia, (Holly Dignard), and son Shane, (Tyler Johnston), are left to fend for themselves as they try to get out of the electrical pulse zone. The President, (Roger R. Cross), must enlist the aide of Dr. Mayfield, his father the General, (Terry David Mulligan), and a group of Russian sailors to try and save the planet.



First Look Studios, Cinetel Films, Insight Film Studios
Director: Paul Ziller
Writers: Paul Ziller, Jason Bourque
Producer: Breanne Hartley

I viewed 12/10

World's Greatest Dad (2009) R - 3 Stars

I'm not sure everyone will like this dark comedy that turns tragedy into opportunity. Viewers hoping to see the whimsical comedic side of Williams will be disappointed with this non politically correct adaptation. Though Williams gives one of his best dramatic performances, the subject matter, language and topic might be disturbing to some, especially dealing with suicide. Sabara gives a very convincing performance as Kyle, the kid you will definitely want to hate.

Lance Clayton's, (Robin Williams), life has taken a turn for the worse. After a nasty divorce, he is awarded sole custody of his teenage son Kyle, (Daryl Sabara). Lance dreams of becoming a famous writer but he can't get published and resorts to teaching a poetry class at the same school Kyle attends. Even his poetry class is threatened to close due to low attendance and enthusiasm for his class. All he can do is try to form a quality relationship with his son but that proves to be a struggle in itself.

Kyle is not your typical teenage son. His only friend, Andrew, (Evan Martin), seems nothing like the rude, foul mouthed boy that Kyle is. Constantly insulting his father every time he speaks and spending free time spying on neighbors undressing, Kyle's main focus is watching video and Internet porn. One day as Lance enters Kyle's room, he is horrified to find Kyle masturbating to porno while asphyxiation chocking himself with an elastic rope. Lance tries to stress to his son how dangerous this is and forbids him from ever trying this again.

Back at school Lance is attracted to, and somewhat dating the art teacher Claire, (Alexie Gilmore), but he soon adds more to his insecurity watching Claire befriend English teacher Mike, (Henry Simmons). Mike is the proud recipient of having one of his pieces published in the The New Yorker, and Lance feels he's being ignored yet again. It isn't until Lance sadly discovers his son dead from his quirky sexual release, that his writing is finally discovered. While trying to cover up the lude acts preformed by his son, he writes an award winning suicide note giving his sons death some dignity. This turns out to be the writing that finally gives Lance the voice he deserves but how can he stare victory in the face knowing how he got there.

Darko Entertainment, Gradient Effects, Magnolia Pictures
Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
Writer: Bobcat Goldthwait
Producers: Richard Kelly, Sean McKittrick, Ted Hamm

I viewed 12/10

The White Countess (2005) PG13 - 3½ Stars

This movie really captivated my artistic sense. I don't know if it was the time period, set and costumes or the acting, but it drew me in and consumed me. For me, the cinematography was excellent. I liked the way the characters, all from different cultures and monetary levels, intertwined in a sort of harmony. A Russian woman becoming a dance hostess to support her family cast out by war. A once diplomat, now blind man trying to see the world through rose colored glasses of his mind. And a Japanese power head that underneath his noted exterior, has a true heart. It's set in Shanghai during the corrupt yet glamorous days of the late 1930's. Slow at first and over two hours long, the movie appears historically correct leading to the Japan's invasion of China and World War II, Though it ends as a love story, I didn't feel as much chemistry between the stars as I would have liked. I think Hiroyuki Sanada gives an outstanding classy performance as Matsuda.

Todd Jackson, (Ralph Fiennes), has closed himself off to the world after losing his wife and children at the hands of political turmoil. He's also lost his sight. A once American diplomat, Jackson has retreated to a life behind closed doors in the underworld of brothels, disillusioning himself to the world outside. While drinking at a bar, Sofia Belinsky, (Natasha Richardson), a refugee Russian Countess reduced to working as a dance girl and part time prostitute, comes to his aid fearing men in the bar are about to take advantage of his loss of sight. Jackson finds himself drawn to her kindness while aware of the woman she's become working as a hostess. He envisions in his mind, one day becoming the owner of a fabulous establishment suitable to the likings of optimistic beauty of this Shanghai town and making her the center of the club. He's so sure he will have it someday, he shares his dreams with his new friend Matsuda, (Hiroyuki Sanada), a high ranking Japanese officer, that frequents the bars.

As war forges it's way closer to Shanghai, Sofia's family, packs up and moves leaving Sofia behind as Aunt Sara, (Vanessa Redgrave), and Olga, (Lynn Redgrave), are ashamed of her profession and question the effect it's having on Sofia's daughter, Katya (Madeleine Daly). But Jackson finally decides to see again what he's been missing out on in life and comes to Sofia's rescue.

TF1 Films Productions, Shanghai Film Corporation, Merchant/Ivory Productions, Sony Picture Classics
Director: James Ivory
Writer: Kazuo Ishiguro
Producer: Ismail Merchant

I viewed 12/10

Zola's Movie Pics Reaches 50,000 Hits

Hey everyone

I just wanted to toot my horn a little bit and acknowledge my 50,000 hit this morning. It may not seem like much to some, Facebook probably gets that many hits an hour, but for little old me, It's great news!!! It means you are reading my reviews and I want to thank you all for that. Now let's see how fast we can make it to 100,000.

Zola

Stomp the Yard: Homecoming (2010) PG13 - 2½ Stars

I rented the movie because I have great respect for anyone who can move their feet like some of these actors can. My biggest complaint about this movie is the editing or so called direction. You never get to see the dancers completely perform. I'd like to think it's not because they can't stomp without mistakes OR the director thought it would be clever to jump around instead of staying with the characters. It would have been nice to see one or all performers do a routine all the way through from one angle. I recognized "Nikki" right away from daytime soap opera and I have to say the acting for the most part wasn't too bad.

Truth University has many sorority clubs. The Theta Nus sorority has been working all year on perfecting their techniques for this years Homecoming annual Step Competition. They seem to be a "shoe-in" if they can just get their star performer Chance Harris, (Collins Pennie), aka "Rock Star", to stay focused. But things are falling apart for Chance. Since Chance's mother just died, he's been finding it harder to stay focused on anything but his dancing. He gets himself involved into a rigged dance competition that has a gang of thugs tracking him down for money. He's torn between his current girlfriend Nikki, (Tika Sumpter), and his ex Brenda, (Kiely Williams), and his family restaurant needs his attention. Can Chance bring it together in time to win the competition and becoming the man on campus.

Gotta Step 2 Productions, Rainforest Films
Director: Rob Hardy
Writers: Meena Payne, Albert Leon
Producer: William Packer

I viewed 12/10

Stolen (2009) R - 3½ Stars

Based on a true story, aka, The Boy in The Box, Stolen starts out really slow. So slow and with poor acting of the opening character Hamm, it almost lost my attention. However, if you can stay with it, the story finally develops and embraces you with the touching side to the tragic lose of a child. The story travels back and forth to 1958 with the loss of another young boy in the same area. Lucas, from the past, gives a much more compelling performance giving it a suspenseful "who done it," until the very end. I found myself caring more for his character.

Detective Tom Adkins, Sr., (Jon Hamm), life is changed when his 10 year old son Tommy goes missing at a 4th of July festival at the local park. Panicking, Adkins pulls out all the stops to help find his son. But eight years later, he is still unable to face his loss and it's taking a toll on his marriage to Barbara (Rhona Mitra). 

Construction workers at a local sight, uncover a wooden box containing the remains of small child and Adkins is called to the scene to see if it might be his child. When the remains are determined to be over 50 years old, Detective Adkins remains dedicated to solving the mystery behind both cases, while trying to save the whats left of his sanity and marriage. Also starring Matthew Wakefield, (Josh Lucas), Diploma, (James Van Der Beek), John Wakefield, (Jimmy Bennett), and Lea Adkins, (Joanna Cassidy).

Code Entertainment, 2 Bridges Productions, A2 Entertainment Group, Boy in the Box
Director: Anders Anderson
Writer: Glenn Taranto
Producers: Al Corley, Eugene Musso, Anders Anderson

I viewed 12/10

The Donner Party (2009) R - 2 Stars

For such a simple movie, surprising enough it received an "R" rating. Probably for the violence in cannibalism this party of pioneering American emigrants endured on their quest to settle in California. Though the movie is severely flawed in both acting and no real character development, Crispin Glover gives a believable performance. It's no "Alive" but along with the forsaken sounding musical score, it held me captive. Knowing the movie is based on true events, is also hard to imagine the grim reality of drawing sticks to eat a friend or loved one for survival.

In the 1840's a group of pioneers, with their sights on California, are reaching the last of their supplies in the small encampment they call home. With blizzard winter conditions in full force, William Hastings enlightens the group their supplies are running out and tells them of a stock pile of supplies close by. Some of the men, women and children stay behind in hopes of supplies returning soon. The rest head off in search of food and finding a rescue team to go back for the others. The group known as "Forlorn Hope" takes Hastings suggestion to cut through the Sierra Mountains in order to shorten their journey. Truth be told, no supplies ahead as Hastings made the story up to get the group motivated to leave, giving them some hope of survival. The group lead by William Foster, (Crispin Glover), and William Eddy, (Clayne Crawford), trek further into the mountains only to find blinding snow without shelter. As members of the party fall ill, the others must make a gruesome decision to eat their fellow travelers in order to survive.

On January 19, 1847, 42 survivors from the Donner Party were rescued. Little did they know, they were only 5 miles from civilization at the time of their rescue.

Anacapa Entertainment
Director: T.J. Martin
Producers: Mark Costa, John Emerson Moore, Ted Meyer

I viewed 12/10