Just Another Love Story (2008) NR - 4 Stars

Now here is a case where I think the Danish language and subtitles enhanced my movie enjoyment. They seemed to really fit the story line and it's players. I really enjoyed this riveting mystery about love and deception made under $50,000. The actors and cinematography are wonderfully scripted and the story captivating. Just goes to show you a good thriller can be made for less money.

Jonas (Anders W. Berthelsen ), and his wife Mette (Charlotte Fich) have a good marriage and two lovely children Frederik (Daniel Stampe), and Kirsten (Ditte Hansen). One thing they don't have is a reliable car and are constantly joking about it with the kids. When the car stalls in the middle of the road, Julia Castlund (Rebecka Hemse) is driving behind, crying and distracted by her cell phone. She tries to avoid the collision but smashes into Jonas's rear end along into oncoming traffic. Thrown from her car, Jonas rushes to her side.

Feeling horribly guilty, Jonas arrives at the hospital to check on her grave condition and the family mistakes him for Sebastian (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), her exotic boyfriend. Julia's wealthy father (Bent Mejding), mother (Ewa Fröling), Mangus (Timm Vladimir) and Monica (Josephine Raahauge), all rush to his side and thank him for coming to her aid. Julia is in a coma and they feel if anyone can breathe life back into her, Sebastian can. Dr. Dichmann (Flemming Enevold), is amazed to see Julia come around. Though she's lost 90% of her sight and has amnysia, her vitals are good for her to make a full recovery.

Jonas is finding himself quit attracted to Julia and even though he wants to tell her the truth, he's fallen in love with her. Enough so that he is staying out late on his wife and children to stay with Julia in the hospital. Frank (Dejan Cukic), one of Jonas's best family friends, works with Jonas in the scientific evidence department where Jonas photographs crime scenes. Jonas confides in Frank and tells him of his attraction and how he's eager to learn more about this Sebastian. A colorful trunk, along with Julia's cell phone are discovered in her car at the impoud center. Frank will soon be introduce to Sebastian and Julia will start to remember everything.

Koch Lorber Films, LLC, Thura Film
Director: Ole Bornedal
Writer: Ole Bornedal
Producer: Michael Obel

I viewed 1/11

Death at a Funeral (2007) R - 3½ Stars

For me, this Bristish version is so much better then the new 2010 version. Funnier performances by more believable actors. My review will be shorter than normal as I hate to give away all of the laughs as they're fun thrown in your face when least expecting them. Definitely a good comedy great for a rainy day when you're indoors needing a laugh.

Daniel (Matthew MacFadyen), along with his wife Jane (Keeley Hawes), are arranging the funeral of Daniel's father at their family estate. Things start out wrong when the funeral home arrives with the wrong body. Robert (Rupert Graves), his older brother and great novelist, shows up to the funeral expecting Daniel to have taken care of all the expenses. This doesn't sit well with Daniel as he and his wife are trying to close the deal on a new home for themselves. Cousin Martha (Daisy Donovan), and her fiance' Simon (Alan Tudyk), also arrive on scene to the dismay that Simon is acting very strangely. It seems while picking up Martha's brother Troy (Kris Marshall), Simon is given what he thinks is a Valium only to find out later it's hallucinogenic drug; acid. Out of his element meeting the family and out of his mind, Simon keeps the entire family on their toes.

Family friend Howard (Andy Nyman), brings Uncle Alfie (Peter Vaughan),  and Peter (Peter Dinklage), a dwarf, arrive at the service. Peter takes Daniel aside and shows him inappropriate pictures that connect him with his father. In the midst of trying to pay a nice tribute to his father, chaos erupts at the service and now there is one extra body.

Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Cinesite (Europe) Ltd., MGM Distribution Company
Director: Frank Oz
Writer: Dean Craig
Producers: Share Stallings, Diana Phillips, Laurence Malkin

I viewed 12/10

Hunger (2008) NR - 2 Stars

WTF! Directed by Steve McQueen -huh? Obviously not THE Steve McQueen just done in 2008. The only thing I can say good about this movie is the incredible performance by Michael Fassbender. How in the hell could his body be put through this performance, unless of course it's special effects? I knew it was based upon the true story of one of the leaders of the Irish Republic Army, Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), and his strong belief in the IRA to stage a hunger strike that many other incarcerated men followed suit on. I can only imagine it looked as hideous as shown in this movie.

It's hard to understand Fassbender with his heavy accent and I turned subtitles on with his talk between the priest (Liam Cunningham), in order to understand what was being said. I didn't care for this movie as it is extremely slow and wastes film on scenes of no importance, like smoking in the snow and folding tiny foil packages. With no character development what so ever, the movie assumes you know a lot about the IRA movement and it doesn't explain anything about Bobby's life and how he got there. And who the hell is the guy who gets aced while visiting his mother? Was he the warden - a cop - prison guard? To me, the movie is just made up of shock value with good acting, a horrible story and no enlightenment.

Two other members Gerry Campbell (Liam McMahon), and Davey Gillen (Brian Milligan), share a cell together and along with other IRA members, they endure continual beatings in protest of wearing the prison attire. The want to be recognized as political prisoners and allowed to wear their own clothing. When that gets them no further than beat, Bobby decides to stage a final hunger strike to have their voices heard long after the men are dead.

Film4, Blast Films, IFC Films
Director: Steve McQueen
Writers: Enda Walsh, Steve McQueen
Producers: Laura Hastings-Smith, Robin Gutch

I viewed 1/11

The Trial (2010) PG13 - 3 Stars

While Modine is good at playing a pretentious defense attorney, he can't hold up this extremely predictable drama. The acting out ways the direction and the opening is much stronger than the ending. A decent courtroom drama but, for me it has too much of a "goodie-two-shoes" feel giving it the look of a Sunday Sermon rather than a tense courtroom drama. Not a horrible movie, I just wish it had more excitement and character depth.

Kent Mac McClain (Matthew Modine), is an attorney in a small Georgian town with a meaningless life. It was all taken away from him when a car crash killed his wife and two sons. With nothing else to give, he's about to walk away from this life when Judge Danielson (Rance Howard), forces him to take on one last case. Pete Thomason (Randy Wayne), has been incarcerated for the murder of his girlfriend Angela (voice of Kera O'Bryon). Pete has no memory of that fateful evening and can offer little help. Wealthy Alex Hightower (David Dwyer), Angel's father, wants the death penalty and State Prosecutor Joe Whetstone (Bob Gunton), plans to get it. Psychologist Dr. Anna Wilkes (Clare Carey), offers Mac a new way to look at himself as this is about to become the trial of his life.  Along with help from his old team,  investigator Ray Morrison (Robert Forster), and Mindy (Nikki DeLoach), a paralegal who puts breathe back into the old team, Mac will reach deep within his soul to try and save two lives.
Award:

2010 - Grand Rapids Film Festival - Best Feature

Whitlow Films, Level Path Productions
Director: Gary Wheeler
Writers: Matthew Modine, Robert Whitlow, Gary Wheeler
Producers: Matthew Modine, Gary Wheeler, Mark Freiberger

I viewed 12/10

10 Questions for the Dalai Lama (2006) NR - 3½ Stars

Very nice documentary about the 14th and maybe the last genuine Dalai Lama. The predecessor this Dalai Lama has selected, turned up missing the next day and has never been seen again. Instead, the Chinese government have selected their own young boy and are now grooming him to their specific needs.

I was surprised to learn that Yahoo, Google and Microsoft all allow censorship of their search engines in regards to information pertinent to the Dalai Lama. Only pre-approved information is allowed from the Chinese government. Why are they so scared of a man who can not be controlled. His infectious laughter, his Buddhist philosophies and non violent approach of dealing with any type of people, being able to completely forgive anyone who is against him, show his great act of self discipline. The key to life is self discipline and the one thing I am lacking otherwise my spiritual beliefs seem to be in order with him. I love the fact he chooses scientific belief over religion.

"Why are the poor traditionally so much happier than the wealthy?" With little possessions there are also little worries. The more you have, the more the worry in yourself loosing it all and you reach for that, "one more, one more." The Dalai Lama lives a humble life and gave all of his monetary winnings from the Nobel Peace Prize to charity trying to helping his Tibetan people from poverty.

The film shares 85 minutes and gives you just a glimpse into the Tibetan culture, making one eager to learn more. I think it was nicely done, and insightful and touches on actual footage of the Chinese invasion. For me. it wasn't all about the 10 questions asked but more about this simple man, groomed from a young age, to follow in the steps of the Dalai Lama's before him, but more a glance into who is has become. People have compared him to other great leaders like Gandhi.

Monterey Media, Last Ditch Effort Production, Ojai Media
Director: Rick Ray
Writer: Rick Ray
Producers: Sharon Ray, Rick Ray

I viewed 1/11

The Stoning of Soraya M. (2008) R - 5 Stars

This movie disgusted me and made me very angry. Long before 9/11, I was actively involved in spreading information regarding conditions the woman of Afghanistan endure with their suppressed conditions. Not able to be seen in public without another family member present, not able to get a decent education, treated like worthless commodities to the superior male population and face stoning if they disobey. I was really naive to the fact it's still happening in other countries around the world. This Iranian story is sub titled but don't let that stop you as it's a must see. The incredible true story of Soraya M., wife, mother of 4, niece, friend and neighbor, who was ruthlessly stoned to death for adultery based upon a lie her husband started to get rid of her. In a country where women will always be considered guilty while men are always presumed innocent, women have very few resources to defend and protect themselves.

The story...

Soraya M (Mozhan Marnò), is an Iranian woman with 4 young children, 2 boys and 2 girls. She is married to Ali (Navid Negahban), who acknowledges his sons but ignores his daughters. Soraya has withheld sex from her husband, and bares many bruises across her body to his lawful right to take from her. Now, Ali is no longer interested in her since a young 14 year old has caught his eye. He wants to marry this new girl soon with the blessings and assets of her wealthy and powerful father.

Ali refuses to pay wages to Soraya and she will not give him a divorce without it. A neighbor, Hashem (Parviz Sayyad), has just lost his wife and can not manage taking care of his young autistic son on his own. The village council suggest Soraya take a job with Hashem in exchange for wages to help feed and shelter her daughters. Soraya's outspoken aunt Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo), does what she can to comfort Soraya and help her keep her head held high. She begins to smile again as she feels useful as a caretaker. But Ali's assets will not allow him to return Soraya's dowry as custom dictates in a divorce, so instead he plans another way to get out of the marriage. He has dirt on Mullah (Ali Pourtash), and threatens to expose him if he does not follow through on Ali's accusations of infidelity. Ali also threatens Hashem to go along with his story or his son will end up in as an orphan in a mental institution. When Ebrahim (David Diaan), the mayor is told, he holds a fast tribunal to determine Soraya's guilt. It is determined she must be put to death by public stoning, in one hour, for the disgrace she has brought to the village. She is buried waist deep with her hands tied behind her back. Even the male children are allowed to witness and participate with Ali throwing the first stone which brings blood as her sons follow suit. Soraya's body is not allowed to be buried and the women take it next to the river to rest. The very next morning, Freidoune Sahebjam (James Caviezel), a journalist is diving by when his car breaks down. He must spend the day in this small village while his car is repaired. Zahra bravely contacts him in order to get her message out for the world to hear.

I want to pick up a boulder and smash it into Ali's skull so I guess that means Navid Negahban did an excellent job at convincing me he's a monster. Shohreh Aghdashloo, Zahra, is fantastic in telling the story. Unbelievable performances, see this fantastic movie, not for the squeamish, as it is a very realistic violent portrayal of a woman wrongly accused and stoned to death. This is the 21st century and it looks like we're back in the uncivilized stone age, no pun intended. Get as outraged as I did and do something about it. Please visit the web site http://www.thestoning.com/flash.php#/involved/ and do your part. I wouldn't last 5 seconds in a country like this. A movie you will never be able to erase from your mind.

Roadside Attractions, Mpower Pictures, Lionsgate
Director: Cyrus Nowrasteh
Writers: Cyrus Nowrasteh, Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh
Producers: Stephen McEveety, John Shepherd

I viewed 1/11

The Social Network (2010) PG13 - 4 Stars

Always on the cutting edge of technology, I've been a geek for social networking for 26 years. For 8 years in the 80's, I ran Zola's Pleasure Palace BBS (bulletin board system) a social network alive before the Internet was born. Complete with 1200 baud modems, and a 386 computer, communicating via modem has been a way of life for me. I've had friends like Mark Zuckerberg, the youngest billionaire in history but alas, I've always "Missed it by that Much." But this is also why I don't really see how connecting people through a medium is such a new idea. I think the Harvard Winklevoss brothers were trying to make more of a dating site. How can he loose a case where he never sat at a computer with these brothers or stole their programming techniques and I don't believe paperwork signed. There were no copyrights or nothing registered so maybe they won their case purely due to Zukerbergs lack less and eccentric attitude with the system.

If the movie is true, Zuckerberg seems to have almost an autistic side, where his brain is in constant pragmatic problem solving and he doesn't realize what's said comes out so damming. I feel Zuckerberg had pent up technology, lurking inside of him, eager to form something big he could wrap his potential worthiness around. If these twins were like the brothers shown on film, the social network, Facebook, would have become just another MySpace or dating service. I don't think they were capable of taking it to the level that Zuckerberg has. However, I did feel for Zukerbergs friend Billy and Eduardo Saverin as it got so big so fast, greed set in quickly. I was also surprised to learn Napster founder Sean Parker, was connected.

Ideas float around all the time, aka Zola's Pleasure Palace, and it takes those with much more creative drive and passion to take it to it's fullest potential. Facebook has changed the way the world communicates today. Details of our lives and places we have been are now public knowledge leaving little left to say in person. We now hide behind our computers so we don't have to have intimate relationships with each other. While the fast growth of technology becomes essential and exciting, it could become the downfall of society too.

The story....

In 2003, Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), was an undergrad at Harvard with so much programing technology churning in his head he's about to burst. Constantly thinking technically, he loses the one girl Erica Albright (Rooney Mara), that was close to him. To retaliate, he blogs untruths about Erica and along with Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), and a bunch of beer, hacks into the database of schools, downloading pictures of female students. In a few hours, he creates "FaceMash.com", which compares the attractiveness of female students, side by side. A couple of Harvard rowing twin brothers Cameron Winklevoss (Armie Hammer Jr.), and Tyler (Josh Pence), are impressed with what he has done. They invite Zuckerberg to their dorm though he can not pass through their front door. They want his help setting up their idea of Harvard Connection. But Zukerberg has bigger ideas of his own and begins working on a site covering a larger audience of colleges. He approaches Eduardo with his idea to create a network just for college students. Eduardo gives him the $1,000 needed to bring the idea to reality. As Zukerberg creates and tests this new social medium, the popularity takes off, and quickly becomes a major success. When the Winklevoss's find out they are furious that Zukerberg stole their idea. They quickly take it up with the college dean and when that does nothing, hire an expensive attorney. Saverin and Zukerberg popularity grows introducing them to Christy Lee (Brenda Song), who introduces them to former Napster founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). Parker quickly helps the idea grow far into the Silicon Valley and the Winklevoss's are not pleased, hiring an attorney to stake the fair claim.

Awards include:
2010 - Academy Award Nominee
2010 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - Best Original Score
2010 - National Board of Review - Best Actor
2010 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Picture

Scott Rudin Productions, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
Director: David Fincher
Writer: Aaron Sorkin
Producers: Dana Brunetti, Scott Rudin, Michael De Luca

I viewed 1/11

RED (2010) PG13 - 3½ Stars

One of those types of movies you know can't happen but you choose to get involved anyway. With a slow start, the action finally gets moving and is done perfectly, not too over the top. How can you go wrong with Morgan Freeman and a great cast of all stars as retired CIA, coming back to life, when the government wants them to die faster.

Malkovich is awesome as Marvin who's been giving too much LSD that keeps him just a touch away from reality. Once again, Morgan shows again what a versatile actor he is. Willis is in his typical Die Hard character but this time has a warm heart, Parker is believable in her hostage role while Mirren revives life as an assassin with elegant charm. Though the idea of this movie seems familiar like "Knight and Day," with an innocent girl caught up in the cross fire, I enjoyed this movie much more. Always with an edge on comedy, "Red" is a good action packed drama showing how you shouldn't write off the seniors of our country. Also starring, Richard Dreyfuss, and Ernest Borgnine.

Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), used to be a hired gun for the CIA. Along with Joe (Morgan Freeman), Marvin (John Malkovich), and Victoria (Helen Mirren), these former government assassins were quit the CIA agents back in the day. They were the team the government hired to take someone out without wanting the public to know. But now, some one's trying to kill them, fearing they still know too much in the secretes the hold from the past.

Frank has developed a liking for Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker), and as he meets her for the first time, he must kidnap her to keep her safe. It seems the CIA loves to go after your loved ones in order to get to you. Sarah has no idea what Frank is involved in and protests her involvement. Then she's introduced to Joe, Marvin and Victoria and decides to help however she can. The team discovers the vice president may be involved in framing them as assassins. Their only hope is to break into CIA headquarters, exposing the truth to save their lives and reputations.

Summit Entertainment, LLC, DC Entertainment
Director: Robert Schwentke
Writers: Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
Producers: Mark Vahradian, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura

I viewed 1/11

Machete (2010) R - 4 Stars

OMG - WTF! How the heck do I describe this Tarrintino feeling wild ride. At first, I thought I'd rented a movie I was going to hate. There's more violence before the opening credits then I've ever seen before. But the more I watched, the more it grew on me with it's comedic edge on the politics of immigration. In a sick sort of way, it's refreshing to see a comedy, violent, action, drama, ORIGINAL film, which is also why I gave it an extra 1/2 star. A wee bit more character development in Machete might have given me a warmer fuzzy feel but I have to say for a somewhat serious farce, it was pretty funny, especially towards the end. With an all star cast, Michael Rodriguez is perfect, Cheech is Cheech and fits right into the padre, DeNiro hilarious racist senator, a naked Lindsay Lohan playing herself, Jessica Alba immigration agent with a mean right hook and a heart and Luz, the best looking taco girl around.

If you can handle watching a sharp machete and lots of blood, you will enjoy this film. It's certainly not going to be for anyone who's anti violence. But I've gotta say, I've never seen anyone pull a cell phone from her privates, swing through windows by intestines or laughed at blood squirting. DEFINITELY not for children or anyone easily offended.

Machete (Danny Trejo), used to be a Mexican Federale until he was set up while trying to save a girl while on the job. Remarkly, three years later he's on the street looking for a job. In Texas, he meets Luz "She" (Michelle Rodriguez), a taco vendor who befriends the illegals on the street. Her goal is to create a network to help these people find jobs.

Senator McLaughlin (Robert De Niro), is running for election of the state with his promise to bring an electrical fence to the borders keeping all illegals out. With no cheap day laborers, Americans will be forced to pay more for U.S. products thus making larger profits. The Senator's been seen with a rifle and a group of vigilantes, run by Lt. Von Stillman (Don Johnson), who drive around welcoming illegals crossing the border with a shinny new bullet. McLaughlin needs more public support to win so, sleazy drug lord Torrez (Steven Seagal), and mobster Booth (Jeff Fahey), concoct a plan to attempt the Senator's assassination by a Mexican. Machete is hired for $150,000 US. and he immediately gives the money to Luz to help her support her network. Then he's off to take out McLaughlin. But he's been framed to be the fall guy while another shooter wounds him and the Senator. Aha! The perfect plan right? The Senator is the hero and a Mexican is to blame therefore enforcing the Senators' border plan. But you can't keep a good Machete user down and along with the help of an armed holy man and brother, Padre (Cheech Marin), a caring Mexican immigration agent, Sartana (Jessica Alba), and Machete's new network behind him, they ride into battle in the finest low riders.

Overnight Productions, Hyde Park Entertainment, 20th Century Fox
Directors: Robert Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis
Writers: Álvaro Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis, Robert Rodriguez
Producers: Rick Schwartz, Aaron Kaufman, Elizabeth Avellan

I viewed 1/11

The Children of Heaven (1997) PG - 3½ Stars

A very touching Iranian movie, filmed in Tehran, about the love between a brother and sister. From a poor neighborhood, the children have little possessions in their lives and any addition is treated like gold. After Ali looses his sisters shoes, they must share his pair so their parents will not find out. Farrokh and Naji are really great little actors, faces of innocence with puppy dog eyes. Simple story with not a lot of action but the message is well received. With subtitles it's the type of story you don't have to understand the language to enjoy the visuals that tell the story.

Ali (Mohammad Amir Naji) and his little sister Zahra (Mir Farrokh Hashemian), live in a very poor part of town with their mother (Fereshte Sarabandi) and father (Mohammad Amir Naji), and their new born sibling. The children, though young, have responsibilities in their family to both pitch in. Ali is in charge of picking up his sisters shoes from repair. He picks them up stops to get bread and potatoes on his way home. But a blind man comes by and mistakes his bag of shoes for trash and hauls them away. His father would be furious with Ali as they can barely afford to live let alone buy her another pair so Ali and Zahra make a pact with each other to share Ali's sneakers and not let their father know. Zahra uses them in the morning and Ali uses them in afternoon. It's not an easy task to switch off and keep their secret, but Ali promises to come in third in a foot race to win the pristine prize of brand new sneakers.

Institute For the Intellectual Development of Children & Young Adults, Donah Film Company
Director: Majid Majidi
Writer: Majid Majidi
Producer: Mohammad Sared Seyedzadeh

I viewed 1/11

Serendipity (2001) PG13 - 4 Stars

I really liked this romantic comedy about the chance of fate. Though I doubt this is ever going to happen, it's still nice to dream about your destiny. I think men will enjoy this movie as mush as women as it's not just a "chick flick." John and Kate have great chemistry together and the New York setting feels right. If you've ever missed someone or believe in love at first sight, it's your destiny to see this movie.

Jonathan (John Cusack), and Sara (Kate Beckinsale), are two New Yorkers shopping for a present. By chance, they both land their hands on the same last pair of gloves. With a glimpse into each others eyes, there's a special spark in both they just can't ignore. Both are currently in relationships but the two just can't help the strong attraction they are feeling. They decide it can't hurt anything if they have coffee together and talk. Sara writes her number on paper for Jonathan but it flies away in the wind. She tells him she greatly believes in fate and if they are meant to be together they will be. She has just bought a book and swears she will write her phone number in it and donate it to a used book store in the morning. If he can find the book, he will have her number once again proving fate.

Years pass as Jonathan has been unable to find the copy of the book and he is now engaged to marry another. He confides in his best friend Dean Kansky (Jeremy Piven), that he just can't shake that feeling he had with Sara years ago. It turns out Sara, now living in San Francisco, is also engaged yet still can't shake the feelings she had over meeting Jonathan. Her best friend Eve (Molly Shannon), encourages her to try to find Jonathan because perhaps he has still been looking for her. They both need to know if serendipity has kept them apart of is still there to bring them together.

Tapestry Films, Simon Fields Productions, Miramax Films
Director: Peter Chelsom
Writer: Marc Klein
Producers: Peter Abrams, Simon Fields, Robert L. Levy

I viewed 6/10