yournewfriendsam-1 Reviews

Blur (2007)

Surprise Indie! Check it Out!

[7/10 · 18 June 2007]

This is an indie film doing what an indie film should do: shocks, breaks the rules, and entertains. I hadn't heard too much prior to watching other than a recommendation from a buddy, but I was impressed with the film. The production value and the talent of the actors were both great. Very interesting artistic shots and great use of wide-angle lens. The actors also were a treat: fresh talented faces. The story was well written, predictable at some points, but never uninteresting. It had a really nice pace to it building the suspense into a crisp three-act structure. I loved the art work. The art played such a substantial role throughout the film. The hallmark piece was stunning. It played along with the story really well. I was also impressed with the editing sequence during the party scenes. It was very cool. A bit out of the ordinary, but very effective. The style was quick jump cuts reminiscent of Breathless or more recently Brick. MOST IMPORTANTLY: The last 15 minutes made the movie! It went from a suspense thriller to all-out horror--Beautiful representation of complex human emotions and behaviors. It is absolutely worth checking out.

Thank You for Smoking (2005)

Satire at Its Finest

[9/10 · 18 June 2007]

In a divided world of smokers and non-smokers, there is little hope of harmony between these two groups of people. Constant conflict over second-hand smoke and smoking in public places fires up both sides. Nick Naylor, lobbyist for Big Tobacco, spokesman for the Academy of Tobacco Studies, member of the M.O.D. Squad (Merchants of Death), and an all-around jerk can talk his way out of any pickle. From wriggling out of a national-television attack on the Joan Lunden Show to stopping the cancer-ridden Marlboro Man from bashing cigarettes, Nick has a talent. His talent lights up brilliantly in a film that dares to test the boundaries concerning cigarette smoking and the world of spin. Naylor never had trouble being the most hated man in America. Sure, being a "mass murderer" and a "profiteer," oh, and a "yuppie Mephistopheles," can take its toll, but Naylor nevertheless happily defends an industry that kills 1,200 people a day. Even when his son, Joey, begs of him at his school's career day, "Please, don't ruin my childhood." On the other side of the issue is Senator Finisterre of Vermont, who dedicates his life to condemning Naylor and his work. His endeavor has him packaging all cigarettes with a poison label represented by skull and crossbones. The warning claims to be "a reminder of the dangers of smoking." Naylor agrees. And since heart failure is the number one killer in the United States, Naylor also feels cholesterol-filled Vermont Cheddar Cheese should carry the label as well. Reporter Heather Holloway also has some flexible morals of her own, as she employs her rather evident sex appeal in an exclusive interview with Nick Naylor. Exposing most of his darkest secrets in her poignant article, Naylor is unable to defend his ruined reputation. But Holloway, like all evil villains, is eventually brought to justice. An incredible cast, featuring Aaron Eckhart, Robert Duvall, William H. Macy, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Maria Bello, David Koechner, Adam Brody, and Dennis Miller, shines under the directorial genius of Jason Reitman. Reitman, son of film director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Kindergarten Cop, & Evolution), provides an originality to the picture necessary for color and a satirical tone. Reitman creates a unique style of humor throughout the picture. A film with a message and witty delivery is rare to come by in modern motion pictures. The screenplay was adapted from the 1993 novel, Thank You for Smoking, by Christopher Buckley; also an amazing read and maybe funnier than the film.

Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)

Good Night, and Good Movie

[9/10 · 18 June 2007]

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home." -A thought that resonates true throughout, director and star, George Clooney's latest gem, Good Night, & Good Luck. Starring David Strathairn with a near perfect performance of the legendary Ed Murrow, Good Night, & Good Luck takes a behind-the-scenes look at Broadcast Journalism's most memorable battle: Edward Murrow vs. Senator Joseph McCarthy. Viewers may find polishing up their American History knowledge of the 1950's Red Scare beneficial, but note this-- Good Night, & Good Luck's screen play, written by Grant Heslov, follows the events in remarkable accuracy stimulating those old memories of 11th grade history class (7th period while desperately trying to stay awake) allowing any viewer to follow along. But Good Night, & Good Luck is anything but a history lesson. The film portrays the fast paced exciting moments of live television, and with the advantage of hindsight Clooney could make a protagonist out of Murrow and his team (featuring the notable Clooney as Fred Freidnly, Robert Donwey Jr as Joe Wershba, and Jeff Daniels as Sig Mickelson). The film samples real footage from the Communist hearings and the rebuttal Sen McCarthy gives on Murrow's show. It leaves a genuine feeling, even a sense of patriotism, when Murrow heroically stands up for his country and the people being bullied by McCarthy. Another mentionable performance was by Ray Wise in his portrayal of the sad, and the slow deterioration of Don Hollenbeck. Hollenbeck committed suicide during the weeks of the CBS quarrel with Sen McCarthy. With Good Night, & Good Luck's undeniable charm, timeliness with current political deception, and quick intelligent wit, Ed Murrow and the gang of CBS moguls may help restore a little faith back in the liberal media.