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Reviews
Seven Pounds (2008)
Enjoyable, but predictable.
First, I did like this film. It was well acted by all.
However, I don't understand comments I hear from people about a surprise ending. I knew nothing about this movie going in except a few "gotta-see" recommendations, but I knew where the plot was going in under ten minutes. (I won't mention what clued me in so as not to spoil a good film for others.) Still, despite it seeming obvious, I kept watching. It was nice to see how everything played out, filling in the details and the character motivations in later scenes.
I don't hate it when I guess the ending early in a film. I only hate it when the road to resolution is lined with boring scenery.
Will Smith's screen persona is just likable, even when he's playing such a troubled character. He's energetic and believable in everything that I've seen him do. Seven Pounds is another fine performance.
Rosario Dawson is a solid performer, portraying a quirky, rather upbeat character despite a terminal heart condition. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and with Rosario, if you don't find her gorgeous, you should think about replacing your eyes.
It was nice to see Woody Harrelson back on the screen. I haven't seen him much lately, but that could just be me. Woody didn't have a tremendous amount of screen time, but he sold his jolly, piano-playing, blind man character for all it was worth. Excellent.
A cursory bit of research on the box jellyfish tells me that its venom is cardiotoxic, neurotoxic and dermatonecrotic. I would think this makes it a questionable choice for both pet and plot.
Overall, I have to recommend this film not for the plotting, but for some very good performances, and for the fact that it tends to evoke some of the tragic emotions that we generally try to avoid.
Charlie Wilson's War (2007)
This film's dialogue is incredible!
This film's dialogue is incredible! Sorkin definitely poured some sweat into the word processor on this one. I don't care if the wordplay and rapid-fire banter is realistic or not. It's absolutely freakin' wonderful! Tom Hanks is likable as ever as Charlie Wison, and Philip Seymour Hoffman is absolutely perfect casting for the streetwise CIA operative, Gust Avrakotos.
The initial meeting between Charlie Wilson and Gust Avrakotos is a riot. It starts with the pair sizing up each other's testosterone levels, then continues through numerous interruptions, character entrances and exits from several doors, a possible indictment, a hastily constructed press statement and legal defense, a gross breach of Wilson's privacy, a minor shouting match, and as grudging professional admirers the pair also shares a drink. Their first meeting ends at a second location with an impromptu Top Secret conference in a Washington park with a chess and weapons expert, and a decision on the soon-to-be-passed-by-congressional-committee budget increase for their newly reformulated covert war.
Yes, I said this was their FIRST meeting! And if you weren't paying attention, you missed a work of art.
Tom Hanks had to have a lot of fun with the Charlie Wilson character. He apparently listens to everyone, then tells you what he's going to do. And if you don't like what Charlie is doing, here's how Charlie is going to make you like it...and like him. You ain't leaving till you're on his side of the fence. And by the way, would you like some whiskey with that.
My favorite Charlie Wilson line: "You know you've reached rock bottom when you're told you have character flaws by a man who hanged his predecessor in a military coup." Philip Seymour Hoffman is so sharp, interesting and funny that you don't really see his character as menacing until you have a moment to breathe and think about the situation and the true import of his words. Then, it hits you. Witty or not, Gust Avrakotos is not a fun guy; he's hardcore dangerous. Gust Avrakotos kills Russians for a living, and he's very, very good at it.
Julia Roberts as Joanne Herring wields power from the religious right like she got her magic wand straight from Jesus. Congressmen and senators are pawns in her game. She has a bit of a soft spot for Charlie. After all, he is both fun and useful, and she barely minds that Charlie's office is staffed with sluts. The only person Joanne Herring doesn't seem to intimidate and manipulate is Gust Avrakotos. Gust has met too many people like Joanne. "I like you just fine, Mrs. Herring, it's just been my experience that when people with money and too much free time get involved in politics, pretty soon, I forget who it is I'm supposed to be shooting at." However, Gust will gladly change his mind and become a believer if she'll sleep with him tonight. Mrs. Herring has other plans.
Not to bring you down at the end, but the final message is both serious and accurate. The US deserted Afghanistan when the Russians left. This was very likely, if not the primary, at least one of the main starting points for 9/11.
This film can be viewed from numerous perspectives. It's political satire. It's a character study. It's history enacted. It's commentary on the Cold War. But overall, it's great, great fun.
I highly recommend viewing Charlie Wilson's War several times. You'll want to hear what you missed the first time because you were laughing so loudly.
Short Track (2008)
Excellent racing footage!
Excellent racing footage! Fast and fresh! It made me feel like I was back on the track myself. And while I'm not a southern boy, I sure know these characters. I've worked with them before.
The race announcer had to be a genuine pro. He was just too good.
And there's lots of other realistic touches here. The main character, Blake, is not your typical larger-than-life movie dude. He's just a regular guy dealing with business and family problems, and chasing his own dream while he's at it. He's one of those guys who are just likable, and you really want to see him win.
The young couple was like a mirror reflection of the parents' romance, which was still very much alive and kicking. (I'm glad to see that you can be over 40 and not dead!) The young actors actually looked like they were genuinely having fun. Ann Bratton is hot.
Good laughs and generally a good time watching this one.