aatx1154 Reviews

Sound of My Voice (2011)

Sound Worth Following

[7/10 · 14 May 2012]

If you are into films that are original and make you think as you leave the theater, this is the film to see while it is still in theaters. Christopher Denham and Nicole Vicius portray a couple attempting to infiltrate and expose a cult led by Brit Marling's Maggie but find themselves in too deep.

The film, presented with little back story and minor music cues leaves only the actors and scenes to bring the emotion and interest. All the actors do a good job with the material and if you go with the scenario being presented it's quite engrossing. The end result is a film that forces the viewer to do some of the heavy lifting to determine if Maggie is who she says she is or if it is all a scam.

Albert Nobbs (2011)

Close and McTeer make the film worth it

[6/10 · 7 February 2012]

Albert Nobbs, the seemingly 30 years in the making film about a 19th Century woman's deep repression of her essence and her becoming a master butler in a Dublin hotel does not not readily equip itself for the big screen. This film could have potentially become a one trick gimmick or melodrama and at times it borders right on the edge but with Glenn Close as the lead and Janet McTeer in a sturdy supporting role it is redeemed.

Close's mannerisms and complete immersion into the character is evident and the film showcases both her talents and also tries to intertwine some upstairs/downstairs issues to a lesser degree of success. Close's slow march toward rediscovery of herself as a person and as a woman is what keep you interested.

One Night (2007)

The Lives and Love of New Yorkers

[6/10 · 26 October 2010]

For a very low budget independent film, this is a solid look at one night in the lives of a dozen or more New Yorkers. It is a series of vignettes in which a myriad of individuals are presented and all will at some point be at a live music performance in a bar. Each are snapshots of relationships points either romantically or friendships.

Melissa Leo is the biggest name in the cast and once again gives full commitment to the role. There are a lot of unknown faces and yet all put in fairly solid performances. There are probably too many characters on the canvas and some work better than others, yet at least one will keep your attention until the end.

Tenderness (2009)

Nothing Changes....Nothing Ever Changes

[3/10 · 19 April 2010]

Despite having an interesting premise, Aussie director John Polsner (Swimfan, Hide and Seek) and screenwriter Emil Stern's adaptation of Robert Cormier's novel never seems to gain traction and generally fails to rise above its choppy editing and individual sets and sequences. Eric Poole (Jon Foster) is released from juvenile detention despite being convicted of the brutal murder of his parents. Eric must find a way to reconcile his past and cope with his present while Russell Crowe plays the semi-retired detective that brought him to justice in the past and is determined to keep close tabs on his future. Sophie Traub's Lori is an awkward teenager who has been obsessed with Eric since the murders and desperately pursues interaction between them at all costs.

It's a shame that potential character studies of these three individuals never fully materializes on screen nor does it mesh with the attempts at suspense and action. The biggest flaw is that the narrative is driven from the point of view of Crowe's detective character who also happens to have smallest of the three roles. Crowe's performance seems flat and perfunctory with no real character arc other than a slow chase of Eric and Lori and a subplot of a hospital-ridden wife that goes nowhere. Foster's Eric had the most potential but he never seems to bring more than a surface level amount of emotion and delivery to his scenes. The only standout is Traub who is able to balance her character's youthful recklessness and yet still retain some soulful insights.

This film is deliberately paced and a lot of scenes that were meant to provide emotional heft either do not resonate or are not fully played out which may be why the score is often raised several decibels. Characters share deeply personal details and yet suddenly we are on to another scene. Laura Dern who plays Eric's spiritual aunt is largely wasted. Would recommend only to individuals that are avid followers of the actors involved.

Grade: D

The Young Victoria (2009)

Splendidly Royal

[8/10 · 28 December 2009]

A new side to the story of Victoria and Albert is brought to life by director Jean-Marc Valle. Most people's cursory thoughts of Queen Victoria is that of woman who reigned for several decades and lived her life in mourning. Emily Blunt is more than capable in the title role as she gives audiences a different perspective. She portrays Victoria in her youth, ascension to the throne, and early years. Blunt's Victoria both fresh and restrained throughout the film. Her strongest scenes are with Albert (Rupert Friend) and Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany). All the actors acquit themselves well including Miranda Richardson in what could of been a throw-away role.

Though this is not a story of dramatic arcs and histrionic "acting" moments, the story is still interesting enough to make it worth viewing. There are a few historical liberties that has been taken by the screen writing, the film tries to stay true to the relationship between Victoria and Albert and of the social and royal structure of the time period. The set design and costumes are outstanding.

This film will be most appreciated by those drawn to history, period dramas, and of Blunt and the other actors. Heartily recommend.

Grade: A

Little Fish (2005)

Putting the Pieces Back Together

[8/10 · 6 May 2006]

Little Fish, the 2005 film from Australian director Rowan Woods is an intimate drama that follows the life of Tracy Heart portrayed by Cate Blanchett and her family and close friends. Each character in this drama are each trying to cope with a shattered past and still keep going in the present. Blanchett puts in another strong performance as Tracy, once again transforming into the character and letting the audience join her to the film's conclusion. All of the actors do a solid job. This film's plot is not one that is easy to follow with varying implied details, however the overall themes of family, love, regret, and dreams come through with the performances. Overall a very well paced, well directed and acted film. The DVD contains a 20 minute behind the scenes that explains the character motivations and storyline further.

Grade: A-

Heights (2005)

The View From Above

[8/10 · 1 February 2006]

Heights, the final film from Ismail Merchant productions was released in the summer of 2005 and was in my opinion one of the most underrated and under-seen film of the year. Heights stars Glenn Close in yet another role that she makes into her own as well as several actors that prove their acting chops in the film such as Elizabeth Banks, James Marsden, and Jesse Bradford. The film shows the audience a glimpse into the lives of several characters within urban New York. The themes of relationships between mother and daughter, current and past loves, impossible loves, and also the way strangers interact all are put before the viewers and play into the plot as it unfolds. It is a story about people figuring out who they really are, what they want and how sometimes settling is the easy thing to do when one does not want to confront the obvious. A very beautiful film with the great New York scenery it is easy to watch and care about the characters as the film progresses. A good film always raises questions within its audience and this one is no different.

Grade: A-

The Bridge of San Luis Rey (2004)

Love is the bridge between life and death...

[7/10 · 1 February 2006]

The Bridge of San Luis Rey, a film that held a minor theatrical release in 2005, spotlights an all star cast including Kathy Bates, F. Murray Abraham, Roberto DeNiro and Gabriel Byrne. Based on the novel by Thornton Wilder, it is the philosophical quest to find out whether or not our lives are decided by fate or by accident. The story takes place during the Colonial period of Spanish rule in Peru and this allows for grand scenery, art, and costume design that gives the film a very attractive look. The story is not so much based on plot and pace but rather a honest, timed look at the lives of the characters and their relationships with others. It reveals love in its many aspects. From Kathy Bates' Marquesa character seeking the love of her daughter, and Harvey Keitel parental love and affection for the actress "La Perichola" to the fraternal love of silent twin Indian brothers, and the love committed to God and society as portrayed by the nuns in the film. This is not a action, period piece but rather a sure handed viewing into the lives of the characters within an exquisite setting. This is a film that may not be accessible to most viewers. All in all a solid film with some lovely performances.

Grade: B

The Safety of Objects (2001)

Can objects be too safe?

[6/10 · 30 September 2005]

This 2001 indie film starts with the premise of characters and stories that are supposed to intertwine with each other. This is something similar to Magnolia and more recently Crash. However this does not play out quite as well. The acting is first and foremost the best thing about this film. Three excellent actresses in Mary Kay Place, Glenn Close,and especially Patricia Clarkson make the film better than it ought to be. Dermont Mulroney also does a good job.If only the writing and pace of the film was better. This film meanders and uses flashbacks throughout without finding its footing. It never quite captures the audience or even gives a firm resolution the questions the film raises. Its somewhat interesting and therefore I would recommend it to rent simply for the acting turned in by the cast.

Grade:C+

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

The Movie of the Night.......

[8/10 · 18 May 2005]

OK...the Phantom of the Opera movie which was years in the making finally debuted in late 2004. The film directed by Joel Schummacher had high Oscar hopes and also hype. All of this made me curious into watching this film when it came out on DVD in the spring of 2005. Phantom stars several lesser known actors and Minnie Driver. The film itself is not bad, but is not completely excellent either. It is a beautiful looking film with the set and art direction that is completely lavish and a spectacle. The costumes and music also are of first rate. In my opinion, it is the storyline which is a little thin to begin with that seems to drag and stall in the middle of the film. It picks up better in the latter third of the film for a good conclusion. All of the actors do an excellent portrayal and everything is sufficient. The DVD contains 2 discs with extras about the film. I would recommend this rental if you like musicals and extravagant films.

Grade: B+

Bad Education (2004)

The Religious Education....

[8/10 · 26 April 2005]

OK, the 2004 film Bad Education, from Pedro Almodovar, opened last year to great hype both for the film and for the star Gael Garcia Bernal for his complex performance and it does not disappoint. This is only the 2nd Almodovar film that I have seen and in my opinion this is his best. The complex sequences of fantasy, reality, past, and present is still fairly understood by audience. All of the acting performances are solid and Bernal lives up to the demands of the role. Very good looking film that delivers comedic, dramatic, and emotional moments. The DVD does contain some extras that are intriguing.

Grade:B+

Closer (I) (2004)

Up Close and Personal....

[7/10 · 14 April 2005]

OK, the wait for me is finally over. Last fall this movie made headlines for the performances given by the cast members. Two of them Clive Owen and Natalie Portman were rewarded with Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations. The hype was in place and my expectations were high. After seeing the film, i believe it was one the best in 2004. Director Mike Nichols gets good performances by everyone involved and the storyline about different aspects in relationships, emotions, sex, and people is what keeps people intrigued. Very surprised by Julia Roberts performance, it was a revelation to me. But the star of the movie was Natalie Portman and her characters wide range of emotion and actions. The DVD contains only the music video for the film and previews for other movies so that is a little disappointing but over all if you are looking for an adult film about relationships this would be an intriguing rental.

Grade: B+

Veronica Guerin (2003)

How one person can change a country...

[9/10 · 9 February 2005]

Veronica Guerin, the true story of the Irish journalist whose continuous probing and searching of the underground drug business led to her tragedy is told in this beautiful film by director Joel Schumacher. Cate Blanchett stars in the title role and really excels yet again in making this character sympathetic, brave, and full of emotion. All of the actors do a really good job. The scenery and background of Ireland lends itself well. The last third of the movie is the most moving with the final scenes capping it off. The story is a tragic one yet one that provides hope and stands as an example of how one person change the lives of so many through sacrifice. It was a very good film. The DVD contains plenty of extras and even real footage of the actual Veronica Guerin.

Grade: A

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Not as good as you think....

[3/10 · 9 February 2005]

OK After weeks about hearing how funny and good this film was I finally watched it. It has to be one of the most overrated films of 2004. There was no plot, no cohesive elements, and the comedy was only sporadic at best. The film drags on endlessly at the mercy of the main character and his antics. The character of Napoleon Dynamite starts of funny only because he is a unique film character. After fifteen minutes the joke of Napoleon turns old. The other characters seem to be invented solely for trying to outdo the other ones based on over the topness. Yes this movie was original and different but not in a good way.

Grade: D-

Vanity Fair (2004)

The Social Ladder....

[7/10 · 2 February 2005]

Vanity Fair held a good premise and a some fairly big hype going into the fall of 2004. It was starring Reese Witherspoon and directed by esteemed director Mira Nair. It turned out to be panned by some critics and bombed at the box office. It finally is out on DVD so my curiosity allowed me to rent this film. It was quite a surprise. This was a period piece drama/comedy and yet it felt and flowed quite modern. All of the acting was believable and enjoyable. The sets, costumes and sceneries are full of color and only enhances the story. The only drawbacks was that there were moments of confusion in the storyline and it had an overall light emotional feeling too it. As if yes Becky goes through ups and downs but somehow its okay...However this was an entertaining film. The DVD contains several extras and director commentary.

Grade: B-

The Grudge (2004)

The Grudge Hits All Cylinders....

[8/10 · 1 February 2005]

The Grudge, a horror movie based on the Japanese original but starring Americans. Now usually this genre and these types of films never work. However by keeping the original director of the film this film works. Based on the premise of restless spirits and curses this could have easily turned into a cheesy or over the top horror film. However due to surprises and sounds that are not common for American moviegoers it works. What also helps is that the way the story is laid out in fragment and the audience has to put the pieces together. It is not in a linear fashion. The acting was really good on all accounts with genuine performances by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Plenty of disturbing images and scares thrown in. The DVD contains several extras and previews. This is a good quality movie that I would recommend.

Grade: B

The Aviator (2004)

The Aviator....Lives up to the hype

[9/10 · 26 January 2005]

The day after this film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards I decided to go see it in the theater to see what all the fuss was about. I was disappointed by Scorsese's previous film and was expecting this one to be the same ploddingly well shot film. Thank god it wasn't. This film hits all cylinders and never misses a beat. ALL of the actors do a fantastic job especially Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn. The film however revolves around Howard Hughes and we see his highs and his lows. The Aviator has throwback feel and look to it complemented by special effects that weave their way into the film seamlessly. At just under three hours long its is paced well and the time goes by without dragging. It really is a good film that deserves all of the attention that it is getting and I recommend it to everyone.

Grade: A

Quills (2000)

Really pornography is a good thing....for sanity...

[8/10 · 3 December 2004]

I had been wanting to see this film for quite some time but I always chose something else when I went to the video stores. From what I heard, this film shocked some people but Geoffrey Rush was nominated for an Oscar so it had to have some redeeming value. The film met my expectations. The acting from the top names to the smaller roles were excellent. Both Rush and Michael Caine do outstanding work in their roles and they further prove what great actors they are. The pacing was good and the film never felt bogged down. All of the scenes in the film had a purpose in the storyline unlike many other period pieces where the audience has to sit through historical expositions. The DVD has quite a few extras. Overall this film is quite good and never boring. I would recommend it.

Grade: B+

Abandon (2002)

This movie begs for viewers to NOT abandon it...

[1 October 2004]

Unfortunately, this movie can't seems to do that. Plainly this film is terrible. I only rented it b/c it was on the cheap-rack and the cover looked interesting so I didn't have high expectations and rightly so. First time director Gaghan strikes out with this lame movie. It is billed as a thriller, but fails to produce a coherent story worth following. The main premise falls flat and even though Katie Holmes is valiant in this she can't save this film. The first 45 minutes are tedious and pretty much not important. Only after did the story become mildly interesting. The twist and turns aren't up to par and the sidestories fail to interest the viewers. Overall this wasn't even worth the rental.

Grade: D-

Elizabeth (1998)

The woman,the crown and her path to power...

[9/10 · 1 October 2004]

Elizabeth, the first English feature from Shekar Kapur who would later do The Four Feathers, shows the ascension to the throne of Elizabeth after the reign of Queen Mary. Religious tension as well as gender tension made this transition hazardous for her and this movie does an excellently job of combining the major events of her early life into a concise film. While it may not be 100% accurate, I'm sure length and drama were the cause. Cate Blanchett in the film that launched her career especially after the Golden Globe win is excellent as Elizabeth and other actors in the film are equally good such as Geoffrey Rush, Christopher Ecclesson, and others. The scenery and color of the film are the standouts and this film although being a period piece is never boring. The DVD has plenty of extras including two featurettes and a director's commentary. Overall this is a high quality film that is scheduled to have a sequel in 2006. A good rental or buy.

Grade: A

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Spectacular, Spectacular...

[7 September 2004]

Moulin Rouge, the Baz Lurhman directed film that was released to great hype a few years ago will be known for bringing back the musical. I watched Chicago first then Moulin Rouge and thought Chicago was clearly better at the time. I thought Moulin Rouge was too different and silly, and not really a REAL musical because a lot of the songs were not original. I then watched it again and the film grew on me. It really does take the viewer on a roller coaster ride of emotions from comedy, to romance, drama, and suspense. Nicole Kidman is absolutely excellent and deserved her Oscar nomination. Ewan McGregor also does a nice job. The DVD contains tons of extra information and is interactive. A very unique film that deserves several watchings to appreciate it fully.

Grade: A-

The Four Feathers (2002)

Sweeping Epic!

[8/10 · 29 August 2004]

The Four Feathers is a sweeping epic story that takes the audience from the lavishness of British Society to the windy deserts of the Sudan. The story is about redemption, honor and loyalty. Directed by the same man who did Elizabeth, this picture is colorful and has plenty cinematic views of the landscape of Sudan. You get the sense of both sides and what they are fighting. All of the actors do a great job, but the stand out for me Djimon Hounsou as the supporter of the main character. Definitely worth a rental or even DVD purchase. The DVD contains commentary and lots of extras.

Grade:B+

The Rules of Attraction (2002)

Its Not Oscar-like but pretty good...

[7/10 · 14 April 2004]

Roger Avary's film adaptation of the Brett Easton Ellis novel dealing with the life of several college students at a liberal arts college has a cast of solid young actors. Most recognizable James Van der Beek and Jessica Biel from the WB Network. The story exposes the shallow, selfish lives of all the characters and how big a deal perception or rather misconception of situations affects their lives. Each one consciously or unconsciously lives in denial or a fantasy world while at the same time dealing with real life situations. A pretty solid film that has some open ends left for the viewer. DVD includes lots of extra commentary from Avary and the actors.

Grade: B-

Laurel Canyon (2002)

So-So.....

[5/10 · 12 April 2004]

Laurel Canyon, the indie-type movie starring Frances McDormand is a hit and miss feature that at times is really good but at other times languishes on screen and slows to a tedious pace. A good cast with Kate Beckinsale, Alessandro Nivola, Christian Bale etc. The scenery looks great but the whole movie seems uneven especially the script and scene blending. You are never truly satisfied with any portion of this film even though there are good parts in it. McDormand is brilliant as always but you feel that if her role is played by anyone else than this film is even less than mediocre. DVD has some extras. However overall this film is just ok with nothing truly good or truly bad.

Grade: C+

Election (1999)

Too close to call.....

[8/10 · 31 March 2004]

Election had to be one of the more overlooked films of the past few years. This film is not really a comedy in the traditional sense but rather a satire on elections and personalities. Reese Witherspoon gives one of her best performance as Tracy Flick the overachiever. All the cast is perfectly cast. Throughout the film the director uses subtle irony and symbolism in the background. This film makes think at the same time it makes you laugh. On DVD this film only includes director's commentary and nothing else extra. I was hoping for a little more in that aspect. Great rental or buy.

Grade: B+