Recently Seen Movies

Here are some of the notable movies I've seen in the past few weeks...

Doubt (A-)

This is a great film with great acting and an incredible story. Set in 1950s Brooklyn, Meryl Streep plays a hard-noised nun out against the priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) after she expects him of foul-play with one of the black students. Amy Adams plays a nun stuck in the middle, unsure of who to believe. Both sides seem very credible and the movie leaves it up to the viewer to decide who really was the guilty party.

Capitalism: A Love Story (C+)

I had high expectations for this Michael Moore documentary when I first heard of it, yet must say that I was somewhat disappointed. The film misses the target, by diving deep into personal stories and drawn-out references. Instead of really hitting at the core of capitalism, it wastes too much time on these personal stories. Sure it threw some out some very interesting facts, concerning the financial crisis of 2008, Reagan's presidency, and Obama's election. I still must give Michael Moore credit for demonstrating the terror of capitalism on such a large scale, and basically shouting to the audience to revolt as soon as possible.


Happy-Go-Lucky (B)

A very comedic and dramatic film about a careless teacher set in present day Britain. This teacher, played brilliant by Sally Hawkins, is in her 30s, loves her job and loves life. She has an extremely upbeat and wild personality, always happy and laughing. Although she is single most of the film, she enjoys her time with her students, friends, and family. It's a shame her performance did not at least win Sally an oscar-nod. Another very notable performance worth mentioning was her angry driver instructor played by Eddie Marsan.


Iron Man 2 (B-)

All-in-all this film was a basic summer blockbuster. I caught it at the dollar theater with my family, and was simply satisfied. Its definitely a movie you want to see in the theaters, high on action, visuals, and special effects. Mickey Rourke plays a pretty bad-ass villain as Whip-Lash. And Scarlett Johannsson, looked amazing as usual as the Black Widow...


The Painted Veil (B)

A great dramatic romance set in 1920s China, about a doctor played by Edward Norton and his beautiful wife, played by Naomi Watts. The doctor sets off to China to aid the epidemic of cholera that has spread throughout the villages, and brings his wife along, of which he is crazy for. His wife on the other hand, does not share his passion, and feels like a prisoner. The couple begins very distant from one another, yet their equal care for the epidemic slowly begins to bring them back together. It is a very interesting story, set in the backdrop of a politically tense China. Visually stunning, with a powerful score, and great performances from Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.



Cadillac Records (B-)

Tells the story the Chicago record label, Chess Records, set early in the 1950s. Leonard Chess, played by Adrian Brody sets off to create a new sound and genre through the help of Muddy Waters and Little Walter. They create a sub-genre of what becomes known as the Chicago-Blues, and become hits all throughout the country. The record label becomes extremely successfully signing other big up-and-coming names such as Howlin Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry. The film gives a very insightful look into the history of the blues, and has me in quite a phase right now..