Recently Seen Movies

Alice in Wonderland (C+)

For some strange reason, I've never been drawn to Lewis Carrol's story "Alice in Wonderland". Not even a summer blockbuster directed by Tim Burton, and starring Johnny Depp, could sway me into watching it. Yet many months later, after seeing this film nominated for three academy awards, and taking home two for best art direction and best costume design I decided it was finally time to give it a try. The film is basically a new take on Carrol's story, by adapting a much older Alice returning back to the wonderland. Great special effects, and a unique performance as usual by Johnny Depp as the Mad-Hatter.

The Imaginarum of Dr. Parnassus (C-)

Now here is a film that will always be remembered as Heath Ledger's final performance, and frankly that's about it. I suppose the concept was quite intriguing, a fictional world within a mirror, controlled by an old magician played by Christopher Plummer. Then there was the studio's decision to re-write the story and include big name stars, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Ferrel, to replace Heath Ledger as alternative versions. The film was nominated for two academy awards in Best Art Direction and Costume Design. The visuals were quite impressive, yet for the most-part this film was a bunch of drawn-out nonsense, with perhaps a few interesting moments, yet nothing to pull me in.

The Hurricane (B)

I've always enjoyed Bob Dylan's song, "The Hurricane", yet never really knew the true story about Ruben "Hurricane" Carter. In this film, starring the great Denzel Washington, we see the biopic of a wrongfully accused boxer set in the 60s. Ruben Carter could have been a middleweight champion of the world, but was wrongfully accused of murder by the racist and corrupt New Jersey state court. After spending 20 years in prison, he was finally able to prove his innocence in federal court, with the help of some hippie Canadian activists. Overall its a great true story carried by an incredible performance by Denzel Washington.


Bonnie and Clyde (B-)

I must say over the years I have become quite a fan of Warren Beatty's work, (Reds, Bugsy). He captures American folk-lore as a very passionate actor, producer, and director. This 1967 film focuses on the rise and fall of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the iconic public enemies of the 193os. Warren plays the smooth-talking, Clyde Barrow, who entices Bonnie Parker, played by the beautiful Faye Dunaway right from the start of the film. From here on out, the film becomes both both a romance and an action-packed heist of classic cops vs. robbers. Bonnie and Clyde are also joined by Clyde's bother, Buck, played by Gene Hackman, and his wife Blanche, that won the best supporting actress for Estelle Parsons. This film is a classic, known for its revolutionary portrayal of violence.


Network (B)

After watching the mesmerizing Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde, I just had to watch her other claim to fame, The Network, which won her the Academy Award in 1976. She was also good in Chinatown! However in this film, she plays a vicious business-woman, who only cares about her work as the chief programmer. This 1976 film directed by Sidney Lumet intermingles several stories all revolving around the industry of broadcast television. There are several notable performances in this film, such as the great Robert Duvall, playing the role of a ruthless business executive. Then there is William Holden, who plays the director/producer, on his way out of the business. And finally there is the most memorable performance of the film by Peter Finch, who plays the passionate anchor Howard Beale who is "mad as hell! and not going to take it anymore!" This performance won Finch a posthumous Academy Award. Another interesting fact about this film is a five minute performance by Holden's wife in the film, played by Beatrice Straight who also won an academy award for best supporting actress. All-in-all great performances and classic film from Sidney Lumet.


I Heart Huckabees (D+)

Not really sure where to begin on this film directed by David O. Russell in 2004. I've heard of it for some time now, perhaps due to it's impressive cast, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jude Law, Mark Wahlberg, Naomi Watts, etc... So finally I decided to pick it out at the library and give it a try. And now I know why I waited so long to watch it. The story is simply out-of-control, all over the place... It is definitely character-driven, yet each performance is either way off the deep end, or extremely shallow. The film tries way too hard to hit at some philosophical, metaphoric meaning, while missing any logical reasoning whatsoever. Ultimately a wild failure in my opinion, that lost my attention in the first five minutes.


Brothers (B-)

Tobey Maguire's critical breakthrough. Yes, this man can act beyond the Spiderman blockbusters. He's played some good dramatic roles in films such as Pleasantville, Cider House Rules, Seabiscut, and The Good German yet this role was finally his chance to show off his skill. The story is a unique love triangle, between an Afghanistan veteran, played by Maguire, his wife, played by the beautiful Natalie Portman, and his brother, played by Jake Gyllenhaall. The three of these stars brought exceptional performances to a thrilling film. After this performance, I would now expect to see more accolade from Maguire in his future films.