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January 29, 2010
Friday Rewind: John Adams (2008)
***Originally posted on June 19, 2008***


Should I see it?
Absolutely.

Short Review: For some strange reason I kept expecting Adams to scream out at the Congress that he wasn't going to drink any %$#@ merlot.




HBO for all of its lowbrow content and stupid programming does distribute some very good films every once in a while. This seven-part mini-series is an absolute joy. Like Band of Brothers, another series released by HBO, this production is awe-inspiring in its scope and more importantly, its quality. Across the board this series is an impressive achievement that I can't recommend strongly enough.

The series follows the life of founding father John Adams (Paul Giamatti) from his days as an upstart lawyer in Boston to his final days, decades later, on his farm with his children. What this series is a very strong defense of the man. History hasn't been generous to Adams, who spends his time in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (which is how he spent good portions of his life). This series serves to concentrate on his sacrifice, his ideals and his hand in the creation of the most prosperous and generous country in the world. The film also serves to promote his wife Abigail Adams (Laura Linney) as a foundation figure during this time. Abigail, the first second lady and second first lady of the country, is presented as the "woman behind the man" who not only keeps the overly emotional Adams in line but guides his policies as well.

The sense of reality in the series is what struck me. The portrayal of John Adams is not flattering. He is shown to be an bitter and generally unpleasant man who is the victim of his colleagues' embarrassment and political plotting. He's like the guy at the office who known as the workhorse who everyone dumps work on knowing he'll do it. Sure he grumbles but he'll get it done. Then everyone forgets to invite him out to drinks after work. Adams was abused by his cohorts, then again, the film makes it difficult to find too much sympathy for him, after all, he was rather abrasive.

Kirk Ellis' scripts are hands down brilliant and he should get the credit he deserves. His handling of this epic tale is impressive. He spans huge tracts of time without stumbling or breaking his pacing. His dialog is at once rich and literate while also not being above the head of the average audience. He knows how to use the spoken word to deliver layered scenes and how to use them to establish character. Ellis has a very sharp ear for dialog. His talent is on full display throughout this production.

Given the vibrant scripts, the actors are given rich ground in which to do their work. Paul Giamatti proves himself in the titular role. Giamatti (Howard Stern's Private Parts, The Lady in the Water, Sideways) is absolutely commanding in his role. Easily the best performance of his career thus far, Giamatti presents a man who is brilliant, but tormented by his own personality. Adams' midlife is so consumed by panics of insecurity it would have been easy for Giamatti to become melodramatic in his presentation. Buttressed by Ellis' writing, Giamatti navigates the emotional roller coaster of Adam's life with apparent ease. Alongside Giamatti, Laura Linney (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Breach, Kinsey) gives an equally striking performance as Abigail. Linney's performance is far more subdued, more controlled but nonetheless enthralling. She is the perfect match to Giamatti's big on screen presence. Where Giamatti is a broad performer, Linney is more refined, able to express quite a bit with a well placed smile or turn. The pairing of the two in the specific roles is at the center of this series' success.

Overall, this is worth the investment of seven hours. This series should be shown at schools. It plainly shows the common lives of the founding fathers, shows how they were real men and not just iconic figures. It also presents the birth of our nation in an even light. Most importantly, it is a reminder that this country was founded to be a land of freedom FROM government not a bloated welfare state for the world. The qualities of personal, individual freedom, which are under attack by both political parties, is defended by this production and anything that makes the argument for personal liberty deserves all the attention it can get.


Cautions: There is a scene with frontal male nudity. A man is being tarred and feathered and he is one full display during this torment. Other than this exception, the series is very restrained in its violence and sexuality. The language is not strong and most off color comments are buried in flowery language.


Worldview: This series, as any look at the founding fathers, confirms the hand of God in the birth of the United States. Those men brought together under those circumstances at that time is mind boggling. Throughout the film the hand of provenience is credited. It is remarkable that Adams, Jefferson and particularly Franklin were so flawed as men but were still selected to be the devices which created this land. These men, each remarkable in their own right, combined to create a great country that spawned an ever greater people.


Related Reviews:
The Crossing (2001)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Beyond Hollywood
Movie Hamlet




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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 8:00 AM



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December 3, 2008
Movie Trailer: Duplicity
I'm sure there's plenty of people who will find this attractive. Personally, I'm a crank and the whole thing makes me roll my eyes. Honestly, Julia Roberts and the Linty Mumbler as spies? And that derivative "we want to remind you of Ocean's 11 music so you get the cue this is supposed to be upbeat and cool" soundtrack?

Looks like yet another crime romp with sharp editing and cool cat dialog. These are getting as tired as those stupid spoof movies.






Screenwriters: Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton)
Director: Tony Gilroy (Proof of Life)
Actors: Julia Roberts (Charlie Wilson's War), Clive Owen (Children of Men), Carrie Preston, Paul Giamatti (Sideways) and Tom Wilkerson (Batman Begins)

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October 7, 2008
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Should I see it?
Yes.


Short Review: Even sans pea soup, this is the best horror film in decades.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose

This film was made for $19,000,000.00. Released at the same time, Spielberg’s War of The Worlds cost $132,000,000.00. Proof that it doesn’t take massive budgets to make greatness.

The Exorcist dominated cinematic exorcisms much in the same way Bond is the only real spy and Star Wars is the touchstone for all space films. These classics defined their subject matter, and to even think of getting a foothold on their ground is risky business. The Exorcism of Emily Rose made me forget about The Exorcist (the best horror film of all time.) This was done through the film's revolutionary element its deep sense of reality. Director/Co-Writer Scott Derrickson infuses a strong sense of the real into his film which only serves to buttress the horror. Exorcism and demonic possession is a serious topic and Derrickson has the intelligence to take it sincerely. His honest look at the subject is what makes this film brilliant. The Exorcist took its subject matter very seriously as well, but upon reflection took loose translations of reality. This film doesn’t go the pea soup and head-spinning route. It keeps its characters and their troubles within the realm of the possible.

Derrickson’s film is strongly paced and smartly presented. Through the lens of a courtroom, we are exposed to the strange case of Emily Rose. Emily’s priest Father Moore is on trial for negligent homicide, a result of the young woman’s death. Since the film comes at the subject matter through this avenue, Derrickson is able to present Emily’s story patiently and to it fullest effect. The courtroom scenes issue explanations of what is to come and then we are sent off to the horrible world of poor Emily Rose. The continual set up presentation of scary scenes is quite powerful. The courtroom setting also sets up a Protestant court convicting a Catholic idea vibe…luckily this isn’t pushed too hard. I’ll move on before I get into a Protestant vs. Catholic thing.

The performances in the film match the strength of the writing and directing. Tom Wilkinson as Father Moore and Laura Linney as his attorney Erin Bruner perform to their normal high standards. These two are continuously good performers who almost always manage to offer solid work. The star of the film is Jennifer Carpenter who portrays Emily. While she doesn’t get many actual lines, she offers very convincing renditions of being possessed and going insane. This may not seem like much but it can be very difficult for an actor to get this kind of performance done properly. There is a thin line between scary and stupid. While filming, the actor must look like a complete idiot writhing on the ground or making funny faces. They have to give their full trust to their director and hope they are talented enough to keep them from looking like a moron on the big screen. Carpenter’s performance is striking in that it doesn’t seem forced. As with Derrickson’s direction, Carpenter shows truthfulness in her performance and that gives this film its heart.

Overall, this is a truly brilliant film. If you haven’t already seen this film, you should. It is clearly worth the rental price. Outstanding.


Click on the screamer to view the trailer


Related Reviews:
Possession movies
Fallen (1998)
Dominion: The Prequel To The Exorcist (2005)

Other Critic's Reviews:
Film Geeks
Beyond Hollywood

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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 5:00 PM



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June 19, 2008
John Adams (2008)
Should I see it?
Absolutely.





Short Review: For some strange reason I kept expecting Adams to scream out at the Congress that he wasn't going to drink any %$#@ merlot.


HBO for all of its lowbrow content and stupid programming does distribute some very good films every once in a while. This seven-part mini-series is an absolute joy. Like Band of Brothers, another series released by HBO, this production is awe-inspiring in its scope and more importantly, its quality. Across the board this series is an impressive achievement that I can't recommend strongly enough.

The series follows the life of founding father John Adams (Paul Giamatti) from his days as an upstart lawyer in Boston to his final days, decades later, on his farm with his children. What this series is a very strong defense of the man. History hasn't been generous to Adams, who spends his time in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (which is how he spent good portions of his life). This series serves to concentrate on his sacrifice, his ideals and his hand in the creation of the most prosperous and generous country in the world. The film also serves to promote his wife Abigail Adams (Laura Linney) as a foundation figure during this time. Abigail, the first second lady and second first lady of the country, is presented as the "woman behind the man" who not only keeps the overly emotional Adams in line but guides his policies as well.

The sense of reality in the series is what struck me. The portrayal of John Adams is not flattering. He is shown to be an bitter and generally unpleasant man who is the victim of his colleagues' embarrassment and political plotting. He's like the guy at the office who known as the workhorse who everyone dumps work on knowing he'll do it. Sure he grumbles but he'll get it done. Then everyone forgets to invite him out to drinks after work. Adams was abused by his cohorts, then again, the film makes it difficult to find too much sympathy for him, after all, he was rather abrasive.

Kirk Ellis' scripts are hands down brilliant and he should get the credit he deserves. His handling of this epic tale is impressive. He spans huge tracts of time without stumbling or breaking his pacing. His dialog is at once rich and literate while also not being above the head of the average audience. He knows how to use the spoken word to deliver layered scenes and how to use them to establish character. Ellis has a very sharp ear for dialog. His talent is on full display throughout this production.

Given the vibrant scripts, the actors are given rich ground in which to do their work. Paul Giamatti proves himself in the titular role. Giamatti (Howard Stern's Private Parts, The Lady in the Water, Sideways) is absolutely commanding in his role. Easily the best performance of his career thus far, Giamatti presents a man who is brilliant, but tormented by his own personality. Adams' midlife is so consumed by panics of insecurity it would have been easy for Giamatti to become melodramatic in his presentation. Buttressed by Ellis' writing, Giamatti navigates the emotional roller coaster of Adam's life with apparent ease. Alongside Giamatti, Laura Linney (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Breach, Kinsey) gives an equally striking performance as Abigail. Linney's performance is far more subdued, more controlled but nonetheless enthralling. She is the perfect match to Giamatti's big on screen presence. Where Giamatti is a broad performer, Linney is more refined, able to express quite a bit with a well placed smile or turn. The pairing of the two in the specific roles is at the center of this series' success.

Overall, this is worth the investment of seven hours. This series should be shown at schools. It plainly shows the common lives of the founding fathers, shows how they were real men and not just iconic figures. It also presents the birth of our nation in an even light. Most importantly, it is a reminder that this country was founded to be a land of freedom FROM government not a bloated welfare state for the world. The qualities of personal, individual freedom, which are under attack by both political parties, is defended by this production and anything that makes the argument for personal liberty deserves all the attention it can get.


Cautions: There is a scene with frontal male nudity. A man is being tarred and feathered and he is one full display during this torment. Other than this exception, the series is very restrained in its violence and sexuality. The language is not strong and most off color comments are buried in flowery language.


Worldview: This series, as any look at the founding fathers, confirms the hand of God in the birth of the United States. Those men brought together under those circumstances at that time is mind boggling. Throughout the film the hand of provenience is credited. It is remarkable that Adams, Jefferson and particularly Franklin were so flawed as men but were still selected to be the devices which created this land. These men, each remarkable in their own right, combined to create a great country that spawned an ever greater people.


Related Reviews:
The Crossing (2001)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Beyond Hollywood
Movie Hamlet


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 6:00 AM



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June 3, 2008
Michael Clayton (2007)
Should I see it?
Yes.


Short Review: Its a rare Hollywood movie - one that doesn't assume its audience is a bunch of mouth-breathing morons.



Screenwriter Tony Gilroy's (The Devil's Advocate, The Bourne Ultimatum) directorial debut is a very strong, dramatic work. The film is driven not by his directing skills, which are actually very well honed, but by his masterful script. The writing for this film is a rare treat. The characters could have come across somewhat stock, but Gilroy reveals enough about them to give them a breath of life. It is uncommon to see this level of care put into even supporting characters who would have normally have not been given much development at all.

The story surrounds Michael Clayton (George Clooney), a fixer for a powerful law firm. If something is hitting the fan, its his job to wipe things up and make them better. After years of struggle and success, he begins to discover what many already know, power, money and success will not give a life meaning. As a symbol of this, Clayton's personal life is literally bankrupt. He's alone, divorced and thanks to his gambling, in debt to the mob for $75,000. Despite his talents, good looks and sharp suits, he is still a lonely loser. Clayton's job intrudes into this quiet personal meltdown. One of Clayton's friends and his law firm's most brilliant lawyers Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkerson) has gone off his meds and had a breakdown (involving his stripping naked at a deposition). Arthur is guilt-ridden by protecting a corporation that has been selling toxic pesticides on the open market to Midwest farmers. The cost in human life has corroded Edens' soul and he finally decides to make a break from his law firm and bring the corporation down. Clayton is brought in to talk the frantic Edens out of his stupor and get him to rejoin the team and play ball. Lurking around this is Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) who, on the corporation's behalf, tries to fix the problem herself through the works of some thugs. Crowder is a nervous corporate climber, desperate to get noticed and join the higher ranks of society.

There is plenty of great scenes and brilliant acting to make this one of the better films of last year. The production received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Swinton (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her mousy role. The praise is well-deserved. This layered, and masterfully presented film is what Hollywood should be doing. The movie, with an even hand explores life and gives a truthful resolution in a satisfying fashion.

Tom Wilkerson (The Full Monty) is the real star of the film, in my estimation. His performance as the manic/depressive Edens is striking. He commands the movie and delivers one of the more compelling performances in recent memory. If it hadn't been for Daniel Day-Lewis' performance as Daniel Plainview in There Will be Blood, which is one of the best performances in film history, Wilkerson's Edens would have been the best performance by an actor last year. He absolutely nails the role. Opposite him, Clooney, well, he's just George Clooney. His shallow pool of tricks is exposed next to Wilkerson, Swinton and Sydney Pollack, who plays Clooney's boss, the head of the firm Marty Bach. Clooney never rises above being himself. He's just Miles from Intolerable Cruelty in a different suit, a depressed version of Danny Ocean from Ocean's 11. He's simply Clooney with better lines. This is a case of the actor not being big enough for his role. Clooney's deficiencies don't destroy the film luckily, he is passable. He looks angry when he should be angry, he looks troubled when he should be troubled. He does enough to get the point across. But again, placed against Swinton and Wilkerson, it is plain to see the difference between actors and a movie star.

This is a film worth your effort and I highly suggest seeing it. It is a thoughtful and carefully constructed production that gives its audience credit for having brains. This is a rarity to say the least.


Cautions: There is harsh language and some mild (by today's standards) violence, but other than that the movie is respectfully done. There are no gratuitous uses of sex and violence.

***Spoiler Warning - I may ruin aspects of the film from this point forward***

Worldview: The main point of the film is the emptiness of life and how to find meaning. As I mentioned in the main review, Michael Clayton is a hollow man. He seems to have everything but his private life is a disaster. He is realistic enough to see that his work is meaningless. He constantly refers to himself as a janitor. He cleans up other people's messes - he just gets paid a lot of money to do it. He creates nothing, he contributes nothing, he simply lives off the misfortune of others and protects the wicked.

His cohort Arthur Edens (Eden - that's intentional) should be the happiest man in the world. He's a genius at his chosen field, has risen into a position of prominence and has respect the world over. He is living the modern day version of masculine paradise - again, his name. But Eden has fallen, its not as it seems. He's been made crazy by the evil he's had to deal with to get to his powerful position. Throughout the film he and Clayton butt heads and Edens continuously condemns Clayton and tries to get him off the path that led him into destruction. Eden's calls himself "Shiva, the god of death". He is death because he is sin. At the end of his life he sees his foul ways and realizes he is not redeemed. For all of his work, he has built nothing at all.

Clayton, who's name either intentionally or unintentionally can be culled from Job 4:19-21

"How much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth! 20 Between dawn and dusk they are broken to pieces; unnoticed, they perish forever. 21 Are not the cords of their tent pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?"

He is the modern man looking to define himself through personal gratification. He wants riches and power and mistakes our current standards as being the path to enlightenment.
Gilroy's wonderful script contains a great number of little gems. The way he turns a phrase, his use of dialog and his character work all play in tandem. His plot moves effortlessly and shuttles this main point along calmly. In the end, Clayton finds some redemption by ensnaring Crowder and company and bringing them to justice (presumptively). The film is without a theological center however. The themes all line up and the resolution provides a morale but it is all done exterior to real enlightenment. Clayton reacts, not to the deaths of the victims of the poisonous chemicals, nor does he react tot he death of Edens (I told you I was going to ruin the movie), he only jumps to attention when he survives his own murder. His act is not sacrificial, it holds no higher purpose. It is done to protect himself. He admits as much at the end by explaining that he's the "guy you pay off". He resigns himself to his loathsome nature and doesn't pull away from it completely. In this sense, Clayton remains the same man but one who managed to do the right thing at least once.


Related Reviews:
George Clooney movies
O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
Syriana (2005)


Other Critic's Reviews:
The Southern Conservative
Clever Donkey

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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 7:49 AM



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