MONEYBALL

1/30/2012

 
Yes, it's good, but I love baseball and Brad Pitt, so what do I know? Wally Pfister makes it look great. Could someone please explain the appeal of Oscar nominee Jonah Hill?
http://www.moneyball-movie.com/site/

RESTLESS

1/29/2012

 
Henry Hopper, son of Dennis, and Mia Wasikowska star in Gus Van Sant's tale of two youngsters facing enormous loss. Hopper is good, and if you can get past Mia's huge head it's obvious she's a fine actor.  Shot in Portland.
Official Site: http://www.sonyclassics.com/restless/

50/50

1/27/2012

 
Seth Rogen is slightly less annoying, possibly due to his bromance with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Kinda funny, decent treatment of a touchy topic: cancer. Cast includes Anjelica Huston: love her!
Official Site: http://www.50-50themovie.com/

HAPPY, HAPPY

1/26/2012

 
No, no.
Official Site: http://www.magpictures.com/happyhappy/
 
Pay attention; this film has it all; characters, story, authenticity, great performances. Artistically executed: beautifully portrays the end of an era. Hiroyuki Sanada is awesome: love him!

SWITCHBACK (1997)

1/24/2012

 
Danny Glover, Jared Leto, Dennis Quaid, even Walt(on) Goggins are oh so young in this dated  yet entertaining, suspenseful saga about a rouge FBI agent's pursuit of a devious serial killer. Trains and Colorado locations used to maximum. R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket) seems a bit cliche, but surrender and you'll love him by the end.

ATTACK THE BLOCK

1/22/2012

 
Turn the subtitles on for this slightly funny British sci-fi action fantasy. Aliens attack an inner-city gang of teenagers. Music is good, but I didn't fall in love, or like, any of the characters. Cool 'cause it's from the U.K..
Official Site: http://attacktheblock.com/

THE IDES OF MARCH

1/20/2012

 
Entertaining, subdued political drama, but the question is: why are women relegated to the roles of pesky reporter and sexy intern? No film needs both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul  Giamatti. Would have been better with more females. Ryan Gosling and George Clooney are fabulous as usual.
Official Site: http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/theidesofmarch/
 
Incredibly awesome Swedish documentary about the Black Experience. Features a  jailhouse interview with Angela Davis. Can't wait to see it again!
Official Site: http://blackpowermixtape.com/
 
Origins story covers most of the main points of the original, except for why humans are mute in the future. Andy Serkis and the primate animation are expertly integrated into the live action. The next one should be apocalyptic!
Official Site: http://www.youtube.com/user/apeswillrise