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Reviews
Eve's Bayou (1997)
Eve's Bayou is hauntingly special
This is an incredibly fascinating film by Kasi Simmons. Beginning with this preamble, Eve's Bayou takes us to the Tennessee Williams country of the deep south and introduces us to the rarest of motion picture institutions: an affluent black family. (Judging by the movies, most blacks live in inner city ghettos.) Ultimately, however, this film is not about skin color, but about the deeply-rooted bonds that join women together, which not even the most tragic of mistakes can obliterate. The setting -- a small town in Louisiana during the 1950s -- serves its purpose, but the themes broached by the writer/director are anything but parochial in nature. If there's a weakness in Eve's Bayou, it's that the setting isn't used as effectively as it could be. Placing the film in and around the swamps of Louisiana affords a rich opportunity for atmosphere that isn't utilized. Several throwaway shots of reeds and water establish the location, but do little to imbue the bayou with a life of its own. Nevertheless this is one good movie you shouldn't miss.
The Last King of Scotland (2006)
Great look at one of the most treacherous regimes ever seen
Despite the title(which to be fair has a meaning that relates to the ongoing of this film) this is about the infamous Ugandan ruler Idi Amin- who has, I must add, has been portrayed stupendously by Forrest Whitaker(who won an Oscar for this). The Last King of Scotland explores the turmoil and troubles surrounding the beginning of one of the country's darkest recent periods: the Idi Amin regime, which lasted from 1971 through 1979 and resulted in thousands upon thousands of deaths. (The exact number is unknown, but is estimated to be between 80,000 and 500,000.) Based on actual events, the movie takes us into Amin's inner circle through the eyes of an outsider who is initially charmed by the charismatic leader until Amin's true nature begins to bubble to the surface. The Last King of Scotland does not refrain from showing the brutality of what Amin's reign becomes. The film contains its share of gruesome images, including a torture scene that depicts in unflinching detail what happens to someone who betrays Amin.
Dellamorte dellamore (1994)
Underrated highly atmospheric horror-comedy
If you don't mind horrific, grotesque comedy that mixes the gore of George Romero and Dario Argento with the quixotic irreverence of Monty Python and Delicatessen, Cemetery Man provides the opportunity for a funny, strange time at the movies. Moreover this is a highly atmospheric film and Soavi's love for the horror genre shows in the composition of almost every scene. Soavi uses the time not spent on raucous action to cultivate a sense of atmosphere and craft surreal beauty in the limited setting of the graveyard and that in my opinion is as good as any to see this film.
Moneyball (2011)
For baseball lovers this is a great watch
For the baseball fan stretches of Moneyball are more than engaging - seeing how Beane constructed the 2002 out of the ashes of the 2001 edition, which was ravaged by free agent departures; watching losing baseball becoming the winning variety; and re-living "the streak" - a 20-game odyssey that made "Moneyball" a common word in baseball circles. Non-baseball lovers may enjoy the proceedings but are likely to be less impressed than their sports-savvy counterparts. It will be interesting to see how much of the early Academy Awards word-of-mouth is transformed into late-innings buzz and, ultimately, into Oscar gold. Brad Pitt is very good and along with The Tree of Life he has shown that a typical award worthy role doesn't have to be a mentally handicapped or a paraplegic or a raging alcoholic- He is the guy next door here. Jonah Hill provides worthy support in a non-comedic turn.
Babel (2006)
Must watch Inniritu film
There are four segments or parts in Babel. The first involves two children in a mountain village in Morocco. Their father has bought a gun to use to shoot predators hunting his sheep. One son, testing the range of the rife, fires a round at a tourist bus. The second segment features Americans Susan and Richard who are on vacation in Morocco. She is shot and badly injured by the bullet fired by the boys, and her fight for life turns into an international incident with terrorist overtones. The third segment focuses on Susan and Richard's two children, who are under the care of an illegal immigrant, Amelia.When their parents can't make it home on time, Amelia and her nephew Santiago are forced to bring the children across the border into Mexico so she can attend her son's wedding. When the border patrol becomes suspicious of them on their return journey, there are consequences. Finally, in faraway Japan, deaf-mute teenager Chieko is trying to cope in a world that offers little in the way of affection. Her mother committed suicide and her father is a cold, distant figure. In an attempt to capture a little emotional warmth, she engages in a series of increasingly risky sexual escapades. This is a great movie full of themes and underlying messages.
Bowfinger (1999)
If nothing else, watch it for Martin and Murphy's excellent talent
In Bowfinger Steve Martin plays a filmmaker desperate to make a film despite his lack of money, talent or connections. The film is extremely funny and not in a crude manner. This is an intelligent film. Eddie Murphy proves why he was such a famous comedian back in the day as he portrays twin brothers with opposite personalities and truly gives the film a certain leverage. There are great side roles for the likes of Heather Graham, Robert Downey Jr. and Terrence Stamp but the film belongs to Martin and Murphy. If you are in the mood for a heartfelt comedy without any pretenses than Bowfinger is a great choice.
Soylent Green (1973)
Really good early 70s science fiction
Soylent Green is an exceptional movie starring Charleston "Ben-Hur" Heston. One of the few great science fiction films released in the early 70s the film is fondly remembered by the older generation. Although the set design and production values are dated (even reviews back then called them sloppy) it is the flow of an engaging story that commands your attention. And of course-that ending.
Avatar (2009)
Avatar is sci-fi at its best
Avatar is James Cameron's child in waiting for longer than a decade. Twelve years since Titanic Cameron again delivers with a great science fiction epic with the usual tropes and clichés but somehow making it work. The film looks gorgeous and the planet Pandora will surely give nature pangs to many of us. It makes me wonder how much a great storyteller's skills matter- Everything and everyone was against Cameron and somehow, he has managed to deliver. If you haven't seen Avatar(how?) you should see it as soon as possible- this is a great science fiction adventure from a master filmmaker.
Mystic River (2003)
A captivating and harrowing performance by Sean Penn makes this a must watch
Mystic River directed by Clint Eastwood is a harrowing take on a murder in a small town. Featuring brave performances by all involved, especially Sean Penn, Mystic River is about morality, lies and greed. The film is a bit heavy and probably overlong but you will be pleased by the end of it. This is one of those films whose stature only grows with time.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Various stories abound about the movie
One of the greatest independent films ever made Pulp Fiction has entered pop culture consciousness and deservedly so. This is a great film- the mark of a great filmmaker. Various stories abound about the movie- from hiring the then out of work John Travolta to the non-linear manner of the plot to Tarantino winning the best screenplay Oscar. You just have to seethe film to make your own conclusions, but chances are you will love it. This is A grade filmmaking and everything from the script to the dialogue to the direction and acting is flawless. (Grade A effort from a grade A filmmaker).