WAKING MADISON
ELISABETH SHUE, TARYN MANNING, SARAH ROEMER
MADISON HAS BEEN ABUSED SINCE A SMALL CHILD BY HER MOTHER. SHE HAS TRIED TO TAKE HER LIFE SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY, OUT OF DESPERATION, SHE DECIDES TO LOCK HERSELF INTO HER APARTMENT FOR 30 DAYS TO TRY AND FIND HERSELF AND BE CURED.
ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTOR, THE BASIC STORY OF THIS MOVIE IS BASED ON EVENTS THAT HAPPENED TO HER AND IN HER LIFE, SO THERE IS A CERTAIN REALISM TO THE STORY. ROEMER PLAYS MADISON, AND AS SHE TRAVELS THROUGH THE 30 DAYS OF LOCK DOWN, WE GET TO SEE IN HER MIND AND EXPERIENCE THE THOUGHTS SHE IS HAVING. AS MIGHT BE EXPECTED, THOSE THOUGHTS CAN BE SOMEWHAT JUMBLED AND CONFUSING, AND THAT LEAVES THE VIEWER IN A STATE OF CONFUSION, BUT THAT ONLY ADDS TO THE EXPERIENCE OF THE MOVIE. HOWEVER, THE DIRECTOR IS ADEPT ENOUGH TO PLACE CLUES THROUGHOUT THE MOVIE TO LET US KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON AND TO FOLLOW THE STORY. SHUE PLAYS THE DOCTOR TRYING TO HELP MADISON WITH HER PROBLEMS AND MANNING PLAYS A PATIENT IN THE HOSPITAL WHERE MADISON ENDS UP. THIS IS A COMPELLING MOVIE THAT MAY SOUND LIKE A DOWNER BUT REALLY ISN'T. IT IS A GOOD DRAMA ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF HAVING MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND THE EXTREMES A YOUNG WOMAN GOES TO TO TRY AND FIX HERSELF.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
Thursday, March 29, 2012
THE KILLING JAR
THE KILLING JAR
MICHAEL MADSEN, AMBER BENSON, HAROLD PERRINEAU, JAKE BUSEY
THE PATRONS IN AN ISOLATED DINER HEAR A RADIO REPORT ABOUT A MURDERED FAMILY IN THE NEXT COUNTY. A LITTLE WHILE LATER, A MENACING LOOKING STRANGER ENTERS THE DINER WHOM MANY OF THE PATRONS BELIEVE IS THE MURDERER. AS THE MOVIE UNFOLDS, WE FIND OUT JUST WHO THE STRANGER IS AND JUST HOW CRAZY HE CAN BE.
THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE MOVIES WHICH THROWS TOGETHER SOME PEOPLE, PUTS THEM IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THEN SEES HOW THEY REACT. NOTHING REALLY NEW IN THE STORY AND THE ENDING IS THE EXPECTED HOLLYWOOD WRAP UP. HOWEVER, THE DIFFERENCE COMES FROM THE ACTING AND THE INTERACTION OF THE CHARACTERS. MADSEN PLAYS THE STRANGER, AND HIS CHARACTER GOES FROM BEING CRAZY TO TERRIFYING TO SOMEWHAT COMPASSIONATE WITHIN THE ARC OF HIS PORTRAYAL. IT'S A COMPLEX PART THAT HE DOES VERY WELL. BENSON IS THE WAITRESS, NOT VERY EDUCATED AND STUCK IN HER JOB WITH A FEAR OF TRYING TO DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT, BUT THE ONE THING SHE CAN DO VERY WELL IS "COUNT." PERRINEAU IS A SALESMAN WHO STOPS FOR A BITE AND GETS CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE MADNESS. AND BUSEY IS THE MAN WHO SHOWS UP TO PAY THE HIT MAN, BUT ENDS UP GETTING A LOT MORE THAN HE BARGAINED FOR. THE ACTING IS STRONG ALL AROUND AND THE DIRECTING MAKES IT MOVE FAST AND KEEPS YOUR INTEREST. WHEN THE VIOLENCE ERUPTS, IT IS GRAPHIC AND BLOODY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CHARACTER STUDY TYPE MOVIE WITH QUIRKY ROLES AND PATCHES OF GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, THEN THIS IS THE MOVIE FOR YOU.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
MICHAEL MADSEN, AMBER BENSON, HAROLD PERRINEAU, JAKE BUSEY
THE PATRONS IN AN ISOLATED DINER HEAR A RADIO REPORT ABOUT A MURDERED FAMILY IN THE NEXT COUNTY. A LITTLE WHILE LATER, A MENACING LOOKING STRANGER ENTERS THE DINER WHOM MANY OF THE PATRONS BELIEVE IS THE MURDERER. AS THE MOVIE UNFOLDS, WE FIND OUT JUST WHO THE STRANGER IS AND JUST HOW CRAZY HE CAN BE.
THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE MOVIES WHICH THROWS TOGETHER SOME PEOPLE, PUTS THEM IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THEN SEES HOW THEY REACT. NOTHING REALLY NEW IN THE STORY AND THE ENDING IS THE EXPECTED HOLLYWOOD WRAP UP. HOWEVER, THE DIFFERENCE COMES FROM THE ACTING AND THE INTERACTION OF THE CHARACTERS. MADSEN PLAYS THE STRANGER, AND HIS CHARACTER GOES FROM BEING CRAZY TO TERRIFYING TO SOMEWHAT COMPASSIONATE WITHIN THE ARC OF HIS PORTRAYAL. IT'S A COMPLEX PART THAT HE DOES VERY WELL. BENSON IS THE WAITRESS, NOT VERY EDUCATED AND STUCK IN HER JOB WITH A FEAR OF TRYING TO DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT, BUT THE ONE THING SHE CAN DO VERY WELL IS "COUNT." PERRINEAU IS A SALESMAN WHO STOPS FOR A BITE AND GETS CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE MADNESS. AND BUSEY IS THE MAN WHO SHOWS UP TO PAY THE HIT MAN, BUT ENDS UP GETTING A LOT MORE THAN HE BARGAINED FOR. THE ACTING IS STRONG ALL AROUND AND THE DIRECTING MAKES IT MOVE FAST AND KEEPS YOUR INTEREST. WHEN THE VIOLENCE ERUPTS, IT IS GRAPHIC AND BLOODY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CHARACTER STUDY TYPE MOVIE WITH QUIRKY ROLES AND PATCHES OF GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, THEN THIS IS THE MOVIE FOR YOU.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
Thursday, March 8, 2012
ATLAS SHRUGGED
BASED IN 2016, WHERE RISING GAS PRICES HAVE MADE TRAINS THE ONLY AFFORDABLE WAY TO TRAVEL, THE MOVIE TELLS THE STORY OF TAGGERT TRANSCONTINENTAL AND ITS OWNER, DAGNEY TAGGERT, AS SHE TRIES TO REBUILD THE COMPANY AFTER A DEVASTATING TRAIN WRECK.
A MOVIE ADAPTATION OF AYN RAND'S NOVEL, ATLAS SHRUGGED HAS THE LOOK AND FEEL OF A 1950'S GRAND EPIC. EXTRAVAGANT PARTIES, MYSTERIES, POLITICAL BACKSTABBING AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF COLORADO AS THE TRAIN MOVES THROUGH THE STATE ALL ADD TO THE TEXTURE OF THE FILM. I HAVE YET TO READ THE BOOK, BUT I UNDERSTAND THE MOVIE FOLLOWS THE BOOK VERY CLOSELY AND CAPTURES WHAT RAND WANTED TO SAY AND PROMOTE THROUGH HER WRITING. THE MAIN CHARACTERS ARE ALL QUITE COMPLEX BUT ARE FLESHED OUT ENOUGH SO THAT YOU CAN SEE WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM AND ALSO DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THEM. THE ACTORS DO A GOOD JOB, THE WRITING IS CLEAR AND INTERESTING AND THE DIRECTING KEEPS THE MOVIE FLOWING ALONG AT A PACE SO AS NOT TO GET BORED.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD EXTRAS INCLUDE A MAKING OF FEATURE, AN AUDIO COMMENTARY WITH THE PRODUCERS AND A VIDEO MONTAGE OF PEOPLE SAYING "I AM JOHN GALT" IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION THAT RUNS THROUGH THE FILM.
A MOVIE ADAPTATION OF AYN RAND'S NOVEL, ATLAS SHRUGGED HAS THE LOOK AND FEEL OF A 1950'S GRAND EPIC. EXTRAVAGANT PARTIES, MYSTERIES, POLITICAL BACKSTABBING AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF COLORADO AS THE TRAIN MOVES THROUGH THE STATE ALL ADD TO THE TEXTURE OF THE FILM. I HAVE YET TO READ THE BOOK, BUT I UNDERSTAND THE MOVIE FOLLOWS THE BOOK VERY CLOSELY AND CAPTURES WHAT RAND WANTED TO SAY AND PROMOTE THROUGH HER WRITING. THE MAIN CHARACTERS ARE ALL QUITE COMPLEX BUT ARE FLESHED OUT ENOUGH SO THAT YOU CAN SEE WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM AND ALSO DEVELOP A FEELING FOR THEM. THE ACTORS DO A GOOD JOB, THE WRITING IS CLEAR AND INTERESTING AND THE DIRECTING KEEPS THE MOVIE FLOWING ALONG AT A PACE SO AS NOT TO GET BORED.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD EXTRAS INCLUDE A MAKING OF FEATURE, AN AUDIO COMMENTARY WITH THE PRODUCERS AND A VIDEO MONTAGE OF PEOPLE SAYING "I AM JOHN GALT" IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION THAT RUNS THROUGH THE FILM.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
WHEN 17 YEAR OLD JOSH'S MOTHER DIES, HE GOES TO LIVE WITH HIS GRANDMOTHER AND THREE UNCLES, WHO HAPPEN TO BE A FAMILY OF CRIMINALS. JOSH IS BEFRIENDED BY A DETECTIVE WHO BELIEVES HE CAN SAVE JOSH FROM ALSO BECOMING A CRIMINAL.
THIS IS AN AUSTRALIAN CRIME DRAMA, SO YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ACTORS, BUT DON'T LET THAT STOP YOU FROM WATCHING THIS MOVIE. IT PULLS NO PUNCHES AND IS VERY DIRECT IN ITS STORYTELLING. THE FAMILY SLOWLY FALLS APART AS THE UNCLES ARE TAKEN AWAY BY THE POLICE. POPE, THE OLDEST UNCLE BEGINS TO BELIEVE THAT JOSH IS RATTING OUT THE FAMILY TO THE POLICE, AND IN RESPONSE NOT ONLY GOES AFTER JOSH BUT ALSO JOSH'S GIRLFRIEND. THE RESULTS ARE TRAGIC FOR ALL INVOLVED. THE EXCELLENT WRITING, DIRECTING AND ACTING MAKE THIS A MUST SEE MOVIE.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD EXTRAS INCLUDE A MAKING OF FEATURE, A QUESTION AND ANSWER PIECE FROM THE LA FILM FESTIVAL AND AN AUDIO COMMENTARY.
THIS IS AN AUSTRALIAN CRIME DRAMA, SO YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ACTORS, BUT DON'T LET THAT STOP YOU FROM WATCHING THIS MOVIE. IT PULLS NO PUNCHES AND IS VERY DIRECT IN ITS STORYTELLING. THE FAMILY SLOWLY FALLS APART AS THE UNCLES ARE TAKEN AWAY BY THE POLICE. POPE, THE OLDEST UNCLE BEGINS TO BELIEVE THAT JOSH IS RATTING OUT THE FAMILY TO THE POLICE, AND IN RESPONSE NOT ONLY GOES AFTER JOSH BUT ALSO JOSH'S GIRLFRIEND. THE RESULTS ARE TRAGIC FOR ALL INVOLVED. THE EXCELLENT WRITING, DIRECTING AND ACTING MAKE THIS A MUST SEE MOVIE.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD EXTRAS INCLUDE A MAKING OF FEATURE, A QUESTION AND ANSWER PIECE FROM THE LA FILM FESTIVAL AND AN AUDIO COMMENTARY.
Monday, March 5, 2012
FROZEN
THREE COLLEGE FRIENDS ARE SPENDING A SUNDAY SKIING. WHEN THE RESORT IS CLOSING THEY WANT TO GET IN ONE MORE RUN, BUT A MISTAKE IS MADE AND THE RESORT CLOSES LEAVING THE THREE FRIENDS STRANDED ON THE SKI LIFT. THE REST OF THE MOVIE IS ABOUT THEIR SURVIVAL.
I SUPPOSE WHAT MAKES THIS MOVIE SO CHILLING IS THAT THESE EVENTS COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN. THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY ALL THREE ARE VERY PLAUSIBLE, AND THE EVENTUAL OUTCOMES FROM THOSE ACTIONS FOLLOW A LOGICAL ROUTE. IN THE EXTRAS ON THE DVD IT IS DISCLOSED THAT THE FILMING TOOK PLACE AT A SKI RESORT WHERE THE ACTORS HAD TO DEAL WITH THE COLD AND HARSH CONDITIONS. THIS ADDS A GRITTY REALISM THAT MAKES THE MOVIE EVEN MORE HARROWING.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD EXTRAS INCLUDE 4 FEATURETTES ON THE MAKING OF THE MOVIE AND A COMMENTARY WITH THE DIRECTOR AND ACTORS.
I SUPPOSE WHAT MAKES THIS MOVIE SO CHILLING IS THAT THESE EVENTS COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN. THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY ALL THREE ARE VERY PLAUSIBLE, AND THE EVENTUAL OUTCOMES FROM THOSE ACTIONS FOLLOW A LOGICAL ROUTE. IN THE EXTRAS ON THE DVD IT IS DISCLOSED THAT THE FILMING TOOK PLACE AT A SKI RESORT WHERE THE ACTORS HAD TO DEAL WITH THE COLD AND HARSH CONDITIONS. THIS ADDS A GRITTY REALISM THAT MAKES THE MOVIE EVEN MORE HARROWING.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD EXTRAS INCLUDE 4 FEATURETTES ON THE MAKING OF THE MOVIE AND A COMMENTARY WITH THE DIRECTOR AND ACTORS.
THE LEDGE
GAVIN HAS AN AFFAIR WITH SHANA, WHO IS MARRIED TO JOE, A RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALIST. WHEN JOE FINDS OUT ABOUT THE AFFAIR, HE FORCES GAVIN INTO MAKING A LIFE OR DEATH DECISION.
THIS IS A MOVIE WHICH DEALS WITH RELIGION, BUT NOT IN A PREACHY WAY. THERE ARE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS WHERE THEY TALK ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION AND WHAT THEIR PARTICULAR BELIEFS ARE. GAVIN AND JOE ARE MILES APART, AND THAT IS WHERE MUCH OF THE FRICTION BETWEEN THEM COMES FROM. THERE ARE ALSO SECONDARY STORY LINES INVOLVING GAVIN'S GAY FRIEND AND THE POLICE DETECTIVE WHO TALKS TO GAVIN WHILE HE IS ON THE LEDGE.
THE WRITING AND DIRECTING IS DONE VERY WELL, AS IS ALL THE PERFORMANCES. THERE ARE MANY QUESTIONS RAISED DURING THIS MOVIE, NOT ONLY THE ONES INVOLVING RELIGION, BUT ALSO QUESTIONS OF FAITH, QUESTIONS OF LOVE AND FINALLY THE QUESTION OF WHAT A PERSON WOULD DO IF PUT IN A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH THE ACTORS, THE DIRECTOR AND THE PRODUCERS.
THIS IS A MOVIE WHICH DEALS WITH RELIGION, BUT NOT IN A PREACHY WAY. THERE ARE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS WHERE THEY TALK ABOUT THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION AND WHAT THEIR PARTICULAR BELIEFS ARE. GAVIN AND JOE ARE MILES APART, AND THAT IS WHERE MUCH OF THE FRICTION BETWEEN THEM COMES FROM. THERE ARE ALSO SECONDARY STORY LINES INVOLVING GAVIN'S GAY FRIEND AND THE POLICE DETECTIVE WHO TALKS TO GAVIN WHILE HE IS ON THE LEDGE.
THE WRITING AND DIRECTING IS DONE VERY WELL, AS IS ALL THE PERFORMANCES. THERE ARE MANY QUESTIONS RAISED DURING THIS MOVIE, NOT ONLY THE ONES INVOLVING RELIGION, BUT ALSO QUESTIONS OF FAITH, QUESTIONS OF LOVE AND FINALLY THE QUESTION OF WHAT A PERSON WOULD DO IF PUT IN A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION.
RATING 3 OUT OF 5
THE RENTAL DVD INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH THE ACTORS, THE DIRECTOR AND THE PRODUCERS.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)