Drive (2011)

This is the year of Ryan Gosling and with director Nichols Winding Refn he delivers a performance that might be his most memorable.  He plays a nameless stunt driver and getaway expert who falls in love with a married neighbor, played by Carey Mulligan.  The sexual tension between these two is on fire and with just looks and pauses makes for a great cinematic experience.  Make no mistake though this is a drama first, action film later, but when the action arrives its very intense.  The soundtrack is ridiculously good and helps give this film an stark beauty.  Carey Mulligan might look a little young for her part at times but I was willing to overlook that for her connection with Gosling.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  The only aspect to this film that falters is the ending which kind of fizzles. It just doesn't have a clean ending that leaves shivers down my back.  It's not awful it just doesn't live up to the rest of the film.  When I left the theater I was a bit disappointed, wanting a more satisfying last image.  I didn't mind the ambiguity but I needed more than what I got. 

The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)

Peter Yates is such a good director and this crime film based on the book by George V. Higgins (he wrote the screenplay) is a great example of his talents.  Here he directs Robert Mitchum in a role that's rich with flaws.  It starts off as a bank robbery film but quickly evolves into a film about a gun runner trying to stay out of prison for a previous stunt.  Steven Keats is memorable as the gun seller that Eddie Coyle buys from.  It has that dated '70s feel but don't mistake that as a drop in quality; this is a forgotten classic. Grade: A-

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 1) - Revisited

Gene Roddenbury returns to the Star Trek Universe with a new cast, jumping decades past those days of Captain Kirk and Spock.  I loved this show when it was on and have always wanted to revisit the entire Star Trek Franchise.  So I am.  Season one is a great start for a television show.  The production value mostly still holds up and the writing is quite good.  From the very first show, where they introduce Q you can tell this show is special.  Patrick Stewart is the perfect actor to play a leader completely different than Captain Kirk and Brent Spiner is so good as Data it's no wonder he became as popular as he would.  Really though it's clear that the casting agent for this series earned a bonus; the chemistry between everyone is electric, even as they become more comfortable in their roles.  There are a few weak episodes, like the season finale, but overall it's great television show and a promising first season.  Just as I remembered.  Grade: A-

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

This is my favorite movie of the year so far.   It has one of the better love stories I've seen in a while with two actors that are in top form.  Matt Damon is the best actor working in the business today and Emily Blunt is always giving an impressive performance.  Together they make a magical pairing.  I believed in their love story and it's their commitment that sells this story.  Based on the Adjustment Team by Philip K. Dick, George Nolfi directs from his own script.  As a first film, Mr. Nolfi can hold his head high, keeping the story fresh and exciting all the way to the end.  What I love about the film is how it illustrates the old freewill verse destiny conflict in a fresh and clever way.  Matt Damon plays a young politician who falls for a young woman, but according to his "Plan" devised by "the Chairman" he's not meant to stay with her.  He refuses to follow the Plan and goes head to head with these mysterious men whose job it is to make sure everyone follows their Plan.  There's a lot here that would be hard to swallow if it weren't done so well.  It'll be interesting to see how long this film stays my favorite.  Grade: A.

The Leopard (1963)

Director Luchino Visconti brings Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel to life with Burt Lancaster in the starring role, playing a Prince watching his country bypass him into a new era.  I watched the Italian version of the film because I felt it was the director's version.  I thought it would be weird seeing Burt Lancaster dubbed over in Italian but it's not, the actor they used doesn't have that distinctive Burt Lancaster voice but it matches the character Mr. Lancaster is playing.  There is a lot to adore about this film.  For one its gorgeous and the acting is remarkable.  I can't believe Lancaster didn't get an Oscar nomination.  If you don't mind long movies made in the sixties then I recommend you check this masterful work out.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  It's strange that when you really analyze this film nothing ever happens.  No one dies.  The drama is subtle.  The Prince is a very passive character.   So you'd think this movie was boring but I was never bored.  How is that?  My guess is because Burt Lancaster just has the presence to carry any movie.  Bravo!

Qwister? (Commentary)

Netflix, what are you doing?  As a huge Netflix supporter, I've had to watch in horror as you make one blunder after another.  I'm one of the few who agree that you needed to raise your prices.  In order to stay competitive and obtain more content to stream, you had to raise your rates.  I get that.  Sure, you could have eased us into it but it was a necessary growing pain.  I like your service and I'm going to pay for it.  But now that you're going to divide your website into two, with one being called Qwister (awful name by the way), all I can do is laugh.  You're killing yourself!  No one wants to go back and forth between two websites to check on what's on your queue.  I'm loyal so I'll try it out but you're going to lose millions of subscribers and make it hard to compete as more and more companies line up to go head to head with you.  Amazon and Google for example.  Please, Mr. Reed, do the right thing and change your mind about this Qwister business.  I don't want to see my favorite company disappear. 

A Slight Case Of Murder (1938)

Edward G. Robinson stars in a comedy about a gangster that tries to go straight selling awful beer when Prohibition ends.  This is a charming screwball comedy with a host of hilarious character actors from muscle men trying to be the help, a wise ass orphan and a once moll turned devoted wife.  It's fast paced, silly and exactly what I was looking for when I ordered it through Netflix.  I can imagine that Mr. Robinson loved the idea of playing a gangster but in a comedy.  Grade: A- 

The Other Guys (2010)

Will Farrel and Mark Wahlberg team up in this hilarious comedy that makes fun of cop action movies while also tackling the real issue of the recent financial scandals.  Adam McKay directs what must have been a dream-come-true project.  This film probably has the funniest car chase ever put on film.  (Yes, maybe funnier than the Blues Brothers.)  If you like Farrel films then you'll like this wacky addition.  Don't stop watching when the movie ends though; the credits are really interesting.  Grade: B+.

Spoiler:  The Samuel Jackson and The Rock cameos almost steal the show.  But my favorite character is played by Michael Keaton as the Police Captain that works at Bed, Bath & Beyond for extra money.  Hilarious comedy most of the time, even though you can tell they're just making up most of their lines on the spot (a technique used for comedies made these days that feels flat most of the time for me).  

Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971)

A homosexual doctor and a woman have a love affair with the same man, a free spirited artist.  This drama is less love triangle and more about dealing with the idea of lost love or false love.  What makes the film work is that these are two very complex characters portrayed by two terrific actors: Peter Finch as the doctor and Glenda Jackson as the "other" woman.  There's many reasons to watch this film.  If you enjoy great character work, like other John Schlesinger movies or need something less formulaic than most Hollywood movies then check this one out.  Grade: A-.

Spoilers:  The best scene in the movie, a scene that cuts to the bone is when Glenda Jackson berates a little girl for almost getting hit by a car.  I really can't get this scene out of my head.  I also applaud the strange use of breaking the fourth wall at the end of the movie.  It works somehow but I don't think I can explain why, it just does.

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Along with X-Men: First Class this is one of the best superhero movie that came out this summer.  Chris Evans plays Steve Rogers, the weakling who would become the WWII superhero Captain America.  Along with his buddy Bucky, they take on Red Skull, played with vile precision by Hugo Weaving, the rogue Nazi agent planning on taking on the world.  Director Joe Johnston does a terrific job creating the WWII era and bringing it all together.  The action is great, the comedy just right and the love story beautiful.  Finally a love interest in a superhero film that works and I give a lot of the credit to Hayley Atwell who plays Peggy Carter.  Oh, and the writers I guess have something to do with that too.  Grade: A-

Spoilers: If there's any flaw in the film is that I wanted more.  Because of the future Avenger film, the film makers are forced to push the story to an ending that sets up that film.  The problem is I want another Captain America film with the Captain, Bucky and gang going on WWII missions to stop Red Skull.  Being tied to the Avenger story line helps in some cases, it gives the mystical science a connection to Thor, and with Mr. Stark there we're tied to Iron Man but it's kind of rushed.  I can only hope that they do make another Captain America film that's sort of a in between film, an adventure that occurred during WWII before Bucky dies.  This way we get to see Peggy again too. 

The Amatuers (2005)

A hidden treasure in the Direct-to-DVD market, this comedy surprises.  Jeff Bridges plays Andy, a lovable loser and divorcee who decides to make a porn film with the help of his friends, all lovable losers too.  His friends are played by a myriad of talented actors: Ted Dansen, Tim Blake Nelson, William Fichtner and Joe Pantoliano for example.  There is a lot of wit and comic timing at work here.   But what's really great is that even though it's about men trying to make a porno we never really see anything.  (Which might disappoint some, I guess, but I loved this approach to the subject matter.)   This is a funny little film with heart.  I can see why it wasn't released in the theaters, but as a rental its a nice change of venue.  Grade: B+. 

Election (1999) - Revisited

I caught this film on TCM the other night and I couldn't change the channel.  What a pitch-perfect film that Alexander Payne made.  It's based on a novel written by Tom Perrotta (who also wrote the novel Little Children) and I'm going to have to read the book someday.  What struck me as I watched it again was how good Matthew Brodrick is (seeming to echo Jeffrey Jones' Edward Rooney from Ferris Bueller's Day Off but with his own charm).  I have to say I think it's probably his best performance.   Of course this is the film that made people take notice of Reese Withersoon and she's delightful if a little exaggerated.  Overall if you haven't seen this movie and you like High School movies with some bite to them than check out this a new classic.  Grade: A.

Top Ten Revenge Movies

Revenge is a dish best served cold, or so the proverb says.  I'm still thinking about I Spit On Your Grave and it inspired me to consider a list of the top ten best Revenge movies.  I'm sure I've missed a few and I know of some right of the bat that I've not see yet (Death Wish for example) but I'll do my best.

10. Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) - These type of movies can be divided into those where the hero sets out for revenge or where the hero must survive an attempt at revenge.   This classic sequel has Captain Kirk and crew needing to deny Khan the revenge he seeks.  It's exciting and helped keep the Star Trek franchise alive after a disappointing first film.

9. High Plains Drifter (1973) - A mystical western where a stranger rides into a town needing a punishment.  This is Clint Eastwood's second project he would direct and it's a satisfying dark film.

8. Hard Candy (2005) - By putting this on the list we are kind of spoiling the film but it is one of the better revenge films out there.  Patrick Wilson and Ellen Paige go back in forth in this disturbing and well-crafted film.   

7. Cape Fear (1962) -  Some might be surprised I'm referring to the original black and white film and not the Scorsese remake which is really good too, but I love the J. Lee Thompson version.  Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck are so good together.

6. Ocean's Eleven (2001) - Yes, this is a heist movie but the motivation from the very beginning is revenge. 

5. Old Boy (2003) - This Korean film completely redefines the revenge movie with a great mystery and a shocking ending that cleverly proves that one doesn't need to kill someone to destroy their soul.

4. Unforgiven (1992) - Clint Eastwood's famous western that dissects violence and the need for revenge.  Everyone involved delivers the goods in a film where an old gunslinger is hired for revenge ending up needing to satisfy his own kind of justice at the end. 

3. Virgin Spring (1960) - Bergman's medieval revenge movie became the bases for the American horror film The House on the Left.  What a powerful film with a performance by Max Von Sydow that's incredible.

2. Kill Bill (2003 & 2004) - I considered putting this at number one but ended up sticking it here, but there really hasn't been a revenge story more fun to watch.  Quentin Tarantino really nailed it when he set out to make a great revenge tale and the Bride is a fantastic heroine to follow. 

1. In the Bedroom (2001) - What does a father do when his son is killed and the killer walks free?  This drama asks this question and we follow Tom Wilkinson make a choice that he knows he shouldn't.  Sissy Spacek also stars.

Honorable Mentions:
Ricochet (1991) - Another survival movie with Denzel Washington having to thwart a crazy criminal played by Jonathan Lithgow from ruining his life. The main reason I wanted to mention this film is because of the rape scene. Wow, that's a way to enact revenge.

Memento (2000) - I really considered putting this exceptional film, told backwards, on the list but it just didn't make the cut.   Still, I wanted to mention it.

The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

Based on a Clive Barker story, this film tells the story of a photographer (Bradley Cooper) who becomes obsessed with trying to track down a serial killer (Vinnie Jones) who butchers people on the subway.  This is a gruesome horror film with a decent story.  Vinnie Jones is so threatening its scary and watching Bradley Cooper's character fall deeper into an almost insane crusade is what keeps this film interesting.   The ending is silly but I didn't mind it for some reason, baby because I'm familiar with the source material.  Grade: B.

Spoilers: The ending as stated is silly but it didn't have to be.  The design team responsible for the monsters at the end of the line failed big time.   The director Ryuhei Kitamura should have just not showed us what they looked like (in the same way Spielberg avoided showing us Bruce in Jaws) because in the end they didn't seem scary enough to threaten all of humanity.  Still I love the idea and I wish it had been developed a lot better.

I Spit On Your Grave (2010)

A remake of a cult classic B-film that I never want to see because of the cheesy almost hilarious trailer of which I saw on youtube, this is a grueling revenge flick with tension and tragedy balanced just right with torture horror.   This would fit into the classification known as Torture Porn but in this case it works.   The story is pretty simple.  Young woman, alone, drives to a friend's cabin to get some novel writing done.  She's attractive so she catches the eye of three Redneck dirtbags.  As you can imagine she's assaulted in a very ugly way.  Yet this is not a woman you mess with, she's capable and willing to focus her rage in proving she's not a victim.  This film isn't for the squeamish.   It's brutal and some might say they go too far.   I'm fine with the violence because its tied to the drama.  That said I would only recommend it for true horror fans.  Kudos to Sarah Butler for willing to go where most actresses would feel uncomfortable going, her performance is quite good.  Grade: B+

Source Code (2011)

Duncan Jones is becoming a favorite of mine after only two films.  First was Moon, which was a perfect little film that proves you don't need lots of special effects to make a great science fiction film, and here he does it again with a fresh spin on the time travel movie.  Okay, it's not time travel but I don't want to spoil the film.  Jake Gyllenhaal plays Army pilot Stevens, who is sent back into the body of a stranger to find out who was responsible for a terrorist attack that already happened.  It's a thrilling mystery with strong performances from both Jake and Vera Farmiga (who plays the Captain in charge of his mission).   The best way to describe it is Groundhog Day mets Minority Report.  When I finished the movie I experienced that little tingle of joy one gets after watching a rewarding film.  Grade: A-.

Spoilers: I know there's been some criticism that the film had a happy ending but I liked it because it expands on the concept of the parallel universe theory.  True, it would have been a good ending if he just died when the program ended too, but I like how the the story continues with there being another Stevens, waiting to go on a mission at the end of the film.   One thought I had afterward was what happened to the guy Stevens replaces, Sean the school teacher?   Poor guy, Stevens saves everyone but Sean.  It's kind of a cruel consequence of Steven heroics.  I wonder if there will be a sequel where Stevens tries to live Seans life but soon is sucked into another adventure to save the world.  I'd see it but only if Mr. Jones is behind the project.