Mayerling (1936)

The true story of forbidden love between Prince Rudolf of Austria and Baroness Mary Vetsera is perfect material for a cinematic romance.   Of course all forbidden love stories are, especially when they’re based on fact.  What struck me the most impressive about this film is how contemporary it feels although being made so long ago.  Director Anatole Litvak does a brilliant job; it’s no surprise he’d go on to make some other classics.   After watching this film I went to read the history of the incident that inspired it and could see another version of this story being made someday, but until then this is the one to watch.  Grade: A

Irréversible (2002)

Told backward, this cruel and haunting film about a woman getting raped and the her boyfriend and ex-flame trying to find the monster who did it so they can punish him is the kind of film one wants to recommend but only to people who can handle it.  Director Gasper Noe creates a trippy experience that goes from awful to depressing.  Yet there’s an opposing beauty too that only adds to the tragedy.   Monica Bellucci and Vincent Cassel star, giving brave and emotional performances.   This really is a great morality play and what it says about revenge is unforgettable.  Grade: A-

Week End (1967)

Jean-Luc Godard's in-your-face protest film is maybe dated in its approach but not in meaning.  The film doesn't really have a plot; plot is not what this film is about.  It's an allegory about the flaws of the bourgeoisie, about greed and consumerism.  A couple take a road trip through the French countryside only to become involve in an array of thematic misadventures.  The politics of the '60s is apparent in every scene but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed anymore.  Oh if we only had someone making films like these today.  Where is our current Godard, using the art of film to create absurdism for our times.  Watching this film is to see a political poet enraged and engaged with the intellectual landscape of his society.  I must admit to being sad that we don't have more films like this one, that our current cinema is more focused on weekend grosses and marketability instead of ideas.  In many ways the very ideas this film touches upon seem to predict our film industry today.  I loved this film and dare everyone to watch it and find their own personal reaction to it.  Whether it was all the burning cars, the false revolution or the lack of sensitivity, this is a powerful, funny and complex film. 

The Tree of Wooden Clogs (1979)

This Italian film written and directed by Ermanno Olmi tells the story of a community of poor farmers working for s landowner who also owns their housing complex and most of their livestock.   Over the course of three hours various plot lines unfold.  There's the farmer who sends his son to school, even if it means not having him around to help.  There's the widow struggling to take care of her children.  There's a love story between a girl and a neighbor farmer boy.  And there's a grandfather's plan to grow tomatoes out of season.   Mostly though this is about a community and how they survive and live with one another while at the same time remaining apart.  Don't let the long running time turn you away, it doesn't feel long at all and it kept me captivated.  The naturalism created for this film is stark and appropriate, it will take you back in time and place you right into a bleak but beautiful world.  Bravo. Grade: A

Warning: for those who dislike seeing the killing of animals than prepare yourself for a scene where a goose is beheaded and a pig is butchered.  I personally don't have a problem with either of these activities nor the choice to include them in a work of art since it is honest and for the purpose of food.  Those who become squeamish or angry should become vegetarian (if they aren't already) or question where the meat from their next meal comes from.  

A Dangerous Method (2011)

David Cronenberg directs an adaption of Christopher Hampton’s play The Talking Cure about the psycho-therapy triangle between Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud and Sabina Spielrein.   The film stars Michael Fassbender, Viggo Mortensen and Keira Knightley.  Quiet and steady, this is an enjoyable film with fine performances from everyone involved.  The production design is flawless in that it takes you back in time to a time when madness was thought incurable.  Grade: A-    

David Holtzman's Diary (1967)

When this film was made it was an original work of satire as well as a prophetic window into a future where individuals broadcast their daily thoughts on youtube and twitter their every encounter.  Too bad this bold and revolutionary film is so lousy.  It has a few entertaining moments (such as the hero's interview with a nymphomaniac and it's abrupt yet clever ending is fun) but as a whole it's kind of a mind-numbing storyless experiment.  I'm grateful it was only 73 minutes long.  Grade: C 

5 Broken Cameras (2012)

The Palestinian struggle with Israeli’s expanding settlements has never been so clearly presented before, at least for me. Emad Burnat, a Palestinian farmer and father of four, captures his point of view over the course of five years with five different cameras. This intimate approach gives the audience a front-row seat to the protests of a community trying to keep land they believe is theirs. The senseless violence as soldiers shoot (seemingly unarmed) protesters is harsh and completely uncalled for. I understand this is sensitive issue with generational resentment but from an outsider’s perspective it looks like a rich government shoving a small group of poor people out of their way so they can build their homes. I know it’s not as simple as that, there are many other issues, but the naked truth is that people are being mistreated and a film like this is important so we can hear their plea. Nominated for the Oscar this year for Best Documentary, I’m interested to see the other film about this issue nominated this year as a companion piece, The Gatekeepers. Ultimately this is an enduring film about real people struggling against impossible odds. Grade: A-

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 4)

It’s another great season for the crew of the Enterprise captained by Jean-Luc Picard.  While it doesn’t quite surpass the third season, it remains in the same caliber of quality.   Data and Worf benefit the most with episodes like Brothers, In Theory and Clues for Data and Reunion and Redemption for Worf.  Deanne is really the only member of the crew who missed out this year; her centerpiece The Loss is a big dud that made her look whiny and not quite herself.   My favorite episodes are Family with Picard visiting his brother in Paris, First Contact where the Enterprise introduces to a world about to discover Warp drive to the Federation, Galaxy Child were Geordi meets the real Dr. Leah Brahams from a previous season, Night Terrors with the crew suffering from sleep deprivation and Remember Me with Dr. Crusher seeming to lose her mind.   Overall this is classic television science fiction with one of the best cast ever assembled.  Grade: A-

High Hopes (1988)

Mike Leigh is an oddity in the world of cinema. His films are so full of life and intricate character exploration that it’s easy to forget these are actors on screen. While unique with colorful characters and quirky happenings, his films get lost in the shuffle of more expensive looking projects. Cyril and Shirley are a working class couple living in King’s Cross contending with Cyril’s snobbish sister and sleazy husband on their mother’s birthday.  The social clash between these two forces is hilarious and telling too.  You can tell a film is good sometimes by how much it stays with you.  Something tells me this is going to be one of those movies I ponder for a long time.  Grade: A-

Margaret (2011)

Whatever happened to Kenneth Lonergan? Besides his theater work his last film was You Can Count On Me. Well, he’s been in court dealing with this film that was supposed to come out in 2007. Delayed because of editing troubles and creative differences with the producer, it finally saw the light of day with Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker helping trim thirty minutes out of a three hour cut. Instead of writing a plethora of sentences speculating on the quality of a film I didn’t see or attempting to re-edit the version I saw, I’m going to put it out there that this over-long film was quite amazing. It’s not an easy film to watch. Anna Paquin plays a troubled and almost unlikable teenager who not only is dealing with her involvement in a bus accident but her relationship with her actress mother. It’s the journey with her mother that’s the emotional core of the film and the reason why it resonates so well.  Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo and Matthew Broderick co-star, giving brief by strong performances. I don’t know if Mr. Lonergan will return to the world of cinema but I hope he does. Just the next time maybe he should keep his script under a hundred and ten pages. Grade: A-

Lincoln (2012)

It’s nice to see Spielberg back in his groove. With a legendary performance from Daniel Day-Lewis as the 16^th President of the United States and an exceptional screenplay from one of the best American playwrights working today, Tony Kushner, we are gifted with a marvelous dramatization of how the 13^th Amendment came to be ratified. Of course it would have been more surprising if this film had failed with all the talent involved. There is not a dull moment and it looks fantastic too with glorious art production and costumes. . One could make the argument that the reason this film is as good as it is is because of Daniel Day-Lewis, he pretty much holds up the entire presentation. You could even make the case that with his performance anyone could have directed it and it would have been great, although Spielberg’s involvement guarantees the best in every department. Watching this film on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday and having just finished watching Barrack Obama give his Inaugural Address made for an emotionally patriotic day. It’s been a long time since feeling this proud about the country I’ve been born in. Grade: A.

Footnote (2011)

Since I’m not going to be able to see that many of the Best Foreign Language films for this year’s Oscars I might as well watch one of the nominees from last year. This Israeli film tells the story of a father named Eliezer and his son named Uriel, both research scholars and professors on Talmud text (something of which I know less than nothing about and hence this film was my introduction), and how their embattled relationship is tested when Eliezer is accidentally named the winner of the Israel Prize when it was the more popular charismatic Uriel that was supposed to be contacted instead. Never has two men with different philosophies and temperaments dramatically hold the screen without actually speak to each other that much. From this film’s trailer I was expecting a more comical mistaken identity plot but while humorous at times this is a tense drama dealing with envy and resentment that builds to an artistic and ambiguous end worthy of many hours of discussion. I applaud Joseph Carter, the writer and director, for making such a complex and human story. Grade: B+

The Invisible War (2012)

This film devastated me.  The irony that we go into other countries and preach women rights only to have the women in our military have to constantly battle against sexual aggression is unbelievable.  I'm boiling mad that our government hasn't done enough to end this problem.  This documentary follows a score of women (and a man) as they tell their horrific stories of rape while serving our country.  The facts presented come from government data and strong research.  Congress has held powerless and pointless hearings.  The courts have denied to get involved.  Why hasn't anyone done enough to change how our Military handles these crimes?  I can only hope (as naive as this sounds) that our President watches this film and gets as angry as I did and does something, anything to help strengthen our military by respecting all those who serve in it.  Grade: A-     

How To Survive A Plague (2012)

Go back in time to witness the battle to get our government to do something about the AIDS epidemic during the late '80s and '90s.  The story focuses on the founding members of ACT UP and TAG, two organizations that tirelessly protested and pushed the scientific community to find drugs that would prolong their lives.  This emotional journey had me tearing up multiple times.  It's a rewarding film that shows that together we really can accomplish anything.  A well-deserved nominee for the Oscar for Best Documentary this year.  Grade: A

Dexter (Season 6)

This religious/ faith themed season has our favorite "good" serial killer trying to track down a duo of religious psychopaths, played by Edward James Olmos and Colin Hanks, who are trying to jump start the end of the world by killing people according to the Book of Revelation.  Another great chapter for one of my favorite television shows currently running.  It took awhile to get all the discs from Netflix (an issue which I could blog about but have decided to let pass since the movie rental company is usually pretty good) but the wait was worth it.   I can't wait to see what will happen in season 7.  Grade: A

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (2012)

From Aardman Studios, the animation house that gave us Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, presents a Pirate movie so hilarious and festive it should not be missed.  I loved this film for so many reasons: it's zany and completely insane and has the most lovable cast of wacky characters in an animated film this year.  Captain Pirate has one goal in mind and that is to win Pirate of the Year.  To succeed he will do anything it takes, including dress up as a girl scout and confront the evil Queen Victoria herself.  Based on a book by Gideon Defoe of which I'm going to have to read now.  Grade: A-

Safety Not Guarnteed (2012)

This time-travel movie is not so much about traveling back in time but the emotional desire to change one’s past, to fix that regret. Aubrey Plaza plays an intern working at a Seattle-based magazine who goes on an assignment with a reporter and another intern to investigate a personal ad wanting a partner to go back in time. It’s a funny and heart-felt film with an independent spirit that makes for a memorable entertainment.  First time director Colin Trevorrow explores this quirky story from screenwriter Derek Connelly with a believable effortless drive.  Jeez, another strong love story from one of the best years for love stories.  Grade: A-

Five Year Engagment (2012)

Jason Segal is becoming one of my favorite writer/actors in Hollywood right now. I loved what he did with Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Muppets and here he out does himself with the best Romantic Comedy of 2012.  That's right, I said it; the best of a year that has given us so many others, its this one that really touched my heart while at the same time made me laugh.  Emily Blunt is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses and here she is free to flex her comic muscles.  The story starts off as classic as they come, boy meets girl, boy loses girl, but it's what happens after that which is so refreshing.  In fact what I love about this love story is it's truly about two people falling in love, with all the ups and downs a real relationship has, but it's about both of them, not focusing on just the man which most Romantic comedies do.  I highly recommend watching this one.  Grade: A  

Man Hunt (1941)

Fritz Lang’s first Hollywood feature is an entertaining thriller from the master who made M. British hunter Alan Thorndike is in Germany aiming his rifle at Adolf Hitler. Before he can squeeze the trigger he is captured. The Nazis want him to confess that he was working with the British Government so they have an accuse to jump start WWII.   Thorndike tries to convince the Major in charge that he was just proving how good of a hunter he was by performing a "sporting stalk" and that he never intended to kill the Furer.  While he is able to escape,  the Nazis hunt after him so they can obtain his signature and silence him forever. While excellent for many reasons, its one flaw for me was the way the female character played by Joan Bennett was written and played.  They made her way too doltish and Walter Pigeon’s treatment of her is quite condescending and annoying too.  Still this is Fritz Lang at the top of his game and well-worth watching. Grade: B+

Seeking a Friend at the End of the World (2012)

Writer/ director Lorene Scafaria takes on the apocalypse with Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley on a road trip to be with the ones they love before an asteroid named Matilda hits the Earth.   What starts off as a comic riff on how people would act when they realized they only had a week left to live develops into a tender love story.  Another wonderful romance for 2012 with strong performances with everyone involved.  I did not expect Carrell and Knightley to have any chemistry on screen but was proved wrong, they're likability is electric.  Grade: A-

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Kathryn Bigelow's unflinching drama about the hunt to find and kill Osama Bin Laden may or may not be 100% truthful but it's brilliantly made and emotionally engaging enough to be worth all the praise it is receiving of late.  I found myself completely taken back by its complexity and densely researched plot, so much so that I almost forgot I was watching a dramatization of a real historical event and not the event itself.   There's a lot of talk about how accurate it is and for me that's irrelevant, the producers of the film have a job to tell a story with the information they have and to do so without sacrificing the story.  They're going to take liberties in order to compress a decade of investigation gathering and terrorist activities into a two hour film.  I'm fine with that.  The aspect of the film that was most telling for me was how hard terrorism is to defeat.  With terrorist groups scattered across the globe and terrorists purposely being kept in the dark, no wonder it took so long to find the most wanted man in U.S. history.  Then the political delays were nervous politicians and analysts try and determine certainties for an uncertain enemy is also telling.  As for torture, I wouldn't necessarily say the film is pro-torture; at the same time it is graphically demonstrated and you do wonder if without it our heroine, played with raw intensity by Jane Chastin, could have collected enough information to come up with her main lead.  Obviously torture is awful and should be banned as a way to a means and yet there's an evil truth that this film presents and that sometimes to stop an evil, one must become evil.  It's immoral to say the least.  We should stand on higher morals and do the right thing even under duress.   Yet for most of us, if we're completely honest with ourselves, we would have no problem humiliating, starving and causing pain to an individual if it would save those we love.  Grade: A  

Jack Reacher (2012)

Having enjoyed one of Lee Child's Jack Reacher books many years ago I was excited to see this first outing of the character on screen.  Tom Cruise is perfectly cast and Christopher McQuarrie was the obvious choice for director and co-screenwriter (having created the recent classic The Usual Suspects).  Smart and well-made with a memorable car chase, it's too bad the studio released this entertaining thriller during such a crowded time.  I fear that it's not going to do enough business to earn a much deserved sequel.  I've love to see more of this character with Cruise playing him but these kind of quite thrillers just can't compete with Hobbits, mega-musicals and a Spielberg directed historical drama. I could be wrong (and I hope I am).  Maybe audiences will discover this one in its post-theatrical run and signal to the suits that Jack Reacher is worth visiting again.  There are plenty of books to pick from and I'm sure Cruise would love to have another franchise in his pocket.  Grade: B+

Django Unchained (2012)

Quentin Taratino presents a spaghetti western (or southern) about slavery.  And guess what?  It's a comedy too.  A comedy about slavery?  Only someone with Taratino's talents could make this work without being offensive (or at least offensive to me).  Jamie Foxx plays Django an ex-slave who teams up with German dentist turned bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz played by Christoph Waltz to buy back Django's wife, Broomhilda, from a ruthless Plantation owner and Mandingo promoter Mr. Candie played by Leonardo DiCaprio.  Like all Taratino films, this one is a cobbling of cinematic genres of the past molded into something new: you have a spaghetti western, a Blaxploitation film, a twist of Blazing Saddles with Sam Peckinpah like violence.  With his typical Taratino soundtrack of odd but perfect songs, you have something that feels like it was made for the '70s directed with today's technology.  I'm not sure if I'd say this is a great film or even Oscar worthy but it is an enduring entertaining cinematic experience with moments of greatness.  Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson each give spectacular performances.  A warning: while I stated that this is a comedy there are some serious moments too that depict the horrors of slavery with "intended" honesty.  These scenes are not for the squeamish but this country's cruel past isn't for the squeamish either.  And a blog about this film isn't complete without a mention of the N-word (yes, I'm choosing to use the accepted political correct term out of politeness.).  I'm very glad that Taratino uses the N-word as much as he does in this film, to not use it would have been a travesty and would have ignored how people talked back then.  We can't ignore the past; we need to meet it head on no matter how awful it is.  Or as this film does, make a mockery of those that made it so awful.  Grade: A-

ParaNorman (2012)

Phil Knight's animation studio Laika pres6ents a horror comedy about a boy who can see dead people.  While this is the same studio who delivered the wonderful Coraline, it's not the same director or writer, which might explain why it's nowhere near as inventive or exciting.  The overall look is great and I thought the little tributes to horror classics like John Carpenter's Halloween were fantastic.  It has an enjoyable cast of characters and a fun storyline but it left me wanting something more.  Grade: B

Silver Lining Playbook (2012)

With all the buzz about this one, I had to see it but my expectations weren't that high.  Wow, what a great film!  Just when I thought I had seen the best love story of 2012 (Ruby Sparks) this one comes around and takes the lead.  The story is about a bipolar ex-teacher played by Bradley Cooper who returns home after a stint in the mental hospital.  His only goal is to get back together with his wife yet a manic depressive young woman living nearby, played by Jennifer Lawrence, intends to put a stop to that.  Robert De Niro plays his father, a superstitious Eagles fan with a gambling problem.  What I love most about this film is how unpredictable it is.  It's plot seems as unbalanced as its characters.   Based on a book by  Matthew Quick and directed by David O. Russell, I won't be surprised to see this emotionally rewarding film get nominated for a bunch of Oscars. Miss Lawrence especially should get a nomination, she is simply a showstopper all the way through.  Grade: A

Goon (2012)

A film for hockey lovers or those who like seeing people beat each other up, this comedy stars Seann William Scott as a likable simpleton with a gift and that's to punch people out while at the same time being able to take a beating.  A perfect attribute to have for the unofficial hockey position of enforcer, the thug who beats up players who might endanger the ace shooter on the team.  Soon he's hired on a team doing just that.  And it's foretold that a show down between another "more experienced" enforcer played by Liev Schreiber is on its way.  The result is a unorthodox sports film with an unusual hero that ends up being as satisfying as any great sports film I've seen.  I think it's the best ice hockey themed film out there too.  Seann William Scott has never been better.  I highly recommend this one even if you're not a hockey nut.  Grade: B+

Danton (1983)

Maybe it was watching Les Miserables that made me want to see another story that takes place around the French Revolution or maybe it was my interest in history, I don't know, but I finally got around to seeing this film about George Danton and Maximilien de Robespierre and it was brilliant.  I don't know if there's a better film about the French Revoltion and the Reign of Terror.  While I know some history of that period, you don't need to know anything to enjoy this exceptional drama.  The politics of that period are pretty confusing but director Andrzej Wajda lets the drama of the situation take center stage instead of trying to simplify the details.  Gérard Depardieu is wonderful, playing a role he was destined to play.  This one is not to be missed unless you hate well-written costume dramas with top notch acting. Grade: A

God Bless America (2011)

Bobcat Goldthwait is a mad scientist of comedy and this latest film from him is about as funny as a black comedy can get.  Frank is a normal guy tired of America's meaniness.  When he finds out he has a brain tumor he decides to kill a teenage, spoiled-rotten, reality star before killing himself first.  Then he meets Roxy, a teenage witness who is as upset about our society of knuckleheads as he is and she convinces him to take her on a killing spree across America killing people who deserve it.  The irony is purposeful of course: people killling people for not being nice is messed up, but the message is clear.  There are a few tangents of preachiness but I wasn't bothered too much by them because they seemed to me spot on..   If you like a hardcore black comedy every once in a while with a clear-cut message check this one out.  If you like American Idol, watch Fox News and love babies, skip this one.  As for the rest of you, buckle your seat belts and prepare for an evil little ride.  Grade: B+

Les Misérables (2012)

One of my regrets is never seeing Les Mes (as it is known in the theater crowd) live on stage.  So when I heard a film was coming out I was excited if a little nervous.  I was nervous because I've listened to the musical recording hundreds of times and my preconceived ideas could taint my viewing experience.  Well, even if all those years singing along . . . I mean listening to Claude-Michel Schonberg's score and Herbert Kretzmer's translated words from Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel's French lyrics did taint me some, not enough to keep me from enjoying this triumphant musical experience.  It seems as if everything was done right.  I have a few nit picky complaints but nothing that prevents this film from being what it is and that's a sweeping operatic epic with emotional moments powerful enough to move mountains.  Hugh Jackman gives his best performance in work that would have guaranteed him an Oscar for Best Actor if he wasn't competing against Daniel Day Lewis this year.   Then there's Anne Hathaway who will probably get the Oscar.  Her solo of "I Dream a Dream" has to be one of the best moments in musical history.  This movie isn't for everyone.  If you don't like musicals or never liked Les Mes or you just can't stand seeing people in lots of pain then see something else.  But if you're like me, you need to see this one in the theater or you'll regret it.  Grade: A-.    

Life of Pi (2012)

When I heard Ang Lee was going to be directing the film adaption of one of my favorite books I became very excited.  Yet I never could have dreamed he would have have done this good of a job.   What a stunning achievement in cinematic storytelling.   Yann Martel's book is so rich with complex ideas on faith and the human battle with fear that I didn't think it could be crammed into a film.  I expected a good movie but much of its meaning to be watered down.  Yet it's not, it's one of the better adaptions I have seen.  There is a lot to praise about this magical and epic film.  The acting is wonderful, the special effects are incredible and the overall story is deeply moving.   I really don't have a thing to say bad about it.  And if you want to see it as it is meant to be seen watch it in 3D.  For those who think 3D can't heighten a film, watch this as proof that it can.  The technology just needs to be in the hands of a master storyteller like Mr. Lee.  Grade: A

Ruby Sparks (2012)

This might end up being one of my favorite movies of 2012.  Author Calvin (Paul Dano) ends up creating a girl friend named Ruby out of thin air by just writing about her.   Yet as this wonderful written film explores, love is a lot of work.  Buddy Holly's song, Falling In Love is so Easy To do comes to mind and this film could inspire a sequel song, Staying In Love Takes Work.   It also becomes clear that while this is a love story, it's more about a young man confronting his own issues so he can finally know how to love another person, that a relationship isn't just about what my partner will do for me but what I will do for my partner.  There's a lot of great things this film touches on and Zoe Kazan who wrote and acts as the title character gives the audience a lot to take in.  Magical, funny and very much an artistic love letter to writers everywhere, this is a winner .  Why no one is talking about this film now during the award season is a huge mystery.  I suspect this will become a cult classic in the near future.  Grade: A