Easy A (2010)

Emma Stone becomes a star in this latest classic book or play turned into a high school comedy incarnation, the classic book being Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter.  At least the screenwriter admits it upfront by making it part of the story, which I felt was refreshing.   But let's get back to Emma Stone, whose always been a solid performer, but it's here where her charisma and comic talents come into fruition.   Not that she's the only good thing about this film, she's the highlight but there are a lot of praise to spread around.   Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci almost steal the show as the coolest parents to ever be set to film and even Amanda Bynes pulls off a solid performance as an overly-religious bitch.  In many ways this film is a tribute to teen '80s movies without feeling like a '8os film.  Certainly check this one out.  Grade: B+

Unstoppable (2010)

There's really no way anyone could get this simple but thrilling concept wrong.  I mean it's about a runaway train with dangerous explosives heading toward a populated city, and only two average-Joes can save the day.   It's predictable, as it should be, and it's fun as expected.  Denzel Washington is enjoyable as he usually is and newcomer Chris Pine proves he's more than just a younger Capt. Kirk.  Rosa Dawson is a nice surprise too.  If I wanted to I could go into nit-picky criticisms about obvious formulaic inventions such as the evil corporate guy and the weak love story for Chris Pine, manufactured purely to give more "depth" to the story, but I won't because at the end of the day it's a runaway train film and it works on so many levels.  Sure, it's about as memorable as yesterday's breakfast, it is what it's meant to be and that's a suspenseful ride.   

The Killers (1946)

The first adaptation of Hemingway's famous short story, in what is more of an extension of the main story, we follow an insurance investigator through an elaborate film noir world to explain why anyone would want to kill the Swede (played memorably by Burt Lancaster, a gas station attendant who passively allows two killers end his life without a fight, without even trying to flee when told they are coming to kill him.  The opening scene straight from the short story is as exciting and intense as a Quentin Taratino film and then it becomes the more typical detective story later on.  This was later re-adapted in the '60s with Lee Marvin.  (A film I will have to see and write about at a later date).   Having read the short story I found it pretty clever how the writers expanded on the story.  I would recommend this film for anyone who likes film noir and wants to see some solid storytelling.  Sure the best part of the film is its beginning but the rest is pretty slick too.  Grade: A-

Onna ga kaidan wo agaru toki [When A Woman Ascends The Stairs] (1960)

About an modern Geisha of the post-world war II Japan, this engaging drama with a strong female character focuses on a chaste woman trying to find love while keeping to a promise she made to her husband who died in the war.   I highly recommend this film, especially if you enjoy Japanese films of the 1950s and 60s.  Hideko Takamine invites us into her head with subtle ease; I really found myself caught up with her dilemma and carrying for her.  What is most striking about this film is how timeless it is, it feels contemporary.  I liked how Mikio Naruse frames and paces it.  This is what they call a "lost masterpiece" and I hope more modern audiences discover it.  Grade: A.

Shaft (1971)

A film more famous for its Oscar winning score than it's story, I've been wanting to see this for some time.  I've been wanting to see how much of a "man" Mr. Shaft is.  Oh, he's the man alright.   There's no denying it.  Richard Roundtree brings the street-smart, no-nonsense private dick to life, keeping him charming as he pumps up the badass concept up a few degrees.  He might work for the "white cops" but he never let's the "man" bring him down, he's above the system but a good guy.  Hired to find a crime lord's kidnapped girl he plays the criminals as well as the cops however he must to get the job done, all while sleeping with any girl he wants to.  The dated quality of the film, in this case, works in its favor, giving it a raw edge.   And as for the score, by Isaac Hayes, it's a perfect blend of cinematic scope and jive-hopping funk to work.  I'm new to the blaxploitation scene but I'll certainly be checking more out.  Grade: B+

Leaf Blowers (Commentary)

Oh, I hate leaf blowers.  I work late so I sleep in until 8:30AM.  But the guys with their leaf blowers don't care.  Their personal noise making devices, blowing unwanted debris from one part of the drive way to the other end of the drive way, are the most ridiculous inventions ever.  It probably wouldn't bother me if they were quick about it but no one with a leaf blower is quick.  They love their little phallic toys.  They're zoned in and love to watch as "stuff" floats away from them.   Once I looked out my window and watched this one moron spend ten minutes blowing cut grass blades back and forth in the same spot as if he couldn't decide what to do with it.  Hey, pal, what about get a broom?   Sweep up the grass blades and put them in a plastic bag.  You can blow your leaves or the grass into the street but the street sweeper tomorrow morning is just going to blow it back into your drive away again, or the wind is going to take it and blow it back up onto your porch.   That piece of litter that you are blowing into your neighbor's yard will just come back when he uses his leaf blower to blow it onto your property.  I'm sick and tired of these leaf blower wars.  Pick the piece of paper up and put it in the trash.  Stop wasting the gallon of fuel it takes to operate your little machine and get a rake, get a broom, use those muscles God gave you, you lazy morons!  

A Passage to India (1984)

For David Lean's last film he picked E.M. Forrester's classic novel that takes place in India.  Like many of his films, this one is grand in scope and shot with perfect cinematography.   Judy Davis plays Adele, a young British woman who travels with her fiance's mother, Mrs. Moore (perfectly portrayed by Peggy Ashcroft) to India for a great adventure.  The film can be divided into two parts:  the first being an introduction to India through two open-minded white women and then the second part which is a mystery that ends in a courtroom.   The first part is colorful and full of pleasantries and then Adele accuses an Indian doctor who was her guide of raping her.  Did he or didn't he isn't really the point but how the world reacts.  I liked his film very much but wouldn't call it Lean's best work.  It's biggest flaw might be the casting of Alec Guiness as an Indian.   Alec's performance is fantastic and only an actor of his statue could pull off such a feat unfortunately it's just not acceptable and dates the film.   If you like period films you'll like this one.   It's a long one but I wouldn't say too long.  It's too bad Mr. Lean waited so long to make a movie but I'm glad he was able to make this one before leaving us.