Dexter (Season 5)

It's difficult to review a television show like this because by just setting up the story I'm ruining what happened in previous seasons.  So I'll just say this is another great season in the chronicles of Dexter, serial killer who kills killers.   New faces add to the fun and returning faces keep the story thriving.  I wouldn't say this is as good as Seasons 2 and 4 but it's equally as good as Season 3.  Grade: A-

Spoilers:  At first I didn't know if I was liking where they were going with Dexter's story; having Rita's kids live with their Grandparents seemed a convenient plot device.   But what impressed me the most was how they effortlessly spun the story in a new direction, with Dexter saving a victim, played decently by Julia Stiles, and getting him to work with a partner.  God, I love this show but I admit it's getting harder to watch knowing that Dexter's world will someday collapse around him.   

Meek's Cutoff (2011)

There's something profound about a movie that lingers in the mind after watching it.  This pioneer western about some wagoners getting lost when their guide named Meek takes them the wrong way to Oregon is certainly not typical.   First it's shot in 1.33 just like the old westerns were in John Ford's day and second there's no real action in it.  This is my first experience with director Kelly Reichardt and I'll be checking out her other work soon (so stay tuned) but I wouldn't call this a complete success.   At times it's achingly slow and some of the better parts of the film don't happen until the last twenty minutes of the movie.  I will say, Reichardt knows how to build a great cast from Michelle Williams to an unrecognisable Bruce Greenwood to Paul Dano and Will Patton.  Mostly though this is an artistic approach to a true story that deserves a more traditional telling.  But I applaud Reichardt's bravery for making a western that goes against the grain.  Grade: B+    

Biutiful (2010)

Alejandro González Iñárritu's latest film richly weaves together the lives surrounding Uxbal, a shady peddler and responsible father who learns he's about to die.  Javiar Bardem is astonishing, as usual, delivering another deserving Oscar nominated performance.  Yet his supporting cast is just as exceptional starting with Maricel Alvarez who plays his bi-polar druggie wife.   There's many aspects to this film, from the supernatural to the gritty underworld, and all of it mixed just right.  I'll admit it's a heavy film to watch sometimes and it's not for everyone but it's a pretty beautiful film with a moving message.  Grade: A-.

Hanna (2011)

From Joe Wright's past work, all excellent, I've been keen to see what else he would do.  When I learned he'd be making an action/thriller I was excited.  Too bad the result is a mixed bag.   It's basically Bourne Identity with a girl (notice how all spy films nowadays are cloning the popular Matt Damon starring film).  Saoirse Ronan is wonderful as the kick-ass spy kid and this proves she can carry a film but the story goes really nowhere.  Eric Bana is her father who trains her in the ways of battle and how to survive as an international spy.  Cate Blanchet is the rogue CIA agent out to find her and kill her.  It's a nice set up but the mystery isn't that interesting and the motivations are vague and a little forced.   I'd only check it out if you love spy films and need to see a little girl action drama.  Grade: B.

Spoilers: Okay, why are Bana and Hanna hiding from a woman who isn't even looking for them anymore?  What is their plan exactly?  Revenge?  That's a pretty weak motivation in my opinion.  I had a lot of problems with this visually exciting but plotless film.  I will applaud the bookends in this movie as well as the scene stealing from Jessica Barden (who was so good in Tamara Drewe). 

The Future (2011)

Miranda July is a performance artist, actress and film director.  If you haven't heard of her then do yourself a favor and check out her film Me and You and Everyone We Know, a masterpiece in so many ways.  Of course, if you can't find that film, this one will do too.  It's darker and much more quiet but a great example of Miss July's talents.  It's the story of a couple who are waiting to adopt a cat that they brought in to the vet because it had a hurt paw.  As they wait they each make sudden changes to their lives that end up testing their love.  Some will try and fit this film into a magical realism mold or call it an absurd comedy/drama.  All I know is it had me hooked from the first couple images and pumped me up for her third effort.   Grade: A-.

It Came From Outer Space (1953)

When you hire Ray Bradbury you know you're getting a good science fiction story and that's what this is.  It still holds up for those who like retro '50s film making.  If you find that kind of thing "cheesy" and "dated" then you probably should skip it.  It's the story of a writer and his girlfriend witnessing the crash of a meteor only to learn when they investigate that it was an alien craft that fell from the sky.   Soon the visitors are stealing people and causing a havoc in town.  It's kind of funny how much of a big deal the "Alien" costume was back then, they actually burnt it after filming to keep it a surprise from the press.   Grade: B+

America, America (1963)

Elia Kazan's personal account of his uncle and how he came to America.  Beautifully shot in black and white and filled with complex characters and issues, you can see why it was nominated for Best Picture back then.  It's a little long and Kazan's voice over is completely unnecessary but it's a fine film.  Grade: A-