Fatherhood (Commentary)

Today I am a father. They tell you when your children are born it will be one of the happiest days of your life. Obviously this is true. It’s also the most relief I’ve ever felt. When I saw my son for the first time, looked into his eyes, and he stopped crying and looked back, I can’t describe that emotion. It’s a complex surreal mix of calming liberation, shock and peaceful joy. But even that short summary is inaccurate. To know that I helped make an actually living human being, that I get a chance to continue with human kind’s progress is an immense and wonderful feeling. I’m so excited for what is to come. I can’t wait to read books to him, to see him walk for the first time, to hear him laugh and say his first word. I know raising a child takes a lot of work but it’s rewarding work, the kind of work that will keep me young in heart and make me that much wiser. So bring it on. Today I am a father and all that I was before this day was prologue.

Dirty Wars (2013)

This documentary criticizes US military involvement in the world. It attacks the President for using drones and attempts to create a sense that America has a corrupt military/political system. From the point of view of investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill, it’s an emotional argument with many indisputable facts. But it’s always easier to fault the powers that be than to highlight alternative solutions. American might have historically helped frame the violence by taking sides and trying to manage other countries’ governments but we’re ultimately doing our best to keep America safe. I didn’t dislike this film and I found it an important debate starter. My problem with this film is it seems more a protest film then a film meant to educate it viewers. I don’t think it needs to be completely balanced but it ignores the real killers who promote terror and destroy and brain wash communities. Sure American doesn’t get an A for how they have handled themselves but what about the hatred America and other Western countries combat every day. I appreciate Jeremy Scahill’s fight and how he continues to share these stories. He’s an important voice. Grade: B+

The Act of Killing (2013)

If you watched this film without the sound it would appear to be a documentary about a bunch of old retired men deciding to go into theater. Yet it’s probably one of the most morbid and deeply disturbing films ever made because of both how these old men talk about such horrific actions with such nonchalant attitude and how they weirdly decide to re-enact them without much need for forgiveness. It’s like boasting while hoping to become famous for all the attention. What did they do? Oh they’re just the goons who systematically slaughtered over 500,000 people supposedly connected to the communist party. It’s as if the SS officers who ran the Nazi death camps during WWII were allowed to peacefully live out their lives as heroes to later stage plays on how they did what they did. It’s sickening and fascinating at the same time. My only complaint with this film is that it’s kind of sensationalizing these killers. Sure they’re heroes in their country but that doesn’t mean the rest of the world should give them this opportunity to re-live their past glories. Grade: B+

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2013)

As horror films go this one is pretty good if a bit predictable. Amanda Heard plays the title character, a shy girl who is invited by a bunch of popular rich kids to a weekend retreat at a parent’s farm. The boys of the rich kids hope to seduce her into bed because she’s attractive and appears ripe for picking.  Yet someone has followed Mandy Lane and this mysterious person is a killer. Could this have been better? Certainly.  But it is serviceable horror film which should please anyone looking for a fun little sinister film.  Just don’t expect anything grand. Grade: B

Spring in a Small Town (1948)

A classic of Chinese cinema, this melodrama depicts the emotional struggle of a woman who reunites with an old boyfriend and how she reflects on her marriage with an ailing man she never truly loved, although she cares about him deeply. I love old films like these that feel so contemporary. They’re classic examples of how a good story told well can stand the test of time. I truly hope films like this one get preserved for future generations, always. It’s a beautiful drama. Grade: A-

21 Jump Street (2013)

Call me impressed. This is one funny film. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum play undercover cops who go back to high school to locate the dealer of a drug ring. Of course high school has changed a lot since when they went to school. These guys have great comedic timing and made for a great duo. I can’t wait to see the sequel that’s coming out this year. I don’t know what else to say but you must see this successful approach to taking an old television show and turning it into a comedy without making a mockery of itself. Grade: A-

The Croods (2013)

Dreamworks Animation has no business making films this good. I mean, come on, they’re the studio that makes those goofy talking zoo animal movies. Sure they have that adventurous dragon film too but they aren’t supposed to make Pixar quality films that actually have heart as well as laughs. But here they go, breaking their own mold and giving us something worth cheering about: a family caveman film that’s so clever and fun to watch that I actually cried. That’s right; I’ll admit it, this film made me cry. Basically a family of cave people must adapt to their ways and fast or they’ll be toast as an extinction event approaches. The themes are relevant and worth being shared with all families. Do not assume this is just Dreamworks doing their usual thing. This is an Oscar worthy animated feature. Grade: A