Oh My God

“Oh My God” is a 98 minute documentary filmed in almost every continent of the world seeking answers to the questions; "What, Who, Where and Is There a God?”. Written, produced and directed by Peter Rodger, it is an ambitious effort that somehow doesn’t quite make the mark. With beautifully photographed scenes of cultures, peoples and places all over the world, the film looks more like activated pages from a National Geographic magazine and, like magazine paper, is only two dimensional. Although Mr. Rodger’s travels may have taken much longer, the film could easily have edited out 60 of its 98 minutes and still have given us the same result. I fell asleep twice (probably more except for the wake-up elbow of my spouse) and I found squirming and restlessness to be my other companions. I give this documentary 1 and ½ stars for this overlong experience into the mystery of religion and the nature of the Supreme Being. When all is said and done, the film confirms that there are many names, concepts and views of our Maker and, as someone wisely once said, “an atheist is a person without any invisible means of support“.

Amelia

“Amelia” is, of course, the docudrama based on the life of the noted 20th Century aviatrix, Amelia Earhart. With a surname well fitting her life style and desire, she indeed represented the modern woman at a time when housekeeping, getting married and raising a family were supposed to be the aims of all women in our society. This film, well directed by Mira Nair (“The Namesake” Mississippi Masala”, “Vanity Fair”) boasts an impressive cast including Hilary Swank in the title role, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor. The film, if it were fiction, might be characterized as a little too long and somewhat repetitious as it chronicles the escapades of this daring and adventure seeking lady. However, knowing that it is a recitation of history as it occurred, the film takes on a different meaning and caters to all of us interested in the history of flying and of one of its most interesting participants. I give this film 3 stars for any well delivered history lesson deserves a good grade..

Skin

“Skin” is an independent film by first time film director Anthony Fabian and is based on the true story of a South African white family whose daughter (for some unknown genetic happenstance) is born colored. The film details the girl’s life and those within her family over a 30 year period taking place at the time when the country is changing from an apartheid existence to one where skin color is no longer a determinant as to whether or not individual civil rights apply. It is the story of the Laing family and mainly that of daughter Susan (ably played by Sophie Okonedo (“Hotel Rwanda”), Sam Neill (“Jurassic Park”) and Alice Krige. This is a sensitive and well written feature and shows Ms. Okonedo’s depth as an actress which reminds us once again why she was previously nominated for an Oscar.
I give this film 3 stars for a story well told and for providing the viewer with an interesting and emotional theatrical experience

An Education

“An Education” is a film directed by Lone Scherfig, the Danish film director who, as a woman, is uniquely qualified to do great justice to this “coming of age” drama about Jenny, a 16 year old girl living in the early ‘60’s in a suburb of London. The screenplay is ably written by the British novelist Nick Hornby (with a story loosely based on the life of Lynn Barber). The film stars Alfred Molina, Cara Seymour, Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Thompson (in a cameo role) and, saving the best for last, a 22 year old actress, Carey Mulligan (who plays the 16 year old herione). One cannot say enough about this fine actress who graces and enchants the viewer in almost every scene of the film. This is her movie and she makes the most of it. Raising many questions as to the female role in our society and the propriety or impropriety, if you will, of young girls dating older men, this film let’s us view the circumstances faced by Jenny as she matures and decides (or has fate decide for her) the path she must take and how she is to deal with all that has occurred.. Looking so much like Katie Holmes with a commanding charisma and charm that sometimes makes us forget the tremendous talent within her, Ms. Mulligan is a delight to listen to and see, How often does one get the opportunity to see a really wonderful star in the making. I give this film 3 stars, not only for entertaining the audience for its entire 110 minute duration but, in addition, for “educating” the audience in showing us how far society has traveled these past 50 years while, at the same time, reminding us how far it still has to go.

Trucker

“Trucker” is a film written and directed by James Mottern. It stars Michelle Monaghan (“Gone Baby Gone”, “North Country”), Nathan Fillion (“Waitress”), Jimmy Bennett and Benjamin Bratt. This low budget venture takes place in Riverside, California and attempts to follow, as the title implies, the problems of a female trucker and her domestic entanglements. Well acted and adequately directed, the film, although with a running time of only 90 minutes, seems a lot longer to the viewer. The problem, of course, arises from the fact that the film tells a simple short story but tries to make it more like a screenplay based on a novel. It just doesn’t work and the formula predictability of its plot and ending leave a lot to be desired. Better suited as a “B” picture which, in the old days, would have accompanied the “A” feature (when double features were the mode) I give this film 2 stars with a suggestion that this is one “truck” stop you should drive by and avoid.

A Serious Man

“A Serious Man” is the latest cinema offering by Joel and Ethan Coen who wrote, produced and directed the film. It is the story of life in 1967 in the Midwest and how one man tries to cope with the trials, tribulations and circumstances that can befall (and probably have befallen) many of us. With definite semitic leanings and under the umbrella of that culture, the film represents quality set decorating, editing, acting, writing and directing that is not only crisp, well paced and insightful but humorous as it explores the human condition, especially from the point of view of a Jewish middle class American male.. Said to be somewhat autobiographical, the Coen Brothers bring a light and easy to watch experience as our hero parades through each day.
Although the cast is not made of what we would call “superstars”, each actor appears to have been handpicked and is almost perfect for the role he or she plays. Michael Stuhlbarg, who stars in the film, is ably aided and abetted by Richard Kind, Fred Melamed, Sari Lennick, Adam Arkin, Aaron Wolff and Jessica McManus. This ensemble of talented people helps us to enjoy the one hour and 45 minutes of really good filmmaking. I give this film 3 and ½ stars knowing full well that without the religious and ethnic background which permeates each scene, I might have enjoyed it less. The old saying “You don’t have to be Jewish” may be true here but, like Chicken Soup, I can’t see how it would hurt.