Barney"s Version

“Barney’s Version” was written by Michael Konyves based on the novel by Mordecai Richler (“Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz”, et.al). The film with locations in both Italy and Canada stars Paul Giamatti, Minnie Driver, Rosamund Pike and Dustin Hoffman (with his son, Jake, playing the grandson of Mr. Huffman’s character in the film). Utilizing all of its 2 hours and 12 minutes to tell its story, this is a quality film that, for me, was quite enjoyable to view. Wonderfully directed by Richard J. Lewis, the movie moves along at a smooth pace and tells this warm and endearing story about the life of Mr. Giamatti’s character, Barney Panofsky. I came to the film forewarned by some who didn’t like the film although there were many who did.. I also came to the film with a less than enthusiastic attitude since, although a fine actor, I just never enjoy watching Mr. Giamatti. With all of those shackles and burdens weighing heavily on me, I nevertheless found the film to be totally worthwhile and a rewarding theatrical experience. I give the film 3 stars with special kudos to Rosamund Pike whose classic and elegant demeanor is a thing of beauty to behold.

Unknown

“Unknown” stars Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diane Kruger, Frank Langella and Aidan Quinn in this supposed action/drama thriller that tries so hard to be clever but continually stumbles in its convoluted plot and incredulous series of events and identities. As a result, the viewer remains on the edge of his or her seat, not because of the drama, but, instead, in an attempt to remain focused and to try to make sense out of what really makes no sense at all.. Directed by Jaune Collet-Serra, the action scenes are good but not great and unfortunately fail to compensate for the weakness of the story line and plot. Some have referred to the film as “Taken 2” but this does a great disservice to the first film which, in my opinion, was significantly better. I give this film 2 and ½ stars with the added rating because it does hold your interest…an interest motivated by trying to follow the story and the logic which, like the title, are “unknown" and undetectable.

The Illusionist

“The Illusionist” was written by Jacques Tati and directed by Sylvain Chomet. This is an animated film with almost no dialogue and tells its story in about an hour and a half which is more than enough. Jacques Tati, for those of you who are old enough to rememeber, is the charming character who starred in “Mr. Hulot’s Holiday”. The animated figure in the film is that of Mr. Tati and, to a certain extent, represents the biography of this mime and magician who started out in the music halls of France and the UK before turning to film. Sensitive and appealing to the eye, the film boasts of a subtle and warm animation style much like those seen in Pinocchio and early Disney cartoons. Make no mistake about it, there is computer generated animation as well as the traditional cel drawings and the visual appetite of the viewer will be easily appeased. Having spent some time in Edinburgh, the animation and drawings of that city were especially pleasing to me. Now the caveat: This is not a drama, a comedy or a silly cartoon but, instead, a nostalgic look at a bygone entertainment era as the sad character in the form of the mime/magician (a/k/a Mr. Tati in real life) struggles valiantly through the era that is about to pass him by. I confess that I looked at my watch 2X during the 90 minutes but that may not necessarily be the fault of the film as the early rise I had that day. Also, in fairness to the facts, we were 6 in a theater that hold over 500 (a 5:20PM show on a Friday) so maybe the absentees knows something I don’t. My immediate reaction to the film when it ended was first relief and then, upon pondering the film its style and its message, I came to a more positive conclusion. I give the film 2 and ½ stars. It’s a unique theatrical experience made all the more interesting if you know the life and times of Mr.
Tati.

Biutiful

“Biutiful” stars Javier Bardem in this film directed and co-written by Mexican director Alejandro Inarritu (“Babel”) who gives to the audience every possible emotion and involvement through the superb acting of Mr. Bardem. He is in every scene as the camera and script carry him and the viewer through his sad and doomed path as a father, son and brother in what becomes two hours and 27 minutes of a really dry and morbid journey. This is an intense film and much too long for the story it tells. Editing here could have made the film more enjoyable (if that is the right word) but it seems that the director placed too high a value on the takes and scenes he filmed instead of the patience and comfort of the viewer. Sometimes less is more and that adage certainly would apply here. That being said, Mr. Bardem gives an outstanding performance and is far greater in the role he plays than the film in which he appears. I give the film 2 and ½ stars thanks to the efforts and presence of Javier Bardem and in spite of the talents of Mr. Inarritu.