The Road

“The Road” stars Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Guys Pierce and Molly Parker. Based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy, the screenplay was written by Joe Penhall and directed by John Hillcoat. This is not a good movie. It is long, tedious, monochromatic in its desolate and foreboding scenes of a world destroyed while a father and son attempt to survive in it. This film represents 2 full hours of one of the most uncomfortable theatrical experiences I have had in a long long time. Watching a neighbors 8mm film of his or her travels through the barren desert is a close second to this cinematic waste of time. Although technically not a mystery, it really is because the question constantly being posed is how could such good actors ever agree to play in such a dull and dry film. Also, how in Heaven’s name could this film ever have gotten financing, production and distribution. I guess the name value of Ms. Theron, Ms. Parker, Mr. Duvall and Mr. Pierce helped even though all had little more than cameo roles. .I give this film 1 star with the fear that most who will see it will probably feel I was much too generous in my rating..

That Evening Sun

“That Evening Sun” is a film based on a short story by William Gay. It stars Hal Holbrook, Raymond McKinnon, Carrie Preston and Mia Wasikowska (the young suicidal patient in HBO’s “In Treatment”). The film was written and directed by Scott Teems who just can’t seem to edit or cut any scene for fear that his words and directed actions will be lost. Proving once again the old adage that less is more, and unlike the talents of writer-directors such as Woody Allen, Mr. Teems makes his directorial debut memorable only because of the film’s length and lack of style. The movie is much too long and, because of that, loses the possibilities it had when it was first given the green light…a light, incidentally, that because of its length, should have been yellow. I give the film 1 and ½ stars with a hope that in the years remaining , the fine talent of Hal Holbrook will be able to find and act in a better vehicle.

This Is It

“This Is It” is a documentary of the anticipated Michael Jackson concert tour that was to begin days following his untimely death. It was made at the direction and request of Jackson for his personal use in order to document all that went into the preparation of the concert tour. Little did he know that it would be more of a eulogy and testament to his artistic skills and performances and be the only exhibition of his talent post his June 2009 passing. The four cutters who spliced together the footage that make up the documentary, and concert-film director Kenny Ortega, give us insights and views of Michael Jackson, the performer and, sometimes, the off stage person. We also learn about the tremendous logistics and activities that go into the staging of such a mega event. As an entertainment vehicle it is clearly too long (111 minutes) with much of it being repetitious and overdone. That being said, it is still an important piece of film for we see the “wannabees”, the doting director, the subservient musicians and dancers and the delicate and sensitive manner in which Jackson insists on perfection in all of the dance and music numbers. One watches the film knowing the tragic end that follows it and looks for signs of this stellar performer and his undoing. He is 50 years of age and dances and sings with the energy of a teenager as you get the feeling that he still considers himself the teenage lead singer of the Jackson 5. As someone noted, with all that adrenalin flowing throughout each rehearsal, it is no wonder that he needed help sleeping and relaxing. What I found most interesting and informative is the ability to see Jackson, not as the “strange” and “troubled” individual upon whom fame has brought so many problems but, instead, as a dedicated and sincere professional who never loses his humility or caring. He never reprimands or rudely corrects his supporting performers. Instead he politely and tactfully asks them to make the changes he desires. A wise trait for any administrator and certainly a good one for someone seeking the maximum effort from his supporting cast. This is a film I would recommend to anyone seeking to learn more about Michael Jackson and the entire concert genre. As for me, I ended up with a better understanding of him and of why so many in his inner circle cared so much about him. He truly was the “King of Pop” and his throne will remain vacant for some time to come.

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.