The Girl Who Played With Fire

“The Girl Who Played With Fire” stars Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyquist as they continue in their debut roles first seen in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”. The inevitable consequence after viewing any sequel is to compare it with the prior film and, in this instance the first of the anticipated trilogy is better. “Fire” contains a complicated series of circumstances that at times are confusing and difficult to follow with uncomfortable scenes of violence but the acting of Ms. Rapace and Mr. Nyquist redeem the film somewhat and keep us on the edge of our seats as we again witness their exploits and struggles. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, unlike the first in the series, I did become conscience of its 2 hour and 40 minute duration.

The Girl Who Played With Fire

“The Girl Who Played With Fire” stars Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyquist as they continue in their debut roles first seen in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”. The inevitable consequence after viewing any sequel is to compare it with the prior film and, in this instance the first of the anticipated trilogy is better. “Fire” contains a complicated series of circumstances that at times are confusing and difficult to follow with uncomfortable scenes of violence but the acting of Ms. Rapace and Mr. Nyquist redeem the film somewhat and keep us on the edge of our seats as we again witness their exploits and struggles. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, unlike the first in the series, I did become conscience of its 2 hour and 40 minute duration.

The Kids Are All Right

The Kids Are All Right” stars Annette Bening, Julianna Moore, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson and Mark Ruffalo in this beautifully told story of a same sex marriage, their kids and those who come into their lives. Written by Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg and directed by Ms. Cholodenko, this is a film well worth seeing as it investigates and examines parental and partnership issues as they apply to every couple, regardless of gender or origin. Wonderfully acted by all of its stars and directed with warmth, compassion and sensitivity, the movie touches many emotions but never uncomfortably and, for that reason, the co-writers and director deserve kudos and credits. I give this film 3 and ½ stars with a strong recommendation to see it and to enjoy it. It tells us quite simply and yet quite eloquently that love, children and family are universal relationships and exist well beyond the labels society may give to some of its members.

Winter's Bone

“Winter’s Bone” was written by Debra Granik and Anne Rosselini. Also directed by Ms. Granik, this is an intense film whose “R” rating stems from some of its violent content which, unlike most gratuitous offerings, is vital to the plot and story. 100 minutes in length this is the story of family life in the Ozarks, its mores, rules and “laws“ as its characters manifest all phases of human emotion under an umbrella of community. It is obvious that the writers of the film, and the 2 years they spent in the area where the film was made, has paid off in the dividend of authenticity. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes, this film gives Ms. Lawrence the role for which she will long be remembered as she communicates a teenager‘s strength, tenacity and dedication to her younger siblings and ailing mother. There is almost a documentary quality to this obviously low budget film as it captures a way of life few of us are familiar with or have ever experienced. One constantly feels that those in the film are “real residents” rather than actors though I’m sure the latter is the case. I recommend this film not only for the quality of its writing and directing, but, most of all, for the acting performance by this young and oh so talented star. I give the film 3 and ½ stars and predict that Ms. Lawrence’s name will be among those nominated for best actress when award‘s time next comes around...

Sex in the City 2

“Sex in the City 2” stars the ever present Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Cynthia
Nixon and Kristin Davis. Written and directed by Michael Patrick King, the film is predictable and unimaginative yet, for some crazy reason, I can’t consider it as bad as some of the other reviewers I’ve read. Although perhaps stylish and clever to come down on the film, especially from a male point of view, the film actually follows these now maturer women into the state of matrimony and motherhood and examines the intricacies and plights inherent in each of these roles. I went to the film ready to condemn it with clever lines such as “I had a choice between Dreck and Shrek” but characterizing the film in that manner seems terribly unfair. Mind you, this is not a good film and, even though, for the most part, it is trite and silly, I still was able to endure the 2 hours and 40 minutes easier than I was able to endure some other films which were better constructed and acted. I looked at my watch only once (at the 1 and 1/4 hour mark) and not again until the end which, for this piece of work, is almost a miracle. The sets and production values are quite high and some of the lines and scenes are actually quite humorous. There’s nothing deep about anything in this film even though, at times, it tries to go beyond its glitzy veneer. I give this film 2 and ½ stars with this observation; Ladies, you will probably love the film because it does touch on many feminine issues, both physical, cultural and political; and Men, you will be scoring points with your mate by accompanying her to see it and, for the most part, it won’t be too bad an experience

Exit Through the Gift Shop

“Exit Through the Gift Shop” is a strange documentary about the evolution and use of street art. Directed by Banksy, the elusive street artist, it shows the evolution of a fan who later becomes Mr. Brainwash, another street artist. The film could have recited its entire story (if there is one) in less than 15 minutes but unfortunately takes about an hour and one half to tell. The main character of the film is a Frenchman named Thierry Guetta
who is as unappealing as he is dull and, as I perceive him, an unsympathetic character that dominates too much of the footage. The couple next to me left in the middle of the film and, looking back, I realize how wise they were. There is an old adage that because a theater has my money doesn’t mean they have to have my time. My wife begged me to leave several times during the viewing of the film (would you believe 7X). Unfortunately my refusal to leave was rewarded by having to admit she was right. I’m not going to rate this film because it is isn’t worthy of the effort. What is most interesting is how the critics have responded to this film and, like so many pseudo intellectuals, seem to find the positives in this negative (no pun intended) experience

The Secret in the their Eyes

“The Secret in their Eyes” is a winning film from Sony Classics. Written and directed by Juan Jose Campanella, it is a combined love story and murder mystery told in a tense and exciting manner. The 127 minute length of the film seems to fly by as the audience becomes engrossed in this tale of murder, revenge and the love of its hero and heroine. The film stars Ricardo Darin, Soledad Villamil and Pablo Rago. The rich blending of suspense, thrills and humor add much to the enjoyment of this Argentinian /Spanish production. As always, the true test of any good foreign film is how long it takes to forget that you are watching a film with Spanish dialogue and, in this case, it feels like the movie was in English from the very beginning. Kudos too to Senor Campanella who does the almost impossible by writing and directing a film that is so easy to watch and understand--a rare feat for any writer-director. I give this film 3 and ½ stars with the hope that the rest of the films I view this year will equal or exceed the standards set by this one.