Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” stars Gary Oldman and Colin Firth in this UK French joint venture based on the best selling novel of the same name.by John LeCarre. This is a text book example of what can happen when producers attempt to depict on the screen the essence of a well written novel with religious adherence to the plot but without enough film or time to do it as well as the written word. Taking place in the midst of the cold war in 1973 this film is uncomfortable to watch and the 2 hours and 7 minutes of its duration seems more like a lifetime. Torture techniques are discussed in the film but I suggest that subjecting a prisoner to a viewing of the film will elicit more information from him than waterboarding, for instance, ever could. Co-written by Bridget O’Connor, Peter Straughan and Mr. LeCarre and directed by Tomas Alfredson, there is plenty of blame for each of them to share in creating this less than worthy piece of work. A director can do very little with a script that is confusing and seemingly endless and that is what Mr. Alfredson apparently had to deal with in order to bring about this boring and tedious endeavor. I went to the film aware that some very respected critics in some highly regarded papers and periodicals raved about the film and, consistent with that, my expectations were quite high. Unfortunately my viewing experience was not pleasurable at all nor did the movie in any way involve me in the plot, the characters or the story itself. I give this film 1 and ½ stars with a strong recommendation that it be avoided when making your next theatrical selection (unless, of course, you are looking for a 127 minute nap).

“”Like Crazy” is a film directed by Drake Doremus who also co-wrote it with Ben York Jones. It stars Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones (no relation to Ben) as two young lovers caught in the muck and mire of visas, passports, British and US bureaucracy and the struggle to save their relationship. The film shows us that even the strongest and most beautiful of love affairs can have difficulty experiencing hardships and obstacles placed in their path and when these all combine in the same series of events, the results can be heart breaking. Yelchin and Jones are powerful in their respective performances but, alas, the scenes ping pong between London and LA at such a consistent and speedy pace that the viewer barely has time to get over his or her jet lag. At some points, the editing and scene changes are so rapid that it was hard to follow exactly what was taking place until a subsequent scene allowed us to understand what had happened before.
Somewhat tedious to watch I give the film 2 and ½ stars with a suggestion that it won’t be a great tragedy if you miss it before it ends its current run.

Jack and Jill

"Jack and Jill" is a supposed comedy starring Adam Sandler playing the role of Jack as well as his twin sister Jill. Married to Katie Holmes Jack is totally repulsed by his twin sister, Jill. As his twin, Mr. Sandler plays her as such a revolting character so as to make her totally unbelievable and there, of course, lies the defect in the entire film. There is no credibiliyt in Jill's character for she is as obnoxious as she is unreal and without reality, humor doesn't work. Relying for the most part on bathroom humor (literally and figuratively) the movie asks us to believe that Al Pacino, who also stars in the film, would ever even sit next to let alone be enamored by Jill. It asks too much so, at a certain point, the viewer just doesn't care. I give this film one (1) star and remind its producers and proponents that although the story book "Jack and Jill" may have gone up the hill, this movie isn't going anywhere but down. The best word to describe this entire 96 minute theatrical experience is "disappointing".

J. Edgar

J. Edgar" is, as you might expect, the story of J. Edgar Hoover, at one time one of if not the most powerful man in the nation as he formed and led the Federal Bureau of Investigation for at least 48 years. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as the world's most famous G Man and Armie Hammer plays his faithful confidant and friend, Clyde Tolson while Naomi Watts portrays the role of Helen Gandy, J. Edgar's ever loyal secretary and girl Friday. The film was written by Dustin Lance Black and produced and directed by Clint Eastwood,. Although interesting from the point of view of the history of the nation's most famous crime fighting organization, I'm sorry to say that the film was much too long. Instead of shortening Hoover's name in the title of the film, the editors should have deleted a lot of unnecessary footage as the movie struggles to find itself and its proper pace. In this case FBI could stand "For Boring Individuals". Even good things should end in a timely manner. This is not the Clint Eastwood we came to know in "The Unforgiven" or his other great films. It was almost as if pride of directorship and artistic endeavor overrode the necessity to make the film work in a tighter vehicle. Perhaps trying to cover such a complicated character over so long a period makes the extraordinary length of the film inevitable but not necessarily pleasant to watch. I give the film 2 and 1/2 stars with the suggestion that a good cup of strong coffee prior to viewing it would be a good idea.,

The Descendants

"The Descendants" stars George Clooney and a number of perfectly cast actors in this beautiful, sad and honest story based on the novel written by Kaui Hart Hemmings. Masterfully directed by Alexander Payne, the writing, directing and editing of the film create a wonderful viewing experience that takes the viewer to the heart of a family's grief while allowing him or her to understand and share the frailties and positives of the human condition. A large part of this movie's success is due to the fine acting performance of Mr. Clooney.This is a portrayal that we will hear more about during the nominating process for Best Actor in 2012 and well deserved it will be. Mention must also be made of the superb acting done by a relative newcomer, Ms. Shailene Woodley, who, as Mr. Clooney's character's older daughter, displays a grace and dignity not often found in her peers. She is a star in the making. I give this film 3 and 1/2 stars for at no time was I ever conscious of its length but, instead, only of its power and beauty.

My Week With Marilyn

"My Week With Marilyn" is based on the true story of Colin Clark, a young 23 year old, who diaried and recounted his work as a "gofer"in the making of the 50's film "The Prince and the Showgirl" which originally starred Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier. This movie stars Michelle Williams (as Marilyn Monroe), Kenneth Branagh (as Sir Laurence), Eddie Redmayne (as Colin Clark) and other cast members including Julia Ormond, Judi Dench and Emma Watson (HarryPotter). Written by Adrian Hodges and directed by Simon Curtis the film is slow moving and oftentimes trite in its dialogue as it seeks to penetrate the life and psyche of Ms. Monroe. This complicated icon is portrayed by Michelle Williams in an uncanny and extraordinary manner that, regardless of the merits (or demerits) of the film, will certainly earn her Oscar consideration in 2012. Ms. Williams becomes Ms. Monroe and gives the performance of her career as she captures her character's nuances and likenesses to such an extent that even Meryl Streep would be forced to sit up and give a nod of approval. The film, under normal circumstances, deserves only 2 and 1/2 stars but because of Ms. Williams' performance, I give it 3. Movie-history buffs and all who enjoy seeing an actress come of age will like the film.




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The Artist

“The Artist” is one of the most exciting and interesting film endeavors to be viewed in a long long time. The movie casts French film stars Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo with more recognizable celebrities such as Penelope Ann Miller, Malcolm MacDowell and John Goodman in this almost silent film (in black and white) depicting events in the industry in Hollywood from approximately 1920 until the advent of the talkies in 1932. Written and directed by Michael Hazenavicius, perhaps much of the credit should go to music director Ludovic Bource whose incredible score during this almost 100 minutes of film without sound (other than the music) is the reason the project works. As you view this “silent movie” one realizes how our fathers and grandfathers in the first 30 years of the 20th century could sit and simply watch but not hear actors "talking" on the screen. Suddenly one realizes that the unsung stars of all of these silent emporiums were the organ players or musicians who not only played beautiful music but did it in sync and in total coordination with what was happening on the screen. Mr. Bource and his score accomplishes that and then some. It is difficult to even imagine the film working (as it does) without hearing the music which supports and, indeed, is the true co-star of the film. Remember, too, that all of this is being viewed by an audience born and bred in the era of talking pictures so to achieve such a wonderful result is a testament to the acting, writing, directing, musical scoring and editing of this fine film. Although the story is “hokey’ and reminiscent of the “A Star is Born” genre, the movie takes us into the world of silent films and the trials and tribulations of those who can and cannot make the transition to the new medium. Yes, I confess that I did look at my watch twice but only to make sure and satisfy myself that the film had more to go and wasn’t ending when I thought it might. My wishes were granted and I was able to see a wonderful product taken to its proper completion. I give this film four stars and urge, no, insist, that those who enjoy great filmmaking not miss this extraordinary film experience.