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.

Please Give

“Please Give” stars Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, Rebecca Hall and Amanda Peet, Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, the film deals with a family in New York City and the various guilts the members experience from the everyday world around them. An interesting concept and idea gone somewhat astray by its two dimensional portrayal of these supposedly complicated characters who we never really get to know or understand. There is a lot of mental activity going on but the audience never seems to be let in on what is really happening and why. I give the film 2 and ½ stars. It is a nice film to watch but not worthy of the very high ratings some of the more reputable and respected critics have given it. I’m sure there are those who will see in this movie much more than I did and I congratulate them on their good luck.

The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo

“The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo” is a Swedish-Denmark venture starring names that are as difficult to pronounce as they are to spell and written and directed by filmmakers and writers US audiences probably never heard of as well. That being said, this foreign film (language is Swedish with English titles) represents a truly positive movie going experience as it takes us through and into plot twists and turns to ultimate positive cinematic resolution. The acting, editing and directing are at such a high level that the 2 hours and 40 minutes it takes to tell this complicated and interesting tale really almost flies by as the members of the audience stay glued to each of their seats. Time flies when you’re having a good time…..also when you are in a suspense-filled thriller that unequivocally holds your interest the entire time.. I give this film 3 ½ stars and recommend it to all, even those who don’t like foreign films with English titles for this “obstacle” will quickly become unnoticeable as the reel unwinds.

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Shutter Island

"Shutter Island" stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Max Von Sydow, Ben Kingsley and Michelle Williams. Directed by Martin Scorcese, the film is complicated and much too wordy and, indeed, the value to the film occurs well after you leave the theater and piece together the parts of the film that, at the initial viewing, looked so unrelated and discombobulated
A better written and/or directed script might have avoided the discomfort I felt through so much of the movie because, primarily, there was just too much verbage. I must also confess that any mature character Leonardo DiCaprio plays almost always creates a credibility problem for me. Watching him don and wear his fedora consistently reminds me of a little boy trying on his father's hat. As good an actor as he is, and he really is, Leonardo's character never seems to have legitimacy and watching an actor who you know is acting is a difficult obstacle to overcome in any film ……..and especially this one.
Editing and directing could have been improved too. The screenplay was written by Laeta Kalogridis based on a novel by Dennis Lehane. Obviously, director Scorcese and writer Kogridis encountered many difficulties in bringing one form of media to another for the film is a maze of complexities that appear to become clarified only in its last 30 seconds. I rate this film 2 and 1/2 stars knowing that a tighter script and more skillful directing might have earned it a higher grade. Unfortunately, the film, in its present form, did not pass the "no yawning" test.