The Master

“The Master” stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix with wasted appearances by Amy Adams and, Laura Dern,  A quality cast is working with virtually nothing of substance in this film  written and directed by Paul  Thomas Anderson.  Mr. Anderson should have had someone help him edit and delete many superfluous scenes, unnecessary dialogue and perhaps even give the film a beginning, a middle and an end, none of which can be found in its 2 hours and 15 plus minutes of footage.

Notwithstanding the surprising number of praises and accolades from the mucky mucks and professional nabobs, this is not a good film. The actors can use their performances as terrific vehicles for demonstrating their obvious individual skills but they don’t assimilate well in the movie in which they are performing

Spotty scene changes and meaningless and confusing plot lines make me wonder how any of these self-acclaimed professional movie critics can keep their jobs. They didn’t just like the film, they loved it. I kept waiting for the film to develop and become meaningful but it never happened. With kindness I give the film a 2 star rating, mainly because of Messrs. Hoffman and Phoenix’ performances. The writing and directing, however, in my opinion, leave much to be desired.

 

Arbitrage

“Arbitrage” is a film written and directed by Nicholas Jarecki and stars Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Tim Roth.. The word “arbitrage” is defined as “the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset in order to profit from a difference in the price”. As a result the title of the film doesn’t really coincide with the story it tells. In fact, the only thing the word and the story have in common is that they both take place in the financial world…and that’s where the similarity ends. This is a tale of high level finance and personal drama that will hold your interest regardless of the sometimes concocted plot variances. A superb performance by Tim Roth, a predictable performance by Mr. Gere and a somewhat miscast Susan Sarandon neither add nor detract from the ability of the film to hold your interest since the writing, but for a few flaws, is quite good. The test of any movie is “Did I enjoy the experience” and to this I answer “yes”. Of special note is the fact that, instead of going to the local AMC theater, I watched it on the television set in my den as a result of an arrangement the distributor, Lionsgate, apparently made with Time Warner Cable so that with “On Demand” capability, I watched the film in the relaxed atmosphere of my den even though it was concurrently in its initial theatrical release in local movie houses. This speaks well of the film for certainly the movie house  experience tends to enhance one’s viewing pleasure. This film’s 100 minutes of footage was easy to watch even in my own personal venue. I give the film 3 stars and recommend it regardless where you may end up seeing it.

The Intouchables

“The Intouchables” is a French film written and directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. It stars Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy and tells the true story of a disabled and paralyzed man who hires a native of Senegal as a care provider. For some reason or another I had not seen the film in its initial release period but heard others constantly rave about it. Finally, realizing that its run was coming to an end, I went to see it in one of the 4 or 5 local independent movie houses still showing tt. It’s always difficult to view a film with a history of so many accolades and such positive reactions from friends and acquaintances. My exceedingly high expectations, although not totally met, were indeed catered to and, to a great extent, realized. The subject matter, as difficult as it would appear to be, is handled so well by the writer/director team and never becomes awkward or difficult to experience. In fact, the humor exhibited by both actors helps the film keep its humanity and, in the end, surprised and relieved, I  left the film with my spirits uplifted. I give the film 3 and ½ stars. One interesting note. One of the members in my group who saw the film thought it  was in English. It wasn’t but it does speak well of the film and its ability to cross sub-title lines so that one viewer, at least, couldn’t tell the difference..

Robot and Frank

“Robot and Frank” is a film from first time director Jake Schreier. Written by Christopher Ford the film stars Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon and Liv Tyler and takes place “sometime in the near future” where robotic technology is used to aid those with Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory disabilities. Although well intentioned and sensitive to an ailment that unfortunately befalls too many in our society, the movie never quite reaches its potential and trivializes a subject that deserves more meaningful attention. Well acted but not well written, the film offers a perspective to those who are either unaware or insensitivet to the problems of aging and the diseases that too often accompany it. I give the film 2 and ½ stars because, if you forgive the use of the word, it is really quite “forgettable.”

Hope Springs

“Hope Springs” stars Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell. Directed by David Frankel and written by Vanessa Taylor this is a film that had a great idea (facing the problems of marital boredom) and wonderful potential, both of which unfortunately are never realized. The film plays more like a slow moving exercise in three way conversations between the main characters and the unrealistic almost stereotyped roles each plays. Real life just isn’t like that and for that reason the movie completely misses the mark. Overplayed by Mr. Jones as the guy who takes his wife of 31 years for granted, he becomes almost a cartoon image of the person he is asked to portray. Ms. Streep, on the other hand, in an attempt to be the dutiful wife seeking to reinsert the verve and spunk in the marriage it once had, jumps from anger, hurt and adoration in such fast mood changes that most married couples will acknowledge that things never occur that way. This is clearly a low budget film with almost minimal production values unless you consider nice furniture in a therapist’s office as an example of big spending. That aside, the film does a terrible disservice to 3 fine actors who, like the film’s marriage, are trapped in a bland and slow moving vehicle. Poor editing, writing and directing compel that this film receive only 2 stars.

Take This Waltz

“Take This Waltz” stars Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Sarah Silverman and Luke Riley. Michelle Williams is a very talented actress who seems to be much better than the films in which she appears (e.g. “Marilyn” etc.). This film written and directed by Sarah Polley is no exception as Ms. Williams struggles as the bored and unhappy housewife who meets and immediately connects with another man and it is her journey through this complex set of circumstances that we watch for 116 minutes. The movie is too long and experiences the same frustrating theme over and over again. Perhaps a 3d party editing the film would have seen what Ms. Polley could not. It is indeed difficult to delete your own creative endeavors but good films demand that this be done. I give this effort by Ms. Polley 2 and ½ stars.. The possibilities and ideas are there but they just don’t seem to reach their potential.

Ted

“Ted” is the creation of Seth MacFarlane who not only co-wrote the film with Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild but directed it as well. It is all MacFarlane’s project and like his “Family Guy” property, it is irreverent, bold and over the top in its disregard for political correctness and the like.. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis together with Ted, the teddy bear whose voice is that of the multi-talented Mr. MacFarlane. Though sometimes trite and formula in its story line, this film works. The writing is sharp, witty and equally insults all who come in its path. Such dialogue and tacky jokes can only work if they are funny and, indeed, these are. Some have unfairly compared this film to “Knocked Up” and “The Hangover” but that does it a great disservice.. It is better than the films of that genre. We get engrossed in so many serious and artsy types of movies that we forget the absolute pleasure in being able to sit back, relax, laugh and have a genuinely good time viewing a good theatrical exhibition. For me, “Ted” fulfilled that need and I gladly give it 3 stars with a strong recommendation that it be seen as soon as possible.