The Film Guide - Here Come the Olympics

Well, the string of great summer movies (The Bourne Supremacy, The Manchurian Candidate and Collateral) has now come to a screeching halt and it's easy to see why - the Olympic Games have invaded our NBC airwaves and resistance, as they say, is futile.

The cynic in me will harp on the jingoism of the telecasts; that archaic insistence of NBC not to broadcast live in this age of instant global information; the proliferation of commercialism in an event that used to celebrate the amateur athlete; the looming specter of doping; and, most of all, those inane Chevrolet Olympic Moments.

Then I will think about the nation of only 10 million people (the smallest to host the Games in recent times) that did more than was thought possible to finish everything on time; the athletes – like American boxer Ron Siler Jr. - that have faced seemingly insurmountable odds to just make it to the games; the cobbled together Iraqi soccer team that beat European powerhouse Portugal; the idea that this truly does bring the world together; and finally, the “incredible” hosts who breathlessly guide us through the telecasts.

I only wish I had cable so I could watch MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo and Telemundo to catch more classic Katie Couric moments like the one she had during the opening ceremony. Katie paused for a moment at the top of the telecast to think sadly about all those poor souls in the path of Hurricane Charley. Katie: “Things look awful there [grave pause] but things look fantastic here…”

On with the Games!

cheers!

The basu! Guide to the Movies

August 13th, 2004

Joisey Girl

Garden State (Yes, it’s got first-time-director written all over it. Yes, it has to explain itself through some stilted dialogue. Yes, it lapses into sentimentality at the end. However, this is still a remarkable film, especially from a first time director. There is enough visual flair, superb acting, quirky vignettes, and movie-movie ending that grabs you when it really shouldn’t to justify most of the hype coming out of Sundance. And boy, I’m not sure what kind of wish fulfillment fantasy Zach Braff is living out with his cinematic girlfriend Sam, but Natalie Portman makes that character the dream of every twenty-something guy out there. Now if only she could do something about being the dream of every twenty-something nerd out there because of her unfortunate decision to be a part of the travesty that is the new Star Wars trilogy…)

One to Watch – Bollywood

Raghu Romeo

Directed by: Rajat Kapoor

Starring: Vijay Raaz, Saadiya Siddiqui, Maria Goretti

Plot: A waiter in a sleazy dance bar finds himself smack dab in the middle of love triangle. Not-your-typical-Bollywood-film type complications ensue.

The Buzz: Any mainstream Bollywood film that has the guts to place the supremely talented Raaz (Dubey from Monsoon Wedding) in the lead is all right with me. This is not your average Bollywood film, and its freshness and unpredictability might win over mainstream audiences not accustomed to originality and real directorial prowess.

Bottom Line: Thos Lucky Few in Jackson Heights, New Jersey and Artesia: Theatres – Eventually; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Monsoon Wedding

One to Watch – Independents

We Don't Live Here Anymore

Directed by: John Curran

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Laura Dern, Peter Krause, Naomi Watts

Plot: A college professor embarks on a risky affair with the wife of his best friends. Can’t-the-Dubus-family-do-any-happy-books type? complications ensue.

The Buzz: An unrelentingly bleak look at marital relationships and all the deceit and cruelty that the institution entails. The four main characters are as flawed as the come, and the actors’ unflinching portrayal is admirable, if difficult to sit through. This is a mannered, claustrophobic and unsettling trip into those hurtful corners of our psyche that we normally do not want to visit in films, lest we see more of ourselves reflected than we would like. Krause is on familiar ground here and displays his trademark superciliousness with customary showmanship. Watts has a lot of ground to cover to win over the audience as the home wrecker of the quartet, and she succeeds to a large degree. Ruffalo is at his best as the complicated center of this dark universe, and his nuanced, vulnerable performance is probably some of the best work that he has ever done. Ultimately though, the real revelation here is Dern’s ferocious, brittle performance. She is in the position of eliciting the most sympathy, and could have easily simply glided through the movie. Instead, she turns in a career-revitalizing performance that should go a long way towards re-establishing her acting credentials.

Bottom Line: Theatres – Eventually

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): You Can Count On Me, Rambling Rose

New Movies (Opened Wednesday, August 11th, 2004)

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Directed by: Garry Marshall

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Larry Miller, Heather Matarazzo, Hector Elizondo

Plot: The princess of Genovia has to choose a husband in order to ascend to the throne. Too-bad-they-are-going-to-run-this-franchise-into-the-ground type complications ensue.

The Buzz: I probably shouldn’t be revealing this, but I saw the first one and loved it. That sweet, well-acted and funny movie was everything that the modern teen comedies were not, and that was a welcome surprise indeed (even Mandy Moore showed glimpses of her acting talent as the uber-bit*h Lana Thomas). Unfortunately, that surprise is no longer around to help this remarkably bland sequel. The cast do what they can, especially Matarazzo (the immortal “Weinerdog” from that other movie about high school girls unable to fit in – Welcome to the Dollhouse) who makes a strong impression in the few scenes she has. Andrews is at her imperious best, and has some nice moments with Elizondo. The lovely Hathaway was well on her way to stardom after the first film, though it now seems that her career is as stagnant as her character. She gracefully makes her way through the numerous pratfalls, insipid dialogue, and lousy story that doom the film and certainly deserves a lot better.

Bottom Line: Pass

Other Movies to Check Out (instead): The Princess Diaries, Welcome to the Dollhouse

New Movies

Alien vs. Predator

Directed by: Paul W. S. Anderson

Starring: Lance Henriksen, Ewen Bremner, Sanaa Lathan

Plot: Some archaeologists on a dig in Antarctica discover that they are in the middle of a war between the predators and aliens. In-the-grand-tradition-of-Fox-copycatting type complications ensue.

The Buzz: Henriksen was unforgettable as the android Bishop in Aliens. Lathan starred in the lovely little Love and Basketball. Bremner had that incredible scene in Trainspotting. And Anderson has directed movies like Mortal Kombat, Event Horizon and Resident Evil. Who do you think comes out ahead in this one? As the tag line says, whoever wins, we lose. Indeed…

Bottom Line: Me: DVD; Other, More Sensible People: Pass

Other Movies to Check Out (instead): Alien, Aliens, Predator

Danny Deckchair

Directed by: Jeff Balsmeyer

Starring: Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto

Plot: A young man goes on the trip of a lifetime when he attaches some helium balloons to his deckchair. Little-film-perfect-for-DVD type complications ensue.

The Buzz: It’s a good thing this film was made outside the US, because director Balsmeyer brings in some odd, original flavoring that raises it above the stock little-guy-that-could stories we have seen before. I am a huge fan of Ifans (Hugh Grant’s roommate from Notting Hill), and he would certainly not be on the shortlist of American casting directors to carry this movie. This would have been a shame, for Ifans is great as the titular aviator, peppering his performance with alternating bouts of quirkiness and soulfulness. The beautiful Otto is his graceful foil, and their affecting relationship is what finally gives this modest little film its distinctive edge.

Bottom Line: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Castle, The Dish

DVD to Watch – (Releasing August 17th)

Mean Streets: Special Edition

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, David Proval

Plot: The heir to a New York crime family has to go on the run to protect his best friend and girlfriend. Pre-you-talkin’-to-me-Scorsese-fun type complications ensue.

The Buzz: The one that started it all. Even though this was Scorsese’s third film officially, it was the one that really showcased what was to come, and served as the wellspring for all the themes he would come to explore in his remarkable career. De Niro dominates the film in a showboat performance that displays all the charisma that went on to make him a star. However, it is the often overlooked Keitel who is quite firmly the soul of the film. His graceful, layered performance serves him well in this increasingly nihilistic milieu, and contributes greatly to the film’s success. This is a welcome trip down memory lane, and a timely reminder of what a great director Scorsese used to be.

Bottom Line: Uh, DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino

Marlon Brando Movie to Watch

The Fugitive Kind

Directed by: Sidney Lumet

Starring: Marlon Brando, Joanne Woodward, Maureen Stapleton, Anna Magnani

Plot: A young entertainer on the run becomes stranded in a small southern town and finds that he has not been able to outrun his checkered past after all. Not-one-of-Brando’s-best-but-still-pretty-watchable type complications ensue.

The Buzz: Lumet is one of the greatest directors of all time (Network, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, The Pawnbroker, 12 Angry Men, The Verdict and the list goes on, well not much longer, but it does go on), but unfortunately that is not in much evidence in this long, muddled version of Tennessee Williams’s Orpheus Descending. However, he gives it his best shot and it’s a hoot watching Brando go after Magnani. Apparently this is Courtney Love’s favorite movie and Woodward served as a huge inspiration for her celebrated performance in The People vs. Larry Flynt. Now that is food for thought.

Bottom Line: Uh, DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Network, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, The Pawnbroker, 12 Angry Men, The Verdict

So Did You Hear the One About the Dwarf Who Inherits a Train Depot in Jersey…

The Station Agent (I am so sorry I missed this gentle little film last year; it certainly would have made my best of list. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the restrained, elegant direction is wonderful to behold. Peter Dinklage [who was incredible in that one scene he had as children’s author Miles Finch in Elf] is heartbreakingly great in the titular role, and his performance is worth the price of the DVD rental alone.)

Omar Sharif Still Got It

Monsieur Ibrahim (Sharif is wonderful as the wise, old shopkeeper and his twinkle-eyed bonhomie goes a long way in pushing this film into directions we had no right to expect.)

Top 10 Films Out Right Now That I Positively Have to See

Collateral

The Corporation

Control Room

Stander

Maria Full of Grace

I, Robot

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

The Terminal

Top 10 Movies of the Year (finally, I Can Put 10 On My List!)

Fahrenheit 9/11

Spider-Man 2

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Garden State

Super Size Me

The Manchurian Candidate

Kill Bill Vol. 2

The Bourne Supremacy

Ripley’s Game *

Shrek 2

* Of course, since this premiered on DVD, it will not be eligible for my year-end list.

Sorry this one's a little late as well...

Spare a thought for Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century, who died last week. Some of his better known work can be seen here:

http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/cb/

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

cheers!

Pratik Basu

The basu! Guide to the Movies

August 8th, 2004

One to Watch – Bollywood

Musafir

Directed by: Sanjay Gupta

Starring: Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Aditya Pancholi, Sameera Reddy

Plot: A retiring gangster must do one more job before he can go off into the sunset. Very-slick-by-Indian-standards type confusions ensue.

The Buzz: It may be your standard issue Bollywood gangster film, but with a good director, great cast, and a more than serviceable story, it may just rise above the recent glut of bad films coming out of Bombay. Dutt is on familiar ground here as a sadistic, trigger-happy underworld boss, and continues his remarkable transformation as an actor. Pancholi, his matinee idol days firmly behind him, makes a strong impression in what would normally have been a throwaway role. It is Kapoor, though, who dominates the film. It’s easy to forget what a force he used to be in Hindi movies, his movie-star screen presence complemented by an underrated acting ability. He may not be the draw he used to be, but his gifts have not diminished and that is very much in evidence here.

Bottom Line: Thos Lucky Few in Jackson Heights, New Jersey and Artesia: Theatres – Eventually; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Tezaab

Two to Watch – Independents

Open Water

Directed by: Chris Kentis

Starring: Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis

Plot: A scuba diving couple is left behind by their dive boat. It’s cold, it’s dark, and…wait, are those dolphins I see over there? Hang on a sec, those fins don’t look like they belong to any dolphin…

The Buzz: The buzz has been building since Sundance, and the fact that Lion’s Gate is going to expand this to over 2,000 screens means that most industry execs believe that this is going to a huge hit. Expectations are a funny thing – the reason that I loved The Blair Witch Project so much was because my friend Dan “Burgun Must Die” Burgun hooked me up with a special screening before the film actually opened wide (the filmmakers were standing nonchalantly outside the restroom, I had a poster, they had pens, and to my eternal damnation, I never got them to sign it) and I knew next thing to nothing about it. By the time the mass media had gotten a hold of it, expectations were raised so high that most people were disappointed when they saw it. Unfortunately, this has happened to Open Water before the film has even come out. So be warned – it’s not quite the white-knuckle terror ride that most critics are so breathlessly exclaiming; instead it’s a creepy, absorbing thriller that gets deep under your skin as the story progresses. Ultimately the ending is a little too anti-climactic for the film to truly achieve any level of lasting greatness (as opposed to the impossibly nerve-wracking Witch ending). Nevertheless, this a truly remarkable film and a welcome relief in a summer overloaded with mind-numbing CGI.

Bottom Line: Theatres – First Week

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Blair Witch Project

Stander

Directed by: Bronwen Hughes

Starring: Thomas Jane, David O'Hara

Plot: A real-life South African police officer becomes a celebrated outlaw after re-examining his life. Didn’t-realize-Thomas Jane-had-it-in-him type confusions ensue.

The Buzz: A beautiful little film that takes what could have been a stock, feel-good story (which Ned Kelly made the mistake of doing) and makes a few unnerving u-turns. Jane is a complete revelation as the titular character, his mischievous charisma turning to gradual self-destruction, toying with the audience’s sympathy throughout. Hughes has a less than stellar record (anyone remember the awful Forces of Nature, back when a pre-Bennifer Ben Affleck could still play second fiddle to Sandra Bullock?) and her directorial prowess is as much a revelation as her lead actor’s performance. Jane may have been watched by more people in this spring’s The Punisher, but hopefully this film will true allow him to flex his muscles as an actor.

Bottom Line: Those Lucky Few in Manhattan and Los Angeles: Theatres – Eventually; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): 61*

New Movies – One Most Definitely to Watch

Collateral

Directed by: Michael Mann

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Javier Bardem

Plot: A cabbie in Los Angeles(!) makes the unfortunate mistake of picking up a hitman as a fare. Tom-Cruise-looking-for-some-street-creed-by-acting-as-a-villain type confusions ensue.

The Buzz: That’s right folks, Cruise plays a bad guy. And not just the actually-good-guys-waiting-for-redemption “bad” guys he’s played before to much success (Rain Man, Magnolia) and not much success (Born on the Fourth of July); but a cold-blooded sociopath who thinks nothing of gunning down innocent people. Of course, this whole exercise could have unraveled after the novelty of watching Mr. Top Gun blow some people away, but we’re firmly in the middle of Mann territory here, and the great director is having none of that. Instead, we get a shimmering, sensuous Los Angeles become very much a part of the story. We have Cruise give one of the best performances of his career, his customary concentration and effort dovetailing nicely with his character. We have both Ruffalo and Bardem shining in their small roles. And finally, we have Foxx turn in an incredible performance and steal the whole d**n show. It’s been a while since he broke on to the scene, and it seems that he may be finally realizing that potential we all spoke of (keep an eye out for the upcoming Ray). Mann’s film hums along with the smooth precision of a European sports car, its sleek surface belying all the work being done to keep the enterprise moving. The whole thing builds steadily and smoothly to a nerve-jangling climax; confirming the stellar abilities of one the greatest directors we have working in films today.

Bottom Line: Theatres – First Week!!

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Heat, Rain Man

New Movies

Little Black Book

Directed by: Nick Hurran

Starring: Brittany Murphy, Ron Livingston, Holly Hunter, Kathy Bates

Plot: A young woman decides to peek into her boyfriend’s “black book” (actually a PDA, we ain't living in the dark age of pen and paper no more) and comes unglued when she sees that he’s been keeping in touch with all his exes. Counter-programming-move-gone-horribly-wrong type confusions ensue.

The Buzz: Awful, just plain awful. It’s a shame to see former Oscar winners Hunter and Bates stoop to such lows, and it’s especially sad to see the supremely talented Livingstone completely wasted in this misbegotten movie. Perhaps saddest of all is Murphy, whose once-promising career has devolved into a series of eminently forgettable romantic comedies (Uptown Girls, Just Married). Murphy, the much-in-need-of-a-makeover Tai from Clueless (which grows in stature with every passing year – I ain’t kidding man, watch it now and tell me it’s not one of the funniest and cleverest comedies, let alone teen comedies, you’ve seen in a while) and the much-in-need-of-a-psychiatrist Daisy from Girl, Interrupted (an amazing performance that, much like the film itself, got lost in Angelina Jolie’s wake), has squandered all the golden opportunities she may have earned from these two films. Let’s hope her upcoming performance in the much-anticipated Sin City from Robert Rodriguez will signal a welcome return to form. In the meantime, skip this horrid excuse for a movie and rent the past glories that the otherwise fine cast has enjoyed.

Bottom Line: Pass

Other Movies to Check Out (instead): Clueless, The Piano, Misery, Office Space

Code 46

Directed by: Michael Winterbottom

Starring: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton, Om Puri

Plot: Two genetically undesirable lovers in the future must fight to keep their love alive. Not-your-standard-I, Robot-type-sci-fi confusions ensue.

The Buzz: Winterbottom is a criminally overlooked director, and looks like this fine film will also go unnoticed in theaters. Since it’s probably not playing in any theatres near you, please take the time to keep an eye out for this when it comes out on DVD. While certainly not his best film, it might pique your interest in his oeuvre, and you will not regret that. Both Robbins and Morton turn in some fine understated work, and it’s always nice to see great Indian character actor Puri in any film west of Bombay (sorry Mumbai). The script unfortunately takes a rather disastrous turn for the worse in the last third, but by then Winterbottom’s moody, atmospheric, spare science-fiction film has earned your respect.

Bottom Line: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): In This World, 24 Hour Party People, Welcome to Sarajevo

DVD to Watch – (Releasing August 10th)

Smiley’s People

Directed by: Simon Langton

Starring: Alec Guinness, Patrick Stewart

Plot: A retired British secret service agent investigates the death of a friend. A-thinking-man’s-spy-thriller type confusions ensue.

The Buzz: Far from the world of James Bond, and even Jason Bourne, lies John LeCarre’s master creation George Smiley – a fastidious, nebbish-y British secret service agent who could be easily mistaken for a retired school teacher. And this isn’t exactly the place you would come looking for high-speed chases, gadgets and the world being held hostage. Instead, you get a fascinating character study, and a great chess game being played against the backdrop of the less glamorous side of international espionage. Using psychology and logic rather than a Walther PPK, Smiley navigates his way through a minefield of enemies both old and new; and it’s fascinating to watch. Though not as good as its predecessor Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, this mini-series is admirable nonetheless, and is certainly better than almost anything you’ll see on your televisions right now.

Bottom Line: Uh, DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Marlon Brando Movie to Watch

The Chase

Directed by: Arthur Penn

Starring: Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, Angie Dickinson, Robert Duvall

Plot: A fugitive on the run returns to his hometown and stirs things up. What-a-cast! type confusions ensue.

The Buzz: A cast to absolutely die for, and a director much overlooked despite his having made some of the greatest films of all time (Bonnie and Clyde, Little Big Man) make this an interesting trip through film history. The film is a dense, over-long, if fascinating study of a small town being ripped apart from the insides. However, the performances are certainly worth the price of a DVD rental, and it’s nice to see Brando give a sincere performance. And it’s always nice to see a young Redford strut his stuff.

Bottom Line: Uh, DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Bonnie and Clyde

Meryl Streep is Our Greatest Living Actress

The Manchurian Candidate (Her scenery-chewing, wildly theatrical performance is a hoot to watch and should guarantee her another Oscar nomination come February.)

Clive Owen Should be the Next James Bond

King Arthur (The film was not as bad as the reviews would suggest, and Owen is especially good as the brooding, conflicted Arthur. His easy charisma and formidable screen presence make him natural to step into Pierce Brosnan’s shoes.)

Too Much of a Not-That-Great-To-Begin-With Thing…

The Village (Boring, not scary and apparently the twist ending was lifted from a children’s novel published a few year’s ago. Shyam-a-lama-ding-dong definitely needs a new bag, baby.)

Top 10 Films Out Right Now That I Positively Have to See

The Corporation

Control Room

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi

Garden State

Maria Full of Grace

I, Robot

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Metallica: Some Kind of Monster

The Terminal

Top 10 Movies of the Year (finally, I Can Put 10 On My List!)

Fahrenheit 9/11

Spider-Man 2

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Super Size Me

The Manchurian Candidate

Kill Bill Vol. 2

The Bourne Supremacy

Ripley’s Game *

Shrek 2

Miracle

* Of course, since this premiered on DVD, it will not be eligible for my year-end list.

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The basu! Guide to the Movies

July 16th – 23rd, 2004

One to Watch – Bollywood

Deewar

Directed by: Milan Luthria

Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna

Plot: A group of India soldiers are captured by the enemy in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Why-can’t-we-all-just-get-along type complications ensue.

The Buzz: A hat-trick of Big B movies, and as always, he dominates what is an otherwise pedestrian, simplistic, jingoistic film. Director Luthria keeps things moving, and displays a level of visual sophistication that is still uncommon in Bollywood films. Bachchan is easily the best thing about the whole film, but is ably supported by Dutt, who is rounding into quite a nice actor himself.

Bottom Line: Thos Lucky Few in Jackson Heights, New Jersey and Artesia: Theatres – Eventually; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Lakshya, Dev

Opened July 16th

I, Robot

Directed by: Alex Proyas

Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, Chi McBride

Plot: A single cop investigates the murder of a scientist and seems to be the only who suspects that a robot could have done it. All this on the eve of the biggest robot rollout in history… Director-Alex-Proyas-deserves-much-better-than-this type complications ensue.

The Buzz: Director Proyas is the visionary behind such films as The Crow and Dark City, and he tries his d**ndest to give what would have been another soulless studio exercise some deft touches. And he almost pulls it off. The world he creates is a moody, noir-ish one, and the little touches he sprinkles throughout the first hour or so keeps things interesting. Unfortunately, as they invariably must in a summer studio film of this size, things go downhill fast. Smith, stripped of his playful braggadocio is a walking stiff here – running the gamut from peeved to perturbed. Greenwood does little more than put his customary sinister elegance to adequate use as the stock villain. Moynahan works hard to maneuver in her skin-tight scientist uniform, and it seems that the erstwhile Ms. Tom Brady has the same sort of stolid athleticism as her beau, as evidenced by her constantly having to be on the run. It’s sad that we have to commend a film for not s*cking too badly; but given the usual low standards of summer blockbusters, any praise – faint or otherwise – is a good thing. Hopefully, like Tim Burton before him, Proyas will use this new-found commercial viability as a springboard for not necessarily bigger, but certainly better things. Hope, as my Google Hollywood softball team has so ably demonstrated, springs eternal.

Bottom Line: Me: Theatres – First Week; Other, More Sensible People: Theatres - Eventually

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Dark City, The Crow, Coyote Ugly

The Door in the Floor

Directed by: Tod Williams

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Kim Basinger, Jon Foster, Mimi Rogers

Plot: Things are shaken up when a famous author invites a young man to become his assistant for the summer. Another-literary-New-Englandy-winter-of-our-discontent type complications ensue.

The Buzz: I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t particularly cared for any of John Irving’s novels that have been translated into film. This one, though, seems to be an exception. Director Williams plays fast and loose with the source material, and this allows him to give the film an unexpected emotional complexity. Basinger, perhaps the most unexpected u-turn in film history, does so much with her terribly underwritten role that it’s painful to see that her next film to hit theatres will be the decidedly low-rent thriller Cellular – she also proves that at 50 she is still more than capable of seducing 16-year-old boys. Foster is an unobtrusive presence as said 16-year-old who arrives on the scene to shake things up. But, quite definitely, this film is dominated by yet another astonishing performance from Bridges. At this point it has become quite passé to keep repeating the mantra that he is one of the most underrated (and underappreciated) actors working in films today – but boy is that never truer that it is here. Undercutting his character’s arrogance with emotional vulnerability, self-doubt, grief and despair, he maintains the audience’s empathy without allow for any pity. It’s an incredible performance that ultimately deserves a better movie, and hopefully the graybeards over at the Academy will have the good taste to honor him with a nomination when the Oscars roll around next year.

Bottom Line: Those Lucky Few in Manhattan: Theatres – Eventually; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Contender, LA Confidential

Maria Full of Grace

Directed by: Joshua Marston

Starring: Catalina Sandino Moreno, Guilied Lopez, Orlando Tobon

Plot: A young Colombian girl becomes a drug mule in order to make it to the United States. Beautiful-little-Sundance-film-that-yet-again-gets-lost-in-the-summer-shuffle type complications ensue.

The Buzz: The film made quite a splash a Sundance, and an even bigger one at the Berlin Film Festival when the unknown Moreno tied Charlize Theron for Best Actress. And it’s easy to see why – the precocious actress displays a range and dexterity far beyond her years. She, much like the film itself, exhibits none of that dewy-eyed optimism that has come to dominate Latin art house favorites over the last few years. Instead, the world-weary circumspection that these characters all share is played against the recurring theme of cautious hopefulness; and by the end of the whole thing you are hoping against hope that things work out for everyone involved. That you continue to care so far into the film is a testament to its expert direction, superb acting, and absorbing story.

Bottom Line: Those Lucky Few in Manhattan: Theatres – First Week; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Devil’s Backbone

Four(!) to Watch – Independents (Opening July 23rd)

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman

Directed by: Takeshi Kitano

Starring: Beat Takeshi, Tadanobu Asano

Plot: A blind master swordsman is forced to struggle against the corrupt establishment running a small town. Hey-Tarantino-this-is-how-it’s-really-done type complications ensue.

The Buzz: Takeshi is one of my all time favorite directors, and I can clearly remember the time I stumbled into a completely full screening of Hana-Bi at the Philadelphia Film Festival because the other film we had come for was completely sold out. It was in that little theatre in the City of Brotherly Love that I discovered this singular Japanese director, and his mystifying on-screen presence. Bouts of almost unbearable violence punctuated a quiet, dignified, sentimental film – an idiosyncratic hallmark shared by all the other films of his that I have seen. Here he takes on the daunting task of updating the second-most beloved Japanese screen legend of all time. Of course Takeshi is equal to this challenge, but he displays a surprising flair during the superb fight scenes that had not been evident before. Yes I know, the story tethers on the verge of unabashed sentimentality. Yes, the narrative coherence of his earlier work seems to be missing. And yes, the film feels like it’s ten minutes too long. But c’mon man, it’s Beat Takeshi we’re talking about. Cut the guy a little slack!

Bottom Line: Those Lucky Few in Manhattan: Theatres – First Week; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Hana-Bi, Sonatine

Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Directed by: Deb Ellis and Denis Mueller

Starring: Howard Zinn, Matt Damon

Plot: A documentary biography of the great historian. Good-to-see-contrarian-voices-still-manging-to-squeak-by-the-mass-media-police type complications ensue.

The Buzz: The old man is still going strong! One of the premier left-wing thinkers of our time, Zinn remains a forceful, inspiring presence, still teaching his own unique brand of civil disobedience. Obviously the documentary doesn’t investigate his detractors’ claims, nor does it bother to present a counter-balancing argument. However, it’s refreshing to see an anti-authoritarian voice still out there – and even though the release of this film is going to be extremely limited at best, it presents a small glimmer of hope out there for nonconformists not named Michael Moore. You keep talkin’ Howard, eventually people will start listenin’.

Bottom Line: Those Lucky Few in Manhattan: Theatres – First Week; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Corporation

Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism

Directed by: Robert Greenwald

Starring: Rupert Murdoch

Plot: A documentary that exposes the systemically unethical way in which the Fox News Channel subverts journalism, and by extension, the democratic process. Too-bad-it’s-mostly-being-released-on-DVD type complications ensue.

The Buzz: A scathing, no-punches-pulled indictment of the heinous excuse for journalism that the Fox News Channel pulls off on its viewers everyday, the film is hardly “balanced” or even (for conservatives anyway) “fair.” This decidedly one-sided documentary is, however, a principled, well-researched expose on the kinds of tactics the Fox News Channel employs to spread its world-view. As sobering and thought-provoking as it is, however, the attacks become a little too one-sided and the absence of any countervailing argument becomes more glaring as the film goes on. The scary thing, ultimately, is not that this film was not released in theatres, but the fact that Fox News continues to grow in viewership. After all, no one is holding a gun to these people’s heads who are watching it, and it must have struck a nerve to become as influential as it currently is.

Bottom Line: Those Lucky Few in Manhattan: Theatres – First Week; Others: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Orwell Rolls In His Grave

Orwell Rolls In His Grave

Directed by: Robert Kane Pappas

Starring: Mark Crispin Miller, Charles Lewis

Plot: A documentary that explores the disturbing trend of media consolidation in this country. Sometimes-too-much-of-a-good-thing type complications ensue.

The Buzz: A loose, rambling diatribe against the all-powerful media conglomerates that squeeze out any voice of dissension in this country, the film is a little too undisciplined and unfocused to be truly effective. Pappas picks on too many easy targets, and after a while the accusations begin to blur into one another. Still, like I have said many times, Pappas’s message is ultimately an important one, and the fact that he managed to get it out there is an accomplishment in and of itself.

Bottom Line: DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism

New Movies (Opening July 23^rd)

Catwoman

Directed by: Pitof

Starring: Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Benjamin Bratt

Plot: An artist is murdered by some evil cosmetic company goons only to be revived by a cat. She returns to exact some terribly campy revenge. Boy-does-Halle-need-better-career-advice type complications ensue.

The Buzz: Halle Berry and her costume – meow!

Bottom Line: Lonely Straight Men and Lonely Gay Women: Theatres – First Week; Other, More Sensible People: Pass

Other Movies to Check Out (instead): Hellboy

The Bourne Supremacy

Directed by: Paul Greengrass

Starring: Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles

Plot: A former CIA operative on the run must confront his bosses when he is implicated in multiple murders. Man-do-I-like-my-spy-thrillers-served-cold type complications ensue.

The Buzz: The first Bourne installment was a breath of fresh air when it arrived on our summer screens two years ago (conventional wisdom would have it open in mid-August at best). Of course, the irony was that its very conventionality is what made it so unconventional. Director Greengrass wisely decides to stick to that formula, not giving in to the gotta-be-bigger sequilitis that has plagued the best of directors (though, inexplicably, he employs a maddeningly hyperactive MTV-inspired cutting style that was in all probability mandated by myopic studio executives). Like the earlier film, the story is a little more than gritty, down-to-earth set-pieces, with some attention paid to the story at hand. There is a spectacular car chase through the streets of Moscow that has to be one of the biggest action scenes put on film in a long time. Hopefully, the almost complete lack of CGI in this film will be a wake-up call for all those studio executives out there, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for that one. Both Cox and Stiles deliver solid supporting turns, and are better used in this installment than they were in the last. Potente makes a perfect foil for Damon, but I wish someone would give her a better showcase down the line. The great Allen is at her imperious best here – and it is sad to see that this is probably her most high-profile role since her Oscar-nominated turn in The Contender all those years ago. I’ve never liked Damon much, but he has surprised me with the way he has handled this character. Ruthless, efficient and distant, he manages to avoid the pop-psychology-inspired vulnerability that seems to have plagued or recent action heroes. He does, however, manage to deftly introduce moments of pathos that are jolting, and ultimately endearing. Who knows, he might turn into a good actor after all.

Bottom Line: Theatres – First Week

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The French Connection, The Bourne Identity

At Home at the End of the World

Directed by: Michael Mayer

Starring: Colin Farrell, Dallas Roberts, Robin Wright Penn, Sissy Spacek

Plot: A love triangle that spans the decades. So-earnest-it’s-almost-unbearable type complications ensue.

The Buzz: I absolutely detest Farrell, and his carefully cultivated “bad-boy” image. He was great in Tigerland, and showed the only sparks of life in the dull Daredevil. Apart from that, he has been incredibly forgettable, but his smug face has continued to haunt me – it seems like he’s in every bl**dy movie that’s been made over the last four years (I can’t believe they cast him as Alexander in the upcoming film, Alexander?!). This deadly boring film is so well-intentioned that all the air is sucked out of it almost from the very first frame. The high-pedigreed cast is pretty good, but Farrell indulges his worst instincts and tries very hard to show the world that he can act. Boy does he try so very, very, very hard.

Interesting Tidbit: Apparently Colin’s, uh, member caused such a stir during a preview screening that the producers had to ultimately cut that scene from the final film lest it cause a riot in the theatres.

Bottom Line: Lonely Straight Women and Lonely Gay Men: DVD – The Unrated Version; Other, More Sensible People: Pass

Other Movies to Check Out (instead): Tigerland

DVD to Watch – (releasing July 26th)

Ned Kelly

Directed by: Gregor Jordan

Starring: Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Naomi Watts

Plot: A biography of the legendary bandit who went on to become an Australian folk hero. I-can’t-believe-Heath-Ledger-is-with-Naomi-Watts-for-god’s-sake type complications ensue.

The Buzz: With a pedigreed cast like this it’s hard to believe that the film was barely released in the US. Oh wait, it has a completely foreign cast and is about an Australian folk hero – well now it makes sense. Actually, after an initially interesting set-up, the film disappointingly fails to deliver on its potential – which is sad given the rich source from which it is drawing. There is plenty of eye candy for the ladies between Ledger and Bloom, but they prove, yet again, that their lightweight screen presence has not gotten any better. Poor Rush is left playing such a stereotypical role, that even the great man himself is unable to salvage it. The lovely Watts does what she can, and fails admirably. Still, it’s an interesting exercise in high style, and it’s always good to see what an international A-list project looks like.

Bottom Line: Uh, DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Hard Word

Marlon Brando Movie to Watch

The Formula

Directed by: John G. Avildsen

Starring: George C. Scott, Marlon Brando, John Gielgud

Plot: A major oil company tries to destroy those that have uncovered a secret Nazi formula that essentially creates a whole new kind of gasoline, thereby making the oil companies of the world obsolete. Who-actually-thinks-stuff-like-this-up-and-then-treats-it-with-such-gravitas type complications ensue.

The Buzz: All right, so this is absolutely insane, but boy is Brando in fine company here with fellow thespians (as Jon Lovitz used to say) Scott and Gielgud. The three have tons of fun with the whole thing – their disdain for the material so clearly evident that it’s striking. Brando was coming around into his eccentric phase by this point, and his outré performance is really something to behold.

Bottom Line: Uh, DVD

Other Movies to Check Out (as well): The Boys from Brazil

Good Night Jerry Goldsmith

The film titan, whose film scores included everything from Planet of the Apes to the Oscar theme song, passed away last week. His credits are too long to list, but his filmography could populate a best-of list all by itself. Good night Jerry – hopefully the music plays as sweetly where you are.

Top 10 Films Out Right Now That I Positively Have to See

The Corporation

Control Room

I, Robot

King Arthur

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Lakshya

Dev

I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

The Terminal

Baadasssss!

The Story of the Weeping Camel

Bukowski: Born Into This

Man on Fire

The Passion of the Christ

Top 10 Movies of the Year (finally, I Can Put 10 On My List!)

Fahrenheit 9/11

Spider-Man 2

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Super Size Me

Kill Bill Vol. 2

Ripley’s Game *

Shrek 2

Miracle

Hellboy

50 First Dates

* Of course, since this premiered on DVD, it will not be eligible for my year-end list.