He's The 'Mann'

Some would call the 2006 TV to screen adaptation of 'Miami Vice' a major bust (I caught it in HD this weekend on cable). I would agree that portions of the film slowed it down, especially the over amplified character study of Sonny (Colin Farrell) and his struggle to balance going undercover with his badge, but all in all I give it a solid 3.5 out of 5. Part of it is my obsession with producer Michael Mann's signature style: shooting city landscapes and vivid lighting, his ability to shred layers of special effects with pureness (pay close attention to the way the gunshots sound in 'Vice' as opposed to 'Bad Boys'), as well as the grit and rawness that help his films transcend the independent tone and land in a universe of their own.  

Arguably, one of Tom Cruise's best performances was his role in 'Collateral' (potentially my favorite Mann film). Talk about a knockout - but not like his performance as Less Grossman (Tropic Thunder). No - he plays Vincent, a gun for hire who's target is a prosecuting lawyer (Jada Pinkett Smith and her witnesses) who is finalizing her case the night before she delivers her arguments against Vincent's client, a crime-lord played by none other than Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men). Jamie Foxx plays the nerdy cab driver who escorts him around L.A. all night for his assignments. This is a 4.5 out of 5 film - yes, I loved it. 'Mann', it's good!

Did anyone see he and Peter Berg's first collaboration in 2007, 'The Kingdom'? (Berg and Mann teamed up again for Hancock). Who-whee, it was stellar! Berg is a home-run hitter in his own right (Cop Land, The Rundown, Friday Night Lights, Smokin' Aces, Hancock). The gun fight at the end is top-notch- much like the bank heist in 1995's 'Heat' which proved as inspiration for the opening scene in 2008's 'The Dark Knight'. 

Ok, another one....'The Last of The Mohicans'. Is this a chick-flick that somehow gets us to accept it because of the brilliant soundtrack, jaw-dropping cinematography and gut-busting action scenes? Sort of like 'Legends Of The Fall' (another great flick). Daniel-Day Lewis is a pro and gives an unforgettable performance in this period film during the French and Indian War. 4.5 out of 5, yes it is that good. 

Last but not least - 'Heat'. It contains possibly 2 of the greatest sequences in film history (DeNiro and Pacino in the diner and the bank heist shootout in the streets-listen to the sound of those guns like you did in 'Miami Vice' -authentic!). What more do I say, it has two screen legends, and I am not usually a big fan either, but DeNiro is terrific as a thief and Pacino as the policeman nemesis. Again, a captivating and magical scene as the two have a verbal boxing match midway through the film over a cup of coffee. 4.5 out of 5. 

Another Narnia

It'll be quick, I promise...great special effects, loved seeing parts of the book I enjoyed as a kid come to life-but Prince Caspian himself needed some acting lessons as did Susan (the eldest sister). 

The battle scene involving the sneak attack at the castle was the best part for me, well the sword fight between Peter and the other King was entertaining as well. Not a movie for younger kids (I am glad we watched it before our oldest saw it) due to violence. Watching it on Blu-Ray helped it earn a 2.5 out of 5. 

The Counterfeiters

The Holocaust movie addiction continues, this time with a cleverly adapted true story of the largest counterfeiting operation in history. You read right - a truly incredible journey back into the concentration camps of WWII and how a group of men used their wit and talents to survive.

Sally Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics) is a mastermind counterfeiter of the era. He is charming, clever and a genius of various degrees of forgery. After assisting a woman with a passport, Sally awakens the next morning to the intrusion of the police who are prepared and succeed in taking him to prison. 

Years later, we have find Sorowitsch going from one concentration camp to another where he uses his artistic knack to preserve his life. The Nazis select he and a group of other skilled workers to be a part of a very secret operation known as 'Project Bernhard'. Its mission is to produce forged banknotes and eventually currency in order to pollute the British and American economies. Some Nazi leaders willingly pamper, so to speak, the 'Bernhard' workers with clean clothes, comfortable beds, showers, and hot meals. A cunning device used by the Nazis to implore their ultimate mission of conquering the rivaling countries.

There is an element of torture that Sally and his comrades endure internally as they work to please the Nazis and preserve hope, but each side of this battle is fought with similar tactics. The prisoners gain access to privileges and information due to their skills and balance deceit as a mode of survival while the Nazis keep the workers at arm's length with hints that the operation is their last hope of prevailing in the second World War. 

Magnificent cinematography - with limited dialogue at various parts. The emotional hardship is absorbed as a viewer (which is very difficult to do). For example, the choice to shoot the view of the prisoner as the 'Bernhard' area is surveyed for the first time gave me a sense that I was a prisoner with them. The acting made the story come to life even more. With a film like this it is a risk taken by director Stefan Ruzowitzky to involve limited dialogue at length in certain portions of the film. For me the risk was well worth it because it lets you feel the film and interpret the personality without interference. You narrate it to yourself.

Markovics is almost mechanical with his gestures, yet he masterfully personifies a lifeless man who is hanging onto hope by a string. A beautiful performance with a fantastic closing line - pay attention...4 out of 5!

* Watch the special features as it reveals what happened regarding some of the bank notes discovered not even 10 years ago. It also includes an interview with one of the workers of the project who authored the book that the movies is based on. For years, his claim that this transpired was tauted as a forgery itself. Like I said, incredible story. 

Liam, No Lightsaber Needed

Anybody seen 'Taken' yet? Of course not, well it was to hit theaters here last year some time and then for some odd reason I just saw a trailer for it on Hulu. Well, it is terrific. A no-nonsense, action induced revenge flick, and I mean action (It is a Luc Besson film, yeah he created 'The Transporter' franchise). Watch the trailer, then read the rest of this...



Bryan (Liam Neeson) is a former Secret Agent seeking to mend the broken relationship he has with his teenage daughter Kim (Maggie Grace). In order for Kim to join her friend on a trip to Europe she needs the blessing of her father. After some convincing Bryan agrees and the girls are off to Paris.

While unpacking at their residence in Europe, Kim phones Bryan and suddenly the apartment is raided by kidnappers. Bryan coaches Kim on what to do before they find her hiding...the conversation between Neeson and the kidnapper gets you on the edge of your seat. You can figure out where it goes from there.

Sure 'Taken' is a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it. Neeson is brilliant - he must have gotten some pointers from Bourne and Bond. The guy has a great radio voice to match his height - I can see why he was the Lion in the 'Narnia' movies (insert "Smile"). I've said this before but it seems as if many of the 'spy' themed films are taking cues from the personality and tone of the previous mentioned franchises ('Bourne' and 'Bond'). It's no problem for me, I like the violent confrontation between the good guys and bad guys. Although, someone's going to have a heck of a time coming up with the next reinvention of 'spy' tones in film.

'Taken' delivers - I had no expectations and thought it was a perfect, non-stop thrill ride. Check this one out, a solid 3.5 out of 5.

Sundance on iTunes

I just watched a couple of short films that made it to the final cut of the Sundance Film Festival this year. You can download from a variety of about 10 short films on iTunes...go to 'Movies' - 'Shorts' and then you'll see Sundance 2009 or just click on the banner in the 'Movies' section at the top of the page.

Some are decent - a few did not appeal to me at all. Watch the trailers and see which ones interest you..hey, they're free!

Wilderness Survival

While Hollywood is on the Holocaust production line lately, pumping out films like 'The Reader', 'Valkyrie', and 'The Boy In The Striped Pajamas', 'Defiance' is the first to really captivate me enough to watch. It is 1941 and the Germans have invaded the Soviet Union. The Beilski family is torn apart amidst the chaos and major losses occur. The 4 brothers take refuge in the forest that they know like the back of their hands and begin a survival camp in the wilderness. What was 4 becomes 20 and eventually over a 1000 as citizens flock to the forrest seeking the Beilski legend.

Daniel Craig plays the eldest brother Tuvia and Liev Schrieber (seen this summer as Sabertooth in the new Wolverine movie) is the next brother in line, Zus. The Germans are closing in on the camps and with the help of Russian resistance fighters they rise to endure sickness, seasons and dysfunction. This is an incredible story of courage and faith. Its historical importance seems unknown as the brothers never sought recognition for their efforts. There isn't any flair or Hollywood tricks for this one - none other than a powerful reminder of the evil that was and the power of the human spirit. 4 out of 5.

An American Crime

For those that have heard of the heinous crime of the mid-60's involving Sylvia Likens then you will not be surprised by the dark and chilling tone that this film has. It was set to hit the direct to DVD market but Sundance pulled it up and buzz followed the performances by Ellen Page (Sylvia Likens), who can also be seen in 'Juno', 'Smart People' and 'Hard Candy', and Catherine Keener (Gertrude Baniszewski), known for her roles in '40 year-Old Virgin and 'Capote'. 

Set in a small Indiana town, 'Crime' follows Sylvia and her younger sister as they are left to bunk with the Baniszweski family. The Likens' parents are carnival workers so to makes ends meet they take the road and offer Gertrude $20 a week to watch the girls. This seems fine as the families interact at church and school, but unbeknownst to the Likens is just how abnormal the Baniszweski household is.

Keener portrays the devilish Gertrude masterfully, balancing charm and motherly concern with sheer evil. What is even more frightening is the fact that the film is based on actual events. I was so captivated by the story that after viewing the film I found an article that covered the events in a 1966 edition of Time magazine. Wow - very tragic and hard to forget because of the nature of what occurred. Another well made independent film. 3 out of 5. 

Nothing Wack About 'The Wackness'

Ever reminisce about the old days? High School? Adolescence? The 90's were the years I remember life changing and 'The Wackness' is the first film to take me back to that time...the clothes, the music, the slang, Nintendo and pagers. 

'Wackness' is set in NYC during the summer of 1994. The influence of Giuliani's reign as mayor has begun and orchestrates into the city becoming one of the supporting cast. Luke Shapiro (Josh Peck) is a dismayed teenage pot dealer who is graduating high school and truly beginning life. His parents are strapped financially and Luke is on the road to depression but develops an outlet for his battles through a relationship with psychologist Dr. Squires, played magnificently by Sir Ben Kingsley. The two form a bond by swapping drugs for therapy sessions and begin a comical and enduring alliance through their problems.

Kingsley is spectacular by the way - truly a scholar. He saves this film which comes out feeling like a 'Dazed and Confused' for the 90's. It was also very well written in terms of character development and dialogue - there is a richness to the philosophies exchanged during Luke and Dr. Squire's discussions and some outright gut busting humor. I found myself ignoring the fact that the kid is pushing an ice cream cart full of marijuana, I was busy replaying how I related to his girl problems and growth. I loved this one, for the walk down memory lane and  the way it captured the labyrinth of emotions that life gives - not just as teenagers but as adults as well. 4 out of 5.

Don't Burn This One

The Coen boys do it again in the Dramadey genre. John Malkovich is Osbourne Cox, an alcoholic in denial who loses his job at the CIA and begins working on a memoir. Cox' wife is played by Tilda Swinton (the White Witch in 'Narnia' and Karen - the villianess in 'Micheal Clayton') and her lover is the hilariously paranoid and philandering US Marshall Harry (George Clooney). The memoir falls out of a gym bag and into the hands of two of the biggest gym dweebs possible, none other than Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand. The film is taken to a whole 'nother level when these two clowns attempt to extort money and cosmetic surgery out of Cox in return for his lost memoir. It is profound how no character dominates, rather each one makes their unforgettable contribution to the dark and satirical chase that is 'Burn After Reading'.

Pitt charms as a gym drone. He belongs in a Gold's Gym in Utah with his bleached hair and over the top optimistic attitude...oh, and the way he smacks the gum -it makes my jaws hurt. Like I said, unforgettable. There are fabulous scenes in this one: the first negotiation between Cox and the gym twins over the phone and the second in the car with Pitt and Malkovich (goodness they make your side hurt). Clooney almost annoys with his fast-talking hitch and temperament, but I can't overlook more terrific acting. He's just so bizarre - most Coen characters are. By far, my favorite scene is from the two most unlikely in the cast, the final interaction between the CIA heads as they review the case and the outcomes of this zany tale. If you liked 'Fargo' try this one on for size. 3 out of 5.

'Once' In Awhile

'Once' in awhile great movies come along...

For a week now the infamous red Netflix envelope has been sitting near the Blu-ray player, inside was the film 'Once'. Have you ever gotten those rentals where you put them in your Netflix Que for some reason and then by the time that the film actually arrives you are upset that it ever made it your list? That was 'Once' for me. I knew all the hype following last year's Oscars, Sundance and Internet buzz - but my taste buds remained near dry. 

We follow a boy, who repairs vacuums and plays the guitar as a street musician while recovering form a broken heart, and a girl, a Czech immigrant desperate for work who passes the boy each day at his usual spot in Dublin, Ireland. The characters are played by musicians, which would seemingly compromise their abilities as actors - however they don't miss a beat at all. They bring a captivating innocence and chemistry to this modern-day musical. The soundtrack has already made it to a playlist on my iTunes, yep - like the movie the soundtrack is outstanding! With as much as I dislike musicals this one was even better because there was nothing stereotypical about it. It flows and does so very well. 4 out of 5. 

Short and Sweet

Alright, the Holidays slowed down the posts so I am doing Speed Racer reviews on the flicks I've caught over the last few weeks.

Gran Torino: Clint Eastwood delivers a solid, gripping performance as a bitter Korean War vet who comes face to face with his life demons following the death of his wife. Definite watch, lots of Oscar worthy elements. I especially loved Eastwood's grunts and growls at 79 , they took me back to Dirty Harry and Unforgiven...and my other fave 'The Outlaw Josey Wales'.



The Wrestler: Incredible. I loved the raw emotion of Mickey Rourke attempting a comeback, literally, and on screen as a washed up wrestler who is faced with life-threatening circumstances and no one to share his life with. Terrific acting by Rourke-great to see him back, even though he looks like Leatherface.



Yes Man!: Old school Jim Carrey. For me, it was the laughs I needed. If you are a fan of 'Flight of the Conchords' then you'll love the appearance of the Rhys Darby (Murray the Band Manager in 'Conchords') as Carrey's boss. His one-liners are hilarious. Simple, sarcastic - I liked it, especially the Red Bull scene (see below).



Man On Wire: Refreshing to the human spirit. I loved this one. Phillip Petite's unimaginable quest to high wire between the World Trade Center towers is documented in what feels like a heist film. The crew must overcome incredible odds to get into the building to prepare for the act, very intense. Petite was born to be a story-teller and delivers a vivid, exciting transport back into 1974. One of my faves of the year-rent it today!



Hellboy II: The Golden Army: If you like the first one you'll love this one. More action, more special F/X and more clever one-liners from Ron Pearlman. I waited a bit to see this one, so don't rush out to get it-but it isn't half bad if you need a Redbox for Friday night.



TMNT (2008): This CGI re-boot of the Ninja Turtle franchise was ok. Storyline was drab, but the animation in HD was a fun watch. Don't have Blu-ray, don't worry about this one.