Frost/Nixon
In 1977, after the dust had settled from the Watergate Scandal and the Impeachment, disgraced American President Richard Nixon attempted to revive his political career by perhaps establishing himself as an Elder Statesman. He decided to sit for a series of recorded television interviews with the light-weight British showman David Frost, thinking that he would easily be able to out-fox him. What eventuated, however, was a series of discussions that revealed much about the personality traits of Nixon, and much truth about the entire history of the Nixon Administration. Based on a play by Peter Morgan, Ron Howard creates a fascinating and compelling movie, which is also superbly acted. Frank Langella presents a shattered Nixon, attempting to keep himself active as a means of fighting off loneliness and senility, while, Martin Sheen delivers a surprisingly wily Frost who, nevertheless, is totally dependent on his researchers and advisers.
Milk
American politics in the 1970s is also looked at, from a completely different perspective, in Gus Van Sant’s latest movie. ‘Milk’ appraises the life and achievements of the Gay Rights Activist, Harvey Milk, who was elected to San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors in 1977, making him the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the USA. Along with George Moscone, San Francisco’s Mayor, Harvey Milk was assassinated by a disgruntled political rival. The movie strips away much of the sensationalism surrounding Milk’s career and death, and presents a rounded impression of his personal life, and his struggle for social and sexual equality. Sean Penn is amazing in the movie. He submerges himself in the role, and creates a very believable interpretation of Harvey Milk. Director Gus Van Sant is probably better known for his experimental ‘arty’ movies, such as ‘My Own Private Idaho’ (1991), but, with ‘Milk’, he makes his most accessible movie to date.
Lakeview Terrace
An interracial couple move into their dream home in a nice middle-class Los Angeles suburb, and find themselves living next door to a LAPD police officer. The bigoted Black-American cop is appalled at their marriage, and starts making their life hell, in very subtle and devious ways. Meanwhile, a forest fire is raging out of control in the next canyon along, and, so, the tensions start to mount. Director Neil Labute makes a terrific movie, which is superbly acted by Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington as the interracial couple. However, it is Samuel L. Jackson, as the bigoted cop, who steals the movie. Jackson is fantastic as a guy who definitely has a few screws loose.
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
British screenwriter and director Gurinder Chadha is responsible for such delightful comedies as ‘Bend it like Beckham’ (2001) and ‘Bride & Prejudice’ (2004). Chadha makes another charming comedy in the form of this teenage oriented movie. ‘Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging’ is all about the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl. Having to cope with parents, a baby sister, high school, and a looming fifteen year old birthday party. The movie, obviously, is aimed at teenage girls, but, teenage boys should find it interesting enough as they discover what teenage girls think about teenage boys! The movie is good, wholesome, family entertainment.
Transporter 3
Writer Luc Besson and director Oliver Megaton continue their saga about ‘driver-for-hire’ Frank Martin, ably portrayed by Jason Statham. This time around Frank is coerced into transporting the kidnapped daughter of a Ukrainian politician, who is being forced to sign a contract dealing with toxic waste disposal, to the harbor city of Odessa. Frank and the girl are burdened with some explosive bracelets, which means they can’t wander too far from their car. Most of the movie is one long car chase across most of Central Europe, interspersed with some highly choreographed Kung Fu routines. Jason Statham looks pretty ‘buff’ in the movie, and he handles himself well. Unfortunately, he is lumbered with a leading lady who shows no aptitude for anything except giggling and screaming. The movie has a certain amount of European flair, which is lacking in American movies of the same genre. However, the movie offers nothing new, and it’s pretty clear that the whole ‘Transporter’ series is rapidly approaching its ‘use by’ date.
Swing Vote
More American politics. Set somewhere in the present or future. A fictitious American Presidential election turns out to be a dead heat, but, through a computer malfunction, one voter has to recast his deciding vote. A political campaign then takes place to try to influence the voter. As a political satire, the movie takes some cutting shots at the American political system. Neither the Republican or Democrat Parties emerge from the movie as paragons of virtue. Kevin Costner stars as the apathetic, beer slinging, easily led, swinging voter, and he has a young daughter, who is truly nauseating, and she tries to steer him through the complexities of his electoral choice. The movie often veers into sentimentality, and it has a very unsatisfying ending. Don’t bother with it, as the situation would never occur in real life anyway!
How About You
Vanessa Redgrave, Imelda Staunton, Brenda Fricker and Joss Ackland are a terrific cast, who star in this terrible movie about life in a retirement home. No-one gets on with anyone else, until a new nurse appears on the scene, spreading joy and love all over the place. Pardon me, while I throw up!
