In The Shadow Of The Moon
Presented by Ron Howard and directed by David Sington, this documentary comes at an auspicious time. As the Bush Administration staggers towards its finale, this documentary reminds us why America was once, and could be again, a great nation. Archival footage re-tells the awe inspiring story of America’s voyage to the Moon. The hair on the back of your neck will still rise when Neil Armstrong says those famous words, and takes that first step.
True North
Steve Hudson writes and directs a rather gripping thriller about the crew of a Scottish fishing trawler. While in the port of Ostend, the son of the trawler’s captain, and the first mate, accept some easy money to smuggle a group of Chinese illegal immigrants to Scotland. The appalling conditions in which the Chinese are held, and some stormy weather, leads to an eventful voyage.
When Nietzsche Wept
If you are interested in the formulation of psycho-analysis in Vienna in the late 19th Century, then this pedantic movie might be right up your alley. When Freidrich Nietzsche is suffering from a bout of depression, the famous physician Dr. Josef Breuer agrees to treat him with his new ‘talking’ cure. Inevitably, Nietzsche starts to analyze Breuer. Hovering around in the background is Sigmund Freud, who is taking copious notes. Although Armand Assante, Andreas Beckett and Ben Cross all give very good performances, the movie tends to be a bit on the talky and preachy side.
Red Road
A surveillance officer, who has unlimited access to Glasgow’s video-surveillance cameras, one day notices on her screens a recently released prisoner. For some unexplained reason she takes an unusual interest in his movements, and then she starts to stalk him, and initiates personal contact. Why? You won’t know until the last moments of the movie. This Scottish movie has won heaps of European Film Awards, and it deserves them all.
Halloween
John Carpenter’s original, and superior, version of ‘Halloween’ was made in 1978. Carpenter’s movie was intended to be ‘abstract’, with no motivation or meaning. Just an impressionistic filmed nightmare of gory and gruesome events. Rob Zombie’s remake of the movie claims to give much more vital information concerning the background of the psychopath Michael Myers, which I guess it does, seeing as how the movie starts with Michael’s first killings at the tender age of six. However, there is no ‘abstraction’ in Rob Zombie’s movie, just much more depiction of gory and gruesome events.
Super Show
I am always a bit skeptical of movies that suffer a name change between their original screen release, and their appearance on DVD Disc. Obviously, this has something to do with perceived marketing, but, to me, it just indicates a movie that has failed. ‘Super Show’ started life as ‘The TV Set’, which was probably a better title, as it follows the progress of a TV show from initiation, through pilot, and on into production and syndication. As a satire on the TV Industry it is amusing enough, but, it doesn’t go the full distance. David Duchovny is just ‘alright’ as the writer and producer of his ‘brainchild’, while Sigourney Weaver is ‘over-the-top’ as a TV executive.
The Jan Austen Book Club
In the Film Industry this movie is referred to as a ‘chick flick’. That is, it will have most appeal, and find its audience, with women. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Men will just find the movie incredibly dull, while women will find it fascinating. A group of five women, and one man, decide to meet monthly and discuss a Jane Austen novel, which they have all read prior to their meetings. As the meetings continue, the club members start to appreciate some similarities in the novels’ incidents to their own marriages or relationships. The movie is brilliantly acted by a superb ensemble cast.
Vitus
By kindergarten a young boy is reading encyclopedias, and by the age of five he is considered a piano prodigy. When his IQ is established at 180, what can he do to escape the pressures of his entrepreneurial mother, who envisages a glorious career for him on the concert stage? Vitus, the young boy, retreats into the cluttered workshop of his grandfather, where they take up a mutual interest in aviation. This Swiss-German film, directed by Fredi M. Murer, beautifully depicts the problems of the exceptionally talented.
December Boys
Adapted from a novel by Michael Noonan, Australian director Rod Hardy creates a wonderful nostalgic movie. In the late 1960s, four orphaned boys, called the ‘December Boys’ because they were all born in the same month, leave their orphanage for a magical seaside holiday. There, they hear rumors that one of them is to be adopted by a couple who live in an old dilapidated boarding-house. Friendships are tested as the boys compete to be the chosen one. The movie is grossly over-sentimental, but, in the most marvelous way.
Clubland
This is an Australian movie that I am completely cynical about. I get the distinct impression that entire sections of the plot were altered when English actress Brenda Blethyn accepted the part. Surely there must have been an Australian actress available to fill the role? Australian Cinema still exhibits a complete lack of faith in the talents of Australian actors. The less said about this dreary movie, concerning an irritating female stand-up comic, the better.
Mr. Robet’s Best Buys
Hairspray
John Travolta is just fantastic in ‘drag’, in this wonderful nostalgic musical.
Grindhouse
Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘B’ Grade movies are a must see.
Red Road
This gripping Scottish mystery will have you glued to the edge of your seat.
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee
An amazing movie that investigates the fate of the Native American Indians.
Civic Duty
An American low-budget thriller which makes pertinent political comments.
The Nanny Diaries
A humorous and anthropological look at the many problems of child rearing.
Bee Movie
Jerry Seinfeld’s delightful ecological cartoon will amuse children and adults.
The Longest Yard
Adam Sandler and the rest of the cast have a lot of fun in this ‘prison’ romp.
Balls of Fury
This movie satirizes the sport of Ping-Pong, in an hysterically funny manner.
The Bourne Ultimatum
An excellent espionage ‘chase-movie’ that features some spectacular editing.
Rise of the Footsoldier
Though the movie is very violent, it has an intriguing plotline and structure.
True North
Smuggling, and an eventful sea voyage, play a part in this Scottish thriller.
The Jan Austen Book Club
Women especially will find this film about personal relationships enjoyable.
December Boys
A sentimental but charming film about a group of Australian orphaned boys.
