21
Kevin Spacey stars in this clever movie, about a Professor of Mathematics who gives private tuition to some of his brighter students on how to ‘count cards’, and ‘make a killing’, playing Black Jack in Las Vegas. The movie is supposedly based on true events, and director Robert Luketic attacks his movie with a lot of style and flair, however, like most movies in this genre, unless you fully understand the intricacies of Black Jack and gambling Las Vegas style, you will be unable to enjoy the full ramifications of the movie.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Based on the beloved and best selling children’s books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, this screen adaptation of ‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ will be enjoyed by most children, and, probably, by a lot of adults as well! When the Grace Family moves into an old dilapidated house, they find a lot of strange things going on behind the woodwork. The discovery of a secret room, and a mysterious journal, soon explains some of the occurrences. The movie is a mixture of real footage blended with computer animation and special animal robotics, and, although the magical creatures could not be called ‘cuddly’, they are a lot of fun. Mark Waters does a very good job of directing and blending the movie together, and there is a great cast which includes Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright and Martin Short.
In Bruges
After completing a job, two London ‘hit’ men are sent by ‘Mr. Big’ to hide out in the city of Bruges, in Belgium, and await further orders. While the older man is content to sit back and take in the sights, the younger man soon becomes bored, and, naturally enough, goes looking for trouble. Meanwhile, back in London, ‘Mr. Big’ is about to instigate some plans that are going to totally disrupt the ‘hit’ men’s holiday. This British crime thriller, superbly written and directed by Martin McDonagh, is actually a very good ‘black comedy’. It is full of witty British humor, and sharp observations. Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell are terrific as the ‘hit’ men, but, the real surprise of the movie is Ralph Fiennes as the cockney ‘Mr. Big’. Fiennes is fantastic!
War Inc.
Director Joshua Seftel’s political satire is set slightly in the future. The American government has contracted out to a private company a war to be undertaken in a small Arab nation. John Cusack is sent by the company to oversee the operation, under the disguise of presenting a Trade Show, and to assassinate the country’s president. Joan Cusack is John’s loyal secretary, communications expert, and interrogation specialist. The Trade Show is to culminate with the marriage, live on stage, of a local Arab Pop Star to the son of a local influential Sheik. Into all this mayhem wanders Marisa Tomei, as a conscientious investigative journalist, who can’t make head or tail of the whole scene. For most of its playing time the film is funny, and it succeeds quite intentionally in ridiculing a lot of the mayhem that is currently going on in the Middle East. However, the movie does have a dissatisfying and rushed conclusion. The remarkable thing about the movie is Hilary Duff’s performance as the oversexed and temperamental Arab Pop Star. Free of the Disney Studio, Hilary can now show us what she is capable of doing, and in this movie Hilary is very sexy, very funny, and very good. Believe it or not!
Love Songs (Les Chansons D’Amour)
In this modern French musical, set in Paris during Winter, aspects of death and grieving are investigated. The movie also investigates modern sexual relationships. In typical French style, everything in the movie is gorgeous, and this includes the sets, costumes, locations, and, particularly, the actors. The music is by Erin O’Hara and Alex Beaupain, and although the songs are not all that memorable, they are pleasant enough and well presented. There is a musical homosexual love scene which is incredibly sensual and erotic. Only the French Cinema could have gotten away with it, or tried! The movie is not for children, so do not leave it just lying around on the coffee table!
And She Was
I only mention this movie because I am a big fan of Kirstie Alley. She has had many moments starring in movie comedies, but, Kirstie is probably best known for the TV sitcoms ‘Cheers’ and ‘Veronica’s Closet’. However, let’s face it, Kirstie has put on some weight in recent years. You only have to look at her TV show ‘Fat Actress’ to appreciate that! Anyway, in her latest movie, about a ‘forty something’ screenwriter who can’t get in at the Hollywood studios because she is considered too old, Kirstie is shot mostly from the shoulders up. You don’t get to see a lot of the extra baggage she is carting around. Even so, throughout the movie Kirstie is funny and sexy, and a good role model for the ‘larger’ and ‘older’ woman. You go girl! Love Ya!
Diary of the Dead
George A. Romero’s career in Zombie movies started in 1968 with ‘Night of the Living Dead’, but, don’t expect anything new from his latest epic. It is just more of the same. The film is also shot in a style that is now linked to ‘The Blair Witch Project’, which makes it even more boring and ‘old hat’!
Mr. Robet’s Best Buys
Iron Man
The latest screen adaptation of a Marvel comic book is an enormous success.
10.000 BC
An excellent adventure movie, with some highly impressive special effects.
In Bruges
A funny and witty British ‘black comedy’, masquerading as a crime thriller.
The Forbidden Kingdom
Jackie Chan and Jet Li are both fantastic in this Chinese Kung Fu fairy story.
Nightwatching
Peter Greenaway’s latest ‘art’ movie is very demanding but very rewarding.
Lust Caution
Director Ang Lee’s sexy and suspenseful spy movie is simply a knockout.
Bernard and Doris
A sympathetic look at the relationship between a rich woman and her butler.
War Inc.
Hilary Duff, of all people, is terrific in this reasonably good political satire.
21
Some bright students learn how to ‘count’ cards, and then go to Las Vegas.
Love Songs (Les Chansons D’Amour)
A French musical, about some very modern issues, which is not for children.
Fool’s Gold
A bickering divorced couple, still in love, try to find a fabulous lost fortune.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
A family movie that everyone will enjoy, with some terrific special effects.
Savage Grace
A searing drama, concerning taboo subjects, that is Strictly for Adults Only.
Death Defying Acts
A beautifully presented love story, set in the world of séances and psychics.
