* Frost/Nixon: (2008 - Drama, history / U.S., U.K., France) Play/screenplay by Peter Morgan, Directed by Ron Howard (The Shootist, Cocoon, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind), starring Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon and others. Here is a excellent movie, adapted from a broadway play (You'd never know it), based on a series of television interviews with former president Richard Nixon (played by Frank Langella). The host was British talk show host David Frost (played by Michael Sheen), and the year was 1977. After his resignation, with the war behind us, and the crisis averted, Richard Nixon has decided to submit to an interview with David Frost. He's hoping that he can bull-doze the lightweight Frost, and come out smelling like roses. Oh, yeah, that and a $600,000.00 appearance fee. Frost is struggling to make a name for himself, and finds this opportunity to be more challenging than he'd imagined. With financial and professional problems threatening to derail this project, he has to pull-it-together in order to deliver a show that millions will want to watch. The story is fascinating (if a bit narrow in focus), the writing great, and the acting superb (especially Frank Langella as Nixon). Excellent production value, editing and pacing. Must see for history buffs. 4 out of 5
* Live Free or Die Hard: (2007 - Action, crime, drama, thriller / U.S., U.K.) Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Underworld - Evolution), starring Bruce Willis, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Long (I'm a Mac), Maggie Q, Cliff Curtis and others. Bruce Willis reprises his role as John McClane in this fourth installment of the Die Hard franchise. In this movie, John McClane is working for Homeland Security. The movie starts with a rather lame intro to McClane's daughter (necessary for tie in later), then immediately launches into the kick ass action flick that follows. John McClane picks up a young hacker as a group of tech savvy terrorists threaten to cripple the nation by taking down the system - crippling America's computer infrastructure on Independence day. As bad guys make multiple attempts to kill McClane's ward, John realizes that something big and bad is going down. McClane starts to hunt the bad guys, then they make the silly mistake of kidnapping John's daughter. The plot is full of holes. Lot's of holes... and the story is rather predictable. This movie was lent to me by a coworker, and I watched it as an introduction to Blue-Ray. As such, there were lots of explosions, car chases, eye candy and visual effects. Willis finds himself surrounded by a series of junior talent (except for Timothy Olyphant), and the writing is relatively weak, but this movie succeeds in the entertainment department, and sometimes that's just what we're looking for. 3 out of 5.
* Les Compères: (1983 - Comedy, crime / France) Written and directed by Francis Veber (The Valet, The Closet, The Dinner Game), starring Pierre Richard, Gérard Depardieu, Anny Duperey, Michel Aumont, Stéphane Bierry and others in a light-hearted comedy. When Christine's (played by Anny Duperey) 16 year-old son run's away, she enlists the help of two former flames (Pierre Richard - mild mannered teach, and Gérard Depardieu - tough and risky journalist), the two former rivals are quite different, and they approach the task quite differently. This odd couple create a comedic partnership as they search for the missing boy in this slapstick buddy comedy from France. Remade for American audiences as "Father's Day" starring Billy Crystal and Robin Williams. 3 out of 5.
* Waltz With Bashir: (2008 - Animation, biography, drama, war / Israel - Vals Im Bashir) Written and directed by Ari Folman and featuring the voices of a handful of Israeli actors. This animated feature length film is a dreamy, choreographed documentary about trauma induced amnesia, an insomnia inspired personal quest and a testament to the suffering caused by war. Punctuated at some critical junctures with actual film footage and splashes of color the use of animation was a fantastic choice of medium. It's a slow paced journey of self revelation, discovery and reconciliation. The main character is haunted by a recurring nightmare about a pack of vicious dogs. In discussion with an old friend, he comes to the conclusion that this dream must somehow be related to his time served in the Israeli Army, and a mission during the first Lebanese war in the early 80s. Unable to remember more, he sets out on a personal journey, a quest to uncover the past and learn why he's blocking out the memories from those days. The imagery evoked by the animation is surreal, un-complicated and full of symbolism. Paired with an excellent soundtrack, this movie becomes a dramatic experience worthy of your attention. 4 out of 5.
* Red Rock West: (1993 - Crime, drama, thriller) Co-written and directed by John Dahl (Kill Me Again, Joy Ride, Rounders, The Great Raid). This movie stars Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Lara Flynn Boyle, J.T. Walsh and others in a film-noir thriller with western themes. The movie is set in Wyoming and the cinematography was very good. Nicolas Cage plays a drifter looking for work when he stumbles upon a murder plot. This case of mistaken opportunity presents Wayne (played by Nicolas Cage) with a money making opportunity with little risk. When the actual hit-man arrives, things get really complicated. Good roles and acting for Nicolas Cage and Dennis Hopper. Later John Dahl movies are better. 3 out of 5.
* Push: (2009 - Action, drama, sci-fi, thriller / Canada, U.K., U.S.) Directed by Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin), this movie stars fresh new stars; Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans, Djimon Hounsou, Camilla Belle, Maggie Siff and others. It's an eye candy movie. All the actors are hot and sexy. The story isn't all that good. It's derivative, uninspiring and plagued by plot-holes. A group of super-powered refugees are on the run from 'The Division'; a shadowy, secretive, U.S. Government agency, intent on recapturing the kids to use for their own nefarious purposes. The setting is China and that helps the movie; giving it a unique flavor, atmosphere, and allowing for some artistic expression. The good guys and bad guys aren't much different from each other, and the movie lacks any real antagonist/protagonist angst. The fabricated mythos, and jargon present potential. Unfortunately, despite it's two hour running time, the story fails to make adequate use of the alternate reality created by the writers, and the end left me less than satisfied. The special effects and cgi weren't the best (felt low budget), but they were well employed. I give it high marks for it's pacing, artistic flourishes, well constructed mythos, and setting. 3 out of 5.
* Eagle Eye: (2008 - Action, crime, mystery, thriller / U.S., Germany) Directed by D.J. Caruso (The Salton Sea, Taking Lives, Disturbia); starring Shia LaBeouf, Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson, Michelle Monaghan, Ethan Embry and others. After he returns home to grieve the death of his twin brother, Jerry (played by Shia LaBeouf) becomes targeted by some unknown agent as part of a terrorist plot, government conspiracy, extortion ring? The plot is convoluted to say the least. Teamed up with single mom, Rachel (played by Michelle Monaghan), our two unlikely heroes soon find themselves on the run, involved in some sort of vast conspiracy. Running from the feds, they're being forced? to do things against their will. Comply or die!. This movie has lots of flash, great looking cinematography, a beautiful cast and break-neck pacing. What it lacks is believability and an original script. The ways in which the antagonist controls, contacts and observes the protagonists is completely unbelievable. The plot is full of ridiculous flaws, inconsistencies and bizarre twists. The feds are portrayed as incompetent bumblers, the protagonists hapless heroes, and the mysterious third party is all-powerful. Despite the dizzying amount of money spent on this movie ($80M), the story sucked horribly. I won't go into all the completely unbelievable crap that this movie spewed, but I will throw out the one that really illustrates my point. Apparently, a super-powerful computer can cause power lines to detach, explode and kill those who try to disobey! 2 of 5.
* The Last Detail: (1973 - Comedy, drama) Starring Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, Randy Quaid and others. It's an early 70's road trip/buddy movie. Two seasoned Petty Officers ('Bad-Ass' Buddusky - Jack Nicholson and 'Mule' Mulhall - Otis Young) are assigned to escort a young convicted Seaman (Meadows - Randy Quaid) to a military prison in Boston. Meadows was convicted of attempted petty theft - appx $40.00 - and sentenced to eight years in prison! With Meadows on his way to a military prison the trio decide to make the most out of their three day travel allowance. Boozing, brawling and fornicating their way up the coast; they try to pack in eight years worth of experiences before Meadows is turned over to prison authorities. The performances were good, the production poor, and this movie from the 70's isn't in the best of shape (sound & video quality suffer). A good road trip movie. 3 out of 5.
* The Unborn: (2009 - Horror, thriller) Written and directed by David S. Goyer (Blade - Trinity, The Invisible), starring Odette Yustman (Casey Beldon), Gary Oldman (Rabbi Sendak - Spiritual advisor), Meagan Good (Romy - The friend), Cam Gigandet, Carla Gugino, Idris Elba, Jane Alexander and others. I'm such a sucker for horror movies. Recently I've noticed that they are getting much slicker, better at the production side. Unfortunately, they don't seem to be getting any better on the story side. Casey Beldom is haunted by a frightening recurring dream and the ghost like appearances of a young boy. Thinking that she's 'seeing things' or having vision problems, she sees an Ophthalmologist, who asks if she has a twin?... Her father confirms the loss of a brother in mothers womb. Now convinced that she's being haunted by her unborn brother, she conducts some research and discovers more creepy stuff about her mom, genetic experiments during the holocaust, and a woman named Sofi Kozma... In the end, this movie boiled down to this line. "Jumby wants to be born now!" It's your typical 'evil spirit wants to be born in body of an innocent child' Great atmosphere and mood, but a miserable story and execution of plot. The acting was mediocre, the lead actor very sexy. Very good camera work and editing. Skip this one, unless you want to see Odette Yustman (also in Cloverfield) in her undies. 2 out of 5.
* Body Heat: (1981 - Crime, drama, thriller, film noir) Written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill, Silverado, Wyatt Ear), starring William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Ted Danson, Richard Crenna, Mickey Rourke, J.A. Preston and others. It's a sweltering hot summer in the small coastal town of Pinehurst, Florida. Ned Racine (played by William Hurt) is a low-budget lawyer looking for trouble. Matty Walker (played by Kathleen Turner) is the wife of the local rich businessman. The two fall for each other after a chance encounter and their passionate affair leads them to some dangerous ideas. Together they brew up a big kettle of trouble - Murder! It's a mystery, a drama, a crime thriller with many of the typical dressings but a perfect blend of all the right ingredients. This movie has a fantastic cast, some excellent acting, a great soundtrack, lots of nudity, and some very good writing and directing. Seduction and desire drive this movie towards it's outstanding ending. 4 out of 5.
* The Haunting in Connecticut: (2009 - Drama, horror, thriller) Directed by Peter Cornwell (his first movie), starring Virginia Madsen (as Sara Campbell - The mom), Kyle Gallner (Matt Campbell - the sick son), Elias Koteas (Reverend Popescu), Amanda Crew (Wendy - the girl living with the family), Martin Donovan (Peter Campbell - The younger son), and others. This is another horror movie with great atmosphere and production value, but poor story and execution. The story, a supernatural thriller is supposedly based on a 'true story'. In order to accommodate a family member with cancer, a family moves into a seemingly perfect big old house (it's closer to the hospital). Unfortunately for the family, this house has a secret. The basement contains a secret locked room, and the characters who once lived there haven't 'moved on' to the other side. Something is keeping them from departing this plane. The ailing son is soon the target of attack for some of those menacing spirits, and an exorcism isn't far behind... Unfortunately, there's a lot of cliche' scenes and predictable occurrences. The movie seems to drag a bit at times, but the lighting and setting are great. The acting was mediocre, and the direction less than impressive. The budget allowed for some excellent special and digital effects, but that can't make up for a plot that seemed far too improbable for this skeptic. FYI: After a bit of google searching, It's evident that this 'haunting' has been heavily debunked. I give this movie a 2 out of 5 (but it is definitely better than the documentary 'A Haunting in Connecticut'.