Beginners

MUST-SEE: (Mike Mills) There is no better advice than to see a film with no prior expectations. Just that mindset led me into Beginners with a simple and curious intelligence and in turn, wrapped me up in a snuggly blanket of emotion, love and tenderness so complex that it simultaneously left me hurting and happy. The story is that of a budding relationship between father and son, only occurring much later in both of their lives and not until the father has come out of the closet. His ability to love and speak about love, and therefore teach love, erupts from within deeply altering his son’s life as he’d tried to live it. That familial love story mirrors many variations on the emotion throughout the film, touching any viewer with a genuinely good story. Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer have instant chemistry, easily believable as a quirky pair just getting to know each other, despite an already existent and unconditional love. Writer/Director Mike Mills writes this one to cheer and inspire and leave you feeling enlightened in love—no matter your politics, it’s a guaranteed treat.

Trivia! Did you know Mike Mills is married to one of my filmmaking idols, Miss Miranda July?!

Look for the review in Insite Atlanta's June issue!

Julie & Julia

MUST-SEE: (Nora Ephron) It's interesting that we never grow tired of seeing Meryl Streep run the cards in her films. Give her script, and she transforms lines to magic - always letting timeless personalities into our hearts. It's no different with her portrayal of Julia Child. Streep conquers Julia with a gusto that leaves herself nowhere to be found. And fortunately, it leaves the viewer with nothing by seriously giddy delight in watching. Julie and Julia is based on the novel by the same name. It's the story of blogger Julie Powell who decides to cook her way through Julia's first cookbook (Mastering the Art of French Cooking) in an effort to prove her own sense of self accomplishment. Her sideline to Julia's portrait is endearing and inspiring. Amy Adams plays a downtrodden spirit, desperate to feel important and yearning for something more out of her life. Unfortunately, this personality is extremely overshadowed by Julia's story - so much so that I almost hated having to transition back when the story lines exchanged turns. Any actress could have played Julie Powell. Not to belittle Adams - she did a fabulous job... But I am surprised she took this role, as it didn't give her a lot of room to show anything off, or grow a character into more than it was. In contrast, Meryl's role as Julia was astounding. She married herself to that character more than I have ever seen, allowing the audience to forget it was Meryl at all. She made me laugh. She made me cry. And overall, I have never been more delighted watching a film. It's one of the happiest, feel-good movies I have seen in awhile. I laughed throughout its entirety and was entertained well beyond my expectations. You really shouldn't miss this opportunity to enjoy yourself! Bravo Meryl - one of your best, ever.

Coco avant Chanel

MUST-SEE: (Anne Fontaine) I'm a sucker for a period piece. I also adore vintage fashion and French films. In Coco Before Chanel, all my favorite things are rolled into one romantic fashion-forward fairytale. The story begins in a nightclub where Coco and her sister perform cheesy song and dance for pocket change, living in cramped quarters and dreaming of stardom amidst sweaty suitors and dirty dresses. But plans change when her sister meets a gentleman and moves away, halting the dynamic duo's dreams and forcing Coco to pursue her a future on her own. She ends up as a hidden muse on the estate of the wealthy Etienne Balsan - an infamous host of wild parties, tremendous imbibing and fabulous (in his opinion) material things. Coco, ridden to the shadows, spends her time perfecting her hat-making hobby and sewing new clothes, grabbing attention despite Balsan's attempts to keep her a secret. With her androgynous outfits and trendy chapeaus, she lights a fire under the staple trends, building a reputation for herself with each stitch. Squeeze in a long journey of love and heartbreak and you end up with Coco Chanel - the only woman ever to own a professional powerhouse in her own name.

Audrey Tautou plays Coco as a spunky, independent and sardonic woman. Serious about her own interests and eager to impress, but unwilling to compromise, Tautou rounds out Coco as a woman to envy - both professionally and spiritually. The film plays through lightly and genuinely - remaining entertaining and visually stimulating. You'll enjoy it if you're into the aforementioned things I love. It's whimsy and stylish, and a story woven together as easily as Chanel's hats. It'll inspire you to stick to your dreams and polish your talents, proving that you can never underestimate what you are capable of accomplishing. Enjoy this one!!

The Blind Side

MUST-SEE: (John Lee Hancock) Despite love for Sandra Bullock and love for sports movies - The Blind Side was nowhere near the top of my list to see in theaters. Especially when Oscar season was quickly approaching (this time being back during the holidays), I didn't want to waste time spending my money on universal sappy sports movies that wouldn't even be mentioned come Academy night. Well, as most all of you know, this didn't really pan out. Even as I rolled my eyes at the suggested Oscar nods for Sandra's performance, I had no idea that not only would Sandra be nominated for Best Actress, but the film would be up for Best Picture too!

So, reluctantly, I dragged my sister (who represents the opposite end of the fan spectrum, as she was bouncing off the walls to see it) to dollar popcorn night at the Regal Cinema and I settled in to see if Sandra could impress me.

Well, my foot went really well with that popcorn.

The story of the Touhy family was powerfully endearing. Bullock was like I have never seen her before - taking a real woman of deep and intricate layers and making us see the real story behind Michael Oher. You easily forget that its advertised as a movie about sports, instead watching a story of character building and the love that bonds a family together. It takes the spirit of Remember the Titans and adds touching depth that left me teared up and feeling like I knew them. My advice is to not make the mistake that I did. Don't discredit The Blind Side, calling it a cheesy football story or whatever else. It's real stuff, and Bullock is doing some serious performing to make it so. It leaves you humbled, yet hopeful and inspired. My apologies writers - this one is good to go.

Invictus

WORTH-IT: (Clint Eastwood) There were several movies out early this year that were not at the top of my list. I know that may be hard to believe for some of you who know me well, and know that I am usually "dying to see" every movie that comes out (and usually think they're all fabulous!). But, maybe I am maturing, or my film-buds are, or I don't know what, but this year came a slew of films unable to draw a sense of anticipation from me. Invictus was very high on that list. First, because I am not a huge Matt Damon fan... great movies - he just doesn't do it for me. Secondly, I know nothing of rugby. The only reason I was slightly curious was my love for movies illustrating history. Invictus is the story of Neslon Mandela's first year in office. And, rather than recount the story of his rise to power, it tells the story of his rise to popularity and colors in the lines of why so many respect him. The story does this through a country's passion for its national pastime--rugby.

Now, its no phenomenal film. I didn't leave with any lasting impacts, and I wouldn't have been disappointed if no one had been nominated for an award. But, what I can say, is that I was immediately surprised at how much I enjoyed it. It was fast-paced, easy to follow and as genuine as a story that's already based on truth can get. Damon and Morgan Freeman were instantly believable. The complex story was simple and easy to grasp. The mix of high energy sport with politics and relationships made it easily entertaining and absolutely fun to watch. By the end, I regretted my original intent to avoid seeing the film and was lobbying for increased attendance.

I've heard the argument that the intensity of rugby was lacking, or that the movie overall was too vanilla, and I can't offer any hard evidence against those statements. I don't know rugby from dominoes, other than it is brutal and fast, so I don't feel like I missed anything. I was also ignorant to a lot of the South African political movement under Mandela, making this film simply an easy to learn history lesson. Watch it with that simplistic expectation and I believe it can do the same for you as it did for me--entertain and educate.

Grey Gardens

WORTH-IT: (Ellen Hovde, Albert Maysles, David Maysles and Muffie Meyer) The 1975 documentary reveals Edith Beale and her daughter Edie Beale living in the filth which they refer to as their East Hampton mansion. Their story, gisted well here, here, and here explains the background. I took interest in this original after seeing a strung out duo of Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange publicize their work in the remake at this year's Oscar ceremony. The strange way the pair flaunted their upcoming film struck a chord with me, as I knew briefly of the history of the strange pair of real Beales. The documentary is hard to watch. It's from 1975, so consists of straight shooting. The women do all the talking and entertaining, sometimes bringing their face close to the camera or putting on small performances. Their ignorance and delusion is so crystal clear it becomes tragic to watch, but at the same time hypnotizing. Their filth is radiant. Feeding cats off the same plates they feed themselves. Eating canned food and throwing the leftovers to the animals roaming through their hallways. Dinner consists of cottage cheese on crackers, or ice cream from the tub. I watched it for 15-20 minutes at a time, quickly becoming disgusted at the candid grotesque these women called life. What was once a beautiful, reputable mansion was left overgrown and rotting. The women seem unaware and almost uncomfortable with the thought of leaving. Turning it off each time forced me to shake my head, snap out of it and move on. It took almost a week to watch. But, I must say that the raw filming was gripping. I was entranced, locked in on their portraits, locked in watching their disenchantment flourish and their reputation relent. I recommend it to history buffs, those interested in the history of the socialite society, particularly that of East Hampton. It's truly fascinating if you can put up with the literal nastiness. Plus, it gives you the adequate portrait before we see Lange and Barrymore's tripped out attempt at recreation. I'm looking forward to it.

The Changeling

MUST-SEE: (Clint Eastwood) Readers forgive me, I saw this film months ago and let it slip under the rug of priorities last fall. But that slip should not be taken as a sign that this film was anything short of brilliance. Clint Eastwood directs a story by J. Michael Straczynski that illustrates a mother's love for her son and a corrupt government's self-dug grave. Angelina Jolie plays Christine Collins, a single, working mother who loses her son and given a replacement to glorify the LAPD's apt problem solving skills. What the greater public doesn't realize is that she is also given a scolding to adopt the new child as her previous, because he is obviously not the same boy. As the audience, you are left thinking, WHAT?! Outlandish. Tragic. Impossible. But, the reality hits hard that our government acted this way, and our women were treated this way. Cocky, boisterous personalities are revealed for their insecurities and short-comings. Foolishness is shed in a new light. Even though it's been almost a year since I have seen this flick, I remember being touched by this exact sense: that something so horrid could have been passed (or attempted to pass) as normalcy. This truly frightening story that was one woman's reality. It's every parent's nightmare, but it's also a universal threat of what we (as a people) almost were, but thanks to one outspoken pastor (played by John Malkovich), we aren't. Eastwood flawlessly illustrates the worst of human nature and the best of our country's morale, and holds your heart in the palm of his hand while doing so. Don't miss this one. Jolie is a gem--well-deserved of her nod. Malkovich is powerful. And the story is true. (Enter, chills).

Marley & Me

WORTH-IT: (David Frankel) Based on the memoir by John Grogan, Marley and Me is the story of two young journalists making a life (and a family) in South Florida, accompanied and made more entertaining by the world's worst dog. What began as a test for potential parenthood turns into a life-long attempt to break a golden retriever with genetic defaults to misbehavior. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston find chemistry to play to John and his wife Jenny, bringing their girl/boy next door reputations to play the conservative and lovable Grogans. Where there is nothing tremendously special about this film (and no actual plot) who doesn't automatically appreciate the story of a family's love for it's pooch. Readers of the memoir know the writer is keen to recruit fans, telling his stories honestly and with genuine humor almost everyone can relate to at one point or another. And because his story is so normal, it's easy to get lost in the relationships. Just because we don't know them personally, they are real people and people who are going through one of life's most popular growth spurts. Know that you'll laugh a lot, but be ready for an emotional roller coaster. When it involves a four-legged family member, there are no doubt attachments made that are hard to break (and even harder to watch break). Fortunately, this no-plot film is a beautiful illustration of Grogan's work, and a light-hearted way to enjoy a couple hours. Don't expect Old Yeller (real-life can only offer so much!), but it's better than Air-Bud.

The Duchess

WORTH-IT: (Saul Dib) In 1774, 17-year-old Georgiana Spencer (Kiera Knightley) giddily agreed to marry the older, distinguished Duke of Devonshire (an unsettling Ralph Fiennes). Unlike many girls, whisked away by arranged marriages, she entered this union flattered and with big dreams. Unfortunately, the Duke shared, or cared for, none of those dreams, performing the marital duty and speaking none, proving this relationship would be nothing beyond an expected male heir. Heartbroken and frustrated, Georgiana, "G," refocuses her energy, becoming the fashion icon of her time, what was the very height of Britain's Georgian era, one rich with pop culture, decadence and political revolution. And The Duchess is complete with all the fantastic glitter that comes with these period pieces, winning an Oscar for costumes and matching all expectations for a 18th Century starlet. Dressed to the T, G finds her superfluous joy in gambling, partying and socializing, but ultimately cannot recover from the heartbreak she continually encounters. The Duke brings an illegitimate child for her to raise, he sleeps with a multitude of other women, and when after 6 years she had not managed to produce a male heir, they head to Bath for a "healing" vacation. Here, she meets Lady Elizabeth Foster, played subtly and heartily by Hayley Atwell, who shortly becomes G's best friend and confidant--encouraging her to live life sexually empowered, opening herself up for real love with a young rising politician, and old friend of G's, Charles Grey (the highly adorable Dominic Cooper). She helps capture a political fan base for him, at the same time capturing his heart, and vice versa. Knightley and Cooper maintain an unmatched chemistry, one reflecting innocent romance, true companionship and a beautiful love story. The Duchess isn't a happy ending or a flowery romance though; It is imprisonment, heavy expectations and the high price of a life-long contract. Although loved by everyone in England for her convivial aires and iconic lifestyle, behind closed doors she is a tragic soul and a wasted personality. Knightley captures utter heartbreak on her face, pulling an audience into her character's despair without question or persuasion at the slightest strain of her smile or within the smoky glare she can, on command, exude. The film at barest is light, although filled with heavy emotion and tragic hardship. It comes in the shadow of both Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette, but G's story is not one to be ignored, and competes just as fiercely.

Frost Nixon

MUST-SEE: (Ron Howard) From the opinions of someone completely ignorant to anything about Richard Nixon and Watergate that wasn't revealed through 1999's Dick, I have to say this movie is incredible. It's a summed up version of the White House scandal, revealed in the questions and answers that took place between David frost and President Nixon in the summer of 1977. Played majestically by Frank Langella, Nixon is believably human, a fragile aging man fighting to keep his political repuatation alive post-impeachment as well as maintain his "presidential" stature. Michael Sheen is TV host and pop star David Frost, adequately matched to a real-life Frost, performing it as naturally as if he were him. As Frost bites off (possibly) more than he can chew with his own reputation's biggest subject yet, Nixon prepares to railroad an inexperienced investigative journalist. The result is an ultimate battle of wits, where the only weapons are experience and confidence backed by a ruthless ability to bullshit. Langella reverberates a calm and defiant demeanor, clamoring Frost's hopes as the interviews skew from an intended direction. Only as Nixon finds comfort and begins to relax does Frost's determination (and threat to go bankrupt) light a fire underneath his team, ultimately cornering Nixon, tiring him out and at last, squeezing a confession for 400 million viewers to see. The film beautifully portrays the emotional ride our nation was on that summer, explaining plenty (for the ignorant few) but leaving the evidence of "character" to your own definition. The loose filming gave it 70s realism, the acting brought it validation. Langella sits high on a list of nominees for this role. Thanks to Ron Howard for delivering a believable, relatable, historical piece to a modern-day society of political curiosity.

City of God

MUST-SEE: (Fernando Meirelles) From the director who brought us 2005's Constant Gardener and this month's thriller, Blindess, it's one of his earlier works, City of God, that gives him a reputation among movie-watchers for a unique beauty within tragic darkness. Here, he illustrates Paolo Lins' novel of the same name, based on actual events among gangs in the forgotten Brazilian city. Young boys growing up in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, a city starved of electricity, running water, or the chance for a better existence, the children are left with hood life to keep their attention. Narrator Rocket is one of few who avoided a life of crime and instead focuses on photography, running his life aside members of the most dangerous gangs, eventually serving as an involuntary embedded journalist for the big city's paper. The film is heartbreaking, filled with nauseating suspense and merciless violence; but at the very least, it grasps the beauty and potential within the hearts of a lost innocence. Lins highlights details of the troubled boys and the morals that are constantly questioned a world with no rules. He solidifies that fact that you're allegiance constantly shifts, introducing good people who kill and bad people who rule. He paints fear through the eyes of a young hood getting his foot shot off and then killed by a member of his own gang, or another young boy joining the gang to kill his own father's murderer. The sadness exists in the innocence of children lost completely at no fault of their own. But with director Meirelles vision to match Lins story-telling, the tone simmers with triumph, humor rounds out an intolerable lifestyle, and the moral doesn't even get a turn on the totem pole. The motif reflects the negligence the boys have for a future. It reveals their ignorance to the possibility of a life without guns, without killing your enemies as the answer to problems, and living completely in the present. As young as 7, the thought of justice, respect and of morality are lost, erased to make room for vengeance and superiority. Rocket serves as the one unbiased voice to recount the details of his troubled town. As one who grew up with the hood for friends, but now serves as the photographer to document their progress, Rocket recounts as though it were a bedtime story. City of God, based on actual events of the real-life Rocket, journalist Wilson Rodriguez, is a film not to be overlooked. It is a wake-up call to what happens in the slums, a slap in the face for what happens on the other side of the tracks, the mindset that intrinsically exists within a hard-knock. Take your strong stomach and a expect to leave with a heavy heart, but rest assured the magic that happens onscreen, between a unique kind of innocence and raw emotion will leave you hugely impacted, eerily content in your own reality, and genuinely enthused for the survivors, how few they may be.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

PHENOMENAL: (Julian Schnabel) A truly emotional masterpiece, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is one of the few films to encase a realistic tone throughout beautiful and creative cinematography. From the beginning, as seen through the half paralyzed eyes of Elle editor, Jean-Dominique Bauby, the film is raw, candid and heartbreaking. Bauby, the former editor of Elle magazine in France, suffered a massive stroke while out for a drive with his son. After months in a coma, he awakes to complete paralysis, and only the use of his left eye. Through months of intense occupational therapy, he learns to communicate through a series of alphabetic blinks. With this string of communication, he lives his last year writing a novel blink for blink about the cage he lives in. He says, "I decided to stop pitying myself. Other than my eye, two things aren't paralyzed, my imagination and my memory." This attitude carries throughout the film, riding a roller coaster of emotion as he watches through tunnel vision as his children play on the beach, as friends come to visit, and as his father delivers a heartbreaking birthday goodbye via telephone. What exists as the most heartbreaking and unimaginable story to date for me is at the same time one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. Inspired by Bauby's determination to finish his life's novel and the absolutely spectacular filming, this true-story drew me in immediately and will be in my heart forever. Phenomenal performances credit Schanbel's direction, and extremely detailed writing brings an otherwise silent story to life. As a viewer, you get to see (and arguably feel) what Bauby does, and with his words to narrate us along the way, we are spared no frustration, no pain, and no remorse alongside him. Don't miss out on this film. It will forever remain in the top tier of my most memorable films.

The Strangers

WORTH-IT: (Bryan Bertino) What begins as a bad teen horror movie, eventually takes flight into one of the best real scary stories the cinema has to offer. Based the the true story of unexplained deaths discovered by two young boys selling door to door, The Strangers takes us along with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman as they escape to an isolated vacation home for some romantic peace and quiet. Once the script diverges from a love-story gone awry, we are threatened by three masked strangers who appear at every open window, and suspiciously, around corners of the locked-up house. Not only does this plot play on everyone's fear of a lonely quiet house, but amplifies the mind tricks that silence creates. Only in this story, there are no tricks, except for the ones that are tricking you into dying. Once the masked trio make their move, the film is an endless downhill thriller, revving chainsaws, shredding prom dresses and breaking ankles. What is Tyler doing in a horror movie with no other big names (well, since Felicity)? The story is that good. In fact, it's underlying truth only makes this more unbelievable and worth talking about post-cinematic disappointments other horror movies have proved. See this one, expect a little more reality out of a stereotyped story, making staying home alone not okay.

Into the Wild

MUST-SEE: (Sean Penn) I love this movie. Into the Wild is a step in a direction everyone feels, or has felt, at some poiont in their life (if not arguably a little all the time). Based on the novel by Jon Krakauer, Penn adapts a screenplay to color in the lines of character Chris McCandless's journey across the country and up into Alaska. Into the Wild depicts the story of a young man, deeply troubled with the pain his parents raised him in, and once he graduates, addresses his last chance at freedom, setting out to discover what the world is naturally made of. Along the way, he finds kinship in the most unlikely, yet humble creatures, living on the wind and far away from suburbia. Also a treat for the audience in these glimpses, we get to see unlikely cameos from always phenomenal Catherine Keener, playing an emotional Hippie trying to let herself deserve love, Vince Vaughn, the government-swindling farmer, exploiting the society McCandless has grown to detest. Penn plays to so many emtoins as he winds us through Chris's path, never hinting at which way he'll turn, when enough is enough or when the loneliness overrules the freedom. Even when one man offers to adopt him in the desert, Chris remains a determined loner. Penn offers a tremndous bout on the standpoint of the audience. I remember feeling empathetic and frustrated within minutes of each other, yet never unsatisfied. Something can be said for the ability to get lost in an emotion and then be able to see reality outside of it. There is something disheartening and terrifying about it all at the same time. A polished Emile Hirsch plays this liberated, yet naive young man, having taken great steps from his earlier work to maintain this man of many emotions. Be ready to appreciate his spirit, but love-hate his character. Also prepare yourself for the inevitable self-doubt this story suggests. Go ahead and question your position, but ultimately settle in for entertainment that illustrates it for you. It's an easy film to watch, with beautiful scene and aesthetic compliments of colorful people and places. Bravo Sean Penn. A successful and inspiring adaptation.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

MUST-SEE: (Andrew Dominik) Based on the novel by Ron Hansen, The Assassination of Jesse James is a beautiful and emotional film that stretches out the true character of an infamous villain and touches on the unexplainable obsession many had for him. Writer and Director Andrew Dominik gives us both sides of the moral fence, showing us the hearts of James's closest friends, and the tragedies of his worst enemies. The film is quiet and the setting serene, yet a eerie stillness surrounds James, making each moment suspenseful. For two and a half hours, Dominik illustrates Jesse's life. We see him as a family man, a comedian, a friend and a businessman. It is from the depiction of Jesse's biggest fan, Robert Ford, we begin to see the darker side to the outlaw. We see his psychosis unravel and his merciless train robberies that carry a no regrets motto destroying hundreds of lives across the states. He lived anywhere and was known everywhere, but his reputation only struck chords with authority. Dominik does a fantastic job of setting up his audience with the double entendre of Jesse's character. Even after watching, you'll wonder whose side you should be on. No detail is left untouched and no emotion left uncovered. Each character is individualized and carefully executed by successful performances all around. Equally impressive is the breathtaking cinematography and perfectly venacular script. Simply from Casey Affleck's performance of a shrinking coward, with sunken eyes and emaciated frame, only fooling himself with a sharp tongue and a quick fire, will you understand the conflict of heart many experienced in the opinion of James. Ford went from James biggest fan, to his biggest envier, to his assassin. The fame he believed would come for shooting Jesse was no comparison to the attention Jesse's body and reputation received in the aftermath. Thus, we witness the domino of tragedies Jesse created even after his death. Assassination presents us with this family of characters, asks us to watch rather than take sides, and then beautifully delivers a story of heart and mind over action that forces you to reconcile with both your own good and evil. Don't miss seeing this masterpiece. It won't disappoint, and if you can make it through its lengthy screen time, you'll wrestle James and Ford in your heart forever.

Sleepers

MUST-SEE: (Barry Levinson) I saw this 1996 film for the first time recently and can only express regret for having waited so long to see it. Director Levinson brings the tragic story of four boys growing up in Hell's Kitchen, NY, conditioned to a life much older than their years, but living each day knowing nothing better. Growing up with the neighborhood priest as their best friend and mentor (Robert DeNiro), the boys are good kids deep down, some wishing to be priests themselves, but as the mood and tone of the narration implies, they are inevitably destined for short lives of tragedy and hard luck. Sleepers does a phenomenal job of setting up the audience with a deep understanding of the boys as adolescent kids and easily transitions into the mature minds of the boys as young men. Still troubled by a past of abuse and humiliation as teens, the young men have settled into the lives that were waiting for them. This film illustrates Hell's Kitchen in an extremly believable fashion, tugging at your gut for pity watching the boys accept violence as a way of life and forcing you to see a world in the shadows, a world overlooked by many and forgotten by even more. Through the boys, Levinson plays on stagnation in a downhill town and reveals the deep scarring capable of cursing teen boys with lasting effects on their spirits. Brad Pitt and Billy Crudup play powerful roles as two of the boys grown up. DeNiro, as always, is raw and convincing and a short performance by Dustin Hoffman provides this film with the credibility it needed to showcase its mastermind. Take a strong stomach and forgiving heart to see this film, but don't miss it. Sleepers changes your own spirit and creates its own lasting impression.

American Gangster

MUST-SEE: (Ridley Scott) What was proclaimed as the season's most violent gangster film may be more appropriate and welcomed as the season's most surprisingly entertaining gangster movie. For one, the violence rarely steals the direction of this script. Secondly, phenomenal acting flows out of every character, leaving no dull moments and certainly no monotony. American Gangster is a truly gripping tale of the infamous drug king, Frank Lucas. He was Harlem's finest, giving to the poor, loving his family, and selling the cheapest and finest "Blue Magic" cocaine in town. The film reveals the journey Lucas underwent to manufacture his magic, played tremendously by Denzel Washington, keeping the story dripping directly from his emotions, inevitably making it hard to root against him. Opposite a flawless Denzel is the equally impressive Russell Crowe. A divorced father to one and a too-good-for-his-own-good cop, Crowe adds a genuine intelligent naivety to the underground drug war. Black-balled by a corrupt police force for his good intentions, he finds a position He masters a white Harlem accent, looks the part of a no-good divorcee, and emphasizes his heart for justice that leaves that fence you'll be riding harder to get off of. From Scott, who brought you Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, Gangster is never slow, always focused, and completely raw. It applies to a vast audience, whether you go to see Denzel, Russell, the historical values, or the intense story. Don't miss this movie.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

WORTH-IT: A satisfactory serving of exquisite costume, rich scenery and generous acting, Elizabeth's second installment proves well worth seeking. The phenomenal Cate Blanchett plays a tremendous queen, with raw emotion and true humility. She captures the inert battle of pride and brokenness within the Virgin Queen, making the end result onscreen a blessing of entertainment. Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush costar, but fail to shine as Blanchett powers on. This same effect ripples throughout the cast, leaving minimal amounts of characters you actually feel connected with. Luckily, the story is so fascinating, and the encircling elements of great historical cinema downplay this effect, making them simply decorations on the tree of life, which is Elizabeth's story. This film will appeal to a wide range of audiences, from commercial Hollywood to IF buffs. Its fickle and honest visage holds attention, fulfills the need for entertainment and tickles your pupils. Enjoy this film for the historical merit, whether or not you find fault in its account. Enjoy it also for Blanchett, who deserves growing acclaim for her continuous success. Here, she proves her power as an actress, as a star, and clearly, as the Queen.

Factory Girl

MUST-SEE: (Hickenlooper) Never before has over the top eye make-up, fake fur, and enormous dangling earrings made such an impression for a life that was lived too fast, but too short. The portrait of Edie Sedgewick as she evolved out of art school into a world controlled by Andy Warhol is the gut of Factory Girl. An adorable Sienna Miller superbly plays the waif Sedgewick capturing a rare and raw emotion amidst what appears a glamorous lifestyle. The film carries us well from her rebellion from art school, through her curious and innocent explorations of New York, all the way to her downfall; a naked and bruised body enclosing a tormented and aching soul. Miller does a fantastic job at conquering each characteristic of a true Edie. Her style and her accent truly reflects the trendsetter and outlandish persona Edie carried. As for the film, the casting is perfect, the depiction of The Factory was convincing, and the overall tone evoked a creepiness that made her destruction even more tragic. The script remains true to Edie's heart, borderline exploiting Warhol and gripping the audience in her favor. The credits run alongside an audio/visual montage of past friends and family speaking on the essence of Edie. All in all, the film was enlightening, saddening, and inspiring. If you can move your heart past the drugs and past the sadness, you will experience a phenomenal story of one of the greatest trendsetters and art icons of our recent history.

Rescue Dawn

WORTH IT: Before any comment on the film itself, I must say, what a phenomenal story. And, what a phenomenal survivor. For those that don't know, Rescue Dawn is the true story of pilot Deiter Dengler, whose plane crashes in the jungle of Laos during an air raid. He is captured by angry rebels and held prisoner indefinitely. The film depicts the story of a struggle to discover willpower, the struggle to remain sane in an impossible world, and the struggle to stay alive amidst trigger-happy and starving Cambodians. The film takes off on an odd tone, making Christian Bale's Dengler appear pompous, not taking his feat seriously and offended by the treatment of his captors. His attitude left strange and disconnected feelings from what could have been a heart-wrenching tale. Fortunately, as the plot treads, Werner Herzog brings the audience right into the heart and mind of his characters, revealing their fears and their abandoned hopes, as well as their protruding bones and rotting teeth. Alongside breathtaking scenery, he tags eating live snakes, pulling leeches off bare skin, and uncontrollable bowels, painting a picture of utter suffering. By the end, the awkward tone had evolved into a deep concern for the situation. His hopelessness and frustration are evident. Inspired by his determination and his strength of mind and body, I felt my heart feeling for the man. For me, it was a the story of a man, not a war, whose mind and spirit matures through a gut-splitting trauma, and who is taught to search for his deepest purpose and faith to carry the title and reputation of the United States of America through a dark and violent jungle.