Movie Review: Drinking Buddies

"Drinking Buddies" follows a male/female pair of best friends, Kate (Olivia Wilde) and Luke (Jake Johnson), who work together at a brewery and often drink together during their off-time. Seemingly the perfect pair, they both have significant others, Jill (Anna Kendrick) and Chris (Ron Livingston). The situation gets complicated when the two couples go on a weekend trip to Chris' cottage and then more awkward with the fall-out from the trip.

There's a certain awkwardness and raw feeling from the dialogue in this film. It feels very real and sometimes that's a bit uncomfortable. Apparently the "script" was largely an outline and the actors improved a good bit of the film. I think this was really an interesting directing choice by director/writer Joe Swanberg. Overall the film is a take on the age-old question can men and women really be friends without taking it to the romantic level. I think there's an interesting take on that question here in that the question for Kate and Luke isn't as clear-cut throughout the film as one thinks - are they really the best fit for each other.  I don't want to give anything away but I found the ending a satisfying answer that at first I didn't think I liked but the more I think about it the more it makes sense.  Good chemistry among the cast complements the story.

Feels a little awkward but give this a try - B+

Movie Review: The Spectacular Now (2013)

"The Spectacular Now" (2013) follows high school senior Sutter (Miles Teller), who is drifts from party to party drinking heavily and is upset when his girlfriend Cassidy (Brie Larson) dumps him for someone with more of a "future." A drunken Sutter wakes up on the lawn of a quiet classmate, Aimee (Shailene Woodley). Sutter strikes up a friendship with Aimee and asks her to help him study geometry. The relationship deepens into romance and the two promise to stand up to their respective mothers - Aimee wants to move to Philadelphia for college, Sutter wants his mother to tell the truth about his absentee father. Both do as planned but for Sutter the truth about his father (Kyle Chandler) is more than expected or than he can handle.

This isn't the easiest teen coming-of-age drama to watch but it's one worth seeing.  "Sutter" isn't the perfect hero, but rather Teller plays him as both likeable and not so likeable at times.  He's just a kid trying to have fun and distract himself from dealing with issues he can't process.  When boozin' and seemingly fun-loving Sutter meets and starts to woo shy and sweet Aimee (Woodley) I couldn't help but be worried because this seems like such an ill-fated match but the script really works and gives a more thoughtful treatment than I thought I'd get.   The chemistry between Woodley and Teller really helps too.  Don't miss the small part Chandler plays in what turns out to be a pivotal turn as Sutter's absent father.  Bonus points for the beautiful setting of a lot of the film, which is Athens, GA (a city that holds a piece of my heart).  

For a thoughtful coming-of-age with a flawed hero, check this one out - solid B+

Movie Review: Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)

"Ain't Them Bodies Saints" is a romance/drama focusing on a pair of young lovers, Bob (Casey Affleck) and Ruth (Rooney Mara), in 1970's Texas.  When the film begins Bob, Ruth, and a friend are in a shootout with the police.  The result is that the friend dies and Bob takes the blame for shooting a policeman, which was really a pregnant Ruth.   Bob goes to prison for the crime while Ruth vows to wait for him and has the baby alone.  Years later Bob breaks out of prison and is on the run hoping to reunite with his family.  Meanwhile, Ruth is a single mother of a toddler and has become friendly a police officer involved in the shootout.

While not a flashy film, "Saints" is a solid drama with good acting, directing, writing, and editing.  I really liked Mara in the lead role here.  She shined as the outlaw turned devoted single mother and there's a real depth to her character.  Ruth is clearly torn between the life she leads with her daughter and the deep love she shares with Bob.  Affleck is strong in his part, as the outlaw determined to be with his family no matter what, but look for smaller supporting roles from Keith Carradine and Nate Parker too.  I really liked the comparison in the film between Bob and Ruth in terms of their perspectives on their criminal past and the theme of finding rest or respite.  Overall I think this is a touching film and is well-done though not a flashy film.

Don't overlook this one for a solid romantic drama - B+

Movie Review: Hope Springs (2012)

"Hope Springs" is a romantic drama starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones as a married couple, Kay and Arnold, who have lost the spark in their marriage.  Kay decides they need to attend an intensive couples retreat in a small coastal Maine town run by Dr. Bernie Feld (played by Steve Carell).  Arnold is hesitant to attend the retreat and even more hesitant about Dr. Bernie's plans for treatment.

I have to say I was a little surprised by this movie.  I thought it would be more of a comedy especially with Steve Carell in it but it really was more of a thoughtful film about grown-up love.  Rather than going for laughs or glossing over the couple's problems the film is much more realistic and raw.  We see Kay's loneliness in her marriage and her longing for a more tender relationship with her husband.  We also see Arnold's stubborn resistance and later him wanting to try to make Kay happy.  Both Streep and Jones had very honest portrayals in this film and good chemistry together.  I even liked Carell in this role though it's a different one than his usual.  Only thing I really disliked was the soundtrack which was mainstream pop tunes played throughout the film.  It was a bit much and kind of distracting from the acting at times.

Don't expect a comedy with this one but rather a thoughtful, well-acted drama about love that has lost its spark - B

Movie Review: Anna Karenina (2012)

"Anna Karenina" is an adaptation of the classic Tolstoy novel starring Keira Knightley in the title role.  Anna is a married Russian aristocrat and socialite whose life is turned upside down when she meets and begins an affair with Count Vronsky.  Jude Law co-stars as Anna's husband, Alexei Karenin.

I liked Knightley a lot in this role - she shines as Anna, while Aaron Taylor-Johnson maybe wasn't the best choice for Vronsky.  I also thought the costuming and overall look of the film were beautiful.  The staging of the film, which had the action taking place literally on a stage as if the audience is truly watching a stage production, was distracting at times.  There's definitely style choices made here that I think either make or break the film for the viewer.  It almost gets to the point of style over substance, which makes for a film with a lot of beauty but lacking some depth.

Beauty but not enough brawn: B

Movie Review: Playing for Keeps (2012)

"Playing for Keeps" stars Gerard Butler as George, a former professional soccer player who is struggling to find a lucrative post-playing job.  George has a son named Lewis with his ex-wife Stacie (Jessica Biel) and due to his absence, he has a spotty relationship with his son and Stacie has moved on to become engaged to another man.  George attempts to spend time with Lewis by watching his soccer practice but soon becomes the team's coach.  This leads to him getting more time with both Lewis and Stacie but brings trouble in the form of unwanted attention from some of the other kids' moms (played by Judy Greer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Uma Thurman) as well as a father who bribes him (played by Dennis Quaid).  As George makes progress building a relationship with Lewis and repairing one with Stacie, he gets help from one of the mothers (Zeta-Jones) in starting a sportscasting career, which could take him away from Lewis and Stacie.  Stacie's impending marriage also presents a problem.

This film is really one I'd recommend avoiding.  Though Butler is largely likable in his role, there isn't a lot here to recommend.  There's such a great cast of big name actors/actresses that it's hard to believe that the finished product is something so unfocused, predictable, and unbelievable.  It's just not enjoyable to watch at all and I found myself looking forward to the predictable ending that was coming (though not fast enough for my taste).  

Avoid this film, it's just not worth the time to watch - D-

Movie Review: To Rome with Love (2012)

"To Rome with Love" is Woody Allen's latest directorial and written effort as well as acting.  Set in Rome, the film is made up of four separate stories that do not have a connection to each other.  There's a clerk who wakes up to find himself a celebrity, an architect who takes a trip to his old neighborhood, a honeymooning couple caught up in a case of mistaken identity, and a funeral director with a hidden talent for singing but only in the shower.

I like this film overall but felt that it's uneven in that some of the storylines and acting make some parts stronger than others.  The result is that the film comes across as a little disjointed.  For example, I really enjoyed the clerk-turned-celebrity story because the talented Roberto Benigni is our lucky clerk.  Benigni really shines and makes the most of every moment on camera.  The honeymooning couple story is a little dull though Penelope Cruz steals that story with her role as Anna, a call girl.  The architect story is a little confusing as it appears that John (Alec Baldwin) is revisiting his past and reliving events he regrets as Jack (Jesse Eisenberg) falls for his girlfriend's friend (Ellen Paige).  The casting of Paige in this role as the seductive Monica, who always makes men fall for her and bewitches Jack, is an interesting choice by Allen given that Paige has never played this type of role before and usually presents herself as much more girl-next-door.

Though some parts and actors/actresses are better than others, the film has some good moments for Allen fans.  B-

Movie Review: Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

"Moonrise Kingdom" is director Wes Anderson's latest film (he also co-wrote it).  Set in 1965 on an island in New England, the film follows 12 year-old orphan Sam (Jared Gilman) and his pen pal/love interest Suzy (Kara Hayward), who decide to run away together.  Sam runs away from "Khaki Scout" camp as well as his latest foster situation while Suzy runs away from her attorney parents and trio of younger brothers.  The pair make their getaway and the island's adults struggle to make sense of the situation and to find them.

I really liked this film, but then again I'm a Wes Anderson fan.  I like his style of screenplay and direction and was not disappointed with this film.  I'd say if you like his previous work, then be sure to rent this one.  "Moonrise" is more of a romance than previous Wes Anderson films so it's a sweet addition to his previous works.  There's just something about the innocent "romance" between kindred spirits Sam and Suzy and their plan to run away together. 

Lots of stars in this one including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Harvey Keitel.

Wes Anderson fans be sure to grab this one!  B+

Movie Review: The Five Year Engagement (2012)

"The Five Year Engagement" is a romantic comedy following Tom (Jason Segal) and Violet (Emily Blunt) who become engaged a year after they started dating.  As they begin to plan their wedding, the couple face set backs that keep them extending the engagement and putting off the wedding.  One major obstacle is that Violet's academic career has the couple move from San Francisco to Ann Arbor, Michigan.  The move puts considerable strain on their relationship when Violet flourishes in her post-doctoral position and grows close to her boss (Rhys Ifans) while Tom is unhappy with his lack of career opportunities in Michigan. 

As far as "romantic comedies" and "R-rated comedies" go, I have to give this film some credit.  I thought Segal and Blunt had believable chemistry and did a good job with the material.  There's clearly some unintentional awkward spots in the movie and what seems to be the expected raunchy material and adult language though it's minimal.  The film seems to run a bit too long, which makes me wonder how it would've played without some of the awkward places in the writing.  Overall though I liked that the film showed a couple going through normal problems and just as in real life these problems aren't solved easily.  There's also some real great supporting acting in this film from Ifans along with Alison Brie. 

While there's some uneven spots in the writing and it feels a little long, this movie is still pretty good especially for the "R-rated comedy" genre.  B-

Movie Review: Salmon Fishing in Yemen (2011)

Billed as a "romantic comedy" but really I think is more of a "romantic drama," "Salmon Fishing" is a beautiful little film that has romance but also faith and friendship.  The story opens with Harriet (Emily Blunt) contacting a government fisheries expert Fred (Ewan McGregor) to enlist his help with a project one of her clients wishes to undertake - he is a wealthy Yemeni sheik and wishes to bring his beloved salmon fishing to his homeland.   Fred is immediately dissmissive of the project but is forced to participate when the Prime Minister's press secretary Patricia (Kristin Scott-Thomas) wants to promote the project as a feel-good Anglo-Yemeni photo op.  Fred meets with the sheik and gradually becomes a believer in the project.  Meanwhile, as they become friends both Harriet and Fred have relationship issues - Fred realizes that he is not happy with his career-driven wife and Harriet's new soldier boyfriend is deployed and goes missing in action.

I felt this film was much more than what I expected.  It's really not a "romantic comedy" and actually "comedy" doesn't fit so much.  I'd say "drama" fits better and though there is romance it's more of a friendship romance than a red-hot love affair.  The acting is spot-on with McGregor expertly portraying Fred's bookish resistance and even his touch of Asperger's syndrome, which causes his character to have trouble relating to others.  Blunt is good but the real scene-stealer is Scott-Thomas, who shines in her small role and provides some laughs.  While the storyline is a bit predictable, there's quality here and a good bit of depth for the characters.  I loved the theme of what is faith and how do we have it even when we don't think we do.  Also I really liked the scenery as the film is beautifully shot in Scotland and Morocco. 

Pass on this one if you're looking for a romantic comedy because that's just not what this film is.  Rent this one if you are looking for drama with some heart and depth.  B-

Movie Review: Hysteria (2011)

"Hysteria" is a period film set in the 19th century when women would be diagnosed as "hysterical" for a list of issues including sleeplessness, nervousness, depression, cramps, exhaustion, and so on.  A young doctor Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy) joins the established practice of Dr. Robert Dalrymple (Jonathon Price), which treats hysterical women in an, ahem, interesting way (called "pelvic massage)."  Mortimer soon meets the elder doctor's two very different daughters: the proper and dutiful Emily (Felicity Jones) and the outspoken feminist Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal).  A new treatment for hysteria is invented when Mortimer and his friend Lord Edmund St. John-Smythe (Rupert Everett) find a new use for an electrical feather duster.  What we know as a vibrator is born and hysteria as a diagnosis falls out of fashion.

Though it's a bit predictable, this film is enjoyable and shows some heart.  Gyllenhaal is perfect for this part as the fiery Charlotte.  Though she can be a bit shrill at times I think Gyllenhaal was the right choice for this role.  Everett is a treat in his small role as well.  I really liked the theme developed within the film juxtaposing hysteria and feminism, which we see in the storyline for Charlotte.  Quality acting in this one with some laughs mixed in.  Be sure to watch the scenes played through the credits! 

Solid B for me for good story and acting

Movie Review: Norwegian Wood (2010)

"Norwegian Wood" is a Japanese film directed by Tran Anh Hung that adapts a novel with the same name written by Haruki Murakami.  I haven't read the book so I can only evaluate the film as a stand-alone product.  The film is the story of Toru Watanabe, who struggles with the unexplainable suicide of his childhood best friend and his later feelings for the late friend's girlfriend, Naoko.  As a romance develops between Toru and Naoko, she falls into depression and flees to a mountain retreat/sanitarium.  Toru loves Naoko but also feels an obligation not to abandon her as his late friend did.  Things get complicated when Toru meets a fellow student at his Tokyo university named Midori, who is almost an opposite of Naoko.

This film was beautifully done.  The cinematography is just outstanding and makes the film a visual treat.  I felt though that the pacing was a bit slow and the acting/dialogue stilted at times.  Since I didn't read the novel I can't say how much of the issues have to do with simply taking a novel and attempting to translate it into a film.  The characters other than Toru were underdeveloped and could've used a bit more fleshing out. 

Beautiful film with some issues - solid C+

Movie Review: Good Deeds (2012)

"Good Deeds" is written, directed, and starred by Tyler Perry though don't expect Madea in this one.  It's really a film about people struggling to make the tough choices necessary to follow their dreams.  Wesley Deeds (Perry) is highly predictable according to fiance Natalie (Gabrielle Union) and strives to please by following the path set out for him particularly by his mother Wilimena (Phylicia Rashad).  Wesley has taken over the helm of his late father's company, much to the chagrin of his wayward brother Walter (Brian J. White).  A chance meeting with a struggling single mother Lindsey (Thandie Newton) and her daughter makes Wesley rethink what makes him happy, while Natalie, Lindsey, and Walter also have issues of their own to resolve.

I think that this film is so different from Madea that it's unbelievable.  "Deeds" is so much more contemplative and thoughtful as the characters stumble through their choices.   I liked that all of the characters were flawed and had their own struggles though I would've liked to have seen Union's character get more development.  White overacts a bit in his role but really it's Newton who steals the film and tugs on the heartstrings as the down-on-her-luck single mother turned janitor who is too proud to take help from anyone.  At times I thought the storylines were a little predictable but overall I appreciate a more thoughtful film from Perry and the theme which I think is relatable. 

C+ from me but rent with caution if you are a Madea fan because this is not a comedy.

Movie Review: Nice Guy Johnny (2010)

I have to admit that I'm a little into Edward Burns lately and that's why I rented "Nice Guy Johnny," which Burns wrote, directed, and co-starred in.  The film's focus is Johnny (Matt Bush), who is indeed a very nice guy.  Johnny is so nice that he is on track to give up his dream job of hosting a radio sports talk show in order to make more money and please his fiance, Claire (Anna Wood).  Johnny goes to New York for the weekend for the job interview and is talked into spending some time with his uncle Terry (Burns) which leads to meeting a free-spirited tennis pro named Brooke (Kerry Bishe) in the Hamptons.  Not only is Johnny tempted by Brooke but he begins to question his fiance's plan for his life.

While this is a good film, it's unfortunately not great.  I think there's great storytelling in this film but it goes way out of the way to establish Johnny as the "nice guy" and to explore the theme of following one's dreams.  Burns, however, provides a lot of humor in his role as the immature skirt-chaser trying to lead his very straight-laced nephew astray.  Bishe really pops onscreen but she's really relegated to the role of the "hot girl" who is the antithesis of Johnny's fiance.  One of the reasons I think that "Newlyweds," Burns' more recent film, works is that Bishe got more of a chance to shine. 

Solid B for this one - Burns' fans will like it but the casual viewer may find it overly simplistic and lacking the magic that "Newlyweds" has.

Movie Review: Friends with Kids (2011)

"Friends with Kids" is a take on the old rom-com standard of "can men & women be friends" but in this case add a baby.  Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) are great friends but are not interested in dating each other.  They are friends with two couples Leslie (Maya Rudolph) and Alex (Chris O'Dowd) and Ben (Jon Hamm) and Missy (Kristen Wiig) and once these couples start families Julie and Jason notice how their friends' marriages change.  So they decide to have a baby together while continuing to date so that they can have the baby and still have romance in their lives.  Their friends watch on with great interest at this "experiment."  Things seem to go well as Julie gives birth to a son and she and Jason settle into a 50/50 role of co-parenting while still looking for love however the arrangement is tested when they both meet others (Megan Fox, Edward Burns) and of course deal with their feelings for each other.

I think that while this film has a predictable sense to it there's still some good to it.  The casting other than Megan Fox is solid.  The actors really gel together so the viewer feels that they really are out at dinner with this group of friends.  I think there is a commitment to character development and exploring more of the darker emotions than the typical rom-com film, which adds to this movie.  I think that despite the reunion of many of the "Bridesmaid" cast that this film is not the raunchy comedy that film was - there's just enough language and explicit talk to get the "R" rating but otherwise it's not that "adult."  It's notable that Westfeldt directed, starred, wrote, and co-produced (with partner Hamm).

The reviews I've seen on this film are mixed and I think there's a good reason for it - great cast, some good development of character/emotions, but it's just kind of a tired premise that I feel so many rom-com films have done before.  Solid B.

Movie Review: Newlyweds (2011)

"Newlyweds" follows a newlywed pair Buzzy (Edward Burns) and Katie (Caitlin Fitzgerald) who are both on their second marriage and think they have found the key to a successful marriage: she works nights and he works days so they will enjoy their limited time together.  It sounds like a good plan until they are tested by the host of crazy friends and family around them.  First there's Katie's ex husband Dara (Dara Coleman) who constantly comes around asking for money.  Then there's Buzzy's flakey half-sister Linda (Kerry Bishe) who unexpectedly shows up to stay with the couple while she pursues her ex-boyfriend Miles (Johnny Solo).  Meanwhile Katie's sister Marsha (Masha Dietlein) and her husband of eighteen years Max (Max Baker) are quickly unraveling as a couple. 

I really liked this film because it's a smart, simple movie that asks what makes a successful marriage.  I thought the acting was great especially Bishe and I loved the direction (Edward Burns wrote, directed, & starred).  The actors do "confessional" interviews in character that explain background and motivation throughout the story.  It gives the film almost a documentary feel.  I've heard that this film was shot in Tribecca over 12 days with a budget of just $9,000 and I have to say that it's a fabulous product for that small investment.  Apparently the actors wore their own clothes and did their own hair and makeup too.  I think this is a good example of just plain old good storytelling and acting without all the frills, bells, and whistles. 

Note: This film is not rated but I'd say be cautious of the language and sexual references if thinking of letting a teen watch this.

Great film and I recommend it - A-

Movie Review: This Means War (2012)

"This Means War" wants to be an action/romance/comedy combo but doesn't achieve any of the three.  FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are CIA agents who not only work together but are long-time best friends.  Their friendship is tested when they accidentally start seeing the same woman, Lauren (Reese Witherspoon).  Once the guys realize the situation, they agree to let the lady decide and both continue seeing her while agreeing they won't tell her they know each other, won't interfere with each other's dates, and won't sleep with her.  Being CIA agents with a lot of technology and skill on their side, the guys quickly forget about the no interference rule as their dates with Lauren heat up. 

I think that the major problem with this film is that it's trying to be too much.  It's hard to be action, romance, and comedy all at once and I think this film falls short on all three marks.  There's not enough action to really establish this as a spy or action film.  The audience sees very little of the guys doing much other than competing over Lauren, who doesn't know they are spies.  The romance angle didn't work for me because I saw no real chemistry between Witherspoon and her two suitors.  Really I thought the chemistry was between Hardy and Pine, who would've been great in a film just about the two of them in a "buddy" or "partner in crime" situation.  As far as comedy, the writing and delivery just didn't bring the laughs enough to make this a real comedy.  The only chuckles come from Hardy and Pine interacting despite the weak script.  Chelsea Handler attempted to bring some laughs as Lauren's married best pal/confidant, but I felt she just didn't have much to work with and her efforts fell short.

Overall, I just think this film is such a miss in terms of its writing, delivery, direction, and lack of chemistry.  It's a good example of what was possibly a good idea (combining action with rom-com) and big names (Witherspoon, Hardy, Pines) but the result is a poor film - D+.

Movie Review: New Year's Eve (2011)

"New Year's Eve" is the sequel to 2010's "Valentine's Day" and has the same formula: a series of some unconnected and some connected stories set on New Year's Eve in New York City starring a large ensemble cast.  Claire (Hillary Swank) is in charge of the ball drop in Times Square with the help of friend Brandon (Ludacris).  Claire has hired singer Danny Jensen (Jon Bon Jovi) to sing for the crowd but he is also playing a private party where he hopes to reunite with former flame Laura (Katherine Heigl).  Laura is working the party with her catering company including Ava (Sofia Vergara).  Elise (Lea Michele), who is to be one of Jensen's backup singers, gets stuck in an elevator with Randy (Ashton Kutcher), her neighbor who is not into celebrating the holiday.  Randy's roommate, Paul (Zac Effron) is delivering packages when he makes a delivery to the record company holding the big party.  Secretary Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) quits her job and hires Paul to take her around the city checking off items from her New Year's resolution list.  Meanwhile Paul's sister Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) is having trouble with her teen daughter Hailey (Abigail Breslin) who wants to go to Times Square with a boy instead of staying home with mom.  In a nearby hospital,  Stan (Robert Di Niro) is dying of cancer and being tended to by nurse Amy (Halle Berry), Mindy (Alyssa Milano), and his doctor (Cary Elwes).   Also in the hospital, Griffen (Seth Myers) and Tess (Jessica Biel) are about to have their first baby, which they hope will be the first baby of the new year.  Meanwhile, Sam (Josh Duhamel), an executive in the record company, is trying to get to the party but also hopes to meet up with a mystery lady he met last year on New Year's Eve.

Whew!  That's a lot of characters and story lines but some of them intertwine later and provide a few twists.  Though I have noticed that many reviewers didn't like this film, I did like it and I think it's because I take it for what it is - a frothy, escape with a lot of stars and romance.  There are some bright spots in the film but the problem is that with so much going on it's hard to focus on some of the high points.  I liked Michelle Pfeiffer, who sparkles in her role and has chemistry with Zac Effron.  Their storyline was one of the best.  Hillary Swank was also noticeably good and I think Katherine Heigl, Robert Di Niro, and Halle Berry added to the film.  The problem is that it's just a lot of stars and stories and at times the film is kind of clunky.

I think the bottom line here is that for someone looking for a light, romantic comedy with a lot of stars or someone who liked "Valentine's Day" then this film is for you.  Solid C for me.

Movie Review: The Artist (2011)

"The Artist" won Best Picture at the Academy Awards for a reason: this film is that good.  The film is in black and white and largely silent.  The film centers on George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), who is a major film star in silent movies in 1927.  While promoting a movie, George bumps into a fan named Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo) and poses for photos with her.  The photos are splashed across the papers the next day leading Peppy to try her hand at fame.  Peppy ends up as a dancer in George's next film and George insists she stay when studio boss Al (John Goodman) sees her thinking she's there to cause trouble.  George gives Peppy advice on acting and draws a beauty mark on her face which becomes her trademark.  There is an instant attraction between the two but George is married so they don't act on it.  Two years later the studio insists on filming only "talkies" and George proudly refuses to take part.  He finances his own silent film while Peppy has been climbing the ranks of Hollywood and embraces the "talkies."  George's film opens the same day Peppy's first film as the star and hers is a huge hit while his is not.  The stock market crashes and George falls on hard times financially and personally.  Peppy, on the other hand, is Hollywood's "It Girl."  The film follows the two while George struggles with his pride and Peppy struggles with her desire to help George.

Though this film is silent and black and white this is an engaging story and I didn't miss the sound at all.  In fact, the soundtrack plus solid acting from the entire cast more than made up for the lack of talking.  Dujardin and Bejo in particular were terrific and did a great job of connecting with the camera and emoting so that the audience doesn't need to hear them.  The music really helped move the film along and set the scenes.  I thought the makeup and costuming was great too especially given that it's black and white.  The story is simple but delivered so elegantly and with charm that it works.  Don't miss the canine star Uggie playing Jack, who does manage to steal more than his share of scenes. 

Overall I say this film is a homerun for the solid acting, good storytelling, music, makeup/costumes, and just simple charm.  Be sure to see this one.  Solid A.

Movie Review: In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011)

I wasn't sure what to expect with "In the Land of Blood and Honey" but what I found was a complex love story set during the Bosnian War.  Before the war, Danijel and Ajla were dating (not married as some of the descriptions of the movie state) but once the war starts the lovers become enemies.  Danijel is an officer for the Serbs while Ajla is a Muslim so she is now part of the race the Serbs want to "cleanse."  The pair meet again as Ajla is part of a group of women forced to become slaves for the Serb army at a base where Danijel is stationed.  He claims her as his "property" meaning she is his personal sex slave in order to "protect" her from being raped by the other men.  Throughout the war there is a complex relationship between the two that begs the question: can enemies be lovers?
This is the directorial debut for Angelina Jolie, who also wrote the script, and I think she did a good job of directing and cinematography.  The dialoge was a bit stiff at times but the movie had a decent flow.  As I am not well-versed in the history and politics of the Bosnian War, I had to take the film as a historical fiction and not as a documentary or something educational/informative.  The acting is good but sometimes the accents are a bit difficult to understand.

I found the relationship among the main characters to be fascinating.  Before the war they were dating and clearly have chemistry.  At that point they are free to love each other and have equal power.  Once the war begins however everything changes and now they cannot be a couple but rather it is acceptable for Ajla to be Danijel's sex slave.   Though he behaves in a way that can be interpreted that he cares for Ajla (protecting her, showing her a way to escape), due to her lack of power the audience and Danijel himself cannot be certain of how she feels towards him.  Danijel wonders out loud if she would kill him and the ending seems to point to an answer though my interpretation is that Ajla has mixed feelings towards him. 

There are difficult scenes in this film due to the setting of war (rape, killing) which might be unsettling.  Overall I think it's a B+ for a decent story of a complex relationship, good acting, and nice direction/cinematography.