RaiderJack Reviews

J. Edgar (2011)

Another Gem From Eastwood!

[8/10 · 15 May 2012]

If you are expecting ridicule, vilification, or even justification, this would be the wrong movie to watch on J. Edgar Hoover.

Eastwood delivers a dark brooding, and rather objective look at one of the most controversial and polarizing figures in America. While the story itself may not be overly compelling, it does offer explanations behind some of the motivations that made up the man, John Edgar Hoover. The cinematography was a ...crucial element in creating and maintaining throughout a sense of secrecy, brooding, alienation, as well as distance. The chronology is disparate and effective: at times we see Hoover dictating his memoirs to an array of journalists and then we are taken back to the time in question, all the while framed in this overcast mood that fits the film and its subject matter perfectly. As a matter of fact, the manner in which this was filmed constitutes, to me, the biggest indication of Eastwood's opinion one way or the other - Hoover was a dark man with some even darker secrets.

J.Edgar's homosexuality as well as his proclivity for cross-dressing are only suggested and are handled with the utmost sensitivity. There is one scene which strongly implies his helplessness with his desires to cross-dress that was simply quite touching. And the relationship between Hoover and Tolson was beautifully written. No, I did not come away feeling empathy/sympathy for Hoover at all; neither were any of my perceptions surrounding him challenged in the least. I did leave the film however with surely a more heightened sense of his humanity.

This could NOT have been accomplished however, were it not for the positively riveting performance by Di Caprio. This guy can just ACT, okay? The other supporting players were equally excellent, most notably, Judi Dench who played his overbearing mother, Naomi Watts as his faithful secretary, Helen Gandy, and Armie Hammer, as Hoover's lifelong companion, Clyde Tolson. Some of the movie's most compelling scenes involved these three and all three gave powerhouse supporting performances to match Di Caprio.

I highly recommend as yet another excellent outing from a very good director.

Thurgood (2011 TV Movie)

Enthralling!!! Informative!!! Essential!!!

[10/10 · 3 February 2012]

I am still glowing from the distinct pleasure of having watched Laurence Fishburne so thoroughly realize a very intriguing and important figure in the civil rights struggle, Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Laurence Fishburne has indeed come a long way from Cornbread, Earl, and Me. He made his mark in his compelling portrayal of a struggling African-American father with fierce integrity in Boyz In the Hood and since then he has more than become the consummate actor. He has maintained an air of integrity around him and his characterizations regardless of the weaknesses seem to possess at the very least a measure of dignity.

This performance can certainly be counted as an accomplishment. Understanding of the world then is made very personal and thus very easy to relate to. Fisburne wonderfully exemplifies Marshall's strengths and poignantly reveals his weaknesses in this intriguing, very informative, difficult, colloquial, sad, and funny one-man show. The wonderful photography and sound effects combine to make for a compelling evening of theater. Fishburne is in his element portraying the very human and ultimately exceptional example of leadership in the fight for civil rights. I was a teenager when Marshall was appointed in the 60s and can assure you it was indeed a VERY tumultuous time. It was eerie trying to celebrate and appreciate the magnitude of this progress while cities were going up in flames all around you.....and on a fairly regular basis.

.....obviously this was far more than an excellent theater production for me.....but isn't this just what good art form is supposed to do?!! :0)

I highly recommend this as not only an excellent one-man show with a tour-de-force performance but as more than a worthy addition to any movie library! It has something to say to ANY disenfranchised community.

Eraserhead (1977)

Truly Twisted - I LOVED it!!!

[7/10 · 3 February 2012]

I finally got a chance to view this much-hyped, forever-talked about freak fest known as Eraserhead by David Lynch.

First and foremost, I am QUITE sure that subsequent viewings will find me liking this movie more and more. To date I have only seen it once. I KNEW I would have to write a review and my thoughts about it were all over the place - I was disgusted, frightened, amazed, laughed like hell but ultimately was THOROUGHLY entertained.

Secondly, I had to come up with a plot line to couch a review in. After only one viewing that seems virtually impossible. Hello folks, this is a David Lynch film - plot is ENTIRELY too restrictive a concept. Suffice it to say, it deals with loneliness, insecurity, frustration, a horny mother, an endlessly smoking grandmother, a hapless father, a mysterious Lady of the Evening, and a VERY disturbing baby.

Lastly, pegging it as merely "different" is a masterpiece of understatement and for a directorial debut is MOST unforgettable. Actually, I have come to like most, if not all of Lynch's work because it was NEVER commonplace, trite or contrived. Lynch is behind such fascinations as "Lost Highway," "Blue Velvet," "Wild At Heart," and, of course, "Twin Peaks." My ultimate justification is that David Lynch and I share a birthday which probably explains a lot.

Nonetheless, I most certainly recommend.

The Rite (2011)

Somewhat Underwhelming

[19 November 2011]

The Rite hovers between being a thought-provoking religious mystery and a decent horror film about demonic possession. Unfortunately, it falls flat on both.

In a nutshell, a candidate for the priesthood (Colin O'Donoghue) who has faith issues (as well as a few other personal ones) is sent to exorcism school at the Vatican before he decides to give up the priesthood altogether. His mentor in the intricacies of demonic possession is Father Lucas (admirably played by Anthony Hopkins).

The movie adds nothing new to the debate about demonic possession vs mental instability and we, of course, get the requisite demonic possession antics: twisting in weird positions, speaking in a smoker's voice, the VERY tacky (and rather tired) practice by demons of pouncing on one's weak spots and spitting them back with unbridled ferocity, still the usual church attitude regarding exorcism as a necessary evil/dirty little secret despite the fact that the call for exorcisms has risen recently blah, blah, blah, concluding with the horrible Hollywood tactic of sewing up everything nice and neatly at the end with everyone living happily ever after.

This is probably the movie's biggest fault (and the most insulting.) Perhaps if the audience had been allowed to decide for themselves just what choice the troubled priest-in-training made instead of deciding it for us, this alone would have dramatically improved the film.

The performances, however, are actually quite good, especially that of Anthony Hopkins and Colin O'Donoghue and it is because of this, the film is not a total wash out. Colin is most effective as the brooding (and festive) priest with doubts contrasted by the usually very strong performance by Hopkins in his element as a seasoned but troubled priest himself. Certainly works as a dinner and a movie outing but not much more than that, I'm afraid.

Shutter Island (2010)

Captivating DiCaprio - Scorcese Suspense! - Excellent!!

[10/10 · 10 June 2010]

The latest outing by the incomparable Scorcese is this woooooooooooooooooonderful mind-play, multi-layered film with Leonardi DiCaprio playing the "rat in a maze" to perfection.

The simple plot revolves around a federal investigator who is sent to this insane asylum to investigate the disappearance of one of the patients. As it turns out, this is the ONLY simple thing about the film.

This is an intriguing, thought-provoking, visually captivating tapestry that explores the recesses of the mind in an intensely driven psychological torture chamber the likes I haven't seen since "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?".

Looking at this also brings to mind the awesome acting chops of Leonardi DiCaprio. Here he is off the chain as the federal investigator whose life is crumbling all around him and his performance here evokes memories of the positively flawless performance he gave in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?." I simply forgot how good an actor DiCaprio is! Top-notch film exquisitely directed and containing beautiful dream sequences that reveal the source of DiCaprio's angst. Scorcese's expert direction creates an anxious mood that propels the viewer throughout the film while Leonardo DiCaprio brilliantly realizes the troubled investigator.

I highly recommend!!!

District 9 (2009)

VERY Disturbing - Thought Provoking - Science Fiction at its BEST!

[10/10 · 10 June 2010]

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Disturbing - Thought-Provoking - Some of the BEST Science Fiction I Have Ever Seen!!, June 9, 2010

District 9, science-fiction at its absolute BEST, revolves around the attempts to relocate aliens, currently living in slum conditions in Johannesburg, South Africa, to a more suitable place - living alongside humans has obviously deteriorated. A bureaucrat,Wikus, appointed by his father-in-law, is tapped to lead the relocation efforts. Unfortunately, in the process, he becomes infected with the DNA of the aliens. (oh you KNOW the South African government has been performing "tests" to study the aliens!) Of course, Wikus will eventually turn into one of the aliens and the government wants/needs to "harvest" his body parts all, of course, for the sake of science.

The movie is intense, gritty, and disgusting. It pretty much evokes the same emotions in the viewer which is where the power of the movie lies. It takes the viewer on a VERY uncomfortable review of one's own biases/prejudices/apprehensions. In the beginning I was horrified watching the amount of firepower humans enlisted to implement the relocation policy thus making me dislike Wikus almost immediately - especially since he benefited (for lack of a better word) solely because of nepotism. I was immediately moved to support the aliens but, GEEZ, they're so ugly!!! Then Wikus becomes infected, becoming of intense interest to the South African scientific community, and becomes the hunted rather than the hunter. Now Wikus is as sympathetic as the aliens and thank god, not NEARLY so ugly.

It was INDEED startling to be reduced to making assumptions about someone SOLELY on the basis of how they looked. The aliens here are quite intelligent. Moreover, they only want to get back to their own planet and have no ill-will toward humans, unless, of course, provoked. So in most cases they do NOT deserve the inhuman (no pun intended) treatment they are often subjected to.

Their just god-awful ugly!! And it is disconcerting to have to admit AND deal with this. Compound this with a language barrier and we find ourselves looking at some very similar situations we find ourselves in in our everyday lives.

The special effects are mind-boggling and the interactions between aliens and humans recalls social conditions we are all entirely too familiar with. Yes, it uncomfortably evokes the reasonings behind immigration, integration, segregation, minorities, cultures/situations we are unfamiliar with, and forces us to take an historical perspective of just how well (or how badly) we have dealt with similar situations.

The movie is fast-paced, action-packed, gross, poignant, revolting, and THOROUGHLY entertaining. It is reminiscent of the best that the Twilight Zone and Outer Limits had to offer and quite frankly, trying to categorize the movie not only is difficult but ultimately unfair.

Hands down - one of the BEST movies of ANY genre I have ever seen.

Oooooooh yeah.....I INDEED recommend!

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Quite Entertaining!!!!

[7/10 · 14 April 2010]

I finally got a chance to see this much-hyped version of the Arthur Conan Doyle character and after all is said and done, this was most entertaining.

Robert Downey Jr was an inspired choice especially when considering Guy Ritchie is at the helm. Downey perfectly fits Ritchie's frenetic vision of the legendary detective and the casting of Jude Law as a much more energized Dr. Watson is just wonderful. Law's Dr. Watson is infinitely more his own man than any Watson I've witnessed before. The chemistry between Downey and Law served the project quite well.

The set design is amazing making this a visual delight. The costumes and sets combined with Ritchie's energetic and rather imaginative editing all combine to create the perfect mood to accompany this action-packed, fun-filled ride.

To be sure, the plot was rather muddled, rather busy, and rather ambitious which is also rather deftly camouflaged by the almost non-stop action. Sherlock still remains the highly analytical, precise, and logical detective we all know and love but is refreshingly and delightfully encased in the always interesting Downey who is more than complemented by Law's more deliberate Watson.

Some may feel this version makes a travesty of Doyle's original vision of Holmes. To each his own. Seeing this in no way at all diminished (or elevated for that matter) my perception of Holmes. Hey, guys, get over it!! - its only a character for godsakes!!! Fun movie. Excellent production standards. I definitely recommend!

Doubt (I) (2008)

Poignant, Thought-Provoking, Riveting!!!!

[10/10 · 24 November 2009]

As with all art forms, the perspective bought into the mix totally defines the impact. This was an excellent screen adaptation of the award-winning play by director, John Patrick Shanley which ultimately resulted in a uniquely liberating, somewhat painful, yet truly thought-provoking viewing experience. Kudos goes to the principal players, Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis and Joseph Foster, all of whom gave wrenching award-worthy performances.

The story is set in the mid-sixties, not long after the assassination of JFK. A Catholic school in the Bronx accepts its first black student, Donald Miller, beautifully portrayed by Joseph Foster. The priest, wonderfully realized by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, is truly empathetic and realizing what a struggle it must be for the student, keeps an eye on him to make sure he adjusts well to this new and very intricate situation. Because of his attention, one sister, a very effective Amy Adams, initially becomes slightly suspicious of his motives and, unfortunately, reports her suspicions to the principal, an exceedingly pedagogical nun, exquisitely played by Meryl Streep. She, of course, confronts the priest with her suspicions which he vehemently denies and she steadfastly refuses to believe. She even confronts the boy's mother, portrayed by Viola Davis who gives a wrenching performance. The encounter between these two is as taut and revealing as those between the accusing nun and the outraged priest. The overall dialogue is crisp, biting, poignant and positively riveting.

Certain aspects of this whole scenario evoked poignant memories making it rather easy for me to relate to. Moreover, certain revelations the mother made to the nun re the boy's home life raised VERY serious questions. These questions will be at the focal point of any discussions about the play for the simple reason the author wisely neither confirmed nor denied those suspicions which, obviously, was pivotal to the whole theme. Any "doubts" you find yourself faced with while watching this further fuels the profound impact the film makes because in the final analysis, it will be up to the viewer to draw his/her own conclusions - as well it should be. The ending is little short of devastating.

With such a riveting and important play being realized by a positively flawless cast, this could hardly miss. Just eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeescellent. I hiiiiiiiiihgly recommend!!!!

Cadillac Records (2008)

The Music IS More Compelling Than the Story!

[8/10 · 7 October 2009]

I finally got a chance to view Cadillac Records and I am very glad I did so.

Before I go any further, after all is said and done, Beyonce can just saaaaaaaaaaaaang, okay? To say she WORKED, "At Last" and "All I Could Do Was Cry" is a MASTERPIECE of understatement. Her singing those two songs alone were worth the price of admission.

Growing up, my biggest connection with Chess Records were the sermons of Rev. C.L.Franklin and choice cuts by his daughter, Aretha. Later, many stalwart gospel artists also constituted my biggest connection with Chess so seeing/hearing some of the history behind this very important label was indeed interesting. Of course, much of it was conjecture/supposition but related in a very comfortable way by the incomparable Cedric the Entertainer, who portrays Willie Dixon.

Quite honestly, the story itself is rather sketchy...moreover, I don't know if this is necessarily a detraction. It becomes infinitely more important to follow the beginnings of such stalwart artists as Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry. Jeffrey Wright is commanding and excellent as usual as Muddy Waters, Mos Def is just wonderful as Chuck Berry, Eammon Walker (have been a fan of his since "Oz")was most effective as Howling Wolf and yet, strangely enough, I found myself cringing when Beyonce started cussin'as Etta James. She and Columbus Short, who portrayed Little Walter, pretty much wallowed in self-pity resulting in, what else, self-destructive behavior and both gave solid performances. And finally, Adrian Brody was just excellent as Leonard Chess.

Notwithstanding, this is still a very worthy movie dealing with the evolution of rock and roll in America and its impact on the social fabric of the times. Highly recommend!!!

One-Eyed Monster (2008)

An Absolute Stitch!!! Twisted!!! Wonderful!!!!

[9/10 · 20 July 2009]

Okay, so while lying in bed trying to die of an awful, awful cold, I ran across this title on the movie guide and after convulsing into uncontrollable laughter, thought "Naw....it just COULDN'T be about THAT!!!.." Oh, but it is!!!!! I saw Ron Jeremy's name and thought "now that name sounds familiar..." Suffice it to say, it is indeed THAT Ron Jeremy, the all time super porn star of the 70s/80s who was known far and wide for his one-eyed monster.

This is a very clever take on that theme. A porn film crew goes to Northern California to shoot a movie and get trapped by a blizzard, a "shooting star" (no pun intended) and of course the one-eyed monster that positively terrorizes the entire crew.

Believe it or not, the production values are quite good, elevating this way above cheesy. Moreover, the ensemble cast is excellent while the writing is crisp, witty, and hilarious. Of course it was also sick and twisted but I laughed until I cried. The outstanding performance, hands down, is that of Veronica Hart, an aging porn star who eventually "saves the day." (you will NOT be well for how she does it!!!) Hate to be so cryptic but if your tastes run the gamut from the absurd to the sublime, this CERTAINLY being sublime!, this should DEFINITELY be part of your collection. It is quite funny and though it didn't cure my cold, it sure made me forget I had one!!

Gran Torino (2008)

Simply Excellent!! - Yet Another Eastwood Classic!!!

[10/10 · 22 June 2009]

Man, its just hard not to like Eastwood films!! Ever since Play Misty for Me, Clint's directorial projects have consistently been high-quality films.

This is probably my favorite Eastwood project - it is multi-layered, affectionate, surprising, and thoroughly engaging. It makes a pointed and very necessary statement on racial attitudes in the US today. Moreover, it is an equal-opportunity statement - eventually NO ONE escapes the wrath of Walter Kowalski.

Clint portrays an embittered war veteran whose racial attitudes strangely enough seem to come more from popular stereotypes ingrained in his head rather his own personal beliefs. For me, it seems he is more upset that time has wrought such dramatic changes in his life - he has not had the time or the inclination to catch up with those changes. He is also in a vulnerable place. He just lost his wife, his relationship with his sons leaves much to be desired, he has little patience with religious ideas(or so it seems) and he is not well at all for the new racial fabric of his neighborhood. He DID cherish his wife/marriage, his service to his country, and it appears his only current pleasure is his prized possession, his Gran Torino.

Without giving away too much of the plot, suffice it to say, that he eventually "modifies" his attitude through his involvement with an Asian family living next door.

The ending is indeed touching and heroic and quite frankly, beautiful. Strangely enough, however, it seemed disconcertingly like the conclusion of Dirty Harry rather than Walter Kowalski - this makes it all the more sadder yet infinitely more gratifying. Clint was just wonderful as Kowalski and the actors portraying Sue and Thao were equally impressive.

This one, I'm sure I'll watch over and over again. I hiiiiiiighly recommend.

W. (I) (2008)

Hands Down, My Favorite Oliver Stone film!!!!!

[9/10 · 1 June 2009]

After all the rancor surrounding Dubys'a administration has somewhat subsided, this is actually a fitting "homage" to George W. Bush. While this is of course Stone's interpretation of the supposed machinations behind our entry into the War in Iraq as well as a rather candid look at the man behind the man, in all honesty, Stone's vision is not far off what I myself imagined.

For those looking for a scathing review of Dubya, you will be sorely disappointed. As a matter of fact, I felt a very strong sense of empathy for the ex-president after seeing this and coupled with how VERY classy I think he is behaving these days, regardless of what I thought of his decisions/actions while in the White House, Stone indeed makes him very human and quite frankly George should be rather proud of this depiction of him.

Stone tells the story in a sort of parallel chronology. He juxtaposes George's wild days with him in serious talks with his cabinet re the Iraq War. This works quite well because the contrasts are so stark: one moment we see a guy being dressed down by Daddy Dear for being a perpetual screw-up and then, with him, we are thrown in the midst of very serious talks with the likes of Karl Rove, Condoleeza Rice, Colin Powell, and Dick Cheney.

The performances (..well,..except maybe one) are spellbinding. Josh Brolin is positively wooooooooooooonderful as Dubya, Richard Dreyfuss is positively sickening as Dick Cheney (flawless performance, however), Toby Jones works quite well as Karl Rove, James Cromwell paints a much tougher picture of George Sr than the general public has, Ellen Burstyn (who is ALWAYS fabulous) just WORKS Barbara Bush, Elizabeth Banks was just perfect as Laura, and last but hardly least, Jeffrey Wright is simply OFF THE CHAIN!! as Colin Powell.

Indeed the "weirdest" performance was that of Thandie Newton as Condoleeza Rice. Her performance was eerily reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live skit where Condoleeza was portrayed by none other than Janet Jackson (right after the Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction."). The end result being that even in the midst of some of the most serious conversations about the validity of engaging in a war with Irag, the other players came across most compelling, while Condoleeza Rice's depiction was entirely too comical. No matter WHAT she said, I burst into uncontrollable laughter. And to be fair to Thandie, a very decent actress, the Rice character was nowhere nearly as fleshed out as the others and sadly so. It would have indeed been interesting to get at least a GLIMPSE of just where her head was in the midst of the madness. That being said, this also ends up being my biggest and loudest complaint. Stone missed a golden opportunity to include a feminine perspective which was sorely needed here.

Notwithstanding, this was an honest and VERY entertaining look at Dubya - The Man Who Would Be President. I hiiiiiiiiighly recommend!!!

Vantage Point (2008)

Groundhog Day on Steroids

[8/10 · 23 July 2008]

Vantage Point is an ingenious action thriller surrounding the attempted assassination of the U.S. President attending an international conference in Spain. The movie is actually 'about" 15 minutes but is seen from the "vantage point' (sorry) of about nine different people. Each perspective presents a tad more about the swirling espionage associated with the conference until you realize that nothing is what you thought it was (AT ALL)in the beginning.

Perhaps I am not sophisticated enough to dwell on the supposed GLARING shortcomings of the film. I suspect some "critics" are forced to be oh so discerning that they miss basic elements - this was a thrilling, action-packed, and rather clever way of looking at an intense incident and is an excellent example of the age-old adage that truth is relative. Nine people can look at exactly the same thing and see nine different things.

Fun movie. Great action flick. I indeed recommend.

Infamous (2006)

More Compelling than 'Capote"

[8/10 · 2 July 2008]

Comparions to Hoffman's Capote are inevitable given the proximity of the two releases as well as the fact the two films deal with exactly the same subject. "Capote" painted broader strokes while "Infamous" was somewhat more specific. Lastly, Toby Jones was simply overshadowed by the more popular, Phillip Seymour Hoffman,

I vividly remember Truman Capote on the TV talk-show circuit and Toby captured the same deliberately profound annoyance that Capote seemed to wallow in. I read "In Cold Blood" in high school and it was indeed an excellent book -quite well-written, though chilling in its subject matter as well as the treatment. But as a personality, Truman was a most uncomfortable sight - I readily admit that my being a black, gay teenager certainly colored (no pun intended) my perceptions. Tennesse Williams & James Baldwin, both gay literary contemporaries of Capote were equally uncomfortable, (and equally talented/troubled).

"Infamous" deals most intimately with Capote's relationship with Perry while researching and writing "In Cold Blood". Their performances are at the core of the movie. Jones & Craig give wrenching performances giving the implications the movie makes enormous credibility. Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee, the author of 'To Kill A Mockingbird" (another classic) is simply wonderful. Quite frankly, it is some of the best work I have ever seen from her.

Even more interesting is that this particular perspective of the machinations behind the famous novel still take a back seat to a much more intimate situation lots of people find themselves in but that is rarely so beautifully addressed.

It is this aspect of the movie that made the biggest impression upon me.

In the beginning, it is obvious Capote is totally opportunistic in his quest to actually interview one of the killers. His book is his focal point. The film wonderfully suggests that Capote was just as shocked (and pleased) to realize he cared deeply for Perry - and Perry for him. And this was not an easy road for either to travel. More importantly, the evolution of their relationship was not based on their sexuality.

This is a classic example of individual instances (quite common) where a gay/lesbian person forges a close relationship with someone straight - both sides initially having serious apprehensions about the other, only to have this complicated with genuine feelings developing on both sides. The inevitable result is that neither side knows quite how to deal with those genuine feelings. After wading through all the mud, the lesson learned is that two people, if they allow themselves to, can forget race, color, age, economics, gender, or any other useless category and simply allow themselves to genuinely care about each other. (yeah, it went there for me)

I mean to take nothing away from Hoffman's "Capote". Both films provide insight; they present two alternative perspectives and I highly recommend both projects.

It is simply that as an art form 'Infamous" more closely meets the general objective I believe all art forms aspire to - to open/elevate the dialogue.

The Great White Hope (1970)

Powerful, Compelling, and still QUITE relevant!!!

[10/10 · 16 June 2008]

As an 18-yr old, I vividly remember when this movie came out and the swirling controversies that accompanied it. Whites were cautious because it openly dealt with not only an interracial love affair but because of the depiction of an unrelenting, proud, but very angry black man. Interestingly enough, with the advent of Black Power/the Revolution and the emergence of the Black Panthers, most black audiences were equally cautious as well and for exactly the same reasons. Also keep in mind I was living in the South then too. Even in 1970, few southern towns would actually show the film.

This is a variation on the real-life troubles of Jack Johnson, one of boxing's earliest contenders.

Hands down the most compelling performances are those of James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander that leave an indelible imprint on the viewer. Because of the racial fabric of the time, Jack knew he was asking for trouble by openly defying white authority and then compounding that by becoming involved with a white woman. Both undoubtedly knew full well what they would be up against. While they may have deeply loved each other in the beginning, they soon discovered that simply love does not conquer all.

The movie is also filled with treasures of African-American performances by the likes of Beah Richards, Moses Gunn, Roy Glenn Sr. and Virginia Capers. This alone is worth the price of admission.

In many instances it is most difficult to watch. Two mesmerizing and thoroughly wrenching scenes were Jane's suicide and when Jack and company were reduced to performing "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in Europe to survive.

The film is most certainly uncompromising which was a MAJOR achievement given the social fabric at the time. James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander both deserved Oscars for their performances but that would have been like condoning their whole situation and god KNOWS Hollywood would NEVER have done that.....(sigh) Another example of not being able to see the forest for the trees.

Nonetheless, this is an eeeeeeeeeexcellent film and most worthy of your movie collection

Hairspray (2007)

Positively Wooooooooooooooooooooonderful!!!!

[10/10 · 11 June 2008]

I first saw this version of Harispray last night and quite frankly, am still glowing from the experience. Totally engaging, excellent new songs, captivating choreography, great clothes and a beautiful variation on the original.

Even more interesting is that this version also presents delightful variations on the original characterizations as well with the end result making them somewhat more sensitive/poignant than in the first. Divine's Edna Turnblad was just as loving to her daughter as Travolta's Edna - though Travolta's Edna was not nearly as confident as Divine. Christopher Walken, abandoning his usual scary persona, is downright adorable as Wilbur. Jerry Stiller, this time out playing Mr Pinky was just as much fun as he was as Wilbur in the first. Michele Pfeiffer is loads of fun as Amber's ambitious mother and Queen Latifah's MotorMouth Mabel is fierce!!!! This version also stays true to the overall theme of racial equality and the setting remains in a teenage world still idealistic enough to not only want to effect change but also honestly believing that they could.

One cannot mention the attributes of the movie without mentioning the enormously powerful music. The music, expertly based on 60s sensibilities enhanced by modern flourishes is a crucial element to the success of the film.

It is also worth noting that both versions can indeed stand on their own. The latest version does not AT ALL try to copy the original - it simply presents another variation. This also has a somewhat different format as it is essentially a Broadway show on film....and it works beautifully.

What's even more amazing is that the message is still MOST relevant in 2008 and this was set in 1962!!!!! (sigh...) Nonetheless, this is a powerful, uplifting film with a remarkable cast. Additionally, it is quite funny.

Hiiiiiiiiiighly recommended!!!

American Gangster (2007)

Indeed A Decent Film

[8/10 · 18 March 2008]

The Ridley Scott mark is evident here simply because of the sprawling landscapes he is known far and wide for in telling the story of real-life crime lord Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington) juxtaposed with the investigation and eventual capture by fictitious investigator Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe).

The movie is fast-paced with a sweeping panorama of the period spotted with memorable performances. That being said, a glaring disappointment was Scott/s inability (refusal?) to adequately utilize the support of such stalwart actors as Ruby Dee & Chiwetel Ejiofor, both of whom provided substantial support that appeared to have fallen victim to the cutting room floor.

An interesting parallel was indeed Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts as they both had enormous similarities, the biggest of which was their devotion to their work which seemed infinitely more important to them than their families. It is this poor prioritizing that provides the impetus for their actions. Crowe's character was somewhat more redeemable than Washingtons' whose character indeed had anger management issues which were all supposedly explained away because of societal pressures - blah, blah, blah...

It is also interesting that many of Washington's characterizations don't necessarily warrant much attention unless they are somewhat less than socially redeeming.

Notwithstanding, it is indeed a good film with flaws like any other (hardly a masterpiece) but well worth becoming a part of your film collection. I do recommend.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Simply Chilling

[8/10 · 13 March 2008]

The latest outing by the Coen Brothers is a chilling mix of horror, film noir, thriller, western, and yes even comedy, (Tommy Lee is always a stitch) but still remaining true to the twisted vision of the very entertaining work of these rather unorthodox artists.

No Country For Old Men is somewhat reminiscent of Blood Simple, their first outing, but infinitely more bloody. When I first viewed it in the theater, quite frankly I was NOT well for the ending. Absolutely no loose ends were tied up. A subsequent viewing helped me realize it was for the best. Each viewer will have to decide exactly how it ended and from what I understand the movie ending was not like the novel ending.

When the interpretation of a work is totally up to the viewer, that, of course, always makes for a more compelling artistic presentation simply because the art does not do your thinking for you: this one is no different.

Hands down, the most chilling aspect of this was the performance of Javier Bardem and his Oscar was indeed well-deserved. He was so calm he was very, very frightening. You did not (or more aptly, COULD not) invest anything into him emotionally. This was indeed deliberate. There was no need to, actually to adequately present the story. Even Llewellen (Josh Brolin's character) you felt something for, and Tommy Lee Jones, who, regardless of the character, ALWAYS manages to make you care about him, was probably the most fleshed-out character.

Actually the movie was not as slow as one is led to believe...it is most deliberate and since the Brothers get right to the point at the very beginning, you are indeed intensely involved with how this will play itself out.

If you are a Coen Brothers fan, you will certainly appreciate it. If not, it is quite a decent movie.

The Queen (2006)

Ahhhhhhh Helen!!!!!.....Work It!!!!!

[9/10 · 25 February 2008]

Let me say at the outset that I know nothing of and have no technical observations about Blue-Ray vs HD/DVD blah, blah, blah..(hey, I didn't even see this at the movies...I saw it on TV!!) I do, however, know that Helen Mirren ranks right up there with the best of'em i.e., Bette, Maggie, Judi, Vanessa, etc. I have been a die-hard fan of Ms Mirren since the creation of Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennyson in "Prime Suspect." The range of this actress is quite simply incredible. She can do no wrong and here she is simply superb.

As "The Queen" Helen indeed fleshes out a royal most of the world knows very little about and therefore has made all sorts of unfounded assumptions about as well. This also takes place during a very taxing time in anyone's life, much less a family so public as this. Helen manages to make Queen Elizabeth quite human, trying in the midst of the turmoil surrounding the death of Princess Diana to deal with the situation as best as she knows how. She reacts like a woman who has pledged her life to her country first, then as a mother, and then as a grandmother. Her impatience with Princess Diana recounts any mother-in-law's impatience with her ex-daughter-in-law; the added variable of this being the royal family of England makes it all the more complicated. Before seeing this, I, like I imagine a lot of us, also thought the Queen was entirely too disconnected. But things are not always as they seem. Of course some of the Queen's actions are questionable and maybe some of her behavior may not be excused, but at least this presentation endeavors to at least submit motives behind those actions.

The film moves quickly, is actually quite witty, the writing is top-notch with Helen's performance, of course, being the driving force. A most poignant scene is her reaction to seeing the elk?, deer", (whatever) in the woods before it is eventually hunted down for sport. It is a classic example of stopping to smell the roses in the midst of a most intense human drama.

To say I highly recommend is a masterpiece of understatement. Excellent movie!

Legend of the Mummy (1998)

I was NOT Well!!!!

[1/10 · 25 February 2008]

Okay, folks, please indulge me....if I provide the right context, you might thoroughly understand why the title of this review is oh, so apropos!! ...okay, so it was a crisp, foggy, rainy, windy San Francisco Sunday morning....one of those mornings where you awoke, looked outa the window and immediately knew you would deservedly luxuriate in bed after a loooooooong week....this was the perfect time to catch up on some old movies I had been meaning to watch/may have missed....I had passed by Bram Stoker's The Mummy on guide listings, each time wondering, "why haven't I heard of this before?" all because the natural assumption was that it was somehow remotely connected to Bram Stoker's Dracula...at least in terms of production values.....nothing could be further from the truth...

....I should have paid attention to the sinking feeling in the pit of my gut when in the beginning of the film we are set in Marin, California.....MARIN?!??!!!...what on EARTH does Northern California have to do with Bram Stoker??!!?.....folks, it was all downhill from there....

....okay, so I relaxed and thought, hmmm, set in San Francisco...this oughta be fun...(well, for lack of a better word/phrase....) The movie is absolutely horrible....so horrible in fact, that I could not even turn away from it...AND I HAD THE REMOTE RIGHT THERE IN BED WITH ME!!!....I suppose I kept thinking, well, Lou Gossett is in it...how bad can it be?.....

Lou, a dubiously celebrated archaeologist (with an ever-present flask), carried off the role with aplomb and MUCH overacting, and was probably actually drinking during the production...I dearly love Lou, but I could NOT stop laughing at his performance here...and the guy who was the sidekick on "Home Improvement" and the face of Orchard Supply there for a while, (yeah, the cute bear) was humorous enough...however, the most interesting part of his performance, HANDS DOWN, is that the very last time the audience sees him, he is having a "spasm' or "seizure" of sorts, presumably from a curse and his last words were "I gotta get some fresh air!!!" and he RUNS OFF!!....NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN....I tell ya, I lost it!!!...

The leading man and woman were absolutely horrible. The script was absolutely horrible. The acting was absolutely horrible. The plot was absolutely horrible. I googled Bram Stoker to find out if indeed there even WAS a Bram Stoker's "Mummy" and haven't found anything he's written with that title...yet...

But for some ungodly reason I watched it until the end...at least some of the shots of the city, i.e. the Chronicle truck, the obligatory cable cars, (wow, no Golden Gate Bridge shot) were somewhat accurate...

This movie was so bad, I might add it to my collection...it was hysterical in its absurdity and if I can include the Toxic Avenger (I. II AND III!!!) I can certainly have an over-the-top Lou Gossett warding off the curse of whatshisname!!! I laughed until I cried...perhaps it was because of the glass(es) of white zinfandel I sipped while watching...(..hey, lay off..I'm a Raider fan, whaddaya want!!)

Gone Are the Days! (1963)

An Unqualified Classic!!!!

[8/10 · 25 February 2008]

Actually, I have yet to see a live version with Ossie & Ruby but read the play years ago. I can't wait to see it realized especially with the original author, Ossie Davis, playing Purlie. I did see a version with Melba Moore playing Lutiebelle which was quite good - but Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee are, as far as I'm concerned, the quintessential First Couple in African-American theatre - any chance to see them perform together is always a treat. Even as a read, the play is quite hilarious and it works all the more imagining such talent as Ossie & Ruby realizing the roles. As a matter of fact, I read "Purlie Victorious" and 'Day of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward, another excellent example of black theatre, together - they complement each other quite well as shining examples of black comedy satirizing existing racial attitudes then (hmmmm..and now..) The play is timeless, is not at ALL archaic by todays standards as many of the same issues tackled in Purlie as well as Day of Absence still exist, alas, in 2007.

But on a lighter note, owning a copy of "Purlie Victorious" performed by its auspicious author, the incomparable Ossie Davis, is simply a must for your collection.

Notes on a Scandal (2006)

Performance Magic!

[7/10 · 25 February 2008]

"Notes on a Scandal" is a superb showcase for the mighty acting talents of Judi Dench & Cate Blanchett. They absolutely complemented each other - neither one taking anything away from the other's performance.

The story revolves around two female school teachers, one, hopelessly involved with one of her students, the other, hopelessly involved with the other teacher. It is also a rather scathing look at the dark side of love.

An even more interesting question is that quite frankly, neither character was a sympathetic one. Cate's character, Sheba, was less so simply because she knew better - to become sexually involved with one of your students is simply exercising very poor judgment. Moreover, there was no real indication why she allowed this to happen - there was no real issue in her marriage to support her having an affair. Judi's character, Barbara, began as somewhat sympathetic until she decided to use her friend's secret to her advantage - all in the name of love. Even after learning of the unfortunate demise of a similar relationship, this does not at all excuse her vindictive, obsessive actions.

The emotional roller-coaster provided here was certainly enough to keep one interested in what happens to these two women.

However, the real prize is watching these two wonderful actresses bring such a tenuous situation to film. They do so quite admirably.

I hiiiiiiiiiiiighly recommend!!!

She's Gotta Have It (1986)

Excellent Introduction to the Incomparable Spike Lee!!

[9/10 · 25 February 2008]

When reviewing all of Spike's work, this is hands down, probably my all-time favorite. This project introduced us to the incomparable Mars Blackman, Spike's oh so charming alter ego. "She's Gotta Have It" is a wonderful treatise on the art of love and war from interesting perspectives. On top of that, it is quite hilarious.

It is a refreshing look at a black woman who insists on taking control of her sexuality rather than allowing it to be defined by men. There are general male observations, general female observations, and specific cultural outlooks on the art of love and war from an African-American perspective.

Tracy Camilla Johns, beautifully portraying the wonderfully developed character, Nola Darling, is perfectly cast as the independent black woman who, in her quest to be sexually independent, realizes this is an uphill journey when dealing with men who still have traditional ideas about women and their roles. She was actively dating more than one man simply because she had adapted the attitude that no one man can provide everything she wanted/needed and furthermore, it was terribly unfair to label her promiscuous for doing so. Interestingly enough, Nola also found that her own reactions when coming up against the same attitude in men, were amazingly traditional.

This was a very well-written statement on the ups and downs of love. It also introduces us to Law & Order's Divine Epatha Merkerson in a short but pivotal role as a sex therapist.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeexcellent movie!!!

Dreamgirls (2006)

Lives Up to the Hype - Indeed an Excellent Movie

[8/10 · 9 July 2007]

I deliberately waited until all the hype was done, all the awards were won, and until I was no longer tired of Beyonce to purchase and view Dreamgirls.

It is indeed an excellent presentation.

Directed by the director of Chicago, another fantastic musical (and that's saying a LOT as I am generally NOT into musicals) Dreamgirls brings to the screen the excellent Broadway production of the 80s that put Jennifer Holiday on the map.

Apart from top-notch production standards, wonderful costumes, fantastic music, and excellent performances all around, Dreamgirls is indeed another wonderful presentation of a slice of African-American life/culture that is worthy of any movie collection.

All performances were equally riveting. Of course we all recognize this as a thinly veiled retelling of the Motown/Supremes story. (Its a shame Florence did not have the happy ending Effie did, but such is life.) Jennifer Hudson's Oscar was indeed well-deserved. She was simply powerful though not necessarily a sympathetic character for the most part. To Beyonce's credit, she did not AT ALL try to be the focus and her performance was rightfully understated. Eddie Murphy was indeed wonderful as a composite of Little Richard, James Brown, Wilson Pickett, etc. Jamie Foxx was most competent and I am so glad he got a chance to sing a few songs - though not a sympathetic character at all, he is still a consummate actor and a major contributor to making this work on film.

I can certainly understand the standing ovations it got in some theaters and friends of mine who went to see it in a theaters attested to that.

It really should have been at least nominated for Best Picture but, alas, again, the nature of the beast!! (Remember "The Color Purple"?!!) Nothwithstanding, this is wonderful entertainment and I highly recommend it.

Idlewild (2006)

An Overlooked Gem!!!!

[8/10 · 2 July 2007]

I saw Idlewild last night for the first time and all the advance buzz on this project, still does not do it justice. This is a top-notch production with dazzling performances, excellent production standards and very imaginative cinematography.

The production numbers are quite simply unstoppable and the blending of the music of the period with the sensibilities of today works beautifully. Obvious care was taken to recreate the look and feel of the period and some of the shots and film sequences, most notably a love scene and a death scene were simply mesmerizing.

I indeed admit that the script itself could have been more compelling but there is no denying the power of Andre Benjamin in this production. His performance is measured, believable, poised, and poignant. He has a more than promising future in films.

This is an excellent and a most worthy representation of another dimension/time in African-American culture and a MUST for your collection if you want quality productions of African-American life.

I highly recommend!