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Reviews
The Dilemma (2011)
Comedy?
I went to see this film since it was described as a comedy and I wanted to laugh for a couple of hours. Kevin James has proved himself to be a more than able comedian in previous films, so, people, what went wrong here? The film started off well enough, with the main plot about couples trusting each other, and the sub-plot with the electric cars. So far, so good. What came afterwards was far too serious, with too much violence and negative dialogue. Vince Vaughns facial expressions made me feel depressed, not happy. Queen Latifah's character was the only uplifting element around. After an hour or so of nasty verbal sparring, I was ready to give up and leave. Please, Hollywood filmmakers, if you can't write any witty dialogue into comedies, don't bother making them. Make fewer films, but better ones.
Black Swan (2010)
Good dancing, awful script
This film looks like it was made by two directors - one for the aesthetically pleasing dance sequences, another for the atrocious script and weak plot. Credit to Natalie Portman for obviously putting a lot of effort into learning ballet. Also to Vincent Cassel for his portrayal of the dance teacher. Masturbation scenes and lesbian sex however aren't a sufficient replacement for realistic dialogue. They didn't convince me that this would be enough to make Nina "let go" and produce the perfect Black Swan performance. If this really is the best that Hollywood has to offer this year, then the U.S. film industry must have gone downhill really fast.
There Will Be Blood (2007)
There IS blood - right now!
Right, I'm joining in the chorus of those who are enthusiastic about this movie. It has everything a good story needs - stunning photography, appropriately nervous music, and of course a fantastic performance by Mr. Day-Lewis, almost matched by that of Paul Dano. There are some parallels to "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" of course.
Could not the "blood" in the title refer to today's conflicts over oil and other energy resources? I actually expected to see a lot more blood in TWBB, yet there were two murders. A taste of things to come.
To those who find this film "boring", can you not relate to the universal themes of love, hate, greed and power, religion vs. money? An important period of American history unfolds before your eyes.
Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
Pretty But Ridiculous
This gets positive marks for its nice look - glitzy, slick deco with attractive actors accompanied by hip (or so they thought) music. As to the plot, are we really supposed to believe that nonsense with the giant drilling machine brought in - apparently with everyone else looking the other way, RIGHT UNDER THE TARGET CASINO? Is it usual for private individuals to drill huge tunnels under Las Vegas any time they feel like it?
Al Pacino is good in his part as the ultra-slimy casino boss - Dannys bunch of friends, while acting cool, unfortunately don't convince. They're just too clever to be true. A nice comfortable end to the trilogy, but ultimately a let-down.
Night After Night (1932)
A delightful little film
It's a pity this film isn't more widely known and shown. I cannot agree with those who dismiss it as "Mae West's first film". The leads and supporting actors all give their best. Raft is alternately charming and tough in this, Alison Skipworth delicious as the schoolteacher who yearns for a more exciting life. The plot isn't very profound, light entertainment about characters who think the grass is always greener on the other side.
So OK, West had her own personal style and wit, but that doesn't diminish the other actors' performances in this delightful early 1930s picture.