e_estrella_jr Reviews

Another Earth (2011)

More Here Than Meets The Eye

[7/10 · 8 July 2011]

A fair share of people, at Sundance and beyond, have had a chance to see "Another Earth." It seems people are polarized by it - either loving it as I did or hating it as some did. Rather than give away too many secrets let me help you understand what side of the fence you'll probably be on: The "science" of the movie is merely a backdrop for a much more telling tale - one of the heart. William Mapother and Brit Marling are the ultimate "star crossed" people. They survive the tragedies of life while looking in a mirror of universal proportions. They FEEL, which isn't common in science fiction fare. Then again, this is NOT a "science fiction" film. In fact, it's LESS of a science fiction film than the revamped Battlestar Galactica was a science fiction show. Both BSG and Another Earth use the science (and significant "license") to help the story along.

The filters of the lens capture the depth and circumstance of both Mapother and Marling. Marling in particular warrants more screen time beyond this movie; she's not only stunning but soulful with an expressiveness that belies her age. Mapother is as always, very much the "soul of the moment" in so many moments within this film. Though as some have commented, some choices the characters make are "questionable," but the viewer has to remember that they're already suspending belief with the science shown.

If you're looking for a.) extreme technical accuracy vs. plausibility and "license" or b.) an action thriller or science fiction "tour de force," then this film is not for you. However, of you're looking for a refreshing change from the standard fare coming out of Hollywood, you will certainly enjoy "Another Earth."

Band of the Hand (1986)

Every Generation Has a Guilty Pleasure

[16 March 2004]

For my brother, "Billy Jack" was the film that was low budget, cheezy and darn good when it came to telling a story you really WANTED to hear. For me, it was "Band of the Hand."

Though I was in the ultimate conservative environment (1st school after Marine Boot Camp), I couldn't help but love the melding of "the establishment" and a bunch of kids who were definitely from the "wrong side of the tracks." Most important, it let someone show some teens that they could make a difference, even if the method might have been a bit much.

One more thing: Lauran Holly may have been "eye candy" for the movie but she DID have a powerful albeit limited role, and that impression has positively affected my opinion of her in later roles. James Remar (you ladies know him from Sex and the City) did a good psycho role as well.

Miracle Mile (1988)

Outstanding Story, Pretty Good Movie Too...

[11 March 2002]

I saw this movie by accident a few years ago and was hooked. I am a sucker for a tragic love story, and I enjoy movies that show the "human reaction" to a pending apocalypse;. This movie had both, and to see Anthony Edwards, Denise Crosby and others in roles I'd never seen them in before was a treat as well.

If you can see this movie, please do. It doesn't have all the flash of many movies these days, but if you want a truly good story you can follow, try this flick!