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Reviews
King Kong (2005)
The definitive King Kong
Peter Jackson's King Kong is a film that shall be referred to as a masterpiece in a decade or so- this is film magic of the highest order. Jackson's version is unarguably the finest there is and one of the most difficult things about King Kong may be picking a favorite scene, especially since the final two hours are packed with candidates. Action-adventure lovers have the dino-rampage, featuring raptors chasing down a pack of brontosaurs; the triple T-Rex smackdown (a tour de force that lasts about 10 minutes); an insect attack that will make bug-phobes squirm (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is tame by comparison); Kong's attempts to reclaim his stolen bride; and the final Empire State Building battle. For me, the quiet moments are in many ways more rewarding: Kong and Ann bonding while watching a sunset, and the playfulness of Central Park. The latter is more rewarding with tragedy looming so close.
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)
middle film of the prequels sadly lacks the punch
The prequels are much maligned in some quarters and its easy to see why- They look fake and glossy, and nowhere is it as apparent as it is in Attack of the Clones. Another problem here is that this movie suffers from "middle episode syndrome" - the tendency of the second volume in a trilogy to feel incomplete and, as a result of that incompleteness, to fail to satisfy. Attack of the Clones takes the threadbare strands of plot introduced in The Phantom Menace and braids them together into what will eventually become the whole cloth for Revenge of the Sith. Still, despite several high-octane action sequences, this movie, more than any of the others in the entire Star Wars saga, feels orphaned and works considerably better when viewed as part of a greater epic than as a stand-alone production. It's setup without resolution, tease without consummation. But in order to watch the epic it must be seen.
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008)
Surprisingly very entertaining
If you go in this movie thinking it is a chick flick you're mistaken. This is a highly entertaining period piece which gets most things right than wrong. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is lightweight and airy, a breeze through the stale theater air of early March. The period setting, big band sound, and impeccable costumes lend it an air of apparent sophistication. To the extent that the movie touches on serious topics (such as Miss Pettigrew's lifetime of loneliness and her commitment to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to her new friend), it lingers only long enough to provide a moment of thought or reflection. Adams shines brightly, reinforcing the image she projected in Junebug and enhanced in Enchanted and Charlie Wilson's War. It's tough to find a more diverting way to spend 90 minutes in a multiplex.
Fun with Dick and Jane (2005)
Carrey's rare misfires
In striving for inspiration, Fun with Dick and Jane discovers moments of cleverness, but there aren't enough of them, nor are they sustained. The movie's first third is its strongest. Once Dick loses his job, the film enters a prolonged death spiral. Watching Dick and Jane's social status disintegrate is more sad than amusing, and the final act belongs in a different movie. The funniest scene during the final 60 minutes involves Dick "sticking up" an acquaintance. It's worth a giggle or two. Jim Carrey is looking older and Tia Leoni is wasted. The pacing is never even and when it tries to get going the apathy of the characters slows it down.
Flight (2012)
Washington is sublime as the addict pilot
In this film Washington plays a pilot addicted to booze and the occasional cocaine. An addict even on the day of a routine flight he wakes up after snorting cocaine the night before and mixes vodka in his orange juice aboard the plane. Not due to his fault the plane hits some issues and ends up floating upside down before being landed by him, an act for which he is considered a hero. However, upon drug test reposts it is realized that he was indeed inebriated and then the judicial system comes into play. This is a good movie and features a harrowing plane crash sequence. Washington is the soul of the film and even though he is not a good man, we side with him. Check it out.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Coen's wit on display here
The Coen's most endearing film perhaps, the Big Lebowski was unappreciated upon release but since has garnered a massive following. Jeff Bridges plays the ultimate slacker- Dude whose sole purpose in life is to laze around in his room smoking pot or go bowling with his strange friends- a militant gun lover played by John Goodman and a meek fellow portrayed by Steve Buscemi. One day he is mistaken for another man (a very wealthy man) with the same name by a batch of inept crooks who take his rug forcefully. What follows is a bizarre, offbeat tale of mistaken identity and revenge. This is a typical offbeat Coen's film ably supported by Julianne Moore who, for once, chooses to tackle a funny role (and has a hilariously surreal dance sequence with Bridges).
Children of Men (2006)
A bleak science fiction offering
Children of men is a bleak movie- both visually and thematically. In the near future couples are incapable of having children as females have become infertile and society is in a state of crumbling when a lone black girl(who is pregnant) is the only hope of an antidote. The task of our lead(Clive Owen) is to take her to safety aided by a few others. The film looks bleak because of the saturated colors and England looks like a depressing place. The camerawork and pacing is quite good and a long tracking shot in a car is rather beautiful in its execution. The director would go on to helm Gravity and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban so the style is a constant. This is a good science fiction film more concerned on the social commentary than explosions and effects.