Jun
18
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
An aging, lame and disillusioned cop; a not-really-bad, small-time criminal; and a very bad cop provide the ingredients. The bad cop wants the criminal dead, but the old cop won’t cross that line. It provides solid entertainment, as long as some weaknesses are forgiven.
Which weaknesses? The film’s title hints at them. The old cop has to get the criminal to court, 16 blocks away. The task is too easy, and it is made harder in convoluted, artificial ways. I was left wondering why they didn’t just run, or disguise themselves. I was less than satisfied by this film.
Rating: Good.
Filed under Good, B, Action.
Jun
15
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
Not as polished or as well-rounded as Le Peuple Migrateur, March of the Penguins tells the harrowing, deeply moving tale of the emperor penguins’ fight to raise their chicks in the toughest corner of the planet. If you are pregnant and you think you’re having a hard time, this movie is a must-see. It’ll make you feel better.
The affection between penguin couples, their lock-step coordination, and their love for their chick makes one marvel at the miracle of life.
Rating: Good.
Filed under Good, M, Documentary, Drama.
Jun
01
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
(Disclaimer: I’m a huge Woody Allen fan). What a great movie. It mixes suspense, romance, intrigue, love, infidelity, luck, murder, and serendipity into a perfect blend. The film unrolls at a slow, determined pace that lets all the details sink in while the spectator admires the great acting. (Except for Ms. Scarlett Johansson, who goes on to prove she’s the worst actress to ever mar an Allen movie. If he can’t get her to act, no-one can).
This film’s theme and dialog are very different from your usual Allen movie. I highly recommend it, whether you are a fan of his or not.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, M, Drama.
Jun
01
06
Internet Movie Data Base link.
Official movie website.
This is an intelligent, well-made movie. It is fast and makes you think the whole time, but it makes sense and plays no tricks (unlike other fast-paced films, such as Ocean’s Twelve).
The film’s subject (oil trade) is important and, as far as I know, it’s dealt with in an unbiased, apolitical manner. There are two essential underlying themes: greed and its consequences; and the inability of entire societies to avoid manipulation and ignorance.
Warning: there’s a very strong and very unnecessary (but mercifully short) torture scene. Just close your eyes.
Rating: Excellent.
Filed under Excellent, S, Drama, Politics.