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09/15/06
Feature Review:
The Black Dahlia - Brian De Palma knows how to make a film look great. Always has always will. His problem as a director these last twenty years has been finding a good story tell. This time around he actually got his hands on some potentially interesting material - a novel by James Ellroy. The problem is the fictional elements running through this thriller distract from the original unsolved murder. This is an engaging movie that ties up way to neatly in the end to be believeable. Mia Kirshner is incredible as the murder victim who we only get to see during some police recovered screen tests. Rated R for strong violence, some grisly images, sexual content and language.
The Grade: B
The Grade: B
The Last Kiss - Zach Braff, the man responsible for the acclaimed Garden State returns to the big screen and the results are pretty good. This movie is an Americanized remake of an Italian film that came out a few years ago. It is entertaining and has a generically hip soundtrack. For a sophomore effort it is a bit of a letdown but still has merit. Jacinda Barrett, Rachel Bilson, and a lot of the other supporting players sort of steal the show, though. Rated R for sexuality, nudity, and language.
The Grade: B-
The Grade: B-
09/08/06
Feature Review:
Hollywoodland - This is a simple well done mystery film based on the real life demise of George Reeves, most known for playing Superman in the 50s. Director Allen Coulter has made a picture that looks good, is well paced, but one that isn't very engaging. Ben Affleck does a solid turn as The Man of Steel and Adrian Brody is fine as the detective trying to speculate about what happened. Unfortunately in the end, you probably won't care. Rated R.
The Grade: B-
The Grade: B-
Factotum - This is based on a story by Charles Bukowski. Hmmm. Could be interesting. Matt Dillion stars along with Lili Taylor and Marisa Tomei.
Half Nelson - Ryan Gosling stars in this critical praised film about a teacher with a drug problem.
Viva Pedro - Check out the Ken Cinema. They are doing a Pedro Almodovar festival of sorts. High recommendations!!!!
The Wicker Man - Remake of the horror classic. Be afraid.
09/01/06
Feature Review:
Crank - (Jason Statham & Amy Smart). This movie is occasional funny and has a
couple interesting ideas but is mostly pretty lame. High School quality. Rated R.
The Grade: D+
The Grade: D+
Trust The Man - (David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, Billy Crudup, and Maggie Gyllenhaal) - This film has very interesting characters but has an aimless plot. It wants to be a realistic, modern day romantic comedy but it fails to be truely satisfying. Still, it has an appealing charm to it. Rated R.
The Grade: B-/C+
The Grade: B-/C+
E.flo
(fin)
