12/24/04
FEATURE REVIEWS:
The Aviator - This is Martin Scorsese's attempt to do his own version of Citizen Kane and in many ways he succeeds. In telling the story of Howard Hughes he manages to bring Hollywood Glamor, Politics, Big Business, Mental Illness and Aviation to the big screen in one visually amazing epic. The problem is, it runs three hours long and only gives ys a sketch (20 years) of Hughes' amazing career. In the end we come away with only a few insights into the life of this amazing man. Still, the production and cinematography are amazing and this is one masterful bit of directing. Go and be prepared to be visually impresses. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin and Alan Alda. The Grade: A-
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Wes Anderson has a wierd sense of humor and you can be sure that some people will think this film is classic while others will be bored sensless. Bill Murray is tremendous in the role as Steve Zissou, a Jacque Costeau style oceanographer. The supporting cast, featuring Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Owne Wilson is also fabulouse. Each scene is visually unique and the plotline is actually quite surprising. However, despite all of it's good points the mocie has a generally slow pace that might drive some filmgoers insane. Compared to other Anderson efforts this is more in the vane of The Royal Tenebaums as opposed to Rushmore. I liked it a lot but it is definitely left-of-center. Big points for the Moby Dick homage, though. The Grade: B

ALSO OPENING:
Callas Forever (playing a limited engagement at Landmark's Ken Cinema), House of Flying Daggers, The Phantom of The Opera

DVD PICK:
Dr Strangelove - 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Buster Keaton Collection - featuring The Cameraman, Spite Marriage, and Free and Easy.

eric
(fin)

12/17/04
FEATURE REVIEWS:
Bad Education - Pedro Almodovar, one of cinema’s greatest directors, has returned and his latest is another masterpiece. Stellar, colorful visuals and a perverse, gritty noir storyline make this film easily one of the best of the year. Not for the squeamish. Opening an exclusive engagement at Landmark Hillcrest on Dec 22 Rated R for language, drug use and graphic sexual situations. The Grade: A-
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events - This is based on Daniel Handler’s children books. It is a solid Hollywood style blockbuster featuring major star power (Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep, etc). It looks great and the kid actors are very likeable. If you like the Harry Potter movies then you should check this entertaining feature out. Rated PG for thematic elements, scary situations & brief language. The Grade: B

ALSO OPENING:
Flight of the Phoenix, Spanglish, A Tale of Two Sisters, A Very Long Engagement

DVD PICK:
Lord of the Rings - Return of the King - extended version - no brainer.

eric
(fin)

12/10/04
Recommendations In Order of Priority:
Sideways - Great comedy/drama (funny and sad). Very good dialogue and believable characters.
The Motorcycle Diaries - Phenomenal visuals, good acting, and an interesting storyline.
Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason - The best chick flick since the last Bridget Jones film.
Good Word of Mouth (I haven’t seen but have heard excellent things from reliable sources)
Being Julia - (playing an exclusive engagement at Landmark La Jolla Village)
Finding Neverland
Garden State
The Incredibles
Napoleon Dynamite

Opening This Week:
Blade Trinity
The Machinist
Ocean’s Twelve
Seducing Dr. Lewis (exclusive engagement at Landmark Ken through 12/16)

DVD picks:
Wild at Heart - Wow! David Lynch’s Palme D’Or starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern.

eric
(fin)