Let’s go to the Movies!
July 26, 2009
Let's go to the Movies!
First of all, on behalf of my wife Jackie and me. . we would like to thank all of you who extended your sympathy for the loss of our beloved four legged daughter, Mau die. Not only to those of you who responded to the last entry in this blog which was written by Jackie. . but to all of you who wrote or emailed me at the network, or called on the air.
In this entry I'll review 4 noteworthy summer movies that may warrant Oscar consideration.
Let's start with the latest Star Trek film, directed by J.J. Abrams. It's the 11th film based on the original television series on NBC. I never watched the series when it first hit the air but I became a trekkie watching the reruns and have seen every film. This one is unique because Capt. Kirk is played by a young actor, Kris Pines, who portrays Kirk as a young cadet and the movie tells the story about how he and Spock developed a close relationship and became the Capt. & the Chief Officer of the Enterprise. Karl Urban does a very good job as the young Bones McCoy. The rest of the casting is also very effective in portraying Sulu, Ahera, and Scotty. Leonard Nimoy also appears in this version and looks surprising good considering his advanced years. The first half of the movie is particularly entertaining because it explains so much about young Kirk and young Spock. The movie could definintely be considered for visual and sound effects nominations. If you are a trekkie. . .I think you'll like it. If not. . .don't bother.
Public Enemies
. . .is a film to be taken very seriously. Renowned director Michael Mann, tells the story of the famous bank-robbing gangster, John Dillinger. Johnny Depp portrays Dillinger splendidly! He portrays him not only as the ruthless killer; but also shows a compassionate human side to the mobster who was #1 on the FBI's most wanted list.
The film reminds me of two previous gangster films: the first. . in the very same era is Bonnie and Clyde with Beatty and Dunaway. In that 1967 academy award nominee the couple was relentlessly pursued by FBI agent, Melvin Purvis. In Public Enemies, Purvis is portrayed by Christian Bale who relentlessly hunts down Dillinger. Bale, in my opinion. . .is one of only a few negatives in this movie. He is. . .once again. . .miscast as he was opposite Russell Crowe, in 310 to Yuma. I am really starting to think that Bale is overrated and is only one slight step above the likes of Matthew McConnaughy (sp.?) and Sandra Bullock.
Dillinger's girlfriend is effectively played by Marion Cotillard. . who won the Best Actress Oscar. . .just 2 years ago. The only other criticism I have of this film is a scene toward the end. . when Dillinger walks into a Chicago Police Station audaciously arrogant and goes totally unnoticed. Otherwise, Mann's storytelling of Dillinger was historically accurate. When Al Capone was sent to Alcatraz for tax evasion, his right hand man, Frank Nitti took over the mob. Nitti and the mob never looked upon Dillinger as a threat to their empire because Dillinger was a bank robber. The Capone mob was into bootlegging, prostitution and legitimate fronts.
The other gangster movie that public enemies reminds me of , ironically, was another Beatty film: 1991's Bugsy. I believe Bugsy would have won Best Picture that year but it was up against Silence of the Lambs. This movie doesn't have the humor that Bugsy had or as good a musical score, but the cinematography and the action scenes are better.
Depp. . once again. . could very easily be nominated for Best Actor portraying John Dillinger. I strongly recommend it!
The Taking of Pelham 123
. . .starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. . .
This film is a remake of the original 1974 movie, which was also remade in 1998 as a TV movie.
The story as I'm sure you know is a hostage story of a New York subway train. Denzel Washington plays the hero and as always is very good. The man NEVER gives a bad performance! It's the other characters that really strike your attention. James Gandolfini plays the Mayor. Luis Guzman plays one of Travolta's gang members that siege the train. John Turturro plays a hostage negotiator. They are all great. The story telling is equally exciting. The movie does have some gruesome moments when Travolta's character goes on a killing spree. . .to prove that he means business. What I loved the most about The Taking of Pelham 123, is Travolta. In my opinion. . he steals this movie from Washington. . which obviously is not easy. Travolta's character is part insane, ruthless, murderous, determined, genius and hilarious.
I'd love to see him get nominated for an acting Oscar, whether it be for the lead role or supporting.
I believe Travolta just finished the filming of this movie when we heard the tragic news of his son's death. It's an exciting, action packed thriller and I liked it a lot!
Hurt Locker
. . .This movie is about an army bomb squad in Iraq. Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie are the central characters who seek out the IED's (improvised explosive devices).
This is a very powerful, realistic look at what our servicemen in Baghdad face in their every day lives. The cinematography is excellent. . photographed by Barry Ackroyd ("United 93").
This movie reminds me a great deal of Oliver Stone's Academy Award winning "Platoon". It is not as good. The musical score in Platoon was riveting but in this film. . it's almost as if it's non-existent. This does not mean to say that I don't recommend it; but I don't necessarily see it as a Best Picture nominee, as some are saying it deserves. I did appreciate how the director develops the 2 major characters. The most surprising aspect to Hurt Locker, to me. . .is that this film is actually directed by a woman, Katherine Bigelow. I cannot ever recall a WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, or previous Iraq war movie being directed by a female. This movie also has some very gruesome bomb exploding scenes and desert warfare. I think Bigelow herself, would tell you. . this film is NOT for the weak at heart. I recommend it. . and appreciate it but I did not walk out of the theater saying to myself: "Oh my God. . this movie deserves a Best Picture Nomination"!
See ya' at the movies. . .and as always. . .I Love Ya' Cleveland!
