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Interstate 60 - Movie Review
Interstate 60 is another off the beaten track movie I can recommend. From one of the co-producers/writers of the “Back To The Future” movies it has that same sort of essence, visual feel to it and pure popcorn entertainment value, but with an interesting thread of a message, and some outrageous characters. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie but there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. It has an outstanding group of actors who star in and make cameo’s and that keeps the element of the movie fresh. A typical road story about a road that doesn’t exist it has a certain smartness to it that Gary Oldman and Chris Cooper bring to every movie. The subject matter may not be entirely suitable for the pre-teens (a little racier than the Back To The Future movies) and it is not nor is it trying to be Citizen Kane. Rent it from Net Flix. It’s great light entertainment that may actually do it for you if you let it.
Out of Order - Movie Review
It’s gushing time - I loved this movie. Eric Stoltz plays the lead character so well and understated. Felicity Huffman digs down deep and delivers the goods on a very difficult part. Kim Dickens also does an excellent job and has a quiet dignity about her. Justine Bateman plays it to the hilt and we love her for it. All the acting is top notch, subtle, not over the top. This is an adult film about adult problems and adult situations directed by adults but not so maudlin it doesn’t have a sense of humor about itself and it’s protagonist and characters. The actual film shooting, camera work and the way the director moves you through time into the past and back again is artful and imaginative and a complete no-brainer. This is a great movie I loved each and every aspect of it. The ending is a knock out to the solar plexus. It brought about a sense of joy and longing and affirmation that is too often blunted. This is a movie about selfishness, anger, hurt, perseverance, hope, love, lust, ambition, opportunity and opportunity lost. It is all here and the amazing thing is that this was a Showtime mini series from 2003. What has been released is the pilot. I was amazed at the passion and backlash at only releasing the pilot by the fans. I guess the other four episodes were just as gut wrenching and fulfilling. Not knowing any of this I watched this as a stand alone movie - and it delivered the goods.
You won’t be disappointed - as far as people not getting this movie - have a heart - we should all be so lucky and count your blessings!
Out of Order Reviews at Amazon
This is another movie I can recommend and for repeated viewing. Usually I watch a movie once and rarely go back to it again. That’s not a hard and fast rule the classics get repeat viewing and if a movie just makes me flat out laugh or enjoy then I go back for another look. In fact my DVD collecting has slowed way down because of this. The Big Empty has an array of characters that is just phenomenal. Favreau re-comprises his hard luck can’t buy a break role and Joey Lauren Adams is her gal pal sexy self. Kelsey Grammer turns in a great performance. I would love to see him do more characters like this. I’m sick of the whole Fraseresque thing. Let’s see something twisted and out of character Kelsey. Darrel Hannah drops in from out of left field and delivers a credible performance that puts to rest the whole “splash” I’m Jackson Browne’s girlfriend hype and just acts her butt off. It was totally believable and I hope she’s more like this in real life than that fluff image she originally portrayed. Rachel Lee Cook is awesome as Darrel’s reckless daughter. Wouldn’t you just tear off your right arm to have spent a corrupt youth growing up with her? Sean Bean as the Cowboy is brilliant and the role suits him to a tee.
The Big Empty feels suitably desperate ala the Last Picture Show at the beginning taking place in Baker California, and twilight zoneish at the end. One reviewer threw in comparisons to the Big Lebowski and certainly I agree. The outlandish behavior here walks a tighter rope as the mystery of it all takes center stage and then there is the ending. Great fun stuff, surprising, well shot and photographed, a little sexy and funny, everything you want a movie to be.
This is good movie and I highly recommend adding it to you Net Flix cue.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
Land of Plenty is another movie I’m glad I gave a chance. First off Michelle Williams acting job is very nuanced. She has to dig down deep to come up with her conviction and not look like a fraud. Michelle’s character is a child of missionary workers, and she wears a cross around her neck. It never once looked out of place because of her countenance and vibe she brought to the character. There is a scene at night when she is in bed alone that just blew me away. In the hands of a lesser actor it would have been hackneyed, overblown and far less convincing. I was thrilled and stunned and almost had a knee jerk incredulous reaction but she pulled it off. It was and is very inspiring and still with me today. It felt like real conviction to me and has informed my sensibilities and enhanced my outlook. It’s hard to fake that kind of conviction and certain type of enlightenment. That a movie and actor can do that is why we watch. We have a very fine actress here and kudos for a magnificent job to Michelle.
John Diehl is a face you will immediately recognize. The man has worked character studies for decades and his turn in this lead role is equal to Michelle’s. This is a story of subtle reactions competing with overt actions as revelation tries to creep into well established modes of behavior. John Diehl is very convincing and so much so the viewer is left with some doubt as to just exactly what may happen. The film is done in such a way that it is entirely possible that the naive are not so naive and the delusional might be absolutely right. I contribute that to acting as well as script and the themes, lighting, pacing, and art direction.
I really, really liked this movie it’s messages, it’s despair, it’s hope and it’s glory. The fact that the actors characters are not one dimensional is never done in a ham fisted way but unveiled in nuanced responses, facial expression, a well placed curse word and well I’m just happy I stumbled into this movie.
I am seriously going to dig further into Michelle and John’s work and can highly recommend this movie. The passion that Michelle brings to her role reminded me of all the unknown souls trying to do good things in this world of tabloid headlines and sensationalism. She really got to me and with that in mind let me link the following sites:
Doctors Without Borders
Amnesty International
The Peace Corp
The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio - Movie Review
This is another movie I can highly recommend especially for movie lovers, dreamers and those with the ability and who appreciate the effort of bringing dreams into reality. It is a lot like giving birth both wrenching, powerful and fulfilling. As I put this documentary into the DVD player I winced at the subtitles (long day at work) and slow pace of the introductory credits - just fast forward to the start and within a few moments (give it a chance) the apparent odyssey of the journey begins and takes hold of you. The sheer joy in playing reveals ego, dissension, ability, understanding or lack there of but also the unbriddled joy of the creative process. This film is that good and another highly recommended movie for your NetFlix list! I really loved it and musicians and music lovers will chuckle at the insights, missteps, warts and all harmony of the players, orchestra and organizers. It’s a marvelous piece - ENJOY!
Paul
Author- Journey Home
Maybe this movie appealed to me because I’m a writer, maybe this movie appealed to me because I love Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, and Will Ferrell in a toned down role, but most of all this movie appealed to me because of Zooey Deschannel. There is just something lurking beneath the surface with her. You just know she’s a major goof ball but she is currently playing all these deeper, conflicted roles, and the depth she brings to her characters isn’t faked. As you can tell I really like Zooey and look forward to her career expanding. Hopefully one day she’ll record an album of standards. Her turn on “Baby it’s Cold Outside” (Elf) had everyone including James Taylor recording and rediscovering that chestnut from yesteryear. Hat’s off to Zooey. So how about the movie?
It’s an angsty film with bizarre characters. But as in any good story as with real life the more layers you peel back the more you see, and then all of a sudden it’s not so unusual after all. So without giving any of the plot away the characters are not one dimensional and the light they are seen in is varied. Kudos to the director and writer for serving up three dimensional characters. If you are looking for fast paced, action shoot em ups this is not your movie. No guns - I love movies without guns! If you are looking for brilliant, subtle acting with some over the top hi jinx for periodic comic relief - this is a great choice. One of Zooey’s love interest although fleetingly in the movie exposes the audience or rather gives the audience a chance to ask why is he a hero.
It’s a question worth asking and answering and the directors and writer do not spoon feed you all the answers - good stuff, good for them. It’s a thinker and respectfully pulls the audience in and allows them some creativity and the opportunity to put something of themselves into the movie. There’s nothing wrong with a little pondering and after all are the loose ends really that important. Well that’s for each one of us to decide. It makes for a good movie.
A quick word on Amelia Warner Zooey’s foil in part of the movie - she brings an understated role to life and plays it subtly. I’ve seen the word eccentric used to describe this movie but that’s just the outer layer of the character development. It’s a device to put inner pain out there and before the audience. Do not be put off by that description or the weird promotional photo. It’s not so weird after you have seen the movie - you’ll have an oh yeah moment. It’s good to use the brain.
Winter Passing is another movie I can highly recommend.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
The Station Agent - Movie Review
If you were on the bubble about renting this movie go ahead and take the chance. I can highly recommend it, and it comes with some mighty high praise. But ignore the reviews nothing short of the Beatles reuniting with John and George could live up to the overblown hyperbole. It’s not the movies fault. That being said lower your expectations a bit, relax and get ready for a terrific film.
This is an understated movie that has a calm running through it that Peter Dinklage easily conveys and brings to the screen. Patricia Clarkson another gifted actor who you might remember from the Untouchables (Kevin Costner) brings another dignified role to life. She has to balance two calamities and still come off charming and beguiling. Bobby Cannavale is great as the gregarious soul who won’t let these two tragic figures forget about the upside the day brings.
Peter Dinklage is the star here and doesn’t tip toe around the prejudice or rather ignorance the world greats him with every morning. He not only has a lot to teach but a fair share to learn. So thankfully the writers and director do not paint him as perfect. Through it all this is a quiet, sometimes loud, sweet, sometimes angry poignant movie. The other supporting actors including the child Peter interacts with and Michelle Williams are cast beautifully. The themes and tone of this movie weave out from deservedly dark places but life rolls on and everybody loves trains!
Paul Burke
Author - Journey Home
The Long Goodbye - Movie Review
Robert Altmans tung in cheek Film Noir detective movie ambles along at a wonderful pace, and takes a few twist and turns. Great characters, setting and scenes punctuate this droll take on a 50’s gum shoe in 1970’s California. Elliot Gould (that’s okay by me) or Rip Van Marlow as the character implies - seems to sleep walk through a crazy world - from his perspective. Unable to get a bead on things Elliot never lets em see him sweat and pursues head long into and on his instincts. You can tell this is a 70’s movie as Henry Gibbson plays an evil psychiatrist emasculating his patient (or is that client). Anyway great one liners and the rebirth of one of my favorite old time sayings “BALLS” just swept me along. Hint’s of sexual over tones - nude yoga and the juxtaposition that Altman usually thrives on presents itself with ease. We wonder along with Gould -”what the hell is wrong with these people” turns out that despite the trappings of time and fashion it’s the same old damn thing that’s always been wrong with us - just in wider lapels. I loved all the characters as caricatures and Elliot’s water off a ducks back approach.
I highly recommend this lark for film buffs and casual fans. By far my favorite Elliot Gould performance.
Paul
Author-Journey Home
I’m still getting a few more Halloween movies trickling in from Net Flix. Our marathon month long horror fest is just about over. I think the third installment of Evil Dead is still due to arrive but last night it was time for a classic. We were totally surprised by “Old Dark House” what a beautifully shot and acted movie from 1932. I just love the old classics. James Whale the director of 1931’s Frankenstein takes another turn with Boris Karloff. Quite frankly the rest of the cast is top notch including Charles Laughton, and Lillian Bond who just bumped Rachel McAdams off my number one heart throb list. This movie is shot very creepily, big shadows, Karloff on a drunk rampage, spooky, crazy characters, dark and stormy nights, candle light, large cutlery, crackling fires, and quippy dialogue. I love the 30’s and 40’s for their smart, faced paced dialogue. Today nothing seems so subtle and no one has time for double entendres. I highly recommend this movie. Four **** stars for film buffs, lovers of the genre, black and white movie fans, and budding writers, photographers, lighting engineers, and directors. James Whale shoots the hell out of this movie. Every shot is a still life photographic masterpiece. He really knew how to create atmosphere and suspense. Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Invisible Man are on this guy’s wild resume. Turn the lights out, fire up the big screen, throw another log on the fire and enjoy.
A friend of mine sent me the link below (or click on the title) to this two hour documentary. I’m happy to report that it is compelling viewing and worth the time. Even if some of the conclusions or predictions might not stand up to other points of view this is still worth watching. The first ten minutes if historically correct offer a very fascinating overview of world religions that will give you more than a pause in your assumptions. It’s a very well put together montage and the whole documentary is split into three parts. I watched a part then took a break freshened up my apple juice and then hunkered down for the next part. So take the time to review this feature. The worst thing that can happen is that you get another point of view to assess or are spurned on to do some of your own research and fact checking, and always, always, question authority.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
Zeitgeist Movie Link
It’s movie review time! Yet again I am famously behind the times but Net Flix is such a wonderful company I’m actually catching up on some movies. I’m a huge fan of Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Julie Christie and Dustin Hoffman both are strong as ever. As usual it’s Johnny’s show and he doesn’t disappoint as this tale is ripe for his strong acting chops. Emotion runs rampant as the lives of two families intersect and the creative muse of Depp’s character is allowed full range in conjunction with the children. Kate Winslet’s character is aptly swept along in the process. I loved all the backstage and theatrical scenes as they lent a palpable taste of costuming and stage makeup right at your feet. I want to go into more detail but let’s just say it’s hard to judge a movie by it’s cover. This is a semi-fictional account of the author of Peter Pan and the road traveled in “Finding Neverland”. Despite it’s historical inaccuracies and the rather tragic adult lives of the fictionalized yet real life inspired children this is the type of movie that restores faith in humanity even when stepping outside of our alleged boundaries of approved behavior. If you have any room in your heart for joy, fear of regret or sense of wonder you will love this movie!
The Family Stone - Movie Review
I finally saw this movie the other night. If you are sitting on the fence on this one - rent it. I’m not a big SJP fan but she does a good job. Even though she is the central character to the story line there are plenty of other actors and story lines to follow. It’s a heartfelt movie with a ridiculously strong cast including Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Craig T. Nelson, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulrooney and Claire Danes. There’s some real acting chops going on here by both the name and not so famous actors. It’s a top flight cast and they have great material to work with. This is not a gun, murder, rape, drug movie and that’s another reason I love it! Nothing blows up and there are no car chases but what you get is a slice of life and that’s real enough without all the usual Hollywood embellishments and trappings.
Now I hail from a big family and I gotta tell you there’s a lot of truth ringing here. So if you have a few years of “real” life experience under your belt and you have been grist for the mill you will love this movie. Bitter sweet and over the top but still wonderfully shot and directed. I’ve seen Rachel McAdams in a few movies but her cereal eating comfy clothes turn in this role stole my heart and Claire Danes always delivers the goods. If you see some bad reviews out at Net Flix ignore them. I immediately went back and watched the movie again and tuned into the family dynamics on the peripheral of the main story line. The extras are worth watching. They will help you pick up on some subtleties that are bound to be missed because there is a lot there. The comfy, cluttered, home really took me back and will put you in the homecoming holiday mood. Now move over on the sofa and pass the popcorn! This is a good human movie my friends!
Is it any wonder that Human dignity has all but evaporated. From the willingness to blow up people in a market getting their daily bread to the visceral, violent and ugly words and images from our entertainment industry the idea of human dignity has all but disappeared. Somewhere along the time that it became hip to be stupid we have trended downwards. Look at the talking heads screaming at each other on television (pathetic, immature, irrational and stupid) or the trash that is sensationalized and paraded on daily television for what we have become. It’s not funny it’s sad. Decorum, respect, dignity, class, education, elite, excellence, work, awareness, liberal, sharing, kindness, tolerance, peace, patience, understanding and love these have become the dirty words. How about our politicians and the examples they set with lying and corruption justified as the norm and how much one can get away with the goal. That’s the petulant behavior of a five year old and not very wise. You can only lead by example. We show up on foreign soil with Christianity in one hand and an empty basket to fill up in the other pathetic hypocrites.
No Human dignity is a thing of the past. It’s hip to be an aggressive punk. Throwing trash in the street and crying about being dis-respected we don’t see that our actions are what actually earn respect. Religious bigotry, intolerance forgetting to live and let live or simply ignoring the golden rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) are all symptoms of an immature world petty and futile with no real vision beyond greed and ego. The world is flipped out. I guess an era of uncivilized behavior is necessary to re-educate man that ignorance is self and globally annihilating.
Well World in order to survive the word we must relearn is civilization. Without it we reduce ourselves and our neighbors to less than nothing defecating in our water, poisoning our food, polluting our air and waging war all for profit. A respect for all humanity (including yourself) is the cornerstone of success. Jefferson called it the obligation of the good citizen. I call it common sense.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
Amnesty International
“when Ghandi was asked what he thought of Western civilization he said he thought it would be a good idea”
I recently rented this gem from NetFlix the other day. I haven’t seen this movie since the 70’s. If you have never, ever in your life sat down to watch this movie you really should. Interestingly enough I found the content very timely in regards to the politicians of today and the blatant hypocrisy of those in power. Dustin Hoffman gives a great, hilarious performance along with Faye Dunaway. Why is it that Faye seems to be in every great honest movie from this decade. Chief Dan George (who was in The Outlaw Josey Wales) also plays a subtly nuanced role. When he gets caught in the rain his line delivery is perfect. There’s also a lot of Native American culture and wisdom portrayed in this movie. Indeed the White man does see everything as dead.
This movie will make your heart soar like a hawk. For those of you out there in generation next take a clue from an old boomer - go see this movie - rent it now - it’s a classic - the portrayal of Custer is hilarious but probably horrifyingly close to the truth as any good parody would have it.
Paul
Movie review time - I know I’m about ten years too late on this one (actually not that bad) but seriously if it wasn’t for NetFlix I wouldn’t have a clue. I saw Claire Danes with Leo in a remake of Romeo and Juliet. Watching that movie I realized that she has this quiet dignity that really shines on screen. I like Claire quite a bit and also respect that she’s not fodder for the Tabloids. Poor Britney what a mess and Lindsey Lohan’s Mom should be beaten for what she has done to her child. Okay back to Shop Girl. Years ago Steve Martin produced a play and I ran to the Ford theater to see it in Washington D. C. “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”. I loved it! The triple threat to Shop Girl is Jason Schwartzman. I have to believe Bill Murray told Steve to work with this guy and I loved Jason in Rushmore.
What possibly could go wrong with this cast. Nothing and the music score is beautiful. If you haven’t seen Shop Girl grab your significant other and rent this movie. I would even say it’s worthy of a buy for your home collection. The story has depth and lightness and Claire carries the whole thing off with aplomb.
Four Stars - for intelligence, thoughtfulness and laughs. Much like the Gilda and Steve dance number from way back when on SNL. Mr. Martin has always infused his work with a poignant, bitter sweet quality with laughs to spare. Shop Girl tones the guffaws down quite a bit but there are still some light hearted moments. Above all else a real human chord is struck throughout the movie. So ignore the cheesy DVD cover and delve into this one.
Enjoy and let me know what you think,
Paul
Quite simply - I hate “hate” and that’s the only thing I hate. It’s a stupid word, it’s a stupid response to being insecure about your own self and your own choices in life. Somewhere along the way people need to realize that even if we were all the same it wouldn’t cure our insecurity or make us feel better about ourselves - that’s just an illusion based on fear. Variety has been and will continue to be the spice of life. Until we embrace the differences in each other and until we recognize the intricacies in creation are also in our very selves, and until we realize we are creation, just as varied and spectacular as mother nature herself - because we are mother nature, until we realize we are a part of nature and not apart from nature we will continue to be ignorant of who and what we are, do the wrong things, and fear (hate) what we don’t understand about ourselves, each other and our planet.
This is a wonderful movie filmed over several locations. If you are an animal lover or activist you will love this movie. The acting is very strong Viggo Mortenson can carry a picture. He has a real depth and quality to him. I have to throw a bucket of cold water on my wife after he’s on screen for more than five minutes. That’s not all bad from my point of view. A great story and based on the real story of Frank Hopkins a Native American who knew and loved his wild mustangs and sought their protection on the prairie and the plains. Hidalgo is the horse he rode across the sands of Arabia in a “distance” race.
There was a misdirected uproar over the movie thanks to George Bush and the oil barons he represents called the Hidaglo Hoax, and you can read the screenwriters response here.
Regardless of the uproar of the long riders association - this is a great movie with superb acting. Unless your heart is made of coal it will get you where it counts. Hidalgo delivers.
Just a quick posting on how much my wife and I enjoyed this movie, great actors, great acting, wonderful lighting and an intelligent story. This is a great movie. I’m honestly compelled to post something about it and highly recommend the movie. I have always been a fan of Edward Norton. He’s one of those actors that embodies his character. While Deniro and Nicholson play versions of themselves Edward Norton has the ability much like Robert Duvall to personify the character completely. Since Sideways Paul Giamatti has been able to get out there so to speak and take more leading rolls. He also posses a deftness of emotion and acting that is just plain fun to watch. I do not know much about Jessica Biel but I do believe she has been cast beautifully in this role. The characters played by Rufus Sewell and Eddie Marsan are both portrayed beautifully. The acting is up to snuff and beyond so what about the story? It’s awesome because it taps into something that is real for all of us and between what we know and what we don’t know. Great things are happening in this movie it does not drag and it is intriguing. Suspend belief and enjoy. Okay, great acting, wonderful story, what about the staging, pacing, scenery, costums and lighting? Across the board this has been directed and shot beautifully. The lighting for every single shot in this movie is exquisit!
Take the time if you can and do yourself a favor this is a very good movie - all ages appropriate!
Well done, well done…bravo!
Okay, so I’m a little behind the times but this is another movie that I thought was sincerely worth mentioning. This is a young but seasoned cast that really delivers. I’ve seen reviews that knock the high school setting but the high school is merely a back drop and adds a wonderful juxtaposition to the adult dialog. Don’t be fooled this type of nonsense goes on every day in our schools but not with nearly the amount of panache as these young actors.
Let’s give them a nod - first off Joseph Gorden Levitt, Lukas Haas, Nora Zehetner and Noah Fleiss all bring credibility to their well written roles. Secondly this movie is shot very well. There isn’t an abundance of gore or blood shed but it’s loaded with intrigue. Film noir is reborn. So if you liked Garden State or Clerks you will be fine with this film. But listen up there is a ton of dialog that reminded me of Man-of -the Century ( a much more light-hearted fare) but with it’s own language (the language of the twenties). Now go take an ankle excursion, go on blow and don’t worry about the reviews posted on Net Flix. This is a good one and deserves the praise. The music score, acting and (let’s not forget the writers) did I mention the dialog all work tremendously with a well shot and directed movie. 4 stars!
