In The Cut

So, in my vast attempt to watch every single DVD that I own in possession (and believe me, it's quite a lot), I decided to put on In The Cut last night. I really wasn't expecting too much, I bought it for like 2 bucks at Big Lots one rainy afternoon, and the story seemed kind of bland. The DVD box makes it seem like just another erotic thriller...but, I thought I would give it a chance anyway. And, like I said it's in my collection, so I decided to watch it.

I must admit, I was quite surprised at what I got. From the very opening, this seemed like something different. Instead of entertainment values, this was starting to look like a modern art piece. And that's really what it is. It kind of gets under your skin. And you just can't seem to look away. It's intoxicating, really. The poetry on the subway was a nice touch. And the shots of her parents ice skating in Central Park gave an interesting take.

The essential story is about a teacher (Meg Ryan) who watches this couple one night, and then somehow finds herself amongst a serial killer's line of contact. She then becomes involved with the detective working on the case (Mark Ruffalo).

I think the real beauty of this film is that we can never quite figure all these characters out. It's like, I cannot see how she would want to be with this guy, but then again, I cannot see how she wouldn't. Does that make sense?? Well, hopefully you all get the idea. ;)

While it's not the most brilliant film I have ever seen, I will definitely give it props for quite possibly being the best 2 dollar DVD investment I have made to this date. Very intoxicating, and in my mind worth the two hours spent in viewing it. I give it a 8/10.

This film is rated R and runs 119 minutes.

Happy viewing everyone! =)

Revolutionary Road

Themes of happiness, settling, and just other general issues of life come up quite a bit in Sam Mendes' Revolutionary Road. It is a beautiful story of a couple's life set in the almost non-understanding time of the 1950s.

If you are looking for a sweet romantic film, this is most certainly not the film for you. But if you are looking for a realistic portrayal of married life, then you have found exactly what you may be looking for. Revolutionary Road begins with our young couple, Frank and April Wheeler just trying to figure things out. April is performing in an amateur theatre group's play while her husband Frank watches. April is less then thrilled with her work, and really doesn't need her husband to play on this doubt. The two seem perfect to almost everyone around them, but the truth is far from this. They have a heated argument, and we as the audience get a feel for what we have gotten ourselves into.

We are given a few flash back scenes to see how this couple met, how much they were in love, and how many dreams and ambitions the two really had. Unfortunately, their dreams were less then met. They move into a cute little house that Mrs. Helen Givings (played brilliantly well by Kathy Bates) found for them. Frank is working at the same company his father once did, despite how many times he vowed never to turn into his father. And again, this is a very true theme. We quite often fall into the same paths as our parents, even though we so desperately wish for something different. Maybe it is because that is all we really know? Maybe we think that is what we are supposed to do? Whatever the reason, it is more then common.

Frank and April Wheeler continue to have marriage problems, but when April gets the idea that the two should run away to Paris and start all over, things seem to look up for the two. This seems like their perfect way to escape the boring normality that they have found themselves in. As time continues on, things look to be looking up for the young couple. But when an unexpected occurrence happens, the young couple is left with a very real decision to make.

The film poses many interesting questions, like when is it time to give up our dreams of our youth, and accept what life has given us? Never is the answer I like to think of, but then again...? Possibly the decisions of the film come from being afraid of change? I won't go too far into it, as it really is a great film (well, maybe those aren't the best words...but, you get what I mean) to watch.

The lighting is beautiful, especially in one of the last scenes with April and Frank sitting across from each other and having breakfast together. It is a beautiful scene to begin with, but the lighting really adds to it. The cinematography throughout the entire film really is breathtakingly beautiful.

Both Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet give amazing performances. It really is hard to find anything wrong with their choices, both actors were quite dead on. Kate Winslet brings this determination and optimism that is just strikingly brilliant, while Leonardo DiCaprio brings this great sense of doing what must be done. Both are strong, confused, misunderstood, and deep down both just want to be loved.

Michael Shannon also gives a wonderfully brilliant performance as the crazy son of Kathy Bates whom comes to visit the Wheelers one dinner. He may seem on the outside crazy, but the truth is, he is the one who truly understands people the most. The scene where he confronts the couple is hurtfully truthful, and exactly what both of them need to hear.

Overall I think Revolutionary Road is a beautiful look at married life in the 1950s. But even more so, it can be adapted even today. It's a timeless story that we all can relate to. And I'm told the book of the same name is also quite a treat. While this is not a film for everyone, I personally loved it (the Q&A's with the cast, and also the premiere I attended in Westwood probably helped my liking as well). But really, I think this is a truly beautiful film, but then again, I did witness it before most others so I had no idea going in, what I was about to see. I'm just glad it wasn't a Titanic 2, lol ;).

Revolutionary Road has great performances, and beautiful scenery. I give it an 8/10. The film is rated R and runs 119 minutes.

To read this full article, feel free to visit: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1464048/revolutionary_road_pg2.html?cat=40

Happy Viewing Everyone! =)

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Last Monday I was actually lucky enough to get to attend a screening of this delightful filmed followed by a Q&A with Penelope Cruz.

Now first of all I really do love this film. It's a feel good light-hearted tale that allows us all to partake in our own little adventures through this gorgeous art filled place in Spain. I feel all the actors are splendid, the locations are more then gorgeous, and the story is fun and entertaining. The views these two girls have on life and love is more then entertaining. And just the whole feel of the film is very warm and comforting to me.

For a fun adventure through the beautiful Barcelona, I highly recommend Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

And the Q&A with Miss Cruz as more then inspiring. She really is an amazing person, and had some great stories to share about Woody Allen.

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz
Directed By: Woody Allen
Runs 96 minutes

I give it an 8/10.

Happy viewing everyone! =)

The Reader

The Reader is a beautiful tale between two Germans set in the post World War II era. It is essentially the story of Michale and Hannah, two lovers who are destined not be. It's a beautiful simple tale that deals with harsh complicated issues.

After Michael falls head over heels for Hannah, he soon begins to learn that there may be more to her then meets the eye. But he brushes it off, and the two begin a sweet love affair of him reading his favorite books aloud to her. Despite the age difference, the two really are perfect for each other. However, something is bothering Hannah.

As the story progresses, we realize that Hannah had actually taken part in something far more deadly and controversial then we had first believed. And what that is you may be asking? Well, you'll just have to go see the film :).

The Reader is breathtakingly acted by the always amazing Kate Winslet. Her portrayal allows us to follow her, even down her darkest tunnels. Ralph Fiennes is great too as the older Michael Berg. Although it's David Kross who steals most of the scenes as the younger Michael. His optimism and youthfulness is pure poetry on screen.

I highly recommend the Reader to anyone who is looking for something a little deeper and that will actually allow them to think for themselves, and come to their own conclusions about love, life, and right versus wrong.

The Reader stars Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross. Is directed by Stephen Daldry and runs 124 minutes. 8/10.

Frost / Nixon Film Review

I was lucky enough to catch this great film at a free screening with a Q&A one Friday night in November. I did very much want to see this film, however, I must admit that I was way more excited to get a chance to meet the amazingly talented Mr. Michael Sheen. And yes, for those wondering, he did not disappoint. ;)

The story of Frost/Nixon is that of the televised interviews that basically raised David Frost to fame, while leaving Richard Nixon a little less then loved. Although these interviews did not in anyway destroy President Nixon, but they did, however, not allow his return like he planned it when accepting the interview offers. Now, yes, politics aside, this can very much be played out in today’s day and age. But it’s so much more then a political film. It’s a story about these two people’s lives. And whether we agree with them or not, we still can agree that they are in fact very much human beings.

Frank Langella as Nixon is an amazing choice. He brings the humility and power that is very much needed to this role. The scenes of him making the phone call that one night are breathtaking. In turn Michael Sheen is wonderful as the almost playboy if you will, David Frost. His absolute will to earn the funding for his project are inspiring. And while we are never really given that either one of these characters will be the villain for our next two hour trek is even more enlightening. It really is like watching a dance when these two begin to get going. It’s absolutely brilliant to watch in my opinion. And, a little trivia for you all, the phone conversation was actually filmed at the same time with two different cameras set up - this hardly ever happens in Hollywood. Oh, how I love Ron Howard… ;)

I think what equally helped these two lead actors, is also the fact they both had performed the play in London. I think with this, the two were able to know the material so closely that they were able to just let the life breath through each of them.

The supporting cast is outstanding as well. Everyone is great in their roles. You will definitely find yourself becoming quite attached to everyone on the screen.

Is this film Oscar worthy? I think so. While I won’t call it the best picture of the year, it will most definitely be amongst one of my favorites. And I look most forward to owning this DVD when it becomes available.

So, in conclusion, for a great adult drama that will leave you wanting more, I highly recommend this film. It’s a great film to make one think. It’s brilliant to watch these two characters rise and fall throughout their moments on screen.

8/10.

Happy viewing everyone!