by Sandy | Aug 9, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Movies
Denzel. He is a “single name” person – like Cher, Madonna, Fidel. I must admit I’m supremely biased – I think Mr. Washington is fabulous. Just watch him walk! I saw him Off Broadway in the 80’s in a great piece called “A Soldier’s Play”, written by Charles Fuller. It was just after he left the TV series “St. Elsewhere” and before his award winning performance in ‘Glory” – you could tell he was the real deal.
He is one of the best actors of his generation. When he gets a good script (and even sometimes when he doesn’t) he is wonderful and his performance in “American Gangster” is no exception.
Written by Steve Zaillian and directed by Ridley Scott, with a group of excellent actors – Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Josh Brolin and the legendary Ruby Dee – this movie is based on a true story. It follows a NYC drug dealer, Frank Lucas, (Washington), and the cop that is obsessed/committed to taking him down, (Crowe).
Regardless of his personal issues, (he and that model seem to have a penchant for throwing phones?) Crowe is terrific as the gangster’s arch enemy. His determined lawman assembles a mini task force in response to the drug explosion that happened in 70’s NYC. This evil became widespread and brought both desperation and devastation to the communities where it thrived and huge amounts of money to those who sold it. A dangerous and toxic combination – those addicted wouldn’t give it up, those that became rich, refused to.
Engrossing film. Drug dealing is not glorified thank goodness, but, you get a chance to see how some think that the havoc that they wreak on their fellow man is not only ok, but, entrepreneurial – the American way.
Scary.
by Bob Martin | Jun 16, 2009 | Actors, Art, Film, Movies
Have you ever noticed that people become irritated when other people are happy. For some reason people take it personally, like they are being ridiculed, if other people are happy seemingly for no reason. I had a chance to see the film “Happy Go Lucky
” last week. It’s a funny little film and insightful. It certainly had me rethink my attitude. Having me be more conscious of sometimes raining on others parade.
The movie stars Sally Hawkins as Pauline “Poppy” Cross, a young lady committed to seeing the world in its best possible light. On DVD, good rental 😆
by Bob Martin | Jun 7, 2009 | Art, Film, Movies
Knowing how the story ends does not take away anything from watching the story being told, because it so incredible that maybe, just maybe it really didn’t happen. “Man on Wire” is an unforgettable documentary that speaks to commitment, dreams, love and accomplishing the impossible.
As I watched this movie I kept shaking my head, certain that I lacked both the courage and the insanity attempt something like walking on a wire between the World Trade Center Twin Towers, however each of us comes face to face with our own wire act. The film served as both entertainment and a metaphor for the challanges we face each day that look impossible when we wake and are accomplished before we go to sleep that night.
The film is on DVD and a must see.
by Bob Martin | Jun 6, 2009 | Actors, Art, Film, Movies
Horror, Vampire and Super Hero films are not my thing, but I was totally taken in by “Let the Right One In”. Everthing about this film was different. In stead of frightening, or over the top special effects there is reason,
committment and love. But more importantly there is survival. If you are intriqued by gore and blood there is plenty of that, but it’s different. It is on DVD, see it with the sub-title. Delightful little film even if you don’t like Vampires.
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by Bob Martin | Jun 5, 2009 | Actors, Art, Directors, Film, Movies
Scarlett Johansson and Woody Allen
This 2008 Woody Allen film has all the charm and wit of his older films. Allen had a remarkable run from the early 1980 up until 1999, after which the films that followed did not seem to have the same magic. In Vicky Cristina, Allen makes fun of Americans, plays with our recklessness and the unreasonableness of being in love. For me the magic is back.
by Sandy | May 17, 2009 | Arts, Entertainment and Music, Blogroll, Film, Movies
There has been a lot of bad news in the last few months. In reaction, there seems to be a collective sphincter tightening around the country, whether it’s for real or imaginary reasons. Life is one long running, continuous advent calendar. Each day, you lift a flap and there is that day’s “gift”. Another disaster, another tale of horror – yech!
However, there is a silver lining to all this. “Out of chaos there is opportunity”. People are going to the movies this year in droves – escapist, romantic comedies, 3D!, doesn’t matter. Hollywood is having a great recession. DVDs are also experiencing an uptick. Swine flu outbreaks and lost jobs = “lets rent a movie!”. I get it.
I try to combat all the toxic images/stories that bombard me all day by finding something to smile about. A movie works for me too. I enjoy light fluffy, Fred and Ginger movies – “The Gay Divorcee”, “Swing Time”, “Top Hat”. (These little musical romances supported the spirits of the folks who lived thru the depression we labeled “Great”.)
Other favorites, “Some Like It Hot” 1959– Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and “Singin’ In the Rain” 1952– Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds. Everyone remembers the Gene Kelly singing/splashing in the rain scene, but my favorite is Donald O’Connor tap dancing his way up a wall. Saw this movie the first time at Radio City Music Hall when I was a kid and I couldn’t believe it. I was delighted, couldn’t figure out how he did it, etc. I was impressed then, and I still am. Love it. (Interesting that they take place in the same time period– 20’s to 30’s.)
Of course you can find more current funny movies/ DVDs (Monty Python!) out there. Regardless of what you choose to watch – the intent is to raise the mood so that hopefully the glass looks half full, instead of half empty.
Hooray for Hollywood!
