fbombmoviereview

Margin Call Teaser

Everyone was affected by the “Mortgage Crisis”. In some way or another that crisis shaped who we are and our country is today. Whether you lost your home or struggle to make ends meet. Their was a day in 2008 that shaped that moment.

In a 24 hour period an investment bank shapes the market for years to come. When a young risk management member finds a major problem in their investments. This discovery snowballs a reaction that brings in the all the heavy hitters. Their decision to liquidate. Changes the entire market.

This film by a first time director JC Chandor. Is the film Oliver Stone wish he made. The cast is star studded. But, no one steps on one another’s toes. Brilliantly acted and directed. And very enlightening in regards to our current economic woes. Go see this film it is a total

True Grit Trailer
The Coen brothers are at it again. Although I may not be a fan of “Westerns”. I am a fan of The Coen brothers. This film is some hybrid of “No country for old men” and “O Brother, Where art thou”. A brilliant adaptation of Charles Portis’s novel of the same name. The film keeps you engaged in both laughter and suspense.

When a man is gunned down in cold blood. And the killer flees. The daughter of the slain man. Will not let the perpetrator go unpunished. Mattie Ross’s (Hailee Steinfeld) father is murdered. She sees to it that Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) is brought to justice for his crime. Mattie hires U.S Marshall Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down her father’s assailant through Indian country. Meanwhile Texas Ranger LaBeouf (Matt Damon) is also pursuing Tom Chaney for a crime committed in Texas. LaBeouf and Cogburn team up to find Chaney. And try to to leave Mattie behind. But, Mattie’s silver tongue and persistence provides her the means to tag along. The Indian country is no place for a little girl or two unlikely partners (Rooster and LaBeouf). So, the on again off again duo fumble their way to bring Chaney to justice.

This film is hilarious and exhilarating. The writing of the Coen brothers is masterful. The acting by both Jeff Bridges and young talent Hailee Steinfeld is exquisite. I would say run out and see this film.

The Fighter Trailer

Whether it was Hearns vs Hagler. Sugar Ray vs Duran. Or for me it was Ward vs Gatti. The battle between these two was legendary. And allowed fight fans to witness what the sweet science is all about. Not the tainted decisions that ruined boxing as a legit sport. And with this film. You get the opportunity to witness the dysfunction of one of the toughest fighters to date. “Irish” Mickey Ward.

Mickey was a street paver by trade. A student of the “sweet science” by birth. The younger brother of Dicky Eklund. Whose claim to fame was having knocked down Sugar Ray Leonard in a 1978 fight. Dicky battles crack addiction while trying to train Mickey. Mickey and Dicky’s mother is Mickey’s manager. And like most families. This is the most dysfunctional environment for anyone with a dream. Having lost several fights. Mickey is about to give up his dream. When Dicky is arrested and jailed for several months. Mickey finds the guidance he needs to get his fight career back on track. But, Mickey knows he needs to have his brother Dicky in his corner.

This film is one of the best films of the year. Christian Bale’s portrayal of crack addicted Dicky Eklund is a Oscar worthy performance. Mark Wahlberg’s performance is on par with Christian. This film is not just for fight fans. It is for fans of life changing chances. I give this a body shot

The Town Trailer

Well, well, well. Finally a Ben Affleck film I approve of. The key to a good Affleck film. Is he has to play his native Bostonian self. “Good will hunting” and now “The Town”. Both top notch films.

Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) a native to the blue collar town of Charlestown. And the mastermind behind the family business of bank robbery. Doug and his short fused partner James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner) are the best at what they do. But, like all good things. It must come to an end. When taking down a local bank. They mistakenly take a hostage. Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) is a bank employee the gang takes hostage. After letting her go. James fears that she will give them up to the feds. James thoughts are to kill her. But, Doug wants to follow her and she is going to talk. Doug eventually makes contact with Claire. And from her a love affair blossoms. As Doug finds himself falling for Claire. He desperately wants to get out of the business. With the feds watching the gang like a hawk. Doug and crew are forced to do one last job.

I have to admit this film was well done. It is certainly a cross between “Heat” and “The Departed”. Though Affleck’s direction is not quite like Michael Mann (Heat) or Martin Scorcese The Departed). He did a great job. This is a film worth seeing. Hell, I may go see it again.

The Tillman Story Trailer
Very few films spark my interest months in advance. Last year when Sundance announced they will be screening a film about Pat Tillman in the 2010 Sundance film fest. I was hoping and praying I was able to get into one of the screenings. But, no such luck. I had to wait. And wait I did. Now the film is in limited release in San Francisco. So, I had to go the first night.

This documentary by Amir Bar-Lev tackles a very difficult issue on many levels. Fratricide is a latin word meaning “to kill brother”. In the military we call it “blue on blue”. Commonly referred to as “friendly fire”. There is nothing glamorous or heroic about such an act. No one is able to escape the pain of “Blue on blue”. Whether you pulled the trigger or you are the family of the victim. It is a sad but, true occurrence of war. But, nothing hurts more than when the government you are fighting for hides the truth from everyone. And that is exactly what the “Bush” administration did to the Tillman family.

As many know Pat was a professional football player. And after the tragedy of 9/11. He felt compelled to put that on hold. To do what he felt was right. He joined the U.S Army to become a Ranger and help the government fight a war on terrorism. Pat refused to do media interviews. And refused a military burial if he was killed while serving. Pat’s fear of the government using him as a PR pawn. Unfortunately came true. While in Afghanistan. Pat’s Ranger platoon was told to split into two serials. One would move forward to the objective. The other was to escort a broken down HumVee back to another village. (Which in my opinion and proper procedure is a no-go.) Somewhere along the way serial 2 turned around and tried to link back up with serial 1(Pat’s serial). Once serial 1 reached their objective. They heard mortar rounds and a fire fight behind their location. Serial 1 knew it had to be serial 2 caught in a fire fight. So, Pat grabbed his fire team and headed up the mountain to get a better vantage point. What happened next was what all soldiers fear. “The fog of war” getting shot at by your own team. And this is where Pat’s life was taken.

Although everyone there knew that this was a fratricide. They were told not to say a word. And what the government did from this point is beyond words. This documentary examines the life of Pat and his family’s struggle to expose the truth.

Very few people in my opinion should be labeled a hero. But, Pat Tillman is one who is deserving of such a label. I highly recommend this to everyone. This is not about “Right-wing” or “left-wing”. It is about what is right and true. And if it is a painful truth. All need to be told so. This is a

(Rare) Apocalypse Now trailer

This is one of my top 5 films of all-time. I could watch this film over and over again. And still feel like I missed something. I am not sure why it resonates with me. Perhaps having a Father who served in Vietnam. Or it could be it questions our belief in God or God like figures. Anyway you slice it. The Film is brilliant. Francis Ford Coppola’s labor of love. Based upon Joesph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness”.

Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) is tasked with the mission to head up river and assassinate a “God” like Green Beret. Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) has questioned the intent of the war. Defecting and creating his own tribe of warriors. Colonel Kurtz is wanted for war crimes. As Capt Willard makes his way up river. You are introduced to a cast of characters. One such character Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore (Robert Duvall) is the Officer in charge of 1st of the 7th Cav. A rag-tag group of veteran soldiers who fly in on helicopters and destroy their target. But, these soldiers enjoy their missions and their surfing. “Charlie don’t surf” proclaims LC Bill Kilgore. But in desperate need to get his mission accomplished. Capt Willard needs the Cav to get his boat into a dangerous area up river. The mission and this film is amazing.

I know I am not the only fan of this film. Based upon Anthony Bourdain’s references to this film. I would have to say he loves equally. This a must see film for all. But especially filmmakers. This filmed revolutionized the way films are made and watched. This gets the biggest

I knew nothing of this film. When I received a email from the Sundance Institute. Stating a surprise Documentary to be screened at Sundance. I jumped at the opportunity. And what I discovered was brilliant.

Sundance announced the surprise documentary was to be “Exit through the gift shop”. Now I still knew nothing at this point. Then I overheard many conversations about this Bansky fellow. So, I felt the need to find out a bit. Not too much. Wanted to go into this feeling surprised. And I was.

The documentary starts off with Terry Guetta a France native living in L.A. Terry filmed everything. I mean everything. Then on a trip back to France he followed his cousin “Invader” a well known street artist. Terry found the rush of street art addicting. So, once back in L.A. Terry filmed another famous street artist Shepard Fairey. Now Terry was now looking to film the greatest street artist ever. Banksy! After Banksy and Terry finally met. Their friendship blossomed. Allowing Terry to film the mysterious Banksy. As the film progresses Terry’s film making  subsides. And he has the “Bug” to become a street artist himself. Now as Banksy turns the camera on Terry. The film changes direction and reveals some interesting facts and faults.

I will leave the storyline there. I wouldn’t want to give away the whole documentary. The artwork and the story is engaging. The documentary is thought provoking and honest. A must see for all.

Food, Inc Trailer
With the tagline “you will never look at dinner the same again.” I must completely agree! This not an eye opening film about our food industry. It also opens our eyes to how our Government is willing to turn a blind eye. I personally have strong views on America’s diet. This documentary only enlightens me more to why America is obese. Certainly we all blame McDonalds. But, watching this you will know why. Having Eric Schlosser author of “Fast Food Nation” Narrate. Only helps director Robert Kenner get his point across. This documentary is a must see. Hopefully you will all rent this. And perhaps by doing so. Make a change in our food industry. Make going “Green” a lifestyle.

Lars and the Real Girl Trailer
This fresh and at times uncomfortable take on coping with a loss. Is worth every uneasy scene. This Academy award nominee for best screenplay. Leaves you wondering who actually won that year. Lars is a quiet, withdrawn man. He resides in his family’s garage. His only interaction with the outside world. Is via church and work. Until he orders himself a “Real Doll”. At first the community is taken back by such an awkward act. But, the community begins to see the reasoning behind it. And embraces the idea. This film is brilliantly written. Ryan Gosling knocks this out of the park. As uncomfortable it is at the beginning. The end will leave with no doubt as to why you watched it. I give this a F-YA!

Chopper Trailer

This is by far one of my favorite films! Based upon Marc “Chopper” Read’s autobiographical book “From the inside”. This tale of a gangster/jailhouse legend turned Police “street cleaner”. Chopper (Eric Bana) will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Even if that means cutting off his own ears. Fuck Van Gogh! This movie will grab you from the opening moments. Though at times it may be a bit graphic for some. It is necessary to illustrate the shear craziness of the character. The real Marc Read aka “chopper” has gone on to sell millions of books. And has now become some sort of “Rock Star” in Australia. You have to see this film. Remember this is based upon a autobiographical book. Truth can be stranger than fiction. I give this a ear shattering F-YA!!!!!

The Real \”Chopper\”