fbombmoviereview

Precious Trailer

I have watched some depressing films. But, this may take the cake. I couldn’t bring myself to cry. The only emotion that kept creeping up on me was ANGER.

Precious (Gabourey Sibide) an overweight, illiterate Harlem teen. Pregnant with her second child. Finds herself expelled from school. An opportunity for her to attend a secondary school is offered to her. Mary (Mo’Nique) Precious’ mother refuses to let her daughter go. For fear they will take away her welfare. Precious goes anyway. Finding the strength she needs at this school and the inspiration in her teacher Miss Rain (Paula Patton). Precious decides to come clean with the welfare department. Explaining to them the abuse endured by the hands of her mother. She also reveals the father of her children is her own father. You raped her.

The film is brilliant. The direction and acting is amazing. However, I could never recommend someone to watch this. It is too depressing. I am not sure if this based on some sort of reality. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t. I give this a very cautious

Crazy Heart Trailer
“The Dude” is now “Bad”. Bad Blake that is. Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) is a washed up country singer. Sent out on the road by his manager. Bad is playing every low end juke joint and roadhouse in the South. And like every country cliche. It is all whiskey, women and song. Bad finds himself falling in love with a local Santa Fe reporter. Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal) a single mother knows nothing good could come from loving a four time loser at marriage. But, despite that feeling. Jean gives Bad the benefit of the doubt. Well, like most old country songs. It is never upbeat.

The acting by all cast and characters is great. Jeff Bridges steals the show. The film is real and gritty. The troubles Bad endures. We as an audience can relate to. This is one of the best films of 2009. It deserves any award it wins. I give this film a sobering

(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

Up in the Air Trailer

In our country’s current situation. A film about a corporate “Ax” man. May not play so well. However, this film couldn’t do wrong. A film like this is exactly why I enjoy films. Things can be crashing all around us. Yet, we escape to a movie. In hopes of finding such escape. But, we are confronted with reality. You can’t avoid it. Even flying “Up in the Air”.

One of the best written films of the year. Jason Reitman (Juno & Thank you for not smoking) takes us on a sad, lonely journey. We follow Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) as his job takes him to countless destinations. From city to city. Company to company. Ryan breaks the sad and depressing news to employees on their current “Transition” out of the company. Traveling 350,000 miles a year. Ryan doesn’t have true relationships. Unless friendships come with a frequent flyer card.

This film is a wonderful look at our lives, relationships and the lack thereof. This is only the second film of 2009 that I feel is deserving of an Oscar. So, fly out the door and see this film.

Invictus Trailer
Flying home from Ireland I found myself engaged in a 4 hour rugby marathon. I know very little of this sport. But, watching it makes one feel part of the action. You feel the hits. You wince upon contact. You become one with the team.

Having not grown up in a time of segregation. I can only imagine the hatred minorities had towards the majority. But when the minority controls the majority. Hatred is far greater. That is the table Nelson Mandela sat at. When he was elected as President of South Africa.

This true story of rugby and politics gives you great insight into both rugby and politics. And a great look at humanity. Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of President Nelson Mandela is spot on. Matt Damon’s transformation and dedication to his part is inspiring. Although this may not be Clint Eastwood’s best work. It is worth seeing. I say get taped up, strap on your cleats and hit he theater seats for a amazing true story of hope and inspiration!

The Blind side Trailer

Seeing as how I don’t follow football. I never heard of Michael Oher. Despite my lack of gridiron knowledge. This film will enlighten you. The story of an under educated young man. Homeless and completely lost in his struggles. “Big” Mike finds himself in a  Christian prep school. Still wandering the streets washing his only change of clothes in a sink. “Big” Mike is befriended by a high class christian family. With a head strong, passionate mother. Played by Sandra Bullock. Such passion lends to Mike becoming part of the family. With hard work, and Mike’s protective skills. He earns a scholarship to his surrogates alma mater Ole’ Miss.

Now I can honestly say. I may watch a Baltimore Ravens game. Just to see Michael Oher play football. I must say this is a holiday feel good movie. Although there is talk of Sandra Bullock and Oscar glory. Her acting is good. But not that good. I say go and see this film. It is good on all levels. Even Tim McGraw is good. So, go  check it out!

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.

District 9 Trailer

If you are expecting an action packed Alien invasion movie than you will be disappointed, but if you are in the mood for an emotional journey and a well done film than this is the movie for you.  This film definitely has some hidden messages; it shows the evil that humans are capable of when they are faced with the fear of the unknown.  The Aliens are portrayed as creatures with feelings who have found themselves stuck in an unfriendly world and are trying desperately to get back home. I thought it was done very well.

Julie & Julia

I really enjoyed watching this film.  Amy Adam’s character is a great depiction of the average 30 something stuck in a dead end job, who just wants to find some meaning in her drab existence. The transition of modern day to the 50’s was done very well; you become truly engrossed in both of the lead characters stories and both characters are relatable. Amy Adam’s does not get out shined in this film, which is a tough feet when your co-star is the magnificent Meryl Streep.

The Hurt Locker Trailer
Hooha, hoorah, hooplah who cares what the actual saying is… a truely marginal filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow(K-19 The WidowMaker)accidentally made a great film! It grips you with scene one and doesn’t let up until the credits roll. What interests and surprises me about this military picture is that it continually operates in the moment. The story brings just enough exposition and character development to keep your fists pumping for our maverick lead and his 2 man wolf pack to cross their next point of no return. It’s refreshing not to be bludgeoned with anti war or god bless america propaganda. With it’s get busy living or get busy dying attitude, I reckon a good thing won’t die. Hopefully, audiences will get a chance to watch The Hurt Locker with a wider release after the Academy Awards… and yes
F-Ya