Archive for the ‘Drama’ Category

Act of Valor

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

Act of Valor Trailer

SEALs. The legendary Naval special warfare operators. Having served in a legendary Army unit. I have much respect for all service men and women. Their sacrifice is always remembered. In this film it highlights the sacrifices made by these men.

When I heard this film was being made. I had mixed emotions. On one hand I was very interested in seeing actual SEAL operators play themselves. Not some “Hollywood” type pretending to know how to “Clear” a room. But, on the other hand. I was afraid this would be used as a recruitment tool for the Navy. Leading this “Video game” generation on. Thinking that being a SEAL is a glamorous life. Personally knowing a couple SEALs. It is not the case. The selection process will break most men. Who are in great shape. Let alone 18 year old kids that play video games. But, after watching the film. I believe that the directors did a great job. Both with the portrayal of the SEALs and the hardships service men and women. To include families. The sacrifices that they endure. It is not a glamorous lifestyle. It is hardship only the dedicated shall pursue.

The film takes place in multiple locations. From the US to Africa. The SEALs are tasked with taking down a terrorist cell. Who’s actions will take down numerous cities in the US. Following the SEALs on their missions. You as the viewer get the insight of some of their techniques and maneuvers. I emphasize “some”.

This movie is an amazing insight into “Special Warfare”. It also will leave you in an emotional place. Because life is not always fun. You will have to embrace the sadness too. I give this film a

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

Benavides Born

Saturday, January 29th, 2011


Benavides Born Clip

Powerlifting. Love it! This film may touch upon the subject. But, it gives you a taste of the sport. But, the film displays a great struggle to get out of the hole. No. Not the hole of a back squat. But, the hole of a dead end town.

Luz (Corina Calderon) is a high school powerlifter in a south Texas town. Where drugs and border crossing is the way of life. No jobs and little resources. Luz’s dream of getting into University of Texas will be tested. Choosing both good and bad. Luz struggles to make her dreams come true.

Amy Wendel’s portrayal of a small border town in Texas is worthwhile. Corina’s acting is spot on. The only downfall of the film. Is content. There is way too much underlying subject matter that is brushed off. But, none the less. The film hits its mark. I will give this a

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

The Future

Saturday, January 29th, 2011

While we all question relationships. We never know what the future holds. It may be over tomorrow or last for our lives. And how we perceive things is not really what it is. This film explores a relationship in a unique and humorous way.

Sophie (Miranda July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) are a thirty something couple. The recent discovery of a injured cat. Leads them down the road of adoption and a self reflective look at their lives.

Director and actor Miranda July’s vision is brought to life in a beautiful, witty film. Narrated by a cat. This film leaves you laughing and puzzled. Although this film may be lost on some. It is a fresh take on relationships. I say

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

Gun Hill Rd

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Many films touch on such content. Most that do make the issue humorous. But, not this film. The emotions and imagery are real. The struggle for transformation is captured in a cruel and beautiful light.

When Enrique (Esai Morales) is released from prison. He returns home to a life he does not know. His son Michael (Harmony Santana) is going through a transformation. From man to woman. Enrique’s wife Angela (Judy Reyes) was having an affair. While Enrique was away. As the family struggles to keep it together. And each other deal with the transformations in their lives. They slowly find who they are and what is most important.

This is a powerful subject. And brilliantly brought to life. Director Rashaad Ernesto Green’s talent was fully explored in this film. The actor’s emotion was fully realized on screen. And new comer Harmony Santana will captivate you with her transformation. This is a film that can cross color and sexual lines. And bring out the emotion we all have for family. I give this a

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

I melt with you

Thursday, January 27th, 2011


I MELT WITH YOU TRAILER

Holy shit. I think I am hungover. The Hunter S Thompson “Gonzo” style of drugs and alcohol consumed in this film. Is beyond human consumption. But, one hell of a good time.

When four childhood friends reunite for a week in Big Sur. And avoid all things real in their lives. Fueled with cocaine, a plethora of prescription drugs. And not to mention enough booze to rival any Frat house. As the week progresses and the partying takes hold. Life as they know it changes. One wrong thing after another and a 25 year old pact changes the dynamic and lives of everyone.

The film is a loud and harsh look at life. The soundtrack and images leave you in a haze. It is beautifully acted and well directed. And having been shot in only 18 days. This film is a testament of actors and director hunger for a powerful film. I give it a drug induced

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

Here

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

I am not quite sure what to say. I usually have some sort of emotion after watching a film. But, not in this case. The acting was good. And the scenery was amazing. But, the rest was lost somewhere. And it certainly wasn’t here.

Will Shepard (Ben Foster) an American map maker. Is on assignment in Armenia. In a local diner Will strikes up a conversation with a young woman. Gadarine (Lubna Azabal) is local woman with a talent at photography. After parting ways that morning. They meet again at a social gathering. When Will is sent to another part of the country. Garadine tags along. And so the love story begins.

I understand where director Braden King was going with this film. But, it moved to slow. It also didn’t develop the characters enough. And it relied to heavily on visual rather than dialogue and content. I would have to give this film a

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

Margin Call

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011


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

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

Perfect sense

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011


Perfect sense trailer
Once in our lives. We all were asked. “If you were to lose a sense. What sense would it be?” Sight, hearing, touch, taste or perhaps smell. Well in this film you will get to explore losing more.

Michael (Ewan MacGregor) is a chef in a local Glasgow Scotland restaurant. His attachment to women. Usually last till he needs sleep. Susan (Eva Green) is a epidemiologist who has the worst luck in relationships. When the two meet in the alley shared by his restaurant and her apartment. They find something they have been looking for. Love! With a sudden loss of smell spreading the world. Susan tries to figure out why. But, it eventually affects everyone. As the world adapts to their new way of living. They are affected once again by the loss of taste. As everyone continues to adjust. Their senses are systematically destroyed.

This film is brilliantly directed by David Mackenzie. The film pulls you in and provides you with experience like no other. It gives you the opportunity to feel the loss of your senses. I give this film a

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

Take Shelter

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011


Take shelter info

I am sure we all have panicked in our lives. Or felt the anxiety a bit overwhelming. Well this film will take that feeling to a new level. And expose it.

Curtis (Michael Shannon) is a hard working family man. Dedicated to keeping his young hearing challenged daughter safe. Curtis and his wife Samantha (Jessica Chastain) and his daughter reside in a rural town in Ohio. Struggling like most Americans to make ends meet. Curtis finds himself obsessed with building a shelter. Compounded by nightmares and intuition. Curtis finds himself battling not only his peers. But, a family affliction. Paranoid schizophrenia.

Director Jeff Nichols takes you on a ride you are sure never to forget. Allow the film portrays a fear to a apocalyptic type storm. The underlying issue is something we all relate to. Family needs and the shelter we take in them to feel safe. Whether struggling with unemployment, overwhelming debt or medical issues. We all fear the worse and bury ourselves in a shelter. I give this film a

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark

True Grit

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010


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.

  • Google Reader
  • Share/Bookmark