Best Man

"Best Man" is not as revelatory as the first installment, "Best Boy", but still a pleasure to watch. The subject - Philly - has matured into a lovely man. When he answers any question affirmatively, he responds with a quick and forceful "Yeah!". This mannerism lights me up every time. Philly's life has become independent and things are in good order. But his filmmaker cousin Ira needs to not wear his pants so high! They're riding too high, Ira -- take a cue from today's youth and drop 'em down a bit! You'll thank me later.


Written 8/1/09

Brother's Keeper

The trio of Ward brothers are a curious bunch. They may or may not be telling the truth - as elderly men, they act and speak like children, and are not grounded in an understanding of societal mores. The film triggers mixed emotions. Sympathy, certainly. Disgust. Disbelief. Joy. "Brother's Keeper" is a singular tale worthy of viewing.


Written 7/14/09

Children of Heaven

"Children of Heaven" would be a simple trifle of a film if not for the brilliance of the child actors. They elevate the work through their sensitivity and depth of emotion. Like other reviewers, I agree that the ending of the film is thoroughly unsatisfying. The director strives for poetry when he ought to have opted for crowd-pleasing. No one wants to see lovely children suffer and suffer, with no ultimate respite displayed! Nonetheless, this is a charming family tale worth savoring.


Written 6/30/09

Miller's Crossing

An early gem from the Coen brothers. The cast is brilliant, singular. Period costuming hits the mark, also. The camerawork is elegant and understated. Gabriel Byrne's lead character is a curious individual to construct a film around - a gangster hero with no heart. At the least, Miller's Crossing is "a handsome movie about men and hats" (Ethan Coen).


Written 6/21/09

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

The drugs don't work. The drugs don't work. The drugs don't work. The drugs don't work. The drugs don't work. The drugs don't work.


Written 10/6/08

Crumb

An illuminating documentary, "Crumb" probes the origins and life of comics artist Robert Crumb circa the early 1990's. His two brothers and his mother are filmed. Each is broken in a different way. The viewer can immediately perceive why Crumb decided to retreat from them and find sanctuary in his own cherished reality of sketchbooks, early blues records, and admiration for full-figured women. Crumb is a unique man not opposed to drawing the occasional brutality or perversion into his art. But amidst the chaos of his mind emerges a singular artist who possesses a unique vision and admirable devotion to his craft.


An aside: my wife and I watched this the night before she went into labor. Afterward I felt bad about subjecting her to viewing "Crumb" - I had forgotten how heavy the subject matter was. As a word of advice to future fathers: when your partner's due date is near it's probably safest to stick to rom-coms. 

Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse

I always enjoy documentary films that show the "story behind the story", particularly when epic films are involved. "Heart of Darkness" was largely compiled by Coppola's wife Eleanor. It captures her husband hard at work on "Apocalypse Now". I don't have a lot of sympathy for director Francis Ford Coppola here; I think he is to blame for most of the problems he encounters. But it's certainly interesting to observe his ongoing struggle to discover new ways to tell his story. If you enjoy this documentary, it is absolutely essential that you view "Burden of Dreams", a profile of director Werner Herzog making a similarly epic movie.


Written 4/7/08

The Dinner Game

An enjoyable trifle of a movie that offers a bit of social commentary but remains light and engaging throughout.


Written 4/7/08

Buena Vista Social Club

The music presented here is wonderful, but the finished film looks cheap and hastily-thrown together. I expected more artistry from a director - Wim Wenders - who receives such wide acclaim. Unfortunately, not much innovation comes from his end. My favorable rating is strictly based on the brilliant songs and musicians. It's worth noting that after watching this documentary, Ibrahim Ferrer will be your new favorite person for at least a week - he is a joy to behold.


Written 5/14/07