Slumdog Millionaire

The production values are top-notch, but that's actually part of the problem. India's slums are glossed with ultra-saturated coloring. The scenes of terrible poverty cannot resonate deeply because the editing is too fast-paced. The film is like an extended music video: mostly flash, and with little character development. The "love conquers all" theme has certainly pleased crowds the world over, but the story rang hollow with me. The soundtrack does little to help -- it is a crass fusion of East and West. But Dev Patel is a beacon of light in the midst of disappointment. He shines in the lead role as a tender-hearted striver. Too bad about the rest.


Written 6/13/09

The Hustler

Paul Newman oozes stylish cool as the impassioned title character. The outstanding jazz soundtrack is a perfect complement to this moody tale. Of course, the film features pool, but even more so than that it starkly presents the dangers of obsessive behavior. Each character experiences a loss related to their insatiable "hunger" -- as Newman's love interest scolds him at one point early in the film: "You're too hungry!" Addiction will always be dangerous, and "The Hustler" delivers this message as a clarion call.


Written 6/11/09

Wendy and Lucy

"Wendy and Lucy" is another slow-burner from Kelly Reichardt. Michelle Williams shines as a sad & introspective vagabond. Her "Wendy" is subtly affecting. This is a film in which it can be argued that nothing actually happens. Equally forceful could be the argument that many things happen, indeed. The screenplay is slight in my opinion, but I still appreciated the subtle nuances in the storytelling and the lovely Pacific Northwest scenery. The slow pacing of "Wendy and Lucy" reminded me very much of Vincent Gallo's "The Brown Bunny" (minus gratuitous fellatio, of course).


Written 6/7/09

Elite Squad

This is incredible. A companion to the incomparable "City of God", this film presents the cops' point of view. The images are at times brutal, and the presentation is unflinching. It is the tale of men who go to war every day and then at the end of a day's work go home. The campaign is in their backyard. Day after day the same battles are waged. Learn what it's really like with this insider's perspective.


Written 6/5/09

The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun

This film's subject, Mr. Vig, is a singular character. His appearance -- full neck beard, strange year-round winter garb, and eyeglasses perpetually hanging off the tip of his nose -- give him a cartoony appeal. His quest to convert an abandoned castle on his land into a monastery lead to clashes between Vig and the Russian nun given charge of the project. The movie drags a bit at times as Vig searches for words to deliver to the camera. He is an isolationist after all, and he doesn't have a loose tongue. The beauty in the story is the maturation over several years of his relationship with the nun. They come to their own understanding, and it's lovely to witness.


Written 5/29/09

JCVD

Jean-Claude shines in an understated performance. Although he is granted a couple opportunities to showcase his trademark physicality, this "self-portrait" reveals a comedic and emotional depth in the actor that is previously unseen. His extended monologue halfway through the film is riveting - it hypnotizes. The storytelling is imaginative, using creative editing techniques to string along the suspense. The supporting cast is alright, but it's really all about JCVD. He does not disappoint.


Written 5/19/09

I've Loved You So Long

This is a slow-burner, but patient viewers will be rewarded. "I've Love You So Long" strikes a fine balance between the sombre tone necessitated by the subject matter and refreshing, unexpected moments of joy. Kristin Scott Thomas' performance is a heavy weight for viewers to bear, but viewers should commit to sharing her journey. At the end you will likely conclude that the painstaking construction of her lead character is a nuanced success.


Written 5/14/09