A Summer in Genoa (Genova)

Directed (and co-wrote screenplay) by Michael Winterbottom, Revolution Films, 2008. Starring Colin Firth, Catherine Keener, Perla Haney-Jardine,  Willa Holland and Hope Davis.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Question: What haunts you? Keeps you up at night? Or wakes you up in a cold sweat? Makes you see things that aren't really there? Forces you to take paths you have no idea where they lead? What if you were 9 years-old; how would you handle all that haunts you?

I just finished another movie on Netflix instant play: A Summer in Genoa and I almost don't know how to write this review. The movie didn't have a lot to say but then again it said so much, in such a subtle way, that I don't think most will like this film. However, I enjoyed it. And, of course, I will tell you why. One word: real.

Everything in this film was real: the acting, which it didn't seem like anyone was acting actually. It was just so natural. Plus, you feel like you are right there in the story. Sure it jumps from scene to scene but you catch up with no problem because of the effortless way everyone, including the children in the film, performed. There was not one iota of "acting" that I could witness. No blocking, no overly rehearsed speeches, or forced responses. It almost gave me shivers. Another thing that I kept noticing because it is something I always look for: how it is filmed - the cinematography. As I said, you felt like you were right there and the way it was shot you could almost smell the Italian air.

The story appeared so genuine that you didn't question the one thing that couldn't be real. (No, I am not going to tell you what that is.) I mean nothing seemed too out of there; nothing really out of the ordinary, besides one small detail; and I have no idea how a producer read the script and said, 'Oh this story is so brilliantly real! It must be made!" In fact, I have a feeling the script was a very boring read so that is why this was independently produced.

A Summer in Genoa stars Colin Firth, who is a father to two daughters and he moves them to Italy after a family tragedy. Was it the best idea? Uprooting the girls and going to a foreign country for a year, would that help them process what haunts them? Well, you will just have to see for yourself.  In fact, you have to watch the youngest girl, Mary, (played by Perla Haney-Jardine), to fully understand the story. She was fantastic in this role and it was not an easy role to play eloquently but she did.

Above, the genre states it is a drama and a romance. I am not quite sure I would call it a romance though. However, drama is pretty much spot on, but mix in a little mystery, and I think that would describe this movie better. I know I am remaining vague with this review but there is little to tell about the story without giving much away. This is a movie you need to think about; it does not give you all the answers and you must be willing to contemplate what can truly haunt a person and how they process it.

My favorite thing: As I said, how real, authentic everything was portrayed.

My least favorite: It was slow, and I have watched so many movies that I kept guessing at things and ended up being wrong...okay, maybe I kinda of liked that too.

Rating: R
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Click on poster to watch film instantly:

Red

Directed by Tryvge Allister Diesen, Billy Goat Pictures, 2008. Starring Brian Cox, Tom Sizemore,  Kyle Ganner and Amanda Plummer.

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Question: Are you woken up by your four legged friend? Their face is right in your face sniffing, licking and begging you to get up. No matter how much of a morning person you are not, it gives you the biggest smile every time, right? That is exactly the opening scene in the movie Red (not to be confused with Red starring Bruce Willis). I was grinning from ear to ear because I have two dogs that wake me up that way. And let me tell you, I am NOT a morning person but smile every time this happens - even it is 6:00am.

So you are an animal lover. I got that. Now what would you do if someone killed your beloved animal right in front of you? I can tell you exactly what I would do but the police might come and put me in jail just for thinking it (What? I've seen Minority Report). Anyway, that was the impetus for what happens over the next 90 minutes or so in Red.

Now if you have followed my reviews for a while now, you know I have favorite actors that I hunt down and find what they are in. About six months ago I discovered Brian Cox in two independent movies (The Good Heart and The Escapist) and really enjoyed his performances in them. Last night when I went on Netflix the site suggested a movie with Tom Sizemore since I had just watched one of his a few nights ago (The Last Lullaby). It was Red and I noticed it starred Brian Cox. I hit play immediately! I started smiling at the sight of the dog and his owner, however, within a few minutes I was bawling like a baby.

I really try to not spoil any story for you on any film, but this story is about what one man does when teenagers shoot and kill his dog for no reason. This all happens within the first few minutes of the story, hence why I was crying. With that said, I am not going to tell you any more details about the story. The rest of Red chronicles the path of the man and what he simply wants from the teenage boys. Unfortunately, it spirals completely out of control.

I will admit this was not my favorite movie of Mr. Cox although he was fantastic in it. Plus, there was one scene, a monologue he gives, where you witness brilliance. It was obvious to me that he was a classically trained theatre actor but then again I studied theatre in college. However, in this particular scene you will be in awe. I was. See this movie for that performance alone.

As for the rest of the film it was a bit slow but it kept my interest. Everyone else performed admirably, although I had a feeling Mr. Sizemore wasn't at his best, health-wise, while making this film. You will recognize a lot of the actors in this movie but Brian Cox is the one to watch.

Red

My favorite part: Well, that should be obvious.

My least favorite: That should be obvious, as well.

Rating: R
Length: 93 minutes

Rating: 5 out of 10

Click on film poster to watch instantly:

The Last Lullaby

Directed by Jeffrey Goodman, Challiot Films, 2008. Starring Tom Sizemore, Sasha Alexander, Sprague Grayden and Bill Smitrovich.

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Question: Do you ever pay attention to the private lives of actors? I really try not to but once in awhile I catch something on TV or on the magazine news stand and it sticks with me. Part of my gift for remembering details of movies, for some reason, is also retaining information that has nothing to do with a movie but about the actors themselves. I hate it so I try to avoid the tabloids, gossip mongers or such as much as possible but some facts just slip through.

Case in point: A while back I saw the actor, Tom Sizemore, became a drug addict, with meth I believe, and it ruined his career for awhile. That was such a shame because there are a few of his movies that are some of my favorites or movies in which I truly enjoyed watching him in it. First one was Heart and Souls - a sappy/goofy chick-flick movie. It starred Robert Downey Jr. (another one whose career I have followed and enjoyed but who also had the demon of drugs and alcohol on his back). Anyway, Tom Sizemore was great in that movie but he was also great in Saving Private Ryan, True Romance, Natural Born Killers, and Black Hawk Down, etc... Sorry, to harp on this but I just finished watching a movie starring Tom Sizemore - The Last Lullaby. For almost the entire time I watched the film I kept wondering if he was high and it irked the heck out of me. However, I forced myself to try and let go of what could have been and tried enjoying the moment.

Not my typical review, I know...sorry. Nevertheless, I just felt I had to share that information. Now, let's talk about The Last Lullaby. I found this movie on Netflix this morning. Never heard of it but saw the names of a couple of actors and said "Why not?"

The first thing that pulled me towards The Last Lullaby was seeing the two descriptions: thriller (at least that is what Netflix called it) and independent film. I just love that genre and independents just have more freedom when it comes to telling a story. Second reason, Tom Sizemore; and the third, the customers of Netflix seemed to give the movie quite a few stars. So I hit button on the Instant Play and relaxed.

The first 15 minutes sucked me right in. I won't say why but I had no idea what was going on (one reason I love independent films) and it made me want to know more. Refreshing. Tom Sizemore plays a quiet character that obviously has a pretty screwed-up past. His actions, his demeanor in the open scene(s) intrigued me so I kept watching.

I don't want to tell you any details about the film because thrillers/mysteries need that. They need you to be ignorant of prior information, usually, in order for it to be fully enjoyed. Sure, I read the one or two sentences about this film and I wish I hadn't; so I am keeping you all in the dark for your viewing pleasure. You're welcome.

Anyway, the other main actor or actress is Sasha Alexander. Some of you NCIS fans (yep, I am one of them) will recognize that name. She was Kate in the first few seasons. In The Last Lullaby she plays a very different character than in the TV show and I rather enjoyed it. She was vulnerable, quiet, scared but with a distant strength you know she possessed lurking somewhere underneath.

That is about all the detail I will tell you about the film. I know it wasn't much but I will repeat myself. This is a thriller/mystery so enjoy not knowing too much. Just let the story take you away. It is an independent film so remember that there are more liberties taken.

The Last Lullaby

My favorite thing: The shock I received when watching the first 15 minutes. It kept me going.

My least favorite thing: That a movie whose budget was only $5,000,000 doesn't get more notice.

Rating: R
Length: 93 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Click on the film poster to watch instantly:

Flashbacks of a Fool

Directed (and written) by Baillie Walsh, Left Turn Films, 2008, Starring Daniel Craig, Harry Eden, Eve, Mark Strong and Olivia Williams.

Genre: Drama

Question: Do you receive recommendations to see a movie and most of the time you wonder what people saw in the movie that made them like it? Yes, I know I review and recommend movies all the time so maybe just ignore this question. I am still flustered over a movie I just finished viewing on Netflix: Flashbacks of a Fool.

Anyway, I wasn't going to review this movie because it hit me hard. I am still trying to figure out exactly why. A friend recommended this movie and their opinion is one that I always take into consideration. But as I like to always say: DON'T TELL ME ANYTHING about the movie so they did not. I am still undecided if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

The movie stars Daniel Craig (a.k.a. Bond, James Bond) as a self-indulgent, alcoholic, narcissist who is a very emotionally bruised man. He is obviously trying, desperately, to forget about his past and winds up alone, beaten and at the end of his rope emotionally. He receives some news one morning after a night of debauchery. It's probably the first connection to the past that he has had in years, decades. This just finally pushes him over the emotional edge. The first 20 minutes or so you see the life he has chosen for himself and why he comes to the beach to reflect back on his life after receiving this news.

That is when the flashbacks come - it's the late '70's somewhere in England on the coast. We see him as a youth - perhaps 15 or 16 years old with his friend. The story then lends itself towards a sexual coming-of-age story or so I thought. I really don't want to reveal anymore because what happens over the course of the next hour should be viewed with little prior knowledge. But I will say something happened that made me an emotional wreck. Then something happened at the end that ripped me apart. Maybe you won't see it but for whatever reason I lost it and had difficulty containing myself for the next hour or so.

This is a profound movie. This is a film about choices and the consequences of those choices especially when it is a selfish one.

Daniel Craig was brilliant in this movie. I always knew he could act and I can watch that blue-eyed actor in almost anything. He may even be my favorite James Bond (Yes!). But the first 20 minutes of watching him spiral down the emotional valley was something that everyone should see. I am not sure why this didn't get anymore PR or press when it was out a few years back. It baffles me some days - movies like Flashbacks of a Fool or other wonderful small indie films that don't get more notice. Well, hopefully, with my small little blog I can help people discover these wonderful gems.

I also have to give credit to the young man who played the younger version of Daniel Craig's character: Harry Eden. He really did a fantastic job as did all the actors in this small film.

My favorite thing: Well, Daniel Craig, of course!

My least favorite thing: I can't say...

Rating: R
Length: 100 minutes

Review: 8 out of 10

One Week

Directed (written and produced) by Micheal McGowan, Mongrel Media, 2008. Starring Joshua Jackson, Liane Balaban and Campbell Scott.

Genre: Adventure, Drama.

Question: Have you ever come face to face with your own mortality? I have - it has quite a sobering effect. But the real question I should ask - what would you do if you knew you only had a small amount of time left on this earth?

Joshua Jackson, probably best known for Dawson's Creek and, now, Fringe, stars as the man answering that question. When we first meet him, we see he is a man stuck in his own life due to some early rejections. He never really accomplished anything, including getting his first novel published because of his fear of more rejection. However, after discovering his fate, he jumps out of his shell because he must.

I think Joshua Jackson did a fantastic job with a subject matter not many of us have ever had to deal with. His mannerisms and the emotions he shows with just his eyes - allow you to imagine what he is going through. But One Week doesn't always tell you what he is thinking. This is one reason why I love independent films. They let the audience interpret the story. The writer-director must also get a shout-out for creating such a thought-provoking film.

Death is not something many want to discuss let alone have a debate about, and this film doesn't patronize the audience with its moral standing. In fact, it simply chronicles this man's journey as he rediscovers his own country, Canada, while he tries to wrap his head around the fact that he will probably die. As I watched this movie I saw parts of Canada that were truly spectacular and made me want to book a ticket up there.

I stumbled upon this film on a Netflix instant viewing list and was pleasantly surprised at what a good film it was. Yes, I mentioned I was faced with my own mortality and that probably gave me a deeper appreciation for One Week. But I don't think anyone could watch this and not contemplate about what they would do if they were in this situation.

Just as prevalent as the Canadian backdrop was in this film, the soundtrack intertwines itself into this story with several Canadian musicians and bands. It's a pretty good soundtrack with some cameos by some of the artists themselves. There was also narration, by Campbell Scott, in One Week. I am usually not a fan of a lot narration but it worked well in this story.

This movie begs the question: where would you go if nothing held you back?

My favorite thing: Realizing Joshua Jackson is a pretty decent actor - long way since The Mighty Ducks.

My least favorite thing: Reminding me that my own book isn't published yet.

Random thought: Every time I see Joshua Jackson I think he is somehow related to George Clooney. It is uncanny how many of their mannerisms are alike - even those eyes. Spooky!

Rating: NR
Length: 94 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Vicky Christina Barcelona

Directed (and written) by Woody Allen, The Weinstein Company, 2008. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Question: Are you a fan of Woody Allen films?

Woody Allen definitely has own unique way of creating a film - sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn't. A few years back I kept hearing all this praise about Vicky Christina Barcelona but I never saw it. Not sure why. But I recorded it and let it sit there for months. Last night I finally watched it.

Well, I suppose I could say I liked it but I had some issues with it so it wasn't my favorite Woody Allen film.

First, the story had an interesting approach about a foreign, summer romance(s) - which to me is what this film essentially is about. However, there was this annoying narration (by a man) that made it seem like someone was reading a children's bedtime story not about several adults' sexual encounters. Maybe that is what the director was going for but when there were long periods of time without the narration I enjoyed the film more.

Second, I may be the only person who doesn't find Javier Bardem attractive. I know, I know -what is wrong with me? Yes, he has sex appeal but he just doesn't do it for me. Sorry. However, he was the main love interest for many in this film and I just couldn't relate to the other women and why he was the one.

Third, this film is basically about women and who they love, are attracted to and who they think they should be with. I don't mean to sound sexist here but, to me, this was a man's fantasy about what women want and not how it truly is.

In the beginning, it was quintessentially Woody Allen with Vicky, played by Rebecca Hall, as the overly talkative character, but after we got into the guts of the movie no one seemed to say anything remotely interesting.

Now the views of Spain made me want to book my plane ticket that night. Stunning!! I also liked the costumes - lots of linen. Not sure if there was any significance to using that material for so many of the costumes; but I kind of liked the organic material and how it isn't perfect after you had it on for a while.

My favorite part: the beauty of Spain and how it was shown.

My least favorite part: the narration.

Possibility of a sequel? Has Woody Allen ever done a sequel?

Did the previews show too much? What I remember - the previews showed a  lot of Penelope Cruz and she really wasn't in it that much. Maybe a little misleading but it didn't ruin the movie's storyline.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 96 minutes

Review: 5 out of 10

Vicky Christina Barcelona - DVD & Instant Video

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by Danny Boyle, Celador Films, 2008. Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto,  Irrfan Khan and Anil Kapoor.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Question: Do you ever have those days that everything seems to go wrong? It's draining, right? Well, I had one of those days yesterday. All I am going to say is that I hate hackers!! Anyway, what do you do to unwind or let go of those bad days? My remedy: watch a movie and yesterday I chose the right one to counteract the crappy day I had: Slumdog Millionaire.

I may be one of only a handful of people who did not see the movie when it first came out even after all the accolades and awards. Sometimes, I avoid a movie once it starts getting too much good press. An odd reaction, I know, but it happens. So, after the day I had I looked at my DVR movie list and saw that one, which I had recorded over a year ago, and my husband was shocked I hadn't seen it. He told me to watch it because he loved it!

Let me tell you that it was the perfect antidote to my bad day. After watching the first fifteen minutes I realized I have it pretty good and shouldn't complain.  My worries just melted away because Slumdog Millionaire shows you that even after having a horrific upbringing you can still get what you want. No complaining, no whining, no giving-up.

If you haven't seen it yet - rent it, download it, or even buy it to watch again when you need a reminder that giving up is not an option.

I apologize if this isn't my typical review. Movies are my passion and when a movie helps me out of a funk or exposes me to something that helps me get over my bad mood, I find it important to share so anyone can get the same relief from their rotten days. This is why I love movies - they can either put a mirror up to your face or help you escape your reality for a while and doesn't everyone needs that from time to time?

My favorite thing: realizing I shouldn't complain about one bad day.

My least favorite: Some scenes were a little tough to watch when they were young children.

Sequel possibility?Nno - perfect complete story.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? Not one bit.

Rating: R
Length: 120 minutes

Review: 9 out of 10

Q & A, the novel - the book Slumdog Millionaire was based on.
Slumdog Millionaire - DVD & Instant Video

The Reader

Directed by Stephen Daldry.The Weinstein Company, 2008. Starring Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and David Kross.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Based on the book: "Der Vorleser" by Bernhard Schlink. 

Since the Oscars are right around the corner, I am in the mood to talk about some past Academy Award participants. The Reader had about 5 nominations and one win for Kate Winslett for Best Female Actress in a Leading Role. I had heard so much about this film then but I did not see it until last night.

The Reader is an emotionally draining tale that was beautifully told and may not be for every movie-goer. I really don't want to go into too much detail because the unknowing about certain facts helped me delve even further into the drama of the story. I will say Kate Winslett did a fantastic job - obviously, but it was her facial expressions, not so much how she delivered the lines, is how she won the award.

Secrecy, ignorance and shame is the basis of this movie's theme. However, many reviewers talked about the sexual relationship that occurs between the two main characters in the beginning of the film. It brought a lot of attention to The Reader but I actually prefer to focus on the second half of the movie because of the two actors, who play Michael Berg, and their emotional journey with their relationship to Hannah Schmitz (Kate Winslett).

My only criticism is the cast of the two actors to play Michael - They look nothing alike. Both actors did a wonderful job - don't get me wrong but there was another actor today who could have played the role of the older Michael and it would have made a little bit more sense. (Can you guess who I am referring to?)

Rent The Reader - you won't be disappointed maybe a little emotionally drained but not disappointed!

My favorite thing: The performance of the young Michael - David Kross.

My least favorite thing: The casting issue for Michael.

Sequel possibility? No.

Did the previews ruin it by showing too much? No. Even if you know what this is about it won't matter.

Rating: R
Length: 124 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Der Vorleser  (The Reader)- book 
The Reader - DVD & Instant Video

Me and Orson Welles

Directed by Richard Linklater. CinemaNX, 2008. Starring Zac Efron, Claire Danes and Christian McKay.

Genre: Drama

Me and Orson Welles

Me and Orson Welles - the book

Question:  Have you ever been a part of a school play, an off Broadway production or been lucky enough to reach the pinnacle of Broadway? If the answer is yes - you will totally understand Me and Orson Welles. No matter if you were a stagehand, understudy or principal player, I also believe you would like this film.

It is based on the novel by Robert Kaplow. The movie shows you a week before a play is to open in the late 1930's with Orson Welles as the director, producer and lead actor for Julius Caesar by Shakespeare. The movie is filled with over-the-top egos to people desperate to be a part of the creative arts, and how all those people work to create magic for their audiences.

Christian McKay plays Orson Welles and it is uncanny how he fully embodies the legendary actor. Stunning -absolutely stunning. Zac Efron's character, Richard, desperately wants to be an actor and does a convincing job as the young man in his first professional play. I do think all of Zac Efron's adoring fans will still appreciate all the screen time he receives.

On the whole, the story was a little slow and I wasn't sucked into each character's dilemmas as much as I should have been. However, as in the theatre world, when the lights dim everything just seems to meld into a cohesive work of art as everyone catches their collective breath. It is a magical time. And I will say it again: If you have ever participated in theatre you will really appreciate this movie - especially the last third.

My favorite part: Christian McKay

My least favorite part: How it lagged a bit in the middle.

Possibility of a sequel? No

Did the previews ruin it or show too much? No - actually when I saw the previews I was intrigued to rent it.

Rating: PG-13
Length: 114 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10

Me and Orson Welles - novel
Me and Orson Welles - DVD


Videos on Demand

Last Chance Harvey

Directed (and written) by Joel Hopkins, Overture Films, 2008. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson.

Genre: Drama, Romance.

Let’s change gears here. Last Chance Harvey is a big departure from most of the movies I have reviewed lately. It wasn’t a box office blockbuster, it didn’t get much PR in its promotion, and the story isn’t one that will knock your socks off. However, if you want to watch a sweet, well-acted and feel good story, then watch this one.

I have always been a fan of Dustin Hoffman; and I had the pleasure of actually meeting him (while making Rain Man) once. He is a fantastic actor and Harvey, his character, is played with such conviction that you really feel for this man when he is having one of the worst weekends of his life.

Emma Thompson also has a stellar performance as a middle aged woman, single and lonely. I wish I had known a little bit more about the character’s background, but it really didn’t matter because the moral of the story is that you can find love when you least expect it.

I liked it and I hope you get a chance to see Last Chance Harvey.

My favorite thing: Harvey’s speech at his daughter’s wedding.

My least favorite: That more people didn’t see it.

Possibility of a sequel? No. Not necessary.

Did the previews show too much? No

Rating: PG-13

Length: 93 minutes

Review: 7 out of 10

Last Chance Harvey - DVD

Videos on Demand

Transsiberian

Directed by Brad Anderson, Filmax International, 2008. Starring Woody Harrelson, Emily Mortimer and Ben Kingsley.

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

I recorded Transsiberian over the holiday break and watched it with my husband. The story took a long time to get to a point where I didn’t know what was going to happen next. Then I couldn’t look away (or in some cases – through my hands) and was pleasantly surprised at an unexpected twist.

Review: 5 out 10

Rating: R
Length: 111 minutes