Lars and the Real Girl

Mental disorders, loneliness, and abandonment issues aren’t the kind of themes that you usually find in a comedy, but they make up the bulk of the story in a delightful quirky film, “Lars and the Real Girl.” Written by Nancy Oliver of “Six Feet Under” fame it has the strange, off-kilter comedy that you would expect from a HBO scribe but also the touching warmth of a good melodrama.

What makes “Lars and the Real Girl” work so well is that nothing that happens is expected, or seemingly plausible, but it all seems real. Does that make sense? If it does, then you’re going to really love this film. Oliver creates a world that seems overly cold and sheltered in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. Her lead characters seem disturbed and the movie seems headed in a very dark direction. Then, a package arrives, and you start laughing and can’t believe what;s happening on screen. It’s that much fun.

Director Craig Gillespie does a wonderful job creating the look and feel of this small town and makes smart choices in how to photograph this film. It starts off quite dark and “contrasty” but lightens up and becomes far more colorful by film’s end. It’s a great interpretation of the script.

But when all is said and done with this film, you stay connected because of the acting. Ryan Gosling is absolutely spot-on with his portrayal of lonely, and slightly disturbed, Lars. Kelli Garner is refreshing as his would-be suitor, and Emily Mortimer and Paul Schneider are perfect as Lars’ somewhat confused, but loving, family. While it is easy to praise Gosling for his outstanding performance, much kudos has to go to Gillespie and the supporting cast for “believing” Gosling’s character. This film wouldn’t have worked if the rest of the supporting characters didn’t believe in Lar’s crazy journey. What makes this film so wonderful to watch is that no matter what unbelievable thing happens, it seems the perfect action for the people in this film. That is a testament to the great writing, directing and acting.

If I have a complaint it’s that the pacing of the film is a bit slow. It’s not that the film is too long (it only runs about one hour and 45 minutes) but some of the scenes seem to drag. With dark comedy sometimes a bit too much slows the plot down. I also felt the beginning of the film was a bit confusing and took too long to get going. Stay with the film through the first 20 minutes and you’ll be glad you did.  

 

Rating: 1/2

Film’s website: http://www.larsandtherealgirl-themovie.com

The Visitor

In a word… brilliant. This is the first film of the year that truly deserves Oscar buzz. From the writing, to the directing, to the acting, “The Visitor” is a wonderfully small film that delivers a bigger punch than most block-busters could ever dream of doing.

From the mind of Thomas McCarthy (writer and director) “The Visitor” is one of those family dramas with hints of humor that will make you smile, cry and think. It’s not only a great story, it contains enough political timeliness to make the film matter in today’s current climate. McCarthy is subtle with everything he does (his 2003 film “The Station Agent” was great) and this time is no different. He delivers a script that any actor would love and directs the film with a careful balance between sentimentality and comedy.

At the heart of “The Visitor” is the performance of lead actor Richard Jenkins. A long time character-actor (you’ll recognize him immediately), Jenkins delivers the kind of performance that will be remembered at Oscar time. He’s already receiving early buzz and it’s well deserved.  He is both strong and weak, open and closed, warm and cold as his character confronts a mid-life crisis in a life that has failed to deliver all that he expected. At times, his deadpan delivery is incredibly funny. When he is discovered practicing his drumming, you’ll bust out laughing.

Jenkins is not alone in this film and, hopefully, his co-stars are remembered at the end of year as well. Haaz Sleiman and Hiam Abbass deliver quality supporting performances that allow Jenkins to shine. Sleiman’s portrayal of an illegal Syrian immigrant is incredibly powerful. His character comes across as warm and caring but also pained by a past that haunts him. Khaili is even better. Her performance as the mother of Sleiman’s character is stunning in it’s depth. This is what a true supporting role is all about. She is both stoic and vulnerable as a mother dealing with a terrible situation and a woman falling in love.

Finally, McCarthy’s story sense is spot on. Instead of taking us where we expect, his story twists in unconventional ways leaving the viewer surprised and satisfied. I had no idea the film was going to end the way it did and that was great. It’s not an unrealistic ending, just unexpected and that sums up this gem of a film… an unexpected jewel that should not be missed.

Rating: 1/2

Film’s website: www.thevisitorfilm.com

Smart People

“Smart People” is a fun, quirky movie that will resonate with a lot of people because it’s about dealing with anger, depression and family but in a funny, almost off-kilter way. I enjoyed this film because it seems unique and the acting is outstanding. I had some issues with the plot, but for the most part I found myself lost in the wonderful characters and well-written dialogue.

Director Noam Murro does justice to Mark Poirier’s script and directs an ensemble performance that might see some awards for ensemble acting if voters will remember this small film. Dennis Quaid pulls off a subtle, yet, powerful performance as a lonely widower who struggles to overcome his own vanity in order to find love again. Sarah Jessica Parker plays Quaid’s love interest and delivers a sound performance as a successful doctor struggling to trust the men in her life. The film is best, however, when Ellen Page and Thomas Hayden Church are on the screen. Playing Quaid’s overly intelligent and motherly daughter, and his mooch-of-a-brother the two steal every scene and provide the film’s best laughs. It’s these two characters that add depth to the story and provide the closure needed to make this film work. They also have the best lines that add that quirkiness to the film that without would be too depressing and morose. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since the producers of this film also made “Sideways”.

What bothers me are some of the plot details that derail the film a bit. First, there is the story of Quaid’s son. Apparently the two don’t get along but we never really know why and too much time is spent on a storyline that goes nowhere and adds nothing to the film. Second, it’s Quaid’s and Parker’s stormy relationship, or more to the point - Parker’s constant anger. At first her anger toward Quaid is understandable since Quaid is a jerk but when he starts to show signs of changing, Parker remains angry. The scenes in the hotel and airport are particularly strange as you have no idea why she is so angry. Finally, the film is wrapped up a bit too neatly and too easily after all the drama that has unfolded.

In the end, the outstanding acting and clever dialogue make this a fun film to watch, even if the subject matter is a bit dark. It’s well worth a night out at the movies with family and friends. It will give you something to talk about at dinner.

Rating: 1/2

Film’s website: http://www.smartpeople-themovie.com

Charlie Wilson’s War

What kind of film would you expect from the writing of Aaron Sorkin and the direction of Mike Nichols? A smart, witty and entertaining film that challenges conventional wisdom and pokes fun at the establishment. How this film only received one Oscar nomination is beyond me. It was quite clearly one of the best films of 2007. The acting is superb, the writing amazing and the direction incredible. Maybe there is a bit of war-fatigue among film audiences with so many docs and feature films about Iraq, but “Charlie Wilson’s War” deserved far more attention.

Let’s start with the writing. This is Sorkin’s best stuff since Sports Night - that ill-fated but brilliant sitcom with the best dialogue on television. Forget West Wing, Sorkin’s work on Sports Night is some of the best writing in the history of television. It’s a shame the show didn’t last longer. In this film, Sorkin brings his unique ability to write dialog that seems absolutely natural and incredibly intelligent at the same time. The only other writer that can equal him is the master… Woody Allen. 

When you are blessed with a great script you are well on your way to a good movie, but when you pair it with one of the best satirical directors of all time you get greatness. This film reminds me of Nichols work with “The Birdcage” and “The Graduate”. All three have that serious tone with a hard, comedic edge to them. The characters seem like cardboard cutouts, but they aren’t. The plot seems simple, but it isn’t. Watching this movie is like watching a master conductor lead his symphony. I only wish more people had seen it.

One thing that has always impressed me with Nichols is his casting. It’s perfect, and Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts are another example of a job well done. The three deliver superior performances and all seem to feed off one another. The office scene between Hanks and Hoffman when they first meet is absolutely hilarious. The scene where all three meet is another gut buster. Why Hanks and Roberts were ignored by the Academy is beyond me. The Golden Globes had this one right — nominating all three and Sorkin.

“Charlie Wilson’s War” is a great film that deserves a second look if you haven’t seen it. Take the time to watch one of America’s best directors, Mike Nichols, at his best and you won’t be sorry. I only wish the film received more attention because its message is too important for us not to listen to.

Rating:

Film’s website: http://www.charliewilsonswar.net

Dan in Real Life

“Dan in Real Life” surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much and I ended up really liking this “small” film. It’s well written, directed and acted and has a message about family that we could all use being reminded about.

It’s written and directed by Peter Hedges so it shouldn’t have surprised me. He also wrote “Pieces of April,” “About a Boy,” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” — all “small” films with great drama and wonderful stories. If you haven’t seen these three films please do — they are all great (Hedges received a screenwriting Oscar for “About a Boy”). All of his films are tender dramas about family and the struggles that come with being in a family.

“Dan in Real Life” is no different. It’s the story of a single dad raising three girls who also happens to write a syndicated self-help column. The problem is he can’t seem to help himself when it comes to getting over the death of his wife. The story takes place over one weekend at his parents house for a family holiday and touches on subjects like finding love, letting go, forgiveness and coming of age.

John Mahoney and Dianne Wiest are great as Dan’s parents and Juliette Binoche is amazing as the love interest. Dan is played by Steve Carell in a semi-serious role that reminds me of Robin Williams’ first dramatic role in “Dead Poets Society” and Jim Carrey in “The Truman Show”. Carell is good and at times wonderful. He is at his best when he adds that slight touch of humor to the dramatic scene and the shower scene is something you won’t forget.

The story is rushed a bit in the film and some all too convenient plot devices are used to keep things going, otherwise I would be raving even more about this film. If you want a great, romantic film for date night or a touching drama for the family to watch “Dan in Real Life” won’t disappoint. If you are one of those dads who only has daughters this is a must see!!

Rating:

Film’s website: http://video.movies.go.com/daninreallife

The Kite Runner

I loved this film. Plain and simple. I have not read the book, so I came into the film fresh without expectations and I walked away moved to the point that I have been thinking about the story for days. It’s that strong. It’s a story about redemption, fear, family, religion and politics. It’s told through the eyes of great characters who make a very controversial topic human and allow the viewer to connect to a culture and world that they might be unfamiliar with.

Why did it work? For starters, director Marc Forster is spot on with everything. This is the same director that brought us “Finding Neverland” and “Monster’s Ball” - two films that I loved as well. He has a great ability to make melodramatic films in a subtle way that showcases great acting and writing. Most directors would have allowed a film like “The Kite Runner” to go over the top, but Forster remains restrained with his actors and camera work resulting in a very personal film about some very difficult topics. His restraint on the physical and sexual abuse is a perfect example. We get the point, are repulsed but not made to feel uncomfortable. Why he didn’t receive more acclaim for his work is beyond me.

I also liked the choice to use subtitles and keep the native Afghan language when the story is set in Kabul. I find it annoying when I’m supposed to be watching a movie about a foreign culture and everybody speaks English. This choice adds an authenticity to the film.

Finally, the acting is quite good. The young actors that play the two young boys are absolutely amazing. I was particularly moved by Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada who plays young Hassan - his eyes were the most expressive I have seen on screen in years. Khalid Abdalla is strong as Amir but Homayoun Ershadi steals the scene every time he shows up on screen. Playing a very proud, astute yet strict father he is able to show a soft side to a very angry character.

This is a film to see. A film that will make you think. It’s political. It’s emotional and it’s a great story.

Rating:

Film’s website: http://www.kiterunnermovie.com

There Will Be Blood

Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s novel is a movie everyone should see. This is a film that showcases one of the best actors alive today in Daniel Day-Lewis. His performance has got to be considered one of the all-time best. At times, I felt as if I was watching a one-man play, but in a good way. Day-Lewis is mesmerizing as the morally confused Daniel Plainview and he makes watching a movie with a slow plot as exciting as can be.

Day-Lewis is not the only actor who deserves kudos. Young Dillon Freasier pulls off a haunting performance as Day-Lewis’ son and Paul Dano is disturbing as the preacher Eli Sunday. Watching all three of these actors work is like watching an amazing theater troupe perform on stage.

I also love films that are beautifully shot. Robert Elswit paints a wonderful landscape with his camera as he captures turn of the century California. He keeps the film dark by playing with the shadows rather than just under-lighting the scene. There is a richness to this film that harkens back to the glory black and white film days, but Elswit does it with color so when the derrick erupts in flames the amber glow is incredible.

While the acting, writing, cinematography and directing is superb the film is long and might not be for everyone. If you like films that never stop moving, with constant action and an electric pace, “There Will Be Blood” is not for you. This is a contemplative film that asks the audience to dive head first into such heavy questions as what is the nature of religion, greed, family and community. The story lines can be confusing, the characters are very complex and the resolutions unclear, but if you are willing to stick it out the powerful messages of Anderson’s artful script will be with you for days.

Rating:

Film’s website: http://www.therewillbeblood.com

August Rush

This is a film that I wanted to love, that had all the elements there for me to love, but in the end disappointed me. Why didn’t I love it? I’m not sure director Kirsten Sheridan knew exactly what film she wanted to make since there are so many story lines and characters that get introduced but never fully developed. Is this film about the unbreakable bond between child and parents, or finding one’s true love, or following one’s passion, or fixing the foster care system or something else? With so many characters and story lines no one gets to be developed deep enough to connect with the audience. It’s a shame because there are some very strong performances here. Young Freddie Highmore as the musical prodigy is very strong, Robin Williams is his usual self as a crazy-homeless “Fagin” and Terrence Howard provides a great supporting performance as a concerned social worker. What I didn’t like were the performances by Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers who play the boy’s parents. They seem to be whining and grimacing throughout the film and tend to be too reactionary as characters.

The plot also seems to be too random. Too many times in the film events would happen to push the story forward that had me and my wife asking, why and how? Whether this was an issue with the screenplay or the directing I’m not sure, but it makes watching the film difficult. It’s a shame, since the idea of this film is wonderful and the cast had the potential to make it great, but the execution falls short of the mark.

It’s not a bad rental on a slow night, mainly because it’s a feel-good movie that is very family friendly.

Rating:

Film’s website: http://augustrushmovie.warnerbros.com

Things We Lost in the Fire

Ok, I was dreading watching this film. My wife rented it and I was sure it was going to be your typical over the top melodrama, weepy film. I was wrong! This is a subtle, yet powerful film about a family learning to cope after the tragic death of their husband/father. Rather than fall into trite cliches, director Susanne Bier takes writer Allan Loeb’s script and delivers a heartfelt, sad, funny and thoughtful film.

Halle Berry is great as the grieving widow and Benicio Del Toro turns in a wonderful performance as the dead husband’s tortured friend. Berry and Del Toro’s relationship drives the storyline and provides unique opportunities for the film to talk about healing, forgiveness, redemption and friendship. John Carroll Lynch is awesome in a supporting role that Bier uses perfectly as comedic relief just as the film is getting too depressing.

While the film will make you cry, it also leaves you feeling positive about the human spirit. It’s a good cry, not a bad one.

Rating:

Film’s website: www.thingswelostinthefire.com

This is England

“This is England” is a film-gem that I discovered thanks to Netflix. It’s a brilliant, powerful and disturbing film with amazing acting and great storytelling. Writer/director Shane Meadows delivers a “small” film that touches so many emotional nerves while at the same time restraining himself so as not to overdue it.

The story follows a 12-year old British boy as he deals with the death of his father in the Falkland war and tries to find his place in 1983 English society. Eventually, he finds friendship, family and love with a group of Skinheads and the journey is nothing short of incredible. Meadow’s POV on the ills of modern English society and politics are on display here (it’s based on his own experiences) but he doesn’t let his own politics get in the way of telling a great story. The film will make you laugh, cry and shout at the screen as you follow young Shaun’s story - played brilliantly by Thomas Turgoose. He leads an amazing cast that defies stereotypes and actually makes you care about racist, angry skinheads.

If you loved films like “The Commitments” or “In the Name of the Father” this is the type of film you will love. It’s a great example of independent filmmaking at its best. Too bad it didn’t receive a wider release in the United States but thanks to Netflix it’s available now.

Rating: 1/2

Film’s website: http://www.thisisenglandmovie.co.uk/