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

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

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/

21

“21″ is a new drama based on the true story of how some MIT students conquered Vegas in a card counting scheme that reaped them millions of dollars. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t live up to the success of its real life characters by falling into all too familiar cliches and predictable storylines. The acting is relatively good but the film lacks a standout performance to carry the drama. I think that is what is most disappointing since two of my favorite actors, Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishburne, are in this film but their characters are mostly in the background. Instead, screenwriters Peter Steinfeld and Alan Loeb focus on the antics of the students who we never really get to know or care about. Four of the students might as well not be there since we never learn a single thing about them. The main character (Ben Campbell played by Jim Sturgess) carries the storyline but we never care about him since we don’t spend much time learning what motivates him. Is he just a poor kid trying to make a buck? Sorry, but that doesn’t get me too interested. There has to be more back story and motivation to get me to care about this guy. The cliche love interest played by Kate Bosworth is equally frustrating. Why is she even in this film if we don’t get a chance to get to know her? Robert Luketic direction is capable, but a far more courageous vision would have delved deeper into the romantically dangerous allure of gambling and how it can destroy lives and relationships. More emphasis on Spacey and Fishburne’s backstory could have given this film a much deeper dramatic story and connected it to the student’s obsessions, but Luketic plays it safe and in the end makes a film that is ok to watch, but leaves the viewer wanting so much more. Wait for the DVD on this one.

Rating:

Film’s website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/21/