Movie Review - Frost/Nixon

Frost/Nixon (2008)
Director: Ron Howard
Actors: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, San Rockwell, Kevin Bacon

Overall:
I really enjoyed this movie. I thought the storyline moved right along and held my interest all the way through. Sometimes these types of biographical films get a little dull because you know what's going to happen, but I think Ron Howard, once again, did a good job of fleshing out the characters and creating some on-screen tension and suspense. I think it's also important to mention that for people of my generation, this era in American political history isn't well understood because we weren't even born yet. Films like Frost/Nixon are historical 'story-telling' and can educate a whole new generation in a much more accessible media form than even the classroom. It's sad to say but without movies like Frost/Nixon, I think a lot of young people wouldn't even know who Richard Nixon is and what happened with Watergate.

Plot:
Frost/Nixon has a pretty well-known plotline. Richard Nixon resigns the Presidency of the United States of America on August 9, 1974 after the Watergate scandal reveals that he had had direct prior knowledge of corruption, sabotage attempts, and a political cover-up. A month later newly-elected President Gerald Ford grants Nixon a full pardon. Then, 3 years later, Nixon agrees to shoot a series of sit-down interviews with David Frost, a British commentator and talk show host, to help restore his public image. And it's during these interviews that Nixon finally talks about his involvement in the Watergate scandal.

Setting/Mood:
One of the reasons I enjoy watching movies so much is because they have the ability to transport you to another world, another culture, or another time period. In this case, we're transported to the 1970's and the period of American civil unrest over the Watergate scandal and Richard Nixon. One thing I specifically liked about the setting was that even though it was set in the '70's, the clothing, cars, hotel rooms, etc. were not over-the-top. It felt authentic rather than cliche.

Acting:
I thought the acting performances were good all around, but particularly Michael Sheen's portrayal of David Frost. I really felt like he blended away into the character while still being very dynamic, whereas Frank Langella's portrayal of Nixon didn't have the same effect. For me, he didn't blend away as Richard Nixon enough for me to buy in to the character. I realize that it's infinitely harder to portray an actual person than a fictional character, but that's the nature of the beast. I think the Academy takes this into consideration with it's Oscar nominations because it seems like every year there's a least one nominee who's portrayed an historical figure. Whether it's Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles, Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash, or this year with Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, the Academy likes to reward this type of performance.

Recommendation:
I would definitely recommend movie, although not because of Frank Langella's portrayal of Nixon, but because of the historical significance of the story, Ron Howard's undeniable directorial skill, and Michael Sheen's sharp portrayal of David Frost. Go see it before the Oscars because I think Ron Howard has a decent shot at the Best Director award, other then that I don't see it taking home many other awards.

Movie Review - Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Director: Danny Boyle & Loveleen Tandan
Actors: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan

Overall:
I thought this movie was really great! It had everything I look for in a legitimate Oscar contender. A great story, dramatic cinematography, good acting, a little suspense, and a lot of passion. It's not often that we're confronted with the harsh realities of life in the slums of India and it's truly shocking to see all the poverty, but out of this hellish environment comes a beautiful love story. One which overcomes tremendous obstacles and reminds us how powerful love can be.

Plot:
This film centers around a teenager, Jamal, who grew up in the slums of Mumbai, but now finds himself on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" Following his remarkable run on the first night of the show, he's arrested under suspicion of cheating and interrogated about how a poor "slumdog" could know the answers to the questions. It's during this interrogation that events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers and why he's ventured onto the show in the first place.

Setting/Mood:
The cinematography in this film was truly spectacular. There were several points throughout this film that I was simply in awe. The juxtaposition between wealth and poverty, greed and sacrifice, and love and hate was very well done. There's a lot of beauty in India that's just underneath the surface and I think this film did a great job of peeling back the layers to reveal something really special.

Acting:
Although not recognized by the Academy, I thought the acting in this film was also really good. I was immediately drawn into the story by the child actors used to portray the lead characters when they're young and it carried right through 'til the end.

Recommendation:
I would highly recommend this film to everyone and I think it has a good chance of stealing the Best Picture category at the Oscars.

Movie Review - Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Director: Ben Affleck
Actors: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris

Overall:
Not a bad directorial debut from Ben Affleck. I really enjoyed this film. I thought he did a great job of capturing the essence of southside Boston and all the poverty that comes with it. He also got some great individual performances from Ed Harris and Casey Affleck. Films like this one are really important because they expose us to things we don't normally have to deal with and show us that other people are trying to survive in very different worlds. All too often we forget and take for granted the opportunities that we've been given.

Plot:
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Dennis Lahane, the story focuses on a private investigator and his partner/girlfriend who are hired by the family of a missing girl to help the cops find her. Along the way it's discovered that the mother is in deep with a local drug lord and an exchange is arranged for the missing girl. When the deal goes south, it's believed the young girl is killed. Afterward, while trying to cope with the guilt of not being able to rescue the missing girl, questions still remain surrounding what really happened. With plenty of twists and turns, the story is full of suspense and expertly crafted.

Setting/Mood:
Set against the backdrop of a poor and depressing neighborhood of Boston it's immediately clear that even though the police are involved, they are not welcomed. Nobody trusts anyone, everyone is living in poverty, and it's unclear whether the missing girl should even be returned to her family. Filled with dark and dilapidated buildings, profane bartenders, drug-dealing alcoholics, and chain-smoking mothers, it's an inescapable reality for anyone living there and hope is hard to find.

Acting:
There are some superb performances in this film but the best has to be Ed Harris, who plays a mean, gritty detective investigating the case. Once again his amazing versatility as an actor is on display. Casey Affleck also delivers on his first major leading role with a strong performance. Surprisingly, I thought the weakest performance of the feature cast came from Morgan Freeman, who's usually as dependable as they get.

Recommendation:
I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who enjoys suspense and doesn't mind a revealing look at the underbelly of society.

Movie Review - Lars and the Real Girl

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)
Director: Craig Gillespie

Actors: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider

What an interesting and creative film. This is the story of an awkwardly shy young man who finds love in an unexpected place; a sex doll purchased on the internet. Although not a conventional relationship, the small town goes along with the delusion in hopes of bringing some peace to his life. I found myself engaged and entertained the whole way through. One of the highlights is an amazing acting performance by Ryan Gosling. It can't be easy pretending to be in love with a plastic sex doll with that big open mouth staring back at you. I'd definitely recommend this film.

Movie Review - The Kite Runner

The Kite Runner (2007)
Director: Marc Forster

Actors: Khalid Abdalla, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub

It's impossible to talk about this movie without making the comparison to the best-selling book by author Khaled Hosseini. While the book is amazing and a must-read for anyone, the movie doesn't reach that level. But who really expects an adaptation to be as good as the book? It's impossible to capture the depth of a story in a 2-hour movie. That being said, the movie was actually very enjoyable. It stayed true to the original story and the acting was really good. In some ways the movie was a nice supplement to the book in that it filled in some of the visuals of Kabul and Afghanistan. I would recommend this movie to everyone who has already read the book, and to everyone else: READ THE BOOK!!!

Movie Review - La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose (2007)
Director: Olivier Dahan

Actors: Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Emmanuelle Seigner

This film was really all about Marion Cotillard's performance as Edith Piaf. Without her tremendous performance this film would have fallen completely flat. There's no doubt that Edith Piaf was one of the most iconic French performers in history and this film helps bring her to life for a whole new generation. The story played out very true to form and didn't attempt to sugarcoat any of her life's trials and tribulations. My only criticisms of the film were that (A) it was a bit too long and (B) portions of the story were a bit too slow. Without giving this film two thumbs up, I would still recommend it for it's historical subject-matter and an excellent performance by Marion Cotillard.

Movie Review - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
Director: Julian Schnabel
Actors: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner

One of the most interesting films of the year, this fascinating look inside the mind of Jean-Dominique Bauby is truly remarkable. After surviving a stroke, Jean-Dominique awakens to find that he's suffering from 'locked-in' syndrome, which means that he's cognitively awake but phyically non-responsive. Aside from the ability to blink his left eye, he has no muscle control over his entire body. Improbably, with the help of a speech therapist, he develops a method of communication and eventually writes a book. This film is based on his best-selling memoir. Great cinematography and superb acting make this film Oscar-worthy. I would recommend it for everyone!

Movie Review - Juno

Juno (2007)
Director: Jason Reitman
Actors: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Gardner, Jason Bateman

One of the most enjoyable films of the year, this witty comedy walks a fine line between the serious issues of teenage pregnancy and adoption, while still being light-hearted and genuine. Ellen Page's performance is noteworthy and deserving of an Oscar nomination. You can't help but like her unique character, even if you don't always agree with the decisions she makes throughout the film. Cleaver characters and dialogue keep this film moving along nicely. This years Little Miss Sunshine, Juno holds up over multiple viewings and should become a classic. I would recommend it for everyone!

Movie Review - No Country for Old Men

No Country for Old Men (2007)
Director: Joel & Ethan Coen
Actors: Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones

Best film of the year! That's pretty much all that needs to be said. Incredibly well written, well acted, & generally well done! It should win several Oscars at this year's Academy Awards. In this film, once again we're reminded that trying to steal large quantities of drug money is never a good idea. In one of the most tremendous performances of the year, Javier Bardem portrays a disturbed hitman in pursuit of a cowboy, played by Josh Brolin, who's trying to make off with 2 million dollars in cash. Unpredictable from beginning to end, this film delivers in every way an Oscar-worthy film should. Even if you don't like films with violence, this one is definitely worth it. I would highly recommend everyone see it.