The Defiant Ones

This movie is a social statement about race relations in the 50s. It was made in 1958 and is in black & white (I know, ironic). As convicts, Sidney Poitier plays the black man shackled to the white man (Tony Curtis) as they are in the process of being transported to a facility. The prison van overturns and the two men have adventures on the lam. Their need to break their shackles and free themselves from each other is compounded by their need to get away from the posse. Add to this they need to sleep, eat and move quickly - all while shackled. I won't spoil the rest for you - yet there are comical moments along with the suspense.
Now for the dirt. There are "names" that are not p.c. for describing black people in this movie. Some language may not be what you'd want to listen to with your grammy, but hey, it's two convicts on the run. There is sexuality in that the two run across a young white woman, who has a young son. She is very much into Tony Curtis (and who wouldn't be?). The audience sees part of what we know will be love-making, but the camera pans to the window with the curtains rustling in the breeze. I also need to mention that the woman's son wears a gun in almost every shot he's in and gets injured (though not by the gun).
This is not a movie for kids. I would recommend teens and up watch this and with an open mind. This is more of a history lesson put in a fictional movie than casual entertainment. The movie was nominated for a slew of Oscars but won only 2 for cinematography and screenplay. It is a shame, really, because the two star actors did a phenomenal job.
*Remember, you can click on the titles to see the trailer or snippet on most posts by clicking on the title. :)

101 Dalmations - Animated

For some reason, my 4-yr old is fascinated with this Disney movie. We just bought the newest DVD reincarnation (as per the image), so the animation is really bright and less 60s/70s-looking than I remembered.
Plot: Being Disney, something bad has to happen to the children and/or parents. In this case, the dalmatian puppies are stolen away from their parents and are in direous peril. Of course, their human counterparts are helpless. It's up to the older canines to use the Twilight Bark and rescue the puppies. They are aided by a cat and a horse as well. The villain is the nasty human, Cruella de Vil. She wants the puppies for their skins - for a new fur coat (she said she "worships furs"). To see her in action, click on the title link in this blog - it will open in youtube.
I'm not sure if it's just me, but the two baddies remind me a lot of the two crazy burglers in "Home Alone." Cruella's henchmen/baddies, Horace and Jasper, bungle the job assigned to them. The dogs (along with a large number of store-bought dalmatians) finally find freedom. It's a warm fuzzy story that most kids like. Happy ending and sing along music. I especially liked the scenes in which the dogs are watching TV - to me those are the best parts.
Now, Cruella is not only scary to small children, she talks about killing puppies and in one scene makes a reference to hell. She's a chain smoker and the baddies drink alcohol. So, thought I'd put that out there... Possible teaching opportunities.
As I stated, my 4-yr old loves this movie. I think it is appropriate for most kids. You may want to be sensitive if children have been adopted (or taken from their parents).
Additionally, if you get the new DVD, Selena Gomez from The Wizards of Waverly Place has a cute little video that preteens will love.

A Goofy Movie

Disney, creators of lovable characters with early-onset potty mouths, managed to make a cute, funny movie about a boy and his dad. This movie displays the age-appropriate parental rebellion in the form of Goofy's teenage son, Max. Goofy struggles to stay a part of his son's life but it always (surprise) comes off the wrong way. In true Disney form, Max's mother (assumed Goofy's wife) is no where to be seen or mentioned. I think we are to assume she died. I know, but it's Disney.
Max, on the other hand, is interested in girls (Roxanne, to be exact) and struggles to free himself from what he feels is the Goofy curse of coming across, well, goofy. He is fun, has friends, wants to party and has nightmares that he's going to turn into his dad one day.
As part of a father-son bonding trip, Max and Goofy go cross-country to the Goofy traditional fishing place. Max has other plans. He'd rather go to his favorite singer's concert in L.A. But along the way, they find out they do have a lot in common and start to learn more about each other. Mind you, most of this is met at the same time as disaster, but that pretty much follows Goofy around anyway.
The best parts of this movie are when they visit Lester's Possum place and when they run into Bigfoot. I laugh every time, although I've seen this probably 20 times. Also be on the lookout for "Bobby," a teenage friend of Max who is voiced by Pauly Shore: "Leaning Tower of Cheese-a."
The only things that I'm not crazy about are that a parent is unexplainably missing and there are several times something sounds like a curse but is actually something that just sounds like it. So kids WILL pick up on this and you will hear it all the time. Just trust me. Remember in "Spy Kids" when the girl says, "Holy Shitake Mushroom!" Yep. Kinda like that.
Here's a link to a clip: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1840513305/

Downfall

Yes, it's in German. Don't let that stop you. Just read the subtitles. You'll get used to it - promise. If you can walk and chew gum, talk on the phone while driving or eat breakfast while checking your email, you can do that.
With all the buzz of Tom Cruise's new movie about Hitler, I thought it would be nice to review a really good movie about Hitler from the people who knew him.
As a disclosure, Bruno Ganz is my favorite male movie actor of all time. In "Downfall," he plays Hitler. Of course I loved his performance, but my admiration went to new lengths after watching reel footage of Hitler. Ganz picked up Hitler's mannerisms - it is truly brilliant.
The supporting cast is also excellent. I don't want to give too much away but this wonderful movie heralds Hitler's last days, mostly in the bunker with the rest of his faithful supporters. (Anyone who knows anything about WWII knows that Hitler dies, right?)
Despite Germany's imminent defeat, Hitler pushes his people on, determined to continue fighting. Some of his people defy his actions (I'm assuming this is where some of the Cruise film comes in).
Of particular significance is the family/military unit. The people in the bunker are like Hitler's extended family. It is clear he dotes on some more than others, and he has a loving partner to serve as the mother figure. What may not be known to most Americans, is what the real parents of some of the children who were living in the bunker did when they realized they were not going to win the war. I don't know how to put into words how I felt when I watched those scenes. It is emotional and I don't know what I would have done in their place.
As for the appropriateness of the movie, I'd go father than saying I'd let teens watch this, I'd ENCOURAGE them to watch this. It is a great history lesson and one they won't soon forget. My suggestion is for teens and up.
While I used to be a big Cruise fan, I'm not now. I haven't seen his movie, "Valkyrie," but I'm willing to bet you could get a lot more out of "Downfall." I hope you rent this (I have a copy). If you do watch this, please let me know what you thought.

All About Eve

This is a fantastic black/white movie with about as good a supporting cast as possible. The movie was released in 1950 but don't let that fool you. It's the same story today as it was then for Hollywood.
Eve more or less stalks the famous theater actress, Margo Channing (Bette Davis) and befriends Margo's best friend, Karen (Celeste Holm). While the audience forms a soft spot for Eve, we slowly but surely start to feel the same way Margo does about that sweet little Eve. The movie takes jabs at both Hollywood (the film industry!) and Broadway's group of little actors with huge egos. Margo belongs to the latter group and through her tight knit association with actors, writers, directors and their spouses, Eve works her way in and changes their lives forever. Eve is masterfully played by Anne Baxter. I cannot see anyone else in this role. She was superb.
One of the first big debuts for Marilyn Monroe was in this movie. She played an actress, of course, who was quite sexual, girlish and of course, blond.
The movie reviewer in me loved-loved-loved that Edith Head did some of the wardrobe. If you don't know who she is, her likeness was the model for the costume maker in "The Incredibles." She was to costumes what Picasso is to paintings. She knew the material, shades best suited to the actors and how the director wanted to dress both the character and the actor. She didn't disappoint because the ball gowns are fabulous - I wanted one of Bette Davis' when I saw it. They are timeless.
Now enough gushing and on to the sour points. There is a LOT of smoking, so if you are sensitive to watching people light up, you don't need to see this. There are hints of sexuality, but no nudity. Of particular interest to me was the way in which Bette Davis and Anne Baxter referred to lesbianism without actually saying or suggesting it. It was in the tone and in the way the lines were read. I think that if you were to watch it, you may or may not catch it. I was actually looking for it because I had read something about Davis. There is a line in which Davis says something about wanting (her beau) to go upstairs, undress her, and change her into her gown for a long night's rest. But then she adds something like, "or would you rather do it, Eve?" I don't think the average person would pick that out, but I wanted to be sure to add here.
My favorite character was Celeste Holm's Karen. She was sweet, pretty and hopelessly faithful to everyone around her, which lead to her downfall. I identified with her helplessness when faced with two impossible options. I think you will too.
As if coming full circle, the movie ends on a creepy note; yet not as creepy as a lot of other 50s movies. You may get a chill after the super sly Addison DeWitt (George Sanders) shuts the door of Eve's hotel room, leaving one of Eve's belongings in the hands of a stranger.
If you like well-written movies with quick, funny banter and tight plots, this is for you. Again, this is a movie I'd let teens see but not smaller kids.

Eagle Eye

Where to begin... The first 15 minutes were a series of "Wow!" Then I figured the movie out. I say this not to make myself sound superior, it's just that the plot wasn't that good. I think it would be better for folks who don't watch much sci-fi because those of us who do saw right through this one. One part particularly gave it away. A military person assigned to the "project" was named "Bowman." PLEASE, for the love of Stanley Kubrick, don't go all "Dave, I cannot do that" on us.
The acting was really good. I'm not sure how much Billy Bob Thornton got paid, but he earned it. He had the best lines: (something like) "I'll make sure you're next assignment is touching shit...with your hands." He was great in this movie. Watch it to see him.
As a quick note, you'll see a lot of people in this movie you've seen in other stuff. Watch closely. Rosario Dawson was super and I was crossing my fingers she wouldn't die in the end (you'll have to watch it). Michael Chiklis from "The Shield" played a small but pivotal role.
As for Michelle Monaghan and Shia LaBeouf, they gave convincing performances - I would watch them in other movies because they seem to have the "craft" down well. The movie's downfall wasn't in the actor's performances; it was in the plot, so if you l-o-v-e Shia, rent this. His was actually more of a dual performance as he has a twin brother, so you get two Shia for the price of one! He really did an excellent job as the grieving, neglected, lesser brother.
The score was good, the action scenes were fantastic and I especially liked the cinematography. There were quick shoot-to shots that aided the weak plot. The sleek design of the machine "Aria" was also very futuristic and somewhat convincing.
I don't think I can conclude the review without pointing out that this movie was original, but borrowed HEAVILY from other movies. The Aria shots were very much like "Event Horizon" or "Sphere," and possibly "Alien." One may even argue the "Star Wars" light saber duel had a similar backdrop to Aria. The 1984-ish Big Brother was obvious from the beginning.
Even with these other similarities, the movie is more of an homage to Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." It is an example of what happens when the government puts more trust in the machines than the people. Crazy crap happens.
The ending is predictable but sweet. I suggest that fans of action movies and possibly sci-fi should watch this movie. It's not the best, but it has some great moments. While there is no sexuality, there are some strong phrases uttered, so I'd let teens watch it but not preteens or smaller kids. It would make a good date night movie or for a 15 year old girl's slumber party.

Hercules - Animated

Although I've seen almost every Disney movie made, I'm not really a big fan. One of the reasons is that Disney routinely places a child in a parent-less situation. Just think...when was the last time you saw a Disney movie that didn't involve a parent dying, a parent already dead, adoption or some sort of parental guardianship? Yep, never.
Disney's 1997 adaption (loosely) of the Greek fable of Hercules turned out to be a pretty good movie. There was action, a love interest, singing, a really bad villain, kooky talking animals and a feel-good ending. However, I think the movie didn't do as well in some parts of the country because it doesn't specifically address ONE higher being. This is also a Disney trait. You can see a small mouse wishing on a star or a mermaid's deal with an undersea devil but you can't address the notion of one "god." In Hercules, Disney displays multiple gods, as with the Greek monotheistic tradition. I think this probably got the far right-wingers upset. Who knows?
As for the movie, it has all the key elements kids like. My 4-yr old loves this movie. I'm sure part of it is because the colors are really vivid and he thinks it's funny. It's also got a catchy series of songs - I found myself singing along. The first time he watched it I think he might have been a little scared of the scenes with Hades (wonderfully voiced by James Woods).
The story, as you probably know, is about a child born to gods (Hera and Zeus) who is stolen away (by Hades) and lives among mortals, believing the people who raised him to be his true parents. He finds out the truth later and works to become a real god by performing feats of heroism. His training comes from the satyr Philoctetes (Danny DeVito), ensuring more laughs to the situation. There is a love interest in Megara, or Meg for short. Also, Paul Shaffer voices Hermes, the messenger, who looks and acts exactly like himself, including glasses. One other note is that Charlton Heston is the narrator. I think that was a great move on Disney's part.
The movie is sweet and not as scary as "The Little Mermaid" or "Sleeping Beauty." It is male-centered, which is rarer nowadays, but little girls will like it too. I would suggest this movie to any age person willing to endure several episodes of gospel singings by the Muses and can overlook the multi god sentiment. I really liked this movie.