Heavyweights (1995)

One of Disney’s dated feel-good family films about overweight boys with Ben Stiller as a crazed fitness guru.

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Regardless of how you feel about the man known as Michael Moore, there is no denying that his most recent offering is a sad, sensationalistic, but immensely thought-provoking diatribe on the state of our union.

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights (2009)

The White Stripes: Under Great White Northern Lights is as fascinating and odd as the band itself.  The rock doc follows Jack and Meg through a massive tour of Canada as the duo hits every province and territory with impromptu gigs and full-on shows. 

Content with Jack doing most of the talking, Meg has constant bemused look on her face.  Jack says it best with his guitar, but ultimately both are just as interesting as heck.

Filmed mostly in B&W, the film has an unusual aesthetic just like it's subjects.  As I see it, only fans of the White Stripes will find this a most welcoming piece.

The Edukators (2005)

Best friends Jan (Daniel Brühl) and Peter (Stipe Erceg) are a couple of radical idealists who like to strike fear in the minds of Germany’s elite. Their unorthodox duo break into mansions, rearrange things and leave messages warning on the pitfalls of wealth signed by ‘The Edukators’. Enter Peter’s disillusioned girlfriend Jule (Julia Jentsch) who joins Jan on this adventures while Peter is away. All goes well until she leaves her phone at the home of a businessman who, incidentally, is also the man who is causing said disillusionment. Unexpected events call for improvising with the most unexpected of results.

The Edukators strikes the perfect balance between ideology and believability making for a subtle thought-provoking drama. The simplicity of it all is disarming thanks, in part, to the fantastic cast. The three leads—just kids—are struggling to make sense of their ideals and a world in which they don’t fit. Brühl as Jan is perfectly moody, confused, and passionate. In contrast is Peter, who suffers Jan’s moods for the rush of it all.

The cinematography is also of note. The Edukators meanders a bit before the director refocuses, creating unlikely symbolism in the juxataposition of desparity.  The film's climax, in retrospect, I should have seen coming.  But I think it speaks to the film's success all the same.

As I see it, The Edukators is another foreign gem that makes me loathe current American cinema. Why can’t we get quality drama like this at home? The film is artistic, entertaining, and thoughtful. No, it won’t probably won't make you a better person for seeing, but The Edukators will certainly be remembered.

Henry Poole is Here (2008)

Henry Poole is an odd man with a secret. Diagnosed with rare disease, he has only a few weeks to live. Rather than live it up, Henry (Luke Wilson) removes himself from life and partakes of an endless supply of pizza and liquor. His desire to left alone is interrupted by a devoutly religious and meddling neighbor Esperanza (Adriana Barraza) who spies a miracle on the stucco of Henry’s home. Much to Henry’s dismay, Esperanza spreads the word of this Holy sign making Henry’s home a shrine.

Henry Poole is Here is a character study of man with no hope finding something to hope for. Melancholic but inspirational, the film is nicely balanced emotionally and is subversively charming The progession of events is believably, if odd.

As I see it, Henry Poole is Here is a gentle little film that entertains and could actually be thought-provoking if you let it. The film doesn’t tell us what to believe insomuch as showcasing the strength found in faith.

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox is super-fantastic!  Indulge me, dear readers.

This first animated feature from Anderson contains his trademark humor and dialogue.  The only difference is the stop-motion delivery by a myriad of woodland creatures.  If you're unfamiliar with the story, you must look elsewhere as I will only sing the praises of this adaptaion.

Using the voice talents of George Clooney (Mr. Fox), Meryl Streep (Mrs. Fox), Anderson muse Bill Murray (Badger), Jason Schwartzman (Ash Fox), Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe, and Owen Wilson, Anderson brings these creatures to life with personalities, quirks, and insecurities.  Mr. Fox is a reformed chicken thief who gave up the life of crime when Ash was born as Mrs. Fox's request, but his natural habits get the better of him and Mr. Fox inadvertently brings the wrath of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean--three farmers--down on the whole community of badges, oppossums, mice, and more.

The adventure unfolds with gorgeous animation that captivates.  You swear the fur sways in the breeze.  Whether Mr. Fox or the home he inhabits, everything is charming to behold.  Pixar's multi-hued palatte pales in the golden rays of this creative piece.  The 'cussing' is another great, imaginative touch.  And I love Dafoe's turn as a karate-wielding rat.

As I see it, Anderson is at the top of his craft here.  He has successfully parlayed his hand into a tricky new arena and brilliantly delivered.  It's safe for the whole family, but I think the true genius of Fantastic Mr. Fox is the way Anderson winks at his adult audience with nary a derogarty remark in sight.

Brilliantly crafted, perfectly executed, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a masterpiece for a new generation!  These characters come alive and it is fantastic thing!

Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever (2009)

Gross scenes cobbled together do not make a movie worth seeing.

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

The story behind Dorian Gray involves a painting and a pact. What unfolds onscreen is a macabre drama of obsession that leads to murder. Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore) paints a captivating portrait of naïve aristocrat Dorian (Hurd Hatfield). After meeting cynic Lord Henry Wotton (George Sanders), Dorian becomes obessed with remaining young and wishes for the picture to age instead of him.  Though he ages,  Dorian's face remains unchanged, but the portrait reflects his soul and the ugliness found there.

Set in Victorian England, The Picture of Dorian Gray is filmed in black and white with moments of glorious Technicolor to emphasize the portrait’s intoxicating powers.

Hurd Hatfield makes Dorian Gray believable. His evolution from young and handsome aristocrat to corrupted and brooding aristocrat is amazing. Surrounding him is a supporting cast that includes Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed looking very Hollywood.

As I see it, The Picture of Dorian Gray is simply a gorgeous drama that recalls a time when movies were REAL productions; this award-winning masterpiece works wonderfully thanks to the pitch perfect score, impecable cinematography, and soulful performances.

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)

Executive producer Julia Roberts takes another of the American Girls from book to screen in this new adaptation. Kit (Abigail Breslin) is a young aspiring journalist growing up at the Depression Era. Dealing with poverty is just the beginning for this courageous girl. While her father (Chris O’Donnell) is in Chicago looking for work, Kit and her mother (Julia Ormond) turn their home into boarding house taking in array of people. When Kit discovers one of the boards is a con-artist (Stanley Tucci), she investigates ands save more than her family.

Kit Kittredge joins Samantha, Molly, and Felicity with a full-length feature. It’s a delightful family film that takes the opportunity to insert relatable characters into key historical periods giving children the opportunity learn and be entertained.

The supporting cast of Jane Krakowski, Joan Cusack, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Colin Mochrie add delightful touches as boarders, cons, and hobos.  Abigail Breslin is just a delight.  She's a bit younger here, but perfectly fits the precocious child needed.

Genuine with being sacchrine and with a timeless message, Kit Kittredge is solid choice for family entertainment.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Arthur Spiderwick (David Stratharin) spent many years secreting away the hidden world around us. 80 years later, Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore)discovers his great-great uncle’s journal. Opening this field guide of nature’s fantasy world exposes Jared and his siblings, Simon and Mallory to adventure and danger.

With ogres, goblins, griffins and faeries to rival those of any children’s story, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a film to see thanks to great story-telling and solid special effects.

The cast including Mary Louise Parker, Joan Plowright, Nick Nolte, and Martin Short and Seth Rogen in voice roles supply endless possibilites. Freddie Highmore carries the core of this film as twin brothers Jared—the more sullen, angry—and Simon—the bookish, well-adjusted one. Highmore is exceptional, leaving his English accent behind to bring two multi-facted characters to life.

With a story reminiscent of Bridge to Terebithia, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a smart balance of lessons and entertainment. The dark overtones are hardled nicely and the sweetness is never cloying. The film isn’t dumbed down, nor does it feel like mass-produced garbage. As I see it, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a safe family choice and a magical one to boot.

Neverwas (2005)

Psychiatrist Zach Riley (Aaron Eckhart) takes a job at Millwood Mental Hospital in order to learn more about the place that failed his author father (Nick Nolte). Schizophrenic Gabriel Fisher (Ian McKellen) is certain that Zachary is there to rescue him for the dungeon and return him to his kingdom in Neverwas. Returning to Millwood has a great effect on Zach. But does Gabriel hold the key to his father’s secrets or is he losing all grip on reality?

Fantasy and reality blend in this magical atmospheric drama. Sir Ian McKellen is riveting as the multi-facted protagonist. Eckhart manages the evolution of lost child to redeemed man beautifully. Supporting actors William Hurt, Alan Cumming, Vera Farmiga, Brittany Murphy, and Jessica Lang provide a myriad of characters that serve to further highlight the human pathos herein.

As I see it, Neverwas is an understated gem that deserves a look.  Equal parts Bridge to Terebithia and J.R.R. Tolkein, Neverwas is a fantastical journey inside reality.

Mr. Rice's Secret (2000)

This movie should remain a secret.  David Bowie fans, it's a true cameo here and nothing worth watching.  A total dud.

Bandslam (2009)

Bandslam is a solid tween offering centered around David Bowie-writing freshman, but well-versed music geek Will (Gaelan Connell) who is convinced to manage the popular senior girl’s rock group. Helping the band win the school’s battle of the bands is one thing. Managing this new relationship with Sa5m (Vanessa Hudgens), a girl who shares Will’s passion, is another.

Bandslam, though predictable, is surprisingly good and without the cloying melodrama of High School Musical. The corny humor balances the syrupy drama to create a likeable movie. It’s more Nick & Norah for the 10-13 set.

Newcomer Gaelan Connell makes Will an honest dork who knows his CBGB from his BeeGees and how influencial The Sex Pistols were to a certain Irish band. Vaness Hudgens is about as interesting as a brick, but her part was underwriten. Lisa Kudrow plays Will’s mom convincingly.

David Bowie’s cameo was my reason for seeing Bandslam. But as I see it, the witty and overall authentic delivery of the entire cast made 111 minutes very enjoyable.

The Hurt Locker (2009)

It’s hard to tell if SFC William James (Jeremy Renner) has an addiction to adrenaline or if his cocky attitude is a coping mechanism. As part of the U.S. Army’s explosive ordanance disposal team, James lives on the edge. After his first foray into the city, the rest of the team is beginning to wonder if they will survive the countdown to going home.

The tension found inside The Hurt Locker is the kind that makes your pace the floor. It’s also what makes this film mezmerizing. Apolitical and essentially devoid of a soundtrack, the film focuses on the sights and sounds as it applies to James. Thus I don’t think it is particularly accurate judging by how well rounded the IED-diffusing trio is.  I didn't know the bomb squad moonlights as snipers.

Renner’s performance is tight, but ultimately his character is an enigma.You're never quite sure what makes him tick, nor does director Kathryn Bigelow seems to bother with key elements that would make these characters more relatable. We get shallow looks into internal conflicts, personalities, and Army life that often seem cliché.

As I see it, The Hurt Locker wouldn’t get my vote for Best Picture. But it is an interesting war drama that is worthy of viewing.  Cameos by Ralph Fiennes and Guy Pierce are cool.

An Education (2009)

Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is an Oxford bound student who dreams of a sophisticated life between Latin and English studies. But after meeting David (Peter Sarsgaard), a beguiling older gentleman who lives is a cultured world, Jenny is ready to throw her dreams to the wind. With the encouragement of her father, Jack (Alfred Molina), who has fallen under David’s spell, too, Jenny is about to get an education they don’t teach in school.

An Education is an exquisite coming of age drama thanks to remarkable performances by Mulligan and Sarsgaard. Jenny’s transformation from school girl to young lady is subtle and begins with slight changes to her hair and grades. Carey Mulligan makes Jenny authentic for the time period. Walking a fine line between debonair and predator, Sarsgaard’s David is enchanting. You, the viewer, want to despise him as you know this will not end well and yet, much like Jack, you are under his spell. Alfred Molina has a brilliant turn as Jack and Emma Thompson pops up at the demanding headmistress.

Set in 1961’s London, the production is sharp with detail. Everything from mannerisms to society standards are on par. An Education is limited by its short running time, but Nick Hornby’s screenplay manages to create an enveloping atmosphere and authentic dialogue.

All’s well that ends well. An Education doesn’t. But as I see it, you won’t find a more engrossing new release than this.  Though it is wrapped up a bit too conveniently that doesn't keep An Education from striking a chord.  Beautifully rendered, this film would easily make my 'best of' list.