American History X (1998)

An impromptu report by Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) begins a look into his older brother's life as a neo-Nazi. Under the tutelage of Cameron Alexander (Stacy Keach), a young, impressionable Derek begins a transformation from honors high-school student to rage-filled skinhead. Derek brutally murders two black men after finding them breaking into his truck. In prison and separated from influences, Derek begins to question the beliefs and opinions that got him here while his name is spoken with reverence throughout Venice Beach. Three years later, emerging from prison Derek seeks to redeem himself and save his little brother from following his path.

American History X dares to ask uncomfortable questions and examine the answers with a powerful blow. Filled with passion, hate, anger, revenge, justice, redemption and legacy, the film evokes a gamut of emotion.

Edward Norton provides a SEARING and staggering performance as Derek. Norton imbues Derek with such complexity, the viewer reacts in sympathy despite his hatred and racial feelings. Norton is phenomenal and succeeds in getting his audience to consider Derek's tragic youth and upbringing before passing judgment. Here's the thing, you can't. As a viewer, I was conflicted. Derek, well-informed, makes solid arguments for his beliefs and as horrible as it sounds, most people could find a piece of themselves in Derek, if they were honest.

Supporting Norton is Edward Furlong. Just as brilliant is Furlong, as Danny wrestles with his brother's change and his own. The ever villainous Stacy Keach has shades of Jim Jones about him as he preys on impressionable youth. Avery Brooks puts in a commendable performance, but it would have been nice to see his story line further explored. Guy Torry as Lamont, Derek's friend in prison, is another solid performance that would have benefited from closer examination.

With its harsh language and imagery, American History X is not a feel-good movie. Director Tony Kaye effectively presents Derek's story through a series of potent black and white flashbacks in all ugliness. Combined with a powerful score and dialog that further accents each moment, the film succeeds in making a lasting and sometimes cringe-worthy impression.

For all of its intensity, American History X takes the simple way out. The climax is equally powerful and unfullfilling. There are no simple answers when examining social inequality or discrimination and perhaps that it why the ending is so chilling.

Hate is indeed baggage. Brutal and violent, American History X pulls no punches. Seeing the true consequences of a man's hate as it destroys everything he loves is not something easily forgotten. Edward Norton's performance is not to be missed. Make no mistake, American History X is a powerful memorable film.

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (2009)

A trip to Dr. Parnassus' Imaginarium is a guaranteed good time, but only for those willing to let go their conscience selves and in turn be enveloped by remarkable multi-faceted performances from Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, and Lily Cole.

Noise (2007)

New Yorker David Owen (Tim Robbins) is a fussy old man. Desperate for peace and quiet, he turns his hatred for car alarms and their never-ending shill inward and becomes ‘The Rectifier’. Breaking into the offending cars to pop the hood and deactivate their alarms draws the attention of the mayor (William Hurt) who is determined to end this vigilante justice.

Noise is an insipid disjoined mess. That’s a shame considering the originality of the plot. The issues are threefold. The cast is content to phone-in uninspired performances. Tim Robbins with his lethargic whiny delivery comes across all wrong. He’s the neighbor everyone loves to hate. Delightful Bridget Moynahan is miscast as an uninteresting, disinterested wife. And the superb William Hurt is a total douche. It also lacks focus with a narrative that falters long before it gets started. Combined with all that is a thinly veiled socio-satirical diatribe and you’ve got a mess-terpiece.

Watching the Detectives (2007)

Vapid comedy with a psuedo warning for movie nerds.  (Live life, don't watch it.) Too bad Lucy Luo stars thereby negating any redeeming qualities.

Billy Elliot (2000)

Young Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell) secretly wants to learn ballet while his father, a striking coalminer, pays for his boxing lessons. Billy begins to take lessons on the sly. But when it’s discovered Billy is a natural talent, his father must come to turns with his boy’s dream. Caught between his disintegrating family and the memories of his mother, torn between his father’s wishes and his own, Billy comes of age with amazing results.

Set in Northern England, Billy Elliot sets the world of an 11 year old boy in the middle of the 1980’s strike creating a beautiful juxtaposition. The grittiness of the miner’s fight and Billy’s own gentle spirit compete making for compelling and symbolic film-making.  Director Stephen Daldry (The Reader) subtly crafts hope and hopelessness in every frame.

Jamie Bell leads an outstanding cast. His scenes are so powerful. As Billy, Bell is a genuine, innocent, but strong and his dancing is incredible. Supporting him is an equally strong cast including Julie Walters. But they all pale in comparison to Bell’s performance.

As I see it, Billy Elliot is an underrated masterpiece that succeeds as every element is spot-on. Writing, casting, cinematography, score—it’s all right on the mark and Jamie Bell is simply extraordinary.