MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Chinatown

"Chinatown" is a yet another brilliant film by the gifted director Roman Polanski. This neo-noir film boasts a fine script and features 2 magnetic performances by Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. To me the slow pacing was tedious at times, but the performances held my interest. Nicholson’s performance was especially eye-opening for me, as I had never seen him so fresh and charming. I usually picture him as slightly intimidating and brash. In the film, he plays private detective J.J. Gittes, hired to unravel a seemingly simple infidelity case. Of course, things get a little more complicated and he gets involved with a beautiful woman (Evelyn Mulwray) who is interconnected with some criminal activities. Dunaway is equally captivating in her role and her intimate scenes with Nicholson have a real natural feeling. Considering their other work (Bonnie and Clyde, Network, As Good As It Gets, Something’s Gotta Give etc.), the delicacy they show here is pleasantly surprising. Throughout the film Polanski directs with a steady hand and creates a truly authentic noir film. The production design really captured the 1930’s setting with the relevant music, costuming, set design and even the accents (particularly Dunaway’s). The attention to detail is really impeccable. This film is a true classic of the genre.

This film is part of my List of Shame.

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OLDIE GOLDIES: On The Waterfront (1954)

Eva Marie Saint with her Best Supporting Actress Oscar

Oldie Goldies is back this week with a superb film - "On The Waterfront". This film is the perfect blend of brilliant writing and acting. I recently saw this for a 2nd time and it plays even better on repeat viewings. The AMPAS certainly loved it too, giving it a whopping 12 Oscar nominations - Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Picture, Best Writing, Best Score and 3 Supporting Actor nods! In the end, the film went home with 8 of these awards (Actor, Supporting Actress, Art Direction, Cinematography, Director, Editing, Writing and of course, Best Picture).

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MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Sling Blade

I didn't see anything to rave about this week, so here are a few thoughts on a film I saw some time ago. "Sling Blade" is slow but thought-provoking film by actor-director-writer Billy Bob Thornton. Despite testing my patience at times, it’s still a fascinating film that poses some subtle questions about morality and intolerance. Thornton is simply masterful in the lead role.

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OLDIE GOLDIES: Rome Open City (1945)

Here's a late edition of "Oldie Goldies" this week, with a look at a great piece of Italian neorealist cinema - "Rome Open City". This first film in Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy is nicely shot and features a really compelling story. It certainly deserved its Best Screenplay nomination for the 1947 Oscars.

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A ROTTEN TOMATO: Good Deeds

I never planned to watch this film, but I got roped into seeing this with my mom and my sister. This is probably Tyler Perry's worst film. My mom and sis are both Tyler Perry fans and even they thought the plot was silly and unrealistic. There was one good scene in an elevator, but the rest was appallingly bad. It almost made me re-consider the acting talents of Thandie Newton and Gabrielle Union, who can be pretty decent when given the right roles. Unfortunately, this script was so bad that any actor would look like an amateur. If the horrible formulaic trailer didn't deter you already, take my advice and avoid this film.

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MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Prometheus

2012 has already seen its fair share of blockbuster hits ("The Avengers", "The Hunger Games" etc.) but none of them really floored me. What a treat then, to find a truly skilled genre director (Ridley Scott) who delivers the goods. "Prometheus" is a wonderful addition to the "Alien" franchise, as it is riveting from start to finish. Scott is clearly a master of sci-fi, as he hooks you in from the first breathtaking scene. When I think of this film, so many adjectives come to mind. It's visually stunning, thrilling, mysterious, thought-provoking and at times downright terrifying. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen for a second. This film is a real directing triumph, but the entire production team must be commended. Maybe the IMAX 3D experience played a part, but I found the film's look and feel really lived up to the epic grandiosity of the trailers. Among a strong cast, Noomi Rapace shines in a plum role (Fassbender is outstanding too, but I kinda hated his character). This is her best performance to date (even better than her Lisbeth Salander imho). She has a bright future ahead, go get 'em girl! I will admit, the film doesn't fully answer all the ambitious philosophical questions it poses. In my view, if you are dealing with the origins of mankind, it's damn near impossible to give a satisfying answer. There will always be the question "Who created the creator?" For me, I was just happy that a summer blockbuster would have the gumption to provoke such deep thought. In addition, the pure enjoyment levels of this film should appeal to many, regardless of the minor plot flaws.

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OSCAR WATCH: The Avengers

With $564 million (and counting) in the bank already, "The Avengers" is generating some inevitable Oscar buzz. I don't think it has any chance, but for argument's sake I'm putting it on "Oscar Watch". The film is a fun romp, with smart direction and writing from Joss Whedon. I love that the film acknowledges its comic book roots, as opposed to forcing some deeper real-world meaning. The cast works well together, giving each performer some good character bits. Whedon's great writing skill is evident in the banter between characters, as I was often surprised by the intelligent detail in the humour. I really commend him for not dumbing down the jokes. Tom Hiddleston is best in show for me, as he nails the dramatic flair of his character and his sense of entitlement. In the end, the film really is very entertaining, but it doesn't really redefine the genre or explore any grand themes. That's fine with me though, as the film successfully carries out its intended purpose.

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OSCAR WATCH: Moonrise Kingdom

So, this is a very hard review to write. Reason being, I felt very indifferent while watching this movie. I certainly didn't hate it, but it didn't really grab my interest either. This is definitely a film for Wes Anderson fans. His distinct style will thrill his loyal fans, but may irk those (like me) who just don't "get" him. The strong reviews however, have caused various Oscar pundits to declare this as a Best Picture contender. I personally don't see it, as I really can't see Academy members truly loving it (unless the membership suddenly became full of young hipsters). However, I do think it has a strong chance in Best Original Screenplay, as it seems like the sort of imaginative originality that tends to do well in that category. To a lesser extent, it could also challenge for a Best Director nod. Anderson is certainly meticulous and and purposeful with his style and really embodies the notion of the auteur. I think the film would have to be unanimously adored for Anderson to get into the highly esteemed director category at the Oscars, so I can't see it happening. Overall, the film undeniably contains all the pieces necessary for a good film. The cast is great, working with fully-developed characters, while the cinematography and music are also very good. However, the deadpan dry humour failed to resonate with me.

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OLDIE GOLDIES: Possessed (1947)

This week's featured film on Oldie Goldies is a classic noir film - "Possessed". The film stars Joan Crawford as a love-obsessed, but scorned woman. Of course, you can expect all sorts of "stank face" as she goes mad trying to win her man's affection. In the end, her performance earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

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MOVIE OF THE WEEK:Real Steel

So, my "Bridget Jones's Diary" review (great film btw) has disappeared from my laptop and I'm a bit scatter-brained right now. Hence, my "Movie of the Week" is a film that I saw months ago - "Real Steel". This film is a surprisingly thrilling robot actioner. Although entirely predictable, the film rises on the strength of its acting and visual effects. Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo had really great chemistry together. The visuals were really cool too. Jackman was clearly enjoying himself in this film and I was too.

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