"The Illusionist"

Written by Jacques Tati ("Mon Oncle") about 50 years ago, the script tells a story with practically no spoken words. (Maybe 20 words in the whole film!) Rather this animated film directed by Mr. Sylvain Chomet is a unique, one of a kind visual treat, telling the mesmerizng tale of a tall, lanky rather elderly (or at least not young), magic (?) performer who travels from town to town, venue to venue, and interacts with many other vaudeville performers as well as a young girl who mops floors and is fascinated with our hero. The art work is superb! I've never seen anything like it. Not computer generated, not Disneyesque, it's very different. Almost every frame is worthy to hang in an art gallery, where the detailed imagery could be fully savored. The characters do not move smoothly, but again, in a unique styylized manner. Perhaps you may remember "The Triplets of Bellemont" (or was it Belleview?) from a few years ago. Same director. Bravo. FOUR STARS.

"COUNTRY STRONG"

Even going in with low expectations, I was bored a lot of the 117 minutes of this film, which seemed to drag on and on. The highlights were when there was some country music (which I like) being played and sung. Strange that Tim McGraw (who is a CW singer), didn't sing, whereas Gweneth Paltrow and Garrett Hedlund did. So did Leighton Meester, playing the young, upcoming performer, rival to Paltrow. This was a pathetic look at the pathetic back stage lives of Country Western stars and wannabees. I really, really like Tim and Garrett and Gweneth (found Leighton tolerable -I think she's probably a better singer than actress), but the movie was just not very good. GP did a good job portraying the drunken, pill popping "superstar" "Kelly Canter," but not my idea of enjoyment to watch this kind of behavior. ONE STAR (I figure it deserves at least One, like an "e" for effort) Sorry. Shana Feste Directed.

"HARRY'S LAW" New TV Show

Monday nights, NBC. Don't miss it!! I'm so delighted by this fast moving, clever, in and out of the courtroom show, outstanding dialogue written by that excellent wit, David E. Kelley. ("Boston Legal" was his baby!) "Harry" is for Harriet, a lawyer, played by the marvelous, Kathy Bates. Nate Corddry and several other fine actors appeared on this first exciting episode. Great dialogue, unexpected humor. Hooray for "Harry!" FOUR STARS!

"DILEMMA"

Perhaps Allan Loeb, who is credited (more to the point, discredited if he actually wrote all the dialogue) with the script, got paid by the word, in which case, he made a bundle. Vince Vaughn, who used to be likeable, and Kevin James, ditto, play two very best buddies, and fast talk at, to, with, and on top of each other ad nauseum. Ron Howard, please, please find a better film to direct to redeem yourself. If you have figured out by now that I did not like this film, you are correct. Okay, there were a couple of scenes that were funny, for instance the "intervention." And the photography was fine. ONE STAR - since I did sit through it all, waiting to see the ending (which couldn't come soon enough). Winona Ryder and Jennifer Connelly were there, but so what? Nuff said.

Golden Globes and an Assassin

This isn't a movie review. It's my personal commentary on recent events that illustrate the human obsession with fame. Remember the theme song in "Cheers" (You want to go where everybody knows your name.. ? followed by and they're always glad you came). Well now, everybody knows Ricky Jervais' name. As for me I'm sorry he came to host the Golden Globes. He's been quoted saying he doesn't mind if people hate him. Such is the thirst for recognition -- it's why some kids act naughty -- just to get attention. He was way beyond naughty. Just rude and crude, mean and nasty insults that were far from funny. Then there's Tucson, Arizona, where an obviously mentally deranged guy shot and killed a number of people the other day in an attempt to kill a Congresswoman. Take a look at his photo in the newspaper. He is probably thrilled with the notoriety - if he's seen it. Of course, the public wants news. We want to know what's happening in the world. Unfortunately, getting written about, getting your photo in the paper, even if it's for being infamous, feeds that ego driven urge to be "recognized." What's that saying, "Any publicity is good publicity"? I don't know the solution. I just feel very, very sad to witness the insanity that is rampant in our society. Yes, Yogi Bhajan predicted that things would get worse before the actual Aquarian Age arrives. Almost another year to go, folks, so, be kind to one another, think positive, meditate,and pray. I'm trying to keep my eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel ( and remember to pay the electric bill on time). SP

"Animal Kingdom"

Heavy but fascinating, full of suspense and violence. It must be a really good film, because I liked it even though I had a hard time understanding the Australian accents! Nevertheless, this crime family (like a Melbourne Mafia- with a God-Awful grand-Mother who manages the menagerie of thieves and murders, her "boys"), said to be based on a true story(?), good grief! was so well crafted. The main character is 17 year old Joshua "J" Cody played by James Frecheville who is absolutely marvelous ( I would like to see him do more films, hopefully in America) as are the portrayals by everyone in the film, including his mostly violent and vicious uncles. (Though one of them seems a bit retarded and soft.) Upon the death of his mother (from an accidental overdose) J goes to live with his grandmother and uncles, from whom his mother had wisely kept him separated -- to protect him from their grimy lives. Alas, he has nowhere else to go, and so through observation and some tutelage, he silently, calmly (hardly reacts or speaks) learns the tricks of the trade. Guy Pearce, always a great actor, plays the Police Investigator, "Leckie" who tries to help "J" even though "J" won't rat out his nefarious uncle (the worst of the lot). Anyway, it's a good plot, excellent acting and should be worth FOUR STARS (if only I could have heard all the dialogue! I can't blame the Australians for my accent challenged hearing.) There's even a love interest, and issues of betrayal and loyalty are addressed. Writer/Director David Michod did a great job with this excellent film.

"Somewhere"

It was't all bad. Yes, there are some positive aspects to this film by Sofia Coppola, especially since there is plenty to talk about afterwards! I breathed a sigh of relief when it was over. Only 98 minutes, it felt like 6 hours. I definitely liked Stephen Dorff playing the rich and famous Hollywood star, "Johnny Marco" and Elle Fanning playing his daughter, "Cleo." Together, they were excellent, appearing very natural, inhabiting their roles and obviously comfortable with each other and enjoying the relationship. (I hope she gets some good parts and continues her career, Stephen also; I like him.) Living as I do in Los Angeles, growing up in Hollywood, I'm familiar with the landmarks, the freeways, and of course, the Chateau Marmont hotel, where (I am told) the celebrities stay, party, have casual sex, and wait for the call from their agents. I didn't hate this movie, but I didn't like it very much either. I understand that S.C. intended the slow pace, to indicate the boredom for "poor" Johnny in between gigs --and in that, she succeeded, it was definitely boring and tedious to watch. The pole dancing twosomes that came to entertain our hero actually became boring also, too much, for too long; at least that's my opinion. Oh, and the symbolism (is that the right word? maybe it's a metphor?) showing him racing his Ferrari at breakneck speed around and around (5 times I counted)an oval that went nowhere - opens the film. At the end, I think he's near the same track. All very "artistic" and neuveau something or other. Not for me, folks. Sorry. Some cinephiles may love this film.

"THE FIGHTER"

Talk about a visceral experience! Wow! Painful! Problem is that I despise boxing; I really hate it! (For some reason, I don't mind seeing people shoot each other in movies, when the plot requires it- but, beating up on each other? No thanks.) However, based on a true story, "The Fighter" is actually an excellent movie. Has to be rated FOUR STARS because I didn't see anything wrong with it ( as a movie). Flawless acting by marvelous cast headed by Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale with Melissa Leo playing the Mother (a character you've got to find disgusting, as is the rest of the family). Foul language seems to be about the only method of communiction, even by Amy Adams, who plays the Mark Wahlberg's girlfriend. (Despite her language, there's something high class and sweet about her that shines through. First Class Direction by David O. Russell. Exceptionally fine photography throughout (too good -- especially in the graphic scenes of physical punishment that our hero took!) Perhaps you have to have an excess of testosterone to fully appreciate boxing; but this movie is so good that I liked it, even though I hated the brutality of it. I definitely like Mark Wahlberg -- he just didn't belong in that family - though he (the real life fighter character he played) made the best of it.