Hereafter--A movie review

Clint Eastwood produced and directed this 2010 film which takes a decidedly secular and unsentimental approach to the subject matter of what lies beyond death. Three separate story lines unfold, with the characters inevitably meeting and interacting in the final scenes.

Matt Damon plays a reluctant psychic who considers his authentic gift more of a curse since it does not allow him to live a normal life. He plays his character brilliantly. Understated and real, his performance is a craftsman like work of the actor's art. Jay Mohr plays his older brother who wants to exploit his brother's gift.

This author read an article about the friendship and collaboration of Matt Damon and Clint Eastwood, and it was evident in the flawless integration of performance and story in this film. Just a pleasure to watch.

The movie begins with a French woman journalist caught in a Tsunami which one presumes was the big one that hit Indonesia a while back. She almost drowns and has a near death experience. She is haunted by this experience and her life is turned upside down as she decides to write about her experience.

The third story line involves a shy young boy who is tragically separated from his twin.

The way these three lives are brought together is what great storytelling is all about. This is a five star movie by my reckoning, just excellent. Highly recommended.

The Help--the movie reviewed

The place: Jackson, Mississippi. The time: The early 60's. The subject: A young white woman writer decides to write a book about the maids who work in her town from the maid's point of view.

Segregation is a subject that has been done many times in film but I have never seen it done better. I was surprised to find that this story was not based upon a true story, it has the ring of truth.

Although the film has its flaws, they pale in light of a story brilliantly told. The cast is universally excellent, with Viola Davis playing the primary maid with a brilliance that must be seen. Her performance screams Oscar, and I'll bet this film gets a bunch of nominations at the very least. Emma Stone as the writer is great too. But it is almost unfair to call attention to specific cast members since they were all really excellent. It is well written, well performed, and beautifully done in all respects, camera work, costumes, its all there.

I found it engrossing and moving from start to finish. Especially for those that grew up in this time period and have been at all involved with civil rights, this one will grab you and not let go.  Highly recommended!

Cherry, the movie reviewed

The coming-of-age movie is oft done, but I have never seen it done better than it is in this sweet indie flick. It has enormous heart, and nary a false note. It is funny, poignant, well acted and just all around outstanding. I was more than pleasantly surprised.

This is a movie that Hollywood could never make. It is too good. Its characters are real, the ring of authenticity is consistent throughout. Its funny though that it is not even reviewed on Rotten Tomatoes.com so apparently it has not been seen by many folks. I found it streaming on Netflix. Its worth seeking out. Not for the prudish. Highly recommended.

Fair Game--a movie review

This is an excellent dramatization of the Valerie Plame incident, during the run up to the Iraq war. If you recall she was outed as a CIA agent. The whole cast is top notch; Valerie is played by Naomi Watts, her husband Joe by Sean Penn.

This is a story of the dirtiest kind of misuse of power, its a story of a strong marriage challenged, and its also about integrity and the necessity to speak out when there is wrongdoing.

In spite of the fact that it deals with the USA's recent history, the issues involved are as current as today's headlines. This is an important film, well worth seeing. It is  also a call to action, and we best respond accordingly.

Bill Cunningham New York-- a movie review

This is a brilliant documentary about Bill Cunningham who has been a fashion photographer for the New York Times for eons. Now in his 80's, he is a fixture in Manhattan riding on his bike from fashion event to fashion event.

The film chronicles his amazing life, from his studio home in Carnegie Hall, to his work literally on the streets and sidewalks of New York, and of course at the glamorous events he chronicles.

The man is truly delightful and obviously a devoted artist who has found his passion and life's work and is devoted to it. The film is well done, respectful, and gives a vivid picture of an amazing man.

Driving Lessons--a movie review

This British coming-of-age story is charming. Rupert Grant plays Ben, a minister's son who is 17 and ruled by his domineering do-gooder mother, played by Laura Linney. Laura is always fun to watch and she does well in this role. One of her best lines, in her complaint about the Julie Walters character, she says:"That woman is an actress!". Like nothing more needs to be said:)

Ben's opportunity to break out comes with employment as an assistant to a retired actress played to a fare-thee-well by Julie Walters, who really chews up the scenery, having great fun with this juicy role.

She practically kidnaps Ben and takes him camping and up to the Edinborough Festival where there are plenty of opportunities for adventures and growth.

The genre is familiar but the treatment here is fresh and enjoyable. Recommended!

Barney's Version-the movie reviewed

This is a great movie. I think it will most appeal to the boomer generation, but anyone who appreciates a good story well told will enjoy it. Paul Giamatti takes a virtuoso turn playing Barney and Dustin Hoffman his father. The story is a retelling of 30 years of Barney's life, and he lived a rich, full and successful life.

Rosamund Pike plays Miriam, the love of Barney's life. The role is one of a very dignified, beautiful woman and its played beautifully. In fact the acting is consistently excellent in all roles, and its all very well done.

The movie is an adaption of the novel by Mordeci Richler. The characters are very human with human failings. It is an engrossing story well told. Recommended!