Slumdog Millionaire
Despite a plot involving serious issues which face poverty stricken people residing in areas experiencing urban sprawl and gentrification (eg: child labor & human traficking) -- there are scenes in this Indian language movie that purposefully achieve memorable comedic status. In the lead role, Dev Patel successfully transitions from television to feature film. Near the final credits there's a traditional Bollywood dance scene finale/out-take. Slumdog Millionaire has parallels to Brazilian film City Of God (2002), and American film Once Upon A Time In America (1984); with child actors featuring prominently during its first half. Newcomer to the Mumbai film industry Freida Pinto is cast as the love interest.
Quantum of Solace : DVD & Blu-ray Release Date March 24, 2009
Spoiler Warning In a world where his lover threatens to arrest him when he first meets her, where his enemies try to put a price on integrity, and the world's most precious natural resource is at risk of falling under control of an unscrupulous secret army that poses as a benevolent environmental organization -- all of James Bond's friends and associates are at risk. This film delivers superior stunt sequences, including a falling-from-the-heights through glass scene that may leave you on the edge of your seat. Daniel Craig was apparently injured on the set of this spy thriller. Starring Mathieu Amalric (of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly fame), Gemma Arterton, and Olga Kurlyenko.
The Dark Knight
The latest installment of large budget Hollywood Batman films is a good catalyst for conversation.
Hancock
Like Jerry Maguire (1996) meets My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006): with themes of romance on the one hand, and male bonding on the other -- with two men depending on each other for success. Seemingly "fresh on the heels" of his previous film (I Am Legend), Will Smith resembles a sort of modern day dysfunctional Superman in this role, and Charlize Theron: a version of Shakespeare's Juliet mixed in with some kryptonite. Are Hancock's sneakers coated in titanium or what?
Stop Loss
Actor Ryan Phillippe plays a man angered by a modern military policy in this movie by the same name. The film begins with a convincing urban combat action sequence, and has a catch-22 plot depicting various types of veterans and their families.
The Air I Breathe
Aspects of this film may remind viewers of Run Lola Run (1998, starring Franka Potente) and Next (2007, starring Nicholas Cage). Actor Brendan Fraser portrays a darker and more serious/realistic character than his famous role in The Mummy franchise.
Control
Based on a true story, this film about influential Manchester area band Joy Division utilizes black and white cinematography that results in powerful visual artistic contrasts. Actor Sam Riley's solid portrayal of young, up and coming rock & roll vocalist Ian Curtis is well complemented by the supporting cast.
Vexille
This vibrant animated film about an apocalyptic struggle between man and technology may remind viewers of The Animatrix (2003), and classic action/sci-fi anime titles like Akira (1988).
Smokin' Aces
This gangster flick about a contract killing is set in the Lake Tahoe region, and is worth watching if you're a fan of Alicia Keys or Common -- two music industry artists who apparently make their feature film* acting debut in this title. The movie has noteworthy performances by Ryan Reynolds and Ben Affleck. Reynolds' character ultimately resigns himself to acting on his principles in the finale to the film. The actor convincingly portrays anger, sadness and determination at the same time. You may recognize him from the 2006 remake of The Amityville Horror. Ben Affleck is cast as a street-wise leader with two partners who act like quarreling siblings. Other Smokin'... actors include Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, and Jeremy Piven (of HBO's Entourage). This film has plot twists, humor from oddball characters, cloak and dagger action, and shootout scenes. The story revolves around different groups of mercenaries, and the authorities, competing to be the first to get to a supposed turncoat organized crime member hiding out in a hotel, with a million dollar bounty on his head. If there were a wanted poster in the film, like in the classic cowboy western movies, it might read "Wanted Dead Or Alive: Buddy 'Aces' Israel".
* eg: "silver screen" -- not cable television, network television, or music video
Renaissance
A visually sleek science fiction story set in a gritty Paris of the future, with highly effective use of black and white motion capture animation techniques that can accentuate dramatic performances. Think Casa Blanca (1942) with concept cars. Look for the one scene where colors other than grayscale are used. In the behind the scenes section on the DVD of this French film, a production team member mentions the rebirth of film noir in animated format.
Film Commentary Archive
Despite a plot involving serious issues which face poverty stricken people residing in areas experiencing urban sprawl and gentrification (eg: child labor & human traficking) -- there are scenes in this Indian language movie that purposefully achieve memorable comedic status. In the lead role, Dev Patel successfully transitions from television to feature film. Near the final credits there's a traditional Bollywood dance scene finale/out-take. Slumdog Millionaire has parallels to Brazilian film City Of God (2002), and American film Once Upon A Time In America (1984); with child actors featuring prominently during its first half. Newcomer to the Mumbai film industry Freida Pinto is cast as the love interest.Quantum of Solace : DVD & Blu-ray Release Date March 24, 2009
Spoiler Warning In a world where his lover threatens to arrest him when he first meets her, where his enemies try to put a price on integrity, and the world's most precious natural resource is at risk of falling under control of an unscrupulous secret army that poses as a benevolent environmental organization -- all of James Bond's friends and associates are at risk. This film delivers superior stunt sequences, including a falling-from-the-heights through glass scene that may leave you on the edge of your seat. Daniel Craig was apparently injured on the set of this spy thriller. Starring Mathieu Amalric (of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly fame), Gemma Arterton, and Olga Kurlyenko.The Dark Knight
The latest installment of large budget Hollywood Batman films is a good catalyst for conversation.
Hancock
Like Jerry Maguire (1996) meets My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006): with themes of romance on the one hand, and male bonding on the other -- with two men depending on each other for success. Seemingly "fresh on the heels" of his previous film (I Am Legend), Will Smith resembles a sort of modern day dysfunctional Superman in this role, and Charlize Theron: a version of Shakespeare's Juliet mixed in with some kryptonite. Are Hancock's sneakers coated in titanium or what?
Stop Loss
Actor Ryan Phillippe plays a man angered by a modern military policy in this movie by the same name. The film begins with a convincing urban combat action sequence, and has a catch-22 plot depicting various types of veterans and their families.
The Air I Breathe
Aspects of this film may remind viewers of Run Lola Run (1998, starring Franka Potente) and Next (2007, starring Nicholas Cage). Actor Brendan Fraser portrays a darker and more serious/realistic character than his famous role in The Mummy franchise.
Control
Based on a true story, this film about influential Manchester area band Joy Division utilizes black and white cinematography that results in powerful visual artistic contrasts. Actor Sam Riley's solid portrayal of young, up and coming rock & roll vocalist Ian Curtis is well complemented by the supporting cast.
Vexille
This vibrant animated film about an apocalyptic struggle between man and technology may remind viewers of The Animatrix (2003), and classic action/sci-fi anime titles like Akira (1988).
Smokin' Aces
This gangster flick about a contract killing is set in the Lake Tahoe region, and is worth watching if you're a fan of Alicia Keys or Common -- two music industry artists who apparently make their feature film* acting debut in this title. The movie has noteworthy performances by Ryan Reynolds and Ben Affleck. Reynolds' character ultimately resigns himself to acting on his principles in the finale to the film. The actor convincingly portrays anger, sadness and determination at the same time. You may recognize him from the 2006 remake of The Amityville Horror. Ben Affleck is cast as a street-wise leader with two partners who act like quarreling siblings. Other Smokin'... actors include Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, and Jeremy Piven (of HBO's Entourage). This film has plot twists, humor from oddball characters, cloak and dagger action, and shootout scenes. The story revolves around different groups of mercenaries, and the authorities, competing to be the first to get to a supposed turncoat organized crime member hiding out in a hotel, with a million dollar bounty on his head. If there were a wanted poster in the film, like in the classic cowboy western movies, it might read "Wanted Dead Or Alive: Buddy 'Aces' Israel".
* eg: "silver screen" -- not cable television, network television, or music video
Renaissance
A visually sleek science fiction story set in a gritty Paris of the future, with highly effective use of black and white motion capture animation techniques that can accentuate dramatic performances. Think Casa Blanca (1942) with concept cars. Look for the one scene where colors other than grayscale are used. In the behind the scenes section on the DVD of this French film, a production team member mentions the rebirth of film noir in animated format.