Review - Side Effects

At the Theater - "Side Effects" -  What begins as a commentary on the current state of the labyrinthine pharmaceutical machine switches gears to become an intelligent murder mystery with a few elements of thriller sprinkled about- Hitchcock would have been proud of Director Steven Soderbergh's (Out Of Sight, Magic Mike, Haywire, The Limey) last film before an indefinite hiatus to pursue "other interests."  Expect a lengthy, detailed setup filled with cold but beautiful cinematography heavy with stylishly angular shots.  The cast is very good across the board with Rooney Mara and Jude Law most impressive.

Rooney Mara (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 2011) is the mentally troubled wife who is placed under the care of Jude Law's psychiatrist after an unsuccessful suicide attempt- a few trials of assorted prescriptions later finds a dynamic change in her demeanor and all appears well until some pesky sleep-walking side effects results in a murder.  Law is left "holding the bag" and wondering what went wrong for a spell before slowly putting the pieces of an intricate scenario together.  The devil's in the details, so pay close attention to the first hour to maximize your enjoyment with the last act- it's a complex conclusion that thankfully never reaches ridiculous contrivance.

Mara continues to shine as one of Hollywood's most promising twenty-something talents- it's a layered turn that should have been complimented with an all-out "unleashing".  I keep hoping fans will get to see her reprise the role as "Lisbeth Salander"...

Jude Law (Sherlock Holmes) is as professional and as spot-on as ever as the shrink turned sleuth- it's a perfect role for an actor I've always thought was highly underrated.  I feel like he's this generation's equivalent of Michael Caine (and I'm a huge fan of Caine).

Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) plays Mara's husband and recently released ex-con who spent a four year stretch in prison for insider trading. It's solid work, though his fans will be probably be disappointed with his level of involvement.  Catherine Zeta Jones (The Mask Of Zorro) is Mara's former psychiatrist who makes a handful of important appearances throughout.  Vinessa Shaw (3:10 To Yuma) rounds out the notable cast as Jude Law's skeptical wife.

Although I truly enjoyed the film, I must admit to being slightly disappointed with a tepid ending.  A little bit of work and an injection of pizzazz into the matter may have resulted in a highly memorable classic in the Mystery genre.  As is, it's an acceptably entertaining and smarter than most entry that should please those looking for a well-written and directed "who done it?" featuring a couple of commendable lead performances.

Recommended
  
8.0 out of 10

Review - The Sessions

Recently Released on Blu Ray and DVD - "The Sessions" -  This based on a true story/slice of life tale of a polio victim (John Hawkes) who is paralyzed from the neck down and his sessions with a sexual surrogate (Helen Hunt) is one of the more powerful films of the last few years. It's an excellently written and perfectly acted Drama of the first order that's funny, intelligent, heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring - those interested in the subject matter will play hell getting through it without shedding a few tears.  Directed by fellow polio victim, Ben Lewin, and based on O'Brien's own essay, "On Seeing a Sex Surrogate" (which appeared in the Sun magazine in 1990), the subject matter comes across as heartfelt and personal throughout.  Be forewarned- it's situations and dialogue are very frank, though handled with care, respect and sprinkles of tasteful humor. 

John Hawkes (Identity) is brilliant as the 38 year old poet and journalist, Mark O'Brien, a polio survivor who spent the majority of his life confined to an iron lung after a battle with the disease at the age of 6. Determined to overcome the obstacles of his disability and conquer the mystery of sex, O'Brien decides to employ a sexual surrogate. Some may recall O'Brien as the subject of the 1997 documentary,  Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien.  Hawkes gives an entirely believable and undeniably charismatic performance that will stick with me for quite some time to come- his wit, charm and indomitable spirit won me over rather quickly. That Hawkes wasn't nominated for an Academy Award in the field of Best Actor for the role (he would have been my pick as the clear-cut frontrunner) was the final straw in me ever giving two sh*ts about the complete sham that has become of the Oscars- in my opinion, it now bears as much "prestige" as the Nobel Peace Prize...

Helen Hunt is also outstanding as "Cheryl Cohen Greene", the professional surrogate who develops feelings for O'Brien- there's a genuine depth on display here in a tender, complex role that makes one wonder why we haven't seen Hunt onscreen in more higher profile films- especially since her excellent performance in 1997's As Good As It Gets.  Expect quite a few scenes of Hunt in her birthday suit- the years (and her self-professed love of sunshine) have put quite a few lines upon her face, but she's kept her body in amazing shape...

William H. Macy plays one of the cooler Catholic Priests of recent memory while Annika Marks is very good as a care-worker involved in a heartbreaking story arc.  Moon Bloodgood (Terminator: Salvation) puts in solid, understated work as a likeable care-worker, while Adam Arkin plays Cheryl's concerned husband.  Expect a cameo from Rhea Perlman as a Mikvah Lady.

Needless to say, The Sessions comes Highly Recommended.  It's 2012's most touching and uplifting film- it's about perspective, generosity and the better aspects of the Human Condition.

9.0 out of 10

Review - Bullet To The Head

At the Theater - "Bullet To The Head" - I was pleasantly surprised by this relatively lower budgeted star vehicle for Sylvester Stallone, though I had perhaps set my expectations too low going in.  This film marks the first theatrically released effort from one-time action master Walter Hill (48 Hours, Last Man Standing) since 2002's Undisputed and I was delighted to find that the 71 year-old auteur still has enough verve left in the tank to pull off a fast-paced, commendably lean throwback to the unabashedly brutal, politically incorrect action films of the 1980's.  It should please it's target audience looking for violent and bloody silver screen escapism littered with booze, bullets, and boobs galore .

This tale of a seasoned, no-nonsense hitman and an idealistic cop teaming up to take down those responsible for killing their respective professional partners is based upon a French graphic novel by Alexis Nolent (entitled Du Plomb Dans La Tete).  Expect a couple of old-fashioned brawls sprinkled in with a few well-staged and competently filmed gun battles, all set to a cool bluesy rock soundtrack by Steve Mazzaro that fits the gritty New Orleans (might as well be renamed Nuevo Hollywood) backdrop like a glove. Those that are interested should find a climactic axe duel between Stallone and Jason Momoa to be the highlight of the film. 

Bullet is not without it's flaws, most notably in that Sung Kang (Fast Five) is miscast as the righteous, determined detective who partners up with Stallone- *Thomas Jane was initially cast in the part and I couldn't help but wonder how the film might have been different, dynamically speaking.  Kang is far too milquetoast an actor to successfully display a believable presence necessary for what the role should have required, with very little actually asked from him other than trading verbal jabs with Stallone throughout the movie.  Though not unlikeable, he's not outright funny and there's not an ounce of danger in him.  Because of this, Bullet simply doesn't work as the "buddy" flick that it was clearly intended to be at some point during conception.  Strangely enough, while I was watching the film, I couldn't help but believe that Tim Kang (The Mentalist) would have been a much more natural choice (if I were tasked to pick from a talented pool of oft overlooked Asian actors)- he's obviously got that "detective" look down pat and can adequately chew  scenery with his serious, stone-faced mug.

Stallone, as hitman "James 'Jimmy Bobo' Bonomo", can still move surprisingly well as I can't recall spotting an obvious stunt double in any of the more physically demanding sequences- the 66 year old actor has kept himself in remarkable shape.  That said, his penchant for showcasing his fully flexed physique comes across as a tad obnoxious in this film.  By the way, what's up with his hair looking strangely artificial here?  Sly can still deliver a showbiz punch and a crowd-pleasing one-liner with the best of 'em and expect quite a few throughout (he even steals one from The Duke).  As with the vast majority of the action roles in his career, believability is never in doubt.

Jason Momoa's (Conan The Barbarian 2011) brutal, hulking hitman steals the film outright.  His undeniable presence and surprising agility should have already launched him into the forefront of action stardom- unfortunately, the poor box-office returns of the Conan reboot appears to have temporarily derailed his career.  He's showing great strides as an actor, with a confidence and personality that's bleeding through- it should help immensely in distancing him from so many of the massive, one-note lugs that pop up every now and then as "henchman #3" in so many disposable action films that litter the straight-to-video market.  If given a quality opportunity that's well suited for him, he should break through in a big way.

The very sexy Sarah Shahi (USA's Fairly Legal) portrays Stallone's tattoo-artist daughter in the film- Iran and Spain should be proud as the mixture looks wonderful on her.  Christian Slater makes a rare theatrical appearance as a crooked lawyer while Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (GI JOE: The Rise Of Cobra) is serviceable as the film's resident crime lord.  Jon Seda (12 Monkeys) rounds out the notable cast as Stallone's ill-fated partner in crime.

Although I'm a bigger fan of Arnold Schwarzennegger, I enjoyed Bullet To The Head more than January's The Last Stand- Stallone's delivery is sharper and less forced than Arnie's, while Walter Hill's direction is significantly sturdier and decidedly less audacious than Jee-woon Kim's first Americanized effort. Bullet's script kept the proceedings admirably simplistic while The Last Stand had a haywire, patchwork, fan-made film feel (I didn't care much for the outlandish supercar nonsense at all).

   
Many of the quality elements of Bullet are remindful of vintage Walter Hill efforts- it's a welcomed return to near form.  Then again, I've always been a sucker for a pulpy, noirish revenge flick that isn't afraid to get down and dirty...


7.5 out of 10


 *** Of Note ***  "Thomas Jane was brought into the project by original director Wayne Kramer. When Kramer left the project, Jane suggested Sylvester Stallone hire Walter Hill. After Hill took over directorial duties, Joel Silver came on board the project and fired Jane because he wanted an ethnic guy for the other lead role. Sung Kang was subsequently cast" - Taken from IMDB.com

Review - Deadfall

Recently Released on Blu Ray and DVD - "Deadfall"  -  Although it's hampered by a conclusion that leaves a bit to be desired and a shallow performance from lead protagonist Charlie Hunnam, this violent, noirish Drama/Thriller about a disgraced former boxer crossing paths with sibling robbers on the run features some very good cinematography (I'm a sucker for a snowy setting) and a simmering, villainous turn from Eric Bana.  It's not essential, though it's a serviceable and entertaining time passer that would make a solid rainy-day rental.

Charlie Hunnam (FX's Sons Of Anarchy) stars as "Jay", a former Olympic-level pugilist recently released from prison who makes a serious mistake almost immediately after gaining his freedom.  Realizing he's probably going to make a return trip behind bars, he sets out for his hometown in rural Michigan in an effort to make amends with his estranged father.  Hunnam's acting prowess consists of clenching his jaw and giving a mean glare in just about every situation-  he's short on presence and charisma, to say the least.  Audiences will see him next headlining Director Guillermo Del Toro's Pacific Rim, and I can only hope he's grown a bit as an actor between this particular effort/release and July...

Eric Bana (Troy) and Olivia Wilde (Cowboys & Aliens) are "Addison" and "Liza", respectively.  The siblings are the surviving members of a gang of robbers responsible for a botched casino heist- stranded without transportation in a blizzard, the duo split up in an effort to evade authorities.  The seasoned Bana has all the talent, depth and presence that Hunnam currently doesn't- he's a deadly, interesting sort who anchors the film throughout.  My only knock against him here is that his accent is never quite right- I had a difficult time placing what he was going for as the Aussie accent slipped through on more than a few occasions. Olivia Wilde's icy-blue eyes are as striking as ever; she's solid here, though a little strange.  A few exchanges with her brother, Addison, might make a viewer a little uncomfortable.  Her Liza hitches a ride with Jay and the two fall for each other in record fashion, thus setting up a collision course with Addison.

Kris Kristofferson and Sissy Spacek play Jay's parents- they're just about to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner when trouble comes a' knockin'.  Spacek is excellent in a limited role while Kris Kristofferson only delivers a few raspy, grumbling lines in only the way he could.  The 76 year old Singer/Songwriter/Actor is looking understandably tired- it's good to see him, though I wish he had more to do.

Kate Mara (Ironclad) is the Deputy desperate to make her Sherriff father, Treat Williams (Deep Rising), proud in a story arc that never comes full circle.  Mara's OK, though some might feel she's miscast, while Treat Williams is solid in yet another painfully underutilized role. 

For some reason it kept reminding me, for better and worse, of the 1997 Dennis Quaid/Danny Glover film Switchback, while others will probably recognize similarities with Fargo and A Simple Plan. It's uneven and never realizes the full potential of it's own setup, which will probably lower it's replay value for most, but it looks nice, never bores, doesn't jump completely off the rails of logic and features an impressive cast. It's leagues better than most straight-to-video releases.

7.0 out of 10

Review - The Awakening

On DVD and Blu Ray - "The Awakening" - This solid little Supernatural Thriller/Ghost Story/Mystery is well worth a peek for those interested- it doesn't really enter new territory, though it's commendably well-crafted and effectively creepy.  Made in the U.K. and produced by BBC Films, it's a lower budgeted, old-fashioned affair highlighted by some atmospheric cinematography and fine performances from Rebecca Hall, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton. Thus far, it's my favorite "little gem" released in 2013.

Rebecca Hall (The Town) stars as an educated woman and author in 1921 England who works as a Hoax debunker for the authorities.  Approached by teacher, Dominic West (HBO's The Wire), she hesitantly visits a countryside boarding school to investigate the strange circumstances surrounding the death of a child and sightings of a ghost. Shortly after reaching the school, she is introduced to the curiously adoring Governess "Maud", portrayed by Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix), and begins to experience eerie, unexplainable events that slowly start to chip away at her professional pride and skeptical nature.

Although the small principle cast is pretty much pitch perfect, Rebecca Hall is a clear standout as "Florence Cathcart"- there's a surprising, undeniable depth in her performance that's decidedly uncommon for under the radar, straight to video releases of this nature.  One would hope that a sizable role in the the upcoming Iron Man 3 will launch her into the forefront of sought after, quality actresses- it's a status she's well deserving of that I had previously believed would have been the result of her excellent performance in The Town.

It's rather cool that Dominic West is allowed to stretch out a bit in a substantial role and play against recent type- he's usually a villainous sort and once again proves that he's a quality talent that should be considered for larger, leading roles.  Imelda Staunton is an example of perfect casting in a limited but lingering role, while distinct-featured Joseph Mawle (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) pops up a few times as an ominous groundskeeper. HBO's Game of Thrones fans will recognize the young Isaac Hempstead Wright as the pupil who takes a shine to Florence.

Comparisons to The Orphanage, The Sixth Sense and The Others (which the above poster boasts) are inevitable yet accurate- I guess I'd throw in The Innocents (1961) and The Devil's Backbone, as well. It doesn't pack the punch that any one of those aforementioned films does but should please fans of the Ghost Story genre hungry for a throwback-style fix.  Fans of films like The Devil Inside, The Possession and the Paranormal Activity series need not apply- there's an obvious level of quality creativity and talent on display with a little bit of thought necessary...  we wouldn't want to confuse them, now would we?

Recommended

7.5 out of 10

Review - Parker

At the Theater - "Parker" -  Fairly close to being amongst Jason Statham's worst- the only thing that keeps it out of that particular cellar (which includes Ghosts Of Mars, Revolver, The Transporter 2 and 3 and both Crank films) is an amazingly bloody fight sequence between the action star and a knife-wielding hitman and a scene where a sexier-than-ever Jennifer Lopez strips down to her skivvies. The movie knee-caps itself time and time again with some of the dumbest situations and most illogical reactions imaginable.  How in the hell this is from the Director (Taylor Hackford) responsible for An Officer And A Gentleman and Ray is beyond me.

Parker is a character featured in 24 of Author Donald Westlake's novels- he's a heist specialist with an honor code, an anti-hero who often finds himself dishing out revenge against those murderous, villainous sorts who have wronged him or broken his code.  The character has been played by Lee Marvin in 1967's Point Blank (and by Mel Gibson in 1999's Payback (the character's name was changed to Porter in the latter film).  Statham appears game enough for the more serious aspects of the character, though segments where he's disguised as a priest and a billionaire Texan come across as outright goofy.  I do believe this is the bloodiest, most battered I've ever seen the star in any of his films- it's one of the few aspects I did appreciate about it.

In this particular story (based on the Westlake novel, Flashfire), Parker is double-crossed by his fellow heist team members shortly after pulling off a caper set at the Ohio State Fair.  Shot multiple times and left for dead, our anti-hero pulls through and recuperates in record time for a human being, setting out on a mission of revenge that's way too elaborate and convoluted for it's own good.  I wish it had applied the no-nonsense approach that was utilized so well in the first Taken film... 
 
Strangely enough, Jennifer Lopez's troubled realtor is far and away the strongest, most sympathetic performance in the film, even though she feels out of place.  I found myself wishing other aspects of the film would get better for her sake.  She sure has gotten sexier with age...

Michael Chiklis (CBS's Vegas) is the generic ringleader of thieves who get on Parker's bad side, with Clifton Collins Jr. (Extract), Wendell Pierce (HBO's The Wire) and Michah Hauptman (SWAT: Firefight) rounding out the crew- there is no standout here as none of them are given the quality dialogue or appropriate amount of screen-time to chew scenery and look mean.

Nick Nolte huffs, puffs and grunts through his turn as the coordinator of the film's opening heist- it's a bit strange in that a viewer is led to believe he organizes the event, yet is unaware of how botched things become days after the fact in a well-publicized and tragic aftermath.  It's good to seeing him work so frequently, but he sure looks haggard.

Emma Booth (The Boys Are Back) is Parker's painfully too thin girlfriend- it's another misstep as perhaps this character shouldn't have existed at all, with Lopez's inherent sexiness being utilized even more so (and, of course, pleasing the masses) by having her step into the central love interest role.
 
Bobby Cannavale (HBO's Boardwalk Empire) has a few appearances as the police officer concerned for Lopez's well-being while Patti LuPone (Driving Miss Daisy)  portrays Lopez's annoying mother.

The frequency of absurd little conveniences and ridiculously illogical behaviors given certain situations is unbelievable- Patti LuPone's reaction to a bloodied stranger breaking into her house is bewildering while Statham being able to stab an adversary in the shoulder with a firearm's clip, pull it out of the wound, stick it back into the gun and fire away is craptastic. This film might have been better served going straight to video to be displayed with the last several Nic Cage releases. It's a muddled, unnecessarily contrived mess that should probably be skipped in theaters. 

5.0 out of 10


***Of Note - Those looking for quality Statham vehicles should check out the underrated The Bank Job and the under-seen gem, Blitz.  Hell, Safe was serviceable, at least.  Although they're both ensembles and Statham doesn't really showcase any of his more athletic skills, Snatch and Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels will always come highly recommended.

Review - Zero Dark Thirty

At the Theater - "Zero Dark Thirty" - A fascinating procedural (mixed with strong elements of a character study) chronicling the true-life events of the decade long hunt for Osama Bin Laden- Jessica Chastain (The Help) is excellent as the CIA operative obsessed with his capture. It's not necessarily my favorite film of the year, but I believe it's by far the most well-crafted and engaging of the three films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar that are based upon historical events- simply put, it blows the tepid Argo and well-meaning but ultimately uninspired Lincoln out of the water.

The film begins with audio snippets taken from emergency phone calls made by individuals in the World Trade Center towers as the attack unfolded on 9/11- it's difficult not to get caught up in the emotion of those calls, realizing that many of them featured the last spoken words of the souls therein.

The narrative then unfolds from the perspective of determined Agent "Maya"(Jessica Chastain in a portrayal based upon a real-life agent) over the next ten years as she's introduced to the CIA's world of interrogation and intelligence gathering, experiencing the overwhelming pressure of her profession in the form of countless frustrating setbacks, bureaucratic indifference, the death of a team member and an attempt on her life in her single-minded pursuit of determining the whereabouts of Bin Laden. Chastain (looking appropriately weary for most of the film) is perfect in a dynamic role, with every expression and delivered piece of dialogue feeling natural and believable. In regards to quality performances, expect a career similar to that of Meryl Streep's...

One can also expect early scenes of various forms of torture (all involving one suspected terrorist detainee), including sleep deprivation, humiliation and water-boarding. I found it admirable that the script neither condoned or condemned the onscreen events while also avoiding any discernible political stance- Director Kathryn Bigelow (Near Dark, The Hurt Locker) and the screenwriters allow the audience to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions concerning the proceedings.

Jason Clarke (Public Enemies) is the weary, hands-on interrogator "Dan"- there's an evident depth behind the actor's eyes that hints at meatier future roles. He'll probably make a mint playing villainous sorts...

Expect appearances from Jennifer Ehle (Contagion) and Harold Perrineau (The Edge) as fellow agents, Edgar Ramirez (the mini-series Carlos) as a Ground Branch operative,  Kyle Chandler (Super 8) and Mark Strong (Kick Ass) as Maya's mid-level Superiors, with James Gandolfini in a pivotal scene as the C.I.A.'s Director. 

The film culminates in the deployment of Seal Team Six and the subsequent raid of Bin Laden's compound hideaway- it's a thrilling and intense segment that's captivating in it's execution.  I imagine there's quite a bit of creative license throughout the film, but it never feels anything less than authentic.  It's interesting to note that UBL's face is never shown in the event- I think this was a good move by the filmmakers.

Notable actors portraying members of Seal Team Six include Joel Edgerton (Warrior), Chris Pratt (NBC's Parks and Recreation) and Frank Grillo (End Of Watch).  Keep a lookout for a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo by Scott Adkins (Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning) as a Blackwater guard and a brief scene featuring Mark Valley (FOX's Human Target) as a C-130 pilot.

It's some kind of sick joke that Bigelow wasn't nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Directorial field for this film- I haven't watched the event for a few years now and this is a prime example of my reasoning behind that. It's the Director's most detailed and accomplished work to date- an exceptionally well-written, highly intelligent, slow-burn thriller that should grip viewers interested in the subject matter from beginning to end.  For what it's worth, I think Zero Dark Thirty would make a fine bookend piece to 2006's United 93.

Highly Recommended

9.0