The movie I'm reviewing today is "Le Pacte des Loups", or "Brotherhood of the Wolf", co-written and directed by Christophe Gans. This film stars Samuel Le Bihan (A Private Affair), Mark Dacascos (The Crow: Stairway to Heaven), Emilie Dequenne (Rosetta), Vincent Cassel (Birthday Girl), Jeremie Renier (La Guerre a Paris), and Monica Bulluci (The Matrix Reloaded). This film is based on the true story of the Beast of the Gevaudan that terrorised France in the mid-18th century. In the first part, a special envoy of the King of France, Grégoire de Fronsac (Le Bihan), a biologist, explorer and philosopher, arrives in the Gevaudan region, in the mountainous central part of France. This Beast had been attacking men, women and children indiscriminately, and few had survived to describe what this horrible animal looked like. With only the enigmatic Mani (Dacascos), an Iroquois he met in New-France, at his side, he sets out to capture the vicious creature. Meanwhile, he befriends the son of the Marquis, Thomas d'Apcher (Renier), falls in love with the beautiful Marianne de Morangias (Dequenne), and finds himself at odds with her strange brother Jean-Francoise (Cassel). In the second part, our hero Chevalier de Fronsac will not only have to fight the Beast, but also ignorance, bigotry and conspiracy. Depending on his good friend Mani, the woman he loves, and the prostitute, Sylvia (Bulluci), that warms his bed, his journey to Gevaudan will cost him far more than he ever realized.
The only real problem with this film was its length. There were three or four times where one believes it is winding down, only to discover that yet another part is starting. The tale itself was interesting, although the villian was a bit unrealistic. Gans wove beautiful imagery into stunningly well done scene changes, and almost allowed the story to tell itself. On the DVD of "Le Pacte des Loups", you have two options. You can watch the film in French, with sub-titles, which I recommend in order to appreciate the fine performances, or watch it in English. If you choose to watch the film in its dubbed form, you are in for a treat. It is by far one of the best examples of dubbing I've ever seen. Le Bihan was a dashing hero, but his performance was often overshadowed by the quiet presence of Dacascos. Dequenne, in only her second film role, is charming and graceful, and it is for this reason that she is rapidly becoming the darling of french films. Renier is at best weak in his performance. He is far too pretty for such a dark tale, and he often becomes lost amid the other actors. Cassel was perhaps a little over the top, but played his character with flair. As for Bulluci, I look forward to seeing her in the much anticipated Matrix movies that will be released next year.
All in all, while not as good as many of the foreign films I have seen as late, this movie does have a charm of its own. Unfortunately, due to its incredible length, one rapidly grows bored with it.

Rating: 2.75 (out of 5)

I have to go, but I will finish the review later. :-)

posted by Lisa at 3:05 p.m. |

 
Today I'm reviewing "Knockaround Guys". This film was directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien and has a star ensemble cast. Featured in this film is Barry Pepper (61*), the object of my lust, Vin Diesel (Triple X), Seth Green (Rat Race), Andrew Davoli (The Yards), Dennis Hopper (The Piano Player), and John Malkovich (Ripley's Game). In the world of organized crime, the name of Benny 'the chains' Demert (Hopper), strikes fear into the hearts of all. With his partner, his brother-in-law, Teddy Deserve (Malkovich), they rule with an iron fist. His son, Matty Demert (Pepper), after trying to get a legitimate job, finds himself blacklisted because of who is father is. With no other choice left, he tries to get into the family business. On what should be a routine pickup, his pal Johnny Marbles (Green) messes up severely, losing a whole lot of money. Demeret grabs his friends Chris Scarpa (Davoli) and Taylor Reese (Diesel), and they head to a small town to collect the money.
Well, what can I say? Not even my sweet Vin could save this film. The only believable mobsters were Hopper, Davoli and Diesel, while the rest were poorly cast. All did fabulous performances, at least so far as the horrible screenplay would allow. The plot was twisting, ridiculous, and just plain awful. The highlight of the film was when the 'bad cop' cop sheriff arranged to meet the four friends in an old factory known as the 'Beef Terminal'. At least that provided a few laughs. Hell, Scott even wrote a song about the Beef Terminal. The worst performance had to be Pepper as the sensative Matty, a disappointmentafter the stellar job he did in "61*".

Rating: 2 (out of 5)



posted by Lisa at 10:31 a.m. |

 
Okay, the next movie is "Death to Smoochy" which is directed by none other than Danny DeVito. This film stars Danny himself as well as Robin Williams (One Hour Photo), Edward Norton (Red Dragon), and Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich). It is a film about a children's television entertainer by the name of "Rainbow" Randolf Smiley (Williams), who is fired for taking bribes from parents trying to get their children on his show. Desperate to find a 'squeaky clean' replacement, the network sends executive Nora Wells (Keener) to recruit Sheldon Mopes (Norton), the creator of Smoochy the Rhino. As the Smoochy show catapults to the number 1 spot, and he scores the affections of Wells, Randolf slowly goes insane, all thoughts turned on ridding the world of Smoochy! Meanwhile, his agent, Burke Bennett (DeVito), is plotting for a success of a different kind.
I'll admit, going into the film, I was sceptical. I rented this film on the recommendation of two friends who enjoyed it, and I'm glad that I did. The film box is a little deceiving for those of you who don't normally like Robin Williams. Edward Norton, as the lovely Smoochy/Mopes, is the real star of this film and is as fantastic as usual. From Primal Fear, to Fight Club to this film, is there any character Norton cannot pull off with flair and pizzazz?! Williams also delivered one of his best comedic performances in years. Keener's portrayal of the bitter Wells was very good, although she tended to get lost in some of the scenes with both Norton and Williams. Again, what DeVito lacks in stature, he makes up for in talent!
I would say that this movie is a must see film. This film won me over with it's quirky comedy and fun screenplay in moments. There were a few moments that I burst out laughing, sang along, and I was left giggling in the end. DeVito did a fantastic job directing, and I would say that I will definately see this movie again.

(Williams and Norton as Smoochy)
Rating: 4 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 1:18 p.m. |

 
I've been so busy of late that I haven't been updating this page. I have watched a few movies though.

The first is the Count of Monte Cristo, directed by Kevin Reynolds, and adapted from the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. This film stars James Caviezel (High Crimes), Guy Pearce (Momento), James Frain (Where the Heart Is), Dagmara Dominczyk (Rock Star), and Richard Harris (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone). This tale is about Edmund Dantes (Caviezel) who is falsely imprisoned for treason by his best friend Fernand (Pearce). While suffering the horrible conditions of prison for 13 years, he and another inmate (Harris), become friends. In exchange for teaching Edmund to read, write, fighting techniques, and all manner of subjects, Edmund assists him in digging a tunnel to escape. When Edmund escapes, he finds a vast treasure on an island, and with it becomes the Count of Monte Cristo in order to have the power to get his revenge on the men who stole 13 years of his life.
Having read the novel, I found that this film was wonderfully well cast. Caviezel is marvelous as the sweet Dantes who is forced to harden his heart and hate. He brings strength, pain, and tenderness to this tough role. Pearce, who is generally the 'good guy', was a fantastic villian. Cold, cruel and arrogant, yet you still felt that spark of pity that the wealthy Fernand is jealous of poor Dantes. A credit to Pearce's abilities, I'm sure. Frain, as Fernand's accomplice, was equally wonderful. A tough role despite being one of the smaller supporting characters, Frain pulled it off with flair and dignity. Harris rarely does a poor performance, and Dominczyk was a definate highlight. She played Dantes' fiance Mercedes who weds Fernand only a month after Edmund's disappearance. This was a character as complex as Fernand and Dantes, and Dominczyk portrayed her with a strength and will often missing in dramatic roles. I will be very surprised if I do not see more of her in the future.
As an adapted novel, this screenplay was considerably well done. The novel itself, while very good, tended to drag in areas, and was dreadfully long. Jay Wolpert, who did the adaptation, capturing all the key plot points while still moving the story along at a good pace. He also managed to keep the essence of the story, a rare feat as many of you know. In all, a fine film, worth seeing.

(From left to right: Henry Cavill, James Caviezel, Guy Pearce, and Dagamara Dominczyk)
Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 8:25 a.m. |

 
"Sweet Home Alabama" is the movie today. Directed by Andy Tennant, this film stars Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde), Josh Lucas (A Beautiful Mind), and Patrick Dempsey (The Emporer's Club). There were actually quite a few supporting actors, ranging from the unknown to the sucessful in this movie as well. This story is about up and coming New York fashion designer Melanie Carmichael (Witherspoon) who suddenly finds herself engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. Her new finance Andrew Hennings (Dempsey) is everything a woman could hope for; handsome, intelligent, sweet, wealthy, but most of all adoring of her. But Melanie's past holds many secrets, including Jake Perry (Lucas), the redneck husband she married in high school, who refuses to divorce her. Bound and determined to end their so-called relationship once and for all, Melanie sneaks back home to Alabama to confront her past, only to discover that deep down, she's still a southern girl. She finds herself confused about her feelings for the man she is engaged to, and the boy who has become a man.
Yet again, Reese is absolutely delightful in her portrayal of Melanie Carmichael. She brings the same spark to this role that earned her the love of audiences in "Legally Blonde", and makes you believe that you can always go home. Josh Lucas brought the same life to Jake Perry, and right away, you find yourself rooting for him right from the get-go. With charm and charisma, he was definately the right leading man. Dempsey, plays Mr. Nice Guy with feeling and as much as you're rooting for Jake, you're feeling guilty because Andrew is *so* nice. An honorable mention goes to Candace Bergman for playing Hennings' mother, the Mayor of New York. That woman can cut someone down like nobody's business, and with such catty comedic ability, I'm sure we'll see more of her in major films in the future. All I have to say about this film, is that any movie that can make me laugh and cry, is good in my books! This film, while not the guilty pleasure of "Legally Blonde" is a definate must see if you like lighthearted fun. Plus, it's set in Alabama which means lots of mullets! How can you go wrong?

(Witherspoon and Lucas)
Rating: 4.25 (out of 5)

posted by Lisa at 1:31 p.m. |

 
Anthony and I watched "Murder By Numbers", a film directed by Barbet Schoreder. This film stars Sandra Bullock (Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood), Ben Chaplin (Birthday Girl), Ryan Gosling (Remember the Titans), and Michael Pitt (Hedwig and the Angry Inch). In "Murder By Numbers", two brillant, and disturbed rich teenagers (Gosling and Pitt), plot and execute what they believe is the 'perfect murder'. Detective Cassie Mayweather (Bullock), and her new partner Sam Kennedy (Chaplin), are assigned to the case. Kennedy falls hook, line and sinker for the planted evidence, but Mayweather's instincts tell her that something is not right.
Bullock delivered her performance with grit and a courage that I haven't seen in any of her previous roles. Her character is tough, haunted, and scarred, and she combines these things to portray an astonishingly complex woman. Chaplin, by contrast, seemed too meek, and lacked the conviction Bullock brought to her role. Pitt plays the malevolently intelligent Justin Pendleton and did a great job, although I felt he was overshadowed by Gosling. Gosling, who has played mostly comedic characters, surprised me with his performance. He portrayed the mean spirited Ryan Haywood with strength and flair, stealing most of the scenes he was in, even those with his more accomplished co-stars Bullock and Chaplin. His oily attitude, and confident smirk made you hate him within the first five minutes of the film, quite a change from the bumbling clowns he normally portrays. In all, I think I was more impressed by the two younger stars. This film has the sort of story that you will find both fascinating and disturbing.

(Schroeder, Gosling and Pitt on set)
Rating: 4 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 1:39 p.m. |

 
The movie of the day is "The Sweetest Thing" directed by Roger Kumble. This film stars Cameron Diaz (Vanilla Sky), Christina Applegate (Just Visiting), Thomas Jane (Original Sin), and Selma Blair (Legally Blonde). This is a story about Christina Walker (Diaz), a female 'player', who isn't looking for Mr. Right, but Mr. Right Now. When Christina and Courtney (Applegate) come home to find Christina's roommate, Jane (Blair), in tears because her boyfriend dumped her, they take her out dancing to meet a 'transitional' guy. There Christina meets Peter (Jane), and he immediately gets under her skin, and the following weekend, she and Courtney set out to crash his brother's wedding in order to see him again.
I actually really enjoyed this movie. I was a little unsure going into it, but it was different than I had expected. It had, oddly enough, a musical number, lots of laughs (mostly at Jane's expense), and some genuinely funny moments that cracked me up. Diaz has proven herself as having that comedic timing that so many romantic comedies lack. Even Blair, who I really dislike as an actress, wasn't as horrible as usual. This could be because she had few lines, and little screen time. She was a good sport however, about some of the dirty humor that she was the victim of. I was really impressed with Applegate. She really surprised me with this character. For those of you who have seen her before, she is usually the sweet innocent woman, but not this time. She had this haughty bitch thing going on while still managing to be very funny. She was by far the star of this film, even though she was a supporting character. Jane was a little disappointing in his portrayal of Peter. After seeing him in other films, I have decided that he really isn't suited as the romantic hero, so much as a character with a little more grit. A prime example is "61*" where Jane starred as baseball legend, Mickey Mantle.

(Diaz and Applegate)
Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 7:20 a.m. |

 
Sorry that I haven't been updating this site, but I haven't watched any movies since Glitter until just last night.

Today I am reviewing "The Scorpion King", which was directed by Chris Russell. This film stars Dwayne Johnson, otherwise known as WWF superstar The Rock, Stephan Brand (Love in the 21st Century), Michael Clarke Duncan (Planet of the Apes), and Kelly Hu (X-Men 2). This movie takes place in an ancient time, predating the pyramids. The evil king Memnon (Brand) is using the psychic powers of his sorceress Cassandra (Hu) to fortell his great victories. In a last ditch effort to stop Memnon from taking over the world, the leaders of the remaining free tribes hire the assassin Mathayus (The Rock) to kill the sorceress. But Mathayus ends up getting much more than he bargained for. Now with the help of a horse theif, tribal leader Balthazar (Clarke Duncan) and an unexpected ally, it's up to Mathayus to save the people and become the Scorpion King.
This movie starts with one of the funniest action sequences I've ever seen. This probably isn't supposed to be the reaction the director intended, but I was laughing out loud. The sheer ridiculousness of it, an unknown man facing dozens of armed warriors says "Boo!" and sends them fleeing in terror. Not all of them, mind you, or it wouldn't make for a good fight scene. The Rock does a credible job in his role as Mathayus, and perhaps his performance is the poor script rather than lack of talent. Afterall, isn't the WWF the best improvisation you've ever seen? Stephan Brand, who I had not seen before in my recollection, delivered a performance that resulted in him taking complete command of any scene that he was in, while Hu was lukewarm at best. Her character was clearly there as the requisite partially dressed female and nothing more. As for Clarke Duncan, as an Oscar nominated actor with a reputation for high caliber performances, I have to say I was disappointed not only for his involvement in this film, but for his job overall. He seemed grossly out of place in his 'tribe' and just did not deliver a good performance in general. The fight scenes were well done, and completely over the top, designed to make Mathayus a larger than life hero. If you are a fan of The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser, you will enjoy this film as well. It was a fun film with lots of laughs, and plenty of action.
(The Rock and Brand)
Rating 3 (out of 5)


posted by Lisa at 7:06 a.m. |