Day 109: The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie & Brian Geraghty
Rated: R
Length: 131 min.
Released: June 26, 2009
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
US Army Sergeant First Class Will James, Sergeant JT Sanborn and Specialist Owen Eldridge comprise the Bravo Company’s bomb disposal unit currently stationed in Baghdad. James is the tech team leader. When James arrives on the scene, Bravo Company has thirty-nine days left on its current deployment. It will be a long thirty-nine days for Sanborn and Eldridge whose styles do not mesh with their new leader. James is a renegade for who the thrill of the dismantlement seems to be the ultimate goal regardless of the safety of his fellow team members, others on the scene or himself. On the other hand, Sanborn is by the books: he knows his place and duty and trusts others in the army to carry out theirs as well as he. And Eldridge is an insecure soldier who is constantly worried that an error or misjudgment on his part will lead to the death of an innocent civilian or a military colleague. While the three members face their own internal issues, they have to be aware of any person at the bomb sites, some of who may be bombers themselves.

My Thoughts:
One of the things I love about this movie is that it’s just very real. It’s an honest portrayal of this line of the US military and a wake up call to the stuff they have to deal with. It’s just a phenomenal honest look at the war in Iraq.

The movie is shot almost entirely on handheld cameras so it has a slight documentary “embedded” camera feel to it. That really adds believability and authenticity to this true story. Perhaps the narrative of the entire story isn’t true, but much of the story is based on real events. That’s just crazy.

The acting is top notch, and the special effects are 100% believable. However, the thing I love the most about this movie has got to be that it’s not a heavily political film. Most of the movies about the Iraq war have been WAY too political (usually leaning to the left I might add)…and it’s just been tiresome to watch all of these political statements being made over and over. This one didn’t do that at all. It was just (like I said)…honest.

5 stars out of 5…and a high recommendation. It won all those Oscars for a reason. Watch it for yourself and find out why.

Day 100: Hoosiers

Hoosiers
Director: David Anspaugh
Starring: Gene Hackman
Rated: PG
Length: 114 min.
Released: November 14, 1986
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A classic tale of redemption, this film features a volatile coach and a former star player-turned alcoholic leading a small-town basketball team on an improbable run to the Indiana high school championship game. Coach Norman Dale encounters several hurdles in his path: a feisty teacher determined to keep the best player from going out for the team, a town chock full of second-guessing fathers, and a group of undisciplined athletes. Story inspired by the Milan (Indiana) Indians’ state title of 1954.

My Thoughts:
ONE HUNDRED POSTS!!! HECK YEAH!!!

I must say this whole blogging movie challenge has been an interesting ride. Not every day has been easy to make it happen, and while the posting may have fallen a little off at times…they are all their. And yes, the movie watching has stayed accurate. One movie…everyday…for 100 days straight. It’s been a ton of fun so far. Take some time to check out all the posts from the last hundred days if you’d like. It’s been quite the journey….and a ton of fun.

Okay, on with my reaction to Hoosiers…

Like with The Sandlot I got this movie for free from a Kellogg’s cereal box order by mail deal. I mean come on…free movies? Count me in! And it’s one of the top sports movies of all time! I couldn’t pass that up.

Hoosiers is certainly one of the best and arguably the best sports movie ever made. For sure it’s the greatest underdog story ever told. I love how the best spots movies out there are all based on true events. Remember the Titans. The Blindside, We are Marshal, Rudy, Radio…and the list goes on.

This film is a masterful work building the growth of a team and their trust in both their coach and themselves to an amazing final showdown on the court. It also has a small town vs big city rivalry which adds a unique dynamic to the story. I can imagine being from such a small town, anything outside of the norm would be a bit overwhelming.

The energy, and the love for this team builds so well. You can’t help but root for the small town, underdog Hoosiers and hope that they can pull it off beating the big city schools. Having graduated from a small liberal arts college, whenever we were in competitions of any kind (sports or otherwise) it was always a big deal that we were able to “run with the big dogs.”

Hackman is perfect as the head coach, truly. And Dennis Hoper has a great role as the assistant coach still trying to put his life together and rebuild his relationship with his son. Hoper’s character in particular is an interesting one to watch progress and change through the picture.

This one gets 5 stars out of 5…for sure. If you haven’t seen it yet…you need to. It’s a great true story.

Day 96: The Sixth Sense

The Sixth Sense
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment & Toni Collette
Rated: PG-13
Length: 107 min.
Released: August 6, 1999
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Malcom Crowe is a child psychologist who receives an award on the same night that he is visited by a very unhappy ex-patient. After this encounter, Crowe takes on the task of curing a young boy with the same ills as the ex-patient. This boy “sees dead people”. Crowe spends a lot of time with the boy (Cole) much to the dismay of his wife. Cole’s mom is at her wit’s end with what to do about her son’s increasing problems. Crowe is the boy’s only hope.

My Thoughts:
One of the greatest films ever! Truly a masterpiece! The best M. Night Shyamalan film to date. The drama and suspense are soooo good. The acting and writing are just superb…and let’s not forget that awesome and unforgettable ending!

The most memorable element of the movie is the fright factor. This movie has an element of suspenseful fear in it. It’s not a “horror” movie, but it is a scary movie. Now a days this kind of scary movie is rarely done, and when it is it’s often isn’t done well.

Also, keep an eye on the use of color through the film. In particular, be aware of the use of red. When you see red…pay attention.

There are a lot of strong actors in this film. Combined with the strong writing, the film just comes alive…so-to-speak. There are a lot of powerful scenes. My favorites are often those between Cole and his mom. Haley Joel Osment is excellent in this film. He really steals the show. You can tell for sure why he got an Oscar nomination. It’s just a flawless preformance.

This one is undoubtedly getting 5 stars out of 5.

Day 94: Finding Forrester

Finding Forrester
Director: Gus Van Sant
Starring: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham & Anna Paquin
Rated: PG-13
Length: 136 min.
Released: December 19, 2000
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Jamal Wallace is an inner-city kid from the Bronx who has an aptness at basketball and a genius at writing. While always a C student, Jamal comes to the attention of a prestigious New York prep school when he scores highly on his standardized tests. While Jamal is given a heavy load at his new school, both he and the school know that the real reason they took him on is for his prowess on the court. Befriended by fellow student Claire and helped along by Pulitzer-prize winning author and recluse William Forrester, Jamal pursues his dreams both on and off the court while overcoming obstacles placed by his bitter literature teacher. As Jamal is shaped by Forrester, he finds that he is changing the old writer as well, forcing him to confront his past…and his future.

My Thoughts:
A surprisingly delightful and challenging movie. A great movie that shows the importance of mentor relationships in our lives. This is another movie that makes me want to be a teacher, or at the very least be a strong mentor to someone. It’s fa-nominal.

To be perfectly honest, the thing I love the most about this story is how well it paints such a positive picture of a young African American student from the “wrong” part of town. This film does a great job showing the real obstacles that young black students face when trying to break out of the “ghetto.”

This is such a positive and uplifting movie. I am always surprised at how much forget that I really love this one. It also has a nice breakout role played by Anna Paquin (Seen as Rogue in the X-Men Trilogy). I’m giving this one 4.5 stars out of 5.

Day 84: Hannibal

Hannibal
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Gary Oldman & Ray Liotta
Rated: R
Length: 131 min.
Released: February 9, 2001
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
After having successfully eluded the authorities for years, Hannibal peacefully lives in Italy in disguise as an art scholar. Trouble strikes again when he is discovered leaving a deserving few dead in the process. He returns back to America to once again make contact with now disgraced Agent Clarice Starling who is suffering the wrath of a malicious FBI official/rival as well as the media. Meanwhile, Hannibal must survive the advances by a disfigured and vengeful victim he first came in contact with years ago as a patient. He finds himself being tracked down not only by his wealthy victim and his henchmen but also by Agent Starling and the American authorities.

My Thoughts:
Probably my favorite of all the Hannibal films. Ridley Scott brings such a great approach to the final chapter of this series. It has a very unique feel to it because Hannibal isn’t in prison at all…he’s on the loose. I like this one because Hannibal is the primary antagonist. In the other films he is somewhat a side cheracter…this one is all about him. Hence the title…Hannibal. He makes such a good villain. He’s ruthless, intelligent and has just the right level of charm and sophistication to go along with his creepiness and this film really lets all of that shine.

Of all the films, however, this one is the most graphic. So, to those who want to see what happens after The Silence of the Lambs but you are nervous of get queasy may want watch the TV version which is much less graphic.

Anthony Hopkins does a stellar job (as expected) and Julianne Moore does a phenomenal job as Agent Clarice Starling. I was very impressed with how she handled this role. She brought a level of confidence that Agent Starling needed for this film. In The Silence of the Lambs Agent Starling was a student and fighting for equality as a woman in a male dominated field. That required a unique blend of strength with innocence/inexperience. In Hannibal, she has the experience she lacked in the other film. That demands a different level of strength and confidence for the role.

That said, of course Hannibal is still able to tear through all of that confidence Starling has found in her career toying with her when she’s at her weakest making her feel vulnerable and, at times, completely helpless.

I’m also shocked that THIS is Gary Oldman!!!…

He looks SOOOO different!!! I had no idea he was even in the movie until I looked at the credits. He does a great job playing such a crazy, vengeful wealthy psychopath. An excellent antagonist to Hannibal.

The main reason why this one is probably my favorite is because I love the dynamics of the relationship Hannibal and Agent Starling have in this picture so much. It’s so much more engaging now that the two have the history established in the other film. This one is getting 4.5 stars out of 5.

Day 83: The Silence of the Lambs

The Silence of the Lambs
Director: Jonathan Demme
Starring: Jodie Foster & Anthony Hopkins
Rated: R
Length: 118 min.
Released: February 14, 1991
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
A psychopath known as Buffalo Bill is kidnapping and murdering young women across the Midwest. Believing it takes one to know one, the F.B.I. sends Agent Clarice Starling to interview a demented prisoner who may provide psychological insight and clues to the killer’s actions. The prisoner is psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant, murderous cannibal who will only help Starling if she feeds his morbid curiosity with details about her own complicated life. This twisted relationship forces Starling not only to confront her psychological demons, but leads her to face with a demented, heinous killer, an incarceration of evil so powerful, that she may not have the courage — or strength — to stop him!

My Thoughts:
There is a reason why this got so many Oscars…it’s just that good. Growing up through the 90s I never saw this film because I was always told it was a “horror” movie. In my mind that meant a slasher flick with stupid teenagers getting hacked to bits. Imagine my surprise when I finally gave it a shot and found that it was really a suspenseful, dramatic, murder mystery with only a couple scenes that could be remotely considered in the “horror” genre.

I would also make a note that the villain, Buffalo Bill…is very often misunderstood as some crazy gay guy and he’s not. Not gay anyway. Watch the “behind the scenes” and “making of” special features on the DVD and they explain it more. Ed Gein is the real life guy that the character was based on, and he wasn’t gay at all. He was very confused…and crazy, but not gay.

As for the acting in this film, it’s top notch!!! Anthony Hopkins is truly at his best in this film. The twist…so good. Just a classic “NO WAY!” moment. I loved it! Jodie foster also does a great job!…and I’m shocked that I’m saying that. I have rarely liked anything she has done. So, for me to use the word “great” with Jodie Foster, and the word “disaster” isn’t anywhere in the sentence…that says a lot.

This is one of my favorites for sure. If the Hannibal movies are something you’ve avoided because you feared they were in the horror genre I would say give them a shot. They weren’t nearly as scary as I thought, and they turned out to be more like a suspenseful murder mystery…not a horror movie. Ignore the Hannibal Rising movie…(gag me)…and just stick with the three Anthony Hopkins flicks. His performance as Dr. Hannibal Lecter is timeless. I’m giving this one 4 stars out of 5.

Day 82: Red Dragon

Red Dragon
Director: Brett Ratner
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes & Harvey Keitel
Rated: R
Length: 124 min.
Released: October 4, 2002
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Will Graham is an FBI agent who has an ability to get into the minds of criminals. Currently he is pursuing someone who in addition to killing people is taking parts of their body. Initially it is believed that he is collecting them but Graham believes that he is actually eating them. So he goes to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist, whom he consults with. When Lecter leaves him for moment he discovers that Lecter is the man. Lecter then tries to kill him but Graham manages to subdue him. Both men are hospitalized and when they recover Graham testifies against Lecter and Lecter is convicted. Graham would leave the FBI. A few years later Graham is approached by his former boss who wants him to help him find this guy who kills a family every full moon. Graham who is still emotionally and psychologically scarred, reluctantly agrees. When Graham hits a wall, he goes to Lecter for help and Lecter wants to play games with him.

My Thoughts:
This movie was made a back in the 80s under the title Manhunter. As you will see by proof of the trailer…it was really bad. I’m soooo glad they took another crack at it with Anthony Hopkins. Not to mention Edward Norton!!! He does a fantastic job as the protagonist of this story. I’m a huge Edward Norton fan though…so I may be a little bias.

I will say, however, it gives a very different feel having a male lead in the protagonist role. That’s probably the most unique thing about this film is the lack of a strong female lead we were use to seeing in The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. The strong female leads really gave those films a very distinct dynamic that this one doesn’t have. I’m not saying it’s bad…just different. In my mind it’s the main thing that sets Red Dragon apart from the others.

One thing I did enjoy (even if ever so briefly) was seeing how Hannibal gets caught. That was fun to watch, in addition to getting a glimpse of how he lived his life before he was thrown into the loony bin. He had a career, was surrounded by all these regular people who were “friends” and co-workers.

Quite honestly, Hopkins really steals the show in all of these movies. He does a great job conveying the strange and complex psyche of this psychotic character. That’s something Hannibal Rising lacked big time.

I’m giving Red Dragon 3.5 stars out of 5.

Day 81: Hannibal Rising

Hannibal Rising
Director: Peter Webber
Starring: Gaspard Ulliel
Rated: R
Length: 121 min.
Released: February 9, 2007
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Mischa and Hannibal, baby brother and sister, are inseparable; it is their love for each other that ties their bond. Their companionship is forever binding, until, with their family, while hiding from the Nazi war machine a twisted set of circumstance sets the pace for a most vicious attack on the future of one Hannibal Lecter for the sworn vengeance for the brutal killing of his baby sister. Years later, we find Hannibal, the teenager, setting up in Paris, and living with his aunt Lady Murasaki Shikibu and studying at medical school here he finds his forte. Still searching for his sister’s murderers, still bitter and still ever hopeful of satisfying his desire for retribution. This chance arrives, and soon we are to learn that for a pound of flesh lost a pound of flesh must be repaid. This is the horrific tale of justice and honor, a young man’s growing pains that will have the guilty paying with more than just flesh and bone. This is the up and rising tale of the young Hannibal, prey you do not meet him, for meat you shall be to him. Taste his wroth.

My Thoughts:
A great idea that was executed all wrong. They took a risk making some young unknown actor play Hannibal…and they failed. It’s a good idea, and a interesting back story to explain how Hannibal came to be the psychotic man portraid by Anthony Hopkins, but without Hopkins it’s hard to buy it as a Hannibal movie. Hopkins does such a perfect job and has such a classic role in Hannibal Lecter.

I almost feel bad for Gaspard Ulliel. Not because his acting was deplorable (though it wasn’t that good either) but because he could never measure up to Hopkins performance. It just can’t be beat. His mannerisms, facial expressions, witty banter he has with someone he finds fascinating (like a cat pestering an injured mouse or something)…it’s all attributed to the genius of Hopkins as an actor. This film couldn’t pull any of that off successfully.

It’s really more of a “revenge” movie than anything. There’s not much mystery or suspenseful tension between Hannibal and the detective. It’s just Hannibal going on a vengeful quest and some detective not being able to catch him. It’ lacked a lot of what the other Hannibal films are so good at and famous for.

Then there’s the “love” story between Hannibal and his Aunt… weird…strange…gag me. I not sure how crucial that was to the story…and it was awkward and hard to watch.

Also, it was really strange seeing a “Hannibal” movie without any familiar elements of the other movies. Sure, there is the occasional throw back (or is it a throw forward), but I often found myself thinking, “This just doesn’t feel like a Hannibal movie.”

Not to mention Gaspard Ulliel looks far to much like Andy Samberg…

…and lord knows it’s hard to take Hannibal seriously when you keep think “I’m on a boat!” or worse yet…”It’s my d**k in a box!”

So anyway, Hannibal Rising is pretty much a straight up revenge movie. Like I said the back story is great to know for the films coming up. As you might recall (if you’ll look in the “rules” for this blog) I watch all collections in the story’s chronological order, rather than the order in which the films were released. So yes, this starts the beginning of me watching and reflecting on the Hannibal collection. I know they get better…and that helped me get through this movie. They certainly can’t get much worse. 2 stars out of 5.

Day 70: The Happening

The Happening
Starring: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel & John Leguizamo
Rated: R
Length:  91 min.
Released: June 13, 2008
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Elliot Moore is a high school science teacher who quizzes his class one day about an article in the New York Times. It’s about the sudden, mysterious disappearance of bees. Yet again Nature is doing something inexplicable, and whatever science has to say about it will be, in the end, only a theory. Scientists will bring out more theories, but no explanations, when a more urgent dilemma hits the planet. It begins in Central Park. Suddenly and inexplicably, the behavior of everyone in the park changes in a most bizarre and horrible way. Soon, the strange behavior spreads throughout the city and beyond. Elliot, his wife, Alma, and Jess, the young daughter of a friend, will only have theories to guide them where to run and where to hide. But theories may not be enough.

My Thoughts:
Night is truly the modern day Hitchcock. And like many of Hitchcock’s films…are hard for some to completely appreciated until years (if not decades) after their creation…if ever. This film just may be one of them. Everything about it just screamed Hitchcock influences. From the opening titles to the ambiguous ending not unlike “The Birds.” Yet, Night still maintains The Happening as an original idea all its own. I love how this man is able to take you through a story and wrap your brain around it even long after the movie is over. I recommend reading Roger Ebert’s review. His review sums it up nicely.

The casting was also an interesting choice. Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel wouldn’t seem like an ideal pair, but in these roles they really work. It’s awkward…which is exactly what it should be. They come across as a little innocent and naive which plays well in the very crazy and chaotic world that begins consuming them and stripping it all away.

I’m going to give this one 4.5 stars our of 5. Sure, it’s a bit disturbing topic, but more over I’d say it’s a very misunderstood and misjudged movie.

Day 60: Road to Perdition

Road to Perdition
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Starring: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law & Daniel Craig
Rated: R
Length: 117 min.
Released: July 12, 2002
Trailer

IMDB.com Synopsis:
Mike Sullivan works as a hit man for crime boss John Rooney. Sullivan views Rooney as a father figure. However after his son is witness to a killing he has done Mike Sullivan finds him self on the run trying to save the life of his son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him. Jude Law co stars as a hit man hired to kill Sullivan.

My Thoughts:

Perdition:
1 a archaic : utter destruction b obsolete : loss
2 a : eternal damnation b : hell

This has got to be one of the most under rated movies I have ever seen…and one of my all time favorites. Oscar winning director Sam Mendes helms the director’s chair for the first time since winning the academy award for best director of American Beauty, but his Oscar status is not the only one around on the set of Road to Perdition. The amount of Oscar and Golden Globe winners involved in this film is quite simply enormous. Both cast and crew are full of all-stars.

Also, to my shock it’s actually based on a graphic novel!…go figure!

My favorite part about this film is the complexities of all the father and son relationships involved. Watch this movie keeping those relationships in mind. Every time I watch this movie I find more elements of it that I like. The acting is superb. The story is great. It’s engaging and complex. It really takes you by surprise. Again, the father/son dynamic is key in this movie.

Also, it’s rare that a film’s art/set direction come together with the cinematography that makes every frame a work of art. To be honest, with most movies that doesn’t catch my eye at all, but this one does. I’ve heard some reviewers say that it’s almost “too good.” I don’t know how that’s possible…but whatever.

It also showcases Chicago well. Chicago is such a beautiful city and they embrace it and show it off very well.

Last but certainly not least is the score. The music for Road to Perdition is so good. It’s the perfect icing on this beautiful cake. It’s so memorable and creates the perfect mood for each moment and key character. It really does a great job doing exactly what a score is meant to do.

Overall one of the best dramatic films I’ve seen in all my years of watching movies. The “point” of the movie is summed up well in one of the last lines of the young Michael Sullivan Jr. “I realized that my father’s worst fear was that I would end up taking the same road he did.” …the road to perdition.

I’m sure you guessed it by now…5 stars out of 5.