Curt’s
Corner is a periodic
Breach
(Release date: Feb 16th, 2007)
This is the true story covering the final weeks of the investigation, and the subsequent arrest of senior FBI agent Robert Hanssen in Feb.2001, for committing acts of treason. The Hanssen case is regarded as the worst security breach in U.S. history. The ramifications of his selling classified secrets to first the Soviets, and then the Russian’s goes beyond measure.
After watching the film, I started reading about the case, and I became extremely impressed with just how accurate the story is. This script was not adapted from a previously published work, but was written for the big-screen. Hence, it doesn’t appear to take shortcuts around the content of a best selling novel. The places, actions, dates, evidence and dialog (to a large extent) are perfectly factual. To watch the film with this knowledge makes it all the more compelling and interesting. These things actually happened, just like that. How interesting.
The acting was well done. Chris Cooper plays the lead role of Hanssen and gives a marvelous performance. Ryan Philippe also stars as the young FBI agent wanna-be who finds himself in the middle of the single biggest case in FBI history – toppling down the most notorious spy in our country’s history. Philippe’s contribution will no doubt serve to strengthen his career, and allow it to step up a notch.
This film is another example, of yet another trend that Hollywood is following these days; which is to tell a true and compelling story. This is one trend that I like – and I haven’t liked many of their trends these past 20 years. But, I like this one, as long as they continue to stick to the facts. By the way, true stories tend to win awards – just look at the record.
I give it three bones out of four for being good.
The
Astronaut Farmer
(Release
date: Feb 23rd, 2007)
This is a cool movie. What a great story. It’s a heart-warming, inspirational tale that encourages us to never give up on their dreams. It also reinforces the concept of family and commitment. Billy Bob Thornton stars as a retired Air Force pilot who was once training for the space program, but never made it. He brings his family together by pursuing his lifelong goal of flying in space.
The story is interesting, and the filming and acting are a pleasure to watch. I highly recommend it and I give it three bones for being a good movie.
Seraphim
Falls
(Release
date: Jan 26th, 2007)
This film stars Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan and takes place in the American wilderness shortly after the civil war. Isn’t it ironic to see two foreign born (Irishmen) portraying a couple of American Civil War veterans. The story is about obsession, anger, revenge and determination.
The film really wasn’t very compelling, although there was one scene in particular that impressed me. Not much else to say about it, except that the acting of both lead roles was quite adequate. This is the start of a new movie season and there normally aren’t very many good films that get released this time of year. I give it two bones for being average.
*** (As seen on DVD) ***
SherryBaby
(Release
Date: Jan 25th, 2006)
Maggie Gyllenhaal stars as woman just recently released from prison after getting convicted of some drug related crimes. She won a Golden Globe Award for giving an excellent and realistic performance. Her character struggles with life on parole, trying to stay clean and straight, the demons of her past, and trying to connect with her young daughter whom she hasn’t raised at all.
I thought the director did an outstanding job of creating a perfectly pathetic story. Many scenes were so disturbing and embarrassing; I could hardly watch them because it was so very authentic. I think every mother just getting out of prison should be required to watch this film. Good job by writer and director Laurie Collyer for stirring up such unsettling emotions and building what appears like an extremely accurate picture of all the unhealthy components of a horribly dysfunctional situation.
Not all stories can be happy and peppy; otherwise they’d all be boring. This is one of the most artistic portrayals of a tragedy I’ve ever seen. If you liked and appreciated the film 28 Days, starring Sandra Bullock, then perhaps you’ll like this one, because it makes 28 Days look like an after-school special.
I give it three bones for being a good film, and I’m disappointed that Maggie wasn’t nominated for an Oscar.
The
Lost City
(Release
Date: Sep 3rd, 2005)
This film was produced and directed by Andy Garcia while he stars as a cabaret owner in pre-Castro Havana, Cuba. His character struggles with trying to hold his family together in the wake of revolution, and then a Marxist-Castro government afterward. This is a fictional story in the midst of non-fictional set of circumstances.
Overall, I found it to be interesting and a little compelling. The story covers many aspects of their lives during this turbulent time. And, since Garcia was a cabaret owner, an abundance of wonderful Latino night club music flourished. The music alone warrants watching the movie. The cast is riddled with familiar faces, including Dustin Hoffman and Bill Murray.
However, I’d have to say that Bill Murray’s character was totally useless and should not have been included in the script. He lent nothing to the story, and should have been written out. That’s probably the biggest detriment to the film.
Overall, I enjoyed seeing the historical depiction of Havana during this chaotic time. I give it two bones for being average.
Adaptation
(Release
Date: Dec 2nd, 2002)
I have several problems with film. First, let me address the premise; screen-writer Charlie Kaufman has been assigned to adapt a script from a book published by Susan Orlean. Charlie struggles with this task throughout the film, but eventually succeeds. But, here’s the twist; he writes himself and Ms. Orlean into the story, reflecting his writing struggles and her activities with regards to researching and writing her book. Oh, and by the way, the screenplay for Adaptation was really written by Charlie Kaufman, and he really did adapt it from Susan Orlean’s book. Sound confusing? Well, I think they were trying something new here, and I believe it fell flat. Let me summarize; two writers collaborate to write Adaptation; which is about two writers of the same name trying to write a screenplay; and their final product is a script about two writers producing a screenplay with characters of the same name. I found this to be lame.
Secondly, the story line was bizarre. It’s as if one person started writing the script, and another person finished it. Bottom line: I didn’t like this at all. I can’t imagine why it rates so high amongst viewers.
Third, this film is listed a comedy/drama. But, there’s only a wisp of comedy. It is much more of a tragedy than a comedy.
The one good thing about this film was the acting. Nicolas Cage has the lead role of Charlie Kaufman, and Meryl Streep as Susan Orlean. Their acting was adequate but nothing to write home about. Strangely enough, Chris Cooper won an Oscar for best supporting actor in this film. He portrays a surly backwoods-type eccentric who sports a wide range of expertise. It’s not the typical role you’d expect to see him fulfill. But, he did a good job.
The title Adaptation, refers to how well plants, specifically orchids, adapt to their environment and always find a way to flourish. This is a lesson that we human beings can learn from. Perhaps we should concentrate on flourishing in our environments rather than focusing on what we don’t have.
I give it 1 ½ bones for being below average.
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