Sunshine - Movie Trailer

Here's the trailer. MM$

Danny Boyle on "Sunshine"

Listen to one of my favorite directors talking about his new film "Sunshine" while taking a visual journey through stills. I've really liked everything Danny has done, especially "28 Days Later" which introduced us to Cillian Murphy. Cillian has become one of my favorite actors since that point. He was amazing in "Breakfast on Pluto"! MM$

Last of the Mohicans by Michael Mann Rating MM$

I've watched this movie probably 6 times in 6 months and I'd watch it again tonite. Almost flawless, it embodies all that is American like only Michael Mann can. The hope, the conflict, the arrogance, the passion, the independence and conformity. Daniel Day Lewis is unbelievable! Madeleine Stowe is watchable. Russell Means and Wes Studi show why they're two of my favorite actors in film. Eric Schweig is silently deadly and charming. Jodhi May's doe eyed look is spell bindingly innocent. This film races from one battle to the next with romance filling the gaps propelling you forward. There's few scenes on celluloid that move fathers/sons to tears like the last scene on the side of the mountain. Besides, who wouldn't want the woman they love, but have never spoken of their feelings, to fall to her death in his honor. Buy it, rent it, watch it, love it! This gets a MM$ rating as it is one of my favorites of all time. MM$

Not much "More than meets the Eye" Rating $$$

"Transformers" is classic Michael Bay, but with a much cooler subject matter than he usually explores. I watched "the Island" today just after watching this and he definitely has his own style. Rose colored glasses always seem to be present, but really cool CG makes it exciting. The Transformers themselves are definitely the best part of the film. They did a good job of giving it a solid foundation and Shia Lebouf and Megan Fox do their jobs. There's definitely not-so-subtle political statements, but overall they're tolerable. Optimus Kicks a$$! It's definitely worth seeing at the theater as it necessitates the big screen to express the scale of the Transformers. MM$

I think I'm in love! Audrey I do. Rating $$$$

If only she'd spoken those words to me. I'd have never let her go. What do you gotta know? Audrey Hepburn as a princess and Gregory Peck as the young American expat. You gotta love it! She's so charming, it's scary. Especially the final scene at the press interview. Enjoy! MM$

Mare Nero a.k.a. Dark Sea by Roberta Torre Rating $$

I recently saw this Italian thriller as part of the "Open Roads: New Italian Cinema" series at the Film Society of Lincoln Center. I missed the first 15 minutes or so, but I'm not sure that I'd understand the film any more if I'd seen them. The film takes place in Rome and concerns a detective who gets sucked into the underground world of the "red light" district while investigating a college students murder. The music is haunting, the cinematography dark and moody, and the acting well served. I'd encourage one to see it for the score alone, combined with the cinegatography and editing it makes for an interesting film despite not leaving without a complete understanding or resolution. MM$

Frantic by Roman Polanski Rating $$$

I'm not always a Polanski fan, but he has on occasion made great films. Don't think this is one of them, but I'm grateful that he introduced us to his future wife Emmanuelle Seigner. She's unbelievably beautiful and embodies the Parisian woman's complete sense of self confidence and nonchalance. Harrison is good as always with the his physical sense of the character and acting. The scenes on the roof are especially exhilarating. Take a couple of hours and enjoy the pre-Hotel Costes introduction to French dance classics. MM$

PATHFINDER; the Ghost Warrior Rating $

Okay, so this movie had great trailers, great production quality, and a terrible script. That combined with amatuer directing and cliche images from a thousand other action films leaves you feeling let down. The leading man (Karl Urban-recognizable from Lord of the Rings trilogy) is not charismatic nor compelling, but I can't tell if it's the script, directing, or poor acting. He only speaks like 10 phrases in the whole movie. My favorite part of the movie were the Native Americans and the Vikings. The production quality in their houses, boats, and especially costumes were amazing. Much of this came from the graphic novel, but they're spectacular none the less. I'd hoped this film would be better than it was, but predictably it was shallow and didn't explore the reference material to make you want to watch it. MM$

Citizen Kane . . . not so sure. Rating $$$

Ok, so I finally watched the classic "Citizen Kane" and I'm not sure I totally got it. However, I'm sure at the time it was made it was revolutionary. Problem is, that's not the time we live in and most everything in film has been improved upon over the past 30 years. Not to say I didn't enjoy it, but I think this is part of the reason that classic films don't always translate to younger generations. What was once an unthinkable accomplishment is now accomplished with a digital camera. I totally recognize the achievement that Welles made by doing the picture. Though I think every time it's shown it should be preceded by an explanation of why the film was so revolutionary. No matter what, you should see this film if you're a filmattic like me. Remember, Welles was only 25 years old when he wrote, starred, and directed. MM$

Two Redford Must Sees Ratings $$$$

Okay, so a random place to start the definitive blog of "picture shows". But Redford's charisma in both films is undeniable. So to begin your education on film you must screen "Three Days of the Condor" and "All the President's Men". Compelling political dramas that feature great performances by Redford with excellent cameos by Faye Dunaway and Dustin Hoffman respectively. The sense of survival and inquiry are both qualities that the Million$ values highly. MM$