What's a
movie critic to do? More to the point, what are you to do? If you are scanning
your local papers looking for a good movie to see this weekend, exactly where
can you go? We'll get to that in a minute. First, consider my options for this
week's review. New releases: A Nightmare on Elm Street - in which
a dead child killer haunts the dreams of teenagers. Furry Vengeance
- where computer assisted animals trying to protect their land from a real
estate developer. No.
Now in
multiplexes, here are more that I have resisted because of a personal aversion
to being insulted: Clash of the Titans, Diary of a Wimpy Kid,
Kick Ass, Hot Tub Machine, The Last Song,
and the appropriately titled The Losers. I won't insult you in
turn by explaining why I won't go to movies with these titles.
So back to
the question of how to enrich your weekend - and mine. We have two choices.
Going to the video store or seeing one of three good movies now showing that I
have seen and so, probably, have you. The video store leads to the couch,
interruptions, ringing telephones, bathroom and refrigerator breaks, all mood
and momentum breakers. Three solid recommendations, all reviewed here before,
may well give you even more fun the second time around.
Ghost
Writer - Pierce Brosnan plays a British prime minister modeled on Tony
Blair who is writing his memoirs with ghost writer Ewan McGregor. After the PM
is accused of delivering terrorists to CIA for torture leading to a world court
indictment, we are treated to a multitude of visual and spoken clues to the
mysteries of a slew of betrayals. Acting is fine, suspense is high. A good bet
for all ages.
The
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - This Swedish movie is a terrific tale of
the search by two investigative reporters for the killer of multiple victims
among multiple suspects. Be warned that this one is full of violent imagery of
murder and sexual abuse, either received or given. We watch good actors playing
monstrous characters as our heroes search them out. Noomi Rapace is dazzling as
the computer whiz.
City
Island - is the single best movie experience I have had so far this
year. A comedy with a big, warm heart, built around the Rizzos, a family living
on City Island, the Bronx. The whole gang is intertwined in its own secrets and
lies. The wonderful twist here is that every secret and every lie is benign. No
mean-spirited character crosses the screen. Julianna Margulies is a hot tempered
howl, Andy Garcia, an endearingly sweet soul. In the cast that supports them,
not one is a lemon. The casting director has managed to match actors and roles
perfectly. In fact I would say happily that this is nearly a perfect movie.
If you still
would rather see one of the others I mentioned in paragraph one, please let me
know what I missed.
Copyright (c) Illusion