Blog Archive

Annual Holiday Movie Reviews

I have been a lifelong moviegoer, and each holiday break I try to squeeze in as many films as is possible. I began writing brief movie reviews 20 years back, and over the years I have shared them with an increasingly long list of friends. This year I’m happy to share them with Brainstorm readers.
 
“Relationships” seem to be the predominant theme this season --" but when is it not?

The number of films is shorter than usual this year due to the brief time frame between graduation ceremonies and Christmas. I’m missing a few important movies that will open in most theaters in the next few days. All except one of the listed movies was seen over the holidays.
These are on a scale of one to four stars. Most all of those listed are worthy of your ticket purchase, with many very highly recommended. I welcome your feedback.
 
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button --four stars.  Sentimental and moving throughout. One of my favorites this year in so many ways --" casting, scenery, costumes, music, makeup. Based on a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchette star in this touching story about a man who is born old and dies an infant as his life is challenged by myriad circumstances and an unusual mix of characters.
 
Slumdog Millionaire -- four stars.  A brilliantly produced and compelling story of a boy surviving the slums of Mumbai without parents, juxtaposed against his unlikely involvement in the Indian version of a popular TV show. Above all else, a “must see” love story.
 
Milk -- four stars.  An important movie about the life --" and untimely death --" of a gay community organizer in San Francisco. Harvey Milk’s historical importance has perhaps become even more relevant over the last 30 years. Superb acting in a film that reminds us that the bigotry of an earlier era still surrounds us.

Doubt -- four stars.  On most lists of this year’s top movies, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep star in a tense joust. A nun accuses a priest of illicit behavior with a 12-year-old boy in the Catholic parish where she is the school principal and he is the priest. This is a gut-wrenching conflict full of … doubt.

Valkyrie --  three-and-a-half stars.  Suspenseful portrayal, adapted for Hollywood, of the last unsuccessful attempt, in July of 1944, by German officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Even though we know the outcome in advance, the plot is riveting. Tom Cruise redeems himself in his portrayal of the colonel who stages the coup.

Seven Pounds --  three-and-a-half stars.  A poignant drama with Will Smith in perhaps his best performance. The story keeps you guessing about whether he is the angel of goodness or darkness. Only near the end do we fully appreciate and understand the complexities and motivations.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona --  three-and-a-half stars.  Listed here because it is still in some theaters, but also because it was my summer favorite, showcasing splendid acting performances and a lively assortment of relationships between two young American women, a Spanish painter, and his ex-wife. You can “hear” Woody Allen’s directing, and I loved Penelope Cruz.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas -- three-and-a-half stars.  A disturbing, tragic view of one aspect of the Holocaust and a German military family’s turmoil as seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy. Sorry, this is one where the ending can’t be revealed.

Rachael Getting Married -- three-and-a-half stars.  A remarkable performance by Anne Hathaway as a recovering addict who returns home for her older sister’s wedding. A portrait of family dysfunction amidst unusual wedding doings.

Twilight -- three stars.  A “teenage” romance undoubtedly appealing to teens --" witness its box-office appeal. But it’s worth seeing by other than teens. I’ve never liked vampire movies, but this is the exception.

W -- three stars.  Noteworthy because they got it about right, which makes for a depressing reminder of much that has unfolded in the last eight years. Those who follow the news will have no trouble matching up the characters with all the folks we’ve come to know so well.

Australia -- three stars.  An epic cinematographic movie with some historical basis that unfortunately is a bit tedious for much of the first two hours. Stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

Quantum of Solace -- three stars.  The familiarity of James Bond but adapted for 2008 tastes and expectations -- including the Bond women. A little darker than usual, with great special effects. One of the best Bond movies.

A Girl Cut in Half --two-and-a-half stars.  An independent film with an unlikely and quirky story about a young TV weather girl and the young playboy and older artist who compete for her affections.

The Day the Earth Stood Still -- two-and-a-half stars.  Loved the message. This remake of the classic movie can be commended for special effects and its suspense, in addition to the compelling point it makes. Keanu Reeves is … Keanu Reeves.

Nothing Like the Holidays -- two-and-a-half stars.  Not really a holiday movie, except by the timing of the plot, but rather a story of a Puerto Rican family in Chicago sorting out four sets of relationships while negotiating family matters.

Yes Man -- two stars. Light fare with several laughs around a clever theme. Jim Carrey in typical fashion, but not the best vehicle for him to shine.