jannagal Reviews

Gran Torino (2008)

Another first-rate film from Eastwood

[9/10 · 6 January 2009]

Let me preface by saying that I am an Eastwood fan. His films are thoughtful and purposeful; and they explore characters, their motivations, histories and relationships. They have action, but not just mindless car chases and explosions. That said, Gran Torino is a terrific film, but it may not appeal to everyone.

You may be uncomfortable with some of the dialog and characterizations in the film. You may not like some of the bitterly racist comments that Walter Kowalski(Eastwood) utters in the film, but then that's partly the point of the film, isn't it? Walter, ("don't call me Wally") recent widower, is an apparently bitter racist, one of the last of his kind on his block in an inner city neighborhood. The film explores his relationships (or lack of them) with his family, and with the Hmong family next door. Slowly, the reasons for his bitterness(actually self-loathing) are revealed.

The acting was generally very good. Eastwood convincingly plays his part with both strength and vulnerability. Even at his age, his toughness is believable, facing down various street gangs as well as his own family. Thao(Bee Vang) and Sue (Ahney Her), the young Hmong siblings from next door, have no acting credits listed in IMDb, but they have proved that they deserve more opportunities to act in future films. Vang especially convincingly demonstrated a range of emotions, from a meek timidness to an anger demanding vengeance (and a lot in between).

The film also explores the plight of older people and their changing status, poignantly revealed when one of Kowalski's sons brings his father a "grabber" and a telephone with huge keypad for his birthday presents, some items Kowalski obviously doesn't feel ready for.

The film loses some points for a little too much sentimentality (especially from Kowalski's overly-emoting canine friend, Daisy), and for some characterizations that are too extreme, almost cliché. But if you are honest about it, you might see people you recognize in the film--you might even see some of your own relationships or situations. That's really what I like best about Clint Eastwood films, and I hope you do too!

Steel Frontier (1995 Video)

Steel (Steal) Frontier

[4/10 · 23 August 2006]

As other reviewers have noted, this movie is a cross between (i.e. stolen from) stories we have seen before. Specifically, this looks like Clint Eastwood in High Plains Drifter inserted into Mad Max. Remove Clint's cigar, and replace with a cigarette; remove his horse and give him a high-tech motorcycle, and voilà, an updated drifter. In this movie, the "hero" is even more blatantly a "Savior" than High Plains Drifter. Now our hero has long brown hair, suffers a wound to his left side, and his entry into town is preceded by a plea for "salvation" by the surviving townspeople--a pretty transparent reference to a "Second Coming." I watched the movie on a hot, humid morning. Sleep was impossible and upon arising at 4:30 am, there was nothing else on TV. So the movie served its purpose. While unoriginal, with characters that are almost comic caricatures, the movie is still somewhat entertaining...at least at 4:30 in the morning.

Superman Returns (2006)

Will he return again?

[8/10 · 3 July 2006]

I watched Superman Returns in Imax 3D. First, a discussion of the movie, then the Imax.

The movie is long, but because of very good special effects, an excellent sound track, and strong visuals, the movie holds the viewer's interest most of the time. There are a couple of anti-climatic endings, but these were probably necessary to tie up loose ends, and to leave some things open for more sequels. There were scenes with enough comic relief to bring laughter from the audience. For the most part, the acting was good to adequate. Frank Langella is one exception. Langella is an excellent actor, and as a vampire excelled. In this movie, however, he was less than adequate as Perry White. He seemed considerate and almost gentle at times--not the gruff, cigar-smoking editor of the Daily Planet. The portrayal of Jimmie Olsen likewise more annoying, and less naive than the comic book version. Now for the major roles: Christopher Reeve was a very good Superman. Brandon Routh is a very good Christopher Reeve, meaning that he played the role well, but his physical appearance uncannily recalled Reeve. I'm not sure if that's detrimental or advantageous, but you definitely recall Christopher Reeve. Kate Bosworth performed well, but seems too young and definitely much better looking than Lois Lane of comic books. Kevin Spacey, one of my favorite actors, as Lex Luthor did not seem menacing enough. In summary, for acting 2 stars out of three.

For film production, 3 stars out of three. For story, 2 stars of 3. Extra credit for holding my interest: 1 star. Total=8 stars out of 10.(That breakdown is just to reveal how an 8 rating was derived.)

Now for the Imax 3-D. The 3-D sequences (there were only 3 major scenes in 3D) were a major disappointment. The scenes in 3D gave a very good 3D effect, but the scenes included a lot of high-speed action. This tended to give choppy 3D that gave an unpleasant viewing experience. The coming attractions for 3 upcoming animated features were all in 3D, and they had a better overall 3D effect.

I would recommend the movie to anyone who enjoyed the first Reeve Superman, or the television version years ago. But I would recommend that you save some money and skip the Imax 3D. Of course, I'm entranced by 3D and would see it again. Just realize before you go that some of the best scenes that might lend themselves to 3D will not be in 3D; and some very choppy action scenes are shown in 3D.

The Doors Collection (1999 Video)

No new door opened.

[8/10 · 3 January 2006]

As a real Doors fan right from the earliest Door's days, I was grateful for a DVD collection that includes three basic video segments: Dance on Fire, Live at the Hollywood Bowl and The Soft Parade. Each of the videos is directed by Ray Manzarek. The "extras" include Ray's two UCLA student films.

Though it is hard for me to give a Doors video anything less than 10 stars out of 10, I rated it 8 because it could have been so much more than a "collection" of Doors stuff. The voice-over commentary by the three surviving Doors(on the "extras" menu)was a little disappointing. While it was interesting to hear their reminiscences, it offered little new insight into the relationships among the Doors. Commentary over the first two videos included a lot of needless self-aggrandizing(everybody already knows that Robbie wrote most of "Light My Fire", for instance). Commentary over "Soft Parade" was most revealing, and was very interesting.

Though I only rated it an 8, I bought the DVD, and because the Doors are my favorite group, I've watched it many times. So, if you are a fan, you will probably enjoy the DVD, but don't look for a new door to open by viewing the videos or commentary.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

The Geisha's memory is more complete in the book version.

[8/10 · 29 December 2005]

Going into the theater I wanted very much that Memoirs of a Geisha would be a 10 out of 10. Maybe 8 of 10 is even a little generous, but I cannot understand how a number of raters give the movie a 1.

Perhaps a person looking for action in the film would be disappointed, because there is very little action or adventure. Instead it is a very beautifully filmed movie with a nod toward the elegance of traditional Japanese culture.

As a long-time student of Japanese language and culture, I looked forward to the movie. I was rewarded with a rich, non-stop kaleidoscope of pre-war Japan. Attention to detail is evident in every scene, whether costumes or make-up, or background scenery. This gorgeous movie should be a strong contender for awards in cinematography.

All of the female leads were very beautiful and appealing, but it was irksome that all of the most beautiful geisha were portrayed by Chinese actresses. Okay, the film is not a history lesson, but it seems intuitive that a film so dedicated to iconography of Japan would have Japanese actors in the most iconographic roles.

Another point,(maybe too picky, but yet irksome)involved the only action scene in the movie: a fight between the two rival geisha. It seems unlikely that one would deliberately throw oil lamps to spread a fire in the confines of the geisha house. Why? Because to do so could very well have burned down the entire city, since the dwellings were all constructed of wood and paper. In fact, several such disastrous fires have occurred in Japan's history.

As is often the case, scenes from the book seem to be missing in the movie. Narrators in a dramatic film often indicate problems in the dialog that fail to convey a movie's message. Of course, in this film there is the device that it's a geisha recounting her memoirs. But in the book we have an idea of the whereabouts and current status of the story's geisha. That is missing in the movie.

In conclusion, probably the general viewing audience in America will find the movie a bit long (2-1/2 hours), and dragging toward the end. They will be dissatified with the lack of action, and will find the characters at times difficult to understand (they speak in English with heavy accents). But if you want to watch a beautifully filmed movie, with a glimpse (albeit imperfect) into the elegance of traditional Japan, then you will enjoy this film immensely.

Syriana (2005)

Puzzling

[7/10 · 17 December 2005]

Do you like puzzles? I do. I work crosswords, encryptions and sudoku. I think that's one reason I liked Syriana. But this movie left me puzzled.

Do you like movies with convincing acting, and character development. I do. I think that's another reason I liked Syriana. But who all of the characters were, and what characters were not revealed in the movie left me puzzled.

Do you like movies with mysteries, and with a credible backdrop of events relevant to today's world? I do. That's another good reason to like Syriana.

I think you get the idea. Syriana is a very good movie, but with so many characters and inter-related plots that it is difficult to assemble all of the pieces. You definitely get the main idea though: oil is all-important, and whomever controls oil gets very rich and powerful.

George Clooney, Matt Damon, Christopher Carter, et al., are a terrific ensemble cast that portray their characters very convincingly. Their stories are told separately and coalesce at the end of the movie, much like in "Traffic" and many other contemporary movies. Who are the "good guys" in this movie one may ask. That's difficult to discern. Maybe there aren't any (and maybe there aren't any bad guys either; or, maybe they're all bad guys.) If you decide to attend this movie, pay attention right from the beginning of the movie. And, if you like mysteries and puzzles, try to solve the question of who has the ultimate power among the characters in this movie. As for me, I think I'll have to see the movie again.

The Funeral (1996)

Bury Our Sins?

[7/10 · 21 November 2005]

The Funeral is a dark and gritty story that plumbs the characters in a New York band of criminal brothers. It doesn't have the romantic sweep of a Godfather movie, nor the rawness of Scarface. But it does have great acting: the cold, sinister aloofness of the leader-brother(Christopher Walken); the raging insanity of the bartender-brother(Chris Penn); and, the cockiness of the younger communist-influenced brother. Annabella Scioria as the wife with a tortured psyche who "had two years of college", and Bennissio del Toro, as the suave and slick rival mobster round out the terrific cast.

But the movie does have some problems. The abrupt, "surprise" ending is consistent with the arcs in the movie, and is supported by trends in the characters' developments, but seems unsatisfying. Also, long philosophical conversations between killer and victims seems unrealistic. While these conversations(and flashback sequences) give insight into characters, it just doesn't seem likely.

Watch this movie if you are a fan of crime/Mafia films, and you can enjoy a thoughtful introspection of characters and relationships between characters. Don't watch it if you want to see a "thrill-a-minute", or explosions every other scene.

Mean Creek (2004)

We learn that revenge is not really so sweet after all.

[7/10 · 5 February 2005]

If you've ever taken a canoe/float trip, you know how slow the action can be. Unless there's white water, the trip is slow, and you have time to examine the nature about you. Much of the action in this movie transpires on a leisurely float down a river, and the action is slow. So if you like action movies or super special effects, you many find this movie too slow for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate fine acting, especially from young actors, and enjoy a movie with a morality problem embedded in a simple but solid story, then you will probably like this movie.

An obnoxious school bully pummels a small kid on the playground in the opening scenes, an all-too-familiar scenario in real life. The small kid, his older brother, the brother's two friends, and the kid's puppy love interest scheme to teach the bully a lesson. So they convince the bully to join them on a boat trip, during which they plan events to humiliate him. But, their plans go awry.

On its surface a simple story, but the slow action gives time to examine the characters, their motivations, and how peer pressure causes individuals to act in ways they would otherwise never consider. We learn why a bully may act out his feelings, and we, as some of the young avengers in the boat, actually feel sorry for him. But the bully can't stop himself, and the avengers can't either...a prescription for rash actions that have unexpected consequences for the film's characters.

One shortcoming of the film concerns the complete absence of any parental guidance for any of the young characters. In fact, parents are only incidental to the movie, but then(with Columbine, teen drug use, teen pregnancy, etc. etc etc.), is that so unrealistic after all?

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A fight to the finish.

[10/10 · 21 January 2005]

Boxing used to be exciting. When the circus surrounding boxing became a bigger story than the matches, boxing lost its immediacy and descended to a tawdry sideshow status, like so-called professional wrestling. "Million Dollar Baby", a boxing movie that's really not about boxing is more believable than "real boxing." Clint Eastwood convinces you that he actually can train boxers, and Hillary Swank convinces you that she really can be trained to become a boxer.

But just as "The Unforgiven" was not really a movie about the Wild West gunfighters, "Million Dollar Baby" is not really a movie about boxing. Both movies are about people--their lives, personalities, and how they got that way. And both give you such an insight that you feel for the characters, and understand why and how they got that way. You also understand why they do what they have to do.

Predictably, Hillary Swank enters Frankie's(Eastwood)life unasked, unwanted, and untrained. Frankie, a tough but competent trainer does not want to take her on. Frankie has torments that keep him from taking chances on the "big" fight. Predictably, Swank's persistence forces Frankie to accept her as a fighter. Predictably, she becomes a winner. But unpredictably in her big fight...oh no, no spoiler here...watch the movie for yourself. You will agree that this is one of the best movies of the year. It certainly is Eastwood's best.

"Unforgiven," "Mystic River," "Million Dollar Baby"...I hope Clint Eastwood directs another 100 movies, because they are honest, realistic looks into the lives of people in all of their complexities. 10 stars out of 10.

The Postman (1997)

All I get is junk mail.

[4/10 · 15 December 2004]

Want to see a good movie entitled "The Postman?" Then don't see this movie.

Instead, rent a movie entitled "Il Postino" (The Postman).

Well, in this movie Kevin Costner sails the world to save the world...no, that was another bomb, "Waterworld." Well, in this movie, Kevin Costner, as a phony mailman, delivers 15 year old letters to save a post-apocalyptic world. They say that a "pen is mightier than a sword," but Costner tries to prove that old letters are mightier than howitzers and automatic weapons wielded by a large army of ruthless cutthroats. To accomplish his task, he reluctantly leads a small band of teen-aged postal carriers who, with their mailbags, foment a revolution to reunite the United States.

The movie pulls out all the clichés to tug at the viewer's heartstrings--husband killed in front of his pregnant wife, teen-aged postal carrier witnessing execution of his father, executed postal carrier's father using his last breath to proclaim "Ride Postman," young boy standing forlornly with letter in hand for the driven horse-backed postman, etc., etc., etc., yawn, etc..

Hoping to receive an engaging movie in the mail, I was disappointed to get yet another piece of junk mail from Kevin Costner.

Method (2004)

Will the real movie please come forward.

[4/10 · 19 November 2004]

Here we have two movies for the price of one. Unfortunately one movie plus one other movie does not make even one good movie. Method is the story of a beautiful actress in the come-back role of a lifetime. So, Rebecca (the beautiful actress) portrays a serial killer in a supposedly true tale of Belle (the beautiful serial killer.) A major portion of Method is the movie Belle. Herein lies the problem--the movie in the movie is actually more interesting than the movie we are paying to see.

We are to believe that Rebecca(Elizabeth Hurley) is so mentally unstable that, spurred by her overbearing mother's interference, begins to associate completely with the murderous Belle, finally assuming her character. (Hence: "Method"). There is a predictable ending to "Belle", and a surprise ending to "Method", which is also predictable.

Two stars out of ten for "Belle", one star for "Method". An extra star for Elizabeth Hurley(sorry about the bias, I just think she's beautiful). Total = 4 stars out of 10.

The Eighteenth Angel (1997)

Tick, tock...stupid clock.

[4/10 · 23 October 2004]

The countdown is on...the devil is coming, the devil is coming. And, it wants some beauty, so let's kidnap some beautiful girls. From the phony somber stridency of the narrator's opening monologue, to the stupid clock that gives the countdown, this movie has the most implausible of themes. On first viewing, the movie was rated a 5, for some interesting camera work, and movie tone. But several months and several 100 movies later, a second viewing(why I wasted my time I don't know) warrants a lower rating. New rating: 4 As an aside, in one scene, the husband asks about his wife's work: It's "Etruscans" she says. "Ah, snails," he says. "No that's crustaceans," she says. "No sorry, that's mollusca," I say.

Road Rage (2000 TV Movie)

No redeeming value.

[2/10 · 2 September 2004]

Here's a movie that's hard to watch, but easy to review.

Acting = so wooden that it stinks. Likeability of characters = so self-centered that they stink. Story = so derivative and transparent that it stinks. Plot = so predictable that it stinks. Writing/dialog = not good enough to stink. Action scenes = so ridiculous that they stink.

A few people rated this movie a "10". I think they must include the director, producers, actors, maybe even the electricians who worked on this movie. But they must have had a few drinks, or no conscience when they voted.

2 stars out of 10(3 stars if you've had a few drinks, or no conscience.).

Snow Country (1957)

How do you improve a masterpiece?

[8/10 · 28 August 2004]

How do you improve a masterpiece? (You can't.)

Yasunari Kawabata, Nobel Prize winner in literature, creates an elegant, almost dream-like quality in the short novel, Snow Country. It reads quickly, but must be savored slowly to appreciate the nuances of denied love, and wasted beauty. The film's director, while faithful to most of the dialog, must feel the need to flesh out certain scenes, and to delete some scenes. The result may be a more understandable movie, but does not impart the same emotional depth as in the novel.

Black and white photography enhances the starkness of snow country, and the film gives an insight into 1930's Japanese social structure. 8 stars out of 10.

City of God (2002)

What in God's name...?

[10/10 · 5 August 2004]

Sometimes people make mistakes. My mistake was giving this movie an 8. The frenetic pace, and chaotic style of film-making was somewhat distracting. Also, with a Portugese dialog, and English subtitles, I wondered if anything was "lost in translation."

After a second viewing, a revote was necessary. Now the movie was rated a 9. Why? Because the director's style made it difficult to ascertain that, indeed, there was excellent acting on the part of all of the film's main characters. That was because continuous use of hand-held cameras, short vignette segments, and fast-paced editing obscured the fine portrayals by the young actors.

After a third viewing, a revote was necessary. Now the movie was rated a 10. Why? Because the film's message is important, and vividly told. The stark images from the slums of Rio contrast violently with the tourist image of "Rio Carnivale." The film, following the short lifespans of three generations of young gangsters, illuminates how and why children are drawn into gang life. A chilling ending to the film leaves the audience wondering if the cycle can ever be broken.

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)

Let's blow up lots of stuff.

[3/10 · 23 July 2004]

Conversation between director and producers:

"Explosions. Lotsa people like 'em." "Okay, car sales are down...let's help automakers. Blow up 50 cars, 100 if you can." "How about train cars?" "Okay, lots of them." "But won't it look phony if hundreds of rogue agents are killed, but not Lucy and Antonio?" "Okay, put a scratch on each of their faces. That way it'll look real" "How should I direct the stars?" "We're spending tons on explosions! We don't need acting or story!! Just tell Lucy to stare into space alot, without any expression. She'll look like she's intellectual, or something. And 'Tonio, just tell him to skip shaving for a few days, and oh yeah, tell him to find some really junky clothes. That'll show the world how desperate and lonely he is, and it'll save on wardrobe and makeup. Ha, ha. Investors will like that."

Did the director and producers really have that conversation? Watch the movie and see if you agree.

Troy (2004)

Did Homer really write this?

[7/10 · 4 July 2004]

I remember a time in eighth grade when Eddie F. challenged me to a fight. I was class monitor, charged with upholding the values of decency and honor. (My main job was to keep kids in their seats when teacher was out.) Eddie F. was the leader of kids who wanted out of their seats. Anyways, about 25 people gathered around in a littered alley as Eddie F. beat me to a pulp because he received too many demerits. I guess that's the same scenario in "Troy", when in the middle of a pitched battle, 100,000 sweating, bloodied and ferocious warriors ceased stabbing each other to watch Hector and Patroclus(thought to be Achilles)fight to the finish. Sound reasonable?

In another scene, Achilles comforts the beautiful cousin of Hector, who is now a captured "guest" of Achilles, and who has just been beaten and tossed about by sweaty, hell-bent Greek soldiers. "Are you hurt?" he asks while attempting to wipe her blood-covered face. Another example of inane dialog is when Helen of Sparta/Troy says to Trojan prince Paris, her illicit suitor of the past two nights: "That was a mistake."

I think Homer must be summoning the gods for a sign that this was really the Iliad that he envisioned.

However, I sheepishly must admit that I was entertained nevertheless. Brad Pitt looked good, leaped handsomely around the set during fight scenes, and gave the suggestion that the film should have been called "Achilles" instead of "Troy." The computer-generated armies looked convincing, and the acting was at least better than average. 7* out of 10*.

A Mighty Wind (2003)

A Mighty Windy Dialog

[5/10 · 14 March 2004]

Blah, blah, blah. Song. Witty blah-blah. Song. Blah. Blah.

Yes, that was somewhat the point of the film's characterizations and mock interviews with yesterday's faded folk groups. But the dithering, blathering, slathering interview segments, creative and ingenious in part, failed to hold interest in the film's first 55 minutes.

The "pickin' and singin'" were an exceptionally good capture of the folk group flavor, especially in the "hootenanny" climax. But then, it wasn't supposed to be, was it? (Since it was a "mockumentary.").

Acting = 2(of 3) stars, Film-making/music = 2(of 3) stars, Story =1 star. Total = 5 stars(of 10)

Bloody Sunday (2002)

Bloody Blood Boil

[8/10 · 21 February 2004]

Are you partisan on the issue of the "troubles?" Watching this film will make your blood boil(witness the comments of other viewers regarding this film.) If it is possible, are you non-partisan on the centuries-long struggles in Ireland? Watching this film will make your blood boil anyway--that's the sign of a controversial subject that has exposed in such a manner that each side can identify their rationalizations. As such, "Bloody Sunday" is an excellent film.

The docu-style action is bit tedious in the opening scenes, but the film-making techniques heighten tension in the film even into the final credits. Snappy editing and strong acting performances lend a strong sense of realism--you almost feel you are there.

The story is strong, and based on fact. Herein lies the crux of the somewhat mean-spirited debate among some viewers. Historical facts are sometimes distorted intentionally, which is suggested in the film. But perceptions of facts are more often distorted by the emotions, biases and personal involvement of the participants. In this regard, "Bloody Sunday" does present enough fodder for multiple interpretations of the events leading to the calamitous events depicted in the film. The viewer will have to decide why his/her blood boils after viewing this film.

The Thanksgiving Visitor (1968 TV Movie)

Sometimes small is big.

[9/10 · 13 January 2004]

Sometimes simpler is better. Sometimes small is big. Sometimes understated makes a loud statement. These are the things I remember about this "small" movie seen several years ago.

The storyline is simple. The production is small, and the acting is understated. But through the thousands of movies I have viewed over the last 30 years, for some reason this movie rises to the top.

Geraldine Page's performance was so convincing that her character seemed to be a person known intimately. Maybe it's just a sentimental nostalgic quality that entices me; but someone must agree since Page's performance was acknowledged with a well-deserved Emmy.

Too bad this movie isn't shown every holiday season, but then society has become too "big" and too "complicated", hasn't it?

Affliction (1997)

Is there no end to it?

[7/10 · 2 January 2004]

Very good performances will stir you, and steer you through the bleak tone of the movie.

Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek and James Colburn create believable characters and the script allows the characters to develop--something not all-together common in American movies.

Without giving away the ending, which is no surprise if you are thinking while watching the movie, one wonders if the producers ran out of film. While every little detail is developed throughout the movie, the ending seems tacked on, without development, and complete with a voice-over sermon by Willem DaFoe. The hasty ending lowered a "9 star" rating to a "7star".

Psycho Beach Party (2000)

Wipeout

[3/10 · 19 December 2003]

Even a spoof needs to have high production values. This movie doesn't. Perhaps the one bright spot is Lauren Ambrose, who was not only cute, but showed some acting depth despite the horrible role.

The title alone should have alerted a discriminating viewer to look elsewhere for a well-crafted movie. Perhaps if you really despised the original "beach party" genre, then you might feel support that this movie, by its stupidity, was an affirmation that the originals also lacked value.