"Diplomacy" Movie Review

My review of the French/German film "Diplomacy" starring André Dussollier, Niels Arestrup, Burghart Klaußner.

"Diplomacy"

Posted on Nov. 28, 2014  on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy Zeitgeist Films

“Diplomacy” (2014)

As the Allies march towards Paris in 1944, Hitler wants Paris not to fall into enemy’s hands. He has given the order to General Dietrich von Choltitz (Niels Arestrup) that if he leaves Paris, it should be in rubble. Explosives have been placed on some of Paris’s most famous landmarks, like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Opera House. Even worse, the plan is also to blow up most of the bridges in Paris, which will create a massive flood that the city would probably never recover from. The Germans want to leave Paris in as much rubble and chaos as possible. The General is a soldier’s soldier and is determined to carry out his orders, even if it means destroying one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

After giving the orders to make the final preparations to blow everything up, the General is surprised by the sudden appearance of the Swedish Consul General Raoul Nordling (Andre Dussollier) in his personal quarters. It seems that when the hotel was completed, a secret passage was built so that Napoleon III could visit his mistress without having to go through the front entrance. Nordling is there to give the von Choltitz a letter of terms from the commander of the French forces that are hours away from invading the city. Von Choltitz tears up the letter without reading it, stating that he never will surrender Paris. Now Nordling must use every diplomatic skill he has to try and convince Von Choltitz not to blow up “The City of Lights.”

This is a fascinating film about the struggle to convince one man not to destroy one of the great cities of the world. The French cared so much about their city that they gave up Paris to the invading Germans without a fight. They felt it was more important to preserve their beautiful city, rather than subject it to the ravages of war. It’s not only a film about the debate over duty to country and the flag verses the greater good, but also about love of family verses the commitment to something that you know is wrong. The conversation flows between the two characters as Nordling struggles to make headway with the determined and head strong general.

The script by Cyril Gely and director Volker Schlondorff is filled with sparkling dialogue and intelligent banter as the two discuss the many sides of the debate. The film takes place in real time as the Allied forces are moving quickly into the Paris outskirts, creating quite a tense feeling.  The men feel the pressure of having to make a decision that could change the world.

The film is bolstered by the great performances of the two leads. Andre Dussollier is perfect in the role of the compassionate and thoughtful Nordling. Dussollier is a wonderful contrast to the blustery, stern Niels Arestrup, who plays the general. Dussollier lets the role just roll off of him, never raising his voice and always seems to be in the corner of the room. Arestrup dominates the scenes; as well, he should, playing the fiery general who has served his country well. They play off each other incredibly well and the conversation flow naturally.

Volker Schlondorff does a remarkable job directing this film. While the bulk of this film takes place in the bedroom of the general, the movie never feels stagey or dull. The film creates a tension that is felt from the start of the film and builds as the story goes along. It’s the mark of a well-constructed plot, when we know the outcome, but still worry that it could end in a different result.

“Diplomacy” is an interesting, complex film that explores the conflicts that war always raises. Do we put the welfare of the few in front of the welfare of the many? And can man overcome his need for conquest and revenge in order to preserve the beauty of the world?    My Rating: Full Price

My movie rating system from Best to Worst:  1). I Would Pay to See it Again  2). Full Price  3). Bargain Matinee  4). Cable  5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again

Review by Michael McKinney

“Diplomacy” is playing exclusively in the Atlanta area at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

“Diplomacy” Website

 

"The Way He Looks" Movie Review

My review of the Brazilian film "The Way He Looks"

"The Way He Looks"

Posted on Nov. 14, 2014  on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing

“The Way He Looks” (2014)

Leonardo (Ghilherme Lobo) is your typical high-school student with one exception; he is blind. He has a best friend in Gia but is made fun of by some of his other classmates. One classmate dislikes Leonardo so much that he has made it his mission in high school to continually harass and tease Leonardo. Leonardo’s other problem is that his family, especially his mother, are overly protective of him, to the point that he has to immediately call his mother anytime he arrives at a destination other than his home. He keeps mostly to himself or hanging with Gia (Tess Amorim), often discussing which classmates are cute or jerks. Leonardo’s life is pretty routine, hanging with Gia, visiting his grandmother on Wednesdays, spending dinnertime with his parents.

Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing

Leonardo’s world changes when Gabriel (Fabio Audi) moves into the area and starts attending school. He sits in the seat that no one wants to sit in, the seat right behind Leonardo. When the two are paired up to work on a school project, they soon learn that not only do they have a lot of the same interests but that they really get along. In fact, they get along so well that Gia starts feeling a little left out and jealous. And it turns out that her instincts are correct because there seems to be a connection between Gabriel and Leonardo that just might be a little deeper than just friendship. Leonardo maybe having feelings for Gabriel; the question now does Gabriel feel the same way?

“The Way He Looks” is a wonderful coming of age film from Brazil that has a new take on exploring the world of growing up a teenager. Leonardo is determined to live his life as normal as possible, even if it means that he has to rebel against his parents’ wishes from time to time. Writer / director Daniel Ribeiro has created a full and vibrant film that treats his characters with warmth and understanding. It’s a film that slowly lets us discover its characters and really delight in their growth. The film has a nice pace to it, never lagging. We get to discover Leonardo’s feelings for Gabriel almost in real time, making the film feel rooted in reality. The camera often lingers on scenes, letting the scene unfold in a slow, deliberate way. The soundtrack of the film gives us a nice mix of American and Brazilian pop songs, just the kind of music that a teenager in San Paulo would listen to.

Photo courtesy of Strand Releasing

Ghilherme Lobo, who plays Leonardo, is the right combination of boyish charm and sweet innocence. He brings likeability to the screen that is so important to this film. We need to bond instantly with his character and root for his success, and Lobo lets us do that almost right from the start of the film. His chemistry with both Fabio Audi, who plays Gabriel and Tess Amorim, who plays Gia, is very evident on screen and lets us believe his friendship with both characters. Audi shines as the more mature, self-assured Gabriel. You can see why not only are the girls are attracted to him but Leonardo as well. Amorim is perfect in the role of Gia, a girl who is a little flighty but is a good friend to Leonardo.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Its treats its characters as real teenagers, with real problems, never trivializing their feelings or thoughts. It’s a rare film that can deal with the issue of teenage love and put a new spin on it and this movie succeeds on every level.   My Rating: Full Price 

My movie rating system from Best to Worst:  1). I Would Pay to See it Again  2). Full Price  3). Bargain Matinee  4). Cable  5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again

“The Way He Looks” Facebook page

“The Way He Looks” is playing exclusively at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

"Viktor" Movie Review

My review of "Viktor" staring Gérard Depardieu, Elizabeth Hurley, Evgeniya Akhremenko.

"Viktor"

Posted on Oct. 24, 2014  on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy of Inception Media Group

“Viktor” (2014)

“Viktor” is a film noir set in modern Russia, where century’s old architecture clashes with the contemporary city of nightclubs and art galleries. Viktor (Gerard Depardieu) is a Frenchman, who has many dealings in Russia. He has been away serving time in a French prison for seven years, only to come back to try to find out who killed his son. He is first greeted by a detective, trying to solve a stolen painting cold case she suspects Viktor perpetrated. The detective is more interested in solving the missing painting case then the murder of Viktor’s son.

Seeing that he won’t get any help from the police, Viktor seeks help from an old friend, a renowned Chechen ballet choreographer named Souliman (Eli Danker) and a former lover and partner in crime, Alexandra (Elizabeth Hurley). Everywhere Viktor turns there seems to be another roadblock. Even his son’s girlfriend won’t help, telling him that his son was involved with a bad crowd, dealing in drugs and money laundering. Viktor decides the only way to get answers is to take on the Russian mob by breaking a few heads on the dirty streets of Moscow. Viktor is determined to find his son’s killer or die trying.

The film is beautifully shot, and the composition by Director of Photography Jean-Francois Hensgens brings out the stunning Russian landscape. Unfortunately, the beauty of the film is brought down by the clunky dialogue and the slow, plodding plot. Except for Hurley, English is not first language for most of this European cast, making it hard to understand at times what they are saying. The first half of the script, written by writer / director Philippe Martinez, is excruciating slow, taking forever to introduce us to the main characters. Depardieu spends the first thirty minutes of the film walking the streets seemingly lost until he encounters a landmark or two. I did like some of the action sequences, with a car chase at night through the streets of the city the highlight of the film. However, it doesn’t make up for the slow pace. Once Viktor figures out who killed his son, it takes way too long for the revenge to take place.

There is no chemistry between Depardieu and Hurley, making them more like acquaintances. Their scenes together seem forced and uncomfortable. In fact, there is more intensity between Depardieu and Danker, playing his right-hand man, then there is between the two so-called lovers. I have always like Depardieu, but he is just too restrained in the role. I would have liked a more passionate performance from him. Not once so you see the fury or the pain that the role needed from a grieving father than is capable of getting his revenge. Hurley is never asked to do more than look cool and beautiful. Many of the supporting actors seemed to have been cast from the “Russian School of acting like a mobster.”

The film certainly looks the part of a noir genre film and benefits greatly from filming on the means streets of Russia. But the movie lacks substance, going for more style than plot. I would have preferred a faster pace with bolder action sequences.   It’s a film that looks great, but never delivers the goods. You never get the suspenseful action movie that you want, ultimately wasting the talents of Depardieu.    My Rating: Cable

My movie rating system from Best to Worst:  1). I Would Pay to See it Again  2). Full Price  3). Bargain Matinee  4). Cable  5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again

“Viktor” is playing exclusively at AMC Colonial 18 Theatres

"Wadjda" Movie Review

My review of the Saudi Arabian film "Wadjda"

 "Wadjda"

  Posted on Oct. 18, 2013 on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

“Wadjda”  (2012)

First, let’s start with a little background about “Wadjda.” There are no movie theatres in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In creating this film it made it the first movie to be completed entirely within the borders of Saudi Arabia. The cast was completely from Saudi Arabia, as was most of the crew. But the intriguing fact about the film is it was written and directed by a female Saudi citizen, Haifaa Al-Mansour, in a country where females are not allowed to drive. That this film got made is a miracle in itself but that it’s that country’s first ever entry into the Academy Award Best Foreign Language Film category makes it even more remarkable.

Wadjda (Waad Mohammed) is a 10 year old girl living in the capital city of Riyadh. She lives with her mother (Reem Abdulah), who every day has to be driven to her job. Her father (Sultan Al Assaf) is rarely home, though the few interactions with Wadjda seem warm and caring. At first glance it seems that the home life is ideal, but there is tension in the domicile.  Her father is being pressured by his mother and other members of his family to take another wife to produce the much desired son, since Wadjda’s mother cannot have any more children.

Wadjda is smart, spunky, loves modern rock music and is very outspoken with both her mother and her teachers. Her best friend is a boy named Abdullah (Abdulrahman Al Gohani) who playfully teases Wadjda, mostly from his bicycle. On her way home one day, she spots a girls bike, almost magically moving through traffic attached to the roof of a truck. She follows the bike to a shop and is told by the shop owner that she will never own the bike, it costs too much for someone of her standing.  Her dream is to ride in a race with Abdullah, a race she tells him that she is certain that she would win.

This makes Wadjda determined to get the bike (she seems to thrive on being told no). So she sets out to make the money it will take to purchase her dream. She sells handmade bracelets and does odd jobs for the older girls in school.  Wadjda’s world changes when she discovers that there will be a contest in school for the best recitation of the Koran, with the winner getting more than the amount that she needs for the bike.  Wadjda then makes it her mission to win the contest.

Writer/director Al-Mansour does an excellent job of immersing us into a different culture slowly, letting the audience get their bearings. Yes, there are some points made at how tough a woman’s life is in her own country. Yet the film never hits you hard with these points, rather subtlety showcases these issues to viewer. Al-Mansour allows the audience to really get to know these characters in an in-depth way; especially with the interactions with Wadjda and her mother, so that we begin to understand their culture and way of life.

Waad Mohammed is truly wonderful as the determined Wadjda. We instantly like her from the moment that she appears on the screen. She is the ultimate underdog in a society that seems to want to place roadblocks in the way of such a girl that basks in independence and individuality. Mohammed has a charisma on screen that just shines through. By the end of the film you have fallen in love with this assertive, intelligent girl.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Wadjda is a smart, touching film that deals with its subject in a warm and enjoyable way. Making it a film that shows the strength and determination of a young girl who dares to dream the impossible and won’t give up till she succeeds.  It’s also a film about the love between a mother and her daughter in a culture that doesn’t always celebrate women.

My Rating:  Full Price
“Wadjda” is currently playing in  Atlanta, Ga  at the UA Tara Cinemas 4

"St. Vincent" Movie Review

My review of "St. Vincent" starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts.

"St. Vincent"

Posted on Oct. 17, 2014  on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company

St. Vincent (2014)

Vincent (Bill Murray) is in a bad place in his life, and he will let anyone know it. He lives alone in a rundown home, is overdrawn at the bank and can’t win for losing at the race track. Vincent is a regular at the corner bar where the bartender tries to cut him off, to no avail. He owes serious money to the local bookie and can’t borrow any more money on his house. It seems Vincent’s only friends are his cat and a pregnant Russian stripper/prostitute named Daka (Naomi Watts) who sleeps with him for money.

Vincent wakes up one morning to discover that a moving van has backed into his tree in his front yard, and a limb has come crashing down on the hood of his car. A single mom Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her young son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) are moving in next door.

Maggie is in the process of getting a divorce from Oliver’s father, and they have moved to Brooklyn to start their life over. Oliver’s first day at his new school is a disaster, as bullies steal his clothes, keys and phone while he is in gym class. Maggie isn’t at home after school is out, so Oliver is forced to knock on Vincent’s door to wait for his mom, starting a friendship between the two that will change both of their lives.

“St. Vincent” is such a fun ride that you are willing to overlook its flaws (it does have a few.) Vincent isn’t the nicest person, seemingly only caring about himself. He constantly throws out put-downs and rarely sees the good in any situation. But early on he sees something in Oliver that is worth bringing out. Oliver is also able to look past Vincent’s gruff exterior, choosing to see the person that Vincent rarely shows to the world, a man who cares. Writer / director Theodore Melfi slowly peels away the layers of Vincent’s cranky personality, letting us ultimately see that there is a real person beneath all that bluff.

Bill Murray is the draw for this film, and he is excellent in the role. You can almost see the delight he has playing a man who on the surface isn’t very likable. Murray kind of coasts through the first portion of the film but makes up for it when the part makes him work, both psychically and emotionally, in the second half of the film. It’s the chemistry between Murray and Lieberher that makes this movie as moving as it is. Both have incredible comedic timing, and each actor can deliver a deadpan line with the best of them. If Murray is the center of the film, Lieberher is the soul, playing the part of Oliver to perfection. Lieberher delivers a speech near the end of the film that didn’t leave a dry eye in the house at my screening. A lesser actor would have destroyed this film, and it’s to Lieberher’s credit that this movie hits its emotional levels so

The rest of the cast is equally good. McCarthy shows her dramatic chops, toning down her normal over-the-top performance for a more restrained role that has a lot of heart. Naomi Watts as the” speak your mind” Daka, delivers most of the laugh out loud lines and plays very nicely off of Murray. Terrance Howard, while not asked to do a lot, does bring out a bit of his comedic side with his menacing bookie role.

For a film that has a mean, unlikable main character, it’s remarkable that this film is so much fun and has such an uplifting message. Writer / director Theodore Melfi does an impressive job bringing us an enjoyable film to watch and experience, filled with remarkable characters. You might not want to invite Vincent to your home, but you will want to spend some time with him and Oliver.   My Rating: Full Price

My movie rating system from Best to Worst:  1). I Would Pay to See it Again  2). Full Price  3). Bargain Matinee  4). Cable  5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again

“St. Vincent” Website

"Keep on Keepin' On" Movie Review

My review of the documentary "Keep On Keepin' On"

"Keep On Keepin' On"

Posted on Oct. 17, 2014 on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy of Radius/TWC

“Keep On Keepin’ On”

Clark Terry has been called the greatest trumpet player ever. He played with some of the finest jazz bands in the world, including the Count Basie Small Band and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He was the first black staff musician on television when in the 1960’s he played in the NBC Tonight Show with Johnny Carson band. Not only a great musician having played on over 1,000 albums in his career, Terry made it his life’s work to teach and mentor young musicians, just as Count Basie and Duke Ellington had done for him. Terry mentored such jazz legends as Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, and Dianne Reeves.

“Keep On Keepin’ On” is a documentary highlighting the unique friendship between up-and-coming 26-year-old blind piano player Justin Kauflin and 90-year-old Clark Terry. Both men are about to embark on tough times. Terry is battling diabetes and is trying everything to save his foot from amputation. Justin is about to compete as a semifinalist at the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition while realizing that he will have to move back in with his parents. He has been living on his own in New York City with his guide dog but hasn’t gotten enough gigs to stay in his apartment. Both have the loving support of their families; Terry has his beautiful, patient wife, Gwen and Justin has his mom and dad, with mom being his personal chauffeur.

Photo courtesy of Radius-TWC

And while they each have family and in the case of Justin, a loving guide dog named Candy, the core of this film is the friendship of the two musicians. Justin, who lost his eyesight at an early age, became a musician when he could no longer play video games or basketball. Clark first heard the Duke Ellington band play at age ten and was so inspired that he created his own horn out of junk he found in his neighborhood. The homemade instrument made such a racket that his neighbors got together and bought him his first real trumpet. Terry and Justin met when Justin was attending college, and Terry was teaching seminars there. From the first time you see the two of them interacting over how to play a jazz song, you see just how close they are and how their love of music brings them together. Justin light’s up in Clark’s presence, and Clark feeds of off Justin’s enthusiasm. Both have something else in common besides the love of music. Terry is also blind due to his lifelong battle with diabetes.

The film shows some incredible footage of Terry playing some of the greatest jazz compositions with some of the all-stars of the 50’s and 60’s jazz scene. The performances are so magical that even if you aren’t a jazz fan you can’t help, but tap your foot in time with some of the songs. Interspersed throughout the film are interviews that Terry has done throughout his long career giving us insight to his love of music and his infectious positive views on life. There are also interviews with people that have been touched by knowing Terry, including Bill Cosby Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones. The love for this wonderful man just comes out through the screen as people practically burst to tell about their love and admiration for the man.

This is a moving and inspiring film, making it one of the best documentaries of the year. It’s a remarkable film filled with Terry’s wit and wisdom as he mentors Justin to become not only a better musician but also a better person. It’s a movie displaying the love and friendship between two men who, though separated by age, are brought together in an effort to make the world a better place by filling it with joyous music.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again

My movie rating system from Best to Worst:  1). I Would Pay to See it Again  2). Full Price  3). Bargain Matinee  4). Cable  5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again

“Keep On Keepin’ On” Facebook page

"Two Faces of January" Movie Review

My review of "The Two Faces of January" starring Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Oscar Isaac.

"The Two Faces of January"

Posted on Oct. 10, 2014  on CWAtlanta.cbslocal.com

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Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

"The Two Faces of January" (2014)

Colette (Kirsten Dunst) and Chester (Viggo Mortensen) seem like your perfect couple. Traveling in Greece, they are well to do tourists who are enjoying their second honeymoon. Chester is a little more reserved than his outgoing wife, but both enjoy being in each other’s company, trying to soak up everything that the famous city of Athens has to offer.

When we first meet Rydel (Oscar Isaac), an American with Greek origins, we see a man who is sizing up the tourists. Rydel is looking for the biggest and possibly easiest couple that he thinks he can make the most money off of. He sets his sights on Colette and Chester, offering to help them get the best price in the marketplace. Rydel does cut a deal, but he pockets a good portion of the money Chester gives him, using a sleight of hand money exchange with the merchant. Chester calls him out on it but to Rydel’s surprise, instead of demanding the money back, Chester invites Rydel to join him and his wife for dinner. Rydel accepts but will soon regret meeting the couple, as it seems Rydel isn’t the only one of the group that has a hidden agenda. It’s an agenda that could cost Rydel his life.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

“The Two Faces of January” is a stylish thriller that is long on appearance but, unfortunately, is short of on a storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the first 20 or so minutes of this film, and I wanted to see where the film would go, once the major plot point revealed itself. Unfortunately, like a bad tour guide, the film looks beautiful with its travels through some gorgeous historical places but never takes you where you truly want to go. The biggest problem with this film is we just don’t care for any of the characters. We never get fully vested into the characters, so what happens to them doesn’t matter. Too often, the director / writer Hossein Amini, hits us over the head with plot points, when a much subtle hand would have made the film much richer and interesting.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

Of the three main actors, Oscar Isaac playing the in over his head Rydel, comes closest to getting us to care about his character. But Amini doesn’t give him enough to work with and Rydel, instead of the sympathetic character, comes off a little dense and shallow. There is good chemistry between Isaac and Dunst, but is offset by the lack of spark between Mortensen and Dunst. Instead of two characters that are in sync due to their having spent time together, it’s as if husband and wife have just met on a blind date. Dunst isn’t given much to work with either, having to play Colette as a hapless victim. Mortensen gives the most unsatisfying performance of the three, chewing up scenery where a lighter touch would have been a better choice.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

This is a beautiful film and cinematographer Marcel Zyskind perfectly captures the magnificence of the locations. Bathing the film in subtle yellows and browns combined with gorgeous costumes by Steven Noble, it’s a film that makes you want to go visit these places. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make you care about the characters and what happens to them. The film’s incredible look contrasts badly with a story line that is dull and listless.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee 

My movie rating system from Best to Worst:  1). I Would Pay to See it Again  2). Full Price  3). Bargain Matinee  4). Cable  5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again

“The Two Faces of January” is playing exclusively at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema