Forgetting Sarah Marshall

I will begin with a warning for those who have children, this is very very much an R rated movie! That being said, I really enjoyed it. Since I am a huge "Jackie" fan (Mila Kunis of That 70s Show fame), I was pleasantly surprised when I heard her voice. And, in my opinion she turned the movie around. It was coasting along at the speed of a turtle when she arrived on the scene and afterwards it was very entertaining. Jason Segel, who wrote Knocked Up, delivered another good one. 4 out of 5. Joe

Righteous Kill

Being stir crazy due to the second day in a row without power, I paid ten bucks to see this. I went with low expectations because of the reviews. I really wanted to see De Niro and Pacino together though. It wasn't worth the $10 but exceeded my expectations. Think of this as Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble as cops and one of them (maybe) as a serial killer (but rated R, not especially funny, not a cartoon, and not in the stone age). I'd recommend seeing it at a $3 theatre when it moves there, or renting it in the future. 3 of 5. Joe.

In Bruges

Excellent movie based in Bruges, Belgium about two hit men who are about as different as the Odd Couple. The film contains awesome shots of what is called the best-preserved medieval city in Belgium. Collin Farrell puts forth a top notch acting job. Some parts of this film are very funny, some parts very dark. All in all I enjoyed it very much. By the way, if you are a happy ending type person, get a pure comedy ready to put in the DVD player directly afterwards. 4 of 5. Joe.

Paranoid Park

Last night I watched this 2007 film written and directed by Gus Van Sant. It was outstanding. This one definitely flew under the radar but was so good that I put it in my top ten list at 9th. The movie revolves around the life of a teenage skateboarder named Alex (Gabe Nevins). One of the true joys of watching this movie is seeing the story unfold, so that is as much as I will tell you about it. Definitely a must see though. 5 of 5.

Pineapple Express

People who were adults in the 60s, or responsible members of society in the late 60s through the 70s, will more than likely not like Pineapple Express. Reaganites probably will not like it either unless they, like me, mellowed out dramatically in the 90s.

Following are my comments:

Seth Rogen acted well, as well as he acted in Knocked Up and Superbad. Seth's character, Dale Denton, smokes marijuana regularly and develops a friendship with his dealer Saul (James Franco). Saul is a perfect side kick. Red (Danny McBride), Saul's supplier, performed superbly, at times playing a prototypical drug supplier "to a Tee," at times going way off the beaten path.

The contrasts of this movie were tremendous: almost like "Dazed and Confused" meets "Pulp Fiction." Furthermore, Dale Denton's girlfriend was beautiful, which always helps a movie out. The fact that she still attended high school creates yet another contrast and provides both laughs and musings.

The story included a few subtle messages regarding gun violence and the irresponsibility of excessive drug use. The story also provided moments of extreme action and of reflection.

All in all, although some will hate it, and others will tolerate it, I liked it a lot. 4 of 5. Joe

Harold's comments about The Dark Knight's Best Picture chances

This week, The Dark Knight has officially become too big to ignore.

To not nominate it for Best Picture at this rate would undermine the process of having a Best Picture race in the first place; if you don’t honor a film this big you really do a dishonor to those who drive the entire business: the ticket buyers. If you look at the top five all-time highest grossing films only one hasn’t been nominated for Best Picture and that was an animated film, Shrek 2.

If The Dark Knight had topped out at $400 million, it probably wouldn’t be in consideration for Best Picture. But for those who remember an Academy that nominated E.T. and Star Wars and Jaws, ushering in the mega blockbuster, it’s impossible to imagine them snubbing this film, whether you adjust for inflation or not. Finally, the industry and the Oscars need films like The Dark Knight - big, beautiful, artful, political - to redefine the blockbuster genre itself, to take it back from the tired, lazy sequels that have been served up as overpriced crap for the last two decades. An Oscar nomination for The Dark Knight would bring much-needed attention to the Academy, and its telecast would ultimately bridge the ever-widening gap between the general public and the kinds of films that enter the Oscar race.

Watching Oscars involves having an open mind just as it requires you know a little bit about Oscar history. When you hear yourself saying “no way” can THIS happen, that is exactly when you should imagine it could or it will. Now, with The Dark Knight showing no signs of slowing down, and if it does, it’s going to be somewhere at number 2 or 3 in the coming weeks, and will sail past Star Wars. It will edge as close to Titanic as any film ever has.

The Dark Knight

I have heard the hype before: "American Gangster will be the best movie of the past 25 years!" It was just okay. It barely made my honorable mention list for 2007. Or, what about Spiderman 3? Gag.

So, along comes another Batman movie. The Batman movies began in 1943. The Dark Knight makes the 13th. Compare that to 6 Rocky movies. I had serious doubts about this one.

Harold called the Dark Knight every bit as impactful as Indiana Jones. I rolled my eyes. "You must see it soon," Harold said. "Okay, Okay," I replied. I went and saw it last Tuesday when I had the day off.

I slid into the seat at the Regal theatre thinking "Well at least I have a comfortable seat." As I gnawed on popcorn and drank diet coke, I watched the 12 year old kids skip in. "Geez, I am here with 12 year olds," I thought.

Then the movie started. It had me at hello. Action, intrigue, story line, contrasts, special effects, costumes, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart and his face, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and someone named Heath Ledger, aka Ennis Del Mar of Brokeback Mountain.

Oh my. I cannot put into words the greatness of Heath Ledger's acting. His portrayal of a twisted, dark, broken, sociopathic, masochistic, and sadistic Joker was absolutely unbelievable.

Batman completes the Joker. Heath completes this movie and makes it one of the great ones.

5 out of 5. Joe.

Harolds tops in 2008 so far...

7) Married Life
6) The Bank Job
5) Wall-E
4) The Visitor
3) In Bruges
2) The Wackness
1) The Dark Knight

When it gets Hot and Humid!

Summer is beginning in Cincinnati and before you know it the temperature will be 90 degrees and the humidity 80%. While driving to work today I thought of 10 memorable movies that I would recommend for those who want to rent a movie and crank up the air:

1) Fargo (1996): One of the best movies of the past 25 years; Fargo, ND is cooler than Cincy in the summer too dontchaknow.
2) 25th Hour (2002). Monty (Edward Norton Jr.) enjoys his last day of freedom before serving a 7 year prison term. Two friends and he celebrate this day by visiting the HOTtest spots in town. It also has a memorable ending.
3) True Romance (1993): Because Alabama is hotter than Cincy in the summer. Besides, stealing, cheating, and killing are always good fodder for movies.
4) Amores Perros (2000): Because Mexico City is also hotter than Cincy in the summer. In addition, it is one of the best international films ever made.
5) Stranger than Paradise (1984): Want to take a vacation? Three characters in this movie show you how.
6) The Good Night (2007): Because it's nice to dream in the summer.
7) Black Snake Moan (2007): You talk about hot....
8) Juno (2007): What shenanigans can you get into if you are watching a movie?
9) Six Degrees of Separation (1993): Because six degrees is cooler than 90 degrees. Also because Will Smith acts tremendously and the art in this movie is outstanding!
10) Once (2007): Great music goes with a nice summer. This film contains great music. It also has a great story, tremendous acting, and one of the most reflective last scenes I have seen (pun intended).

Joe's Top Movies of 2007

This is subject to change but pretty well complete...

1) Atonement
2) No Country for Old Men
3) Juno
4) Once
5) There Will Be Blood
6) The Kite Runner
7) Lars and the Real Girl
8) Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
9) Paranoid Park
10) 3:10 to Yuma tied with Michael Clayton

Honorable Mention: Into the Wild; The Good Night; Knocked Up; Eastern Promises; Death Proof (Grindhouse); Black Snake Moan; Gone Baby Gone; Zodiac; American Gangster; Hairspray; Waitress; La Vie en Rose; We Own the Night; Hot Fuzz; Two Days In Paris; Superbad; Mr. Brooks; Hoax; Planet Terror (Grindhouse); Away From Her

Interview

This is a clever movie that was originally made by Theo Van Gogh, who was tragically murdered in 2004. Steve Buscemi plays a political correspondent. Sienne Miller plays a Sarah Jessica Parker type actress. Buscemi is forced to interview her. I watched it last night and am still thinking about it today. Really nice plot that will get you to thinking. Ladies will like the "chick flick" quality. Guys love Buscemi and will not be disappointed with him in this film that he also directed. 4 of 5. JP

The Good Night

Not everyone will like this movie as much as I. But, I liked it so much, I watched it two times in a row. Gwenyth Paltrow plays Dora, an art gallery manager. Martin Freeman plays Gary, a musician who is a "One Hit Wonder". Now, he writes jingles. Dora and he are married and go through some rocky times. Gary dreams of Penelope Lopez (what a beautiful woman!) at night. Danny DeVito plays a dream consultant. See where I am heading with this? Odd but good! And an awesome piano piece at the end. 5 of 5 in my book. Realistically a 4 of 5 JP

The Kite Runner

Dont give up on this. I left it half way. Kalin, my daughter, kept watching. She came afterwards and said "YOU MUST FINISH IT!" I finished it the next night and it turned out to be both touching and educational. You will learn more about the Taliban watching this movie than by watching CNN and FOX news combined. 4.5 of 5. JP

Lars and the Real Girl

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Very quirky plot where Ryan Gosling is going through a delusional episode due to intense grief. Part of the delusion has to do with an inflatable doll. Smartly funny film. 4.5 of 5. JP

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

I love Philip Seymour Hoffman. I LOVE Marisa Tomei. This was an excellent, if twisted, movie. Be prepared for EVERYONE in the movie being morally flawed. 4 of 5. JP

Margot at the Wedding

Noah Baumbach is definitely a star young writer/director, having created such films as The Squid and the Whale. In Margot at the Wedding, Baumbach does a great job bringing out the quirks, idiosyncrasies, flaws, and strengths of people, but the whole thing together just isn't as good as some of its parts. I love Nichole Kidman, and similar to the film itself she had her strong moments, but in the end she was average. Same thing with Jennifer Jason Leigh, who plays her sister, and Jack Black, who plays her sister's warped fiancé. One good thing about watching the whole movie is that you get to the final scene. If you make it that far, you will be rewarded. 3 out of 5. Joe

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

I was disappointed. Movie critic Carrie Rickey says it better than I, and I agree with her 100%:

"Everything about The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is longer than it needs to be. Its title, for one thing. Its duration - two hours and 40 minutes! - for another.
But mostly its excruciatingly deliberate pace makes you wonder if Andrew Dominik's film, as spare as it is self-important, intentionally unfolds in narrative slow-mo.
On the plus side, Brad Pitt's turn as the fastest (and most paranoid) gun in the West and that of Casey Affleck, as James' starstruck fan and killer, are sharp. Both are blunted and befogged by the film's atmospherics and glacial pace."

If you decide to watch this, take "no doze" and drink espresso. I score it a 3.5. Joe

Grindhouse

Grindhouse was written by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. The film's title derives from the U.S. film industry term "grindhouse," which refers to a movie theater specializing in "B Movies," often exploitation films, shown in a multiple-feature format. Grindhouse consists of two films, Planet Terror and Death Proof. Both are very entertaining and not for those with weak stomachs. Both feature excellent Tarantinoesque dialogue, adventure and weirdness. I liked Death Proof better than Planet Terror. Kurt Russell is awseome as a twisted stunt man in Death Proof. Death Proof is a 4 and Planet Terror a 3.999. Both made my "tied for 11th," aka Honorable Mention category. Joe

Feast of Love

I like Morgan Freeman a lot. He was adequate in this movie about a college professor who is also a back yard psychologist/philosopher of sorts. Greg Kinnear, who set his mark in stone as the ultimate male victim years ago in As Good As It Gets, plays a great victim again who gets dumped by his wife who falls in love with another woman, then gets dumped by a real estate agent who is also a tramp, and then falls in love with a woman doctor who stitches up his hand after he stabs himself because he wanted to feel in his body the same degree of pain he felt in his heart, bla bla bla. Certain parts of this flick had potential but it was a disjointed mess in other places. Harold gave it a 1.5 I think. I give it a 2.5. Joe

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

In a year of bleak and bloody movies, this was the bleakest, bloodiest, and not even close to the best. The story of Sweeney Todd has been around for a long time, so it is not clever or original. 5 songs into the movie, I felt like pulling what little hair I have left out of my head. Johnny Depp remains, in my humble opinion, overrated and undertalented. This is at most a 3 out of 5, doesn't make my top 10 list, and isn't even tied for 11th. Joe

There Will be Blood

In a year of bleak and bloody movies, this is one of the best. Daniel Day-Lewis puts in a masterful performance. They say that greed is driven by fear. If this is the case, Daniel Plainview (Lewis) was about as fearful as one can get. Watch this closely or you will miss a twist that comes out in the end. 4.5 of 5. Joe

No Country for Old Men

To say this is one of the top movies of the year is an understatement. There are three movies I would vote on for Best Picture. This is one of those three.

The Cohen Brothers are the New England Patriots of the movie game. Javier Bardem deserves to win Best Supporting Role in a powerful performance. The dialogue throughout the movie is witty and deep. To top it all off, at the end of the movie is an awesome artistic shot of a tree, which stands behind Tommy Lee Jone's head as he speaks of a dream about his dad (I threw that in for Harold's benefit). 5 of 5. Joe

BEOWULF

Director Robert Zemeckis is always one to be adventurous with cinematic effects technology. BACK TO THE FUTURE...WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT...FORREST GUMP...DEATH BECOMES HER...THE POLAR EXPRESS...these movies all received rave reviews for their visual effects, and all of them paved the way for other movies. Well...add BEOWULF to Zemeckis' list of technological achievements. The look is incredible in this half-animated, half-live action fantasy film, and the story unfolds well also. It's mildly interesting...but you can see the potnetial for great movie. If only Zemeckis and writer Roger Avary had worked as hard on the story & script as they have on the special effects. The result is a film for theaters (or home theaters) only. 2 1/2 of 5 hs

INTERVIEW

Steve Buscemi stars in, directed, and co-wrote this film. There's essentially just two characters in this movie (much of the reason why it has the feel of a play) which is based on an original work of Theo Van Gogh. The story has Buscemi, a political writer whose career has been reduced to celebrity soap star interview, interviewing Sienna Miller's TV star character. What starts out as an ill-fated collision of two worlds with little in common...evolves into an adventurous evening of sexual tension, deception, and mental battles. The movie isn'tperfect, and both characters are extremely unlikable...but...there is a definite fascination that holds your interest. The movie is filled with intereting plot twists and memorable scenese. Buscemi is always good...and Miller is excellent in her role as the sexy TV star with a BIG attitude. Definitely worth a rental when you're in the right mood. 3 of 5 hs

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE

THE SIMPSONS MOVIE is everything you'd expect. Its laugh-out-loud funny, and you get all your favorite small screen characters (and I do mean all of them). There are countless film references (much like in the weekly show)...and an endless parade of comic visuals to ensure that repeat viewings uncover new laughs. What can I say...it's THE SIMPSONS! 3 1/2 of 5 hs

THE SAVAGES

The opening scenes of THE SAVAGES show elderly retirees in Sun City, Arizona enjoying their golden years in golf carts and bicycles built for two...every scene there after shows just how grim it is to be growing old and approaching death. THE SAVAGES is a film with sensational acting. Philip Seymour Hoffman delivers his third award worthy performance to hit theaters in last month (CHARLIE WILSONS WAR & BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOURE DEAD). He and Laura Linney are both terrific as the adult children who are tasked with taking care of their somewhat estranged father who is battling dimentia. The movie is darkly comic (really dark) and both depressing and encouraging. Its well written and brilliantly acted. Its good! 4 of 5 hs

THE DIVING BELL & THE BUTTERFLY

Imagine your living your perfectly normal life...then...one day...driving with your son...you begin to have an attack. You're not sure what's happening to you, but you know something's wrong...very wrong. You manage to pull the car over before you black out. When you awake (if you can call it being awake) you're completely paralyzed from head-to-toe with one exception...your left eye. Your mind is fine...you understand everything going on around you...you can see everything around you --- only you can't move or speak. Is that life? Could you keep your sanity? How would you cope? How would you communicate? How would you feel?
That's exactly what happened to Jean-Dominique Bauby - the highly successful editor of France's Elle magazine. THE DIVING BELL & THE BUTTERFLY tells his story, and lets us feel his pain. Julian Schnabel's direction brilliantly lets the viewer see the world through Bauby's eye. Even more amazing...the story is based on Bauby's own biography which he wrote one letter at a time through a system of translated blinks of his left eye. A movie that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. 4 of 5 hs

Juno

Juno is a very smart, very funny, and very touching movie. Ellen Page, as Juno, grips your heart the entire way. Michael Cera, who plays her friend who fathers their child, is delightful. Jennifer Garner proves why I love her.

Parts of this movie will make you laugh expectedly. Parts will make you laugh unexpectedly. Parts will bring tears to your eyes. Parts will make you want to smack an adult male who has never grown up. Parts will make you lean forward in your seat. Parts will make you lean back. And...you will want to hug Juno the entire time. I will buy this when it comes out on DVD. I will also buy the soundtrack. 5 of 5. Joe

3:10 to Yuma

There are times in life when a Ben Wade redeems himself. There are times when a Dan Evans proves what his heart is really all about. There are times when Russell Crowe exceeds my expectations (unlike in American Gangster). There are times when Christian Bale performs as well as any actor I can remember in a long time. There are times when Westerns are "yehaw, bang 'em up shoot 'em up" goofy, mediocre stories. There are times when Westerns go beyond that and touch a thread in the stomach. This Western was the latter. I don't buy many DVDs. I may buy this one. 5 of 5. Joe

Joe's Top Movie's of 2007...so far...

Let me preface this by saying I have NOT yet watched Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, There Will Be Blood, and some other highly rated movies. That being said, here are my top movies so far, in alphebetical order, subject to change. I will eventually narrow this list down to 10.

3:10 to Yuma
American Gangster
Atonement
Black Snake Moan ( I must admit I originally said I didn't like this much. It grew on me).
Eastern Promises
Hairspray
Hot Fuzz
Juno
Knocked Up
Michael Clayton
Mr. Brooks
No Country For Old Men
Once
Stardust
Super Bad
There Will Be Blood
The Hoax
Waitress
Zodiac

ATONEMENT (rebuttal)

Joe - It's a great movie...but remember - its a MOVIE! Its not a damn painting!

Atonement (update)

Harold gave Atonement a 4.5 out of five, stating: "When Vanessa Redgrave takes the screen for the film's final act we get the intimacy we've been longing for...but rather than satisfy us...that brilliant ending confirms in our mind that more of that kind of dialogue from other characters throughout the story would have lifted ATONEMENT to another level. ATONEMENT is an awfully good movie, but it just missed on being a classic. 4 1/2 of 5 hs." Oh myyyy. He has been subjected to movie overload. Atonement has dialogue even when it doesn't have dialogue. It is the best movie I have seen since Fargo. It beats all Cohen brothers hands down, however. It is beautiful and dramatic and also has an intrigue that I have not seen since Mulholland Drive. 4 1/2 out of 5?? It is a 10 out of 5. Joe

THE NAMESAKE

THE NAMESAKE is the story of a young man born in 1980's NYC to immigrant parents from India. His parents give this young man the name Gogol Ganguli...a name that certainly doesn't his attempt to grow up as a "regular" NY kid any easier. THE NAMESAKE is an extremely well made movie, and completely engrossing. If you let yourself be patient through the initially slow, but critically important first thirty minutes you'll be rewarded with a family drama that keeps you engaged to the very end. Speaking of "the end"...that's another of the film's strengths. In addition to delivering unforeseen and unexpectedplot twists (much like real life), the film also doesn't have a neatly wrapped up ending (nor does life). Kal Penn (who most will recognize as Kumar during his late night escapades to White Castle) plays the lead character with magnetic flare. This is an underrated movie that's well worth a rental. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

SWEENEY TODD

Something happened to me in 2007. I almost always loathe musicals...but this year I enjoyed several of them. ONCE (if you consider that a musical) is one my favorite movies of the year...HAIRSPRAY was a pleasant surprise...and now SWEENEY TODD is another sheer (pun intended) delight. Visually speaking, SWEENEY TODD is one cool looking movie - but when Tim Burton is the director - that's a given. As for the singing...Johnny Depp is not going to Broadway or the Opera anytime soon, but its a lot of fun to wacth him croon through this bloody musical. Alan Rickman is excellent as the evil judge who is the target of Todd's revenge...and we even get Sacha Baron Cohen in a small but fun supporting role. The movie looks great and is fun to watch (if you can handle all the blood), but it's nothing particularly special. I had admittedly high hopes for this one, and I got a pretty good flick instead of the cult classic (ala EDWARD SCISSORHANDS) I was hoping for. Its good...but not great. 3 1/2 of 5

JUNO

JUNO is one of the year's best films and sure to be one of the favorites for the 2007 Best Picture Oscar. The story revolves around a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant while in the 11th grade. The screenplay by Diablo Cody is fresh and original, wickedly funny, and perfectly in tune with its characters. The film is filled with characters you can relate to...who act and speak like real people. Ellen Page's portrayal of the title character will go down as one of the most memorable performances of the year. The movie is laugh-out-loud funny, but also funny, smart and sentimental...and not one bit of it is forced or artificial. JUNO improves upon the very very good KNOCKED UP as the year's best "raunchy romantic comedy with a heart of gold". I highly recommend this movie...its one of the year's best. 4 1/2 of 5 hs

THE GREAT DEBATERS

In Denzel Washington's directorial debut, ANTWONE FISHER, there were signs that the unquestionably sensational actor may develop into an equally good director. Well...with THE GREAT DEBATERS he has taken a huge step backwards. This movie is a mess. Oh sure...its got some nice acting (with Forest Whitaker and Denzel Washington you can't go wrong) , and its got a few powerful scenes...but everything is forced. The subplot leading to Washington's arrest is quickly forgotten after the ridiculously improbable jailhouse scene. Every cliche imaginable is embraced, and even the debate scenes are goofy and full of flowery nonsensical language that any fool could rattle off without a minute of research. The movie is one huge pile of stereotypical cliche's and forced emotion. 2 of 5 hs

CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR

It's terrific fun to watch Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman in this movie. Both actors routinely deliver outstanding performances, and they are indeed outstanding once again in CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR. This movie is well done, well acted, and fun to watch. The subject matter...how one congressman led a covert partnership with the CIA in the 1980's to fund and arm Afghan rebels against the Soviets...is heavy material. But director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin choose to take a light/comic approach to the material...and it works. Because of the material, however, you do wish the movie had invested more in it's subject. The movie plays out in just over 90 minutes. I left the theater wishing this 1 1/2 hour comedy/drama had been a 2 1/2 hour comedy/drama that dug deeper. Seeing a little of the undoubtedly darker side of CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR would have been well worth the time. 4 of 5 hs

SHREK THE THIRD

You gotta love SHREK! The first two movies were both terrific for both children and adults alike as well as blockbusters at the box office (Shrek 2 ranks 3rd all-time in US box office receipts). SHREK THE THIRD doesn't quite equal the "instant classic" quality of the two earlier installments, but it does make for a very good addition. Some of the fairy tale cleverness that was so fresh through the first two films has finally grown a bit old, and the writers couldn't help but retread some of that same old gross-out humor. Sure...its still funny...but it was funnier the first few times. SHREK THE THIRD is pretty much what you'd expect from the third chapter in one of the best animated film series of all time. 3 1/2 of 5 hs

ATONEMENT

ATONEMENT is easily the year's most beautifully filmed movie...in fact...it is one of the most beautifully shot and scored movies ever made. The film's first act is flawlessly directed and edited as a story unfolds through various points-of-view all during one day on a gorgeous London estate. As the film fast fowards to WWII the cinematography and art direction take over. The visual beauty displayed scene after scene is astounding. The reflection of WWII bombers in a small stream, the horrifying discovery of dead bodies in a field, the confession behind a red curtain in a hospital room, the central character walking down a hallway as lights illuminate with each one of her steps, and on and on and on and on. Every single scene seems staged with purpose and beauty. In what is sure to become an all-time classic scene in film history, Director Joe Wright recreates the allied retreat on the beaches of Dunkirk with a stunning and sweeping view of the chaos...its unforgettable. Also unforgettable is the music. Sounds of the film (the clicking of typewriter keys, the pounding of objects and footsteps, etc) are brilliantly incorporated into the score and have a powerful effect. ATONEMENT is flawless in its look and sound, but what it needs, however, is more of that painstaking attention to detail in its script. We should feel more, and care more, about the film's central characters than we do. We should be treated to more personal moments, yet all we get are a few very brief on-screen moments that let you inside the surface beauty of the film. That's not nearly enough. When Vanessa Redgrave takes the screen for the film's final act we get the intimacy we've been longing for...but rather than satisfy us...that brilliant ending confirms in our mind that more of that kind of dialogue from other characters throughout the story would have lifted ATONEMENT to another level. ATONEMENT is an awfully good movie, but it just missed on being a classic. 4 1/2 of 5 hs

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD

Legendary director Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Serpico, Network, Dog Day Afternoon) delivers what is easily the year's darkest film. The story of two down-on-their-luck brothers and their ill-fated plan to rob the small suburban jewelry store owned by their parents truly pushes the envelope on regular folks doing really bad things. The cast of Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Albert Finney, and Marisa Tomei are all sensational. Lumet's direction creates a claustrophobic atmosphere. So many scenes are filmed with the actors "trapped" in close quarters (a car, a booth at the local bar, a patio surrounded by tall hedges, etc). The characters themselves even create a sense of atmosphere: Hawke's weakness, Tomei's desolation, and Hoffman's despair. BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD is a very good movie with masterful direction and mesmerizing performances. The movie's flaw lies in its final act. A plot twist that defies logic coupled with the lack of a single redeeming quality from any of the film's characters leaves you looking for the other side of these "regular" people doing really bad things. In the end they don't seem too "regular" and that takes away from the film's overall impact. This is a movie that requires the viewer to be in the right mood...and may leave you feeling the need to take a shower! 4 of 5 hs