Technology & MSG

Some Eclectic Entertainment

May 22nd, 2008 by Alex

Over the past week or so I’ve watched a handful of movies. The most recent released in 2007, the earliest in 1968. In 39 years there’s been some wild advances but that isn’t to say that the older stuff isn’t excellent.

I remember seeing previews for The Kingdom and thinking I’ll definitely check that out. Now I’m wondering why the hell I waited. Our relationship with Saudi Arabia with regard to our need for oil creates some uncomfortable undertones throughout the movie, making you wonder how much of this could happen. The movie winds you up and just when you thing it’s getting ready to let you relax it spins you the other way. Jamie Foxx is eerily calm and spooky, his character toeing the bureaucratic line the entire way in a way that makes you want to cheer for him even though you realize that in the real world he would’ve been canned long ago. Chris Cooper is much easier to watch as a bomb technician than he was as Robert Hannsen in Breach (though in fairness it must have been a bitch of a role). Jennifer Garner is almost unrecognizable from her Alias and Daredevil days, still kicking ass but with brutality. Fact: there is brutality in this movie on several levels, including a viciously timely (if not slightly stereotypically motivated) tragedy that will leave you breathless. It’s well acted all around, especially considering the scope of it and the international cast and crew. The locations vary from the desolate desert highway to the majestic beauty of the palaces, all captured vividly on film. This film looks amazing. No spoilers, but the end note makes a very bold statement. One that is chilling and true in too many cases, I’m afraid.

I bought Pieces of April for a family member some time ago, having heard good things about it but never seeing it until the other night. Wow. Katie Holmes is excellent as 21 year old April and it’s hard to believe that she was 25 when she made it. She’s the perfect black sheep. Oliver Platt is so understated and reactive to the other cast members, perfect for the mentally drained father figure. There is some comedy involved, but I found it to be more dramatic and very easy to identify with the characters. You want things to work out for her and I think that her character’s situation speaks to all of us. There’s a lot going on here, both visible on the surface and subtle undercurrent. Peter Hedges says that his goal in the film was to move people to action. I’d urge you to check it out.

The first time I heard about The Producers it was after it had been made into a Broadway musical, but before it was remade as a motion picture in 2005. Ironic that it’s been running forever, considering that it’s about a Broadway producer and an accountant who decide that a flop could make more money than a hit. Until I picked up a copy I had no idea that it was written and directed by Mel Brooks, but it makes sense. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder star in the 1968 version. Movies have come a long way technologically, but both of these actors are so expressive you’d never notice that it isn’t full of fancy camera tricks or special effects. Seeing amazing acting like this makes me wonder seriously whether it’s necessary at all.