Sunday, November 27, 2005

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Starring:

Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter

Emma Watson
Hermione Granger

Rupert Grint
Ron Weasley

***1/2 Stars

A Dark and Mysterious Thrill Ride

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire certainly is the darkest of the first four films, with more action, more humor, and romance. Romance? Oh yes, Harry Potter is fourteen and has got the hots for a schoolgirl.

Harry is back for his fourth year at Hogwarts with his more challenges then ever. This year includes the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a contest with three specific tasks. This will decide who is the champion of all students.

This tournament is decided by what is known as the Goblet of Fire, a mysterious blue fire in which students can place their names in the fire and then are chosen randomly. However, when the names are called on, Harry Potter is chosen to compete. The plot thickens...

Harry Potter is only fourteen. The rules state that only students seventeen and older can compete. Harry’s reputation stagers as many call him a cheater. Who could have done this to Harry? Only Harry can find out by rising to the challenge and competing in the events.

The Triwizard Tournament is gorgeous to look at. The scenes are intense, packed with a deep and emotional presence that is hard to resist. Director Mike Newell really focuses on the transformation of Harry and how his emotion evolves concerning the Dark Lord. Will Harry soon get his vengeance on his parents? Only time will tell.

Not only does the Goblet of Fire change my reviews on the previous films, it has me anxiously awaiting the next chapter in the series (Presently set for a 2007 release).

In a scene during the Quidditch World Cup, Harry walks into the tent he is to stay at. It is the size of an ordinary camping tent. When he enters, he gazes around at a spacious and incredibly roomy household. "I love magic," he says with a grin.

I agree with Harry. And that is why I love this film. It is pure magic.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Good Night, and Good Luck




**** Stars
Starring: David Strathairn, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr
Directed by: George Clooney
Nothing Short of Genius
"This instrument [journalism] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire, but it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box.”
-Edward Murrow


The world of news has expanded since 1954, the year of the Murrow McCarthy hearings. America trusted Edward Murrow, the host of weekly news program “See it Now”. There was more to news then just celebrity gossip. Good Night, and Good Luck completely re-masters the excitement and horror of life in the CBS newsroom in the 50’s.

David Strathairn plays the famous Edward Murrow in a bold, and star-making performance. He presents Murrow with confidence and intelligence as he sits and speaks to the public, with his notes in one hand, and his famous cigarette in the other. Director and co-screenwriter George Clooney also stars in his own masterpiece as Fred Friendly, Murrow’s right hand man. During each one of Murrow’s broadcasts, Friendly sat just two feet below him, tapping Murrow’s right leg with his pen when his cue was up. Together, they set a precedent for television media and how corruption and lies were taking down America. Their biggest event was their accusation against Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy and his lies against communists infiltrating the country. Murrow tells the world as it is, without blasphemy and without being fully biased. His tone is pure and his words are sweet, filled exuberant life and sorrow. And Strathairn delivers and reminds us who Murrow truly was.

To spice up the film, Clooney cuts from newsroom footage to singer Dianne Reeves, giving the film a jazzy and mysterious tone. He gives us ninety minutes. Ninety minutes of entertaining, intelligent, and important true events. Well done George. Well done.

Writers Clooney and Grant Heslow have put together a truly sensational piece of work that captures beauty, excitement, and terror of the news. It reminds us of a life-altering event that is underrated throughout the world and should be taught in every classroom around the nation. The film is sophisticated and has an enormous sense of style. It brings us back to the days where everyone smoked, trusted the media, and lied to get ahead. This is one of the year’s best films.

Derailed


**1/2 Stars
Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston
Vincent Cassel
Directed by:
Mikael Håfstrom

The one thing I hate is a wasted opportunity. Although Derailed is a decently made thriller with acceptable acting, it doesn't really live up to its hype.
Derailed tells the story of Charles (Owen), a successful ad executive and loyal family man who meets Lucinda (Aniston), an alluring and sexy woman on his morning commute. Flirtation quickly escalates into passion. But this casual fling turns dangerous when a violent criminal confronts them, beats Charles, rapes Lucinda, and later on demands cash or he'll leak the story to their families about their romance. Now Charles must figure out how to turn the tables and somehow save their families.
We see a whole different side of Aniston. She is having an affair then raped. Are we ready to see her like this? Though her acting was respectable, it seems a bit sudden to see America's favorite friend turn into a seducing, high powered woman. I guess she is ready to become more than just paparazzi's puppet. And you know what, props to her on that.
The first 45 minutes or so of this film moves to slow to show any sign of a thriller. But luckily for us, it speeds up and starts to come alive. The only problem is that it comes a little to late. I liked what I saw but I wanted more.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Jarhead

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Jamie Foxx
Directed by: Sam Mendes

***1/2 Stars


Jarhead is not an action movie. There are no rescues or kills. But even without combat, it shows you that war in general can still suck.

Jake Gyllenhaal plays his best performance to date as Anthony Swofford, a marine (also known as a Jarhead) who experiences boot camp and Operation Desert storm as a marine sniper. Jamie Foxx is Sergeant Siek, Swofford's officer. Peter Sarsgaard plays his best friend Troy who is also a marine sniper.

Director Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) is a master at his craft. Like American Beauty, Mendes creates a powerful drama with hilarious dark comedy. In a scene you could be laughing viciously when suddenly, you’re dead silent.
However, the only problem with Jarhead is its ending. Not a big problem, but noticeable. Its rushed ending can really change a movie dramatically. But fortunately for Mendes, he saves himself with some hilarious comedy, powerful and intense drama, and acting that raises the bar on Hollywood.