Bandito Express

Author(s): Daniel Crooke
Location: Ohio

"Bandito Express"

Produced, Directed, and Written by: Quentin Tarantino

Main Cast

Michael Madsen as Mike Masterson
Samuel L. Jackson as Lee McGraw
Nick Nolte as Luke "The Duke" Willit
Gary Busey as Harrison "The Rifleman" Willit
Uma Thurman as Louisa "Lady Liberty" Willit
Steve Buscemi as William Kingston/The White Lightning
Tim Roth as Johnny Tassock
Johnny Crawford as Sky Larkin

Tagline: "Mike Masterson. Dangerous. Deadly. Chained to a Stagecoach"

Synopsis: Prologue: The words "Mike Masterson" make even the toughest cowboy's skin crawl. He is a brutal gunslinger with a heart of steel. Lee McGraw is Masterson's sidekick. McGraw is a Jack of all Trades and a master of disguise who uses his talents with speech to get himself and Mike to anywhere and everywhere they have to go. The two wreck havoc all over the West, rob banks, get women, and kill men.

Chapter One: Mike Masterson is alone. He is in the desert. The hot, blazing sun is turning his back the color of a tomato. He is naked and has bruises all over his body fresh from a beating. He is dehydrated and hungry. He wakes up. He is chained to a stagecoach.

Chapter Two: Masterson needs to get out of his vulnerable situation. Once he stands up, he looks at the stagecoach. Coming out of both side windows is Blondie, his horse for ten years. Stunned and angry, he pulls the stagecoach to the nearest town where Lee has been waiting in the saloon for five days waiting for Mike. They take the night at a room above the saloon where they proceeded to drink and play cards for the remainder of the night. The next morning, the two ship out to find out who tried to kill Masterson. They make stops all over the West and take no prisoners as they try and find the man responsible for Masterson's sufferings.

Chapter Three: Luke "The Duke", Harrison "The Rifleman", and Louisa "Lady Liberty" are The Willits. Luke and Harrison are twins, Louisa is their baby sister. They are bounty hunters. They are professionals. They will stop at nothing to collect their money. They've been on the hunt for Mike Masterson for two months. They usually do their job for the money but this time it's personal: Masterson and Lee killed their father. They are right on his tail and are showing no signs of stopping.

Chapter Four: William Kingston is an ultraviolent up and coming sheriff. He watches over the town of Rattler's Garden. Kingston is disappearing two nights a week and no one knows but his two deputies, Johnny Tassock and Sky Larkin. Tassock and Larkin, however, are trying to find Masterson to warn him that Kingston is actually "The White Lightning", Masterson's rival sharpshooter, and that he has been killing off everyone who knows what Kingston did: Dress up in women's clothing and mask, kidnap Masterson, kill his horse, beat him up, and chain him to a stagecoach.

What the Press would say:

"Bandito Express" is Quentin Tarantino's latest film and ranks high alongside his other brilliant and iconic works. This is QT's first journey into the western and it is the best of its genre to come out since "Unforgiven". As always, he pays homage to many sources including Spaghetti westerns (A Fistful of Dollars series, Hang em High, Once Upon a Time in the West), classic Western television series' (The Rifleman, Bat Masterson), and various other sources whether they be Western or not (look for the Psycho reference in Steve Buscemi's character). This time Tarantino weaves a story involving gunslingers craving revenge, bounty hunters trying to collect a few bucks, angry sheriffs, saloon scenes that are oozing with Tarantino dialogue, and (most of all) Western showdowns. The story is told in four different "chapters" and a "prologue". The chapters are told in order and this proves to be very interesting as characters are introduced to the plot before we even know who they are. As each chapter goes by, more and more characters are introduced even if they have already had significant screentime.

As always, Quentin hits up his favorite subjects including revenge, violence, and betrayal as well as his favorite players including Samuel L, Jackson, Michael Madsen, and Uma Thurman. Michael Madsen is the protagonist whose name is Mike Masterson, a dangerous gunslinger, who wakes up to be beaten up and chained to a stagecoach that has his dead horse, Blondie (an obvious homage to both The Godfather and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly) inside. Wait, what? Yes, beaten and chained to a stagecoach with a dead horse inside (classic Tarantino). Although Madsen has no big scenes of finding himself or meeting God or anything of the sort, he displays amazing physical talent and excellent delivery. The real standouts, however, are the supporting cast. Samuel L. Jackson is Madsen's sidekick, Lee. Think of him as Jules meets Clint Eastwood. He is hilarious and delivers his lines just like we want him to. It's his best role since "Pulp Fiction". Nick Nolte and Gary Busey are given a classic Quentin Tarantino comeback as a pair of bounty hunter twins. The two of them are absolutely fantastic and they get their chance to utter Quentin Tarantino's infamous dialogue and do it brilliantly. Uma Thurman plays their little sister and Uma is excellent especially in her one on one shootout with Michael Madsen. In this scene Uma utters the soon to be famous words, "You know, I've been waiting for this moment for ten years and now that it's here I can't think of a single way to kill you that isn't half of the pain that you deserve.". Standing out more than anyone else in the whole cast is Steve Buscemi as the murderous sheriff William Kingston who moonlights as the grim reaper. This is Buscemi's best role to date as he shows his dramatic, comedic, and Tarantino-y badass range. Buscemi should do what Gene Hackman did in "Unforgiven" and ride the sheriff character all the way to Oscar. If you are smart, you'll know to put your money on Buscemi in Supporting Actor.

"Bandito Express" is a clever and original work by the master of clever and original, Quentin Tarantino. With an excellent compiled score, well done Western story, fantastic QT screenplay, and an ensemble for the ages, "Bandito Express" should rack up multiple Academy Awards.

Possible Nominations
Best Picture- Quentin Tarantino
Best Director- Quentin Tarantino
Best Actor- Michael Madsen
Best Supporting Actor- Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Nolte, Gary Busey, Steve Buscemi
Best Supporting Actress- Uma Thurman
Best Original Screenplay- Quentin Tarantino
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design

Blood and Oil

Author(s): Quinn Reid
Location: Houston, TX

"Blood and Oil"

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis
Produced by: Jon Kilik, Steve Golin, Scott Rudin, & Sam Mendes
Cinematography by: Robert Elswit
Edited by: Jay Rabinowitz
Original Music by: Gustavo Santaolalla

Main Cast

Ryan Gosling as Scott
Paul Dano as Ethan
Matthew Fox as Michael
Amy Adams as Katy
Jill Hennessy as Laura
Rob Brown as Jackson
Gretchen Mol as Cindy
Jenna Fischer as Melanie Harris
Brian Cox as J.J. O'Connell
and
Michael Douglas as David Sullivan

Tagline: "You never know what you’re capable of until it comes apart"

Synopsis: Academy Award Winning Director Sam Mendes helms this ensemble drama interweaving several stories centered around Houston based oil giant Flagler Andrews. A gas station attendant going to school part time (Amy Adams), two recent hires learning the corporate ropes and dealing with prejudices (Paul Dano & Rob Brown), two traders (Ryan Gosling & Ryan Phillipe) and their wives (Gretchen Mol & Jenna Fischer) struggling in their marriages, the lone female on the executive board (Jill Hennessy), a disgruntled former employee (Michael Douglas) and the CEO (Brian Cox) all cross paths on a fateful day. The present day story unfolds when David Sullivan is let go as the fall guy in an accounting scandal that could have hurt stock prices. He decides to strike back with frightful consequences. Throughout the present day story we see intermittent flashbacks of all the main characters in high school, and see how those experiences helped shape who they are today.

What the Press would say:

The buzz is flying high after “Blood and Oil” took home the Golden Palm at Cannes. Oscar winning American Beauty director Sam Mendes is receiving rave reviews for his handling of this brilliant script by “Lost” writers Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis. The all-star cast works together well but the word is Michael Douglas steals the show with his most memorable performance since Wall Street. Jill Hennessy is also superb as Laura, the oil company's CFO and only female executive. Throw in Robert Elswit’s beautiful camera work and Gustavo Santaolalla’s thrilling score and this is an Oscar heavy-weight that you don’t want to miss.

Possible Nominations include…

Best Picture
Best Director – Sam MendesBest Supporting Actor – Michael DouglasBest Supporting Actress – Jill HennessyBest Original Screenplay - Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis
Best Music, Original Score - Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Cinematography - Robert Elswit

The Blue Max

Author(s): Josh P.
Location: Chicago, IL

"The Blue Max"

Directed by Michael Mann
Screenplay by John Logan and Michael Mann
Produced by Michael Mann, Brian Grazer and Graham King
Executive Producers: Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott and Brad Grey
Art Direction by Wolf Kroger and Jim Erickson
Costume Designed by Sandy Powell
Cinematography by Dante Spinotti
Edited by Paul Rubell and William Goldberg

Main Cast

Ryan Gosling (Bruno Statchel)
Angelina Jolie (Countess Kaeti von Klugermann)
Geoffrey Rush (General Count von Klugermann)
David Strathairn (Otto Heidemann)
Vincent Cassell (Willi von Klugermann)
Max Von Sydow (Field Marshall)
Wes Bently (Red Baron-special appearance)

Tagline: "A soldier’s ultimate downfall doesn’t come from the enemy, but from within"

Synopsis: Two years ago, Bruno Statchel (Gosling) looked up at the dim grey sky that hung above his muddy trench. A single airplane flew across the horizon and reminded him of his inspiration to one day abandon the bloody ground warfare and reach for the only limit he felt could be put upon him: the sky.

Now the year is 1918, Germany is still in the heated battles with France and Britain during World War I, and Bruno has just graduated from the flying program. When he arrives with his new regiment, his only ambition is to earn the coveted “Blue Max”: the highest honor German fighter pilots can receive which honors twenty confirmed kills. While Bruno tries to fit in, his ambitions to attain the medal, as well as his lower class status, take its toll. His partner in the sky (Cassell) is a Blue-Max-honoree and thinks Bruno is an arrogant man. Bruno’s commanding officer (Strathairn) thinks the same. Someone who doesn’t is the General (Rush). The General sees Bruno as a national icon, a hero to boost the morale of the German people, and also uses his blessing to persuade the Field Marshall (Von Sydow) to push the release date of an experimental monoplane up even though it may cause the machine to be unsafe. He caters to him in every way, even showcasing his wife (Jolie) with whom Bruno begins to have a sultry affair with.

However, Bruno’s ego and ambition soon become problems. The Blue Max is all he can think about, and he will attempt to get it anyway possible, such as shooting down surrendered enemy planes in midair and claiming two kills that Willi had just before his own plane was shot down. People want to see him stopped, but the General persists. Finally, Bruno gets his twenty kills and at his ceremony to receive the medal, he is also going to be the first to test fly the new plane. However, news get out of his unfaithful two kills and his is scheduled to be court-martialed. The General sees this as terrible sign: if Bruno is disgraced, so will the entire German military, and the people will lose hope. The General orders Bruno to fly the plane, and when he does, the plane crashes, as the General expected, killing Bruno instantly. In the end, Bruno still got everything he wanted: the Blue Max, respect from the people, the honor of always being remembered as a national hero, and of course, the chance the fly.

What the Press would say:

Director Michael Mann’s enticing and exhilarating remake of the 1966 film is a marvelous triumph. Mann creates great emotional scenes with his actors in the quiet moments of the film and dazzles the eyes when we see the fantastic aerial fights. Mann’s stylish direction makes the film work. While many might think that the choice of Ryan Gosling to play a German pilot might not be the best, he puts all those thoughts aside. Gosling infuses Bruno with a great sense of wit and humor, while at the same time showcasing his arrogance and ambition which will make him so despised later on. It takes great acting to create such a hateful character, and Gosling pulls it off. As for the supporting players, Geoffrey Rush does a good job as a stern old man whose only wish is to see Germany succeed, and he will almost result to “Bruno” measures to see it through. Angelina Jolie is also all charm and sophistication as she seduces Bruno with her amazement, then uses her vibrant eyes to express her repulsion towards his new attitude. The screenplay by Mann and “The Aviator” writer John Logan touches on all the characters and their central emotions as well, and really enlightens the piece. The technical aspects are also amazing as well, with luscious sets and costumes along with magnificent cinematography, editing and sound designs in the fight scenes. The campaign consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director: Michael Mann
Best Actor: Ryan Gosling
Best Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush
Best Supporting Actress: Angelina Jolie
Best Adapted Screenplay: Michael Mann and John Logan
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Sound

The Business of Pain

Author(s): Marcus Dennis
Location: Ohio

"The Business of Pain"

Directed by Michael Mann
Written by Eric Roth and Michael Mann

Main Cast

Eric Bana – Jack Cranor
Uma Thurman – LeeAnn Cranor
Kevin Spacey – Dick Simpson
James Woods – Commissioner Walther Adams
Omar Epps - Leon Whitfield
Michael Madsen – Rex Washington
Brendan Fraser – Jake Norton

Tagline: "Would you apologize for doing your job?"

Synopsis: Jack Cranor (Bana) is a family man. He spends time with his wife, LeeAnn and kids (Diane Venora) and hangs out with friends. But on the football field, he is a menace. The most-feared linebacker in the league. One commentator calls him “Love” because once he hits you; you’ll never feel the same again. Despite his tough on-the-field presence, he is carefree off-the-field and maintains a good rapport with his teammates, especially Star Running Back Leon Whitfield (Epps) and fellow linebacker Rex Washington (Madsen).

In the season opener, a devastating tackle to Quarterback Jake Norton (Fraser) puts Norton in a coma. After the game, it is revealed that Norton is paralyzed. When asked if he feels sorry for Norton, Cranor’s response of “No, it’s part of the game” evokes a media frenzy”. Cranor is criticized by some, praised by others, and suspended by Commissioner Walther Adams (Woods) after refusing to apologize.

This suspension takes a toll on more people than just Jack. The situation drives his wife LeeAnn, into depression and alcoholism, which Jack tries to shield from his kids. His coach Dick Simpson (Spacey) would love for him to return, but wouldn’t want Jack to infringe on his pride. Commission Adams loves the media attention that the league is receiving, even if it is negative. His friends Leon and Rex support him so much, that they quit playing football, until Jack is allowed back into the league.

A nation of supporters and detractors are on Jack’s back, but he doesn’t care. His determination to earn his respect and reinstatement, along with putting his relationships with his family and teammates back together, is so strong that he takes his fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

What the Press would say:

Michael Mann’s latest film “Business of Pain” tackles mature issues with mature direction and acting. There are no cheesy Hollywoodized scenes with a rising score and teary eyes. It is real and never tries to be anything but. Eric Bana, one of the underrated performers gives a tremendous performance, ranging from charismatic father and husband, to savage player, to proud defender of his rights to do his job. Uma Thurman is a brilliant counterpart to Bana. Her drunken tirades are some of the best scenes in the movie and chemistry with Bana is electric. Kevin Spacey adds a veteran presence and shows the conflicting emotions of his character perfectly. James Woods brings his usual arrogance to the role of the sleezy commissioner. Omar Epps and Michael Madsen are solid supporters, but the real surprise here is Brendan Fraser. Usually known for goofball comedies and the occasionally drama, Fraser turns a brief, but powerful performance. His speech from his deathbed to Bana’s character is emotional and touching without being pretentious and cheesy. This is not a football movie. It’s a movie about standing up for what you believe in and not backing down from a fight.

Picture
Director
Original Screenplay
Actor
Supporting Actor (Spacey and Fraser)
Supporting Actress (Thurman)
Editing

Cherry Blossom

Author(s): D.W. Dillon
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

"Cherry Blossom"

Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci
Written by Mark Peploe & Bernardo Bertolucci
Music by Ennio Morricone
Cinematography by Vittoria Storaro
Edited by Pietro Scalia
Art Direction by Domenico Sica
Produced by Dino & Giada DeLaurentiis

Main Cast

Robert De Niro - Chef Richard James
Milo Ventimiglia - Nick James
Eva Green - Rachel
Famke Janssen - Vera Rivers
Stanley Tucci - Stephon Lamacq
Tony Roberts - Eugene Yves

Tagline: "Dying at the height of beauty"

Synopsis: The secret to the cherry blossom truffle is not the cocoa powder or succulent cherry filling, but rather a touch of a fine Pinot noir wine and a pinch of saffron. Renowned New York Chef, Richard James (Robert De Niro) always gave his son, Nick (Milo Ventimiglia), the secrets to his success. He knew someday Nick would take over the reigns of an empire he built; from restaurants, pubs, to local Brooklyn candy shops, the Richard James dining experience was one to behold by all.

As an often timid sous chef in his father's fine-dining restaurant inside the Four Seasons Hotel, Nick would not only watch his father's brilliance at running a kitchen, but see the deterioration and dark side of a man. His abusive shouting frightened everyone in the kitchen. The public fights with his aged supermodel girlfriend, Vera Rivers (Famke Janssen), were tabloid gold. His father lived with high standards and when the world around him could not live up to them, he would lash out, or crumble inside a dark closet where he would abuse his body by raiding his million dollar wine collection. It wouldn't be long for the unthinkable to happen. His father was to embark on yet another massive project. To open up a highly rated restaurant in the heart of Florence, Italy, which would give him the world-wide recognition. He even invited feared Michelin Food Critic and personal nemesis, Stephon Lamacq (Stanley Tucci) to the grand opening. But the chef's plane took off from New York without him, leaving his son, Nick, to be lambasted by the unpleased critic. Chef Richard James had gone missing. His shiny Porsche was abandoned a block away from the Hell Gate Bridge, a notorious suicide spot. No body was found or evidence of foul play. He was simply gone.

Seven years later, family friend and private investigator, Eugene Yves (Tony Roberts), strongly suggested Nick close the file on his father's missing person's case. Nick was lost and couldn't commit to anything, even his girlfriend, Rachel (Eva Green). He had to move on and step out of his father's shadow, and by closing the case, he could; topping his father's successes and recognition in the restaurant world, even touring third world countries to help feed the starving. On a trip to Uganda, he thought he had seen a ghost. An elderly American man working a soup kitchen outside a small village. This man though, remained just a familiar blur, as Nick was swept out of town by his military escort, when tribal warfare had erupted nearby. This will not be the last time he sees this person. And with that heavy heart and his father haunting his thoughts again, Nick sets out to do what his father couldn't. An engagement ring awaits the finger of Rachel, while the people of Florence await the re-opening of a top-rated restaurant. The grand re-opening promises not just to surprise skeptical food critics, but Nick himself, for he will finally get a chance to bring closure to his past and please the only critic that ever mattered to him.

What the Press would say:

Oscar-winning director, Bernardo Bertolucci presents his most personal and cerebral film since "The Last Emperor" with, "Cherry Blossom". On the surface, "Cherry Blossom" is about a father who disappears leaving his fortune, fame and family. While seemingly a selfish act, the father's abandonment, whether it be death or personal exile from a life he once had, is really a sacrifice. He can only leave that life behind to battle his own personal demons, in turn creating a legacy and life for his son that he truly wanted. Robert De Niro dives deep into a role that challenges his internal and external emotions. Meticulous in his performance as an actual chef, shows in the opening five minute one shot take of him preparing a fine cuisine from furious knife skills of chopping vegatables to the presentation of a barrage of delicious entrees. He takes on cooking as he takes on his roles, and that is with the perfection we love him for. But with an admired character, Bertolucci isn't afraid to show the dark side of every human, including his main lead character. De Niro's Chef Richard James is too passionate for his own good and he is left with an uncontrollable temper that always gets this best of him. Famke Janssen takes the brunt of this anger in the role of De Niro's hard-to-please celebrity girlfriend, Vera Rivers. As she more or less asks for a fight, pushing De Niro's chef into deeper madness, along with the oddity performance that is brought out in Stanley Tucci as food critic Stephon Lamacq who presents a constant irritation to Chef James. His only salvation is his son, played by Milo Ventimiglia in a defining role.

Bertolucci and co-writer Mark Peploe's cherry blossom metaphor of heightened beauty that dies at it's peak, sacrificing itself for eternal greatness, is a beautiful theme of life and death at it's truest form. Within the heartbreaking final scene, where a stranger speaks only these words in a toast to the couple at the wedding reception of the new Italian resturant, "...the Japanese Samurai believed the cherry blossom tree represented great sacrifice. As soon as they blossomed, the petals would fall retaining it's beauty forever. So God bless you two, forever." And in that instance, through those words, Nick is reunited with his father forever, maybe not physically but in his heart. This is a film that will tug at the father and son relationship in a way not yet brought to screen. A film that sets itself apart by dazzling us with it's developed characters, their actions and ultimately their consequences. An inspiring original masterpiece on all fronts that cannot be missed.

Best Picture
Best Director - Bernardo Bertolucci
Best Actor - Robert De Niro
Best Supporting Actor - Stanley Tucci
Best Supporting Actress - Famke Janssen
Best Original Screenplay - Mark Peploe & Bernardo Bertolucci
Best Cinematography - Vittorio Storaro
Best Editing - Pietro Scalia
Best Score - Ennio Morricone
Best Original Song - "Requiem for the Cherry Blossom" by Ryuichi Sakamato
Best Art Direction - Domenico Sica

Cinémathèque

Author(s): Alex S.
Location: Mexico

"Cinémathèque"

Directed by Joe Wright
Written by Christopher Hampton & Gillaume Laurant
Produced by Tim Bevan & Eric Fellner
Executive Producers Richard Eyre & Francis Boespflug
Edited By Paul Tothill, A.C.E.
Cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel, A.S.C.
Music by Dario Marianelli
Costume Design by Jaqueline Durran
Production Design by Sarah Greenwood
Art Direction by Aline Bonetto
Set Decoration by Katie Spencer

Main Cast

Daniel Auteuil – Henri Langlois
Gaspard Ulliel – Young Henri Langlois
Cyril Descours – Georges Franju
Louis Garrel – Jean Mitry
Eva Green – Young Mary Meerson
Catherine Deneuve – Mary Meerson
Julie Delpy – Célestin Poux

Tagline: "To love cinema is to love life. His legacy was his life. This is how modern cinema was born"

Synopsis: In other times, movies ended up in the trash bin or left to rot in a basement. A man had the dream of saving, conserving and showing them to the new generations. His name was Henri Langlois.

Paris, 1968, filmmakers and students from all over the world are stationed outside the cinémathèque française protesting against the dismissal of Henri Langlois (Auteuil) as chairman of the cinémathèque. While this happens outside, Langlois stares at the protest from his window, next to him is his secretary Celestin Poux (Delpy), he pulls out of picture from his drawer, it shows him as young man with two other men and a woman, they’re outside that same building, Celestin looks at the back of the photo and it’s marked, 1936.

As a camera takes a picture we see 4 persons in front of a building in a way, celebrating. Henri Langlois (Ulliel), his girlfriend Mary (Green) and his two friends Georges (Descours) and Jean (Garrel), have just inaugurated the cinémathèque in order to preserve all the films lost in time. It would work as a museum of cinema and as a showcase of human expression. During those years Langlois collection went from 10 to 30,000 films.

1968, Celestin asks him about those years, he looks at her and tells her to follow him. During those hours traveling around Paris, Henri would tell her his story, from the beginning of the cinémathèque to the Nazi occupation when the Germans practically wiped out his collection, and how he, with the help of his friends, had to smuggle documents and films in order to protect them. How he watched all the new wave directors nurturing from the past, in order to create a future in cinema. The film follows the story of a man with an unbreakable passion, told through his own eyes during a walk in Paris to his secretary, going back and forward we learn more about this man and how his story determined the future of modern cinema forever.

What the Press would say:

“Cinémathèque”, the new film by British director Joe Wright, achieves greatness in telling the story of legendary film icon, Henri Langlois. “Cinémathèque” does not cover unfamiliar territory, but it manages to find its own romantic voice and like the classic films it celebrates, becomes an enchanting movie that should happily spirit away even the toughest cynics.

The movie begins with an emotional scene, involving Henri Langlois walking down the streets of Paris late at night alone with his thoughts, when he reaches that iconic building called the Cinémathèque Française he crumbles as a small child, this few minutes are so powerful and beautiful, that it transports you to another place in history, setting the story perfectly for what is to come.

The rest of the story narrates all the struggles he went through as a young man as he protected and collected films from all over the world; but the real charm of this movie it’s the way its told, Auteuil in a magnificent performance, takes us on trip through the streets of Paris (dressed up to fit the image of the voluminous Langlois) and it allows us to feel the passion and love Langlois felt for the movies, working as a sort of narrator, we learn more about his past and how it has forged his present. The story goes back and forth in time and covers the main parts of Langlois’ life in a span of 30 years, to offer an outstanding character study. We witness the creation of the cinémathèque and the inner fall of his founder. The film takes you through an emotional trip of ups and downs, of struggle and achievement, to a heartwarming ending that leaves you emotionally exhausted.

Director Joe Wright coordinates a delightfully cohesive acting ensemble and he orchestrates every scene as a work of art, with the help of the impeccable production design and the flawless cinematography that progressively changes tones and colors through the years the movie tells. Wright takes a bow to all the new wave directors and mixes their styles in a canvas of directorial mastery to create a unique view. He and screenwriters Christopher Hampton and Gillaume Laurant add a sense of pragmatism to the magic and idealism of the time; they take us on a delightful trip through the streets of Paris and the heart and psyche of Henri Langlois.

The ensemble offer magnificent performances. Auteuil is heartbreaking and delightful as a chubby Langlois; he immerses himself into his character with outstanding humanity and control over his emotions and strong character, he portrays him as a tough and even arrogant man who faces his demons and eventually finds redemption in himself. Delpy is the true heart of the movie; she offers such a heartfelt performance, that eventually her character breaks Langlois iron armor and helps him reach his soul and remember how it felt to feel that amount of passion for something. Ulliel, Auteuil’s counterpart in playing Langlois, succeeds in every possible way; he exemplifies the eternal romantic and idealist, a charismatic and passionate man with hopes and aspirations and an incredible sense of humanity, he takes the lead in this with a breathtaking performance. Both Auteuil and Ulliel create a complex character, allowing him to evolve and change in front of our eyes; you forget that there are two people playing the same character. Green as the feisty and free spirited Meerson creates a cynical and powerful character that eventually falls for the romantic ideals of Langlois, and Deneuve as an older version of her offers us in just a couple of minutes on screen all the things she saw in Langlois when she fell in love with him.

In the final scene, there’s one of the most powerful moments of the movie, a simple scene where a man and a woman dance in a park at night with no music and suddenly everything makes sense, love and passion are the driving forces in life that will allow you to achieve all your dreams.

Everyone who loves movies is likely to love “Cinémathèque”; it captures and conveys the enchantments, escapes, and enslavements of those mesmerized by movies. Inspiring, emotive and exhilarating, but perhaps more importantly, a generous portrait of a brave man, an artist who we all owe so much.

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director – Joe Wright
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Gaspard Ulliel
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Daniel Auteuil
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Julie Delpy
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Eva Green
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Catherine Deneuve
Best Original Screenplay – Christopher Hampton & Guillaume Laurant
And in all categories.

Complete Cycles of One Day

Author(s): Sergio
Location: Spain

"Complete Cycles of One Day"

Directed by Atom Egoyam
Written and Produced by Allan Ball
Music by Mychael Danna
Cinematography by Paul Sarossy

Main Cast

Gaspard Ulliel as Daniel
Sarah Polley as Camille
Elaine Cassidy as Erika
Max Minghella as Adrian
Elias Koteas as Officer Jonas Garner
Rachel Griffiths as Madeleine Garner
Arsineé Khanjian as Daniel’s mother

Tagline: "It’s impossible to understand an unknown feeling"

Synopsis: Four young strangers are found dead in an old cabin in Lake Cood, a small and quiet town where nothing happens. Police’s first theory was the accident, because the four were lying on their beds, without signs of violence but with signs of asphyxiation produced by four kerosene stoves. But something change completely the investigation when Officer Garner finds one of the corpses chained to the bed with handcuffs. Garner will try to research all the clues but the strangers don’t have an ID and they are not from the area. FBI looks for a nexus between them but is almost impossible. Finally, all the corpses are claimed except one, they can’t find any member of Daniel’s family. When the parents arrive to the town they are interrogated but apparently the four have nothing in common, they came from different places, from very different circles, but with a similar profile, according to the psychologist report. The media treat this case as another fanatic group, members of a sect but FBI considers all this as an unusual case of collective suicide. But, why do they choose this small town? All the villagers are very affected. There are not many young people in the town and they can’t understand the reasons for a suicide. The winter trade is suspended and the major declares a week of official mourning.

The day before, four strangers arrived by car. Camille has rent an old cabin besides the iced lake. They do a normal life, going shopping, walking and having long conversations. They are no friends, they don’t know much about the others but they talk about almost everything and they spend a great day together. Adrian has just finished his studies in physics and astronomy and he realized, long time ago, about his own insignificant existence in the vast universe. Erika has been suffering all her life and she can’t remember the last time she laughed. Camille fights the reality through her camera, she has a strange illness and she can’t retain people’s faces in her mind so she can’t recognize the face of the people she loves or hates. Daniel, introvert and silent, has a permanent trauma that prevents him to enjoy in any situation.

The morning after, Garner finds the final clue to resolve the case. He finds a notebook where Daniel describes his last day. Garner finds a reference to a web site called “complete cycles of one day”, where a group of people, including Camille, Erika and Adrian, talks about their day by day, their unliked life, and their heavy monotony. It is a collective diary started as a place to share vain experiences. Daniel created the site when he started to transcribe all his notebooks and diaries, when he felt the necessity to share all his vain thoughts. Jonas Garner reads the complete days of all of them and he starts making himself questions he has never thought before, changing his way to see the life and affecting to the relation with his wife Madeleine, family and friends.

The last night, Daniel leaves his notebook in Garner’s mailbox. He feels curiosity and an unusual illusion about meeting Jonas Garner, his father. But it is too late and he is in the point of not return, so he comes back with the others and he decides to chain himself to the bed, because he has doubts about his important decision.

Daniel is seven years old and his homework for the weekend is to do a narration describing a complete day in his life. On Friday evening he prepares all for the next day, it has to be perfect. He will wake up early to make the breakfast and to watch TV. Then he will go to the zoo with his mother. He feels a great illusion but when he carries the breakfast to bed he discovers his mother’s corpse with an empty bottle of pills, turning the day in the worst of all his life.

What the Press would say:

Like a bittersweet poem about the sense of life, a delicate screenplay arises connected and polished with great mastery by Alan Ball. - It’s about the important questions of the life, that’s all. The questions that we don’t dare to make in loud voice. Everyone thinks about if there is any sense in our day by day and the answer is in the wind – Allan ball says.

Many people have accused this screenplay of being too melodramatic, pessimist and encouraging to the suicide but that is not true. The film never justify their decision and never judge them, it just accompanies along the internal trip. – That is not what we pretend. We don’t judge the fact instead, we show and undercover a reality - Atom Egoyan says. Egoyan doesn’t want this film to be a melodramatic mushy cliché, full of morality, about four misunderstood teenagers and their unreal problems. He directed the actors as if they really love life over everything, as if they love every single moment and act they do. That creates a great confusion in the observer because we already know that they are going to suicide. The spectator doesn’t understand the real motivations about why they decide to die but that is what the writer and the director pretends. – We can’t understand them because it would be like to simplify their entire lives. Egoyan wanted an atmospheric film, full of tension and covered emotions.

The story is developed in three different times and all the cast support the charge of the film but at the end of the edition process they realized about the great potential and emotional powerful scenes of some of the actors. This is the case of Elias Koteas – He is a simple man that has never thought about the transcendental questions that the four strangers make in their binnacles. He starts asking for the meaning of life and he suffers an existential crisis that will affect to his marriage and the rest of his relations. Rachel Griffiths character suffers the transformation of her husband and she can’t understand him. She has a quiet life, with two little girls… She has everything she was supposed to, and she is what she wanted to be, but her life starts to crash. The four young actors got a great complicity and they transmit the importance of their decision. Gaspard Ulliel was the last one to get in the cast and the director wasn’t convinced to cast him. But he made a great proof with Sarah Polley and he got the paper easily, he was Daniel. Sarah Polley is the soul of the film, its eyes and through her illness we understand her impossibility to transmit all she has inside. She is a great actress even without speaking and both actors make a heartbreaking performance.

FYC:

Best Picture
Best Director: Atom Egoyan
Best Original Screenplay: Allan Ball
Best Leading Actor: Gaspar Ulliel
Best Supporting Actress: Sarah Polley
Best Supporting Actor: Elias Koteas
Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Griffiths

Daniel the Informer

Author(s): Douglas Reese
Location: Clarksville, Ohio

"Daniel the Informer"

Written and Directed by Noah Baumbach
Produced by Wes Anderson, Noah Baumbach, Charlie Corwin, Peter Newman
Score by Dean Wareham
Director of Photography: Robert D. Yeoman
Edited by Tim Streeto

Main Cast

Jack Black ... Marty Burton
Anna Faris ... Jessie Burton
Jake Thomas ... Daniel Burton
Mary-Louise Parker ... Melissa Swann
Corbin Bleu ... Stan Miller
Unknown Child Star ... Kodi Burton

Rated: R (for Sexual Content, Language, and Some Drug Content.)
Running Time: 1 hr. 29 mins. (89 minutes)

Tagline: "To Do List: Get Over Myself, Get a Life, and Tell Dad My Secret..."

Synopsis: Daniel Burton (Jake Thomas) never knew his dad. He's been raised by his bank accountant mom, Melissa (Mary-Louise Parker), for the last sixteen years of his sixteen-year-old life. And it happens to be on his sixteenth birthday he gets a call from that certain father saying he wants to get to know his son. Marty (Jack Black) is his dad. When he first arrives in the Southern Georgian town Marty lives, Daniel doesn't know what to think of his father and new stepmom. Marty dresses in dark, droopy clothes and wears piercings and chains that would make a mother scream in horror, and likes to play on his guitar. When Marty tells Daniel he wants to play a song for him... Daniel looks in digust at his annoying garage band wannabe idiot of a father. Jessie (Anna Faris) is Daniel's new stepmother. The red-headed "flower child" with a loud-mouthed Southern accent who nearly every second of the day is burned out on pot and follows Marty around like a lost puppy. Not to mention she mutters the most random conversation starters. "Does your mom wear pink Daniel?" she asks. The final person Daniel gets the chance of meeting is his five-year-old brother Kodi. Kodi is a selfish little spoiled brat who talks to Daniel as if to be watching his every move. Daniel, however, learns things from Kodi about "daddy" and "stepmommy" including the fact that they are all homophobic and racist and those feelings of anger now exist in that little kid. However will Daniel tell dad that he has a black boyfriend named Stan (Corbin Bleu)?

What the Press would say:

"Daniel the Informer" is a lushly heartfelt, painfully realistic, and touchingly poignant comedy about the importance of acceptance through life and love and is hailed as "an unheralded comedy classic" by Richard Roeper of Ebert and Roeper. Noah Baumbach returns in "Squid and the Whale" form for this exceptional life lesson starring Jack Black and Anna Faris in career best performances. "Jack Black has the purity and the tenderness yet the hard ass raunchiness to pull off this character and he does it with such grace to bring forth a subtle Oscar-worthy performance," (Roeper) while "[Anna Faris] blisters with a blend of comedy and drama to bring a painful but hilarious human being to life in her greatest performance to date!" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) In a small performance ranging on a little over eight minutes is Mary-Louise Parker who plays the character of Melissa Swann through such perfect comedic timing yet riveting dramatic force that in the scenes where her son talks to her on the phone she "brings such a realism to her performance" (Dustin Putman, The Movie Boy.com). And finally, the heart of the show is Daniel whose soul is what makes the movie as great as it is. Jake Thomas portrays Daniel with sensitivity beyond control yet with terrific hold-no-bars teenager authenticity. He creates a funny and wonderful performance and if Oscar was brave enough, they would award him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. At the bottom of all of the great performances is what creates the mold. Baumbach's incredibly witty screenplay includes astonishing Oscar-caliber dialogue that rings in your ears and puts you in a trance from the get-go. Packed with realism but a great sense of humor, the screenplay never fails to hit the right notes. "Daniel the Informer" is a great comedy that shows a terrific showcase of a chapter in the life of a Generation X teenager. It's powerful, hysterical, and ultimately unforgettable. A modern comedy classic is born!

For Your Consideration:

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor - Jack Black
Best Supporting Actor - Jake Thomas
Best Supporting Actress - Anna Faris
Best Supporting Actress - Mary-Louise Parker

The Death King

Author(s): Zgamer
Location: Eagle, ID

"The Death King"

Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: John August and Caroline Thompson
Music and Lyrics by: Danny Elfman

Main Cast

John Lloyd Young as the voice of Jon Granger
Johnny Depp as the voice of Peter
Helena Bonham Carter as the voice of Elora Granger
Patti LuPone as the voice of Tabitha Granger
Alan Rickman as the voice of Max Granger
Richard Steven Horvitz as the voice of Allister (Undead)
Greg Proops as the voice of Tarmac (Undead)
Ewan McGregor as the voice of Harrison (Undead)
Brad Sherwood as the voice of Chance (Jon’s co-worker)
Harvey Fierstein as the voice of Fredrick (Jon’s co-worker)
Wayne Brady as the voice of Earl (Jon’s co-worker)
Michael Cerveris as the voice of Dr. Ian Kavork (Jon’s boss)

Tagline: "Let the dead have their dawn. This night belongs to the king"

Genre: Comedy, Musical, Claymation

Synopsis: There are some people who are gifted with interesting lives. Some are bankers, some are policemen and some are even mayors. Then there’s Jon, who works at the town’s morgue. Even when his job involves dead people, things are unnaturally monotonous in the morgue. Day after day, corpses are routinely delivered there so he and his partners can quickly clean them to look somewhat presentable for their funerals. It wouldn’t be half as bad if he didn’t have to suffer the half-hearted whines of their loved ones when they identify the bodies. Jon has no tears for these people though, since he gets no sympathy for his existence. Along with an overdue rent, uncaring parents and a “rubs-her-success-in-my-face” sister, Jon gets no appreciation for his work and has no friends or important positions in his life. Even his coworkers, who he considers the closest thing to friends, are too busy with their wannabe macho attitudes to notice him. He feels that his purpose may as well be as empty as the eviscerated bodies his insane boss experiments on. Of course, that was all before Good Friday.

That day, a peculiar corpse was brought into the morgue. It had been discovered the previous day face down in a river outside the town. There is no information or identification for the corpse other than a piece of paper with the name Peter on his chest. Most of the staff doesn’t see anything particularly interesting about this corpse, but Jon gets an eerie feeling when he’s around it. Later that night, a lightning storm covers the town. At the pinnacle of the storm, a bolt zaps Peter’s corpse. Jon, the only staff member around at that hour, is surprised at the bolt’s accuracy. He is more shocked, however, when the body rises out of its bed. It walks over to Jon with a dignified sense of awe and tells him something that would change his life. According to Peter, Jon has been chosen to be the new Death King and lead them to victory over the living. He doesn’t believe this until more corpses begin to resurrect and walk towards him. Out of fear, he commands them to stop. To his surprise, they do just that. Jon finally realizes that this may actually pay off. He can finally make a name for himself. He can finally show everyone what strength he has. He can become the new Death King. Now all he has to do is follow through with it.

Song List

“Servants of God” Jon, Elora, Tabitha, Max, Chance, Fredrick, Earl, Ian
“Lifeless”- Jon
“Simple Pleasures”- Chance, Fredrick, Earl, Ian
“A New Dawn”- Peter
“Like Chess”- Jon, Peter
“The Invasion Song”- Jon, Peter, The Undead
“Life’s For The Living”- Jon, Peter, The Undead
“Full of Life”- Jon, Peter, Elora, Tabitha, Max, The Undead

What the Press would say:

Zombie uprisings have never been better. With a bit of imagination and a plot reminiscent of films like “Willard”, Tim Burton outdoes himself with a wonderful black comedy parody musical. His unique comedic style is noticeable everywhere, from the hilarious presentation of the film as a musical to the quirky and uniquely designed characters. His Claymation has never looked better, with all their motions incredibly streamlined and beautiful. Staying true to his previous works, his art and character design are wacky and wonderful, with each character having an exaggerated image to represent their personalities. Pompous men have big bodies proportional to their small heads and brains, selfish people have long greedy fingers to match their small hearts and chests and the Undead all have an ironically dignified posture to contrast their decaying bodies. It’s also obvious that writers August and Thompson have improved their skills since Corpse Bride, as the story hits all the right notes with witty dialogue, effective gags and a fitting ending. Though the topic is zombie invasions, it is not a horror film. This is a film about a man becoming his own person, even if it’s through unordinary means. As the story progresses, the reserved Jon becomes more confident and lively as he blissfully commands his undead army (which is filled with many Burton-esque characters). Though he eventually realizes that conquering is not the answer for making people notice you, you never stop having a blast watching him become the king of the undead.

What Burton does best, as usual, is pick a colorful voice cast to match his equally colorful characters. The talent ranges from film stars to Broadway singers to famous voice actors (Richard Steven Horvitz, who some may remember played the lead character on Invader Zim, is a riot as one of the Undead soldiers). John Lloyd Young is simply wonderful as Jon, with his beautiful singing voice matched by his delicious vocal performance. Johnny Depp is his match as Peter, who starts Jon’s ascent to power. Depp has such impeccable comedic timing that it makes you reminisce his glory days from the first Pirates of the Caribbean. All the cast is a joy to experience, from Jon’s quirky co-workers to the cheery undead soldiers. Their talent is complimented by the great music by Burton collaborator Elfman, who outdoes himself with catchy songs that have both beautiful notes and hilarious lyrics. If the Academy refuses to accept this for a nomination because it’s an animated film, they may find themselves having to face the wrath of the restless Undead and Tim Burton fans.

Awards Possibilities

Best Picture
Best Director- Tim Burton
Best Original Screenplay- John August and Caroline Thompson
Best Art Direction
Best Sound Design
Best Original Score- Danny Elfman
Best Original Song- Any of them

Down in Heaven

Author(s): James Somerton
Location: NS, Canada

"Down in Heaven"

Directed By: Terry George
Written By: David Arata

Main Cast

Shaun Toub as Ketah Karimi
Ali Hamadi as Muhammad Karimi
Shohreh Aghdashloo as Tari Karimi
Judith Light as Mary Edward
Paul Dano as Frankie Edward
Clive Owen as Frank Edward

Tagline: "What Faith Can Do"

Synopsis: Muhammad Karimi wakes up on the 8th of July. Today he is a man. At sixteen years of age, he is to start his own family, be a true man. He does not believe in this however. He believes that he has a higher purpose.

Mary Edward waits silently in an empty hospital waiting room. Her son is dying. Or maybe already dead? A car accident leaving him with little hope. He had just gotten his drivers licensee. No time to enjoy the freedom. He many never know freedom now. Mary wants to pray but she can't help but think; why pray to a god that would let this happen to her only child?

Ketah and Tari Karimi bid farewell to their son. Perhaps for the last time. He has left home, gone to defend the land from the Infidels. He will die with honor; a martyr. To end one's life for their religion is the greatest honor of all. Ketah and Tari are so proud of their son. He surely will see the face of God soon.

Mary and Frank Edward can't even speak to each other. Divorced for two years and this is what brings them back in the same room together. Mary is falling apart and Frank could care less. A devout Christian for all her life, Mary is now greatly doubting any higher power. Her religion lost forever with the news of her son's death.

Muhammad Karimi lies motionless on the ground. The only trace of life coming from his weak heart beat. Death will come in seconds. He will see God in mere moments. When his parents find out, they will be utterly proud of him and his sacrifice in the name of Ala; God.

Frankie Edward is being lowered into the ground. His mother weeping. His father standing strong. The boy of sixteen, never to be a day older. What they would give to have him back... Why would God take him away?

All a part of the divine plan.

What the Press would say:

"Down in Heaven" is a film that shakes you to your core. Almost made as two complete films in one, "Down in Heaven" tells a story of a mother dealing with her son's possible death, and a story of a family's honor at their son's death. Contrast and contradiction permeate "Down in Heaven" as we see very different people reacting very differently to, essentially, the same event. And how faith and religion plays into it all.

Judith Light plays a woman who's faith in God had been utterly shattered by her son's death. Everything she has ever believed in is completely taken away from her. Light gives a very moving performance that left many an audience member in tears. Her ex-husband, played by Clive Owen, does little to help her situation as he completely ignores her in her greatest time of need. Alternatively, we have Shaun Toub and Shohreh Aghdashloo as the parents of Ali Hamadi, a boy who had vowed to give up his life to protect his religion. These parents are totally at peace with their son's demise, and very proud of it as well. Their religion is what gives them the strength to endure the presence of the Infidels, and is also what drives their son to his final fate. Aghdashloo gives the performance of her career in a completely silent roll. She is noticeably proud of her son's quest but, if you look closely, you can see the remorse in her eyes. Her husband sees this too and punishes her for it. In this harrowing scene, we see the full extent of her dramatic power as an actor. She truly goes above an beyond in this roll.

Terry George directs "Down in Heaven" with the ease and intensity of a master filmmaker. The quiet intensity of the hospital room, the serine battlefield of Muhammad Karimi's death. You feel as the characters feel. No matter what is going on around them. When Muhammad is dying, you don't feel the battle around him. You only feel the impending release. When Frankie Edward is dying, you don't feel the calm of the surroundings, but the intensity between his two parents. Terry George's masterful direction brings the film together beautifully. It is a film that both affirms and questions faith in god. It bring two separate cultures together and rips them apart. Utterly interesting, even during the long periods of silence. "Down in Heaven" is an extremely moving work of film making.

Possible Nominations

Best Picture
Best Director - Terry George
Best Actress - Judith Light
Best Supporting Actress - Shohreh Aghdashloo
Best Original Screenplay - David Arata

Exposed

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"Exposed"

Directed by Phil Morrison
Written by Richard Curtis
Produced by Albert Berger

Main Cast

Jacinda Barrett as Dana Black
Dennis Hopper as Lou Black
Miranda Richardson as Valerie Black
Embeth Davidtz as Paradise
Matt O'Leary as Dwayne Black
Shohreh Aghdashloo as Nurse Mona
Josh Peck as Damien
JR Bourne as Ron Chee
Emma Stone as Dana Black (Age 18)
Devon Murray as Jason

Tagline: "She's the star in the family"

Synopsis: At age 18 Dana Blacks worst experience of her life became a defining moment. She was very outgoing and experimental. It was a late night in the small town of Bloxom, Virgina when Dana and her boyfriend Jason decided to have a bit of friendly play with an addition, a video camera. Days later the film was broadcast on a second rate porn site as a joke by Jason, and while Dana was humiliated she had received a phone call from a big time adult entertainment producer, Ron Chee. She was invited to go out to San Fernando Valley, outside of LA for a career that was promised to be a one and a lifetime offer, a porn star. Her parents, Lou and Valerie, made it clear that if she took on such a task they would disown her for good. Her parents were already harsh on her due to her lifestyle so she said her goodbyes.

Years later Dana is the most famous porn stars in the country. She makes a good living until an anonymous phone call becomes a major set back. It was her mother informing Dana of her fathers pancreatic cancer. Now, she must fly back to her hometown of Bluxom to spend time with her father for his remaining days. Traveling with Dana is her companion and best friend Paradise, an exquisite and colorful charm, also lesbian. In her home consists of her loud, old fashioned, racist, yet comical father who refuses to get hospital treatment, the nurse that takes care of him, her 17 year old brother whom she's never met, Dwayne, and her quiet but torn inside mother. Throughout Dwaynes entire school life he's been ridiculed and teased especially from his best friend Damien who has all of Danas work from Limewire. Dwayne feels his teen years have been ruined considering he's tried to stay away from porn as much as possible due to the risk of seeing his sister. Throughout the stay there are bondings and arguments between Dana and her parents, Lou's disliking towards his nurse, even constant calls from Ron who pleads for Dana to return. Dwayne gives Paradise a tour of the town which also creates a strange trust between the two. Paradise listens to Dwaynes struggles with his sisters profession and makes him understand her situation. Meanwhile, Valerie has openly admitted that the family kept Lou's cancer a secret from Dana for the last 4 years which causes Dana to hate herself for her actions, but it's the mother/daughter connection that helps the two get through their personal troubles. Everything was clicking until a sudden death brought the family back to reality, the death of Valerie. Her suicide note included that she felt she lost control over everything, her husbands sickness, her daughters profession, it was all too much. Dana knows that times are down and are about to get worse, but this experience alone will make up for the missed years.

What the Press would say:

"Exposed" is the latest tragicomedy from director of "Junebug", Phil Morrison. This film has everything we look for in a small time production project with great actors and a real to life script. First and foremost to get the full effect of this story you have to picture yourself in the situation, how would you feel if someone you knew, family or friend, was a porn star? Because in reality these people do exist and this film focuses on the way they handle their situations, with the help of the writer "Love Actually", Richard Curtis, this is Morrisons bread and butter. Another brilliant insight on this film is there is no nudity, not one ounce. Morrison doesn't need sex appeal or excessive nudity scenes, the profession and point comes off strong enough due to the spot on dialogue and conflicts with each character. Morrison also puts together another great ensemble of ordinary yet fresh characters. Jacinda Barrett shines as the leading actress playing Dana Black. The people of the town look up to her as a celebrity while her family has been tormented by it for years. As complex as this role, Barrett is in complete control. You can feel her mutual feeling towards her parents through her expressions and dialect, the kind of woman that just screams for her loved ones to want to understand her. While very gritty at times is Barrett, she pulls off the sweet and loving transition through the film as good as anyone we've seen. Next is her blue collar family. Her father is played by long time vet Dennis Hopper. Several people can relate to Hoppers character, the old time relative that was raised in a different time frame hence making them quite impartial towards people of color. Hopper not only makes us crack with his cunning and satirical humor but love and emotion as well. His sickness doesn't bother him as much as his neglection towards his one and only daughter. Miranda Richardson plays the devoted house wife and discouraged mother. You can tell her soul belongs to Lou and her undeniable shame towards Dana. 2 of the most powerful and emotional scenes involve Miranda, one of them being the only time where her and Dana seem to forgive each other and share that mother/daughter moment and everything seems alright for once. The other scene being when Dana finds the body of her helpless mother. A scene that will be defining in Barretts career which in time is paved by Mirandas performance. And finally we have Embeth Davidtz, the only actress Morrison brought back from Junebug. Davidtz is the long time companion of Dana, she's comical, lights up the room, and makes everyone feel good around her. Being in a secluded town does make her feel like the elephant in the room but her natural kindness is the key to her performance. Her scenes with Dwayne are top notch with terrific comedy delivery and open hearted.

Overall this film should open some eyes in the film community. A true to life story of family struggles and relationships with heartbreaking yet touching conclusions, not by the book. For a small film there are heavy themes surrounding it. "Exposed" is staunchly resistant to sentimentality or to giving us an unqualified happy ending. We're led to believe Lou will pass so we prepare ourselves throughout the entire film, but Curtis throws the curve ball and gives us a more sombre death that we didn't prepare for, making it harder on ourselves. Family dysfunction at its cleverest, a new and original look on an outsiders tale and how it affected the people around her, and herself.

FYC:

Best Picture - Richard Curtis, Albert Berger
Best Director - Phil Morrison
Best Actress - Jacinda Barrett
Best Supporting Actor - Dennis Hopper
Best Supporting Actress - Miranda Richardson
Best Supporting Actress - Embeth Davidtz
Best Original Screenplay - Richard Curtis

Extradition

Author(s): Pat
Location: NY

"Extradition"

Directed By Edward Zwick
Written By David Benioff and John Logan
Produced By Edward Zwick, Tom Cruise, Kathleen Wagner

Main Cast

Mark Wahlberg (Nathan Ardeth)
Uma Thurman (Melanie Briarman)
Mark Ruffalo (Alex Briarman)
Harrison Ford (Carter McDermott)
John Lone (Sonny Yong)
Rick Yune (John Zheng)
Michelle Yeoh (Li Zhi Zheng)
Bradley Whitford (Barney Dillard)
Michael C. Hall (Vince Catalan)

Tagline: "Right and wrong are determined by morals, not the law"

Synopsis: Alex Briarman (Mark Ruffalo) is one of the most prominent businessmen in America. He owns and runs a popular pharmaceutical company that uses herbs and ancient remedies to combat some of the most vicious modern viruses. Alex’s home life is one that dreams are made of. He has a beautiful wife, Melanie (Uma Thurman), and lives in a glorious mansion outside of San Francisco. But Alex isn’t as wholesome as the world thinks. After returning from a business trip to China, Alex is arrested at the airport and held by Chinese officials for kidnapping, raping, and murdering an 11-year-old girl. As a gesture to strengthen international relations, the U.S. government allows China to take Alex into custody and extradite him to their country.

Melanie decides to go to China to fight the charges with Alex’s best friend, Nathan (Mark Wahlberg), who also believes that Alex is innocent. Nathan thinks that Alex is being set up by a rival drug company run by Vince Catalan (Michael C. Hall), a former friend, who wants to take over Alex’s drug supply in China. Once overseas, Nathan and Melanie seek the help from American ambassador Carter McDermott (Harrison Ford) but are angered when he admits that he has been ordered not to interfere with the case. Carter instead gives them his legal associate Barney Dillard (Bradley Whitford) because he is familiar with the Chinese legal system. It is then that Nathan and Melanie learn that the case is to be brought to the Supreme People’s Court under Chief Justice Sonny Yong (John Lone).

Nathan and Melanie race to find answers when Alex could be sentanced to death for the crimes he is being accused. They confront the girl’s parents (Ricky Yune, Michelle Yeoh) and learn that they claim Alex kidnapped them and made them watch as he brutally killed their daughter. They meet with Vince Catalan and question him about his involvement. They’re suspiscions grow when they find Catalan and Carter McDermott in a meeting with Chinese officials. But everything changes with a startling revelation from Alex.

“Extradition” is a tense, dramatic story about the ignorances of corporate nationalism, the importance of morals and justice, and the drive of a loved one’s determination.

What the Press would say:

Edward Zwick, the acclaimed director of “Blood Diamond” and “Glory”, returns to the big screen with his new film “Extradition”, a political thriller about a man accused of committing a horrible crime in China. Mark Wahlberg leads an all-star cast as the best friend of the man who is charged with murdering a girl while on a business trip in China. Wahlberg departs from his usual brash act to play a quiet businessman who only wants to see his friend free. Uma Thurman co-stars as the accused’s wife who travels to China and goes to great lengths to get her husband out of a deplorable jail. Her heartbreaking turn is more than enough to bring a tear to the audience’s eye, especially during the film’s final act when a devastating secret is revealed that shatters everything she knew. Television veteran Bradley Whitford steals scenes as a foul-mouthed lawyer who decides to help even though it could mean his dismissal. His courtroom rants are good enough to rival Gregory Peck’s award-winning role in “To Kill A Mockingbird”. Chinese film star John Lone delivers an amazing performance as the judge who decides if the accused will live or die. His defiant narcissism permeates every scene he is in. Michelle Yeoh is moving as the grieving mother who claims she was forced to watch her daughter raped and murdered. Her court scenes are her best when she speaks in her native language and breaks down with her husband at her side. Mark Ruffalo steals the show as the center of attention with his calm, suspiscious demeanor and obvious sense of hatred towards the Chinese. The best moment of the film comes at his hands when he reveals a piece of information that changes the course of the entire film. “Extradition” is a thriller game of secrets and morals that will bring a tear to the eye and a shock to the brain.

FYC

Best Picture
Best Director-Edward Zwick
Best Original Screenplay
Best Actor-Mark Wahlberg
Best Actress-Uma Thurman
Best Supporting Actor-John Lone
Best Supporting Actor-Mark Ruffalo
Best Supporting Actor-Bradley Whitford
Best Supporting Actress-Michelle Yeoh

Forged by Fire

Author(s): Joshua
Location: NY

"Forged by Fire"

Directed by Spike Lee
Written by Antoine Fuqua
Produced by Spike Lee & Taylor Hackford
Based on the Novel by Sharon Draper

Main Cast

Don Cheadle - Jordan Sparks
Malcolm David Kelley - Gerald
Jada Pinkett Smith - Monique
Diahann Carroll - Aunt Queen
Lauryn Alisa McClain - Angel

Tagline: "Face your Demons"

Synopsis: From the acclaimed novel by Sharon Draper comes Forged by Fire. The film tells the story of Gerald who grew up with his drug addicting mother , Monique. One could say that Monique is a no good mother. She did drugs in front of her son , she yelled and hit him in public and left him alone in the house most of the time. One day Gerald was playing with a lighter he found and accidentally lit the drapes on fire. Help came fast , but Gerald could've died. Gerald is quickly taken away from his mother and put into the care of his elderly Aunt Queen who is disabled, stuck in a wheelchair but she cares for Gerald. She teaches Gerald everything that Monique never did, and Gerald felt happy by her side.

Years have past, and Gerald is in his teens. Aunt Queen is much older and not in good health. One day Gerald noticed she didn't wake up. She had died the night before in her sleep. Gerald, who just lost the one person he cared about in the world now had to go back to the life he once feared. There's no doubt that he wondered if his mother had changed her ways. Once they meet for the first time in years , they don't even hug. Monique wasn't alone. She now had a boyfriend named Jordan Sparks and a daughter , Angel. Gerald found that Angel was very sweet and he didn't mind having a step-sister , but Gerald was very disturbed by Jordan's presence. He reeked of cigarettes and drank all day , plus the drugs. He would demand Monique and Angel around and ignore Gerald. He would also let his fist do the talking. As days went by Gerald couldn't bare to see his mother go through the horror of Jordan. When Gerald found out about Jordan's sexual desires towards Angel , he knew he had to do something. Telling Monique didn't help , all he got was a slap in the face. Monique was clearly blinded by foolish love , So he had to go to the police. Jordan was of course given time. Gerald felt free without Jordan being around , he even saw that his mother was slowing down on her drugs. Gerald joined the basketball team at school and was very sucessful at it. But that happiness wouldn't last long. After months have past , Jordan is out of jail , and is back with Monique. Jordan hasn't changed one bit. He still takes the drugs , the liquor , and he still tries to bribe Angel to sex games. Gerald has had it and in an attempt to make him stop a physical confrantation occurs , leaving one dead.

What the Press would say:

Forged by Fire is clearly one of the best. The cast shines. Don Cheadle is outstanding as Jordan Sparks , a role like no other. He plays a man with no feelings. a man who's only concerned about his needs, and what's worse is that Sparks knows he is hurting lives, but of course one cannot stop the drugs and alcohol over night. Jordan will continue with his anger and will eventually cause his horrible fate. Malcolm David Kelley is remarkable as Gerald , a young boy who grew up feared and confused , and years later had to face those demons once again. But the performances that steal the show are the ones by Jada Pinkett Smith and Diahann Carroll. Jada in a role one couldn't even imagine her in , is great and deserves many recognition, She plays a woman who obviously didn't have a great childhood, she probaly was never loved or cared for as a child, so she treats her own son the same way and meets a man who beats her, but blinded love and fear is the only thing in the way of her breaking it off. The same recognition could be given to Carroll's performance. She is outstanding as Aunt Queen , a elderly woman who showed a young boy how its like to be cared and protected for. Even though she had to be very strict sometimes, she stills manages to give Gerald a life she knew he had never had. Spike Lee once again delivers a triumph.

FYC
Best Picture
Best Director - Spike Lee
Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Don Cheadle
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Jada Pinkett Smith
Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Diahann Carroll
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Casting Choice - Jada Pinkett Smith

Gone Since November

Author(s): Chris Perkins
Location: Illinois

"Gone Since November"

Directed and Written by James Mangold
Adapted from the book "America's Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis"
Distributed by Miramax Films
Music by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
Edited by Tariq Anwar
Costume Design by Sandy Powell
Makeup by Christine Beveridge

Main Cast

Jeanne Tripplehorn as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Alfred Molina as Aristotle Onassis
Mira Sorvino as Tina Livanos
Emmy Rossum as Christina Onassis
Dylan Walsh as Teddy Kennedy
Lisa Zane as Maria Callas
Justin Baldoni as Alexander Onassis

Tagline: "Love. Loss. Tragedy"

Synopsis: October 17th, 1968. It is announced that former First Lady and Greek shipping billionaire, Jacqueline Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis, plan to wed. News of the soon to be marriage is an astonishment to the public, a feeling of dismay from the couple's families, and a delight for the ever rampant paparazzi and tabloid magazines. It is a time when many are still grieving over the loss of one its shining Democratic hopefuls, Robert "Bobby" Kennedy, who was shot and killed in the Ambassador Hotel in L.A. just minutes after winning the state primary, and over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Many are surprised to hear about the future wedding of Kennedy who still see her as a mourning widow who devoted her time to honoring the memory of her late and beloved husband. But behind closed doors, it's more raw and personal.

Flashback to June 5th, 1968. Bobby Kennedy has just been murdered. Jackie Kennedy is about ready to give up on the country she once knew, America. It wasn't but five years before that her husband was killed in Dallas, Texas by her side while they rode in the back of a car waving and greeting fans, reporters, and fellow politicians alike. She has become very bitter, depressed, and on the verge of a mental breakdown. It isn't soon that she phones in former colleague ,Aristotle, to ask for his care and protection. Throughout the rest of the summer, Jackie, her two kids, and Senator Teddy Kennedy aboard Onassis' yacht for a fine time to getaway from all the media that constantly follows their shadows. During the trip, it becomes apparent that Kennedy and Onassis have feelings for one another. They understand each others need for love and security. Teddy, the younger brother of John and Bobby, tries to convince Onassis not to propose marriage to Jackie due to how the public and press would take it. Onassis already had a notorious past. He paid the U.S. Government a $7 million fine after being indicted on criminal charges, he flaunted his tumultuous love affair with opera star Maria Callas, and his two children, Alexander and Christina, hate his guts over the divorce he and his bitter wife Tina had.

But Teddy's plea is no use. The couple wed just days after their engagement is announced. Unfortunately though, Jackie and Aristotle's rich and luxurious relationship is soon plagued with many complications and tragedies. Alexander and Christina hate their new stepmother and they constantly bump heads, Ari's relationship with Jackie is hurt after the death of a loved one which ends with him turning to old flame, Callas, for support, The Onassis' marriage drifts towards divorce, Christina attempts suicide, and Jackie tries to raise her growing children as she deals with her dysfunctional marriage and life as the memory of her slain husband reminds her of the life she once had before that fateful November day.

What the Press would say:

"Gone Since November" is an amazing piece of work. Never has there been a film that actually touches the inner core of the human soul and yet satisfies every major standard a critic or audience member may have. The film is pitch perfect in every way. The performances are superb, the directing and writing is excellent, and the emotion is very powerful and rings true to many who may or may not have lived during the time the film is set. James Mangold wrote and directed this impressive film in a way many may not have been able. He brings a whole different element to the so-called routine biopic and shows that these characters are real human begins who deal with hard hitting issues in their lives. Jeanne Tripplehorn gives an outstanding performance as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady whose life changes after that fateful November day. Tripplehorn is a force to be reckoned with and shows real complexity to this role. The viewer understands every move this woman makes. She is sad and depressed and needs someone or something in her life to make her complete. She's truly amazing and is much deserved of recognition. Alfred Molina stars as the Greek shipping billionaire, Aristotle Onassis. A man whose life has never been anything but infamous. This is a man who loved and cared for his wife and children but was not able to stop caring for the woman he truly loved. Molina deliverers a fantastic supporting performance. He goes deep inside this character's mind and brings him to life in the most terrific way possible. "Gone Since November" is a gripping, riveting, and divine masterpiece that should be called the best of the year.

Awards Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director - James Mangold
Best Actress - Jeanne Tripplehorn
Best Supporting Actor - Alfred Molina
Best Adapted Screenplay - James Mangold
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Makeup

Grosse Point

Author(s): Alfredo
Location: NY

"Grosse Point"

Directed by David Frankel
Written and Produced by Darren Star
Art Direction by Tom Warren
Set Direction by Lydia Marks
Costume Design by Patricia Field

Main Cast

Amy Adams as Hunter Fallow/Becky Johnson
Rachel McAdams as Courtney Scott/Laura Johnson
Isla Fisher as Marcy Sternfeld/Kim Peterson
Al Santos as Johnny Bishop/Brad Johnson
Leonard Roberts as Quentin King/Stone Jackson
Kyle Howard as Dave "The Stand In"
Alec Baldwin as Matt Anders/Dad
Amy Sedaris as Hope Lustig
Bill Hader as Rob Fields

Tagline: "When the director yells 'cut', that's when the real Drama begins"

Synopsis: Welcome to Grosse Pointe. Here the houses are super big. The cars are super fast. The girls are super hot. The guys are super studly. The parents are super understanding. The clothes are super trendy. The kids are all super smart. Everyone and everything in Grosse Pointe is just super...FAKE. That's because Grosse Pointe is the widely popular teen drama on the UBS network starring a cast of questionable actors.

Leading the cast is Hunter Fallow (Adams), a chain smoking, booze drinking, coke addicted Diva who plays squeaky clean Becky Johnson. Johnny Bishop (Santos) plays Becky's brother Brad Johnson. Bishop is a narcissistic air head underwear model turned actor who allows his stoner, surfer dude buddy Dave (Howard) to live in his trailer while he works as Johnny's stand-in. Matt Anders, a former teen idol with a secret, plays Becky and Brad's dad.

The Show is now in its fourth season and although it still gets huge ratings, the network decides to spice things up by making some additions. First they hire Rob Fields (Hader), a young director whose creativity keeps being thwarted by the demands of the newly appointed executive producer, Hope Lustig (Sedaris) who feels that the men on the show should never be fully clothed when they can help it. The last addition comes by way of Wisconsin. Courtney Scott is a fresh faced, wide-eyed actress hired to play bad girl Laura Johnson, Becky and Brad's cousin. At first, Hunter is not bothered by Courtney's presence but soon enough Courtney starts appearing on the cover of magazines, starts to get more fan mail, a better wardrobe and even a bigger trailer. The final straw for Hunter is when Courtney received an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Adolescent Programming Longer than 30 minutes but not exceeding 1 Hour. Now Hunter is determined to ruin Courtney's career, regain her position as Alpha Dog on "Grosse Pointe" and won't let anyone or anything stand in her way.

What the Press would say:

Director David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) and writer/producer Darren Star (Sex and the City) team up to bring us "Grosse Pointe", an uproariously funny film adaptation of the short lived television series by the same name. The film follows the behind the scenes antics of the cast and crew of the Teen Drama "Grosse Pointe". The actors portraying the characters are way too old to be cast in a teen drama but they're supposed to be. The film is a satire of all the teen dramas like "Dawson's Creek", "One Tree Hill", "The O.C." and the granddaddy of them all "Beverly Hills 90210". These shows would hire actors that were well into their 20s to play high school students. The film takes it one step further and has actors in their 30s playing actors in their 20s who play high school students. There are some great scenes with Leonard Roberts (TVs "Heroes", Drumline) where they question his age.

The entire cast is great. They don't miss a beat in this witty, sharply written comedy. Although the entire cast hits the mark with the deadpan humor; the stand out performances are delivered by Amy Adams, Isla Fisher and the scene stealing Amy Sedaris and Alec Baldwin. Amy Adams is Fantastic as Hunter Fallow, a demanding Diva with a capital "D". The wonderful thing about the performance is that Adams never goes over-the-top with the performance which with a lesser actress could've been possible considering the subject of the script. Adams keeps Hunter Fallow's antics grounded in reality and super funny. She's the one we love to hate. Isla Fisher is terrific as Marcy Sternfeld. She is easily one of the hottest women on the st but is neurotic and whinny and allows Hunter to use her as her own personal doormat despite claiming to be her "BFF". The best scenes with fisher are when they show clips of "Grosse Pointe" (which by the way you can tell all the actors had fun hamming it up during these scenes.)

With relatively smaller roles than the rest of the cast, Amy Sedaris and Alec Baldwin make their scenes memorable. Amy Sedaris as Hope Lustig is knee slapping funny. She delivers her lines with gusto. Totally believable as a horny network executive. Alec Baldwin as Matt Anders will have you in tears whenever he is on-screen. Doing what he does best, Baldwin brings great depth to this otherwise one dimensional character of "Dad" who is secretly gay and is in love with his on screen son Johnny Bishop (Santos).

This film is funny, hip and edgy. Hopefully the Academy will take notice of this comedy. In the past comedies don't normally fair well at the Oscars with the rare exception. "Grosse Pointe" is one of those rare exceptions.

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actress - Amy Adams
Best Supporting Actress - Isla Fisher
Best Supporting Actress - Amy Sedaris
Best Supporting Actor - Alec Baldwin
Best Costume Design
Best Art DIrection