|
Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) is an inner-city junior high teacher. He's good at his job: he connects with the kids and engages, no easy feat when history is the subject matter. On a personal level he's got some issues--namely a crack habit. When one of his students, Drey (Shareeka Epps), unwittingly discovers his secret, they find their lives intersecting in ways they could not have imagined. They have an understanding of sorts, both watching out for each other as they navigate their own twisted paths. Things are further complicated when a neighborhood drug dealer (Anthony Mackie) shows an interest in Drey. Dan feels the need to protect her, but he's not really sure that he's the best person to be doling out advice. Sounds like a gimmicky twist on one of those clich� films where the white middle-class teacher helps the poor inner-city kid, but it offers up so much more than that. This film doesn't try to tie everything up in a neat package or provide answers. It just gives us these three well-crafted characters portrayed so flawlessly by Gosling, Epps and Mackie. Half Nelson was what you'd call a sleeper when it was released back in 2006. It was well received by critics but unfortunately only played at a few theaters. With very solid performances and careful handling of sensitive and weighty issues, this is one that deserves a wider audience. | |
|
To the fans of animated film, Hayao Miyazaki deserves to be a household name. Called the Japanese Walt Disney, this name gives you an idea of his popularity, though it might mislead you about his style. To get a sample of the Miyazaki touch, one could hardly find a better introduction than the lovely and whimsical My Neighbor Totoro. When their mother is ill and hospitalized, two young girls move with their father to an old house in the country to be nearer to her. The younger sister, 4-year-old Mei, finds a small creature that looks like a strange cross between a cat and a rabbit in their yard and follows it deeper into the forest. There she encounters a giant version of these gentle forest dwellers, which she later finds out are called Totoro. Mei and her sister Satsuki explore the forest and have adventures with the King Totoro, but those expecting struggles with evil villains as is typical in American animation are going to be disappointed. Miyazaki is more interested in showing the general sense of wonder that is so easily conjured up in children, and the fantastical worlds that lurk on the edges of our own. If he has a message, it is a gentle one that can be found in most of Studio Ghibli's films, respect for the earth and the wonder of nature. Ironically, Disney is releasing many of Miyazaki's animated films, and while the use of dubbing is not always ideal, it does allow one's eyes to fully explore the lush animation. Those who want to can listen to the original Japanese with English subtitles. My Neighbor Totoro is a treasure of animation that will appeal to adults as much as to children. It's a truly magical family film. | |
|
The gothic thriller The Orphanage causes just enough unease to keep you on the edge of your seat for its entirety. Laura (Belen Rueda), Carlos (Fernando Cayo) and their young son have just moved into a large old house, formerly the orphanage where Laura spent part of her childhood, with the intention of running it as a home for special needs children. Since no other children have arrived, Simon has made a number or imaginary friends, or so his parents think, but his strange behavior begins to worry Laura. Simon's disappearance during a party prompts his parents to conduct a desperate search to find him, but Laura begins to believe that Simon's imaginary friends might be more real than she previously thought and closely tied to her own past, as well as his disappearance. Belen Rueda gives an emotional and convincing portrayal of a desperate mother, and there are enough creepy characters to keep the mood of the film ominous. The Orphanage is an excellent ghost story with abundant suspense and a touch of horror. | |
|
Red eye |
From its opening moments wittily cataloging the annoyances of air travel to its outrageous terrorism plot, this taut, tongue-in-cheek thriller is an entertaining B-movie joyride from beginning to end. Leads Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy are two of the best younger actors working, and newcomer Jayma Mays is hilarious as a beleaguered assistant manager of a swanky hotel. Definitely a popcorn movie for a night when you just want to put your feet up. |
|
Underworld |
If you're looking for serious drama and great acting, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a campy, action-filled vampire movie, this is it. Underworld is the story of Selene (Kate Beckinsale) a vampire who has been around for centuries fighting in the war between Vampires and Lycans (werewolves). Up until now she has been a loyal warrior for her vampire coven. Then Michael (Scott Speedman), a human, arrives on the scene. The Lycans are after him, and she wants to know why. Her hunt for answers leads her to some not-so-pleasant truths about her own kind that cause her to question her loyalty. The story of the war between the Vampires and the Lycans is appealing. The action is similar to that in The Matrix, and with a strong female lead the movie is lots of fun to watch. |