Gladiator (2000)

All roads lead to Rome and for Maximus, he came, he saw, he conquered!

Universal Studios and DreamWorks SKG in association with Scott Free Productions present…

A story of discovery!

I was never fully aware of the genius who became as one of the most influential and greatest directors of all time; he gave us “Blade Runner”, “Aliens”, “Black Hawk Down”, “Kingdom of Heaven” “Prometheus” and much more! It grants precedence on what projects that he was able to provide the audience, full of admiration as well as reflection in every scene, instance, words uttered are given life in his comportment and it just astounds me every time I watch his films!

A hiatus was intended…marching on!

It all started with a painting and Ridley Scott never looked back! From a French history painter Jean-Léon Gérôme appropriately named Pollice verso which means “Thumbs Down”, it signified the outcome of a fight where it makes a big difference from a swing of a sword, a throw of a spear or a shot from a bow that will decide your freedom or your untimely death!

The Arena, where gladiatorial combats commence; which partakes and signifies to what a meaningless, mindless form of entertainment that has become a part of culture that transcended into generations of bloodshed! This was actually part of history not just for Rome that only serves how people can be so wicked and inhumane!

A tale of betrayal, survival and redemption that came into full circle! A one man’s journey to regain his honor and integrity against a tyrant maliciously ascended to the throne without any compromise nor love for his country! It was out of his reach, a plan that was never meant to be, convoluted even more with his greed for power!

The story captures every single moment filled with unprecedented intrigue and packed with awesome fight scenes! Full of accolades and awards that favored one of the best directed films of all time! Gladiator boasts its talent, extraordinary performances and in which famous lines were inserted to give more meaning to the talent that was brilliantly sublime!

“Your fault as a son is my failure as a father.”

From the late Richard Harris (Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone) as Caesar Marcus Aurelius. To think that reputation meant well for an intended purpose in his Empire, his family and his soldiers! His General who served him without flinching more so his uncontested loyalty was proven incessantly! He made a decision to both sons that have brought forth further anarchy to his homeland! His character was considered as the last of the “5 Good Emperors” and to think they were all adopted!

“What we do in life echoes in eternity!”

Academy Award Winner: Russell Crowe (American Gangster) as General Maximus. Serving his country was by far his main concern as per his duty to his King. How he encompasses his role, being taken away from everything he had ever possessed and loved was truly heart breaking in all aspect of the term.

He gave and captured its very essence of being set to the test draining every bit of his physical, emotional and mental capacity! In spite of these tribulations, he rose by standards like no other and paid homage to the people and his responsibility to give Rome, its people the meaning of existence and learning what it means to survive. Remarkable indeed!

“It’s a dream, a frightful dream… life is…”

Joaquin Pheonix (We Own the Night) as Commodus. Yes, even his line uttered exemplifies his humanity of being an unpleasant man and a coward! This guy seems so underrated but when you watch him perform you will definitely despise him for his portrayal thus it suggests that it worked. Very profound on how he makes it worthwhile for us to see his emotions grasp the character he’s in!

“Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the Emperor of Rome.”

Connie Nielsen (The Devil’s Advocate) as Lucilla. A sister, paramour (perhaps) and a daughter! The last time I saw Connie performed was in “Devil’s Advocate” that was nothing compared to what she has given in this film. Torn between her family and her desire to be assist her former lover has aggravated the tension between the young Emperor and the Gladiator!

“Listen to me. Learn from me. I was not the best because I killed quickly. I was the best because the crowd loved me. Win the crowd and you will win your freedom.”

The late Oliver Reed (Oliver) as Proximo. What can I say with this man? Fantastic! Every time he speaks his lines I applaud it for its intensity! I never realized how talented Oliver was not when I heard from Ridley and the casts own words of how much he puts in his portrayal. Here, he was easy to admire for the character he played was of the same route and his pride and empathy for his Gladiators shows how much he wanted his and their freedom!

To Oliver Reed, one of industry’s best, died while still shooting in Morocco…keep the fire burning, God bless his soul!

Gladiator was meant to be a winner, to take the awards:

Russell Crowe – Best Actor

Douglas Wick, David Franzoni, Branko Lustig – Best Picture

Jancy Yates –Best in Costume Design

John Nelson, Neil Corbould, Tim Burke and Rob Harvey – Best in Effects, Visual Effects

Scott Millan, Bob Beemer, Ken Weston – Best Sound

Director Sir Ridley Scott has proven time and again his mastery over epic cinema that presents the finest in the business from casts to production teams that carried his banner throughout his career! Ridley always captures the most intricate things even the trivial ones that gives him reason to generate fervor and charisma in his undying stories!

He has once quoted that “Hollywood is an industry and not an art form”. True, the former has a post code by which only sets its foundation on money and glamor while true films are made with genuine disposition. Even mere posters of his films deliver its simple and yet inspirational take on the main characters which does not need any obligated stances or exuberant Photoshop techniques …the picture says it all and what the film is all about!

Set from the outskirts of Morocco, burning forests England, Malta the “land of honey” and seemingly idyllic Italy… beautifully shot by John Mathieson with breathe taking scenes and landscapes that indeed captured the scathed battlefields and the glory of Rome!

All I can say is, the film made a great impression providing a better outlook on sword and sandal epics which movie goers had been neglected for the past few years. Sir Ridley makes it happen repeatedly beyond doubt and it’s always worth the wait!

Valkyrie (2008)

“Long Live Sacred Germany!”

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in association with 20th Century Fox, Bad Hat Harry Productions, Cruise/Wagner Productions and Studio Babelsberg present

To mention first, what an outstanding line-up provided by Roger Mussendan and for Bryan Singer in making this film truly remarkable, tragic yes, but with full of pride and dignity!

Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander gave a very well written piece of work, given the facts and how it was relayed was simply amazing! To add, United Artists took part for producing the film, of course Tom Cruise as part owner can be given credit for developing films such as this one with MGM’s blessing!

Music was great! John Ottman is one of my favorites, very precise and coherent in making scenes surreal to the human ears!

A thought provoking film, based on true events suspense thriller!

This is the story of how brave men fought for what is right and for justice not just to Jews everywhere but to all lives that were shattered by a man consumed with malignant despotism and convoluted thinking of the strongest survives!

In the opening credits what puzzles, disturbs me is that an oath was being screen captured with a background of voices, men swearing allegiance to Hitler’s predestined rule. It states:

I swear by God this sacred oath:

That I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, Fuhrer of the German Reich and its people, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

And that I shall at all times be ready as a brave soldier, to give my life for this oath…

On what planet does Hitler and his army acknowledges a God that they have persecuted and for His people, millions that lost their lives from this madman! This is blasphemy!!!

The film will be reviewed, narrowed down per date and location to signify what was documented and give meaning to what has brought this heroism and patriotism from these unfortunate events!

WHO IS CHOSEN?

The German 10th Panzer Division – Tunisia, North Africa

A soldier, an officer of the German Reich bereaved by conscience writes down a memoir of what has become of their actions and what must be done. Torn asunder to protect and serve his country or to save human lives.

Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) finds ways and means to get the remaining soldiers back home safe. In which a sudden attack commenced that left him for dead, riddled in bullets while trying to escape.

This shows how a certain character who endows compassion for his men and his country is brought forth to pursue, to fight what is deemed necessary!

The German Eastern Front – Smolensk, Russia

March 13, 1943

Major General Henning von Treshkow (Kenneth Branagh) awaits the landing of the Adolf Hitler (David Bamber) for a lunch meeting.

Maj. Gen. Treschkow and a cohort is trying to assassinate the Fuhrer with a wine, here we can see the culmination of casting that will be tying ends as we go along with the story!

It’s only a matter of time how their actions will make a difference for the rest of their lives!

Army High Command Berlin

A wrong bottle for trouble, there are plenty of ways to kill the most hated man on Earth but you need more planning and men! Enter General Friedrich Olbricht (Bill Nighy) whose tense disposition and delivery has made his character a little more culpable of doubt and speculations, nevertheless I was glad he was one of the good guys here!

We follow how Colonel Heinz Brandt (Thomas Hollander) while handing over the bottle, he senses an instigated plot, making a gesture of an assassination attempt that keeps Treshkow his abrupt visitor on his feet, careful answers must be uttered for he is threading on thin ice.

First General Military Hospital – Munich, Germany

Nina von Stauffenberg (Carice van Houten) abruptness, answers how she was relieved to see a broken husband, his dignity intact as he wears his uniform and provide medals of honor for his men, we can see how it breaks his heart providing them with pieces of metal while they have lost pieces of their body and their life!

Having said, it is better to be branded a traitor than to live a life of lie!!!

A secret meeting was held in a private residence where a handful of men both from Political undertakings and military officers have banded together to usurp the government of Hitler. These men value more their principles rather than personal gains! Ludwig Beck (Terrence Stamp) and Dr. Carl Goerdelar (Kevin McNally) lead the charge for a clear and swift eradication of the madness of one man and his malevolent army!

So unravelled the story’s premise, Valkyrie maidens of the gods who chooses those who dies in a battle! To connect its purpose, it was a plan that gave reasons of overthrowing the government through cover up of civil unrest or death of the Fuhrer! What follows are making the preparations come into fruition, to streamline operations and execute it with any means necessary!

THE CHOSEN ONES

Reich War Ministry – Berlin, Germany

Gen. Olbricht and Col. Stauffenberg meet with General Friedrich Fromm (Tom Wilkinson), Commander of Hitler’s reserve army, talking sense on what would transpire on the Colonel’s move into the War Ministry and gives hints on what will become on the new order!

Enter, General Erich Fellgiebel (Eddie Izzard) being convinced by Col. Stauffenberg to join their ranks and play a big role in making the assassination go smoothly as possible as he covers the Wolf’s Lair’s communications!

Valkyrie was being edited in an undisclosed place… along with Maj. Gen. Treschkow, handing over the responsibilities and re-iterating that this mission is absolute and there will be no margin for errors!

Sodom and Gomorrah’s sinful ways, Maj. Gen. Treschkow mentioned that Abraham asked God if the cities had 10 people would He destroy them? And God answered no, the only difference for Germany, it may come down to one!

The Berghof – Hitler’s Private Residence

June 7, 1944

Col. Stauffenberg with his Adjutant Werner Karl von Haeften (Jamie Parker) was crucial here since they will be asking the Fuhrer to sign his death warrant (so to speak).

One very important scenario was Hitler’s signing the edited Valkyrie and mentions how it works, for it may be something that suggests preconceived actions taken against him or was it just coincidence…

Meeting with Colonel Albrecht Mertz von Quirnheim was next in phase, here they were able to discuss on how to assassinate Hitler in a meeting held at the Wolf’s lair.

Next was a very emotional scene; we could only feel how difficult it was for him to see his family go while he would never know if he will be able to see them again…

Phase 1 commencing from Ludwig Beck (Terence Stamp) addressing the coup member and what will follow in the next hours!

HEROES FALL

July 20, 1944

Fast forwarded to actual date of commencement. Gen. Olbricht sends a message for the reserve army to be on stand-by!

While Col. Stauffenberg and his 1st Lt. is leaving Berlin to deliver the bombs at Wolf’s Lair…

Back in Berlin, Major Otto Ernst Remer (Thomas Kretschmann) assembles the army and disbands them again stating that it was only a drill!

Very tense moments as things unravel; the bag was left under Hitler’s table and as the explosion went off and a seemed successful assassination, both officers hurriedly back to the airport to leave for Berlin and commence phase 2 which is Valkyrie!

Bendlerblock – 1 AM

July 21, 1944

The failed assassination summed up in the last hours of these men but even so, the fight will continue, one by one all conspirators were hunted down, arrested, judged and executed.

All conspirators were assassinated by a 10 man firing squad and after Gen. Olbricht and Col. Quirnheim fell, he was next in line! But in his Lieutenant ‘s act of loyalty, he took the bullets meant for his Colonel.

Brave men fall but their spirits stand tall as ever!

Unforgettable and heart pounding edge of your seat thriller! There are very few films that provide, exudes desperation and to find a way would be dire for all concerned even sacrificing their own lives just to see their country free from tyranny!

Continuity of what works signify effectiveness on how we provide these reviews, but in order for this to have its efficiency, it will be done not to entertain or just something to read, but to instill perseverance and hope to every individual.

Failures don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.

-Harvey Mackay

All war represents a failure of diplomacy.

-Tony Benn

To understand better Col. Stauffenberg’s involvement and intention, he was born from Royalty and was raised through proper virtues and of Catholicism. I believe that his family, himself was born to safeguard the oppressed and fight the injustice of this mundane world!

Most of us don’t know how Hitler kicked his bucket and I still do mind for this is not of our Lord’s kingdom but instead of man. I’m not saying its futile for us and for those involved, but I know that people will always find a way to liberate, provide freedom time and again for those who are not welcome more so to those who are oppressed by the indignities of hatred!

I believe this is remarkable in its true sense as mentioned it was something that aligned the proclivities of communities, nations, culture around the world that these events in the past we must learn, we must understand or it will be the end of all humanity!

Unstoppable (2010)

What happens when an unstoppable force meets two courageous men?!?

20^th Century Fox in association with Scott Free Productions, Prospect Park, Millbrook Farm Productions and Dune Entertainment present…

In memory of Director Tony Scott.

Southern Pennsylvania…

The opening scene was filled with images of the Yards and trains combined with its eerie background sounds make it look like a horror story! So here we are prepping up the cast, setting in motion key specific characters that would give “life” to the locomotive and its trail of destruction!  This is what I appreciate with the Scott siblings, details are always inclined which is fundamental in the storytelling like locations and dates properly setting up the ambiance for the audience to grasp multi-angle scenarios.

The catalyst was inspired from real events that occurred in Ohio wherein a CSX 8888 Freight Train also known as the “Crazy Eights” incident back in 2001 from which 20^th Century Fox capitalized and as they initially tapped Martin Campbell but later left due to production and financial problems. But they found another more equipped Director for the job! This was the last film the Director Tony Scott (Top Gun) together with a remarkable Writer Mark Bomback (Die Hard 4.0) who made this a truly entertaining premise!

In the film, everyone has a phone call to take which was essentially redundant but needed to relay and inform people to take their jobs more seriously! A rookie who has family issues, a man who forgot his daughter’s birthday, a Yard Officer who calls the shots to get her subordinates to move their ass on the double! On a similar note, like most thrillers they implicate scenarios that need rhetorical questions coming out from the conversation in order to make it more surreal, the energy and the urgency which the dialogue implicates provides enough gut wrenching tension which makes it more ideal to watch!

In another front, the film raises issues about not just accidents happening in the transportation industry but rather to those who are employed to work in these SMEs’ or by huge corporations. While in contrast, instilling the need to have a secure job to help support their respective families it gives light to the implications of labor problems, redundancies and layoffs that affects the livelihood of millions of people across the country and the world.

Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington (Courage Under Fire) is veteran Railroad Engineer from AWVR (Allegheny and West Virginia Railroad) Frank Barnes bitter but gracious trying to keep his job and support his two daughters who are even trying to support their own education by waitressing.

The Director have so much faith in him that he already starred in 5 films making their partnership an unforgettable tandem for Hollywood and Studios to always make a way to capitalize! Nevertheless, who can even question the acting prowess of Mr. Washington himself?

Trains are set in a collision course which carries children, molten phenol, train cars for pick-up and a cargo load of guilt and incompetence coming from a couple of employees. Ethan Suplee (Open Range) as Dewee a Holster working with his “partner in crime” Gileece played by T.J. Miller (Cloverfield) they both made the story realize its ends through “what you reap is what you sow”!

Fast rising actor and soon to be CIA Agent Jack Ryan is Chris Pine (Just My Luck) he portrays a newly hired Will Colson coming in as a Conductor under the wing of Frank. He got his own problems to deal with further convoluting his role, having a mano-y-mano with a heavyweight like Denzel. His acting provides another set piece in his repertoire having seen that he can do comedy from previous projects while traversing into action and drama makes him a an ideal candidate for lead actor in the future!

What will a film be if there are no women to take a stand, some would be a damsel in distress, others will just be a plain squeeze for the hero, supporting roles are underrated but not with Rosario Dawson (Welcome to the Jungle) she is Fuller Station Yardmaster Connie Hooper is spot on for her role strong, determined and steadfast! She spearheads her staff to be on full alert finding the best solution to stop the runaway train from causing further damage, she even contests the decisions of the VP that allows her to become a significant model not just from her subordinates but with the populace as well.

Kevin Dunn (Transformers) as Fuller Operations VP Oscar Galvin, maybe he can ask the Autobots to help talk to their fellow comrade unless it’s a Decepticon that would make it weird! Can you blame the guy? He’s keeping his business and making sure it’s running smoothly (right) while he sits in a posh office on top of a high rise building while conversing with big shots playing golf, the people under his company is doing everything they can to save lives from an inevitable catastrophe!

I don’t mind if there was no in depth character development stating the obvious that the film comprises of very talented people but the main thing was, it focused on a far more “tangible” reason than the actual screenplay for example the lives of people, the experience of having a runaway train, the danger that it may bring to a densely populated town is all in the right position and it amalgamated into this fantastic thriller of a ride film!

Cinematography by Ben Seresin was absolute clear and clean every shot from the town and its landscapes to the rampaging train gives it levity for the viewers to encapsulate and experience! To add, Music was conveyed Harry Gregson-Williams that gives pulse pounding input to every set, dialogue and debris from the train that is running amok!

Like the actual train wreck, the film had financial overturns making Fox request the lead actor and Director to make some sacrifices in terms of their compensation and it still proved volatile for anyone to stop.  So the answer to my question upfront is…no need for capes here, a town is secured and thousands of lives are grateful to these heroes in the real world and so another story was told in the eyes and mind of one of the greats in cinema! With prayers and condolences to Director Anthony David Scott and to his family. May he rest in peace!

The Guardian (2006)

A story about heroism, sacrifice and knowing when to let go!

Touchstone Pictures in association with Beacon Pictures present…

Directed by Andrew Davis (The Fugitive) who also takes pride on getting the usual talents that he has worked with in his previous films, a very few notable names on his list were Steven Seagal and Tommy Lee Jones. After Hurricane Katrina which destroyed a greater part of New Orleans and left thousands without homes, the production team and the writers utilized key moments of courage and humanitarian efforts to instill in the film’s undertakings. Known for his thriller action oriented films, the Director on this occasion takes a dive with the men and women of the United States Coast Guard!

Legendary Rescue Swimmer Ben Randall played by Kevin Costner (No Way Out), in a not your typical work scenario film where you can find it a bit perplexing that your job description is to save lives and your office cubicle is the whole freaking ocean! Kevin has been around the movie industry long enough to call him a veteran, how he commands stage presence in delivering both acting and at the back of the camera is worth watching. On his part, he may have to deal with issues that make his duties as an Officer more complicated seeing the personal side of his experiences gets the better of him and it gets worse from there…

This trauma and a troubled marriage had brought more complications to his life. Ironic, he saves lives and yet he cannot save his own from his personal concerns. So, Coast Guard Captain William Hadley from the talent of the towering Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption) offered two options is either walk out of here or take the desk job at A Point to school some new Coast Guards and to get back on his feet from all his emotional stress.

There were fishermen who were found floating already and seeing that one was presumed alive, Ben came to the rescue but without sacrifice, a tidal wave hurled a massive container and the helicopter comes crashing down pulling the lone survivor into his deathly grave! Nothing can shake the nerves of this hero of the high seas, until one tragic mission. Wanting to save his partner Carl, they were sent a lifeboat before extraction but was a little too late for his best friend and partner!

Enter hotshot and pain in the ass swimmer Jake Fischer who was portrayed by Ashton Kutcher (The Butterfly Effect) a show off, cocky but hilarious guy but you just want to shut up! He goes into training camp and trying to beat every single record that Ben accomplished. Bar fights, casual dating and tremendous work out from the veteran himself gave him some epiphany in his life. Though, there were few insights that Jake made him king of the hill, he never got point from wasting time. Soon all began to unravel when Ben understood what was bothering him and what tragic accident happened that left Jake wanting attention and some direction in his life.

Ben sees Jake as a potential not just in his class but for the rescue team his going to be assigned to, he can be the best of the best if he wanted to, he just need to understand how important his gift was and what reasons are left uncertain for his survival in the car accident with his friends. That goes without saying how Ben kept him on the team for obvious reasons of having that opportunity to be alive and so others may live!

The premise in general was more of a feel good film noting that it had had well talented actors that inspires to be better in spite of the danger in terms of people to be rescued and of their own lives as well. Production just needs to make sure all is secured especially when it comes to drop-offs from helicopters and for the situation of the water as well are all needed to be taken into consideration. They even made indoor pools just to compensate to make it real enough to be felt by the audience of what it’s like to work under these duress situations! On another aspect, Flash Film Works was hired just to recreate the 3D effects with the supervision of Mark Stasiuk while working in Fusion CI Studios.

The premise was like moments of desperation which comes and goes just like a McDonald meal served for the whole day! It was a story that inspires and shows people to never give up and make the best out of their lives no matter how bad the situation is! To the U.S. Coast Guard, truly the unsung heroes!

The Town (2010)

“For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.” – Matthew 6:21

Warner Bros. Pictures in association with Legendary Pictures, Thunder Road Films and GK Films present…

Written and Directed by Ben Affleck (Gone Baby Gone) the film was based on Chuck Hogan’s gripping novel “The Prince of Thieves” which was published in 2004. A story of a bank robber who did not only stole money from the community of Charlestown, Boston but also their values and pride! But that was just the beginning; Ben together with newcomers Peter Craig and Aaron Stockard wrote the Screenplay to convey a part of this city’s facts between “Tunies” and “Townies” in which criminal tendencies for robbery has been passed down from one generation to the next. It was self-oriented, straight-up premise with machismo filled dialogue!

Going back to the point man! Someone is in a roll here, Ben also stars as the film’s highest profiled bank robber Douglas MacRay a seeming nice guy who acts as the de facto leader of an ensemble. Together with his wrecking crew, they meticulously target armored vans with guards that have the least tendency to bite back! He was able to have this character’s bad habits or maybe he had the wrong crowd surrounding him all his life starting with his family; Chris Cooper (American Beauty) is Stephen MacRay, like father like son who has the same line of work while having the demeanor of being compassionate and loyal that makes him more dangerous!

The actor had some moments in his career to shine with the late 90’s “Chasing Amy”, “Good Will Hunting” and “Shakespeare in Love” and reasonably fell on blockbuster films like “Armageddon”, “Pearl Harbor”, “The Sum of All Fears” and his superhero take on Marvel’s “Daredevil”. He had bounced back ever since and fought his way to ante up the game even with his brother Casey and long time friend Matt Damon who both had better offers and projects. Through Directing, Ben was able to provide Hollywood thought provoking stories that gave him accolades and for the public to embrace his work once more!

The film was filled with “Madmen” and Jon Hamm (Stolen) is no exemption! He portrays FBI Special Agent Adam Frawley who literally takes his job seriously; he was a fan favorite to be the next “Superman” though not gaining an audition, he could settle working at street level in fighting crime.

On the other hand, Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) is back in his villainy role since his dog days in “S.W.A.T”, he portrays Doug’s bestfriend James Coughlin the impetuous gang member who never backs down to no one even to his best friend! These two were the best performers in the film, seeing they roam around Boston literally working on both sides of a coin. Relentless and fixated to their ideals they did their parts “to a T” not over the top nor was it cheesy!

The sober but adequate Blake Lively (The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants) at least for this film! Krista Coughlin, a former lover of the lead actor and sister to James who at least I found has the acting capacity and be genuine enough to make it work. She can definitely be into drama where she will find better offers in the next few years. While Rebecca Hall (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) flaunts her career with near perfect portrayals. She portrays a Bank Manager named Claire Keesey, so naive, predictable and most importantly forgiving!

The story was ardently schemed moreover since it was based on a book with crime as its catalyst; there was already a hint of proverbial morality injected to make it additionally interesting. While it succumbed to controversies linking bank robberies in different countries for the past few years, it only suggests how human nature works when it is pushed to its limits!

I used to remember about the famous robber from Australia named Ned Kelly which was made into a film with the late Heath Ledger who had a last stand with the Victoria Police wearing body armor and a head plate. While two of the best actors in film history got on their cat and mouse chase in the prolific film titled “Heat”, a story regarding another bank robber named McCauley played by Robert De Niro which was loosely based on true accounts from former real life Chicago Detective Chuck Adamson and lastly, Johnny Depp portrayed John Dillinger in the film “Public Enemies” with the same Director Michael Mann.

Everybody needs a second chance to be part of society and be absolved from past sins. But not everyone has that same standpoint where each individual walks away thinking that they have paid their dues more so with the people and the law that presents itself when needed. Overall, it was gritty, stunning and ego driven not contemplating on the action plus the drama but rather on its given mindset:  “I’ll see you again – this side or the other!”

Argo (2012)

Ben Affleck provides another “convincingly” gripping and powerfully triumphant film in all aspects…well almost!

Warner Bros. Pictures in association Smokehouse Pictures and GK Films present…

Based on the memoir of an ex-CIA operative titled “Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA” published in 2000 and Joshuah Bearman’s Wired article “The Great Escape” which was released in 2007. The film Argo a.k.a. “Lord of Light” from Roger Zelazny’s 1976 novel who recently won Best Picture for the Academy Awards is a historical drama that depicts the story from the rescue of 6 US Diplomat hostages who were forcibly sheltered at the Canadian Embassy during the Tehran, Iran hostage crisis in 1979.

The man who “assisted” in carrying out the rescue mission was Antonio Joseph Mendez, a former CIA Operative who specialized in disguises and graphical work related to espionage. His talent gave him credit in the Technical Services Division and had tenure with the agency for 25 years. With his creativity and resourcefulness, he finally was able to provide a divisive plan to extradite the Americans from imminent danger with special thanks to the sci-fi film “Battle for the Planet of the Apes”.

Golden Globe and BAFTA Award Winner for Best Director Ben Affleck (Sum of All Fears) this guy has been hauling awards for the past few years! His diversity for juggling writing, directing and acting at the same time did much good for his career considering that his father had the same talent while working in Boston’s Theatre Company. His love for film making had earned him accolades left and right which even gave him bigger offers and projects to work with.

Ben managed to oversee the film’s intricate plot that makes it overwhelmingly intact but   “misinterpreted” in context. While creating a montage of news and media coverage’s key points taken place at the U.S. Embassy to the post hostage crisis reports. He was able to “at least” send a “semi-generalized” view in rapport to the public.

Another award winning quadruple threat George Clooney (Syriana) together with Grant Heslov (Catch Me If You Can) and the Director takes the lead in providing the finances needed to make this project come into fruition. While Best Screenplay was given to Chris Terrio (Damages) who even for the lack of experience helped paved the way for the script to take shape (not to mention its “obscurities”) as well for William Goldenberg’s “golden” efforts in editing 2 nominated films from the same year with a difference of a 3 month span in relation to their respective releases.

Together with some very talented supporting casts, Bryan Cranston (John Carter) as “forged” CIA Jack O’Donell and former co-star of Jennifer Garner (Ben’s wife) in “Alias” Victor Garber (External Affairs) who plays Canadian Ambassador to Iran Ken Taylor. To round it up, veteran Actors Alan Arkin (Escape from Sobihor) portrays fictional Producer Lester Siegel and John Goodman (Masked and Anonymous) is film make-up artist John Chambers. Now, actually 2 of these guys were not real, noting also how ironic for an organization to honor an award to someone who was not actually there seems farfetched and unfortunate!

Here’s the thing, in film making you need to device your own ingenuity and imagination in order for the story to be relayed to the audiences but more importantly when this is being based on true events, the facts should be straightened out plain and simple and at best convey this as closely as possible to what actually happened. This was the same scenario in Ridley’s Scott’s “Black Hawk Down” where a number of soldiers and scenarios were mashed up and sensationalized just to add levity to the intense framework of the story. Argo had the same scenario with too much publicity and criticisms that were thrown at the film and its producers stating the inaccuracies of how the story was told and also why were other countries such as UK, Switzerland and especially Canada were not given “enough credit” for their “initiative” and “crucial” contribution in the seeming cohesive caper. To add, there was no “crucial moments” considered in the imminent last minute escape more so in their actual departure from the airport.

Another aspect is that I have watched Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty” which was based on actual events as well. In terms of getting swept away by the plot and narratives, it was slowly paced until it reached the inevitable climax but still had the necessary input to make the experience surreal in the perspective of the Director and Screenplay. But what I am trying to connect with this story is that both were great in their own way, had real element settings the difference was Ben and his crew had more visually concurrent turmoil and hostility where it had this overwhelming presence of people on both ends of the floor: one group filled with so much anger needs to validate the wrong doings of their former Ruler, bring him to court and be hanged while they still have to resort in killing people in order to accomplish this! On the other end, individuals in the middle of a crossfire fearing for their lives with just the clear intention of getting out of this country alive would just be an understatement.

We don’t need to argue how things turn out and who won and who didn’t. Important thing is we have the understanding certain people gave their time, effort and risking their lives in order to save others. Yes, there were inconsistencies, some important representatives were taken aside and a country was misinterpreted for their actions but this will not stop in the harboring of hatred just to compensate for justice and that is the real sad part of this story.  In finality, with words coming from Mendez’s given lines: “This is the best bad idea we have, sir.” and in response, frankly we still give a damn!

The Debt (2010)

It was almost vindicated by seeking redemption if only the debt was paid earlier!

Miramax Films in association with Marv Films, Focus Features and Pioneer Films present…

Directed by John Madden (Layer Cake) who is known for his crime and heist films like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”. He worked with the Screenplay from BAFTA Winner Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Matthew Vaughn also a Director who in the past few years collaborates with Mark Millar and Bryan Singer for comic book films “Kick-Ass” and “X-Men: First Class” respectively which garnered superior box-office results together with the versatile Author, Writer and Producer Jane Goldman (Stardust).

Based on the Israeli film with the same title in the year 2007 which was Directed by Assaf Bernstein but with different patterns on how they compose the characters and for the story to take shape. Set in for the last 30 years which brought together 3 spies that needs to bring a certain “madman” into justice for his crimes committed against humanity.

East Berlin, 1965…

The responsibility for their country and their mission was the primary objective. Returning home hailed as heroes was etched in both the psychological and physical aspects to the supposedly troika of the Mossad led operation but this was only through mere stories and worse with false ones which lingered too long and  worse too deep! Setting things right, the once courageous agents hide in their shadows of hypocrisy though it was well meant to be great as characters were able to precisely relay by top of the line actors and actresses portraying their roles from two timelines.

Multi-Award Winner Helen Mirren (The Queen) is a distraught mother waiting for her daughter to finish the praises that only makes her more uncomfortable. She is Rachel Singer, you can see right away a scar on her right cheek indicating that somewhere along the way; fate was never kind to her! It was 1997; a book was being launched commemorating the story of 3 people who went out of their way to hunt down a Nazi criminal but not all things are what they seem. Fast rising star and Academy Award Nominee Jessica Chastain (Take Shelter) regarded as one of the best actresses to date brings another unforgettable performance as she portrays a younger Rachel doing her best to fulfill her mission…

Theatre Actor Ciaran Hinds (Road to Perdition) is one part of the given whole, while Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation) plays the younger David Peretz, a man who lost his whole family in the Holocaust which makes him even more determined to be involved in this manhunt until everything went wrong.  Although he was instructed by someone higher to still be an actual hero for his country diligent his intentions maybe, unfortunately the uncompromising Team Leader Marton Csokas (Bourne Supremacy) whose name was Stefan Gold doesn’t seem to grasp his subordinates without getting himself too involved both in camaraderie and intimacy. Academy Award Nominee Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton) proves all that when his regret gets the better of him and even sends his ex-wife to dance with the devil one more time!

Another villain on the run that needs to be mauled down is Jesper Christensen (The Interpreter) who last portrayed the infamous Mr. White of the Organization known as Quantum in the box-office hit “Casino Royale”. An infamous surgeon by the name of Dieter Voegel from Germany’s Third Reich who killed Jews in World War II by the use of pseudo-medical experimentation which were coerced to create better weapons and tactics to win the war wherein these actions led to the Nuremberg Code of medical ethics. Jesper together with the senior casts has time and again given well- performed characters that set the bar a little higher than the rest. His performance was absolutely invigoratingly wicked while setting his timid demeanor that hides a monster that has no conscience.

Typically adapted from a straightforward point of view making the dialogue and the performances grounded as should be. Frankly speaking, this was a star studded cast that had absolute grasp of the story being told though it may have been off put in terms of driving more into the predicament at hand which was redeeming themselves from a sham that is about to go out in the public. Another angle would be was the actual hunt of the German Doctor which should have been the fundamental thought of having the story zero in from the first place.

Having said, the connection with the original film comes into simple terms of changing the names and relationships but not with sequences that was crucial in relaying the premise which was not even compromised seeing that it had the same intention to make it surreal but at least it should have been focused on a different perspective which I have mentioned earlier. While the love triangle arc did not bother me at all but was it necessary? Since coming from its predecessor this was not even elaborated and the film still worked. Maybe something came out of the Writers brainstorming just to get a more dynamic approach for the characters to be able to extend the needed scenarios to prolong the story’s short running time while keeping pace the needed ambiguity and thrills transparently conveying the debt to be paid though it was just unfortunate that certain charges will have to apply in spite trying to correct their errors in an unchecked and unsettled predicament!

Django Unchained (2012)

Revenge is best served cold… just don’t forget to bring an umbrella since its going to “rain” big time!

Columbia Pictures in association with The Weinstein Company and A Band Apart present…

One thing that was evident in these types of films being produced for contention in the annual smorgasbord of award ceremonies is that people line up for the tickets at the cinemas to experience the true talent that these people have to offer, to inform, entertain and  entice whatever the case may be…

After leaving Miramax, co-founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein took matters into their own hands and never looked back. Today, the Weinstein Company never seizes its appetite for hauling award winners year after year they even had Jennifer Lawrence covet the prize in the touching film “Silver Linings Playbook” in the concluded Oscars’. While their strong production credits provided in the film was concomitant and fantastic giving this epic spaghetti western the trump cards it deserves!

The film was directed by and from the Original Screenplay which won his Academy Award, the man himself Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs)! Throughout the years with his career, starting from an actor and becoming one of the most influential directors in the last two decades, he has been known for the Tarantino watermark in which even Adobe can confirm that it’s absolutely his own repertoire! The blood, the violence, martial arts, gun-fu, the panning in of the camera at the actor and especially the revenge premise that always revs up the viewing public to scream for more!

He casted the multi-talented Leonardo Di Caprio (The Departed) one of today’s highest paid actors in tinsel town and known for his exceptional talent that even rivals Robert De Niro’s sublime diversity in portraying characters that truly invigorates the movie masses. He plays the part of Calvin J. Candie a rich and powerful owner of Candyland one of the biggest plantations in Mississippi. The actor made a very rare type of occasion in playing a villain focusing his energy every time he blows his top but having a calm demeanor and smart talk anyone who comes his way!

This guy, the man of the hour and my personal favorite Christoph Waltz (Water for Elephants) who bagged all three awards for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes, BAFTA’s and The Academy Awards reunites with the Director for the second time since “Inglorious Basterds”! I saw the type of acting he displayed in the lack lustred moreover a box-office bomb “The Green Hornet” nevertheless he has this humorous and sincere take on serious situations that I really find so genuinely consistent. David O. Russell should cast him soon in his upcoming projects as well since it is the Director’s main selling point.

But going back to Christoph’s role and performance, he plays a wandering German Dentist who was actually a Bounty Hunter employed by the Government to seek out varmints and bring them back either dead or alive, his name was Dr. King Schultz who needs a “Robin” in his daily adventures! Soon, he finds a group of slaves handled by the Speck Brothers and eureka, Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx (Collateral) portrays the title role, a man given a chance to get back his wife in exchange for his services. Django is the name; he and Dr. King went into a blood trail tracking down individuals in various towns while being trained so he could finally get his revenge to those who have wronged him!

Kerry Washington (For Colored Girls) is the long lost wife Broomhilda Von Shaft, separated from her husband and currently sold to the main antagonist. Kerry has been involved in good films as of late (please don’t include the Fantastic Four films) she carries herself very well showing that drama can be one of her strengths which proved convincingly gratifying. Their love never gave up that it made it sweeter when her man comes to the rescue which is beyond any doubt the end result of the film’s objective…well almost, since there are some more “bullet points” in the agenda of our heroes!     (pun intended)

I think that’s the major parts being tackled, before we forget our hunter is not the only one with a sidekick, even though Calvin had his guns, goons and gold he still has someone to rely on besides all the muscle! Samuel L. Jackson (The Spirit) has crossover time and space to fulfill his duties as an actor occasionally he does B rated films but never fails to impress when push comes to shove! His role was Stephen the caretaker of the mansion, he makes sure everything and everyone is in its proper place when his Master arrives. He whispers wickedly, assesses the motives of guests but annoyingly creeps me out as he stands besides Calvin while repeating his every single statement needlessly!

Though films were made in the imagination of its composite individuals, they do have different ways and means to share it with the audience and be able explore the world of cinema to escape from reality once in a while. That is what Quentin Tarantino did and he was criticized by doing so, in context the African community’s forefathers did went through grueling experiences from forced labor, hunger, torture and even killed for the sake of those who deserved better to walk this forsaken planet. Deprived from anything that would say the least, the point is we are bounded by our hurt and hate which should not be the reasons to inflict it back on those who have given us pain.

The story does that plus much more since it was how the Director sees his horizons, his perception to merely convey awful truths will be his concern to deal with but if it was meant with malice then it will be a different case entirely. The sensitive issues being depicted in the film that allows itself to be projected in the mainstream nowadays are media and the right of speech which runs rampant without compromise. We watch these films to explore the works of these Producers, Filmmakers and celebrities to show how their intentions either being revered or rejected…the die is cast simple as that!

Open Range (2003)

A typical mundane life in the West until someone steps into your property and spits the wrong way for sure guns smoke and bullets will be the last thing you’ll see!

Cobalt Media Group in association with TIG Productions and Touchstone Pictures present

From the novel of Lauran Bosworth Paine of the same title! Open Range gives a wide view look of cattlemen who takes their livestock for an exercise while roaming free to graze the land, its water and grass! While privatized owners who migrated from different countries have another agenda which is to coral their properties and discourage these “minding their own business” cowboys from using their acquired by law resources!

Directed and Co-Produced by Academy Award Winner Kevin Costner (Wyatt Earp) he is Charles Travis “Charley” Postlewaite a sullen former soldier in the Civil War with a haunted past and a Lieutenant to the Boss, he is employed by Bluebonnet “Boss” Spearman an old timer with a heart of gold and integrity that commands respect from his close group of ranchers, played by another Academy Award Winner Robert Duvall (Geronimo: An American Legend) who makes their partnership believable but not effectively translated on screen (but don’t tell anyone his true name otherwise he’ll pistol whip you and chloroform you to death).

BAFTA Nominee James Michael Muro (Flicka) and known for his work in “Crash”, he had a long list of pivotal projects mostly coming from James Cameron’s films. The Cinematographer had given a bird’s eye view of the grey skies thundering over the horizon while encompassing the landscape with sunshine and torrential rains! Working back together with Kevin since 1990 since “Dances with Wolves” they have at least made a decent film with a good setting from the plains of Alberta, Canada that was definitive enough to carry the layout of the story!

Sir Michael John Gambon (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) an Irishman who rules by his shamrock fists! He plays town owner Denton Baxter who despises free-rangers loitering in his turf! Best known for his roles as Albus Dumbledore since 2004 in the Harry Potter series, he had made his character his own, being the main villain he controlled everyone even the law but it doesn’t mean he is above the law! He lets his bullies and bullets do the talking in his posse of a dozen men!

Charley can’t help but stare at the Doctor’s assistant. Smitten by her beauty Annette Benning (American Beauty) who plays Susan Barlow, a bride in waiting for a long time captivates the cattle rancher as soon as he laid eyes on her!  A strong willed woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and her heart (for heaven sake ask the girl out already).

Supporting cast coming from the late Michael Jeter (The Boys Next Door) and Diego Luna (Fade to Black) they play Percy and Button respectively and did very convincing parts for them to get noticed. Michael also worked with Kevin in the underrated post-apocalyptic film Waterworld!

The pacing of the story was drowning in the dialogue which is kind of ironic wherein very few lines were said in the first half of the film. While on the second half, even the Rain got his own character to play, setting up a huge backdrop for the story to be told with meaning and to ante-up the conflict between the two factions. But still, Charley and Boss just “talk” about their never ending plan to get even with the antagonist’s men or just find a way to get out of trouble!

Although, there were verbal quips that can make you rub your eyes from yawning too much and get back in the saddle. It’s not that I’m expecting the gunfight to commence right away but the screenplay was mediocre and the plot was too short to play out coming from simple premise!

On the other end, you can’t help but be frustrated with Charley’s staring and his advances become stale trying to show his inhibitions towards Sue. Now this is where the fun starts Sue started to change her tone upon learning that how his new found man reciprocates his feelings towards her. But since Charley is so busy being too serious and a lover boy, his Boss will deliver the comedic parts to give some enthusiasm going within the pure redundant dialogue since the film started rolling. Waking up their prisoners and serving them morning “music and “breakfast” was definitely one thing you can put a smile at!

The film conveyed the life of cattle ranchers trying to protect their livestock that’s the way their lives come into place and when push comes to shove there will definitely be riddled holes and dead bodies at the aftermath of this range wars which was absurd, scenes like Charley’s fans his SAA (Single Action Army) Colt Cavalry Model Pistol 16 times before reloading while Robert used his 1878 shotgun to blow a hole through a barnyard wall and sends his victim flying on the other side!

It was teeming with expectation from the audience apart from the flow of selected characters that just needs a little more drama and action! Except for the fact it had too much time trying to figure out how to get on with their intended objectives the story only picked the pace when and take another notch when Mose Harris played by Abraham Benrubi (Twister) was sent out to replenish supplies from a nearby town Harmonville but he never came back, he was searched by his friends until they met the town’s Marshall Poole played James Russo (Hidden War)by who seem so eager to make problems under his de-facto tyrant Baxter!

Kevin had his ups and downs in his lifetime work in the industry even taking other ways and means to pass the time like road trips his band Modern West has been making waves in the Country music scene! Here, his direction still needs some work also some balancing of too much or too little dialogue and screen takes. I think that Writers Craig Storper with the Author had a decent adaptation of the novel, it was well intended and story driven just to let it flow carefree while the audience watches nearby to experience the surrealism of a community gone amok without regard for casualties…well you can’t deny if it’s a good day to set things right!

The Constant Gardener (2005)

An unforgettable performance from Ralph and Rachel as they bring a story of compassion, social awareness and love that is so constantly needed in the world right now!

Focus Features in association with UK Film Council, Scion Films and Potboiler Productions present…

Adapted from one of the bestselling and critically acclaimed novels of David John Moore Cornwell   (aka John le Carre) comes The Constant Gardener!  A former spy turned novelist who worked with MI5 and MI6 in his prime. So far, all of his grand works has come into fruition already for the big screen adaptation which includes: The Spy Who Came In from the Cold – 1965, The Tailor of Panama – 2001 and the upcoming film with an all-star cast in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy set for a release in the Fall of 2011.

His vocation entails comparison and contrast at the same time with the timeless Ian Fleming who already made a name for himself before John started his career. They have this innate and intuitive passion for spies but with Ian’s fictional world renowned British Agent James Bond who deals with espionage and missions in an action oriented genre, John on the other hand collaborated more on his own hero George Smiley of the SIS (Secret Intelligence Service) who is inclined on the psychological drama instead!

Another mind numbing performance that not only boasts an outstanding cast but a Production Crew that gave awe-inspiring and brilliantly made films that captured our imagination time and again! Nominated and awarded at the Oscars, Golden Globe and BAFTA (talk about flying colours). (Academy Awards and Golden Globe) for Best Supporting Actress – Rachel Weisz and (BAFTA) for Best Editing – Claire Simpson who gave us her outstanding achievement on the war epic drama Platoon!

From acclaimed Director Fernando Meirelles who brought us “City of God”! To give us more understanding to the film’s plot, another non-linear thriller that let us bring into full circle of past joys and for a tomorrow which we pray never come to engulf our hurts!  Fernando, coming from Brazil gives more in depth analysis as he relates and share to the story a fully grasped understanding on the dealings of its Pharmaceutical companies and how much competencies they bring to the third world countries. By carefully manipulating those who are considered ignorant for self-preservation, he brings in Writer Jeffrey Caine who gives a fantastic Screenplay adaptation encompassing all the details that sets foot on a union of two completely different people across the continents that explodes in a chain reaction of events spiraling from deception, murder, conspiracy and the love of a man who holds the key in solving one of the biggest uproars in history! Set in locations from Berlin, London, Nairobi and especially Kenya where the main story that revolves in this film is guaranteed to open our eyes to the harsh facts about the governments, their plans about commercialism propaganda!

Academy Award Nominees Producer Simon Channing Williams and Photographer Cesar Charlone bring “more food on the table” and with the right collaboration and direction, this novel brings light to what is really happening around the world. Choosing Africa and the conditions they thrive on everyday has been captured immensely by these two very talented crew members!

A British Diplomat by the name of Justin Quayle a man whose zeal for his gardening and for his wife Tessa embraces the journey that he’s about to delve in and perhaps he’s not going to come back from! Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient) is extraordinary as always coming from his role of a more ambitious but incessantly evil “Sorcerer”, he is again brought back to the grounds of a real life VIP (Very Important Passivist) of a country surrounded by so much oppression, greed and power hungry individuals!

His wife, Tessa Quayle is portrayed by Rachel Weisz (The Fountain) a strong woman dedicated to her job by physically being on the hard lines, a humanitarian activist she wants to expose the real truth behind the illegal activities promulgated by a giant company that makes thousands of lives miserable and it’s only the tip of the iceberg! There is a good saying that “curiosity killed the cat” in which case it matters on whom or what got her in this predicament! Rachel has gone a long way of becoming a very respectable and admirable actress in the films she has been involved with and I hope more projects are in store for her!

The supporting casts add levity to the plot and to be honest! Yet, I was never a fan of Danny Huston (Robin Hood) in spite of his genuine acting I still consider him lack lustred for the roles his plays!  He is Sandy Woodrow self indulgent and a scheming Acting Head for the Mission who tries desperately to get what he wants especially condoning with his lust for something more personal! Another VIP (Very Important Prick) is Sir Bernard Pellegrin conspired by Bill Nighy (The Boat that Rocked) a member of the British High Commission and Head of F.C.O (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) for Africa! Working with cynical people does bring home the bacon to so to speak and it is likely in the end that the truth does really hurt!

Outstanding, breath taking, forlorn and mesmerizing! It was intended to be a thriller but ended with a more subtle inclinations towards a love story melded with the corruption of society! No words are enough to describe this film; you really have to think through how this endearing so called marriage got so twisted and its repercussions so intense leaving wakes of shattered dreams and lives! I can only imagine someone would go so far as to compromise the people they love just to accomplish the ends with means even so moral and decent, can never control the general consensus! Someone could easily relate with the Quayle’s and seeing how this would go from end to finish, it will definitely keep you glued on the screen!

For Africa, its communities, children, women and men who survive everyday! I say to you, keep on fighting and keep on living for your dreams and your future. It could never be simpler to say how your hearts bleed with so much pain, the kind of treatment you face as a race is not without question undeserving and with this last statement…no matter how uncertain life maybe you can be certain that you are in our prayers!