'Body of Lies' Review

Russell Crowe as Ed Hoffman and Leonardo DiCaprio as Roger Ferris in Body of Lies. Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/body-of-lies/25139/main

I'm a big fan of director Ridley Scott's movies, even his less successful ones. Why is Body of Lies doing poorly at the box office? Is it because audiences are shying away from movies about Iraq regardless of good reviews or this one is a bit confusing if you don't follow it closely? You would think that casting two popular & talented actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe should have been enough of a draw but this pairing didn't overcome the subject matter and complicated script problems.
DiCaprio plays a zealous CIA agent stationed in Iraq who uses everyone to find an elusive terrorist while his manipulative boss played by Crowe uses him and everyone for the same goal. Both men have different ideas and ideals which are on display as they constantly clash over the phone and in person. These two performances are worth watching and the rest of the cast is good too, especially Mark Strong as a Jordanian security officer who expects both men to play by his rules in his country. As he says, friendship goes a long way in his part of the world as well as good manners, something they learn the hard way when one of our stars is now on the receiving end of torture.
There's plenty of killings, explosions, chases, and grisly torture scenes edited for their full impact as one expects with visuals in a Ridley Scott movie. A budding romance between DiCaprio and an Iranian nurse is nicely worked into the plot, adding another spin on the class of cultures. The plot needs to be followed closely or you will be lost keeping track of events. Expect a bit of Middle Eastern stereotyping of villains but that's what you expect in this kind of story. DiCaprio keeps getting better with better roles that continue to develop his acting skills. Crowe put a lot into his performance too, as in gaining several pounds to make him look more like a bureaucrat who gave up running around in the field like DiCaprio.

'W.' Review

W. is Oliver Stone's latest presidential meditation featuring Richard Dreyfuss and Josh Brolin. Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/w/32645/main

Although I'm a registered Republican, I'm no fan of George Bush and his administration. He will go down in history as one of our worst presidents for his bad decisions. Nobody wished 9/11 on him and we were all behind him on his war on terrorism until he got us involved in Iraq, a mess we cant easily vacate. When I saw the above trailer for W. I told many that the IRS would be auditing its director Oliver Stone for the next 20 years. Here Bush is portrayed as a buffoonish party animal. Since it's an Oliver Stone film I expected dubious history like in JFK or for him to come down hard like in his Nixon.
After seeing W. I'm not sure if this movie is a faithful portrayal of Bush or a comedy or a satire; it's probably a combination of them. I get the impression that Stone started out as a surreal satire but changed his mind to make him more sympathetic. The trailer is misleading as he's not always the fool or easily manipulated by his Cabinet. Yes he says a lot of dumb things, but he stands by his convictions when he feels he's right. The story hinges on simplistic Freud as reckless young George tries to live up to his tightass Daddy's expectations and is always compared to his successful brother Jeb. Barbara the Dragon Lady offers no support so it's up to his faithful Laura who keeps him on the right path.
The casting is amazing at times as certain actors resemble their characters. Richard Dreyfuss can be Cheney's twin and Josh Brolin is uncanny as Bush. Elizabeth Banks' performance as his kind and supportive wife is a tribute to the real Laura Bush we see on TV.
Those who detest Bush will enjoy the comic elements, especially the use of songs to punctuate the procedings, while his supporters will like the scenes where he overcomes the wild ways of his youth and stands up against his father and his Cabinet. Maybe this is what Stone eventually wanted, to please everyone in the audience. However you feel about Bush, you will find something here to relate to in W.

'The Duchess' Review

Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-duchess/32364/main

The Duchess has been tauted for its parallels between events in the life of the titled character, Georgiana Spencer with those of her famous descendent, Princess Diana. Both wed men above them in station and were denied of love as they took a back seat to their husband's infidelities. Both women were regaled for their fashion sense and became more popular to the dismay and possible jealousy of their cold fish mates who drove these women into the arms of others. You can read more about it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/movies/moviesspecial/07kant.html?_r=1&ref=movies&oref=slogin
Forgetting current events, this is a grand costume drama lavish with details of dress and decor, great photography and a moving score by Rachel Portman. The actors are perfect for their roles and seem like they were born into their costumes. Kiera Knightley brings a determination to her role as a defiant wife trapped in a cruel marriage and society's rigid rules. Ralph Fiennes once again shows why he is one of Britain's finest actors. His reptilian performance as the Duke gets much mileage out of a stare or a sneer as well as his occasional outbursts. Like Georgiana, he's a prisoner of his social position and who's only interested in achieving a male heir instead of satisfying her needs. Added to this volatile marriage is Hayley Atwell who begins as Georgiana's live-in friend, becomes the duke's mistress, and ultimately her ally. She probably was the best thing in the recent remake of Brideshead Revisited, which worked better if you were unfamiliar with the novel and the miniseries. It's OK for the duke to have his women, but when Georgiana begins an affair with an old friend, he threatens to destroy their lives. The duke is a powerful adversary and not one to have as your enemy as they soon learn.
Other notable performances include Charlotte Rampling looking matronly as Georgiana's wise and ambitious mother and Simon McBirney as a crafty politician. Everyone here has their place in society including their servants whose expressions add a silent commentary to the action. It's saving face and position that seems to be the theme of this story. Those who don't follow the rules of outward appearances are crushed by them.

CD Alert: Closer: The Best of Sarah McLachan

Like my darling Joni Mitchell, here's another multi-talented Canadian singer/composer/guitarist/pianist who has her own style. If you like her music or aren't familiar with it, this new CD is for you. All her well-known songs are here as well as others that are just as good, including two new ones. Mellow might be a good way to describe her songs but in a good way.. McLachlan's vocal delivery moves from breathy to high trills with equal panache. She's never overpowering but takes command as she sways you along with her words & music.
There's a deluxe 2 CD edition with more songs but this one is fine. It's a good companion to her live Mirrorball CD that includes her hits and others not on this one. She's overdue for a new CD so let's hope the critical and commercial reaction to Closer will be the needed stimulus.

Remember.... Donovan?

Then.... and Now.

I was a big Donovan fan from his beginnings in the '60's but lost track of him after his limelight faded in the '70's when his type of music was pushed aside. A few years ago I learned that he's been performing & recording forever and soon I hunted down his CDs I missed. Three years ago I finally saw him perform and you can read about this wonderful concert as an older entry at the beginning of this site.

Above are two recent DVDs, the one on the second left is a recent concert showing how his voice hasn't changed much in over forty years. The one to the right is a new documentary with concert footage, interviews, etc. from over the years which will be a XMAS gift unless I purchase it sooner. If you are interested in hearing his music, I will recommend good starting points. He will be releasing a new CD called Ritual Groove so there's another one to add to my collection. Meanwhile check out his website at: http://www.donovan.ie/

'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' Review

Chloe, voiced by Drew Barrymore, performing the title role in Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Watch the Trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/beverly-hills-chihuahua/29987/main

I usually wouldn't see a movie like this because our son outgrew the Disney family fare. Since my wife who owned a chihuahua sorta forced me to see it and it's the kind of movie Mom would also enjoy, I reluctantly went with them since there was nothing else we all wanted to see. Well let me say I really did enjoy this amusing comedy. The audience was filled with young families who applauded during the moments when good stuff happened to the forlorn pooches.
Many famous Latino actors voice the dogs with some funny lines while Drew Barrymore sparkles as the spoiled, snobby pet Chloe of the title who learns a life lesson the hard way when she's stranded in Mexico and needs the help of other dogs less fortunate to get home. There's a parallel story about Piper Perabo, Chloe's dogsitter, learning not to think so much of herself and not to be prejudiced. Since it's a Disney film, our heroine and four-legged friends are in peril but only for brief moments with last minute-rescues. What could be excruciatingly cute in a kiddie movie was actually funny. The soundtrack loaded with good Latino music adds the right editorial comments during the plot.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua is fine family fare, a good time for dog lovers, and damn that Jamie Lee Curtis, as Chloe's owner, looks damn good at 50....