Miracle at St. Anna
Disapointing effort from Spike Lee. The plot is shallow and unaffecting, Spike’s directing, surprisingly, is clumsy and derivative. Only good scenes are the interactions of the black soldiers, which is what Spike really does well. Can’t believe this film was directed by the guy who made Do the Right Thing. Too bad. *
Splice
Lame science fiction film about a scientist couple who create a creature from animal and human DNA. Sarah Polley is pretty good as the emotionally disturbed half of the team, but she and Adrian Brody are both completely unbelievable as scientists. Not only that, the plot is riddled with huge narrative lacunae, and sensationalism rather than real impact. Waste of time. *
Three Resurrected Drunkards
Really odd, madcap 60s Oshima film about Korean refugees trying to sneak into Japan. Seems to be structured on a traditional Japanese legend or myth. Much two nonsensical and slapstick for me, but very well executed. **
Japanese Summer: Double Suicide
1967 Oshima film that brings gangsters, teenagers, a man seeking the perfect death, and a voluptuous, sexually-profligate woman together in an absurdist, stylized exploration of the death compulsion in Japanese culture. Beautiful filming, especially in the abandoned factory. Odd but good. **
Sing a Song of Sex
Strange, even surreal, 60s film about four sexually starved high school graduates who get lost in the Anti- Vietnam war movement, the history of bawdy folk songs, and their own emotional and political apathy. Again, Oshima’s very inventive directing, but a little weird. **
Violence at Noon
60s Japanese film by Oshima Nagisa that follows the trajectory of a serial rapist and murderer’s origins and the two women who protect him. Inventive directing of an interesting and very-well acted exploration of personal and social decay. **
Pleasures of the Flesh
60s Japanese film directed by Oshima Nagisa about a man who spends a fortune he has been entrusted to guard on the pleasures of the title. His plan goes wrong, and he can’t find the emotional bonds he really wants until he is betrayed. The descent into excess doesn’t bring the expected reward. Excellent for the period. **
Pusher II: With Blood on My Hands
Danish film propelled by the outstanding acting from Mads Mikkelsen. A mentally challenged, but emotionally pure, son of a crime boss gets out of prison and tries to win the affection of his father. Nothing good could come from that. Very bleak visually and emotionally, but very good. **
A Secret
Excellent French film about a true story of a man who discovers the history of his Jewish family trying to keep away from the Nazis and the sad secret they have hidden for decades. Great narrative, good acting, nicely directed, and deeply sad. Very good. **
Alice Neel
Intimate, informative, personal documentary about the American painter and her place and influence in contemporary art. Wonderful portrait of an artist unwilling to compromise her art and the struggles that creates. Made bu one of her grandchildren. Really, really enjoyed it. ***
Daybreakers
Attempt to add a twist to all the vampire films and books. This time everyone has become a vampire and they’re dying out because there’s no one to feed on. Very badly written with lines the actors seem embarrassed to speak, and plot holes you could drive a blood bank through. Great cast wasted. *
Legion
Really bad “horror” film about the only baby who can save the whole world from, you ready for this…God. Paul Bettany is a very good actor, but he was completely miscast as an action hero for this filmAnd there’s no action. The plot makes no sense, and the effects are third rate. Not even one star.
Tokyo Sonata
Oustanding film about a disintegrating Japanese family that mirrors the disintegration of Japanese culture & society. Very well acted and emotionally difficult to watch, but extremely well made in every way. Ending is a little too bright, but there is still an undertone of darkness. Catch it if you can. **
Iron Man 2
Slightly disappointing sequel to the great Iron Man. Stark is just irritating as he searches for a way to stop the Palladium powering his heart magnet from poisoning him, the stupid Shield gets involved, and there is far more glitz than real action. Against all expectations, Mickey Rourke was very good. Like most sequels, not that great. *
