Blitz 
Movie based on a Ken Bruen book that I really enjoyed, like most of his other books. As I expected when I saw that Jason Statham was the star, they don’t really get at how evil a character Brandt really is. Paddie Considine was very good, as usual, as the gay cop, and Aidan Gillen was excellent as The Blitz. Not too bad. Glad to see Bruen is getting a wider audience. *

Priest
Surprised that I enjoyed this movie. Paul Bettany was actually believable as the tortured priest, I really liked the art direction and visual presentation, in general, and the narrative, while really thin, didn’t irritate. Have to say though, that if Maggie Q touched my face lovingly, I’d give up pretty much everything. So, not bad for $1.50. *

Synecdoche, New York
Charlie Kaufmann is a genius, the genius of meaningful life. Deeply moved by his view of the human condition and the attempt to use art to understand it, and the need for love and the suffering that accompanies it. So unusual for Hollywood. Like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, it is now one of my all-time favorites. Very, Very good. ****

The Debt
Kind of overwrought spy thriller/historical film about Israeli agents who find and kidnap a Nazi doctor, lose him, and lie about it for 30 years. When he resurfaces, they have to deal with it. I thought the difference between the old and young versions of the protagonists was so profound that I didn’t believe they were the same people. And I found the angst over done. The acting was all very good, as you would expect from such a cast, but I just didn’t care what happened to any of these people. *

The Promise
Absolutely beautiful Chen Kaige film about a vow made by a starving girl to the goddess Manshen: she will have riches but she will lose any man she truly loves. I usually don’t like these mythical Chinese films where everyone is flying around, but this one was surprisingly wonderful. Great music as well. Surprisingly enjoyable. **

Colombiana
Stylish thriller about an assassin working to get revenge on the cartel that murdered her parents. Everything about the characters and plot is completely unbelievable, especially that Zoe Saldana could actually do any of the physical stunts portrayed. Huge holes in the narrative, stupid dialogue, and poor directing that uses jump cuts to hide inadequacies. Not just a waste of time and money, it may actually make you more stupid for having seen it. Really bad. *

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans
I had no intention of ever seeing this film, but got really bored one night and was able to see it free on cable. Then I found out it was a Herzog film, so I was pretty interested. Story of an injured and decorated New Orleans police officer struggling with pain and his morality. Other than Nicholas Cage’s clumsy over acting, it was pretty good, though it needed a bitter, ironic edge that didn’t quite materialize. Surprising and unconvincing moral optimism. Long way from Aquirre and Fitzcarraldo. Don’t regret seeing it, but not too glad either. **