Thursday, January 26, 2012

Haywire
Pretty good Soderbergh film about a private operative battling corrupt forces trying to eliminate her. I know, but the directorial skills, art direction, and the attempt to be realistic rather than explosive made it worthwhile. At least it was serious craft, which is unheard of in this genre. Didn’t suck. **

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
Nicely done film of the outstanding Le CarrĂ© novel about the search for a mole in British Intelligence during the cold war. Excellent cast and acting, though the brevity of the film doesn’t allow for the narrative complexity and nuanced interplay of character in the novel and the superb Alec Guinness TV series. Stands as a deft counterpoint to all the action trash being made. **

Contraband
Lame Mark Wahlberg film about one last smuggling operation to save his family. Very predictable, and the rescue of the wife was laughable. Squandered and excellent cast. *

1911
Pretty bad Jackie Chan film about the 1911 Xinhai revolt against the Qing dynasty. Unfortunately, Jackie directed it as well. Very disappointing even though it only cost a dollar. *