In The Loop

In The Loop: A very witty, satirical comedy about the politics between the U.S. and Britain leading up to the Iraq war. The best way to sum up the style of the movie is to imagine a political satire filmed like the television show The Office. The funny business begins when Simon Foster, British Secretary of State for International Development is interviewed on a prime-time newscast. Although he is anti-war, he accidentally gives the impression that he is pro-war by stating that "war is unforeseeable". This draws the attention of Britain's foul-mouthed Communications Chief, Malcolm Tucker who ridicules Simon for such a statement. Meanwhile, a few American politicians take an interest in Simon for his outward statement which buys Simon and his new aide tickets to Washington D.C. to further discuss the matter. While in America, they meet politicians who are for and against the war, their young ladder climbing aides, and even a General (James Gandolfini) who opposes the idea of going to war. The film's clever writing reduces the important issues at hand into immature silliness, all the while making a very loud statement. If you like witty humor, hysterical one liners, and political goofiness with a flavor of The Office, check this one out because it has it all!
Ry's Rating B+

If this movie had parents they would be: Dr. Strangleove & The Office

With a runtime of 104 minutes

This film is rated R

Charlie Wilson's War Review

Charlie Wilson’s War: Tom Hanks, Phillip Seymour Hoffman (PSH), and Julia Roberts punctuate the big screen story of Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan. Charlie Wilson (Hanks) was an eccentric ladies' man allowing the movie to be furnished with plenty of humor based on that angle. Funny – yes, but the subject matter was quite serious. Wilson was the congressman behind supplying Afghan rebels with weaponry capable of combating the Soviet forces that had invaded their country. His mission had to be covert as any sign of U.S. involvement risked the dropping of the word “cold” from the term “cold war”. Aiding Wilson’s mission was CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman). PSH is just about the best character actor working today and his performance is nothing short of amazing. Mixing humor with such an interesting topic made this one of the more enjoyable, entertaining, and informative movies this season. The way the film celebrates Charlie Wilson’s achievement is pitch perfect in that we are conscious that the long-term consequences of his actions turn out to be destructive. The movie's message is relevant to Afghanistan, but also the current happenings in Iraq. The final quote of the movie stings with fury: “These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world... and then we f**cked up the endgame." – Charlie Wilson
Ry’s Rating: B+

If this movie had parents they would be: Wag the Dog & Lord of War

With a runtime of 97 minutes
This film is rated R

Half Nelson

Half Nelson: A very powerful and painful look at a junior-high school teacher’s addiction to drugs. Ryan Gosling(the Notebook) plays Mr. Dunne, a History teacher who works at an inner-city school in Brooklyn – this is the best performance of his career and the best acting by far that I have seen this year. One of the great aspects of the story is seeing how Mr. Dunne really does care about teaching his students about history – even though he hits the crack pipe at night. But the aspect that makes this movie stand out the most is the friendship he has with Drey -one of his female students in his class. She is also affected by the world of drugs – her brother is in jail for dealing and her family is friends with the neighborhood drug dealer. On paper you might think that true friendship between a teacher and a 12 year old girl is far fetched, but the actors bring it to life. What we see develop is both characters give in to the evil world around them until their worlds collide. The climax of the movie is one of the more stirring, haunting and beautiful moments I have seen in film in a long time. This is all done by the performance of the 2 actors, but mainly by Ryan Gosling. Like all great acting performances everything is said in expressions – no words are needed. As Mr. Dunne teaches in his History class = History is made when there is conflict from 2 opposing forces, we see that all happen on screen and it is truly brilliant!
* * * and ½

If this movie had parents they would be: Dead Poets Society & Boyz N the Hood

With a run time of 106 minutes
This film is rated R

Match Point

Match Point: Woody Allen turns to drama, suspense, and the city of London for his latest masterpiece. The plot involves love, lust and a little luck. Chris Wilton a former Tennis pro marries Chloe Hewett and with that marries into a very, very….very wealthy family. His life seems set……until he meets Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), she is dating his wife’s brother and is set to be his future sister-in-law. His feelings for her get him in an awful situation and the tension rises. The story is so captivating; it had me on the edge of my seat for the last 45 minutes. Just when you think it is bad….it gets worse. Woody Allen took a simple story line and turns it into one of the best films of the year! – And one of the more suspenseful movies to come along in some time. I walked out of the theater and my body was racing, nervous for what I just saw. The acting, story, and directing all are excellent. A fantastic film!!!

* * * *
With a running time of 124 minutes
This film is rated R

North Country

North Country: Based on the true story of Josey Aimes, who was involved in the 1st major sexual harassment case in the United States back in 1984. Charlize Theron plays Josey, who gets a job as a miner in upstate Minnesota. The mining company already is upset that they have to employ women; some of the guys working there do things to extreme to make the women uncomfortable. The acting by Charlize Theron proves that her role in Monster was no fluke…….she is absolutely excellent in this movie! (Oscar nomination) Frances McDormand also turns in a great role as a co-worker stricken with Lou Gehrig disease who comes to her friend’s side to fight. The story is powerful and has layers to it that the director handled perfectly. We even get a little court room drama mixed in. The focus is not on the job itself, but on the life struggles and triumphs some must go through.
* * * *

With a running time of 121 minutes
This film is rated R

The Squid and the Whale

The Squid and the Whale: This small independent movie focuses on a family of four going through a divorce. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney play the parents separating; both are intellectual writers who in some ways have lost touch with reality. The film is mainly a comedy actually, with drama sinking in near the end. Their two boys are the ones affected the most, as we see each kid take a side. The reason this film works is the great characters on the screen. This is Jeff Daniels best performance, playing a writer who has had nothing published in some time, works at a school teaching, and thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. He really carries the film and supplies plenty of laughs. Both the kids are excellent as well, some of the things they do and say are just shocking…….but real at the same time. The film is shot with the look of a documentary recorded with a video camera; this also helps submerge you into the story. If you are looking for something small, something different – this is an excellent choice. * Note, Noah Baumbach wrote this movie based on his childhood //// The move is produced by Wes Anderson.

* * * and1/2

With a running time of 88 minutes
This movie is rated R