Rocky Balboa...time for retirement.

High hopes for Rocky Balboa were dashed 30 minutes into the film. Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone is now a widower and restaurant owner in Philadelphia, he is disconnect from his son, and feeling dissatisfied with life. Against everyone's advice, he pursues his desire to return to his glory days as a boxer in an attempt to purge unresolved issues that have him emotionally paralyzed, stuck in the past and unable to venture forward. This time his opponent is Mason Dixon, played by Antonio Tarver, a young boxer who holds the championship belt and demolishes anyone brave enough to challenge him; and the only one left to do so is... you guessed it... Rocky, the senior citizen.

There really should be a law against a 60 year old man, trying to get back in the ring. Stallone should be ashamed of himself, for this film is more humorous than inspiring. Rocky 's motivation for returning to the ring is not convincing and it is the cornerstone that is to carry the film. There is nothing new or exciting about Rocky Balbao, except he acquires a dog from the pound & a couple new admirers; his backyard training tactics & grey sweats are all the same, and his manager, Paulie is also the same, just older, fatter and grumpier. This film is a bore, NO GO, the time for Rocky Balboa to retire as a boxer was yesterday. (102 minutes, PG)

Apocalypto...is intense.

Apocalypto is riveting and will have you on the edge of your seat. Who could have imagined peering into the lives of indigenous people, responsible for amazing artifacts and Mayan ruins could be suspenseful? Centuries before explorers claim to discover the rest of the world, Mayans were constructing pyramids, and on their journey to shaping civilization. The film follows one man’s struggle to return to his pregnant wife & child, after he hides them in an empty water well for safe keeping during an attack. Committed to his father, he returns to fight and protect his home and people from being ravaged. Women were raped & killed, children were abandoned, and the men that remained alive were subdued, shackled and marched back to base to be enslaved or sacrificed.

GO SEE, Apocalypto, the cinematography is breathtaking, and the story is extraordinary. Mel Gibson, despite his politics, unsavory words and poor behavior, has done a compelling job as a director recreating and depicting the lives of the Mayans. It is a world that is almost unimaginable, civil war before we understand what civil war meant. This film feels pure & primal, the brutality of human sacrifices and the desire to rule is powerful, and in many respects not so different from the world we live in today.
(138 minutes, R, English subtitles)

Cate Blanchett...busy in Notes on a Scandal.

Cate Blanchett seems be to everywhere this season, first in Notes On A Scandal, next The Good German, and don't forget Babel (Maverick's review); equally as enjoyable she is keeping good company in each film.

Notes On A Scandal is unusually suspenseful. Sheba Hart played, by Blanchett, deperate to escape her routine as mother & housewife, takes a art teaching job at a school. Her charisma and youthful looks have her turning heads from day one. Eager to make a difference, Sheba, decides to tutor a troubled 15 year-old boy after school. Still feeling unsettled, she is happy a seasoned teacher, Barbara, played by Judi Dench, has seemingly volunteered to mentor her as a new teacher. Foolishly, Sheba starts up an affair with her student; Barbara, a lesbian, learns of the affair and insists it stop immediately or she will go to the authorities. Sheba, is grateful for the discretion & the second chance, is now indebted to Barbara, as she wants dearly to hold onto her family and new career. Barbara, sensing an opportunity, begins spinning her web to lure Sheba closer to her. GO SEE Notes On A Scandal, Judi Dench as Barbara is masterful and simply magnificent as an evil lonely woman; and the chemistry with Blanchett is stellar & intense. (98 minutes, R)

****

The Good German is set in Berlin during WWII, at a time when corruption and survival appeared to be synonymous. Cate Blanchett plays a resourceful woman trying to escape the war. While working as a prostitute, she meets many men who want to possess her, in particular, George Clooney, a US military journalist, and Toby Maguire, a US Army soldier. Each has promised to assist her, but she comes with baggage, that she is hesitant to share. She is a wanted person on a move with little time to spare, and is connected to people with secrets about war tactic & powerful military weapons. Everyone wants the information, and will kill to make certain the information does not end up in the hands of the enemy. If they get to Blanchett, maybe they can get to the information source. NO GO, for The Good German, the cast is star studded, yet the story is dry, and flat, with only a few moments of excitement.

(105 minutes, R)

The Painted Veil...a moving piece.

Set in China during the mid 1920's, The Painted Veil, is a reluctant love story. Dr. Walter Fane, played by Edward Norton, falls for Kitty, a high society British woman, played by Naomi Watts. Eager to flee her parents, she marrys him. She quickly finds herself miserable; has an affair and falls in love with another man. In part, to punish his wife, Dr. Fane volunteers for an assignment to a remote village in China, in the mist of an Cholera epidemic, in which she has no other choice but to follow her husband into the fray.

This is a journey that begins with a marriage of convenience, quickly moves to betrayal, finds its way to distain & indifference. During their struggle for survival in China, their tolerance for each other migrates to understanding , admiration and eventually love. GO SEE The Painted Veil, the director of photography does an exquisite job of showcasing the landscape of China, in addition, the chemistry between Norton & Watts, is magnificent. (124 minutes, PG-13)

Déjà Vu...is captivating

Déjà Vu is set in New Orleans where, Academy Award winner, Denzel Washington, plays ATF Agent, Doug Carlin on a time sensitive mission to solve two crimes. First, he must identify a terrorist cell responsible for the bombing a ferry, carrying hundreds of service men & women, and their families. This is not only an embarrassment to the local authorities to have these murders on their hands; it’s a breach of national security on the highest level.

Next, Washington, must solve the mysterious death of a woman, played by Paula Patton, made to look like she was apart of the ferry bombing, but Washington discovers her murder occurred hours before the bombing. Solving her murder will lead him to the terrorist responsible for hundreds of murders and stop the possible threat of future causalities. With the help of a high tech forensic team & highly classified technology, they travel back in time to uncover the truth. Washington has exactly 7 hours to change his fate & the fate of New Orleans. GO SEE, Déjà Vu, while it has moments where it is cumbersome & disjointed, it is a mind-bending thriller with a distinctive twist. (128 minutes, PG-13)

Charlotte's Web....radiant

Charlotte's Web is an enchanting story by E.B. White, and the film director, Gary Winick, does a fine job continuing the legacy. For those not familiar, Charlotte’s Web is about Wilbur, a pig who learns his fate is to be breakfast bacon, as a result, he tries everything thinkable to stay alive, which includes commandeering the assistance of his fellow barn mates, most notable the brilliant spider, Charlotte, voice by Julia Roberts.

Charlotte to save her friend, spins her web and leaves messages to alert the town, that Wilbur is "Some Pig, Radiant, Terrific, & Humble" and should be saved from the kitchen table. This story celebrates friendship. What makes this depiction of Charlotte’s Web enjoyable is the ensemble of recognizable voices from Julie Roberts, to other barnyard characters played by, Cedric the Entertainer, Oprah Winfrey, and Kathy Bates, Steve Buscemi, and many more. In addition, Dakota Fanning, is convincing & adorable as Fern, Wilbur’s enthusiastic caregiver, who manages to cajole her family to enter Wilbur into a State Fair in order to see him shine with the help of his friends. GO SEE, Charlotte’s Web, it's fun & ideal for the entire family. (97 minutes, PG)

Letters from Iwo Jima...untold history

Letters from Iwo Jima is a thoughtful film directed by Clint Eastwood portraying the lives of Japanese soldiers during the later stages of WWII in 1945, when the US decided to take on the Japanese for the small island of Iwo Jima. Starring Ken Watanabe as the Lt. General Karibaya who is a strategic minded & fierce leader, struggling to protect Iwo Jima until the death, while trying to persuade the mainland to send more reinforcement. Also starring Kazunari Ninomiya who plays Saigo, a young man who leaves his pregnant wife & bakery business to do his duty to server & protect his Emperor & his land. Saigo is a spirited soldier who finds himself in harms way repeatedly, but it appears destiny is on his side. You watch as he moves from being a relecutant soldier to being the invisible fabric of his troop, almost as if he is designated the last man standing.

Letters from Iwo Jima, is graphic & violent, true to war, the film also manages to personalizes the battle, making the connections with several soldiers intimate. You will find yourself feeling that war is painful & heart wrenching no matter what side you are on. If you are a true fan of Clint Eastwood as a director (Flags of our Father, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River) or want a history lesson, check out Letters from Iwo Jima, otherwise save it for a DVD experience. (141 minutes, R)

The Pursuit of Happyness...inspirational

The Pursuit of Happyness is a stirring film, based on the true-life story of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith. Set in San Francisco, Chris a highly intelligent man is a struggling entrepreneur constantly on the run, hustling to take care of his family, and pursue the American dream. Along the way, Chris has some bad luck, makes a few poor choices, encounters several obstacles and finds himself near skid row. In an effort to carve out a better future for him & his son, he tries to persevere.

While his world seems to be crashing down around him, he takes a chance by applying for an internship with Dean Witter, a prestigious investment bank. He manages to turn a few heads, and he, along with 25 others dream seekers, are given a 6-month opportunity to prove their worth; and only the top achiever is award a job. Chris is an extraordinary warrior, refusing to give up on his dream, most might have buckled, or simply surrendered and walked into a welfare office. GO SEE The Pursuit of Happyness, it’s a story of a tenacious spirit that can inspire us all. Not to be overlooked, the film introduces Jaden Smith (Will Smith’s real son), an 8 year old with charisma and a performance that almost steals the show. (117 minutes, PG-13)

Leonardo DiCaprio...two thumbs up.

DiCaprio deserves two thumbs up for his most recent performances in Blood Diamond, and The Departed.

First, Blood Diamond, set in Sierra Leone in the mist of a civil war, it is riveting and brutal, primarily because the business of diamonds is often vicious. This is an important film, Leonardo DiCaprio, plays Danny, a cunning Afrikan diamond smuggler willing to do anything to satisfy his greed. Solomon, played by Djimon Hounsou, a fisherman caught in the Rebel cross fire is taken from his family, imprisoned, and held at gunpoint by child soldiers to labor in diamond mines. He unearths an enormous pink diamond, buries it, and is on the run; once word gets out, everyone is after him. Oscar winner, Jennifer Connelly plays an ambitious journalist trying to uncover the truth. She exposes the exploitation, maiming, and murder of innocent Afrikan children, women & men, in the quest for the coveted gems by governments, corporations, and consumers. GO SEE Blood Diamond, it will remind you "all that sparkles is not beautiful".
(138 minutes, R)

*****

Next, The Departed is a film full of crime and suspense, where two detectives are hiding behind their shields; uncertain who can be trusted, and a person's true identity. Set in Boston, DiCaprio, plays a street tuff and a son of a dead cop; he manages to gain entrance into the State Police Academy, and immediately upon graduation is handpicked to be a mole, to infiltrate the mafia. Matt Damon, a fellow academy graduate, groomed since childhood by mob boss, played by the notorious, Jack Nicholson, becomes a mole for organized crime, charged with infiltrating the police. Each is on a mission to unmask the other, before time runs out. GO SEE The Departed, it has plenty of surprises , the cast is outstanding, and Martin Scorsese, director & storyteller, deserves more than an Oscar nod for this film, he deserves a trip to the podium.
(151 minutes, R)

Volver...is refreshing & colorful.

Volver meaning to "come back/return” is an indie film set in Madrid, Spain. Starring Penelope Cruz, who plays Raimunda, and Lola Duenas, who plays her sister Soledad, are visited by their mother. What makes this unique is their mother, played by Carmen Maura, has returned from the dead to visit her struggling family, and address some unresolved issues.

Depicted from the matriarchal perspective; it celebrates the rich culture of Spain, as well as exposes the passion & dysfunction of the family unit. This story is riddled with family secrets, betrayal and tragedy. Cruz struggles to keep her family together, make ends meet, manage family illness, cover up a crime, and now with a visit from her dead mother, it is almost too much to bear. GO SEE Volver, it is unique & refreshing, and Cruz’s performance is compelling. (121 minutes, R, English subtitles)

The Holiday...predictable fun.

The Holiday is clique at times, but a delightful date flick. Cameron Diaz, plays, Amanda, an emotionally detached and successful media entrepreneur living in California. Kate Winslet, plays Iris, a wallflower, leading a solitary life as a newspaper columist living in England. Each is fed up with the man in their life, so they sign up for a home exchange vacation, where they swap homes in an effort to leave their troubles behind.

Diaz, hold up in a quaint cottage outside of London, enjoying some R&R, gets an unexpected knock on the door from an adorable drunk, played by Jude Law. They shag, and the next morning to their surprise they are still drawn to one another, yet recognize at best it could only be a 2-week fling.

Winslet sets up camp at Diaz's luxurious LA home, where she meets a composer, played by the multi-talented Jack Black, who stops by uninvited. Soon its revealed they share the same dreadful doormat syndrome, and develop a supportive friendship as they try to rehabiliate themselves. Winslet also befriends a confused elderly man, played by Eli Wallach, and helps him find his way back home. They soon become fast friends & enrich each other's lives. GO SEE The Holiday, and don't be surprised if you find yourself rooting for the happy ending.
(138 Minutes, PG-13)

The Fountain...an unyielding love story.

The Fountain requires your mind to do some long distant time travel, from the 16th century to the 26th century and then some. Its not your ordinary romance, but a story of one man’s tenacious odyssey over a thousand years to return back to the love of his life, Isabel, played by Oscar winner, Rachel Weisz. When we first meet Tomas Creo, played by Hugh Jackman, he is a conquistador on an expedition; commissioned by Queen Isabella of Spain, to recover the Tree of Life, which promises immortality when its tree sap is consumed.

Much later, in the 21st century, Jackman has transformed himself, now Dr. Tommy, a research scientist on a frantic quest to discover a cure for brain cancer, in order to save his wife, Izzy, from imminent death.

The futurist vision of Tom requires true suspension of disbelief, as he is now an easily frustrated astronaut in charge of the ailing Tree of Life. Tom struggles to focus on the ways of mediation to achieve longevity and spiritual connections with Isabel & the universe around him. The Fountain is an intricate film; you need to be vigilant and prepared to do some legwork while watching Jackman struggle on this voyage, as he is unwilling to accept the circle of life & death. The final verdict is NO GO; this journey would be best left for a DVD experience. (96 minutes, PG-13)