Hannibal Rising...gruesome & captivating

Hannibal Rising is based on a series of novels by Thomas Harris, where the lead character is Hannibal Lecter, a notorious serial killer and cannibal. This story reveals how Hannibal Lecter came to be. From a little boy who watched as his parents were killed right before his eyes during WWII; forcing him to hide out and care for his infant sister, Mischka, until rogue soldiers ravaged their home, killed, cooked and served his sister for supper. Hannibal, played by Gaspard Ulliel, is driven by rage as he grows older and embarks on a mission to find & destroy every soldier responsible.

One shining light, Li Gong, plays Lady Shikibu, Hannibal's aunt (in-law), mentor, and accompliance, and much more. Gong has a seductive performance which is quite enjoyable to watch as it all unfolds, otherwise its a NO GO for Hannibal Rising. It is gruesome, distrubing, and mildly capitvating in a morbid way. (117 minutes, R)

Breach...fascinating

Breach is based on the true story of Robert Hanseen, a veteran of the FBI found guilty of the largest US security breach. In the film, Hanseen, played by Chris Cooper, is on the verge of celebrating 25 years of service as a FBI agent, all the while he is selling vital government secrets to the Russians. The FBI learns that he is a traitor and possibly responsible for comprising 100s of lives and disclosing information that is critical to the survival of the US, its government & its administration. Agent Kate Burroughs, played by Laura Linney, will stop at nothing to secure a portfolio of incriminating evidence to put him away for good. She commandeers Eric O'Neill, played by Ryan Phillippe, an ambitious, yet naive newbie to the FBI to become Hanseen unsuspecting assistant and track his every move in order to build an air tight case.

GO SEE Breach, it is surprisingly suspenseful, and having the opportunity to briefly peak behind the veil of the FBI and CIA is fascinating. In addition, both Cooper and Phillippe have compelling performances. (110 minutes, PG-13)

The Last King of Scotland...revisited & still riveting.

For those who were unable to take my advice when this film opened in October 2006 ... GO SEE The Last King of Scotland its bold & uncompromising.

The Last King of Scotland is raw, graphic, sometimes disturbing, & intriguing all in one; expect to be fascinated. Forest Whitaker, plays a role only he could undertake, as the 1960's Uganda dictator Idi Amin Dada, obsessive with everything Scottish & military in nature. Whitaker, learned Swahili & resided in Uganda for sometime to fully embrace the role & culture; he jumps off the screen as Amin, you can almost feel the spit spewing from his mouth in so many scenes.

You may find yourself wondering, how might I handle myself in a tough situation, like Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James McAvoy, the ambitious Scottish physician, befriended by Amin. Initially you don't feel sorry for the greedy Dr. Garrigan, in his quest for power, he allows himself to be easily seduced by Idi Amin. The doctor is selfish, looking for quick success, adoration, and of course getting laid is very high on his priority list with no hesitation for sleeping with married women. Eventually, he finds himself in over his head.

Soon its hard not to empathize for all involved during the reign of the charismatic leader, Idi Amin, turned brutal dictator. Whitaker, is convincing as a strong, intimidating, big thinker with limited people skills. Like many leaders, he initially wants much more for his country and his people, and he delivers more than any Western country could fathom, hence Westerners become nervous with his growing power. Yet it is Amin, on his own who is incapable of balancing his ginormous thirst for power & respect, with the long term needs of his people and the world at large. Not to mention the appearance & portrayal of his deteriorating mental health. The Last King of Scotland is a powerful film, there is little down time get ready for a rollercoaster ride, haunted house, & safari tour all at the same time. Dust off the bag pipes out & put on the kilts, its time to celebrate, Forest Whitaker is deserving of an Oscar nomination.
GO SEE. (121 minutes, R)