Past Revies of older movies:

LIVE AID

I just watched Live Aid. It was a charity concert put on in 1985 for a massive famine in Ethiopia. Dozens of famous artist performed and a huge lot of money was raised and put to good use. It was an intense four discs though. Too many 80s hairstyles and appalling fashion. I mean, after about an hour, I became desensitized to the mullet. Seriously. Everyone had one.

But it was also intense in other ways. The footage of the needy people that the concert was benefiting was wrenching. Obviously that was a long time ago, longer ago than I've been alive, but nonetheless, knowing that similar things are happening at this moment makes it real. But I don't want to, as Bob Geldoff said, "do the useless things like cry, get angry and despair." I too, am mad that it has to be entertainment that gets people's attention. I wish it were different.

I made a joke. A very cynical joke. We were discussing how Band Aid could have saved money by not printing their name on everything. But then the people wouldn't know who to thank, right? "Thank you all for the food. But we are still hungry."

How true it is. And how sad. That the world is still in such a state that nothing seems to help. No matter how much effort is put into something, very little seems to change. But I don't despair. I would be a disgrace to my major if I did. I know that the little bits can help. Perhaps not in the big picture, but on a small scale, work is being done, change is happening. And that matters. So as both an idealist and a realist (is that possible?), I continue onward. I don't give up. I don't despair.



BLOOD DIAMOND

It is not a feel-good film in the least. It is a film about things that happen in the world today. However, it is still a film, and therefore its main purpose is entertainment. I'll admit that I was greatly entertained. There is some damn fine acting. I have a brand new respect for our friend Leonardo DiCaprio. His character was the dynamic one; the one that changed throughout the course of the film. He was the anti-hero. And his accent was the best thing I've heard in a good long while. As a studier of the various forms of the English language, the Rhodesian accent had not ever really come to my attention. Its cousin, the Afrikaans South African accent is quite familiar to me and also quite elusive. The Rhodesian accent is similar in several ways, the main one being my inability to produce it. Our man Leo, however, did an exceptional job.

Djimon Hounsou's performance was also amazing. Though I have not seen every film he's been in, I have followed his career since watching him in Gladiator. One of his greatest performances was in The Island where his character had a chance to shine. In Blood Diamond, Hounsou really gets to show of his remarkable talent in support of DiCaprio. As one of two main characters, Hounsou had more screen time than I've ever seen him in previously. And he played it so very honestly. That is what made Blood Diamond so remarkable, the fact that the actors became the characters. Hounsou himself is very similar to his character Solomon from Sierra Leone, as he was born in the nearby country of Benin. I thought it very appropriate that Hounsou was nominated for best supporting actor for this film. I was disappointed when he did not receive the Oscar. Hounsou's character in the film was rather static compared to DiCaprio's. Solomon Vandy remained quite simple and naive throughout.

The third character of great importance was that of Jennifer Connelly. She played the tough American journalist, hoping for the story to impact the world and end the conflict.

The actor I was not expecting in this film was Arnold Vosloo. Most recognize him as the Mummy. I knew his name because I'm strangely attracted to bald baddies, but that's a story for another time. The actor himself is South African, so his role was no stretch, and his performance was excellent.

The story of Blood Diamond was set in 1999. Purposefully made in the past so as not to be specific to the present. However, the subject matter covered in the film is sill prevalent in many parts of Africa.

The word "blood" in the title is certainly there for a reason, as is the R rating. As previously stated, this is not a light movie. Much killing and other forms of violence is shown onscreen. Much of it was the numb sort that is shown in so many action films. However, this one impacted me more because of the historical significance of the events and the significance that they hold even now of similar events. The fact is, conflict like that shown in the film takes place on a daily basis many place in Africa. The particular conflict portrayed may be over, but dozens like it continue. One thing I could not handle the first time I watched the film, and indeed on the subsequent viewings, was the child soldiers. As a person interested in Human Rights and a researcher of current issues, I know that there are somewhere close to 200,000 child soldiers in Africa today. I did not need the last titles of the film to tell me that. This knowledge made the film much less entertaining than most.

I rather like the fact that films are being made about real problems. Films that do well and are recognized. I'm glad to see people care about such issues. However, as usual, I'm sorry to see that such perspective comes through entertainment. Jennifer Connelly's journalist character speaks truth to Solomon Bandy when she says that people won't do anything to help. How many of us Americans can honestly say we remember the civil war in Sierra Leone only ten years ago? How many can say we cared or did anything about it. It enrages me that when people see this film they wonder "should I get rid of my diamonds?" It doesn't really matter by the time one can ask that question. The blood has been spilt, and Americans have ignorantly enjoyed their luxuries. Of course I'm generalizing and generally ranting. Not all diamonds are conflict diamonds. And there is nothing wrong with diamonds in general. My row is with ignorance.


CHILDREN OF MEN

This film details the activities of an ordinary guy in the year 2027. This tale happens to take place after the youngest man on earth is killed. That's right, the human race can no longer procreate. It's rather depressing. So this ordinary guy is so very much not a hero that he wears flip flops throughout the major battle sequence. A sequence that I might add was filmed in one shot.

The cinematography was brilliant, some of the absolute best I've ever seen. There is one shot that takes place inside a moving vehicle, documenting a whole conversation, then a fight, without a single cut. Amazing.

Back to the hero. Theo, played by Clive Owen, is reluctant to take up the role thrust upon him; the role of the protector of the only pregnant woman in eighteen years. (And here is where it may get a bit spoilerific, though I'll keep it shallow for those who haven't seen it.) The woman is what they call a 'fugee,' a refugee. You see, apparently in twenty years the world will have gone to complete hell and only Britain remains semi-stable. So refugees from the rest of the world flock there. Naturally, they are unwanted because Britain is on the small side, so they're kept in camps reminiscent of Auschwitz. Again, rather depressing. These 'fugees' are helped by a band called the Fishes who want people to be treated equally. Unfortunately, they also want Kee's baby to be used as a unifying symbol to their rebellion. So needless to say, our hero has enemies on all sides.

The acting, like the cinematography, is rather stunning. I've seen very few films with Clive Owen, but he played the tragic hero quite well. There is one scene in particular that struck me. A woman he was once quite close to had just died and he sauntered into the woods with his flask. He began to light a cigarette and suddenly broke down sobbing, then just as suddenly stood up and walked back. Fine acting there. If one has seen Green Street Hooligans, one would surely recognize Charlie Hunnam, by his accent if not by his look. And if one has not seen Green Street Hooligans, one must. Another recognizable actor is Chiwatel Ejiofor, from films such as Serenity (another must-see) and Love Actually. Of course, Julianne Moore also stars wonderfully in this film. Oddly enough, her name in the film is 'Julian.' It's so close to her name, but also I'm pretty sure it's mostly a man's name. To wrap up the main cast, Michael Cane plays an old hippie fellow who helps Theo out, and adds some needed comic relief.

So, so far I've covered that this film is rather depressing, intense and grand. I've stated that the cinematography is stellar as is the acting. But there is also a good bit of writing. The writing includes some profound lines that strike the realism chord and also some necessary comedy. Kee wishes to name her child 'Froley' if it is a boy and 'Bazouka' if it is a girl. Made me laugh. Another random character refers to himself constantly in the third person. Another thing to take into consideration related to the writing is the massive amounts of casual profanity. The film is rated R for a reason. The reasons being language, intense violence and brief nudity.

Another thing I nearly forgot to mention was the music. It is odd that I nearly forgot, as the music is what drives most films, and this one had good music. The most memorable piece was a cover of The Rolling Stones' 'Ruby Tuesday.' Quite one of my favorite songs, and the best cover I've ever heard. The soundtrack is really quite eclectic. John Lennon meets King Crimson. Very odd.

The theme of Children of Men is one of impending doom in the hopeless inevitability of the end of the human race. Instead of letting that inevitability bind humans together, it apparently tears them apart. Newspaper headlines in the film say things such as 'Africa Devastated By Nuclear Fallout,' and a news report showed every major city in the world in total chaos, all but London, of course. However, in the midst of the impending doom, there is a thread of hope. The hope that with this new child, the human race can be saved; that infertility can be cured. I never realized how eerie the absence of children really is; how sad an empty elementary school can be; how hopeless one would feel when there is not future. But the hope is renewed.

So I came away with mixed feelings. I liked the film right away, though I understood very little of it until the second viewing. I now apply it as a lesson; a study the human race; a character study really, and a good one. So, if you want to see a film that stimulates you a bit, makes you think, makes you feel, watch Children of Men.


THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

It is just as it should be; very true to the book in the ways it most needs to be. The deviations are slight and forgivable. Every point is driven well. The sets and costumes and props are magnificent. The landscapes and visual effects are breathtaking. I really cannot begin to describe.

Edmund has always been my favorite character. He is the only character to truly undergo a change; to journey and triumph. The boy who plays him is, in my opinion, a very talented actor much suited for the job. Skandar Keynes (coolest name ever) even scored second billing in the credits. His journey is the journey of man: betrayal, repentance and renewal. He is human. The other children are, in my opinion, simply plot devises who support the main character of Edmund. Susan especially is obnoxious. More so in the film even than the books.

Tumnus is magnificently done. He is cute and charming (and don’t forget Scottish). He realizes his grave mistake and rectifies it. This is more than most of us can possibly hope to do. He gives his life so that Lucy can be safe.

The fox is not a true character in the book. However, he is a grand addition. Rupert Everett was the perfect choice. The fox is both noble and clever. He suffers for the sake of the true kings and queens and delivers a wonderful line to the Witch.

The centaur Oreius is also very wonderful. (Here is the point where I find I have run out of appropriate modifiers and must recycle them.) Oreius is powerful, is second in command under Aslan, but when Peter comes, he submits fully. He even gives his life, or at least his body for Peter’s sake.

Jadis the White Witch is, I must admit, terrifying. She is just as Lewis described her: both very beautiful and wholly evil. Her eyes are the most terrifying. I have had quite enough of black irises for some time.

And lastly, Aslan. He is the most wonderful digital creature I have ever seen on film. That is saying something, as I am a big fan of fantasy films. In fact, every creature in this film besides the children is some sort of mystical creature, and was made real. Back to Aslan. I really cannot say much. The first time he appeared I got chills; and again whenever he roared and when he (sorry to spoil) came back to life. Liam Neeson was the perfect choice for the voice of Aslan. He has the tone that is needed. I am very glad that Brian Cox was abandoned.

The music is powerful. Both the songs and the score fit perfectly with the action. My feelings towards things stems mostly from the music. This music stunned me.


STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH

Ok, so now I have fully digested the experience of viewing this film. Now I shall regurgitate my thoughts about it. And I will also stop with the food analogies.

I went to the midnight showing as the truest fans do. I even dressed up; as a Jedi. I was not the only one. Anyway, I went to this movie with every spoiler assimilated. I had read the entire script and most of the book, but neither prepared me for the experience I encountered. I knew exactly what was coming at every turn, I knew every line, but I was still surprised and amused at the awesome delivery of the scenes. It was pure genius.

I must add here that I am really not the biggest fan of Episodes I and II. I only like the histories they add to the original trilogy. The actors lack all but mere shreds of talent. I am a fan of Ewan McGregor and his Obi-Wan, and also I am a fan of Kit Fisto, simply because he looks cool. I also have a certain, perhaps odd, liking of villains, villains that are dynamic. So, naturally, Vader is near the top of that list.

Back to my review: from the opening well-known music to the last note of the credits, I was sucked fully into an aesthetic experience beyond many films I have seen. The opening sequence of the battle in space was thrilling. Nothing I read could compare to actually seeing the genius of the effects.

The acting on the part of many key characters was lacking, as in the first two, but as I thought about it, the original trilogy was not strong in acting either. It was the story that held everything together. Of course, there are several stellar actors in both trilogies. Certainly Harrison Ford has proven himself a star, and only Ewan could act as well as Alec Guinness. I think perhaps the best acting award (if I were to bestow it) would go to Ian McDiarmid’s Palpatine. The actor was perfect in showing the underlying evil in the character while displaying his good-will. And there were even places (few and far between) where Hayden Christiansen pulled some grand acting out of the air. I say out of the air because he has never shown such things before. His line delivery is nearly always lacking, but his expressions were truly amazing. His overall poutyness was well-played, yet quite obnoxious: “Obi-Wan and Council don’t trust me!” *pout pout*

I could not help but think about the parody trailer I had seen. When Padme tells Anakin she is pregnant, I actually burst into laughter remembering: “Oh, Ani, there’s something you must know: I’m preggers.” “How do you know?” and the zoom out to reveal her exercise-ball-sized (and shaped) middle.

The next thing I could go on forever about is the music. It was so dynamic and dramatic and intense and perfect. Of course it was the classic Star Wars music, but it was also better than the old music. Williams added much more choir for one. It was astounding. And, though I said I could go on forever, I will not.

I think one of the things I liked the most about the movie was the back-story of Vader. He is the hecka coolest baddie ever (as I have stated before, you may recall.) Now, Anakin I really must hate. But this film paints Vader in such a new light: as a slave of sorts. The irony is heavy. He did everything for the love of his wife, yet essentially killed her himself. It makes the ending of The Return of the Jedi so much more dynamic.

Seriously I did almost cry at Obi-Wan’s and Anakin’s parting lines. “You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them. It was you who would bring balance to the Force, not leave it in Darkness.” Then Anakin saying “I hate you!” and Obi-Wan’s reply, “You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you.”

District 9

(possible spoilers.)

If you haven’t seen District 9 and know nothing at all about it I will provide a brief synopsis:

“Director Neill Blomkamp teams with producer Peter Jackson for this tale of extraterrestrial refugees stuck in contemporary South Africa. It's been 28 years since the aliens made first contact, but there was never any attack from the skies, nor any profound technological revelation capable of advancing our society. Instead, the aliens were treated as refugees. They were the last of their kind, and in order to accommodate them, the government of South Africa set up a makeshift home in District 9 as politicians and world leaders debated how to handle the situation. As the humans begin to grow wary of the unwelcome intruders, a private company called Multi-National United (MNU) is assigned the task of controlling the aliens. But MNU is less interested in the aliens' welfare than attempting to understand how their weaponry works. Should they manage to make that breakthrough, they will receive tremendous profits to fund their research. Unfortunately, the highly advanced weaponry requires alien DNA in order to be activated. When MNU field operative Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is exposed to biotechnology that causes his DNA to mutate, the tensions between the aliens and the humans intensifies. Wikus is the key to unlocking the alien's technology, and he quickly becomes the most wanted man on the planet. Ostracized and isolated, Wikus retreats to District 9 in a desperate bid to shake his dogged pursuers.”

It is a sci/fi film, yet it is also very relevant to the present. This is really how sci/fi should be. Science fiction should reveal things about humanity as it is. If the sci/fi is good, this revelation will be through aliens or space or strange technology etc. I enjoy most sci/fi, but the sort that makes me think is by far the best. Films such as the first Matrix, V for Vendetta, Equilibrium, Children of Men and now District 9 fit into that category for me.

In District 9, I was shown man’s inhumanity. As soon as the protagonist became useful, he was considered an experiment and nothing else mattered. Not his pain, his wife, or the lives of the aliens. The aliens themselves were considered test experiments. They were quite literally torn apart in the hope of finding the secret to operate their technology. So I was also shown the greed of humans, the disregard for others, the selfishness that runs so deep in all of us.

District 9 was very real in regards to the protagonist. He was not a macho-man, he was no hero. He did not ‘beat the bad guys’ whoever they might be. He was simply a man. Not even a very likable one. He went though a lot, but he dealt with it as a real person would. Not as an iconic action hero. He made heaps of mistakes, and only learned from them slightly. He was selfish and endured excruciating pain like a human. That is, he screamed and cried and panicked.

Side note: the actor in the lead role never acted before this film and his believability was astounding.

Many people will watch this film and find it to be good entertainment. There’s plenty of action and explosions and violence and gore. There are neat computer generated effects and creatures. But I look at it though a different lens. I know that there are similar slums all over Africa and the world, in fact, the movie was filmed in an actual shanty-town. I know that there have been, and still are people treated much like the aliens were in the movie. People who are degraded and discriminated against. People who are given derogatory nicknames and thought of as a worthless nuisance. This was a look at human history: apartheid, Nazi Germany, the pogroms of Native Americans. But it was also the present as seen in Darfur, and the future as it could be.

The move does end on a slightly hopeful note, though it does not fully resolve. It’s rather like real life in that way also.