Frame Rate

Ever since Changeling was released last fall, I have wanted to see the film, for a couple of reasons:

1. The premise sounded intriguing
2. Clint Eastwood films always deliver substance - a strong story, wonderful performances, and emotional themes.

I finally had the chance to see the film a couple of weeks ago and found that the story connected on a number of levels. Changeling tells the true story of Christine Collins - a single mother living in LA in the late 1920s, whose only son suddenly disappears. What follows is an expose of corruption within the LA police force and the strong-willed determination of Christine to find the truth about her son.

The driving force behind the film is Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Christine Collins. Critics of the film have argued that Jolie does a disservice to the actual Christine Collins by playing some scenes with intense emotion and angry outbursts. Critics say that the real Mrs. Collins was calm, collected, and strong. However, I found nothing in Jolie’s performance that gave any hint that this woman was weak or submissive. I became thoroughly invested in her plight and cheered her on when she stood up to an authoritative system that saw women as hysterical and vulnerable.

In filmmaking, a balance must be maintained between developing character and moving the story forward. If you ignore the story for the sake of character, the film can become a meandering mess with no direction. If you ignore character and go for the story, the movie will disconnect itself from the audience and no one will be interested in what happens to the characters. Eastwood walks this line perfectly in Changeling. He knows when to slow down and take the time to explore Christine’s character, and he knows when to ramp up the story and hold the audience’s interest. 

Once again, Clint Eastwood delivers a strong, emotional film that delves deep into the human condition of pain and loss. The more I see from this director, the more I am engaged and inspired.

8 1/2 out of 10

The premise is simple, yet engaging — an ex-CIA agent’s daughter is kidnapped while traveling overseas and the dad goes after the kidnappers in an attempt to rescue his daughter. This is the basic plot behind Taken, the new action movie starring Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. What the film lacks in plot complexities, it makes up in the sheer thrill of the chase.

When Bryan Mills’ (Neeson) daughter Kim (Grace) goes missing while vacationing in Paris with a friend, Mills vows to go after the kidnappers, kill them, and bring his daughter back. He reveals his plan to the kidnappers while on the phone with them in what has to be one of the most well-written kick a** monologues I’ve heard in a while. Mills only has a window of 96 hours before he loses any chance of seeing his daughter again. So begins a gripping 70-minute chase throughout Paris.

Leads come easy for Mills, and the bad guys drop without much of a fight when Mills unleashes his full potential. At times it seems impossible that anyone could move so quickly through an investigation, but the thrill of this movie is not in the struggle, but in the chase. Normally, suspense is created by giving characters seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but in this case, suspense is created in the “ticking clock.” In other words, vewers are glued to their seats waiting to see if Mills can reach his daughter before it’s too late.

The subject matter of this film is extremely timely and relevant. With real-life missing persons cases like Natalie Holloway hitting newsstands, this kind of film speaks to many people. It feels real. It’s plausible, and so we as viewers buy in to the reality created by the filmmakers.

Some might consider the set up and exposition of the film a bit too lengthy, considering most already know what’s coming, but it does provide nice forshadowing and establishes the family relationships between Mills his daughter, and his ex-wife. Mindless action is the name of the game in Taken, but it will keep you watching until time runs out.

7 out of 10

There’s a surprising amount of humanity and emotion packed into Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Gran Torino. The story is so much more than what’s on the surface. It touches on topics like race relations, generational gaps, aging, loss, regret, family, and culture. And this multi-level facet of the story makes the movie powerful, emotional, and moving. So many films rely on big budgets, special effects, up-tempo pacing, and surprise endings as crutches. In contrast, Gran Torino simply tells us about people — people trying to deal with their own issues and cope with the obstacles that life throws at them.

Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a bitter and angry Korean War veteran who spends his days complaining about the deterioration of the neighborhood around him, and the minorities who have invaded his territory. He’s particularly irritated by a family of Asians who live next door and much of the film is filled with Walt’s incessant racial slurs. But Walt makes no apologies for his behavior. He is who he is. Even the Asian teens who live next door aren’t offended by his remarks, because they learn to connect with him in ways that Walt doesn’t expect. And he finds that he too is somehow drawn to their innate goodness.

The trailer and movie poster for this film can be misleading. They seem to speak about an old man taking the law into his own hands and dishing out vengeance on the gang bangers in his neighborhood; a geriatric Rambo, if you will. That certainly plays a part in the story, and leads Walt to learn more about his neighbors. But Walt’s confrontation with gangs only opens the door to deeper, more meaningful commentaries on human understanding and true friendships. Through Walt’s past in Korea he learned a lot about dying, but in this film we see that Walt has a lot to learn about living. And the beauty of the story is found in that journey.

8 out of 10

I am an extremely organized person. I like to maintain ongoing records of how I spend my day. As a business owner, this becomes especially useful when I’m working on tasks to develop new leads. It’s good to be able to go back and compare the time invested into lead generation versus the amount of work I actually received. It’s also important to keep accurate records of my time because my work is based on bids given out to clients. At the end of every job I need to create a detailed production report to compare my actual costs with my estimated costs. That way I’m better prepared to bid on the next job.

Before my iPhone I was using Outlook to track my time, but this was often cumbersome, because on my version of Outlook there was no good way to export the data into an organized time sheet. So, while searching the App Store a few weeks ago, I came across Eternity, a great little time log tool. You can get a free version to try it out, but it’s very limited and won’t let you export the records via e-mail. However, the full version ($7.99) will allow you to post limitless entries and will allow you to email reports to yourself. This is my first week using the full version and I love it. It’s far superior to Outlook, not only for its organizational tools and detailed reports, but also because it’s mobile. Since it’s on my iPhone, the app stays with me, so I’m able to keep much better records of how I spend my time throughout the day. Worth the money, for sure.

When most people learn about World War II during their American History classes, they hear all about the major stories and the major players: D-Day, Eisenhower, the Holocaust, Hitler, Axis vs. Allies, Battle of the Bulge, but there are literally thousands of lesser-known stories from that era that many have not yet heard. It was one such obscure story that is the basis for the film Defiance, starring Daniel Craig.

The film begins with a familiar theme — Nazi soldiers rounding up Jews in Western Europe. The grainy, black-and-white style tells us that this is a true story. However, as events unfold, we realize that this isn’t the Holocaust story that we’re accustomed to seeing in films like Schindler’s List. In fact, it’s a story about hundreds of Jews who fight for survival as free men and women in the dense and expansive forests of Nazi-occupied Poland.

Daniel Craig gives perhaps one of his best performances as Tuvia Bielski, the eldest of four Jewish brothers and the eventual leader of the Bielski partisans. Although the Bielski’s and fellow Jews are forced to watch as their people are rounded up and killed by the Nazis, Tuvia wants to avoid becoming a group of vigilantes. The conflict arises from younger brother Zus (Liev Schreiber) who desperately wants to avenge the deaths of those he loved. Tuvia is conflicted by the knowledge that in extreme circumstances one must often take extreme measures in order to survive and protect others.

Throughout the film tension is woven by utilizing a number of different methods, all of which make the movie much more compelling. First, as mentioned, is the conflict between fighting and surviving. Second, is the suspense created by the knowledge that the Nazis are closing in around them. Third is the conflict between the Bielskis and the local police who are loyal to the Nazis. Fourth is the inner struggles the Bielskis face when some of their own decide to cause disagreements and divisions. For those unfamiliar with the story, the fate of the Bielskis is constantly in doubt.

The cinematography of the film is gray and muted, reflective of the somber tone of the subject matter. The musical score is reminiscient of John William’s score in Schindler’s List — soft and sad with the cello and violin taking the melody. In some ways it feels that Defiance takes its visual cues from Schindler’s List as well; there’s something about the look of the movie that seems familiar. The battle scenes are similar in style to Saving Private Ryan, complete with the dazed, ringing-in-the-ears experience following a grenade that goes off too close to Tuvia. I would have appreciated a more unique perspective to the aesthetics of the film to coincide with the uniqueness of the story.

In all, Defiance is an important story that needs to be heard. Daniel Craig leads a great cast of characters in an emotional journey of community, comraderie, and hope.

6.5 out of 10.

Rarely does a film really make a person think about himself, his life, and his philosophies. Some movies simply provide a brief escape from reality — entertainment and nothing more. Other films raise awareness on issues, or call people to action. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is one of those rare films that can inspire, teach, and entertain and it’s one of the best films of this year.

The movie is based on a story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and follows the unique life of Benjamin Button, a man born with the physiology of an old man. As he grows in age, Benjamin’s appearance becomes younger — his life actually unfolds in reverse. This gives him an interesting perspective on life, allowing him to see the world and the people around him in ways that no one else can.

Benjamin Button is an epic story that takes us through many episodic moments involving the people and the places that surround Benjamin. There are no traditional “bad guys” in the film. No discernible conflict that weaves its way through the story. Just moments. Moments that come and go, but that make lasting impressions upon Benjamin and the audience as well. What it teaches is that life is fleeting, that things change, and that “you never know what’s coming for you.” Benjamin has to deal with all of these issues. He has to learn that death is part of life. He has to overcome his own disabilities. He has to make tough decisions that affect him and others. The film is deep, philosophical, and moving, and even after the last frame fades away, its themes resonate in the mind.

The movie’s look and feel is as grand as its subject matter (and running time too — nearly 3 hours). The cinematography is rich in color, each tone and palette supporting the needs and moods of a particular scene. Pacing is often a problem in the early stages of the film. Some moments seem too drawn out. Some of the dialogue and acting seems too melodramatic. Some of the gags are overdone. However, the last act of the film moves very quickly. Perhaps this was done on purpose, for in real life, time seems to move quicker as we grow older.

Overall, this is a powerful film that will take you on a wide range of emotion and will also take you on a journey of self reflection.

8.5 out of 10

I had the opportunity to check out 21 on DVD over the weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The film, released March 2008, tells the story of a team of brilliant young MIT students who use their abilities to take millions from Vegas casinos. The movie is based on a true story (told in the book Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich) and features great locations, exciting visuals, and a plot constructed in textbook style.

Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is an unassuming, yet brilliant student who is wrapping up his final semester at MIT before moving on to Harvard Medical School. He’s applying for a highly coveted full-tuition scholarship, because the $300,000 in expenses is just too much for him to handle. He’s frustrated because he can see his dream of med school slipping away simply because of the money.

Enter the inspiring and affable professor Micky Rosa (Kevin Spacey) who takes a liking to young Ben and recruits him to become a part of an underground MIT Blackjack team. The participating students fly to Vegas on weekends and use their mathematical skills to count cards and earn millions. Ben sees this as a way to help him pay for Harvard Med, but of course,  not everything goes as it should.

21 is certainly not an example of revolutionary filmmaking, but it does succeed in presenting a solid, standard 3-act story that moves itself forward nicely. We are presented with a character who has a goal, but there’s an obstacle to that goal. So, the main character is hooked into a solution to his problem through counting cards, and so he becomes involved in the story. Through that story we see this character evolve and change, and he comes out the other side having learned something about himself and life. It’s Screenwriting 101 at its best. Although many moments in the story are predictable and the viewer can see the ending coming from a mile away, the premise itself held my interest, and the performances from each actor were engaging.

What’s especially nice about the film is the cinematography. One might not notice upon a first viewing, but the entire movie was shot digital and not on film. This gave the filmmakers some latititude when working in low-light situations and the result is great. The tones of Vegas are rich and inviting and the tabletop close-ups during casino play are crisp and detailed. Through it all, however, your attention is never really drawn to the lighting, the camera angles, or the color palette. The techniques blend well into the story, but they never upstage what’s happening on screen.

Overall, a good film that’s worth a look.

7 out of 10

Make no mistake. Quantum of Solace is unlike any Bond movie before it. Sure there are fights, car chases, and explosions every twelve seconds, but what makes this film stand apart is the sheer intensity and grittiness that doesn’t let up until the credits roll. This isn’t your daddy’s James Bond.

With Casino Royale, producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli wanted to take the franchise in a new direction for new and younger audiences. They hired Daniel Craig to portray the MI-6 secret agent, and from the get-go viewers realized that there was a return to a sense of realism that many Bond films seemed to lack. Quantum begins right where Casino Royale leaves off, making the movie the first ever direct sequel in the Bond franchise. In Quantum, Bond is determined to find out why his girlfriend from Casino Royale betrayed him and ultimately died. His search uncovers a much larger criminal organization whose influence reaches to the highest levels of government intelligence. He must work to defeat a member of this group, Dominique Green, before Green can overthrow a government and hold a country at ransom.

The action in this film is non-stop. On land, sea, and in the air, the intensity of the movie is similar in look and feel to the Bourne Identity franchise — quick cuts, handheld cameras, whip pans — every camera technique throws the viewer into the film and provides a sense of instability and chaos. But what’s interesting to see in this film is how the Bond character develops. One can see him becoming more shut off to his emotions, helping him grow into a more efficient agent. On the other side, his determination and stubborness blind him to the authority of M and his government. Craig portrays Bond with a cool ruthlessness that makes the character seem much more threatening than the light-hearted whit of Roger Moore. Craig’s Bond is conflicted — he is devoted to his duty, and yet struggles to keep his personal feelings out of the equation.

Another thing to appreciate about Quantum is the plot. Long gone are the simplistic Bond storylines of “bad-guy-gets-nuclear-warhead-and-Bond-must-defeat-him.” This installment introduces us to the more complex realities of a terrorist network and how the killing or capturing of one member only leads to more questions and seemingly more dead-ends. Dominique Green is not the super villain of past Bond movies. He’s but one player in a highly sophisticated group, known as Quantum.

Yes, there were some Bond staples I missed in Quantum – There was no gun barrel opening, the famous line, “Bond. James Bond.” is MIA; there is no Q, no Miss Moneypenny. So, long-time fans might be turned off by this break in the formula, but the changes in tone and feel make up for some of these omissions. This Bond installment will definitely knock the wind out of you, but you will come back wanting more.

Bottom Line - 7 out of 10 stars

Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic, There Will Be Blood, chronicles approximately 30 years in the life of oil prospector Daniel Plainview around the turn of the 20th century. It is a magnificent examination of a complex character whose motivations are often known only to him. It explores themes like greed, wealth, family, religion, and hypocrisy. The layers of this story are often as deep as the wells Plainview drills, and these themes can only be appreciated upon subsequent viewings of the film. If you are looking for a special effects blockbuster with a lot of action and shooting, then this movie probably isn’t for you. But if you are interested in characters — their relationships and motivations, then you will certainly enjoy There Will Be Blood.

The narrative structure of the film is rather loose. There is no predictable direction within the storyline, and this only serves to heighten the intrigue as one watches it. So many Hollywood films follow a certain formula and one can see the outcome from miles away — not so with this film. The characters are so well written, and the performances are so excellent, that one can never tell what will happen next. Since the basic plot centers around Daniel Plainview, we watch from the beginning as he struggles to dig and make a living on his own. Then we see him drilling with only a handful of assistants. Finally we see him as an established and successful oil man, overseeing several drills throughout the state.

But when Daniel begins drilling in a small ranching community he is met by an equally ambitious young preacher named Eli, whose greed and deceitfulness are masked behind a facade of righteousness. Their feud serves as the narrative thread running throughout the film. Eli tries to manipulate Daniel in an effort to get more money for his church and more prestige for himself. Daniel hides his anger and disdain for Eli to save face among the community, but the quiet manner in which he thwarts Eli (save for the wonderful scene in which Daniel slaps Eli around a little bit) is remarkable to watch. Each man wants what he wants and will stop at nothing to get it.

No amount of words here can describe the outstanding performance of Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview. It has been said that great acting is reacting, and that’s so true of Lewis’ portrayal. He can convey so much about his character in the subtle, non-speaking moments in the film (Just look for the scene in which Daniel Planview speaks to the community in a small ceremony before drilling begins. The stare he gives Eli in that scene tells a lot about Planview’s character).

There Will Be Blood is an outstanding film that you will definitely be thinking about, even days after you watch it.

8 out of 10

The summer months mark the time of year when networks trot out a lot of reality programming and game shows in an effort to keep viewers satisfied until the fall shows premiere. Historically I have found these shows a complete waste of time, but I think ABC scored big with the premiere of Wipeout, a game show that throws contestants through outrageous obstacle courses in an attempt to win $50,000. By no means is Wipeout an intelligent show that will enlighten our culture, but if you like to see people get knocked down, spun around, thrown down, and bounced around, then this show is for you. I laughed so hard through the first six minutes of the premiere that I spit out the chips and salsa I happened to be chewing at the time. The show’s commentators John Anderson (of ESPN) and John Henson (former Talk Soup host) add to the hilarity with their dry-witted comments. My only concern about the show concerns its longevity. Although the hosts promise variety in upcoming obstacles, one must wonder how quickly the newness of this premise will last. But for now, let’s enjoy the ride.