W
by Eddie Applefeld
Can we trust Oliver Stone to make an un-biased movie after he did JFK? If you go to see W, his newest film, you can make up your own mind. Stone was quoted as saying, 'it was not our intention to bring malice or judgement of George W. Bush and his administration. Again, make up your own mind on that. History has shown different results, but I think he was trying to be more sensitive to just that kind of criticism when he began this project. He does, by the way, have seven oscar nominations with three wins.
Here's another question to ask, will people want to go see the film in the first place? Will curiosity drive them, or do they really care about any of this at this point? Time will answer that. The film has drawn generally positive reviews and I thought it was okay.
Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men) plays W and his characterization is very good. He spent a lot of time trying to nail Bush's accent and mannerisms. Along the way he suffered much stress. In the film he plays Bush over a period of 37 years. From his wild days in college to the White House.
The supporting is strong, including performances by Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney, Scott Glenn, Thandie Newton as Condeleeza Rice, Ellen Burstyn as Barbara Bush and James Cromwell as Bush's dad. The rating is PG-13.
The Express
by Eddie Applefeld
If you like a bit of emotion in your movies, then let me direct you to The Express. It's based on the true story of Ernie Davis, who played college ball at Syracuse and was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. This is a film filled with emotion and also some college football action, as the story unfolds Ernie's life.
He was being compared to Jim Brown, also a college standout at Syracuse. The numbers both players racked up in college were staggering. Unfortunately, fate did not allow Davis to play one down on the professional field, even though he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. Leukemia took his very young life.
Besides his work in football, he became an impotant cog in the civil rights movement. The time frame we're talking about is the late 50's into the 60's. His color was a factor, when the team played in the south.
Davis is played by Rob Brown, who is excellent. His coach is played by Randy Quaid and his grandfather, an important person in his life, is played by, Baltimore born, Charles Dutton. In short, this film is worth seeing. It actually has substance and carries with it a message of determination and committment.
There is no telling how great Davis would have been. The rating is PG.
Vicky Christina Barcelona
by Eddie Applefeld
Believe it or not, Woody Allen is 72 years old. In my opinion he is still making great movies. I will admit my definition of great may be a bit different from yours in this context. First of all, in his case it might depend on what you think of him as a person.
His latest film is Vicky Christina Barcelona, which he wrote and directed. This film is about two best girlfriends (Scarlett Johannson and Rebecca Hall) who go to Barcelona Spain on holiday. They expect to enjoy the scenery and wine. They never expected to get involved with the same bohemian painter, played by oscar winner Javier Bardem. For Miss Johannson this is her third Woody Allen film. The other main characters are played by Patricia Clarkson and Penelope Cruz.
The scenery is indeed lovely. Woody gives us many shots of the land and museums, the script is well written, as his generally are and the acting is superb. Combine them, together and you have the potential for a very good film. Some people however have found it slow. My biggest problem was with the narrator. Are they necessary at all in any film? But even that wasn't a big deal for me.
As I said, I liked the film and will recommend it. It is not for kids; you know, those who think a good film consists of as many special effects as you can cram into two hours. The rating is PG-13.
