Towelhead

If there ever was a film to not watch with your grandmother it’s this one. Towelhead is a very provocative film with some of the most uncomfortable scenes in a movie I have ever seen. Writer and Director Alan Ball creates a basic middle class setting for the film, but inserts issues such as child molestation, racism, reverse racism, abuse, and the list goes on. But don't refrain from seeing the film because of these issues; everything is presented through the eyes of a thirteen year old girl in an effective thought provoking way. This film is not meant to shock the audience, but rather create discussions and opinions on these matters.

On a lighter note, despite the tension and sometimes awkwardness the movie generates, there are some hysterical moments which actually had me laughing over some of the dialog.

The Kid Stays in The Picture

A uniquely presented documentary that examines the interesting and entertaining life of movie mogul Robert Evans. Evans' narration of the film, and how he gives his perspective on things such as the rise of Paramount, The Godfather, and how he came to fame are quite spectacular. The images and editing used for the film creates an engaging story that will certainly not disappoint.

The DVD has many worth while features that complement this terrific film very nicely. The commentary by film makers Nanette Burstein and Brett Morgen provides further insight into not only the film but documentary film making as well.

Traitor

This movie presents a theoretical view on the strategy someone would use to go undercover and infiltrate a terrorist group. The film does not set the world on fire, but it certainly has quality elements of entertainment. There were times when the story got somewhat predictable and the audience is purposely feed short scenes to reassure that Cheadle is still a good guy and loves America even though he is participating in terrorist activities. However on the contrary there are aspects of the film that are not predictable and add enough excitement to recommend this movie as a solid Saturday night rental choice.

Seven Pounds

This film is presented in a very non linear fashion which makes the audience ask themselves or the person next to them, "Why is he doing that?" Occasionally there would be brief flash backs that make the audience try to figure out why he is doing what he is doing, but in the end the answer to all the questions is weak. The film makes it apparent, even in the beginning, that this man had a past and something happened which has led him to his current position. The problem is that his past just reveals a more content man. No alcohol problems, drugs, or jail just a smart wealthy man and his wife, nothing creating depth within the character. To me that was the biggest miss not the weak ending.

Man on Wire

David Blaine’s Central Park stunts are minuscule compared to Philippe Petit’s walk between the twin towers. I have really never seen a documentary that looked quite like this. It was presented in a very stylized fashion accompanied by dramatizations of what took place while setting up the wire between the two buildings. The film has wonderful music, at times it overwhelms the dialog to the point where it's hard to concentrate on what the person is even saying. But this is truly a brilliant film about a man and his passion to tight rope walk between the World Trade Center buildings. This is a must see.

The Bridge

This documentary has a very simple concept yet it is an extraordinarily powerful film. I had no idea so many people commited suicide jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge every year. This documentary captures these acts by setting up four or five cameras to pan and scan across the bridge all day looking for jumpers.

What I found equally as powerful was the interviews with the friends and families of the suicide victims. It was fascinating to hear why they believed these people committed suicide and why it was at the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a must see.

Four Christmases

Vince Vaughn just can't help continuing to be Jeremy Grey. That is the same Jeremy Grey from Wedding Crashers who also appears in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Break up, Fred Clause, and now Four Christmases. How can you blame him? The Jeremy Grey character is a hoot, but Jeremy Grey needs a wing man like Owen Wilson to help level out the over the top Jeremy Grey who has loud out bursts and zany comments. After watching this movie I realized I just saw a Vince Vaughn movie not a movie with Vince Vaughn in it, but a Vince Vaughn movie. He now officially has a brand of movie. He even had all of his friends in this movie. Jon Favreau, Dwight Yoakam, and Peter Billingsley (Ralphie from A Christmas Story). So if you like Jeremy Grey, see it. If you don't have to pay to see the movie, see it. Other wise don't see it.