Virtually all relationships have their difficulties so you can just imagine, as the film Adam tries to do, what would happen if one of the parties had Asperger's syndrome. Hugh Dancy plays Adam, and as a result of his affliction misses all the subtleties of life, almost like a young child. Rose Byrne, from TV's Damages, plays his neighbor Beth, an elementary school teacher who is attracted to Adam, as Adam is to her. In many ways Adam is like one of Beth's innocent students, except for the fact that he's a virtual genius in the field of physics and has an almost obsessive interest in space and the stars. Peter Gallagher and Amy Irving plays Beth's parents affluent parents, and dad is none too happy about the relationship; he feels she'll be more of a mother to him than a partner. Although numerous films have been made concerning people with mental disabilities I really can't think of any involving a so-called normal person involved in a romantic relationship with one. Although I'm no expert on Asperger's, the film seems to handle the subject matter with a high degree of honesty; of course there are some typical "Hollywood" touches to the story, and if there weren't it would be called "real life" and not a film. The film isn't perfect, but has some good performances, and sheds some light on a world most "normal" people never get to see.
Rating - 3 (Light)
This film tells the story of Gertrude Berg, the creator, star, and principal writer of the seminal TV sitcom, The Goldbergs. The show,which chronicled the everyday trials, mishaps and goings on of a Jewish family from The Bronx, was first on radio for seventeen years, and then moved to TV for another six. Mrs. Berg is credited with being the originator of the TV sitcom, and much of what she did on her show years ago is still being done on modern sitcoms many years later. Unlike sitcom pioneers Lucille Ball and Jackie Gleason though, Ms. Berg has largely been forgotten. Since The Goldbergs was preserved via kinescope, as opposed to the more modern methods employed by Ms. Ball's and Mr. Gleason's two classic shows, the film quality just doesn't hold up for modern syndication standards. If not for this she might have been as well known today as those two early sitcom stars, something that should have been expanded on in the film. The documentary mixes archival footage with interviews, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ed Asner, Norman Lear, some surviving cast members, and others. Almost all are admirers of the show, although Mr. Asner mentions that the show did nothing to advance him in his goal of assimilation, and it seems obvious from his exchange that he's not an admirer. The blacklist of the 1950's is given prominent play in the story, and its effect on the show was severe. The story of Ms Berg and her show is quite fascinating, and this film goes along way towards educating its audience about this largely forgotten star. It does so while making us laugh, and maybe shed a tear.......... which is exactly the way Ms. Berg would have wanted it.Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
In this latest installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry, along with Ron and Hermione, find themselves being drawn inexorably closer to the inevitable battle with Voldemort. We are also shown new sides of familiar characters, such as Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton). The film also introduces us to a new teacher at Hogwarts, Professor Slughorn, played by the very capable Jim Broadbent. Years before he had been a teacher there, and had as one of his students the pre-Voldemort Tom Riddle; as you can well imagine, this relationship plays an integral part in the story. This film is an excellent addition to the series and I am now anticipating the concluding two films more than I had before. It is rare for an ongoing series to keep up such a high level of quality, but of course, considering the source material maybe it's not so surprising. The film has action, suspense and surprises, and the director, David Yates, mixes all of the elements together like a well made magic potion. Also, as the three principals are no longer little kids, some teenage romance has been introduced into the mix. Nothing too steamy though, it is only rated PG and safe for kids, and great fun for all.
Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
Cheri takes place in the late 19th century in France, when courtesans were able to maintain semi-respectable status; not to mention achieve considerable wealth if they were smart. Michelle Pfeiffer plays one such high end rent girl named Lea, and she has used her considerable skills and beauty to achieve quite a comfortable lifestyle. Kathy Bates is Madame Peloux, and although not nearly as beautiful as Lea, has managed to use these same skills to live a life of leisure and luxury. She has a son, the Cheri of the title, who's young and spoiled, and living a life of excess; something that mom would like to put a stop to. Her solution is to reacquaint him with Lea, who he has known since childhood, and who incidentally gave him his nickname of the title. We should all be so lucky. Cheri, played by Rupert Friend, late of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, is perfectly cast as the young pleasure-seeker, as is Ms. Pfeiffer in her role. Their semi-incestuous liaison stretches out a lot longer than anyone expected, and ends up having a deep effect on both of their lives. Although I basically enjoyed the film, and all of the performances, I also felt felt that it could have moved along at a quicker pace. If you enjoy attention to period detail, including costumes and decor and the like, then you could probably add a half a star. Also, not that I like employing sexist cliches, but, most would probably consider this a "women's" picture, and I'm sure that wives and girlfriends will enjoy it more than their guys.
Rating - 2 1/2 Stars
Very early on this film lets you know that it's not a love story; while at the same time it is about love, and what it may or may not be. Tom (Joseph Gordon Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) meet at the greeting card company where they both work, and Tom is soon convinced that Summer is the "one". Summer is basically the guy in this relationship, not looking for, or willing to make any kind of commitment. Tom is the romantic who desperately wants Summer as his girlfriend, not that he isn't enjoying some of the perks that pertain to that status already. The story of their relationship is told in a non-linear style, as the good days are interspersed with the bad; leading to it's inevitable conclusion. The film contains many of the elements of the genre, including the good friends who are always giving advice, and a wise beyond her years younger sister, who counsels Tom during time-outs in her soccer game. It all works due to a good script and performances, and makes for a very entertaining nontraditional rom-dram.
Rating - 3 Stars (Solid)
In Bruno, Sasha Baron Cohen exploits stereotypes and examines the nature of celebrity; at the same time making us laugh, hysterically so. The film doesn't have quite the same shock value as Borat because this time we know the formula, but that doesn't change the fact that this is quite a funny film. After losing his Austrian talk show (it'll remind you of the old SNL skit Sprockets), Bruno decides to come to America to become a star. If you know anything about the character then you know that he's flamboyantly gay, and he uses this persona to shock and anger some seemingly innocent "victims". Like Borat, the film contains many vignettes where Bruno does his best to elicit reactions from various people, including Congressman Ron Paul, Paula Abdul, a martial arts instructor, and some "good Ol' boys" on a camp out. There are others, but you get the idea. Some people are obviously in on the joke, but most are not, and you'll likely know which is which. On the camping trip, he was pushing it to the point where I thought that one of the guys might get physical with him, and I'm not talking about the fun type of physical. This is the type of film where you hope that the people watching, "get" the joke. He goes about it in such an exaggerated way that you would think anyone would, but of course, that's no guarantee; at the very least you'll experience some guilty laughs, but you will laugh throughout the ninety minute running time.
Rating - 3 1/2
Unlike most modern criminals who do their best to avoid the camera when arrested, John Dillinger was a man who reveled in his criminal celebrity. If he committed his crimes in our own era, the cable news stations would likely devote countless hours to his exploits, and Dillinger himself would be its number one fan. Public Enemies tries to capture the essence of the man, and succeeds to a degree. The film depicts him as both charming and brutal, and if he was ever viewed as a kind of "folk hero", then it's likely that the "folk" were unaware of exactly how brutal he really was. His bank robberies always began with bursts of extreme violence, and I guess he knew what he was doing because it certainly did the trick in cowing the bank employees. Johnny Depp plays Dillinger with all the skill that we've come to expect from this extremely talented actor. Chistian Bale plays Melvin Purvis, who relentlessly pursues Dillinger, along with some other infamous criminals of the era. Although enjoyable, the film at times seems nothing more that a collection of violent set pieces, between which Dillinger is portrayed as nothing more than a charming rogue. He uses this charm to win over his girlfriend (OSCAR winner Marion Cotillard), and her love and devotion to him does her no good. Billy Crudup plays a young J. Edgar Hoover, and in this small role he almost steals the film. In one scene you see him testifying before Congress trying to cajole more money for his pre-FBI federal investigatory force. The film could have used more of this. Considering the actors, subject matter, and director (Michael Mann), this was a film that I expected to love, and am disappointed that I only liked it. Rating 3 (Light)
Whatever Works is the latest from Woody Allen, and this time it's Larry David playing the "Woodman's" alter ego. Actually who better to take on this role since both these guys would likely finish in a tie for first place in a "who's more neurotic" contest. Mr. David plays Boris, a brilliant physicist, who somehow attracts a beautiful and quite dimwitted young homeless girl who has run away from her home in Mississippi to New York. Of course, the young "hottie" drawn to the aging and pessimistic older man seems to be the constant in Mr. Allen's films, and this one doesn't pull any surprises on that front. Evan Rachel Wood plays the young girl, with a mixture of wide-eyed innocence and knowing sexuality, and she's gradually able to take some of edge off of Boris, although not too much. Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr. are excellent as the separated parents of the young runaway, and it's quite hysterical to observe the changes they go through after arriving in New York in search of their daughter. This film is by no means classic Woody Allen, but is actually quite funny throughout. If you enjoy Mr. David's work on Curb Your Enthusiasm, then you should definitely feel the same about this film.
Rating 3 (Solid)
Up is another successful collaboration between Pixar studios and Disney. They have produced an animated film that has appeal to kids and adults, something that is not always easy to do. Up will appeal to any adult who has had dreams, and has fulfilled them, or not. There is also adventure and talking dogs, which should keep the kids interested. Ed Asner voices Carl, who, along with his wife, dreams of visiting Paradise Falls in South America. If they had their way they would have lived the life of adventure seekers, but of course like most such dreams, life got in the way. Fast forward many years and Carl, now a widower, is about to be evicted from his home due to an altercation with a construction company. It's at this point that Carl decides to fulfill his dream; he attaches helium balloons to his house, destination, Paradise Falls. Unknown to him though, a young boy, a Wilderness Explorer has stowed away, and he is determined to give Carl all the assistance he needs or doesn't need, in order to earn his final merit badge. This film has only positives going for it, an interesting story for kids and adults, great characters, human and not, and a great and poignant beginning, which really sucks you in. In addition to Mr. Asner, Christopher Plummer and John Ratzenberger also provide their voices, and they all add to the enjoyment. I have to say that I'm not always the greatest fan of these types of films as they often are just "too cute" for me. As far as I'm concerned, this one got it just right.
Rating - 3 1/2 Stars
