Movie Review: PSYCHO

PSYCHO

1960

R

"She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?"

-- Norman Bates

Psycho is a 1960 horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock that many consider to be one of the director's greatest achievements. The story begins in Phoenix, Arizona, where a young secretary named Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) embezzles forty-thousand dollars from her employer then skips town in the hopes of running away with her long-distance boyfriend Sam Loomis (John Gavin), who lives in the small town of Fairvale, California. As Marion makes her way north, she stumbles upon the Bates Motel, a small establishment off the main highway, and decides to stay the night before pushing on to her destination. She meets the young Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the caretaker of the motel, and after exchanging some pleasantries, Marion elects to turn in for the night. Before bed, however, she opts to take a shower...

I think you'd be a bit hard-pressed to find many a film fan who doesn't know the next sequence of events, as Psycho's shower scene has reached a certain stature of fame, or infamy, over the years. From that scene, the rest of the film serves more as a mystery than as a horror film, but none of that really takes away from the fact that Psycho manages to be one of the greatest films ever made. 

For me, Psycho has been a recognizable film for as long as I can remember. To be honest, my first interaction with it was a rather negative one. When I was about four years old, my family decided to take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. The park had a "special effects stage" attraction, where one of the rooms focused on the cinematography of Hitchcock's films. At such a young age, I was introduced to the shower scene, and I was absolutely horrified. I instantly became terrified of bathrooms and showers, and it took me quite a while to get past that fear. In addition, it took me another sixteen years before I could sit down and watch Psycho in its entirety, but boy am I glad that I did. 

The history of the film itself is a rather incredible one itself. The making of the film is chronicled well in David Thomson's book The Moment of Psycho, and Thomson offers some interesting insight on the film as well, if you have a chance to read it. One of my favorite little tidbits about the film's release is the fact that Hitchcock essentially forbade anyone from entering theaters after the film had begun to play (a tactic that is alluded to in the trailer at the end of this review). His reasoning? Hitchcock thought that a viewer needed to see Psycho from the very start lest they miss an important piece of information. It was a truly groundbreaking idea for the time, and audiences ate it up. 

Over the years, Psycho has become considered one of the most groundbreaking and important films to appear in cinematic history. Arguably Hitchcock's finest film, it does manage to live up to all the hype. The screenplay itself is a wonderfully-written mystery that almost plays as two separate stories. In the first half, we have a tale of love, crime and extortion, but as soon as the shower scene occurs and we as the audience lose our main focal point in Janet Leigh, we're left a little bit adrift. That's when storyline two kicks in, and we're thrown into the midst of a murder mystery in which we think we know the answer. The kicker? Well, I'll leave that to the film and to Hitchcock. What's truly great about the screenplay, however, is that in the midst of all this horror, confusion and mystery, we still get an ample supply of comedy. If you pay close attention, there's a number of bits of dialogue that are meant to be played out for comedic effect, and they're so perfectly-placed that they might even manage to draw a bit of out-loud laughter. Essentially, this screenplay has it all: horror, mystery, comedy, drama and romance. It brings it all together in such an effective manner that there just might be something for everyone.

While the storyline tends to ebb and flow throughout the film, one thing that does remain consistent is the high level of acting performances we receive. Leigh starts out as the apparent lead, and she does an incredible job with the role. At times, she manages to seem both vulnerable and invincible at once, and it's this duality that makes her both appealing and fascinating until her untimely and sudden demise. From there, the disillusioned audience has no choice but to pick up on the film's seeming sub-lead: Perkins's Norman Bates. And let me tell you, Perkins steals the show. The more I watch the film, the more I become mesmerized by just how strong a performance Perkins manages to bring forth. It's a subtle but profound type of brilliance, and I think it's often under-appreciated. Perkins slips through so many emotions even in the course of only one scene that it might be difficult for the casual viewer to keep up with it all, but I would argue that he brought forth one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. 

The rest of the cast fills out rather well mostly because each person plays their part to a tee. Vera Miles comes in for a supporting role as Marion's distraught sister. She teams up with Gavin's Loomis hoping to find answers. Gavin is probably the weakest link in the film (a thought that Hitchcock shared), but even he isn't all that terrible. It's just that, in comparison to the talent around him, there just wasn't any way for him to keep up. Of all the supporting characters, however, I have to tip my hat most to Martin Balsam, who plays the private detective Milton Arbogast. He's a wonderfully-consistent addition to the cast, and he and Perkins combine for one of the film's best scenes. It's just a well-rounded cast all around, and I think the acting in the film has taken a bit of a back seat to the screenplay and the direction itself. Someone needs to herald it, so why shouldn't I?

One of the most effective components of Psycho, however, is its cinematic score. Composed by Bernard Herrmann, I can't quite say it's the most instantly recognizable pieces of music, but it definitely has to be high on the list. Though not quite as iconic as, say, John Williams's score for Jaws, I think Herrmann still managed to create something truly brilliant with his score. The bit from the shower sequence might be the most recognizable from the film, but the rest of the score is so splendidly-crafted that it's hard no to enjoy it from start to finish.

At the end of the day, Psycho proves to rank near, if not at, the top of the list of horror films, and it also manages to be ranked very highly on the list of greatest films of all time. I myself would have to place it within the top five greatest films I've ever seen, and that's saying quite a bit considering the amount of films I've seen. If you haven't had a chance to take in this iconic film, then maybe this Halloween season should be the time to do so. It's not as terrifying as it may have used to be, but it's still so profound that it's easy to understand why it's reached such an idolized place in cinematic history. Congratulations, Mr. Hitchcock. You created a masterpiece.

Movie Review Summary

Grade: A+

Status: Must-See

Happy Birthday, James Newton Howard!

Today, we are celebrating the 61st birthday of Oscar-nominated composer James Newton Howard. A Los Angeles native, Howard attended the University of Southern California's music school, but he dropped out so that he could tour with Elton John. From there, Howard turned to composing and creating music for film and television, and he's been doing that ever since. Interestingly enough, Howard never actually conducts his own music; rather, he simply crafts and composes it then allows other conductors to take the helm in bringing the score to life. In his career, he has scored over one hundred films, and he continues to go strong to this day. In recent years, he has established an ongoing relationship with director M. Night Shyamalan, for whom Howard has scored a number of films. In his personal life, Howard has been married twice: first to Rosanna Arquette for just over a year, and then to Sophie Howard, with whom he has been married since 1992 and with whom he has had two children. And now, here's a few fun facts and accolades that Howard has earned throughout his career:

Composing

First Film: Head Office (1985)

Last Film: Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

Next Film: The Bourne Legacy (2012)

Academy Awards

Nominated: Best Original Score, The Princes of Tides (1991)

Nominated: Best Original Score, The Fugitive (1993)

Nominated: Best Original Song, Junior (1994)

Nominated: Best Original Song, One Fine Day (1996)

Nominated: Best Original Score, My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Nominated: Best Original Score, The Village (2004)

Nominated: Best Original Score, Michael Clayton (2007)

Nominated: Best Original Score, Defiance (2008)

Over the years, I have managed to see thirty-one films with Howard's scores, and on average, those films have received a 'B-' grade. From those thirty-one, I have created the following list of my five favorite of his scores:

5. Defiance

2008

*****

4. The Sixth Sense

1999

*****

3. Waterworld

1995

*****

2. Batman Begins

(with Hans Zimmer)

2005

*****

1. King Kong

2005

Once again, I'd like to wish James Newton Howard a happy 61st birthday!

Happy Birthday, Johnny Depp!

Today, I am happy to celebrate the 49th birthday of Oscar-nominated actor Johnny Depp. A native of Kentucky, Depp has spent his career making a name as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood. Originally, he aspired to be a rock musician, but after nabbing a leading role in the television show "21 Jump Street," he shifted his aspirations to the silver screen. Over the years, Depp has formed a very close relationship with director Tim Burton, and he has appeared in seven of Burton's films. It is this relationship for which he is most known, but Depp has managed to wow audiences and critics on a number of other occasions as well. His superstardom skyrocketed with his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He based the character off Keith Richards, a member of the Rolling Stones, and one could say that Depp finally got the opportunity to be a rock star, if only for a little while. Depp's performance as Jack Sparrow has opened a number of doors for his career, and he has only continued to grown in popularity ever since. Here's a look at some of the fun facts and accolades that Depp has earned throughout his career:

Acting

First Film: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Last Film: Dark Shadows (2012)

Next Film: The Lone Ranger (2013)

Academy Awards

Nominated: Best Actor, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Nominated: Best Actor, Finding Neverland (2004)

Nominated: Best Actor, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2009)

Over the years, I've managed to see twenty of Depp's films, and on average, his films have received a 'B+' grade. From these twenty, I have created the following list of my five favorite of his performances: 

5. John Dillinger

Public Enemies (2009)

*****

4. Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

*****

3. Sir James Matthew Barrie

Finding Neverland (2004)

*****

2. Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

*****

1. Captain Jack Sparrow

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Once again, I would like to wish Johnny Depp a happy 49th birthday!

Happy Birthday, Paul Giamatti!

Today, we're celebrating the 45th birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor Paul Giamatti. A Connecticut native, Paul is the son of the late Bart Giamatti, who served as both President of Yale University as well as Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Paul himself attended Yale, where he began his acting career in their theater department. From there, he channeled his energies to regional productions before finding his start on the big screen in the early 1990s. He married his wife Elizabeth in 1997, and the two remain happily married to this day. Here's a look at some of the fun facts and accolades that Giamatti has earned throughout his acting career:

Acting

First Film: Past Midnight (1991)

Last Film: The Ides of March (2011)

Next Film: Rock of Ages (2012)

Academy Awards

Nominated: Best Supporting Actor, Cinderella Man (2005)

Over the years, I've managed to see thirteen of Giamatti's films, and on average, his films have received a 'B-' grade. From these thirteen, I have created the following list of my five favorite of his performances:

5. Mike Flaherty

Win Win (2011)

*****

4. Joe Gould

Cinderella Man (2005)

*****

3. Miles

Sideways (2004)

*****

2. Tom Duffy

The Ides of March (2011)

*****

1. Harvey Pekar

American Splendor (2003)

Once again, I would like to wish Paul Giamatti a happy 45th birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mark Wahlberg!

Today, we're celebrating the 41st birthday of actor Mark Wahlberg. A Boston native and the youngest of nine children, Mark had plenty of ups and downs during his adolescence and youth. He got his first big start as a member of his brother Donnie's musical group New Kids on the Block, but he soon branched out on his own and created Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. From there, Wahlberg channeled his impressive physique into modeling for Calvin Klein. At the same time, however, Mark had quite a few run-ins with the law after some rather serious offenses. Ultimately, he managed to keep his fury at bay, and he transitioned to the acting scene and has slowly grown into one of the more popular men to grace the silver screen. In 2009, Wahlberg married long-time girlfriend Rhea Durham, with whom he has four children. Wahlberg has also started to take seat in the producer's chair, most prominently with his producing role for the television show "Entourage." Here's a look at some of the fun facts and accolades associated with Wahlberg's acting career:

Acting

First Film: Renaissance Man (1994)

Last Film: Contraband (2012)

Next Film: Ted (2012)

Academy Awards

Nominated: Best Supporting Actor, The Departed (2006)

Nominated: Best Picture, The Fighter (2010)

Over the years, I've managed to see twelve of Wahlberg's films, and on average, his films have received a 'B-' grade. From these twelve, I have created the following list of my five favorite of his performances:

5. Micky Ward

The Fighter (2010)

*****

4. Mickey

The Basketball Diaries (1995)

*****

3. Eddie Adams / Dirk Diggler

Boogie Nights (1997)

*****

2. Dignam

The Departed (2006)

*****

1. Tommy Corn

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

Once again, I would like to wish Mark Wahlberg a happy 41st birthday!

Movie Review: JACKIE BROWN

JACKIE BROWN

1997

R

"Half a million dollars will always be missed."

-- Max Cherry

Jackie Brown is a 1997 crime drama written and directed by Quentin Tarantino that served as the follow-up to his 1994 smash hit, Pulp Fiction. When flight attendant Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) is stopped by A.T.F. detectives Ray Nicolette (Michael Keaton) and Mark Dargus (Michael Bowen), they desperately try to press her for information regarding a small arms dealer named Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson), for whom she traffics money. Initially, she gives them nothing in terms of intel, and the two men ensure she's imprisoned. Ordell posts her bail, and after meeting with her, the two devise a plan that will allow her to bring the rest of his money - over half a million dollars - back into the country from Mexico. At the same time, however, Jackie makes a deal with the A.T.F. agents that will keep her out of prison as long as she can give them Ordell. In addition, she teams with her bail bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster) so that they can reap the rewards and bring home the money for themselves. As all three factions put their plans into play, a number of things go wrong for each side, only leading to further complications.

If someone would have asked me my thoughts on Quentin Tarantino only a few years ago, I probably would have dismissed his work as ridiculous and too far off the mainstream. It took his 2009 film Inglourious Basterds to bring me around to his style of filmmaking, and after giving a few of his other ventures another viewing - namely, Pulp Fiction and 1992's Reservoir Dogs - I have to say that I've come full circle and can now call myself a full-fledged fan of the director. That being said, I had always wanted to give Jackie Brown a view, and I've only now been able to do just that.

The first thing I have to say is that one should not expect this film to measure up to some of Tarantino's greater films. As the first film post-Pulp Fiction, Tarantino had set quite a bar for himself, and it was going to be difficult to reach that lofty goal regardless of the type of film he created. It garnered generally positive critical reviews upon its release, and it currently holds an eighty-six percent approval rating on Rottentomatoes.com, where one can find the following consensus:

Tarantino's third film, fashioned as a comeback for star Pam Grier, offers typical wit and charm -- and is typically overstuffed.

What comes out of Jackie Brown is a legitimate film that still stands head-and-shoulders over most of what hits theaters nowadays, but in relation to the director's other efforts, this one's definitely on the lower end of the spectrum. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its merits.

The film's screenplay proves to be engaging and entertaining, and although it's lacking in the profundity that some of Tarantino's other films enjoy, it still offers a few twists and turns to keep the audience guessing. We're given our nearly-obligatory scenes of mixed-and-matched timeline, but it's not quite as fresh as it has been in other films. Still, I have to say that there were a few moments where I thought I knew what was going to happen and was quickly proven incorrect. And for that, I have to commend Tarantino for not falling into the rote ideas that Hollywood had by that time established. Instead, he made a realistic film in which the bad guy often manages to take home the cake.

The film's cast proves to be decent, but I think we could've gotten a little bit more from some of the stars here. Grier has never been known for her acting prowess, but she does well as our lead in this one. She managed to nab a nomination at the Golden Globes for her performance, so that's saying something, I suppose. Jackson is fine as our central villain, but he's definitely been better before and since. Robert Forster might be the best on the screen this time around, as is evidenced by his Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also be on the watch for some bigger names like Keaton, Chris Tucker and Robert De Niro to offer some interesting turns.

At the end of the day, Jackie Brown is a serviceable film that proves to be entertaining, but it just doesn't quite have that Tarantino "feel" to it. In a way, Tarantino almost seems "Tarantino-esque" this time around, almost as though he's trying to mimic himself in the hopes of crafting something extraordinary. It doesn't quite fire on all cylinders, but you'll still manage to be entertained throughout. That's why I say it's worth a watch, if only if you need to kill a few hours.

Movie Review Summary

Grade: B

Should You See It? Yes

Happy Birthday, Danny Elfman!

Today, we're celebrating the 59th birthday of Academy Award-nominated composer Danny Elfman. A Los Angeles native, Elfman has made quite a name for himself in his thirty-year career, crafting himself into one of Hollywood's premiere film composers. His first composing work came in 1982's Forbidden Zone which he followed with 1985's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, the film which started his frequent collaboration with director Tim Burton. Elfman went onto score Burton's 1988 film Beetlejuice and his 1989 film Batman, and that was just the start. In the 1990s, Elfman scored such big-time films as Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Mission: Impossible, Men in Black and Good Will Hunting. He followed it up with the 2000s, in which he stamped his name across films like Spider-man, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Milk and Alice in Wonderland. Most recently, audiences have heard Elfman reprise a former score in Men in Black III as well as offer something a little bit new in Dark Shadows, and they'll next be able to hear his work in the upcoming 2012 film Frankenweenie. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've compiled a list of my ten favorite of his scores, and I've managed to find snippets of each score for your listening pleasure. Once again, happy birthday, Danny Elfman!

10. Sleepy Hollow

1999

*****

9. Real Steel

2011

*****

8. Corpse Bride

2005

*****

7. Alice in Wonderland

2010

*****

6. Spider-man

2002

*****

5. Batman

1989

*****

4. Milk

2008

*****

3. Big Fish

2003

*****

2. Edward Scissorhands

1990

*****

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas

1993

Happy Birthday, Helena Bonham Carter!

Today, we're celebrating the 46th birthday of Academy Award-nominated actress Helena Bonham Carter. A London native, Carter nabbed her first feature film appearance in 1985's A Room with a View, which would go on to win three Oscars earn a nomination for Best Picture. The film's success didn't necessarily push her into the limelight, but it definitely opened the door for her career. In 1990, she starred alongside Mel Gibson and Glenn Close in Hamlet, and she spent the rest of the early 1990s appearing in films such as 1992's Howards End, 1994's Frankenstein and 1995's Mighty Aprhodite. She earned her first Oscar nomination for her performance in 1997's The Wings of the Dove, and two years later, she burst into the collective public consciousness with her inclusion in the cult classic, Fight Club. In 2001, Carter began a relationship with eccentric director Tim Burton, and she has appeared in a number his films since then, including 2003's Big Fish and 2007's Sweeney Todd. She also landed the part of Bellatrix Lestrange in a number of the Harry Potter films. Most recently, audiences have seen Carter in the 2012 film Dark Shadows, and they'll next see her later this year in Great Expectations and Les Misérables. And so, to celebrate her birthday, I've listed my five favorite of her characters. I hope you enjoy the list! Once again, happy birthday, Helena Bonham Carter!

5. Queen Elizabeth

The King's Speech (2010)

*****

4. Jenny

Big Fish (2003)

***** 

3. The Red Queen

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

*****

2. Mrs. Lovett

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

***** 

1. Marla Singer

Fight Club (1999)

Happy Birthday, Richard Jenkins!

Today, we're celebrating the 65th birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor Richard Jenkins. A native of Illinois, Jenkins nabbed his first feature film performance in 1985's Silverado, but it was until his role in 1986's Hannah and Her Sisters that he started to get noticed. He worked consistently in film and television throughout the late 1980s and all through the 1990s, but it is only recently that Jenkins has truly started to gain more prominent national attention. After an uncredited performance in the 2004 comedy I Heart Huckabees, Jenkins found work in such big-time fare as 2005's Fun with Dick and Jane and 2007's The Kingdom. He scored his sole Oscar nomination for his performance in the 2008 film The Visitor. Jenkins then burst onto the comedy scene after co-starring with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in 2008's Step Brothers, as well as co-starring in the Coen brothers ensemble comedy, Burn After Reading. Most recently, audiences have seen Jenkins in the 2012 film The Cabin in the Woods, and he'll appear in a slew of other 2012 releases, including Killing Them Softly and The Company You Keep. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've created a list of my five favorite of Jenkins' performances, and I've found some clips to illustrate those roles. Once again, happy birthday, Richard!

5. Dr. Robert Doback

Step Brothers (2008)

*****

4. Ted

Burn After Reading (2008)

*****

3. Mr. Tyree

Dear John (2010)

*****

2. Mr. Hooten

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

*****

1. Walter

The Visitor (2008)

Happy Birthday, Wes Anderson!

Today, we're celebrating the 43rd birthday of Academy Award-nominated director Wes Anderson. He started directing in the mid-1990s, and he created his first feature length film - 1996's Bottle Rocket - with the acting help of Luke and Owen Wilson. From there, he's gone on to brand himself into a particular type of director, whose films all have the same quirky comedic feel. Anderson has also managed to partner himself with some of the bigger actors in Hollywood, having included the likes of Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzmann and Cate Blanchett in a number of his films. With such fan favorites as 1998's Rushmore, 2001's The Royal Tenenbaums and 2004's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Anderson has definitely made a name for himself amongst the public. Most recently, Anderson delved into animation to create the 2009 film, Fantastic Mr. Fox. Audiences will next be able to see his work in the upcoming 2012 film, Moonrise Kingdom. And so, to celebrate his directing prowess, I've listed my five favorite of Anderson's directorial efforts, and I've found clips from each film for your viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy them. Once again, happy birthday, Wes!

5. Rushmore

1998

*****

4. Bottle Rocket

1996

***** 

3. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

2004

***** 

2. The Royal Tenenbaums

2001

***** 

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

2009

Happy Birthday, James Franco!

Today, we're celebrating the 34th birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor James Franco. He got his acting start in made-for-TV movies in the late 1990s, but it wasn't until 1999's Never Been Kissed that he managed to score a role in a feature film. In 2002, Franco took on a career-making role in Sam Raimi's Spider-man, propelling him into mass public consciousness. From there, he's appeared in films like 2005's The Great Raid and 2008's Pineapple Express, and he has reprised his Spider-man role twice since the first film was released. In 2010, Franco nabbed his sole Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Aron Ralston in 127 Hours. Most recently, audiences have seen him in 2011's Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and they'll next be able to see him in the 2012 films Cherry, Maladies, Tar and Lovelace. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've created a list of my five favorite of Franco's performances. I hope you enjoy the list! Once again, happy birthday, James!

5. Taste
Date Night (2010)


*****

4. Joey
City by the Sea (2002)


*****

3. Scott Smith
Milk (2008)


*****

2. Saul Silver
Pineapple Express (2008)


*****

1. Aron Ralston
127 Hours (2010)

Happy Birthday, Robert Downey Jr.!

Today we're celebrating the 47th birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor Robert Downey Jr. He scored his first film appearance in 1970's Pound, but it wasn't until his role in 1985's Weird Science that the public actually started to notice him. Downey worked consistently through the rest of the 1980s and scored his first Oscar nomination in 1992 for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the film Chaplin. Although he continued to find film roles, his off-screen life started to fall into a bit of turmoil, and it wasn't until the mid-2000s that Downey truly started to make a comeback. In 2005, he appeared in the films Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Good Night, and Good Luck, but it was his roles in the 2008 films Iron Man and Tropic Thunder - for which he scored his second Oscar nomination - that truly put him back on the map. Most recently, Downey Jr. reprised his role of Sherlock Holmes in 2011's Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, and audiences will next see him reprise his role as Tony Stark in 2012's The Avengers. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've listed my five favorite of his performances and have supplied a few short clips for your viewing pleasure. Once again, happy birthday Robert!

5. Wayne Gale
Natural Born Killers (1994)


*****

4. Tony Stark / Iron Man
Iron Man (2008)


*****

3. James Barris
A Scanner Darkly (2006)


*****

2. Harry Lockhart
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)


*****

1. Kirk Lazarus
Tropic Thunder (2008)

Happy Birthday, Catherine Keener!

Today, we're celebrating the 53rd birthday of Academy Award-nominated actress, Catherine Keener. She got her acting start in 1986 with her performance in The Education of Allison Tate, but it wasn't until she earned her first Oscar nomination for her supporting role in the 1999 film Being John Malkovich that she truly started to make a name for herself. From there, Keener found steady work in the film industry, appearing in movies opposite the likes of Robin Williams, Edward Norton, Daniel Day-Lewis, Steve Carell and Philip Seymour Hoffman through the early 2000s. Most recently, audiences have seen Keener in the 2011 film Peace, Love & Misunderstanding, and we'll next see her on the big screen in the 2012 film Maladies. So, to celebrate her birthday, I've listed my five favorite of Catherine Keener's performances, and I've supplied some clips for your viewing pleasure. Once again, happy birthday, Catherine!

5. Trish
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005)


*****

4. Nelle Harper Lee
Capote (2005)


*****

3. Jan Burres
Into the Wild (2007)


*****

2. Gertrude Baniszewski
An American Crime (2008)


*****

1. Maxine Lund
Being John Malkovich (1999)

Happy Birthday, William H. Macy!

Today we're celebrating the 62nd birthday of Academy Award-nominated actor, William H. Macy. He got his acting start with a 1978 television mini-series called "The Awakening Land," but it wasn't until 1980's Somewhere in Time that he landed his first appearance in a feature film. Macy worked consistently throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, but it wasn't until 1996's Fargo that he truly started to hit his stride, gaining national prominence after earning his sole Oscar nomination for his role in the film. From there, Macy made appearances in high profile films like 1996's Ghosts of Mississippi, 1997's Air Force One, 1997's Boogie Nights, 1998's Pleasantville and the 1998 remake of the 1960 classic, Psycho. He has continued to work throughout the 2000s and has made appearances in films like Jurassic Park III, The Cooler and Seabiscuit. Most recently, audiences saw Macy in 2011's The Lincoln Lawyer, and they'll next be able to see his work in the 2013 films A Single Shot and Rudderless. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've created a list of my five favorite of Macy's performances. I hope you enjoy the list! Once again, happy birthday, William!

5. Shoveler
Mystery Men (1999)


*****

4. George Parker
Pleasantville (1998)


*****

3. Little Bill
Boogie Nights (1997)

*****

2. Ernie
Bart Got a Room (2008)


*****

1. Jerry Lundegaard
Fargo (1996)

Happy Birthday, Rob Reiner!

Today we're celebrating the 65th birthday of director Rob Reiner. The son of Carl Reiner, Rob got his start as an actor in a string of television roles, he has truly gained prominence as a feature film director. He started directing in 1974, releasing the made-for-TV movie Sonny Boy, but it wasn't until 1984 that he directed his first theatrically-released film, This Is Spinal Tap. From there, Reiner helmed some of the more iconic films of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including 1986's Stand by Me, 1987's The Princess Bride, 1989's When Harry Met Sally... and 1992's A Few Good Men. He has worked relatively sparingly in the 2000s, but he has managed to craft a few films in recent years. Most recently, audiences have seen his work in 2010's Flipped, and they'll next be able to see a Reiner film in 2012's The Magic of Belle Isle. And so, to celebrate his birthday, I've created a list of my favorite Rob Reiner films. I hope you enjoy it! Once again, happy birthday, Rob!

5. This Is Spinal Tap
1984


*****

4. Misery
1990


*****

3. Flipped
2010


*****

2. When Harry Met Sally...
1989


*****

1. The Princess Bride
1987

Movie Review: REAL STEEL

REAL STEEL

2011
PG-13


"We fight smart, be patient and pray. Seriously, pray!"
-- Charlie Kenton

Real Steel is a 2011 sports drama directed by Shawn Levy that tells a tale of a futuristic boxing world where robots have replaced humans as the fighters in the ring. Former boxer Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) become a boxing robot controller, but after losing a few bets, he's fallen on some hard times. To make matters worse, he learns that his ex-wife has passed away, leaving his eleven-year-old son Max (Dakota Goyo) in his custody. Charlie reluctantly takes Max on a trip to purchase a new robot, but after that bot is destroyed in a fight, he's left downtrodden and undetermined. While the two rummage through a landfill looking for robot parts, Max stumbles upon a complete and functional sparring bot with which he takes an immediate liking. With the help of his longtime partner and on-again, off-again romance Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly), the father-and-son duo attempts to climb the ranks of the boxing world with this unlikeliest of champions that they name Atom.

When I first started seeing the trailers for this film last year, I thought it might prove to be a fun little movie that wouldn't prove to be more than a good popcorn flick. I'll generally watch anything with which Hugh Jackman is associated, and when you add fighting robots to the mix, this seemed like a surefire hit to draw me to the box office. However, the film came and went during its theatrical run, earning nearly $300 million dollars worldwide, and I did not have an opportunity to go see it. After scoring an Academy Award nomination for its visual effects, I wanted to give it a view before the actual awards ceremony.

There's something about the sport of boxing that has always translated well onto the silver screen. While plenty of sports movies have received numerous accolades, it seems that boxing flicks generally have the most success. Look at the original Rocky film from 1976, or Million Dollar Baby in 2004, or more recently, take a look at 2010's The Fighter? All three managed to scare up Best Picture nominations, and the former took home the Oscar statuette. I personally think that the appeal of boxing-central films is the ability to focus on one central character rather than a team as a whole. This personalized story gives the audience a lone figure with which to relate, rather than finding one individual on a team that strikes up their liking. Rather than having a team striving for a common goal, we have the story of one man or woman trying to beat the odds and fight through each opponent on their way to the top. Isn't that what our everyday lives are all about?

And so, the biggest issue with Real Steel was going to be whether it would be able to strike that emotional chord whilst using robots as the central fighters. While the film doesn't really stray too far from the basic clichés of every other boxing movie we've ever seen, we do get a taste of that character development in both the Charlie and the Max characters, although Charlie's arc is much larger and much stronger than Max's. We see the struggles of an aging former boxer who's trying his best to make it to the top in the sport he loves despite its ever-changing face. In that, we're getting a decent tale, but aside from that, the basic outlines of the screenplay are pretty darn predictable if you've ever seen any sort of boxing movie before.

The acting is pretty good considering the type of film we're getting. Jackman does fine with his leading role, and he has a good rapport with the young talent in Dakota Goyo, who is decent at best. The boy got a little annoying throughout the film, and although he ultimately proves to be endearing, there were a few moments where I just wanted him to shut up. Lilly is good in her supporting role, and be on the lookout for limited, albeit decent, performances from the likes of Anthony Mackie and Kevin Durand. Even Hope Davis and James Rebhorn make small appearances.

The biggest draw of the film has to be the special effects, which prove to be much more well-done than I had originally thought they would be. While it's not really offering anything spectacular or new to the visual effects field, it proves to be quite the visual delight, especially once the robots enter the ring. So, if you're big on great visual quality, this one's probably right up your alley.

I don't want to go as far as to say that Real Steel is all style and no substance because it does have a great emotional foundation for anyone willing to enjoy it. Sure, the film's premise is a little bit out there, and the screenplay follows the rote ideas of every boxing film that has ever come before it. That being said, the futuristic twist and the visual effects make this a fun little popcorn flick, and I have to say that I was thoroughly engaged with it from start to finish. It's entertainment at its most basic, and that's what movies are all about.

Movie Review Summary
Grade: B
1.5 Thumbs Up

In Memoriam: Pete Postlethwaite

Today we're celebrating the birthday of the late Academy Award-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite, who would have turned 66 today. He passed away in January 2011 after a long battle with multiple cases of cancer, leaving a bit of a void in the acting world. Although he never truly achieved leading man status, Postlethwaite's presence in his films was always immediately noticeable. He brought a very unique character to the screen in each of his film appearances, starting with his bit role in the 1977 film The Duellists. From there, he appeared in a number of made-for-television films and television series, and he didn't make his return to the big screen until 1984 in A Private Function. It wasn't until 1990, however, that he made his first major film splash in 1990's Hamlet, and just three years later, Postlethwaite nabbed his first - and only - Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in 1993's In the Name of the Father. He worked consistently throughout the mid-1990s, starring in high-profile films like 1995's The Usual Suspects, 1996's Romeo + Juliet and 1997's The Lost World: Jurassic Park. After the turn of the millennium, Postlethwaite's acting consistency started to drop, but he managed to score a few roles here and there. In 2010, he appeared in three films - Clash of the Titans, Inception and The Town - giving his fans one last glance at his fantastic ability. Pete Postlethwaite has been one of my favorite actors since I saw him in The Lost World, and the loss of this fantastic actor was truly a tragedy to the Hollywood scene. He has been and will continue to be sorely missed, but his life will love on through his film appearances. So, to celebrate his life and his acting career, I've listed my five favorite of Pete Postlethwaite's performances. I've managed to find a few videos for the list, so I hope you'll enjoy those. Once again, I'd like us all to remember the life of a fantastic actor, and I will always cherish the acting brilliance that Pete Postlethwaite was so dedicated to bringing to the screen.

5. Fergus 'Fergi' Colm
The Town (2010)


*****

4. Father Laurence
Romeo + Juliet (1996)


*****

3. Kobayashi
The Usual Suspects (1995)

*****

2. Roland Tembo
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)


*****

1. Giuseppe Conlon
In the Name of the Father (1993)

Happy Birthday, Michael Mann!

Today we're celebrating the 69th birthday of four-time Academy Award-nominated director and producer Michael Mann. Mann's first directorial effort happened to be a 1968 documentary entitled Insurrection, but it wasn't until 1981 that he created his first theatrically-released, scripted feature film in Thief. From there, Mann was able to helm some of the biggest films of the 1990s, including 1992's The Last of the Mohicans, 1995's Heat and 1999's The Insider. He has worked relatively sparingly as a director throughout his career, and his most recent films have been 2004's Collateral, 2006's Miami Vice and 2009's Public Enemies. Despite his relatively low number of films with which he is associated, Mann has found a way to make a name for himself in the Hollywood community with his multiple Oscar nominations, three of which - including a Best Director nomination - came for The Insider. So, to celebrate his birthday, I've listed my five favorite of Michael Mann's directorial efforts, and I've found videos for your viewing pleasure. Once again, happy birthday, Michael Mann!

5. The Insider
1999


*****

4. Public Enemies
2009


*****

3. Heat
1995


*****

2. The Last of the Mohicans
1992


*****

1. Collateral
2004