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Sunday, May 11, 2008 - 15:22:55
MOVIGOER REVIEW: REDBELTBrazilian jiu-jitsu is the subject of David Mamet's melodic new drama "Redbelt" starring Chiwetel Ejiofor. Mamet, an accomplished playwright, screenwriter and author, wrote and directed this drama, the first time he has served in both capacities since 2004's "Spartan," a dark and edgy drama about the kidnapping of the daughter of a high ranking government official.
In "Redbelt," Mamet steps away from politics (his new play, "November," starring Nathan Lane opened on Broadway earlier this year) and into a world he knows quite well. Mamet is a student of jiu-jitsu, a sport that has been in existence since the early 20th century, but only recently gained national prominence when Royce Gracie won four consecutive Ultimate Fighting Championships from 1993 to 1996.
In the film, Ejiofor plays jiu-jitsu instructor Mike Terry. Terry runs a school in Los Angeles that is losing money. He refuses to participate in competitions because he believes it weakens the sport and the competitor. Unlike the thousands of people competing in mixed martial arts competitions (and making lots of money), Terry remains a purist, much to his financial detriment.
Late one evening, after he's completed a class, a young woman enters the school. She's disturbed, and mistakenly fires a gun through the school's front window. A minor event in most cases, but it sets in motion a series of events that force Terry into competition for money.
In an interesting and welcomed role, Tim Allen stars as the action movie star Chet Frank. He's saved by Terry when he enters a bar one night, without guards, and nearly gets pummeled for hitting on another man's girlfriend. Terry steps to his defense, and Frank falls in his debt. But as in many of Mamet's films things are not always as they seen, and this certainly the case here.
The film is anchored, remarkably, by Mr. Ejiofor. He's one of the finest actors working today and his performance is captivating. He's supported by the lovely Emily Mortimer, David Paymer, Joe Mantegna and Mr. Allen. The supporting roles are small; this Mr. Ejiofor's film. And it was smart move by Mr. Mamet to cast him.
"Redbelt," is a fine film, with dizzying camera work as it follows the fighters across the mat, flipping and throwing each other around in an effort to force the other into submission. It's also short, coming in at 99 minutes, and there are aspects that could have been better developed. But that is minor flaw in what is otherwise an admirable effort all around.
Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 17:23:51
MOVIGOER REVIEW: IRON MANThe concept of the superhero film is one that both excelled and failed. Fine efforts, like "Batman Begins," "Superman: The Movie," and "Spider-Man," and miserable ones, like "Batman & Robin," "Captain America" and "Elektra," have made their way to the screen in the last thirty years.
When Christian Bale was cast as Bruce Wayne in Chris Nolan's take on the caped crusader there was a plethora of buzz about the choice. After all, everyone's leading man, George Clooney, was the last actor to wear the bat suit. But when Robert Downey, Jr., an actor of extraordinary talent and a questionable past was named as the lead in Jon Favreau's "Iron Man," heads were scratched, to say the least.
But two minutes into the film it was apparent that Mr. Downey was an exceptional choice. His boozy, cavalier, boy-genius, womanizer was almost too perfect a match. The question was could be he be taken seriously in a suit and flying through the sky.
Tony Stark is the CEO of the world's leading manufacturer of sophisticated weapons - everything from guns to guided missiles. While on a weapons demonstration trip to Afghanistan his convoy is attacked by insurgents and he's taken captive. Because of an explosion (ironically by one of the bombs he manufactures), small pieces of shrapnel rest dangerously close to his heart. Only a fancy contraption inserted into his chest keeps him alive.
The rebels want Stark to build them a Jericho missile, a new missile that really serves as about forty; mini missiles spray off the primary and blow the target to smithereens. But instead of building this missile, Stark builds the first generation of a suit that, powered by this glowing thing in his chest, can withstand bullets, demonstrate super-human strength and emit flames of fire like a high powered water hose.
After his rescue Stark returns to his laboratory to perfect his suit. It's a marvelous sight, from the texture and compilation to the way it's constructed. Watching him suit up and learn to fly is lots of fun.
His pal, Jim Rhodes, is also his military liaison and is played by the talented Terrence Howard. He's assisted in his daily endeavors, from the discarding of his overnight guests to remembering his social security number, by Pepper Potts, a welcomed return to the big screen for Gwyneth Paltrow. And then there's Obadiah Stane (what a name), Stark's business partner and eventual double-crosser, played by Jeff Bridges.
In a summer of superhero films, "The Dark Knight" and "The Incredible Hulk," especially, "Iron Man" has set the bar high. We won't know what will come of these two films, as well as the everyman superhero, Indiana Jones, for a few more weeks. Until then, "Iron Man" will rule the comic book roost, and the box office.
Six years ago, Mr. Downey was fired from his re-occurring guest appearance on "Ally McBeal." He was uninsurable and his future was in serious question. Today, he's box office gold, and thousands of people have had an opportunity to see his talent on display.
I'm a fan of comeback stories, and this is a great one.
Friday, May 09, 2008 - 15:13:29
Many years ago I had the pleasure of going to the Sundance Institute in the summer for an afternoon. While I was there, I walked the grounds, checked out the cabins where the writers worked, and rode the chair lift to the top of a nearby mountain and hiked down.
David Folkenflick of NPR has this story with Jeff Wells of Hollywood-Elsewhere.com and Jack Matthews formerly of the New York Daily News.
Friday.
Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 11:35:53
Last year, we participated in the 48 Hour Film Project: a whirlwind trip to write, shoot and edit your own short film (with a series of limitations) in 48 hours. Our film, "Zombie: The Musical" picked up several awards. It was a great time.Today, the Washington Post profiles a few teams competing in the project (there is a rolling calendar throughout the summer). The project comes to Little Rock the weekend of June 6th. I've been asked to bring back "What's in your queue?" For me, the following:
"Long Day's Journey into Night"
"Doctor Doolittle"
"Absence of Malice"
"Judgement at Nuremburg"
"Before the Devil Knows You're Dead"
You?
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