Movie Review of BLACK SWAN

Finally, I am getting to my review of Black Swan.  (Sorry to those of you who’ve been waiting.)  I’ve seen the movie twice: once with guild members (Q&A) and then with a public audience.  Both had very different reactions.  This movie has been embraced by the critics and industry, but the public audience reactions are mixed.  (Unless you are an adolescent male interested in the much-talked-about lesbian scene.)  Just know that this isn’t a movie about ballet.  It’s about the journey of a fragile ballerina as she taps into her dark, competitive side.  You will watch Nina battle for the lead role in Swan Lake while she descends into madness.  Black Swan had a tough time getting made.  Here is the preproduction backstory (courtesy of wikipedia.org)…

Aronofsky and Portman first discussed the ballet film in 2000, though the script was yet to be written.  He told her about the love scene between competing ballet dancers, and Portman recalled, "I thought that was very interesting because this movie is in so many ways an exploration of an artist's ego and that narcissistic sort of attraction to yourself and also repulsion with yourself.  On the decade's wait before production, she said, "The fact that I had spent so much time with the idea ... allowed it to marinate a little before we shot.  When Aronofsky proposed a detailed outline of Black Swan to Universal Pictures, the studio decided to fast-track development of the project in January 2007.  The project did not come together at the studio, and Aronofsky would go on to shoot The Wrestler instead. After finishing The Wrestler in 2008, he asked Mark Heyman, who had worked for him on the film, to write Black Swan.  By June 2009, Universal had placed the project in turnaround, generating attention from other studios and specialty divisions, particularly with actress Portman attached to star.  Black Swan began development under Protozoa Pictures and Overnight Productions, the latter financing the film. In July 2009, Kunis was cast.

Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as the up-and-coming ballerina, Nina.  Mila Kunis is her “nemesis”, Lily.  An unrecognizable Winona Ryder plays the outgoing prima ballerina, Beth.  Vincent Cassel is the super-tough choreographer, Toma.  And Barbara Hershey plays Nina’s unstable mother, Erica.  All were excellent in their roles, probably one of the best ensemble casts ever.  But all eyes are on Natalie Portman, who carries this film from beginning to end.  (Side note: I believe she should win awards across the board.)  Black Swan reminds me of the classic film All About Eve, which is set in the acting/theatre world.   If you have the chance, read the history of Swan Lake before seeing the movie.  Wikipedia.org has a great description.  I believe it will give you some insight into Black Swan.  This movie will bring on many discussions which I look forward to.

So you’ve heard the critics, seen the many ads/trailers, now go see this unusual, psychological thriller and be dazzled.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it!

Movie Review of THE KING’S SPEECH

Since it was Colin Firth Day on Thursday, I decided to watch The King’s Speech for a second time.  This is one of those feel good movies and will appeal to people of all ages/generations. It tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II in the late 1930's. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war. 

The King’s Speech stars Colin Firth (King George VI), Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth (“Mum”), and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue.  Each shine in their roles but the movie centers on Bertie and Lionel.  I love how Lionel stuck to his work ethic even though he was talking to the royal couple.  You will laugh, tear up and root for them.  The director, Tom Hooper (John Adams), accomplished his goal of making Colin seem small in each frame (because the real King George VI was only 5’ 9”).  The writer, David Seidler (Tucker), was able to read the notebooks Lionel wrote.  Here is a blurb from an interview:

I started researching Bertie, and every once in a while, there was this blip on the radar screen called Lionel Logue. The royal family doesn't like talking about the royal stutter. It's an embarrassment, and it's swept under the carpet — even today, but much, much more then. So I asked a friend in London to do a little detective work for me, which I think consisted of looking in the telephone directory, and they came up with a surviving son, Valentine Logue. He said, "Yes, yes, yes, come to London. I'll talk to you and I have all the notebooks that my father kept while treating the king." This was the mother lode. But there was a little caveat. He said, "I'll do this, but you must get written permission from the Queen Mum." So I wrote to the Queen Mum, and she wrote back, "Please, not in my lifetime. The memory of those events is still too painful." And when the Queen Mum says to an Englishman, "Wait," an Englishman waits. I didn't figure I'd have to wait this long.

Run to the theatres and see this movie!  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

1/13/11 COLIN FIRTH GETS HIS STAR – FINALLY!

Thursday January 13^th was Colin Firth Day in Hollywood, CA.  He was there to receive the 2,429^th Walk of Fame Star.  And how apropos, it lies right in front of the Pig N Whistle, an English Pub.  Not too far away is Emma Thompson, his Nanny McPhee co-star.  In honor of the Brit’s star, Pig N Whistle created a drink- The Colin’s Collin, which we’ll have to try.

To introduce the event was current “Mayor” of Hollywood.  (As per usual, a celebrity friend introduces the honoree.)  Well, we were treated to actor Guy Pearce, his co-star in The King’s Speech.  Guy gave a genuinely sweet speech about Colin.  “Working with Colin and watching his work will always be a very memorable time for me.”

When it was Colin’s turn, he gave a very heartfelt and witty speech.  His lovely wife, Livia Giuggioli, was there for support.  Colin dedicated the honor to her.  "I want to thank everybody that has accompanied me on this extraordinary journey, but probably more than anybody I could ever imagine Livia who has walked every step of this with me joyfully and truthfully," he said.  Before dabbing his eyes, he added: "When I look down there at that star, it's her name I see."  (Aww, makes us love him even more.)  "You can make of it what you will, it was the wind," he laughed.  During his speech, he joked: "I have a feeling I'm going to be here when I'm about 93 under a pile of blankets asking for spare change and trying to convince anyone that will listen that I'm the guy whose name is on the sidewalk - failing to recognize that the old lady next to me is in fact Emma Thompson."  (Laughter is heard everywhere.)

They’ll be back in late February for the Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre, which is a block away.  If you haven’t seen The King’s Speech, I highly recommend it.  The buzz is it will sweep the Oscars. Check out his credits at:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000147/#Actor

Movie Review of NO STRINGS ATTACHED

The ad for NO STRINGS ATTACHED asks the question can sex friends stay best friends?  Natalie Portman plays Emma Kurtzman, a pre med student with no time for relationships.  Ashton plays Adam Franklin, a TV sitcom assistant in Los Angeles.  The movie starts 15 years ago at a kids’ camp.  Then 5 years ago at a college party.  And finally it really begins 1 year ago when the now adult Emma and Adam bump into each other at a farmer’s market.  With Ivan Reitman’s direction, this rom-com movie shows us how the characters start as sex friends but then it becomes something more.  He did a great job balancing the funny with the sweet and a little bit of drama.

This is Emma’s story, which plays the untraditional role of bachelorette.  No strings, no ties.  This is usually reserved for a male lead.  We’ve seen it in the past few years with films like Juno, How Do You Know and the upcoming film Friends with Benefits (Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake).  The script was written by first time feature scribe Elizabeth Meriweather.  I found myself laughing out loud… a lot!  Hopefully you will too.  By the sound of the premiere screening, this movie is going to do well.

No Strings Attached also stars the always engaging Lake Bell as Lucy, Adam’s co-worker.  She’s beautiful, quirky and dorky all at the same time.  (Her eye glasses remind me of the librarian in Adam Ant’s video Goody Two Shoes.)  Clearly Lucy has a crush on Adam but he just doesn’t see it.  Other memorable cast members I should mention are Emma’s endearing and funny roommates Patrice (Greenberg alumni Greta Gerwig) and Shira (The Office’s Mindy Kaling).  Everyone in this movie had their moment and some great lines.  Credit Elizabeth on most of them along with some that seem ad- libbed.

If you are into the Farrelly Brothers and Judd Apatow films, you will LOL.  If you are a fan of Natalie and/or Ashton, this movie is for you.  If you are a teen, young adult, you will especially like this film.  I have a feeling it will do very well at the box office.  My recommendation is to see this film.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it. 

1/11/11 Premiere of NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Last night I attended the Los Angeles premiere of No Strings Attached starring Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher.  Once everyone was seated, the director Ivan Reitman said his Thank You’s to various people.  Finally, he thanked Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman, who also served as producer.  Funny thing is they all were sitting near us, behind us just a few rows.  Ashton looked dapper in a classic black suit and white collar shirt.  His wife, Demi Moore, next to him in a short black dress, had her hair up in a loose knot.  Natalie Portman was a few rows behind them in a lengthy, loose halter-type black dress.  Her hair loose and wavy, her face radiant like that of a Mom-to-be. 

After the screaming, oops I mean screening, everyone filtered out of the theatre.  I caught a glimpse of some of the cast but not Ashton or Natalie.  (The after-party was about to start.)  And then to my right, I saw Lake Bell in a beautiful chartreuse/grey dress.  I walked over to let her know I love her work and look forward to her next movie.  She was so nice.  You know the saying…you get farther with honey than vinegar.  Kevin Kline should take notes.  Oops!  Did I say that out loud?  Please let me explain…My friend had a run in with him and said he was rude to her and the by-standers.  It was like he couldn’t leave any faster.  Is he a recluse or something?  Anyhoo, the marquee lights were turned off and that was a sign to GO HOME!  Thanks for a wonderful evening Paramount and company.

IMDB Top 250

IMDB Lists 250 movies you can stream instantly on Netflix!

http://www.imdb.com/chart/top

Movie Review of TRON: LEGACY

Earlier today, I saw the hotly anticipated movie Tron: Legacy in IMAX 3-D.   Right off the bat, I must say IMAX 3D is the best way to see this movie.   So, in the beginning, there was a disclaimer saying parts of the movie are in 2D.  However, they recommended keeping the 3D glasses on the entire time.  (I’ve never seen such a thing but certainly appreciated it.) 

The movie begins in 1989 and shows us the last time young Sam sees his father Kevin Flynn (a digitally composited Jeff Bridges- Think Beowulf).   But then quickly it forwards 20 years to where we see an adult Sam create some havoc at ENCOM, the company his father was a part of.  Kevin Flynn hasn’t been seen in all this time and people fear he is dead.  One person who knows he isn’t is Alan Bradley, reprised by Bruce Boxleitner.  (Still looking oh so good.)  Alan gives Sam the key to Kevin’s arcade shop.  One thing leads to another and bam, Sam is in the TRON game.  Now the fun begins.

This movie reminds me a bit of Star Wars and The Matrix.  (Both, whom I wish were in 3D.)  There is the classic sci-fi storyline of the boy growing up without his Dad (Star Wars).  He lands in a game/other world to battle evil, a Judas-type character who wants to “rule the real world” (Matrix).  The actor Garrett Hedlund (Country Strong) does a nice job playing Sam.  (Man, what a sexy voice he has!)  But there are two stand-out performances that I’d like to mention.  First is the lovely Olivia Wilde (House) who played Quorra, Kevin’s apprentice.  She was like a bada$$ Trinity when needed but was primarily mellow.  I never realized how similar she looks like Keira Knightley until I saw this movie.  Yet, they made a wise choice in casting Miss Wilde.  Hopefully, she’ll get more work.  The other performance, though SO outlandish and over the top, is Michael Sheen as Zuse.  He has such great lines and expressions, pretty good comic relief.  Zuse looks like a Bowie-esque Mr. Freezemeiser.  LOL!  I LOVED every minute of his performance.  Side note- An unrecognizable Cillian Murphy was Ed Dillinger (cameo).  (I thought it was the actor married to Bryce Dallas Howard!).  Lastly, I’d like to give a shout out to Daft Punk for supplying the great music.  They also played the masked DJs.

My recommendation is to see this film in IMAX 3D.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.