Movie Loner

I don’t know what it says about our society that we seem inordinately fascinated with serial killer films. Perhaps it’s simply a morbid curiosity with all things evil, or maybe it’s something darker and disturbing. Who am I to say? As nutty as the Ted Bundys and David Berkowitzs of the world were, cinema always manages to concoct more and more inventive lunatics. The Saw movies, Seven and the iconic Silence of the Lambs all feature a particular brand of psycho killer. Normally reserved to Hollywood, France has taken the serial killer ball and ran with it in recent years. The Crimson Rivers offers a different twist in this extremely popular genre.

Jean Reno plays Commissioner Pierre Niemans, a Paris top-cop dispatched to the university hamlet of Guernon to investigate the torture and murder of a young professor. Guernon, nestled in a picturesque mountain valley, is home to the country’s best and brightest minds. Pierre takes little time gathering clues and piecing together the puzzle. Sixty miles away, in the town of Sarzac, Lt. Max Kerkerian (Vincent Cassel) is probing the desecration of a grave-site belonging to a little girl who was killed twenty years prior. Dogged detective work leads Max to the girl’s mother who claims her daughter wasn’t killed but rather kidnapped by “demons.”

Pierre’s and Max’s cases intertwine. The two men soon cross paths and reluctantly team-up. Two more gruesome murders occur and a link between the three victims is discovered. The evidence leads Pierre and Max to the university at Guernon where dark secrets and bizarre goings-on are revealed. As the inspectors close in on the killer they become targets of an underground elite with Nazi ties bent on perpetuating a sinister master-plan. A hair-raising finale atop the snow covered  French Alps pits Pierre and Max against an unexpected enemy.

It’s great to watch two of France’s best actors, Reno and Cassel, side-by-side. They tackle the typical “buddy cop” roles but do so with equal parts humor and seriousness. Yeah, they deliver the usual clever quips, and of course don’t like each other at first, but it’s not to the absurd level of say, Rush Hour III. Director Mathieu Kassovitz keeps a winding plot from unraveling by sustaining a logical progression. There are a few left turns, but none that steer away from the central plot. However, a quick trip to the kitchen for a drink refill may leave you scrambling if you forget to press pause. An intense snowy-night foot chase and gorgeous mountain scenery add some additional flavor. Serial killer movies have become somewhat pedestrian, but The Crimson Rivers provides more than its share of thrills.

The trailer for The Crimson Rivers:

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Every magic trick has three acts. The first act is called The Pledge: the magician shows you something ordinary. The second act is called The Turn: the something ordinary is turned into something extraordinary. The third and final act is The Prestige: you see something you’ve never seen before. One of the most amazing tricks I’ve ever seen is how quickly The Prestige disappeared from theaters. The best film of 2006 that nobody saw asks one very simple question: “Are you watching closely?” If you are, you may be able to unravel the many secrets of The Prestige.

Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are competing magicians in late 19th century London. Angier is a born showman, handsome and charismatic, filled with ambition. Borden is a dark, moody genius, fiercely dedicated to his craft. Both are bent on becoming the greatest illusionist of their time. Once partners, the two go their separate ways after the tragic death of Angier’s wife. Angier blames Borden. Borden refuses to accept responsibility. Rivalry soon turns to vengeance as each man embarks on destroying the other’s livelihood. Borden starts a family and consumes himself with inventing a trick the world has never seen. Angier’s jealousy mutates into obsession as he attempts to unlock the mystery behind Borden’s grand illusion.

While Borden’s fame and reputation grows in England, Angier travels to America to perfect his masterpiece. He settles in remote Colorado Springs where he pursues the brilliant physicist Nikola Tesla to help him create a machine that will define his career. Tesla’s groundbreaking electricity experiments reveal a scientific conundrum only a wizard could imagine. Tesla leaves his findings with Angier, warning him of the potential dangers of playing with the unknown. Hubris and compulsion guide Angier as he returns to London armed with the knowledge to quench his vengeful thirst and ruin Borden once and for all. The tables flipped, Borden must now discover Angier’s shocking secret. As Angier’s plot nears its fruition, the superior Borden unveils one final riddle that will prove him to be the master illusionist.

Writer/Director Christopher Nolan has garnered much acclaim for his miraculous resuscitation of the Batman franchise, but without question The Prestige is the most complete film of his young career. Adapting from Christopher Priest’s novel, Nolan and brother Jonathan craft a clever script that gradually builds to a stunning crescendo. Beautifully lit and shot by Oscar nominated DP Wally Pfister, the film assumes an appropriately mysterious air that defines its perplexing subject matter. Jackman and Bale are perfectly cast portraying men of similar ilk, driven by ambition and ego. Bale in particular stands out, deftly embodying the duplicitous Borden. The always-great Michael Caine provides terrific support playing Cutter, an aged insider who represents the story’s superego. The greatest trick is often the most obvious. We never see it because we never bother to look. Don’t be fooled, see The Prestige.

The trailer for The Prestige:

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Some films defy explanation. They can’t easily be categorized or placed in a specific genre. These movies are rare indeed, but they’re out there. Whenever I stumble-upon such a find I make a point to view it twice before passing judgment and writing a review. I first watched Oldboy a couple years ago and was completely blown away. I was so impressed I greedily stowed away the memory for fear it might be spoiled by a second pass. Well, I caught Oldboy a few nights ago and my opinion has not wavered. It is a masterwork and without question one of the best movies I’ve seen in the last ten years.

Oh Dae-su is an alcoholic loudmouth with a wife and little girl. After a nightlong bender, he wakes up imprisoned in a strange room. Unable to decipher the reason for his incarceration Oh Dae-su spends his days beating his fists against the walls and watching countless hours of television. Fifteen years pass before Oh Dae-su is released. He reenters society a bitter, hardened man. Soon after he meets Mi-do, a young female sushi chef. Mi-do takes him home with her and the two form an instant bond. But Oh Dae-su is consumed by vengeance and embarks on a violent vendetta to find his mysterious captor.

Oh Dae-su’s bloody mission leads him to Woo-jin Lee, the cryptic man responsible for his long confinement. Woo-jin Lee’s face-to-face meeting with Oh Dae-su is part of his master-plan, a plan that Oh Dae-su must unravel. Along with Mi-do, Oh Dae-su searches for why Woo-jin Lee chose to punish him. As he pieces the puzzle together he finds the answers he’s been seeking. A final confrontation at Woo-jin Lee’s penthouse apartment uncovers a devious plot that will force Oh-Dae su to deal with a fate far worse than imprisonment.

Director Chan-wook Park constantly keeps you guessing throughout this meticulous story. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, he slips in another detour. Precise pacing incites curiosity rather than frustration. We are aware a shocking climax is coming and when it does it fails to disappoint. Park’s choice to unleash the big reveal to Oh-Dae su and the audience simultaneously is absolute brilliance. The awe becomes that much more powerful. Min-sik Choi portrays the tortured Oh-Dae su with admirable gusto. Oh-Dae su plows through humanity like a crazed superhero bent on finding a truth all too painful. It is a memorable character and performance that rivals any I’ve EVER seen. I could sing this film’s praises for another two paragraphs but I won’t. Instead, just trust me and see Oldboy.

The trailer for Oldboy:

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Writer/Director David Mamet has had his hand in some of the most acclaimed films of the last twenty-five years. The Verdict, The Untouchables, House of Games, Glengarry Glen Ross, Hoffa, Wag the Dog, Ronin and Hannibal all feature Mamet’s signature stamp. Known for his sharp, curt dialogue Mamet has the reputation of being one of Hollywood’s best scribes. However, he has also proven to be an adept Director focusing on dark mysteries steeped in betrayal. One such movie is the little seen Spartan, an intense, tightly woven thriller about a government cover-up.

The President’s daughter has been kidnapped. The FBI, Secret Service and a “lone wolf” operative named Scott (Val Kilmer) converge to crack the case. Scott, a tough, no questions asked kind of guy accepts the role of enforcer to ensure the girl’s safe return. The team is on a strict timetable. If the media catches wind of the abduction the impending reelection campaign will be placed in jeopardy. Speedy detective work and a couple rough interrogations reveal the girl has fallen victim to an international sex slave ring. Scott is called upon by the powers that be to do whatever it takes to bring her back.

Scott, and a special ops unit are ordered to Dubai to rescue the girl and break-up the slave trade ring. But before they can lift off news of the girl’s death is released. Apparently, she and one of her professors drowned in the ocean following a cocaine binge. The dogs are called off and Scott is sent home. Soon after, new evidence surfaces that the girl’s death was a fabrication. She is alive and in Dubai. Scott’s probing makes him a target. He must go off the reservation to expose a government conspiracy and extricate the girl. All alone in his quest, Scott will put himself in the line of fire to do what’s right.

Mamet employs all his tools to tell this intricate story. Power corrupted is often a central theme in his films and here he takes solid aim at the White House, even though it’s only implied. To what extremes would an administration go to secure reelection? It’s only fiction, but it makes you wonder if a leader would be capable of this type of moral perversion. Kilmer effectively seizes the reigns playing Mamet’s typical strong male lead. Scott is driven and loyal, but his robotic persona doesn’t lack a conscience. A credible supporting cast includes Derek Luke, Clark Gregg, Ed O’Neil and Mamet regular William H. Macy. If you’re looking for a quality suspense-filled movie, give Spartan a watch.

The trailer for Spartan:

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Alright, Live Free or Die Hard fails to meet any of the criteria I laid out for this blog. I willingly admit going astray on this one. It’s a humongous Hollywood blockbuster sequel starring one of the world’s biggest movie stars. Alas, temptation and my predilection for kick-ass action flicks has gotten the better of me. If it’s any consolation, the original Die Hard is one of my favorite movies. I was leery when they announced a fourth installment, but after watching it I feel compelled to heap a good amount of justifiable praise upon this big-budgeted franchise.

Bruce Willis is back as reckless hero cop John McClane. Tough and sarcastic as ever, McClane is more grizzled but no more wiser. On the eve of the 4th of July the FBI’s Cyber Crime Division is hacked by unknown geeks. Short-staffed due to the holiday, the Bureau enlists McClane’s aid to bring in New Jersey hacker Matt Farrell (Justin Long). McClane arrives at Farrell’s door only to be greeted by machine-gun toting thugs who have an interest in killing young Matt. A tense shootout leaves Farrell’s apartment in ruins as he and McClane narrowly escape. Diametrically opposed, McClane and Farrell head for D.C. to get some answers. They soon discover that the U.S. Government is under siege by a gaggle of nefarious cyber terrorists.

Leading the bad guys is ex government programmer Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant), a steely eyed computer genius bent on creating anarchy. But this is a Die Hard film, so his real motivation is what else — money, lots and lots of money. A cat and mouse game ensues with McClane and Farrell feverishly pursuing Gabriel. Chaos reigns as the clock ticks. To help uncover the plot Farrell brings aboard an uber hacker named Warlock (a hilarious Kevin Smith). Of course, Gabriel does what villains do and kidnaps McClane’s daughter Lucy which further enrages an already testy McClane. A bevy of action sequences is topped off by an electrifying chase involving a tractor trailer and an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Whew!

What a pleasant surprise this was. Director Len Wiseman (The Underworld movies) continues to impress in the action genre. This has the look and feel of the first Die Hard complete with non-stop thrills and plenty of comic relief, thanks to Willis and Long. Super-fans like me will also enjoy the many homages to the earlier movies. The great McClane/Gennero name controversy, an FBI agent named Johnson, and an elevator shaft escape are just some of the references. Willis deserves credit for not half-assing his way through the story. Twelve years after Die Hard: With a Vengeance he could have easily taken the fat payday and delivered a careless performance. Olyphant seems to relish his vicious turn as Gabriel, and the aforementioned Kevin Smith provides some good laughs. Live Free or Die Hard capably resurrects the franchise, so a fifth installment doesn’t seem far-fetched.

A scene from Live Free or Die Hard:

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I’m not a gamer and I’ve never liked Mark Wahlberg as an action star. Nevertheless, the trailer for the upcoming video game adaptation Max Payne looks damn cool. Technically, this is the second trailer released for the movie. Have a looksee:

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Viggo Mortensen is one of those actors that has quietly carved out an impressive career filled with varied performances. A misanthropic ex-con, smooth-talking drug lord, conflicted Navy Lieutenant, Lucifer, and Aragorn, King of men are just some of the memorable characters Mortensen has ably tackled. However, it’s his recent collaborations with Director David Cronenberg that have garnered him the most accolades. Both A History of Violence and Eastern Promises provided Viggo opportunities to play violent men who deftly circumnavigate criminal worlds.

Anna Khitrova (Naomi Watts), a London midwife, is present at the birth of a baby girl to a teenage Russian prostitute. The young woman dies during pregnancy prompting Anna to seek out relatives for the orphaned baby girl. A business card in the teenager’s diary leads Anna to Semyon, a local restaurant owner and Russian mafia boss. Anna needs the diary translated, so Semyon willingly offers his services. Unaware who Semyon really is, Anna hands over a copy for him to translate. Meanwhile, Anna’s Russian Uncle Stepan reads the diary and reveals Semyon and his loose-cannon son Kirill are responsible for raping the teen and forcing her into prostitution.

An angry Anna goes to confront Semyon but is stopped by Kirill’s driver Nikolai (Mortensen), and intimidating but friendly subordinate. Nikolai takes a liking to Anna and realizes he must protect her from the vindictive Semyon. However, the ambitious Nikolai also has plans of his own. He’s climbing the ranks inside the mafia family with eyes on the power seat. Semyon recognizes Nikolai’s loyalty, but he will do anything to save himself and his son, even if that means sacrificing Nikolai. Threatened by betrayal, Nikolai will place himself in harm’s way in order to save Anna and the baby girl.

Cronenberg, known for choosing odd narratives like Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch and Crash, has hit a couple of home runs with mainstream subject matter. Eastern Promises is a tightly woven plot with a couple clever twists. An intense, grisly bathhouse fight scene highlights a potent story that explores the repercussions of living a criminal life. Mortensen really delivers in a performance that nabbed him a Best Actor Oscar nomination, and Watts is equally good playing the courageous Anna. But the highest praise belongs to Armin Mueller-Stahl as Semyon, a grandfatherly mob kingpin with an ice cold heart. Not for the squeamish, Eastern Promises is a solid crime drama worth a look.

The trailer for Eastern Promises:

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Back in 1997 Writer/Director Andrew Niccol created one of the best sci-fi movies I’ve ever seen. That movie was Gattaca, a masterful and prescient glimpse into a future controlled by genetics. It showed a world where perfect humans were manufactured prior to conception and those unfortunate enough to be conceived without science were deemed “Invalid”. The following year Niccol penned The Truman Show then he pulled a Keyser Soze and disappeared. He resurfaced in 2002 with the forgettable S1m0ne but would redeem himself three years later with this overlooked gem, Lord of War.

Nicolas Cage plays Yuri Orlov, a Russian immigrant growing up in the Little Odessa enclave of Brooklyn. In the early 80s Yuri decides that the gun trade will be his profession of choice. He cuts his teeth selling to local mobsters before taking his business overseas. Partnering up with his brother Vitaly, Yuri spans the globe becoming a major player in the international arms dealing game. Money and power boost Yuri’s confidence, so much so that he pursues his dream woman, a famous model named Ava (Bridget Moynahan). A successful courtship leads to marriage, landing Yuri on top of the world.

The fall of the Soviet Union proves fruitful for Yuri as one of the world’s largest weapon caches is at his disposal. A growing reputation comes with a price. Yuri makes enemies with a competing dealer named Simeon who doesn’t take kindly to losing customers. Personal problems also rear their heads. Vitaly becomes a cokehead and leaves the business. Ava grows suspicious of Yuri’s time away. A dogged FBI agent named Jack Valentine vows to take Yuri down. Yuri seems impervious to danger and raises his cred by building a profitable relationship with a lunatic African warlord. However, the walls soon close in on Yuri and everything in his life begins to crumble.

I find it disconcerting that socially relevant, albeit simplified, films are largely ignored. Lord of War acts as a step-by-step manual on how third world countries acquire weapons. Africa and South America don’t manufacture guns, the United States and Russia do. How these armaments end up in the hands of warring factions is both fascinating and unsettling. Cage, who has been wildly inconsistent since winning an Oscar in Leaving Las Vegas, is quite good playing a man skilled at his job with questionable morals. Yuri justifies his actions at every turn and never allows guilt to raid his conscience. Looking for a nice sleeper movie? Check out Lord of War.

The trailer for Lord of War:

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