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

Posted on October 2, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley, the film opens with Elizabeth having her first encounter with Will Tuner and she also sees a mysterious ship. Now in the present, a man recently promoted to Commodore proposes to Elizabeth. Through a series of events she is not able to answer and then ends up meeting the notorious Captain Jack Sparrow. He is taken captive after a duel with Will Tuner. However, his mutinous former crew raid the city from their ship the Black Pearl. Elizabeth is taken captive and Jack and Will join forces to rescue her, while the Commodore makes his own arrangements. Once again they face the pirates and end up in grave trouble. Jack, Will, and Elizabeth all prove their bravery and cleverness. Ultimately, they are able to take down the immortal pirates and Captain Jack is let go once again. This film was entertaining with good action and enjoyable character. I thoroughly understand how Jack Sparrow has become an icon.

4/5 Stars

Good Night, And Good Luck (2005)

Posted on October 1, 2014 by 4 Star Films

The film takes place amidst the Red Scare and it chronicles the team behind the CBS show See It Now, with the reporting of Edward R. Murrow. He along with his co-producer Fred Friendly are willing to question the actions of Senator Joseph McCarthy. However, they walk a fin line that could easily lead to controversy and the destruction of their careers. Eventually they do witness McCarthy as he begins to loser popularity, but they have no time to celebrate because they have their own set of problems with the network. Murrow closes a speech by saying television has potential if used correctly. As always he ends with “Good Night, and Good Luck.” This film had a pretty good cast, sleek black and white cinematography, and archival footage was used well throughout. It was nothing overly spectacular but it was good.

4/5 Stars

The Prestige (2006)

Posted on September 29, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johannson, and Michael Caine with director Christopher Nolan, this film is about two magicians who ultimately become rivals. After the death of Robert Angiers’ wife, he blames Alfred Borden and thus begins their quest to become the greatest magicians the world has ever seen. Along the way Borden finds a wife and has a daughter, while Angiers tries to discover Borden’s secrets various ways. Both men will stop at nothing to succeed even if it means sabotage, wounding, or even traveling to Colorado in Angiers’ case. With Borden in jail for murder of his rival, it appears as if Angiers has won. However, in the end all is not as it seems and it is revealed to the audience. Once again Nolan uses non linear storytelling to develop this intriguing mystery. I was not much of an authority on magic but now I know you have the pledge, the turn, and of course the prestige.

4/5 Stars

City of God (2002)

Posted on September 22, 2014 by 4 Star Films

The slash of a sharpened knife grabs our attention and from that point on there is no turning away from City of God. The story is fed to us by Rocket, a character we initially know very little about except he will help us make sense of all that follows. The setting of the story is the slums of Brazil during the 60s and 70s. People are poor, crime is rampant, and adolescents wave guns around like they were toys.

Rocket’s older brother Goose was a part of The Tender Trio along with teenagers Shaggy and Clipper. They have a lucrative revenue stream robbing businesses and gasoline trucks and they share the profits with the people of the town in return for protection. Then a little twerp named Li’l Dice convinces them to rob a hotel and the job pays off big. But soon after begin the police raids and the trio is split up for good. Clipper joins the church, Shaggy is shot by the cops, and Li’l Dice knocks off Rocket’s brother. From that point, the drug trade slowly grew, and ultimately was left in the hands of a young thug named Carrot.

Now it’s the 1970s and Rocket cultivates a love for photography while hanging out with his hippie friends. Meanwhile, Li’l Dice now known as Li’l Z has taken over the drug trade and pushed almost everyone out except Carrot. He is obsessed with being the boss and ironically under his rule, the City of God remains in relative peace. Z’s childhood friend Benny is a relaxed guy who keeps his buddy at bay and earns the admiration of everyone even Rocket.

But the “good times” must come to an end as Benny decides to skip out on the slums with his girlfriend because he does not want the life of a drug lord anymore. At a giant bash tragedy strikes, and Li’l Z is looking for blood. His target is Knockout Ned and the man’s girlfriend. After a night of turmoil, Li’l Z is never at peace again, because there is now a man with a personal vendetta bent on making him pay.

Carrot uses this new ally to his advantage and thus begins the drug war to end all drug wars. Carrot and Ned vs. Li’l Z. Both sides bring anyone and everyone into the fray and load up on guns, guns, ammunition, and more guns. It’s at this time that Rocket’s dreams become realized. He gets a job as a lowly paper boy and ultimately snags some photos of Z and his thugs making it big with the local paper. Soon his photography is in high demand and he’s even on Li’l Z’s good side.

Thus begins the beginning of the end as the rival forces meet in one last skirmish. In the aftermath Ned is shot by a vengeful boy, Li’l Z is jailed then shot, and Carrot is fodder for the papers. The little Runts now plan to run the streets and Rocket becomes famous for his photography. The film holds onto one last secret until the end before it is revealed. As we guessed this film is based on a real story and his name is not Rocket but Wilson Rodrigues.

City of God is an ironic name for such a godless place and likewise, I haven’t felt so squeamish in a film recently and perhaps ever. There is so much violence and crime in this film but we do not seem to get numb to it. It feels like we become more aware of the reality and the vicious cycle that continues its cyclical path. These young thugs are products of their environment and so how they end up is truly saddening. Even such a despicable, sadistic man such as Li’l Z knows what friendship is (ie. Benny), but ultimately even Benny cannot help him. That’s what makes the success of Rocket so extraordinary. In many ways, he is the perfect narrator, first because he survived, but also because he has a view into everything from varying angles and different perspectives.

As far as the film goes, the non-linear story line and multiple points of view made for an engaging story. This piece of storytelling keeps us begging for more crumbs as we attempt to connect the pieces as they are fed to us. Maybe it is a bit of morbid curiosity that keeps us interested or a desire to know if justice is dealt. The quick editing can be disconcerting at times and the often bobbing camera can sometimes get annoying but it fits the style of the whole film. It is part On the Waterfront, part The Godfather, but set in Brazil and a whole lot grittier. City of God reflects the hierarchy of the drug trade that permeates all areas of life and governs an entire community. Rocket was one of the lucky ones.

4.5/5 Stars

(500) Days of Summer (2009)

Posted on September 18, 2014 by 4 Star Films

“This is a story of boy meets girl, but you should know upfront, this is not a love story.”

This one line is uttered by the very thematic narrator of (500) Days of Summer and it describes an aspiring architect-greeting card salesman named Tom Hanson who meets Summer Finn at the office.

This often inventive and imaginative romantic comedy highlights the highs and woes that come with a relationship. You see Tom and Summer are seemingly two conflicting forces of nature from the beginning. He is a hopeless romantic believing in fate and love at first sight. She does not quite buy into that stuff, and she is only looking for “a friend,” nothing too serious. The so-called Summer Effect is what draws Tom to her. She is seemingly a normal everyday girl, but there is something extra special about her. But you will see for yourself.

The film’s scriptwriters do an excellent job at highlighting the minutiae that go along with any relationship. The Smiths are a point of agreement. Ikea is a place to fantasize about the American Dream, the copy room can be a place of romance, and Ringo Starr’s “Octopus’ Garden” will always be a point of contention. Mind you, all of this is out of sequence because that’s the way the memories come flooding back.

There are days when the whole world seems to be smiling with you. The birds are singing, you’re Han Solo, and it just makes you want to dance. There are days when you have bed head and your dreams are broken. There is no longer faith in romance. One day it seems like the walls are coming down and you are truly getting to know this significant other on an intimate level. Another day a small squabble over a punch and soon enough you hate everything about her. Her smile, her knees, her hair, they’re all awful.

All these things happen to Tom because Summer is not looking for anything more substantial, but he feels he is getting mixed signals. They are finally reunited and he thinks this might be his second chance. However, expectations seemingly never mirror reality. He is disillusioned realizing movies, pop songs, and even greeting cards are responsible for the lies society feeds us about love.

Now Summer has moved on in a big way, the wounds still hurt Tom, but they meet at that same bench overlooking Los Angeles for a final time. So you see this was not a love story after all. However, remember the date May 23rd, a Wednesday. We do not know the outcome but if nothing else it was the day that Tom reaffirms his belief in love.

(500) Days of Summer was different enough to be an enjoyable film which was instigated by a nonlinear storyline that pulled us along through a relationship ( day 1-500). Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel were both enjoyable and Tom’s friends and sister had enough personality to add something to the film. The music is often fitting (“Sweet Disposition” by Temper Trap helps the indie vibe), and both leads got an excuse to work out their vocal cords. By the nature of the narrative, the story jumps around a lot, seemingly leaving loose ends. Perhaps that is just my own hangup. Because, like any love story, this film may have its imperfections, but that is not to say it is not worthwhile.

4/5 Stars

Amazing Grace (2006)

Posted on September 9, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Based on the life of Christian activist and British parliament member William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace is a very important and powerful film. Wilberforce is a unique and remarkably extraordinary man, to say the least.

The story opens as a dreadfully sick Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffud) takes a holiday at the home of some close friends. They introduce him to his future wife Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai), however, to begin with, they resist any romantic involvement and remain friends. He relates his story to her about how he became an Evangelical Christian while also a popular member of the British Parliament.

He had considered leaving politics for theological studies, however, he is persuaded by friends, including William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch), to continue in parliament. He is asked to tackle the highly unpopular issue of slavery, and after a visit to his aging mentor John Newton (Albert Finney), Wilberforce’ fervor increases. Due to his own regrets about formerly being a slave trader, Newton is hounded by guilt and urges Wilberforce to end the trade.

Soon William Pitt becomes prime minister, and Wilberforce gets ready to bring a bill outlawing slavery to the house. He gets some unexpected support, but his popularity dwindles, and he is strongly opposed by a coalition with a large stake in the trade. His bill is ultimately beaten outright, but William continues the cause for numerous years still to no avail.

Now back in the present, Wilberforce is sickly and dejected, but Barbara encourages him to push on. They get married soon after and the fight continues without much progress. However, finally William devises a clever plan to cripple the slave trade, and he gains some new allies. His colleague and friend Pitt is slowly dying, but he supports Wilberforce. After many years of tireless struggle, a bill is passed in parliament that effectively ends the slave trade in 1807.

Wilberforce is one of those often unsung heroes who truly did something amazing. Pun intended. With the release of Lincoln more recently, there are definite connections that could be made between the films. Like Lincoln, Wilberforce worked for more than political clout, because he knew what was good and right, and so he fought for those principles. That is the sign of a truly great man just like Abraham Lincoln. Much like Wilberforce himself, this film is less heralded than Lincoln, but I would wager that it is no less important as a historical drama.

4/5 Stars

The Best 101 Movies of the 2000s

Posted on July 30, 2014 by 4 Star Films

*Bold I Have Seen

1. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King – (2003)

2. City of God – (2002)

3. The Dark Knight – (2008)

4. The Departed – (2006)

5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – (2007)

6. No Country for Old Men – (2007)

7. The Pianist – (2002)

8. There Will Be Blood – (2007)

9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings – (2001)

10. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – (2000)

11. Pan’s Labyrinth – (2006)

12. Mystic River – (2003)

13. The Hurt Locker – (2009)

14. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers – (2002)

15. Gladiator – (2000)

16. Slumdog Millionaire – (2008)

17. Letters From Iwo Jima – (2006)

18. Children Of Men – (2006)

19. Chicago – (2002)

20. Lost in Translation – (2003)

21. Avatar – (2009)

22. Spirited Away – (2001)

23. Million Dollar Baby – (2004)

24. Finding Nemo – (2003)

25. Up – (2009)

26. Yi Yi – (2000)

27. Moulin Rouge – (2001)

28. Crash – (2005)

29. Capote – (2005)

30. Ray – (2004)

31. The Aviator – (2004)

32. Memento – (2000)

33. Munich – (2005)

34. Traffic – (2000)

35. Sideways – (2004)

36. Amelie – (2001)

37. In the Mood for Love – (2000)

38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – (2004)

39. The Bourne Ulitmatum-(2007)

40. Casino Royale – (2005)

41. Babel – (2006)

42. The Incredibles -(2004)

43. Juno-(2007)

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

45. A Beautiful Mind – (2001)

46. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – (2004)

47. Hotel Rwanda – (2004)

48. Adaptation – (2002)

49. Inglourious Basterds – (2009)

50. Shrek – (2001)

51. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World – (2003)

52. The Hours – (2002)

53. Walk the Line – (2005)

54. Pride & Prejudice – (2005)

55. Oldboy – (2003)

56. WALL-E – (2008)

57. Dancer in the Dark – (2000)

58. Little Miss Sunshine – (2006)

59. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

60. The Queen – (2006)

61. Seabiscuit – (2003)

62. The Class – (2007)

63. The Lives of Others – (2005)

64. The Passion of the Christ – (2004)

65. The Royal Tenenbaums – (2001)

66. Atonement – (2007)

67. The Bourne Supremacy (2004)

68. Star Trek-(2009)

69. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – (2005)

70. Mulholland Dr. – (2001)

71. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – (2008)

72. Monster’s Inc – (2001)

73. The Prestige (2006)

74. The Bourne Identity – (2002)

75. Cinderella Man – (2005)

76. Crazy Heart – (2009)

77. Kill Bill Vol. 1 – (2003)

78. Kill Bill Vol. 2 – (2004)

79. Batman Begins-(2005)

80. (500) Days of Summer – (2009)

81. Ratatouille – (2007)

82. An Education (2009)

83. Frost/Nixon – (2008)

84. Before Sunset – (2004)

85. Gosford Park (2001)

86. Iron Man – (2008))

87. Almost Famous – (2000)

88. Spider Man 2 – (2004)

89. Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone – (2001)

90. Up in the Air (2009)

91. The Blind Side – (2009)

92. Collateral – (2004)

93. Good Night and Good Luck – (2005)

94. Knocked Up – (2007)

95. Gangs of New York – (2002)

96. A History of Violence

97. Black Hawk Down (2001)

98. Erin Brockovich – (2000)

99. Minority Report-(2002)

100. Spider Man – (2002)

101. Cast Away – (2000)

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Posted on January 17, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin, with the Coen Brothers directing, the film opens with a voice-over as a sheriff reminisces about an unrepentant killer he put away. The year is 1980 in Texas and we watch as a ruthless killer (Bardem) is arrested and then breaks free. At the same time a hunter (Brolin) happens upon a bloody scene that has to do with a cache of drugs. After he searches around Llewlyn finds $2 million and tires to get away with it. All too soon he is being tracked by the psychopathic killer to various hotels. They have one bloody confrontation and after fleeing once more into Mexico, Llewelyn decides to drop the money off with his wife. However, pretty soon he is dead and the sheriff must find this killer who is on the loose. The hit man is not quite done and finishes off some business before getting into a car accident that forces him to flee. The film ends as the now retired sheriff talks with his wife, leaving the film’s ending open. This film is very violent and Bardem’s character is so noticeable because he has absolutely no humanity in him. In these bleak events there is not much hope, so if you want a fluffy film you will not find it here.

4.5/5 Stars

There Will Be Blood (2007)

Posted on January 16, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Daniel Day-Lewis in a brilliant performance, the film opens at the turn of the century where a Daniel Plainview finds oil and starts a small drilling company. After a worker dies, Plainview takes the abandoned baby as his son H.W. He uses the boy to endear himself to others and his successes grow. Time passes and Daniel is approached by a boy who knows the location of oil. Daniel goes there and buys up all the land he can, becoming a wealthy man in the process. However, not everything is wonderful. He begins a long conflict with a local preacher (Paul Dana) and his son becomes ill after an explosion. Later a man comes to Plainview claiming to be his brother and Daniel also abandons his son. The years pass and he is more greedy and tyrannical and on top of that he is also a drunkard. He cruelly mocks his son before cutting all ties with him. Finally, he commits one last violent act. What stands out is that Plainview has no redeeming qualities and this man proclaiming to be a minister is also an undesirable. This film had moments reminiscent of Giant, The Treasure of Sierra Madre, and even Citizen Kane. However, despite the commanding performance of Lewis, it is not quite the same caliber in my mind.

4.5/5 Stars

The Pianist (2002)

Posted on January 15, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Directed by Roman Polanski and starring Adrien Brody, the film chronicles the life a brilliant pianist named Wladyslaw Szpilman, who has his life interrupted by the Nazis. It is 1939 and Wladyslaw is living with is family in Warsaw. However, because they are Jewish they become branded by the star of David, then they are sent to a ghetto, and finally concentration camps. They stay together as long as possible but then by pure luck Wladyslaw is saved from the camp. He gains help from non-Jewish friends and desperately struggles to survive. Eventually he is found is his hiding place by a German officer who actually spares him in part because of his musical skill. The Russians march in and Szpilman goes back to being a pianist. This film was near to Polish director Polanski’s heart. He might not be thought of as a hero and his survival may have been partly luck, but this does not make his story any less inspiring or powerful.

4.5/5 Stars