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| Is there anybody in the entire whole wide world better than Al Pacino at playing an L.A. cop who's mixed up in some slightly shady dealings? World-weary and sleepless, Pacino is in full mastery of his craft here, in director Christopher Nolan's follow-up to one of my favorite 2001 movies, Memento. But it's not just Al who amazes. Hilary Swank? An Oscar-winner in her own right, and she proves in this movie that there really are no small roles, just small actors. She takes a glorified bit part, and brings it sparkling to three-dimensional life. (As does a personal favorite of mine, the super-engaging Maura Tierney. Her part is even smaller, but she's great.) And Oscar-winner Robin Williams? You might think he's in a lot more of this movie than he actually is, based on the ad campaign. Don't let that fool you. "Serious Robin" is used in just the right amount here, with his scenes skewed heavily toward the chilling and increasingly tense second half of this damn fine film. (It would not be inappropriate to compare Insomnia with David Lynch's Twin Peaks series pilot, only this one is played straight, not for quirky Lynchian laughs.) It's been said by many that as good as this film is, the original 1997 Norweigian version featuring Stellan Skarsgård is even better. Remind me in six months to go check that one out. In the meantime, behold the glory of Pacino! Worship the Pacino!! |
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| This movie was described to me by a close friend as “the best film she’s seen in maybe two or three years.” And she sees a lot of movies! I have to confess I didn’t like it nearly that much, but it is so clearly superior to most of the current crop of American comedies that I can understand her enthusiasm. Me? I liked Notting Hill better, but this film is certainly very good, too. It’s probably going to be a bit too odd and British for some people, so keep that in mind. (Note: I like a lot of things that are extra-odd and extra-British, and I found this film pushing the limits for me.) Yay Hugh Grant, for yet another good choice in roles. He could have easily phoned this one in, but he certainly doesn’t, and the other actors (especially young Nicholas Hoult) are equally fantastic. | |
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| Hmm. Certainly better than the mostly horrible Episode I, although that’s not much of a compliment now, is it? Instead, let’s say this is easily the 4th best Star Wars film George Lucas has ever made. (There are a lot better Star Wars films made by fans, and available for viewing at sites like ifilm.com and atomfilms.com.) My biggest problems with the new films are these: First, where’s Han Solo? And by that, I mean, where’s the pirate, the swashbuckler, the person with the sense of FUN and ADVENTURE that helped make the original Star Wars films such classics? In Episode I and Episode II, nobody in the film is having fun, and that includes me. (Obi-Wan shows flashes of Solo-esque spirit, but those are quickly doused by horrible scripting.) Second, I’m sure political stories are near and dear to George Lucas’s heart. But I don’t know that complex political stories necessarily make the best Star Wars stories. Remember when Star Wars was about a farm boy discovering he really was a powerful knight, who then had to save a princess and blow up the bad guys? I do ... and I defy you to describe the current films in this manner. Third, I just don’t believe that Padmé would get anywhere near Anakin as he’s been portrayed in the films. What (ostensibly) smart, capable Senator would want anything to do with a whiny, bratty eight-year-old who’s now a whiny, pouty, throwing-things-when-angry eighteen-year-old? I mean, there’s got to be a better foundation for me to believe in this love story. And she ends up marrying him? Come on …
Yoda kicks ass, though, and that’s got to count for something. Hence a generous three monkey rating. My final suggestion for George Lucas: You’ve just hired Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption) to write Indiana Jones IV, so ask about getting a 2-for-1 deal to have him help you write the script for Episode III. |
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| Run, don't walk, to your nearest IMAX theatre, and see if this film is playing. It's beautifully shot, and although I have a minor quibble with one “cheat” early in the film, quite inspiring. Sure, Tom Cruise narrates it, and I suppose that’s meant to attract a certain audience that otherwise wouldn’t go see it, but so what? A monkey could narrate it, and this film would still contain some of the most spectacular images you’re ever likely to see. Did I mention it’s in 3-D? It is … and you really do need to use the 3-D glasses to enjoy it to its fullest. There is a little shimmer to the picture, as you might expect in a gigantic-sized film, but it quickly dissolves in to the background of your brain, and doesn’t really distract. An inspiring journey to mankind’s first permanent outpost in space. | |
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