Reviews
An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
acknowledging we have a problem is half the battle....
An inconvenient truth may be preaching to the converted, but that certainly doesn't detract from the delivery of this impassioned appeal by the man who was once almost the U.S. president (that fact hurts almost as much as our movement towards self-destruction). Al Gore's documentary showcases his ability to communicate and articulate huge concepts with great skill, and his ability to grasp these concepts are as worthy of noting as is the current sitting U.S. president's inability to do the same. Gore cares deeply, and he feels it is humanity's ethical obligation "to do the right thing". He rightly believes that where there is a will there is a way - the enigma really is why the will is so hard to find in the world's greatest contributer to climate change. This is a must see for everyone - especially those who are ambiguous as to our impact on this suddenly shrinking and unpredictable globe. Leave your arguments for after you've been informed.
The Illusionist (2006)
Good - but not earth shattering
This is the type of movie I would like to have the leisure to watch at home as a rental - or an evening movie presentation on TV. Maybe I'm spoiled by cerebral twists at the theatre, but this movie was promising to be tantalizing but ultimately failed to deliver the expected punch. The character (Sophie), played by Biels, was two-dimensional at best. I was left puzzled as to why Norton's character - the Illusionist - found her so unforgettable - I certainly did. One kind of hopes that someone with his supposed depth would be mystified by someone with some zip or zap - not sip and sap. Sophie is an aristrocrat who the young illusionist befriends as a youth - and we're led to believe that puppy love blossomed between the two children until the young cabinet maker's lad (who later grows up to be the Illusionist) is sent away and the friendship is broken due to social class systems. Time quickly progresses and we see Norton again as a very talented magician. What follows is a rather hard to swallow plot - even for an illusion. Maybe I've grown cynical and need more to go on than baby love between two characters that have yet to convince me that I am rooting for their togetherness.
The Cutting Edge (1992)
Leaves one feeling good
I first saw this movie as a teen at the movies, and although it follows the tried and true formula of a romantic comedy, the charisma and chemistry between the two lead actors is what sets apart this movie and makes it memorable. Such a movie only works when you start caring about the characters and are rooting for their happy ending - and in that feat, this movie succeeds. The basic premise is of a promising hockey player who is paired with a partner-needing figure skater. The film works on their "repressed" tensions and relationship conflicts both on and off the ice - which they eventually succeed in melting. For those too elitist in their taste in intellectual occupation, you don't have to admit you enjoyed this flick - but I don't think you'll regret the interlude. Have fun - the actors looked like they did.
One Night Stand (1997)
discovering your own prejudices
The movie didn't appeal to my wont for pure "feel-good" escapism - but then again neither did Leaving Las Vegas - and the movie follows a similar vein in exposing the uncomfortable nature of unadorned life littered with human flaws and gifts. What gave me a new perspective on the movie was the commentary that very closely correlated with the colour "unblindness" rampant in the society of the commentator. As a Canadian living in rainbow land - Vancouver - seeing mixed racial or ethnic pairings was no remarkable thing - and it didn't hit me what a large role that feature in the movie plays to American audiences. Further judgement was passed on moral issues surrounding homosexual activity and the resulting disease of AIDS. The real moral faux pas or transgression was infidelity - not homosexuality or pairing with someone who complements your phenotype - it is the breaking of trust. If the viewer is more moved by the "shocking" mixed racial and homo gendered sex than the break in trust - then it says something uncomfortable about our shaded view of the world. Divine cast.
Bollywood/Hollywood (2002)
Witty, whimsical, wacky - wow.
I am a fan of satire, and this movie has not been appreciated for what it is - a spoof, not only of the high flying Bollywood musicals with weeping widows and on-cue dance routines in full costume but it is also a subtle rendition of Shakespeare's own comedy plays of mistaken identities and the "play within the play" feature which was witfully alluded to by the comic relief Indian Grand-ma in sneakers who bemoans "All the world's a stage" often enough to wrangle out a grin. I found it delightful and light which doesn't disappoint in wrenching out a smug smile and leaving one feeling good. Much needed therapy for all sub-continents nowadays. Don't expect Bollywood - or even Hollywood - when settling back to take in the action as it flies at you full throttle - but a magical space in between in suspended disbelief.