Vidocq (R) 7.0

Dark Portals (2001) Vidocq (Original title): Paris. 1830. In the heart of the town, Vidocq, a famous detective, disappeared as he fights the Alchemist, an assassin that he has been pursuing for a few months. (6.4)

Director: Pitof
Writers: François-Eugène Vidocq (memoirs), Pitof / Jean-Christophe Grangé (screenplay)
Stars: Gérard Depardieu, Guillaume Canet and Inés Sastre
Language: French (w/ English subtitles)

Vidocq is said to be a criminal who turned to good and became the father of modern criminology. This move is a fiction/fantasy that revolves around him. The cinematography is brilliant. The action, the sets, the special effects, etc are all nicely done. My only qualm is that they selected a supernatural story to depict the life of the first scientific crime detective. Heh, irony is a pretty ironical thing, I suppose. The period costumes, the scenes, etc are great and the story moves along as a suspenseful thriller. I was kind of disappointed with the ending twist, but YMMV. My Rating: 7.0

Five Minutes of Heaven (R) 6.5

Five Minutes of Heaven (2009): The story of former UVF member Alistair Little. Twenty-five years after Little killed Joe Griffen's brother, the media arrange an auspicious meeting between the two. (6.7)

Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Writer: Guy Hibbert (screenplay)
Stars: Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt and Anamaria Marinca

The story is about how this one killing (out of many) changed the lives of two people. It gets an A for effort, but the simple fact that the storytelling jumps 25 years after the killing and skips the real part where the two agonize for 25 years, somehow leaves a large hole. Yes, they talk about it, but it isn't shown. Yes, we do see both of them fighting in their heads about the consequences, but I felt something is missing, just a tad. That said, it does show quite a bit of the inner demons they are confronting. The locations/sets are great and the two periods are well presented. (Yeah, I needed the subtitles to understand the Irish accent.) My Rating: 6.5

Flowers for Algernon (PG) 7.5

Flowers for Algernon (2000): Charlie Gordon is mentally handicapped and all he wants in life is to be a genius. When he gets picked for experimental surgery it looks like his dream may finally come true. (6.7)

Director: Jeff Bleckner
Writers: Daniel Keyes (novel), John Pielmeier (teleplay)
Stars: Matthew Modine, Kelli Williams and Richard Chevolleau

I waited until I finished the book before watching this movie. Of course, the book is a lot more complex and it follows the "progress reports," which the movie decided not to do. This is a made for TV movie and the colors have faded quite a bit in the version I saw (kind of surprised at that in this day and age of various digital preservation methods). Matthew Modine is excellent portraying Charlie in all his complexities. Yeah, heartbreaking. I highly recommend the book (first) and the movie. My Rating: 7.5

Idiots and Angels (R) 6.0

Idiots and Angels (2008): Angel is a selfish, abusive, morally bankrupt man who hangs out as his local bar, berating the other patrons. One day, Angel mysteriously wakes up with a pair of wings on his back. (6.8)

Director: Bill Plympton
Writer: Bill Plympton

No dialog; and, the animation style isn't my favorite; so, it is my own fault for picking this movie without much research. Those who have liked this enjoy that style. Okay, so the story is about an asshole getting angel wings and other assholes either trying to steal them or use him to make money; and the original guy trying to steal barman's wife and ... yeah ... so the whole thing leaves a sour taste in my mouth because it isn't exactly a (completely) black humor movie either. The music kept lulling me to sleep. If you like this sort of thing, you'll like it. But for me, meh. My Rating: 6.0

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (PG-13) 8.0

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011): A nine-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile, and pacifist searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. (6.8)

Director: Stephen Daldry
Writers: Eric Roth (screenplay), Jonathan Safran Foer (novel)
Stars: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock

Yes, it is a 9/11 movie. But the story is not all about 9/11. It is about a special kid dealing with the consequences as best as he can. It is also a story about just a kid. I can certainly put myself in his shoes, perhaps, because I can identify with his condition, and that creates the empathy for the characters in order to feel their emotions. Ultimately, that's what a good story should be able to do--make the words and pictures come alive. The two big stars, Hanks and Bullock, certainly take a back seat to the superb performance by Thomas Horn. Cinematography is great ... the colors, the locations, the sets ... all add to the storytelling. My Rating: 8.0

Don't Look Back (R) 7.5

Don't Look Back (2009) Ne te retourne pas (original title): After Jeanne -- a married mother of two -- starts to notice strange changes in her body, she finds a photograph that leads her on a journey to Italy. There, the rapidly transforming woman begins to learn more about her true identity. (5.9)

Director: Marina de Van
Writers: Marina de Van
Stars: Sophie Marceau, Monica Bellucci and Andrea Di Stefano
Language: French and Italian (w/ English subtitles)

This movies has a simple story idea turned into a psychological thriller, and it is presented in an intriguing way to keep the audience guessing at every turn. Great acting by both leading actresses, portraying a woman losing her mind, without being melodramatic. Perhaps it is worth viewing the movie a second time to understand the intricate use of props to tell part of the story. I liked the use of visual ques given as changes in appearance for the changing psychological state. Watching it without knowing much about the storyline is best as it forces you to think and pay attention to every detail. My Rating: 7.5

What's Eating Gilbert Grape (PG-13) 7.5

What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993): Gilbert has to care for his brother Arnie and his obese mother, which gets in the way when love walks into his life. (7.7)

Director: Lasse Hallström
Writers: Peter Hedges (novel), Peter Hedges (screenplay)
Stars: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Juliette Lewis

A wonderful story about a family in a sleepy town. While nothing big happens in the town itself, the everyday trials and tribulations of the people are quite interesting. Gilbert tries to do right by all the people he is responsible for but can't make sense of it all. He takes the audience through his journey of discovery. The acting is superb, specially that of Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. Good casting; even the minor roles are well thought-out. An all-around great movie that asks you to put yourself in the characters roles. My Rating: 7.5

Headhunters (R) 6.5

Headhunters (2011): An accomplished headhunter risks everything to obtain a valuable painting owned by a former mercenary. (7.5)

Director: Morten Tyldum
Writers: Lars Gudmestad, Ulf Ryberg
Stars: Aksel Hennie, Synnøve Macody Lund and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Language: Norwegian (w/ English subtitles)

This is an action thriller with sex, violence, chases and a couple of art heists mixed in. Wait a minute ... that's pretty much the story. Sure, since it is European, some parts look refreshingly different from the standard Hollywood fair, but at the end of the day, the story has way too many weak points, the plot is unconvincing and the blood looks fake. Acting is fine, it is the story that I have a problem with, since you really can't relate to or empathize with the main character. People who like action thrillers without regard to much substance in the plot will love this. My Rating: 6.5

The Princess Bride (PG) 8.5

The Princess Bride (1987): A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather). (8.1)

Director: Rob Reiner
Writers: William Goldman (book), William Goldman (screenplay)
Stars: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Robin Wright

This is the movie that I've seen a million times and I'll never get tired of it. For the 25th anniversary (Yeah, 25! I know, right?!) NPR had an interview with Mandy Patinkin which in itself was fabulous (a must hear story for any fan of the movie; you'll never see Billy Crystal's MLT scene the same way again). By now, for me, the whole movie is one quotable line after another. Words to live by: "Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." My Rating: 8.5

Johnny Got His Gun (PG) 7.0

Johnny Got His Gun (1971): Joe, a young American soldier, is hit by a mortar shell on the last day of World War I. He lies in a hospital bed in a fate worse than death --- a quadruple amputee who has lost his arms, legs, eyes, ears, mouth and nose. (7.8)

Director: Dalton Trumbo
Writers: Dalton Trumbo (novel), Dalton Trumbo (screenplay)
Stars: Timothy Bottoms, Kathy Fields and Marsha Hunt

Interesting timing for this anti-war book and movie in that the book had been written at the beginning of the WWII and the movie had been made during the Vietnam war. Most other such movies look at the "war is hell" in the larger context. They show how lots of people are killed, crippled, maimed, etc. This one looks at the same thing but from a single soldier's perspective and imagines the worst fate possible. Interesting thought experiment ... to be trapped inside ones own mind without any sensory input at all. I liked the use of color vs black-and-white, the non-linear flashback sequences, the conversations with his father, etc. Jesus as a carpenter making what appear to be white crosses ... ha, nice touch. As for the larger message of the movie, I dunno, documentaries such as Why we fight has made me question the need for war in a supposedly civilized society more than anti-war soldier stories. My Rating: 7.0

Girl Who Leapt Through Time (PG) 7.0

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) 時をかける少女: A teenage girl finds that she has the ability to leap through time. With her newfound power, she tries to use it to her advantage, but soon finds that tampering with time can lead to some rather discomforting results. (7.8)

Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Writers: Yasutaka Tsutsui (novel), Satoko Okudera (screenplay)
Stars: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida and Mitsutaka Itakura

Some anime sequences are beautifully done; others (such as those of people walking) not so much. I guess, I'm expecting all anime to be of Miyazaki quality. Very interesting story, considering that it centers around budding teenage romances, it does have a good emotional context. (Trying not to make this a spoiler ...) The reason for Chiaki to be there is quite weak for a time-travel story. A few loose-ends (w/ the painting, and the auntie) could have been closed giving it a more emotional second/back story. Someone who's heavily into anime would find this a superb movie. [English subtitles and dubbed dialog don't exactly match. Subtitles seem to be direct translations of Japanese.] My Rating: 7.0

In Love We Trust (R) 7.0

In Love We Trust (2007) 左右: A divorced couple learns that the way to possibly save daughter, who is suffering from blood cancer, is to have another child. Problem is: They're both already remarried. (6.7)

Director: Xiaoshuai Wang
Writer: Xiaoshuai Wang
Stars: Weiwei Liu, Jia-yi Zhang and Nan Yu
Language: Mandarin (w/ English subtitles)

While the movie contains a somewhat improbable (not impossible) story, it asks you to put yourself in each of the four main character's place. What would you do if you were in his or her shoes? What wrenching emotions are you willing to endure? The story is not about the daughter's sickness; and, at least to me, the hero in the story is the stepfather. I really liked the fact that the director wasn't afraid to use the normal contemporary scenes to give it a sense of authenticity. Good casting in picking four main actors with contrasting mannerisms well-suited for the roles. This is a movie you will think about long after you've seen it. My Rating: 7.0

From Time to Time (PG) 6.5

From Time to Time (2009): When 13-year-old Tolly returns to his family's ancestral home to spend Christmas with his grandmother, he becomes so entranced by the history of the mansion and its inhabitants that he manages to travel through time to uncover their secrets. (6.3)

Director: Julian Fellowes
Writers: Lucy M. Boston (novel: The Chimneys of Green Knowe), Julian Fellowes (adaptation)
Stars: Alex Etel, Timothy Spall and Maggie Smith

I haven't read the Green Knowe series so this story is completely new to me. Sure, it is a children's book series, and so the storyline is heartwarming and feel-good, etc.; introducing a runaway slave kid from the West Indies almost as a member of the aristocratic family by the captain, all the while having household servants at a different class and all that ... Yeah, okay, whatever. The movie covers two distinct periods, the 1940s and almost two centuries prior to that. The decision to show one of them in warm summer colors and the other in winter blues is quite appropriate. Maggie Smith gives a commanding performance. I expected a bit more sci-fi-esque time-travel antics, but this isn't that kind of a story. My Rating: 6.5

Waking Madison (R) 6.5

Waking Madison (2010): A woman suffering from multiple personality disorder tries to piece back together her life. (5.6)

Director: Katherine Brooks
Writer: Katherine Brooks
Stars: Elisabeth Shue, Imogen Poots and Sarah Roemer

There are those movies that you 'feel' are great even before you finish the first half. This isn't one of them. This is, however, a movie with an excellent story you think about afterwards; after everything has been said and done. That's the problem. This one strings you along way too long, seemingly jumping back and forth between time periods. The key to the puzzle only comes way closer to the end. Acting is good by the whole cast. The dialog, at certain places, could have used some help. Too bad that I tend to compare Angelina Jolie's acting in 'Girl Interrupted' whenever I see a strong female mental patient character. The set design is psychedelic and haunting at times. Maybe I might give this a second look, now knowing the storyline twists. My Rating: 6.5

Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (R) 7.5

Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (2009): A dramatic thriller that centers on a fish-market employee who doubles as a contract killer. (5.9)

Director: Isabel Coixet
Writer: Isabel Coixet
Stars: Rinko Kikuchi, Sergi López and Min Tanaka
Languages: English and Japanese (w/ English subtitles)

I think, this is a story about quite a few people--almost all the main characters--being alone or, having just one other social connection in the middle of one of the most populous cities in the world. The two main characters are flawed; there is no back-story about how they've ended up where they are. And, because of that, I can't empathize with either one. Yet, they show the need for emotional connections, above all else. (How a dorky looking guy ends up with a beautiful girl is another mystery but that not part of the storyline. :-)) Interesting title and I'm not exactly sure what the "map" is. And, how the audio (sounds) from one conversation ends up feeding someone else is not straightforward either. The modern-day Tokyo provides the backdrop and the selection of locations are quite nice. Acting is good. Rinko Kikuchi is superb. My Rating: 7.5

Code 46 (R) 8.0

Code 46 (2003): A futuristic 'Brief Encounter', a love story in which the romance is doomed by genetic incompatibility. (6.2)

Director: Michael Winterbottom
Writer: Frank Cottrell Boyce
Stars: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton and Om Puri

Do not be deceived by the brief description, and the low score, on IMDB above; this is a fantastic movie. There is the main storyline; then there is the story told by the brilliant pictures and scenes. The attention to detail of how a futuristic world would look like, specially one that has an "inside" and an "outside," is superb. The use of the phrases from various languages, the mixing of ethnic looks of people regardless of the location of the city, etc. are in keeping with the theme of the story and a wonderful foresight. The movie reminds me a lot of Gattaca, but this takes it to the next level. The integration of live action and computer generated scenes are so good, they are seamless. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes futuristic sci-fi stories. My Rating: 8.0

Take Me Home (PG-13) 6.5

Take Me Home (2011): Soon after Thom starts operating as an illegal taxi driver in New York City, Claire hires him to drive her to California after her estranged father suffers a heart attack. (6.5)

Director: Sam Jaeger
Writer: Sam Jaeger
Stars: Sam Jaeger, Amber Jaeger and Victor Garber

Two strangers on a road trip across America!  Okay, so the circumstances of their meeting and the mode of transportation are a bit weird. The humor is quirky and the acting is fine; it grows on you. Cinematography is quite nice, specially the scenes of the western states. Simple and hopeful story, but the Real Life <tm> isn't like that. The personal stories of the two characters didn't quite pull the correct emotional strings, at least, for me. My Rating: 6.5

Slaughterhouse-Five (R) 7.0

Slaughterhouse-Five (1972): A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens. (7.0)

Director: George Roy Hill
Writers: Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (novel), Stephen Geller (screenplay)
Stars: Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman and Eugene Roche

I just finished reading the book, so decided to watch the movie soon afterwards while the story is fresh in my head. The screenplay is surprisingly close to the book. Movie is actually funnier than the book. (But for someone who hasn't read the book, the storyline may be confusing.) The WWII scenes are very well done. The concept of time as a series of present moments is something that struck to me as bold idea to have come out from a sci-fi that far back in the day, and it is something the modern physicist find a lot closer to the truth. The story is a strange mix of science fiction and humor. My Rating: 7.0