No Matter What You Think of the Man, He’s Still Got it… Polanski’s Latest Reviewed

ghm101 — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:23:02 +0000

When you walk into a Polanski movie you expect two things. First, an incredibly well crafted and well told story which will satisfy you in the way only great cinema can. The second factor is a truly thought provoking experience which elevates the film above the lowest common denominator and demonstrates an understanding of the craft that only comes with true talent and a wealth of moviemaking expertise. Does The Ghost Writer add yet another distinguished chapter to the legacy of an industry icon, or is it a rare stumble in an otherwise golden resume?

The Ghost Writer Review

By Ryan Hamelin

Movie Grade: A

Well this is truly refreshing. It’s not very often that two of the greatest directors of our time premiere movies in close proximity to each other, and even rarer that those films both demonstrate a youth and vitality which contradict the age and experience behind the scenes. Of the two, I give Roman Polanski’s latest a slight edge over Scorcese’s Shutter Island, if only because it marks some of the best performances this particular group of actors has ever been directed towards, and has a script which surprises and entertains at every single turn. Yes he edited the movie under house arrest. Yes he will most likely end up getting sentenced to an extended period of jail time for his actions many decades ago. But neither of those things prevent the film from being among the greatest works in his undeniably impressive career and a tribute to what great cinema is all about.

The Ghost Writer, based on the best-selling novel “Ghost”, is the story of a man hired to pen the autobiography of a former British prime minister. The original ghostwriter apparently committed suicide, and the former PM is currently under investigation for war crimes related to ongoing wars in the Middle East. On the surface, it would seem to be directly addressing the story of Tony Blair, but as the narrative unfolds, a far more interesting series of subplots emerge. This is not a true story, but it really doesn’t matter. The attention to detail is elaborate enough for the audience to accept the world as a mere sidestep away from our own, and what few holes the brilliant screenplay leaves open are smoothed over by an incredibly well developed sense of character. Everyone is interesting, everyone is flawed, and everyone is part of the puzzle.

Bringing that world to life are a collection of actors who have spent their careers waiting in the wings. People like Pierce Brosnan, who hasn’t had the chance to develop a resume of character roles due to his instant celebrity and long-term commitment to his vodka martini-sipping alter ego. He makes a fantastic politician, and I wonder only briefly if there were any other contenders for the role. The film’s star, Ewan McGregor, seems to have been more miss than hit of late, but this is easily the greatest work of his career. Part of that probably has to do with not having to fake an American accent as he seems much more poised in his natural British cadence. Following him is Olivia Williams, taking a break from her time as the icy CEO of the Dollhouse and infusing the Prime Minister’s wife with a dark tenderness which betrays her true emotional state. To top it all off, add in the eternally terrific Tom Wilkinson, and you have a group of actors who could manage to elevate the worst screenplay ever written. Now imagine what they can do with quality material, and you start to see how this whole production comes together.

From the opening frames to the closing credits, the movie speaks to a director who is entirely in control of his film. Long takes that never bother to cut give the actors room to breathe and develop. Cinematography that is both intimate and epic, creating a sense of the individual and the world around them simultaneously. Music that is never overbearing and fits perfectly into the slow burn of a buildup that the editing has implied. A storytelling triumph that will keep even the most disinterested souls glued to the screen. In my mind, the greatest compliment that can be paid to the film is that it’s a thriller which commands multiple viewings, not simply a disposable adrenaline rush. You will want to see it again almost immediately, and it’s not the kind of movie that will lose its potency under future scrutiny. If this is the way 2010 is starting off, it’s going to be a great year for movies.

Percy Jackson and the Obnoxiously Long Title… The Review

ghm101 — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:41:59 +0000

After the giant successes which were the first two Harry Potter films, Chris Columbus’s newly revitalized career began to falter once more. Between Rent and I Love You, Beth Cooper, it seemed like the man who gave us Home Alone had finally lost his touch. But as his filmography demonstrates, it’s never a good idea to underestimate Columbus’s knack for kids movies and entertainment for the PG audience, and when he was given the reigns for “the next big franchise after Harry Potter”, somebody at the studio certainly had the odds in their favor. Is this another solid start to a potential 5 movie saga? Find out:

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Review

By Ryan Hamelin

Movie Grade: B

I know I’m probably going to get a lot of flack from friends and critics for this review. Why did I enjoy Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief despite it taking 5 minutes to say the entire title? Because it’s one word that seldom enters the vocabulary of those who analytically contemplate the merits of modern cinema. FUN. It’s entertainment, and it revels in its buttery popcorness. It’s a kids fantasy film that doesn’t start with “Harry” or “Chronicles” and yet manages to remain fast paced and enjoyable throughout. It may not end up being the better of the Greek God films released in the next few months, but it could very well be the start of another major franchise. Christopher Columbus did, after all, direct the first two films about a certain boy wizard, so if anybody can start a children’s fantasy saga off on a strong foundation, he’s certainly the man for the job.

I’d have to say that the biggest early success of the film was in the casting department. The film’s star, Logan Lerman, could very well be the next young actor to break into the big-time. His first film role was in The Butterfly Effect, but if you recognize the face, it’s from his great work as Christian Bale’s son in 3:10 to Yuma. He makes the hero likable but also avoids the pitfalls of the annoying/whiny variety that plague so many of his contemporaries. Kevin McKidd, one time television lead on the late, great Journeyman, plays Percy’s father Poseidon and is probably the most convincing of all the gods. Sean Bean isn’t quite as believable as Zeus (maybe because he’s played so many bad guys during his career) but he’s certainly not the worst choice. I’m of the opinion that the only living actor who could truly play the king of Olympus is Liam Neeson, and that is more than enough to ensure that I go and see Clash of the Titans. Pierce Brosnan also puts in some wonderful work here, and I’d love to see him do more non-tuxedo acting.

It’s a shame that the film will inevitably and extensively be compared to the Warnerbros. epic starring Sam Worthington. That film had a far larger budget, and has the benefit of a PG-13 rating to improve the battle sequences and general epic nature of its canvas. For a film directed at children, Percy Jackson does go out of its way to provide reasons to watch for the older crowd, but it still can’t have bloody fight scenes or realistic language (if a hydra was about to breathe fire at you, I don’t care who you are, you’d probably utter a large variety of obscenities). I guess, because of all that, it sortve cheapens the experience to a certain extent glazing everything with a candy sort of texture. Nobody ever seems to be in real danger, nothing ever has powerful consequences, and the scares don’t come across as anything you’d find terrifying if you’ve progressed past wetting your bed at night.

All those comments aside, the story is a great coming of age, reconnecting with a father figure, learning about yourself, magic and fantasy in the real world sort of yarn that, when done well, will never get old. It’s got all the elements you’ve come to expect, and a charm that makes you forgive certain logical missteps. It’s a good time at the movies, and gives you something to look at while chomping down popcorn. There are also plenty of great cameos spread throughout (I won’t spoil them, even though the opening credits do) that will make even a regular admission ticket worth your while. Do I think the film will be a giant success? Very likely. Will it be the movie that finally kicks Avatar out of the top spot at the box office. I’d put money on it. Am I looking forward to the inevitable sequel. Pleasantly, I am, though I also think Lerman might make a pretty good Peter Parker for the new Spiderman reboot that Sony’s been throwing around lately. I hope he and his agent can pull a Ryan Reynolds and get him 2 major franchises in simultaneous development because I think the kid has real talent. Don’t bother trying to remember the whole title, just tell the lady at the counter that you want to see Percy Jackson and that you also need a bucket of popcorn and a large soda. You don’t even need to thank me.

Climbing Higher Pictures » Pierce Brosnan

No Matter What You Think of the Man, He’s Still Got it… Polanski’s Latest Reviewed

The Ghost Writer Review

By Ryan Hamelin

Movie Grade: A

Percy Jackson and the Obnoxiously Long Title… The Review

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Review

By Ryan Hamelin

Movie Grade: B