I’ve seen quite a few films over the past couple of weeks; some I rented, while two I saw in theatres.
First, the films I rented:
Minority Report - This was on my list of Spielberg films to see for quite some time. Based on the Philip K. Dick short story, the film pushes some boundaries of science fiction films while also being a really good thriller. Tom Cruise was excellent in the title role of his first of two (so far, anyway) collaborations with Steven. Max von Sydow was also good, and what’s great about him is that he plays a father or surrogate father-like figure to Cruise’s character, but then he turns, and von Sydow did well playing both sides. I didn’t expect Tim Blake Nelson to be in this, though, which was a nice surprise. The moments of humor in this are also very amusing.
W. - This was also on my list to see for a while, and I’m happy to say that I enjoyed it. It is thouroughly researched, documenting Bush’s relationship with his father, which is the heart of the film, how he found his wife and faith, and, of course, the crucial moments leading up to his decision to invade Iraq. Josh Brolin did a fantastic job of depicting the title role, having called hotels and listening to the Texas accents, which he nailed. Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws, among other films) is perfect in the role of Dick Cheney, disappearing into the character. I definitely would recommend this to people, even the Bush haters; it may give them an understanding and sympathy for the man.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004) - Directed by Joel Schumacher and adapted from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical of the same name (Webber also produced, co-wrote, and provided the score for the film), it features Gerard Butler of 300 fame in the title role. While the film is enjoyable in areas, the actors are singing throughout the film, even some of the dialouge. Most film adaptations of a stage play is a version of the stage play, and it’s just in front of the camera, unlike Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which takes the material of the musical and completely transforms it into a film. I did get tired and bored after a while because of the singing. My advice would be to skip this one unless you’re a fan of the show, or if you’re interested.
Next, the films I viewed in theatres:
Julie & Julia - Meryl Streep delivers a Best Actress Oscar nomination-worthy performance in the title role of this telling of two true stories. She nailes the part of Julia Child, disappearing completely into Child’s skin, and Amy Adams (Streep’s co-star in Doubt) is wonderfully delightful and sympathetic in the part of Julie Powell. It a great story about these two women and their triumphs and struggles, but also shows how you can never give up on your ambitions.
District 9 - This, I saw last Saturday, and despite the rave reviews by some critcs and also members of this forum, I actually didn’t enjoy it too much. The aliens in this film are treated as dirt, and the people don’t show a shed of emotion for them. When the main character accidently sprays experimental alien substance on himself, and starts turning into one of them, the humans don’t show emotion for him either, and set out to find him. Although, I will admit, it does have a rather touching ending. So, yeah, not my exact cup of tea, but go see this to form your own opinion.