Killing Them Softly

Killing Them Softly reunites mega-actor Brad Pitt and Indie director Andrew Dominik in a treatise on  the chaotic underworld of hit men. The movie plays like scenes within a mob movie rather than a whole movie. The conversationist approach combined with a good story make for a very interesting and absorbing movie, IF you are fan of the genre. The meditative dialog runs like a metaphor for the economic and political collapse of the last four years in this country. Organic, at times indulgent, the tense conversations ramble and enthrall all at once. 

James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, and Richard Jenkins are brilliant foils for Pitt's tough guy hit man, played by Pitt with the right degree of intensity, wit, and his inherently drop dead gorgeous looks. And when the hits come, they don't disappoint with beautifully shot slow-mo visuals. 

No traditional mob movie here but worth the hit. 

 

LINCOLN

DIRECTED BY STEVEN SPIELBERG, this by the "book" (Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin) movie is flawless in every way. The historical context is monumental in America's history, the team of seasoned actors are exceptional, the sets and costumes of Washington D.C. in 1865 are beautifully accurate, and the intelligent and emotional dialog is riveting. The month long battle in the House of Representatives to amend the Constitution and abolish slavery, Lincoln's prerequisite to ending the Civil War, is finally won by the Republicans. Euclid's axiom serves as a bridge to racial equality for all men. Griping, moving, a must see.

Les Miserables

What sort of fare is this? Cats meets Chicago? Dreamgirls crossed with West Side Story? Sweeney Todd bred with a War Horse? Romeo and Juliet?

The monumental task of taking this epic musical to the big screen by Tom Hooper must be applauded.

The musical sensation soars on stage and mostly succeeds as a movie. 

This is the story of Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, who agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever. Set in early 19th century France, the movie is based on the classic historical novel by Victor Hugo which ranks among one of the greatest novels of all time. Within this dramatic story are themes of crime and punishment, desperation, amorality, oppression, and the possible prison which is the desparate mind. All this and set to the music of Claude-Michel Schonberg makes for an extravagant spectacle that dazzles the senses and touches the heart. 

Hugh Jackman is fantastic and carries the film. Anne Hathaway has neither the voice nor the acting chops to play Fantine. It is during the second half when the ensemble cast takes over that the movie is best. Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter add sufficient humor to the film. Daniel Huttlestone steals the show during the June uprising of 1832. And I must defend Russell Crowe who can't sing yet can act circles around anyone and is ultimately believable as the relentless Javert. 

I laughed, I cried, I wet my pants (if it was any longer I might have). 

Look Down! Viva La France! Who Am I? Jean Valjean!

"He is asleep. though his mettle was sorely tried. He lived, and when he lost his angel, died. It happened calmly, on its own, the way night comes when day is done." Les Miserables