A friend suggested since we go to the movies often we should write reviews. We generally find reviews dull and doubt we can contribute anything of substance to the noise that’s already out there, but here’s goes nothing with some capsule reviews.
“Rescue Dawn”
We followed “Rescue Dawn” almost religiously as we’re devout Herzog-ites and the film didn’t disappoint besides a very anti-climactic and quickly-wrapped up conclusion. Based on a documentary Werner Herzog made in 1997, ‘Dawn’ is the belated dramatic version of the film. Christian Bale plays a captured POW who has to eat maggots, snakes and survive the perilous jungles of Laos to survive. He’s fantastic in this ostensibly patriotic film, as is Steve Zahn, who does a fantastically frightened turn as he imprisoned friend. Jeremy Davies is positively spooky as their skeletal prisonmate and Klaus Badelt’s orchestral score is fittingly grand. Best of all, Herzog doesn’t resist putting elements of his twisted sense of humor in the film. [B+]
“Sicko”
Love him or hate him, Michael Moore’s health care harangue is powerful stuff. It’s his most assured film and his games and tricks are kept to a minimum. The scenes in Cuba with the rescue 9/11 workers that can’t get proper care in the U.S. are simply heart wrenching. A guy having to choose between sewing his index or ring finger back on because he has no health coverage? Terrifying. The film utilizes Cat Stevens “Don’t Be Shy” at the end (which is also used in “Harold and Maude“), plus the Rolling Stones “Street Fighting Man,” (which you’ve probably seen in the trailer), Mogwai’s very beautiful “Secret Pint,” plus songs by the Serge Gainsbourg, Tom Morello, the Grateful Dead and many others. Spend your money on this film before you waste it on mega-nonsense like “Transformers.” [A]
“Diggers”
This Staten Island small town drama set in the ’70s is simple, unpretentious, humble and it’s difficult not to have affection for the understated performances and modest story. Paul Rudd plays the 30-something clam-digging/aspiring photographer drifter who has to make sense of life after his father suddenly passes away. Maura Tierney plays his equally adrift sister who bangs his best friend (Ron Eldard) when life falls apart. A bunch of ’70s era tracks (Delaney & Bonnie, Lee Michaels, Blue Magic, The Quick) are featured in the film, including quite a few by Big Star (“O My Soul,” “Thirteen”). [B+]
“Let’s Get Lost”
If you’re hip to the game, you won’t trust Chet Baker. This is essentially the gist of the documentary about the conning heroin-abuser and jazzman, who goes through wives and lovers like underwear and basically zeroes in on anyone who’s sympathetic to the Chet Baker cause. Shot in gorgeous black and white, the film almost feels like a dramatic narrative more than documentary in certain moments thanks to the dreamy cinematography and editing. Lots of hangers-on surround the decrepit Baker, including Chili Pepper Flea and continuously mugging-for-the-camera vamp Lisa Marie (a.k.a Tim Burton’s ex fiance). The dubious story about Baker’s teeth being kicked out becomes near legend as it’s disputed and falsified at every turn. It’s 30 minutes too long however. [B-]
“La Vie En Rose”
Don’t be surprised if you hear Marion Cotillard‘s name announced during the Oscar noms season in early 2008. She does a stellar job of portraying the prickly and boozy French chanteuse Edith Piaf, especially in her more harrowing and devastating moments. The movie itself is affecting, but without her powerful performance to carry it, ‘Rose’ might be otherwise dull. [B]
Once we’re less tired, we’ll write up some reviews of “The Hottest State” and “Sunshine” which we recently had a chance to screen before they’ve opened.
Download: Edith Piaf – “C’est Lui Que Mon Coeur A Choisi”
Download: Chet Baker – “It’s Always You”
Download: Cat Stevens – “Don’t Be Shy”
Download: Big Star – “Daisy Glaze”
Download: Big Star – “Don’t Lie To Me”
Download: Rolling Stones – “Street Fighting Man”
Download: Mogwai – “Secret Pint”
