3 out of 5. Antonio Bird's RAVENOUS was a surprising treat if
you like horror films. This was smart, darkly funny at times with great
cast that included GUY PEARCE and ROBERT CARLYLE. I don't watch horror
films like I used to but if they were as
well done as this I would. The horror in this shifts from situational
to one of acceptance by the characters. It's when they cross the line
that things really get interesting. If you liked THE PROPOSITION for
it's left of center western themes you'll like Ravenous just the same.
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4 out of 5. It's worth mentioning the terrific
tale of TOGETHER WITH YOU by Kaige Chen as well. Again he cements relationships
and characters with real purpose and heartbreak. The seemingly colorless
despair of poverty just makes this piece shine even more as a father
does everything he can to help his son survive.
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3 out of 5. Stacy Peralta's CRIPS AND BLOODS: MADE IN AMERICA is a tour-de-force of directing and editing. Beautifully
shot and incredibly educational. If you like Gangland this is by far a
slicker rendered version of L.A.'s gang history. The story is less
shocking but really educational.
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4 out of 5. Based on a Joseph March poem, THE SET UP is a
film that could have easily been a play. It's one of those films whose
narrative has a real earthy feel, much like High Noon, making it very
original for its time. It's a simple
story told really well, with compelling characters all in high stakes
situations. Robert Ryan plays an over-the-hill boxer (35) at the end of
his career. He's expected to fall and everyone bets against him. It's a
simple story but a gem of a film with great performances and a really
rough ending. Feels like something Hemingway might have written.
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4 out of 5. Melville's ARMY OF SHADOWS is an
intriguing approach to storytelling that challenges convention. The POVs
shift from character to character as we become familiar with the ranks
of the French Resistance. Melville uses a lot of push-in/pull back
focusing which was prevalent for the time. The cinematography is
stunning.
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4 out of 5. Ted Demme's film, BLOW was a stylish and intriguing.
It had the sass of Soderburgh but with a soft, less intrusive approach.
Ted Demme's use of various film stock and processing along with a great
costume designer really brought this
intriguing story through the decades with an easy aesthetic. Johnny Depp
does a great job for the most part too capturing the real life
character of George Jung. Highly entertaining and highly recommended. If
you liked Scarface but wouldn't mind a lot less violence or if you
liked Donnie Brasco, you will not be disappointed with this.
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