Atonement...I've got nothing funny here.

Just a quick overview of Atonement: Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.

Think you've got the movie in a nutshell now? Yes and no. Special warning: In this review I may give too much up. I'm sorry, this time it can't be helped. I will dutifully stay away from the ending and any major points.

This film has garnered seven Golden Globe Nominations. 7. With a capital S, friends. Now, before you become amazed at that number let us remember that the Golden Globe awards are governed by the Hollywood Foreign Press. What am I saying? Let's save that for the final paragraph.

For Atonement we have director Joe Wright teaming up again with Keira Knightley for their second period piece. Just a few years ago this duo gave us the latest version of Pride and Prejudice, which for my money is the best version to date. Personally, I think Wright should have been nominated for a Best Director Oscar in 2005.

In this newest offering we tackle the issues of class, money, jealousy, love, lust, rape, morality...I could keep going but this is only a short column. This movie has all these things in spades, there is no subtlety anywhere; the emotions are on the surface. There is no denying anything, the director wants you to feel everything. He wants you to feel the selfishness and petty jealousy of youth. Feel the lust and desperate craving of blooming adulthood, separated by generations of social class. Feel the crush of broken dreams, broken hearts...hope.

But, it's not enough.

We are bombarded with all this emotion, we get layers upon layers of setup. Then, just as we are getting to the meat of the story, the emotion melts away. We are left with interludes. The layers disappear. Now each character has one purpose that drives them, it's the means to an ending. Some may say, "That's just right, that's just what you are supposed see and feel." Fine. But I felt that it wasn't enough. I wanted each of them to show me more suffering, more despair. More adversity to be overcome, instead of just going through the motions.

I just needed more substance. Now, to the performances:

I find no fault with any body of work from the actors and Keira Knightley is once again poised to get an Academy nomination. I don't feel like she stretched to do much in this movie, it was all well within her grasp, but it didn't disappoint in any way. Her snobbery knows no bounds and the collapse of her wall was well acted. Much like her brilliant performance in Pride and Prejudice, but just shy of that level overall. When we reach the second half of the film, I feel like we lose her. This is what I was pointing to previously. In turning from her disapproving and accusing family to pine for her lost love, she just goes through the motions. Is this what the writers and directors want? Possibly, for the audience to feel the solitude and forlorn, but why must the story suffer for it? In my humble opinion, it does suffer.

Well. James McAvoy certainly has a nice healthy string of movies going his way recently. It's easy to see why. Click on his name back there to see his IMDB.com page. His Robbie Turner in this film is a spectacular role for him, with great range. Bold and assertive, despite being the son of the hired help. Perhaps needing to be put in his place, but knowing when to find that place. Accepted on some level, but just shy of real "class". With a bright future supplied by the head of the house as benefactor, you get the impression that perhaps he has overstepped slightly. Which makes it all the worse as it is pulled from his grasp by a misunderstanding and jealous 13 year old girl. You feel his life slip away as he is taken from his future; His own boldness partly responsible. James McAvoy deserves his forthcoming nomination. Robbie Turner's story does not. Because, as we see him released on condition of serving in the war, we lose the fight. We see a man trudging across France to rejoin his lost love. The problem remains; walking through the motions. I miss the adversity that was shown us in Saving Private Ryan. We see a man walking back to his love, we don't see what it takes to get there.

Finally the part of Briony, portrayed by three separate actresses. Saoirse Ronan plays age 13, Romola Garai age 18 and Vanessa Redgrave the elder Briony. This is the one character that on every level is perfection. All the way through we see how this girl suffers from her mistake. This one facet is completely fleshed out. Nothing is left behind and we have this one example of what the rest should have been. In reality, the story isn't about two lovers as we have been led to believe but rather this one little girl. The movie is titled Atonement. Here is your story. Not the above trappings. Follow her story, feel her pain; though she doesn't want your pity. Saoirse has been nominated for a supporting actress golden globe. She deserves it. Vanessa Redgrave is wonderful in her few moments on screen. We see too little of Ms. Redgrave these days.

As a final parting shot, take heed of the "R" rating on this one. The gore is not as plentiful as was in Saving Private Ryan, but it is as shocking. Also be warned that a certain word, the worst thing a woman can be called, is used. Insanely used. In 10 foot letters across the screen. You are warned.

Deserving special mention is this: pay special attention to the scene on the beach at Dunkirk. This is done in one nonstop, 5 1/2 minute tracking shot. Absolutely stunning, imagine what it must have taken to plan and master this long shot with a thousand extras, on sand, and the choreography of it all. I'm just saying.

When I sat down to write this I was determined to give it a mid-range score. I've talked myself into giving it 3.25 four letter words out of 5 four letter words. On a good day I might throw on another half point. It's not a bad movie, it's a good movie and the ending is worth catching a weekend matinee showing. The problem is, I just don't think it's heads above anything else out there right now. As for the 7 Golden Globe nominations, it's the Hollywood Foreign Press and this is the only foreign film showing in big release right now.

I'm just saying.

Elijah

Lars and the Real Girl. Sure, but can she hold a conversation?

How do you write a review about a man in love with a sex doll? I guess you start with the description of Lars and the Real Girl: Lars Lindstrom an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real.

When I sit down and think about this movie, I want to say that it has almost has a "Rain Man" quality to it as films go. But that is a disservice. Lars is no Raymond Babbit. In fact, he is a fully functioning person. He's just suffering extreme emotional and social problems that keep him leading a lonely and solitary life until one fateful day at work leads him to make a unique decision.

Think of a family trying to make the mental and physical adjustments to a situation like this. Take a second. Now think of a small town; a town where everyone knows each other and some may have some backwards views on something like this. The upshot of this movie is that there are some heart-warming moments. And a few heart-breaking ones.

Ryan Gosling turns in another Oscar worthy performance as Lars, the man who met his visiting "friend" on the Internet and invited her to visit him. The man who eventually falls in love with a sex doll, but respects his own, and "her" religious beliefs to ask his brother and sister-in-law to use their extra room for "Bianca". This is where the whole plot takes off. I'll be honest when I say that I don't usually see Goslings films, the subject matter generally not catering to my tastes. I had to see this movie though. I just love offbeat stuff and this doesn't disappoint. Neither does Gosling. I laughed when I was supposed to and believe me when I say they give you the opportunities. I felt pain for Lars when it was called for, and there is plenty of opportunity for that as well. The thing is, Gosling as Lars helps you believe that "Bianca" is truly a real person to him.

Paul Schneider plays Gus Lindstrom, the brother that charges himself with looking after and worrying about Lars. As Gus begins freaking out we don't know if it's concern for Lars or his concern for what people will think of this development. It's hard to do anything but laugh at Gus in the beginning, but as the film goes on I started to feel a bit sad at his reactions to the adjustments the family has to make. Bottom line is, I felt that I probably would have reacted in a lot of the same manners, and that just lends credibility to the movie.

Emily Mortimer shines in this movie as the pregnant sister-in-law that really tries. Tries to immediately incorporate this predicament and make the best out of the situation. You feel the love this woman has for her family, and the lengths she will go to in order to protect everyone. You wonder how long this woman can endure, with this stress filled time and the impending birth of a child. Will she break, can she keep the family together?

Patricia Clarkson turns in a great performance as the doctor who tries to get to the bottom of this situation and convinces all involved (including the entire town) to go along with this in order to prevent a real psychological break.

This decision actually provides the meat of the story as we witness the town come together and support this outrageous situation. You'll laugh and feel incredibly uncomfortable at the same time as every member of this town interacts with Bianca. From the church services to holiday parties, this doesn't get anymore bizarre. At the same time, you love it.

Just for more spice, throw in a young blond played by Kelli Garner who, for inexplicable reason is drawn to Lars. I don't know if I really fell for this storyline, but it adds more heart and certain complications that make for good story, so I'll take it.

For the second review in a row I give Lars and the Real Girl 5 fake flower bouquets out of 5 fake flower bouquets. This movie is Rain Man meets Mayberry and I, for one, love it. It's all heart. It's a quirky drama with enough laughs to keep you going, despite the serious subject. Give Ryan Gosling an Oscar Nomination. He's earned it. Again.

Elijah

Juno - If only little Jamie Lynn could have seen this first.

Yes, that is a baby bump discreetly implanted in the photo. Here's Juno's description: Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.

I first saw the previews for this movie back in the summer, in front of Superbad. Not a coincidence that the star of that movie would also figure prominently in this one. I immediately put this down on my must see list. Sure the previews told me that this was my kind of funny, but the real draw for me: Ellen Page.

This 20 year old Canadian born actress has done a lot of t.v. that we in the states haven't seen, so she's actually been around awhile. I first saw her a couple of years ago in Hard Candy, a very dark, frightening drama. One that you could actually put alongside Robin Williams' stalker film, One Hour Photo. If you haven't seen Hard Candy, and you have children between 10 and 16 years old, rent this movie. Right away. I had a feeling that Ms. Page would do things after seeing that film, and after watching Juno, I'm convinced that she is the next Christina Ricci. Making good movies that mean something.

Back to our snarky comedy. Sure Juno is about a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant on her first sexual foray, but I'll be damned if this movie doesn't do it with a lot of heart and a lot of laughter. The writing on this movie is fantastic. Not just the plot, the dialogue is first rate. Quick, smart, jabbing, funny. Joss Whedon fans will absolutely appreciate this film. The one knock is that as I watched this film I was reminded that there are no high schoolers anywhere who actually think on this high of a level. At least, I hope not, because if that's true, I am doomed as a father of two girls.

As we follow Juno on her journey to self-discovery, we watch as she struggles with the decisions that we've seen time and time again. Do you keep the child? If not, is abortion an option, or adoption? The thing is, every one of these moments has a quirky twist to it that defines this movie. When faced with a serious subject, it's impossible not to laugh or gape as every scene is infused with poignant moments.

The other thing we see is a supporting cast that absolutely sells this movie. There may be other actors and actresses that could fill these rolls, but we don't need them. The ones we are given are perfect for this movie and I highlight Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, and Jason Bateman in particular.

Janney and Simmons play the surprised parents in this film and they are perfect for what they are asked to do in this film. Generally, when you see Simmons in a film he is yelling at the top of his lungs or barking orders to someone. This time around you get a quiet man, trying to be supportive, but a bit heart-broken. He is the heart of the movie here, and it's definitely a good thing. Allison Janney is one of those actresses that you know, but don't readily think of. She makes the actors around her better and every award season she makes it to the podium. In this movie she provides the "Hell, Yeah!" moments.

Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman play the "perfect" couple that may be potential adopters. These two eschew the perfect suburban couple with their cookie cutter house in its' cookie cutter neighborhood. As I said earlier, Bateman is great. He really is good and you feel his thoughts even though he's not saying what is on his mind. He does get a scene that unwittingly provides a creepy feeling. Now, I've read an interview with the woman who wrote this film and she categorically denies that it was intended that way, but believe me when I say that this scene didn't come across as a heart to heart as it was supposed to play out. So take that with you when you see the movie. As for Jennifer Garner, she does her job. I don't have anything bad to say about her. The problem is that I have never warmed up to her. I've never seen her in anything that made me say she's fantastic. I can't pinpoint anything, and I feel bad writing this, but the fact is, she just grates on me. She does help provide a terrific scene, I just wish I didn't feel so blah about her.

Olivia Thirlby plays the best friend, whom you would just want to reach out and slap if you weren't laughing every time she opened her mouth. She's annoyingly funny and the she adds to the film with her just being in it. I look forward to the movie Jack and Diane, where once again, Thirlby and Page will be on screen together.

Finally, Michael Cera. The underused Michael Cera in this film. What he is given is great. He has absolutely mastered the role of intelligent, slightly naive, quiet guys. I just hope he's not pigeon-holed in Hollywood already, but if he is, I'll still watch.

One last note. Jason Reitman directed this film brilliantly, and if you missed his last film, Thank You For Smoking, then add it to your rental list and and pick it up with Hard Candy today.

If you haven't figured it out, I loved this movie. I'm giving it 5 orange tic-tacs out of 5 orange tic-tacs. I believe that's only the second full rating since I started the actual rating system, though I have loved quite a few of my earlier reviewed films. This is one of those films that is only going to play in select theaters, so if you're fortunate to live near one, see the movie. Don't worry though, you won't miss anything by waiting for dvd, just don't forget to add it to your list.

Elijah

Michael Clayton, or is that just a really pissed off George Clooney?

Here's a brief description: An attorney known as the "fixer" in his law firm, comes across the biggest case of his career that could produce disastrous results for those involved.

When was the last time a George Clooney film slid through your town and you didn't know or weren't aware that it was happening? About two months ago that actually occurred. In the last week or so, you may have actually been hearing more about this film as the various nominations have been lighting up the entertainment news wires.

I did see this film during that quiet run, and going in I knew nothing. It wasn't until about halfway through the film that I started putting the various threads of the movie together. A month later and I'm still not sure that I would have gotten it faster or followed it better if I'd read the promo sheets on this one.

The film opens darkly. Very darkly. For about 10 minutes we are introduced to a late night, frantic, desperate work session at a law firm that isn't explained. From there we meet a depressed lawyer, Michael Clayton (Clooney), who you quickly realize is very nearly at the end of his rope, if not already dangling. You'd expect to see something significant come out of this interlude, considering the movie is named for this character. For about 5 minutes, all I was thinking was that this is going to be another Leaving Las Vegas depression film. Then we get the Event. The Event that sends this film into action. The Event that I didn't see coming, and if I'd known about would have ruined the moment, so now that you've read this you're probably screwed. But maybe not, because this film is all about how did we get to this desperation and scrambling.

Over the course, the film is going to get darker. We are going to meet the head of the law firm, a corporate big wig, a man who has seemingly lost his mind, a cop, a ruined man, and a cleaner. I'm not talking about a maid service.

Each of these parts is played by faces you should recognize, but names that may just be on the tip of your tongue. That doesn't matter. It's all about the stories and the strings that you can't see, but will eventually become entwined to form the rope that Michael Clayton, the person, is clinging on to.

Sidney Pollack, one of the celebrated directors and actors of our time returns to the front of the camera to play Marty Bach, the head of our contentious law firm. He plays the role perfectly as a man who dedicates his life to his firm and the bottom line, but still realizes that it's actual people that work for him and finds the balance to manage both. When ever I have the opportunity to see a Pollack film, (whether acted or directed) I see it. Of mention is his remake of Sabrina, in which he directed Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormond. One of my favorites to this day.

Tilda Swinton plays the corporate player trying to save 1. her company from litigation and 2. public opinion of the company and by extension her job and lifestyle. Will she breakdown under pressure? What lengths will one persons dedication drive them too? You've seen Swinton in many things, but you probably never realized it. People in the states will most remember her for her part in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Finally, Tom Wilkinson plays the man whom the whole plot revolves around. His descent into crazy brings it all crashing down around everybody and while you're told that the movie is about Michael Clayton, if you can pay attention to the character Arthur Edens, you may get a firm grip on the confusing plot.

You're going to see a lot of Clayton's life thrashed about on the screen and it all plays little parts in the film as it all becomes a part of the overall story. From the dysfunctional family to the personal conflicts to the interoffice relationships. This is all going to flash on the screen and you may be wondering where it's all going, but trust me when I tell you that the pay-off is worth it.

It was one of the few films that I have sat through the credits as they rolled. If you see the movie you'll understand, and you might just sit there too.

In the end, I'm giving Michael Clayton 3.5 loaves of french bread out of 5 loaves of french bread. The acting was a 5, but the convoluted storyline that didn't come together until late pulled it down for me. This could be chalked up to me walking in blind, but shouldn't we all walk in that way? With nothing spoiled? I'm just saying.

Elijah

Watching: Angel the complete series, season 4.

On deck: Oceans 13 dvd.

Gone Baby Gone. But, I may be coming back with a gold statue.

Based on the Dennis Lehane novel about two Boston area detectives investigating a little girl's kidnapping, which ultimately turns into a crisis both professionally and personally.

This guy I know, let's call him Flanders (hopefully you get the reference), commented to me that he found this movie tough to watch. As the father of two young girls, I don't disagree. Considering the subject matter, it should be. If it's not for you, see a professional.

The thing I didn't expect was the way it unfolded. Pretty quickly you realize that this isn't about a upper middle class family being robbed of a loved one in the middle of the night. In fact, it couldn't be any more opposite to that scenario. This is the story of a single mother completely entrenched in the world of drugs that she has no concept of responsibility to herself, let alone the 5 year old daughter that she abandons to shape the plot.

As the opening credits roll you are introduced to private detective Patrick Kenzie, played by more than able Casey Affleck and his partner/girlfriend Angie Gennaro, played by Michelle Monaghan. Concurrently, you are brought up to date via news briefings on the state of the child abduction, now a couple days old.

The catalyst that gets the film rolling is the arrival of the child's Aunt and Uncle, played by Amy Madigan and Titus Welliver, to the detective's apartment/office and the pleading of help based on their knowledge of the neighborhood and people.

As I stated, we are quickly thrown into a world that has given up. A world that has surrendered to violence and drugs. People who are apathetic at best and believably horrid at their worst. During this introduction, we meet the authorities that are charged with solving this abduction: Morgan Freeman as Captain Jack Doyle, Ed Harris as Detective Remy Bressant and John Ashton as Detective Nick Poole. Not happy about being outsourced, but not too abrasive as you normally see in these movie situations.

True to form, as the sleuths begin to press, they start to uncover some unknown truths that set off the fireworks and delve you deeper than you'd rather go.

First off, let me say that there is no doubt in my mind that this will be up for best picture come February. I don't see much else out there between now and December 31 with this emotional impact, But we will see.

I've been saying it for years, Casey Affleck is the more talented actor of the two Afflecks. After seeing him in the farce Drowning Mona, I knew he could be the real deal. The Ocean movies showed off his comic ability, but with his recent Jesse James film and now this big time role, he has arrived.

I actually would not be surprised to see a triple whammy here: nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and you're reading it here first kids, Best Director. I'm probably being optimistic, because the film didn't suck. Anytime Ben Affleck doesn't suck, people tend to go so hard the other way with praise. I'm jumping on that bandwagon today, because he made a gritty, dark, emotional movie.

Michelle Monaghan lends a little grounding to the film. Though we don't see much of the movie through her eyes as it moves along, she turns an excellent performance on two seperate occasions when the film truly needs it to provide the emotional dilema.

Ed Harris and John Ashton don't truly veer much farther than previous roles they have played, but they are just what the movie asks for and needs in the detective roles. Morgan Freeman, plays a cop that's been through it all before and has become hard and jaded. Remember that as you watch the movie, it may help you.

Finally, Amy Ryan plays the embattled mother that can't pull it together, won't pull it together because there is no problem here. When someone potrays a character so well that you have no idea that she might be anything other than that role, you have a show. Now that I think about it, don't be surprised to get a Supporting Actress Nomination here. The Academy loves drug addled moms.

To sum up, see this movie for it's gritty realism, and it's story. It's more than what you think it is. The story will shock you, offend you, maybe hurt you; it's worth it and the closing scene is the most poignant I've seen in years. Be prepared for very strong language and situations. Once again, Rated R for a reason folks.

I give Gone Baby Gone 4.5 patron saint medallions out of 5 for a solid performance by everybody involved.

Elijah

Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Lookin' a bit tarnished there kiddo.

Seven Academy Award nominations. 10 years ago Elizabeth garnered seven nominations. Apparently, a lot changes in that gap.

Take this review with a grain of salt. Not because I was at a Mcmenniman's theater and swilling beer while watching, but rather because I was seething with anger when I exited that theater. Seeing red. Pissed off.

The first movie was full of history, intrigue, crazy french persons, assassins, the pope, a cold-blooded bodyguard, and overheated politicians. It actually inspired me to read everything I could get my hands on to learn more about this time frame and people involved. That was my downfall.

I quickly realized that dramatic interpretation was abundant in that film, but I was willing to forgive it and move on, because it was a GOOD movie. I liked it originally and was able to move past my new-found knowledge.

Then this was announced. A new chapter. The movement of Spain against England, the continued wooing by heads of state, the intrigue, imprisonment and execution of Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland. Wait a minute...they killed her off in the first movie. What are they going to do? How will they bring about the Spanish attack?

Regardless, I was still pumped to see this movie. They are adding Clive Owen, and Samantha Morton. Two actors I love. This couldn't be better! Then I saw it. Never again Shekhar Kapur, never again will I watch a film directed by you. First, Four Feathers and now this. I'm done with you.

It's like Mr. Kapur got the outline from the writers and returned it to them covered in red ink, demanding to know where the tragic love story was, where was the over-the-top, smarmy dialogue, where was the insane villain? Try again boys. In the end, he got what he wanted, and it's all in there. Of course, I'm just throwing stuff out there for your entertainment, but I do really feel this way in my gut.

In spite of the hate I'm spewing forth, I did find a few things to enjoy about this movie. The visuals are stunning! This director absolutely knows how to make a beautiful movie. Sets were large and open for the massive feel of palaces and churches. Colors were almost a character in this film. They helped describe the mood, the people surrounded by them. No doubt the cinematographer knows his stuff and what he/she wants to convey.

Despite the commentary on the colors, I did notice that the walls and some settings were stark white. Which brings me to the other thing I liked. This film will definitely win an Oscar come February...in costume design. As I was leaving to see this movie, someone made a statement to me. Someone with knowledge as a seamstress, and she only uttered two words: "Fabric Porn." After laughing at that term for about 30 minutes, I determined she was absolutely correct. Everything was elaborate. Clearly the settings were overly white for one reason: to highlight the costumes.

A major victory for this film in my mind was that they found a way to bring back Mary, Queen of Scots. How did they do this you ask? How about by completely ignoring that fact that they killed her in the first movie. Yeah, that's right. Didn't happen apparently. The closest thing I found to true history in this film was everything involving Mary Stuart. Her collusion in the assassination planning on Elizabeth and her execution were very close to what history records. Though, they did leave out a couple of horrible details in regards to the actual execution.

Finally, the actors/actresses all did their job, despite the contrived script. Cate Blanchett remains a favorite of mine and what she did was good. Her fury, her wit. All there and very commendable. You can not fault the actors in this film, Geoffrey Rush made the film for me in this and the previous film. I love his Walsingham. Samantha Morton played Queen Mary, and her brief loss of control is spectacular. Clive Owens was given crap to work with, but he did his best. He's not bad, everybody knows he is not a bad actor. I pity him, this role.

Bottom line, I'm biased, I know that. If this column suffers it's my fault, but I really hated what they did to the story here. I say to you, Mr. Kapur, inserting drama for drama's sake is not always necessary and can ruin a film. I will never forgive the stupid love story you threw into this film.

If you want to see a truer story of Elizabeth I, rent or purchase the HBO version starring Helen Mirren and titled, "Elizabeth I." In that version you will be told what occurred at the execution of Queen Mary. You will also see and hear the true speech that Elizabeth gave on the battlefield prior to the sea battle with Spain.

I give Elizabeth: The Golden Years 2 red wigs out of 5 red wigs. Wait for it to play repeatedly on cable.

Busy weekend

Well we've got two new reviews for you today here at the Concession Stand:

American Gangster
Dan in Real Life

That's not the end of it though. Over the next few days we'll have at least four more so keep checking back to read the following posts:

Elizabeth: The Golden Years
Michael Clayton
Gone Baby Gone
Lars and the Real Girl

Thanks for your support and if you have a request for a movie please leave a comment at the bottom of a post. Or, if you just have a comment or don't agree with an opinion please leave a comment. this column can be shaped by the readers, if you need to see something different let us know.

As always vote in the weekly poll on the right hand side!

The results of our last poll, favorite Nicole Kidman Movie ended in a three way tie with 3 votes each for Days of Thunder, Cold Mountain, and Yeah, Riiiiight. We did have a smattering of other choices but these three took the majority.

Thank you,

Your concession staff.

American Gangster. Or Heat: The Prequel.

Many pictures I could have chosen for this post. This one feels right. A family portrait. Reminiscent of the family portraits in the Godfather Films. After all, this is the story of the rise and fall of a man and his family. A true story. The story of a family that grew bigger than the mafia, if for only a short time. So this picture feels right.

This one sets a better mood though, and tells the story right there in it's frame:

Frank Lucas. Born September 9, 1930 in Lenoir County, North Carolina. From meager beginnings became the biggest African Amercan drug lord in the history of the United States.

This movie tells the story of Frank and on the other side, Richie Roberts the New Jersey detective that ran the operation to bring him down. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe bring these two historic figures to life and the movie doesn't let up for nearly three hours as we see the beginning of Frank's rise and Richie's ideals that force the impending collision. The movie also showcases Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and even Cuba Gooding Jr. shows us why he got that Oscar soooo long ago.

In 1995, the movie Heat was released. The modern day tale of a master bank robber, his men and the lawmen that brought them down. See the similarities? I'm betting Universal Pictures wants you to focus on the history so that you don't realize you watched this movie 12 years ago with The Godfathers themselves in the leads. Really, who can forget Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in arguably the biggest movie of that year?

What really matters is that none of that matters. This movie holds it's own and won't let you out of the seat to go to the restroom. If you do actually leave the theater to go to the restroom during a movie then get off this site, you're no fan.

This movie has it's own story to tell and that's what helps it differ from Heat. The fact that Frank Lucas was wise enough to go to the source. Cut out the middleman and sell his pure product on the streets of Harlem at a discount to the other hustlers tells you the genius. A man that nobody suspected because he appeared so clean that everybody knew him but the people who should have. This movie doesn't back down from the facts and shows the rough, but intelligent criminal genius in all it's glory.

You've seen Denzel's fury in Training day. Animal fury. This is different. This is cold, calculating, determined fury. Chilling. In every scene you know who's in charge. Clean the mantle Mr. Washington, you may need room for another gold statue.

On the other side of the coin is our hero. The incorruptible Richie Roberts as played by Russell Crowe. Flawed certainly, and that side is played up to show some form of vice in an otherwise saintly figure. For a long time, I preferred to skip Mr Crowe's movies. That all changed when he brought one of my greatest heroes from literature to life in Master and Commander. He did my imagination justice and I will pay attention to his movies for the remainder of his career.

In this movie, Russell plays the part perfect. With the smarts to figure it out, the naivety to show he is perhaps over his head, and the spirit to do the right thing. No matter what. You don't know who to root for in this film. You know how it's going to end, you know one of these men is a vicious killer in more than one way, but you almost want to root for both characters.

The movie moves at a perfect pace, keeping all the danger present. The intrigue sweeping along to a fantastic conclusion, once again reminiscent of the Godfather films. When Russell seems to be on to the operation you want him to succeed, you're right there with him wishing him to expose all the corruption. When Denzel seems to make a last huge attempt to keep the family alive, you want him to prevail, to keep the cops at the door sniffing for a trail they'll never piece together.

In my mind, I want to slight this movie a little bit. But I can't come up with a reason to do that. So this movie is my first full rating with 5 pure bricks out of 5 pure bricks. Don't kid yourself, this movie is very violent. See it in the theater, but be prepared, American Gangster doesn't &*%# around!

Elijah

Dan in Real Life. Really?

Steve Carell is a funny man. Few people would outright deny that. I can actually think of one person who would stand up and defy that statement, and when he reads this he'll know it's him. Let's call him Bizzaro Elijah. I believe Bizzaro actually does like Mr. Carell, but it's in his nature to take the opposite tack to me. Point is: people like Steve. Can I call you Steve, Steve?

Steve Carell has truly come into his own in the last few years. Everybody loved him in the movie that made his name more well known: The 40 Year Old Virgin. What about his nearly 6 year stint as a news correspondent on The Daily Show? Perhaps the funniest stuff I've ever seen from him, and a fantastic showcase for his talent. Of course, the dimwitted co-star of Anchorman: The legend of Ron Burgandy. "I once ate a bowl of Legos." Finally, the star of America's version of The Office. Can't be stopped, this guy. He may be at the top right now. This very moment.

Let us turn to Little Miss Sunshine. A very dark independent comedy, in which Steve played a suicidal gay college professor. A bit of a departure. But, tragically funny. Take the tragically funny essence of that movie and cross it with Sleepless in Seattle. Somewhere in that soup you'll find Dan in Real Life. Disturbed now? Don't be.

In the movie Steve plays Dan Burns. Dan Burns is a widower who dedicates his life to his children, but one day he meets Marie at a bookstore. They get to know each other, but then Dan finds out that Marie is....

But that would be telling. Dan is an apparently gifted, intuitive newspaper advice columnist. As the movie progresses, you wonder how a man who is still obviously depressed can have the emotional grounding to give wonderful advice. Particularly when he doesn't appear to heed any of that wisdom himself. His soul care in the world is to protect his children and keep them just that. Children.

What happens when a man so deep inside himself and his kids finally wakes up and sees a wonderful woman directly in front of him? Well that is what this movie explores. In the background. Because the conflict in this movie is actually an in your face, on the surface, different problem. Which if you choose to watch a preview, you'll know right away.

Believe me when I tell you that this movie is a romantic comedy. Up until this point you thought I was writing a review about a dark tragedy. The funny does come. In fact, the movie starts off with plenty of funny. Enough to pull you in. Nothing gets things going in a family comedy like a rebellious teenager, a wiser than her age child, and an overprotective father. Throw that mix into a larger than life family gathering and you've got a good recipe. Or you should have.

Steve plays the way I like him to play: confused, distraught, depressed, defiant. Throw fantastic actors like John Mahoney, Juliette Binoche, and Dane Cook in the there to play off of and everybody should have a good time. But when the main plot takes over and you are supposed to find the difficult situations funny, I started to find them stressful and sad. Maybe that's what made this film worth watching for me. I didn't just sit in the audience and laugh, I truly felt what Dan Burns was feeling.

My first reaction was to not want to write a positive review for this movie based on the uncomfortable feeling the second act gave me. Now I realize that's what this movie needs from you. Because the third act pulls you back. Takes you off the ledge. Saves you.

This is a formulaic movie. You've seen it many times over the years, but not this way. You know how it ends, but getting there is journey. Carell fans see it for the laughs. There are plenty, but take your wife. This is the one Steve Carell movie she'll appreciate.

Dan in Real Life gets 3.25 pancakes out of 5 pancakes from me this week. It's a perfect Sunday matinee movie. If that can't happen, wait for the rental and a quiet evening at home.

Elijah

Watching: Transformers and Veronica Mars, season 3

On deck: Angel, the complete series

Bee Movie: B- movie

So it begins. My movie week commences and the list is long my friends. So let's start off with the easiest movie to talk about: Bee Movie. The advertising whizzes are telling us that this is Jerry Seinfeld's baby and come hell or high water you have to see this movie and use your children as a beard to get in there. And they have been telling us to see this movie for a year. A YEAR people. So was this movie over hyped? I'll give you my comments and you can decide.

I took my 4 year old daughter, who loves to go to the cineplex, and if there happens to be a movie playing so much the better. I'll add her commentary at the end.

Here is your basic description: Barry B. Benson, a bee who has just graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City.

Sure, there is a lot more to this movie. In fact, that description doesn't even center on the major plot, but that is the section I'm going to focus on, because when it moves toward it's focus, that's when it lost my focus.

If you loved Seinfeld, even liked Seinfeld, then you will enjoy the first 30 - 40 minutes of this movie. The way it explores the world, gliding from one scene to another with the classic Seinfeld observations. I chuckled along merrily with the characters while my daughter joined me as our champion bee was involuntarily inserted into a sporting event. This is where we meet the movie's costar Renee Zellweger. The way she speaks is a little off though, and I could say something politically incorrect here and it would probably be upheld in a court of law, but I'll just leave it at: a little off.

When you look at the IMDB.com page for Bee Movie you will see a who's who list of actors that threw their voices in. It's amazing how many names signed up for this. Matthew Broderick was the straight-laced best friend who wants to do the bee thing and live his life, but is pulled in by Barry. And Seinfeld's main man Patrick Warburton, the man who brought The Tick to the small screen and played Elaine's off and on boyfriend Puddy in the show Seinfeld gives an over the top, mildly entertaining performance here. It's meant to be over the top, but I'm not sure that it actually works. I don't mind over the top, but this just seemed off as well.

It's so hard not to draw a comparison to the Seinfeld program, but this applies to both the sitcom and Bee Movie. When the over-arcing plot takes control, we lose the funny. That's not good for anybody. I cite the series finale as an example. The last few laughing moments are seen as the catalyst for the plot takes place. It's these scenes that introduce us to Chris Rock's few moments and they rock, no pun intended.

It was during the middle of the of the second act that my daughter asked me if we could go home. A four year old asked me to go home in the middle of a cartoon. My devotion to the readers and my faith in Jerry staid my retreat. I did finish the movie.

The conversation with my daughter transpired thusly:

"Did you like the movie?"

"Yes."

"What was your favorite part?"

"When the bees were flying around the park."

"Did you think it was funny?"

"A little bit, I liked it when the bee had a sword on his butt."

"Why did you want to leave?"

"I was scared."

"What scared you?"

"When the man was going to get stung."

Then I lost her to mom serving cookies at snack time.

As far as a rating goes, I give it 2.5 honey combs out of 5 honey combs. The laughs for me were all in the first third/half of the movie. Kudos for the talented voices, but I'm taking half away for scaring my child and losing my interest at about the 3/4 mark.

Elijah

Watching: Veronica Mars, season 3

On deck: Angel complete series

Halloween Dvd Review: The Others

In our recent Halloween movie list post, I indicated that I would review a movie choice for you that was not on the list. There were two reasons for that decision. First, I really wanted to highlight the movie as the sneaker rental you should grab for Wednesday night. Second, just by inserting The Others into a category, I would have possibly given the entire plot away. Yeah, it's that transparent and would ruin the movie if you put 2 + 2 together too soon. Unspoiled though, this movie will creep the *&%$ out of you.

The entire movie takes place inside and on the grounds of a large manor house located on a British island shortly after World War 2 and the German occupation of said island. You know you really can't beat a manor house as a location for either an English murder mystery or an old school ghost story. Nicole Kidman heads up the cast as Grace Stewart, the mother of two young children with a serious illness left behind as their father went away to war.

It becomes readily apparent as we are introduced to the house, the new house staff, and the children that there is something very strange about it all. When we first hear the disembodied voice, and see the disembodied hand we realize this is a real ghost story. Usually the children in these sorts of movies always know more than the adults and this doesn't veer from that formula, but thankfully it adds all the necessary chills.

Kidman plays the lonely mother barely holding it together quite well. You truly believe that any moment she's going to absolutely loose it, and that's part of the pull. The children are excellent in their roles, alternately knowing and terrified when called on. Kudos to Alakina Mann as daughter Anne Stewart. She speaks with confidence and sass as she's the only one that seems to have a handle on things, but I want to go through the t.v. at times and slap her smart mouth. Sue me.

On the other side of that, James Bentley plays the young son Nicholas Stewart. He spends the film terrorized by his sister and the things she says. He resembles the boy who played Damien in the recent Omen remake, and frankly that just makes this movie more freaky.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the three new additions to the home which we meet at the beginning of the film. The staff which knocks on the door and sends the picture into drive. The cook, housemaid and gardener, who seem to have an alternative agenda, and are clearly aware of something that nobody else is privy too. This trio completes the package of a well done thriller.

In the end you may slap your head and say, oooooohhhhh! Believe me when I tell you that there could be worse ways to get to a climax. The last scene is haunting and when the last frame plays I want the film to keep going. What happens next? Give me some more, I want to see the next interaction.

Pick it up from the rental store on your way home today or tomorrow before the kids head off to raid the neighborhood. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Elijah

Look for a slew of reviews next week as the family goes out of town for a week. We'll try to mix the genre's around a little to keep you entertained.

Great response in last weeks poll! Rushmore took the win with 4 votes to Royal Tenenbaums 3, some scattered votes for other Wes Anderson films, and 2 votes asking who the hell is Wes Anderson.

STC’s Second Wind v1.0, The Rise of Jake: All Aboard The Darjeeling Limited

Hello everyone (Elijah and three others that read this blog), my name is Jake and I dig movies. Elijah, with his numerous commitments, can not find the time to post as much content as he would like and I’m here to fill the void. I try to get to about a movie a week, but as Elijah can attest, our work week (I unfortunately have to work with him, but thankfully we’re on opposite sides of the office) sometimes can dictate ungodly hours and the time available to catch a flick can be limited. However, I also have a Netflix account, HBO and Showtime, which can provide an awesome array of rental entertainment. So, prepare for Skip the Concessions’ Second Wind.

Last Friday afternoon, I popped over to the Fox Tower to catch an early afternoon showing of The Darjeeling Limited, Wes Anderson’s latest comedy installment starring Owen Wilson, Adrian Brody and Jason Schwartzman. I’ve been a fan of Anderson’s work since first seeing Rushmore and Darjeeling Limited did not disappoint.

The movie opens with a montage scene of Bill Murray in an Indian taxi, the movie takes place in India, precipitously navigating through a maze of traffic, merchant carts and the odd assortment of farm animals in order to catch the afternoon departure of the Darjeeling Limited. At the station, to Murray’s dismay, the train is just pulling out of the dock and he darts after the caboose to jump aboard. Murray can only muster a light jog and is surpassed by the far more youthful Brody, who, in spectacular slow motion Technicolor, leaps aboard. Unwilling to let go of his baggage (the underlying theme for pretty much the entire movie), Murray misses the train and is not to be seen again...

After a life threatening motorcycle accident, Francis portrayed by Wilson (we don’t get to see Luke in this movie) has an awakening and calls an emergency family meeting, asking his two brothers, Peter (Brody) and Jack (Schwartzman), to join him on a trip across India aboard the Darjeeling Limited. Up until their encounter on the train, it had been a year since either had seen or talked to one another at their father’s funeral. The lack of intimacy and trust creates an amusing backdrop as the train rumbles through central India. For their journey, the brothers have packed their belongings in various pieces of animal print luggage, all of which had belonged to their father.

Owen Wilson is fantastic as the eldest brother in a somewhat of stereotypical maniacal role but he’s much more subdued and quirky. Jason Schwartzman is a very under-rated actor, in my mind. Every project that he’s worked on, save for Sophia Coppola’s wallpaper piece Marie Antoinette, has turned to gold. He is also a talented musician, playing the drums for the now debunked Phantom Planet (Theme song from the O.C. – I watched it for the first three seasons then it turned into Beverly Hillbillies meets As The World Turns or just about any other day time soap you want to throw in) but his first solo project called Coconut Records is awesome. Of the three brothers, he is the most grounded but he has his interesting character traits as well. If you watch the film, pay attention to his feet throughout the movie; interesting imagery. Adam Brody’s character is the most complex but his performance was somewhat brushed aside by the strength of the other two.

Wes Anderson has a taste for spaces, a high school campus in Rushmore, a house in The Royal Tenenbaums, a submarine in Life Aquatic and for 80% of this film, the action takes place on…you guessed it, a train.

If you enjoyed Anderson’s previous films, you can add this one to the collection or if you feeling like heading out, it’s worth a trip to the theater, just don’t bring your kids. There are some sexual underpinnings but nothing overly graphic.

The odors coming from v1.0 of the STC’s Second Wind on The Darjeeling Limited are unsurprisingly pleasant, with a slight hint of green curry chicken and sweet tea.

Next in the Netflix queue is Letters From Iwo Jima and in the theaters, Noah Baumbach’s new flick Margot at the Wedding

Jake

Note from the editor:

I'm absolutely thrilled to have another reviewer join us behind the Concession Stand. More content on the site hopefully means a more enjoyable experience for the the three readers that Jake referenced above. I do have one other person on the fence that would cover direct to dvd and under the radar releases. Hopefully I can convince him to come on board, because he would have you in stitches constantly.

The Shining won our Halloween movie contest at 5 votes with a good showing by Poltergeist and Halloween tied for second with 3 votes each. The rest of the votes were scattered around the choices. Thanks for voting and make sure you hit today's new poll. As always, leave comments for our new reviewer at the bottom of this post.

Elijah

A Moment in History...

It was announced yesterday that Joey Bishop, last of the 5 main Sinatra rat packers, passed away at age 89. When today's 18 - 34 year old entertainment fans hear the words "The Rat Pack", they immediately think Sinatra, Martin, and Davis Jr. Hell, they may possibly even recall Peter Lawford. Rarely do they remember the name of the fifth member of the nucleus.

CNN.com had a wonderful write up yesterday (credited to the associated press) as his passing was announced. I paste it here for your reading pleasure:

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Joey Bishop, the stone-faced comedian who found success in nightclubs, television and movies but became most famous as a member of Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, has died at 89.

He was the group's last surviving member. Peter Lawford died in 1984, Sammy Davis Jr. in 1990, Dean Martin in 1995, and Sinatra in 1998.

Bishop died Wednesday night of multiple causes at his home in Newport Beach, publicist and longtime friend Warren Cowan said Thursday.

The Rat Pack -- originally a social group surrounding Humphrey Bogart -- became a show business sensation in the early 1960s, appearing at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in shows that combined music and comedy in a seemingly chaotic manner.

Reviewers often claimed that Bishop played a minor role, but Sinatra knew otherwise. He termed the comedian "the Hub of the Big Wheel," with Bishop coming up with some of the best one-liners and beginning many jokes with his favorite phrase, "Son of a gun!"

The quintet lived it up whenever members were free of their own commitments. They appeared together in such films as "Ocean's Eleven" and "Sergeants 3" and proudly gave honorary membership to a certain fun-loving politician from Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy, at whose inauguration gala Bishop served as master of ceremonies.

The Rat Pack faded after Kennedy's assassination, but the late 1990s brought a renaissance, with the group depicted in an HBO movie and portrayed by imitators in Las Vegas and elsewhere. The movie "Ocean's Eleven" was even remade in 2003 with George Clooney and Brad Pitt in the lead roles.

Bishop defended his fellow performers' rowdy reputations in a 1998 interview.

"Are we remembered as being drunk and chasing broads?" he asked. "I never saw Frank, Dean, Sammy or Peter drunk during performances. That was only a gag. And do you believe these guys had to chase broads? They had to chase 'em away."

Away from the Rat Pack, Bishop starred in two TV series, both called "The Joey Bishop Show."

The first, an NBC sitcom, got off to a rocky start in 1961. Critical and audience response was generally negative, and the second season brought a change in format. The third season brought a change in network, with the show moving to ABC, but nothing seemed to help and it was canceled in 1965.

In the first series, Bishop played a TV talk show host.

Then, he really became a TV talk show host. His program was started by ABC in 1967 as a challenge to Johnny Carson's immensely popular "The Tonight Show."

Like Carson, Bishop sat behind a desk and bantered with a sidekick, TV newcomer Regis Philbin. But despite an impressive guest list and outrageous stunts, Bishop couldn't dent Carson's ratings, and "The Joey Bishop Show" was canceled after two seasons.

Philbin remembered Bishop fondly.

"It was the thrill of my life to be chosen by Joey as the announcer for his talk show on ABC back in the '60s," he said in a statement. "I learned a lot about the business of making people laugh. He was a master comedian and a great teacher and I will never forget those days or him."

After the talk show's cancellation, Bishop became a familiar guest figure in TV variety shows and as sub for vacationing talk show hosts, filling in for Carson 205 times.

He also played character roles in such movies as "The Naked and the Dead" ("I played both roles"), "Onion-head," "Johnny Cool," "Texas Across the River," "Who's Minding the Mint?" "Valley of the Dolls" and "The Delta Force."

His comedic schooling came from vaudeville, burlesque and nightclubs.

Skipping his last high school semester in Philadelphia, he formed a music and comedy act with two other boys, and they played clubs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They called themselves the Bishop Brothers, borrowing the name from their driver, Glenn Bishop.

Joseph Abraham Gottlieb would eventually adopt Joey Bishop as his stage name.

When his partners got drafted, Bishop went to work as a single, playing his first solo date in Cleveland at the well-named El Dumpo.

During these early years he developed his style: laid-back drollery, with surprise throwaway lines.

After 3 1/2 years in the Army, Bishop resumed his career in 1945. Within five years he was earning $1,000 a week at New York's Latin Quarter. Sinatra saw him there one night and hired him as opening act.

While most members of the Sinatra entourage treated the great man gingerly, Bishop had no inhibitions. He would tell audiences that the group's leader hadn't ignored him: "He spoke to me backstage; he told me, 'Get out of the way.' "

When Sinatra almost drowned filming a movie scene in Hawaii, Bishop wired him: "I thought you could walk on water."

Born in New York's borough of the Bronx, Bishop was the youngest of five children of two immigrants from Eastern Europe.

When he was 3 months old the family moved to South Philadelphia, where he attended public schools. He recalled being an indifferent student, once remarking, "In kindergarten, I flunked sand pile."

In 1941 Bishop married Sylvia Ruzga and, despite the rigors of a show business career, the marriage survived until her death in 1999.

Bishop, who spent his retirement years on the upscale Lido Isle in Southern California's Newport Bay, is survived by son Larry Bishop; grandchildren Scott and Kirk Bishop; and longtime companion Nora Garabotti.

The Kings are Dead!

Long Live the New Kings!