United 93 This was a very well done, very disturbing film. It is done as "real time" on the morning of 11 Sep 2001, as you follow the people on United flight 93 from boarding to the end, and see simultaneously the events on the ground and in other locations. Very accurately portrays the confusion and disbelief of the events of that day, without foreshadowing the tremendous outcomes that followed.
Unbelievable – that was 5 years ago, and while the events themselves still seem like they were yesterday, it is remarkable to think of all that has happened in the world since then as a result of that terrible day.
The film has the feel of a documentary or docudrama, with no stars in any of the roles, and many of the air traffic control and military staff playing themselves (even those that don’t come off looking very good). In the theatre, you feel that you are there on the flight almost like one of the passengers, a part of the distress and confusion and fear. You want to take part in their talk, you want to shout “do it now” as they plot their push to the cockpit. Even knowing that they are doomed and helpless, you can’t help hoping that this time they will succeed. A true tragedy and an excellent film.
While this will likely not be an instant hit or classic (although it has lasted as long or longer in the theatres as some blockbusters, and gotten much better ratings), I think in time will be come a true testament and memorial to that moment in history, and will be the first of many renditions and perspectives, hopefully leading the way in its honest, poignant and respectful approach to this difficult but necessary subject.
- Robyn
July 15, 2006
July 11, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
Meryl Streep – I smell Oscar! She was so good as the evil but still human Miranda, you completely lose sight of the actress and can only see that steely hair and determination.
Overall, the story was good, although there were several Disney-slapsticky moment – like when Andy goes to deliver “the book” and the evil twins get her to break the rules. Also, far too many skinny women and the ongoing jokes about dieting and dress sizes, while I’m sure are the reality of the fashion world, made things a bit too comic sometimes. However, the collective audience gasp when Miranda tells Andy that she must break the news to Emily about Paris was great. (Jodi - I loved when Miranda is talking about Emily like she's not there and reflecting "I said to myself 'take a chance, hire the FAT girl..." I was laughing - but Emily, whose character seemed grounded, actually cries!)
I recognized in this story elements of the film Wall Street, with the evil Michael Douglas tormenting his apprentice Charlie Sheen. However, in most stories about male executive and their staff, the men are usually doing something illegal. In this tale, Miranda’s only crime against humanity is that she is a total bitch. Another difference – it is clear throughout the story that, despite her evil ways, Miranda has created not just an empire but a legacy, with many designers, executives, models, reporters, etc. becoming successful on their own due entirely to their time with her. To overstate it a bit, nasty female executives build up the people around them, with minimal backstabbing and nothing illegal, and end up alone and admired but unloved for their troubles. Nasty male executives build up their empires on the bones of their people, with no regard for the success of anyone but themselves, and end up in jail. That is likely reading way too much into this story.
Other tidbits: the clothes were amazing – who has time/money/energy to dress like that every day? And who can actually walk around all day in stilettos? – and music was also very good. The story line about Andy’s personal life was not done much justice, and while I was a bit sad that she and Zack went their separate ways, she did not seem to mind much, and part of me was hoping that things would work out with hunky New Yorker reporter, despite his sleaziness (although even this was not firmly established).
Stanley Tucci was also great in a supporting role (hint, hint).
- Robyn
Overall, the story was good, although there were several Disney-slapsticky moment – like when Andy goes to deliver “the book” and the evil twins get her to break the rules. Also, far too many skinny women and the ongoing jokes about dieting and dress sizes, while I’m sure are the reality of the fashion world, made things a bit too comic sometimes. However, the collective audience gasp when Miranda tells Andy that she must break the news to Emily about Paris was great. (Jodi - I loved when Miranda is talking about Emily like she's not there and reflecting "I said to myself 'take a chance, hire the FAT girl..." I was laughing - but Emily, whose character seemed grounded, actually cries!)
I recognized in this story elements of the film Wall Street, with the evil Michael Douglas tormenting his apprentice Charlie Sheen. However, in most stories about male executive and their staff, the men are usually doing something illegal. In this tale, Miranda’s only crime against humanity is that she is a total bitch. Another difference – it is clear throughout the story that, despite her evil ways, Miranda has created not just an empire but a legacy, with many designers, executives, models, reporters, etc. becoming successful on their own due entirely to their time with her. To overstate it a bit, nasty female executives build up the people around them, with minimal backstabbing and nothing illegal, and end up alone and admired but unloved for their troubles. Nasty male executives build up their empires on the bones of their people, with no regard for the success of anyone but themselves, and end up in jail. That is likely reading way too much into this story.
Other tidbits: the clothes were amazing – who has time/money/energy to dress like that every day? And who can actually walk around all day in stilettos? – and music was also very good. The story line about Andy’s personal life was not done much justice, and while I was a bit sad that she and Zack went their separate ways, she did not seem to mind much, and part of me was hoping that things would work out with hunky New Yorker reporter, despite his sleaziness (although even this was not firmly established).
Stanley Tucci was also great in a supporting role (hint, hint).
- Robyn
July 10, 2006
An Inconvenient Truth
The messages and information in this film are very important and well delivered. It was both moving, scary and inspiring to see so clearly the impact of modern man on the planet earth, and the information hits right at the heart of any sceptical arguments.
While the film presents very convincingly the truth about global warming, it is a bit short on what each of us can actually do about this – aside from the fortune-cookie type suggestions that come up during the credits - although I guess there are plenty of other places to find out about those. The purpose seems to be to convince everyone who doesn't already know that global warming is a fact, it is here now, and that if left unchecked will be devastating to the earth and therefore to mankind in ways that can only be imagined in nightmares and disaster movies. The missing element is how to stop it - can it be stopped?
The style of the film – essentially a lecture, broken up with some film clips of Al Gore being contemplative and working on his laptop while travelling – can feel a bit pedantic, and I did find it hard to stay awake at one point, kind of like attending an evening class after a long day of work (after 90 minutes, you need a coffee break). A side benefit of the film is the opportunity to see Al Gore as a smart, dynamic, forward thinking pundit and, dare I say, leader. Although this is a one-issue film, Gore is shown as both folksy and factual, even poking fun at himself a bit (the former next president of the US). If he is contemplating a return to the political arena in a few years, this exposure to him as something other than “wooden” will be a big boost.
Extra points for the excellent Melissa Etheridge song covering the end credits.
- Robyn
While the film presents very convincingly the truth about global warming, it is a bit short on what each of us can actually do about this – aside from the fortune-cookie type suggestions that come up during the credits - although I guess there are plenty of other places to find out about those. The purpose seems to be to convince everyone who doesn't already know that global warming is a fact, it is here now, and that if left unchecked will be devastating to the earth and therefore to mankind in ways that can only be imagined in nightmares and disaster movies. The missing element is how to stop it - can it be stopped?
The style of the film – essentially a lecture, broken up with some film clips of Al Gore being contemplative and working on his laptop while travelling – can feel a bit pedantic, and I did find it hard to stay awake at one point, kind of like attending an evening class after a long day of work (after 90 minutes, you need a coffee break). A side benefit of the film is the opportunity to see Al Gore as a smart, dynamic, forward thinking pundit and, dare I say, leader. Although this is a one-issue film, Gore is shown as both folksy and factual, even poking fun at himself a bit (the former next president of the US). If he is contemplating a return to the political arena in a few years, this exposure to him as something other than “wooden” will be a big boost.
Extra points for the excellent Melissa Etheridge song covering the end credits.
- Robyn
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