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Reviews
Pollination * (2012)
POLLINATION * will help your love of shorts grow **SLIGHT SPOILERS**
Had the good pleasure of seeing this film at the HollyShorts Festival at Grauman's Chinese in Hollywood recently, and all I can say is it makes you think.
In fact, in Director/Producer Sam Borowski's Q&A after the film, he said he made it so people would think. (I am paraphrasing somewhat, but that was the gist of it.) And, when you see the film, you will understand completely.
Having seen NIGHT CLUB - Borowski's last feature - at Newport Beach last year, I was very familiar with his work, and have met him before, one of the draws to me coming out and seeing this excellent short. However, I wasn't expecting what I got - and that is not a bad thing. In fact, it was an excellent surprise.
Without delving too much into the subject matter, all I will say is the way people react to their plants and their environment plays into the theme of this movie, though it digs deeper - pardon the pun.
Borowski's direction was excellent, as was the acting of SOPRANOS star Federico Castelluccio. I also got a chance to meet actress Maria Rusolo, who did a nice job in the film.
Lisa Buffington co-wrote the script with Borowski for this very original and very timely short movie with a message. All I can say is try and catch it at a festival near you. Borowski mentioned they were playing in several more, and they had hopes to qualify this film for an Oscar.
It wouldn't surprise me a bit, even if this film did. Possibly another excellent surprise related to this film in the future ...
In Time (2011)
Sci Fi Gem from Andrew Niccol
Really enjoyed this Sci Fi gem from Andrew Niccol, and amazed at the total transformation of Justin Timberlake from boyband singer to actor. As good as he was in The Social Network, he's even better in In Time.
The basic theme of the movie - where everyone stops aging at 25, however, after that you are only given one year and time is now the currency; in order to keep living you need to acquire and save up more time - is an interesting one. If someone were to compile enough time, one could be immortal. But, oh, there are serious and deadly consequences.
Just as in our current day and age, "this future," has a tough economy and times are tough. Most people are living day-to-day ... literally. You run out of time, you run out of time.
Our hero played by Justin Timberlake is just one of those suffering out the tough economy. Much like Niccol's Gattaca, this too is a cautionary tale. And, the way the rich seem to hord their fortune of time, seems to be a metaphor for the way the less fortunate are treated in our current day and age.
Packed with action scenes and suspense, I really enjoyed the film .... and the chemistry between Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. Moreover, I thought this was Seyfried's best role.
See In Time in theaters, and you will not be disappointed. Truly is a Sci Fi gem.
Moneyball (2011)
Even if you're not a baseball fan, "Moneyball" scores.
Even if you're not a baseball, go and see Moneyball. I saw it recently, and though it's taken me a few weeks, I am here writing a review. Why? Because I thought it was a fun film with some great performances.
Start with Brad Pitt, playing Billy Beane, the GM of the bargain basement Oakland A's. Beane has to find ways to seek players that are in the bargain bin of free agency, and get results out of them. Pitt conveys both Beane's frustration with his situation, and his ability to "adapt or die." As the real-life Beane did, Pitt adapts.
How about Jonah Hill playing the fictitious Peter Brand character (loosely based on Paul DePodesta, who was Billy's assistant GM and now in a similar role with the New York Metropolitans)? This was a different role for him - not slapstick - and he shines in it. As I saw one other IMDb reviewer say, not many other actors could have pulled off the closed fist. See the movie.
Then, there's Philip Seymour Hoffman, playing the stubborn Art Howe - the manager that just won't give in to Beane's "Saber-Metrics" philosopy. He is so staunch in his ways, makes you frustrated to watch ... but in a good way.
But, ultimately, this movie does not candy-coat. It shows Beane's strengths, and his failures (both as a player, and in some of his goals), although the movie itself is anything but. See it, as I think it will be up for a number of awards at some point next year.
Drive (2011)
This interesting Indie is no Thief
Enjoyed "Drive," and I would describe it as an interesting Indie film, one that I would like to see again to see what I pick up the second time around.
The unnamed lead character - "Driver" - is essentially a getaway driver with his own set of rules and boundaries. After meeting the girl next door - literally - he decides to look after her and her son, Benicio. When the girl's boyfriend - and Benicio's father - gets out of prison, Driver decides to help him out of a jam, by being his driver. Unfortunately, the heist goes wrong, and that is where the real drama begins ...
Interesting, that they used huge pieces of The Social Network soundtrack, while the other songs seemed to be reminiscent of the quintessential 1980s action flick, which is appropriate because Drive reminded me of an early 80s action/drama, the James Caan film "Thief," though I liked Thief better. It even had a similar scripted title font, and the endings were comparable, though you won't necessarily guess this one.
Drive does have it's "lapses" which don't ruin the movie at all. The action and suspense makes up for the lapses. In fact, it also reminded me a little of Luc Besson's "Leon The Professional." The lead character is very child-like, much like Jean Reno's title character.
The ending is very interesting, though I won't say much about it. Strange, but interesting indie.
Night Club (2011)
Wonderful Movie - Saw it at multiple festivals**
Before I get on with my review, I want to alert people to a very sad situation: there is a sad, pathetic little man who is posting personal attacks against one of the filmmakers out of pure jealousy and spite. While I won't reveal the name, I do know who this is.
To me, that's just a sign that filmmaker Sam Borowski has made it, has arrived - :).
However, now having said that, let me also say that I've seen this film more than once as I attended 2 local festivals, and it is a wonderful, beautiful film. Scripted by Tom Hass, story concept by Larry Delrose and directed by Sam Borowski, Night Club is a film that has something in it for everyone.
True to the tagline, "everyone's invited!" this film will please seniors, teenagers, a great deal of people in between.
The basic concept about three USC students ( Gran Torino's Ahney Her, Zachary Abel and newcomer Bryan Williams) taking a job at an old folks' home to put themselves through school seems innocent enough. Enter Ernest Borgnine. :) Borgnine's Albert convinces this threesome to start a nightclub during the evening hours when they are the only line of defense, unfortunately this goes against the "rules" and the "state law," that the home's director, Mrs. Keaton (Natasha Lyonne) is always quoting. Other co-stars include, Mickey Rooney and Daniel Roebuck of LOST, not to mention former Oscar nominee Sally Kellerman of M*A*S*H fame.
Do they get caught? Do any seniors get any action at the nightclub? Just how will YOU score on the Spot the Cameos game? See nightclub and find out!
No real objectionable language, mildly racy themes, this would be about a PG-13 rated movie IMHO, though I am not the ratings board. :)