HOW SHE MOVE
Director: Ian Iqbal Rashid
Writer: Annmarie Morais
Release Date: 25 January 2008
Genre: Drama
Rating: Rated PG-13
Filmed in Ontario
How She Move is an energetic, gritty and ultimately inspiring coming of age tale about a gifted young woman who defies all the rules as she step dances her heart out to achieve her dreams. Bursting with raw talent and intelligence, Raya Green (Wesley), the daughter of Jamaican parents, won the rare chance to break out of their drug and crime-infested neighbourhood when she was accepted into the exclusive Seaton Academy. But when her sister dies of an overdose, the family is shattered and Raya is forced to return to the place she tried so hard to escape. To Raya, getting involved with a major Step Competition was her only hope of changing her fate.
The film looks at a real Caribbean immigrant community. Set in Toronto’s “Jane-Finch corridor, How She Move showcases Canadian West Indians like they have never been showcased before.
Screenwriter Annemarie Morais, a Jamaican immigrant who grew up in Canada, developed a deep love of stepping while studying at Canada’s York University. Morais found herself compelled to write a screenplay that would have a young black woman as its central heroine.
How She Move was directed by Ian Iqbal Rashid who, like the film’s lead character, Raya Green, grew up in urban Toronto as an immigrant from Tanzania.
Michelle (Tré Armstrong), one time friend of Raya, also grew up in Toronto, and took classes at the Dance Factory in Mississauga and later attended Erindale School of Dance.
Another Caribbean-Canadian face seen in the movie is Raya`s mother Melanie- Nicholls-King of Trinidadian parentage who grew up in Toronto and attended the University of Windsor.
And then there was Raya`s crush, Bishop (Dwain Murphy), who hails from the Caribbean island of Dominica, was challenged by a high school drama teacher to pursue acting as a career and did so by enrolling in the Acting for Film & Television Program at Humber College. Playing Bishop’s younger brother, Quake, is Brennan Gademans, a BC native hip-hop dancer and actor who made his acting debut playing the young Michael Jackson in a telefilm.
Bishop’s best friend, E.C., is played by rising, Toronto-based actor Kevin Duhaney, who has already been seen in films as John Singleton’s FOUR BROTHERS. Also joining the cast as part of the Jane Street Junta is actor, dancer and Platinum-recording artist Shawn Desman, who plays Tré, the team’s sole white kid who becomes Raya’s unlikely supporter.
Showing posts with label WE Film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WE Film. Show all posts
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
WE FILM - A WINTER TALE
Frances-Anne Solomon brings the real Toronto to the silver screen in February ‘08
By Stacey Marie Robinson
Frances Anne Solomon’s feature film, A Winter Tale, is destined to touch the spirits of Torontonians with its theatrical release in February 2008. The movie tells a truly Canadian story, with universal messages and international appeal. After a young boy is the victim of a misdirected bullet, his death inspires a healing process in the Parkdale community when neighbourhood men form a support group.
A Winter Tale has already sparked conversation and an optimistic buzz. In 2007, it won the Outstanding Canadian Feature award at the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto, it opened the African Diaspora Film Festival in Manhattan, and it has had festival screenings in Trinidad, Halifax, and the U.K.
“I didn’t want to do a hip-hop movie and feed into those stereotypes; I really wanted to pull away from that and go for the human element,” said Solomon. “Second generation immigrant kids born and raised in Toronto – from the projects or not – they don’t see themselves on screen, the breadth and truth of their experience. My intention was to reflect that truth and reality.”
Gemini-nominated Solomon has written for the BBC in London and has an extensive background in film, radio and television production. She was the creative force behind the Canadian sitcom Lord Have Mercy; the current Caribbean-Canadian musician profile series Heart Beat (Tuesdays at 7:00pm on Bravo!); and the Caribbean-Canadian resource LiteratureAliveOnline.ca. All works were produced through Solomon’s sister companies Leda Serene Films and Caribbean Tales.
Much like her other acclaimed projects, A Winter Tale features a cast hailing from a variety of backgrounds and performing experiences. The stars include Genie-nominated Peter Williams (as Gene); African-Canadian actor Michael Miller (as DX), Jamaica’s first lady of theatre Leonie Forbes (as Miss G); and Trinidadian comedian/actor Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall (as Professa). Due to their outstanding roles in the film, Forbes and Williams were recently honoured by the Jamaican consulate, and Hall by the Trinidadian consulate in New York.
“I consider it to be a very ‘Toronto’ movie, and very much about what it’s like to be an immigrant in this city,” said England-born Solomon, who was raised in Trinidad and studied Theatre Arts at the University of Toronto before returning to the U.K. where she worked and resided for many years. Living in Toronto once again, Solomon called an open audition and met with one hundred individuals from across the GTA. She was inspired by their tales, and derived her plot directly from the experiences of her cast members and residents of the Parkdale community.
“I want A Winter Tale to be a slice of life…we have struggled a lot,” said Solomon, recognizing that there is healing in the honest emotional expression of a painful story. Along with the commercial screenings taking place next month, she will be hosting a project called Talk it Out where students and viewers across the country will be able to discuss the film in-theatre. “Young people are not fooled by happy endings. They don’t want to be fed more lies, which is why they have liked the film so much. They recognize it, and answers are provided through its truthful presentation.”
For more information about A Winter Tale and related events in February, please visit www.awintertale.ca.
By Stacey Marie Robinson
Frances Anne Solomon’s feature film, A Winter Tale, is destined to touch the spirits of Torontonians with its theatrical release in February 2008. The movie tells a truly Canadian story, with universal messages and international appeal. After a young boy is the victim of a misdirected bullet, his death inspires a healing process in the Parkdale community when neighbourhood men form a support group.
A Winter Tale has already sparked conversation and an optimistic buzz. In 2007, it won the Outstanding Canadian Feature award at the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto, it opened the African Diaspora Film Festival in Manhattan, and it has had festival screenings in Trinidad, Halifax, and the U.K.
“I didn’t want to do a hip-hop movie and feed into those stereotypes; I really wanted to pull away from that and go for the human element,” said Solomon. “Second generation immigrant kids born and raised in Toronto – from the projects or not – they don’t see themselves on screen, the breadth and truth of their experience. My intention was to reflect that truth and reality.”
Gemini-nominated Solomon has written for the BBC in London and has an extensive background in film, radio and television production. She was the creative force behind the Canadian sitcom Lord Have Mercy; the current Caribbean-Canadian musician profile series Heart Beat (Tuesdays at 7:00pm on Bravo!); and the Caribbean-Canadian resource LiteratureAliveOnline.ca. All works were produced through Solomon’s sister companies Leda Serene Films and Caribbean Tales.
Much like her other acclaimed projects, A Winter Tale features a cast hailing from a variety of backgrounds and performing experiences. The stars include Genie-nominated Peter Williams (as Gene); African-Canadian actor Michael Miller (as DX), Jamaica’s first lady of theatre Leonie Forbes (as Miss G); and Trinidadian comedian/actor Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall (as Professa). Due to their outstanding roles in the film, Forbes and Williams were recently honoured by the Jamaican consulate, and Hall by the Trinidadian consulate in New York.
“I consider it to be a very ‘Toronto’ movie, and very much about what it’s like to be an immigrant in this city,” said England-born Solomon, who was raised in Trinidad and studied Theatre Arts at the University of Toronto before returning to the U.K. where she worked and resided for many years. Living in Toronto once again, Solomon called an open audition and met with one hundred individuals from across the GTA. She was inspired by their tales, and derived her plot directly from the experiences of her cast members and residents of the Parkdale community.
“I want A Winter Tale to be a slice of life…we have struggled a lot,” said Solomon, recognizing that there is healing in the honest emotional expression of a painful story. Along with the commercial screenings taking place next month, she will be hosting a project called Talk it Out where students and viewers across the country will be able to discuss the film in-theatre. “Young people are not fooled by happy endings. They don’t want to be fed more lies, which is why they have liked the film so much. They recognize it, and answers are provided through its truthful presentation.”
For more information about A Winter Tale and related events in February, please visit www.awintertale.ca.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
WE FILM – The Great Debaters
By Dr JAY
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Melvin B. Tolson (played by Denzel Washington who directs the movie as well) is the real-life professor who formed the debate team that is comprised of some young actors that will have a long an illustrious career in the movie business if these performances are any indication. In addition to being a professor, Tolson was also a working man's advocate who, due to his ideologies, was accused of being a communist (one of the worst names to be called in those times). Forest Whitaker plays the role of Dr. James Farmer, a nationally-recognized scholar who regardless of his credentials, found his life threatened by white hog farmers who wouldn't get a question right on game show, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?"
Nominated for a Golden Globe for "Best Picture", THE GREAT DEBATERS is a fictionalized true story that the vast majority of us have never been taught in history class. It’s a real tale of the unlikely ten season unbeaten streak of the debate team at Wiley College (a small all-Black institution in Marshall, Texas) in 1935. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, I was under the impression that this would have been a typical, sappy and preachy movie. I couldn't have been more wrong. Instead, it is a story told with honesty, humour and raw emotion. Do you want the real talk? There was a point where I had to drink some sprite in order not to get all emotional in the movie theatre. Trust me; this will put a lump in your throat. Do yourself a favour and go see this movie. Don't get all cheap and pick up a bootleg at the flea market. This deserves your support in the theatre. When it comes to THE GREAT DEBATERS, I am in the affirmative.
Release Date: December 25th, 2007
Studio: Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM Studios)
Director: Melvin B. Tolson
Screenwriter:
Starring: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Gina Ravera, Jurnee Smollett, John Heard, Kimberley Elise
Genre: Drama
Rated: PG 13
Official Website: www.thegreatdebatersmovie.com
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Melvin B. Tolson (played by Denzel Washington who directs the movie as well) is the real-life professor who formed the debate team that is comprised of some young actors that will have a long an illustrious career in the movie business if these performances are any indication. In addition to being a professor, Tolson was also a working man's advocate who, due to his ideologies, was accused of being a communist (one of the worst names to be called in those times). Forest Whitaker plays the role of Dr. James Farmer, a nationally-recognized scholar who regardless of his credentials, found his life threatened by white hog farmers who wouldn't get a question right on game show, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?"
Nominated for a Golden Globe for "Best Picture", THE GREAT DEBATERS is a fictionalized true story that the vast majority of us have never been taught in history class. It’s a real tale of the unlikely ten season unbeaten streak of the debate team at Wiley College (a small all-Black institution in Marshall, Texas) in 1935. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, I was under the impression that this would have been a typical, sappy and preachy movie. I couldn't have been more wrong. Instead, it is a story told with honesty, humour and raw emotion. Do you want the real talk? There was a point where I had to drink some sprite in order not to get all emotional in the movie theatre. Trust me; this will put a lump in your throat. Do yourself a favour and go see this movie. Don't get all cheap and pick up a bootleg at the flea market. This deserves your support in the theatre. When it comes to THE GREAT DEBATERS, I am in the affirmative.
Release Date: December 25th, 2007
Studio: Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM Studios)
Director: Melvin B. Tolson
Screenwriter:
Starring: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Gina Ravera, Jurnee Smollett, John Heard, Kimberley Elise
Genre: Drama
Rated: PG 13
Official Website: www.thegreatdebatersmovie.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
WE FILM - No Country for Old Men
Starring Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones. Woody Harrelson and Kelly Macdonald.
Written and Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.
122 minutes. / 14A
This festering Western where hard men surrender soft values and morality is on the run.
Bardem's Anton Chigurh, chooses victims at random and decides their fate on a coin toss. He kills with a cattle stun gun and makes no difference how they die. He proceeds from a personal belief system, twisted by his view of a world that has lost all meaning. Chigurh is one of the most interesting screen villains in years.
Ed Tom Bell, the small-town West Texas sheriff, is played by Tommy Lee Jones,who sets the stage with a weary narration about changing times. Jones speaks of past days when violent crime wasn't the norm. Days when a sheriff didn't have to carry a gun, because even troublemakers respected the law.
Sheriff Bell is pondering retirement. He's chilled by these winds of change. You either stand against them or let yourself be flattened by them, but your soul remains in jeopardy regardless.
The movie is set in 1980, a pivotal moment of societal rot. A drug deal has gone sour. Bullet-ridden bodies lie in the hot sun.
Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin) a Texas cowboy, doesn't plan to stick around to sort things out, especially when he discovers a briefcase containing $2 million. He's as stubborn as a raccoon. But deep down, a heart beats beneath his dirty shirt. He loves his devoted wife, Carla Jean (Kelly Macdonald) and he's capable of humanity but insists on carrying $2 million of somebody else's money, when more than one person is looking for it.
The familiar Coen humour is there but remains muted. The brothers are more intent on making a serious observation about the decline of the American spirit and a lament for the loss of common civility. No Country for Old Men may just be the year's best picture.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
WE FILM - Hitman
Release Date: November 21, 2007
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: Xavier Gens
Screenwriter: Skip Woods
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert
Knepper, Ulrich Thomsen, Michael Offei
Genre: Action, Thriller
MPAA Rating: Not Available
Official Website: Hitmanmovie.com
Based on the top-selling, award-winning videogame franchise, the “Hitman” is a genetically engineered, elite assassin known only as Agent 47. His hallmarks are lethal grace and unwavering precision. Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) has been educated from birth to become a professional assassin for hire, whose most powerful weapons are his nerve and a resolute pride in his work. 47 is both the last two digits of the barcode tattooed on the nape of his neck, and his only name.
The hunter becomes the hunted when 47 gets caught up in a political takeover. Both Interpol and the Russian military chase the Hitman across Eastern Europe as he tries to find out who set him up and why they're trying to take him out of the game. But the greatest threat to 47's survival may be the stirrings of his conscience and the unfamiliar emotions aroused in him by a beautiful, damaged girl...
This film has drawn criticism from hardcore gamers. Rumours say the director submitted an "explicitly violent, very bloody cut of the film that apparently included a number of head shots and extreme gore moments that would have guaranteed the film a hard R rating". Although this comes as no surprise to anyone who’s played the game, it was to the studio, which opted for a toned down version for theatre release.
That being said, it’s unrealistic to expect the kind of over the top violence and bloodshed that you’ll find in a video game anywhere. It just won’t happen. “Hitman,” which is suspiciously similar to The Bourne Identity, delivers what most good action/thrillers do; plenty of kick ass action sequences, conspiracy theories and gratuitous violence. Throw in a sexy love interest and you’ve got the makings of a sequel.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
WE Film - Shake Hands with the Devil
by Tony Chankar
Starring Roy Dupuis, Deborah Kara Unger, James Gallanders, and Michael Mongeau. Written by Roméo Dallaire (book) and Michael Donovan. Directed by Roger Spottiswoode.
The film commences in 2004, as Dallaire returns to Rwanda for the first time to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 100-day massacre during which 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by militant Hutus. Everyone familiar with the horror knows Dallaire was not to be blamed, that he simply didn't have the resources to stop it - everyone except Dallaire himself. He remains haunted and horrified by what occurred a decade ago, frustrated with the U.N. and the world for not stepping in to help him, disappointed in himself for not being able to do more.
Roméo Dallaire is not the kind of guy who preens whenever he recalls that he saved thousands of lives during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. He is, rather, the sort of fellow whose memories of the hundreds of thousands he couldn't rescue pushed him to the brink of suicide. Indeed, it is the breadth of his conscience and the depth of his compassion that make him one of the moral beacons of our time. Dallaire's mission wasn't a total loss – his 450 peacekeepers saved some 32,000 lives – but it seems miniscule set against the greater atrocity. And that's a reality that haunts him to this day.
If you think Hotel Rwanda is intense and upsetting, prepare yourself for something infinitely more disturbing, as Shake Hands With the Devil inserts you right into the middle of it, putting you in the shoes of a tormented person directly responsible – yet unable to act – for protecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent people in the path of long-standing hatred that dwarfed in magnitude the ethnic cleansing of the former Yugoslavia and rivalled the horrors of the Holocaust.
This is an honest film that tosses aside the stereotypes of military leaders that get repeated play in the movies and instead shows us the humanity of a man trying to do the right thing who is stymied by the system within which he works. Roy Dupuis’ understated performance as Dallaire is right on the mark, resisting the temptation to make melodrama of this intense story, and instead portraying Dallaire for what he was – a person fighting hard to do the right thing who is absolutely devastated by his failure to protect the innocent and stop this genocide, which reportedly took the lives of about a million people.
The film also makes it very clear that this was a tragedy that didn't need to happen. France, Belgium and especially the United States could have intervened at any time, when what they actually did was hamstring the UN force with ever more impossible rules of engagement. Its approach is sane, sober, and intelligent, and it doesn't shy away from the gaping horrors of machete and mortar wounds, either.
Beautifully filmed, brutally frank, and forceful in its political message – in support of the sort of active peacekeeping that passed into history in the post-September 11 era – Shake hands With the Devil is a powerful film that’s not to be missed.
(4 out of 5 stars)Friday, September 7, 2007
WE FILM – Rush Hour 3 - Tag Team Back Again
Reviewed by: Krysta Celestine
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reprise their roles as Lee and Carter (respectively) in the third installment of the Rush Hour franchise.
Lee, now a bodyguard to Chinese Ambassador Han (Tzi Ma), and Carter, a traffic cop, are in Paris when an assassination attempt is made on the ambassador’s life just as he is about to announce the identity of the leader of the notorious Triad society.
Lee and Carter’s Paris mission is a comedic and action-filled rollercoaster ride as they attempt to crack down on the Triad.
With the usual, frenzied action - sword fights, martial arts, and a well-choreographed scene at the Eifel Tower - the aging Chan proves that he’s still got it. Yet, despite his impressive moves, this was never intended to be a serious action film. Rush Hour 3 is what it is: slapstick humour at its finest.
The comedic rapport between this duo is stronger than ever. The play on racial stereotypes is as much prevalent as it was in the first two films. Case in point: after a “lover’s spat” between Lee and Carter, the two decide to go their separate ways, but are so overwhelmed with memories of the good times that Carter decides to buy some Beef and Broccoli, while Lee orders fried chicken…. Yes, it gets that corny.
If you’re hoping for just an action film, you won’t get it here; instead it is laced with several genuine laugh-out-loud moments. But if you’re looking for a great comedy, you won’t be disappointed.
In addition to Chan and Tucker, Rush Hour 3 has a strong cast, including a cameo appearance by controversial French Director Roman Polanski.
Also deserving of recognition is George; (Yvan Attal) the French cabbie-turned-“Superspy”, and French supermodel-turned-actress Noémie Lenoir who plays the beautiful and mysterious Genevieve.
Word of advice to Director Brett Ratner: No need for a forth film. Rush Hour has reached its peak, and can only go so far. Let it bow out with dignity.
3.5 stars out of 5
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker reprise their roles as Lee and Carter (respectively) in the third installment of the Rush Hour franchise.
Lee, now a bodyguard to Chinese Ambassador Han (Tzi Ma), and Carter, a traffic cop, are in Paris when an assassination attempt is made on the ambassador’s life just as he is about to announce the identity of the leader of the notorious Triad society.
Lee and Carter’s Paris mission is a comedic and action-filled rollercoaster ride as they attempt to crack down on the Triad.
With the usual, frenzied action - sword fights, martial arts, and a well-choreographed scene at the Eifel Tower - the aging Chan proves that he’s still got it. Yet, despite his impressive moves, this was never intended to be a serious action film. Rush Hour 3 is what it is: slapstick humour at its finest.
The comedic rapport between this duo is stronger than ever. The play on racial stereotypes is as much prevalent as it was in the first two films. Case in point: after a “lover’s spat” between Lee and Carter, the two decide to go their separate ways, but are so overwhelmed with memories of the good times that Carter decides to buy some Beef and Broccoli, while Lee orders fried chicken…. Yes, it gets that corny.
If you’re hoping for just an action film, you won’t get it here; instead it is laced with several genuine laugh-out-loud moments. But if you’re looking for a great comedy, you won’t be disappointed.
In addition to Chan and Tucker, Rush Hour 3 has a strong cast, including a cameo appearance by controversial French Director Roman Polanski.
Also deserving of recognition is George; (Yvan Attal) the French cabbie-turned-“Superspy”, and French supermodel-turned-actress Noémie Lenoir who plays the beautiful and mysterious Genevieve.
Word of advice to Director Brett Ratner: No need for a forth film. Rush Hour has reached its peak, and can only go so far. Let it bow out with dignity.
3.5 stars out of 5
Thursday, August 30, 2007
WE Film - Reign Over Me (Movie Review)
by: Krysta Celestine
I feel the need to express my dissatisfaction with movies that have come out recently. Some of these movies that I've seen in the past year have been so disappointing, that I was left wanting a refund halfway through the film. Movies these days, in my opinion, seem to be unrealistic, lack emotion and creativity. It makes me wonder: are good movies a dying breed? It is for this reason, that I've given up on any hope for good movies. Almost.
I reluctantly decided to give movies a second chance when I took up a friend's offer to see "Reign Over Me", starring Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle.
I am not partial to any particular genre. In fact, I loath action, comedy at times can be borderline corny, and there are only so many "chick flicks" that I can stomach. However, after seeing Adam Sandler in Anger Management and The Waterboy, I came to appreciate his sense of humour.
I was warned, however, that Sandler's acting in "Reign Over Me" was atypical of "The Waterboy"'s usual wackiness.
I'll admit that I was a bit turned off, and I'll tell you why: after seeing Chris Rock in the film "I think I love my wife", and Will Farrrel in the very painful-to-watch "Melinda and Melinda, I was not about to waste money on yet another comedic actor's futile attempt to take on a serious role.
However, after spending $13.50 on my ticket and a whopping eight dollars on a meal, I decided to give "The Waterboy" a chance. "The Waterboy" had one hundred and twenty four minutes to show me what he was made of.
Surprisingly, he pulled it off. Although I was aware of Cheadle's fine acting, it was Sandler who really surprised me.
"Reign Over Me" is the story of two recently reunited college roommates, Charlie Fineman (played by Sandler), and Allan Johnson (played by Cheadle). Both graduates of dentistry school, Allan is a successful dentist, with a beautiful wife and beautiful children, while Charlie has given up on life entirely after his wife and three daughters were killed in the 9/11 attacks. Charlie has emotionally blocked himself off from the world and throughout the film, wears headphones to tune out everything that goes on around him. He keeps himself busy by listening to old music, playing video games, and constantly remodelling his kitchen.
These three activities that Charlie seems to immerse himself in all have a meaning behind it. While Allan's problems seems to pale in comparison to Charlie's, Allan seems to be dissatisfied with his life, despite to seemingly have it all.
It is not my intent to give you a play-by-play account of what happens in the movie. You will have to see it for yourself. However, I do encourage you all to see this fantastic film.
"Reign Over Me" is an incredibly moving film. It has just the right amount of comedy and drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. It will make you laugh, and I guarantee that it will make you cry, as the audience is able to empathize with Sandler's character as he struggles to come to terms with all that has been taken from him... something that he has desperately tried not to acknowledge. In something that is very rare today, the audience is able to view strong friendships between males.
I tend to agree with a critic from The New York Times, who wrote: "Cheadle is good, as always, but Sandler's portrayal of a guy on the perennial brink of a psychotic breakdown is amazing. The scene where he finally attempts to reveal the events of 9/11 is as fine a piece of naked emotional acting as you're likely to see this year"
If you've been longing for just a really good movie, filled with sincerity, emotion and creativity, like I have, then I encourage you all to watch this fantastic film when it is released on DVD on July 24th.
To answer my initial question of whether good movies are a dying breed, my answer to that is no. Good movies are very much alive. There's a hidden gem where you least expect it.
I feel the need to express my dissatisfaction with movies that have come out recently. Some of these movies that I've seen in the past year have been so disappointing, that I was left wanting a refund halfway through the film. Movies these days, in my opinion, seem to be unrealistic, lack emotion and creativity. It makes me wonder: are good movies a dying breed? It is for this reason, that I've given up on any hope for good movies. Almost.
I reluctantly decided to give movies a second chance when I took up a friend's offer to see "Reign Over Me", starring Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle.
I am not partial to any particular genre. In fact, I loath action, comedy at times can be borderline corny, and there are only so many "chick flicks" that I can stomach. However, after seeing Adam Sandler in Anger Management and The Waterboy, I came to appreciate his sense of humour.
I was warned, however, that Sandler's acting in "Reign Over Me" was atypical of "The Waterboy"'s usual wackiness.
I'll admit that I was a bit turned off, and I'll tell you why: after seeing Chris Rock in the film "I think I love my wife", and Will Farrrel in the very painful-to-watch "Melinda and Melinda, I was not about to waste money on yet another comedic actor's futile attempt to take on a serious role.
However, after spending $13.50 on my ticket and a whopping eight dollars on a meal, I decided to give "The Waterboy" a chance. "The Waterboy" had one hundred and twenty four minutes to show me what he was made of.
Surprisingly, he pulled it off. Although I was aware of Cheadle's fine acting, it was Sandler who really surprised me.
"Reign Over Me" is the story of two recently reunited college roommates, Charlie Fineman (played by Sandler), and Allan Johnson (played by Cheadle). Both graduates of dentistry school, Allan is a successful dentist, with a beautiful wife and beautiful children, while Charlie has given up on life entirely after his wife and three daughters were killed in the 9/11 attacks. Charlie has emotionally blocked himself off from the world and throughout the film, wears headphones to tune out everything that goes on around him. He keeps himself busy by listening to old music, playing video games, and constantly remodelling his kitchen.
These three activities that Charlie seems to immerse himself in all have a meaning behind it. While Allan's problems seems to pale in comparison to Charlie's, Allan seems to be dissatisfied with his life, despite to seemingly have it all.
It is not my intent to give you a play-by-play account of what happens in the movie. You will have to see it for yourself. However, I do encourage you all to see this fantastic film.
"Reign Over Me" is an incredibly moving film. It has just the right amount of comedy and drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. It will make you laugh, and I guarantee that it will make you cry, as the audience is able to empathize with Sandler's character as he struggles to come to terms with all that has been taken from him... something that he has desperately tried not to acknowledge. In something that is very rare today, the audience is able to view strong friendships between males.
I tend to agree with a critic from The New York Times, who wrote: "Cheadle is good, as always, but Sandler's portrayal of a guy on the perennial brink of a psychotic breakdown is amazing. The scene where he finally attempts to reveal the events of 9/11 is as fine a piece of naked emotional acting as you're likely to see this year"
If you've been longing for just a really good movie, filled with sincerity, emotion and creativity, like I have, then I encourage you all to watch this fantastic film when it is released on DVD on July 24th.
To answer my initial question of whether good movies are a dying breed, my answer to that is no. Good movies are very much alive. There's a hidden gem where you least expect it.
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