Wednesday, December 22, 2010

True Grit

Title: True Grit
Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Barry Pepper, Dakin Matthews, Jarlath Conroy, Paul Rae, Domhnall Gleeson, Elizabeth Marvel, Roy Lee Jones
Genres: Action/Adventure, Western, Adaptation, Remake
Running Time: 1 hour. 50 minutes
Release Date: December 22nd, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: "People do not give it credence that a young girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood. But it did happen. I was just 14 years of age when a coward by the name of Tom Chaney shot my father down and robbed him of his life and his horse and two California gold pieces that he carried in his trouser band. " -- Mattie Ross

'True Grit' is hands down one of the best movies of the year. It is well written, well casted, well acted, and well directed. Jeff Bridges is perfect as U.S. marshal, and drunk, Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn., Matt Damond is hilarious as "nincompoop"/Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, and Hailee Steinfeld portrayal of 14 year old Mattie Ross is nothing short of brilliant.

A very memorable, well told story that is excellent in all its parts.
Grade: 9.5

Friday, December 3, 2010

Black Swan

Title: Black Swan
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Natalie Portman, Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder, Toby Hemingway
Genres: Drama, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hour. 43 minutes
Release Date: December 3rd, 2010
MPAA Rating: R

Review: This is an epic, shocking, over the top, absolutely mad film, portraying the professional life of a dancer at the New York City Ballet, played by Natalie Portman. 'Black Swan' is brilliant, albeit quite rough in its deliver at times. The audible gasps were plentiful in the theater, and I would be amiss if I pretended one or two of those shocked intakes of breath didn't come from me.

It really is Portman who makes this film. The other parts are great, don't get me wrong, but Natalie Portman is epic. Her performance alone makes this film worths it's minutes. Do not miss 'Black Swan'. As Ms. Portman sprouts feathers through her skin, 'Black Swan' will get under yours.
Grade: 9