The Men Who Stare at Goats

My wife agreed to go to see "The Men Who Stare at Goats" because it stars George Clooney. I like Clooney because he's a capable comedic actor and because he is a local boy (Northern Kentucky son of Nick, nephew of Rosemary). Ewan Mac Gregor also puts on a fun performance as as n'er-do-well American cuckolded newspaper reporter tracking down a secret Army unit that uses paranormal military skills to defend the country. Jeff Bridges supports as the commander of the secret unit. The film tells a good story but doesn't take itself too seriously. There is a wacky twist of an ending that is satisfying. I see a series blossoming from this movie. You heard it here first. http://www.themenwhostareatgoatsmovie.com/

Duplicity

The trailer for "Duplicity" is either an abject failure or surprising success. By taking a couple of scenes out of context and presenting them as typical of the movie, the trailer nearly dissuaded me from seeing the movie, at all. On the other hand, the trailer left me with low expectations, pleasantly surprising me when the movie was much better than the trailer suggested.

Julia Roberts gives a maturely restrained performance as she embraces a refreshingly middle-aged character who, clearly, has been around. She outshines a seemingly put-upon Clive Owens, who comes off as a bit whiny. The dialogue is zippy and fast moving, as is the out of sequence time scheme. While it left me wanting more, you won't fall asleep at this one.

I've Loved You So Long

My wife and I take for granted that French films will contain a measurable amount of angst, just as American films will contain a significant amount of bravado. "I've Loved You So Long" does not disappoint on this account. Nevertheless, the story is rich enough to lose oneself in, for an hour or two, and the city of Nancy and surrounding countryside are pleasant enough to help the rest of the way. Kristin Scott Thomas gives a strong performance as a half-English French woman caught up in circumstances that send her to prison for a long stretch. She is released to live with her younger sister, who only partially remembers her, and her family. The family is lovable and watchable. The sister is believable and drawn well enough to balance some of the focus. Subtitles and gratuitous smoking.

Gran Torino

As fine a career as Clint Eastwood has had, it is time for him to hang up his spurs and fold up his director's chair. "Gran Torino" is an apprentice's effort, at best. It is a made-for-tv-movie, a Lifetime movie, a YouTube original. Neither acting, nor writing, nor tired directing could save this film. Even the few good humorous moments could save it. There are so many movies and so few viewing opportunities. Don't waste your time and remember Clint for "Forgiven".

Revolutionary Road

When Kate Winslet brought Revolutionary Road, the novel and screen play adaption to her husband, Sam Mendes, she was doing him a favor. This quiet story of a simple couple in the fifties needs the subtle direction of Mendes and deceptively strong intensity of Winslet's performance. The combined themes of "who am I?" and "what could I become?" cause any viewer open to such philosophical questions reflection during and after the film
It all starts with a couple getting together and starting their married life in the suburbs. Domesticity in the fifties combined with the emergence of Marketing as a profession suggests a potential boring film, but add a realistic social life, throw in a couple of extra-marital flings and now your talking about a film that will grab your attention
Leonardo DiCaprio is consistent in a standard performance and will be well received by his fans as an example of why he should be taken as a serious actor. The supporting cast is simultaneously strong and subtle as evidenced by Michael Givins in his role of the next door neighbor.
Don't be over-influence by the socially controversial climax. We all have important decisions to make in our lives, and must live with consequences as well.