Real Movie Review-Movie Reviews, Movie Quotes, Movie Trivia

Director: Seth Gordon

Starring: Billy Mitchell, Steve Wiebe, Robert Mruzek, Roy Shildt, Adam Wood,

The King Of Kong is a surprisingly engrossing documentary about the battle between two very different men, to be recognized as the world’s greatest Donkey Kong player (if you don’t know what Donkey Kong is, then skip the rest of the review, this film is not for you). Director Seth Gordon doesn’t appear on film, but has created an entertaining feature packed with quirky characters that fill the seriously competitive video game world.

Billy Mitchell is introduced at the beginning of this documentary as the undisputed, untouchable, and barely mortal master of Donkey Kong, an incredibly difficult and frustrating game that has a little Mario character dodging barrels on his way to rescue a kidnapped princess. Mario’s world seems to have a lot of missing princesses. Odd. Anyway, introduced next is Steve Wiebe, frustrated musician, teacher, and father, who wants to usurp Billy the Kong emperor, and take the high score record, assuring his legacy for all time. We are treated to interviews with the two competitors, their families, friends, and other video game experts, as the story keeps us in suspense about who will emerge as the one and only King of Kong.

I never liked Donkey Kong much, preferring more violent and ‘realistic’ games like Punchout and Spyhunter, and I found the idea of a documentary about a bunch of guys begging for wedgies, and well-acquainted with the inside of a closed locker, to hold little interest for me. I was wrong (no need to alert the media. Its not that unusual). This is a similar idea to films like Spellbound (teenagers vying for the national spelling title) and Word Wars (Scrabble), but is more appealing than both. If this review has peaked your interest, then you are likely to enjoy this journey into a world where any score less than a million just isn’t good enough.

Director: Chris Bradley, Kyle LaBrache

Starring: Annabelle Gurwitch

You have to admire the imagination of documentary makers who can take all kinds of experiences, and come up with the idea for a feature. In this case, Annabelle Gurwitch wrote and starred in this mildly interesting look at the sour, rejecting experience of being fired. There are a few funny spots, but the overall effect is uneven, and I wasn’t disappointed to find that it was only around a hour long. Is that a good sign?

Writer and star, Annabelle Gurwitch starts out with the tale of her own dismissal at the hands of no other than the neurotic, drama king of New York City, himself, Woody Allen. From here, she goes on to interview all kinds of people from ordinary to the mildly famous about their own dismissal experiences, and takes us to some stand up routines about being canned. This film also marks the first time that I have seen a puppet show on a documentary. Well, there’s a first time for everything they say, though I’m still waiting to grow a second head so I have someone intelligent to talk to.

Fired is a short and mildly amusing feature that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but I think that there better ways to spend 70 minutes.

Director: Denzel Washington

Starring: Denzel Washington, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, Jermaine Williams, Forest Whitaker

Every decade or so, a film is released that brings America’s troubled past, in regard to the civil rights of all people, back into focus. We can go a long time without thinking about how whole groups of citizens have been oppressed or decimated simply because they were different and without remembering the hardship endured by entire races and civilizations that others attempted to (or succeeded) in wipe out. If you have been part of the group being oppressed or decimated, this fact is probably never far from your mind. Over time a list of movies that spill with inspiration, remorse, shame and joy, has formed. This list of stories that just had to be told, contains such unforgettable works as Shindler’s List, Mississippi Burning and, now, The Great Debaters.

Denzel Washington stars in the true story of college professor Nelson B. Tolson and is set at Wiley College in Texas, in 1935. Now I have never heard the story before so I am accepting their assertion that Wiley College had a storied debate team in 1935. Tolson’s debate team consists of 4 very talented but very different students. The first is a conflicted student named Henry Lowe who grew up in a shack down the road and has a hard time deciding what he really wants from life. The second debater is James Farmer Jr. played by Denzel Whitaker, child prodigy and son of another of Wiley’s professors, Dr. James Farmer, played by Forest Whitaker (no relation). Samantha Booke (with an “E”), played by Jurnee Smollett) is an ambitious young woman who traveled from her home town just to be the first female on the Wiley College Debate team. Hamilton Burgess (Jermaine Williams) is a charismatic joker that rounds out the team. Under Tolson’s tutelage, this motley crew takes on all comers including a few “white” colleges and along the way sees some events that cannot be unseen and learns some important life lessons that cannot be unlearned.

There are a lot of stories that are meant to be inspirational and few that actually are. There are a lot of movies that are meant to be educational and few that actually are. This movie is inspirational and educational, and it does it with passion and intelligence. The performances are amazing as is to be expected with Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker on the same team. Young Denzel Whitaker (not related to either of them – I know. I’m as confused as you) is a standout in his first major role, we will likely see a lot more from him. And Denzel Washington does a great job behind the camera too, although there is one slow motion sequence that seems really out of place (trust me you will know it when you see it). He does a great job of stirring up real emotion and empathy for the characters (no Maniac not like how you felt at the end of “Bring it On 2″) If Freedom Writers, Men of Honor and the Tuskeegee Airmen were to produce an extremely exceptional offspring, The Great Debaters would be it. Go see it, it will make you a better person.

Director: Mike Nichols

Starring: Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Tom Hanks is Hollywood’s can’t-miss man, and his record is intact after this fascinating true story about a hard partying U.S. congressman, a beautiful, wealthy, right wing Texan and a no-shit, sharp-as-a-razor, CIA pariah, who come together and manage to garner support for Afghan fighters battling the Russians. The rapid fire exchanges between Hanks and Seymour are fantastic and their characters are great. Roberts’ role is not as well-written and never did sell me, but this is still an interesting, and surprisingly funny film.

It’s the early 1980s and Tom Hanks is an easy-going, alcohol-addicted, but Washington-savvy congressman named Charlie Wilson, who is happy just staying elected, keeping his voters happy and enjoying all the perks available to a high-ranking politician. Wilson’s party world is disrupted when a rich supporter and friend, Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), prevails upon him to visit Afghanistan and see the state of the brave people there, who are suffering horribly in their resistance against the Russian invasion. Charlie comes back, looking to improve their condition. He soon finds a sharp, but disgruntled CIA operative to help him and, against all odds, these three single-handedly engineer a covert change in US policy that would change history.

It’s funny. It’s interesting. It’s hard to believe it’s true. The emotional manipulation gets a little heavy-handed in spots and the overly light view of guerilla warfare is disturbing at times, but the strengths of Charlie Wilson’s War compensate for these weaknesses. The dialog is witty, cool and delivered perfectly by two great actors, playing colorful characters in a story that you will remember for some time. See it. You’ll like it.

Director: Kasi Lemmons

Starring: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Eljiofor, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric The Entertainer, Martin Sheen

Kasi Lemmons, an experienced character actress, climbed behind the camera for this character-driven, drama (inspired by true events and people, whatever that means) set in the radio biz of the turbulent 60s and 70s. The characters are great and are brought to life by fine performances, particularly by Cheadle, Eljiofor and Henson. The dialog is good, but the story seems to meander, however, and is prone to over dramatization before it suddenly changes from a small DJ’s story to a life-long tale.

Don Cheadle is Petey Green, a straight-shooting street talker who starts out as a prison DJ, who finds himself as a voice of the people in Washington, with the support of his girlfriend, Vernell (Taraji Henson, exuding energy and sexuality) and program director, Dewey Hughes played by Chiwetel Eljiofor. As Petey grows in popularity, Hughes encourages him to set out to conquer the world outside of his DJ booth.

There are wonderful characters and outstanding performances here, but the story doesn’t keep pace with the talent and is soon left behind. The end result is potential that slips slowly away and settles somewhere dangerously close to mediocrity.

Director: Roger Spottiswoode

Starring: Roy Dupuis, James Gallanders, Owen Lebakeng Sejake, Deborah Kara Unger

Canadian Lt. General Romeo Dallaire was the military commander of the UN mission in Rwanda and this movie is his personal, and all too true, story of his time there during the genocide of 1994. It is not quite as moving as the similarily-themed Hotel Rwanda, but is also less geared toward formula drama and emotional manipulation, though this feature is still pretty grim and upsetting. The direction is slightly surreal and the acting is quite good, though I found Dupuis to be just a little too wooden (just a little over that line between stoic and wooden) in the lead role. It suffers a little from being virtually a one man show, with Dupuis’ lead character being the focus of virtually every scene but there is no denying the power and importance of this film.

Romeo Dallaire is a very brave, and equally honest, man and that is really what makes this film work. He is not afraid to show his human emotions and frailties, and this makes his courageous effort to save lives during The Rwandan genocide, at no small personal risk, all that more impressive. This film carefully documents the beginnings of the atrocity and fearlessly lays blame. Dallaire’s helplessness is enveloping and we feel his frustration in the face of ever-increasing shortages of men and equipment that leave him unable to do more than watch many of the atrocities.

This was a difficult film to watch and will be for most viewers. How can we watch this without a twinge of guilt? Almost one million people died in Rwanda in 100 days and the world knew about it and did nothing. All of us did nothing. A small group tried to help, led by a very special individual. This is his story. See it.

Director: Richard Shepard

Starring: Terrence Howard, Richard Gere, Jesse Eisenberg, Ljubomir Kerekes

Richard Shepard wears the hats of both writer and director for his first major release. The story, which seems to be more or less true, is compelling, though the script is uneven. It builds tension well in several scenes, but drags through others. There is a real Eastern European authenticity here, though the ending is sudden, and only semi-satisfying. Gere handles his role with his usual natural skill and charisma, while Terence Howard continues on the path to becoming a familiar, and respected, star.

Terence Howard is Duck, a war zone cameraman with a daring, reckless partner, Simon, played by Richard Gere. When Simon has an on-air meltdown, they go their separate ways. Later, the upwardly mobile Duck runs into the down-and-out Simon in post-war Bosnia, and agrees to accompany him on a tip to a great news story about a missing war criminal known as The Fox (Kerekes). Soon, along with Benjamin, a rookie looking to prove himself, they are off to find The Fox, in areas where law and order don’t reach.

This is not a bad movie, here, and should appeal to would-be/wannabe journalists and conspiracy buffs, as well as fans of taut, realistic espionage. Its closest movie relatives would be flicks like Salvador or Syriana.

Director: Nadia Conners, Leila Conners Petersen

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio,

I applaud Leonardo DiCaprio’s effort to co-write and co-produce this Al Gore-style environmental warning film. I agree with his views and those espoused by the never-ending parade of speakers about the need to address the environmental collapse that threatens to destroy our way of life, and indeed our very lives, however, I think he really could have found a better way to express these views. His heart is in the right place, but Leo, my friend, heart ain’t enough. He has some interesting speakers but repetition might help study for a biology exam, but it doesn’t do much for entertainment.

Pack the bags, honey! We’re going on a guilt trip. Al gore took us on one of these, as well, but at least he gave some amusement along the way and offered an upbeat optimistic ending that made us believe that it wasn’t too late to save the whales, the tigers and all of those little humans running around ( I kind of like them). Here we are offered a parade of authors, scientists and environmental leaders telling us over and over again that we better get moving. Some solutions are looked at and those are always good to see, but a little entertainment value would have gone a long way.

Dry, but not a bad documentary, and certainly a topic that does need to driven (ummm, or commuted on a high speed electric train) into our consciousness a couple more times at least. A little more imagination and variety would have helped out here. I know that guys like Leo and Gore like to think they are persuading, but really they are mostly preaching to the choir, (will George Bush see this film? I’m guessing not – probably thinks its left wing pinko propaganda) so at least at least give us a chuckle or two along with our sermon. Still, celebrities and politicians see the public’s will through box office receipts, so please see this movie.

Director: Rod Lurie

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Samuel L. Jackson, Kathryn Morris, Dakota Goyo, Alan Alda,

Where did this movie come from? When I went to see it, I had heard nothing. No previews, no commercials, nothing. Thus, having no expectations, this small touching film, was a pleasant surprise. Director, Rod Lurie, who until a few years ago, was a – gasp!- critic, could have moved things along a little faster and perhaps cut down the subplots a little, but this is still an enjoyable film, with an Oscar-worthy performance from Samuel L. Jackson. The story is strong and there are some good characters, particularly in small roles. The project is apparently a true story (sort of) based on a Los Angeles Times article.

Josh Hartnett is Erik, a struggling sports reporter who comes across a homeless man with a tale to tell. It seems the indigent man, known around the neighborhood as ‘Champ’, whom Erik saves from the cruel attentions of some young idiots, was once a semi-successful boxer named ‘Battling Bob’ Satterfield who had been rated 3rd in the world. Erik sets out to tell the man’s story, for both of their benefit. Look for David Paymer and Teri Hatcher in small roles. Alan Alda has a very good supporting role as well, as Erik’s boss, Metz.

This was a pretty good drama that I saw as a kind of cross between The Fisher King and Street Smart. Some might find it too slow, but I felt that my patience was rewarded with a very good third act and a good overall viewing experience.

Director: David Fincher

Starring: Jake Gyllenhal, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey Jr., Brian Cox, John Caroll Lynch, Chloe Sevigny

David Fincher of Fight Club fame steps into the crime genre with this true story thriller and does a great job of re-creating the 1970s atmosphere. The acting is very good with an impressive cast mix of relative big screen newcomers and character acting veterans like Lynch and Cox. Robert Downey Jr. steals scenes left and right and Gyllenhal gives an interesting, but unusual, portrayal that I finally decided was effective for the role. The story is a little slow and goes on too long and really has a made-for-TV feel, though the production work is first class.

Jake Gyllenhal is a socially awkward newspaper cartoonist named Robert Graysmith who becomes obsessed with the serial killer, Zodiac, who killed (and lied about more killings) in Northern California in the 1960s and 70s when the publicity-hungry killer starts writing to his paper among others. He gloms onto columnist Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.), who has the crime beat and gets overly involved with the investigation. Lead investigator, David Toschi (Ruffalo) has his hands full with the investigation and the intense interest that the story is generating. Anthony Edwards (of ER fame, but he will always be Goose from Top Gun to me) plays his partner.

This is far better that the Black Dahlia, which deals with similar subject matter and has fair entertainment value, though I think a half hour could have been loped off without any adverse effect. Viewers might be familiar with the story from true crime shows on TV (my gf was and couldn’t wait to share everything she knew and pretty much ruin any suspense factor for me – women), and if you are a fan of such shows and their fictional counterparts (Law & Order and such), then you will probably find this a pleasant evening’s entertainment.