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Starring: Forest Whitaker, James McAvoy, Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson,
Simon McBurney, David Oleyowo

Director: Kevin MacDonald

This is a compelling story inspired by true events. Forest Whitaker gives a powerhouse, Oscar-express performance as Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin. The events unfold through the eyes of his personal physician, a Scot named Nicholas Garrigan. This is an enjoyable drama that still has an edge to it, with well-developed characters and strong performances that would have benefited from a faster and deeper story.

Set in the 1970’s, this feature tells the story of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James McAvoy. Garrigan is a recent Scottish medical graduate who feels the need for adventure, and in a random globe-spinning scene, he chooses to travel to Uganda to work. Once there, he finds himself encountering the new Ugandan President, Idi Amin. His relationship with this erratic despot, whose behaviour becomes more and more dangerous, is what drives the plot forward, but be warned, there are some very disturbing scenes here, but despite these scenes, which almost seem like an after thought, the story is a little bland and perhaps better editing or direction could have given it more impact.

This is a good choice for fans of historical drama and for those who enjoy quality acting performances of all types. Action fans may still enjoy this, but it won’t make their year’s best lists.

Director: George Hickenlooper

Starring: Sienna Miller, Guy Pearce, Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Fallon, Mena Suvari, Shawn Hatosy

Every year or two, Hollywood gives us one of these depressing films about a character’s painful descent into addiction. They are difficult to watch, particularly when they are based on a true story. There is some interesting interplay between the rich and artists and their relationship. I didn’t really like any of the characters and, though I didn’t know this story, I knew where the movie was going as sure as if the finish line was waving a big red flag. There are no surprises, except the nasty portrayal of the deceased rich and famous.

This is a bio pic about Edie Sedgwick, (played magnificently by Sienna Miller) a waif-like rich girl who found favor with the celebrity media (hmmm, who does that sound like in today’s culture?) in the 1960s through her association with pop artist, Andy Warhol (another great performance, this time by Guy Pearce). The pair of them form the core of a bunch of self-indulgent, unfettered sixties socialites that cling to Warhol, as he holds court at his studio (known as the factory, hence the title) as they live lives of excess and denial. Sedgwick’s family is shown in a horrible light and Warhol is portrayed as an immature, narcissistic leech, constantly looking for rich people to exploit. Christensen plays folk singer, Billy Quinn, a fictional character rumored to be taking the place of Bob Dylan, who apparently had a relationship with Sedgwick.

Drugs are bad. I get it. Most of us in the non-celeb world are pretty much in touch with that message, so I’m not sure I needed it again. The acting performances are strong, but the story is simple and predictable, so I can only recommend this film to those with an interest in the true story or those who, for some reason, enjoy drug culture flicks like Requiem for a Dream or Bright Lights, Big City, Less Than Zero, etc.. For me these films are all the same and hold little entertainment value. Neither did Factory Girl.

Director: John Schlesinger

Starring: Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, Boris Leskin, George C. Grant, Lori Singer.

One of the most authentic spy movies ever made. I guess this is because it’s based on a true story, from the novel of the same name by Robert Lindsey. The direction could have wound up the tension some more and the story is a little dry, but it is still a good story. Sean Penn overacts a little, and Timothy Hutton is a little wooden (as he usually is), but both still do fairly well and are backed up by a solid supporting cast.

Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn are Christopher Boyce and Daulton Lee, two lifelong friends from affluent family. Lee becomes an unsuccessful drug dealer, while Boyce, after leaving the seminary, goes to work for the CIA. When Boyce becomes disillusioned by the way “The Company” operates, he decides to teach them a lesson by selling secrets to the Russians, using his alter boy buddy, Lee as the go-between.

This film has its faults, but is still a good choice for those with an interest in the world of espionage in the 1970s. It is frustrating to watch and disturbing at times, but in the end it is a pretty good story and worth catching on TV.

Director: Taylor Hackford

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Curtis Armstrong, Richard Schiff.

The musical bio-pic is a popular Hollywood staple and this one further immortalizes the great Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx is stunning in the Oscar winning title role of this Taylor Hackford (who also did a fine job directing) and James White, screenplay. The character of Ray Charles is refreshing open, with some nasty character flaws, that are often left out of works like this. The film offers a wide emotional range, that goes from lonely and sad to frustrating, to energetic, but never boring. The theatrical version is long enough at two and half hours, and the extended version is choppy and distracting, so I recommend sticking with the original.

This story spans several decades, as it tells Ray’s story from the time he was a healthy, young boy losing his younger brother, through the experience of losing his eyesight, and trying to find his place in the music world and follows him through his life as a major star, dealing with a disability and other treacherous character issues.

This is a strong film that holds up well to repeated viewings, particularly if the viewer is a fan of Charles’ music. It was robbed of Best Picture at the 2005 Oscars, by Million Dollar Baby, but, it is the better film. If, however, bio pics are not the kind of film that usually enjoy, or you don’t like Ray Charles’ jazzy rock sound, then this may not be the one for you.

Director: Ronald F. Maxwell

Starring: Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, Richard Jordan, Cooper Huckabee, Sam Elliott, C. Thomas Howell, Kevin Conway, Stephen Lang,

Gettysburg is magnificent civil war epic that seems to run for longer than the battle itself! At over four hours, and with more characters than a season of soap operas, there is little doubt that director Ronald Maxwell’s editing knife was just a tad dull. Still, as a history, and movie, enthusiast, I love this film exactly the way it is. I would not wish for a single scene to be cut, and if more were left in, that would probably been ok with me as well. Gettysburg strikes a remarkable balance between telling a big story, but not losing touch with the individuals involved. The cinematic battle scenes are as grand as any I’ve ever seen and are mesmerizing in their scale, if not their effects. The screenplay, based on Michael Shaara’s novel, The Killer Angels, and the resulting performances (many by familiar actors), are surprisingly theatrical, with long soliloquies that they serve to give a voice to several diverse groups involved in the battle. Why are the officers fighting? How did they chose with which side to align? How do they feel about friends standing on the opposite side of the field? Why are the enlisted men fighting? These questions and countless others are addressed.

Gettysburg begins as the troops first become aware of one another’s presence, but are still unaware of the awesome numbers gathering for both sides. it continues through the most important three days of the Civil War in 1863. They are the bloodiest three days in American history and are almost equal to all of the American deathes in the entire Vietnam War. Viewers are privy to the various strategic views, as well as some of the personal opinions of the participants. Director Maxwell bends over backward to not pass judgment and doesn’t create protagonists or antagonists. These are just honorable men with differing loyalties and ideologies, who meet on the field of battle to do their duty. One area of contention might be the portrayal of Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen) as a slightly deluded man on an unwavering course to disaster, while his second-in-command, Gen. Longstreet, had the answers. Jeff Daniels plays professor-turned soldier, Col. Chamberlain, who desperately tries to hold ground with his unit. His character, and those in his unit, made for some of the most poignant, and exciting, scenes in the film.

Gettysburg is a genuine treat for history students of all ages. The film builds patiently, but relentlessly, taking its time as if the director knew he was making the most historically important film ever made about the American Civil War. It’s long, and for those with little interest in the subject, it would be a tedious half day, indeed. If, however, this is a subject that holds interest for you, then Gettysburg is a required addition to your film library.

Starring: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Alex Jennings, Helen McCrory.

Director: Stephen Frears

For a historical drama, this is a surprisingly gripping, and quick moving, film, featuring spectacular performances, particularly by Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth, who won an Oscar and by Michael Sheen, as PM Tony Blair, who was not even nominated. Frears does a wonderful job in blending newsreel footage, simulated newsreel footage and live action seamlessly. Added to Peter Morgan’s expert script, this is an impressive piece of work.

The story opens with the election of Tony Blair and the Queen’s first audience with him. From there we are given a front seat to the elaborate protocol of having a Royal audience. No sooner than this is completed, we’re thrust into the terrible maelstrom of Princess Diana’s death. It is the world’s, and the Royal family’s, reaction, and actions, in the wake of this trying time that is the main thrust of the story. We are given wonderful windows into the writer and filmmaker’s view of the personalities and motivations of several of the Royal family, but of course, particularly of the Queen herself. My own view is that the Royal family comes off looking quite badly, though many disagree.

This was one of the best movies of 2006 and everyone, from their cast, to their director and his crew seem to have performed their jobs at the highest level. Drama fans and admirers of the Royal Family will love it and it will surprise many people who would not have considered this to be their choice of movie.

Director: Philip Kaufman

Starring: Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Joaquin Phoenix, Michael Caine

This naughty period piece is another fine example of Geoffrey Rush’s consumate acting skill and garnered him another Oscar nomination (his third…winning one for Shine in 1996)for his portrayal of the Marquis. He has some solid support here as well, with Winslet, Phoenix and Caine all putting in strong work. This film, based Doug Wright’s play and screenplay, may not be to everyone’s taste, however, not only because it is the controversial, true (or kinda true, anyway) story of the Marquis de Sade, but it is also a slow period, though at times titillating piece that will not appeal to everyone. Despite the performances, and subject matter, it didn’t really hold my interest.

The Marquis’ story begins when the twisted, but prolific, writer has already been imprisoned at a mental institution, run by the gentle and compassionate Abbe du Coulmier (Phoenix). The Marquis, with the help of an infactuated laundry girl (Winslet) is still smuggling his writing out of the institution for publication. When its popularity attracts the Emperor’s attention, he dispatches Dr. Royer-Collard (Caine), an expert interrogator and persuader in the true 18th century view of persuasion, to address the situation. Rush’s character is combative and defiant, throughout. The muddled romantic elements are not convincing and despite Kaufman’s best interests, a guy who spends all of his time locked in a room, is just not that interesting.

I didn’t like this movie very much, despite being impressed by the performances. I am not always a fan of period pieces to begin with and, although the sexual content is interesting and amusing at times, it just isn’t enough for me, and I often found my attention wandering during this, my second viewing. Many people like it, but for me the Marquis doesn’t have enough snap in his whip.

Director: Edward Zwick

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Jihmi Kennedy, Andre Braugher, John Finn,

This impressive, true Civil War story was an early effort by Edward Zwick, who has gone on to give us other excellent movies like Courage Under Fire and Blood Diamond. Glory’s screenplay, written by Kevin Jarre (he also wrote another favorite of mine, Tombstone), is based on a couple of books written from letters sent home by Civil War Colonel, Robert Shaw, who is smoothly portrayed by Matthew Broderick. Broderick doubles as narrator, reading excerpts of Shaw’s letters talking about his experiences, and opinions, of the events around him. The screenplay is formulaic and sometimes emotionally manipulative, but this is still a great story with some strong dialog and outstanding performances. The film won three Oscars, including Denzel’s first, and is a must see for those of you who have missed it.

Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) is a young Civil War officer who, due to powerful family connections, finds himself offered command of the first African-American regiment, of the Civil War. His unit includes a tough unruly runaway slave, Trip (Denzel Washington), an older Negro named Rawlins (Morgan Freeman), and Thomas, an educated Black, whom Shaw grew up with in Mass. society. Shaw’s second in command is also a childhood friend, played by Cary Elwes. The insecure, and inexperienced, Shaw shows himself to be an excellent leader, and the men, motivated by their desire to fight for freedom, turn into good soldiers. The story builds to a memorable ending, that i won’t reveal here.

Glory should be enjoyed by most viewers, and may even get a grudging nod even by those who don’t like “war movies”. If this is not the best film made about the American Civil War, then I can’t think of which motion picture surpasses it, (though, Gettysburg does come close). There are several very powerful scenes and grand battles, that combine with the film’s other magnificent qualities to make this a personal favorite and film library staple for me.

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Judy Davis, Rip Torn, Rose Byrne,
Asia Argento, Molly Shannon, Marianne Faithfull

Director: Sofia Coppola

This costume ball is full of resplendent costumes and garish sets that do a fine job of reflecting the decadent opulence of the 18th century French court at Versailles. Kirsten Dunst is the title character, Marie Antoinette, who is remembered by history as the symbol of royal excess that lead to the downfall of the French monarchy.

This film tells the story of the ill-fated Queen from her initially naïve and kind demeanor, through a gradual spiral, wrought by the youth, wealth and the influences of a court society, where there is little to do but gossip and overindulge. At the same time, her character has the specter of no heir hanging over her like a guillotine (hmm, unintentional ironic foreshadowing simile there), as there are consummation issues in her marriage to Louis XVI, played by Jason Schwartzman. The story moves forward steadily enough, but this is a bit too much of a dress up party for my taste. There is some traditional music common to period pieces such as this, but Coppola favors modern music, clearly intended to appeal to a younger audience. The story starts out light, but gets a darker as it continues and is marred by an abrupt, unsatisfying ending.

I am not all that fond of period pieces, in general, but this one was entertaining enough due to a good performance by Dunst, smooth, steady pacing and a strong central character whose development is both predictable and ominous. Those who enjoy period piece dramas will find this one to be acceptable fare. If only they had done something with that damn ending.

Director: John Avildsen

Starring: Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert Guillaume, Alan North, Lynne Thigpen, Michael Beach, Karen Malina White, Jermaine ‘Huggy’ Hopkins

Rocky and Karate Kid director, John Avildsen takes his stand-up-and-cheer style from the ring and the dojo to the halls of New Jersey’s Eastside High School in this true story of the mercurial, and controversial, principal, Joe Clark. Morgan Freeman shines and has a strong supporting cast in this loud and manipulative, but nonetheless effective entry into the educator-hero genre. The story strains credibility and often goes over the top, but the fast pace and great Freeman performance allow this to still be an entertaining film.

Freeman’s Joe Clark is recruited by Superintendent, Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume) for the seemingly impossible task of turning around the violent and out of control Eastside High School School and somehow motivating the staff and students to improve their results on the State Literacy Exam, or else see the school fall under state control. Clark uses a bullhorn, a baseball bat and a confrontational style with his staff and combines it with a tough, nurturing relationship with his students to try to bring this about, while battling alienated staff and angry parents, led by Ms. Levias (Lynne Thigpen) to try to bring about the desired changes.

Sure, this film is far-fetched and overblown and even has a couple scenes that approach unintentional humor, but it has enough strengths to compensate and make it worthwhile viewing for those who enjoy the true story school genre that Hollywood loves so much. Morgan Freeman is always a pleasure to watch and he is very strong here. So get ready to stand up and cheer!