Film Reviews

Attack the Block: Review

January 18, 2012 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

Movie Poster for "Attack the Block"

RATING: 4.5 / 5 Stars

In theaters everywhere, aliens have been raining down from the skies ever since 1951′s The Day the Earth Stood Still - and probably even before that. In the sixty years since Earth Stood Still, movie audiences have been introduced to a wide variety of extraterrestrials, spanning from Spielberg’s cute and cuddly E.T. to the genocidal aliens of Independence Day to the humanoid Na’vi of James Cameron’s Avatar. So with countless takes on what extraterrestrial life might be like, the challenge becomes somehow providing a new take on the classic alien invasion plot. The indie flick Attack the Block does just that.

Attack the Block centers on a gang of young teenagers who roam the streets of their neighborhood (which they call “The Block”) looking for trouble. One night, as the gang is mugging a woman they caught walking alone, something comes rocketing out of the sky and lands with an explosion on a nearby parked car. When the leader of the group, Moses, goes to raid the demolished vehicle, the creature inside scratches his face and then runs off. Seeking retribution, Moses and the gang hunt down the animal and kill it, realizing afterwards that it’s something from another planet. It’s not long before dozens of other aliens come crashing to earth, which the boys plan to seek out and kill as they did with the first one. But when they arrive on the scene, they discover a very different type of alien instead: jet-black, bear-sized monsters with razor sharp teeth and healthy apetites. Moses and the crew go on the run, trying to stay alive long enough to come up with a plan to get rid of the aliens for good.

Nick Frost as pot dealer Ron in "Attack the Block"

Though the main plot of the film is familiar – survive long enough to kill the aliens – nearly everything else is new. Rather than ground zero of the invasion being set in New York City or LA, Attack the Block takes place in South London of all places. Most of the main characters are black British teenagers whose child-like features contrast sharply with their passion for violence and kicking alien ass. There are no movie-stars-as-heroes here, with the only notable celebrity presence being a minor appearance by Nick Frost (Shawn of the Dead). The cause of the alien attack is also something different, though I won’t ruin that one for you.

What’s also refreshing is that there is actually some subtext going on amidst the chaos of aliens-chomping-on-humans. Attack the Block ends up exploring how a catastrophe can bring out the best in people and erase any previous bad history between them (I’m being vague on purpose to avoid any sort of spoilers). It appears that at the end of the day, when we are facing great adversity together, we’re all just human.

That’s not to say that Attack the Block is lacking in classic alien vs. human carnage. When the monsters get their jaws around someone, there’s plenty of blood and guts. Plus, the gang’s odd assortment of weapons (a baseball bat, fireworks, a katana sword) result in some pretty cool hand-to-(hand?) combat scenes with the aliens.

Just when the alien genre seemed to be getting tired – Mars Needs Moms anyone? - Attack the Block comes along and effectively refocuses the human vs. alien formula. If you’re a fan of alien movies or just sci-fi in general, this film is absolutely one that you can’t miss.

Check out the trailer below:

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Attack the Block, Attack the Block Review, Nick Frost

The Ides of March – Review

October 12, 2011 By Bill Peloquin 3 Comments

Rating: 5/5 stars

With so many films yet to come out this year, it’s far to early to claim a best picture, which is why I will have to settle with saying that The Ides of March is the best movie I’ve seen thus far. Still, at this point I can at least say that Clooney’s political thriller has a very strong chance of ending up as my number one by the end of the year.

With Ides, George Clooney has directed yet another gripping masterpiece that will captivate audiences from start to finish. The script was adapted from the 2008 play Farragut North by Beau Willimon, which was based loosely on Howard Dean’s 2004 Democratic primary campaign. Clearly The Ides of March is a relevant and important commentary on the current state of politics in the U.S, regardless of how much truth there is to Willimon’s play. But in addition to providing a pertinent look into the dirtiness of politics, the film features a riveting story and fascinating characters that add up to one of this year’s best pictures.

Theatrical poster for "The Ides of March"

In The Ides of March, Ryan Gosling plays Stephen Myers, a young rising-star in the political campaign world who has finally found his perfect candidate – “the one.” That perfect candidate is governor Mike Morris (Clooney), who is in the midst of the Democratic primaries and hopefully on his way to the Democratic nomination for the next president of the United States of America. The primary battle has come down to the state of Ohio, where the winner is said to have the nomination locked. Just as Morris’ team begins to feel confident in an Ohio win, a series of events takes place that throws the entire campaign into turmoil. Suddenly the fate of Morris’ presidential bid lies solely on the shoulders of Stephen Myers.

The supporting cast of The Ides of March are impressive - Clooney as Morris, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Morris’ head campaign manager and Paul Giamatti as the opposition’s campaign manager. But the knock-out performance is given by Ryan Gosling, who continues to impress in the opening of his third film in just four months (Crazy, Stupid, Love in July, Drive in September). Rather than give us Gosling-fatigue, Ides serves as a potent example of just how talented he is. The energetic, spirited and naive Stephen Myers who opens the film ends up completely changed by it’s conclusion, and Gosling handles that transformation flawlessly. As the movie progresses, we experience everything through Myers – the loss of innocence, the shock and awe, and the feelings that go with it. Honestly, the Academy would be foolish to ignore Gosling’s performance here by robbing him of at least a nomination.

A poster for candidate Mike Morris, played by George Clooney

Though the political theme of The Ides of March is exceptionally relevant, what’s really intriguing is the thriller within it. Once Myers hits that first bump in the road, everything begins to snowball into a nasty storm of lies, scandals, blackmail, and cut-throat politics that could lead to the destruction of any number of individuals. Much more can’t be said without ruining the element of surprise and suspense, but suffice it to say that you wont be able to ease off the edge of your seat until the credits role.

The Ides of March comes at a time in which many have begun to question the political system that this country relies on. Because of this condition, the film serves a dual purpose – it addresses how dirty and corrupt politics have become while simultaneously providing a compelling thriller that ranks among the best of them. Despite what other Oscar-bait might come out by February, The Ides of March will most certainly end up as one of the year’s best films.

Directed by: George Clooney

Written by: George Clooney & Grant Heslove (screenplay), Beau Willimon (play,Farragut North)

Starring: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Beau Willimon, Farragut North, George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ryan Gosling, The Ides of March

Doubt – Film Review

April 14, 2011 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

Last night I watched Doubt for the first time and was blown away by how excellent it was. There’s no question that this movie deserved every one of its five Oscar nominations, the majority of them being for the actors’ brilliant performances. The entire cast did a phenomenal job, the writing was exceptional, and the film hooks you right from the beginning. I never would have expected that Doubt could take me on such a roller coaster ride of thoughts and emotions. I was fascinated by the setting of the film and was constantly engaged in the central conflict taking place at the Catholic school. This one is a must-see, regardless of your religious beliefs or feelings about the Catholic church.

Meryl Streep seems to give a flawless performance in every single film she’s in, and Doubt is no exception. Here she has transformed into the strict, humorless, widely-feared school principle Sister Aloysius Beauvier. Though Streep perfectly captures Aloysius’ ice-cold manner at the beginning of the film, she also effortlessly transforms the character throughout the film, right up to the very last scene of the movie. Aloysius’ latest target, Father Flynn, is beautifully played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. As Flynn, Seymour is simultaneously heart-warming and charismatic yet suspicious. As soon as you’ve decided you’re on his side, he’s once again able to instill doubt and uncertainty in the next scene. And let’s not overlook Amy Adam’s impressive turn as the innocent, emotional Sister James. Adams disappears into her character, whose inner turmoil so often reflects the same battle that we as the audience are going through. Her winning portrayal of James is what enables us to connect with the character and share her experience of being caught right in the middle of the fray.

Meryl Streep as Sister Aloysius

Before Doubt was a feature film, it was a play written and directed by John Patrick Shanley. It was a wise decision to have Shanley write and direct the movie because, as the creator, he brought something special to the project that other directors couldn’t have. In particular, Shanley is one of the few people who knows for certain whether Father Flynn did or didn’t do what he’s being accused of. In discussing Doubt with a friend of mine, he told me that Shanley not only knows the truth, but that he has only shared that secret with the actors who have played Father Flynn. There’s no doubt that Shanley’s comfort with the story and characters played a huge role in making Doubt a successful feature film.

There are just so many fascinating aspects to Doubt that keep you glued to the screen and unable to look away. The background that the story is set in – a Catholic school in 1964 – is intriguing both for those who lived through that time period as well as for those who didn’t. Being in the latter category, I was captivated by the way the school was run, by the way the nuns conducted themselves, and by the way people behaved in the 1960s. Another part of Doubt that keeps you on the edge of your seat is the ongoing debate of whether or not Father Flynn is guilty of Sister Aloysius’ accusations. It seems that which each scene your opinion changes from one side to the other. And to top it all off, the actors have created dynamic, multi-layered characters that tug at your emotions from start to finish.

There’s so much more than can be said for Doubt, but in the end you just need to see it. If you’re worried about it being a preachy, ripped-from-the-headlines take on the recent Catholic church scandals, don’t be. Though the film does deal with that subject, there’s so much more to it. With an expert cast at their best, a compelling story, and a great script from creator/director John Patrick Shanley, Doubt is a movie you definitely need to see.

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Amy Adams, Doubt, Father Flynn, John Patrick Shanley, Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sister Aloysius, Sister James

Blue Valentine Review

January 24, 2011 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

Rating: 9/10

Blue Valentine is everything that a romantic drama should be. It equally balances humor and drama while telling a tale of romance without ever straying towards the obnoxiously sappy. And the story is one that everybody can empathize with. Since the subject matter hits so close to home, it’s nearly impossible to leave the theater without having felt for the characters and the hardship they go through. With brilliant acting and a gripping story about the trials of love, Blue Valentine is a must see.

When I watch the trailer for this film, I can hear every macho-type guy that I know pretending to wretch. After Ryan Gosling finishes serenading Michelle Williams with his ukulele, Blue Valentine might appear to be another run-of-the-mill romance. But if you have your doubts, give it a chance. The movie bounces back and forth between the joyful beginning of the relationship and the beginning of the end of it. This constant back and forth means that you’ll never get too tired of either section. It also means that the sad scenes are that much tougher to watch.

The chemistry between Gosling and Williams is unquestionable, and that could be because their on-screen romance may have carried over into the real world. When Gosling made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen questioned him about whether or not he and Williams were now in a relationship. He uncomfortably dodged the question, but never denied the rumor.

I think that the director, Derek Cianfrance, deserves credit too. In an interview, Gosling revealed that, in preparation for the film, Cianfrance had him and Williams pretend to live together and do everything a couple would do. Each day they would enjoy a different thing that couples normally do over a long period of time – celebrate birthdays, holidays, go on dates, etc. By “playing house,” Gosling and Williams not only prepared for the film but also possibly sparked a real-life relationship.

Blue Valentine is one of those films that can be heart-breaking but fantastic at the same time. Maybe what makes it an exceptional film is that is really does have the ability to move you. It sets itself apart from other depressing movies because it is a different type of sadness that the audience experiences. In other dark films, one tends to feel pity for the main characters but doesn’t really connect with their plights. But in Valentine, you’re going to really feel their pain and empathize with them. Most people are likely to leave the theater thinking about their own relationships with their significant others, past present or future.

And that’s why Blue Valentine is so powerful. It explores material that matters to all of us – the longevity of our own personal relationships. Whether you’re currently in the happiest of relationships or in one that’s near the breaking point, this story will matter to you. Even if you’ve only been in a relationship a few months, or have never even been in a long term relationship, this movie will matter to you. Because at some point in our lives, we will all spend some amount of time worrying that what happens to the characters in Blue Valentine could happen to us. To see those relationship fears played out on the screen is disconcerting and really difficult to handle.

It’s been a great year for movies. There are at least 8-10 films that I would consider really good. Inception is still my pick for best of the year, but I think Blue Valentine might be my number 2. If Inception blew my mind, Blue Valentine broke my heart so-to-say. That’s more than The Social Network or any of the other contenders can say. So if you get the chance, make sure you don’t miss out on this excellent, moving film.

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Blue Valentine, Derek Cianfrance, Michelle Williams, Ryan Gosling

2011 Golden Globes

January 16, 2011 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

The 2011 Golden Globes are here! Head on over to my predictions post on the Blast main page, or go directly to it here. For anybody looking for a decent printout ballot, check out the one on Buzz Sugar:

http://www.buzzsugar.com/static/2011_Golden_Globe_ballot_download.pdf

I’d recommend printing that one out rather than the official ballot on the official Golden Globes site because their ballot is missing six or seven of the categories (what the hell is up with that??)

Happy viewing!

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Golden Globes

I Love You Phillip Morris Review

January 2, 2011 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

This is a story that just needed to be told. You would be hard-pressed to find a more peculiar love story. I Love You Phillip Morris is a film about Steven Russell’s extraordinary real-life romance with Phillip Morris. It’s that classic tale of boy meets boy in prison, boy becomes a con-artist to pamper boy, boy repeatedly gets caught and subsequently breaks out of jail for boy. Suffice it to say that Steven Russell is quite the personality and Jim Carrey was a logical choice for the role. But Ewan McGregor over-shadow’s Carrey’s performance with his own portrayal of the timid, funny, passionate Phillip Morris. These two characters and their absurd saga make for a humorous comedy, but what’s more surprising are the more serious moments that are sprinkled throughout the movie.

Years before meeting Phillip Morris, Steven Russell was living what most would consider a normal life. A police officer on the hometown force, Steven was married to his wife Debbie (played expertly by Leslie Mann) and even had a daughter. But a serious car accident acted as his wakeup call – soon after the incident he came out of the closet and amicably separated from Debbie. Unfortunately, Steven decided to fund his new flamboyant and expensive lifestyle through scams and cons, which eventually caught up to him. While serving his sentence, he met Morris and thus began their tumultuous relationship. The years ahead would be defined by periods of bliss and, more frequently, periods of heartbreak. There’s never been a better example of how love can make a person do the craziest things.

Jim Carrey as Steven Russell

Jim Carrey’s acting career has proven that he can handle both comedic and dramatic roles – he shines just as brightly in Liar, Liar as he does in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. So he’s a natural fit for the role of Steven Russell in I Love You Phillip Morris. Carrey really captures Russell’s energy and delivers plenty of laughs, but there are a number of scenes in which he comes across more as Ace Ventura than Steven Russell. Still, it’s a bold character for him to take on and he gives an adequate performance. However, McGregor’s transformation into Phillip Morris is the real gem here. As Morris he’s comical, coy, romantic, sentimental, and believably gay. Having seen interview footage of the real Phillip Morris, I can say that McGregor absolutely captures his look, mannerisms, and personality.

I think it’s worth mentioning that McGregor and Carrey’s onscreen romance is surprisingly convincing as well. Though I Love You Phillip Morris focuses mostly on all the drama and chaos surrounding the relationship, the two actors really make those few emotional moments count.

Ewan McGregor as Phillip Morris

The worst part about I Love You Phillip Morris has nothing to do with the plot, the acting, the humor, or the romance. What I find most frustrating about the movie is it’s U.S. distribution. Somebody really dropped the ball when it came to getting this film into American theaters. When I first saw the trailers, I was excited and was highly anticipating the project’s release. But I almost forgot about it entirely when it took ages to appear on U.S. screens due to a number of delays and setbacks. When it did finally start showing here, I had to go out of my way to see it – it was only being shown in a small independent theater fa from where I live. If I Love You Phillip Morris had been given a better marketing strategy and a wider release in the United States, then it could have had a chance at success. Unfortunately it lacked both, which means it is sadly doomed to obscurity.

I Love You Phillip Morris is sure to be this year’s movie-I-wish-I’d-seen: the film boasts a captivating story, strong performances, and solid humor. So go the distance and make sure its not the one movie you miss out on!

Verdict: 8.5 / 10

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Ewan McGregor, Glenn Ficarra, I Love You Phillip Morris, Jim Carrey, John Requa, Leslie Mann

Exit Through the Gift Shop Review

December 29, 2010 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

Shepard Fairey's now iconic poster

Chances are when you see Exit Through the Gift Shop you’ll be entering into a world that you previously knew very little to nothing about. The film takes a look at the recent art revolution of street art and artists like Space Invader, Shepard Fairey, and the popular Banksy. For those of us who have, up to this point, missed out on the street art sensation, these three names probably don’t sound familiar at all. But you’d be surprised at how familiar you may be with some of their works. Space Invader is known for creating collages of the classic Space Invader aliens and then pasting them all over city walls. Shepard Fairey is the man behind the iconic Obama poster and those strange black and white posters that say OBEY underneath them (see pictures of both in margins). And some of Banksy’s works will most likely look familiar when you see them in the film.

The subject under the microscope of Exit Through the Gift Shop is interesting enough to create a captivating documentary about. Since graffiti and the more refined “street art” is in fact illegal, documenting the process is itself a challenge. If Michael Moore set out to make this documentary, I highly doubt that any of artists featured here would have agreed to let him tape them doing their thing. So it’s impressive to see such extensive footage of a number of people pasting up their artwork and taking spray paint to brick. But where Exit really excels is in telling a fascinating story that is centered within the intriguing street art scene.

Though the street artists previously mentioned do make plenty of appearances in this documentary, the real star of the show is Thierry Guetta – the man behind the camera. I’d rather not say too much about his story, because watching his transformation in the film is a large part of the fun. Suffice it to say that what starts off as a movie about street art and it’s creators ends up being about the one man who turned it on it’s head.

Shepard Fairey's "Obey"

Exit Through the Gift Shop ends up tackling even more than the street art trend – it starts a discussion about art itself. Can anybody anywhere be an artist? What makes something “art” and what really gives value to it? Where does giving homage to a fellow artist end and plagiarism begin? These are some of the many questions brought to light by the events that take place during the course of the film. When the credits finally role it is clear that the end of this story is yet to be written. Only time will tell what this scene has in store for Guetta.

I think one of the marks of an exceptional documentary is that it enlightens you to a certain topic or situation that you previously had no interest in or knowledge of. In addition to informing you about something new, an effective doc then makes you feel something for the subject matter they’re addressing. And Exit Through the Gift Shop does just that. After seeing the film, I’ll be looking at graffiti and street art in a new way. I suddenly have a strong desire to attend the next contemporary art showcase that opens in a city near me. And I find myself wishing I had the skills (and frankly, the balls) to get into street art myself.

This film has been generating quite a bit of buzz lately and I’m pretty sure it will at least land itself an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary. I would highly recommend Exit Through the Gift Shop, especially if you’re looking for a fun documentary that will grab your attention without delving into some of the darker material that documentaries are known to get into.

Filed Under: Documentaries, Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: 2010, Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop, Mr. Brain Wash, Shepard Fairey, Space Invader, Thierry Guetta

“Moon” Review

December 13, 2010 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

Director: Duncan Jones

Cast: Sam Rockwell, Kevin Spacey (voice)

Score: 9.5 / 10

It’s quite a challenge to write a review of Moon that doesn’t spoil any of the movie’s excellent twists and turns. What I can do is tell you all about the first fifteen minutes or so that set up the rest of the remarkable directorial debut of Duncan Jones.

Astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is a mere two weeks away from ending three years of separation from his wife and little girl. He has been saddled with the sole responsibility of maintaining a mining operation taking place on the surface of the moon. The company he works for, Lunar Industries, has been harvesting helium 3, which is now the world’s most popular energy source. Sam’s only source of company is his robot GERTY (voiced by Kevin Spacey), which aids him with everyday operations at the space station. The only way he can communicate with his wife and daughter back on earth are through video messages – the station’s satellite is broken, therefore disabling live communication with anybody on earth. Everything has been going well and Sam is excited about being reunited with his family. But with two weeks left, things start to go terribly wrong and before long his world is turned completely upside down.

It really is a crime that Moon was overlooked by basically every major awards ceremony in the industry that matters. Maybe the film was ignored because of it’s sci-fi setting or because it was a small independent movie, who knows. Whatever the case may be, it really is unfortunate because Moon is a surprisingly moving story that thoroughly explores the human need for companionship. It illuminates how debilitating isolation and loneliness can be to a person. It sounds like a hell of a depressing topic to address and I won’t lie, this movie won’t exactly leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. But despite being moved by Sam Bell’s heart-breaking predicament, the audience is sure to be sucked into the mystery of the story. As the story progresses, each of piece of the puzzle falls into place and gradually everything comes together and ends up really packing a punch.

Sam Rockwell gives a ridiculously good performance that really made me notice him for the first time. He’s been in a number of good films before (The Assassination of Jesse James, Frost/Nixon) but to be honest I’d never thought twice about the guy. But after seeing Moon, Rockwell is certainly on my radar. His turn as Bell is exceptional and he succeeds in making the character’s dilemma personal and super emotional for the viewer. How he missed nominations for an Academy Award or even a Golden Globe is beyond me.

Though Moon is set in a futuristic, science-fiction time period, please don’t let that deter you from seeing the film. Even if you hate the sci-fi genre, give this movie a chance. Because the excavation on the moon isn’t what this story is about, but rather something we can all relate to – the necessity of companionship.

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Duncan Jones, Kevin Spacey, Moon, Sam Rockwell

“Love and Other Drugs” Review

November 30, 2010 By Bill Peloquin 1 Comment

Love and Other Drugs is the perfect romantic-comedy. Guys, if your girlfriend is always dragging you to the latest chick-flick, here’s your chance to actually go willingly. Director Ed Zwick’s latest film has something for both sexes, and in the end this movie will probably surprise those expecting just another run-of-the-mill sappy story. Other Drugs is unfortunately the victim of a poor marketing campaign, which has highlighted the mushy parts of the film and totally downplayed it’s real substance. With a great performance by Anne Hathaway, enjoyable humor, and an interesting narrative, this movie deserves more of a chance than most people are likely to give it.

It’s difficult to put this in a professional, respectable way so allow me to drop any sense of formality for a moment. Here’s why Love and Other Drugs is a good flick for men and women alike: girls can spend the film drooling over Jake Gyllenhaal while guys get to see just about all of Anne Hathaway throughout the entire movie. The two actors spend a significant portion of their time on screen completely naked and little is hidden during the numerous lovemaking scenes. That goes for both Gyllenhaal and Hathaway, so everybody can be happy.

But don’t let the copious amounts of sex give you the wrong impression about Love and Other Drugs. If you give this movie a shot, you’ll discover that there really is a story here, and it’s an intriguing one. What isn’t mentioned at all in one of the film’s two trailers is that Hathaway’s character, Maggie Murdock, has been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease at the early age of 26. This twist elevates Drugs to a tier high above the thousands of other throwaway chick-flicks out there. Maggie’s condition forces Gyllenhaal’s character, Jamie, to face the difficulties of being with someone who has to live with a major illness for the rest of her life. After a fiery beginning to his relationship with Maggie, Jamie realizes that her Parkinsons could eventually change her into a completely different person than the girl he fell in love with. Now, when’s the last time you watched a romantic-comedy that dealt with such a dark issue?

Anne Hathaway’s performance is another exciting part of Love and Other Drugs. Her Parkinsons symptoms are quite believable, something that could have so easily looked fake and rehearsed. She brings Maggie’s character to life and at times your heart just breaks for her. To hear how Maggie thinks of herself and her sad situation can be gut-wrenching. There is talk of Hathaway being a long-shot for an Oscar nomination for this role, and that talk is well-deserved.

Though Love and Other Drugs contains some darker material, it still has plenty of classic rom-com elements. There’s romance, funny dialogue, and a few goofy scenes to lighten the mood and bring back the typical chick-flick feeling. In the end, Drugs has a healthy balance of ups and downs. Though I suspect some people will discard this film based on the misleading trailer, I urge you to give it a second chance. You might be surprised by how deep this romantic comedy turns out to be.

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: Anne Hathaway, Ed Zwick, Jake Gyllenhaal, Love and Other Drugs

“Eastern Promises” Review

November 24, 2010 By Bill Peloquin Leave a Comment

Director: David Cronenberg

Written By: Steven Knight

Stars: Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts

Score: 9/10

Eastern Promises is one of those movies that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let you go until the final credits role. It’s packed with drama and tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are a number of ways that this film succeeds – the acting, the score, the script, and the story itself. Viggo Mortensen gives a phenomenal performance, as does the rest of the cast. The score has a sorrowful, almost haunting affect that really helps set the mood of the film. Steven Knight penned a script that has excellent dialogue, intense scenes, a quick pace, and minor but well-placed humor. And besides all that, the Russian mafia is just a fascinating topic to center a movie around.

Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts are the only Hollywood names in Eastern Promises, but many of the other lesser-known supporting actors hold their own and really embody their characters. Mortensen plays Nikolai, a driver and errand boy who hopes to gain acceptance into the Russian mafia family he works for. Watts plays Anna, a hospital nurse who accidentally uncovers some of the darker secrets of the family Nikolai works for. Watt does an acceptable job in her role, but she’s heavily overshadowed by Mortensen’s turn as the tattooed, Russian-accented, man-of-few-words Nikolai. Viggo’s stellar performance comes more from his facial expressions, pauses, and actions than from his dialogue. His accent is totally convincing and it doesn’t take long to stop seeing Viggo Mortensen and start seeing the man he is portraying.

Viggo Mortensen as Nikolai in Eastern Promises

The same can be said about the other supporting actors. Armin Mueller-Stahl is exceptional as Semyon, the boss of the Russian mafia that Nikolai works for. Stahl, who recently played Cardinal Strauss in Angels and Demons, perfectly captures the essence of a man who is powerful and dangerous despite his old and frail appearance. And Vincent Cassel, who plays Semyon’s troubled son Kirill, gives his character great depth through a dynamic performance. You might recognize Cassel, who played François Toulour in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. In Eastern Promises he becomes Kirill, a man who you absolutely hate at first but end up pitying by the end (specifically in his scene with baby Christine). These two actors round out an impressive cast that altogether immerse you into their world of crime and violence.

The score of Eastern Promises certainly helps set the tone of this dark and often edgy film. It’s no surprise that the music is exceptional, since the composer is Howard Shore, whose work includes the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Aviator, Doubt, and Dogma. Shore’s somber strings highlight the magnitude of the issues at hand and give the entire movie a gloomy undertone.

In addition to the acting and the score, Eastern Promises features a well-crafted script. Steven Knight’s career is mostly focused in TV, but this screenplay proves that he is just as skilled at writing feature films. The way he structures the narrative gives the movie a steady pace and helps make the most out of a multitude of intense scenes. It seems like you’re always wondering who will end up dead next and how soon they’ll be killed – you can never rest easy or take a breather. Knight achieves this sense of anxious dread by making it clear that none of the characters are ever safe. And besides accomplishing all these things with the script, Knight picked a great topic to cover – a story about the Russian mafia is sure to be exciting, interesting, and entertaining.

My one minor complaint about Eastern Promises is that the ending was a bit too abrupt. With a runtime of only an hour and forty minutes, there was plenty of time left to wrap things up. Anna’s storyline is resolved, but Nikolai’s is left open-ended. It’s as if Knight is letting the audience decide Nikolai’s fate for themselves. By leaving it that way, it seems like he meant to imply that Anna was the main focus of Promises, but that just isn’t the case. In fact, I was always more interested in what was happening to Nikolai, so to cut his story short was certainly a letdown.

Altogether, Eastern Promises is absolutely a successful film. It’s unfortunate that it got overlooked at the Academy Awards for whatever reasons. The only Oscar nomination was Viggo Mortensen for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. If you’re the type of person that can’t stand graphic violence, Eastern Promises may be too much for you. Otherwise, this is a film that is definitely worth checking out.

Filed Under: Film Reviews, Movies/Film Tagged With: David Cronenberg, Eastern Promises, Howard Shore, Naomi Watts, Steven Knight, Viggo Mortensen