The Dictator: Pointy Not Round

Paramount Pictures

Official Site: www.republicofwadiya.com
Director(s): Larry Charles
Writer(s):  Sacha Baron Cohen, Alec Berg
Producer(s):  Sacha Baron Cohen, Alec Berg
Starring:  Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley, John C. Reilly, B.J. Novak. Rated-R. 

Can a ruthless dictator fall in love with a vegan human rights activist? An unlikely couple indeed.  Aladeen ( Cohen) did not travel to New York to fall in love, but who could resist a cute vegan who cares about everything from animals to a dictator's masturbatory habits. I  don't think  Cohen was trying to say dictators have feelings too, but inadvertently  he sort of made that point. Aladeen noticed how much passion Zoey ( Faris) had. He could not stop talking about  her even when he was planning to regain his position as dictator of Wadiya. Living  as a commoner,  Aladeen noticed certain things about himself.  He realized he was actually a nice guy beneath the inclination to kill everyone who had different views.

Paramount Pictures

Satirical as can be, Cohen employs his trademark crude humor to make a statement about dictatorships while entertaining the masses. Irreverence with a purpose as usual. There is also commentary on democracy, but not just any democracy; democracy defined by corporate policy, noted in a scene where Tamir(Kingsley) cut a backdoor deal with several major oil companies for millions. The film eludes to problems with the U.S prison population, and bank bailouts amongst other issues. Definitely.Cohen wrote a comedy with substance.

Paramount Pictures

Was The Dictator funny ? Kind of. It was not hilarious. But it was deeply amusing. May be it's because I have grown accustomed to Cohen's comedic style, and the effects from the days of Borat, and Bruno have worn off, and I have become desensitized to the shocking antics. Still  the things this guy gets away with, like kicking a kid on screen, and rubbing sperm on a woman's face. Only Cohen. It was not great. It was not disappointing. It was simply entertaining. Metacritic.com rated the film 58/100 for mixed reviews. Rottentonatoes.com rated the film 112 fresh tomatoes to 80 rotten ones. I'll rate it a 75.

The killing Room: MK Ultra

Baam! The first scene shocks you into the movie. Absolutely unexpected.  As the plot develops to indicate why these  four people have been gathered in this white room which seems to have no way out,"What would  I do?" is the question that comes to mind. The four are subjects of an experiment. Not sure of  what is going, and who is tormenting them, Dr. Phillips ( Peter Stormare ) is the only face they have seen , but he is not very nice. Along with the highly recommended intelligence officer Emily Reilly ( Chloey Sevigney) Dr. Phillips induces panic and mayhem amongst the test subjects by placing them under extreme pressure with the ultimate goal of choosing one to be the martyr for patriotism.

Using the mind control operation MK-Ultra  as a foundation to raise the question, is it  ever justified to experiment on people for the sake of the greater good even if death is likely the result of the test subjects ? Emily and Dr. Phillips agree such tests are justified. But if they were the test subjects would their answer be different? Probably, unless they are a member of the few who are willing to commit suicide for the sake of their country's security. These four people were willing test subjects who were offered a compensation of $250. They did not know what they were getting themselves into. 

Beyond the issue of experimental testing for the greater good, is the film's effort to inform the public about the United States' involvement in mind control experimentation under MK-Ultra, and how administrations of the past have tried to stop the practice, only to have the experiments continue outside of government control. The Manchurian Candidate is recognized for exploring the idea of mind control, and the dangers of abusing this power for  political advantage. The Killing Room paints a picture of the process and how cold, and ruthless the players involved can be by treating human life as disposable.           

Jeff Who Lives At Home: This is Fate Calling

Paramount Pictures

This film could be making a point about determinism, but the focus on choice as the main ingredient  to shaping one's life suggests otherwise. For people who believe everything happens for a reason,  this film is absolutely right for them. Jeff (Jason Segel)  believes signs are everywhere. People must be open to these signs in order to make the right choices. He lives by this belief wholeheartedly.

Fate is actively involved in people's lives; by simply understanding the language of fate, people will  be properly instructed what course to take in life. Signs of  an  interconnectedness is powerfully preached, and is at the core of this film.  Intertwining events leading to a moment of joy and clarity is so well conveyed, it is easy to convert any one who views life as possessing no meaning, into believing, the universe possesses an intention responsible for helping people through life.  Jeff's  belief supports the notion of an ordered universe,  in  tuned with people's happiness and sorrows.  

Paramount Pictures

It's a "struggle." Fate may be involved, but people must choose. Sometimes it is difficult to understand the message fate sends. Not fully understanding what his fate was, Jeff was awaiting an answer. As a  pothead slacker with no job, living in his mom's basement,  fate sent a message to Jeff , and it was  "Kevin."  Through Jeff's pursuit of understanding this message,  the film makes the point,  reaching one's destiny may require enduring hard times. One may have a destiny that is not destined to be easy.   

Paramount Pictures

The characters are dealing with adultery, disillusion,  sadness from being unloved, and being misunderstood. How happiness can be drained from people's lives in disappointment, life did not end up as they planned, was delicately treated in one scene featuring Susan Sarandon and Rae Dawg Chong. If there is a plan, if everything happens for a reason, what's the reason for an unfulfilled life ? Fate does not provide reasons, it provides signs, and people must be cognizant to recognize these signs. Again people must choose.This is a beautiful film that makes you feel may be there is a force in the universe looking out for people.       

Ben Hur: Condemned Men

Warner Bros

" You are all condemned men. We keep you  alive to serve this ship, so row well and live."  Quintus Arrius (Jack Hawkins) boldly announced the fate of the slaves steering the Roman battle ship. Sweaty, hopeless, bony, and shackled to the machinery of death that will claim their lives, these condemned men have a lot in common with those who are working hard, and earning little. When the economy sinks, many people sink with it. 

I could easily imagine Quintus Arrius saying, " You are all condemned people. We keep you  alive to serve this economy, so work well and live." In actuality some  economist stand as Quintus Arrius promoting employment as the source of economic life.  Yes there are variations in economic schools of tought, but the comparison  of  the slaves  being worked to death reminds me of the common worker who commits long hours to realize a descent quality of life that is becoming increasingly challenging to achieve. 

Warner Bros

In this scene Ben-Hur saves Quintus Arrius who is part of the governing class. In stretching one's analogical muscle, one can say this scene is somewhat symbolic of  a bailout where the poor, middle, and possibly upper class rescue the ruling elite, despite facing economic adversity.  In fairness, if the economy cannot be salvaged, the wealth of the poor, elite, and middle class will be affected, with the elite possessing more resources to endure abject economic conditions that others cannot withstand.   

Beyond economic concerns, it is about living a fulfilled life, and  not merely existing as an object of labor.  This is painfully difficult to do, in the case of dire need demanding economic interest be prioritized simply to make ends meat. Many work jobs that provide no emotional satisfaction.  Dreading Mondays, dreading another meeting that you find boring, regardless, you play the role of concerned employee simply to keep your job. There  may be some who are truly condemned, but if your at a point in life that allows you to explore the option of doing something you love. Just do it.   
 
 

Dr. Evil Talking to Michael Dell

As of right now, roomer has it  Dr. Evil will be using Dell computer systems to take over the world. That is why you see him talking to Michael Dell. Tears for Fears said it best. Everybody wants to rule the world. Dr. Evil is no exception. Maybe Mr. Bigglesworth does not want to rule the world.  After all, He is just an ugly bald cat. 
Hopefully I' ll see Mr. Bigglesworth in Austin Powers 4. As of yet there is no release date for the film at all. Mike Myers, will be writing the script, and it seems like Jay Roach will be directing once again. My favorite of the franchise is Goldmember.  

Norman: Clitish

Accent Film Entertainment

Official Site: www.normanthemovie.com
Director(s):  Jonathan Segal
Writer(s): Talton Wingate
Producer(s):  Kim Blackburn Bowen, Rich Cowan, Dan Keston, Hawk Koch.
Starring: Dany Byrd, Emily VanCamp, Richard  Jenkins, Adam Goldberg. 99 min.

How long can  a person carry out a monumental lie? Norman (Byrd) carried his lie about having cancer until it nearly destroyed his relationships, especially the one he had with his newly found beautiful girlfriend Emily (VanCamp). Was Norman selfish for being so dishonest? After experiencing severe loss, and yet to experience more severe loss, evidently Norman was emotionally troubled.  Pretending to be a cancer patient  with only three months to live had very little to do  with the troubles at home, at least directly.  Given the context in which the lie was committed, one can criticize Norman for his dishonesty, but also acknowledge that his situation may induce erratic behavior, such as suicidal thoughts. 

Norman described himself as an "incredibly sad kid" with "nothing to look forward to." The loss he suffered along with dealing with his sick father (Jenkins) shaped Norman into  a troubled teen with a bleak outlook.     

Accent Film Entertainment

Norman conjured up the lie in a heated argument with his best friend. It was suppose to be a harmless lie, but  the lie grew faster than Norman could control. After a while Norman noticed people were nice to him because he was supposedly dying. His best friend became more understanding. One of the kids who was mean to him apologized. Norman's popularity grew but for  the wrong reason. Emily is the one person who was nice to Norman regardless if he was dying with cancer or not. However, the magnitude of the lie was such that it jeopardized the happiness he found in his relationship with Emily.

Accent Film Entertainment

Incredibly,  even when Norman faced immense pressure to confess, he carried on the lie to exhaustion. To be fair, On several occasions Norman tried to tell the truth, but it seemed people were willing to explore the tragedy of the  lie rather than accept the tragedy of the truth, which was Norman was miserable from dealing with what appeared to be an  insurmountable loss, and the  sickness of his father. The

Accent Film Entertainment

 film made a good attempt at being a dark comedic  drama. Frankly it was just dark and dramatic. The subject matter overwhelmed the film to the point one overlooks the humor. Great performances by Richard Jenkins, Emily VanCamp, and Dany Byrd. This was a truly engaging independent film. Not a masterpiece. But worth watching. Metacritic.com rated the film 60/100 with mixed reviews. Rottentomatoes.com granted the film nine fresh tomatoes to five rotten ones for a favorable review. I'll give it an 80.  

Snow White and The Huntsman: A Bad Apple

Universal

Official Site: www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com
Director(s): Rupert Sanders
Writer(s): Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, Hossein Amini 
Producer(s): Sam Mercer, Palek Patel, Joe Roth,
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Toby Jones.  Rated: PG-13. 127min. 

The most interesting character in Snow White and The Huntsman is Ravenna(Theron). Her love of beauty contrasted by her hatred for men makes her incredibly complex; almost feminist. Ravenna's hatred of men stems from her belief  that men only love women as long as they stay beautiful other than that there is no use for them. In a world of pillage, she was taught beauty is refuge from misfortune, and possibly even death. Nurturing this belief, beauty translates into survival, and adoration. Most importantly, beauty translates into power. Therefore, a vehement pursuit of youth and beauty is the sole purpose of Ravenna in keeping her power. This certainly has not made her a happy person.

Universal

Angry, controlling, dependent, and narcissistic, Ravenna cares very little for the people suffering in her kingdom. Youth and beauty are not infinite. Ravenna must kill young beautiful women to keep her ageless, but only the murder of one young woman would grant her immortality. Her name is Snow White.   She is the opposite of Ravenna. Loving, brave, and blessed with good will, Snow white threatens Ravenna's reign by existing as the angelic hope, contrast to a demonic woman that has drained the kingdom of color and smiles. Not trained as a warrior, Snow White is still

Universal

brave enough to a lead an army of men and some dwarfs to conquer the evil imposter Queen Ravenna to restore the kingdom to grace.  As with most summer block busters, Snow White and The Huntsman was visually impressive, decorated with ample special effects.  All the creatures in the film were mesmerizing. I wish there were more of  them. The casting for the film was just right. Initially, I had some reservations about Kristen Stewart as Snow White but she conquered my doubts, as her character conquered Ravenna. Perhaps one can liken Snow White to Joan of Arc and Ravenna to Elizabeth Bathory.  

Universal

History Aside, the film was entertaining, but not mind blowing. The production was awesome.  The final battle was good, but not powerful. Regardless, I'm glad to see this version of Snow White on the big screen. Confession time. In the back of my mind, I'm  just waiting for Dark Knight Rises. Admittedly, it is affecting my critique. Until I watch this upcoming masterpiece, every movie will be subject to my disorder which is an obsession with Christopher Nolan's directing. Metacritic.com rated the film 57/100 for mixed reviews. Rottentomatoes.com granted the film 77 fresh tomatoes to 86 rotten ones for an unfavorable review.  I'll give it an 80.  

       

Men In Black 3: Trust The Pie

Sony Pictures

Official Site: www.meninblack.com
Director(s): Barry Sonnenfield
Writer(s): Etan Cohen, Lowell Cunningham
Producer(s): Joyce Cox, Laurie Macdonald
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Emma Thompson, and Jemaine Clement. 
Rated: PG-13  


We were introduced to K and J  about 15 years ago. J was just a rookie; K was just, well K. From the beginning there was a focus on K's lack of emotion.  Constantly wondering what happen to K, and how and why  he became so exanimate, J was mildly fed up. The third installment of  Men In Black  was really about K's history explaining how J became part of his life. Involved in this origin narrative is "Boris The Animal" played by funny man Jemaine Clement of  Flight of The Conchords.  

Sony Pictures

Traveling back in time to battle with Boris, J teams up with a very young and relatively vibrant K played by Josh Brolin.  The duo must collaborate to stop Boris from initiating a full invasion of the planet. While entangled  in this struggle to save the world, J discovers how important K is to the survival of the species. Naturally, J has to convince K of his importance in an event that is yet to  happen, and J must learn to use technology from the past to secure the future of humanity.   

 

Sony Pictures

The formula this franchise has used to secure a stable following has not changed. Creative wacky creatures are all there but all of the special effects were magnified by  brilliant writing. It's touching to see what J endured to help his partner of 14 years, despite how much he dislikes K's grumpy nature. Ultimately, J discovers how much K cares for him in return in way he would have never known.  A noteworthy character is the fifth dimensional being who was indispensable in helping the duo anticipate Boris's next move. Much credit has to be given to the writing for creating such an entertaining, strange, brilliant, and kind character with a remarkable  ability that is essential to reaching the climax of the film.   

The content of the film is consistent with the previous two films. 
Very entertaining. However this film brings the audience closer or involves the audience more into the friendship of J and K. As with the previous films, this sequel did not disappoint. Metacritic.com rated the film 58/100 with mixed reviews. Rottentomatoes.com  granted the film 138 fresh tomatoes to 62 rotten ones for a favorable review. I'll rate it an 83.

A Noble Lie: Oklahoma City 1995

A Noble Lie is a detailed two hour documentary on the investigations related to the major figures of  the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, featuring interviews  of citizens, lawyers, politicians, journalist, and law enforcement officials who provide accounts presenting a case that there may have been a government coverup. While the facts in the film seem to build a strong case for suggesting a coverup, the "why" of the topic is not answered. Why would the government install blockades to prevent the "truth" from coming out? That is the puzzle to be put together. 

The SCAD (state crimes against democracy) theory was proffered; explaining how efforts to expose government wrong doing is treated.  There is no mention of motive in the explanation of  SCAD theory in the documentary. Taking away second amendment rights was suggested by  Alex Jones, but the actual reasons behind a possible government coverup remains to be discovered. In total, the documentary was well produced with stimulating facts, and  critical commentary.

Prometheus: David

20th Century Fox

Official Site: prometheus-movie
Director(s): Ridley Scott
Writer(s): John Spaihts, Damon Lendilof
Producer(s): Ridley Scott, Tony Scott  
Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Alba, Guy Pearce, Logan Marshall-Green.  

Dr. Shaw (Rapace) and Dr. Holloway's( Green) archeological discovery led them on a two year voyage funded by the Weyland corporation to a planet that may be key in revealing  the origins of humankind. Hoping to answer the ultimate questions of why humans exist, and who created them, both doctors lead a crew of  specialized professionals into a very dark cave like pyramid not only  to be astounded by existence of life, but life that possess matching human DNA.  Elation from this historical discovery subsided after Dr. Shaw came to understand,  the beings that created humankind also wanted to destroy it. 


The production was god like in detail, something Ridley Scott is known for. The grand scope of the ruins of the alien civilization appeared advanced while concurrently antiquated. At some point David ( Fassbender) was wearing a head piece with large protective eye wear that appeared contemporary, and not very futuristic. Beyond that, there is  nothing to complain about. The production added immeasurable value to the validity of the alien genesis of humankind, extinguishing doubt, an advanced civilization could not have engineered homosapiens.    

The pace of the film was good. There was no lag. Each scene had a definitive point that one could clearly  understand. But the action in certain scenes were simply satisfactory, but not amazing. Too often I was awaiting, and yearning  to be possessed by a detail that was bold or earth shattering, only to be satisfied by a detail that was simply interesting. The grand reveal was not so grand. The ultimate questions were only partially answered making me feel the entire film was one big tease.     

Has Prometheus lived up to the hype? To a degree. Claiming this film was a disappointment would be unfair since it was well directed, acted, produced, and written. There was something missing. More action perhaps, more meaningful alien interaction,whatever was missing, this film inflicted me with cinematic blue testicles. Metacritic.com noted a favorable review of 64/100. Rottentomatoes.com granted  a favorable review with 146 fresh tomatoes to 50 rotten ones.  I'll rate it an 83.    

Wanderlust: I Believe I Can Fly

Official Site: wanderlust-movie.com
Director(s): David Wain 
Writer(s): Ken Marino, David Wain
Producer(s): Judd Apatho, Ken Marino, Paul Rudd, David Wain
Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, Malin Akerman, Ken Marino, Justin Theroux


George( Rudd) and Linda (Aniston) are ambitious and determined to make it in New York, but their determination in achieving success is thwarted when George loses his job after law enforcement raided the company building and confiscated some of the assets. George is unemployed, along with his wife whose penguin documentary was rejected,  after HBO bluntly  told her it is depressing and simply not sexy " Fuck the penguins." 

Making matters worse, they recently purchased a very expensive "micro-loft", but  really it's a studio with a bed that pulls down from the wall.  Out of desperation they tried selling the the studio, I mean "micro-loft", but since the housing market truly despises appreciation, the value of the property decreased only weeks after the purchase. Having lost everything, George and  Linda reluctantly  traveled to Georgia to live with Rick, George's brother. 

On the way to Georgia,  looking for a hotel, the dead broke couple drove into a narrow somewhat muddy road surrounded by trees only to have their headlights spot  a naked thick-assed middle aged man who struck them as insane.That was George and Linda's introduction to the Elysium, a commune for hippies, the antithesis of  what they were striving to be in New York, or was it?    

Linda was hesitant in  becoming a member of the commune, but she eventually assimilated well. Feeling alive and happy, immersing herself into the zeitgeist of free love, vegetarianism, and asceticism, she discovered a passion for life that city culture was not proving. Having many passions from one year to the next was part of Linda's character, living in a commune was one of them. George, enthusiastic initially, was later angered by not having privacy. There were no doors to the bathrooms, and bedrooms. He did not like the food. Veganism was not for George. He wanted meat.


Finding a lifestyle hybrid in which there is bearable compromise between urban, and simple life, came to mind as I watched this  movie. Ascetic living offers a life not hampered by stuff, and the pressure to succeed. An urban life supported by the architecture of simplicity found in asceticism is achievable, by not living beyond one's means; a valuable lesson George and Linda learned.