Laid Off : Purgatory

This is a short film about a deceased man named Martin (John Paul Hurley) who is apparently stuck in purgatory, and he is providing a narrative of the experience. Part of his experience involves bereavement counseling every two weeks with other deceased people who are trapped in purgatory. As the days pass, Martin does the best he can to cope with being ignored by the living amongst other things. After all, Martin is dead. Regrets, boredom, and ambitions of "moving up" dominates martins thoughts as he wonders aimlessly. I found this shorty enjoyable becasue Maritn was dead but he still behaved as if he had a place amongts the living.

Nazi Symbol Blowing Up!

Valkyrie: "Long live our holy Germany!"

Official Site: valkyrie.unitedartists.com
Director(s): Bryan Singer
Writer(s): Christopher McQuarrie, Nathan Alexander
Producer(s): Gilbert Adler, Christopher McQuarrie, Bryan Singer,

Starring: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Carice van Houte, Thomas Kretschmann, Terence Stamp(IMDb).

Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg was one the key conspirators who wanted to assassinate Hitler because he wanted Germany to be a country that was far different from the one Hitler built. The conspiracy to remove Hitler from power would be consummated by activating the reserve army against the SS, on the pretext of an SS insurrection. After planting a bomb next to Hitler in a meeting, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg and his co-conspirators began seizing control of Hitler's Germany.

This film makes history interesting for those who are not so historically inclined. The plot is clearly presented with no deviation. In the course of the entire film, although the multitude of personages were somewhat difficult to track, these characters were so interesting and powerful that they left an impression despite not knowing who they were in detail. The suspense in the film also contributed to the film being interesting. Not only was this film insightful, it was entertaining, and again making it very interesting.

Great acting, great casting, great sound work, and great production, Valkyrie was a generally well crafted film that featured men and women who risked their lives so that an entire country could live without dictatorial restraints. Good Stuff. I'll grade it between an A-and B+. Rated Pg-13, 120 minutes.

Stauffenberg Stamp

Doubt: Gossip

Official Site: doubt-themovie.com
Director(s): John Patrick Shanley
Writer(s): John Patrick Shanley
Producer(s): Scott Rudin

Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Viola Davis, and Joseph Foster(IMDb). Rated Pg-13, 104 minutes.

Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep) developed a skeptical attitude toward Father Brendan Flynn(Hoffman), first, after she saw a student pull away from him as he asked the young man about his fingernails, and second, after she attended the father's sermon about doubt. Her skepticism of Father Flynn transformed into a brand certainty when she learned of Father Flynn's very close relationship with Donald Miller(Joseph Foster).

I don't know if the acting could have been any better. The performances were amazing. In character, Hoffman and Streep seemed to have a sophisticated dislike for each other. There was shouting, and wit, in those heated arguments that were performed impeccably. Hoffman's facial expressions of anger were so genuine, while Streep displayed contradictorily stoic but yet angry facial expressions.

There were two key scenes in this film. The first scene was the meeting between Father Flynn, Sister James(Amy Adams), and Sister Beauvier about his relationship with Donald Miller. The second scene was the meeting between Sister Beauvier, and Mrs. Miller. The second scene is the one to watch for.

According to metacritic.com the film received generally favorable reviews, and according to rottentomatoes.com the film earned 98 fresh tomatoes to 31 rotten ones thus far. Great film. I'll grade it between an A- and B+.

Trailer

Movie Clip

Meryl Streep Interview


Cast Interview

The Spirit: The Perfect Ass

Official Site: mycityscreams.com
Director(s): Frank Miller,
Writer(s): Will Eisner, Frank Miller
Producer(s): Deborah Del Prete, Gigi Pritzker, Michael E. Uslan

Starring: Gabriel Macht, Eva Mendes, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Sarah Paulson,(IMDb). Rated PG-13. 103 minutes.

Initially "The Spirit" does not know how he became invincible, but later while in captivity by the hands of "The Octopus" he finds out. His invincibility led him to become a superhero who defended the city from The Octopus. However, he has someone else to worry about, his childhood crush who grew into a criminal called Sand Saref.

My main expectation for this film was not met. That expectation was really cool action scenes. Notably these scenes were missing, and the scenes that were in the movie were teasers more than anything, because I felt as if they could have been more exciting. In about two of the scenes, instead of seeing the actual fight, the fight was seen as a shadow on the wall as oppose to that actual actors.

The plot of the film was not emphasized to the point that it was clearly presented. Myth driven , Sand Saref was searching for the golden treasure of Jason and the Argonauts, while " The Octopus" searched for the blood of Hercules. The search for these treasures were not the core element of the film, and it was difficult to describe what the core element was, it seemed like the plot was lost in the effort of making the film cool.

Indeed the appearance of he film was cool, and furthermore it was surprisingly funny, and perhaps the film should of been advertised as an action comedy. The Spirit was entertaining because of its quirky lines, and its aesthetic appeal. Samuel Jackson was funny, and Eva Mendez was perfect for the role. According to metacritic.com the film received generally negative reviews. And according to rottentomatoes.com the film earned 9 fresh tomatoes to 47 rotten ones thus far. This film was OK, I'll give it a C. Stay tuned, movieporium.blogspot.com.


Trailer


Movie Clip


Samuel Jackson and Scarlett Johansson Interview


Eva Mendez Interview