Blogcritics Author: Gerald Wright

Movie Review: The Orphanage

Gerald Wright — Sat, 5 Jan 2008 13:52:25 EST

This is a good film from the new director and screenplay writer, but not a great one.
When I first saw this film listed as Spains' entry in the category of Best Foreign Language Film for the Academy Awards on the grid at the New York Film Festival (September 2007), I was excited to see "Guillermo Del Toro presents" tagged to its title. My first thought was about the film Pan's Labyrinth and what a statement it made in the 2006 world...

Movie Review: There Will Be Blood

Gerald Wright — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:06:47 EST

Sprawling tale of the early years of the oil industry.
In the tradition of such great epic films such as Giant, Citizen Kane, and Elmer Gantry comes this unforgettable cinematic marvel, a turn of the century character study of an oil magnate, an evangelical preacher, and the people they influenced. Based on the 1927 novel Oil by Upton Sinclair, this film depicts the early years of the oil industry in...

Movie Review: The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep

Gerald Wright — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 23:35:08 EST

In this great holiday family film, a mythical creature becomes a beautiful metaphor for a boy's relationship with his father.
This period-piece film of magic and friendship, based on the book The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith, opens the imagination of children of all ages to the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the perils of World War II, and the bonding of relationships.The story begins in a present-day Scottish pub where old Angus MacMorrow (Brian Cox) is entertaining a...

Movie Review: Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Gerald Wright — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:01:01 EST

Depp and Burton reunite in this dark musical tale of revenge.
Critically acclaimed film director Tim Burton and Academy Award nominated actor Johnny Depp have collaborated on several films over the years. In this dark, gothic tale set to music and gore in 18th century London, they are reunited. Sweeney Todd (Depp) is created from the fictional character who first came to prominence in a story called...

Movie Review: The Perfect Holiday

Gerald Wright — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:27:11 EST

A film with a lot of holiday cheer.
Christmas movies are usually about Santa Claus and this film does not stray too far from that premise. This romantic holiday flick is narrated by a sweet, kind-hearted Santa's helper who spreads the holiday cheer. Played by Queen Latifah (who's also one of the film's producer), she does not allow anything to stop her, not even a...

Movie Review: Revolver

Gerald Wright — Tue, 4 Dec 2007 19:55:27 EST

In my opinion, the con is on the ticket buyers.
The name Guy Ritchie evokes an enthusiastic response in some movie-goers. I am sure everyone's curiosity is aroused about Revolver, his new crime drama. The characters in this movie devise a plan on how men having a "formula" could win at will at everything they do in life. While examining this fascinating idea, the thriller takes a...

Movie Review: The Savages

Gerald Wright — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:13:52 EST

A tale of siblings who must come to grips with their father's illness.
In this witty dramedy, writer/director Tamara Jenkins (Slums of Beverly Hills) displays her talent by telling a bizarre family story. The tale is about the strained relationship between a middle-aged brother and sister, neither of whom ever married, and how they must come to grips with caring for their once emotionally abusive and neglectful...

Movie Review: I'm Not There

Gerald Wright — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:12:08 EST

A brilliant story that dramatizes Dylan's many metamorphoses...
This is a brilliant story that dramatizes Bob Dylan's metamorphoses; it utilizes different actors in completely different stories and genres, each one based on the musical themes and characteristics of a particular time in Dylan's life. Inspired by The Music & Many Lives of Bob Dylan, the actors portray a prophet, poet, outlaw,...

Movie Review: Margot At The Wedding

Gerald Wright — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:32:15 EST

Good writing and an excellent cast make for a worthwhile experience.
Noah Baumbach has proven himself as a master dramatist in The Squid and the Whale. In his new film, Margot At The Wedding, he has written and directed a highly spirited and funny human comedy that explores a ridiculous sibling relationship.Margot (Nicole Kidman), a bright, highly strung and opinionated novelist who creates chaos where ever she...

Movie Review: No Country For Old Men

Gerald Wright — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 04:58:26 EST

A tough, hypnotizing thriller based on the acclaimed novel by Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy.
No Country For Old Men is a tough, hypnotizing thriller based on the acclaimed novel of the same title by Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy. Set in 1980s southwest Texas, Academy Award winning filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen bring a terrifying and gripping adaptation of macho madness to the cinematic world.Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin),...