A bunch of good stuff coming out this week, but nothing immediately jumps out as a clear Pick of the Week winner. After staring at the list for awhile, gradually one floated to the surface. The chosen one is a good film with highly unlikeable characters.
This weeks pick is none other than Mike Leigh's Closer. I remember watching this in the theater, and walking out with not much of an opinion. Since that time I have decided that I like it. The film has an odd time line that I could not immediately grasp, but once I did, it started to make sense. We see all different permutations of its four stars in a variety of relationships. But we only get to see the beginnings and endings of the relationships where the confrontations are charged and we see the worst of human nature.
The film has a great cast featuring Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, and Jude Law. They have great chemistry on screen, even when they are treating each other the worst that they can. Closer really is a dark and disturbed film populated very damaged, very unlikeable characters, and that is what brings about a certain fascination. It's not for everybody, but for those willing to try it, may get to like it.
Other releases to look for, or not:
- After the Sunset. A by the books caper film, buoyed by the gorgeous Salma Hayek.
- Apollo 13: 10th Anniversary Edition. Ron Howard's excellent space anchored by another wonderful performance from Tom Hanks.
- Kagemusha: The Criterion Collection. Kurosawa'a tale of a poor thief who must impersonate a deceased warlord. I haven't seen this yet.
- The Lone Gunmen: Complete Series. The short running spinoff of the X-Files didn't get enough of a shot. It also became the second series whose series finale actually took place on The X-Files, can you name the other?
- Nine Innings from Ground Zero. I had never heard of this, but it looks interesting.
- Orgazmo: Special Edition. An early film from the creators of South Park, it's not that good.
- Samurai Champloo Volume 2. Stylish anime series blending period samurai action and comedy with a hip hop beat.
- Sky High. I am a fan of the director's(Ryuhei Kitamura) other work, and I have heard good things about this tale of a serial killer and the supernatural.
- A Tale of Two Sisters. I have heard a lot of good things about this Korean film, a tale of dark relationships between step mothers and daughters.
- The Twilight Zone Definitive Edition Volume 2. A fully remastered version of the groundbreaking tv series.
- Vera Drake. I've heard a lot of good word about this film, but I can't say that I am terribly interested in seeing it.
Hopefully there is something for you.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
Millenium
2 - Chris Beaumont
Was it too easy? :)
3 - Aaman
Which episode of XFiles did the Lone Gunmen finish in?
4 - Phillip Winn
Chris, any fan remembers that as the episode of Mulder and Scully's first "real" kiss. :-P
5 - Chris Beaumont
Sadly, I don't remember what episode it was ended in, it's been awhile since I watched any X-Files.
I do however remember that kiss.....
6 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
tale of two sisters was one of my favourite flicks of last year, and if tartan have released the same set as they did on region 2, then it'll be packed with all sortsa commentaries and wonderments.
not wonderMINTS. i imagine brian wilson would kick their ass if they tried running off for to yack over a korean horror.
and i LOVED orgazmo. heh. i'm glad a decent version is now available.
7 - Triniman
I rather liked The Lone Gunmen. Too bad there wasn't a spot for them in TV land. If I had an alternative universe, they would be in their fourth season by now.
I totally disliked Closer. I felt the story was silly and the dialogue was vulgar, without much redeeming quality. It started out well, though, with the chance meeting at the aquarium.
After The Sunset had no edge to it. It's an excuse to market a Caribbean tourist destination. Poorly conceived film.
I really look forward to seeing Vera Drake. The lead actress won a ton of acclaim.