Albert Nobbs - 7 stars out of 10

Albert Nobbs - 7 stars out of 10

"Albert Nobbs" is one of the strangest movies that I have ever seen.  And yet, that is why I liked it so much.  Its unique story is unlike any other.  The idea of a character changing their gender to deal with the situation at hand is not uncommon in the film industry.  It's been done in comedies like "Tootsie" and "Some Like It Hot," and even in Disney films like "Mulan", always with a specific purpose to resolve part of the story.  But in "Albert Nobbs," it is a way of life, not a means of resolution.  I can't describe it, but this film just feels different than any due to its atmosphere.  The only way to describe Glenn Close's performance is "unbelievable."  You would never believe that this is the same woman who starred in "Fatal Attraction" and then played Cruella DeVil.  In fact, in the moment when it comes time for her to try to act as a woman, she really gives the impression that it is more natural for her to be a man than a woman.  It truly feels as if Albert Nobbs is actually played by a man throughout the film.  You just have to see it to understand how incredible this performance is.  Thank goodness that she was recognized with an Oscar nomination, though it was a very challenging Oscar class with Viola Davis nominated for "The Help" and Meryl Streep being nominated for anything.  The acting is strong all around, Janet McTeer also pulling her weight as a man.  Once again, the role is so convincing that I honestly cannot envision her as a woman.  Both actresses (actors?) have many mannerisms but Close is timid and McTeer is agressive, adding more layers to the incomprehensible nature of the film.  Other performances of note are Aaron Johnson who has established his ability to play versatile roles, whether comedic or dramatic.  I also really loved Mia Wasikowska's performance in the way that she treated her two romances - using Albert and feeling passion for Joe.  Although the acting is the true reason to see this film, the script itself impressed me as the film takes several unexpected twists and turns.  It is truly difficult to describe this film so just go and see it - it will be unlike anything that you have ever watched.

The Conspirator - 6 stars out of 10

The Conspirator - 6 stars out of 10

"The Conspirator" is an interesting period piece that brings to life one of America's toughest historical circumstances.  The entire film carries a sense of tension similar to what must have been felt as the North and South were at odds following Lincoln's assassination.  The film is slow-moving but I liked the script, developing sympathy for Mary Surratt and making a compelling court case for her innocence.  The strongest actor in the film is Robin Wright as Mary Surratt, portraying the entire spectrum of emotions from anger to fear to helplessness.  I also enjoyed Tom Wilkinson as the Senator, Danny Huston as the Prosecutor, and Kevin Kline as the Secretary of War.  James McAvoy and Evan Rachel Wood didn't reach the full potential of their lead roles and as a result, the film is just lacking something.  Even though the film doesn't have my highest rating, it is worth watching just for the cinematography of the final 10 minutes.  The images are vivid and the hanging is very artistic.  It isn't the best courtroom drama or Civil War period piece, but aspects of this Robert Redford-directed film make it worth watching.

Metropolis (1927) - 4 stars out of 10

Metropolis (1927) - 4 stars out of 10

Before you read this review, I should give the disclaimer that silent films are not my thing.  I know that it is highly respected in film circles and my low rating is merely a reflection of my trouble getting into silent films.  And it is just so long for a silent film.  Most silent films are 70 minutes long and feel like two hours.  This film is 150 minutes long and feels like it goes on for days.  The dystopian atmosphere is very cool as the world is inhabited by an entitled high class and a manure-shoveling lower class.  I was impressed with the elaborate sets and special effects incorporated into the film - Fritz Lang had great vision considering that this was made in the 20's.  However, that glamour was the main draw as the story does not accomplish much for a 2+ hour runtime.  The real highlight for me were the gorgeous musical themes created by Gottfried Huppertz.  I would gladly put this film on in the background late at night and fall asleep to this gorgeous Wagnerian music.  I'll credit Brigitte Helm for convincingly playing two personas.  Her dancing sped up into fast motion made her into a really creepy robot, not to mention the strange winking facial expressions.  I actually wish that I could see the shorter version of this film before they rediscovered the lost footage.  150 minutes is just way too much time to invest into a silent film with a simplistic plot.

Jane Eyre (2011) - 3 stars out of 10

Jane Eyre (2011) - 3 stars out of 10

Excellent story, average execution.  The 2011 version of "Jane Eyre" takes a few different approaches to Charlotte Bronte's famous story, particularly through its use of flashbacks and an ending without a conclusion.  I criticize this film because of my love for the 1943 Orson Welles/Joan Fontaine.version, but that one is so amazing that major changes are unnecessary.  I did not care for the flashback storytelling technique because there isn't really anything to gain by seeing where she is at that "present time" point in her life.  In fact, all that it does is dramatically shorten the telling of Jane's childhood, which is vital to understanding her character's disposition.  The flashback technique also kept the writers from concluding the film properly.  Once the flashback catches up to the present, time has more of a "real time" feel which would make it awkward to suddenly jump ahead 9 months.  Outside of the script, I don't feel that Mia Wasikowska or Michael Fassbender  reached the potential depth of their lead characters.  Dame Judi Dench is wonderful as Mrs. Fairfax (when isn't she wonderful?), but I don't feel that there are any other actors worth noting.  Perhaps the biggest disappointment is that this film is overwhelmingly boring.  I mean, I love this story and it STILL put me to sleep!  The shaky camera cinematography gives this film a realistic feel, but I can't say that it makes the film worth watching.  The only real reason to watch "Jane Eyre" is for Bronte's classic story, but I'd definitely recommend the 1943 version over this one.

National Lampoon's Animal House - 7 stars out of 10

National Lampoon's Animal House - 7 stars out of 10

This is truly a classic from which many movies have taken inspiration.  This movie is all about the stereotyped characters and putting them into ridiculous situations.  From Belushi's ladder outside of the sorority house to the TOGA!!!, this movie does a great job of mocking the Greek system.  From the very start when the frat guys are putting all of the losers in the corner, the comedy never falters.  John Belushi has so many great scenes like the food line in the cafeteria, or the fact that he utters no more than 20 words throughout the movie then suddenly bursts into his nonsensical speech.  Tom Hulce is fantastic as he gets absorbed into the Greek life.  Even Karen Allen sports a great role in her film debut.  If you haven't seen this one, you're missing out on a piece of movie history.

The African Queen - 5 stars out of 10

The African Queen - 5 stars out of 10

I love Humphrey Bogart and am glad that he won an Oscar, but he should have won for one of his "cool" characters (like in Casablanca), not for this.  I have a hard time believing that this role beat Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire.  "The African Queen" is entertaining, particularly in the scene where Katharine Hepburn ignores Bogart, but other than a moment here or there it just didn't do it for me.  Though it features two of the greatest actors of all time, a poor script makes it often feel overacted.  Try it if you want but I can think of dozens of Classics that I would rather recommend to you ahead of this one.