Valkyrie - 6 stars out of 10
“Valkyrie” tells the true story of a failed attempt to assassinate Adolph Hitler. The plot attempted to use Operation Valkyrie, the national emergency plan, to seize control of the country and it was planned and carried out by a group of German army officers. The logistics of the plot itself are fascinating and clever while the gumption of these officers-turned-vigilantes is admirable. The casting of Tom Cruise as Colonel Von Stauffenberg is a no-brainer as the two could be identical twins. His eight-month preparation and research for this role shows as he embodies von Stauffenberg. His acting is precise and articulate as he masterminds this potential history-altering plan. The other notable performance to me came from Tom Wilkinson as Colonel General Fromm, understanding the importance of the July 20 plot but attempting to stay loyal as long as Hitler is alive. His portrayal garners sympathy even though he is going against con Stauffenberg’s plan. While the movie is informative and historically accurate, it does have a tendency to drag on at times. The beginning paints this film to be a historical thriller and, while all of the acting is good, it is not enough to build momentum from the beginning to the end. I would definitely recommend “Valkyrie” to anybody who is interested in history, but just realize that it moves at the speed of a historical piece instead of a thriller.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Friday, August 1, 2014
Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians (2011) - 7 stars out of 10
Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians (2011) - 7 stars out of 10
I’m really not sure how I feel about “Holy Rollers.” Christianity and gambling don’t really mesh and that’s why people will actually watch this. Whether it is curiosity, a love for controversial topics, or a desire to judge these guys, it’s hard not to be interested in this concept. “Holy Rollers” chronicles a group of pastors and church members who count cards at Blackjack to support themselves as they dedicate the rest of their time to the church. While this group treats gambling as a business, so of the drama that they face seems un-Christian and that’s where I get a bit upset with this film. Still, it is really fun to watch these guys camble thousands of dollars as if it was Monopoly money. This movie has a lot of appeal because of its “WHAT?!?!? factor,” but realize that these men are portrayed very honestly and you might not always like what you see as their story progresses.
I’m really not sure how I feel about “Holy Rollers.” Christianity and gambling don’t really mesh and that’s why people will actually watch this. Whether it is curiosity, a love for controversial topics, or a desire to judge these guys, it’s hard not to be interested in this concept. “Holy Rollers” chronicles a group of pastors and church members who count cards at Blackjack to support themselves as they dedicate the rest of their time to the church. While this group treats gambling as a business, so of the drama that they face seems un-Christian and that’s where I get a bit upset with this film. Still, it is really fun to watch these guys camble thousands of dollars as if it was Monopoly money. This movie has a lot of appeal because of its “WHAT?!?!? factor,” but realize that these men are portrayed very honestly and you might not always like what you see as their story progresses.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Donnie Brasco - 10 stars out of 10
Donnie Brasco - 10 stars out of 10
“The Godfather” and “Goodfellas” are so iconic that there isn’t really space for any other crime film in the conversation, but “Donnie Brasco” will forever be the sleeper in this race. I am not foolish enough to suggest that this film is better than the aforementioned classics, but it does set itself apart by approaching the mob from a different angle: the FBI. This true story plays out perfectly as Joe Pistone (aka Donnie Brasco) is drawn so far into the Mafia that he has trouble separating his alias from his real life. Johnny Depp is magnificent as Pistone and it may be his greatest emotional role. The film has a few iconic moments, particularly Depp’s “forget-about-it” explanation. The real draw of this film is Al Pacino. Just when you think that he’s played his last great role, he steps into the shoes of Lefty Ruggiero. Lefty is not the type of Mafia member that we are used to in the movies. He is loyal to a fault and continually passed over by the family, struggling to make ends meet and wondering what has happened to his life. Pacino captures that frustration with perfection. I did not expect much from Anne Heche (especially after seeing her in the “Psycho” remake), but she was absolutely stunning. The emotions behind her dialogue as she confronts her changing husband have resulted in one of my favorite lines from any movie: “Why do you hate me, when I love you so much?” I also have to point out that Paul Giamatti and, no matter how small the role, he makes every movie better. This film was honored with a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay but with movies like “The Fully Monty” and “L.A. Confidential” in the running, it is hard to believe that this was not nominated for Best Picture. “Donnie Brasco” is an amazing true story that will satisfy your need for the mob while letting the good guys win for once.
“The Godfather” and “Goodfellas” are so iconic that there isn’t really space for any other crime film in the conversation, but “Donnie Brasco” will forever be the sleeper in this race. I am not foolish enough to suggest that this film is better than the aforementioned classics, but it does set itself apart by approaching the mob from a different angle: the FBI. This true story plays out perfectly as Joe Pistone (aka Donnie Brasco) is drawn so far into the Mafia that he has trouble separating his alias from his real life. Johnny Depp is magnificent as Pistone and it may be his greatest emotional role. The film has a few iconic moments, particularly Depp’s “forget-about-it” explanation. The real draw of this film is Al Pacino. Just when you think that he’s played his last great role, he steps into the shoes of Lefty Ruggiero. Lefty is not the type of Mafia member that we are used to in the movies. He is loyal to a fault and continually passed over by the family, struggling to make ends meet and wondering what has happened to his life. Pacino captures that frustration with perfection. I did not expect much from Anne Heche (especially after seeing her in the “Psycho” remake), but she was absolutely stunning. The emotions behind her dialogue as she confronts her changing husband have resulted in one of my favorite lines from any movie: “Why do you hate me, when I love you so much?” I also have to point out that Paul Giamatti and, no matter how small the role, he makes every movie better. This film was honored with a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay but with movies like “The Fully Monty” and “L.A. Confidential” in the running, it is hard to believe that this was not nominated for Best Picture. “Donnie Brasco” is an amazing true story that will satisfy your need for the mob while letting the good guys win for once.
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