Mogambo - 2 stars out of 10

Mogambo - 2 stars out of 10

“Mogambo” is significantly less exciting that the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  I approached this film with high expectations due to its three shining Hollywood stars, two Oscar nominations in acting, and being Grace Kelly’s first film.  …I should have done more research.  While the critics loved its star power, I found the film to be boring (as evidenced by my falling asleep within the first half-hour on both nights that I attempted to watch it).  Most of the dialogue is unnecessary to the furthering of the plot and it seemed like film should be about a gorilla hunt or a love triangle, not both.  The nature footage is quite stunning, particularly the apes, but this footage would've fared better as a nature documentary.  It is painfully obvious that the apes and actors were filmed in completely different places, but that doesn't really matter since it has very little to do with the love story anyways.  A mid-afternoon third attempt at watching the film allowed me to finish it.  Barely.  I’m glad that I finished it just so that I could get to the climactic scene but, other than those five minutes of movie magic, I don’t see any point in enduring “Mogambo.”

[Pictured: Not as good as you would think.]

Phone Booth - 7 stars out of 10

Phone Booth - 7 stars out of 10

“Phone Booth” is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that unravels in real time.  The concept is fantastic – a manipulative liar enters a phone booth to partake in his daily infidelity when a sniper contacts him and forces him to confess his sins at distant gunpoint.  While you might be thinking “How much could possibly happen if the entire thing takes place in a phone booth?”, the script is written in a way that constantly builds momentum and introduces characters into the story throughout.  It begins a little slow, but that is necessary so that the situation can begin subtly and then escalate.  The reason that this film works is the acting.  Colin Farrell plays his character in a way that we hate him and then pity him.  His emotions drive the plot and create a shift in our emotions (the way that he talks to his assistant, the mean things that he has to say to the police captain, his heartfelt confession to his wife).  Forest Whitaker is the other key to this story, allowing us to differentiate between the information that the characters know and the information that the audience knows.  And probably the most important part of the film is Kiefer Sutherland’s voice.  The way that he delivers the sniper’s dialogue makes us see him with disgust without ever seeing him.  Add in an amazing twist at the end and this strange concept becomes a worthwhile cinematic experience.  Could it have been done better?  Probably.  But “Phone Booth” is good enough that they don’t need to try.  Next time, just trap them on a ski lift or buried in the ground.

[Pictured: It is amazing how much action can occur in one phone booth.]

True Women - 7 stars out of 10

True Women - 7 stars out of 10

“True Women” is really impressive for a miniseries.  The acting of Dana Delany alone makes the three hours worthwhile.  She breathes life into Sara McClure, the strong-willed redhead that keeps her family strong throughout the many trials and heartaches of this story.  The script, based on the novel of the same name by Janice Woods Windle, is a clever web that intertwines three women’s lives around five decades of southern US history.  The characters are very well written as each possesses different beliefs and backgrounds that create conflict at times and unite them at other times.  I cannot say enough about the intelligent design behind the childhood friendship, slave ownership, and Native American blood.  From the Texas Revolution to the Civil War and Reconstruction, every event is made more significant through these characters’ attributes.  Everything is introduced early on with its significance being revealed far into the story.  The acting is very effective, creating strong emotions of anger toward Native Americans at some points, northerners at other points, and even our own government.  Annabeth Gish plays Euphemia with a lot of heart and, while this is Angelina Jolie’s best role (see “Girl, Interrupted” if you want to know what she really can do), she does a good job of portraying the bratty and mature sides of Georgia.  The downfall of this movie is its final few scenes.  I know that the filmmakers can’t exactly change the ending of the book, but there are a few overly-cheesy, not-believable moments that take away from the realism that makes this miniseries so good.  “True Women” exceeded my expectations.  It has amazing acting, a very poignant story, and several moments that will make you sit back and say “Wow, THAT is a true woman.”

[Pictured: Dana Delany, definitely the highlight of this film]

Breaking and Entering (2010) - 5 stars out of 10

Breaking and Entering (2010) - 5 stars out of 10

“Breaking and Entering” is an interesting chronicle of several everyday people in their pursuit to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.   Some of the records, such as the World’s Largest Hula Hoop, do not require any sort of skill.  Other records require training and a life-long commitment.  The format of the documentary takes us alongside a joggler, a stationary cyclist, and a grape catcher as they plan, prepare, and execute their record-breaking attempts.  Their stories are interspersed with other record holders who reflect on their own experiences.  At first, it seems unlikely that these characters could become heroes and the subject matter does not seem to be very dramatic; however, as the film unfolds, you will find yourself cheering for these everyday people and the surprising twists that appear in their stories.  George Hood is the most amazing of the featured men as he rides a stationary bike for 111 hours without sleep.  His sheer willpower as he fights through the pain is incredible.  Michal Kapral brings a different perspective of record-setting as he duels against another joggler in pursuit of the world record.  Since you probably don’t know, joggling is juggling three balls while running a marathon.  Ridiculous.  The most impressive part is that these guys are amongst the top finishers of each marathon even though they are juggling!  The Grape Guy brings unintended comic relief as he is reminiscent of a character in a Christopher Guest mockumentary.  You wouldn’t expect it, but “Breaking and Entering” is full of comedy, drama, and flat-out impressive record holders.

[Pictured: Joggler Michal Kapral can outrun all of us... while juggling]