The Conspirator

Watched It - October 14, 2011

Stars - James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Kevin Kline
Director - Robert Redford
Rating - PG-13

In 20 Words or Less - A young lawyer from the North must defend a Southern woman accused of conspiring to assassinate President Lincoln.
Themes - Loyalty, justice, family bonds, situational ethics, patriotism, conscience, truth
Pros - Mr. Redford, his cast, and crew have put together a compelling story here.  The parallels between the 1860's post-Civil War America and the 2000's post-9/11 America are obvious.  Although my conservative political roots wanted me to dismiss the film as being too politically charged and left-leaning, I couldn't get away from the feeling that this movie had, at its core, a genuinely patriotic heart.  Although I cannot personally verify the historical accuracy of many aspects of the screenplay, I can say that it presented several very powerful and thought-provoking ideas and questions about justice, loyalty, and ethics.  The pacing and underlying tone of the movie were well suited to the subject matter.
Cons - This will sound strange, but I really did not like the portrayal of the Lincoln assassination at the opening of the film.  For some reason, I found it somewhat awkward and unconvincing.  I really feel the movie would have been better if that moment were left to our imagination.  Several of the supporting performances were quite weak.
Movie Moment - Frederick Aiken's case summation at the close of the trial--"If his mother can be convicted on such insufficient evidence, I tell you, none of you are safe!"
Genuineness - 9 out of 10

(500) Days of Summer

Watched It - October 7, 2011


Stars - Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Director - Marc Webb
Rating - PG-13


In 20 Words or Less - Tom must come to grips with a break-up that isn't a break-up and learn to let love be...love.
Pros - The screenplay is a welcome respite from Hollywood's typical Rom-Com formula.  This film has been described as "a post-modern love story."  Whatever it is, it was a quirky, intriguing movie that had some depth.  Zooey Deschanel's character was radiant, endearing and believable.
Cons - The couple's casual attitude about the depth of their relationship is reflective of many young people's aversion to genuine commitment.  (The film does, however, portray the damage such an attitude can create in the hearts of those involved.)
Movie Moment - The party scene that utilizes a split screen to show expectation vs. reality was creative and insightful.
Genuineness - 7 out of 10

The Italian Job (The New One)

Watched It - September 23, 2011

Stars - Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton
Director - F. Gary Gray
Rating - PG-13

In 20 Words or Less - A band of high-tech theives avenge one of their own and finish their biggest heist ever.
Themes - Betrayal, Revenge, Wealth, Happiness, Loyalty, Determination, Ingenuity
Pros - This is about as close to pure action that I get in a movie.  This film understands its identity.  It is what it is.  The director doesn't waste much time trying to make the movie into something deeper or more compelling.  It's just a fun, high-tech ride in a Mini-Cooper.  (3 of them, actually.)
Cons - I found the ending to be a bit anti-climactic.  It felt as if the writers didn't really know how to wrap it up in a big way.  It just...ended.  Seems like a bit of wasted momentum, in my opinion.
Movie Moment - It's a toss up between the boat chase in downtown Venice or the Mini-Coopers in downtown L.A.
Genuineness - 4 out of 10