BELLE BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELLAUGUST 26, 2014 Having starred in countless television movies and adding small supporting roles to recent films like “Larry Crowne” and “Odd Thomas”, actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw makes her first breakout leading performance in Amma Asante’s first film in almost a decade, the period piece titled “Belle”. Based on a 1779 painting of the real-life Dido Elizabeth Belle next to her cousin, … Read More Quick Review: Belle (2014)
THE BOOK THIEF BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELLMARCH 15, 2014 Having never read the book and having only experienced the trailer, I was fully under the impression that “The Book Thief” was more of a children’s film than that of one for adults, to which I was wholly wrong. With distinct themes of death and war, the film takes an interesting look at devotion and deep-rooted … Read More Movie Review: The Book Thief (2013)
GOSFORD PARK BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELLOCTOBER 19, 2013 Anyone that has a fascination with “Clue” or “Downton Abbey” or “Boardwalk Empire” will get a kick out of 2001’s “Gosford Park.” Openly the launching point for the PBS series “Downton Abbey, ” it shows that Maggie Smith stars in both incarnations with a subtly and humor that is unmatched throughout the film. With a huge ensemble … Read More Quick Review: Gosford Park (2002)
“Cold Souls” gives off a brilliance that is not transparent from the first viewing. Catching glimpses of the stills of the film, I am reassured that the film is visually appealing, along with a rare and effective performance by Giamatti, delivering his own, off-kiltered version of “Punch Drunk Love”. It is the presence of Giamatti that makes these Indy films like “Cold Souls” the masterpieces that they are. Without him, the film would be soulless.
With all the correct pieces set in place, The Proposition carries on the legacy of the genre successfully and breathes life back into the fading Westerns. The Proposition shatters most expectations, leaving absolutely every aspect of the film respectfully transparent. This is the West and it feels authentic.
