Movie of the Week: The Truman Show

This movie is perfect. It's amazing to watch the film because of Jim Carey and his range as an actor. You can't even tell that he's a comedian in this role.
Peter Weir (one of the unsung directors of Hollywood with hits like Master and Commander, Dead Poet's Society, etc.) did an amazing job putting this story together and creating the world in which Truman lives. It's fascinating to watch the special features: the actors think that the story is just commentary on reality TV as opposed to what Mr. Weir understood about the movie. It's a story about free choice and whether or not Truman is really free in this 'perfect' world that was created for him. There's a reason that the 'Creator' of the world is called Christof (Christ-off or Anti-Christ).
Overall, a very thought provoking film that is superbly acted, amazingly scripted, and beautifully scored. 5 out of 5. Well played, Peter Weir!

I Am Number Four...is almost a 4 out of 5

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
It is most certainly considered a 'teen' movie, but don't let that turn you off! Unlike certain other recent teen fantasy films, there is no brooding and absolutely no sparkling. It very much reminded me of the first season of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer: not necessarily a polished product, but has very strong potential and very good characters.
The story was also wonderful. It really wasn't predictable in the way that most fantasy films are these days. This franchise has a ton of potential.
Overall, I recommend it if you have any inclination towards the teen movie genre.

Movie of the Week: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

What a valentines treat! My wife was willing to watch this, one of my favorite films of all time, with me as our Valentine's activity.
It's hard to say that that this is Spielberg's finest, because he has directed such a fine array of films over the years. But, because of the content of the story, this remains my favorite of his. It's spiritual, heartfelt, family oriented, action-packed, and hilarious!
There are three scenes/sequences that really define the heart of the this movie and show why I love it so much.
First, there's the beginning scene where young Indy (wonderfully played by the tragically deceased River Phoenix) finds a group of tomb raiders and self-righteously takes it upon himself to make sure the Cross they are stealing gets to a museum. The most fascinating part of this 'ride' that Spielberg takes us on is the character actor they get to play the head tomb raider: he is wearing the exact fedora and bomber jacket that Indy himself wears later in life. The fellow even tries to act and nuance like Mr. Harrison Ford! This shows such a great contrast to his father who is nothing like the adventure-driven archaeologist we have come to know and love. It's as if we are being told that Indy got the brilliant bookworm knowledge from his father, but his swashbuckling attitude/thirst from somewhere else.
Second is the scene where Indy and his father are about to go to Berlin to get the diary. At this point Indy takes our Lord's name in vain, and his father slaps him followed soon thereafter with the phrase: "That's for blasphemy." The ensuing conversation about why they need to find the Grail shows that it IS much more black and white than any other adventure they have been on before. This really hits home for me, because at this point Indy starts taking things much more seriously. This is no longer a random adventure like a James Bond movie: It's for keeps. This scene and along with the book burning in the next scene touched emotions in me so (both good and ill).
The final scene that defines the picture was when Indiana was about to fall to his death, trying to reach the Grail. At this point his father is trying to pull him up, and without success. Finally his father calls him, for the first time, "Indiana." This gets his attention and seals their rocky relationship with a bond of love that even the life-long obsession of Henry Sr. (The Holy Grail) cannot get in the way.

Overall I really do have to give this a perfect 5/5 stars. It still remains at the top of my list with The Two Towers and Miracle.

Movie of the Week: Million Dollar Baby

I have to give it a 4/4 stars. All the acting, in particular Hillary Swank, is beyond superb. There's a reason that this swept the Oscars in 2004.
The story is touching, although the ending is a little sad for my taste. I have a difficult time swallowing the choice that is made, but I guess some people just feel that this is their only choice. Obviously I have a different perspective, with my views on the purpose of life being very different.
This is the epitome of why Clint Eastwood is my favorite director. It's sooooo beautifully shot. I just can't enough of anything that this man creates!