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Monthly Archives: November 2012

Life of Pi (2012, dir. Ang Lee): cements Lee as one of the most versatile directors of our generation

25 Nov

220px-Life_of_Pi_2012_PosterTriumphant adaptation of the Man Booker Prize winning novel, Life of Pi works both for kids as a high seas survival adventure (plus Bengal tiger), and for adults, a meditation on the porous boundary between faith and imagination. e.g. Miss 3yo’s verdict: “It was better than Diego!” Certain to attract a host of Oscar noms, including the majors and the technicals (for the 3D effects).

Cements Ang Lee as one of the most versatile directors of our generation, capable of taking on even ‘unfilmable’ challenges, such as the Watchowski’s creditable take on Cloud Atlas earlier this year. I wonder if he’s on the shortlist for SW7-9? 🙂

 
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Posted by on November 25, 2012 in Film Reviews, Passive Media

 

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Lincoln (2012, dir. Steven Spielberg): an historical “West Wing”

18 Nov

220px-Lincoln_2012_Teaser_PosterAn historical “West Wing”. Focuses the action on the political drama around getting the House to pass the Thirteenth Amendment during January 1865, abolishing slavery before the Civil War ended and the moment passed. Brilliant Oscar-worthy performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, and an occasionally sparkling script based on historian Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln”

O how the Republican party has fallen! Spielberg showcases its glorious beginnings as the party of Lincoln: socially progressive, concerned with long-run social justice and economic prosperity (some rich people would lose big, and states’ rights would be trodden on, but that was not an issue), open to compromise and willing to put aside ideology to move the ball forward. If the Republicans of today can recapture this spirit and be inclusive of all 100%, they can start winning elections handily and keep Democrats on their toes.

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Posted by on November 18, 2012 in Film Reviews, Passive Media

 

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Skyfall (2012, dir. Sam Mendes): Bond’s 23rd outing makes up for Daniel Craig’s 2nd

10 Nov

Skyfall_posterDaniel Craig’s 3rd outing makes up for Quantum of Solace: it continues the rebooted series’ emphasis on a gritty, more vulnerable Bond, delving into aspects of his (and supporting characters’) origins, while also bringing back a little of the fun of pre-Craig Bonds (e.g. the cheesy one-liners, the familiar theme music, etc.) The not-so-good: Javier Bardem’s villain has an interesting setup but is reduced to a vanilla bad guy in the finale, the middle act meanders somewhat, and there are some inexplicable plot holes (e.g. if Q can control the tube why not just stop the train with Javier in it?) But overall, enjoyable entertainment for fans of Bond and action thrillers generally

 
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Posted by on November 10, 2012 in Film Reviews, Passive Media

 

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Flight (2012, dir. Robert Zemeckis): compelling character study of a compromised captain

03 Nov

220px-Flight_film_posterCompelling drama that opens with the protagonist pilot (Denzel Washington) saving most of the passengers from a catastrophic plane crash, and then shows the audience the real plane wreck: a riveting study of the pilot’s compromised character. Denzel’s best role in a long while, he will surely be nominated for an Oscar. Plus, Lance Armstrong could have done with legal counsel like Don Cheadle’s 🙂

 
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Posted by on November 3, 2012 in Film Reviews, Passive Media

 

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