Sorry about the lack of updates recently. Work has been busy. But just because I haven’t had time to write any movies up doesn’t mean that I haven’t been watching any. Here’s a quick rundown of the things I have seen in the last few weeks:

Doubt (2008)

Directed by John Patrick Shanley

Starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymore Hoffman, Amy Adams

Very compelling and thought-provoking film. I think it deserved all of the awards attention that it got, and more. I really thought PSH was at the top of his game. Since the movie is about suspicion, some story events that are key to the plot are never shown, so the clues to what actually occurred are limited to the actors expressions, tone, and reactions. PSH does an amazing job communicating so much, while saying so little. Meryl Streep does a great job as usual. I am still not a fan of Amy Adams. I’m not really sure what anyone sees as especially talented about her.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

Rent It

Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)

Directed by Woody Allen

Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Anjelica Huston, Alan Alda

Essentially a Hitchcock thriller with Woody Allen nervously whining and posturing throughout. In the end I did enjoy the movie, but the first two acts did prove rather tedious. The dysfunctional relationships are there, but the film lacks any real insight that one comes to expect from Woody Allen when he’s at the top of his game. The third act does, however, provide a satisfying conclusion to the murder mystery plot.

Interesting to note though that Allen’s Best Picturing winning Annie Hall (1977) was originally supposed to include a subplot about a murder mystery, but this idea was subsequenttly dropped. With MMM, Allen co-wrote again with Annie Hall co-screenwriter Marshall Brickman.

Skip It unless you found the stuff I just wrote intriguing.

Let The Right One In (2008)

Synopsis: “Oskar, a bullied 12-year old, dreams of revenge. He falls in love with Eli, a peculiar girl. She can’t stand the sun or food and to come into a room she needs to be invited. Eli gives Oskar the strength to hit back but when he realizes that Eli needs to drink other people’s blood to live he’s faced with a choice. How much can love forgive? Let The Right One In is a story both violent and highly romantic, set in the Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg in 1982.

As my buddy JJ said, “This is the best Swedish Coming of Age Vampire Drama that I’ve seen in a while.” I’m paraphrasing, but you get the idea. This movie is unique. Really touching and haunting at the same time. I definitely recommend it.

Rent It