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  • Weekend Openings (May 4-6)

    Or: How much money will Marvel Studios be swimming in on Sunday?

    Author: Robert Hamer
    May 4, 2012

    And so, in what seemed like an impossible dream to just about every comic book geek in the world, the first-ever major superhero crossover film finally opens in America today.  There’s really no point in pretending that this won’t absolutely kill at the box office this weekend, it’s just a matter of how high it can soar at this point:

    Read more on Weekend Openings (May 4-6)…

    October 27, 2011

    The rare film of this particular subject matter without an overt political axe to grind, ‘Margin Call’ is able to dive right into the financial collapse of 2008 without stopping to bash any one group.  The result of that is a rather smart drama, interested in details instead of politics.  In many ways, this is the movie that Oliver Stone might have made with his ‘Wall Street’ sequel had he not let his worst instincts get the best of him.  While it’s a bit too talky and low-key to make a real play with Oscar voters, it’s well made, undeniably well acted, and well worth your time as a viewer.  A classical greed vs. morality tale set in the financial sector, young writer/director J.C. Chandor has made a rather noteworthy debut.  He gets strong yet un-showy performances from his ensemble cast, and aside from one or two repetitive scenes, does a fine job at pacing his movie.  Keep an eye on this filmmaker, he’s one to watch.  The film as a whole is strong, but it’s particularly good as a calling card for Chandor and his talents.

    Read more on Margin Call (***)…

    October 19, 2011

    Writer/director Sam Levinson makes an incredibly impressive debut with the darkly comedic drama ‘Another Happy Day’, a dysfunctional family flick that’s far more than simply just that.  A hit at Sundance (and a winner of the Waldo Salt Award for Screenwriting), Levinson not only is able to craft an old fashioned acting showcase of a film, but he is able to join the growing list of second generation filmmakers that don’t make you think of their parental units at all.  Levinson had no prior experience behind the camera until this film, but it doesn’t show at all.  When you combine that with his writing skills and ability to coax the best out of his actors and actresses…the result is something rather special.  He gets memorable work from Ellen Barkin and Ezra Miller to go along with an eclectic ensemble cast (notably including Ellen Burstyn).  The flick is never boring and always has a bit more going on than it initially seems like.  At this point, I don’t hesitate to call this one of the 20 best films of the year so far.  Yes, it’s just that good.

    Read more on Another Happy Day (***½)…

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