Film
While there are some holes in “Hanna”, director Joe Wright doesn’t let them interrupt the overall enjoyable experience of the film. Known for period movies where he dotes on scenic landscapes, he takes this opportunity to prove himself a thoroughly modern director here. Hanna. Directed by Joe Wright. The cast includes Cate Blanchett, Saoirse Ronan,…
For a film in which politics are of such moment, “Miral” longs to be apolitical — or just sublimely fuzzy. Schnabel wanted to make something warmhearted, beautiful, and decent, something that would give you a hint of how history — roughly from Partition to the Oslo accords — looked from the Palestinian side, and he has
succeeded …
The real draw of “Win Win” is its original and earnest story, combined with its unexpected humor. It’s not an overly complicated plot; it’s just life with all of its ups and downs.
The action, violence, and skimpy outfits are so omnipresent in Sucker Punch that the film not only stands out as a lush demonstration of what’s possible with CGI and modern filmmaking but could be seen as an example of “action porn.” Sucker Punch. Directed by Zack Snyder. The cast includes Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena…
It may be beautifully photographed, but this attempt to capture Charlotte Bronte’s literary classic on screen doesn’t bring anything new to the table, aside from playing up the hooking up in the manor. Jane Eyre should be more than a simple country romance.
In their understandable haste to cash in on the success of the Twilight series, director Catherine Hardwicke and writer David Johnson threw attractive people on a set without bothering to come up with a plot that makes them worth watching. Red Riding Hood. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke. The cast includes Amanda Seyfried, Gary Oldman, Billy…
The Adjustment Bureau is a surprisingly good, romantic movie considering that angels are determining the fate of star-crossed lovers and the plot is driven by such lines as “if you stay together, you will not only ruin your dreams, you will also ruin hers.” The Adjustment Bureau. Directed by George Nolfi. The cast includes Matt…
Running through March 14, the Jewish Film Festival is a thinking person’s cinema experience with provocative introductions and post-film Q and As.
March is shaping up to be the month for strong, female leads. Hollywood has its eye turned toward the classics, with Jane Eyre, Red Riding Hood, and a modern, stylized take on Alice in Wonderland in Sucker Punch. In addition, Boston hosts several film festivals including Jewishfilm.2011, the Irish Film Festival, and Wild & Scenic…
April shows more promise on the film front with the release of the action thriller “Hanna,” the courtroom drama “The Conspirator,” and the adaptation of the best-selling novel “Water for Elephants.” Boston local film festivals continue to showcase the best in independent and international films.
Visual Art Commentary: Silence Is Complicity — Why Museums Must Use Their Voice to Defend Democracy