Kramcast

Well I had to see what all the fuss was about.  Must admit that I had a hard time going in to see a silent film, but glad I did.  It took me about 20 minutes to settle in and understand why anyone in their right mind wouldn't do this movie in 3D and with full THX Surround Sound!  Anyway, once I decompressed, stopped missing my cell phone, quit worrying about the texts I was missing, and not checking in to 4 Square or Yelping my thoughts, I started to settle in to the movie....and I'm glad I did.  In fact, it became a treat to see a movie that actually required me to get involved.  Yes, I had to think.  Use my imagination.  Understand the characters by their acting, facial expressions, and fantastic music in charge of setting the tone and emotion of each scene.  Sure, it's a high brow film thats getting lots of love from the movie elite that live in the nostalgia of the way it was in Hollywood.  Of course this is all bullshit.  No one would ever trade their blockbuster films that rake in multimillions for the sake of pure art.  It's a darling of Hollywood and, Hell, who doesn't need a little nostalgia.  I'll end on this.  It's the best silent film I've ever seen.

This was a great surprise.  Cold war thriller done in a very deliberate style.  The movie doesn't come at you full on with Borne Identity action or CGI overload.  It's a bit of a throwback movie that gives you time to think and pay attention to details.  No spoonfeed dialogue here.  The film stays classy and brings you inside the British Secret service of the 70's by creating an atmosphere that was as cold and dry as it's time.  It relies more on the reality that time and space play in everyday life.  Nothing is forced and time moves at a realistic pace.  The characters all have depth and bring texture to the film.  Strong acting with a great cast.  Oldman steals the show but Firth and his cronies do an amazing job making you feel like you've stepped back in time.  They bring the paranoia of the cold war to life.  Be patient and pee before you go in.  If you miss a few minutes you might lose your place.  Go see this flick.

Didn't think it was possible to improve on the original version but they equaled it for sure and this one may have enough umph! to surpass.  The first 4 minute introduction is awesome!  Great Trent Reznor version of the Immigrant Song along with a video that would make TOOL jealous.  Very cool set up for the movie.  Daniel Craig does a great job as Blomkvist and Mara is as good as the original Lisbeth from the Swedish version.  I was curious what they would change and if they would stick with the brutality of the original - they did.  The shots are cold and dark, just like they should be.  There are a couple differences in the story near the end so even if you've read the book and saw the original movie, check this out for an "alternate" version.  At times it's hard to watch, but as is usually the case, the bad guys get it in the end.  I wouldn't bring kids or teens to this movie but then again, why do I care what you do.  It's a fun ride with lots of twists and turns.

Downey Jr. and Jude Law are back as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for the second installment of what appears to have a third in the works.  I thought previous was better than this one but there is no doubt these two work well together and their timing and chemistry are what really drive the engine and keep the films on track even during some truly ridiculous moments. This version of Sherlock Holmes isn't the one I imagined from my childhood.  Downey Jr.'s character is more like an ass kicking super hero.  At first it's a bit hard to handle, but as the movie goes you understand his mind and how he is able to pull off fighting multiple bad guys and winning with only a clothes pin ( or something ridiculous like that).  The bad guys are bad, up to no good, and it's up to Sherlock and Watson to stop them and save Europe and the World.  Just go with it and you'll be alright.

Let me start by saying that I need to see this movie again.  I had too much going on and forced this in my schedule.  Never a good idea especially for a movie like this.  Take Shelter is a journey into the mind that keeps you guessing what is real and what is not.  Michael Shannon gives a terrific performance as a man on the brink of losing his mind.  Family and friends are totally confused and unsure of his actions as the story unfolds.  Throw in some great creepy special effects and you've got yourself a psychological thriller!  Don't miss this one.

Clooney is back again getting some serious screen time in 2011 and deservedly so.  Maybe an Oscar nomination for this one but probably not a winning performance. (my vote is Pitt in Moneyball).  The Descendents is a very tragic story that takes place in Hawaii.  It's a great contradiction to watch this human drama unfold in paradise.  It's no accident and very well done.  Shoot very tragic scene - then pan right to most incredible landscape you've ever seen - perfect!  I thought there was just the right amount of comedy relief to keep The Descendant from being too heavy although it has it's share of weighty scenes.  Most people with families can relate to parts of this movie and some to a further extent.  One of the better flicks of the year.

Clooney and Gosling team up in this political thriller full of all the scandalous crap you'd expect in real life politics.  Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the seasoned adviser to the rising candidate (Clooney).  He guides the campaign through a series of sleazy back door deals and leaks perfectly timed mud slinging spin to the media to swing votes and add points to the polls.  Gosling is the young gun who still truly believes in his candidate and has yet to be jaded by the system.  Until, of course, he gets burned and becomes a casualty of the business of politics.  Not to say he doesn't make some bad choices of his own.  Thanks for all your help, we really appreciate all you've done.  Now eat your shit sandwich and enjoy it.

Scorsese get's his film on!  Seriously.  I had no idea what this movie about and it doesn't fully reveal itself until well into the second hour.  The movie is set in 1930's Paris and follows the story of a orphan boy that is determined to find a message he believes his father left.  I'm not getting into this any further because I'll screw it up.  The movie is slow and deliberate with great attention to detail and really tries to put you inside the Paris train station from a time perspective.  The old reel shots are great and the payoff definitely comes in the final 20 minutes.  Stick it out, it's worth it.

Not sure why this movie got such bad reviews.  I thought it was well done.  It is slow and can be dry and rigid at times, but it wouldn't be right to do it any other way.  I think it matches the personality of  J. Edgar himself (or at least as portrayed), so it makes sense.  Dicaprio does an excellent job bringing this eccentric public figure back to life.  Whether it's historical fact or fiction, I'm not sure, but it's damn interesting to know how the FBI came to life and how J. Edgar Hoover was it's life blood for so many years.  He ran the agency with a sense of purpose and conviction, but due to his overwhelming paranoia, he clouded his legacy by controlling people through fear.  The more I think about this movie and want to read up on the actual history, the more I thi