Usually, films based on acclaimed stage plays are relatively decent. Sure, they don’t capture the rawness and authenticity of a live production but normally, they’re somewhat adequate in recreating the story and adding a little pizzazz to the proceedings. With August Strindberg’s 1888 play Miss Julie, the line between theater and film is crossed with a unfortunately dull screen adaptation that features three very capable actors (Jessica Chastain, Colin Farrell and Samantha Morton), an attractive set and costumes but sadly, little else. Swedish Liv Ullmann filmmaker and actress helmed the film and with an impressive resume to her credit, it’s a shame Miss Julie wasn’t a bit better.
All posts by Unger the Radar
Comet
In the new indie dramedy Comet, the romantic relationship between a young man and woman is tested and presented in a rather unique way. Justin Long and Emmy Rossum’s characters go through the motions over the course of six years but the film’s plot is told in flashbacks and flash forwards, providing for a fresh take on the rom-com genre. The chemistry between the two stars is superb and the filmmaker’s style is oddly beautiful. While not a classic love story, it does offer viewers a chance to see a man and woman fall in and out of love and in again from a variety of different angles.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
In 2006, the world was introduced to the Night at the Museum film series, a cinematic adaptation of Milan Trenc’s 1993 children’s book of the same name. The film focused on Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) and his adventures as a night security guard at New York’s Museum of Natural History. A magical artifact eventually causes the exhibits to come alive and it is then up to Larry to basically survive the night. A sequel, Battle of the Smithsonian was released in 2009 and it continued the plot with Larry trying to survive another night, this time in Washington, D.C.’s famed Smithsonian Institution. A third and final installment, Secret of the Tomb, will be released this year during the holiday season, so the whole family can enjoy one final museum adventure with Larry and the gang.
Lap Dance
How far would you go to care for a sick loved one? What would you do to ensure that they get the very best care? The answers to these questions and more are answered in the new indie drama Lap Dance, a film which explores the relationship between people and people doing things that aren’t very favorable. Sacrifice is the main theme presented and while not a perfect film, it does offer some decent performances, a clever premise and some top notch direction.
Penguins of Madagascar
The Madagascar film series is one of the highest grossing animated film franchises of all time. Since 2005, three feature length films, a spinoff series and tons of merchandise have been produced to capitalize on the animated animals and their various adventures. A fourth film, Penguins of Madagascar is now out and it focuses on the exploits of the four lovable penguins who appeared in supporting roles throughout the franchise. With a mission to simply make more money, DreamWorks Animation is continuing its successful crusade but sadly, Penguins is overstuffed with stimulation which will delight young ones but will fall somewhat flat with parents.
The King and the Mockingbird
Animation is a realm in which pretty much anything is possible. Worlds and characters are created and art and story combine to form true visual magic. The French film The King and the Mockingbird is an animated adventure where such things are possible, good versus evil and heroes battle darkness. Originally conceived in 1948, the film took over three decades to finally be completed and was eventually released to the masses. 1980 saw the release of the film and with various modifications and tweaks over the years. It finally came to be and audiences and lovers of animation were in for a real treat. Even today, the film continues to soar and resonate with animation fans and lovers of good stories worldwide.
Butter on the Latch & Thou Wast Mild and Lovely
Josephine Decker is a brave young experimental artist in modern times, something of a rarity this day and age. Her medium of choice is film and she takes full advantage of the camera, lighting, and mise en scene. Every shot of her films tells a small story and when all of those shots combine, artistic magic begins to take place. She has two experimental films out now, Butter on the Latch and Thou Wast Mild and Lovely, and while both films are different, they each share strong similarities and highlight Decker’s artistic strengths.
Continue reading Butter on the Latch & Thou Wast Mild and Lovely
Take Care
There is no doubt that the break-up of a romantic relationship will yield certain residual awkwardness. That awkwardness would come usually come if or when one of the partners has a request of some sort. In the new indie rom com Take Care, this scenario is presented quite nicely and the results are relatively light and enjoyable. It is a film that feels as though it might have fared better on the small screen but the chemistry between the film’s two leads is so good and the script quite decent, that the pros certainly outweigh the cons.
Phobia
The human mind is capable of a great many things. A person’s perspective on a particular situation can be amplified to extreme heights and be either a blessing or a curse. In the latest horror/thriller Phobia, the limits of one man’s mind are pushed to absolute breaking point. An indie film, through and through, Phobia has some very strong performances and a very original plot, though it may feel a tad familiar. The film’s lead actors do an admirable job here and the apparent shoestring budget actually helps the film significantly by adding a great sense of realism and grit.
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
In the past few years, vampires on film have undergone something of a change. Thanks to Twilight, the vampire and romance genres have blended to make the fanged creature of the night into a hunky heartthrob with a soft side. Thankfully, that morphed version of Nosferatu hasn’t morphed the genre as a whole. The Iranian horror/western hybrid A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is faithful to vampires as bloodthirsty monsters but instead of making a love story fit only for the teenage girl demographic, this vampire tale has blood, genuine scares and yes, a quirky union between vampire and human.
Unger the Radar 