Oct 6: Primal Fear

"An altar boy is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep."

Directed by: Gregory Hoblit, Rated: R, 129 minutes

Courtroom dramas are really hard to sell. For the most part, they can be very boring, predictable, and all kinds of stupid. Of course, there are a handful that are the exception (To Kill a Mockingbird, A Time to Kill, 12 Angry Men). Primal Fear can be put on the same list as those films. It's a much smaller film then the others and not quite as flashy (or as "classic"), but it manages to deliver incredible performances and tell a rather twisty story that grows more interesting as the movie progresses. Oh, and it introduces us to Edward Norton. 

Without Primal Fear, we wouldn't  have Fight Club, American History X, The Illusionist, or 25th Hour

The film follows Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a hotshot attorney who works more for the fame than for justice. He'll make deals for his clients as though they're worthless and do whatever he can to get his name all over the place. Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) is a stuttering altar boy from Kentucky. He's arrested for murdering the arch-bishop of Chicago, in a seemingly easy to close case. He's found covered in blood and with the bishop's ring in his pocket. Vail, seeing a moment to garner more fame and attention, agrees to represent Aaron, pro-bono. As the case unravels, and Vail continues to press Aaron for details of the murder, much is revealed to the shock of both the characters in the film and the audience at home.

It's a complicated film that slowly ravels, never feeling forced or 'gimmicky'

It's easy to point out the best part of the film. The acting is absolutely flawless. Richard Gere is perfect as Vail, bringing his natural charisma and machismo to a character that's all too full of himself. As he realizes there is more to the case then a quick trial, he steps up his game and proves he's as good of a lawyer as he is a braggart. His supporting crew is just as impressive, with Frances McDormand playing the sympathetic psychiatrist, Andre Braugher playing his best friend and assistant, and Maura Tierney as his paralegal. However, in the midst of all these performances (from veteran actors), the star is Edward Norton. In his first role ever, Norton is phenomenal from the get-go. The character of Aaron is much more complex than you can gather from the initial introduction, and seeing where his character goes is not only shocking but incredible to watch. Seeing as this is our first look at Norton and his ability, you can easily see how he's one of the best actors working today. 

Something about this guy pisses me the f**k off but he does (on occasion)  remind me of how great he can really be. 

I would highly recommend Primal Fear. It's a courtroom drama that packs incredible performances into a small little film. It's very heavy on the dialogue, and it's completely up to the actors to make the film as good as it is (they deliver). The dialogue is strong, the plot is engaging, and Primal Fear is the kind of film that leaves you floored at its conclusion. Even if you've seen it before, and know how it all plays out, the ending still has quite the power behind it. Edward Norton is perfect as Aaron Stampler and takes the film to great heights, throwing it well past average and into unforgettable. Gere, who I am not usually a fan of, holds his own just as well and reminds us why he's a leading man. Go find this movie as fast as you can. The courtroom never looked so engaging. 

The Good:

a simple film that goes places you'd never expect, turning a small movie into a larger masterpiece

The Better:

a supporting cast that holds their own, standing behind the very talented Richard Gere

The Best:

Edward Norton in his first role, showing that from the very beginning that he's incredible

Overall: 8.6/10

Trailer:

Sept 27: Rounders

"A young man is a reformed gambler who must return to playing big stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks."

Directed by: John Dahl, Rated: R, 121 minutes

Poker is an incredibly popular sport, with it's popularity growing even more each year. Sure, it's not a contact sport like football, or as fast-paced as basketball. Hell, it doesn't even have the American past-time magic like baseball. But nonetheless, it's a very exciting game that pits man against man and can make or break someone (in seconds). So, it leaves you wondering why more movies haven't been about the sport. I mean, the game is thrilling in its own right so you can imagine how suspenseful a movie about poker could be. Well, keeping up with the earlier sports comparisons, Rounders is to poker what Field of Dreams is to baseball and Hoosiers is to basketball. 

Although I think corn whispering in poker would be considered cheating. 

Matt Damon plays Mike, a wannabe law student who struggles with an addiction to gambling. After losing everything he has to the Oreo-loving Russian, KGB (John Malkovich), Mike vows to never play again. However, an old friend from his past, Worm (Edward Norton), is released from prison and immediately wants back in the game. The two flirt with a couple of games, falling back into their old routines of playing off one another and hustling "rookies". Worm tells Mike that the game is more than just fun for him and reveals he's in debt to the wrong guy. Mike, being the great friend he is, vouches for Worm and tells the collector he's good for the money. The two have five days to win $15,000 or fear the worst. 

Oreo, milk's (and Russia's) favorite cookie. 

The best part of Rounders is the acting. In the fast-talking, gripping world of poker, you need damn good actors to play the part realistically. Matt Damon is terrific as Mike, who's simply a good guy who gets in too deep. He's confident and charismatic, and can keep up with the script and each hand dealt to him. He's the guy you want to root for no matter what situation he finds himself in, and seeing him struggle is harder to watch than it would be with other actors in the role. Of course, Edward Norton plays his anti-hero partner to great effect, playing the down and out dog, practically kicked to death with just enough sleeze to hate but with enough sympathy to cheer for (kind of).  The supporting cast is also superb with Gretchen Mol, Martin Landau, and John Tuturro fleshing out the film. 

Grandpa Landau has a very emotional scene where he talks about being old and awesome. 

Even if you're not a fan of poker (Rounders teaches you how to play almost immediately after it starts), the movie is still fun to watch. Sure, it has it's problems- specifically in the pacing department, and the ending is very predictable, but as an overall film it's worth the time. Poker's a great sport and deserves more attention outside the tables in Vegas. Rounders does it justice. Director John Dahl manages to capture the intensity of the sport to great effect, all with the help of a tremdendous cast. Rounders is the perfect follow-up to Good Will Hunting for the (then) young Matt Damon, and shows early signs that the kid's going to become the star he is today. I would highly recommend the film. 

The Good:

showcasing a sport that doesn't get the attention it deserves, all with a great cast led by Matt Damon

The Bad:

pacing problems that can be easily ignored but still lead you see where the movie's going almost immediately once it gets started

The Ugly:

wondering what it would feel like to lose $15,000 in a single hand of poker and having your entire life pulled out from under you

Overall: 7.6/10

Trailer:

For more poker news, tips, and information, head to Pokerlistings.com. 

June 24: Moonrise Kingdom

"A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them."

I am a huge fan of Wes Anderson and every single one of his films. I especially love Rushmore, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and even the underrated The Darjeeling Limited. He has a very unique approach to his movies, painting them as almost live-action storybooks, with vibrant colors, beautiful sets, and characters that are a little too over-the-top for the real world. He is certainly an acquired taste and many may find his movies to be a little too odd, but each one is its own work of art, and Moonrise Kingdom is no exception. In fact, it's one of Anderson's strongest, most imaginative films. 

The story follows Sam and Suzy (newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward), two young lovers who decide they have had enough with their families and friends and decide to run away together. The only thing, however, is that they are situated on a 16 mile island and don't have the widest of spaces to run off to. The runaways cause quite the ruckus in the small island community and everyone, from the only police officer, Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis), to a dedicated, yet confused Khaki Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton), join in the search for the two secret lovers. And thus, Moonrise Kingdom plays out in glorious fashion, mixing romantic and comedic themes, while interlacing a somewhat violent manhunt, as though the runaways are fugitives eluding capture. The shakeup of themes leads to a rather unpredictable story and makes it all the more enjoyable. 

Can't mention a Wes Anderson movie without talking about the good music, which also creates one of the most unique end-credit experiences. 

I would highly recommend Moonrise Kingdom. I am very sad to see the film is in such limited release, as a wider audience should have access to this work of art. Moonrise Kingdom has incredible attention to detail and each shot is set up beautifully, with each set constructed with great care and precision, each item and background creating another layer to this imaginative love story. The cast is flawless, and; Anderson was able to get two terrific performances out of the two leads, who both show signs that they certainly have what it takes to make it in Hollywood. The movie also features Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman (two Anderson staples) as well as Frances McDormand, Harvey Keitel, and Tilda Swinton. Wes Anderson continues to make magic in his movies and I eagerly anticipate whatever he has for us next. Watch Moonrise Kingdom, you won't regret it.

The Good:

such attention to detail that you can watch the movie several times and still miss little aspects

The Better:

a great script that is in true Anderson form, blending romantic, funny, and even dark themes to create a vibrant, colorful world and cast of characters

The Best:

that very cast, with each actor fitting his/her perfectly and showing that Anderson really does get the best performances out of everyone he works with

Overall: 9.2/10

Trailer: