Rabbit Hole (2010)

 Director: John Cameron Mitchell

Rated: R

Length: 91 min.

In one of the most depressing films I've seen in quite some time, Aaron Eckhart (Howie) and Nicole Kidman (Becca) struggle to cope with the most recent death of their 4 year old son. In most cases I am drawn to tragedy in a film, for it usually accompanies an optimistic outcome; but at the end of this film I felt as though I had lost a son myself. And this may have been the reaction that director John Cameron Mitchell had tried to evoke from the audience, but I personally did not find this reaction appealing. In the hour and a half that this film takes place, I think I smiled (a smirk at that), once in its duration. This film was entirely too disheartening for my taste, and can turn a perfectly enjoyable afternoon and take a big dump right in the middle of it. I would not recommend this film to a single one of my friends, unless of course they have the odd desire to go into a state depression for the next hour and a half. As critically acclaimed as this film was, the final outcome did not make any extreme emotional transformation in me, and that I consider to be a failure on the director's behalf. Definitely skip this one on date night, unless you're trying make a hint at an upcoming break up. Rabbit Hole.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

 Director: Woody Allen

Rated: PG-13

Length: 94 min.

This is a film that perfectly displays the enchanting effects a city, such as Paris, can have on the hopelessly romantic. Owen Wilson (Gil) lets his imagination run wild, as he aimlessly wanders this city of love. Upon encountering so many of the artists and writers that have helped mold the structure of artistic society as we know it today, Wilson is endlessly inspired by the imaginary world that he travels to every night. With a star studded cast ranging from Adrien Brody (Salvador Dalí) to Kathy Bates (Gertrude Stein), there is never a dry moment. I, like Gil, was taking away with the pure and simplistic beauty of Marion Cotillard (Adrianna), who previously starred opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in one of my all time favorite films, Inception. The story that enfolds onscreen is that of a confused young man who falls in love with a city, and in turn finds his true artistry; along with a beautiful young woman to accompany his new found glory. Writer/Director Woody Allen, although an oddball by nature, does a great job in capturing the essence of the city; while also showing the audience the obvious lack of chemistry between couples, perfectly portraying the awkwardness of every situation. I see a bit of Allen in Wilson's character, and considering he was both writer and director of the film, I wouldn't be surprised if he wrote this script from the first person perspective. All in all, good film; not at all what I expected from Allen, but I would say if you have been to Paris, let yourself fall in love again, and those of you who have not...Be prepared to be swept off your feet;) Midnight in Paris.

The Descendents (2011)

 Director: Alexander Payne

Rated: R

Length: 115 min.

Now for someone who sees George Clooney (Matt King) as an outdated pretty boy, who only gets roles for his good looks and charm, it is rare for me to like one of the films that he is involved in; but in this case I was pleasantly surprised. Even with my pre-biased opinion towards Clooney, I found a sort of sympathy for the character he plays in this film, and ultimately wanted him to succeed in parenting his two misbehaved daughters. This film shows you how tragedy can sometimes bring together those who are normally estranged to rise above their differences in order to reach a heartfelt conclusion. Newcomer Shailene Woodley (Alexandra King), takes over this film as the surprising star, and truly shows the acting talent of a woman twice her age. The disregard for obscenity by the youngsters in the presence of elders (Clooney in particular), make for a comical allusion to the very non-comical circumstances that this family has been placed in. Clooney ultimately overcomes his obstacles as a father and comes into his own as the authoritarian figure. When the dust settles, and all that is lost is forgiven and forgotten, family shines through as all that is needed to get through these difficult times. Although it had its moments of sorrow, overall I think this film makes for a good old fashioned, happy ending. See it. The Descendents.

Biutiful (2010)

 Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Rated: R

Length: 148 min.

This incredibly heartbreaking tale of the difficulties of raising a family while facing multiple obstacles along the way makes for an endearing conclusion to an exceptionally well-made film. Javier Bardem (Uxbal) has a few more lines than he did in his Oscar winning performance in No Country For Old Men, (which unlike the rest of the world I find to be highly overrated); he really shows the audience his versatility in this film and I now have much more respect for him as an actor. Although this is one of the saddest films I have seen in quite some time, I could not draw my eyes away from the screen for one single moment during its progression. The director of this film, Alejandro González Iñárritu does a wonderful job of displaying the emotions of the characters as they are frequently changing throughout the film. At film's end, you feel a sense of pity for Bardem for the situation he has been put in, and yet you are almost relieved to find him in a final state of peace. Fantastic film overall, but not one for a romantic dinner and movie type evening; more along the lines of a solitary viewing with the hope that you will appreciate the sincerity of the film's direction and come to sense the emotional reaction Iñárritu was trying to abstract from the audience. Biutiful.

Thank You for Smoking (2005)

Director: Jason Reitman
Rated: R

Length: 92 min.

In this original comedy about the chief spokesperson of Big Tobacco and his consistent ability to deviate away from the dangers of cigarette use, Aaron Eckhart (Nick Naylor) fits into his role perfectly. The cruel and twisted advertisement schemes that the tobacco industry thrive upon are thoroughly exploited in this witty film of how one man argues his way out of every stcky situation he finds himself in. The very attractive young Katie Holmes (Heather Holloway), plays a wonderfully seductive journalist trying to get the scoop on the MOD sqaud; aka Merchants Of Death, which include the lobbyists from the alcohol, tobacco and firearms industries. Eckhart is accompanied by both David Koechner (Bobby Jay Bliss) and Maria Bello (Polly Bailey), who both play incredible roles as his accomplices in their fight against society and the oppression of their big businesses. All in all, this was a highly entertaining film with multiple laughs at the pure absurdity of these cutthroat business men and women. The film concludes with a stern morality check, and shows that even the big fish get eaten from time to time. Thank You for Smoking.

Blue Valentine (2010)

Director: Derek Cianfrance

Rated: R

Length: 112 min.

The magnificent performances displayed by both Ryan Gosling (Dean) and Michelle Williams (Cindy) in this film are ultimately overshadowed by a lingering conclusion, leaving the audience with multiple unanswered questions at film's end. In some cases I thoroughly enjoy the fact that the director leaves the audience to interpret the ending for themselves as to how this story would continue on in real life; but in this case, there was too much left unsaid. This tale is an incredibly sad one, with some intensely graphic sexuality, sometimes so much so that you feel the need to look away. This film takes you on a journey of the discovery of a young couple who fall in love too early, have children too soon and aren't ready to take on the responsibility of their adolescent mistakes. Gosling has soon become one of my favorite up and coming actors. With each film I see him in he truly envelops his character's persona, making you truly believe he is not an actor, but just an ordinary man with ordinary problems. This is true in this instance as well, although I must admit that I was expecting more out of the film as a whole, and sadly it doesn't deliver the kind of emotional appeal that I had hoped for. Blue Valentine.