KEA Productions: DVD Movie Reviews

from the archives of NuReel.com, The Berkeley Daily Planet, and Alameda Sun- written by Kamala Appel
ratings: Plus (highest)-Neutral (okay)-Negatives (pass & omitted from archive)
S: The Score, Scotland PA, Shadow Magic, Shipping News, Shower, Shrek, Simone, Small Time Crooks, Solomon & Gaenor,  The Son's Room, Spirit, State & Main


THE SCORE (PLUS/NEUTRAL)

"The Score" is one of this summer's most anticipated thrillers with Frank Oz directing an all-star cast, including Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, Marlon Brando, and Angela Bassett. The film's title refers to the motherload of heists that all of the characters hope will be the solution to all of their problems: for DeNiro's character it is the key to a secure retirement, for Norton's character it is the key to a life of luxury, for Brando's character it is the key to getting out of debt, and for Bassett's character it is the key to her lover's heart, since it would mean an end to his life of crime. To their disappointment, what initially starts out as an easy hit, turns into a bag of challenging worms.

As one would expect, the entire cast gives excellent performances and they all portray interesting characters. However, only Norton has the opportunity to flex his acting muscles and demonstrate once again his versatility; DeNiro and Brando play roles that they have played before, and Bassett has a small supporting role.

Contrary to what I had anticipated, the film moves at a dreadfully slow pace. I actually found the first two-thirds to be so slow-paced that it irritated me. The first two acts could have been thirty percent shorter and the character development and storyline would not have suffered a bit.

Towards the end, the contrasting meter of slow and fast, depending upon the narrative, worked to increase the suspense. I think "The Score" would have benefited, if the director had allowed the editor to vary the pacing more throughout the entire film. One of the interesting aspects of the narrative was the tension between the young Norton's impetuous, quick-fix style, and DeNiro's methodical, play-it-safe routine. Contrasting editing and musical scores would have reinforced their clashing personalities and heightened the drama.

I think that audiences will enjoy "The Score" overall because the last act makes up for the turtle-like first two, and the cast will satisfy their loyal fans. It is with pleasure that I say that the film is not as violent as most summer thrillers, so it may be enjoyed by a family with children over eight (the cast does curse); in fact, the characters have a very critical and cautious attitude towards guns. "The Score" opens wide Friday, July 13th and I think it will have a lucky box office weekend. This film would be equally enjoyable on video.

SCOTLAND, PA (PLUS)  

Funny, twisted... not words one would commonly use to describe Shakespeare. Yet, SCOTLAND, PA unleashes a lot of self-reflexive humor at the expense of the fast food industry and small towns [trivia: Billy Morrissette, the director, worked at a Dairy Queen in the 1980s and thought of setting Shakespeare's "MacBeth" in a fast food restaurant back then]. Not only does the film poke fun at people who take themselves too seriously, but much of the humor stems from the liberties this modernization takes.

Shakespeare's "MacBeth" travels through time to 1970s Scotland, Pennsylvania, a time of fondue parties, Yahtzee marathons, and rock blocks. The kingdom becomes a fast food empire, actually one crappy restaurant, owned and operated by Norm Duncan (James Rebhorn: THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY, SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS, INDEPENDENCE DAY, SILKWOOD, and MY COUSIN VINNY). Duncan loves three things in this world: his two sons, Malcolm (Thomas Guiry: TIGERLAND and RIDE WITH THE DEVIL) and Donald, and his fast food burger joint. His older son's disdain for the burger empire baffles Duncan, who intends to bequeath his legacy to his boys. Duncan and the older son, Malcolm, fight constantly and on one instance, he lays down the law "I'm not going to say this again- hair net or hair cut", to which Malcolm replies "I wanna rock!" The younger son tries to stay out of the conflict and instead takes pleasure in singing show tunes with his glee club boyfriends.

James Legros (ALLY MCBEAL, LIVING IN OBLIVION, and ER) and Maura Tierney (ER, LIAR LIAR, PRIMARY COLORS, and NEWS RADIO) portray Mac and Pat (a.k.a MacBeth and Lady MacBeth). As in the Shakespearean play, their eyes are bigger than their stomachs need to be to stomach the carnage that unfolds. Their greed also overwhelms them, as do their feelings of guilt. Pat justifies their murderous acts: "We're just underachievers that have to make up for lost time." Of course their guilty consciences get the best of them, leading others, including the murder investigator, McDuff (Christopher Walken: PULP FICTION, THE DEER HUNTER, PENNIES FROM HEAVEN, THE DEAD ZONE, and TRUE ROMANCE), to begin to get suspicious. "I envy you- by the time I get to my customers they're usually dead." McDuff says jokingly to test Mac's reaction.

SCOTLAND, PA proves that a strong script and a solid cast makes a film as pleasurable to view as any high budget film. The audience will enjoy watching SCOTLAND, PA as much as the cast and crew enjoyed making this labor of love. [trivia: most of the cast and crew are long time friends and co-workers. The director Billy Morrissette is married to Maura Tierney and business partners with the producer Richard Shepard aka the streaker, James Legros appeared on ER and so did Maura Tierney, Andy Dick worked with Maura Tierney on NEWS RADIO, and Christopher Walken and Kevin Corrigan both appeared in TRUE ROMANCE).

SCOTLAND, PA would be my pick of comedies to see in 2002 as of February. There is some suggestive but thankfully not graphic violence (for example: frying Duncan and hacking off Pat's hand). Those who have read the play will enjoy the film more, so if you have not read Shakespeare's "MacBeth", I recommend that you do. SCOTLAND, PA will start a platform release starting February 15th. This film would be equally enjoyable on video since the witty dialogue and performances are what make this film fun to watch.


Shadow Magic (plus)

East meets West to create "Shadow Magic". This film tells the story of how westernization influenced the birth of the motion picture industry in China. This film is a collaboration of the modern Eastern (Chinese) and Western (American) motion picture industries. Producer, Sandra Schulberg ("Tango", "My Generation", "I Shot Andy Warhol", "Tango", and "Quills"; she also created the international division of American Playhouse and served as the Founding Director of the Independent Feature Project) describes some of the cultural differences as they pertained to filmmaking: "In China, where the tradition in the last fifty years has been government-supported filmmaking, people are used to being able to take as much time as needed to shoot a great movie. It was quite a shock when we (American film crew) realized that the schedule was not broken down into a certain number of scenes to be shot each day. There was no sense of a daily goal or what speed you needed to move through the day". (press notes Sony Picture Classics).

In addition to Schulberg, the filmmakers include a long list of distinguished producers whose credits testify to their ability to spot talent and a compelling story when they see one. The producer team includes: Zhang Xia ("Farewell My Concubine"), Lee You-Ning ("The Wedding Banquet" and "Eat Drink Man Woman"), Chiu Shun-Ching (CEO of the Taiwan Central Motion Picture Corporation, "The Wedding Banquet" and "Eat Drink Man Woman"), Ulrich Felsberg (Partner and General Manager of the German Road Movies Vierte Produktionen, "Buena Vista Social Club"), and Han Sanping (CEO of Beijing Film Studio, "Farewell My Concubine", "The Last Emperor").

In common with Schulberg, the director, Ann Hu ("Dream and Memory"), a Chinese native who fled to American during the Cultural Revolution, also found herself clashing with some of the Chinese crew members.

While Hu also worked closely with the crew at the Beijing Film Studio, she occasionally found herself at odds with both the production designer and the prop masters assigned to 'Shadow Magic'. Even though she wanted the film to look authentic, she did not want it to be suffocated by historical facts. (press notes Sony Picture Classics)

Howard Shore, the Music Consultant ("The Silence of the Lambs", "Philadelphia", "Ed Wood", "Seven", "Dead Wringers", "Naked Lunch", "M. Butterfly" and other David Cronenberg films), also contributed to the feelings of authenticity with his moving soundtrack.

Hu, who also co-wrote the film based loosely on the facts of the birth of cinema in China, does an excellent job of telling a story that puts forth an argument in favor of China's need to move forward. Along with Hu, the writing team includes Kate Raisz (senior writer for National Geographic documentaries, the Discovery Channel, and PBS), and Bob McAndrew (who has worked as a drama coach for a number of years with celebrities who include Liza Minelli, Tom Selleck, Richard Dreyfuss, Raul Julia, Corbin Bernsen, Sela Ward, Sam Elliot and Christopher Walken). The argument in favor of change is timely considering the recent increased desire to bring democratic ways to China and to increase trade with outside nations (such as the US, including increased importation of Hollywood films into Chinese theaters). The film presents the contrasting views towards tradition versus modernization that were held in China at the turn of the century; these same opinions are probably still widely debated today. I commend the filmmakers for creating a film whose argument is as subtle and persuasive as Uncle Tom's Cabin was on the controversy surrounding slavery and abolition.

The film is not star-studded, however their are a few faces who will be familiar to American audiences like Jared Harris ("Smoke", "Natural Born Killers", "The Last of the Mohicans", and "Far and Away") who plays Raymond Wallace, a British entrepreneur who hopes to get rich by opening the first movie theater in China. Xia Yu, who gives a compelling performance as Liu Jinglun, a young man caught between tradition and ambition, is one of China's young rising stars. Liu Pei Qi ("The Story of Qui Ju") plays the owner of a still photography studio who identifies with Liu Jinglun's dreams, but avoids risk at all costs. Li Yu Sheng plays Lord Tan, the diva of traditional Chinese opera, who is a distinguished Peking Opera Performing artist in real life.

If you enjoy Chinese culture and want to learn more about the people's early reactions to westernization through film, then you will appreciate the dramatic and educational value "Shadow Magic" has to offer. I would also recommend the film for the sympathetic and complicated characters, as well as the example the film provides to those who would like to use film as a medium to persuade. My one criticism is with the people who decided that only members of the Chinese press could participate in interviews; after all, a film that only preaches to the choir, will never educate anyone. "Shadow Magic" will have a platform release starting April 13th.

THE SHIPPING NEWS (PLUS/NEUTRAL)   

Based on a popular book, this film also does a fine job of creating moving characters and communicating their inner pain to the audience. The film and the book get their titles from the name of the newspaper that the lead character works for when he moves back to his native land. He comes to learn more about his relatives, living and dead, as he learns the tricks of the trade that pertain to the life of a reporter. The biggest lesson that he and the other characters learn is how to tell a story with compassion for the subjects but also with a degree of objectivity, not an easy task. Kevin Spacey plays the lead and heads up an all star cast. The all star cast truly shines in THE SHIPPING NEWS. In addition to Spacey, the cast members include: Julianne Moore, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, and Scott Glenn. Spacey proves that his earlier recognition by the Academy of Motion Arts was no fluke, as he brings to life a character not like any other character he has portrayed. Although the film drags a bit, the character development, emphasis on strong story telling, and superb acting, make the film interesting and compelling to watch. If you enjoy character studies, you will find THE SHIPPING NEWS interesting; if however, you get restless in slow paced movies, you may want to pass. THE SHIPPING NEWS opens wide on December 21st, in time for Oscar consideration, and I have a feeling that at least one of the cast members will receive a nomination for his/her performance. This film would be equally enjoyable on video.

SHREK (PLUS!)

How often can you say that the first three minutes were worth the price of admission? Not often. If there ever were a film in recent history that I would say this about, it would be "Shrek". Rarely have I seen a film with an opening sequence that completely sutures the audience, and makes you want to see more. In fact, the opening credits sequence is as effective in setting the tone of the overall movie as the opening of "A Touch of Evil" (despite the obvious contrast in tones and genres).

"Shrek" takes a comic and somewhat poignant look at what the behind the scenes life of nursery rhyme characters would be like. With all the recent exploration into the real lives of the idealized characters of yesteryear, like the Bradys and other fictitious characters; this film's expose of the nursery rhyme characters is both timely and hilarious.

Mike Myers provides the voice for the main character, Shrek, a grumpy outcast ogre. As one might expect, Myers brings life and humor to the character that no else could have done better. (There were some talks very early on with Chris Farley. Yet, the casting of Myers was destiny for this film). Eddie Murphy gives his voice to the comic donkey sidekick. (I think someone like Chris Rock, Richard Pryor, or Robin Williams would have been equally effective, since all of them have an uncontrollable, off-the-wall quality to their comic style). John Lithgow does an excellent job of bringing melodramatic life to the villain with a Napoleon complex (basically a combination of the Queen of Hearts from ALICE IN WONDERLAND and Pinky from PINKY AND THE BRAIN). Cameron Diaz provides the last of the A-list name voices to an idealistic princess; however, I think many others would have been equally effective (someone like Drew Barrymore or Calista Flockhart may have provided more interesting voices).

The primary story unfolds when Shrek goes on a quest to rescue a princess so that the villainous king can marry her and become the ruler of the fairy tale land. The majority of the humor arises not from the main storyline, but rather from the side adventures and numerous one-liners. "Shrek" benefits tremendously from a script that is as witty and clever as "Toy Story" (but not quite as deep as "Toy Story 2"). This film will appeal to both parents and children, and will make all age groups laugh, but for different reasons. (Children may not the get the jokes about the scandalous nature of Snow White living with seven little men, but they will recognize the tale). Also in common with the Toy Stories, "Shrek" debuts the best of new 3-D animation techniques.

"Shrek" opens wide on May 18th, and will probably still be in theaters long enough to give Pixar's "Monsters, Inc." a run for its money (but I have high hopes for "Monsters, Inc." too). I think that the licensing will also compete with the product line of the future "Monsters, Inc." I would strongly recommend this film to everyone because it is fun, funny, and full of fantasy. I am actually going to see this movie again, and that is rare for me. This film is worth seeing in the theater and renting (and it would be enjoyable in either form).


Small Time Crooks (plus)

The quirky Woody Allen of the 1970s is back, at least in regards to the witty dialogue in "Small Time Crooks". This film has some hilarious lines such as when Lovitz character, an ex-con explains, "I am an arsonist. I burn everything; that's how I put four kids through college". "Small Time Crooks" features an all-star cast, including: Woody Allen, Tracey Ullman, Michael Rapaport, Elaine May, John Lovitz, Hugh Grant, George Grizzard, Tony Darrow, and Elaine Stritch. Allen did an excellent job of selecting the cast for this film, all of whom gave stellar comedic performances and generated convincing on-screen chemistry. I also commend Allen for adapting the pace of the film for modern-day audiences. Even though I would recommend this film because it is funny both in terms of dialogue and narrative situations, I do have to criticize its somewhat predictable story and anti-climatic ending. "Small Time Crooks" opens wide in theaters May 19th. This film would be equally enjoyable on video as it is on the big screen.


Solomon & Gaenor (neutral/plus)

Set in Wales around 1911, "Solomon and Gaenor" tells the familiar tale of forbidden love. Although this film is somewhat predictable due to its "Romeo & Juliet" storyline, the strong performances by the young lovers, gives "Solomon and Gaenor" a life of its own. Paul Morrison directs an ensemble of veterans and rising stars in his first non-documentary feature film. Ioan Gruffudd("102 Dalmations", "Titanic", "Wilde", and "Horatio Hornblower"), Solomon, and Nia Roberts (first time feature role as leading lady), Gaenor, generated a dynamic on-screen chemistry that is so sincere and captivating, that there scenes together genuinely moved me (and that is rare for me). There scenes together are so emotionally charged that I felt true compassion for their individual and joint situations. Other members of the cast, who include Maureen Lipman as Solomon's mother, David Horovitch as Solomon's father, William Thomas as Gaenor's father, and Mark Lewis Jones as Gaenor's frustrated and protective brother, all added to the drama by bringing their respective characters prejudices to life with complexity and compassion.

My primary criticism with the film is the course it took to come to its final conclusion. The film had several scenes that seemed to be the final scene and in my opinion that detracted from the actual end, even though the final shot struck me both narratively and visually. I think the film would have been stronger, if the director had shortened or omitted three scenes that lead up to the final moments.

"Solomon and Gaenor" does capture some nice scenery, however the film's primary stengths lay in the chemistry between the to leads; with that said, I think this film would be equally enjoyable on video. "Solomon and Gaenor" opens in key cities (NY, LA, and SF) on Friday, September 8th and will continue to platform to larger metropolitan areas starting Friday, September 15th.


THE SON'S ROOM (PLUS/NEUTRAL)

Nanni Moretti (SOGNI D'ORO, BIANCA, CARO DIARIO and APRILE) writes, directs, and stars in THE SON'S ROOM, the Italian film about coping with loss of a loved one. THE SON'S ROOM explores the life of a family: two parents and two siblings before and after the death of one of the children.

2001 and the beginning of 2002 seems to be the time of films about tragic and sudden loss of a loved one; with movies like IN THE BEDROOM and LANTANA, THE SON'S ROOM joins the list of films that depict the different grieving styles of men and women. This not to say that women never withdraw when attempting to cope with a death, or that men never seek out a sympathetic ear to alleviate the pain; however, gender becomes the key factor for difference in all three films. In common with many Western European films, THE SON'S ROOM has a slower paced style of story-telling than the American IN THE BEDROOM or the Australian LANTANA. The value of family takes center-stage in this film as in many other Italian dramas, as opposed to mystery and action in the American IN THE BEDROOM or man versus nature, including human nature, in the Aussie LANTANA.

Even though the story lacks originality or a timely release, the acting makes THE SON'S ROOM as moving and as humane as the other critically acclaimed films that address the same emotions and reactions. Visually, this film combines a nice blend of interior and exterior shots that shed light on the characters' full lives with and separate from their family members.

For those seeking light entertainment, you may want to pass on THE SON'S ROOM. However, for those seeking a powerful Italian drama with solid acting, and a moving, somewhat heavy story, you will probably appreciate THE SON'SROOM. Although this film is somewhat heavy, it has a more optimistic ending than its counterparts from America or Australia. THE SON'S ROOM will start a platform release on February 15th.


Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (Plus)

Looking for an exciting action adventure that the whole family can enjoy together? Then prepare to stampede theaters this Holiday weekend to see "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron". If you thought animation was only for children and comedies, you will change your mind. The breathtaking animation in this film has the same impact as a live action film.

Although certain elements will remind you that you are watching animated feature, like a blonde-haired mare and 98% perfect horse movement, the picturesque backgrounds and innovative soundtrack will make you forget. The filmmakers at DreamWorks made the unusual decision to avoid personifying the animal characters. In fact we only hear the main character's voice, the stallion named Spirit (Matt Damon), at key moments to provide narrative explanations. Their decision preserves the untamed nature of the animals and allows the character development to occur through physical expression, which is more realistic. Instead, the filmmakers give the animals a voice through music. Byran Adams and Hans Zimmer create songs and a musical score that effectively express the sentiments of the non-speaking characters at various moments. The audience does get to hear the horses voices, but as they actually sound to humans, since the filmmakers incorporated authentic horse sounds into the soundtrack. The filmmakers reserved the dialogue for the few human characters: a stubborn US Calvary Colonel (James Cromwell) and an equally determined Native American (Daniel Studi). Inevitably, the two human characters take opposing positions to the matter of taming the Wild West.

Although "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" does have a happy ending as many family films do, this film also hints at the fleeting nature of happiness, since we all know what modernization did to the wilderness and it's inhabitants. This poignant suggestion alludes to the hopes of the cast and crew to educate audiences to appreciate the wilderness that remains, and advocates kinder treatment of our four-legged friends. [Trivia: Daniel Studi is a member of the Cherokee Indians in real life. James Cromwell supports a number of animals causes and the Lakota Indians; he is also a vegan since finishing "Babe"].

This film does have some gripping moments that may be a little too nerve-wracking for children under five. In fact, the relentless resurfacing of the Colonel throughout the film reminded me of Kathy Bates in "Misery". Overall, this film avoids tragedy and violence, especially considering the amount of adventure "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" has to offer. I would strongly recommend this film for families and animation fans. 


STATE AND MAIN (Plus/neutral)

"State and Main" takes a light-hearted look at small town American and cityslicking Hollywood moguls. The script is filled with witty self-reflexive humor that pokes fun at anyone and everyone who takes themselves too seriously. The film hosts and all-star cast and big name director (David Mamet, Alec Baldwin, Sarah Jessica Parker, and William Macy) which accounts for its Holiday Season release. Unfortunately, the climax is too predictable and anticlimatic. Yet, for anyone who has lived in a quaint New England town or worked in Hollywood, the characters and dialogue will delight you. "State and Main" would be equally enjoyable on video. Opens wide December 2000.

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