Oliver Twist (2005)

Few minutes ago I saw the Roman Polanski version of Oliver Twist. I did not like this version and my honest opinion is that the one made back in 1968 was way better – in terms of acting ,cast – cinematic realization in general . This being said I still enjoyed the movie ( at least one bit ) and so did my 11 year old cousin who saw the movie with me. I assume that most of you if not all are already familiar with the popular story written by Charles Dickens which is why I am not going to get in much details about its storyline. Instead I would like to outline the rather unique twist in the version of Roman Polanski – at the end of the movie one actually feels sorry for FAgin ( even my cousin get really sad watching the scene in which Oliver went to the prison to see him- asking me – “….but why he was a very good old man ?” I tried to explain that he was making the boys to steal for him – risking their own life – but I have to admit that my explanations were not that convincing as by the last scene I too felt sympathy for the old fella . After all he was providing food and shelter for the boys – who otherwise could just as well die from hunger in the streets !

After seeing this adaptation of Oliver Twist – I feel a bit angry to myself for letting my cousin watch it and get a first impression about Oliver Twist from it ( he is yet to read the book ).This version has a PG rating – and its plot is seriously sugar coated . At times even I had problems associating the scenes with what I have read , watched ( including several times on the stage ) …etc. ( some subplots are missing as well). And I don`t even want to start discussing the acting – considering that the main character Oliver ( played by Barney Clark ) was not convincing at all.

May be my opinion is a bit biased as I am huge fan of the Musical – but my advice for all of you is to stay away from this movie . Do yourself a favor and look for a copy of the BBC’s 1985 version instead .

Accurate adaptation : 1985 BBC mini-series version

Official movie site ( link) IMDB page (link) Title image source ( link)

Related : Oliver the musical ( link) I`d do anything BBC talent search ( link) Review (link)

YouTube – The Largest Casting Call in History

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2008 brings a new way of doing business in Hollywood. Before a casting call is made they look to the tube. You Tube that is. The numbers of people showing their skills is growing and the leaders of the pack are younger than my truck.

Kids are finding their niche in the working world before they ever leave school. Everything from Contortionists to Comedians. Song writers to Song players. And the skills are amazing. We seem to be producing a brighter crop of kids these days. Or maybe it’s because they are more driven by the stimulus of the net, stardom and fame.

In the US, most schools cut art and music from the curriculums as non-essential. No one is judged by them so why focus on them. Those in the know can give them a million reasons but math and decision making top the list.

Our youth are notorious for going the opposite direction of authority. So maybe that’s what draws them to the tube. Perhaps it is the computer and years of games. Perhaps it is just the possibility of fame. Or maybe it is all of the above.

But what ever the reason, it has created the largest casting call in history. It doesn’t matter what you are looking for. Motorcycle stunt drivers, dancers, bird trainers, snake handlers, contortionists or journalists of tomorrow. It’s all there, and the industry has noticed.

And lots of mimic sites have poped up. But none have a foothold like YouTube. Even Myspace has gotten into the act. They just advertised to show your talents on video and maybe win a spot on a “You’ve Got Talent Show.”

I think TV broadcasters are back peddling on the issue of down posted pulling videos, as the lack of exposure is hurting their ratings. YouTube is taking the airtime. They better wise up and see the value of branding and hope for the best. Broadcast TV is on the way out. Fast.

The Euro Jr. has become the reality shows of today. And the world has flocked to them like a hobo on a ham sandwich. It’s like sifting through YouTube and pulling out all the Paul Potts and Troye Sivan Mellets. They do the searching and the sifting for you and then sensationalize it on stage, most every person’s dream.

Todays, carphone salesmen is tomorrows Great tenor. Sandbox today, stage tomorrow. There is no limit to what people will or won’t do. Sometimes dangerous, most times stupid. But almost always creative.

This will be interesting to remember. One day I think it will become a “Chicken or the egg” conundrum. Did YouTube create You’ve got talent or did You’ve Got talent kick off the YouTube craze. Which ever it is, one thing is clear. Casting agents are not looking at the classifieds to find their prospects, they’re watching the tube.

Cheers,
bestpi

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004)

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things is a disturbing movie. In fact, a movie just can’t get any more disturbing. This suggests that the movie is hard to watch – but worth watching. My opinion may be a bit biased as I tend to like serious and powerful dramas like The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things.

The film opens with a scene in which a seven year old boy, Jeremiah (Jimmy Bennett), is taken away from his foster parents because his biological mother declares her right to the custody of her son. She turns out to be an irresponsible, abusive, drug obsessed hooker – totally unsuitable for the role of a caring parent – and yet the boy is given to her. A short scene shows his room when he was living with his foster parents and this is compared with the new environment in which he is to grow up.

The story is told from Jeremiah’s perspective – most scenes are shot from his eye level (and his mental images as well) .

His “real” mother gives him some pills (XTC probably) while presenting them as a medicine . At such a tender age – one can only imagine the damage drugs can do. But the 23 year old junkie not only allows her son to consume beer and pills, but actively encourages him to do so. At one point, when they are in the car and he goes crazy, she asks him what he’s doing and he replies: “I am digging myself out“.

Then the movie gets even harder to watch. The boy gets beaten by one of his mom’s random boyfriends, in front of her and actually because of her, with her approval. She even suggests they put a sock in his month so he can’t scream loud. But that incident is nothing compared to what the another boyfriend does to the boy …

The director mercifully does not show us the disturbing scenes in detail and it was not necessary to do so as one was still able to get an idea of what was happening.

After the disappearance of his mother, Jeremiah is taken by his grandfather, who turns out to be a fanatical religious Christian (I have heard that there are such people in the states, but thankfully never met them while I was there). One starts wondering what is worse – living with him mom or when the kid faces a complete brainwash by the fanatic people who live in his granddad’s mansion. Those scenes reminded me of the movie Jesus Camp, which I saw few months ago.

Surrealistic animated scenes show the fantasy world of Jeremiah, populated by a pair of red crows. He dips into this world when he experiences extreme pain and extreme trauma and it only shows that even his fantasies lead him to an unpleasant place.

The acting in the movie is first class. Starting with Jeremiah, excellently played by Bennett at age six, and continuing with twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse at eleven, and finally with a whole selection of star actors – among them: Peter Fonda, Winona Ryder and Marilyn Mason.

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things is a coming of age drama about a young boy who desperately tries to make the best out of everything that happens to him. It’s a highly recommended movie – if you think your can bear it…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKu3wM2V4QU

IMDB ( link) Fan site (link) DVD review (link)

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On a side note: the movie is said to be based on the book of the same name by J.T. LeRoy – a teen-aged young man who wrote books about his disturbing childhood. It turns out, however, that J.T. Leroy never actually existed as reported by Film Threat and Saloon butwas, rather, a 40 year old woman. NY mag has an interesting 9 page article about the character of J.T. Leroy for those who are interested in the story.

Warden of the Dead

Warden of the Dead is one of the excellent coming of age drama that recently draw my attention.

A 13 years old unusually serious boy lives at the capital`s cemetery. He is known as the Kid and after the death of his parents undertook their responsibilities – managing the daily routine at the cemetery – organize crews of gravediggers, taking care of the florists, servicewomen…etc.He doesn`t go to school and learns about the real world from the world of the people who are not any more amongst us. In one scene when a woman asked him why he does not goes to school he states that one shall make a living and adds :

” l learn from the dead people. In the cemetery everything is written – like in a textbook”

The kid had only a few friends: the cemetery`s make up artist ( who dreams to draw the nude body as Rubens) and an old man whose dream is to die – because the only meaning of his life – to see his biggest enemy dead is already fulfilled. The interaction of the boy with these two characters is wisely used for his character development. The end result is a loving personality that reminds us of Oskar Matzerath in classic The Tin drum and Time of Gypsies`s Perhan.

Warden of the Dead is an unusual and very original film. The story has several unexpected twists which ensure that even when you have seen half of the movie – you will still wonder what is going to happen …I guess one could find similarities to the masterpiece Sixth Sense, only the scenes in the Warden of the Dead seem to be more believable.

Trailer

I’m Not Scared (2003)

I am Not Scared is a beautifully shot film that immerses the audience in the stunning landscapes of southern Italy while unfolding a gripping, emotional story. Directed by Gabriele Salvatores, the film masterfully blends elements of childhood adventure, suspense, and a profound coming-of-age journey.

The story centers on ten-year-old Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano), whose summer unfolds in the countryside, filled with carefree adventures alongside his friends.

Michele is a kind-hearted and brave boy, as demonstrated when he helps his injured sister and protects a girl in their group from embarrassment. He is also imaginative and curious, and his curiosity drags him into something he never expected.

Near an abandoned farmhouse, he stumbles across a hidden pit—and inside, there’s a boy his age, chained up and barely hanging on. At first, he’s terrified, ready to bolt, but something keeps pulling him back.

The cinematography of I am Not Scared is breathtaking. Wide shots emphasize the vast, golden wheat fields, making the kids look so small, like little specks in this big, wide world. At first, the camera just hangs out in a more observational style, soaking up that chill childhood vibe, but when things start getting heavy, it ramps up to match.

Giuseppe Cristiano portrayed Michele so naturally and convincingly that I often felt like I was observing the happenings on screen through his eyes. His expressions and body language effectively convey his internal conflicts and feelings of confusion, fear, empathy, and courage.

Beyond its coming-of-age narrative, I am Not Scared also succeeds as a suspenseful drama. The tension builds naturally, aided by a musical score that subtly shifts in tempo to match the story’s emotional beats.

Many Italian films explore themes of crime, and that`s the case even for Coming-of-Age narratives – which offer a unique perspective as through the eyes of a child, the world of crime is not just dangerous but incomprehensible. That was the case in both Stolen Days and Our Father, and I am Not Scared is right up in their league in terms of poignant and well-told exploration of the clash between innocence and the harsh realities of organized crime.

The film’s ending is nothing short of extraordinary. It delivers one of the most intense climaxes I have seen in a movie. Highly recommended!

I’m Not Scared (2003)

In short

A story of children and adults, of innocence and evil, friendship and cruelty.

Character/Acting

Score/Soundtrack

Cinematography

Storyline/Screenplay

Production

Direction

Reader Rating0 Votes

4.8

Our rating

Little Buddha

Little Buddha – what a wonderful film. I wish I had seen it earlier – but got the DVD only a week ago. It has been a while since I have seen a movie that is enjoyable to watch and educational at the same time. Brilliantly directed by Bernardo Bertolucci the movie allows the viewers to experience the wiseness of the Buddhist believes . I have never seen more understandable , well – told story of the live of Buddha . People like me with little knowledge of the Buddhist religion will enjoy the movie and be able to learn a lot from it.

The cinematography in Little Buddha is beautiful, the costumes are superb, and the acting is first class. Same statement is valid for the soundtrack-an unique commingle of electronic and organic instruments composed by the academy Award-winning composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The storyline is complex as it combines two different plots : the story of Jesse, a young American boy who may be the reincarnation of a dead priest and of Prince Siddhartha who is on his way to becoming the Buddha. Both stories are interrelated as we learn about the life of Siddhartha from a book that was given to Jesse by the Buddhist monks who came seeing for their reborn lama. The life of Buddha is presented trough the imagination of Jesse while reading the book and this only makes the story more appealing – especially for the younger ones out there.

My favorite quote of the movie :

“Then, one day…

Siddhartha heard an old musician…from a passing boat speaking to his pupil.

If you tighten the string too much, it will snap. And if you leave it too slack, it won’t play.

that these simple words held a great truth…and that in all these years he had been following…the wrong path.

To learn is to change.

The path to Enlightenment is in the Middle Way.It is the line between all opposite extremes.”

Whisper (2007)

I have to tell you that I don’t prefer horror. But this was a breath of fresh air from the start. The excellent acting could only be 2nd to the excellent writing.

The storyline is awesome. An eight year old – David Sandborn – is kidnapped from his home and the kidnappers are not nice folks for the most part. It is delightful as the tables are turned and the predators become the prey. A few nice twists just to keep it interesting and an overall great show.
A superb acting job was done by Blake Woodruff as 8 year old David Sandborn. He handled the roll like he was born to it.

The camera work was not the best I have seen and I think honestly I would have directed it differently. But it was still a great show.

The bottom line is that the Devil’s work is child’s play!
I’ll watch it again and enjoy it just as much as I did the first time.

That’s my take on it.
bestpi

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DSCW1Ddk20

White Palms

White Palms is about comparison. Comparison between the traditions for training gymnasts that exist in Hungary and Canada. The story line follows the life of Miklos Dongo – from age 10 while training in the local gym to his later days in Canada as a trainer of a young Canadian. This is not the clichéd sport movie you are used to be seeing . White Palms shows a very realistic representation of the harsh conditions and brutal methods of training used in the east block.

I could say that I have a first hand experience with them – despite the fact that I can not recall such brutal hits or beatings. While those methods have one goal – reaching an automate discipline and have contributed to some of the world greatest artist achievements – in the modern world even watching them at the cinema screen is stressful.

After all for most of us the forms of corporal punishments used to “motivate” the young Hungarian athletes are unjust and barbaric.The scenes I am referring to portray the Dongo’s childhood on the mat, in which he is played to by the young athlete Orion Radies.

When in his thirties the grown up Dongo gets a job in Canada as a coach training 2001 Calgary Olympic hopefuls. However during a practice he slaps a kid and that almost costs his carrier and freedom. He has to adjust to the new environment and which is not always an easy task. The movie is well acted and its plot provides food for thoughts. I noticed a strong coming of age overtone as the young Miklos Dongo had to learn to respect himself and go on with the lessons he has learned.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaNpgpV2ebg

“This is not a movie about sports, it is about life and we learn that in order for one to face his faults is to go on to the next challenge and try once more. / Amos Lassen {l} “

IMDB page {l}

August Rush

August-Rush-Movie-Poster-23 I just finished watching this absolutely incredible film.

Here is how I determine what is good and what is bad in a film. Any writer who can stir the emotions in every direction of the compass has written an incredible film. Any writer who knows nothing but action sadly suffers from an affliction known as being totally shallow in thought. In short, you may enjoy the movie from the edge of your chair but an hour later you can not describe the movie. There is nothing lasting in it for you.

August Rush is a phenomenal movie that promises to bring the viewer to tears multiple times and laughter sometimes seconds later. You feel the apprehension when threats are applied and you feel the loss when it occurs. You feel fear and happiness, anger and loathing in this absolutely wonderful feature.

Freddie Highmore

Freddie Highmore formerly Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and more recently The Golden Compass, delivers a superbly believable character. He plays a young boy orphaned at birth and determined to find his parents. He also hears music in everything from the bouncing of a ball to the wind on the grass. He hears the music his parents make even though they are miles away and know nothing of his survival.

What ensues is an incredible whirlwind of totally unrelated events that allow him to blossom and fulfill a dream.

I don’t suggest you watch this movie. I suggest you buy this movie. Once won’t be enough.

That’s my opinion for what it’s worth.

August Rush Trailer

http://youtu.be/oUQ0qxmr2Gc

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426931/

August Rush (2007)

5

OUR RATING

Where to Watch

On Demand

DVD

The Spanish Gardener

Despite the year in which this movie is made – it is worth seeing nowadays and I am glad that I was able to dig it out of my collection. The Spanish Gardener is a British movie and as such it carries the atmosphere typical for the movies produced in the country. The British consul in Spain moves into the country with his son soon after the boy`s mother left them. The father had some troubles at work and the need to relocate is making him feel miserable. Yet he hopes that the life in the country will be beneficial for the health of his soon who looks a bit lurid at the first scenes of the movie.

The garden in the villa they moved into needs some attention and a local gardener is hired. Soon he is befriended by the boy. Their friendship grows strong – which is not surprising because until that moment the boy has been denied to play with other kids or hang out with friends because of his because of his father opinion that his son is too delicate. Now the boy discovers a whole new words – finally he could louse the suits and ties he is wearing and play as any kid his age would. The gardener is being a great mentor to the kid showing him how to do basic staff in the garden, to fish …etc. As John Frame mentioned in his review published at the movie page at IMDB the gardener teaches the boy : ” …to enjoy the beauty of nature and the joy of life itself.”

The diplomat becomes jealous of his son’s close relationship with their Spanish gardener. He loves his child very much – and feels bad that the boy prefers to spend his time with their employee instead with his father.Torn by the jealousy, he contrives to frame the man and have him sent off to jail, but the gardener escapes.

The scenes in the movie are very colorful , which is surprising for a movie shoot before that many years. The landscapes shown are gorgeous and everyone who has ever been in Spain will appreciate them. I did not like the soundtrack much despite of the fact that most professional reviewers regard it as being very good.

Overall the The Spanish Gardener is a good movie which focuses on friendship , mentoring and jealousity. I am hesitating to give a general recommendation for this movie – because its is filmed in a way which would be appealing mostly for people who have deeper interest in the cinema as an art form.

the-spanish-gardener

Wristcutters: A Love Story

Wristcutters: A Love Story is a really really weird movie. I admit that I did not like it – even through there were some abstract ideas which some hardcore festival movie fan could find intriguing. When I first saw screen shots of the movie – one of my favorite actors Chase Ellison was on them – which is pretty much why I decided that the movie would be worth seeing. It turned out that his role was a minor one – in a short scene lasting less then 5 minutes. Then I thought that the movies theme – suicides could actually make a good plot – and at first it seemed that the movie has some sense . Soon after the plot transformed from a psychological drama to a road trip – with some dark humor mixed it. For a more on less an indie movie movie Wristcutters: A Love Story turned out to be a disappointment for me. It has several awards from various festivals – but this only confirms that not every movie with awards is worth it.

IMDB{l} Review{l}

Secretos del corazón (1997)

Secretos del corazón isan exceptional movie produced in Spain. It follows the life and discoveries of the 9-year-old Javi, who comes of age by learning how to face his fears and uncovers the secrets of the adult world – and the ones hidden in his heart. Javi is played by the young Andoni Erburu, who sets an example for outstanding acting . He is in almost all scenes in the movie and through his eyes one can re-experience the wonders of growing up . ( don`t forget to look into his eyes).

The script is strong and compelling while the rather slower pace of some scenes helps to comprehend the nature of the characters and motives for their actions.I enjoyed the dialogues between Javi and his older brother Juan as somehow they reminded me of myself and my cousin – how he always asks questions about life – and my answers which I admit follow the tone of the ones of Juan in making me sound like a smart ass . I liked the scenes in which the family had toasts around the table. The cinematography is good -especially the close-up scenes, which achieve their role as attention attractors.

Secretos del corazón was nominated and won various awards at festivals across the world. I have seen it several times in the past week, which is not a usual trend for me. If you appreciate rite-of-passage movies and European cinema, you will really like this movie.

Official Trailer

http://youtu.be/_mylEgZ3tNw

IMDB (link)

“The box compares it to Cinema Paradiso, Children of Heaven, and Kolya, but My Life as a Dog and Hope and Glory also came to mind.That’s not bad company at all.”

Extract from a Review written by Nicholas Sheffo

TheSkyKid.com

TheSKyKid.com

Oliver Twist (2005)

YouTube – The Largest Casting Call in History

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004)

Warden of the Dead

I’m Not Scared (2003)

Little Buddha

Whisper (2007)

White Palms

August Rush

The Spanish Gardener

Wristcutters: A Love Story

Secretos del corazón (1997)