November 29, 2012 | 9:12 pm

Review: ‘Killing Them Softly’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

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'Killing Them Softly' is a quirky, black comedy about angst ridden hit men dealing with the economic meltdown of 2008.

Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) is a very laid back guy.  He likes to chat with people...He's very friendly and...he's a hitman...But Jackie can only kill people that he's never met and...he can't kill them up close...Only from a distance.  Doesn't like to hear his victims beg for mercy.  Jackie says he likes to...'kill them softly'.

So when a mob protected poker game is robbed, Jackie is sent in by Richard Jenkins aka The Driver, to restore order.

The mastermind behind the robbery is actually a dry cleaner named...The Squirrel (Vincent Curatola) He hires two airheads, Frankie (Scoot McNary) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) to the job.  Squirrel is convinced that Markie (Ray Liotta) who runs the game, will be blamed for the heist.

Seems years ago, Markie, not only robbed his own game, but was stupid enough to brag about it.

Jackie hires Mickey (James Gandolfini) for the job.  Poor, poor Mickey.  This is one  unhappy hitman.  He's addicted to booze, hookers, and super hung up on his ex wife. . 

If that's not bad enough, Mickey got busted on a weapons charge and is out on bail.  Only problem is, he missed his court date to do this job for Jackie, and now, he's a wanted man.

'Killing Them Softly', written and directed by Andrew Dominik (;The Assassination of Jessie James') is based on a 1974 crime novel, 'Cogan's Trade' written by George V Higgins.

It's been updated to 2008 and the TV news plays in the background throughout the film, giving us the voices of Bush, McCaine and Obama.

All the hitman in the film are miserable and are constantly complaining about everything, which in a way, makes them all the more human. Whether you like them or not, these guys will definitely entertain you.

Pitt and Gandolfini are outstanding and the scenes they have to together, are the best in the film.

I gave 'Killing Them Softly' which opens in theatres, Friday November 30, 2012...31/2 bagels out of 5.  John had a different take on the film.

Check out our video for more of our thoughts and his bagel rating.

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November 19, 2012 | 7:18 pm

Review: ‘Hitchcock’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Looking back at Alfred Hitchcock's film "Psycho," you can't help but wonder: What's all the fuss? Compared to all the violence, gore and torture we see in movies nowadays, "Psycho" was tame. But 1959 was a very different time and when "Psycho" premiered in 1960, the film was groundbreaking. A first of its kind and the beginning of a new genre, that has never been seen before.

'Hitchcock,' directed by Sasha Gervasi ("Anvil"), stars Sir Anthony Hopkins, as Alfred Hitchcock, and Dame Helen Mirren plays his wife, Alma Reville, the woman "behind the genius."

The story starts in 1959 ... Hitchock has just come off the success of "North by Northwest" and he wants to do something different. Something that will blow people away and prove to the critics that "he still has the stuff." He reads about a man named Ed Gein, a serial killer and transvestite, who lived with his dead mother. Hey, nobody is perfect. Gein's story inspired Robert Block's novel "Psycho."

Hitch is determined to make this his next movie. It might have something to do with the fact, he carries on numerous imaginery conversations with Mr. Gein. He brings this idea to the head of Paramount, Barney Balaban (the wonderful Richard Portnow) but even though Alfred has done over 40 movies with the studio, Barney basically says...no way are we making this piece of garbage.

So what does Mr. Hitchcock do? Mortgages his house with Alma's blessing. He puts up $800.000 of his own money for 40 percent of the profits. And the rest is history,

"Hitchcock" is not only about the making of "Psycho" it's also the story of Hitch's complex relationship with his wife Alma, a writer and editor in her right. And it's a really good story.

It's obvious that he loved her, but it's just as obvious that at times, he acted like Alma didn't exist. Too say Mr. H was an eccentric narcissist is pretty accurate.

The film was written by John McLaughlin ("Black Swan") and is based on the book "Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho" by Stephen Rebello.

The cast is fantastic; James D'Arcy is dead on as Anthony Perkins, Scarlett Johansson is perfect in capturing the sweetness of Janet Leigh and Jessica Biel is excellent as actress Vera Miles who Hitch had a very contentious relationship with. I also loved Toni Collette as Hitch's long time secretary, Peggy Robertson.

Michael Wincott does a great job as Ed Gein, as does Danny Huston who plays writer Whitfield Cook ("Stranger on a Train") who Alma, starved for a creative outlet, collaborates with on a project causing Hitch to go deliciously mad with jealousy. "Hitchcock" gives us a fascinating look into a difficult and complex man who was a visionary that changed cinema forever.

Even though Sir Anthony wears a facial prosthetic, a hairpiece and blue contact lenses to resemble Hitchcock, it's his acting that shines through and brings this fascinating man to life.

Of course, as always Helen Mirren gives a beautiful performance as Hitch's talented but underappreciated wife.

"Hitchcock" opens on Fri., Nov. 23, and is a must see for anyone who is a film buff or just likes to be entertained. I gave this film 4 1/2 bagels out of 5 and John was just a bagel short of my score.

Check out our video for more of our thoughts and please SUBSCRIBE to us at youtube.com/twojewsonfilm and LIKE us on our Two Jews On Film facebook page!

Also let us know what you think about 'Hitchcock'. Thanks everyone and Happy Thanksgiving.

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November 18, 2012 | 6:42 pm

Review: ‘Life Of Pi’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

'Life Of Pi' directed by the brilliant visionary, Ang Lee ('Broadback Mountain', 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon') is the thrilling and powerful story of 17 year old Piscine Militor, aka Pi (newcomer Suraj Sharma) who grows up in Pondicherry India, a southern french colony during the 1970's.

Pi lives an idyllic life.  His house is located in a beautiful lush storybook setting, surrounded by a zoo filled with tigers, hippos, organgutans, monkies, zebras, just to name a few of the incredible animals that live there. 

We meet Pi at the age of 5 (Gautan Belur - age 5) and then at 11 (Ayush Tandon).  When not in school or studying, he spends his time these fabulous creatures which leads him to develop his own theories about faith, religion, as well as what he believes when it comes to the true nature of humans and animals..

However, when Pi attempts to befriend a 450 lb Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, his father (Adil Hussain) freaks out and winds up teaching him a very harsh lesson about the true nature of this beast.  

Years later, Pi's father and mother (Tabu) decide to relocate to Canada for economic reasons.  This news is absolutely devastating for the 17 year old Pi.  He doesn't want to leave his animal friends or his human ones...especially his girl friend (Shravanthi Sainath)

But there is nothing Pi can do about it.  The decisiion has been made.  The family packs up their belongings, including some of the zoo animals that they intend to sell once they reach their new home, and set sail on a cargo ship.

It doesn't take long before a monstrous storm breaks out, causing the ship to sink and killing everyone on board, except for...

Pi, the tiger, Richard Parker, a wounded zebra, a female organgutan, a rat and a vicious hyena, who now find themselves adrift somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, sharing a 27 foot life boat.

Pi has to find a way to keep himself and the animals alive and eventually, he must bond with the ferocious Richard Parker...his mortal enemy.

'Life Of Pi' written by David Magee is based on Yann Martel;s award winning novel which spent years on the bestseller list.  Lee's vision, coupled with stunning 3D visuals, including flying fish, a breaching whale and luminous jelly fish that light up the night sky, has turned this beloved novel into a magical, mesmerizing, beautiful film about faith, hope and survival.  Plus it's done with a great deal of humor...Something you better have if and when you're lost and sea with a Bengal tiger.

Rounding out the cast is Gerard Depardieu, as the ship's nasty french cook, Irrfan Khan as the adult Pi, Ayan Khan (Pi's brother) and Rafe Spall as the writer.

The only problem I had was how Lee book-ended the film. It just didn't fit with the rest of the movie.  But despite that, I still gave 'Life Of Pi' which opens in theatres, Wednesday, November 21, 2012...4 1/2 bagels and John did the same.

Check out our video for more of our thoughts and please SUBSCRIBE to us at youtube.com/twojewsonfilm and LIKE us on our Two Jews On Film facebook page.  Thanks everyone..

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November 15, 2012 | 6:18 pm

Review: ‘The Twilight Saga-Breaking Dawn-Part 2

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

The vamps are back and even though Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson aren't together...Bella and Edward are and they have a very magical baby, half human, half vampire, Renesmee ( Mackenzie Foy).

So here's the good news...Bella loves being a vampire...loves the power and the speed, that it brings her. She's never felt so alive.  Bella loves her husband and her baby.

In fact, the Cullen crew, including Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Ashley Greene and Kellan Lutz are all living together in the country in what can only be described as...bliss.

Even wolfman Taylor Lautner has come abroard. Seems he's imprinted on the baby and now he has no choice but to protect her with his life... Of course that doesn't last long.

Irina (Maggie Grace) comes for a visit, but before she can even say hi, she spots Renesmee in the woods flying above the trees and thinks she's an IMMORTAL child...a child who gets bit and becomes a vampire. This is a big no-no.

Irina instantly reports this information to the VOLTURI clan and now Bella and the Cullens have to gather allies to face them or be destroyed.

The whole cast, especially Michael Cullen as the head of the Volituri do an excellent job of bringing their super entertaining characters to life. Each one of the vampires have special abilities that make them memoriable.

'Breaking Dawn Part 2' directed by Bill Condon and written by Melissa Rosenberg (based on Stephanie Meyer's bestselling novels) is a fantastic end to the Twilight Saga.

It's exciting, full of surprises, even funny and for me, my favorite of all the films. It's for that reason I gave Breaking Dawn-Part 2, which opens in theatres, November 16th, 2012...4 1/2 bagels out of 5 and miracle of miracle, John didn't hate it.

Check out our video for more of our banter and John's bagel score.

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November 12, 2012 | 5:19 pm

Review: ‘Silver Linings Playbook

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Every so often a film comes along that is original, quirky, poignant and surprising. 'Silver Linings Playbook' written and directed by David O' Russell ('The Fighter') is just such a movie.

The film explores the struggles, eccentricities and obsessions of everyday people. In this case the Solantano family. Pat Solantano Jr, (Bradley Cooper, who's never been better) has just spent 8 months in a mental hospital for beating up his co-worker and fellow teacher. Actually he practically killed the guy.

Now, I'm not condoning violence, but Pat did find the dude having sex with his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee) in the shower. To add insult to injury, Pat and Nikki's wedding song, 'My Cherie Amour' was playing in the background. Of course, now, everytime Pat hears that song playing, he goes absolutely crazy...which becomes problematic.

Anyway Pat is released to his parents, Pat Sr. (Robert DeNiro) and Dolores (Jacki Weaver, 'Animal Kingdom') custody and moves back into their home. Pat is determined to live a positive life and to find the silver lining in everything..

He's convinced that his new attitude will win back Nikki. While Pat is struggling to keep it all together, into his life walks super dysfunctional, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) a young, super depressed widow, who's policeman husband was killed in a car accident.  For a long time, Tiffany drowned her sorrow by having sex with everyone in her office, leading to her dismissal.

Pat and Tiffany's relationshipm as well as Pat's relationship with his father, who has major OCD, is the heart of this film. DeNiro hasn't had a part this good in a long time. Yes, Pat Sr. is funny, but he's also a man terrified of losing control and De'Niro's brings a rawness to the part, that makes you care deeply about this character.

Cooper nails his complex character as well. Pat Jr. is an abrasive, vulnerable, explosive guy, who just happens to be bi-polar. Now that's alot to deal with.

Rounding out the cast is Chris Tucker as Pat's friend from the mental hospital, Anupam Kher, Pat's shrink, Julia Stiles as Tiffany's uptight sister and John Ortiz as her overly stressed, submissive husband.

I loved 'Silver Linings Playbook' which opens in theatres Friday November 17, 2012 and for that reason...I gave it 4 bagels out of 5. Check out our video for more of our banter and of course, for John's bagel rating.

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November 6, 2012 | 7:53 pm

Review: ‘Skyfall’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

'Skyfall' directed by the super talented Sam Mendes gives us a very different James Bond. Yes, he's still the charismatic, super macho male that loves sex, hot women, hot cars, gambling and kicking butt. But this time around, he's also vulnerable, slightly worn out and much more human.

And that's what makes this film one of the best of the Bond's.

Don't want to spoil the fun, so I'll just talk about the plot with broad strokes. The film begins in Instabul where Bond (Daniel Craig) finds fellow MI6 agent Ronson, critically wounded and the hard drive of a laptop missing. Bond goes after the thief/ hitman, Patrice (Ola Rapace) and what follows is a super exciting car chase, followed by a super exciting motorbike chase and ending with the two men brawling on the top of a moving train.

At the same time, fellow spy, Eve (Naomie Harris) who has the bad guy in the cross hairs is ordered by M (Judi Dench) to take the shot. Eve doesn't want to for fear of hitting Bond. But M is adamant...TAKE THE SHOT. She does...hits Bond and the super spy falls into a raging river.

That's right folks, Bond is dead...Well not really, but everyone thinks he is. And James likes it like that. Why shouldn't he. He's on an island somewhere in bed with a hot babe.

However when he finds out there's been an explosion at headquarters, he decides it's time for him to resurface. And it's a good thing too. Seems the Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes) has informed M that the stolen computer disc contained the list of every undercover NATO agent embeded in terrorist organizations around the world and they are being killed.. He tells her that she showed poor judgement in handling the situation and it's time for her to retire.

Yeah, like that's going to happen. 'Skyfall' is basically a film about revenge. And no one does revenge better than Javier Bardem. He's absolutely fantastic as Raoul Silva the man determined to bring down M and her organization.

Rounding out the cast is Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw as Q and Berenice Marlole.

'Skyfall' which opens Friday November 9, 2012, written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan is an intelligent, exciting and in the end, surprising film that won't disappoint fans or those new to the genre.

I loved this film and gave it 4 1/2 bagels out of 5. Check out our video to see John's bagel rating and for more of our thoughts.

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November 4, 2012 | 6:51 pm

Review: ‘Lincoln’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Okay I know what some of you may be thinking...A film about Abraham Lincoln...Boring!!! Let me assure you it's anything but...boring.

Steven Spielberg has directed a riverting, intense, exciting, fascinating film about the President of the U. S. that put everything on the line, to pass the 13th amendent to the constitution, which would end slavery, throughout the country. And let me tell you...that was no easy task.

These guys will do everything and anything to help get this done. Seward even hires a trio of hooligans (John Hawkes, Tim Blake Nelson and James Spader) to help get Lincoln the votes he needs, by any means necessary. They actually bring a wonderful comic relief to the film.

What I found most interesting, (and apparently forgot from my history classes) it was the Republicans that were anti-slavery. The Democrats were vehemently pro-slavery and it wasn't only the Southern democrats...New Jersey, New York, Massachusettes were not big on the whole freedom thing either.

'Lincoln' was written by the award- winning playwright, Tony Kushner ('Angeles In America') which he adapted from two best selling non fiction books...and he does a fantastic job in capturing Lincoln the man.

The scenes between the President and his high strung, nuerotic wife, Mary (Sally Field) and his son, Robert (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) are quite touching. Kutchner and Spielberg also captures what a shrewd and clever politican Lincoln was, willing to make back room deals to get this amendment pass.

And wow, did this guy love to tell stories...long ones, but always interesting especially the way Daniel Day Lewis tells them.

Lewis's performance is absolutely memorizing and I predict, he will get another Oscar for his work.

The film takes place in 1865...the war is still raging, but the South is losing. Lincoln has just four months to get this amendment passed. Once the war ends, it's over. No one will care about passing it...

The President is up against the clock. And even though, we all know how it turns out, you can't help but sit on the edge of your seat as the Congressman start to vote.

Watching this film with an election coming up, you can't help but think about, how far we've come, and how far will still have to go.

Speilberg, who I felt missed badly with 'War Horse' has redemmed himself with this epic film. And for that reason, I gave 'Lincoln' which opens in theatres, Friday November 9th, 5 bagels out of 5.

John wasn't as passionate as I was about the film, but he did enjoy it...kind of.

Check out our video to see his bagel score and for more of our banter .

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November 1, 2012 | 7:11 pm

Review: ‘Flight’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington) has a secret...He's an alcholic/coke addict...Whip is also an extraordinary pilot who miraculously crash lands a plane after a mid-air catastrophe, saving all but 6 people on board.

After the crash, Whip is hailed a 'hero', but he certainly doesn't feel like one.  To avoid the press, he escapes to his childhood farm where he tries to kick the booze.

At first, he's successful...Even has some help from an exjunkie (Kelly Reilly) who he met during his hospital stay.  All goes well at first...No alchol and lots of loving from Kelly.  But when National Transportation Board starts to investigate Whip for being high on the morning of the flight (which he was) Whip once again, picks up the bottle and doesn't put it down until...Well don't want to SPOIL anything, so I better move on.

The big problem I had with 'Flight' directed by Robert Zemckis ('Forest Gump', 'Castaway') is that the film had a very familiar, 'old fashion' feel to it.  It's a story we've seen so many times...An alcoholic who won't face the fact that he is an 'alcoholic'.

There's really nothing new here.  Denzel does a good job portraying a character in denial, but we never learn what causes him to drink...We never see or understand Whip's demons and for me, that's a big problem.

The supporting cast is fine...John Goodman as the comic relief, gives a very entertaining, over the top performance as Whip's drug dealer...

Don Cheadle, Whip's lawyer and Bruce Greenwood, head of Pilots union spend most of their time trying to keep Whip sober.

Finally, Brian Gereghty as Whip's born-again co-pilot was quite good.

'Flight' written by John Gatine, opens in theatres Friday, November 2, 2012.  I gave it 2 1/2 bagels out of 5 with a schmeer. 

Check out our video to see John's rating and for more of our bantering.

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