December 15, 2012 | 5:33 pm

Review: ‘Zero Dark Thirty

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

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'Zero Dark Thirty' directed by the brilliant Kathryn Bigelow and written by her partner, Mark Boals ('The Hurt Locker') opens with the horrific voices of people trapped in the towers and those on the ground on 9/11

 

 
We then cut to an U.S. facility in Pakistan. The year is 2003. We meet Maya (Jessica Chastain) a recently hired CIA operative. She is being given a lesson on the necessity of water boarding by her mentor, Dan (the excellent,Jason Clark)

 

When the torture victim begs May for help, she replies...'You can help yourself by being truthful'.

From here on, Maya and her small group of CIA operatives go on a ten year pursuit of Osama bin Laden. The film gives us an in-depth study on all the major events that led up to his capture...Including...

The London bombings, Obama's campaign, the various extremely dangerous Navy Seals missions in tracking and capturing one terrorist after another.

Many of the images are disturbing...There are a lot of torture scenes...Of course there is a great deal of violence, but believe me, you will never turn away from the screen.

Personally, I forgot I was watching a film. I was so caught up in the painstakingly detail with which Maya pursued Bin Laden. It's really interesting that even to this day, she's never got public credit for capturing the number 1 terrorist in the world. Says a lot for the CIA'S good old boy network.

Kathryn Bigelow has assembled an excellent supporting cast, including James Gandolfini as the head of the CIA, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong and Kyle Chandler.

Everything about this film screams Oscar. It has already won many awards and I can see why.

I gave 'Zero Dark Thirty' which opens in theatres Wednesday, December 19th, 41/2 bagels out of 5.

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December 13, 2012 | 9:35 am

Review: ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

They're back ... the orcs, goblins, fairies, dwarfs, dragons, wizards, Mr. Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and a cameo by Hobbit Frodo (Elijah Wood). Shot in 48 FPS, instead of the usual 24, as well as 3D, Peter Jackson has once again created a visually stunning, exciting and magical film that takes us on a journey through Middle Earth.

The film opens with an aged Frodo (Ian Holm) telling a story. We are instantly transported to the dwarf's kingdom known as Erebor. It's here the little guys are living happily ever after with their gold and gem stones -- hat is until they get a visit from a fire breathing dragon known as Smaug. This is one nasty monster.

He not only destroys the dwarfs home, but Smaug steals the Arkenstone, a beautiful jewel that holds great power. Okay, so after this visually stunning opener, we are then transported to the home of a young Bilbo (Martin Freeman) The little hobbit is living a peaceful, orderly house in Bag End. But his tranquil existence is about to come to an abrupt end.

Out of the blue, Bilbo gets a visit from Gandalf The Grey (Ian McKellan) followed by 13 dwarfs and their leader, the very sexy and very legendary warrior, Thorin (Richard Armitage). Gandalf uses every trick in his arsenal to convince the super relunctant Bilbo to accompany the dwarfs on a trek to find their stolen treasure and reclaim their homeland.

Little did Bilbo realize that this journey would be an adventure of a lifetime ... One that takes him and the dwarfs into the Dark Mountain where they encounter treacherous lands swarming with goblins, orcs, deadly Wargs, giant spiders, sorcerers ... and of course ... A creature known as Gollum (Andy Serkis) and his Precious.

It's here, inside an underground lake, after finding a ring, Bilbo must discover the depth of his courage, as the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance.

For those of you who can't get enough of 'The Hobbit' don't worry, this is the first in a trilogy. Did I love this film as much as I did 'Lord Of The Rings'? ... No ... At times the comedy was a bit too much and bordered on corny.

As for the 48 FPS, I didn't mind it. But I do know many people who absolutely hated it.

Also I would have liked to see more of Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Elrod) and Christopher Lee (Saruman), but I'm sure their parts will be expanded in future films.

'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' opens in theatres Fri., Dec. 14 and I do urge everyone to see it, whether you're a fan or not. It's a sensational piece of filmmaking by Mr. Jackson. Not perfect, but really, really good.

Check out our video to find out our bagel scores.  Hint:  Mine is considerably higher than John's.

 

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December 4, 2012 | 9:16 pm

Review: ‘Hyde Park On The Hudson’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

'Hyde Park On The Hudson' is the story of a love affaire between FDR (Bill Murray) and his distant cousin, Margaret Stuckley (Laura Linney) centered around the weekend in 1939 when King George V1 aka Bertie (Samuel West) and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Coleman) came to visit. George is in the United States to ask Roosevelt for financial help with Britain's impending war with Germany.

 

 

By the way, this is the same King George that took center stage in 'The King's Speech. That's right...the King who stuttered.

The film was directed by Roger Michell ('Notting Hill') and written by Richard Nelson. It's a very interesting study about a man who was laid back, funny, shrewed and a total player.

This guy loved women and apparently, even though he was confined to a wheel chair from contacting polio as a child, he never let his handicap stop him from getting it on with many, many ladies, including his long time secretary Missy (Elizabeth Marvel)

Unfortunately, Eleanor (Olivia Williams) knew all about his affairs, but like all good and loyal 'first ladies' she stayed by her husband's side and made the best of it. Of course, she accomplished incredible things in her own right, but that's another movie.

The film opens with Roosevelt summoning Margaret to his vacation home in Hyde Park on the Hudson.. She's quite surprised by the invite since she hasn't seen the President in years.

The Commander In Chief starts his seduction by showing Margaret his stamp collection, followed by long drives in the country, and finally, FDR, ever so delicately takes Margaret's hand and places it on his...Well you can use your imagination to figure out the rest.

The main reason to see this film of course, is Bill Murray's excellent performance as Roosevelt. Quite a stretch from the guy we first met on Saturday Night Live.

This is also a film for anyone who loves history, which I do and for that reason, I gave 'Hyde Park On The Hudson' which opens in theatres, Friday December 7th...31/2 bagels out of 5.

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

 

 

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November 29, 2012 | 9:12 pm

Review: ‘Killing Them Softly’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

'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.

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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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