November 12, 2012 | 5:19 pm

Review: ‘Silver Linings Playbook

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

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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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October 24, 2012 | 8:32 pm

Review: ‘Cloud Atlas’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

'Cloud Atlas' is a film that some people, like myself, will find absolutely brilliant, while others, like John (the other half of 'Two Jews On Film') will feel just the opposite.

Some critics have already called it prententious as well as an indulgent mess. All these varying opinions simply prove one thing...When it comes to movies, art, music, culture...it's all so subjective.. Therefore, my suggestion, is...go see this film and judge for yourself.

'Cloud Atlas' directed and written by Lana Wachowski and her brother Andy of the 'Matrix' fame along with Tom Tykwe ('Run Lola Run') is based on David Mitchell's best selling novel of the same name.

The film spans five centuries and explores how the actions and consequences of individuals impact one another through the past, present and future. Characters meet and reunite...Are born and reborn. And...everything and everyone is connected.                                                    

One soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and a single act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution. 'Cloud Atlas begins in 2346, and in 1849, 1936, 2012, 2144 and back to 2346.

The film is part action, mystery, romance, scifi, fantasy and even at times, a comedy. There are six stories and the actors including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, James D' Arcy, Hugh Grant, David Gyasi, Hugo Weaving, Ben Winshaw and the memorizing Doona Baein, play six different characters and they are all extraordinary, transcending genders in some cases.

When the film begins we meet Tom Hanks, a one eyed goat herder living in post apocalyptic Hawaii and then in 1849 as an evil ship's doctor. In 2012, he's a balding skinhead who becomes a pop star after he throws a critic off the roof.

Two of Halle's characters are a crusading San Francisco journalist in 1973 and the last survivor of a lost civilization in 2345..

One of my favorite character that Jim Sturgess plays is a a robot warrior from the future living in New Seoul. He falls in love with a sexy, socially outlawed genetically cloned slave,Sonmi-451 (Doona Baein) who spends her brief existence as a compliant restaurant server.

With the help of Sturgess, she starts gains enlightenment and starts a revolution.

I could write pages about this complex, intriguing, fascinating film, but then why would you go see it...And see it, you must.

"Cloud Atlas' opens in theatres, Friday October 26, 2012 and I gave it 4 1/2 bagels out of 5. Check out our video to see what John thought of this film and what I thought about his critique.and bagel rating.

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October 18, 2012 | 4:34 pm

Review:  ‘The Sessions”

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Every so often a film comes along that lifts your spirits...That makes you feel like anything and everything is possible.

'The Sessions' starring John Hawkes and  Helen Hunt is just such a film.

This is the true story of a man named Mark O'Brien, who lived in Berkely CA in the 1980's. 

Mark is different from most people.  He contacted polio as a child and is confined to an Iron Lung.  The only part of his body that isn't paralyzed, is his head, which he can move slightly to the side.  He is also dependent on a breathing tube and a caregiver.

But this isn't the tale of a disabled dude that lies around feeling sorry for himself.

On the contrary, Mark is a man who defeated the odds and not only graduated college, but went on to become a journalist and a poet.

The story begins in 1988 and as soon as you meet Mark, you can't help but like him.  He's an intelligent, insightful guy, with a killer sense of humor....Oh and at the age of 38, he's still a virgin. And Mark wants to do something about that..

You see even though Mark's body is frail his penis works just fine.

Mark, a devout catholic, confesses to his priest (the wonderful William Macy) that he wants to know a woman in the biblical way.and asks him if this is wrong. After giving it some thought, the Father says GO FOR IT. 

So with the Priest's blessing, Mark sets out to lose his virginity.  He finds a sex surrogate, Cheryl (Helen Hunt)  who has sexual intercourse with her clients and Mark's life will never be the same.

There are many reasons why I loved this film, but the two main ones are...John Hawkes and Helen Hunt who are absolutely amazing. Come Oscar time, they will be on everyone's list.

'The Sessions' written and directed by Ben Lewin is a film that will touch your heart.  It will make you laugh, cry and definitely...inspire you.  It's one of those movies that stays with you way after the credits roll and the lights come on.

And it's a film that John and I actually agreed on.  That's right.  We both gave it 4 1/2 bagels out of 5. 

Check out our video to find out what else we thought about 'The Sessions' which opens in theatres Friday, October 19th, 2012.

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October 10, 2012 | 7:07 pm

Review: ‘Here Comes The Boom’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Ten years ago, Scott Voss (Kevin James) was an excellent high school biology teacher. He was even voted 'Teacher Of The Year'. But ten years is a long time.

FLASH forward to the present...Scott couldn't care less about teaching. He works only to bring home a paycheck and is completely disillusioned with a school system that treats students like 'cattle'...who's only interested in moving them in and out, as quickly and as cheaply as possible..

For some reason, this wakes up the apathetic Scott and he tries to rally the other teachers and the staff to help him raise the $48,000 needed to keep the department going. Unfortunately, the only person interested in helping is Bella, (Salma Hayek) the school nurse, who Scott has been trying to date for over an year, only to get shot down by her over and over again.

Scott even takes a night job, teaching citizenship, to immigrants, for some extra money. It's here, that he meets ex Mix Martial Arts fighter, Nikko (Bas Rutten). Nikko needs some extra help in learning the finer points of our governemnt, so Scott agrees to tutor him.

When he goes over Nikko's house for their first lesson, he finds the fighter and several of his friends watching the UFC fight from Vegas on the t.v. . To his amazement, Voss discovers that a fighter can make up to $10,000 just for competing in one of these fights, and that's if he...loses.

Right then and there Scott, who just happens to be an ex college wrestling champ, realizes that this is the answer to school's money problems. Scott will become a MMA fighter and win the money. Oh and Nikko will become his trainer.

Piece of cake right?

Not exactly and that's what makes 'Here Comes The Boom' directed by Frank Coraci and written by Kevin James, Allan Loeb and Rock Reuben, a funny and yes, heartwarming film about how, it's.never to late to go after your dream, even if everyone around you thinks your nuts.

Yes, this film may be a little corny, predicitable and yes...we've seen it before with 'Rocky', 'Remember The Titans' and countless other films. It's the classic story of the underdog beating the odds. But so what?

The formula still works and in this crazy world, I believe that there's always room for one more 'feel good' movie and for that reason... I gave 'Here Comes The Boom' which opens in theatres, Friday, October 12, 2012...4 bagels out of 5.

Check out our video to a) Here John sing and b) see what he thought of the film.

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October 8, 2012 | 11:01 am

Review: ‘Seven Psychopaths’

Posted by Joan Alperin-Schwartz

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

What does one little Shih Tzu named BONNY, Seven Psychopaths and one screenwriter suffering from writer's block have in common? Everything...At least in my favorite film of 2012 so far...

Screenwriter, Marty Faranan (Colin Farrel) is way past his deadline on his latest screenplay. If that's not enough to cause the poor dude major stress, his passive-aggressive girlfriend, Kaya (Abbie Cornish) is about to walk out on him.

Lucky for Marty, his BFF sometime actor/full time dognapper, Billy (Sam Rockwell, in a tour de force performance) is sticking by him...Actually a little too much. In fact, it's Billy's well-intentioned attempts to help his friend get over his writer's block, that sends Marty's life spiraling out of control.

You see, Billy is completely NUTS. He's one of the 7 Psychos. When he's not pursuing acting jobs, he along with his partner, Hans (the brilliant Christopher Walken in a part tailored made for him) are dognappers.

That's right folks...The pair steal dogs, keep them for a day or two and then return them to the distraught owners for a hefty reward. Things are going smoothly for Hans and Billy until...THEY STEAL THE WRONG DOG.

The dog is a Shih Tzu and his name is BONNY. The little guy belongs to an off the wall crazy gangster, aka psychopath, named Charlie Costello (Woody Harrelson at his best) Charlie loves Bonny to the point of obsession. You can't really blame him. The little four legged guy is adorable.

The scene between him and his dog sitter, Sharice (Gabourey Sidibe) who he blames for the kidnapping is absolutely priceless.

Anyway Charlie vows to kill whoever took his dog and he sets out to find those responsible. Suddenly, Billy, Marty and Hans find themselves going on one of the wildest rides of their life and that's just one of the elements that makes... 'Seven Psychopaths freaking brilliant.

The acting, the dialogue, the twists, the turns, the originality of the story, makes this the MUST SEE film of the year. It was written and directed by the super talented, academy award winner, Martin McDonagh ('In Bruges') who is also an award winning playwright as well.

The cast also includes Tom Waits, as the rabbit loving psychopath, Zachariah and Olga Kurylenko a psychopath groupie who is far from normal as they come.

I gave 'Seven Psychopaths' opens in theatres, Friday October 12, 2012 5 BIG bagels with the works. I absolutely loved everything about it and I bet you will too. John came in pretty close with his rating...which is something, considering how critical we all know he is.

Check out our video to see what Mango, our Pek has to say and more of our thoughts as well.

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