Black Swan

Director Darren Aronofsky has the unique talent of temporarily usurping the mind of his audience. Black Swan was carefully and eloquently designed. The film, at its core, is about something beautiful and pure; dance. As the director of the dance company, Thomas (Vincent Cassel), choreographs and conducts his symphony, Aronofsky directs his vision. With a superb performance by Natalie Portman, the viewer is taken deep into Nina Sayer's' chaotic mind. As the white-swan/black-swan conflict emerges far beyond the dance itself, Mila Kunis is great as Lily the sensual and seductive antithesis to Nina. The numerous layers and multiple ideas that are prevalent in this film are what make it special. The characters are deep, and the points sharp. The sexual scenes as well as the company of beautiful dancers adds a clear edge to the picture. Perhaps the key to the dramatic film is the musical pieces in the background that drive the mood. I do have a few criticisms of the movie. Towards the end the film gets dangerously close to becoming a full fledged horror film. However, Aronofsky clearly had the agenda of depicting total chaos and panic so the horror scenes added. Also, the psychology of the film reminds me a bit too much of Fight Club. As with most movies of this kind (somewhat all over the place) there are likely holes in the movie. It is not clear how the broad story of the movie fits exactly with the story of the Swan Queen, but most parts make sense. Still, I love Aronofsky's style and his work. He manipulates the mind and take the audience into another world; his world. He knows no boundaries and makes sure you will not forget his work. There is a rush at every moment and an explosion at the finale. Analyzing this film is both intellectually and emotionally stimulating. 4 stars.

127 Hours: Spoiler Alert (If somehow you don't already know the ending)

It is difficult to write about this movie because Aron Ralston's story truly speaks for itself. The plot of the movie, based on the true story, allows for a rare correct usage of the word unbelievable. The film has many attributes other than an enthralling story as well. Acclaimed director of Slumdog Millionaire Danny Boyle, gives his audience more than just a man's account; he delivers a film. The movie must be brief because it mostly takes in one setting with one character. Boyle therefore uses his film time quite wisely. In the early stage of the movie he develops Aron Ralston (James Franco) as a personality and allows the audience to form a relationship with light-hearted, adventurer. He then abruptly goes to the meat of the film, when Aron's right arm gets trapped in canyon-land between a boulder and a wall. The remainder of the movie is spent between Aron, his thoughts, and the audience; all in one sliver of earth. James Franco puts on his best performance as he portrays a man willing to do anything to escape his quagmire. Franco was perfect in every aspect; comedic yet deep. Boyle takes us, vicariously through Aron, as close as anyone can get to death and still tell about it. Boyle puts in a number of delusions that seem a little over the top, but when someone is that helpless anything is possible. I was a little too squeamish to watch the climactic scene where Aron amputates his own arm in full detail. Boyle got the job done using visual and auditory techniques to portray Aron's chaotic state of pain. Boyle and Franco gave a little extra to a story that didn't even need any. 3 1/2 stars. Interview with Aron Ralston

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

I find the premise of this film to be quite humorous. Those involved with creating this movie have publicly announced their intention of making a film used only as plot set-up, and one that lacks a true climax. Why make one Harry Potter movie and make 500 million dollars, when you can make 2 movies and make double? It is true, though, that the book by J.K. Rowling is far too long to realistically fit into one motion picture. Therefore, this movie is to some extent a necessary evil. As the magical world faces its darkest times, the scenes with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his followers are always eerily intriguing. Much of the dialogue is well done, however there is far too much of it and at times scenes come off as hackneyed and cliche. The action and plot of the film flow, but at some point it becomes apparent that this movie is really only to make Part 2 better. Entering the movie, obviously every viewer knows only half of the book is being portrayed, and it is therefore unfair to judge the movie solely based on that fact. Director David Yates controls and sets up the movie nicely. The scenery is wonderful (as expected). As usual, it is a joy to return and spend time with the great characters Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermioine (Emma Watson). Overall the film is good with good acting and some fun scenes. It definitely creates a great deal of suspense, but it's hard to be blown away by something that needs its Part 2. 2 1/2 stars.

Jackass 3D

I'm not going to say that the new Jackass in 3D is the best or funniest movie I have seen in a while, but that gang of buddies is just insane and is still having the time of their lives. The stunts are hilarious, crazier, and more disgusting than ever; especially in 3D. Johnny Knoxville, although getting up there in age still puts on a good performance as head honcho of the knuckleheads. The 3D definitely adds a little more of an edge to this ultimate slapstick series. There was enough stunts that it didn't feel like you were getting ripped off by it being way too short. I hope this is their last movie they make so they can go out on top with out having too much gray hair. Definitely a funny movie and worthwhile when you're just not in the mood for that serious drama. 2 1/2 stars and hard for a movie of this kind to get much better than that.

The Social Network

It is rare in Hollywood to find a movie that has the perfect combination of direction, writing, and acting. In Colombia Pictures’ The Social Network, director David Fincher, screenplay writer Aaron Sorkin, and the cast form such a team. There are three parts of the movie that needed to be carefully developed: the characterization of Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and other characters, the creation of The Facebook web page, and the depiction of the many hours of legal argument. The superb weaving and intertwining of these three aspects makes the movie exceptional. Rare for a dialogue driven movie, there were no dull parts to this film. This can be traced directly back to the director and writer. When they are combined with flawless casting and acting the movie is bound for greatness. Early in the watching experience one feels a deep connection and knowledge of the multiple characters, a crucial achievement. Not only are you merely watching the movie, but you become emotionally invested in what will occur next. It is hard to find flaws in this movie. It is not too long like many current movies produced, it depicts real drama without going over the top, and it tells a story of which everyone wants to be a part (many people already are). If it never ended I would still be sitting and watching it. The Social Network is the must see of the year and is now the probable front-runner for best picture. 4 stars.

Lebanon

Lebanon was one of the realest, most intense war movies I've seen. It was completely gripping from the opening credits which show an eerily still, endless field of sunflowers until the final scene of the same setting. The film takes the viewer inside an Israeli Defense Force tank during the Lebanon War in 1982. The entire movie takes place in the tank and all that is seen outside is through the scope of the vehicle. There is no break from action in this film as the members of the tank are faced with countless dangerous missions. The young soldiers must fight through fear and inexperience to make it out alive. The dialogue is superb going form heart wrenching conversations to the occasional lines of comic relief. The acting was perfect as these actors all surely served in the army in real life. The manner in which the city is seen through the scope is pure genius and could not be exacuted in a better way. Not only are you engulfed in the experiences of the young men of the IDF and view their maturation, but to be a part of and view such a motion picture is to grow yourself. This film left me feeling paralyzed for at least a minute after it ended. It is in Hebrew and is even better if understood in that language as opposed to subtitles. Truly an accomplishment; kudos to writer/director Samuel Maoz. 4 stars.

Wall Street

Oliver Stone's new sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was, as I expected, a bust. There were multiple flaws with the movie. It was one of the dullest movies I've watched in a while. The dialogue was below par and the action was pathetic. The director's clear agenda of making everyone who works on Wall Street look like pompous, conniving, cold hearted ass-holes dominated the film. The picture was way too long especially with its total lack of excitement. However, what saved this poor move from disaster was, in addition to its big name, the acting. Shia Labeouf was very good in his role as Jake Moore the future son-in-law of the infamous Gordon Gekko. Michael Douglas played this role very well but not quite as charismatically as in Wall Street (1987). The rest of the acting was also good saving the film from disaster. The highlight of this movie for me was Charlie Sheen's cameo as Bud Fox from the first movie. No need to go sit through this film; skip it. 1 1/2 stars.