Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Another Earth (Mike Cahill)

This film's framing premise--that a mirror Earth unexpectedly and inexplicably approaches our planet--was almost enough to keep us from going to the cinema tonight. I'm so glad we followed through on our original plans.

Obviously a low-budget effort filmed here in New Haven--landmark spotting was the fun aspect of watching it--the directo, writers, and lead actors (all spots filled by Cahill and Brit Marling) focused on creating credible characters. After their shared but separate horror, watch them return to life in tandem, graciously allowing the other to help with the healing.

Like Tree of Life, this film posits a place of grace and forgiveness while avoiding sentimentality.

Highly recommend

Monday, August 15, 2011

Sarah's Key (Gilles Paquet-Brenner)

Mixed feelings about a highly emotional (and highly unlikely) tale.

Recommend with caveats

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Point Blank (Fred Cavaye)

This French thriller doesn't let its audience relax for more than 15 seconds at a time. It centers on the efforts of a nurse's aid to rescue his 7.5-months pregnant wife who's been kidnapped. The line between cops and criminals are blurred, with both simply want to wipe out their enemies, while the husband just wants to find his wife. Multiple plot twists are further complicated by the involvement of a corrupt police detective.

Recommended.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Entertaining prequel in which all the humans behave badly, stupidly, or both. Clever ending to explain self-inflicted demise of humans, paving the way for the rise of the apes.

Recommend.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

The Tempest (Shakespeare)

The third of Yale Cabaret's Summer Shakespeare Festival features strong performance, insightful directing, and clever stage design. No one actor plays Prospero; instead, the role is shared by the other actors/characters, revealing them at the end to have all been a figment of his imagination.

Strong work by artistic director Devin Brain and producer Tara Kayton.

Highly recommend.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Life, Above All (Oliver Schmitz)

A somber, sober look at the shame that forces individuals and families drawn into the South African AIDS epidemic in South African to hid in secrecy. Excellent cinematography and sound design.

Highly recommend

Friday, August 5, 2011

As You Like It (Shakespeare)

The second of the Yale Summer Cabaret's ambitious Shakespeare productions. Cleverly imagined and clearly produced.

Recommend

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