Well I’ve got a lot of catching up to do on film reviewing so I’m gonna try and knock these ones out quickly.
First, “The Good German” with George Clooney and Cate Blanchett. Directed by Steven Soderbergh who did “Out of Sight” and the “Ocean…” films with Clooney. I quite like the feel of the film – it’s done entirely in black and white, interspersed with actual film footage of post-war Germany (I can only assume). It’s acted well and the story is interesting to an extent but I’m not sure it’s one I’d choose to watch with friends. A good one for a daytime watch during the weekend or a weekend evening in alone. I give it 6/10.
Next “Rocky Balbao” – I don’t think I need to tell you who the main actor is in this one?? I watched in on a Saturday morning when I woke up far earlier then I wanted to! It’s a good fun film… however I really like it’s message of what it truly means to be a hero. Someone who is able to take the “punches” (apologies for the punn) of life and to still keep going. Many films say it very subtly but this one is quite clear about that message which I really respect. 7/10.
Finally, “Lions for Lambs“, which I watched projected on to my living room wall with a friend. (Bit of a weird one for that!) Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford are the big dogs in this one. But I also liked the performences of some of the younger actors that I think had minor parts in several other films I’ve seen before. Thought provoking film about America’s military action in the Middle East and the public opinion of the politicians behind it. Having said that it’s not so heavy that a fairly non-intellectual person like me couldn’t follow it along. (There’s a bit of war action included for the guys that need that in a film to enjoy it!) It makes you think about quite a few issues and not just the war. The big stars play characters that are just familiar enough to make you feel comfortable but just slightly different enough to encourage you to challenge your thinking on the relevant issues. A good one to watch with friends – I had an interesting discussion afterwards with the friend I watched it with. 7/10.
