This week
Hide and Seek
The Aviator
A Very Long Engagement
Hide and Seek
Director: John Polson
To make a movie like "Hide and Seek," do as follows: First of all take one spooky-looking little girl, one psychologist dad, one dead mom, one desolate house, one dark forest and one hackneyed twist. Secondly, run the idea through some quick-script computer software and in no time at all the computer will cough up a script for you. Thirdly, you will want to sucker some real Hollywood stars, and make them believe they can't do any better. Now you have an incredibly crappy feature. "Hide and Seek" is one of those movies you can't believe they keep on making. This is an incoherent, predictable and non-scary spin-off of something we have seen 100 times before. Robert De Niro hasn't been in a good movie since 2000. Wonder when that's going to change.
1/2 (Julie Vinten)
Ten-year-old Emily (Dakota Fanning) is severely traumatized by the suicide of her mother. Dad (Robert De Niro) is a psychologist and decides to move out into the country so the youngster can get a fresh start. She discovers a gruesome friend there named Charlie. This is where the thriller is supposed to take off, but actually goes downhill from this point on. Undeniably, the best thing about "Hide and Seek" is Fanning. There was a time when De Niro was one of the finest actors making films. This last decade has found him in horrendous features such as "Godsend," "Meet the Fockers" and a string of other mindless crap. If you can get through this preposterous flick without laughing out loud then you most likely will enjoy his latest dud.
(Laimons Juris G)
The Aviator
Director: Martin Scorsese
"The Aviator" is a true Martin Scorsese movie, and it's his best since "Casino" (1995). This is a spectacular feature which is both action-packed and psychologically interesting. Leonardo DiCaprio overshadows everyone else in the movie and shows a deep understanding of the character of Howard Hughes 's the eccentric movie producer, billionaire, charlatan, neurotic and adventurous aviator. He portrays this hugely complex person in a resourceful and convincing manner. Fortunately, this biopic is stripped of Hollywood-style sentimentality and syrupy heroic mumbo-jumbo. Hughes is portrayed as a vigorous character, but not as a flawless hero. The movie pays incredible attention to detail and possesses an inventive visual style. "The Aviator" is good entertainment and admirable craftsmanship. This reviewer is one of many who believe it's time to give Scorsese that Oscar.
1/2 (Julie Vinten)
This biopic is a fascinating glimpse of Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), the aviation pioneer, movie mogul and eccentric billionaire who eventually succumbs to mental illness. Martin Scorsese has made a radiantly entertaining, old-fashioned Hollywood blockbuster. "The Aviator" is a riveting masterpiece in storytelling, brimming with great performances. DiCaprio delivers an Academy Award winning act, as he morphs into Hughes in front of our eyes. Cate Blanchett is perfectly astounding as Katherine Hepburn, practically stealing DiCaprio's thunder. Alec Baldwin is equally amazing, as is Alan Alda, in portraying despicably corrupt officials. The aerial sequences are awe-inspiring and liable to take your breath away. Even at almost three hours, Scorsese's epic motion picture had this reviewer anxious to see more about the sad, obsessive-compulsive Mr. Hughes. Finally, Scorsese should get his Oscar.
(Laimons Juris G)
A Very Long Engagement
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
After their successful collaboration on the wonderful and Oscar nominated "Amelie" (2001), French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and actress Audrey Tautou again join forces on "Un long dimanche de fiancailles" ("A Very Long Engagement.") Based on the acclaimed novel by French author Sebastien Japrisot, the story takes place during World War I. Mathilde (Tautau) decides to find out the truth behind the disappearance of her fiance who fought at the Somme. He was reportedly court-martialed and later left defenseless in no-man's-land to be shot in the crossfire. I haven't yet seen "A Very Long Engagement," but if this drama about love, hope and the absurdity of war has just some of the energy and beauty of Jeunet and Tautou's first collaboration, this movie should be a true joy to watch. (Julie Vintent)
In this suspenseful, moving and heartfelt story, young Mathilde (Audrey Tautou) goes searching for her fiance Manech (Gaspard Ulliel). He's apparently been killed in the trenches of World War I. Manech was part of a group who were sent into a no-man's-land war zone instead of being executed. Mathilde receives a letter inferring that he may still be alive. Though somewhat confusing at the beginning, the enchanting Tautou grabs your attention as the mystery slowly unfolds. A low-key cameo appearance by Jodie Foster, speaking perfect French, is an extra-added delight and surprise. Bruno Delbonnel's spectacular cinematography is a stunning and integral part of the believable story. You don't have to be a big fan of Tautou or director/co-author Jean-Pierre Jeunet ("Amelie") to enjoy this engaging and finely crafted film.
(Laimons Juris G)
