|
||||
|
||||
|
Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
|
||||
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|||||
|
|||||
Two topnotch thrillers, also a film so sumptuous, it should get an Oscar just for the costumes |
||
 |
||
| Two topnotch thrillers, also a film so sumptuous, it should get an Oscar just for the costumes | ||
|
by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid -
SGN A&E Writer AMERICAN GANGSTER DIRECTED BY RIDLEY SCOTT STARRING DENZEL WASHINGTON, RUSSELL CROWE, CHIWETEL EJIOFOR, CARLA GUGINO, JOHN HAWKES, TED LEVINE, T.I., RZA, YUL VAZQUEZ, AND RUBY DEE NOW PLAYING GONE, BABY GONE DIRECTED BY BEN AFFLECK STARRING CASEY AFFLECK, MICHELLE MONAGHAN, AMY RYAN, ED HARRIS, MORGAN FREEMAN NOW PLAYING ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE DIRECTED BY SHEKHAR KAPUR STARRING CATE BLANCHETT, CLIVE OWEN, GEOFFREY RUSH NOW PLAYING As the days get longer and darker, you might want to wander into a local cinema, plunk your rear down and let something on the big screen take you away. Think of it as visual 'Calgon'. And if that's what you're looking for, but with some action, then definitely see American Gangster, which stars Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, as just what the title says. Only he's charming when he's teaching a rude guest at his home (who disrupts a party by arguing and shooting someone on the spot), how to act by bashing said guest's head between the piano and the top of the piano. Same when he's blowing a rival's brains out on the street to show he's got 'the stuff' in front of his new crew. Shocking, but effective, and something-along with all of the money that comes his way-that brings him to the notice of a grubby, but determined detective (Russell Crowe), who is determined to clean up the mess this elusive gangster is wreaking. As the two play cat and mouse and there's more violence (be warned, though this stars Denzel, it's not for the squeamish, who are used to him being the 'nice guy'), one can easily see that this world of dope and money is about to come crashing down around Mr. Gangster and his family of cohorts. Only it brings down half of the New York police force with him, since they've had they're hands in some not so nice dealings too. Not a 'holiday film', but one to see if you like the genre and Denzel. Then, if you haven't had your fill of thrilling, cops and bad guys films, do see the noirish, Oscar-worthy Gone, Baby Gone, which is directed by none other than so-so actor, Ben Affleck. Only he's a much better director than he is an actor, as this films crackles with energy in every frame, added to by his brother (whom Affleck is directing), Casey, who is already getting some 'Oscar buzz' for his portrayal of a dogged detective hired to find a missing child. This film will have you on the edge of your seat one moment, covering your eyes the next (there are some pretty heinous moments in this film, so be warned), and cheering the next. Mostly, though, this is a thought-provoking film with a twist at the end that most folks will never see coming. I know I didn't when I saw it at a screening several weeks ago. Go see it, and believe me, Gone, Baby Gone, might just be the best damned movie you'll see all year. Just keep in mind, it is a gut wrencher, with some scenes not suitable for those easily freaked out. Finally, after all of those thrills and gore, you might want to just sit back and let your eyes and mind be filled with uncommon beauty and the magnificence of notable actress Cate Blanchett (who got an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Elizabeth a couple of years ago). Maybe this film will finally be 'the charm' for Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush, her co-star in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, which though it plays fast and loose with some of the real history around the clash between Spain and England in the 1500's, is absolutely stunning otherwise. Also starring a rakish Clive Owen as Elizabeth's love interest (though nothing happens, because she chooses country and duty over love), Elizabeth: The Golden Age, sweep the viewer off they're feet like Hollywood epics of old, and makes the heart glad to be part of this visual feast. And of course, Blanchett, pale and bewigged in flaming red hair, on the battlefield before England faces down Spain is completely worth the price of a ticket, as this must be seen on a large screen to be fully appreciated. |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
| Halloween on Capitol Hill
Slide Show photos by Joey - SGN photographer |
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 SEAMEC ratings |
 post your own information on the Seattle Gay Blog |
copyright Seattle Gay News - DigitalTeamWorks 2007