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Suing the Devil (2011)
God 1, Devil 0
I saw SUING THE DEVIL at a benefit screening. About 20 minutes into the movie, I realized I was watching a potential classic. Almost made it, but was disappointed with the ending. I'm very picky about films so I apologize in advance for the long critique or diatribe.
NOTE: *I thought the ending was thrilling don't get me wrong, but I wanted more punch. Am I the only one who thinks this?
The screenplay is taut, intelligent, subtle, beautifully paced. The acting at every level, from principals through other important characters to bit parts, is outstanding. The actor who plays the devil conveys the charm, intelligence, poise and moral weakness of the fallen angel. The other lawyers are excellent foils, especially the lead attorney.
NOTE: *The storyline is real faith-based so if you have a problem with this, don't watch it. Apparently the 15 people who gave this film an undeserved '1' thought the same. I don't discriminate either way - I'm agnostic.
Oh, the final vision of this film is a user-friendly cynicism, such as has infused everyday life since the days when we discovered just how powerless, pointless we could be in the face of the grand schemes of life. It is very fittingly staged as a court-room trial; where, once again, there seems to be a script, audience participation, and actors performing, seducing with treacly soliloquy or stentorian morals. The important battles being fought are swept aside into the spectacle, the purely superficial, as in TV. Did he do this? Did he do that? The accusations are lovely in light of our society.
So, eventually the unimportant fall-guy played by a good Aussie actor who I can't remember, assumes all the blame, and the powerful higher-ups at the devil's food chain attempt to get away scott-free. And this is why it's all so scathing in both directions, up and down; they think they can get away, but we know - and can, with hindsight, make the films about it. The cost has been our disillusionment with the wrecked landscape of drug abuse, revenge killings, war, greed (there's a deft scene involving an oil executive which now makes plain sense). The devil's lawyers all meddling with the truth, of course, or are in cahoots with who serves their interest.
NOTE: *This has always been our revenge against any evil; even the slightest hint of rumor can damage public perception of the main protagonist.
SUING THE DEVIL is a movie with fierce intelligence. To me, it succeeds wildly because it isn't some bland, filmed thesis on the devil that others have tried and failed or perhaps because it doesn't have a sensational actor in the lead role; it's a fast, smart piece of real entertainment. This is a very good film. 4.5 out of 5 stars
Live Fast, Die Young (2008)
blown away...
i know - it's only a 9 out of 10. don't kill me. i'll explain later.
this film left me speechless. i like films that make me want to listen to through the end credits as i sit pondering why i fell so spent. this film caused me to reflect on many things and all i can say is if this film doesn't touch you, nothing will.
wow. very impressive. i think i totally had no idea what to expect.
i realize in a very strange way that we are so disconnected from our creator. i was going to give it a 10, but the beginning was a bit murky. it wasn't until everyone sits in the living room that things start popping at you emotionally.
Sommersby (1993)
Great film.
Great film - really enjoyed the twist - was Gere the killer?
Sommersby might be considered a woman's flick. Well, so be it and more power to it. Go ahead and be ready to laugh, and also to tear up over some of the scenes. This is a well-acted, well directed, and enjoyable film in the solid time- honored tradition of totally watchable Grade B movies.
Some of the characters portrayed are people a viewer can get to know for a few hours and really sympathize with. Other's behavior you can get mad at. You might even want to express a little outrage at some behavior portrayed. Enjoy it. The film has its flaws, but for the most part is one the sensitive and discerning viewer can see more that once and be happier with than much of the real trivial tripe that passes for film these days. And to be perfectly honest, it's better than the book.
Flightplan (2005)
Jody Foster is awesome in this very average movie
Jody is awesome, but the film is average. I watch lots of movies, so I'm getting tired of the same formula. Lots of people wish Hollywood would make better films.
A film that was so successful it has been copied by everyone but none get near this roller coaster of a ride. Jody is made for this his one liners are really good and she's still a human being not a super human like Arnie or Sly. The marshall is a scheming ambitous sort of person who gets his comeuppence at the end,The FBI men are so gun ho and they add to the fun.However the star of the film is without doubt Jody who always comes through in her performances.
Nonetheless, she needs to do more intelligent roles in the future and get off the 'blockbuster' mentality that her people keep telling her to do apparently.