21 Grams (2003)

Directed by: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu

Starring: Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Benicio Del Toro

Genre: Drama

Rated: R

“How many lives do we live? How many times do we die? They say we all lose 21 grams... at the exact moment of our death. Everyone. And how much fits into 21 grams? How much is lost? When do we lose 21 grams? How much goes with them? How much is gained? How much is gained? Twenty-one grams. The weight of a stack of five nickels. The weight of a hummingbird. A chocolate bar. How much did 21 grams weigh?”
- Paul Rivers (Sean Penn), “21 Grams”

A tragic hit-and-run accident brings together a critically ill mathematician (Sean Penn), a grieving mother that was once a drug addict (Naomi Watts) and an ex-con, now born-again Christian (Benicio Del Toro). A non-linear plot sequence shows glimpses into the lives of these characters as they are slowly brought together.

First and foremost, I have to mention that this film is not for everyone. The editing/sequence of events is non-linear. One scene will show you something, and the next could be from earlier in the story or far at the end – the scenes are completely out of order. I know there are a few people that don’t like this type of editing and would prefer to watch a movie straight through. Normally, I would agree with that, but I feel that this semi-unique style of editing really worked for this film. In linear form, I think the film would have lost a lot of its impact and it would have become a run-of-the-mill tragedy/revenge plot. It also kept the attention of the audience – they’re actively involved with the movie, trying to piece things together and understand what is going on. I, for one, enjoyed that. I love being forced to think, rather than have it all laid out in front of me.

The performances in this film were wonderful. Naomi Watts stole the show as the grieving mother. Her actions and emotions were spot-on and believable. I was truly moved by her performance – she truly was Cristina Peck, a woman struggling with her grief and willing to do anything to make it stop (like drinking and doing drugs). Del Toro also brought Jack Jordan to life. An ex-con who had mended his ways, found Jesus, and begun mentoring troubled teens, Jack begins to question his faith after the accident. This crisis of faith is huge for a man who has spent the previous two years devoted to Christ in penance for his sins, and Del Toro really nails it. Penn’s portrayal of the critically ill Paul Rivers isn’t quite as moving as the rest, but he is the glue that pulls the movie together, between the characters and the plot in general. His quote at the beginning of this review is what the movie ends on.

The movie isn’t perfect, however. While the music used was good for the most part, I found it too loud compared to the dialogue. I constantly had to adjust the volume on my television set so I could hear the dialogue but wouldn’t blow out my eardrums with the music. That could have just been the version I was watching – so don’t hold me on this. I really didn’t understand the use of Italian sounding music in the scene where Cristina is questioning the teenage gardener, however. Also, both Jack and Paul’s wives could be annoying at times. Neither one really understood what their husbands were going through, and would often fight about it, rather than sitting down and discussing it rationally. Lastly, the phrase “life goes on” was thrown out so much, it was hard to miss what the central theme of the film was.

Overall, this is a film about a person’s place in the interlocking web of life, and how it effects the lives that go on even when you’ve died. It was a moving film, made so by amazing performances (Del Toro was nominated for an Oscar) and an intriguing editing style. The underlying story and message just wouldn’t have worked as well without these two elements. I went into this film not knowing what to expect, and found something that aroused my emotions, kept me on my toes and made me think - a combination I do not find very often.

7.5/10

Red Riding Hood (2011)

Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Billy Burke, Virginia Madsen, Julie Christie, Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons,  and Gary Oldman

Based on the Novel by: Sarah Blakely - Cartwright

Rated: PG-13

A medieval village is being terrorized by a werewolf. The villagers have kept the creature at bay for twenty years, but now it has decided it wants something more – pretty, blonde Valerie (Amanda Seyfried). Valerie, unaware of the wolf’s lust for her, has meanwhile found herself caught up in a love triangle between lifelong friend and true love Peter (Shiloh Fernandez) and Henry (Max Irons), the kindhearted son of the town’s blacksmith. She wants Peter, but Henry wants her – and she finds herself being pushed to marry Henry. When her sister is killed by the werewolf, it becomes clear to Valerie that their village is in jeopardy.  Things become more complicated when famed werewolf hunter, Father Soloman, (Gary Oldman) comes to town, taking over and creating paranoia throughout the village.

A lot of people have expressed hatred toward this film, but I honestly don’t find it that bad. I went to see it in theaters and I didn’t feel ripped off once the credits rolled. This movie may not be the greatest work of cinema (as I will explain below), but it is certainly not the worst film I’ve seen – not by a long shot.

I really liked the cinematography. The atmosphere of the film felt very fantastical and the scenes were beautifully depicted. The werewolf was a little too computer generated for me. I’m kind of old-school about my special effects, I prefer those of the ‘70s through the ‘90s when prosthetics and fake blood were used. CGI has always looked goofy to me. I find it jarring and out of place – especially when it is done poorly like it was in this film.

The story is okay. I haven’t read the book, though I’ve heard it is better. I’ve also heard the original script based on the book was much better than the final product that hit the big screen. I wouldn’t be surprised, and I’d love to get my hands on a copy of the script to find out for myself. As for what did hit the big screen – it came off a little Twilighty for my tastes. People who have read the novel and the original script say that the romance aspect didn’t play nearly as big of a role in-text as it does on film. It feels like the whole supernatural romance aspect was played up to attract Twilight fans and cash in on what is currently popular. However, I think that backfired, as the story – which is supposed to be focused on discovering the identity of the werewolf – was hindered by this aspect. The actual mystery aspect of the film was what held my interest, as well as Gary Oldman’s inquisition of the town. His character was so invested in his hunt for werewolves, he’d practically become a beast himself. The film did well in throwing in red herrings to keep the audience guessing. Some may say it was predictable, but I didn’t see it coming when the big reveal was made.

Foreshadowing was used quite well throughout the film. If something was focused upon in the beginning of the film, it was touched on by the end – something that doesn’t always happen in films. I really didn’t like the actual ending, however. The events after the big reveal somewhat contradict what the movie was saying all along, and that didn’t sit well with me. People who have read the original script have said the original ending was much better, and from the details they’ve given, I believe them.

The acting was so-so. Gary Oldman was great as the evil inquisitor/werewolf hunter. He brought the character to life and made him one the audience loved to hate. Amanda Seyfried did very well in her role, but has given much stronger performances in her career. Her character is strong-willed and sympathetic at times, but the audience barely gets to know her. Julie Christie is lovely and very believable as the grandmother – it’s easy to see where Valerie gets her strong will from. Peter and Henry both seemed pretty flat considering they were supposed to be vying for Valerie’s affections. I honestly didn’t really care for either one of them, though of the two, Henry was the most likable. He was selfless and was still willing to help Valerie even though she'd rejected him. Peter came off as a jerk at times, and I couldn’t really see why Valerie was so infatuated with him.

Overall, the film is rather bland, but hardly the worst film ever made as some reviewers on imdb.com have stated. I think that the cast did well with what they had to work with, but from what I hear, the original script was butchered. That leaves me wondering what could have been.

I found it entertaining, and would most likely watch it again, but it definitely didn’t “wow” me. I could have easily waited for it to hit the shelves on DVD/Blu-ray.

Rating: 6/10