Michael's Weblog

Movie Review of "Capote"

When I think of Philip Seymour Hoffman, I think great character actor. He hasn't had much chance to show his skills as a leading man. There couldn't be a better place to do that than playing Truman Capote, who was quite a character himself. While this movie is not a complete Capote biography as the title might suggest, it does follow Capote through a portion of his life. The story is about Capote's drive to write "In Cold Blood".

The movie is fascinating at multiple different levels. Capote's lifestyle and oddness are certainly highlighted in various scenes, but his ability to get people interested in him and what he was saying is also shown. It shows how he is confident, yet needy at the same time. Hoffman plays the character to perfection as I would have imagined Capote. The scenes between Capote and the killer give the audience a glimpse at the mind of this murderer and his need for Capote's love, something Capote will only give at a price and even then only at the surface.

We learn as much about Capote as we do about the murderers, however, there are questions left unanswered and perhaps forever. Why was "In Cold Blood" the last piece Capote ever published? We can guess, but does anyone really know why? This is a stunning example of how good a movie can be.

Director - A
Acting - A
Cinematography - A
Writing - A

Overall, an A, a great movie to see anytime.

Movie Review of "Family Man"

The movie "Family Man" plays off a centuries old idea for holiday stories. Ever wondered how your life might be different had you simply made one or two choices differently? Most people have, even those who have not regretted their decisions, but not Jack Campbell (Nicholas Cage). Jack's an ultra-successful businessman who's never at a loss for a date. However, Kate Reynolds (Tea Leoni) is the one he let get away.

Enter Cash (Don Cheadle), he gives Jack a chance at seeing what his life might have been had he stayed with Kate instead of going to London to chase a dream. This movie is a little life lesson and a little comedy. Jack has no clue how to deal with his new found kids. Luckily, the daughter is a mini-adult and walks him through being a dad. She knows he's not her 'real' dad and believes aliens have taken him away and replaced him with this pretend dad. She's ok with it as long as she knows her dad will come back and this alien dad won't kidnap her and her brother.

Normally, I'm not fond of rehashing the same story premise, but this movie does have an interesting take to it. I don't know that it could have been done much better even though it was kind of weak in most areas.

Director - B
Acting - B
Cinematography - B
Writing - B-

Overall, I give this movie a B, if you can't find anything else at the rental place, pick this one up.

Movie Review of "Paycheck"

"Paycheck" is one of those movies that depend on the audience's expectations. Philip K Dick wrote the story upon which this movie is based. If the audience expected a movie as good as "Minority Report", they might come away a little disappointed. However, if they listend only to the critics, the might be pleasantly pleased.

Ben Affleck (not exactly known for his good choices in roles) plays Michael Jennings, a genius at reverse engineering. After every job, his mind is wiped of all memories of the project. He gets offered tens of millions of dollars for completing a job that he knows nothing about. However, unlike previous jobs that lasted only a couple months each, this one would last two to three years. The money is too much to pass up and he agrees to lose two-three years of his life for it.

That's before he meets the woman of his dreams, Rachel Porter (Uma Thurman). He meets her just before the job begins. Then sees her after he starts. What he knows and she doesn't is that he will have no memory of her after his job is complete.

Once he wakes up from his memory wipe, he begins to realize something is up. Through deception and pre-planning, he is able to try to get Rachel back even though he doesn't remember her. Action, intrigue and false promises ensue. While not the best of thrillers, this was a decent movie and enjoyable to watch.

Director - B
Acting - B-
Cinematography - B
Writing - B-

Overall - B, a good rental if you want to see a thriller.