ilania_a Reviews

The Nine Lives of Christmas (2014 TV Movie)

Turn your eyes off when she is on but don't miss him!

[9/10 · 25 December 2014]

Yes is is but a Christmas movie, and quite romantic at that. Unlike most of the re-dos of classic Xmas stories, this one has an original plot. I would have given it a 10 as a Christmas movie, but the casting failed us.

Despite starting with a modelling session at the fire station by lead actor Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) he has a pleasant screen presence and captivates both man and woman right away. He is a modern super hero, fireman, animal lover and saviour of people anywhere, including a shopping centre parking lot. It is hard to hear such benign stories nowadays.

All the support actors, especially the firemen were well cast and acted. However, the lead female part was so miscast with Kimberly Sustad. We could not help wishing she would transform during the story and stop looking like his older sister. What a shame, Christmas Eve would have been perfect without her.

Super Women (2012)

Bleak Existence, Friendships, Tolerance & Survival

[8/10 · 9 August 2014]

This was screened at the 34th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

A unique documentary drama done with probably one of the lowest budgets ever, however, the actors were well cast, they look real! The location is a small super-market in (probably Tel-Aviv) Israel. It describes the drab daily life of people who work as cashiers and other menial jobs in a store.

The film touches on a few issues, such as: the plight of immigrants who have to accept any job in a new country; the trials and tribulations of a single mother; poor working conditions, and the shaky existence of people who work full-time for a small private business.

The coffee-break corner of the store serves as the place to bond and exchange, as well as offer support and encouragement between the workers. The supervisor (Nella) tackles the manager, fighting for the rights of her employees, while she herself has personal problems. The story is so real that at times the bleakness of these people's existence may cause depression. Is this what one is looking forward to as an immigrant?

Another touching factor is the tolerance, acceptance and support that these people offer each other, including encouraging a young man, not an immigrant, who has to come back to work at the store. There is a saying: "Each person has a world of his own", these few people live theirs in their own world of hardship, yet they survive!

The photography may have been well done, but the unattractive environment these people have to work in did not offer much in the way of scenery, thus there were some bothersome repetitions, as well as the loud "Store Specials" announcements. I personally think the film could have been shorter.

Arabani (2013)

Becoming an Outcast

[8/10 · 7 August 2014]

The film has immediately raised the question "Why would a man who has already lived in Israel, go back to a village with his two children who can never belong there, since they are from a mixed marriage?!" I would have understood it better if he came to rest a bit in his childhood home after a divorce, and to give his children an opportunity to meet their grandmother. The trip home was doomed from the beginning.

However, the film does reveal a bit about the daily life of the Druze people in Israel. These are people who practice their own secret religion, live in the country as full citizens, their young man serve in the military, and adults work with Israelis. Yet we do not have much chance of knowing more about their life. The scenes of the two male friends who meet after many years, the music and the dance movements were beautiful. The photography of the village built on the slopes of the mountain was great.

The acting was very good the main characters as well as the supporting roles, the youngsters in particular. I was impressed by Josef's Mother Afifa. The scene at the temple, from where she was asked to exit until her guests leave, was quite strong. Another touching moment was the daughter leaning on her grandmother and being consoled by her.

Transit (I) (2013)

The Plight of Temporary Residents

[8/10 · 7 August 2014]

This film was included in the 34th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (2014). It deals with the problems of Philippine citizens who come to Israel to work as Care-Takers without having any legal standing in the country. They all come to earn money, and most send money home to support their families. While they are in Israel they generally live in their employer's residence and stay out only on their day off. For their time off, they share quarters in the ugliest parts of the city, and are subject to deportation if their old-sick employer passed away; unless they are immediately hired to care for another infirm employer.

This story reveals the plight of those among the Philippine workers who have children either with an Israeli partner, or between themselves. The children grow up speaking Hebrew, going to school in Israel and are also in danger of being deported. It is well acted, however, as an Israeli-born (and educated) I found that the actors chosen did not speak Hebrew as either a person who has been in Israel for over ten years, or a school-aged child who grew up in Israel.

A Place in Heaven (2013)

A Modern-Time Mythology

[9/10 · 7 August 2014]

The film was screened at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Right from the start there is a link to biblical mythology. The story-line is moving and captivating. It is intricate, and laced with traditions, the clash between the religious and non-religious people in Israel, complex family relations, soldiers in battle, as well as the place of the Russian immigrants in society.

The story is about an Israeli Captain in the army who cares for his soldiers and is admired by them. But the hero makes a big mistake … It is also a love story in which a war hero is willing to work for his loved-one's father, doing dirty work, for a whole year, to get permission to marry her. The importance of the "Kaddish" prayer traditionally said by a son, or a male member of the family, and the fact that not carrying out an old man's last request entails a punishment, gives the story a further mythological twist.

The performance of the main Character played by Alon Aboutboul was superb. In fact the whole cast gave a good performance from start to finish.

The Green Prince (2014)

A Touching Documentary

[9/10 · 7 August 2014]

This was the opening film at the 34th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, and what a good choice it was! It is a documentary, of which there were quite a few in this edition of the festival, however, this was not a regular documentary - it left a very strong impact.

Before the film the Director, Nadav Schirman, came on stage and explained that this is a film about two people who have learnt to trust each other. Of course it is much more than that - it is an eye opener! But this is for each of us to reflect upon.

From the first shot of Mosab on screen looking straight at the audience with his piercing, expressive eyes I was mesmerized.

After the film, the two main personalities came on stage: Mosab Hassan Yousef, the author of the book "Son of Hamas" on which this film was based, and Gonen Ben Yitzhak, his spy handler.

The film moved back and forth in time, recounting the events of a ten-year period, since Mosab was seventeen. A time in which he was constantly in danger or in prison. After the film screening, Mosab Hassan Yousef explained that he was striving to avoid unnecessary killings saying: "We are all children of the Devine".

Total Recall (I) (2012)

A Wonderful Screen Presence

[7/10 · 22 March 2014]

This film gives the same aura as "Blade Runner" without Harrison Ford (who as a young man was superb in it). It is a re-make of the original (1990) version of Total Recall with Arnold Schwarzenegger. I actually stay away from futuristic, sci-fi, and horror movies, and do not see the need for re-makes of these. However, Colleen Farrell is very charismatic with a wonderful screen presence. Yet, my rule is: Don't watch these type movies before going to bed. So I am watching it now at 9:30 am on a very snowy day. I don't particularly enjoy fear and the feeling of helplessness! Young people who have not experienced a sense of wartime fear probably crave the excitement of these frightening, special-effect-loaded films, which make one wonder how anyone is still alive, and featuring their current idols such as teen-choice award winner (2004) Colleen Farrell, but he is a very good actor and grows on oldies too.

Becoming Redwood (2012)

Something Went Wrong

[7/10 · 11 March 2014]

Jesse James Miller wrote, directed, and edited this film. I don't know which part he did worse – but obviously the editing failed, and all together it seems that some writers should leave the directing to other people.

Ryan Grantham played the part of Redwood quite well – however, something went wrong – the chase after Jack Nichols game of golf became a haunting abnormality rather than a boy's way to dream. The whole cast was lack-luster; there was a general lack of charisma or stage presence. Derek Hamilton who played Arnold had the only part that was not fuzzy and was well cast. The film was wrapped in so much doom and gloom, yet did not extract any tears or feelings of empathy. The story had no clear message or direction. Living outside the law, dysfunctional family life…and suddenly everybody drives off to a brighter future. It simply did not cut the mustard.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (2012)

Good Story! Poor Casting

[7/10 · 11 March 2014]

I expected a D movie and it became almost a B, despite the fact that a pure beautiful legend stemming from nature was transformed into the American concept of what a boy should be. I personally was quite uncomfortable with those leaves falling off one by one a fact that gave the story away quite fast. This director is basically a writer (About a Boy) I suppose a different director, and a stronger cast could have given better results. Jennifer Garner was not at her best. Her husband Joel Edgerton was well cast. The boy CJ Adams failed to make his mark. On the other hand young Joni Odeya Rush proved to be a beautiful, seasoned actress. David Morse made his mark despite the tiny part he was given in this story. It is a family film and there are not too many of those around.

Youngblood (1986)

Actually Quite Captivating

[8/10 · 6 March 2014]

This film is well cast, and acted, there is a story, and the game of hockey is made clear even to those who are not fans. Some of the photography is way above average, for example the scene of puck shooting exercises by "Youngblood". The relationships between two brothers, father son, and two friends Judd Lowe and Patrick Swayze are all well presented. There was not a dull moment in this film. But above all this was a good vehicle to show Judd Lowe's talent. He really held the movie. It is a shame that he lost the momentum of his career by becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Of course it did not hurt to have Patrick Swayze, Ed Lauter, Cynthia Gibb, and even Keanu Reeves. I am comparing it to another movie about young men whose dream is to join a professional sports team (Baseball) "Sugar" (2008) which was slow moving, Youngblood has a good pace, and flow of events.

Sugar (I) (2008)

Understand Baseball?

[7/10 · 6 March 2014]

A few instances in this film were aimed at people who really understand the rules of the game of Baseball. I missed why a fight started after one of Sugar's pitches. However, even if you miss a few spots, the film still merits watching. The main character in this story: SUGAR is played by a very charismatic actor Algenis Perez Soto - who will hopefully have a successful career. The plot brings to light the trials and tribulations of young immigrants who have to undergo the humiliations of living in a different world. Apart from being a bit too slow and lengthy, the story is at times heart-wrenching. The Latin music is pleasant to hear, and even Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah sung in Spanish performed by GEPE is a very good. The last piece of music chosen for the end of the movie while the credits are running....is a bit of an odd choice though.

The film could have benefited from improved directing and better editing. Too much time spent on banal everyday life details. I had to stop the film a few times because it became a bit tiresome, but there was something quite fetching about it. I just wonder what Robert Redford or Clint Eastwood would have done with the same actors.

White House Down (2013)

Preposterous yet Entertaining

[8/10 · 23 February 2014]

When you put together Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Richard Jenkins, James Wood, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, connect them all to the White House, FBI and other such agencies, get some traitors, some guns and missiles and combine intrigue and action, add a little clever girl (Joey King), you know it is all unreal. A man simply has to see one lady in the white house to ask for a job in the President's security team? Downright preposterous! It becomes clear that you are in for a good action movie that can even make you laugh. Entertainment provided compliments of Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx who take you for a good ride. I know that someone wrote that one should stay clear of this movie – I could list about fifty other movies one should avoid which do not even have such charismatic actors.

The Jazzman (2009)

An Amazing Musical Feat Surrounding a Musician's Life

[9/10 · 4 February 2014]

I have just finished viewing this film and will keep it to view again, since the music is superb. From the moment the film started the high standard of music was obvious right away, I was enchanted.

The movie opens with jazz music, a drum solo and a magnificent piece of saxophone playing. A child's life is affected right there! And the rest of the movie features amazing popular jazz melodies superbly arranged. Josh Koffman certainly knew what he was doing with regards to the music in this film.

I do not wish to write a spoiler or tell the story, but commend the mix of classical & jazz music, the beautiful saxophone and other instruments playing were the best I have ever heard in a Canadian production. Some visual scenes were also quite artistically presented. John walking in the school corridors in pace with music, the angle his little apartment is shot showing only the little spaces used when he comes home exhausted and other interesting angles. I am sure that other people will contribute more observations, but since I saw that no reviews were written yet, I am jumping in to give this effort its due credit.

I raise my hat to all the wonderful musicians who worked on this movie, and hope that many people will have a chance to appreciate this homage to a life of a musician.

Idlewild (2006)

A Musical Gem with a Great Cast

[9/10 · 25 January 2014]

The beginning of this film is enticing…a narrator describes his Childhood, background music pure good jazz, and photography in black & White transforming into colour, and then a beautiful butterfly takes us into the life and day dreams of a boy named Percival is unfolding in front of our eyes. The film commemorates the lifestyle and culture of black people in the US in early 20th century. The photography and special effects in this film are superb.

I am still not sure about who is who with a few of the peripheral cast members. But quite a few of them gave wonderful performances: André Benjamin who plays Percival Jenkins gives a touching performance, and so were Big Boi who plays Rooster/Antwan A. Patton and the beautiful Paula Patton who plays Angel Davenport, and it does not hurt that she is exceptionally beautiful, Ben Vereen who comes in as Percival Senior, and Terrence Howard as Trumpy. In Trumpy's case the paradox is the soft voice as against harsh action and character.

I don't know the reason why this film did not get more attention. I for one am glad it was put on TV if only for the wonderful music, dance Routines, for which I cannot find any credit; and exceptionally good Acting cast. The decor, costumes, and photography in this film are exquisite. The collection of clocks is an added nice touch. It seems that the director Bryan Barber, who has had experience in directing music videos, had a few shortfalls when it came to directing a full feature. Some scenes were too lengthy, and one sex scene I could have done without. I even slumbered away in the middle of the film and had to re-watch it, since I felt it was unique and deserved a complete attention.

I wonder what another director would have done with this interesting story and cast.

The Fountainhead (1949)

A Film that Stay in Memory for Over Thirty Years!

[10/10 · 22 January 2014]

Most reviews of this unique film are very wordy and tend to be critical. I don't mind admitting I give it 10 out of 10. Perhaps it is because of the book that I have read as a youngster, and the fact that the movie is following the book itself.

The story is about a person who is proud of his own creations and fights for the integrity. On the other hand there is a man who envies that genius and integrity. The woman in this story is willing to assist the man she loves at any cost. The message is about mediocrity endeavouring to overpower excellence.

Give it a chance, if only to see: Gary Cooper in his prime, Raymond Massey, and Patricia Neal. These are all stars of the past. This film has a good plot, good script too. Give yourself a chance if you can catch it on TV....I did! And it was just as good.

New York, I Love You (2008)

More is Not Necessarily Better

[7/10 · 22 December 2013]

I expected more. With such good actors, good directors, marvellous photography and a fascinating location… it could have been a real masterpiece. The first time I clicked into this film, it was the middle of it, and I saw the part about the opera singer who checks into a beautiful hotel...and now after I have seen the movie in its entirety, I still do not understand the handicapped young bellboy in this story somehow this story is not concluded here, and remains an enigma. There is another story that is quite vague with Orlando Bloom.

The other short stories of people living in New York City: a story about pickpockets; a tale of a beautiful young Hasidic bride; a writer describes his sexual fantasies quite vividly; an artist is taken by a beautiful Asian young lady; a composer has to read a great novel but can't do it himself; two women connect through camera images; a dancer tenderly attends to a little girl in Central Park, then gives one of the most beautiful dances seen on screen; two people enjoy a cigarette outside a restaurant desiring to add change and flavour to their lives; an old couple takes a walk through New York traffic all the way to the beach on their anniversary; a teenager goes to prom with a beautiful girl in a wheelchair; a retired opera singer wishes to have violets and gets them.

This movie proves that there can be too much of a good thing. There were other films entwining the lives of different people in the same city or around theworld, this one takes the cake in trying to stuff it all into one stocking. A chopping is required. That is why I did not give it the 9 points it should have been given if only for some good directing and impressive performances throughout the film.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

An Enchanting Music Lesson and More...

[9/10 · 15 December 2013]

Once again... a surprise! Actors that were never my favourites: Bruce Willis is very likable in this film, and Bill Murray is passable in this one. And of course Jared Gilman(Sam) and Kara Hayward (Suzy) were very good. Edward Norton never seizes to amaze me with his capacity to really get into the character he acts. The photography is beautiful, and what's more it is suitable for the whole family. Children are actually the stars in this story! They merely allow some grownups some participation.

What is the most enjoyable in this film are the music and the opportunity for children to learn about music and orchestral instruments. This was the reason I gave the film 9 points! Then I read the award history and lo and behold it did receive an award for the use of music in a film.

Of course the story is not totally believable...I don't think social workers behave the way it appears in this movie....but since it is supposed to be a comedy I guess they thought they had to include some preposterous situations. The film is not exactly a comedy, nor strictly a children's movie, or a classic legend, but feels as if it is, with the help of the narrator, and the actual stories read by Suzy (Kara Hayward).

The Wife He Met Online (2012 TV Movie)

Cyberspace Romance

[7/10 · 14 December 2013]

Somehow, this average film captivated me and I watched the whole length of it. The name of the film relates to the life of many unattached people nowadays – cyberspace dating! So perhaps it should be viewed before venturing into a relationship based on e-mail and Skype, without actual networking, family or school connections. There is romance in this film but it is not a "You Got Mail" or "Restless in Seattle" either.

I was intrigued because it was made in Canada, with many Canadian Actors, thus far seen on TV soaps, or Dancing with the Stars, or some horror movies, in short – unknowns. But the acting was good. There is a plot that moves along, and at the end there is an odd moment when Bryant receives a package from the on-line dating company congratulating the two correspondents wishing them a good life together. What was a bit unbelievable are the excellent relations between the ex-wife and her new husband and the ex-husband….somehow it does not seem that real. I was impressed by the costume designs by Andy Tait, Georgia in particular was beautifully attired throughout the film.

John Carter (2012)

Almost Hooked

[8/10 · 12 December 2013]

Surprised - never attracted by sci-fi before...there was something about this one - it does resemble those old films about Rome and the Gladiators and Ben Hur...despite the fact that it is futuristic. Obviously this is a film for the young...but at least this one is more about a story - it is not just special effects, fights, and monsters. There are even some good monsters. But above all - there is some good acting. Matai Shang = Mark Strong has a wonderful screen presence. The two main characters John Carter = Taylor Kitsch, and Dejah Thoris = Lyne Collins give convincing and touching performances – there is a real love story here, that feeds my need for chick flicks. I am almost hooked....and planning to see it again of course - and may even give it a better mark. Have to better understand the civil war and the time travel...and how all these events enmesh together.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Not Exactly a Silver Lining...

[8/10 · 11 December 2013]

But there is something there! The main actors: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence (who is now riding the Hunger Games train), Jacki Weaver, and Robert De Niro; each gave a good performance! However, I think that had it been Julia Styles as Tiffany, perhaps the film would have been enhanced; definitely the dance part would have been much better (Save the Last Dance 2001). I know that Bradley Cooper is the current idol, but De Niro takes the cake – he held the movie for me.

I like the idea that Ballroom dancing was used as the antidote and healing process, and to get people closer too. It may be different from the book, but the message is clear to me. Too many people are classed as bipolar and institutionalized, more so than people who are on drugs or alcohol and really need the hospitalization. Physical activity such as jogging, walking and above all dancing which provides social inter- change is better. The music was not that great, the dance choreography not the most interesting, but I guess it was the maximum that these two actors could master. I gave it an 8 because of some of the actors.

A Dark Truth (2012)

Not Excellent but Quite Good

[8/10 · 9 December 2013]

Perhaps people should read all the credits at the end of the movie to realize that the film was based on real events, and that people who were actually involved in the events were interviewed. The actors were well chosen and gave good performances. Some characters appear in the story without clarifying who they really are, so it creates a bit of a maze of people, not all really essential for the story. But apart from that the plot flows well.

Some people, who have written reviews here, did not think that the story is original enough. What worried me about the story is the Canadian connection. Could it be based on what a Canadian Company was doing? If so, everybody in Canada should see this movie.

This is the third time I see Andy Garcia, one of my favourite actors, in a film in which he was involved in the production. The other two were about the artist Modigliani "Modigliani 2004", and the second about the life of Arturo Sandoval "For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story" (2000). - It seems the actor wishes to participate in movies that have a meaning for him.

Beat Down (2012)

Beat Down indeed!

[7/10 · 2 December 2013]

After seeing 1 or two minutes of it during commercials, I finally decided to watch the whole film. This Canadian movie is at least rolling on, no dull moments. Good acting by the young Marthe Bernard and Rob Wells as her father, and Janet Kidder in particular. In general the film includes some unsavoury and physically ugly characters, spending their lives in dark clubs, drab motel rooms, street alleys without any trees, and loud arenas. I feel sorry for the actors who had to use so much foul language. Not knowing anything about this kind of wrestling....it seems as if the fighting manner has no rules whatsoever. It is hard to understand why people wish to trample upon others and cause tremendous pain. It is also quite surprising that the public fills the arena and shouts their hearts out. I suppose it is based on the true life of some people in this country. Is this way of life really Canadian? Or was it done as a film that can be sold outside Canada? I wish I could have given it only 6 1/2 points. I am leaving it at 7 simply for the good acting.

Gangster Squad (2013)

A Bit Pale

[8/10 · 26 November 2013]

There are a lot of bloody scenes in this film. Sean Penn plays so many bad person parts that one hates him even before one realizes that he is again acting a part of a sadist. In this film they made him look even uglier and downright repulsive.

Ryan Gosling takes the cake....Just as Andy Garcia did in the Untouchables....but the difference is that in that one each member of the squad gave an "A 1" performance. Here the whole team is pale.

Josh Brolin is good looking, acts OK but no comparison to police squad leaders in other films. Mireille Enos gave a good performance, and Emma Watson the gangster's darling just speckled the film in between killings.

The movie is quite pale despite a lot of blood red scenes.

We Have a Pope (2011)

Delightful Indeed

[9/10 · 24 November 2013]

I caught half of this movie and decided to search and record it. Then I saw it with friends who could not stop laughing throughout the movie. The acting was superb, the story line - not a dull moment! We had a feeling as if someone had a premonition of what is to come in 2013. Some scenes in the movie are quite memorable - when each of the Cardinals utters a personal prayer "Not me!" The volleyball game which shows the cardinals as regular human beings...The scene in the theater when the "Pope" recites the part being played on stage, and then when the cast are in the restaurant and he feels totally detached. A lot of touching moments in this film. It is interesting and enjoyable whether you are a Catholic or not!

Harry Brown (2009)

Michael Caine Excels

[7/10 · 8 December 2010]

The first half of this film is much too slow, it becomes too shocking with human cruelty and foul language is prevalent. Not to be watched before going to bed or when tired. I continued watching the film the next day, because Michael Caine gave a superb performance as the elderly, ex-marine, widower who loses his only close friend to a bunch of thugs who invaded the "Estate" dwelling. The music is terrible but suitable to this plot, the grim environment and living quarters of people in the "Estate" are oppressive. They live a life devoid of contact with nature or beauty, except for a few photographs of loved ones from the past. The realism in this film is almost exaggerated. When the film ended, it was hard to decide whether it is a movie worth watching, and even harder to fathom why anybody would wish to produce it. However, there is a message there, and the acting is high caliber including Emily Mortimer as a detective. The Director Daniel Barber, whose other direction effort, a short film (Tonto Woman) won some acclaim, probably needs further experience with a full feature film.