osheaday Reviews

The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

How I Miss John Lennon!

[8/10 · 1 October 2006]

For those who are too young to remember the real John Winston Ono Lennon -- this film is a good introduction to why he mattered so, why so many people were (and are) devoted to him as an artist and a man, why he was truly the most original voice of his generation.

The film is not perfect -- but in its defense, it covers an extraordinary amount of material and does it well.

Lennon lived 100 lifetimes between 1969 and 1975.

This film concentrates on the biggest conflict he faced at that time: his struggles to remain in the US, and the right-wing paranoia (exemplified by FBI director J Edgar Hoover and Nixon's hatchet man, John Ehrlichman.)

Lennon's sincerity, his naiveté, his charisma shine throughout.

Yoko has been attacked (so what else is new) for being such a strong presence in the film but she was right there beside him. They lived it all together. And she does not use her camera time to diminish him in any way.

Strong recommendation -- primarily because we have to remind ourselves that there are times to speak up and times to act.

John Lennon: we miss you so.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Excellent

[9/10 · 1 October 2006]

This is without a doubt, one of the best Hollywood films in the past decade.

Strongly recommend.

The entire cast -- especially Steve Carrell and the two young performers -- is superb: honest, funny, heartbreaking, human.

The marvellous and underused Alan Arkin is a treasure. His best performance since the original IN-LAWS, which may be the funniest movie ever made.

The "surprise" didn't surprise me...I saw it coming about 20 minutes before it happened -- and yet, the unfolding of the story is such a joy, it didn't make its arrival any less delightful.

Movies like this only get made if they are supported by box office.

See this film. Or don't complain that all movies are garbage.

Johnny Was (2006)

Great, original cast

[9/10 · 1 October 2006]

Saw this at Raindance Fest last night.

I can see why it's one of the 4 finalists for the Jury Prize -- it's truly original. Never seen a story like it. It moves way beyond the typical action film.

It has intelligence and wit. Some of it is very funny. Great writing.

But ultimately, it has a serious, thoughtful through line about personal and cultural identity, tribal roots, facing your past honestly and the struggle to move on from a dark past.

A truly eclectic cast -- and each role (with a few exceptions) showed the actors to the best of their ability.

In the case of Lennox Lewis, he exceeded my expectation. He stole every scene he was in.

Vinnie Jones is proving he's an actor of subtly and depth.

The two villains - Patrick Bergin and Eric LaSalle -- were best when facing off against each other.

Action sequences were not great -- but this isn't an action film with drama -- it's a drama that lives in a world of action and violence.

No, this film won't be for everyone. Especially not for those who only want explosions and sex.

This is a much deeper script. It stays with you.

It's not just popcorn.