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Reviews
Twelve (2010)
A hidden gem, you're missing out.
Like many others, I can't understand how this film #1: gets bad reviews and #2: wasn't nominated under either the Golden Globes or the Academy Awards.
The movie was unbelievably gripping. It unfolded with just enough twists to leave you almost white-knuckling your seat. The acting was also really solid. I'm loving Curtis 50 Cent Jackson's performance, and see nothing but up for Emma Roberts.
The story was real. It didn't give you any fluff, and gave a wonderful depth/insight to the main characters, much to the delightful assistance of Kiefer Sutherland's narrations. I also enjoyed the artistic flashback clips, which, I felt provided just a touch of light to an otherwise dark stork.
Now I want to read the book. I suggest you either do the same, or see this movie.
W. (2008)
Uncharacteristically Oliver Stone
I'm a Republican/Libertarian voter. There. Had to get that out of the way first.
I've always been an big Oliver Stone fan. Being that my parents never censored what I was allowed to watch when I was younger, I've always loved the "wow" factor(both visually and storyline-wise) I'd be left with upon Stone's films' ending. Yes, even Natural Born Killers. Call me a biography junkie. I distinctly recall leaving the theatre after seeing The Doors, with my mother, as she was saying: "That movie was just like stepping back into the 60's". Later on in high school, I found myself in a deep Doors phase. By this time, not only had I seen the movie a handful of times, but had also read No One Here Gets Out Alive as well as John Densmore's and Patricia Kennealy's book. This inevitably led to some greater insight to not only who Jim Morrison truly was as a person, but that Oliver Stone hits you with the stone cold SATIRICAL "truth". While his films are wonderfully informative for my generation, I also have learned to take them with a grain of salt.
In considering Stone's style, as well as my political leanings, I expected a blood bath. But, I was pleasantly surprised that someone in liberal Hollywood FINALLY took a diplomatic high road. Do I think Bush was a paragon? No. Absolutely not. However, from either side you stand, unfortunately, corruption makes the world go round. I write this even now, reflecting on Presidents past...and *AHEM* Presidents CURRENT (it's nearing the end of 2011). Only in the last 15-17 years, with current events at our fingertips via the internet, do we all suddenly become political experts and tear a man apart because we can Google what he had for breakfast this morning.
That being said, I loved Josh Brolin's portrayal of W. During the later half of the movie, I couldn't tell where Mr. Brolin ended and the real bits of Bush began. Furthermore, I was in sheer awe of Richard Dreyfus playing Cheney. He was spot on. I also appreciated the storyline bringing Bush to a place of humility, despite it running just slightly flat.