samlapidus Reviews

In Darkness (2011)

A Touching and Moving Film

[10/10 · 12 September 2011]

I saw this movie at is world premier gala event at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). I must admit that I grew up hearing stories from the script writer, David Shamoon, so I may have some bias to this film. As a novice critic, this is my review: In Darkness is a touching and moving film. This is not a war movie, and it is only partly a Holocaust story. This is a human story. The memoir of one of the survivors, who is portrayed in this film, inspired the book which found its way to David then to Hollywood. Any one who sees this or has any connection to the tragedies of the Second World War will be happy that this story was told. It is unique and not like any other film portrayal that I have ever seen. You must have a stomach for seeing what survival is like when portrayed on the silver screen. You will root for some characters, bit your nails as events unfold, and sigh with relief at numerous occasions. At the end of the film you will have something to talk about with those you watched it with and those you want to recommend it to. See this film and you will be happy that you did.

As a side note, the presentation of the film at TIFF was on 10th anniversary of 9/11 and I would think that TIFF organizers chose this evening and this presentation strategically. There was also a special surprise after the movie, the survivor/writer of the original memoirs cam to stage to thank those involved and present her grand daughters. It brought tears to the audience. I have never been to a movie premier with so much applause before even when big names like Clooney are in attendance.

The Descendants (2011)

You want to know the characters

[8/10 · 12 September 2011]

I had the privileged of attending the World Premier of the film, along with cast, director and a producer, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The person I attended with told me that he had read the synopsis and was fearing a depressing film. Well he was wrong. This is a film you want to see and recommend. The characters are lovable. You want to have George Clooney's character on your speed dial labeled as "Best Friend". The children/teens, there are three, are talented actors and boost the quality of this production. It doesn't hurt that a film set in Hawaii is quite inviting. You don't always know where the story is going but after scenes are unraveled you are happy that they did present themselves. Rather then depressing, this film is uplifting. You realize that even problems so far from your home are the same all over. Go out, spend a few bucks, see the move, you'll be happy you did.

Side note, after the TIFF presentation the director, Alexander Payne, George Clooney and the cast took the stage. It was not surprising that George was absolutely great with the young ones and the comedy continued on stage after the movie. This very quality was evident in George's character in the movie.

Coriolanus (2011)

Gripping and Powerful

[8/10 · 12 September 2011]

I just got out of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) North American Premier Gala event of Coriolanus. The movie was both gripping and powerful. Yes it is always nice to see a film with cast and director in hand to introduce the film and take credit at is completion, but this movie definitely earned the audiences standing ovation. Some may fear a presentation in Iambic Pentameter though the script and delivery made every line understandable. Setting Shakespeare in a modern day Roman city state was smart. I enjoyed ever minute of this film and if you are a fan of good story telling, Shakespeare or war movies, you will enjoy Coriolanus.

360 (2011)

The Movie Does Live Up to its Name; 360

[4/10 · 12 September 2011]

I saw this movie at is premier gala event at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The movie has good character development but the downside is that the beginning of the film is slow due to the nature that the characters are built. This is a movie about connections between people. As further connections are presented to the viewer the movie moves along at a faster pace. The cast most certainly brings strength to the film as does the locations in which filming took place. Unfortunately this is one of those pieces that you know worked best on paper. If you are a fan of the cast or the type of development that occurred in the movie Crash, you will like this work. The movie does live up to its name; 360.