mizwright Reviews

Black Nativity (2013)

Worth a Look if you like Musicals

[8/10 · 29 November 2013]

Going in I knew this was a movie with music and that's what it is, versus a "musical" like Les Miserables, where there's singing throughout opera-style.

The good

All the actors stand out and do their characterizations well. Especially Jennifer Hundson as Naima, the single mom raising a boy-child on her own without help and estranged from her parents. Especially Tyrese who really shows his gentle side as Tyson. His body and face marked with scars, he looks like a thug but has a worldly view as he tries to steer young Langston to the right side of life. Especially Forrest Whitaker who characterizes the Reverend Cobb. Stern, unyielding but with a soft side. Especially the music that soars and transforms the screen into a gospel show near the end. Director Kasi Lemmons ("Eve's Bayou") integrates stage show with movie set ala "Rent". The story of a young boy struggling to find answers and being pulled toward wrongful ways is simplified and strikes just the right tone with spirituality and religiousness.

The bad

Near the end the drama is laid on thick.

See it! This is the only "live" action musical of the year and while it is based on a little known play written by Langston Hughes, it's a triumphant interpretation on film.

The Samaritan (I) (2012)

Very good film noir

[7/10 · 22 April 2012]

Samuel Jackson, executive producer, takes a big gamble with this movie because of its genre: film noir. These movies aren't made anymore. At one time they were prominent with stars like Barbara Stanwyck, Jimmy Cagney, Humphrey Bogart. The bad girl, the man she strings along, the steal, the con. Film noir is one of my favorite genres and I'm sorry that we don't have the pleasure of seeing them like we did.

This is an indy film, and will probably be released to the art houses. It's a good movie. Smart script, good acting. Twists and turns and a major surprise about mid-way that may make you stop the tape, walk away take a breath, come back and continue watching. I saw this video on demand. Jackson gives a worthy Oscar-rated performance, but I doubt since this is an indy movie and won't be seen by many he will get it. The main female actress, Ruth Negga, is a standout as the lost soul who gets used by man after man and finally with the help of the con Foley (Jackson) gets a second chance in life.

The Proposal (I) (2009)

We need more romantic comedies

[8/10 · 16 June 2009]

The summer months are reserved for the boys and their violent toys. Let's give the girls something to look at. The best things about the Proposal are the two lead comediennes Sandra Bullock and Bette White, and it's hard to tell who's stealing the movie from who. I give Bette the edge. Sandra is at her best in these familiar, comfortable roles and she's still got that comedic timing. Ryan Reynolds shows his comedy chops too. The story is a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and While you were sleeping; Sandra once again plays a woman who has to pretend she's in love or about to get married to a guy she hardly knows. It works just the same, and she shows a little grown-up toughness in this story. Lots of laughs and the girls will love it, especially at the end; everyone will go "aaaHH" goes "aah" when the two protagonists kiss.

Sin City (2005)

The best movie so far this year

[10/10 · 1 April 2005]

Raises the bar for film noir and pulp fiction. The comic book jumps out on the screen. The cast of actors is perfect casting. Ingenious cinematography. Loved every frame and every murderous action sequence. Some actors I had never seen before like Rosario Dawson and Carla Guglino who have a cool sexuality about them. Totally enjoyed Bruce Willis as the Detective and welcome back Mickey Rourke! This was my first Robert Rodriguez movie -- didn't see the Spy Kids or the Desperado series, but can see why he is compared to Tarantino, who directed one of the segments. This is brilliant movie making. Loved the voice overs and the cameos by some unlikely actors like Josh Hartnett. Brings film noir into the 21st century.