I think I do, anyways. It’s giving off a bit of a The Others/Shutter Island vibe, but I’m hopeful. Those three leads wouldn’t do us wrong, right?

Some say that all houses have memories. For one man, his home is the place he would kill to forget. Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz star in Dream House, a suspense thriller about a family that unknowingly moves into a home where grisly murders were committed…only to find themselves the killer’s next target. Successful publisher Will Atenton (Craig) quit a high power job in Manhattan to relocate his wife, Libby (Weisz), and two girls to a quaint New England town. But as they settle into their new life, they discover their perfect home was the murder scene of a mother and her children. And the entire city believes it was at the hands of the husband who survived. When Will investigates, he’s not sure if he’s starting to see ghosts or if the tragic story is just hitting too close to home. His only clues come from Ann Paterson (Watts), a mysterious neighbor who knew those who were shot. And as Will and Ann piece together the haunting puzzle, they must find out who murdered the family in Will’s dream house before he returns to kill again.

I love David Fincher as much as any other angst-y male in their twenties. I recognize that he’s only let me down one or two times and that I should go into this film with an open mind. I just can’t help but wonder, what’s the point?

What do you think?  Excited about Fincher’s latest?

The movie begins right where Casino Royale left off.  Bond is still terribly wounded after the betrayal of his Vesper, and despite a promise to M (Judi Dench, who is near perfect as always), can’t help but make everything intensely personal.  He’s paired up with Ukrainian cry-baby Camille (a lame Olga Kurylenko, who should stick with movies like Max Payne which suit her talents better) who has little, to no character development, or real reason to be in the film.  The two are completely on their own against a huge, international conglomerate posing as an environmentally concerned NGO that the superpowers of the world are helpless against, mostly because of their ignorance.  Revealing any more to the plot would require spoilers.

It seems that since Forster has spent most his time working on tender, character-based pieces, he went balls out, throwing in as many explosions, fight scenes, and rooftop jumps as he could, to compensate for his lack of experience in the genre.  It’s entertaining to watch and will get your attention, but seems a little too familiar, as this Bond has taken pretty much all his cues from the Bourne series.  This is true, even though the same three guys: Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Paul Haggis co-wrote the script to both Quantum and Royale (a script which shares nothing except a title in common with Ian Fleming’s short story).  Lowbrow characterizations replaced the intriguing character developments that Royale provided.  And call me prideful, but the ignorant American government official is not a character I’m entertained by, or interested in  watching (Ridley Scott wore me out with Body of Lies).  Every time Vesper’s named is mentioned, I found myself longing for Bond’s last adventure, where I actually cared about the characters.  On the other hand, Daniel Craig once again excels as the ripped, emotionally deep, bad ass guy we met last time.  I think the Broccoli family could have done no better choosing a Bond to reinvigorate the series.  I’d follow Craig to the ends of the earth.  All complaints aside, Quantum of Solace is a thrilling ride that won’t leave you unsatisfied on the action end.  And who could really expect a better Bond movie than Royale?

2.5 out of 4 stars

Rottentomatoes: 67% – Cream of the Crop: 35%

‘Enduring Love’ is one of those movies that will stay with you long after the credits finish rolling. This is in large part thanks, no doubt, to Ian McEwan, the author of the book from which this film is adapted. Anyone familiar with McEwan’s work recognizes the power of his written word. His book ‘Atonement’ also inspired the 2007 Oscar contender. Scriptwriter Joe Penhall (who wrote the script for this fall’s much anticipated ‘The Road) is credited with ‘Enduring Love’s’ adaptation.

‘Love’ is directed by Roger Michell (The Mother, Notting Hill) and was released in 2004. He wastes no time showing is talent at creating raw energy and suspense. In the first scene of the film, a quiet meadow is disturbed by a hot air balloon with two passengers ripping through out of control. The only witnesses (including Joe, played by Daniel Craig, and Jed, played by Rhys Ifan) rush to the aid of these two, attempting to pull the balloon down to safety. Just as the task is almost accomplished, a burst of air takes sends the balloon airborne again. The group of men hanging on to the basket hang on as long as they can, but each drops to the ground as they raise higher and higher. All, except one man, who clings on as they float higher and higher. Eventually he drops from a terrific height to a gruesome death.

It’s from this magnificently shot scene that the movie starts its story line. You see, Jed feels that he and Joe share an intense, personal, and erotic bond having shared this horrible experience. He quickly shows signs of obsession, showing up in Joe’s life in all the strangest places. He insinuates himself deeper and deeper into Joe’s life, bit by bit, showing up at odd moments and then shadowing him with a persistent desperation Joe cannot understand or escape.

The film is shot beautifully. It’s worth the price of a rental if only for the opening sequence. Daniel Craig performs solidly along side Bill Nighy (who, despite his small role, can’t help but steal the scenes he’s in) Joe’s girlfriend Claire, played by Samantha Morton, is just as entertaining to watch. However, none of these performances compare to the disturbing portrayal of Jed by Rhys Ifan. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so creeped out by character in a film. The subtleties of his performance will haunt you.

Admittedly, the film loses control of itself as it goes along. It seems that during the last 20 minutes, somebody decided to just stop trying and resort to a level that insults the intelligence of the rest of the film. All in all, the film has some strikingly beautiful moments and certainly deserves at least one viewing.

3 out of 4 stars

Rated R for language, some violence and a disturbing image.

Rottentomatoes: 59% — Cream of the Crop: 58%