The Reader

The Reader flops around for it’s two hour running time like a chicken with its head cut off.  Or like a fire hose on full blast without anyone to control where the flow of water should go.  Or like Elle Driver in Kill Bill, in that trailer bathroom after Beatrix Kiddo plucked her other eye out.  I haven’t read the book (written by Bernhard Schlink), so I can’t comment on quality of the adaptation by David Hare.  But I can say... Read More

The Duchess

Kiera Knightley, the queen of period pieces, once again hits the big screen with The Duchess. The film was first released in the UK in early September, then made it’s debut in North America at the Toronto Film Festival, and finally received a wide release Yesterday. While the film has it’s strong points, there’s not much that you would call ‘remarkable’ in this piece. Knightley plays Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire,... Read More

In Bruges

Out on DVD this week is ‘In Bruges.’ It was selected as the opening night film at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and rightfully so. It’s wicked dark, and deliciously funny. The film follows two hitman, Ken and Ray, as they hide out in the medieval town of Bruges after a hit. Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes give outstanding performances. The film is directed and written by Martin McDonagh and is his directorial... Read More