X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Yes, the title is actually “Thank You for Smoking.” The writing for this movie (specifically the dialogue) is nothing less than verbal euphoria. Indeed, “Thank You for Smoking” is excellent and a must-see.
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is often equated with the devil himself. Why? Because he is a silver-tongued lobbyist who speaks on behalf of Big Tobacco, defending and promoting cigarettes. Seems like an impossible job, right? Well, you will not believe Nick’s skill with words and manipulation.
Basically, the movie shows us Nick hard at work, promoting and protecting his poison. We also witness the efforts of his outraged enemies and the adoration of his impressionable son, Joey (Cameron Bright).
Though this may sound like a horror movie, “Thank You for Smoking” is actually an effective, intelligent comedy. This movie has that slick look of greatness and the writing to match. The last time I can remember having this much fun listening to something was 1989 when I bought the tape of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s (Will Smith) “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper” album.
If you wish to be delighted and entertained, rent “Thank You for Smoking.” It doesn’t pitch that smoking is cool, but it makes a convincing case for being a good liar.
Directed by Jason Reitman
Aaron Eckhart / Cameron Bright / Robert Duvall
92 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: October 3, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0156 : 211
The Good Girl (2002)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
When you hear what this movie is about, you’re going to think that “The Good Girl” is a misnomer. Justine Last (Jennifer Aniston) really is a good girl, deep down, but she just keeps making very bad decisions.
As the movie opens, our ears twitch to hear Jennifer Aniston affect a southern accent. It’s bothersome for a few minutes, but go with it. You’ll get used to it.
Justine works as a clerk at the Retail Rodeo in a small town in Texas. She’s deeply depressed and discontent. She hates her job. Her clueless husband (John C. Reilly) is a pot-smokin’ couch potato, along with his friend, Bubba (Tim Blake Nelson).
Now, I’ll break here to tell you that the casting for this movie is absolutely perfect, perhaps the best I’ve seen, at least since “The Wizard of Oz” (1939).
Inevitably, as is standard in such movies, a fresh-faced young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins working at the Retail Rodeo and catches Justine’s eye.
Now, I’m sure you can guess what happens next. But what happens after that, and after that, and after that — you’d never guess. This is one of those movies that, when it ends, you really aren’t sure how you should feel. You only know that you’re feeling something, and it’s strong.
Directed by Miguel Arteta
Jennifer Aniston / Jake Gyllenhaal / Tim Blake Nelson
93 min. Drama / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0155 : 230
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
When you hear what this movie is about, you’re going to think that “The Good Girl” is a misnomer. Justine Last (Jennifer Aniston) really is a good girl, deep down, but she just keeps making very bad decisions.
As the movie opens, our ears twitch to hear Jennifer Aniston affect a southern accent. It’s bothersome for a few minutes, but go with it. You’ll get used to it.
Justine works as a clerk at the Retail Rodeo in a small town in Texas. She’s deeply depressed and discontent. She hates her job. Her clueless husband (John C. Reilly) is a pot-smokin’ couch potato, along with his friend, Bubba (Tim Blake Nelson).
Now, I’ll break here to tell you that the casting for this movie is absolutely perfect, perhaps the best I’ve seen, at least since “The Wizard of Oz” (1939).
Inevitably, as is standard in such movies, a fresh-faced young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins working at the Retail Rodeo and catches Justine’s eye.
Now, I’m sure you can guess what happens next. But what happens after that, and after that, and after that — you’d never guess. This is one of those movies that, when it ends, you really aren’t sure how you should feel. You only know that you’re feeling something, and it’s strong.
Directed by Miguel Arteta
Jennifer Aniston / Jake Gyllenhaal / Tim Blake Nelson
93 min. Drama / Romance
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0155 : 230
Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Just in case, allow me to make sure you know three things about this movie before renting it:
First, it is filmed in beautiful black and white. (I mention this because some people refuse to watch black-and-white films.)
Second, even though it was co-written and directed by George Clooney, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” is not a George Clooney film, per se. Sure, he’s in it, but not very much ... just so you know.
Third, unless you’re a history buff, older than 70, or just have an interest in McCarthy’s Red Scare and the 1950s, then this movie probably isn’t for you.
Watching “Good Night, and Good Luck.” feels like you’re dozing off and dreaming during history class. But don’t get me wrong; it’s well done all the way around. This movie is well written, well acted and well ... a little boring. It is only marginally interesting, sometimes.
With a blend of fly-on-the-wall perspective and excellent archival footage, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” plays more like a History Channel documentary, which is a compliment. It recounts the historical fight that CBS’s Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) started with Senator Joseph McCarthy via television broadcast in 1954.
Murrow (and others) were concerned that McCarthy’s Communist fear-mongering was leading to infringements of U.S. citizens’ constitutional rights. In return, McCarthy retorted with accusations that questioned Murrow’s loyalty to the United States. And so on and so forth.
The file footage and old commercials are fascinating, but the film ends rather abruptly and is, overall, not very satisfying.
Directed by George Clooney
David Strathairn / George Clooney / Robert Downey Jr.
93 min. Drama / Historical
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: September 7, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0159 : 254
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
Just in case, allow me to make sure you know three things about this movie before renting it:
First, it is filmed in beautiful black and white. (I mention this because some people refuse to watch black-and-white films.)
Second, even though it was co-written and directed by George Clooney, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” is not a George Clooney film, per se. Sure, he’s in it, but not very much ... just so you know.
Third, unless you’re a history buff, older than 70, or just have an interest in McCarthy’s Red Scare and the 1950s, then this movie probably isn’t for you.
Watching “Good Night, and Good Luck.” feels like you’re dozing off and dreaming during history class. But don’t get me wrong; it’s well done all the way around. This movie is well written, well acted and well ... a little boring. It is only marginally interesting, sometimes.
With a blend of fly-on-the-wall perspective and excellent archival footage, “Good Night, and Good Luck.” plays more like a History Channel documentary, which is a compliment. It recounts the historical fight that CBS’s Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) started with Senator Joseph McCarthy via television broadcast in 1954.
Murrow (and others) were concerned that McCarthy’s Communist fear-mongering was leading to infringements of U.S. citizens’ constitutional rights. In return, McCarthy retorted with accusations that questioned Murrow’s loyalty to the United States. And so on and so forth.
The file footage and old commercials are fascinating, but the film ends rather abruptly and is, overall, not very satisfying.
Directed by George Clooney
David Strathairn / George Clooney / Robert Downey Jr.
93 min. Drama / Historical
(Original MPAA rating: PG)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up
DVD release date: September 7, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0159 : 254
Rumor Has It (2005)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
In 1967, Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft made a little movie called "The Graduate." Most people are familiar with it and consider it a classic. That movie never officially had a sequel, but in 2005 it came close with "Rumor Has It." This Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner movie is almost a sequel to the original 1967 film (but not quite).
"Rumor Has It" works from this premise: "The Graduate" was about real people whose actual names were never revealed to the public. The real-life Benjamin Braddock is actually Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner). And the real-life Mrs. Robinson is played wonderfully well by Shirley MacLaine. Jennifer Aniston's character happens to be the real Mrs. Robinson's granddaughter.
"Rumor Has It" is a delightful comedy that has lots of fun with exploring the characters from "The Graduate" — 30-some years later. Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) is mixed up about her life and her identity. When Sarah learns that she may be intimately affiliated with the scenarios found in "The Graduate," it only enhances her confusion.
Watching "Rumor Has It" is comparable to eating those big, fluffy, orange circus peanuts: You know it has no real nutritional value, but you thoroughly enjoy it, anyway.
Directed by Rob Reiner
Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner / Shirley MacLaine
96 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating:PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 9, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0151 : 199
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
In 1967, Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft made a little movie called "The Graduate." Most people are familiar with it and consider it a classic. That movie never officially had a sequel, but in 2005 it came close with "Rumor Has It." This Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner movie is almost a sequel to the original 1967 film (but not quite).
"Rumor Has It" works from this premise: "The Graduate" was about real people whose actual names were never revealed to the public. The real-life Benjamin Braddock is actually Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner). And the real-life Mrs. Robinson is played wonderfully well by Shirley MacLaine. Jennifer Aniston's character happens to be the real Mrs. Robinson's granddaughter.
"Rumor Has It" is a delightful comedy that has lots of fun with exploring the characters from "The Graduate" — 30-some years later. Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) is mixed up about her life and her identity. When Sarah learns that she may be intimately affiliated with the scenarios found in "The Graduate," it only enhances her confusion.
Watching "Rumor Has It" is comparable to eating those big, fluffy, orange circus peanuts: You know it has no real nutritional value, but you thoroughly enjoy it, anyway.
Directed by Rob Reiner
Jennifer Aniston / Kevin Costner / Shirley MacLaine
96 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating:PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 9, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0151 : 199
Friends With Money (2006)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
“Friends With Money” is a pensive, reflective drama about a sad group of people. These friends have weightier problems than the group of “Friends” that we usually associate Jennifer Aniston with. If you like stories that are sketches about characters who are tangible people, then buy some Ben & Jerry’s and rent “Friends With Money.”
Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) is unmarried and works as a cleaning lady, much to the chagrin of her rich friends. She used to be a teacher, but kids say the darndest things. She likes smoking marijuana, free cosmetic samples and wishful thinking about finding the right guy.
Olivia’s wealthy friends are a mostly motley crew: Jane (Frances McDormand, “Fargo”) is a clothing designer who is “falling down,” much like Michael Douglas’s William Foster. She is married to the effeminate Aaron (Simon McBurney), who is one of the movie’s nicest characters but is highly sought after by gay men.
Christine and David are co-writers whose home improvements are almost as insensitive as their marriage. Franny and Matt are semi-normal, self-absorbed and determined to rope their cronies into attending the culminating fundraiser dinner.
There are other interesting individuals whom you will meet, should you see this movie. As for the editing, the drugs and gay themes are recurring, but “Friends With Money” has otherwise been rendered benign.
Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Jennifer Aniston / Frances McDormand / Jake Cherry
88 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: August 29, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0153 : 219
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
“Friends With Money” is a pensive, reflective drama about a sad group of people. These friends have weightier problems than the group of “Friends” that we usually associate Jennifer Aniston with. If you like stories that are sketches about characters who are tangible people, then buy some Ben & Jerry’s and rent “Friends With Money.”
Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) is unmarried and works as a cleaning lady, much to the chagrin of her rich friends. She used to be a teacher, but kids say the darndest things. She likes smoking marijuana, free cosmetic samples and wishful thinking about finding the right guy.
Olivia’s wealthy friends are a mostly motley crew: Jane (Frances McDormand, “Fargo”) is a clothing designer who is “falling down,” much like Michael Douglas’s William Foster. She is married to the effeminate Aaron (Simon McBurney), who is one of the movie’s nicest characters but is highly sought after by gay men.
Christine and David are co-writers whose home improvements are almost as insensitive as their marriage. Franny and Matt are semi-normal, self-absorbed and determined to rope their cronies into attending the culminating fundraiser dinner.
There are other interesting individuals whom you will meet, should you see this movie. As for the editing, the drugs and gay themes are recurring, but “Friends With Money” has otherwise been rendered benign.
Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Jennifer Aniston / Frances McDormand / Jake Cherry
88 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: August 29, 2006
Copyright 2007.
JP0153 : 219
There's Something About Mary (1998)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
I dare anyone to challenge this statement: “There’s Something About Mary” is THE comedy of the ‘90s.
This is not my own sweeping conviction, mind you; but I submit that this movie was the most popular, most beloved comedy of the decade. As for my opinion, it’s fun, but it’s no masterpiece. The Farrelly brothers lose the reigns and the movie dives over the top on a few occasions.
But the premise is beautiful: It opens in Rhode Island, circa 1985. Awkward, nerdy Ted (Ben Stiller) proves that nice guys don’t always finish last by earning an invite to the prom from Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), the perfect gal. But a horrific “wardrobe malfunction” blows Ted’s chances of enjoying that date.
Years later Ted is still lamenting about what might have been, so he hires a low-life private investigator (Matt Dillon) to look Mary up. Unfortunately for Ted, the P.I. decides that there’s something about Mary that he likes, too. Essentially, we get a romantic comedy (minus the romance), where silly, scheming guys compete for the heart of a saccharine-sweet girl.
“There’s Something About Mary” has some unforgettable surprises (some of which had to be completely edited out for this version). The movie is still quite funny, coherent and entertaining.
If you haven’t seen “There’s Something About Mary,” you really should. After all, it was THE comedy of the ‘90s.
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly
Cameron Diaz / Ben Stiller / Matt Dillon
119 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0154 : 230
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
I dare anyone to challenge this statement: “There’s Something About Mary” is THE comedy of the ‘90s.
This is not my own sweeping conviction, mind you; but I submit that this movie was the most popular, most beloved comedy of the decade. As for my opinion, it’s fun, but it’s no masterpiece. The Farrelly brothers lose the reigns and the movie dives over the top on a few occasions.
But the premise is beautiful: It opens in Rhode Island, circa 1985. Awkward, nerdy Ted (Ben Stiller) proves that nice guys don’t always finish last by earning an invite to the prom from Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz), the perfect gal. But a horrific “wardrobe malfunction” blows Ted’s chances of enjoying that date.
Years later Ted is still lamenting about what might have been, so he hires a low-life private investigator (Matt Dillon) to look Mary up. Unfortunately for Ted, the P.I. decides that there’s something about Mary that he likes, too. Essentially, we get a romantic comedy (minus the romance), where silly, scheming guys compete for the heart of a saccharine-sweet girl.
“There’s Something About Mary” has some unforgettable surprises (some of which had to be completely edited out for this version). The movie is still quite funny, coherent and entertaining.
If you haven’t seen “There’s Something About Mary,” you really should. After all, it was THE comedy of the ‘90s.
Directed by Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly
Cameron Diaz / Ben Stiller / Matt Dillon
119 min. Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 15 and up
DVD release date: February 1, 2005
Copyright 2007.
JP0154 : 230
Outbreak (1995)
O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Outbreak" is a fun, thrilling movie because it puts us face to face with the unthinkable: a deadly virus epidemic spreading in the United States.
This movie is about 12 years old now; but with fears of bird flu and biological terrorism, this is still a timely film and unfortunately, probably always will be.
When a dreadful disease called Motaba is unwittingly brought into the U.S. through animal smugglers, its repercussions are hideously disastrous. Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) works for the Army and is an expert on disease-causing organisms. He becomes the alarmist, warning voice against the contagious bug, but is, of course, disregarded to the detriment of many.
"Outbreak" is suspenseful and fiendish in its devilish scenarios. For example, we nervously watch the disease-carrying monkey approach a little girl who loves animals. We cringe and squirm. And more than anything, "Outbreak" is one of those "race against time" movies.
The edited version omits the profanity. But we still see the visually unpleasant effects that the disease has on its victims. Naturally, "Outbreak" is shamelessly contrived, but a good rental choice for those who are entertained by disaster movies.
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Dustin Hoffman / Morgan Freeman / Cuba Gooding Jr.
127 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 21, 1997
Copyright 2007.
JP0150 : 189
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Outbreak" is a fun, thrilling movie because it puts us face to face with the unthinkable: a deadly virus epidemic spreading in the United States.
This movie is about 12 years old now; but with fears of bird flu and biological terrorism, this is still a timely film and unfortunately, probably always will be.
When a dreadful disease called Motaba is unwittingly brought into the U.S. through animal smugglers, its repercussions are hideously disastrous. Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) works for the Army and is an expert on disease-causing organisms. He becomes the alarmist, warning voice against the contagious bug, but is, of course, disregarded to the detriment of many.
"Outbreak" is suspenseful and fiendish in its devilish scenarios. For example, we nervously watch the disease-carrying monkey approach a little girl who loves animals. We cringe and squirm. And more than anything, "Outbreak" is one of those "race against time" movies.
The edited version omits the profanity. But we still see the visually unpleasant effects that the disease has on its victims. Naturally, "Outbreak" is shamelessly contrived, but a good rental choice for those who are entertained by disaster movies.
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Dustin Hoffman / Morgan Freeman / Cuba Gooding Jr.
127 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: May 21, 1997
Copyright 2007.
JP0150 : 189
Falling Down (1993)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Falling Down" ranks among my top 25, all-time favorite films. I have seen it many times, and it never gets old. "Falling Down" is a must-see.
This movie is a drama that initially plays like a comedy. The key to a successful movie is one where we, the audience, can relate to the characters. Even though Michael Douglas plays a man who's lost his mind, I suspect that most people can relate to his frustrations.
Bill Foster (Michael Douglas) has "had it up to here" with his life and its myriad frustrations. One day he snaps and decides to "go home." Unfortunately, he is divorced and unwelcome at his daughter's birthday party.
No matter. Foster abandons his car in a traffic jam and begins walking across town to see his daughter and ex-wife. And he doesn't let anything (or anybody) get in his way.
There is a concept called "the Ideological Safety Valve." It is often used to defend violent filmmaking. The theory is, that we enjoy violent movies where we can watch characters participate in violent acts that we secretly would like to do ourselves. But since we vicariously watch them in movies, then we don't have to do those things in real life … hence, the safety valve.
I don't know if that is really true; perhaps it's the other way around, meaning people see violence then mimic it. But I've also felt like I was "falling down" (more than once) while trying to order at fast-food restaurants.
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Michael Douglas / Robert Duvall / Barbara Hershey
113 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: October 26, 1999
Copyright 2007.
JP0152 : 250
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 28, 2007
"Falling Down" ranks among my top 25, all-time favorite films. I have seen it many times, and it never gets old. "Falling Down" is a must-see.
This movie is a drama that initially plays like a comedy. The key to a successful movie is one where we, the audience, can relate to the characters. Even though Michael Douglas plays a man who's lost his mind, I suspect that most people can relate to his frustrations.
Bill Foster (Michael Douglas) has "had it up to here" with his life and its myriad frustrations. One day he snaps and decides to "go home." Unfortunately, he is divorced and unwelcome at his daughter's birthday party.
No matter. Foster abandons his car in a traffic jam and begins walking across town to see his daughter and ex-wife. And he doesn't let anything (or anybody) get in his way.
There is a concept called "the Ideological Safety Valve." It is often used to defend violent filmmaking. The theory is, that we enjoy violent movies where we can watch characters participate in violent acts that we secretly would like to do ourselves. But since we vicariously watch them in movies, then we don't have to do those things in real life … hence, the safety valve.
I don't know if that is really true; perhaps it's the other way around, meaning people see violence then mimic it. But I've also felt like I was "falling down" (more than once) while trying to order at fast-food restaurants.
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Michael Douglas / Robert Duvall / Barbara Hershey
113 min. Drama / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 13 and up
DVD release date: October 26, 1999
Copyright 2007.
JP0152 : 250
Free Zone (2005)
O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 23, 2007
“Free Zone” is only a good rental choice for two kinds of people: those who have an unconditional love for cinema and those who have an unconditional love for Natalie Portman.
I thought I had an unconditional love for cinema until I watched “Free Zone.” I love movies a lot, but not this much. “Free Zone” is hard to watch. Here is a perfect example of why:
For approximately the first six minutes of the film, we see an uninterrupted, close-up, profile shot of Natalie Portman crying in a car — with no dialogue. Then, for three additional minutes, the dialogue begins, and the camera remains on Portman’s face. This is the first nine minutes of “Free Zone.” Artsy? Yes. Entertaining? No.
“Free Zone” is set in the Middle East, is subtitled half the time, and is about an American girl from New York named Rebecca (Natalie Portman) who just broke up with her fiancé, Julio. So, she asks to tag along with her driver, Hanna (Hanna Laszlo), who is traveling to the Free Zone to collect money from her husband’s business partner, which proves to be an uneasy task.
And, of course, “Free Zone” is replete with symbolism of the conflict and unrest of the region. You may think I’m being lazy, but that’s about it.
Directed by Amos Gitai
Natalie Portman / Hanna Laszlo / Hiam Abbass
90 min. Drama
(No MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: May 29, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0149 : 216
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
X Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / July 23, 2007
“Free Zone” is only a good rental choice for two kinds of people: those who have an unconditional love for cinema and those who have an unconditional love for Natalie Portman.
I thought I had an unconditional love for cinema until I watched “Free Zone.” I love movies a lot, but not this much. “Free Zone” is hard to watch. Here is a perfect example of why:
For approximately the first six minutes of the film, we see an uninterrupted, close-up, profile shot of Natalie Portman crying in a car — with no dialogue. Then, for three additional minutes, the dialogue begins, and the camera remains on Portman’s face. This is the first nine minutes of “Free Zone.” Artsy? Yes. Entertaining? No.
“Free Zone” is set in the Middle East, is subtitled half the time, and is about an American girl from New York named Rebecca (Natalie Portman) who just broke up with her fiancé, Julio. So, she asks to tag along with her driver, Hanna (Hanna Laszlo), who is traveling to the Free Zone to collect money from her husband’s business partner, which proves to be an uneasy task.
And, of course, “Free Zone” is replete with symbolism of the conflict and unrest of the region. You may think I’m being lazy, but that’s about it.
Directed by Amos Gitai
Natalie Portman / Hanna Laszlo / Hiam Abbass
90 min. Drama
(No MPAA rating)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: May 29, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0149 : 216
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