O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
“Notes on a Scandal” is a sad yet alarming tale about debilitating loneliness. Most of the characters suffer from (and for) this affliction, in one way or another. And the acting performances are so authentic, we truly believe that we are witnessing real, hurting people.
As a critic, I’m usually careful to not give away too much in the plot summary, but considering the conservative tastes of Flix Club renters, you should know — up front — what this movie entails: “Notes on a Scandal” is about a female teacher who becomes intimately involved with a 15-year-old male student; and, about another, much older female teacher who has romantic inclinations toward the younger, aforementioned female teacher.
“Sheba” Hart (Cate Blanchett) is a first-year Art teacher at a high school in London. (This character’s full name, Bathsheba, was no doubt selected for its Biblical parallels.) Sheba’s presence in the school seems to affect students and faculty alike in “Bathsheba-like” ways. Sheba is married to a much older man (played by Bill Nighy), and she has two children: an atypical son with Down’s Syndrome and a typical teenaged daughter.
And though she seems so, Sheba is not perfect. When one of her 15-year-old students continues to make advances toward her, Sheba eventually submits and begins a pedophilic affair.
Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) is a seasoned History teacher, who seems bitter, but she secretly struggles with profound loneliness and an affinity toward women. Barbara has affections for Sheba that are, again, to use a Biblical adjective, unseemly. When Barbara finds out about Sheba’s secret, she tries to strategically use the revelation to obtain her wishes.
This edited version of “Notes on a Scandal” is devoid of depictions of sexuality and nudity, though we do briefly see Cate Blanchett wearing a bra. One line of particularly descriptive dialogue is cut off in the middle. And the editor has been careful to cut away from scenes where Blanchett kisses the boy, though it is evident what is about to happen.
“Notes on a Scandal” and its themes, I suspect, will not be for everyone. But as far as its performances and dramatic quality, it is a fine film.
Directed by Richard Eyre
Judi Dench / Cate Blanchett / Bill Nighy
92 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 16 and up
DVD release date: April 17, 2007
Copyright 2007.
JP0192 : 361
The Italian Job (2003)
X An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
It’s this simple: If you liked “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), then you’ll like “The Italian Job.” And if you loved “Ocean’s,” then this movie is a must-see.
“The Italian Job” is one of those heist movies that has you cheering for the criminals. Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed making his audiences feel inner conflict by manipulating them to relate or sympathize with “the bad guy” or worse yet, “the killer.” This movie, like many others these days, has that same audacity.
“The Italian Job” begins with Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leading a team of professional thieves in Italy. Their targeted loot equates to major bucks for each of their crewmembers; but unfortunately, there is no honor among thieves.
The balance of the movie involves the betrayed team members reassembling to regain what was rightfully not theirs; and, moreover, taking revenge on the movie’s Benedict Arnold.
As you can see, the plot closely resembles that of “Ocean’s Eleven.” It also has the clever, sneaky, high-tech schemes and humorous dialogue that makes “Ocean’s” so delightfully entertaining.
As far as editing goes, “The Italian Job” was initially rated PG-13 for violence and some language. The language has been edited and the violence is minimal. So, if you can live with rooting for a bunch of criminals, then don’t miss “The Italian Job.” It is excellent.
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Mark Wahlberg / Ed Norton / Donald Sutherland
111 min. Crime / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: October 7, 2003
Copyright 2007.
JP0186 : 219
O Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else
Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007
It’s this simple: If you liked “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), then you’ll like “The Italian Job.” And if you loved “Ocean’s,” then this movie is a must-see.
“The Italian Job” is one of those heist movies that has you cheering for the criminals. Alfred Hitchcock enjoyed making his audiences feel inner conflict by manipulating them to relate or sympathize with “the bad guy” or worse yet, “the killer.” This movie, like many others these days, has that same audacity.
“The Italian Job” begins with Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) leading a team of professional thieves in Italy. Their targeted loot equates to major bucks for each of their crewmembers; but unfortunately, there is no honor among thieves.
The balance of the movie involves the betrayed team members reassembling to regain what was rightfully not theirs; and, moreover, taking revenge on the movie’s Benedict Arnold.
As you can see, the plot closely resembles that of “Ocean’s Eleven.” It also has the clever, sneaky, high-tech schemes and humorous dialogue that makes “Ocean’s” so delightfully entertaining.
As far as editing goes, “The Italian Job” was initially rated PG-13 for violence and some language. The language has been edited and the violence is minimal. So, if you can live with rooting for a bunch of criminals, then don’t miss “The Italian Job.” It is excellent.
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Mark Wahlberg / Ed Norton / Donald Sutherland
111 min. Crime / Action
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 12 and up
DVD release date: October 7, 2003
Copyright 2007.
JP0186 : 219
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