Movie Mania: THE VICIOUS KIND, THE MESSENGER, and more
This week on the Movie Mania I didn’t have time to watch as many movies as I was hoping, mostly because I was busy watching the last two seasons of La Femme Nikita (which is available on thewb.com), but I did get to watch a few and the good news is I enjoyed all of them. So it’s time to share some quick thoughts on the latest films that made my Movie Mania list.
The Legend of Butch & Sundance – This is a prequel to the classic “Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid,” which of course is nowhere near as good as the classic, but if you watch it expecting some entertainment I think it delivers. I personally enjoyed it more than expected to.
Synopsis: Two of the fiercest and most famous gunslingers in the Wild West — Butch Cassidy (David Clayton Rogers) and the Sundance Kid (Ryan Browning) — decide to join forces for a series of daring but rewarding bank robberies in this action-filled Western. Based on historical documents, this partially fictionalized tale follows the legendary outlaws during their early years, just as they were starting their illustrious careers together.
Hair – I hate to admit that I had never seen Hair until only recently and wow, I really loved it. I think the thing that surprised me the most was how relevant the movie still is today. In addition, it’s a great musical, and as a musical fan it was like heaven. Plus how much fun was it to see a young Treat Williams, loved it!
Synopsis: On his way to join the Army during the Vietnam War, quiet and conservative Claude (John Savage) travels from Oklahoma to New York City, where he befriends a group of fun Central Park hippies and falls in love with a beautiful society girl named Sheila (Beverly D’Angelo). Directed by Milos Forman, this Broadway musical turned motion picture features the beautiful choreography of Twyla Tharp and hit songs such as “Aquarius.”
The Vicious Kind – Why didn’t this movie get more buzz? It’s one of the best that I have seen of 2009 and 2010 (so far). The story is great, the cast amazing and in particular Adam Scott, who is beyond brilliant. That man should have gotten more awards and praise for his performance. Needless to say, I highly recommend this movie.
Synopsis: When angry Caleb Sinclaire (Adam Scott) reluctantly agrees to drive his younger brother, Peter, and Peter’s girlfriend, Emma Gainsborough (Brittany Snow), home for Thanksgiving, he finds himself attracted to his brother’s pretty girl. Before long, his desire morphs into an obsession that could either completely unhinge the family — or be the catalyst he needs to confront feelings he has long repressed. J.K. Simmons and Alex Frost co-star.
The Messenger – I really enjoyed The Messenger, it has a nice story, but most of all it has great performances from Woody Harreslon and Ben Foster. It’s definitely worth watching.
Synopsis: An injured U.S. soldier, Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), is paired up with by-the-book Capt. Tony Stone (Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson) to notify families of killed soldiers — a job that bonds them as they suss out different views on serving America. At odds at first, the two find common ground while facing life’s variety of battles. Oren Moverman directs this poignant military tale that co-stars Samantha Morton and Jena Malone.
