D.C. MOVIE GUYS

JOE’S REVIEW: “INSIDE MAN”

At first glance “Inside Man,” the new film from director Spike Lee, seems like just another caper flick. You might woinder what one of the movie industry’s most openly political filmmakers could bring toi what has become a fairly overworked genre. Thanks to a clverly written script by first time screenwriter Russell Gewirtz, Lee gets a chance to stand the the tired formula on its head while delivering an intellegent and entertaining thriller with serious social and political undercurrents. (more…)

JOE’S REVIEW:”FIND ME GUILTY”

In 1957, director Sidney Lumet began his feature film directing career with an adaptation of the live television drama “Twelve Angry Men”. That story of guilt and innocence weighed against backdrop of predjudice and stereotyping marked Lumet as a director with a kean eye for drawing excellent performances from large casts. His eye for talent lead him to often showcase the work of little or unknown actors opposite major stars. During the 1970’s and ’80’s Lumet had a remarkable streak of Oscar nominated films, including “Serpico”, “Murder on the Orient Express”, “Dog Day Afternoon”, “Network”, “Prince of The City” and “The Verdict”. At age 81, Lumet has returned to the big city courtroom for his lates film, “Find Me Guilty”, starring Vin Deisel. Based on a true story, this very entertaining film is highlighted by sharp acting and a thiughtful examination of the difference between being “innocent” and “not guilty”". (more…)

JOE’S REVIEW: “FAILURE TO LAUNCH”

In recent decades, a phenomenon known as the “empty nest” syndrome was often spoken about on talk shows and used as a theme for television programs. The plot or discussion involvd againg parents whose children were grown up and out in the world on their own. A sometimes uncertain economy, children who’ve been lavished with tremendous amounts of attention and material comforts and a general desire on the part of “baby boomer” parents to be seen as being their children’s friends, as well as their parents, has led to the reversal of the trren. “Boomerang” kids, who return home to live after college or a failed relationship, are now a common presence in many homes.
Therew are also children who never leave. In the new comedy “Failure To Launch”, one set of parents takes a rather drastic approach to getting their son out of the house. (more…)