D.C. MOVIE GUYS

If you want a good Nazi flick for Christmas, then the Bryan Singer directed “Valkyrie” delivers. Tom Cruise as Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg leads a usual suspects list of British actors (Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh, Terrance Stamp, Kevin McNally and Eddie Izzard) in plot to assassinate Hitler from within the ranks of Hitler’s own army and government. This true story written for the big screen by Christopher McQuarrie and Nathan Alexander provides fact driven suspense that does an excellent job of keeping the audience wondering what’s next, even though the final outcome is known. Even though “Valkyrie” is heavy with historical facts, it remains entertaining. (continue reading…)

BLITZEN: Nice hat. Is it magical?

FROSTY: Yes.

BLITZEN: Is it fairy magic?

FROSTY: Maybe a little….yes.

BLITZEN: Aren’t you worried that might be too effeminate? Well, I suppose a snowman can get away with that

BLITZEN: I’m saying that when Santa and his Reindeer do it, that means it’s not illegal!

It’s awards season again, and between now and February 22nd when Oscars ® are handed out at the Academy Awards® we are going to be subjected to a multitude of film awards and best of 2008 lists. In addition to the Golden Globe® nominees already announced, The Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association and The Los Angeles Film Critics Association have released their best of 2008 awards. What is the best movie of 2008? The year is not over yet, but since that didn’t stop the LA and D.C. film critics from making a choice let’s stack up east coast versus west coast in a film critic battle royale and see which side got it right. (continue reading…)

Just because James Bond has been revised far from his 1962 to 2002 (“Dr. No” to “Die Another Day”) versions doesn’t mean he can’t hit the villains or the box office with a nasty punch. Daniel Craig’s Bond is more visceral, coarse and perhaps a little more sadistic than any previous Bond and this edge is sharpened in “Quantum of Solace”. First time Bond director, Marc Forster (“The Kite Runner”), helps make the follow up story to 2006’s “Casino Royale” a reason to spend money at the Movies. Screenwriters Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade prove James Bond still has action hero blood in his veins to pump him beyond their “Casino Royale” adventure. (continue reading…)

Science-Fiction is at its best when it takes elements of current society and stretches them to unlikely but logical extremes.  The fantastic events that occur don’t always have to be believable, but the metaphor does.  “Babylon A.D.” plays at painting a future in which religion and corporations struggle to control government but this background never seems to impact the story in a compelling way.  Director, Mathieu Kassovitz, does seem to pay a lot of attention to the look and feel of the film, but it is not enough to carry the story.  No doubt, a director’s cut DVD is in the future for this movie, but that doesn’t help theater goers. (continue reading…)