D.C. MOVIE GUYS

Citizens rarely think deeply about the amount of trust we place in the men and women who protect us. Policing takes a terrible emotional toll, not to mention the physical risk the job requires. Over the years, the emotional strain of dealing with the worst behavior humans can display while trying to keep your own sanity and humanity intact has informed and enriched thousands of novels and movies. James Elroy has be acclaimed as a master of the genre, in books and movies such as “L.A. Confidential” and “Blood On The Moon.” Based on an original story by Elroy, the new film “Street Kings” takes us down the sun washed streets of Los Angeles on a dark and dangerous journey into the heart of a troubled city and its “blue knights.” (continue reading…)

The lives of royalty seem to be catnip for filmmakers and audiences alike. The latest addition to the cannon of works about England’s King Henry VIII is “The Other Boleyn Girl.” Based on the best selling novel by Phillipa Gregory, director Justin Chadwick’s film is visually attractive and benifits from the talents of Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson in leading roles, but lacks the emotional spark to compare with earlier and current efforts.

(continue reading…)

I have good news for those of you who feel that the recently ended writer’s strike has robbed you of another season on “24.”  You can get your mile-a-minute action fix by heading to the movie theater and seeing “Vantage Point.”  This solidly crafted thriller boasts a strong cast and a story telling device that keeps you engaged and involved. (continue reading…)

“Jumper,” from ‘Swingers” director Doug Liman, has the feel of a terrific novel that’s missing a chapter or three.  This just released science fiction thriller offers the engaging outline of a very intriguing tale, but never quite gives you enough background to let you fully appreciate the drama that follows.  (continue reading…)

Acclaimed playwright Martin McDonagh (”The Pillow Man,” “The Beauty Queen ofLeenane”) asks himself interesting questions before he begins to write. Before beginning the screenplay for his film, “In Bruges,” McDonagh posed this question:what happens to the stray bullets in action film ? That simple question led him-and us-to one of the quirkiest and most entertaining films to arrive in theaters in some time. (continue reading…)