D.C. MOVIE GUYS

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.

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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…)

The question of just how far someone will go to achieve their dreams has been a focal point for authors and filmmakers for decades. Woody Allen has examined this territory twice, in his acclaimed drama “Crimes and Misdemeanors” and in his “comeback” film of sorts, 2004′s Oscar-nominated “Match Point.”

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