Number 20

This is posting number 20 for the year. I may do an update to my lists of movies rated, but that probably won’t happen until after the year end. Since I am not a theater goer, a list of the best new movies of the year won’t be forthcoming; but maybe a composite listing of the best movies I saw during the year would be worth posting.

Since I am not that interested in TV Christmas specials and Bowl games between mediocre football teams, I am trying to make a dent in my Netflix instant play queue, which is a rather confused mishmash from which nothing in particular has been calling to me. Trying the ones first that have the highest Netflix prediction is my current approach, though lately the predictions have most often turned out to be a little high.

Here is what I have watched since I posted my last list. [The ratings I give are on my own number system which is explained at the link on the sidebar].

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – 2009 (3.2). The first of three movies from the Stieg Larsson trilogy, this stylish Swedish production was a bit long but held interest throughout as the pursuit of the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy teenage girl led investigative reporter Mikael and young female Goth computer hacker Lisbeth down an old trail of sadistic violence toward women. [This Swedish movie is not the English language remake being advertised for 2011 release.]

Even the Rain – 2010 (3.1). A low budget Spanish film crew goes to Bolivia as a cost effective way to produce a movie about the Spanish exploitation of the New World under Columbus, and the moral voice of an early Dominican priest condemning the sin of exploitation. But the film bumps into the reality that the exploitation continues 500 years later, as the Bolivian government privatizes the water supply at the behest of the IMF and multi-national corporations. Indians hired as extras become embroiled in the protests against the travesty and the film makers are forced to flee or stay and support the cause. The courage of the Indians is inspiring and the effect on the film makers is emotionally powerful.

Treme  (Season One)– 2010 (3.1). Produced by some of the same people behind The Wire, this HBO drama series gives a view of post-Katrina New Orleans through the eyes of various musicians and other residents of Treme, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the city, who embrace its traditions and strive to see them endure. While heavy on musical performances right from the start, the characters take a few episodes to come together. This is much more about New Orleans itself than The Wire was about Baltimore, so knowledge of the city will enhance the appreciation of the series.

Toy Story 3 – 2010 (3.0). Andy is grown and heading for college so the time has come to decide what to do with his box of toys. Same marvelous animation and a good script with a fitting ending, but some of the scary portions of the adventure could be a little heavy for the very young.

The Girl Who Played with Fire – 2009 (3.0). In this second part of the Swedish Stieg Larsson trilogy, the story continues into new territory, with journalist Mikael and colleagues investigating the sex trade, while also giving some of the back story as Lisbeth relives the horrible story of her childhood and tracks it into the present. Though it has the same qualities of the first part, the novelty has lost its edge in this installment. 

Handsome Harry – 2009 (3.0). This indie drama about a former sailor confronting something he and his navy buddies did 30 years earlier managed to hold interest with decent acting and direction and a script that was unpredictable and subtle in its revelation of the back story. It is one of those movies where thinking back on it, you realize that while what you had understood about a scene was true at the time you watched it, once you put it all together in your mind you find there were other truths at play also.

Buck – 2011 (2.9).  An audience favorite at Sundance, this documentary about a childhood rodeo performer, physically abused by his father, who grew up to become a highly respected horse whisperer. An interesting man who does exceptional work with horses and their owners, this movie effectively presents him, but I would like to have seen more about his past and present family life.

Bliss – 2007 (2.9). In this Turkish drama a young rape victim is culturally ostracized in her village and is considered a disgrace to her family, requiring her suicide or murder. Reusing to do it herself, she is taken by a second cousin to Istanbul to be disposed of, but he cannot easily bring himself to do it. They are befriended by an older professor who is seeking a freeing sailboat adventure, while  her father and his henchmen search for her and the cousin to see the honor cleansing job gets done. The strength of this movie is in some poetic visuals, a very appealing heroine (played by Ozgu Namal), a believable cousin and the irrepressible professor.

The Girl Who kicked the Hornet’s Nest – 2009 (2.8). The conclusion of the Swedish Stieg Larsson trilogy finds Lisbeth on trial for a crime she did not commit while the investigative team works for her acquittal and seeks to punish the true villains. Still stylish, but while long is length this conclusion is shorter on drama as we know where it all is headed.

Ally McBeal  (Season 1, First 5 episodes) – 1997 (2.7). I gave this a try because I liked Callista Flockhart in Brothers & Sisters and this old series had been quite successful back in the day, plus I have not really seen any work by David E, Kelley. Overall, I found this a bit disappointing, with Callista’s acting being limited and repetitious and the stories being funny to a point but then just sort of silly. The dramatic aspects are tepid. The surreal inserts are funny at first, but then wear out their welcome. There may be better things to come in the series, but for now I’ll quit at 5 episodes. I can’t imagine ever watching all 100.

A Somewhat Gentle Man – 2010 (2.6). Slow moving and droll, this movie from Norway purposely manages to make that scenic country look very bleak, while telling the story of a newly released murderer whose crime boss wants him to kill the witness who sent him to jail. A little humor, even less drama and nothing particularly worth saying make for a barely passable film experience

Shadow Island Mysteries: The Last Christmas  - 2010 (2.2). A misguided impulse led to a viewing of this Canadian made for TV supposed mystery that was not mysterious or at all interesting and was poorly acted to boot. The wintery settings and one sexy young actress were the only redeeming features.