Notes on a Scandal

This is one the top 10 films of this year. Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench show that they are two of the top actors in the world right now. I believe that Dench deserved this year's best actress award, not Helen Mirren. Directorn Richard Eyre really knows how to carry these wonderfulk actors(inclusive is the wonderful Bill Nighy) and this film works in every way possible. dench's role is somewhat disturbing, loving and sometimes confusing and she nails all those sentiments with ease. The film is about a new tecaher(Blanchett), who has an affaird with a young boy and chaos ensues. An elder teacher(Dench) uses this knowledge to create a very intimate relationship with the young teacher. The elder teacher falls in love with the younger teacher and when she doesnt get what she wants, she creates a scandal to greaten the intimacy. A great script by Patrick Marber is near-flawless and the performances are undeniable. Congratulations to everyone.

The History Boys

This is a bad film. It doesnt let anyone generate any interest in any of the characters. I feel that it was a play tried as a film, and they dont all work. The acting was sub-par, the direction was sub-par. I dont know what to say because their isnt anything good to say.

Bobby

Bobby is a film which is useful, important and crucial to watch. However, its execution is sometimes erratic. The middle of the film was very weak but it did have some good things. I found, however that the film was kind of a memoriam for Bobby Kennedy. I do not want to be pushed or influenced in a film about anybody, even if its someone i respect, like Bobby Kennedy. I still liked the film's heart and it was a good try but i find myself dissapointed at times. I do wish that more films were dedicated to the change of social conditions(race, gender, etc) from the 60's. So i liked what it gave me, but not necessarily how it was given. Towards the cast, i felt that everyone was good but no one stood out, which is fine.

Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls is a wonderful film, a wonderful musical. I do believe that this film has some flaws but the beautiful singing scenes limit its affect. I did not understand Jamie Foxx's role. I dont know whether i like him or dont as a character, and whether that helps the role or not is questionable. Beyonce Knowles shows some solid work here and her song "Listen" near the end is truly beautiful. The supporting cast was good, and sometimes very good. I found that Bill Condon did a great job but i felt that the script was sometimes awkward and unworkable and messed up. Overall, however, i found it a very pleasurable experience with many inspring moments. The best part of the film was JENNIFER HUDSON. She blew me away and away n this film, especially in the middle with her song "Im Not Going". That five minutes of her singing may be the best five minutes in film this year, maybe ever. So, BIG CREDIT GIVEN TO HUDSON. HER PERFORMANCE MAY BE THE BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR!!!!!

Death of a President

This film creates a thin line between fiction and non-fiction. It is the story of a fictitious assasination of president George W. Bush. It follws the political and judicial story of this "event", and links it to fears that many have today. It tells us that manipluation of terrorism for politics will continue, indepenedent of Bush and current political elite. It tells us that conspiracy has no end and manipulation comes in all varieties. I like the idea of creating a fictitious documentary, which kind of feels like "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "The Corporation", and other more-obvious documentaries. This film predicts a possible political future and makes us(the audience) skeptical of a future conspiracy like this one. I didn't exactly like this film, but it was thought-provoking at least.

Volver

Volver is a beautiful 'pelicula', about the relationship between mother and daughter and the abusive husbands/fathers. We do not ever know whether the mother is alive or not, but her purpose of forgiveness is achieved. The film makes us all question, how we would react if a loved one "came back"(Volver)?Pedro Almodovar shows, once again, that he is one of the most brilliant filmmakers around. He has a true sensitivity, which is hard to sustain in a film. He is an outstanding auteur of art. Penelope Cruz gives a performance of a lifetime, and the supporting cast hits a ball out of the park. It was not, however, as good as Pan's Labyrinth, which i loved, loved, loved. I would argue that the greatest filmmakers around are latino, like Almodovar, del Toro, Cuaron, Innaritu, and company.

Normal

This is a surprisingly important film and must be viewed by everyone with an open mind. Tom Wilkinson and Jessica Lange prove again to be two of the most complete actors around. This film shows the sensitivity of living a life, that well, isn't "normal". Writer/Director Jane Anderson shows very good work here. This is one of those small, indie films which tells a true story, in a true fashion. It tells us that love is between two people, regarless of gender and sex.