Remembering a few good films...........

Clerks(1994): Written and Directed by Kevin Smith. One of the examples of a small, indie film becoming a great cult film and launching Kevin Smith's career. This film has witty, insightful, real dialogue and it explores a new type of filmmaking. Grade: A

The Truman Show(1998): Directed by Peter Weir, Written by Andrew Niccol. This film was revolutionary in how we see television, reality and epistomology. This is one of those rare films that dares to be different and shocking. Grade: A

Dead Poet's Society(1989): Directed by Peter Weir, Written by Tom Schulman. Weir again directs a great story of a man teaching young people to live. It is one of the most moving films of all time. Grade: A

The Kite Runner

This is another excellent film for the year 2007. Marc Forster proves once again that he is one of the elite directors in film today. This story is about a man's journey from culture, brotherhood and community from Kabul to California back to Kabul. It is a very strong script by David Benioff and the acting is very solid, led by Khalid Abdullah, who works the screen well.

The only scene that didnt work for me was when Amir goes to find Sohrab in Assef's place and Sohrab hits Assef with the slingshot. I found it an awkward scene. However, this film does show great form for the majority of the film and it creates a debate on contemporary cultural morality. I really enjoyed this film.

Grade: A-/B+

Atonement

This is one of the best films of the year, if not the decade. Joe Wrights nails this material and makes everything work perfectly with this adaptation of a brilliant script by Christopher Hampton. Lies, jealousy, invention and atonement are the clear themes of the film and Wright executes this film as no one else could have. I was very impressed by the story and the diting, cinematography and sound. Everything blends very well. The acting is 1st rate, headed by the multi-talented James McAvoy, who would've been nominated in most years. He is a revelation in this film. He is on the verge to greatness. Keira Knightley delivers as well, in a supporting role. The roles of Briney, played by Vanessa Redgrave, Romola Garai and Saiorse Ronan all succeed and needed to. I was surprisngly pleased at how flawless of a film this is. I feel that Atonement and The Assassination of Jesse James are at the top of this year's class, so far. What a great year for the movies. Behind those two films are Juno and Into the Wild. I was surprised that this film didnt get more awards this season, as it is an instant classic. What a competitive year for the best picture. Wow!

Grade: A

Things We Lost in the Fire

This is a pretty solid film here by Susanne Bier. Actors Halle Berry and Benicio del Toro work extremely well here and both saved the film at points. This is a solid film, which was a little overshadowed by the strenght of this year's films.

Grade: B

Dan in Real Life

This is a wonderful movie. For this type of film, i found that it worked pretty well. Steve Carell works very well, as does Juliette Binoche and the rest of the cast. It is, in many ways, a prototypical romantic comedy, but it does have a good heart and it is very passable.

Grade: B

No Country For Old Men

I am a bit perplexed by this film. I see it as a beautifully crafted and flawless film, but i dont seem to understand the greatness of its storytelling. Dont get me wrong, i do find it a masterpiece, but i dont see the perfect narrative here. The film is about a chase between three guys for the 2 million dollars. The film is about modrenity and the brutality of a more violent society. The film is about a killer and his immoral wrath. The film is about an older man, who cannot catch the "bad guy". The film is about "not knowing when something is gonna happen". The film is a satire on modern violence. This is done with great affect but why should i care that much. I guess that i'm a little annoyed in not grasping all of the elements so clearly but i dont see this film as great. I believe that The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was much better. I cannot say anything negative about this film, but i wont glorify it as much as others will. Great performances and great filmmaking, however. I liked Fargo much better.

Grade: A-