Quick Movie Reviews (April 21, 2008)

Fracture (2007)
One of the most uncomfortable moments for movie buffs would have to be the one where a friend comes to you and says: “You absolutely have to see this movie. It is fantastic!!” Based on that glowing recommendation, you go forth and rent said movie. Then you commit yourself to two hours late one Saturday night, and 30 minutes into the movie you realize that you are going to have to avoid that friend on Monday because. . .well. . .the movie was simply horrid. Such is the case with Fracture starring Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. Hopkins plays a psychopathic genius killer. Hmmmm. . .where have I seen that before? Gosling plays a clueless and overly ambitious attorney. If I were betting, I would say that neither Gosling nor Hopkins knew this was the movie they were making. There are clearly some parts of the film edited out for whatever reason and my bet is that because of the poor editing, neither of the actors recognized the movie in its final print. At least I hope not. The question now becomes what do I tell my friend?

August Rush (2007)
This is another movie designed to cure insomnia. As my daughter would say: OMG! Starring Freddie Highmore (one of the better kid actors around), Kerri Russell, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers with support from Terrence Howard and Robin Williams, August Rush tried really, really, really, really hard to make us cry every single minute. Freddie just stares at the camera with those big puppy dog eyes and the director expects you to simply melt away. Instead you become ill from the massive amounts of sugar pouring out. The ending is so implausible that it makes even the most clichés Hollywood ending look like real life.

John Adams (2008)
Contrast the travesties of Fracture and August Rush to the terrific John Adams. Yes, I know, it is a seven-part mini-series on HBO but it was beyond good. To paraphrase Entertainment Weekly: “I would watch anything with Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney acting in it.” Here are two actors who were and are at the top of their game. If you didn’t get a chance to see it on HBO, look for it on DVD. It is well worth the time.