Gone Baby Gone

Rating: 6 1/2

I wasn't totally captivated but it's good for a directorial debut, and the story went in some unexpected directions. Though Casey The Superior Affleck gave a good performance, it pales in comparison to his wonderful role in The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, which is an all-around more interesting and original movie.

Blade Runner: The Final Cut

Rating: 9

What a marvelous utopia we'll be living in twelve years from now, in 2019! The most noticeable improvement in this version is the removal of the unnecessary voice over, in what is supposedly Ridley Scott's REAL vision for the movie. I'm sure there are other minuscule changes that are only apparent to Blade Runner aficionados, but the coolest thing for me was the opportunity to see it on the massive Cinerama screen. One week only, people!

Lake of Fire

Rating: 8

Michael Moore could learn a thing or two from Tony Kaye about showing the deep complexity of an issue without the screwball tactics. Though I have read that it's unclear in the film which side of the issue the director is on, I did notice that there was not a single sane person representing the pro-life perspective. They ran the gamut from ill-informed and paranoid to flat-out homicidal, and were unable to come up with a single compelling argument for their side that didn't involve God and Jesus and the Virgin Mary and the talking walnut. The smart people, on the other hand, really seem thoughtful about it, particularly Alan Dershowitz and Noam Chomsky. The interviews with the real Jane Roe, now a crazy jesus-nut, are interesting too.

Darjeeling Limited

Rating: 8

Sad and funny. Vibrantly colorful India.

Tonight: Rosemary's Baby at SIFF Cinema!

" This is no dream! This is really happening!"

The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Rating 8:

Despite its flaws - the 2 1/2-hour length, and the maddeningly redundant voice-over-the film is worth seeing. The performances are excellent and the film's exploration of celebrity in America is interesting. But most impressive is the cinematography by Roger Deakins (frequently of Coen Brothers' movies.) Also, music by Nick Cave, who makes a brief appearance.

Into the Wild

Rating: 7

Nature's not on your side, people! Bears aren't your friend, and living off foraged roots and berries is not normal. That's what I've learned from movies like Into The Wild and Grizzly Man.
There were flaws but I did enjoy the film.

Michael Clayton

Rating: 8.5

Michael Clayton is a lawyer movie, but not a courtroom movie. The writer/director, Tony Gilroy, was in attendance at the screening I saw, and he said he intentionally begins a scene a little early and and lingers a little at the end, which is a good description of the style of the film. The effect of this is, you have no idea where the story is headed but you're fascinated. Also, the dialogue is very realistic - the characters seem to really be talking which draws you into their relationships. And it's the relationships rather than plot twists that drive the story. You can tell the terrific cast is thrilled to be involved in such a smart movie. Clooney waived his fee to work on this, according to Gilroy. Excellent movie!