Armchair Pundits

A Tale Of Two Films

I will spare you all regarding my voracious appetite for science fiction and focus on two films that I think will have a broader appeal. I know, you're greatly disappointed that I'm not writing about Star Wars again, or for that matter, taking umbrage with Mark Steyn's review. No matter....I have something worth reviewing.

Last night the wife and I were out for a rare mid-week date. For that matter, any date without the children is rare. And while we greatly love and enjoy our children, it is nice to connect without them at times. I know what you're thinking about now. "Considering your frugality Grisby, what was the occasion of your frivolity?" Well, such thinking means I might be a little to predictible. We had received free tickets to a sneak preview of Cinderella Man. The event was sponsored by Nemer Fieger Associates in conjunction with K102 & Cities 97.

This film is the second pairing of Russell Crowe and Ron Howard with the screenplay by Akiva Goldsman. All previously worked on the Oscar winning A Beautiful Mind, which like this film is biographical in nature. Let it be said, that Ron Howard and Russell Crowe are the Hollywood tour de' force. These guys are absolutely dedicated and brilliant--at the top of their craft. This film was stunningly beautiful. Set in the depression, it is the true story of how one man rallied the spirits of those in his community. I loved the grit of the film, the struggle. It was a powerful testament to character and reminded me of how far we've come from hard times in this nation. Based on the life of James Braddock, it is the real life rise, fall, and rise again of an ordinary man who was destined to become a boxing legend. What is truly inspiring about this man's life is that he ran in the elite circles during his heyday, but he never forgot who he was, he maintained his roots and didn't let fame or fortune corrupt his character. The film contains exceptional performances by Paul Giamatti and Renee Z. Oscar buzz people! This is a film worth spending money on.

The second film is What The Bleep Do We Know. Having a novice interest in quantam physics I was anticipating this film and recently viewed it on dvd. The film did not live up to my excitement, with one minor exception. But alas, I am out of time for today, so I will have to finish on Monday. I will leave you with more from Mark Steyn re: this film (scroll down 1 review). I agree with him whole-heartedly. Have a nice weekend!

posted by Grisby @ 4:32 PM