Three Film Picks

I took advantage of a pleasant holiday break from Russian classes to catch a few new films. Most of the Oscar heavyweight contenders usually come out right at the end of the year and I saw at least two, maybe even three, that will be up for some awards.

On Christmas Day I saw Rocky Balboa and really enjoyed it. Everyone seems to think that they’ve seen the original Rocky film or at least part of it, but I think most of them are lying. Either you have seen it or not. Most people have just been inundated with Rocky references their whole life so that they have come to believe they saw the original film. Here’s a hint: If you think that in the first film Stallone yells out, “Yo, Adrian! We did it!” then you haven’t seen the film. (That’s in Rocky II.)

The original Oscar-winning Rocky film wasn’t about boxing. It was about standing up and trying to do something when no one believes you can. Rocky Balboa returns to its roots from 30 years ago and offers an excellent finale to the saga. The Rocky character is truly likable and the film provides a good justification for the comeback and satisfying resolution.

Speaking of resolution, if you need a happy, tidy, Hollywood ending to your films then Children of Men may disappoint you. However, if you can appreciate an excellent story in the true sci-fi sense (think less robots and aliens and more “what if?”) then you owe it to yourself to see this film. Clive Owen does an excellent job and Michael Caine steals every scene he is in.

Children of Men takes place in England in 2027. It has been 18 years since a baby has been born and society has begun to tear itself apart in its realization that the world as we have known it is doomed. Owen is thrown into the center of the storm when his life becomes entwined with that of an illegal immigrant who turns out to be pregnant.

Finally, I saw The Good Shepherd. It is an interesting, strong film that runs about 30 minutes too long and could have easily had some cuts. It follows the creation of the Central Intelligence Agency from its early WWII OSS roots through the bungled Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. Matt Damon stars as one of the early, Ivy League founders of the agency, but the muted character isn’t one that allows for much in the way of Oscar buzz.

If you are interested in U.S. history and a fairly realistic look of how the CIA actually operates (few grappling hooks and PPK’s and more pouring over financial records and grainy photos) then it is worth seeing. Keep in mind though that the film runs 2 hours and 45 minutes. Watch for Alec Baldwin to play the same character he played in The Departed.

Out of 4 stars:

Rocky Balboa - 3.5 stars

Children of Men - 4 stars

The Good Shepherd - 3 stars