Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook; Simply told yet deeply emotionally profound portrayals of mental instability from stellar cast/director; Moving; A-

Dead Presidents

Directed by:  Allen and Albert Hughes
Starring:  Larenz Tate, Chris Tucker, Keith David, Freddy Rodriguez
Running Time: 2h 00min

Sold as a bank robbery film, this totally original piece of filmmaking is really about the African American experience in the 70s.  Vietnam, before the war and after, and the social situations many Black people found themselves in.  The disillusionment that the whole country felt, yet seen through the eyes of a young Black man.  The drama is heartfelt, and Tate really matures before our eyes, both as the character and as an actor.  The war is dealt with ferociously, tackled with the fever that the Hughes try to emulate from their idols DePalma, Scorcese, and Coppola.  A real character study that never leaves its mark.  We are aware that this is just one story of one man, yet a story that was felt for many in the 70s.

Grade: B-

The Fifth Element

Directed by:  Luc Besson
Starring:  Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, Chris Tucker
Running Time:  2h 06min

Oldman is his chamelean self again, totally immersing himself in his role, his costume, and the scenery.  It's hard not to, what with the totally out-of-this-world approach to the future.  Things are recognizable only in structure as the director's vision is completely original.  This is a future where you can't question its basis; everything is totally new.  They don't have to stop and explain what it is the characters are doing, seeing, or engaging in; you wouldn't understand it, it's the future.  This creates an exciting viewer-film relationship, with the only thing grounding the viewer is the fact that the story hasn't changed.  Willis is still the reluctant hero (who better to play the role?) and in the end love conquers all.  Enjoy!

Grade: B-