Reviews by Mike Brunk

The Protector: Never Mock a Man with a Red Scarf If He Asks You about Elephants

Michael — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 18:52:00 +0000

The Protector opens by introducing us to Thailand and the family of Kham (Tony Jaa). Kham's family raises elephants. The plot is set when a prized elephant is stolen before it can be offered as a token of devotion to His Majesty, the King of Thailand. Kham is charged with retrieval and protection of the elephant and its offspring. This is a role that his family has traditionally played, protecting the elephants from attacks from below while they were ridden into combat. Fortunately, Kham is a master of Muay Thai martial arts. He will need this training as he tracks down the Asian gang that kidnapped his charges.

And that is about as much plot as you'll get as The Protector revs into high gear and sets off on a roller coaster ride of martial arts mayhem. The story will pop up again as the action unfolds, but only long enough to send you careening into the next action sequence. If you are a fan of martial arts, this won't bother you a bit. Tony Jaa is amazing on screen as he dispatches a seemingly endless supply of nameless villains in scene after scene. It is all the more spectacular when you realize that there is no wire work, no CGI and no stunt doubles. The crowning achievement is a four minute, non-stop, unedited action sequence that has Kham fighting his way up a four story staircase.

The Protector was originally released in Asia in 2005 under the title Tom-Yum-Goong. The version being shown to American audiences has been cut by nearly 30 minutes. The original soundtrack has been supplemented by RZA, founder of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Also, the movie has been endorsed by Quentin Tarantino and is presented by him in the opening credits.

So, what can we learn from The Protector and Tony Jaa? Well, apart from a stunning number of ways to snap a human limb like a twig, he does demonstrate an astounding degree of devotion to his calling. He fearlessly presses on no matter how insurmountable the odds seem to be. And it is clear that he has spent many, many hours learning the skills necessary to excel at his art. While I don't think many of us will be engaged in a hunt for stolen elephants or confronted by an army of Asian gangsters, it probably wouldn't hurt us to consider applying these same traits to the more mundane problems we encounter as we journey through life.

Should you see The Protector? If you have an interest in the martial arts, you won't want to miss it. On the other hand if you're not already a fan, there really isn't enough of a story here to hook you. The attraction isn't the depth of the storytelling, but the physical artistry of highly skilled warriors captured on the big screen.

Factotum: Living on the Edge

Michael — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 22:18:00 +0000

Factotum is based on the book of the same name by acclaimed author of prose and poetry, Charles Bukowski. This movie is semi-autobiographical. The main character, Henry Chinaski (Matt Dillon), is considered by most to be Bukowski’s alter ego.

The movie follows Chinaski through a series of dead-end jobs and alcohol induced periods of unemployment. He can’t seem to hold a job any longer than it takes to earn enough money for the next binge. In between he scribbles short stories and poetry and tosses manuscripts in the mail with reckless abandon. Henry writes for himself, because he is a writer and he must write.

On his journey he meets Jan (Lili Taylor) and Laura (Marisa Tomei). Through his relationship with each of them we catch a glimpse of the man beneath the surface and the demons that drive him. At one point, success seems to be his. He has money, nice clothing and a taste of the “good life.” Alas, it doesn’t last for long. This new life is too alien and he soon sabotages himself and slips back into the life he knows best. It is this life that provides the muse for his writing.

The advertising copy for Factotum refers to Chinaski as a man “living on the edge.” And it is the edge of a dark chasm that threatens to consume him as he falls further and further into the darkness. As he spirals down his job opportunities dwindle, he abandons relationships, until finally all he has left is his booze and his writing.

The movie is dark in tone but still manages to pull a few cynical chuckles from the audience. The acting is superb across the board. The thread of the story jumps here and there through a series of vignettes that include inspiration from other short stories by Bukowski. They are tied together through voice over provided by Dillon.

Honestly, I was amazed at the degree to which I was sucked into this film. I wasn’t overly familiar with Bukowski’s work prior to the film or the work of writer, director and producer Brent Hamer. It proves to be a compelling combination. Factotum is well worth seeing if you are a fan of Bukowski or are just looking for a character driven film devoid of special effects.

Reflecting on the film, this is a story that we all probably have experience with. Oh, I don’t mean drinking, losing your job, and bottoming out. I’m referring to the struggle to overcome the familiar conditions that trap us where we are in life. How many of us accept the situation we find ourselves in, simply because sticking with what we know seems safer than letting go in the pursuit of something better?

In Chinaski’s case, was he able to write only because of the life he experienced? Can we change our circumstances without changing who we fundamentally are? Must we change our circumstances if we want to change our behaviors, our habits, or the path we trod? It is a subject worth meditating on.

Miami Vice: A Journey Into Darkness

Michael — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 19:03:00 +0000

Not too far into the movie, Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) comments to Crockett (Colin Farrell), “There’s undercover, and then there’s which way is up?” That simple statement defines the tension that drives Michael Mann’s Miami Vice as it explores the dark world of the illegal drug trade.

I remember the original television show. I wasn’t particularly a fan but I watched it from time to time. I remember bright colored clothing, sunny beaches, hot cars, fast boats and attractive women. The movie retains the cars, boats and women but overall the look is much darker, more oppressive. It is filmed in a gritty, realistic way using HD cameras. Many scenes are shot from a perspective that puts the viewer in the middle of the action. I found it to be very effective at pulling me into the movie and keeping me enthralled.

Miami Vice starts in an interesting way. I don’t know if it was intended or an error in the screening I attended but the movie begins with no opening credits, no title sequence, just “bang” right into the action. I’m curious enough that I’m going to have to see a regular theater showing to find out if it was deliberate. I can’t say I’ve seen this technique before. I’m not sure I liked it as I kept waiting for the opening credits and they never arrived. The absence was a bit distracting but I soon got over it.

From nearly the very beginning things go wrong for our characters. Crocket and Tubbs receive a mysterious phone call from a former informant. An undercover deal has gone badly; a high-level, law enforcement insider has leaked information. Soon, the two partners are recruited to go undercover again. This time, to find out who is betraying their fellow officers. To do that they need to infiltrate the cartel run by enigmatic, drug lord Montoya (Luis Tosar).

To me, this is the heart of the movie, struggling to remember who you really are while you are immersing yourself in another role. For our undercover agents, it’s not enough just to put on the clothes and talk the language. They must become the role, live the life and prove themselves before they can infiltrate the dark world they must travel to complete their assignment. The danger of course, is that they may reach the point where they are no longer undercover and become the thing they set out to fight against.

This is a cautionary tale we can all benefit from. If we’re not careful we’ll simply adopt the beliefs and behaviors of the people around us. It takes an effort to learn who you are and what you believe. And then continuous reminders to avoid following the currents of the culture in which we live. It’s not until the very end of Miami Vice that it becomes clear which path Tubbs and Crocket will choose.

Miami Vice is an entertaining film with plenty of action. There are a few gratuitous scenes of a suggestive nature. And let’s not forget the violence. Still, whether you are a fan of the original series or not I think you’ll find it an interesting thrill ride.

You, Me and Dupree

Michael — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 04:17:00 +0000

Mash-ups seem to be all the latest rage in the music industry. A producer takes a song or portion of a song from one artist, and then combines it with material from a second artist. In the process something new is created that hopefully transcends the sum of the original, individual parts. I’m not sure, but “You, Me and Dupree” may be the first time I’ve seen this technique applied to a movie. At least, I think that’s what directors Anthony and Joe Russo were trying to do.

The basic premise is simple; as the movie opens Carl (Matt Dillon) and Molly (Kate Hudson) are getting married. Dupree (Owen Wilson) is the best man. From the very beginning we come to know Dupree as a career slacker. He arrives at the wrong Hawaiian island for the wedding, he loses his job for taking time off to attend the wedding, and winds up being evicted from his apartment. Where does he turn? Why, to his best friend Carl of course. This sets the stage for the movie to really get rolling.

I looked forward to seeing this movie, as I am a fan of Owen Wilson. I wasn’t expecting art but I thought it might be fun. As the movie progressed I have to confessed, I found it more and more puzzling. Then it dawned on me, I was actually watching two movies. One a light, romantic comedy. The other a coarse, crude buddy film. I enjoyed the former; I could have lived without the latter. As each scene opened I never knew which of the two I was going to be watching.

Most of the humor in “You, Me and Dupree” comes from the situation created when Dupree moves in with the newlyweds while he searches for a new job and then presumably, a new place to live. Just for a few days of course! It shouldn’t be difficult to imagine the conflicts that emerge from a scenario like this, some with disastrous results. Ultimately, the movie is about Dupree as he comes face-to-face with his “slack-ness” and its effects on the people around him.

So, would I recommend this movie? Let me think about that. There are several very funny situations and plenty of chuckles through out. The down side is the presence of several scenes that seem to be included simply for shock value. They don’t advance the story or really contribute in any meaningful way. Frankly the movie would have been better off without them in my opinion. Still, I have to confess that I did laugh out loud more than once and I did enjoy most of the movie. If you’re looking for a few laughs and not expecting anything deeper than that, you might find this one entertaining.

This movie is rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity, crude humor, language and a drug reference. Honestly, I think it’s pushing right up against the edge of an R rating and I wouldn’t recommend taking even your young teenagers to see this one.

In addition to Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson and Matt Dillon the movie also stars Michael Douglas as the father-in-law.

Superman Returns

Michael — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 04:29:00 +0000

Superman has been missing for five years. His nemesis, Lex Luthor, has finagled his way out of prison and into a position of wealth. Lois Lane has a child, a fiancé and a Pulitzer Prize. Ironically, it is for an editorial on why the world no longer needs Superman. As the movie opens, a large object burns its way across the sky and lands in a field in Kansas farm country. With that, the stage is set for Superman’s return.

This movie is not like other Superman movies you have seen in the past. Previous installments of the story have always struck me as somewhat tongue-in-cheek. This new chapter has its lighter moments but by and large takes itself much more seriously. Superman is more introspective, struggling to reconcile himself and his purpose. He is not human, yet has lived among humans and learned to love them. Has the world moved on, leaving Superman behind? We see glimpses of his inner turmoil as the movie progresses. I have to wonder though, despite the more serious tone, why no one remarks upon the coincidence of Clark Kent and Superman returning at the same time.

Plenty of lavish special effects are on tap and they do not disappoint. We see Superman and his powers fully realized on screen, and the film is visually stunning at times. Superman Returns is being simultaneously released to normal theaters and IMAX®, with selected scenes in IMAX® 3D. I can only imagine what some of the visuals would look like in the larger screen format.

The cast members, including big-screen newcomer Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman, do a good job with the material. I especially liked seeing Parker Posey (Kitty Kowalski) playing Lex Luthor’s girlfriend. I wish they had given her more to work with. And that is the main issue I have with the movie, the script itself. The pacing does drag at times. This is one summer blockbuster where the recipe perhaps should have been less story and more action. Weighing in at 154 minutes, one would think that opportunities to tighten up the film in editing should have been considered.

Most of the buzz from those that have seen early screenings of the film is focusing on the topic of its Christ-like parallels. They are there, and there is nothing subtle about them—such as dramatic exposition by Superman’s father Jor-El: “Even though you've been raised as a human being you're not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son.” And dialogue from Superman himself, to Lois Lane: "You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but every day, I hear millions crying out for one." And images of Superman above the earth listening to all that goes on below. This new Superman has transcended heroism and is positioned as the savior of the human race. But is he their salvation? If so, it is a selective and fleeting form of salvation as they are only safe until the next villain or calamity threatens.

On the whole, the movie is entertaining and I don’t think anyone will be outright disappointed. This is a movie worth seeing on the big screen for its visual impact. Ultimately though, this is not the Savior you are looking for.

Superman Returns is rated PG-13 for some scenes of intense action violence. It is directed by Bryan Singer (The Usual Suspects, X-Men, X2: X-Men United).

Peaceful Warrior

Michael — Wed, 31 May 2006 20:57:00 +0000

Based on Dan Millman's best-selling novel, Peaceful Warrior is the story of a college gymnast with aspirations to compete in the Olympics. On the surface he has everything you could possible dream of: talent, success, friends and girls. And yet with all of that, he is still chronically unhappy. He is challenged when he meets a mysterious stranger named Socrates. Things take a turn for the worse when he's seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. The movie follows his recovery and efforts to return to the sport he loves. As he struggles with physical healing, he also deals with spiritual pain as he seeks the source of happiness.

What makes us happy? Where does happiness come from? Why do we find it so hard to be happy at times? These are worthwhile questions. Honestly, I think this is a fairly widespread issue in our modern society.

This movie's approach to the problem is loaded with mysticism. Socrates (Nick Nolte) apparently has the power to influence the body and mind. The main character, Dan Millman (Scott Mechlowicz), is immediately intrigued when Socrates transports himself in an instant to the roof of a service station. Later both Socrates and a mysterious young woman named Joy (Amy Smart) are able to affect Dan's dreams. Using these abilities they teach him several important life lessons.

What are these lessons? That we will never find lasting happiness in possessions, success or other people. That we are happiest when we understand our purpose in life and pursue it. That our mind and heart influence us in ways we may not comprehend. No matter your spiritual background, this is wisdom you can probably appreciate in your own life.

Most would consider this very much a "New Age" movie. The powers that Socrates and Joy exhibit are never really explained. You could let this trouble you or you could accept that this is a work of fiction designed to entertain. The acting is interesting and the story works well enough. You may find the many unanswered questions vaguely unsatisfying. If you are a fan of gymnastics, you will appreciate several of the routines showcased in the movie.

Overall, the movie left me a little lukewarm. I found enough likeable about it to maintain my interest, but felt the mystical components were a little overdone.

Peaceful Warrior is rated PG-13 for sensuality, sex references and accident scenes. It is directed by Victor Salva and stars Scott Mechlowicz, Nick Nolte and Amy Smart.

An Inconvenient Truth

Michael — Wed, 31 May 2006 19:42:00 +0000

I have not traditionally considered myself an environmentalist or a supporter of Al Gore. I may now have to rethink my position on those two points.

On the surface this is a documentary about the theory of global warming. It is a film presenting the science that can lead one to believe we are facing a potential environmental catastrophe. Ultimately, it is about a man and the journey through life that brought him to be a leading champion of environmental causes.

My first surprise was former Vice President Al Gore. This is Gore as I personally have not seen him. I have always considered him distant and a bit stiff. This movie dispelled those perceptions. He is funny, engaging and warm. It is clear, as you watch him, that he is truly passionate about the subject matter he is discussing here.

The bigger surprise was how interesting I found this movie. Despite covering complex scientific theories, it remains approachable and understandable. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to grasp the concepts Gore presents. Full use is made of animation and multi-media to turn scientific facts into a fascinating presentation.

There is more to the movie than science, however. The movie also tells the story of the Gore family and the pivotal events that set Gore's course in life. Through it, you will come to understand that he is a man who has discovered his purpose. And he is pursuing it with great vigor.

I don't know what you think about global warming. You may already have an opinion, or you may not. Either way, I would recommend that you see this film and draw your own conclusions. We rely on this small oasis in the universe for our continuing existence. I would be inclined to err on the side of caution. I suspect that reviewing the science that is leading more and more men and women to be concerned will cause you to give the subject deep thought.

An Inconvenient Truth is rated PG for mild thematic elements. It is directed by Davis Guggenheim and stars Al Gore.

Phat Girlz

Michael — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 05:52:00 +0000

I must confess, I was sure I was going to dislike this movie, with its “Ph” and “z” in the title. I just knew I was going to feel like a fish out of water trying to relate to the characters and the story. The first few minutes of the movie did nothing to change my mind.

The movie stars Mo’Nique in the role of Jazmin Biltmore. Jazmin is a full-figured woman with an attitude to match. Her best friend is Stacey (Kendra C. Johnson), also a plus-size woman; and rounding out the threesome is the thin and attractive Mia (Joyful Drake). The story really begins to roll when Jazmin wins a contest that sends the trio on an all-expenses paid vacation to a trendy spa in Palm Springs.

It was about this time that I was surprised to find myself enjoying the movie and beginning to get interested in where things were going. On the surface Jazmin appears to be confident and secure but we soon learn that inside, she feels the pain of a woman who fails to meet our culture’s standards for size and beauty. This inner struggle comes to the surface when she and her friends meet three visiting Nigerian doctors, Tunde (Jimmy Jean-Louis) and his two friends (Godfrey and Dayo Ade), who have very different cultural perspectives on the subject.

This encounter with a set of standards that turns everything the girls have been conditioned to believe on its head is the subject of humor and, in some cases, serious examination. A particularly interesting example is when Tunde asks Jazmin why she refers to her friends and herself as “bitches.” She explains that it is an affectionate term used among friends, and she is angered moments later when he uses it to address her. Tunde merely comments with a smile, “It’s not very affectionate is it?”

Finding herself being romanced by Tunde, Jazmin is unable to accept the love he offers. She simply can’t see herself through his eyes and accept that she is worthy. In response, she runs from him. How this is resolved and the final outcome is the subject of the remainder of the film.

To be sure, you will find crude humor and various stereotypes littering this movie. If that sort of thing isn’t your cup of tea, you should probably steer clear of this one. If you can get past that, I think you will find lurking under the surface a rather touching and heartwarming film. It takes an interesting look at the pain that trying to meet the expectations of our contemporary society can inflict on a person. It questions the criteria we use to examine ourselves and from where we should draw our self-worth. On the whole, I would say that’s a good subject to leave the theater thinking about.

Phat Girlz is written and directed by Nnegest Likké in her feature-film debut. It also features Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts in a supporting role. The film is suitably rated PG-13 for sexual content and language, including some crude sexual references.