Reviews for December 25th, 2007
The Bucket List Directed by Rob Reiner.
 Two terminally ill men, Edward (Jack Nicholson) and Carter (Morgan Freeman), befriend one another in a hospital room and decide to fulfill their dreams written on a “bucket list”, a list of activities to do before they kick the bucket, so-to-speak. It includes, but not limited to, skydiving and traveling the world to see the beautiful sights. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, their first time together onscreen in the history of cinema, give solid performances and play off of each other quite well, as if they really were meant to be good friends. Unfortunately, their chemistry isn’t enough to sustain your attention because the script by Justin Zackman feels contrived, awkward and filled with hackneyed emotions. Neither of the two main characters comes to life so that you care about their imminent death. To top it all off, the lousy special effects are very distracting, especially since you can easily sense a “green screen” for CGI during crucial scenes, like when they sky dive or visit the Taj Mahal. You’ll end up rolling your eyes more often than not even with such respectable actors lighting up the screen. Number of times I checked my watch: 8. Entertainment Value: Moderate. Spiritual Value: Low. Released by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The Great Debaters Directed by Denzel Washington.
 Based on a true story. In 1935, Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington), a professor at an all-black college, coaches Hamilton (Jermaine Williams), Henry (Nate Parker), Samantha (Jurnee Smollett) and James (Denzel Whitaker) to debate against other schools in a national championship. The local town sheriff (John Heard), along with a racist mob, threatens to lynch Melvin if his coaching continues, but Melvin resists. Writer/director Denzel Washington has not only written an inspirational, thoroughly engaging story, but also infuses it with very strong characters who truly come to life. Each actor gets a chance to shine, even the young Denzel Whitaker as a 14-year-old debater has an overbearing father (Forrest Whitaker) and a crush on fellow debater Samantha, who’s out-of-his-league in the dating field. Fortunately, there’s not a single scene feels contrived, dull or too preachy. The Great Debaters will not only teach you about an important event in our nation’s struggle against racism and segregation, but also make you feel confident about being true to yourself and following your heart without fearing how others judge you—as Melvin teaches his students, let G_d be the one and only judge. Sure, that sounds like a cliché, but it’s nonethelessl an important message to take with you throughout your endeavors in life. Number of times I checked my watch: 0. Entertainment Value: High. Spiritual Value: Very High. Released by The Weinstein Company.
Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust Directed by Daniel Anker.
 This provocative, often moving documentary, narrated by Gene Hackman (where's he been these past few years??) examines how the evolution in way that Hollywood has depicted the Holocaust since the 1930’s. Back then, anyone working for a studio that distributed an anti-Nazi film put themselves in danger—they were warned that it’s best not to work on projects that involve America’s affairs with the Nazis. Director Daniel Anker does a decent job of showing how Holocaust movies— of the narrative and documentary kind—were initially below the radar in “B movies” and gradually became mainstream. One of the interviewees touches on the very interesting notion that there’s no way for a single film to 100 % recreate the experiences of the Holocaust victims. It’s fascinating to hear directors such as Steven Spielberg and Sidney Lumet discuss and interpret the meaning of their films, Schindler’s List and The Pawnbroker. Rod Steiger says he felt the most emotionally connected to any character he’s every played when he had to perform the silent scream in The Pawnbroker. Much of the footage—such as from Sophie’s Choice—feels very heartbreaking, but there’s not enough attention given to them or insight beyond what’s on the surface to make this a truly powerful documentary. Number of times I checked my watch: 2. Entertainment Value: High. Spiritual Value: Moderate. Released by Shadow Distribution. Opens at the IFC Center.
Persepolis Directed by Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud.
In French, Persian and German with subtitles. Based on the autobiographical comic book by Marjane Satrapi. During her childhood years, Marjane (voice of Gabrielle Lopes) witnesses the Islamic Revolution while living in Iran. Her parents eventually send her to study in Europe when she comes of age as a teenager (voice of Chiara Mastroianni). She strives for freedom and individualism as an Iranian woman. Co-writers/directors Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud effectively infuse some offbeat humor with the tender and moving drama. Some scenes drag a bit and the white-on-white subtitles are hard to decipher, but, for the most part the lively characters, very human characters keep you engrossed. Moreover, the hand-drawn 2D animation (mostly black-and-white) gives a surprising warmth and vibrancy to the film—although it’s not as wild or impeccably detailed as The Triplets of Bellville. Number of times I checked my watch: 1. Entertainment Value: Moderately High. Spiritual Value: Moderate. Released by Sony Pictures Classics. Opens at the Angelika Film Center and Lincoln Plaza Cinemas.
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