Too Big to Fail

The programming on cable TV has been getting increasingly better in recent years, and leading this charge has been HBO. The latest HBO movie is "Too Big to Fail", telling the events of the 2008 financial crisis on how Wall Street and Washington fought to save the financial system - and themselves - is based on the book of the same title written by Andrew Sorkin. The film was directed by Curtis Henson and includes a well known ensemble cast.

The story revolves around Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson (William Hurt); President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Timothy Geithner (Billy Crudup); and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke (Paul Giamatti) who are working together to prevent the financial decline of America. The private sector finance leaders of Wall Street are brought together to find a solution. These leaders include:

John Thain, CEO Merril Lynch (Matthew Modine)
Dick Fuld, CEO Lehman Bros. (James Woods)
John Mack, CEO Morgan Stanley (Tony Shalhoub)
Jamie Dimon, CEO Chase Manhatten (Bill Pullman)
Warren Buffett (Ed Asner)

The acting from Paul Giamatti, William Hurt, and Billy Crudup is fine, however the writing and performance for most of the other actors is a bunch of brief quips that were likely pulled from newspapers. The insertion of CNN footage to advance the timeline is a sign of a weak script.

Being in DC and having an accounting background the the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) has been a topic that I have needed to pay attention to. Everyone in America has an opinion on whether TARP was the correct approach taken, but what the film depicts is the decision not to bail out a failing bank. The intention was to have the public sector correct the poor business decisions, however the error was larger than ever imagined. It was probably a jab at the banks, but I did enjoy the inclusion of a line where the bank CEO was asking about executive bonuses.

Following the passage of TAP, banks made fewer loans and markets continued to tumble. Unemployment rose to over 10 percent and millions of families lost their homes to foreclosure. The financial markets are recovering and the American public are still struggling in some parts of the country. As an educational piece of cinema this is a very telling part of American history. I don't know if it will be strong enough to receive any awards, but is certainly worth viewing and gets 3 Quacks from me.

In 2009, panicked markets stabilized and the slide into a global depression was averted. The biggest banks repaid their TARP money. In 2010, compensation on Wall Street rose to a record 135 billion. Ten banks now hold 77 percent of all US bank assets, and have been declared too big to fail.

Midnight in Paris

I have defended Woody Allen to friends in the past, but "Midnight in Paris" just does not work for me. I think I have finally come to the realization that his approach of making a movie per year results in a lot of not so good movies. Usually I enjoy his films when I can see Woody Allen in the protagonist, but with Owen Wilson as the lead I just couldn't make that connection. I couldn't help but think of "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989) during the screening.

“Midnight in Paris” cannot be compared to the perfection of “Match Point” (2005); and doesn't have the quality to pronounce it as a classic alongside “Annie Hall” (1977). The film does however equal the cinimatography of the beautiful landscape provided in "Vicky Christina Barcelona" (2008). The opening montage of the City of Lights being backed up by the jazz sounds is possibly the best part of the film.

Even though I have issues with the script, the cast is still amazing with Owen Wilson in the lead role as Gil, a struggling Hollywood writer engaged to Inez (Rachel McAdams). They have come to Paris with her parents played by Kurt Fuller and Mimi Kennedy. Gil is fascinated by the nostalgia of Paris, while Inez and her parents are only concerned with the present. Instead of a time machine, Gil finds his way into the 1920's through a midnight stroll where he encounters F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll), Salvador Dalí (Adrian Brody), Picasso, Buñuel, TS Eliot and many, many more.

The audience certainly had a lot of laughs. It was like watching an episode of "Friends" where the jokes are there in front of you, but you just don't find them to be that funny. Woody Allen has some great contributions to the history of cinema, but "Midnight in Paris" isn't going to make the list of great movies. Instead the film falls flat and barely deserves a 2 Quack rating.

(screening date 5/26/11, LIMITED release date 5/27/11, location Landmark E Street)

How to Die in Oregon

Whether you refer to the topic as "death with dignity" or "assisted suicide" the fact is the topic is extremely polarizing. What "How to Die in Oregon" shows us is that not only is it a difficult decision for the individual, but also within the family the opinions may differ. Additionally, even those diagnosed with a chronic disease will fall on both sides of the argument. Some may say it is a separation of church and state, while others will view the issue as a public healthcare topic. Watching the documentary made me realize that there isn't a right answer to this topic and the film leaves you asking the question of what side are you on?

Filmmaker Peter Richardson's "How to Die in Oregon" won the grand jury prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. He began his filming in 2007, conducting interviews with several terminally ill Oregonians as well as those in Washington working on Initiative 1000 fighting for the Death with Dignity Act (I-1000).

The documentary follows two main stories with the first being that of Cody Curtis, a Wife and Mother, who has been diagnosed with liver cancer in 2009. The interviews of her family and the growing relationship with her children show how strong someone can be even at their weakest moment. The portrait that is given of the individuals with the terminal illness is that of being at peace. Having the opportunity to get things in order so that you can say goodbye to your loved ones before the quality of life reaches a point where you are not able to take care of yourself. Only the ones that are truly courageous are the ones that are willing to suffer the most. The message that Cody leaves us with is that one doesn't want to subject themselves or family to needless suffering; and that there is dignity in suffering, but also grace in accepting the inevitable.

The second part of the film addresses the state of Washington and the I-1000 campaign being led by the wife of someone that wanted to receive the treatment in Oregon, but was rejected as he didn't qualify for residency. His dying wish was that his wife fight for change in Washington and their story ends with the passing of the initiative in 2008.

Additional sub-elements of the film come from Ray Carnay, an Oregon voice over artist, journalist and radio personality who, post cancer diagnosis, (his voice box was to be removed) asked his doctor for a lethal prescription just in case. He records his eulogy in the studio, and he ultimately died in the hospital from complications from his surgery. There is also the more political element as detailed by Randy Stroup of Dexter, Oregon who is an uninsured Oregonian with prostate cancer that has been denied health care by the state and offered physician-assisted suicide instead.

The documentary aired on HBO on May 26th, but will be available onDemand and will likely play again through this weekend. In memory of those that have suffered through the pain, the documentary receives all 5 Quacks.

Restrepo

Even if documentary films are not your normal form of entertainment, I strongly encourage everyone to see this film. The depiction of the life for our military is pure and honest. “Restrepo,” is a documentary that chronicles the deployment of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley. The movie and outpost, “Restrepo,” are named after a platoon medic who was killed in action. The emotion of our soldiers is so rarely seen, but this film provides a perfect snapshot of what the mental difficulties of the war are like for the soldiers.

An aspect of the war that is too often forgotten is the faceless soldiers. We may know someone that is serving in the military, but what about the men and women we don't know. They are just as important and they are the family for the soldiers away from home. The bond they create with each other is amazing. This film provides a face to the soldiers that protect our freedom. The film is engaging and absorbing as a collection of moments and scenes, detailing what everyday life is like. By providing a face and a name to the soldiers, we gain our own emotional bond to them. One face that stands out for me is U.S. Army Sgt. Misha Pemble-Belkin who is from Hillsboro, Oregon. The stories he tells of his childhood growing up in Oregon are as real as the reality he experienced in Afghanistan.

Tim Hetherington, one of the documentary film producers, directors and cameramen, was killed recently covering the conflict in Libya. In his memory, and to the brave men and women that risk their lives for the freedom we have in America, the film honestly deserves all 5 Quacks. Look for the film on the National Geographic Channel or rent it.

Attack the Block

The early buzz about this film is very much deserved. "Attack the Block" comes from the creators of "Shaun of the Dead" (2004) and "Hot Fuzz" (2007). The film certainly had a "Doctor Who" holiday special vibe to it. However, it was more the survival guide to dealing with an alien invasion that kept me entertained. Falls into the SciFi category, it fortunately doesn't try to be more than it is. By not taking itself too serious the comedy element comes through to compliment the action.

The film follows a street gang, Moses (John Boyega), Pest (Alex Esmail), Dennis (Franz Drameh), Jerome (Leeon Jones) and Biggz (Simon Howard). While they are mugging Sam (Jodie Whittaker), an object falls from the sky, crashing through the roof of a nearby car. Viewed as an opportunity to loot the vehicle Moses reaches inside only to discover a creature from the meteor and they kill it. Soon more aliens crash land and the gang has to defend themselves and their council estate from the alien invaders. The alien is described best looking like "a monkey fucked a fish" and as gorilla wolf monsters. Whatever you want to call them, they are pretty gnarly looking and blacker than black.

The best advice that the movie provides as the survival guide to an alien invasion is that rather than calling the authorities, that "you'd be better off calling the Ghostbusters”. Terrific one-liners like this as well as the two kids that play Probs and Mayhem contribute to comedy of the film. I could almost see Probs and Mayhem getting their own movie, or special short film, on the DVD.

The social media campaign for the film is funny, and suggests everyone to follow @atbmovie on twitter as well as the hash tags for #trust and #blockheads. Everyone should believe the hype surrounding the film and I give it 3 Quacks.

(screening date 5/25/11, release date UNKNOWN, location Regal Gallery Place)

Hangover II

Nothing annoys me more in film than lazy writing and "the Hangover Part II" is exactly that. This usually happens in remakes and sequels, but never have I noticed a sequel that felt like a remake more than this one. I enjoyed the original "Hangover" (2009) so much that I was willing to see it more than once in the theaters. The clues to Doug’s whereabouts came from clever writing that gave the guys just enough information to keep them moving forward.

In the original film, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis) wake up with memory loss, unable to recall the night before ("remember"). The sequel begins like the first movie, with Phil explaining that they won’t be able to make it back for the wedding, and then it proceeds forward with the guys trying to find clues as to the whereabouts of their lost friend, this time the brother of the bride to be (Mason Lee). The path they take to find their missing friend seems forced and now unoriginal, just when they think they are about to find Teddy, they realize they don't, and then suddenly they remember something that makes sense  and they have a deep cleaning with a happy ending.  The international criminal sting operation between Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) and Kingsley (Paul Giamatti) is the only redeeming aspect of the story. 

The differences are simple as they find a monkey in the room rather than a tiger. Stu now has a face tattoo rather a missing tooth. When they think they’ve found the missing person, it turns out to be a Monk that has taken a vow of silence.  Even the hilarious song that Ed Helms sang in the first film about Doug has a new version for the sequel, but makes you wonder where he found a guitar on a river boat.  It's as if no thought at all went into making the film.  They just did it in Bangkok instead of Vegas.  Ultimately, what happened in Vegas should have stayed in Vegas. 

I almost want to compare this film to "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift", which was another sequel that bombed. Just because you change the location doesn't make it a new movie.  Instead it comes across as an insult to the audience.

Perhaps this is all a joke from writer/director Todd Phillips in that we are supposed to still be hungover from the original.  I am sure that it will get a strong number at the box office this weekend, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it have a significant drop the following weekend.   I wish I could give this a better review, but 2 Quacks is really all it is worth. One night in Bangcock and the worlds your oyster as the devil is walking next to you.  Even Mike Tyson hasn't seen what comes at the end of this film.

(screening date 5/24/11, release date 5/27/11, location AMC Loews Georgetown 14)

Outdoor Movie Screenings

See the rest of the Outdoor Movie Screening Schedule here.

June 1: "Stand By Me" (1986) NoMa Summer Screen (Wednesdays at 7pm)

Not sure I can say anything negative about this film. By far one of my all time favorites and completely disregarded by the Academy Awards with only one nomination for Adapted Screenplay. The film certainly starts from a strong script based on the novella "The Body" written by Stephen King. Perhaps it didn't receive any acting nominations because of how the story is told without one true lead, but Rob Reiner directs the young boys superbly in the emotional story that is beyond their years. The sensitive one is Wil Wheaton (Gordie), the tough guy is River Phoenix (Chris), the flamboyant one is Corey Feldman (Teddy) and the coward is Jerry O'Connell (Vern) who have together set out on a journey across the Willamette Valley of Oregon to find a dead body. They sneak smokes, tell stories, use foul language and discover the strength of friendship along the way. Stand By Me is a special film about friendship and growing up. In the 25 years since this film was released, it certainly stands the test of time and gets 5 Quacks from me.



June 2: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981) Capitol Riverfront Front Flicks (Thursdays at 8:45pm)

The start of an amazing franchise for Indiana Jones and one of the pillars that cements Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas as two of the greatest ever. As a kid I wanted to be Harrison Ford, but I decided to study accounting instead of archeology. The supporting cast is also one of the best with Karen Allen (Marion), John Rys-Davies (Sallah) Denholm Elliott (Marcus Brody) and young Alfred Molina who dies early in the film. The Nazi challengers include Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler, and Ronald Lacey. I never quite understood as a kid why the Nazi element was necessary and especially wondered why Hitler would ever want a religious artifact. However, as a kid what did I care since the movie had action. Indiana Jones, and Harrison Ford, were cool with his hat, whip and leather jacket. It has been 30 years, and because of the special effects near the relative beginning of Industrial Light & Magic the movie still holds true to me. I still give this one 5 Quacks.



June 3: "Anchorman" (2004) Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival (Fridays at 8pm)

Probably the weakest of the three Outdoor Movie Screenings this week, but that isn't really fair because of who the "Anchorman" is being matched up against. You could also say that it is a perfect week for Outdoor Movies with three all time favorites and hope that the weather holds up for us and we can enjoy them all. Will Ferrell is one of the best to ever be on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and his continuation to the big screen has been equally enjoyable. The rest of the cast includes Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Fred Willard, Chris Parnell, Seth Rogan, Fred Armisan and many others. With any of the movies featuring an SNL regular they seem to always find a way to get their friends involved in the film as well. The jokes will probably always be funny and is why I will give the film 3 Quacks. The first lines just seem like the best way to go out...

"There was a time, a time before cable. When the local anchorman reigned supreme. When people believed everything they heard on TV. This was an age when only men were allowed to read the news. And in San Diego, one anchorman was more man then the rest. His name was Ron Burgundy. He was like a god walking amongst mere mortals. He had a voice that could make a wolverine purr and suits so fine they made Sinatra look like a hobo. In other words, Ron Burgundy was the balls."