88 Minutes

88 Minutes is a tolerable (at best) thriller focused on one man’s crusade for survival and truth. The film is dependent on an inane phrase that is supposed to strike fear into our hearts: "Tick tock, Doc." This moving picture show is an asinine horror flick whose major fear factor is a threatening, robotic phone call. In a preposterous manner, this film’s objective is to keep us on the very edge of our seats. The illogical script by Gary Scott Thompson is desperate to keep us guessing through a myriad of not properly thought out red herrings. In every fashion, this horrid piece of cinema is calamitous. 88 Minutes is possibly the worst film of this year.

The Counterfeiters

Based on a real-life Nazi operation, The Counterfeiters is a wonderful drama with performances that heighten this work of cinema to high ranks. During this film, there are moments of terrible cruelty and inspirational benevolence. This motion picture turns out to be a peculiar composite of an espionage thriller and a concentration camp drama of survival. This movie does a commendable job of showing the immensity of the Nazi’s horror, while also showing the stories of everyone it affected. It is intriguing that in this film two dramatically different choices have the ability to accomplish the same goal. The Counterfeiters establishes a complex and dangerous reality, in which choices have to be make carefully.

Smart People

Smart People is the darkly comic story of Lawrence Wetherhold, a pretentious and pompous professor of literature, and his struggle to raise his family. The scenario of this movie unfolds rapidly and randomly, leaving the public in attendance with minuscule detail of the story. One scene that was done extensively well, was when Wetherhold’s class was discussing the reasons the Lotus-Eaters (Homer’s Odyssey) drugged themselves. While the class was discussing this, the screen flashed to Wetherhold’s relations in an attempt to connect the two scenes. The fun of Smart People, with darkly funny and standoffish zeal, was not smart enough for my enjoyment.

Flawless

Flawless was a flawless period movie in which a peculiar couple schemes to plunder an evil London diamond company. The plot somewhat slowly unfolds, but the audience does not pay it any mind. It is a nostalgic heist movie containing refreshing politic overtones. The film focuses on Laura Quinn, a woman driven to overthrow the patriarchy, and Mr. Hobbs, the night janitor who is surprisingly intellectual. Unfortunately slow moving at first, this stylish thriller takes a turn to draw in the audience and thoroughly entertain them. All in all, this turns out to be a classy, intelligent piece of cinema about a diamond caper that stays true to the times.

Run, Fat Boy, Run

This is a bizarre film featuring a commonplace fellow. As this comedy is being amiable, consistently amusing and surprisingly affecting, it portrays the story of Dennis and his objective of recapturing his former wife-to-be. While the movie is unfolding, the audience enjoys all of the antics Dennis does on a whim, such as running a marathon for a Erectile Awareness Charity. The film is better than expected (or at least my expectations). It's directed with warmth, humor, and surprising intelligence. It appears that Run, Fat Boy, Run will be thrown aside as a blundering caprice, but it turns out to be abundantly more.

21

21 is inspired by the true story of the very brightest young minds in the country – and how they took Vegas for millions. Although not the most accurate depiction of the book or the true story, you will still find it immensely enjoyable and entertaining. When Rosa and Campbell go at it, you truly believe in and engross yourself in the conflict of the card-counting team. 21 is founded on many standard-issue plot mechanics, but it's still a clever, smart, and novel thriller. In the end, the audience realizes the absurdity of the tale, but is better off for experiencing this adventure.

The Band's Visit

The Band's Visit, Israeli filmmaker Eran Kolirin’s debut feature, is a truly heartfelt, awkward, and hysterical piece of cinema. This film pushes aside the politics and cultural divide of the Arab-Israeli conflict making it profoundly refreshing. The terrific writing throughout the film brings out the loneliness in us all. It is a film dependent on delicate subtleties, but it is infinitely rewarding. It will be an eon before the image fades of members of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra arriving on the screen with their powder blue uniforms.