Drive, Transcendent Man, and Fredo Doc all coming up!

The Transcendent Man PosterI Knew It Was You posterDrive poster

#5. Umberto D. - Review

Umberto D.Possibly the most sincere of the Italian Neorealist films, Vittorio De Sica’s Umberto D extracts many of the best qualities from the movement and in return presents audiences with an effort of rare genuineness. Taking advantage of the medium’s specific facilities, De Sica capably exhibits his character’s past by simply showing. The little exposition that is given is presented by way of mannerisms, routine, mise en scène. Using images, not words, Umberto D is a classic and a perfect example of cinematic storytelling.

And if for no other reason I love Umberto D because of Flick, the protagonist's Jack Russell terrier and best friend. 

This is Flick: Umberto D. Flick

And this is my Jack Russell Buckley:

Now, can you understand why it was impossible for me not to love Umberto D.?

#4. The Invention of Dr. Nakamats - Review

If you were to ask 80-year old Dr. Yoshiro Nakamats if he invented eccentricity he would undoubtedly, and without hesitation, answer with a “yes.” In fact, if there is something out there even a tad bit unconventional or unique, Nakamats either thought it up or is already thinking of a way to evolve it and make it even better. “Better” of course is subjective in this case. For instance, does having a notepad that can be used underwater in fact make it better? With over 3,357 inventions; many similar in approach and convenience as the underwater notepad, or the wig adorned with weights that females can use for self-defense by vigorously swinging their heads at would be attackers, Nakamats has made a name for himself in Japan for being an outspoken advocate of himself.

The Invention of Dr. Nakamats PosterAside from his myriad of clever and mostly ridiculous inventions, the Dr. is also a devout misogynist and a genuine egotist. He is affable to the general public, but only when they appear to be as enamored to be in his presence as he is with himself. For the most part the Japanese do seem to at least admire the prolific scientist, but that could also be a mixture of respect and intimidation. He carries a cordial demeanor that just waivers above a mild contempt, but a few choice scenes show the man in what I could only assume is his more natural, contemptible state. For example, in planning his own 80^th birthday party he is in negotiations to rent out a floor in an upscale hotel, and modestly desires to have the floor renamed to the “Dr. Yoshiro Nakamats Floor.” When the owner sends one of his subordinates to inform Nakamats that this will not be possible, the Dr. can no longer restrain his true derision for the weak minded that surround him and for a brief moment let’s loose his frustration and anger on the poor helpless messenger. It is an uncomfortable scene, but also in an odd way a relief. Like exhaling a breath that had been held in for too long, Dr. Nakamats’ expulsion of ire is a wonderful look behind the mask (that I am sure he invented). His narcissism has evolved into an expectation that all should share his self-admiration.

This expectation includes director Kaspar Astrup Schroder. The film never pushes Nakamats, never attempts an investigation into the twisted psychology of the man that honestly believes he will live past 140. So many questions are raised and not answered I am surprised The Invention of Dr. Nakamats was not produced and edited by the Dr. himself. Sadly the documentary is self-serving and harmless, further placating a man that has without a doubt earned the right to be diabolically disingenuous.   

Please leave any comments you may have and click the "share" button below and help get the word out!

#3. Warrior - Review

Warrior 2011 Film PosterWarrior is an amalgamate of almost every big boxing movie made in the last 30 years or so, painted over with a nice new coat of blood and viscera that only mixed martial arts (MMA) could provide. It tackles the powerful relationship between brothers similarly to last year’s The Fighter or to a lesser extent Scorsese’s Raging Bull. The down-and-out coach that comes back to train the underdog like Million Dollar Baby. The has been father that must put his marriage and body on the line to provide for his family is a major them in both Warrior and classic fight films like Cinderella Man and The Champ. Hell, they even throw in some Russian villainy to remind us all of how Ivan Drago must break anything in Rocky IV.

Originality may not be the film’s strongest asset; but Warrior was still a blast to watch. While I prefer the sweet science of boxing to the bloodlust provided by the MMA, the choreographed battles inside the octagon were thrilling to watch. The premise of two brothers unknowingly entering a tournament to prove once and for all who the “toughest man in the world is” was as engaging as any sports film can get. Couple that with emotionally fractured family dynamics that elevate the film past genre drudgery, and what is produced is a truly gripping piece of melodrama.

Like the best boxing films, the intensity found outside of the arena is even more engrossing and intense than the physical bouts themselves. I hate discussing plot on this blog, and I definitely think going into Warrior without knowing the main plot points will be a great service to your experience. Unfortunately the trailer, perhaps unavoidably, does give away much of the drama found in the film, going so far as to give you a pretty good idea on how the entire film will play out. That being said, this is a heavy film. The main performances by the brothers Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton along with their rehabilitated father played by Nick Nolte are some of the year’s best. Heartbreaking and affective without ever being sentimental, the scenes showcasing the three disconnected family members hit harder than any punch thrown in the film. I really enjoyed my time with Warrior. 

Click the "Share" Button Below and Help the Site Out!