Film Clips
Published 8:31 am Thursday, February 28, 2008
Far From Heaven (PG-13) — Todd Haynes’ reverent ode to Douglas Sirk’s 1950s melodramas is astonishingly gorgeous, visually and artistically. Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore), the perfect 1950s suburban housewife, discovers her handsome and successful ad-exec husband Frank (Dennis Quaid) in an infidelity with another man, but there is more social scandal in her friendship with a black man (Dennis Haysbert). It works because Haynes strictly follows the storytelling guidelines of the original films, and flavors it with his own personal touch and emotion. Seven Gables (Seattle). (Reviewed Jan. 17)
Chicago (PG-13) — If you are a fan of Broadway musicals, you’ll totally love “Chicago.” It is glamorous, has great costumes, finger-snapping song-and-dance scenes, witty banter, and a fine-looking cast (Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones) who are obviously having a good time. If you are not a fan of musicals, Chicago will merely leave you a bit exhausted and glassy-eyed, though still entertained. Alderwood 7, Guild 45th (Seattle). (Reviewed Jan. 10)
Catch Me If You Can (PG-13) — Director Steven Spielberg gets high marks for his charming handling of this story, about the notorious impersonator and forger, Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio). It has a “Capraesque” quality to the film’s lighter moments, but Spielberg isn’t afraid to explore emotional pain. Spielberg’s latest has extra value because it never endorses crime as a positive way of life. Alderwood 7, Edmonds Theater, Everett 9, Mountlake 9, Oak Tree (Seattle), Woodinville 12. (Reviewed Dec. 20)
Two Weeks Notice (PG-13) — In the best tradition of girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy back, this film provides some pretty funny one-liners. Ultimately, it’s the chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant that makes this film work. Everett 9, Alderwood 7, Mountlake 9, Metro (Seattle), Oak Tree (Seattle), Woodinville 12. (Reviewed Dec. 20)
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (PG-13) — Action and special effects aside, it is the acting that accounts for the emotional impact of the film. Elijah Wood shows greater range than last time. Viggo Mortensen is simply great in his role, while Sean Astin and John Rhys-Davies, who both felt a bit wasted in the last film, shine. Many of the themes dear to original author J.R.R. Tolkien, such as the corrupting influence of power, damage to the environment, and the importance of friendship, resonate in the film as well. Everett 9, Grand Cinemas (Lynnwood), Mountlake 9, Metro (Seattle), Oak Tree (Seattle), Woodinville 12. (Reviewed Dec. 13)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) — For Harry Potter fans there is much to delight. Although the look of this film is darker and slightly more menacing, thanks to cinematographer Roger Pratt (“The End of The Affair”), the film remains fairly kid friendly. Best of all are the performances by Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, Kenneth Branagh, Alan Rickman, Shirley Henderson and the late Richard Harris in his final role. Pacific Place (Seattle). (Reviewed Nov. 15)
My Big, Fat Greek Wedding (PG) — This little film is quickly becoming the movie story of the year. Nia Vardalos, the creator of this story, stars as the Greek spinster Toula Portokalos. She seems doomed to a life alone until she meets Ian Miller (John Corbett). They fall in love and want to get married but there’s a big problem. He isn’t Greek. This is a funny, funny film that should delight you as much as it’s already delighting the rest of America. Metro (Seattle). (Reviewed Sept. 6)
