THE ARISTOCRATS:

The Aristocrats is possibly the most vulgar, disgusting, and obscene documentary ever made. At the same time, it is also one of the most interesting and creative films about comedians and the process of telling a joke that has ever been made. The premise is very simple – the telling and discussion by a variety of comedians of the same joke, a very old “dirty” joke.

The joke is not really very funny and everyone that tells it uses basically the same beginning and punch line. But the middle of the joke is where all of the “fun” begins. Pay particular attention to Robin Williams, Bob Sagett, Sarah Silverman, and a mime.

Obviously, this film is not for everyone, but if you can get past the language and vulgarity, it will be both funny and rewarding.

BROKEN FLOWERS:

Jim Jarmusch’s la test movie is a slow-moving journey with Bill Murray playing its bland, emotionless central character ( Don Johnston). His la test young girlfriend has just walked out on him and you see him as a wealthy retiree with not much spark left in his life. An anonymous letter arrives from a former lover informing him that he fathered a son 20 years earlier and warning him that the son may come looking for him.

Don tells his neighbor Winston (well acted by Jeffrey Wright) about the letter and Winston plans a trip for Don to visit four of his past lovers who might have written him the letter – and the journey begins. The reunions are interesting with good performances by Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and Tilda Swinton.

It is a very interesting plot with Bill Murray doing a great job playing a person worn out by his past. Nothing is straightforward here so don’t expect the usual “Hollywood” film where everything is tied up in a neat package.

THE CONSTANT GARDENER:

The Constant Gardener is a very unusual political thriller, based on the popular novel by John le Carre. Ralph Fienes plays Justin Quayle, a British diplomat whose main qualities seem to be his interest in gardening, lack of ambition, and ability to not cause any waves. His wife, well played by Rachel Weiz, is an activist who is murdered while they are in Africa.

On the surface, Justin seems to be completely unsuited for the role of a globetrotting hero, but circumstances surrounding his wife’s murder change his focus and his life. His hunt for his wife’s murder uncovers a treacherous conspiracy that needs to be revealed. Murder, deception, and revenge are at the center of this fast-paced thriller.

The Constant Gardener is well acted and executed with a strong message about world politics and corporate greed.

HUSTLE & FLOW:

DJay (played by Terrence Howard) is a low-level pimp and drug dealer who dreams of becoming a rapper in order to “tell his story” and escape his depressing existence. Hustle & Flow is a small independent film that is both professionally made and completely engrossing – a first feature film by Craig Brewer. Much of the reason for this is the extraordinary performance by Terrence Howard – nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor.

The film is gritty and authentic, never glamorizing DJay’s career as a pimp and drug dealer. His development as a rapper and the process of producing his “song” are exiting. Hustle & Flow may not be the movie for everyone, but it is a film that will affect you.

IN HER SHOES:

It is certainly not surprising that Curtis Hansen has once again directed a quality film. In Her Shoes is one of the best comedies made in 2005. It is the story of two sisters, played by Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz, who are completely unalike and have a long history of problems between them. Toni Collette is wonderful as the serious one who works as a lawyer. Cameron Diaz does a surprisingly good job as the slutty sister who is always taking advantage of her sister.

After a massive fight, the sisters separate and the long-estranged grandmother, Ella (wonderfully played by Shirley MacLaine) is introduced to the story. In Her Shoes turns out to be a rich story of love and relationships produced with a comedic flair.

NORTH COUNTRY:

The movie is based on a true story about the first sexual harassment class-action suit in the United States; pitting a group of female employees against an iron mining company in Northern Minnesota. It is a hard, bitter story that chronicles a long history of psychological and physical abuse that the female workers had to endure. The film depicts the tough job that the miners endure, made even worse by the intensely harsh winter weather.

Although the subject matter is sexual harassment, you can’t get away from the horrible working conditions of miners. This is particularly ironic in light of the most recent tragedy in the coal-mining region of West Virginia.

North Country is well directed with a number of strong performances by its supporting actors, most notably Richard Jenkins and Frances McDormand. However, it is primarily a vehicle for its star, Charlize Theron, who once again delivers a very good performance.

No new ground is broken here – it is just a good solid film with heart about truth and justice.

NINE LIVES:

Nine Lives is made up of nine vignettes that depict intense moments in the lives of nine women. Director Rodrigo Garcia does not attempt to emotionally manipulate or offer neat closure to any of these stories as we are used to seeing in most films today. What the audience is left to view are slices of life in which they can feel empathy and a sense of connection.

Many well-known actors appear in this film and deliver interesting performances. It is always inspiring to see actors more interested in the quality of their work than chasing the “dollars.”

Not all of the stories work, but on the whole Nine Lives is a creative and realistic film that ends up being a very rewarding experience.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE:

Pride and Prejudice is a well-done version of the very popular novel by Jane Austen. The story centers on the second (Elizabeth) of the five Benet sisters, all of whom are all trying to be married off to men of means by their scheming mother. In the novel, Elizabeth prevails through her wit and honesty, not through stunning beauty. In this la test adaptation, Kiera Knightley changes this premise by being a great beauty herself.

The film is visually stunning with a number of strong acting performances, in particular Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland as the parents of the five young women. However, Pride and Prejudice is really a vehicle to show of the acting talents of Kiera Knightly, and she doesn’t disappoint – even gathering an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Although not quite at the level of the ten-year-old British miniseries starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, it is still a delightful film.

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