The Aviator
Howard Hughes was a genius who completely changed the way that we look at and build airplanes, but he fell prey to the demons that many genius do and allowed his eccentricities and compulsions get the best of him. What a great story to tell on film and done well by the illustrious Martin Scorcese (and eccentric himself). You see a career driven man with OCD. How does a person balance these two things? By surrounding himself with employees that he overpays to such an extent that they can’t help but be loyal and by other eccentric like himself (mainly women). Scorcese’s newest muse Leonardo DiCaprio (Robert De Niro being the favorite in the early part of the directors career), place the part of H.H. with finesse not always seen in the actor. Cate Blanchet as Katharine Hepburn is amazing and was a champion for early female eccentrics everywhere! I will admit the film was a bit long (as most Scorcese films are), but how would could one possibly tell the tale of such a man in only two hours. I also greatly enjoy films that give you a glance in to the world of old Hollywood, when stars were glamorous on a completely different level than they are today. 4 out of 5 monkeys.
Ray
This is an example of a movie that could have been amazing if the director had just stepped out of the way and let the performers do their thing. At points in the film I was so ready to amerce myself into the world of Ray Charles and then the director would add some shots or hold a shot for way to long as if he were trying to remind me that it was a film. I don’t know about you, but that’s not why I go to the movies. Jamie Fox was wonderful as Ray and seem to really embody the character of this great performer and I WANTED to really like the film, but I couldn’t quite get there. 3 out of 3 monkeys
Walk the Line
Jaquine Phoenix and Resse Witherspoon generally annoy the crap out of me, but in this film I enjoyed both of their performances. And they could sing! 3 out of 5 monkeys
Kathryn Says 