Take Me Home (2012)
Written and Directed by Sam Jaeger
Ever just glance at Netflix’s home screen, find a title you’ve never heard of and become intrigued by its story and pedigree? That’s exactly what happened with Take Me Home, a ridiculously low-budget indie that was written and directed by Parenthood‘s Sam Jaeger. I just love Jaeger on this show; he’s underused but shines brightly in that show’s cast of greats. Who knew he was an aspiring filmmaker? Take Me Home is his first feature and an assured one at that. Jaeger also stars in it, playing a jobless man who loses his home after being unable to pay the bills. He heads into his car, which doubles as a fake taxicab, picks up a stranger (played by Jaeger’s real-life wife, Amber Jaeger, a real discovery), and they head on a life-changing journey across the country. Yes, it’s completely improbable, but its heart is in the right place. Take Me Home is funny and sweet, well worth a look for fans of Jaeger’s undeniable charm. He may just be the one to watch for when Parenthood closes shop for good. Available on Netflix Instant. B+
The Way (2011)
Written for the Screen and Directed by Emilio Estevez
Another film about a long soul-searching journey across miles of beautiful country. Martin Sheen, always a pleasure, is reliably great as a man mourning for his only child by completing his son’s pilgrimage along the El Camino de Santiago. Emilio Estevez, a writer/director who never gets enough credit as an actor or filmmaker, surehandedly leads us on an engaging journey that deeply resonates. “There’s a difference between the life we live and the life we chose.” Beautifully done. B+
Pariah (2012)
Written and Directed by Dee Rees
After huge buzz from Ebert and other notable critics, I was expecting something pretty great here. What I discovered was a very small film with a big heart and a lot of mediocrity. This cast of unknowns mostly failed to move me but I don’t entirely blame this group of actors (who are clearly not professional). I blame the script, which relies on too many familiar tropes of screenwriting (stern father overcomes ignorance, girl confides her trust in best friend only to have it betrayed, etc). I appreciate movies of this kind, especially with a heroine as unique and beautiful as Alike, but not in a second-rate production like this. C+
Flight (2012)
Written by John Gatins | Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Welcome back, Mr. Zemeckis. This man is one of my favorite directors. I embraced his return to live-action filmmaking after a decades-long absence as if it were a true cause for celebration. The film didn’t let me down. It’s a searing portrait of a man’s descent into isolation. Whip is an alcoholic and drug addict — though a “functioning” one — and after a terrifying ordeal in the skies, he begins to unravel. The lies upon lies began to weigh in on his psyche. It’s a beautiful, layered performance from Denzel Washington, one of his best roles. He is supported by the terrific John Goodman as his enabling buddy, Bruce Greenwood as his exasperated colleague and Don Cheadle as his sneaky, though impatient, lawyer. Zemeckis shows his amazing astuteness as a filmmaker yet again. And, yes, that’s cause for celebration. A-
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Written by Evan Daugherty, John Lee Hancock, and Hossein Amini | Directed by Rupert Sanders
I had no desire to see this one but I threw it in the queue anyway. I’m a big fan of Charlize Theron and heard good things about her here. Not even her intoxicating presence was enough to awaken me from the slumber I was in during this film. It was just rote and by-the-numbers and I really couldn’t muster any excitement for the heroine (even Kristen Stewart, who I actually admire, was phoning it in.) My interest peaked when I saw those great actors portraying the dwarfs, but that was short-lived since they were given very little to do. C-
I really want to see Flight, glad to read you enjoyed it! SWATH bored me too, but Theron was so wonderful in it.
Charlize is wonderful is anything, isn’t she? Hey, she made me watch the whole thing – that’s saying something!
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Flight. I love your site, Sati!
Welcome back, Mr. Zemeckis, and welcome back Dave.
I haven’t seen any of your quick take reviews, so sadly I can’t offer any insight. Although I was pleased to see you’re one of the few people who appreciates Kristen Stewart.
I’m looking forward to watching her play Mary Lou in On the Road.
It’s good to know your still around and kicking, my friend!
Thanks Paul! That’s really kind of you to say! Yes, I appreciate the K-Stew unlike many folks, and while I look forward to her future endeavors, I’m a little afraid to see where her career is headed. Here’s hoping she’ll pull through now that Twilight is officially behind us.
Nice reviews, man! Good to have you back
Thanks Fernando! It’s good to be back!
The thing I didn’t like about Flight was its total lack of subtlety. Particularly in the ending, it just went on and on about making us feel good and explaining every little thing that happens to him after. There was one great shot of Denzel’s face after confessing where I thought the film would end but it didn’t and then we had to get that outrageously on the nose sequence with his son coming to him to write an essay on his idol or whatever.
That was my biggest gripe. But Denzel is ace. Although my favourite alcoholic performance of the year (there should be a category for that) is Mary Elizabeth Winstead in Smashed. Have you seen it yet?
I have not seen Smashed though it is definitely on my must-list. I’m very intrigued by it. But I actually do agree with a lot of what you said about Flight, Amir. I too was not impressed with the epilogue – it felt highly unnecessary. I also didn’t care for the Nicole arc – too much time was spent on building up her character and integrating her with Whip’s struggles. Less of her would have shortened the runtime a bit. So yeah, Flight has flaws. I won’t say it’s a great film. But I still love it for a lot of reasons, which I’ve already touched on. I love how dark it gets, how raw it feels. I’ve never seen Washington so utterly vulnerable. It’s a messy film but damn, it struck a nerve.
Appreciate you stopping by, Amir. Great hearing from you, as always!
I’m always reading buddy!
My lack of commenting is only because I read everything at work on my phone and I hate typing on its little keyboard. (lazy excuse, I know, but entirely true!)
That’s so funny, Amir, I’m the exact same way. I use my Reader on the iPhone and I’m always making the rounds — including yours, buddy! — but I refuse to make comments on there. Especially with blogspot because the iPhone keypad is always freezing on me on those sites. Crazy, right? It’s just easier to tweet. Lol!
Hey man, good to see you back!
Flight. Oh how I loved that film. It was so odd: a mainstream Hollywood production that got everything right. To me, anyway. Its ending has gotten a lot of flack, but I loved its honesty. It really shook me up.
Thanks Alex! It felt good to break away from this scene for a while but I’m happy to be back. Yes, Flight – a Hollywood mainstream production that wasn’t afraid to go dark. It wasn’t afraid to get ugly. Washington, especially, was sneaky in the way he did deplorable things but still got you on his side. Like I said to Amir, it’s a messy film, but there’s so much to love and admire. Zemeckis gets a lot right.