RobertStern212 Reviews

The Godfather Part II (1974)

One of our greats

[8/10 · 11 January 2009]

Now don't get me wrong - I loved this movie.

Francis Ford Coppolla, again, delivered a gripping drama.

Al Pacino is real, honest and we are always wondering about what he's thinking about.

Robert Duval plays it straight and honest. Until I saw Mr. Duval's other works, I didn't realize what a great job he did in this.

John Cazale delivers a really fine performance. It was a great loss when this great actor passed away.

The rest of the cast were just great!

I do feel that it sort of followed the formula of the first Godfather (one of my all time favorites). Especiaily in the end where everything is "wrapped up."

Maybe, because it didn't have the novelty of Godfather 1, that is why I wasn't as taken in by it.

As usual the music and production design and camera work were all fantastic.

All of this said, Godfather II is one of our great movies. I have been waiting for Mr. Coppola to give us more films like the movies he made in the 70s, such as the first two Godfathers, the Conversation, Appocolypse, etc.

The Reader (2008)

Very intriguing

[7/10 · 29 December 2008]

Director, Stephen Daldry does a fine job of keeping our close interest in THE READER.

The movie, written by David Hare and based on the book by Bernhard Schlink is an engaging work.

The film stars Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Jeanette Hain, David Kross and a smaller role by Lena Olin.

All of the actors are outstanding.

We are intrigued by what is about to happen, because of the engrossing performance by Winslet.

Although I felt that some scenes went on too long, the story eventually shifted back and focused on what was eating inside of Winslet's character.

When we find out, we are shocked and in a way repulsed. Which is what the director wanted.

The direction is sensitive, romantic and a little erotic at times.

The score works very well to accent the story and the performances.

Production design and locations are right on.

A restrained performance by Ms. Olin gets her character's message across crisp and clear.

Channels (2008)

Exquisite, romantic, and heartfelt - I loved it.

[9/10 · 11 August 2008]

Channels arrives with a somber mood, and a cynical attitude, but then does a fantastic job of creating a romantic atmosphere in which we can believe in.

Actor, Nat Christian, gives a powerful, truthful and passionate performance as Black, a man so emotionally not alive, that when he comes home after a very busy day at work (he's a producer on a film shoot), he needs to just sit back and channel surf. His cynicism is delivered straightforward and not for show. He then starts to loosen up when he meets Katherine, played by the adorable Kim Oja. Christian, a masterful actor, doesn't immediately do a complete turnaround, but he does more of a gradual awakening, wonderfully playing these different moods. There is a lot of kissing and romance between Christian and Oja and the two of them burn up the screen (And there is no nudity). I've seen Nat Christian on TV when he started out doing soaps, and he was always engaging to watch.

Kim Oja was a very pleasant surprise as a comedienne. Taylor Negron gives a vulnerable performance. John Kassir is perfect as a cynical talent agent. Ed Asner rules. Joan Van Ark is also great and should be doing more movies.

Christian equals his acting talents as the director of Channels. Storytelling is the operative word. Done with artistry and sureness, he takes us to another place and we are there.

The music by Rossanno Galante was enchanting. The cinematography by Michael Hardwick was alluring as well as the set design. There is a song written by Daryl Orenge and Nat Christian, that is quite catchy.

Wonderful!

Pineapple Express (2008)

If you can let go, you can enjoy it.

[7/10 · 10 August 2008]

Cool. Pineapple Express has a lot of energy throughout.

Judd Apatow's influence is definitely felt here. As is the talented Seth Rogen's (Actor and Co- Writer). Rogen and Evan Goldbring deliver a tight script that goes maybe minutes too long. David Gordon Green directs this amusing tale with ease

The comic sequences will become memorable, especially as more people will probably see this movie on DVD.

Rogen fits the bill and brings t all home. Dale Denton matches Rogen on the screen. He and James Franco are a joy to watch. Danny McBride is also fun to watch.

If you want to go to the movies an laugh and not get too bogged down in details and too much logic, Pineapple Express may be just the right experience for you.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)

Journey To The Center Of The Earth is back.

[4 August 2008]

Journey To The Center Of The Earth is back on the big screen. Director, Eric Brevig brings us a remake of this movie, written by Michael Weiss, Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin. Taking from Jules Verne novel, this lively colorful movie is good fun on the big screen, especially in 3D. The film is a likable movie, with a light, comical tone and some good action.

The film stars Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem. Fraser brings his character to life. Hutcherson is one of the best child actors around, delivering a real performance. The strong performances keep us watching this enjoyably film..

The editing keep it trucking along, and Andrew Lockington does a nice job composing the music.

At 93 minutes, the movie is definitely not too long, which is a good thing nowadays, especially when there is an overabundance of special effects.

My Dinner with Andre (1981)

Talky but I liked it

[3 August 2008]

With a running time of close to two hours, this movie caused quite a stir when it was first released. Two actors talking.

André Gregory and actor Wallace Shawn play themselves as they meet for dinner for the first time in several years. Much of the dialog between the two of them goes on philosophically around art and the routine of the creative mind. André also recounts his adventures, where he traveled from the forests of Poland to the Saharan Dessert in search of himself.Some fun progression emerges. Each course provides temporal nourishment to the audience and reminds them that the dialog won't continue endlessly.

Director, Louis Malle tackles a risky venture with this film. The viewer needs to listen to the words being spoken and their ability to conjure images to go along with the adventures being described. That said, I enjoyed the movie.