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Instant_Palmer
9’s are for high excellence in filmmaking, and/or actors’ performance, and/or great audience appeal (and also “likely” to be found on my Top 100 list, but at least “certain” to be on my Top 200 list).
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10 Best Actors/Actresses Without An Oscar
1) Ralph Fiennes 2) Glenn Close 3) John Malkovich 4) Willem Dafoe 5) Ian McKellen 6) Amy Adams 7) Helena Bonham Carter 8) Jessica Chastain 9) Edward Norton 10) Woody Harrelson ********************** Sam Rockwell, Gary Oldman, and Brad Pitt now off the list! Bravo!
Reviews
The Dig (2021)
Multiple Oscars Imminent. Fiennes & Eley Are Locks
'The Dig' is a beautifully photographed period film (circa 1939, Suffolk, Great Britain), and is a lock to garner first Oscars for Ralph Fiennes (*overdue) and Cinematographer Mike Eley (the film now resides high up on my all-time best film photography list) - Bravo Mr. Fiennes and Mr. Eley.
Metaphors supporting Themes abound in 'The Dig' - "life is fleeting", "the search for meaning in our lives", "our relevance in History", and "is this all there is". Classic themes for dramas that are the eternal questions within our lives. The film intertwines those themes within the central characters, each conducting their own search for answers.
The framework of the story occurs on the eve of WWII for Great Britain. The impending gravity of such hovers over the film, intensifying the characters' emotions and urgency in searching for answers to such questions - the telescope and magnifying glass used within the story serve as metaphors to that end. Collapsing walls of the dig site that almost takes Basil Brown's life illustrate the tenuous fragility of life which could end in a moment of randomness. There are many more such examples in 'The Dig'.
Such poetic filmmaking takes painstaking attention to detail in production to pull off at the level achieved in this film - Stone and Eley succeed in elevating the film to the highest levels of film art.
This is without question the Best Picture of the Year, and I am thankful this beautiful film came in at the last possible minute to save an otherwise (and understandable) blah year in the film industry.
Director Simon Stone's Oscar nomination for both Director and Best Picture is a virtual certainty.
Ralph Fiennes never misses (except taking home an Oscar), but will FINALLY* be recognized by Academy members en masse for his best of the year acting in this film - you can take that Oscar win prediction to the bank (along with Eley's for Cinematography).
Carey Mulligan will be nominated, as she delivers a very good performance (as usual).
Add Adapted Screenplay and Editing to the highly likely to be nominated list.
At the end of the night (Oscar night), 'The Dig' could sweep up a lion's share of wins in the aforementioned major Oscar categories for 2020 - I certainly wouldn't bet against it happening (the film's music score is a contender as well).
While the ensemble cast is highly competent, I don't see a particular supporting role having enough "spotlight momentum" to break-out and win an Oscar, although Lily James has a shot. The SAG Awards is likely to recognize the cast of 'The Dig' as an "ensemble" however (with competition from 'Our Friend'), but such an award does not exist in the Oscars. Note that SAG eligibility is extended to February 28 this year.
👍👍 to all involved in 'The Dig' - what is sure to be an all time classic, and highly likely to move onto my All-Time Top 100 list (I let movies sit for a year and see them at least 3 times before they can make that list).
* Ralph Fiennes sits atop my IMDb list of 'Best Actors Without An Oscar'
Tiger (2021)
Exploitive Docu-Trash with Bad Vibes
The opening scenes of 'Tiger' foreshadow the direction the filmmakers intend to take this exploitive "documentary" - and it's not going to pretty.
The list of "witnesses" willing to tell-all is short and slanted towards TMZ subject-matters - bizarrely, it starts with Tiger's high school girlfriend. The concept of using an adolescent relationship as a key testimony to defining the "real" essence of someone and those around them (eg. Tiger's father Earl) is flat-out creepy.
I'm guessing the "high school girlfriend" was well compensated, as were the others who agreed to be part of this. One of those an assistant pro at a local muni golf course Earl Woods frequented with Tiger when he was a pre-teen seems downright ashamed with himself for being apart of this fiasco.
These types of snapshots are interspersed with video clips that most of us have seen or can be found on YouTube, and many of the greatest moments were missing. Likely, few wanted to sell their rights to their videos, or in any way be associated with this production. Smart move.
I suppose the film maker intended to show complexity of Tiger's World eg. "His immense success covers up a dysfunctional underworld ready to rear its inevitable head later in life." How clever 🙄.
Tiger's longtime agent Mark Steinberg flat out dismisses the film - "Just like the book it is based off of, the upcoming HBO documentary is just another unauthorized and salacious outsider attempt to paint an incomplete portrait of one of the greatest athletes of all-time."
Although many will say "of course he says that", one cannot shake the sketchy atmosphere of the film. Exploitive, unimaginative docu-b/s is what we get.
I don't ever endorse these types of manipulative docu-films, and this one offers nothing new that we didn't already know. A cool head shot of Tiger used for the movie poster might be the film maker's best achievement here.
I'm sure the producers made a hefty profit as production costs HAD to be negligible - most of the cost was likely book rights, video clip usage royalties, and witness payoffs. That is too bad as it will only encourage more of these types of docu-trash-films - Just what we all need after one Hell of a crazy year.
Yes, I will still see Part 2 as they roll out their big guns of botox injected eyewitness bimbos, and I will update my review then. But I am not expecting to be swayed in a positive review direction - Part 1 is THAT bad.
As it stands now...
👎👎
EDIT After Ep. 2
Raised the Rating from 1 Star to 3 Stars
Indeed as anticipated, the "Botox Bimbos" were marched in, and the focus of the film on the most "salacious" events of Tiger's life as he headed towards rock-bottom - the creepiness factor of "testimonies" by jaded former girl friends and caddy Stevie reaches even higher proportions, but at least the director did a decent job in telling the miracle comeback win story at The Masters (albeit just scratching the surface of Tiger's emotional transformation and maturing in that period).
The clip of Master's Chairman Billy Payne publicly scolding Tiger (which I had never seen before), along with Bryant Gumble's commentary response (which was spot on) was something I had not before seen, and the Masters lost my respect because of it. It was eye opening and frankly shocking - that alone garners two Stars.
Regardless, this is still an unauthorized piece of docu-trash, and no one seems proud of its production.
3 stars is generous. 👎👎
True Memoirs of an International Assassin (2016)
Totally Could Happen...
😂 Ok so that was a flippant statement, as this film presents the most ridiculously far-fetched plot yet for a Kevin James movie. However, credit director Jeff Wadlow for re-writing and adapting the script to fit the Kevin James comedy style, and maintaining a non-stop pace in this action-comedy.
Well-casted, this movie is non-stop action fun and always lets the audience know IT knows YOU know this is just for fun. It never attempts to act like it's more than what it is - a simple slap-stick/action farce with Kevin repeating his now pigeon holed character. It's worthy of no more than a 5/10, but still a fun (albeit mindless) flick to watch when in the mood for such. If you like Kevin James movies, no problem - it's a watch. If you don't, pass on it.
Unknown (2011)
Bourne Identity meets The Commuter in The Twilight Zone
Über talented ensemble of actors and the trademark style of the director delivers on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, despite a preposterously convoluted story.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra's ('The Commuter') surrounds the mature action star with an ensemble of actors who deliver superb performances.
It all sets up to be a first-rate suspense film, except the story itself is like one of the more fantastical types Rod Serling might have used in his 'Twilight Zone' TV series that press the boundaries of believability.
Unknown delivers on "entertainment", and I recommend seeing the film, but leave your storyline expectations with the cloakroom before viewing.
Note that Collet-Serra uses a similar style of suspense-film story telling seven years later in 2018's 'The Commuter', once again teaming with Neeson in the lead role - if you liked that movie, you will like this one as well.
The Party (1968)
"We Have A Saying In Our Country..."
Legendary Peter Sellers improvised his role using only Director Blake Edwards' 50 page film outline with no set scripted dialogue. Sellers is left to devise and improvise each scene.
This required assembling a highly competent ensemble of supporting actors capable of keeping up with Peter, and they pulled it off very well. Larry David uses this same approach in his 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' in case you did not know.
The film's scenes were largely shot in sequence to preserve the comic flow, allowing Sellers to figure out what astoundingly destructive comic mess his character Hrundi Bakshi (the character being an actor brought in from India to lend authenticity to a period film) would innocently create next for his Hollywood producer boss while shooting the film on location, and the "big man" president of the studio, whose Beverly Hills VIP party Bakshi inadvertent gets an invite.
Truly hilarious deadpanned slapstick scenes abound - one of the most memorable being the "Birdie Num Nums" bit.
This movie has captured an ever growing number of fans over the years, myself included.
One may be offended by the cliche' India culture stereotyping Sellers applies via his character's mannerisms and accent, but If you want to be compelled to laugh out-loud, this may be just the ticket.
Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
Great Cast - Poor Script
Wanted to like this movie, but the screenplay is so dumb, I feel cheated out of seeing this great cast perform.
Seriously, this is one of the dumbest screenplays, and no one can save this movie from imploding on itself.
Spenser Confidential (2020)
Batman & Robin, Millennial Style - Wahlberg/Berg Synergy
Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg were on the same page when drawing up this neo-noir action-comedy buddy film.
Never aspiring to more than great entertainment with the simple message that sometimes the good guys DO win, and doing the right thing is the only way to live one's life, the dynamic duo of Wahlberg (Batman) and Winston Duke (A linebacker sized Robin) "upper-cut" punch their way through a fringe dirty-cop cartel in Boston as "everyman" heroes.
Alan Arkin takes on the "Alfred" role with his usual perfect droll advice and view of the world, and Iliza Shlisinger as a South Bostie version of Lois Lane rounds out the Bat-Team.
Lots of fun and action once the back-story is developed enough to set the stage, with a perfect mix of wry humor doled out throughout.
The cliched story of your average Joe/Jane rising to extraordinary circumstances to help out a wronged good cop by a cartel of bad guys and bad cops, works in this film, which does not apologize for being great fun, and does not pretend or aspire to be more than it is.
In the age of fake news and political agendas, great to sit back and enjoy a couple of hours of feel-good good guys win fantasy.
New action franchise? Potential for sequel is approximately 65%.
The Plot Against the President (2020)
Democracy Dies In Darkness
Applying the Washington Post slogan, every American should see this documentary to gain perspective and greater understanding of the "Russian collusion" narrative devised and manufactured to undermine and impeach President Donald J Trump.
Truth and justice were never served in that undertaking, and the cost paid by us all rocks the foundations of what makes America the greatest society in History.
Regardless of ones' political views, the truth of who was involved, the money trail, disregard for ethics, and manipulation of disinformation by political leaders and a largely biased news media deserves illumination for our all sakes, lest our Democracy indeed fades away into darkness.
Well-paced and avoiding tedium, this is a well-made documentary and is highly recommended viewing.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
One Of A Kind. Often Imitated - Never Equaled.
No other "Coming Of Age" teen film since has been able to knock Ferris Bueller off its post-American Graffiti "COA" throne. Like the 1961 Ferrari GT 250 SWB California portrayed in this film (more than one used in production, and all were well-made knock-offs), there is simply no substitute. (albeit George Lucas' American Graffiti' still reins as the all-time #1 COA film, but that came 10 years earlier, and is in a class by itself).
This was John Hughes' 4th directed movie, during his most prodigious period from 1984 to 1990, that also included 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Home Alone'.
Hughes tried to portray teens realistically and gave them relevance in his films - he was empathetic to the challenges of adolescence, and consciously avoided Hollywood's often shallow characterizations of the teen high school years.
The Library of Congress selected the film in 2014 to be preserved in the National Film Registry, honoring FBDO for its cultural significance.
7500 (2019)
Screenwriter/Director Vollrath Scores in 1st Film
"7500" develops anticipation and builds tension from the opening frames, simulating authentic security camera footage of terrorists getting through airport security, and onto a German airline passenger jet headed to Paris. Once aboard the plane, Vollrath uses a real-time scene structure (similar to Mendes' "1917") from the viewpoint of the cockpit and the American co-pilot played with understated perfection by Gorden-Levitt. The film takes hold of the viewer and doesn't let go - the entire film plays like a reenactment of actual events (this is fictional). A fantastic 1st film effort by German Screenwriter/Director Patrick Vollrath.
Green Book (2018)
A Feel Good Movie At It's Core. Deserved The Accolades
Ignore the sour grapes criticism from Spike Lee. This was THE best film of 2018, and one of the best-ever feel-good buddy/road films. There is something very sincere about this film - it is understated in its messaging, and keeps the focus on the evolving bond and respect that grows between two polar opposite personalities. A well-made film, with first-rate acting, that makes you feel this good without feeling "manipulated", is a rare treat indeed. Highly recommended.
Joker (2019)
Disturbing, Riveting, Off-The-Chart Performance by Pheonix
Joaquin Phoenix produces one of the most memorable performances ever captured in a feature film, earning the hardware and accolades he received for his stunning and disturbing portayal of Joker.
Joaquin puts on a virtuoso spotlight performance, and elevates the movie to legendary status. Credit director Todd Philips for building tension throughout the film, capturing the nuances of Joker's tortured dark-side slide into deranged, violent insanity, keeping the film's pace and flow on-track without unnecessary fill, utilizing and applying various camera lenses, shot angles, lighting, colors/hues, aperture settings (e.g. bokeh), and scene framing, and allowing Joaquin to tap into his own dark corners and utilize his unique acting instincts in developing his character.
Phoenix's acting performance leaves nothing on the table - if keeping score, Phoenix tallies a perfect 10 producing a truly legendary performance, transforming the film from God knows what it would have been with another actor to a 9/10.
A performance and film that one will not easily forget.
The Last Dance (2020)
"Padded" to Fill Time. "In Case You Missed The Last 6 Hours, Here Is A Recap" 🙄
Three times longer than it could and should have been, this docu-series is as awkwardly padded as women's shoulder pads in the 1980s.
Repetitively covering the same topics over and over again, it seems obvious to me, that producers didn't have enough material to fill the series' committed time frame.
'The Last Dance' is basically raw footage patched together with just minimal editing - it lacks a linear flow and resorts to doubling and tripling coverage of events and topics already revealed in earlier episodes to fill time that should have just been cut...
"in case you missed the previous 6 hours, here is a recap."
What a mess!
Let me know when the two-part four hour version comes out and then we can see how this stacks up as a documentary.
My 5 Rating is generous...
Dragged Across Concrete (2018)
Title Says It All... Quit After 24 Minutes
Watching this film IS like being 'Dragged Across Concrete.' Don't believe I have ever viewed a more tedious and uninspired film with big name talent. I would rather hear someone scratch a chalk board with their finger nails, than watch this film.
Superbad (2007)
Supergood Millennials Coming of Age Film
A lot can happen in 24 hours when two best-buddy co-dependent outlier Seniors in H/S get an invite to the big party. Teaming up with a third-wheel friend getting his fake ID with just one name "McLovin" starts the ball rolling down a steep slippery slope of chaotic comic events, and rapidly turns into a day and night that will forever be ingrained in their memories. One of the best coming of age films of the 2000s, the awkward moments are played with deft skill by Cera, Hill (one of his best performances that opened many doors for him in future films) and Mintz-Plasse (steals the show), with the screenplay co-written by Seth Rogan. A must see film for teens and older.
The Hunt (2020)
Polarizing & Mordant Comedy-Satire Action-Horror Flick
A Like-It or Hate-It movie. 'The Hunt' tries hard to please, and it succeeds at providing some very cleaver moments throughout the film. For the low dollars invested, this Tarantino-ish production delivers a good ROI for the audience.
Lead actress Betty Gilpin carries the film over the finish line merging excellent girl-power action skills with a laconic and witty comic performance.
A competent supporting cast make their contributions before their inevitable demise takes them out of the picture.
Looks at first to be heading towards a political agenda, the film quickly makes its true intent clear on such - it satirizes today's hyper-sensitive, and highly polarized and opinionated right vs left social-media/blogging environment.
There is thankfully really no in-your-face thought-provoking messaging involved here...just an effort in having some fun, supported by a witty script and direction/editing that keeps the film moving at just the right pace.
Be advised, this film is WAY too violent, gory, and inappropriate for children.
The film grows on you mostly due to Gilpin's performance, but the screenplay deserves applause too.
Overall, I liked this film a lot more than I anticipated I would.
Give this film at least 30 minutes before making the call to continue or not.
Richard Jewell (2019)
Enthralling, Gripping, Brilliantly Paced, Inspired Performances, and Casting Perfection
Paul Walter Houser ('I Tonya') absolutely deserves an Oscar nomination, as does Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Olivia Wilde, and Clint Eastwood.
This could be the dark horse award winner across the board, fitting for the story of an underdog hero. Prediction: Sam Rockwell is going to get his second consecutive Oscar, and there will be more statuettes going home for this film.
A must-see inspiring movie where truth triumphs in the end. This is my favorite Eastwood movie, hands down.
Bravo to all involved, with Eastwood deserving special praise for bringing out the finest level of performance from the entire cast.
1917 (2019)
Visually Stunning Academy Award Winner for Cinematography (and 6+ more nominations likely)
Director/Writer Sam Mendes and Cinematographer Roger Deakins produce the best war film of the 2010s. Truly stunning visually, the story of two soldiers' race to the front lines of WWI under direct orders to deliver the message to stop 1,600 British soldiers from entering a trap set-up by German forces to massacre them, keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, and inside the soldiers' boots, through amazing Mendes/Deakins directing/cinematography techniques. This is film art in its highest form, and is at once incredibly beautiful and horrific. A runaway certain Oscar winner for Cinematography (Deakins), and nominations (at a minimum) for Best Film, Director, Visual Effects, Screenplay (Mendes), Film Editing (Lee Smith), and Actor (George MacKay).
American Graffiti (1973)
The Godfather of Coming Of Age Films. Lucas' 1st Feature Film
One end-of-Summer night to remember in 1962 for five 18 y.o. teenage friends in Modesta California. American Graffiti is the Godfather of Coming Of Age films, produced by Francis Ford Coppola who ensured the financing, and marks the first feature-length film by director George Lucas (who was also writing the Star Wars screenplay at the time), the beginning of Harrison Ford's major film career (and his long-time collaboration with Lucas), and kicked off a late 50s/early 60s music nostalgia craze in the 1970s.
The film stands on its own merit without all the historic film footnotes and trivia, and I highly recommend this film for all ages 10+.
The fabulously integrated period soundtrack ate up the majority of this film's budget, as it was filmed almost entirely at night in just four weeks on location in the Valley.
A MUST-SEE MOVIE easily making the 100 Greatest Films list, and its immense popularity made it the highest grossing film for many years after its release.
Influenced the late 50s/early 60s music and dance nostalgia revival of the 1970s, including the 'Happy Days' and spin-off 'Laverne & Shirley' TV shows (starring Ron Howard and Cindy Williams from AG).
Judy (2019)
Renee Zellweger - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Renee immerses herself in the role of Judy Garland, locking up her 4th Oscar Nomination, and likely her second Oscar win, 15 years after Cold Mountain.
One would expect that a truly legendary and iconic actress / singer / dancer like Judy Garland would be enjoying the fruits of her long time successful career, and the accolades of her adoring fans, who would be lining up to buy tickets to see her perform. Alas, Garland's life eptomized the Hollywood cautionary tale of child stars.
Despite massive talent, and amazing work ethic, alcohol, prescription drugs, bad husband choices, despicable studio bosses, and an even worse mother, gave her little chance to bypass tragedy.
Renee clearly did her homework, nailing the nuances of Garland's personality, trooper attitude, eccentric stage mannerisms, and distinctive vocals - The buy-in to Renee as Judy was immediate and never wavered.
Brief flashbacks take us back to production of "The Wizard of Oz" whose namesake himself couldn't save Judy from the Mother from Hell or the Boss From Hell (Louis B Mayer), for just the right amount of time to give the story supporting background fill.
This is largely a spotlight film role for Renee, fitting for the part of Judy Garland whose spotlighted roles carried films.
Renee delivers to the audience a still enthusiastic, but destitute and barely "functional alcoholic" Judy Garland who still has her trade-mark trooper-attitude pragmatism, but is desperately trying to earn enough money to just have a place to sleep for her children and ends up taking the only gig she can get (In London where her fandom still burns bright and large) that gives her hope to earn enough money to right her sinking ship, and retain custody of her children back in America after her 4th divorce.
Judy's final tragic journey in her life is a roller coaster of desperation and sad realizations.
Renee hits one out of the park (and over the rainbow) putting forth what is clearly the best Lead Actress performance of the year thus far, earning her a 10/10, and elevating 'Judy' to an overall 8/10. Bravo
The Secret of My Success (1987)
M.J. Fox Walking On Sunshine in Go-Go 80's
Michael J. Fox is walking on sunshine at the apex of his career success (1987) in this contagiously likable Herbert Ross produced and directed comedy.
Ross brings his prolific success from stage, opera, ballet, movies, and TV to this fun, frolicking and much-improved upon non-musical update of the 1960's Broadway and movie classic 'How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying'.
Herb is a bona-fide Hollywood legend, who over 40 years, worked with some of the greatest (Ray Stark, Neil Simon, Woody Allen, Mike Nichols, Vivien Leigh, Barbara Streisand, Baryshnikov, Shirley MacLaine, Anne Bancroft, Tom Skerritt, Liz Taylor, Peter O'Toole, Jerry Lewis, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, Steve Martin, Richard Dreyfus, Kevin Bacon, Goldie Hawn, Dolly Pardon, Julia Roberts, Sally Fields, Olivia Dukakis, Sam Shephard, Michael J. Fox, and many more).
Few can compare to his Rennaisance-Man performing arts background as dancer, actor, choreographer, director and producer. Movies and/or plays he directed and/or choreographed include another 80's classic 'Footloose' as well as The Turning Point, The Goodbye Girl, Play It Again Sam, Protocol, California Suite, Nininski, The Seven Percent Solution, Funny Girl, Funny Lady, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, The Owl And The Pussycat, Who's Afraid Of Virginia Wolf, Inside Daisy Clover, Goodbye Mr. Chips, The Sunshine Boys, Max Dugan Returns, I Ought To Be In Pictures, Pennies From Heaven, My Blue Heaven, True Colors, Steel Magnolias, Boys On The Side, and more.
But 'The Secret Of My Success' is all about Michael J. Fox, and Ross choreographs a non-stop comedy romp through the corporate take-over era of the 1980's, that showcases Michael's comedic acting style - an absolute must-see film for any MJ Fox fan.
American Assassin (2017)
Action Genre Franchise For Millennials or One And Done?
Better than many reviewers indicate.
American Assassin follows Author Vince Flynn's character Mitch Rapp (Dylan O'Brien) and his mentor Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton) who leads a super secret CIA operative group tasked to take out the world's most threatening bad guys - A secret camp in the wooded hills near Roanoke, Virginia provides a select group of hand-picked field operatives (assassins) with elite specialized training (for assassins) that supposedly exceeds Navy Seals training in sophistication of infiltrating and blending into targeted zones, with a killing effectiveness that surpasses Bourne and Bond.
One problem here - when you take on two of the most successful action franchises in movie history (Bourne and Bond), you better have your ducks in a row (including most importantly the script), and that is where this film fails.
The screenwriter needed to produce a more cohesive script in adapting Flynn's prequel book. The film looks and sounds like it was rushed to production before the script and story boards were thought through and revised.
Time is money, but not investing enough time sometimes leads to losing your entire investment, and if the desired outcome was a green light for a franchise, the "fail" here was in the script.
Michael Keaton holds this film up, and although I have a hard time seeing him in the role, he pulled it off with his trade-mark push-the
-envelope edginess.
O'Brien was at first, hard to swallow in the role with his quiet vulnerable demeanor and school age heartthrob looks (with some edgy outlier undertones) that have made him so popular with millennials. But he frankly did an admirable job, and is the most promising element of the film in terms of franchising this into sequels. Not many lines of dialogue, but like Bourne, Rapp speaks loudly with his fists, feet, intelligence, wiliness, and willingness.
The make-up was amazing in portraying an ever growing number of cuts, bruises, gashes, and other assorted traumas accrued by the cast - realistic, accurate and impressive - among the best ever in film.
Action/fight/vehicle chase scenes were well above par as were the special effects and CGI (only one scene leans fully on CGI and was well done).
Cinematography and editing are very good, and the pacing of the film is excellent for the most part.
My guess is this is a one and done film, but what a shame, as there is great potential for an American Assassin franchise, and this is one if the best recent additions to the action genre, especially given more time to complete the film at a 007 level. The director and screenwriter(s) need to get it together though, IF there is a sequel - the script is the weakest point, usually a death nail for my reviews, but the director, cinematographer, make-up, and fx make up a lot of ground in that regard.
For the hope of more (and better), I'm giving one additional Star bringing this 7-Star film up to 8/10.
October Sky (1999)
FABULOUS and INSPIRING - Family Friendly
Direction, screenplay, editing, cinematography, music score and truly inspired performances by the actors get 10/10 marks.
October Sky sets a high bar, and is an inspiring must-see movie for ages 10 to 110.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
David Lean's Masterpiece. Greatest Film of All-Time
The film that inspired Steven Spielberg to pursue a career as a film maker for good reason - it is a cinematic treasure.
The spectacularly gorgeous and awe inspiring cinematography of Freddie Young tips the scale for me in favor of 'Lawrence Of Arabia' as Film's greatest work of art in the Epic genre, and imo surpasses The Godfather, Citizen Kane, and Shawshank Redemption as the greatest film ever made.
The immensity and scale of the desert creates the perfect canvas on which Lean paints his masterpiece - We shall never again see authentic location shoots on this truly epic scale, as granted permission for such is virtually impossible today.
Restoration efforts in 1988 led by Spielberg and Scorsese saved most of what would have been a tragic loss. Still, the best restored version is debatable.
What is not debatable is that LOA is best viewed on a large theatre screen.
My grandmother took me to see 'Lawrence Of Arabia' at a beautifully restored baroque theatre when I was 12, as the film was periodically shown in art film houses for years after its release - It is an event I will never forget.
In Good Company (2004)
A Well-Casted, Well-Executed Feel-Good Movie
Director Paul Weitz's Best Screenplay; Topher Grace's Break-Out in Film (his first and best film performance to date); Scarlett Johansson continued her rapid ascent in film, at only age 19 (turned 20 during production); and Dennis Quad hits a home run in one of his most endearing and connected performances.
Ignore the trailer that fails to capture the subtle moments in the film.
This is a nearly perfect "little film" with a great story that draws you in with believable charecters, and first rate performances by every actor.
'In Good Company' takes one through the balancing of middle-age fatherhood and career (Quad), with heart, humor, and a positive family-first theme (without resorting to cliches or the "Hollywood" treatment). Safe for 12+ year olds, and identifiable charecters and themes for adults.
Add in the perspective of a bright mid-twenties professional's (Topher Grace) search for happiness - meaningful career, love, a wife, starting a family, and a life-mentor/father-figure (Quad), while navigating the good, the bad, and the indifferent of corporate personalities, and interesct the two generations, and you have a film that engages one from beginning to end.
Soundtrack is wonderfully in sync with the emotions of the film.
Co-star Johansson is flawless in building upon her breakout 'Lost In Translation' and 'Pearl Earring' performances. This mid-2000 decade acting period was when she made her mark and honed her acting skills, while rapidly ascending to stardom.
Johansson's character (Quad's daughter and Grace's love interest) is essential to drawing Quad/Grace towards their inevitable surrogate father/son relationship, and she does so perfectly, making every actor around her look good - why she didn't receive Best Performance In A Supporting Role nomination is perplexing, but probably due to her already highly-recognized performances over the previous 18 months - quite an impressive resume for a teenager.
A must-see film and one that is just as great the second and third time viewing it.