Elegy

Elegy is a perfect example of the acting excellence that Sir Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz exude time and again. I am more and more impressed each time I see them. Take a look...





An adaptation of the novel The Dying Animal by Philip Roth, it does not stay particularly true to form but that is not a bad thing here. Essentially, this movie is about an aging college professor with a fear of commitment, and basically a fear of getting old. Sir Ben was perfect for the part. There are but a few "older" actors that could pull off the womanizer successfully and he is one of them.

His life is turned upside down when he falls for one of his students, the always stunning Ms. Cruz. I have gushed time and again about her, and I won't be shy to do it again. She is an absolute gem of a talent. Amazing skills and simply beautiful to look at. She is fresh off a win for Best Supporting Actress in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, but I strongly believe that this was a stronger performance. Perhaps this release was delayed as to not interfere with her run?

Dennis Hopper also makes an appearance as Kingsley's best friend and fellow womanizer. I've always liked Hopper, and he does do a pretty good job with this but I just don't see him in that role. No matter, as this was all about Kingsley and Cruz.

The movie can be summed up in a number of ways, and I would imagine that a woman's point of view will be much different than the man's here. Big surprise, right? It's ironic, perhaps sleazy, sometimes sentimental, but always poignant. It's a good look into the mind of an aging man. I recommend giving this one a watch. It's a pace that is slow at times, but it's one of those rewarding journeys that should be savored. 4 stars.

A quick shout out to the Class of '89 from MHS. It was really good seeing everyone. And to Petros, TJ, Louise, and anyone else out there reading me from time to time, a big THANKS! Hit that little comment button below and leave me a note about what you think.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Oh where to begin? Vicky Cristina Barcelona is Woody Allen's latest addition to his legendary vault of flicks with hot chicks. Over the last few years he has been quite taken by Scarlett Johansson, who plays the part of Cristina, the whimsical and sexual hippie American tourist. Rebecca Hall is her polar opposite best friend, and you guessed it, the movie takes place in Barcelona!



This is basically a PG foray into the sexual experimentation of young American women that go to Spain for the summer. Woody grabs the cliche that the beautiful woman will go to Europe and find the dashing, romantic, bohemian artist to show them what love and sex are all about. Fair enough, but I have heard this before, I think in Beverly Hills 90210. Didn't Brenda do that? Anyway...

It's a pretty good movie but I would be lying if I didn't say that I was let down. I was expecting an amazing romantic dramedy lead by two of Hollywood's most beautiful actresses.















So hear is how I see it. Rumor has it that Scarlett has been complaining about her beauty. She is "tired of being seen as a sex symbol." News flash...If you did not have your looks, you would be just another pretty face on the street. I am so unimpressed by her work.

Penelope, on the other hand, is the complete package. She is not only beautiful but her skills are crazy good. She stole the show and received an Oscar nom for it. Without her turn this film would be a failure. Thankfully I new she was coming or I may have turned it off.

The film does take a turn for the good when she comes into play and it stays pretty strong. She makes it worth your while.

Javier Bardem also does a commendable job as the leading man, Juan Antonio. If nothing else, he is much better to look at then when he played Anton Chigurh.















The Blu-Ray format is not to be missed. There are some fabulous shots of Barcelona and it makes you feel as if you are on the set. The audio is completely dialogue driven so you won't get any action from your sub or surrounds.

This is a 3 star movie, but could have easily been so much more. Give it a look...