Trailer: Earth Documentary

On Earth Day (tomorrow), considering seeing the Documentary "Earth". I was able to view a screener of the film a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the ground-breaking cinematography and compelling narration (great movie for the kids):



Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend Earth Day than in a cool theater enjoying the conveniences of modern technology. ;-)

Oh, and it inspired much awe in me at the amazing works of the Creator. What a wonderful world!

Movies: "Henry Poole is Here" ... is here!

Back in early June I gave AmP readers an exclusive preview of the new movie staring Luke Wilson and directed by George Lopez, Henry Poole is Here.

Since then, a winner for the theme song contest I promoted has been chosen through your votes.

Tomorrow, on the Feast of the Assumption, the movie opens in theaters around the country.

See a complete list of the cities and showtimes here.

Deacon Keith Fournier writing for Catholic Online sums up the movie like this:

"Henry Poole finds out that in the midst of the stuff of daily life, with all of its pain and struggle, hope really can save you. A truly good film."

The U.S. Bishops' review has some high praise for it:

"This little gem of a film with its truthful emotions, likable characters, and themes of faith and community concern (even when Henry commits a desperate act) should resonate warmly with Catholic viewers."

The trailer (see it in HD over at Apple):

Renew Theology on Tap has even written a discussion guide for the movie.

Sounds like a fun Friday or Saturday night excursion to me!

AmP Quick Movie Review: The Dark Knight

On Friday I got myself out of the house to catch a matinee showing of the new batman movie The Dark Knight (official website here).

The movie has been hyped to no end, receiving a 94% rating from metareview site Rotten Tomatoes. Early word is that it is set to break countless records at the box office. Watch the high-definition trailer on YouTube here.

Because the movie came to me so highly recommended, I tried especially hard to give the movie an honest, unbiased viewing.

The filming technique and pacing are flawless, and the acting is top-notch. Heath Ledger is absolutely brilliant, and if he certainly deserves a posthumous Oscar.

With a run time of over two-and-a-half hours, there's plenty to absorb while watching it (and plenty to digest after), but I can say with confidence that it's the best movie I've seen this year.

Because the movie is so complex, I've decided to go see it again tonight before I try to review it.

Update: Voting Begins for Movie Soundtrack Contest

As promised, a notification that the contest to submit a song for the upcoming movie, Henry Poole is Here, has entered its final stage:

You can read my advance review of the movie here and vote in the MySpace contest here.

AmP at the movies: Hulk, Get Smart & the future

Barbara Nicolosi wasn't impressed by The Incredible Hulk, and I can't say I was either.

(I did like the scene where Edward Norton risks sexual impurity and is saved by his racing heart. When he said "I can't do this", I couldn't help saying audibly "that's right - because you're not married!" ... oh well, I hope my fellow audience members appreciated my comment.)

I also saw Get Smart. Not impressed. Mildly amused, at most. I actually watched the original TV series for a time and thought Anne Hatheway did a far better job as 99 than Steve Carrel did as Agent 86. Steve Carell was just Steve Carell, which is good if you like that sort of thing, I guess.

I also heard The Happening wasn't worth the ticket price. Too bad, I've liked previous Shamylan flicks.

Towards the future, I'm excited about Wall-E. Hancock looks promising as well. And of course, The Dark Knight. I have to say, I'll probably end up even seeing Hellboy II, because I can be shallow like that sometimes.

So, what's on your movie radar this summer?

AmP Exclusive: Film review of "Henry Poole Is Here"

Last week Corby Pons of Different Drummer got in touch with me about a new movie that had just screened at the Sundance film festival. He said it was worth the time to see and I think you might agree. My thanks to him for giving me an exclusive opportunity to see a screener of the film.

Staring Luke Wilson and directed by Mark Pellington, with an original screenplay by Albert Torres, the movie tells the story of Henry Poole, a man who discovers he only has six weeks to live. Here is the synopsis:

"Henry Poole is Here tells the funny, poignant and uplifting story of a disillusioned man who attempts to hide from life in a rundown suburban tract home only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope."

The fact that this movie even showed at Sundance is astonishing, given its subject matter and the way topics of faith and hope are treated in it. Well, it's a refreshing development, to be sure.

Before I talk about my impressions of the film, here is the trailer:

(You can also watch the trailer here on Apple.)

I don't intend to give away any spoilers in publishing a few thoughts about the movie. I’ll post a full review of the movie closer to its official release.

First of all, I enjoyed the movie. It passes my essential litmus test for a good film - I would recommend it to a friend. It's a film that talks about ultimates - life, death, faith, despair. Luke Wilson plays the central character very well, and from his first moments on the screen you really can't envision anyone else playing the role.

If I had to speak about only two subjects the film addresses, it would be hope and community.

The film revolves around Henry Poole's loss and discovery of hope. One wonders if he ever really had hope, even before his diagnosis. But perhaps even more, the film is about community. And again, one wonders if Henry has ever experienced a true community. This community of believers is not something he chooses. Indeed, it comes beating at his door when he has locked himself away. The connection between living by hope and living within a community of believers I found especially compelling. Hope, after all, is in the air these days.

The movie also treats the phenomenon of apparitions and spontaneous popular devotions. I think that's an important area to explore and I came away pleased with the essential points the movie tries to make about them. The issues are crystallized by Henry's militant secular opinions about them. This is not to say, however, that he a straw man for those who doubt the authenticity or fruitfulness of devotions, instead Henry says some harsh things that any true devotion should be prepared to answer, and in this film is given the chance. Even the relationship between these devotions and the local hierarchical Church is give attention, and George Lopez (an unlikely choice) plays the part of a Catholic priest respectfully and accurately (with perhaps one exception).

The supporting cast is also strong, and the viewer is told just enough about their characters to understand the role they are to play in Henry's own journey. Albert Torres' screenplay remains minimalist, so as not to obscure the essential drama. The soundtrack is especially strong (but more about that later), and director Mark Pellington's fame as a music video director is put to good use in several set pieces which provide a forward motion to the narrative (as opposed to the "artsy" intermission role they can sometimes be used for in the hands of lesser artists).

I really have to stop myself at this point. Which brings me to my final major point about the film - it's a thinking film. It doesn't attempt to argue a certain point definitively or perfectly answer the questions it raises - it dramatizes the human conflict and allows the audience to follow if it wants. I can't wait to watch this film among friends upon its release and have a long discussion about it. And for me, that's a sign of a good movie.

The early critical reaction that I've found so far is a mixed bag, with Variety horribly (and not surprisingly) missing the point. It tries to claim the movie opposes science and faith, when actually it transcends science in the questions it asks. Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, tries to put the film in a box I don't think it at all deserves. I think the subject matter of the movie makes most reviewers suspicious, and they resist the path which the movie attempts to show them.

The film will be released August 15th, but don't worry, I'll remind you.

(I should note as well that I love showcasing quality art, so drop me an email if you want some exposure!)

... but wait - there's more!

I told you the film already features an excellent soundtrack. I also told you its director Mark Pellington made his start with music videos (U2, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, etc). Well what I didn't say is that the producers have partnered with MySpace to let bands write a song and have their music video directed by Mark Pellington and played during the movie's ending credits!

The clock is ticking to send in your submission so hurry over and spread the word. A winner will be chosen from among the finalists by the online community, and I'll be sure to mention that as well. I'd love to see one of the many deserving (undiscovered, unsigned) Christian bands win the contest.

AmP Movie Review: Iron Man

Iron Man is currently the most popular movie in America, and opened to rave reviews. Even Rotten Tomatoes (my go-to source for movies) gives it an unheard-of 93% rating.

With all the hype, I decided it was worth my time.

I loved it. It's probably one of the best (if not the best) adaptations of a comic book hero to the big screen. Not only does it provide the necessary explosions, gadgetry and comedic-interludes, but in many ways it transcends these normal showy accessories through the brilliant (awesome!) performance of Robert Downey Jr.

The "messages" of the movie are not particularly subtle, but they are very pertinent to and very needed in our modern age. Plus they are artistically integrated into the lives and decisions of the characters.

I would recommend seeing it, if you can afford the prohibitive theater fees. There is one brief scene of some rather passionate intimacy, so parents might want to screen it for their younger kids first.

AmP Rating: 8/10.

AmP Advance Review: Bella the Movie

Note: If you want to learn more about Bella [click here] otherwise continue reading for my review....

I first heard about Bella back in February when reports started circulating that a small production company named Metanoia Films had come away from the 2006 Toronto Film Festival with its coveted "Peoples Choice Award" (previous films to win the award include Chariots of Fire and Life is Beautiful).

In the following months it won several more awards (source), and regularly receives rave audience reviews at its early screenings (source).

This weekend Bella opens in select theaters across America. You can see a list of the cities (32 total, and growing) where Bella is in theaters right here. I was able to see the movie in advance and have reviewed it. First, here the trailer:

AmericanPapist's advance review of Bella:

Bella is a breath of fresh air in a stale movie atmosphere. It is positive and thoughtful tale without being forceful or preachy. It is a story about real people going through pain and finding a way out. It is tale about humans, our modern world, and what makes the world human.

The story focuses on two characters. Jose, an ex-soccer star who has experienced a horrible tragedy that still haunts him, and Nina, a struggling woman in New York who has recently discovered that she is pregnant. Bella takes place during one day during which their lives intersect and they learn how to help each other.

Like most great movies, it defies simple categorization: the best way to understand it is to watch it and let it work its magic. Nevertheless, a few points can be brought out.

While life-affirming, Bella doesn't sugar-coat or ignore the hard facts related to its subject matter. Particularly through the conversations between Jose and Nina, both sides of the abortion debate are given their time. Nina uses every excuse in the book, but they don't come across as excuses - they reveal real anguish and difficulty. Jose, on the other hand, doesn't lecture her. He never says explicitly in words what he thinks. He acts. He is a silent, stoic individual who provides a listening ear, a caring heart, and an understanding mind.

I think it's no accident that Jose's appearance through most of the film is starkly similar to the typical portrayals of Jesus. He has a great grizzly beard, piercing eyes, and a rugged demeanor. The question "What would Jesus do?", and even "What would Jesus look like?" find a contemporary and authentic answer in Jose. Eduardo Verastegui plays the character effortlessly and flawlessly. He makes virtue look easy, albeit hard-earned. Tammy Blanchard puts forth a tour-de-force performance. In contrast to Verastegui's coolness, her character sobs and shakes with the full force of the desperation she is feeling. Her world is falling apart, and you feel it.

The movie teaches in an unassuming manner, and it's extremely effective. Instead of transparent storytelling where it is obvious what the movie wants you to think, Bella's careful understatement slips in truths about human nature, compassion and redemption in a blink of an eye. In this way it mirrors life (which rarely provides a director's commentary or helpful moralizing narrators).

For instance, Nina is prone to think the worst of the world and its inhabitants. And indeed, there is much in her life that would condition her towards pessimism. Then she witnesses a spat between a small store owner and a customer. While she reacts to the situation superciliously when the store owner realizes that he has been wrong in accusing the customer, she would have done the same. Recognizing that there's some goodness in the world doesn't happen all at once, but it can happen within a single day.

The movie provides a wide spectrum of personalities. Jose's soccer coach is a professional promoter, dedicated to profit and the pursuit of its pleasures. Jose's ex-girlfriend and past-acquaintances reveal worldly facets of his prior life that he has given up as a self-punishment for his past. Jose's eldest brother, the owner of an upscale restaurant where he works, reveals another path that people take in search of happiness - even if it means taking advantage of his unfortunate brother. The interplay between Jose and his older brother is particularly redemptive.

On the other side, Jose's family is good. Not perfect, but functional, loving and caring. Nina is as much converted by Jose as by his family. In this point particularly, the movie refuses to discuss abortion in a vacuum. The crucial attitudes about and experiences of family life account both for Nina's plight and Jose's safety net. Taking Nina into his family is the first way Jose reaches out to her and also begins his own appreciation of how blessed he has been, despite whatever misfortune he has suffered.

Bella is not only a great story, it is well told. The cinematography, musical score and pacing all support the "worldview" it presents. The musical score is very moving (they should really consider releasing it separately, I'd buy it). The cinematography is gorgeous, with most scenes shot in rich hues that all the more set apart more somber sequences. I especially enjoyed the cinematographic style which spliced normal time with flashbacks and hypothetical future events.

Again, this artistic choice has a meaning. In this case, the single day which constitutes the timeframe of the movie is dependant upon the decisions and experiences of the past as well as open to diverse futures that are in the process of being evaluated. As a consequence, the stakes for each decision made durin the day are raised. Truly, the stakes couldn't be higher: there is a human life at stake, and the happiness of many more.

Bella's pacing might at seem times slow, but don't let that mislead you. It's progress is measured to prepare for a climax that sneaks up on you and, if you haven't been watching closely, will surprise you. What at first glance might be dismissed as a wasted day, where we might want much more said and demanded, becomes a providential ordination of events that yields a result so beautiful that only life could provide.

If Bella is beautiful, it's because life is beautiful. And it is. +++

To learn more about Bella (including where it is showing in theaters), click here.

If you found this post helpful please consider digging it so others will find it.

Weekend AmP Review: Spider-Man 3

I just got back from taking one of my younger brothers to see Spider-Man 3.

Spider-Man is probably my favorite superhero comic (though I'm by no means an expert). I was highly anticipating this particular installment because it has our favorite webslinger facing his arch-enemy, Venom.

First, my general thoughts. Sam Raimi does a good job balancing not only Spidey's drama, but the interconnected story lines of not one, not two, but - you guessed it - three antagonists. I didn't notice any glaring plot holes or storyline shortcuts in the script. Old characters were developed, new ones introduced. In short, it's a really good movie. And from all the box office tracking, everyone and their brother will be seeing it at some point this weekend. So what's the appeal?

What puts Spider-Man 3 a notch above the other episodes in the series dramatically is apparent from its tagline: "The Battle Within." See, the clever thing about the Venom saga is that Spidey is the original Venom. The alien symbiote that changes Peter Parker into Venom (by reinforcing his darker side) does so to any person it attaches itself to (eventually Peter Parker's competitor at the Daily Bugle, Eddie Brock). This plot point sets the stage for the classic confrontation and choice between good and evil within our beloved (and in this case, sometimes not so lovable) protagonist.

There's a great deal I could say about this movie, but I'll limit myself for the sake of brevity to five things I enjoyed in the movie, with my ever-present Papist lenses comfortably settled upon my eager face.

*spoilers follow*

1) Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson have a (by all evidence) chaste relationship, and their common goal is to eventually get engaged and married. Also, one of Peter Parker's most obvious personality changes for the worse, when under the influence of the symbiote, is a creepy and overtly-sexual approach to women. This clearly isn't the true Spidey. He does make one completely jerky decision to kiss a girl at the public ceremony, and deserves all the grief he gets for it. Though one doesn't see it, one can expect that to be one of the many things Peter has to apologize for, especially since he wasn't under the influence of the symbiote. Still, it shows us that this weakness was already in Peter and the symbiote brought it out to a higher degree.

2) Choice. One of Peter's final lines (in the obligatory morality speech of the ending scene) goes something like "I've learned that everyone has a choice about who they become." Various figures in the movie try to claim they didn't have a choice one way or the other (Sandman is the most obvious case of this) - but the plot, and the actions of Peter and Harry especially, explode this illusion completely. We always have a choice.

3) Where does Spider-Man go to help him make the hardest choice in his life, namely, abandoning his own will and tendency to embrace power for vengeance? That's right: the Church. And it's clearly a Catholic church. This isn't something Sam Raimi cooked up: the Catholic church setting is in the Spider-Man comics [just look at this page] and animated TV show. Thank heaven it also makes it into the movie, even if it appears a bit random because it doesn't receive much preparation. Nonetheless, Spider-Man does stumble into that Church bell tower to purge his inner demons, and by almost haphazardly knocking into the bell, is purged of the symbiote.

An added level to this message that I hadn't noticed before is how Eddie Brock, in the same church, takes on Venom. Eddie, however, walks into the Church determinedly asking God to "kill Peter Parker." In other words, the Church isn't a safe-zone from personal evil, and someone can go there for the wrong reasons and receive nothing but evil as a result. I'm sure there's more going on in this scene, but I'd have to see the movie again to catch them.

4) The redemption of Harry Osborn. Though he shares in the tragedy of his father, he emerges triumphant from his trials by choosing self-sacrifice. His father died trying to kill Peter, but all he did was kill himself, indeed, he died by his own blade. Harry, however, dies trying to save Peter, and even though he also dies by his own blade, his death is honorable. Even though the physical results are identical in both cases, what matters is the moral decisions that brought the persons to their ultimate end. Brilliant, rich, and beautiful.

5) Harry's downfall through egoism. Peter has always been the young superhero who has powers that outstrip his maturity. In growing into his powers he falls in the classic trap for the talented and accomplished: egoism. This has a direct negative effect on his relationship with Mary Jane, as it prevents him caring for her in anything approaching an adequate manner. The solution to this problem isn't achieved overnight - Aunt May doesn't offer a quick solution when she councils Peter, she says it will take time (and Peter and Mary Jane aren't together by the end of the movie, contrary to what we expect).

If Ben Parker's one-liner in Spider-Man 3 was "With great power, comes great responsibility," Aunt May's one-liner in Spider-Man 3 is "A husband must be willing to put his wife before himself." The line is repeated again, including once by Parker. Of course, that's good advice for marriage, especially since it emphasizes that this state of affairs is the result of a conscientious and mature choice (not just a feeling which could fade). Peter's battle with his own will, and conquering it, is only the first step towards offering his will up entirely. And before he's ready to take the next step with his love, he has to order himself. Again, I'm sure there is more here than I found the first time.

I'd heartily encourage older teenagers and young adults to see this movie. If anthing else, the beginning of your summer deserves an action flick which earns high marks in terms of appeal, thoughtfulness and even beauty.

AmP Score: 4.5/5.