Must See: "Zero Dark Thirty"

By Oscar, I think she's done it again.  I'm talking about Director Kathryn Bigelow (who directed the Oscar winner, "The Hurt Locker") and who's latest film, "Zero Dark Thirty", which was just released this past Wednesday has already become "...one of the biggest limited mid-week openings in history", according to The Wrap.  And while this film has started mild conflicts with our own government from the portrayal of torture scenes to undisclosed, or rather what is disclosed information that the director received from inside sources in the white house, this film will truly keep you on the edge of your seat.  Also, be sure to not drink anything during this film as it's a good two hours and 30 some minutes but it doesn't feel that long. 

I definitely predict an Oscar nomination for our leading lady, Jessica Chastain, who portrays the steadfast and strong-headed CIA Operative, Maya.  This was well cast with Kyle Chandler ("Friday Night Lights") as Joseph Bradley, aussies Jason Clarke and Joel Edgerton, and Edgar Ramirez as Larry (and who's also rumoured to be dating Jessica Chastain in real life).  Let's not forget - a small role for former "Soprano's" matriarch, James Gandolfini as a CIA Director (i.e. Leon Panetta). 

I was literally in a high state of distress over the last thirty minutes of this film.  It was almost more nerve-wracking than a super scary film.  I absolutely loved it and you will, too!  Go see it over the holidays and Merry Christmas, ya'll.

Trailer time...!

Go See: Argo

I must say that I finally feel ahead of the game.  I've seen more movies in the past two weeks that I feel refreshed and like a living human being again.  Director and Actor Ben Affleck is at it again with making an incredibly powerful and emotional film, "Argo".  You do recall when he directed "The Town" and "Gone Baby Gone" which garnered a few Oscar nominations, right?  Is it curious that his wife Jennifer Garner isn't in any of his films?  Hmmmm....just kidding. That's how rumours get started. 

With an amazing cast, there's no way that this wouldn't be a hit.  Plus, if you live and work in LA in the film biz, you will understand so many of the insider jokes between Ben Affleck's character and his two film cronies (in the film) played by Alan Arkin and John Goodman.  I'd like to make two comments - one is if you're an Alan Arkin fan, you must see the psychological thriller, "Wait Until Dark" that he's in with Audrey Hepburn.  And second - John Goodman - is just GOOD!  I just saw him in the Denzel Washington flick, "Flight" and he was amazeballs, but I'll get to that soon.  I digress, I love films that are based on real, historical events as it gets my interested peaked, in well, history. 

What also piqued my interest were the lot of actors who played the fugitive American diplomats who needed Ben Affleck's character to help them escape Iran.  The six were played by Clea Duvall (we know who she is), Tate Donovan ("The O.C."), Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochran, Christopher Denham and Kerry Bishe.  All of whom have at least twenty imdb credits, so excuse me!?!  This was a very well cast film with Bryan Cranston as "Jack O'Donnell", Victor Garber who plays the Canadian Consulate, Chris Messina ("Vicki Cristina Barcelona" and "The Giant Mechanical Man") and "Friday Night Light's Kyle Chandler.  Whew, doesn't get any better than that.  It's really well done and I wouldn't be surprised if there weren't a few nominations that arise from this flick.