At the Cinema - October 2010

The Social Network – 10
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Great Acting
b. Aaron Sorkin’s writing
c. Social significance

This is an amazing movie about the creation of Facebook. It’s relevance to Facebook devotees is unquestioned, and the story is fascinating. A brilliant script by Sorkin is the backbone here, and he pulls together the legal maneuvers so that we can understand them. The revelation is how nasty software development can get, and Facebook creater Marc Zuckerburg doesn’t come off as the purest character.

It’s Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Zuckerburg that elevates this movie to magical. He is flawless and fascinating in a truly original performance.


Secretariat – 10
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Sports Movies
b. Inspirational Stuff
c. Crowd Pleasers

In the 70’s I was in to horse racing. I’ve never forgotten watching Secretariat, especially that unbelievable run in the Belmont Stakes. Any sports fan who saw it probably hasn’t forgotten it either.

This exciting movie provides the backstory to Secretariat’s life, including the story of the female owner who survived the male-dominated world of horse racing.

Every time Secretariat comes from behind to win a race the theatre crowd cheered. This is one of those thrilling, crowd-pleasing, tear-jerking Disney movies that inspires Rudy-like applause.

It’s Diane Lane’s turn for the Sandra Bullock-type role of Peggy Chenery Tweedy. She shines in a role that will surely get her some recognition. She brings a realism and maturity to the role that we don’t often see in the movies. Bravo.


Wall Street – Money Never Sleeps – 8

Oliver Stone returns to the Gordon Gecko world of Greed with way more flash and dash than the first time. He tells his story like a multi-media presentation to keep the audience informed of the complex financial maneuvers. The story proceeds through the meltdown events of recent years, and it’s actually pretty informative.

But, when it’s all said and done, this is not so much a financial drama as it is a family drama. Gordon’s only family when he gets out of prison is his estranged daughter, beautifully played by the talented Cary Mulligan. Shia Lebouef is the moral center of the story. Surprisingly well done and enjoyable.


Easy A - 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. Hip, witty movies
b. High School drama
c. Seeing a star born

This is a pleasant little puff of a movie, and it’s carried by rising star Emma Stone. Her character, Olive Penderghast, is going through the usual high school drama when she is forced to make up a story of a sexual encounter. The rumors run wild throughout the twist and turns of the movie, and it’s like watching a good John Hughes movie. That Emma happens to be studying The Scarlett Letter gives her guidance.

The movie is racy, funny, pleasing and just plain entertaining. John Hughes would be proud.


Waiting for Superman – 8
You’ll like this movie if you like
a. documentaries
b. revealing information on school systems
c. the gamut of emotions

This is an often depressing indictment of America’s schools. By the time the filmmakers are done ripping the teacher’s unions and the malaise that has set in at underperforming schools you’ll wonder where America is going. Among others Bill Gates makes an impressive case for how we need to improve in Math and Science to remain globally competitive. It’s frightening and it’s important.