Wise Movie Review

The Reader (2008)

Kate Winslet
Ralph Fiennes
David Kross

We watched this movie a few days ago and normally I feel compelled to blog about movies that I like - right after I watch them. This was one of those movies that has just lingered with me for almost a week now. I cannot believe the story that unfolded on the screen before us (as I had not read the book) and even though it is a common story told of holocaust days, it was exceptionally done. I do like Kate Winslet (Sense and Sensibility, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Holiday and voice work in Christmas Carol: The movie, and Flushed Away). In this movie she takes what was a very ordinary job to her and tries to convince a jury that she was just doing her job.................the fact that it was killing people never factored into the equation as a problem for her - because she was just doing the job she was hired to do.

Her romance with David Kross was beautifully done. He is a very talented young man (and is easy on the eyes too) and I will be looking forward to seeing lots more of his work. From what I can gather he is new and hot on the scene!

Ralph Fiennes, one of my old time crushes, did a good job. I think he was better and way more convincing in The English Patient, The End of the Affair, In Bruges and even a few great appearances in Harry Potter. If they had written in a part where Ralph stormed the courtroom and grabbed his former lover in a desperate plea trying to convince her to tell everyone she was illiterate - then it would have been brilliant.................because we never got to see Fiennes and Winslet together in passion even though here was love in their scenes.

All in all, we enjoyed the movie very much. I think Kate Winslet deserved the award - but wonder if it was because she spent the first half of the movie naked. (good for her either way!)

That is all the WiseWords I have for today,

WiseMóna

Wise Movie Review

Slumdog Millionaire

WOW - this was an amazing movie. It is visually electrifying & exhilarating to begin with. The first few minutes you are sweeping over the slum lands of India and visually it is just unbelievable but very believable at the same time.

The film moves along at a breakneck pace and I know I am a sucker for a great fairy tale or love story, so yes, I was sucked in right away because the Director (Danny Boyle) was able to show a serious love connection between 2 very young Indian kids and how the never stopped loving each other, even though separated and reunited, and separated again!

Everything Boyle does, including the Bollywood touches (Which I LOVED) was fantastic. There is such a lovely energy to this film. It is a little disturbing and even very sad in parts, not to mention a little terrifying too because I kept worrying and thinking the whole way through that I would DIE if boy and girl did not hook up and be together.

What Boyle has done is truly AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME! A story about a young boys life on the street in Bombay has turned into something very interesting - even to the masses. When you walk out of the cinema you will be giddy with excitement especially if you stayed to watch the end - Bollywood line dancing of all the cast members - I LOVED THIS PART TOO!

Do not put this one on the back burner. Really. It is worth the money at the movies (even though we downloaded ours!) "Slumdog Millionaire" is not to be missed. It is the best movie of the year. Maybe of the decade!

That is all the WiseWords I have for today,

WiseMóna