"Amazing Grace"
The name William Wilberforce may not ring a bell the way, say, the name William Wallace does. But maybe that will change now that the legacy of Wilberforce has finally received its long-overdue film adaptation, "Amazing Grace," a satisfying and serene cinematic achievement.
In the film, Wilberforce is a prominent leader in British parliament in the late 18th/early 19th centuries and the leader of the abolition movement. After experiencing a life-altering spiritual conversion, he decides to devote his life to serving God and considers leaving his life in politics for good. "You found God, sir?" inquires a butler. "I think He found me," replies the reinvigorated Wilberforce. Despite his new calling, he ultimately stays in parliament under the strong advice of his confidants William Pitt, who becomes prime minister, and John Newton, leading evangelical Anglican clergyman and writer of the hymn, "Amazing Grace." They convince Wilberforce that, being in a high political position, he has the power to make the changes he desires (namely, abolishing slavery). With passionate perseverance and the help of his friends (and after several unsuccessful attempts), Wilberforce finally succeeds in abolishing the British slave trade in 1807.
"Amazing Grace" is somewhat of a rarity, as it is a period drama totally lacking in graphic violence or sex. The entire family would enjoy this inspiring tale of how the firm belief in what is humane and decent, despite social conditioning or age-old tradition, can and will ultimately triumph (though young children will probably find themselves bored with the leisurely pace).
Ioan Gruffudd's ("Black Hawk Down," "Fantastic Four") performance as Wilberforce strikes the perfect balance of inflamed vigor and subtle humanity. We see the fiery anger behind his eyes and understand the passionate urgency of his cause. At the same time, we see his gentle spirit, a reflection of a God that teaches patience, love and faithful obedience. Wilberforce only finds the strength to keep trying in the hope and faith that man's sinful nature will ultimately succumb to God's good, pleasing and perfect will.
As John Newton, Albert Finney is mesmerizing in a tragically under-written part. In fact, this is the film's major drawback. Audiences will be disappointed to find that a film called "Amazing Grace" offers very little information concerning the age-old tune and its author. As a powerful slave-trader-turned-clergyman and the scribe of one of the most famous songs in history, John Newton certainly has a story worth telling. It's a shame that "Amazing Grace" could not parallel John Newton's dramatic turn with Wilberforce's or maybe use Newton's writing of Amazing Grace as a structural outline for the story of the abolition movement.
But alas, it seems that this would have simply been too much story for one film, and the impact of Wilberforce's life and triumphs would have been lessened. Maybe we will one day get a John Newton biopic - it's just too bad the title "Amazing Grace" is now taken - but if nothing else, at least it has been taken by a film worthy of such an iconic title.
- Robert Brown
"Starter for 10"
Scottish actor James McAvoy has a bright, open face and a disarming demeanor that was surprisingly well-suited for his most recognizable role, as Mr. Tumnus the Faun in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Few readers may have envisioned Mr. Tumnus as a wide-eyed teenager, but McAvoy made it work with an unflinching sincerity that elicited murmurs of awe and approbation from the audience with whom I saw the film. The casting was unexpected, yet somehow astute, and you couldn't help but smile as McAvoy went about fixing a spot of tea with his cloven hooves.
McAvoy tackles a more human role in Tom Vaughan's "Starter for 10," opening in limited release today in Los Angles, New York and, interestingly enough, Austin.
McAvoy plays Brian Jackson, a gawky, introspective young man from the blue-collar county of Essex along England's windblown eastern coast. Brian grows up watching a celebrated British game show called "University Challenge" that awards contestants for that which Jackson values above all: cleverness. In enrolling at the exalted University of Bristol, Brian hopes to demonstrate his hard-earned cleverness as a participant on his school's quiz team, and, in so doing, find both himself and a suitable love interest.
The film derives its title from the "University Challenge" show, which poses a series of "starter" questions worth 10 points each.
As the synopsis suggests, the plot is not venturing into virgin territory, despite being set in that turbulent decade, the '80s. Once at school, reality interrupts Jackson's best-laid plans, and he is soon torn between Essex and Bristol, who he wants to be and who he is and, more pleasantly, two lovely lasses.
The lasses are played by Rebecca Hall and Alice Eve, both of London. Like most of the cast and the director, "Starter for 10" marks their feature film debuts, and Hall and Eve acquit themselves nicely, striking laughs in their roles that might have been omitted in the hands of lesser actors. The collective inexperience of the cast was not a hindrance, Eve said, and actually created a sense of camaraderie that facilitated the acting process.
Whatever the explanation, the acting carries the film. Tired exchanges of dialogue become, if nothing else, charming in that distinctly British way, and as the movie progresses, the audience finds itself wholly invested in the main characters, despite their many flaws and foibles.
"Starter for 10" is based on a novel by David Nicholls, who adapted his own work for the screen. The film was produced by Tom Hanks and Sam Mendes, among others, and the producers wisely staffed the film entirely in the UK, to best preserve and encourage its enchanting Britishness.
Keep an eye out for the remarkably named Benedict Cumberbatch, who burgles every scene he's in as Patrick, the straitlaced, neurotic leader of the quiz team. "Starter for 10" also, to its great credit, features the first unsuccessful head-butt ever depicted on the silver screen, as well as the following exchange:
Brian meditates before his father's windswept grave. Brian's mother stands at his side.
Brian: What does Dad say?
Brian's Mother: (patiently, but incredulously) He doesn't say anything, Brian.
Ah, sweet irony. Cheers to that, and cheers to "Starter for 10."
- Chris Mattsson
"An Unreasonable Man"
Ralph Nader is such an unreasonable man. His dreams are unreasonable, his political aspirations are unreasonable even the length of this documentary is slightly unreasonable, but that doesn't make "An Unreasonable Man" any less interesting.
Before "An Unreasonable Man," I thought Ralph Nader was just that silly Green Party candidate that everyone loved to hate. Little did I realize that because of Nader's work in the '60s and '70s, we now have seat belts, air bags and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Atlantic Monthly listed Nader among one of the 100 most influential Americans. Directors Henriette Mantel and Steve Skrovan make sure to let every side speak in this very thorough documentary, from Nader supporters such as Pat Buchanan and Phil Donahue to Nader hater Eric Alterman.
The film dwells for a mere few moments on Nader's childhood, just enough to show us where he came from and why he is the way he is. His father would ask him, "Ralph, what did you learn in school today? Did you learn how to believe or did you learn how to think?" That quote obviously was one that truly mattered and caused Nader to spend the past 40 years attempting to better the United States.
The film spends the first engrossing yet long-winded hour discussing all of Nader's advocate work as well as Nader's Raiders, his own group of political activists who all were trying to fight for good. The second hour focuses on the past two presidential elections where Hollywood heavyweights such as Susan Sarandon and Michael Moore completely backed Nader in 2000, and then turned their backs on him faster than you could say "spoiler."
Many of Nader's "raiders" have moved on to different things, but all still carry strong feelings for the man. It is interesting to see how fondly they remember the good old days of advocacy yet are so angry with him for costing Gore the election. Everyone involved in the documentary is extremely frank, but none are more open than Nader himself. It's almost alarming to see the subject of a documentary on screen looking completely at ease.
Overall, "An Unreasonable Man" is a slightly long yet completely engaging documentary about a man who's done so much for our country but gets such a bad rap just for that. The film begins with the quote by George Bernard Shaw, "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." Maybe this world needs a few more unreasonable men.
- Alex Regnery
"The Lives of Others"
Germany's Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck has crafted one of the most stunning period pieces to be released in 2006: "The Lives Of Others."
Set in the socialist days of 1984 East Germany, "The Lives Of Others" follows the actions of the Stassi, Germany's national police. The film centers around the surveillance of a loyal playwright, Georg Dreyman, but what starts as simple surveillance turns into the uncovering of an East German subversive plot. The man in charge of Dreyman's surveillance, Hauptmass Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Muhe), becomes too involved, setting the riveting plot in motion.
Muhe's stunning performance is the backbone of this film. The blend of creepiness, quiet and, strangely, compassion makes Wiesler become more than just your typical government spy. He is also a human who is too affected by the life of Dreyman. Willing to go to any length to show Wiesler's desperation, Muhe fully embodies his character, possessing a silent dominant power reminiscent of Helen Mirren's turn in "The Queen." He hardly talks, but his face speaks volumes.
"The Lives Of Others" is a brilliant analysis of a country in conflict with the world. With parallels to Nazi Germany, and even modern America, this film delivers more than a message. It's a sermon, preaching the power of subversion and the necessity of questioning a troubled government. "The Lives Of Others" says "You can remove a dictator, but there will still be problems."
Yet the movie is not just about its message. "The Lives of Others" is also a hauntingly real psychological thriller that will keep you wondering - and thinking - long after the credits have rolled. It might drag a bit in the beginning, but it never loses its intrigue. A good movie, a thoughtworthy message, and brilliant acting. Near perfection.
- Jesse Gall
"The Astronaut Farmer"
Mark and Michael Polish, though lesser-known directors, have a knack for making steady films about eccentric characters. Before "The Astronaut Farmer," they co-directed "Twin Falls Idaho," a movie about conjoined twins, and "Northfork," a sort of Noah's Ark story. Michael Polish's directorial style relies on slow-moving but heartfelt stories with undeniably sweet natures and small-town settings.
As their first attempt at a traditional, kid-friendly film, "The Astronaut Farmer" follows Disney's template for a wholesome family hit. Billy Bob Thornton stars as an eccentric but beloved husband and father of three determined to fly his homemade rocket into space. His overly supportive family, while implausible, gives a contemporary view of the old-fashioned, nuclear family.
Set in Story, Texas, a tiny town where the licensed psychologist doubles as the school nurse, Charles Farmer (Thornton) quickly gains popularity as he gets close to achieving his dream. To get funding for his project, he takes his lawyer's advice and embraces the media. Almost immediately, he is approached by the CIA, FBI and FAA, all trying to stop his launch in one way or another. He manages to overcome various obstacles including economic, health and morale issues with the unwavering support of his wife and adoration of his children.
Mark Polish makes an appearance as FBI Agent Mathis, one of two "Super Trooper"-type agents assigned to follow Farmer's every move. His comic timing works perfectly to alleviate the gravity of each of the Farmers' setbacks. The Polish kids are even in the cast, rounding out the family-style theme.
The fact that Thornton, a notoriously seedy personality, chose to work with them is eccentric in itself, considering the fact that the closest thing he's made to a children's movie is "Bad Santa." At the same time, the versatility Thornton shows in his role as Farmer shows his superior acting skills.
Bruce Willis makes an uncredited appearance as the Colonel, a successful military personality and longtime friend to Farmer who sides against him. There are very few movies in which Willis plays an antagonist, but he does it well.
Ultimately, the movie ends with a happily ever after. As far-fetched as the plot might be, it is a feel-good, family movie. Though better for families and kids, a group of college students won't be out of place watching it.
- Meredith Barnhill
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