Movie Review: "Crazy Heart"

Crazy Heart

Directed by: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Robert Duvall, Collin Farrell

Rated: R for language and brief sexuality

First time director Scott Cooper understands filmmaking fairly well for a beginner: he tells a great story, gives us some fantastic shots, edits his film to make it engaging, and casts his film perfectly, from Jeff Bridges, to Maggie Gyllenhal, to Robert Duvall, to Colin Farrell. But what Cooper understands, maybe even more than filmmaking, is life. His story feels real and authentic, as much of a documentary as a movie. Sure, we know the basics of the story: the down and out individual finding inspiration and giving life a second try. But, the reality of Cooper’s tale and the truly embodied performance of Bridges transcends Crazy Heart from the cliché. We feel for Bridge's character Bad Blake, despite his numerous flaws, making the peaks and valleys of his story equally exhilarating and heartbreaking. The film strikes a perfect chord with audiences, will likely earn Bridges his first ever Academy Award, and will surely progress Scott Cooper’s career to bigger and better projects. Not bad for a beginner.

Movie Review: "Precious"

Precious

Directed by: Lee Daniels

Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton

Rated: R for child abuse including sexual assault, and pervasive language

Watching Lee Daniel’s film Precious is about as painful of a film as one can stand to watch. There is no light, no joy, no peace in this world. Instead, it’s a world of suffering, layered with a lifetime of sins. I never, in my lifetime, want to see this movie again.

But, that having been said, Lee Daniel’s film is important. At it’s core, Precious is a message of hope: that there is something beyond welfare checks and high school drop outs. As painful as it was to watch, I couldn’t help but think of the people who needed to see this film. Those I used to play basketball with. I now check out their dvds and grant them time on the computers at my local library. My church is in the midst of them. People who are suffering, even if they are part of the cause. Lee Daniels remained in their culture, yet presented them with the possibility of hope. What am I doing for them?