Reviews

Loyalty: It something we all expect from our loved ones, but we so rarely receive. How loyal would our families be if we were convicted of a crime we were innocent of and sent to prison for the rest of lives? Would they put all their worldly desires away to do everything in their power to see to our injustice? I dare say that I know that it takes a special few that have such perseverance or such conviction.

Hilary Swank stars in the film so aptly titled Conviction. Here again Swank portrays the real-life Betty Ann Waters. Betty Ann's brother, Kenny was convicted of a violent murder in their home town in Massachusetts and sent to prison in 1983. Betty Ann and Kenny grew up in a dysfunctional home and were tossed around to a plethora of foster homes during their childhood and adolescence. The only family they had was each other. Their relationship was so close and intimate that there was no doubt in her mind that her brother was incapable of murder. Kenny was a self-admitted bad boy. He had been arrested so many times in their small community that when Kenny's neighbor turned up murdered it seemed to be an easy assumption that Kenny was the perpetrator of the crime.

Betty Ann had no money for high-paid lawyers and when Kenny tries to kill himself in prison, she came up with a solution to their problem. She will go to college, then law school and then become a lawyer and find the evidence to set her brother free. This sound like a plot made-up in a studio office, but it is the true story of this amazing woman. And, there would be no movie, if Betty Ann's astounding story didn't have a happy ending.

Telling this story is difficult. But the even script by Pamela Gray provides a good point of departure for Tony Goldwyn's direction and the moving performances by the actors. Without hesitation, Hilary Swank is definitely back, her disappointing performance as Amelia Earhart last year could have ended her trip down the red carpet to win Oscar gold forever. Her performance playing Betty Ann is subtle and convincing. But it's not just Hilary Swank's performance that should be noted. Sam Rockwell's portrayal of Kenny Waters is amazing and heart-wrenching. His scenes in prison are remarkable as he so effortlessly depicts the wide range of emotions from complete hopelessness when years of imprisonment wear on him to utter joy when he learns that his sister has done the impossible. And lastly, Minnie Driver makes a great impression playing Betty Ann's law school friend. It's a role that could garner attention at award time, and hopefully will lead to more roles in the future.

Conviction is one of the best films of the year. Its story of never-ending loyalty and love of a sister. It is inspirational and uplifting. This film will make you believe again, that with desire, perseverance and the conviction to never stop trying, almost anything is possible.

For more reviews and news written by Kay Shackleton, see here: www.examiner.com/movie-awards-in-national

It seems that most of us grow up with some version of the family business. Hollywood in itself is a prime example. The Barrymore name has been ever present as long as making movies has been a business. As a child is raised into the family business there comes the time to make the ultimate decision. Do you rebel and become something else? Or do you find comfort in the continuation of way of life? But what is a person to do if there is no way to rebel from the family business without dire consequences.

This is the theme explored in Ben Affleck's new film The Town. Ben directed, co-wrote the screenplay adaption and stars in this film about the most dangerous family business: crime. Ben's character, Doug MacRay, is a crook. His one chance to make a difference in his life by being drafted to play professional hockey was stopped short by his own cocky behavior. Left to live in a crime-ridden area of Boston, nothing was left to do, but go into the family business.

Doug belongs to a crew that orchestrates high stakes robberies in return for great riches. But this crew belongs to the old man that Doug's father worked for and with his father in prison for the remainder of his life, Doug knows that it is only time before he will be joining dad in the pen. It's obvious that Doug is the brain of the crew and his best friend James, played perfectly by Jeremy Renner, is the hot-tempered wild card. After Claire, the witness of one heist gets too close, Doug starts following her to make sure that she doesn't know too much. He moves in to acquaint himself with her and a very touching romance develops between the two. Claire is unaware that this man that appears to be a gentle young man is the same masked man that robbed her bank and scared her to the core.

It's obvious that once Doug and Claire become close that Doug is planning to leave. Only one problem: you don't just quit this family business. With his life in danger from his own boss and the FBI closing in, and his unpredictable friend, Doug finds it hard to manipulate the situation to his advantage. Just when his plan is underway, Claire finds out his true identity and a girl from the neighborhood, a drug addict named Krista becomes too talkative, just all may be lost.

But Doug's dream of a new life and a fresh start with the woman he loves propels him to complete his most dangerous job, and find a way to escape the hold his home town has on him. The rest of the film plays out unpredictable in a smart and intriguing way. Perhaps, for a few of those who have gone down the wrong path, a new and more pure path awaits.

Ben Affleck shines on many levels with this film. His acting along with his cast mates is well executed and all the characters are believable. The script, adapted from the book "The Prince of Thieves," by Chuck Hogan is craftily adapted by Affleck, Peter Craig and Aaron Stockard. The story is well paced and Affleck's direction adds another depth of realism to the film. This is not Affleck's first turn as Director, his film Gone Baby Gone was one of 2007's best film.

This is a great film and should not be missed. I predict that Ben Affleck is on the path of being one of Hollywood's best directors and will have a long presence in Hollywood. His directing method is reminiscent of Clint Eastwood's work. For those of you who have not seen Gone Baby Gone, give the DVD a try, you will not be disappointed.

The Buzz: When award season comes around, I don't think The Town will garner any attention. If it does, I see a nomination for best adapted screenplay and /or a nomination to Jeremy Renner for best supporting actor.

For more film reviews by Kay Shackleton, see here: http://www.examiner.com/movie-awards-in-national/kay-shackleton

M. Night Shyamalan, most known for his huge hit film "The Six Sense," has taken on the task of adapting Nickelodeon's most popular cartoon series "Avatar: The Last Airbender," to a feature film series. The first of three films to be released is entitled "The Last Airbender." The cartoon series on which this is based is a story of an Asian-inspired mythological world divided into cultures that are connected to one of the four elements of air, water, earth or fire.

The controversy came during the casting of the film. Non-Asian actors were selected for the film and fans of the series were horrified. It is truly amazing that Hollywood would still cast Caucasians into Asian parts, and hopefully the controversy over this film will put to rest this antiquated and racist practice.

None the less, the film is overall a good children's movie. The story focuses on the character Aang, an air bender. In this world some special inhabitants possess the ability "to bend" or manipulate one of the four elements. But Aang is the most important of his world. He is the Avatar. He is uniquely capable of bending all elements and communicating with the spirit world. With these abilities come the task of maintaining peace and balance in the world. But Aang's training was interrupted for over 100 years and when he returns to his duties the world is in the process of being enslaved by the fire nation. With the help of a water bender and her brother, Aang returns to his training while in the midst of trying to restore peace to his world.

The story is a pleasant departure from Shyamalan's more adult and scary films. It should be noted that his adaptation does stray from the original series and ardent fans may disapprove.

For more film review by Kay Shackleton, copy and click this string onto your browser: http://www.examiner.com/x-53875-Palm-Springs-Film-Industry-Examiner

For Kay's work on Silent Films, go to www.SilentHollywood.com

Think back to your early youth. The most exciting trip was to the local amusement park. The candy, the people in costumes and of course the rides. But we learned quickly that the best rides required an "E" ticket and of course, there were never enough "E" tickets for the day.

As adults we look to more intellectual pursuits. We read books, travel to distant lands, and on occasion we endeavor to find something new and exciting at the movies. But more often than not, we find that films from Hollywood utterly disappoint us with plots that have been rehashed from hundreds of other films or insult us with vulgar comedies that are churned out on a regular basis.

"Inception," a new film from Christopher Nolan, the director of "The Dark Knight," is one rare instance when Hollywood has gotten it right. The film has a tightly woven script (also penned by Nolan) that allows the viewer to enter a world of espionage with a clever twist. "Inception," has been advertised as a film similar to "The Matrix," and here to set the record straight: it is not. It is a much better movie than any of the Matrix films, which tend to be too convoluted for any true enjoyment. "Inception," remains unique without reaching too far beyond the boundary of imagination.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and "Juno's" Ellen Page, the film depicts a world in which even your deepest secrets are not save. The new criminal of this world enters into your mind during dream-state in order to steal from you or even implant an idea that could change the world. But how safe is this new form of theft? DiCaprio's character finds that his new world of dreams and reality often are difficult to tell apart. And that like all new technology, a simpler way of life much be abandoned to fully embrace the new one.

Christopher Nolan's job as director and writer are spot on. His world of reality intermixed with dreams have stunning visual effects that even out weigh those in "The Dark Knight." Out of the supporting cast, most impressive are Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ken Watanabe. The only disappointing part of the film is the bad casting of Marion Cotillard and the annoying insertion of the song "La vie en rose."

Overall,"Inception," is the best film of the year so far. Being released among the summer it would be shameful if it is not remember for award season. So at last film lovers, it's time to rejoice! It appears that there may still be one more "E" ticket left in our book.

For more film review by Kay Shackleton, copy and click this string onto your browser: http://www.examiner.com/x-53875-Palm-Springs-Film-Industry-Examiner

For Kay's work on Silent Films, go to www.SilentHollywood.com

For many years young girls have fantasized of being the damsel in distress. Times due change but the main theme of a young girl needing a knight to come to rescue her continue to infuse themselves into our newest films. In a mix of vampires and werewolves, The Twilight Films have capitalized on bringing a story to the screen that satisfies the girls romanticism of stories known mostly today as fairy tales.

"Twilight: Eclipse," which opened last weekend is the third film in a series brought to screen as an adaption of the very popular books written by Stephenie Meyer. Bella, the central character played by Kristen Stewart, continues her relationship with her vampire boyfriend Edward, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. Bella is a self-admitted awkward teenager and her character has more complicated decisions than most teenagers. About to graduate from high school, it's not what college to select that concerns her. Her desire to be a vampire and evolve into a new and strange world is her main desire. Yet, there are battles to be won and hearts to be broken before things resolve. Taylor Lautner returns as Jacob along with all the vampires as well.

"Twilight: Eclipse" is a fair film on it's own, but for Twilight fans it is the best of the three films. This film has had a special effects upgrade and the story line allows the us to see in the past of the vampires long lives. There are quite a few breaks of humor that sparkle in the mist of such a dark story of even a darker world. Billy Burke, as Bella's father, provides the necessary anchor to make the story effective and he and Kristen Stewart share a few good father/daughter moments.

It is truly a mistake to see this movie without viewing the previous films "Twilight" and "New Moon," which luckily are out on DVD. If you are ready for two hours of vampires, werewolves and more teenage angst than the prom, this is the film for you. And as the Twilight fans already know that this is not the finish for the series of films. Twilight: Breaking Dawn will be sent to theaters in two parts. Part one to air in 2011 and part two to follow in 2012.

For more film review by Kay Shackleton, click here: http://www.examiner.com/x-53875-Palm-Springs-Film-Industry-Examiner

It seems more likely now that if you see a humorous trailer with a known Hollywood star, that after you pay admissions to the movies, buy your popcorn and pop that you find that the trailer was the only good thing about the film. This is absolutely the case for "Grown Ups" which opened last weekend.

"Grown Ups." has an all star cast, most of which came from the 1990's Saturday Night Live cast, including Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock and Rob Schneider. The films starts with a group of gown men returning to their hometown to attend the funeral of a high school basketball coach. The men remember earlier days before the onslaught of video games, when children played outside until it was dark. This film co-written by Sandler had potential to be a funny, heart-warming family film. But it looks as if Sandler took the easy way out. The film is just a long series of skits that are often repeated more than once and with every minute become more lame and offensive.

Please, take my advise. If you want to see Adam Sandler in a film worth watching, out on DVD is "Funny People." This film, made last year is a drama, but has enough funny moments to quench your Adam Sandler thirst. As for "Growm-Up," please pass on this film. Send a message to Hollywood that with movie tickets prices on the rise again, we expect more. Skip this film.

For more film review by Kay Shackleton, click here: http://www.examiner.com/x-53875-Palm-Springs-Film-Industry-Examiner

Remember your adolescence when you befriended the wild, unpredictable classmate? They never got good grades without cheating, grew pot in their bedroom, and were always the one with the fake ID. You knew your parents didn't approve of them and yet, spending time with them was without a question some of the best times you had as a kid.

It seems that Tom Cruise has become the film industry's version of the wild child. After leaping over Oprah's sofa a few years back he transformed from the most bankable star in Hollywood to the fodder of Late Night talk show hosts. He has been characterized as unstable and maybe even a little delusional.

It was only a matter of time before a film would take advantage of Tom's new persona and cast him in a film that pokes fun at such an individual. Tom stars with Cameron Diaz in "Knight and Day," opening today in theaters across America. Tom plays a spy, with much of the characteristics he has personally been accused of possessing. His by chance encounter with Cameron Diaz sets them off on an adventure around the world. Diaz' character June, becomes an unwilling participant in a game of espionage as she and Roy (Tom Cruise) fight to remain alive through a maze of unpredictable plot twists.

The film is packed with a plethora of action sequences with plenty of funny gags added to the mix. Some of the special effects are weak, but as long as the characters keep moving and entertain us, who cares? This is not a film that will win awards or even be number one at the box office this week. Plain and simple, this is a fun film with a few minutes out of our busy lives to relive the thrills of being reckless and impulsive. So leave you worries about the bills at home, go to theater and order the large popcorn this time. Sit back and enjoy a few moments with the wild child.

For more film review by Kay Shackleton, click here: http://www.examiner.com/x-53875-Palm-Springs-Film-Industry-Examiner

After Jaden Smith completed his role in The Pursuit of Happiness along side his mega-hit father Will Smith, it was assured that Jaden had the chops to join the family business. Jaden's mother is actress Jada Pinkett Smith (currently starring in TNT's "Hawthorne"). Both parents wanted their son's next major role to fit his abilities and they decided to produce an updated version of The Karate Kid, the smash teen hit in 1984. According to the Smith's, the vision of the film was not complete without securing Jackie Chan to play the role of the boy's mentor and trainer.

The Karate Kid, known internationally as The Kung Fu Kid (and perhaps a better title for the film) was shot mostly in China. The plot is identical to the 1984 version: boy moves to strange new town, boy get's bullied, boy get's trained to fight by wise, older martial arts expert, boy seeks revenge and learns many lessons along the way.

The Karate Kid, released this weekend , is indeed a film worth viewing even if you are especially fond of the original. It is difficult to remake a film that was as popular as The Karate Kid, but this film accomplishes the task and brings more sophistication to the story than the earlier film. Both of the film's stars do not disappoint. Jaden, believable as the new kid in a strange land, portrays vulnerability when needed and obviously trained for the fighting scenes.

Jackie Chan is spot on as the kung fu master and it is a treat to see another side of the actor who normally plays in more comedic films. The Smiths secured an all access pass to China, including a look at the Forbidden City. The cinematography and the film's score were enjoyable and impressive for a film catering to younger viewers and it is nicely cast with Taraji P. Henson portraying the mother and Wenwen Han playing the boy's first love interest.

The kung fu scenes are well done but may be too much for smaller children. All in all, this was the perfect movie to be released as school breaks for the summer. It's a film that the target audience will certainly enjoy and their parents will be taken back in time to their first "Karate Kid" memories and be glad that their children now have a film of their own.

For more film review by Kay Shackleton, click here: http://www.examiner.com/x-53875-Palm-Springs-Film-Industry-Examiner