Review of Edmond (2006) by Katrin W — 26 Sep 2006

Here are some other Summer movies I saw pretty recently in the theaters, and want to give my two cents worth, but don't have enough to say about them to merit a full review.

[b]The Proposition [/b]([i]First Look[/i]) directed by John Hillcoat:

A ferocious, brutal Aussie-Western, with some of the most graphic onscreen violence I've seen in awhile. The acting, especially from Ray Winstone as the Sheriff, is particularly good, as is the music from screenwriter/musical sensation Nick Cave. It's only drawback is draggy storytelling, which it makes up for in coolness. [b]9 out of 10[/b].

[b]Edmond [/b]([i]First Independent[/i]) directed by Stuart Gordon:

A direct adaptation of David Mamet's intense-like-a-motherfucker play, "Edmond" truly belongs to William H. Macy, who holds the film together with his best performance since "Fargo," pretty much. I also think "Re-Animator"director Stuart Gordon brings an interesting horror movie aspect to this jazzy, night-soaked odyssey (especially during a pivotal scene with Julia Stiles). Though far from perfect (I'm still wondering what exactly it's point was, but then again, I thought that after reading the play), it's still worth a look. [b]8 out of 10[/b].

[b]Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby [/b]([i]Columbia[/i]) directed by Adam McKay:

I'll still stand by "Anchorman" as one of the funnier movies to be released in the past few years, and, in theory, this should work too, being from the same director, writer and star. Unfortunately, this just isn't that funny, as I recall that most of the magic of "Anchorman" came from Steve Carell, who isn't in this. The story is, of course, predictable and, for a stupid late summer comedy, it features a surprising number of Oscar nominees (John C. Reilly, Michael Clarke Duncan, Amy Adams...) not doing that much (I actually found Reilly a bit annoying, which is the first time he has EVER done that). There are a few inspired moments (senseless cameos from Elvis Costello and Mos Def come to mind), but that's just it. There's only a few. [b]5 out of 10[/b].

[b]The Illusionist [/b]([i]Yari Film Group[/i]) directed by Neil Burger:

It's comforting to see that films like "The Illusionist" are still getting made in Hollywood. It's a refreshingly old-fashioned, exciting adventure sprinkled with stark images and, of course, wonderful acting from Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti. Check it out. [b]9 out of 10[/b].

[b]Crank [/b]([i]Lionsgate[/i]) directed by Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor:

I didn't get to see "Snakes on a Plane," (I desperately wanted to, but it flew out of theaters in two weeks or so, and it didn't get a chance to stop at any theaters in Albion, MI) but seeing "Crank" makes me feel a little better. It's everything you could hope for in a movie that's pretty much "Speed" with Jason Statham as the bus. In fact, this movie is constantly upping the ante, upping the ridiculous and the downright irrational at such a speed, it's downright brilliant. There's a high-speed car chase scene with Statham at the front, simultaneously getting a blowjob from his dim girlfriend. It's a movie that doesn't take itself seriously for a second--and it's simply a blast. [b]9 out of 10[/b].