A History of Violence

An interestingly ambiguous movie. It takes a while for you to figure out what this movie is really about, and in this case that's a good thing. There's a couple of misdirections that are not overly complex nor too clever and self-conscious, which may be the best indication that this film has much deeper things on its mind. Once the story actually does shake down and the viewer realizes "This is what it is," you realize that you've been given a good dose of insight into the consequences of the thing, and that makes the ultimate ambiguity that much more effective. Definitely worth your time and consideration.

Thank You for Smoking

A good satire that doesn’t bog down too much in delivering its message. The numbers are there, figures on cigarette deaths and all that--but the data is delivered so smoothly that you never feel like you’re being preached at. And, despite the evident progress made against smoking (in this country, at least) this film’s message still remains relevant today (especially for the broader picture about the incest between death merchants, their lobbyists, and our government).

Secret Window

Even the presence of Johnny Depp seems not to be enough to save this film during its uneventful first two thirds. But then things get interesting, as Depp gets nutty, and the ending is something to...uh...savor. Give it time to do its thing, and you'll be rewarded.

The Cooler

William H. Macy is the loser, lovable to one woman, in a story immersed in the old-fashioned world of "traditional" Las Vegas. It is interesting, on occasion, to watch people who are quite comfortable in their sleaze, and the performances--notably Alec Baldwin's ruthless casino manager--are first rate. The deus ex machina at the end is a little too pat, but you'll walk away at least break-even if you gamble on this game. Posted .