Breach (2007)

Happening shortly after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, and inspired by the true story of the greatest security breach in U.S. history," this film will leave you wondering how something like this happened.

Billy Ray (Shattered Glass) directs this compelling tale of one of the darkest events in the US intelligence circles. Ryan Phillipe (Crash, Gosford Park) stars as Eric O'Neill, a relative newbie in the FBI who is gunning for a chance to make Agent. After months of watching, following, watching, following... his opportunity comes up when Agent Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney, Mysic River, The Life of David Gale) approaches him with a case of utmost importance. Now he finds himself under the employ of FBI Intelligence genius Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper, The Kingdom, THe Patriot), a man he idolizes and has much respect for. Initially brought in under the preconception that Hanssen is a sexual deviant and possiblt involved in an international sex ring, Eric soon realizes there must be much more to this if the Bureau is so hush-hush and secretive about what's going on in Hanssen's day to day. The FBI's top intelligence man has vaulted himself to the top by being just that, and sharing his knowledge with a cold-war foe. It's just up to Eric O'Neill to reel him in and destroy a man who has spent his lifetime in service to his country... er, another country.

I picked this movie up after looking through a friend's movie collection and seeing it... I asked about it since I had never heard of it. They said it was good... and they were not wrong. I honestly don't even remember the press about this story, probably still too much overkill for 9/11, but wow. A great re-telling of an actual event with really superb acting. Ryan Philippe always does a heck of a job, definitely one of the better young actors floating around... a shame we don't see him more often. If you're one of those CSI or Law & Order watchers, this will be a sure hit.

8.0/10

Rated: PG-13
110 mins

Horsemen (2009)

A busy father and dedicated detective investigates a series of murders that come way to close to home. "Four victims. Four painful secrets."

Dennis Quaid (Vantage Point, The Rookie) stars in this Jonas Åkerlund directed thriller about an overworked, yet dedicated detective named Aidan Breslin whom, since his wife's' passing, has spent more time behind his desk than in his two sons' lives. Aidan and his partner "Stingray", (Clifton Collins Jr.) head up an investigation of brutally violent, masochistic murders which in turn lead them to a group who proudly proclaim that, "We Are The Nothing." All of the murders point to ritual killings in the name of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and they are running out of time to save victim number four. A superb supporting cast of familiar faces (Ziyi Zhang, Patrick Fugit, and Eric Balfour) help guide you through the intertwined lives of the killers and victims alike as it all comes full circle back on Detective Breslin's doorstep.

You know, it's really great to read so many bad reviews, and then see a movie, and feel completely the opposite way. To be fair, the was no blockbuster, and well... Quaid is looking pretty haggard and seems to have taken a step back in the acting department, but on the whole, relatively enjoyable. I mean come on, you have the cute ninja chick from Rush Hour in it, though you would swear she stepped on set right after her English lessons. And would you believe Patrick Fugit, yeah him, the squirrely kid who got to see Kate Hudson naked in Almost Famous... he's in it, and wow, give that guy the "Suicide of The Year" award! I know in my previous review I had high praises for Clifton Collins... a shame I feel he sucked ass in this flick. If you like thrilling, crime movies that border on the grotesque (SAW, Seven), where there is a deeper meaning to it all, I think you'll enjoy this. The twist at the end is worth watching anyhow.

6.1/10

Rated: R
90 mins

The Brothers Bloom (2009)

A refreshingly new look into the lives of those who master the art of the con as they try to obtain what is really missing from a life that seems to have it all.

Directing newcomer Rian Johnson directs this romanticized crime drama revolving around two troubled young lads, brothers Stephen (Mark Ruffalo, Blindness, Zodiac) and Bloom (Adrien Brody, King Kong, The Jacket). Twenty years of living fake lives is really starting to catch up with Bloom, the younger, and he becomes tempted by a relaxing, care free, "real" life. Lured back into one final big score, the brothers, along with their explosive sidekick Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi) peg a quirky shut-in named Penelope (Rachel Weisz, Fred Claus, Constantine)as their latest mark... and she just happens to be a super rich heiress. Together they go on an adventurous journey across the seas, all part of Stephens elaborate con. The only real danger is Bloom falling in love, but then, "they'd never let the truth come between them."

I don't remember this movie being marketed very heavily, and can't recall seeing a trailer. I acquired it on a whim and was more than satisfied with what it delivered. I'm a thieving, con-artist move junkie, I love them... think Thomas Crowne. This was an excellent spin on the theme and all parties acted beautifully. I was really intrigued with Rachel Weisz's character. Obviously bright, though childishly naive at the same time. She always seemed to catch the fine details in the con, but could never really see how it all came together. And the scene with her and Adrien Bordy kissing is just freakin' hilarious. The only real laugh out loud moment for me. The romantic angle to the movie was just enough to not take over as the theme of the movie. Cinematography was very pleasing as well. This might be one of those rainy day movies, but watch with a friend because it will probably leave you with plenty to chat about after.

7.5/10

Rated: PG-13
114 mins

Next Day AIr (2009)

What appeared as a typical "black" comedy turns out to be well executed story of money, deception, and murder. Not quite what it seems as Next Day Air proves, "it's all in the delivery."

Hip-Hop music video director Benny Boom brings us the dysfunctional story of a day in the life of ten individuals whose paths will cross in a unforeseen series of events. Donald Faison (Scrubs) stars as Leo, a soon to be fired delivery driver who mistakenly drops off the right package to the wrong people. Small time thugs Brody (Mike Epps) and Guch (Wood Harris) work fast to move the product and score a big payday, but the original owner is hot and on a rampage to take back his goods. Watch the weed induced humor as the supporting cast (Omari Hardwick, Emilio Rivera, Cisco Reyes, and the always funny Mos Def) flips the scripts and heads start to roll.

While not being what I expected, it was enough to keep me entertained. From the previews and the actors, I really thought it would be your average, typical comedy in the vain of Friday, but that was not the case (though Mike Epps does use a line from the first few minutes of Friday After Next). The acting was surprisingly good for a cast, other than the main players, who haven't seemed to be in much more than TV. It was fun to see a serious crime plot involve such small time goons, especially ones high on weed. But is that not how it always is? People without a clue land a hopeful payday at the expense of big time mafioso? What I'm saying is that it is a painfully unoriginal story. These days, making it "in the hood" isn't enough to carry a film.

6.5/10

Rated: R
84 mins

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)

This remake of the 1974 film of the same name delivers unexpectedly, but ultimately adds nothing to the original. It's best described as an old car with a new paint job, but still purrs like a kitten.

Denzel Washington (American Gangster, Inside Man) takes on the character originally played by Walter Matthau, Lt. Zachary Garber (though in this version, to pay homage to Matthau, the character was renamed Walter Garber) in this over the phone face-off with a criminal mastermind directed by Tony Scott (Man on Fire, Domino). Ryder (Jon Travolta, Wild Hogs, Be Cool), along with his three accomplices, are holding a NYC subway car and all of its passengers hostage, demanding a $10mil ransom. It's up to Garber to facilitate the actions therein, keeping Ryder cool and distracted, while he himself figures it all out. Is Garber in on the whole things? How could they possible escape? Is it really all about the ransom, or is someone working a hidden angle? It just makes you wonder what's, "the going rate for a New York city hostage today?"

This movie, though good, was simply just a remake. Perhaps that is what it was meant for, and not a reinvention. If it ain't broke right? The story is your classic perfect robbery scenario, where the bad guy is the only one who really knows how he's going to get away. The dialog between Denzel and Travolta was masterful, and a real pleasure to experience. The supporting cast of Luis Guzman, John Turturro and James Gandolfini all did an impeccable job of adding to the already stellar leads. I really enjoyed seeing Turturro in a role not unlike his Sector 7, awkwardly authoritative character from Transformers... he just gets no respect.

If you haven't seen the original, go ahead and give this one a whirl, there's definitely enough to keep you entertained. Otherwise, pick up a copy of Money Train, I enjoyed it a lot more.

7.4/10

Rated: R
106 mins