Luftslottet som sprängdes (2009, Sweden)

Larsson's novels were very complex and involved a lot of detail about Swedish politics. The films, especially this third film, was much more simple, but still a passable adaptation. The first was definitely the best. This was an interesting look at the Swedish legal system. Apparently the judges/jury, prosecution, defense, and witnesses just sit in a big circle and talk it out! It makes it difficult to believe that the corruption that's the basis for these stories could possibly occur in such a country.

My biggest complaint about this installment was the abrupt ending. It just felt way too sudden. Otherwise, my comment would all be repetitive from the two other films. I will repeat, I think for the second time, that Noomi Rapace is a stellar actress. I look forward to seeing her in more movies.

Rating: 3.5

Black Swan (2010, U.S.)

I really don't know how to rate this film. I'm giving it a 3.0 because I could appreciate all the technical aspects—acting, cinematography, score, costuming, writing. It really was phenomenal. On the other hand, I don't remember the last time I felt so psychologically damaged after watching a movie. I guess you could consider that to be some powerful filmmaking, but I was completely out of sorts for the rest of the day and just can't give it more.

The use of colors was quite well done. There was a very monochromatic scheme, mostly whites, blacks, and grays. Perhaps the colors were symbolic. Nina (Portman's character) wears a lot of gray, while the other dancers wear white and Lily (the slightly evil nemesis) wears black. There's an occasional splash of pink (inevitable in a ballet film), though most of it appears in her "innocent" bedroom.

I was very impressed with the score, which incorporated a lot of crashing ballet-type music, which gave voice to Nina's state of mind and gave the film a frantic feel. It also added to the terror.

Of course the acting was superb. I've always seen Vincent Cassel as a lively, playful, mischievous man, very French and sexy in a fun sort of way. This film gave him a whole new persona. Much more masculine, dangerous, powerful. He is very talented. Natalie Portman is another brilliant actor, with one of the most expressive faces I have ever seen. The way her eyebrows dip down when she cries make her look so childlike, and she seamlessly transitions from innocent to terrified to terrifyingly chilling. She really looked like she was having a mental breakdown. A truly powerful performance, and I knew she would win the Oscar for her role.

Lastly, what an ending. Obviously I won't give it away, but I will say that I didn't see that coming. On the other hand, I don't know how it could have ended otherwise. Pretty stunning.

Rating: 3.0

The Yellow Handkerchief (2008, U.S.)

This is a film about an unlikely trio of three very lonely people. Martine is a beautiful teenager who feels trapped in her backwater Louisiana town. When Gordy, an awkward itinerant, stops in town, she somehow ends up in his convertible, heading across the river. Then they pick up Brett, a quiet man who was just released from prison. When a storm (Hurricane Katrina) hits, they take shelter in a hotel together. As they continue their journey through the destruction of Louisiana after the hurricane, they begin to piece together solutions to each other's loneliness. Martine senses Brett's loneliness, and Brett senses Gordy's. They help each other find the answers that they can't find for themselves.

The beauty of this film is in its simplicity and in the quiet brilliance of the actors. I don't know if I've ever seen William Hurt in action, but this role seemed tailored for him. Kristen Stewart, who I always say is an under-appreciated actor, was solid in this role (although it seemed almost like it didn't offer he much of a challenge). And Eddie Redmayne has yet to cease amazing me. I can't think of a single person who plays the socially awkward, sweetly well-meaning, intelligent young man as well as he does. Breathtaking. Add to that the slow, almost languid pace and the authentic Louisiana scenery, and you've got a winner.

I liked this film. I think the main thing that would have made me like it more was if the focus was spread more evenly across the ensemble. Although there are arguably three main characters, the focus is obviously on Brett. More balance would have improved an already wonderful film.

Rating: 4.0

Fallen (2006, U.S.)

I decided to watch this made-for-TV movie because I wanted to see Paul Wesley in another role besides that of Stefan in Vampire Diaries, a role he was clearly born to play. He wasn't bad here, but this movie was obviously a terrible vehicle for any young actor.

Basically this is a cheesy, low budget flick about an adopted boy who discovers that he is the son of a fallen angel, and his destiny is to save the world, in so many words. The special effects are obviously low budget. The writing is terribly lame. The plot could have used a lot of fleshing out.

The one saving grace was that some of the acting is really stellar. Paul Wesley was good, though he's much better as a vampire than an angel. The real show-stealers were Tom Skerritt as Ezekiel and Hal Ozsan as Azazel, both fallen angels who walk the line between good and bad. Skerritt was a sort of witty, wise, slightly crazy old man. Ozsan was a witty, sexy, irreverent bad boy. Between these three actors, they kept this one from being a total tragedy. But it was awfully close.

Rating: 2.0

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004, U.S.)

I'm not sure why I wanted to watch this film or what I expected from it. I figured it was a modern classic, since it had been released by Criterion. Also, I'd see anything with Cate Blanchett, because she's brilliant.

Mostly, I just found it to be odd. The plot was based on an entirely bizarre premise, and many of the developments didn't make much sense. The characters seemed mostly flat and their relationships forced. Ultimately, this famous comedy didn't strike me as funny at all.

I really just don't have much to say, because I'm still asking myself what just happened.

Rating: 2.5