3. Edge of Darkness
So I've bashed this movie pretty hard, particularly it's molasses pacing and inability to muster up any suspense. But with that said, Mel Gibson's performance as a grizzled Boston cop investigating the murder of his activist daughter is compelling stuff, and the chief reason to check this film out. It's good to see Gibson back at the top of his game. This is his first starring role since 2002, when he starred in both We Were Soldiers
and M. Night Shymalan's Signs
. 2. A Single Man
A Single Man has expanded to more theatres this week thanks to the Oscar buzz generated by it's star, the brilliant Colin Firth. This is his most daring performance yet, starring as a homosexual man going through the motions of life after dealing with the death of his partner. A dreamy and glamorous directorial debut from fashion designer, Tom Ford.
1. The Book of Eli
Even if you're sick of the barren post-apocalyptic scenarios like I am, Denzel Washington manages to raise this film's status through sheer charisma alone. He stars as a travelling road warrior, a book toting badass on a mysterious mission. If after all this time you still haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and keep your eyes off any reviews...yes, even mine, that might spoil the film's twisty conclusion.
DVD Pick of the Week: Whip It
I think I like Drew Barrymore better behind the camera at this point. Her directorial debut is a perky and upbeat coming of age flick for the tweeny-bopper set. Ellen Page stars as an insightful, quirky girl in a small town(not unlike her Juno
character) who's life is full of gowns, make-up, and beauty pageants. That is until she discovers the world of women's roller derby, and finds her niche as a jamming, elbow throwing badass. Expecting little, Whip It is a ton of fun, and full of strong performances by Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, and Jimmy Fallon.
