Rewind Wednesday: The Usual Suspects

"What the cops never figured out, and what I know now, was that these men would never break, never lie down, never bend over for anybody. Anybody." -Verbal Kent

I'm sure we all remember that line. Well its that time again for the Rewind Wednesday this week. Today's selection is one that really gets your mind churning from beginning to end. The Usual Suspects is another movie to add to the classics. This 1995 neo-noir American film written by Christopher McQuarrie, would include an all-star cast of actors (Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin, Kevin Pollak, Benicio del Toro, Giancarlo Esposito, Pete Postlethwaite, Dan Hedaya, Suzy Amis) who we now see on the forefront of movies today.

Following a truck hijack in New York, five conmen are arrested and brought together for questioning. With none of them being guilty, they set out to plan a revenge operation against the police. On a high note, the operation goes well, but then the influence of a legendary mastermind criminal called Keyser Söze makes his presence known. Now it becomes apparent that each one of them has wronged Söze in some sort of way and must pay back now. The payback job leaves 27 men dead in a boat explosion, but the real question arises now: Who actually is Keyser Söze?

Can you believe The Usual Suspects was shown out of competition at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival, and then initially released in few theaters ? It received favorable reviews, and was eventually given a wider release. McQuarrie won an Academy Award for the screenplay and Spacey won the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance. The film, shot on a $6 million budget, originally began as a title taken from a column in Spy magazine called "The Usual Suspects", after Claude Rains' line in Casablanca. Singer thought that it would be a good title for a film, the poster for which he and McQuarrie had developed as the first visual idea.

The Usual Suspects was well-received by most critics and it has an 89% rating at Rotten Tomatoes and a 77 metascore on Metacritic. While embraced by most viewers and critics, The Usual Suspects was the subject of harsh derision by some. Roger Ebert, in a review for the Chicago Sun-Times, gave the film one-and-a-half stars out of four. He also includes the movie in his "most hated films" list. USA Today gave the film two-and-a-half stars out of four, calling it, "one of the most densely plotted mysteries in memory - though paradoxically, four-fifths of it is way too easy to predict".

However, Rolling Stone magazine praised Spacey, saying his "balls-out brilliant performance is Oscar bait all the way". Hal Hinson, in his review for the Washington Post wrote, "Ultimately, The Usual Suspects may be too clever for its own good. The twist at the end is a corker, but crucial questions remain unanswered. What's interesting, though, is how little this intrudes on our enjoyment. After the movie you're still trying to connect the dots and make it all fit - and these days, how often can we say that?" The Independent praised the film's ending: "The film's coup de grace is as elegant as it is unexpected. The whole movie plays back in your mind in perfect clarity - and turns out to be a completely different movie to the one you've been watching (rather better, in fact)".

This will always be a classic and a favorite of mine. And you already know its in the DVD collection.

And here's one more to take you home...

"After that my guess is that you will never hear from him again. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist. And like that... he is gone. " -Verbal Kent

Many have said this is one of the best endings ever...

I Smell Another Oscar in the Making!!

What more can I say about this film?! I had expectations of grandeur and delight and I was not disappointed at all. I have two words that describe this great film, The Soloist...natural and authentic. There is not a shadow of doubt that The Soloist did its thing in the movie theaters this weekend. This is a prime example of a good quality film that both adults and children can enjoy and learn from all at the same time.

Who would have thought that a unexpected befriendship would turn into a lifetime connection. Well that is what happened with Los Angeles Times journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr.) and musical genius Nathaniel Ayers, Jr. The Soloist chronicles the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musical prodigy who develops schizophrenia while attending the famed Juilliard School. Ayers who would becomes homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, playing the violin and the cello, harnessing his passion for classical music. All in the same time battling his own evils, but still at the same time indirectly teaching those around him.

What we see happening in this film is that in the midst of Lopez fighting to save the life of Mr. Ayers, he begins to realize that Ayers insurmountable passion and love for music reconnects his own soul to appreciating and loving his life. Just think how one person can literally change your whole life and mindset all at the same time. Now one thing that struck me about this movie was that the actual Mr. Nathaniel Ayers insisted that the director use the actual people who lived in Skid Row, so that the story could be a true to form as possible. That one simple request made the movie stand out even more so that we could actually go into the minds of those battling with mental illness versus someone acting it out. Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. do an excellent job of portraying these two individuals. They make it believeable and realistic. Its almost as though you can feel the characters within them. Both actors have an artistic talent which makes them both perfect for their respective roles. I would not have it any other way.

This movie by far has the best screenplay for 2009 so far. The Soloist is a movie that demonstrates that you don't have to have a 2-3 hour movie to get a point across to its viewers. I was truly amazed with Director Joe Wright, he was able to capture a genuine picture of the life a talented man who just needed a friend to look out for him and give him some direction. The awesome thing about this story is that not only did Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez gain a strong bond and friendship but that helped fill a void for the other person without even realizing the impact of their meeting.

All I can say is that I am at a loss for words, this movie is truly powerful and a great film of reflection.

Grade: A

This Just In....

A successful asset manager, who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage. But when a temp worker starts stalking him, all the things he's worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy.

So you know I had to go see the new movie Obsessed for two reasons, numero uno Idris Elba, that brotha is something else. Anything he does is always good or great! And the number two reason I had to see this movie was to see if Beyonce could improve upon her acting, or is she only good for those biographical, singing roles. Now I know there are many folk out there who hate on Beyonce's acting skills (me being one of them), but I will admit she did pretty good.

Obsessed in which she co-executive produced with her father Matthew Knowles as well as Earvin "Magic" Johnson actually did a good job on what I would like to call a modern day "Fatal Attraction".

Now one must admit from just the title alone you can automatically guess what this movie is going to be like from beginning to end. Crazy nutty girl who falls for the high level boss and the somewhat naive but gutsy wife steps in to let you its about to go down if you cross the line. Throughout the film, we are shown obvious signals that this "temp girl" is a force to be reckon with and if you don't cut her juggular now it will only become worse. Its real simple to see that Dereck Charles' (Idris Elba) life becomes flipped upside down in a instant from the minute he stepped on the elevator to go to work. He tried to be the loyal husband and great father, protector but he forgot one thing gotta clue your wife in on the situation too. Considering she worked in the office herself so she knows the deal!! I will say this the directors wee ver creative with the storyline, it made sure to captivate the audience and become personal cheerleaders for the winning team (Dereck and Sharon!!). Cause please believe Beyonce had her fans up in the building, yelling "Get em girl"...lol. But hey I guess that's the whole point right. Yep!

Overall, Beyonce and Idris characters have a bit of chemistry with their bad boy/bad girl personas but there was just a tad bit of overacting on the part of Ms. Beyonce. I think she tried to bring out Sasha Fierce and it just didn't quite work. However, Ali Larter on the other hand did what any typical psycho chick would do and did it with ease. You definitely will get a mouthful with this film even though we already know what's going to happen in the end.

Grade: B

Weekend Line-Up!!

Well Ladies and Gentleman, the weekend line-up is definitely filled with some heavy hitters (no pun intended lol)...Lets see what's on the docket:

The Soloist (Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr.)
Obsessed (Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter)
Fighting (Channing Tatum,Terrence Howard, Brian J. White)
Tyson:Documentary
The Informers (Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Winona Ryder, Mickey Rourke)

Enjoy!! And stay tuned for G-Breezy's reviews!! Have a safe and fun weekend!

And I'm OUT!

Homerun Hitter!!: State of Play

If you really want to see a political thriller full of action then State of Play is the movie for you!! This film is will keep you on your toes guessing from the first minute what is about to go down!! This movie is a film adaptation of the critically acclaimed 6-part British television serial State of Play, which first aired on BBC One in 2003.

A plot which is very similar to that of the original 6-part program, retaining several main characters, but condensed and changed certain aspects to fit for a two-hour format. State of Play is set in Washington, D.C. and tells of Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), a fast-rising United States Congressman whose mistress (Maria Thayer), a former research assistant, is found dead in suspicious circumstances. During a probe into a series of seemingly unrelated murders, Cal McAffrey (Crowe), an investigative journalist and Collins' former friend, finds himself tasked with solving the case. A tangled web has been woven and now it is up to the reporters, the congressman and anyone else to make sure they come out alive and in the clear.

In addition to a great plot, we have a fantastic cast of actors on the forefront. With Crowe as the determined reporter who is torn between love, friendship, and work we see a softer yet still hard-core side of him. Affleck, shows us that even the innocent, or presumed innocent can ruin a country and worse yet a long-standing friendship. Then you have the docile, but persistent Rachel McAdams who sheds light on the feisty, yet sweet hungry reporter just trying to make her mark. And of course there's always the supporting cast that just adds more fuel to this great running engine, some of these folks include Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis just to name a few.

You are given the opportunity to take another look at the wonderful life of politics and how everything goes down. This is one of those films that I would recommend to any aspiring reporter or journalist, it gives you a taste of what really goes down. I also liked the fact that it intertwined and stayed up-to-date and current with the times. It even mentioned the world of blogging!! even though there were not nearly enough previews this was definitely a good movie to continue the line of spring flicks. Definitely worth your $10!

Grade: A/B+

Rewind Wednesday: Double Header Feature!!

Over the weekend I watched two totally different movies, but great in there own right!! I literally glued to the tv for a straight 6 hours watching both of these films. One I had seen a long time ago and the other I never seen, and still wondering how I missed it.

Girl, Interrupted is a 1999 drama film about a teen's 18-month stay at a mental institution, and stars Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. It was adapted from the original memoir of the same name, written by Susanna Kaysen. Being a psych major in college this is one of those movies that would be perfect to analyze because every typical mental patient is featurd in this movie. And I am sure many Abnormal Psychology courses covered this movie. I am actually considering going and getting the book to see the differences, and to see how this movie got its foundation.



The storyline of this film is so unique in that it effectively shows the problems many people have to face when being young. What makes this movie standout from many movies like this is that it is based upon the experience of the real Susanna Kaysen, which means that the story is not only real but also authentic and not "puffed-up" for entertainment purposes. The true reality is there in full effect!! Girl, Interrupted also showcases the actors in raw form their personalities truly mesh with their character roles. Anyone can see Whoopie Goldberg, Winona Ryder and Jared Leto seem just perfect for the roles they embody. The story, can be see as a torn love affair with a perfect musical score In addition to great songs more or less known from those hard days known as the 60's. This is a MUST SEE for everyone especially if you are yearning for a deep, thoughtful and emotional film full of great acting!

This film was actually a great bounce board for newcomer angelina Jolie, who would end up stealing the shine in this movie and racking up an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) for Best Supporting Actress.

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Now this next one totally slipped past I don't know how I missed this one on the radar, but its a doozy!! if you want to see a true dsyfunctional family in its finest, this is the movie for you!!

Home for the Holidays is a 1995 comedy-drama film directed by Jodie Foster is sure to get your funny bone into action. The story is about Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter), a single mom who spends Thanksgiving at the home of her parents, Adele (Anne Bancroft) and Henry Larson (Charles Durning) while her only child Kitt (Claire Danes) decides to spend the holiday with her boyfriend. It also does not help that Claudia has just lost her job. The family gathering also includes Claudia's conservative sister, Joanne Larson Wedman (Cynthia Stevenson), her husband Walter (Steve Guttenberg) and their children; Claudia's gay brother Tommy (Robert Downey, Jr) and his new friend Leo Fish (Dylan McDermott); and her eccentric aunt Glady (Geraldine Chaplin).

This film was actually put into motion after adapted a short story by Chris Radant appeared in a Boston newspaper. Executive producer Stuart Kleinman sent Jodie Foster the screenplay with a note that said, "It's a complete mess and I love it" and from that point the filming began. Foster remembers. They worked on the script so that the film reflected Foster's point-of-view and her own life experiences. She showed the first draft to Holly Hunter who agreed to star after reading it. Working with a $20 million budget, Foster spent ten weeks filming in Baltimore with a two-week rehearsal period. Filming of the Thanksgiving dinner took more than ten days, using 64 turkeys, 20 pounds of mashed potatoes, 35 pounds of stuffing, 44 pies, 30 pounds of sweet potatoes, 18 bags of mini-marshmellows and 50 gallons of juice that stood in for wine. And to top it off, Foster allowed Robert Downey Jr. to improvise which got his juices really flowing about making films again after a period of time where he became a little disenchanted with acting.

Boston Globe writer, Jay Carr praised the film for being "filled with juicy performances that expand resourcefully beyond what we think are going to be their boundaries, the film carries us beyond our expectations. That's what makes it so pleasurable". And USA Today gave the film three out of four stars and wrote, "Home has the usual hellish ritual. They come, they eat, they argue, they leave. It's the stuffing in-between that makes it special".

Uh-Oh...Its about to go down!!

Well check this out Mike Epps may have gotten the shaft on the Richard Pryor movie where his performance was so highly anticipated. The streets say, Eddie Murphy came in and pretty much finished up the role. However Mike believes that Pryor’s REAL wishes will still come true:

In a recent interview with Jawn Murray, when asked about Eddie portraying Richard Pryor in the upcoming biopic, Mike replied, “No disrespect, but I sat with Richard Pryor for an entire year, and he hand-picked me to play that role.” Will he ultimately play Richard in another film? “I believe that Richard’s spirit will determine that.”

What do the people have to say about that?!!! Hmmm did Murphy give Epps the shaft!