Movie Reviews

Movies I have seen recently—let’s hope I don't sacrifice quality for brevity (as I have done oh so many times in the past):

The Boondock Saints~ Though drowning in an excess of profane language, this film is partially redeemed by its intricate plot and skilled acting. Unlike most action films, Saints isn't focused on violence for violence's sake. Instead, it attempts (if unsuccessfully) to reveal violence as a means to justice. In doing so, however, the film does display a contempt for law and the authority vested by God in the State. While Saints does an excellent job of portraying the evil/corruption of modern society, it fails to acknowledge any standard higher than the individual's desire for vengeance. As a result, the film's concept of justice is self-contradictory, since it both condones and condemns the individual's right to act outside of the law. Yet another secular attmept to create a moral standard independent of the Divine.

Curious George~ This recent movie, while simple, fullfills its role as an entertaining children's piece. Remaining (at least principly) faithful to the beloved H.A. Rey stories, the film follows the adventures of a bumbling museum curator-gone-explorer and his mischievous companion, the monkey George. Avoiding the pitfalls of so many modern "children's" movies (I'm thinking of Shrek, among others), Curious George neither wastes its time appealing to a crass adult audience nor over-moralizes for a younger audience. Accompanied by a charming soundtrack, this film is certainly successful as a work of children's cinematography.

Crash~ Although publicity and popularity are often the trademarks of a shallow film, the Oscar award-winning Crash may qualify as a rare exception. Reminiscent of Thorton Wilder's story The Bridge of San Luis Rey, this film depicts the collision between inextricably connected lives and the cultures they represent. It focuses on real issues of social justice, avoiding the temptation to overemphasize the plight of one particular race/people. And unlike The Boondock Saints, Crash does not advocate vengeance as a means to justice, but rather takes the more biblical view that only forgiveness and grace can triumph over human depravity. All-in-all, both a very persuasive and a poignant portrayal of the human condition.