House of Sand and Fog (2003)

8.5/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

Everyone has something to defend, and something to protect.

Starring Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley House of Sand and Fog is phenomenal movie, that asks viewers to feel what the characters feel and let the emotions wash over you.

The film tears apart then piece back together the remnants of the mess. But before anything can settle, it rips off the scab leaving an unattended and exposed wound.

Jennifer Connelly gives a sublime performance balancing despair, fear, hopelessness and strength in her portrayal of Kathy. Ben Kingsley is equally fantastic in his Oscar nominated role. His portrays his character's emotions subtly, never having one emotion overtake another. You can see it in his eyes, the pride, strength and beliefs that burdens him...yet never once does he openly allow the feelings to pour through.

I haven't had a movie stir such a strong emotion in me. The hardest part of watching this film is the constant desire to reject the all the different emotions that fill this film. House of Sand and Fog asks you to reach deep inside your heart and feel...and that's what you should do--feel

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

9/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

Dark humor and film noir parody at it's best!

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is by far one of the funniest I've seen in a long time. A great cast, a well written storyline, hilarious dialogue, interesting cinematography and unique editing makes this film a must-see.

The opening scene had me laughing and by the opening credits I was in love with this film. The dialogue is brilliant, witty and hilarious that it'll have you laughing throughout. The characters in this film are so sarcastic that, if it's even possible they become serious.

The editing is fantastic, matching the shots perfectly with Harry Lockhart's (Robert Downey Jr) narration. They use a very interesting technique to dealing with flash backs and scene pauses. The cinematography is beautiful. There is never a boring shot as each shot is framed differently and angle strategically. For example, in one scene Harry is shot from an upward angle and slowly zoomed out to show the rest of the room behind him. This zooming is perfect as it builds up the atmosphere.

The only down part is that the storyline gets so complicated that it becomes confusing. My advice watch the film a couple times, each time focus on a different element (like dialogue, storyline, character development and cinematography).


Robert Downey Jr. does such a stellar performance in the lead role. His facial expressions and body gestures are another reason this film is hysterical.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Highly recommended! (sidenote: there's some mature subject matter)

Extreme Measure (1996)

7/10

Extreme Measure delivers a great storyline, fantastic acting and a wonderful lesson on morality. Starring Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gene Hackman, I am surprised this film hasn't gotten more recognition, as it is quite entertaining.

The film starts in such a mystifying manner that it creates a mysterious atmosphere before the main character is even introduced. The use of music further emphasizes this atmosphere, by staying almost unnoticed in the background. The music supports a very well written and complying storyline. The storyline, although not overly complicated, has a lot of content and does a fantastic job of leaving a bread trail of hints to unravelling the mystery of the film.

Seeing Hugh Grant in such a serious role is another bonus of this film. Grant portrays the character "Luthan" in such a realistic way that you forget Grant was ever in comedies (he’s that good!). Grant’s portrayal is able to capture the alliance of the audience and keeps everyone engaged from minute one.

The film revolves around the theme of morality, the theory of consequentialism, and integrity of cultures/communities. “Few die so many could live” whether to kill one to save the world. The film pushes viewers to ask “what is the correct choice” or “whether there is even a correct choice.”

Recommended! Extreme Measures is a very smart film that entertains at the same time providing a lesson on morality.