Tag Archives: Michael Sheen

Frost/Nixon (DVD)

Posted on by
1

This is the only movie that reminded me that maybe, just maybe, Richard Nixon was as human as all those who opposed him and despised his scandalous candor. “Frost/Nixon” takes you back to when David Frost (Michael Sheen) pulled off what no one believed he could–the only interview that gave the American people what they deserved to hear since the Watergate scandal. Short of an apology, Nixon (Frank Langella) finally admitted that he “let the country down… let the American People down.”

Langella delivers a very compelling role with Nixon’s character, making you unsure of the former president. I couldn’t decide if I’d love to hate him (Nixon) or hate to love him.

Oliver Platt delivers a subtly outsanding performance of Robert “Bob” Zelnick whose career depended on the outcome of this provocative and revealing interview. James Reston, Jr. (Sam Rockwell), a very passionate and informed activist who wanted nothing but to get Nixon to break down in front of the cameras and in front of the American viewers, wasn’t as concerned with his reputation as he was about Nixon’s. John Birt (Frost’s most intimate ally through the process) took a big plunge as well. Fearing (since the onset of Frost’s proposal) that no one in British media would ever again take his work seriously after the foreseeable nosedive of the great interview, he hesitantly humored Frost as he seemed just as curious about Nixon’s intentions to withhold apologies.

Nevertheless, Frost, Birt, Zelnick, and Reston chanced their careers for a very unpopular project–a project that wasn’t selling beforehand but was immediately successful at doing what it was meant to do… delivering Nixon in his most humble and vulnerable state of statesmanship.

Rent the movie, get a feel for what you might’ve missed out on in history, and look up the actual interviews to see how Nixon forever changed the presidency.

Four stars PLUS!

Underworld : Rise of the Lycans (Theaters)

Posted on by
9

The first time I screened the previews for this film, I was almost certain its producers were setting themselves up for disaster. As a huge fan of the Underworld series, the thought of a prequel without Kate Beckinsale or original screenwriter Len Wiseman at its helm didn’t sit right with me. However, after all my apprehension and doubt, I found myself drawn to a film which boasted vampire versus werewolf in a medieval setting.

Surprisingly, Underworld Rise of the Lycans was one of those rarities which combined all the proper elements for an exciting and well paced feature film. Even without Beckinsale and Wiseman’s involvement, Underworld RL prevailed.

The one thing that stood out for me was its storyline. Fans of the franchise had a brief background history regarding the war between Lycan and Vampire, but seeing it drawn out on the silver screen was definitely a worthwhile undertaking. The fact that Underworld RL was story driven rather than effects driven made the film a hundred times more interesting and I honestly can’t recall a time I was more intrigued with a fantasy film since the epic trilogy The Lord of the Rings.

The setting of the film was also a nice bonus. Yes it was still dreary and dark, but it felt much more natural and appropriate in its medieval setting rather than on a subway station in the middle of some urban city. Arrows and swords replaced submachine guns and shotguns while castles and forests replaced side alleys and sewers.

Finally there was the question about the cast. Without Beckinsale, who would be the star of the show? I was so glad they brought back Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy. Sheen’s portrayal of Lucian, the first of the Lycan race was on point and I honestly don’t think anyone else would have been able to pull it off the way he did. In the film, Lucian was portrayed more as a hero than a villain (unlike in the first two installments) and I thought that was an excellent touch. His chemistry with actress Rhona Mitra was evident throughout the entire film, and their “forbidden” romance tied in perfectly with its storyline. Nighy was also necessary ingredient for Underworld RL’s success and his appearance as the infamous Viktor was definitely a huge boost for the feature.

What I appreciated most about Underworld RL was that it answered quite a few questions and provided some nice insight into the world of the Lycans prior to their rebellion against their vampire masters. The film never dragged and its ninety or so odd minutes goes by in a flash. If your a Underworld fan like myself, feel free to indulge yourself with a little fantasy and gore. It is absolutely worth the price of admission.