MOVIE REVIEW: THE CAPTAINS

ON DVD / NETFLIX STREAMING

THE CAPTAINS



The Captains is a feature length documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. The film follows Shatner as he interviews the other actors whom have portrayed Starship captains within the illustrious science-fiction franchise.

Directed by William Shatner.

Starring: William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula, Chris Pine

Runtime: 97 min

Genres: Documentary

The Captains is the kind of documentary that’s required viewing for Trek fans like me. Your enjoyment of it may depend on how much you enjoyed William Shatner. Shatner directs and produces this insightful and occasionally emotional peek at the actors that have occupied the captain’s chair in Star Trek’s various iterations. While the documentary is supposed to be about the actors, Shatner never allows the spotlight to shine to far from him. Shatner as an interviewer is always interesting to see as he can be funny and terribly self aware while being incredibly self-centered. Personally, I found him enjoyable as he listens to various anecdotes from Patrick Stewart, Avery Brook, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula and Chris Pine. Shatner covers a wide range of topics mostly from the actors point of view, so those expecting deep musings into Trek story lines will be disappointed. Those who have interest in what it like as an actor to deal with a franchise will find lots to enjoy. Thing get very personal when the subject of divorce and family comes up, giving the film an unexpected emotional kick. The Captains is a Shatner production through and through, albeit a very personal one, but excellent viewing for any fan who’s interested in the people behind the characters.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: THE INFORMANT!

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

ON DVD



THE INFORMANT!



A rising star in the agricultural industry suddenly turns whistleblower in hopes of gaining a lucrative promotion and becoming a hero of the common people, inadvertently revealing his penchant for helping himself to the corporate coffers and ultimately threatening to derail the very investigation he helped to launch in this offbeat comedy from Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh. Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon) was fast rising through the ranks at agri-industry powerhouse Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) when he became savvy to the company's multinational price-fixing conspiracy, and decided to turn evidence for the FBI. Convinced that he'll be hailed as a hero of the people for his efforts, Whitacre agrees to wear a wire in order to gather the evidence needed to convict the greedy money-grabbers at ADM. Unfortunately, both the case -- and Whitacre's integrity -- are compromised when FBI agents become frustrated by their informant's ever-shifting account, and discover that he isn't exactly the saintly figure he made himself out to be. Unable to discern reality from Whitacre's fantasy as they struggle to build their case against ADM, the FBI watches in horror as the highest-ranking corporate bust in U.S. history threatens to implode before their very eyes. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide




Director: Steven Soderbergh

Cast: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, Melanie Lynskey, Rick Overton.

Release Date: Sep 18, 2009

Rated R for language

Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.



Genres: Comedy, Crime Drama, Thriller




Review:




Steven Soderbergh’s The Informant! is the type of film that keeps you off balance but he does it in such a subtle way that you don’t know it till the end. Soderbergh’s film has a light and engaging feel that keeps you interested even with what seems like a fairly straight forward plot. Interesting visual and musical choices give this film a 70’s feel even though the entire thing takes place in the 90’s. His direction is organic and never forced something he’s perfected over the years. A hefty Matt Damon is equally impressive in the lead role as Mark Whitacre, giving the audience a real sense of the character’s state of mind and seemingly endless circular logic. Damon gives his a character an undeniable likability even as we find out more about him. Needless to say, he’s in top form here and he supported by a strong and if unexpected cast. Outside of Scott Bakula, the majority of the supporting players are made up of stand up comics in non comedic roles. It makes for an interesting effect and maintains the off balance sensibility of the overall film. Soderbergh’s approach may not be for every one especially people who are expecting a certain type of film going in but it’s hard to deny how clever and witty the overall construction of it is. It’s the type of film that requires repeated viewings to appreciate fully.


B+