Reviews

My topic hopper has a long list of ideas for columns. Many regular readers often ask me to write about something important to them, and I am quite often more than willing to oblige. Sometimes there are some concepts or thoughts that are far from earth shattering in importance, but they simply appeal to me. Movie reviews are often at the top of my interest list, but rarely do I get to indulge my insights on particular cinematic productions. However, recently, I viewed what I consider three worthwhile video gems.

All of these movies were released at least a year ago, and can now be viewed by renting them or watching them on satellite television.

"The Changeling" is a great period piece movie that should surprise no one in its quality. Two of our greatest movie personalities teamed up in its production, and both were nominated for Academy Awards.

Clint Eastwood was the film's director, and as usual, Clint provides the viewer with a movie that is easy to watch and follow. Whatever his secret is in making a good movie should be learned by more directors.

Angelina Jolie plays the lead in the movie. She was again nominated for an Academy Award for this portrayal. She plays the part of Christine Collins. This is the true story of a young single mother who, in 1928 Los Angeles, loses her son, Walter, in a kidnapping.

In a story line that only real life could concoct, a corrupt police department tries to convince her that a different boy who is returned to her a few months later is her real son.

Actor Jeffrey Donavan of television's "Burn Notice" gives an outstanding performance as a vicious police detective. This movie covers several years in time, and I thought the costumes in this movie should certainly have won an award as well.

The second movie I am reviewing and recommending is "Body of Lies." This movie stars two more Academy Award winning actors as well as an Academy Award winning director. When you combine acclaimed director Ridley Scott with actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, something good is likely to result.

The setting for this movie is the current day Middle East. DiCaprio is an undercover CIA agent. His boss is Russell Crowe. The plot represents what is on all of our minds in America ever since 9-11. How do we track down the terrorists and their leaders before they strike us again.

In a very realistic view of the Middle East, this movie displays all of the issues that are at play in the world we live in today. DiCaprio plays the part of a man we all hope is out there working on our behalf.

He speaks fluent Arabic, and can pass himself off in almost any country over there as a native. He has very close ties with some Jordanian intelligence officials that have him on the track of an Osama Bin Laden type of character.

Things get messy because his boss (Crowe) is constantly undermining his actions in the name of national security. An additional issue is his attraction to a local woman who the enemy uses against him.

Scott's direction also gives the viewer a sense of timing that leads to suspense and foreboding. In the end, the movie leaves you with some sobering insights into the mess that America and all Western countries face in this troubled region.

I left the movie realizing that we are a long way from having any security when it comes to Middle Eastern terrorism. Every American should see this movie.

The final movie on my watch list was more of an entertainment motion picture. "Cadillac Records" is one of those cinematic productions that seem to slip through the cracks somehow. It definitely should not have been a show that was under the radar for true movie and music fans.

In the '50s, before rock 'n' roll came on the scene, there was another brand of music that would lead the way for people like Elvis Presley. It was known first by the derogatory term "race music." Radio stations were afraid to call it by the term "rhythm and blues," which was its real name.

This movie is again based on a true story. A young white man forms a record label and studio. His name is Leonard Chess, and he calls his company Chess Records.

His first major star is the renowned rhythm and blues artist, Muddy Waters. Waters is from the deep south, and he plays a guitar and sings like no one has ever heard before. Joining Waters is a man he always refers to as the greatest harmonica player ever, Little Walter.

When the music begins to catch on, Chess is always giving the musicians a new cadillac each time there is a hit. This is the basis of the name for the movie.

One particular star in this movie made it worth the viewing all by herself. Beyonce' Knowles, portrays the legendary singer, Etta James. In the movie Knowles sings several of Etta's hits, and they are not dubbed. Her voice and acting surprised me completely.

Beyonce' was someone I had heard of, but I was not familiar with her music before. She shows a lot of promise. Her voice is one that comes along once in a generation, and she can, like Streisand, act as well.

Often movies that star a predominately black cast do not do well at the box office. There is a reason for this, and this movie addresses this concept in a subtle but honest way. If you love music and its history this movie is a must see.

Movies are America's history just as much as any library collection. They make us see things we need to see. These are three movies that will entertain and teach as well.