Based on a true story, the most recent thrill ride from Tony Scott pits old school conductor Washington and his new trainee Pine against a runaway train loaded with volatile chemicals speeding toward a populated area. Does anyone else feel like Washington's devotion to Tony Scott is getting in the way of an even better career? Scott's movies are fine and generally entertaining but they don't exactly ask a lot from the headlining actors. Also, I'm kind of against this movie just because of the part of the trailer where a battalion of soldiers armed with M-16s open fire on the train. Why? I mean, seriously, why are they shooting at a train?
Waiting for Superman (2010)
A documentary by the Davis Guggenheim, the man behind "It Might Get Loud" (my top movie of 2009), "Superman" focuses on private and charter schools across the country and the heavy competition that takes place to get a spot in these schools. I've not decided whether I intend to add it to the list for the Documentary Project or not. On the surface, it sounds like an outstanding choice. But the recent revelation that some (if not many) of the scenes were re-shot for dramatic effect and many of the facts presented herein were erroneous. I may have to dig a little deeper.
Blu Ray Pick of the Week or Whenever I Feel Like Picking One
Who doesn't appreciate this touching drama about a brash hustler (Cruise) who returns home after his father's death to discover that he has an older brother with autism (Hoffman)? It's an absolute classic and one that truly deserves the Blu-Ray treatment. Hoffman's performance is brilliant (obviously, considering his Best Actor win) but it is Cruise's journey to self-discovery and responsibility that really makes "Rain Man" work in my book. Great film.
Also New
You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (2010) - Anthony Hopkins, Josh Brolin, Naomi Watts
New to Blu
Moonstruck (1987) - Cher, Nicholas Cage
Last Tango in Paris (1972) - Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider
Network (1976) - Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Beatrice Straight
All the President's Men (1976) - Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman
Mr. Deeds (2002) - Adam Sandler, Winona Ryder, Peter Gallagher
Big Daddy (1999) - Adam Sandler, John Stewart, Joey Lauren Adams
They're shooting at the train in hopes of hitting an external killswitch. Unstoppable is one masterfully crafted thrill ride and my guilty pleasure movie of the year. It's a hell of a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, thanks for answering the question of the day. It was seriously driving me nuts every time I saw the trailer. I'm sure I'll end up renting it.
ReplyDelete