Propelled by Cliff Martinez’s other terrific score of 2011 (“Drive” being the other), “Contagion” starts there, on day two of a new, highly lethal virus’ outbreak. Why not day one? There’s a valid reason for that. With the skill of a circus veteran, Soderbergh and writer Scott Z. Burns (“The Informant!”) keep many plates spinning, […]
The King’s Speech
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In Her Skin
The IFC Films release continues a recent home-vid trend of giving away a huge plot point it needn’t. Same goes for the trailer below; watch only at your own risk. You’ll learn the twist of the Australian drama; after all, it’s based on a true story. But in not knowing, Simone North’s film keeps you […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The King’s Speech
Real-life story of an embattled hero overcoming a handicap? Check. About the British monarchy? Check. Customarily great British actors being customarily great and, um, British? Check. Still, “Speech” also has another trick up its sleeve: It is excellent — a rare work of Oscar-bait as satisfying as it purports to be. And it is anchored […]
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A Summer in Genoa
In this case, that season is “A Summer in Genoa,” another ambitious but failed enterprise by director Michael Winterbottom (the Oklahoma-lensed “The Killer Inside Me”). Just now hitting DVD domestically, the 2008 film has the benefit of starring Colin Firth, fresh off his Oscar win for “The King’s Speech.” That alone may trigger some initial […]