The Strip Movie Review

The Strip (2009) brings together a great group of improvisers headed by the master, Dave Foley. Hilarity and friendship power this creative and realistic story that many will relate to. Mundane jobs, office pranks, dating, cheating, family, and dreams are all intertwined into an uplifting and funny tale of life and its challenges.

The second-rate electronic store Electri-City in the strip mall is managed by Glenn (Dave Foley). He has worked there for the majority of his life working up through the ranks and often reads manager publications to get ideas for team building exercises. Living a stable, but boring life, he is drawn to the beautiful new manager at the next door fabric store. When he begins ignoring his wife (Gail Rastorfer) and looking for reasons to go to the fabric store his life becomes unpredictable.

Also working at the store is an odd but lovable group of sales associates. Avi (Federico Dordei) is preparing for his marriage that was arrange by his parents to a wonderful women according to her written résumé. When he finally sees her picture he is totally freaked out! Rick (Cory Christmas) is your typical loudmouth jock ladies man that has an acting career on the cusp of taking off. Jeff (Billy Aaron Brown) lives in his van with a sweet TV he was able to afford by subletting his apartment. By not paying $600 a month rent and getting $600 for his apartment he has $1,200 for whatever he needs...huh? When he figures out his calculations are a bit off he moves in with Glenn and his wife.

Kyle (Rodney Scott) is being primed to take over his father's empire. His father owns the franchise of Electri-City stores that includes the one Kyle works at. What he thought he wanted is questioned when he meets Melissa (Jenny Wade), a young vibrant women that encourages him to do what he really wants in life.

7 out of 10 - Rated PG-13 - The Strip had me cracking up many times! Life is hard but with good people, no matter how crazy they are, it can be enjoyable. The movie can be a touch slow at times and I found that a couple of the funny scenes came off as annoying. Overall it is a good fun movie that will certainly entertain. All the actors did an excellent job of playing (and enhancing) the unique and well developed characters. The cinematography, music, and editing are of the high quality we have come to expect. It was written and directed by Jameel Khan and produced by Jay Khan, with photography by Pete Biagi. You can see it in select theaters beginning December 4th.

Before I Self Destruct Movie Review

Before I Self Destruct (2009) is an uncompromising view of life in the inner-city that focuses on how things can change without warning. When that happens, you can be forced into making decisions that alter your path and the life of those around you. The story is told from the view of Clarence (Curtis Jackson), who also adds insightful narrative of his thoughts and past throughout the film.

Clarence and Shocka (Elijah Williams) are nurtured and loved by their hardworking single mother. Shocka is gifted academically and excelling in school while Clarence works at the grocery store after his future as a talented basketball player was shattered when he was injured on the court. Coming home one evening Clarence walks by the scene of a shooting without much thought, that is, until the police come to the door with the news that their mother was killed during a shooting. Life gets even harder when Clarence comes home to find an eviction notice the same night he is fired from his job for stealing food to feed his little brother.

After committing an act that opens the door to an illegal life he starts working for Sean (Clifton Powell) as an enforcer. He enforces Sean's enterprise and the code of the streets with deadly force. Shocka's life keeps getting better because Clarence shields him from everything. He is a positive role model at home and keeps Shocka on the right path. As Shocka asks... How long can this continue?

7 out of 10 - Rated R - Overall it is a powerful and thoughtful film that will leave a lasting impression on you. A few hilarious moments are thrown in to offset some of the seriousness. The acting is pretty simple and mostly holds true to the story and life, although a few of the lines from non-lead actors come across unnatural and forced at times. The cinematography was great; making many powerful scenes when combined with the music. I felt some of the sexual encounters where a bit over the top and not needed. Certainly worth the watch; the film is included in Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's new album.

Barbarossa and the Towers of Italy Documentary Review

Barbarossa and the Towers of Italy (2008) is a wonderful and interesting historical documentary about the torries (watchtowers) that adorn the coastlines of Italy and the role they played to thwart pirate attacks. Alex Cord narrates the film with passion and takes us into the lives of the Vigili and Saracen Pirates.

The film uses video, images, artwork, animation, and re-enactments to tell the history. I particularly liked the few moments of "down time", not excessive, but just enough to allow you to digest the information before going on to the next topic. Sequences of re-enactments help us visualize the events of the past by using period dress and filming on location; one in particular was movie like that truly conveyed the fear of a pirate attack.

8 out of 10 - If you are a history buff, plan on visiting Italy, or even live there, this is a must see documentary! You can tell a great amount of research went into ensuring accurate details where given.

Ink Movie Review

Ink (2009) is a climax of audio and visual stimulation that takes you on a journey of the subconsciousness. The dark and light forces fight over the soul in a thrilling and thought provoking metaphysical world that is linked to the physical one. This science fiction fantasy is packed with action between mesmerizing sequences of relaxation and happiness that offset the dark and uneasy world of the Incubi.

The Incubi give nightmares while the Storytellers offer dreams of hope. These two groups battle for Emma (Quinn Hunchar) in this alternate realm, where time runs differently, as she lays in a coma in the real world after Ink took her essence to prove his worthiness to become an Incubi. Her only hope is for the Storytellers to change the path of her father, John (Chris Kelly). A series of events changed John from a loving and caring person to a deeply hurt and broken man. With the quest to change John underway another Storyteller, Liev (Jessica Duffy), attempts to adjust Ink's thinking to not continue following the path he is on.

8 out of 10 - A strait forward and simple tale this is not; it is open to some interpretation making the film difficult to follow at times. It does come together more as the film advances, but in the end it may take some nonlinear thinking to understand. Still, this is a very interesting and mind blowing film that intrigues your senses and perception. The acting was fitting for the film, but was a little one-dimensional at times. Jamin Winans, Kiowa K. Winans, and Jeff Pointer created this unique and intriguing story. You can purchase it from Amazon or direct from the film's website.

The Barbershop Chronicles Movie Review

The Barbershop Chronicles (2009) takes you into the life experiences of the barbershop. The script is excellently written, but does take a little while for the story to take off. When it does you will be drawn into the life and interactions of the characters. The technical aspects (sound, video, and editing) are low-grade, which is expected with a low budget film. Unfortunately, it does take away from the movie. The writer and director, Bobby E. Goins, has a bright future and I am sure he will hone his skills in his upcoming films.

The story is presented as a series of flashbacks when the now older group of friends talks about the funny times in they have had in barber shop. Exploding bathrooms, hijacked cable and telephone lines, car chases, women, mobsters, and the neighborhood bootleg seller all make for a funny and unpredictable life at the shop. Through it all, friendships are cemented and life experiences are had that shapes who they are.

5 out of 10 - Available from Amazon.

The End of Poverty Documentary Review

The End of Poverty? (2008) is a startling documentary that brings comprehension to the origin of global poverty. The opening question by narrator Martin Sheen sets the direction of the film; "In a world where there is so much wealth, with modern cities and plentiful resources, how can we still have so much poverty where so many people must live on less than one dollar per day?"

Philippe Diaz (director) has managed to teach us about the current state of world poverty through understandable facts, interviews, and history. The people impacted by poverty are interviewed in their home countries of Kenya, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Tanzania. Their lives and stories are heart-wrenching; they don't want handouts, just the ability to make a fair wage and to live with respect while being treated properly. Economists, professors, authors, historians, and government officials from the UK, USA, India, France, and the above countries provide deeply insightful information and commentary.

It will amaze you at how we have arrived at the current situation around the globe. The complex reasons are presented so that we can understand. Major drivers of world poverty are economic and money policies, governments, capitalism, and colonization dating back to the 15th century. Attempting to give you a brief history would not do the film justice; instead I will offer some powerful facts that were presented in the film.

• 70 million people live in modern day slavery
• The gap between the richest and poorest country was 3 to 1 in 1820 and 74 to 1 in 1997
• Germany is the largest coffee exporter...but doesn’t grow coffee
• 1/3 of global population has no access to clean water
• 1 billion people live on less than a dollar a day

10 out of 10 - A potent look at poverty from the comfort of the theater! Yes, that was intended make you ask, why? After viewing this documentary you will know. Premiers November 13, 2009 in New York, NY; for the full release schedule visit the official website and Demand It! for your area.

The Transformation of Gerald Baumgartner Movie Review

The Transformation of Gerald Baumgartner (2009) is a tremendously quirky dark comedy wrapped up in the blanket of life (or better yet, an afgan with those annoying holes your toes poke out of). Gerald (Randall Malin) is an uptight man, seemingly with obsessive-compulsive disorder, that leads a very structured life as a Change Management Consultant for Smith Jakari.

He meticulously washes his toupee with a toothbrush each morning while learning how to speak with an Indian accent to sound more powerful; he makes his side of the bed while his wife is still sleeping and lays out his clothes for the day. Then it's off to the kitchen where he individually wraps cookies in bakers paper for his lunch.

Gerald heads off to a meeting with a new client, pulling a name plate out of his briefcase and speaking slowly about what a reason to change could be and asking what their reason is. Back at his office, after putting his name plate down, he lines up his model airplanes on his desk with a ruler and pulls out his organizer. One of his most exciting things in his life is that they added a third column to the organizer that revolutionizes organization and planning. He awkwardly calls Tom into his office to share his dream about Sara (office employee); she advanced at him and his is extremly proud to have warded her off...in his dream. You can see it in his eyes that he wonders what if he didn't resist; the change has begun.

At another meeting with his client he is introduced to Christiana (Melissa Fischer). She is an outgoing vibrant beautiful women that makes eye contact with him. After her sensual presentation about making technology more personal by embracing it and using adds that show nude people pressed against it, she whispers in his ear (because he liked it), saying you are the most real person in the room. These events set him off day dreaming; inventing a kiss that accompanied the whisper and becoming intrigued with her. He decides to call her and leave a message and send her a follow up email to meet up - yes, the odd creepy married office guy is asking her out for some ice cream.

He begins planning his meeting with her while compromising his work and home life. A spark for life begins to build when she accepts and while on a trip to his in-laws he snaps a little at his wife, Adrian (Carolyn Koskan), and kids for singing because he is planning his Saturday park outing with Christiana. Because she loves to paint cats he plans an event involving a cat that will make him look like a hero; it doesnt go down as planned. The are seemingly getting close and he is hopping to be with her, but first must get his wife to leave him. He starts trying to coax her into doing extra activities with men he knows to set her up so that she will leave him. His obsession with her grows out of control with more misteps and miscues leading up to a big change for him.

8 out of 10 - Beautifully rich cinematography accompanies excellent writing and direction by Clain Udy. Randall's (Gerald) performance was exceptionally uncomfortably odd (on purpose!). This is a fun movie but also shows what happens when you think you want a change in your life; and that life, no matter how planned, is unpredictable. The DVD is available from Amazon.

(Production still of Gerald - click here for more)

Hidden Beauty Documentary Review

Hidden Beauty (خفية الجمال) is a short documentary by Olga Sapozhnikova that looks at the role of women in Arabian society. Four Arabic women living in the United Arab Emirates are profiled in this enlightening film that shows an often unseen side of their lives while dispelling conceptions the West may have. They are attaining power and respect while maintaining their family duties and continuing to regard men.

Jamilya Al Zaabi is the only women working for an ambulance service saving many lives and has received a personal visit by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; ruler of Dubai. She is windowed and raises five children while working and offers great commentary. Rym Ghazal, a journalist, gives compelling stories of her life and struggles with Tuberculous and leads a life that makes settling down difficult. Ahlam Shalabi left home with nothing, having skills that did not fit a women; without a mans help she has attained astonishing success in business that afforded her the ability to entertain her interest in art. Joanna Maria Lipponnen was raised in Finland and wishes for a strong Arabic man to take care of her.

All these women show their commanding beauty and views of Arabic life. It was also interesting to hear thoughts about what the abaya represents. This film is wonderfully narrated and has beautiful music accompanied by good cinematography; I recommend watching it if you have the opportunity. You can view the trailer on Olga's website. Below is a great interview that Olga gave at the LA Femme Film Festival.

The Iron Boy Film Review

The Iron Boy (2006) is a gem of a short film from Australia. This eerie and dramatic film is wonderfully shot with dark undertones, and the spooky soundtrack compliments it perfectly. It stars Rebecca Cole and Peter Anderson and was created by Swingtime Creative.

A grieving mother forages in a junk yard for scraps of metal that she carries home little by little in her basket. Her lover pushes her to let go of their son that passed away but she can not; especially with the neighbors new child. As he sleeps, she slips outside into the shed to put the pieces together she has retrieved. As her delusionary obsession grows her husband's anger overflows when he finds the iron boy. The complete film is available below.

What Became of Us Movie Review

What Became of Us/Mitä meistä tuli (2009) is a dramatically thrilling independent film from Finland. You will be immersed in this movie with its unique and multifaceted characters, amazing cinematography, and profoundly moving storyline.

We are introduced to the main characters at around age 10 during one day at school that has lasting affects on their lives. While Jake and Toni walk to school, Pelle begins the arduous task of retrieving his backpack after bullies threw it into a locked stair case. Jake and Toni are best friends and chat about how they see the future; Toni to live a life of crime to make a wage as Jake wishes for love with his crush, Erika. Arriving at school Jake and Toni help Pelle down as he dangles helplessly when trying, unsuccessfully, to get his bag. In class they all receive rings for graduation that Jake in Erika will later exchange. When Pelle receives his ring he is ridiculed by the class bullies and Erika promptly pushes them to the floor and spits on them. The teacher is concerned but powerless about how much Pelle is picked on. At the end of the day Pelle is being chased by the bullies, the teacher is walking out of the school, and Erika and Jake are walking down the hall after exchanging rings. An event gets the teacher's attention and he goes running across the school grounds; his expression is one of shock that resonates with Jake and Erika as they look through the door at what unfolded.

Flash forward about 20 years later and we find Erika and Jake living together; although not a couple, and Toni is in jail for reasons no entirely clear to them. They will soon be picking up Toni and heading on a class reunion cruise. During the trip there the story unfolds with a feverous pace. The lives led to this point are wrought with hard times but always have the hopes of happiness. A glimpse is given of a disturbed man in a mental hospital we have yet to be introduced to.

10 out of 10 - What Became of Us is an extremely well done film with staying power; even the music is great!. The flawless acting and direction fill this film with love, secrets, hate, compassion, despair, honor, regret, friendship, and even some laughs. Starring Olli Similä, Miika Ullakko, Maria Uusikylä, and Jere Laukkanen; directed and written by Miika Ullakko; produced by Tianyi Pan. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to watch this film and hope it gets released in the US soon. If you would like to see it with the hopes of a DVD release demand it here.