“Quantum of Solace”, a film review by Jo Anne Fogarty

Jo Anne — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:06:53 +0000

Daniel Craig, the new James Bond, turns in another all action performance that is quite impressive. Forget character development, which the Sean Connery productions managed to blend with the hard action.One definite plus: Dame Judi Dench is given more to do and delivers with her usual inventive aplomb.

With three writers credited, it’s clear they struggled with the story. Writer’s Guild arbitration rules require major changes by succeeding writers before names can be added.

Still, a rousing James Bond evening at the movies.

Written by Paul Haggis and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade
Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli
Directed by Marc Forster

Cast:
Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Giancarlo Giannini, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench

*Rated PG-13, 106 minutes

“Defiance” a film review by Jo Anne Fogarty

Jo Anne — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 01:52:28 +0000

Definace – Wow! On the surface it’s just another war picture about WWII and a group of sadly oppressed Jews – but it has a unique twist. It’s based on a true story and is quite fascinating.Based on a book by Nechama Tek, this is an incredible true story of brave and defiant Polish Jews who manage to hide themselves in the Bellarussian forests and elude the Nazi SS until the end of the war. They endure brutal winters and actually set up a village deep in the forest in the hopes of keeping faith alive when all humanity appeared to be lost.

Realistically, you have to accept the probable truth that the German Army was too busy on too many fronts to seriously pursue these gallant fighters. Nonetheless, the fugitives manage to survive in the forest.

Daniel Craig, (the new James Bond) gets a chance to display his acting chops. Liev Schreiber, as successful on Broadway as on the screen, delivers another solid performance.

Inspiring film depicting humanity’s will to survive against evil.

Screenplay by Clayton Frohman & Edward Zwick
Based on the Book “Defiance: The Bielski Partisans” by Nechama Tec
Produced by Edward Zwick, Pieter Jan Brugge
Directed by Edward Zwick

Cast:
Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, Alexa Davalos,
Allan Corduner, Mark Feuerstein

TraVerus Travel Time » Daniel Craig

“Quantum of Solace”, a film review by Jo Anne Fogarty

“Defiance” a film review by Jo Anne Fogarty