Film Journal #67 - Joel & Ethan Coen’s “True Grit” (2010)
A solid Western in the style of old John Ford classics. Great performances all around. Features the witty dialogue and unique humor I’ve come to expect from the Coen’s.
Film Journal #179 - Steven Soderbergh’s “Solaris” (2002)
An emotionally haunting film that is an excellent remake of the 1972 Soviet classic. Soderbergh updates the material for a modern American audience without diluting any of the original’s thematic power. Cliff Martinez’s score is beautiful and has inhabited my soul.
Film Journal #192 - Joe Johnston’s “The Wolfman” (2010)
While I was thing this monster movie remake, I found myself asking, “What was all the hate about?” Then I realized I was watching the extended cut and not the theatrical release. The version I watched had plenty to like for gore and creature movie affectionados, thanks largely to Rick Baker’s Oscar winning make-up. But what also struck me about the film was its willingness to approach the supernatural and horror genre with more philosophical questions such as the duality and violent nature of man. They even threw in some of the ol’ Oedipal complex for good measure.
