Knuckleball An Emotional, Informative Baseball Documentary

Posted on April 3, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: mpi media group/MLB Productions

Anybody can play music fast and loud. But it takes a real musician to play music slowly and softly. That is the mantra of music teachers, students and musicians the world over. This is a mantra that believe it or not can also be applied to the game of baseball. One might ask one’s self in reading that, what do baseball and music have to do with one another, right? Simple. Just as any musician can play fast and loud, any pitcher in baseball can throw fast and hard. But just as it takes a true musician to play slowly and softly, it takes a true pitcher to throw a ball that to this day befuddles players on both sides of the bat. That is shown through the new baseball documentary, Knuckleball.

Knuckleball is more than just another documentary. It’s a documentary that presents two underdog figures who have overcome some big odds to become two of baseball’s most respected pitchers despite throwing what is considered one of the game’s least respected pitches. Those men are R.A. Dickey and Tim Wakefield. The pair’s rise to fame wasn’t an easy one. In the case of Dickey, he was shuffled up and down through baseball’s big leagues and the minors until he was ultimately given a chance by the New York Mets. On the other side, audiences are presented the story of fellow “knuckleballer” Tim Wakefield. Both men were doubted early on by their teams, managers and fans because of their pitch of choice. But through perseverance and respect for their craft, viewers see how the pair has helped to bring new respect to the pitch and to other pitchers that throw knuckleballs.

The story is told expertly by film makers Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. The pair culled footage of Dickey and Wakefield from both their professional careers and their formative years as youths. The pair’s professional footage comes courtesy of a partnership with Major League Baseball Productions. Their discussions with fellow “knuckleballers” Charlie Hough, Wilbur Wood, Jim Bouton, Tom Candiotti, and Phil Niekro are something resembling members of an elite fraternity. Audiences will enjoy these moments as members of two totally separate generations share their “war stories.” Dickey and Wakefield also share their own stories with the film makers. Their stories range from the humorous to the deeply emotional as they explain where they came from and the work put in to reach baseball’s highest level. Combined with the accompanying video profiling each man’s career, these stories are the highlights of this feature.

Some by now might be asking why they should have any interest in this documentary. Again, the answer is simple. It goes back to the documentary’s early minutes, when Newsday writer David Lennon references Americans’ desire for immediate gratification and higher speeds. They don’t want to see slow pitches. Lennon is right. There seems to be an ever increasing push for pitchers to throw faster than the last guy. But, in watching this feature, baseball fans will see why the knuckleball—and throwing the knuckleball–should be given as much credit as the fastball, curve or slider. It proves that the knuckleball is more than just a pitch and why throwing it is an art in itself. The pitcher is throwing, with a knuckleball, a pitch that forces the batter to second guess himself, much like a racer on the starting line at a drag strip does against his competitor. It’s a pitch that forces both sides to think and have full clarity of mind. A pitcher that can fake out a batter time and again with this pitch is a true pitcher. He isn’t just relying on being able to throw fast and hard. He is throwing a ball that takes true thought to deliver and to hit. And while the current generation of pitchers isn’t exactly chock full of “knuckleballers”, viewers will see in the bonus features that there is still another generation of pitchers ready to carry on the legacy of this pitch and those who threw it before them. And who knows? Maybe one day, baseball fans will see another documentary on this fabled not-so-fast-ball. And with that next documentary, it will be spoken of in far more respected terms.

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The Other Son A Moving Update To A Classic Story

Posted on March 20, 2013 by philspicks

Courtesy: Cohen Media Group

Stories centered on the plot element of children switched at birth are not that new to the worlds of television and movies. Any number of stories has been crafted both for the big screen and small for decades with this plot element at their center. So the question is raised now in the 21^st Century, how does one go about crafting a story based in this tried and true element without being trite? The answer: Cohen Media Group’s new movie, The Other Son.

The Other Son is at its most basic of roots, less a story of babies switched at birth than a political statement of sorts. It presents the story of Joseph and Yacine (played respectively by Jules Sitruk and Mehdi Dehbi). One is Palestinian. The other is Israeli. The pair was switched at birth by pure accident during the Gulf War. The result was that one grew up Israeli when he should have been Palestinian and vice versa. The resultant effect is that both bys’ parents find out when the boys have both grown up, as do the boys themselves, leading to some very mixed emotions among them. The boys’ parents take the news especially hard. That’s not to say that the boys don’t take the news hard. But in meeting one another, they get along quite better than their parents. The dichotomy of the two situations is its own statement. The contradiction of how the parents and sons handle one another goes into the deeper, more social message that it shouldn’t matter whether one is Palestinian or Israeli. People are people, and can still get along. It seems cheesy, yes. But in a region that has been ravaged by war for decades, this is a message that is relevant even today. Even being a foreign language film, it’s one that audiences of any nationality will appreciate for this message. This includes Middle Eastern audiences along the entire West Bank.

The story does a relatively good job of portraying the two different lifestyles of the Palestinian and Israeli families and their lifestyles. Though, one could argue that there might actually be a slight bias here as those on the Israeli side are portrayed as having a better lifestyle and living conditions than the Palestinians. Of course that is merely a matter of one critic’s interpretation. It doesn’t necessarily mean that that is the case. Though it is sure to generate discussion, which in itself is not necessarily a bad thing. Any time that discussion over the ongoing tensions in the West Bank is raised, it’s a good thing. And speaking of discussion, the story’s end will generate just as much discussion among viewers, if not more. The story is left open-ended through its conclusion. And while some may complain about that since it isn’t wrapped up with a pretty bow on top, the story’s final statement—made through voice over—brings full circle the statement about it not mattering who one is or one’s roots. It re-states that we it is possible to overcome the past and live together peacefully. Yes, it’s something of a hippy-esque message. But it’s one that will always be relevant as evidenced in this story that although it’s a foreign language film, is worth at least one watch.

IFC Closes 2012 On A High Note With Why Stop Now

Posted on December 30, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/mpi media group/BCDF Pictures/120 db films

IFC Films’ latest release, Why Stop Now is everything that makes indie flicks great. This debut film from co-directors Philip Dorling and Ryan Nyswaner is quirky and zany. At the same time, it has just enough heart to make it endearing and memorable among fans of the indie movie world. The heart of the story comes in form of Eli Bloom’s (Jesse Eisenberg—The Social Network) attempt to break away from his own family’s dysfunctional world as he has been given the chance to audition for a major music conservatory in Boston, which would allow him to escape from said dysfunction. At the same time that he’s trying to escape from that world, it is obvious that he has his own flaws, too. But it’s that imperfection that makes Eli such a sympathetic character. Ironically enough, one also can’t help but root for Eli’s mom, Penny (Melissa Leo—The Fighter). Yes, Penny’s a drug addict, but she shows that she is trying to do the best that she can as a mother to Eli and his sister. It’s Penny’s addiction that leads to everything that happens in this quirky yet heartfelt story. From meeting his mom’s drug dealer (and his drug dealer) to trying to make his audition all while having to pick up his sister and so much more, the whole story keeps “rolling” and will keep audiences just as entertained both in the story’s funny and more moving moments.

The concept of a young person trying to break away and start his or her own life is nothing new to the movie industry. But there is no denying that the manner in which this time honored story has been presented here is in itself quite original. To that extent, those critics who….well…criticized it for this originality are likely the same ones who refused to see the story’s balance of comedy and drama. Much of that balance comes from the rather dysfunctional relationship between Eli and Penny. And it’s also that balance that makes it the underrated indie flick that it is. The introduction later of Sprinkles (Tracy Morgan—30 Rock, SNL) adds even more comedy and drama to the already entertaining story. When he’s funny, he’s funny. But he also shows that he can be taken seriously as a dramatic actor thanks to this movie too when he talks to Eli about everything he’s given up. He tries to point out to Eli that he still has his life ahead of him and to not give up. It’s only a momentary dramatic moment. But even in that moment, Morgan shines as a dramatic actor. It shows that even he can bring his own amount of heart to a story. It would be interesting considering this, to see how he would do if he were to take a risk and branch out into more serious roles.

As funny and heartwarming as Morgan is throughout his time on camera, it’s the relationship between Eli and Penny that really gives Why Stop Now the heart and laughs that viewers will appreciate and enjoy most of all. It’s obvious that Eli cares about Penny being his mother. But he also sees that she seriously needs help. Ironically enough, he needs his own help. And even Penny points that out late in the movie in a conflict between the two. Penny yells at Eli, pointing out his issues with alcohol. But the thing of it is that it seems hinted that Eli’s problem with alcohol is a result of having to deal with his mother and sister. Despite that, audiences are left with a warm feeling as Eli and his mother finally come to terms with everything and with each other by the story’s finale. They are left knowing that the pair will be just fine, as will his sister.

Perhaps the main reason that the relationship between Eli and his mother works is the chemistry between Eisenberg and Leo. Audiences will note in the movie’s “behind-the-scenes featurette how much the cast enjoyed working together. While the movie doesn’t necessarily need bonus features to make it any better, viewers will enjoy hearing the cast’s take on their parts and on the story as a whole. There is no commentary directly connected to the main feature. But again, as enjoyable and original as the story is, it doesn’t really need that either, to make the overall viewing experience any better. The story itself is really all audiences need in this movie. It is simply put, a story that anyone looking for an original script will enjoy. It is available now in stores and online on DVD and Blu-ray.

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Your Sister’s Sister Not A Typical Romance Story

Posted on October 28, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/4 Culture/Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs/Northwest Film Forum/mpi media group

Your Sister’s Sister is not for everybody. That needs to be noted right off the top of this new indie flick from IFC Films. The story’s summary tends to focus largely on the lead character, Jack as it opens with his brother Tom having died. The story doesn’t explain how Tom died. But that’s not important as it’s his death that leads to the story’s most basic roots. At its most basic roots, Your Sister’s Sister is exactly as the story’s title notes, a story about sisters. At the same time, one can’t help but note the similarities to Seth Rogen’s 2007 hit movie, Knocked Up.Your Sister’s Sister has been marketed largely as a romantic dramedy. But the reality is that the central story is that of the relationship between sisters Iris (Emily Blunt –The Adjustment Bureau, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), and Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt – Mad Men). The eventual revelation of the story between the pair is that while Hannah is a lesbian, she wants a child of her own. So she essentially sets up Jack. How she does that will be left up to viewers who have yet to see this movie. But when this is revealed, the crux of the story is also revealed, which is the seemingly hidden turmoil between the sisters. The problem is made worse because of something that Iris reveals to Hannah after Hannah finally admits to Iris what she has done and why. This is where the similarity to Knocked Up comes into play.

Unlike Seth Rogen’s character in Knocked Up, Jack (Mark Duplass – The League) was in the dark about Hannah’s plan, too. That is until the sisters return to the house after their alone time. The whole thing turns almost into an odd Jerry Springer episode as the story’s final moments play out, even leaving the story wide open for interpretation in a near Sopranos style close. Considering all of this, Your Sister’s Sister won’t appeal to everyone. But for those who are open minded enough, it’s a story that is worth watching at least once.

Jackson Just As Good On The Small Screen As The Silver Screen

Posted on September 18, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/mpi Media Group

Samuel L. Jackson has made a career of being an action star. Starring in movies the likes of xXx, Pulp Fiction, and most recently Marvel’s Avengers and its related movies among many others has made him a household name. His resume stretches all the way back to the early 1970′s. So starring in IFC Films’ latest action/drama, The Samaritan, was old hat for this veteran actor. Starring as ex-con Foley, Jackson eases his way throughout the story written by Elan Mastai and David Weaver. Having played so many roles throughout his career, he shows once again his ability to adapt to any role and any story.

For the most part, The Samaritan runs as well as any big screen crime drama. If one were to watch this story without knowing it’s an indie flick, one would think it was a major blockbuster that they simply hadn’t heard of. That’s thanks in large part to the story’s writing. It’s got enough crosses and double crosses to leave audiences guessing who is on whose side right to the story’s closing minutes. The fact that the movie clocks in at barely over an hour and a half makes it that much more watchable for audiences. Perhaps the only major downside to the story would be the blatantly disturbing twist involving Foley’s relationship to Iris (Ruth Negga). The way in which this relationship played into the story was disturbing to say the least. The argument would be made that that was the intent. But it could have been written differently than it was. Had their relationship been written differently into the story, then that alone might have made it far more appealing to general audiences.

The issue with Foley and Iris’ relationship aside, The Samaritan still has plenty going for it. The cinematography is stunning. The shooting done throughout the film really gives it a modern pulp fiction vibe. There’s something about the way that the lighting was used that makes watching the movie appealing. The contrast of the buildings lit up against the night sky, and the general camera angles add a certain extra touch that makes it that much more enjoyable. Combine the top notch cinematography with a story that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats the entire time, and audiences have a movie that while it is an indie flick is one more impressive work from one of Hollywood’s best actors.

The Heineken Kidnapping Is As Gripping As Any American Crime Thriller

Posted on August 26, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: MPI Media Group/MPI Pictures

The Heineken Kidnapping is a gripping crime drama. While it is just another movie that is based on actual events, the people behind the movie have at least enough respect for audiences to note before the movie, that it’s a fictionalized take on the story. Evan as a fictionalized take on the actual kidnapping, it manages to hold audiences’ attention through the course of its two hour run time.

Many different factors went into make this an interesting watch, even thought it was largely presented in a foreign language. One of those factors was the story itself. Stories have been told so many times before this one about someone being held against their will. The first flick that comes to mind is Saw (and its subsequent sequels). There are countless others. But what separates those movies from this one is that minus the sledgehammer to the knees and other bloodshed, it’s more closely akin to Stephen King’s Misery than any other those other bloody, gory horror flicks. It’s a suspense thriller that will make audiences want to find out if Heineken and his driver are ever rescued, and how they’d get out of their captivity. Rutger Hauer’s take on the famed beer magnate is entirely believable. Audiences can really grasp through his acting, Heineken’s struggle to survive both physically and mentally during his captivity.

Hauer’s performance is just as gripping after he is finally released as he goes after the criminals who kidnapped him. He expertly uses simple aspects such as facial gestures and voice tonality to really capture the impact of what his character had been through in being held prisoner. His determination to bring the criminals to justice make the final sequence in which he closes the noose on the criminals makes what would have otherwise been a boring unnecessary addition to the story just as gripping as his own fight for survival.

As much as The Heineken Kidnapping is a wonderfully psychologically gripping story, it isn’t without its faults. Much of the movie is presented in what is supposedly Dutch. Yet at times, the characters switch over to English. Given it’s an indie flick. But if the characters can speak in English, why present it with English subtitles? Why not just present the entire movie in English? Ok, it was perhaps aimed mainly at foreign audiences. If that’s the case, then it should have been presented wholly in foreign, rather than have the characters switch between languages.

The issue with the language barrier wasn’t the only downfall to the movie. Its whole story was gripping. But the story’s end leaves one feeling rather deflated. It comes across as being somewhat anti-climactic. The ending wont’ be revealed for the sake of those who haven’t yet seen the movie. But for all the build up in the final hunt for the criminals, the story’s closing scene doesn’t live up to everything built through the course of the story.

The language barrier and the final scene are problems with The Heineken Kidnapping. But they are the only problems. So much more positive can be said of this story. From the expert acting of Rutger Hauer to the general storytelling and the cinematography, it is an impressive effort from writer/director Maarten Treurniet and co-writer Kees van Beijnum. It’s a good story for any one that is a fan of crime dramas. It proves that a movie can be thrilling and gripping without being flooded with bloodshed. So to Treurniet and van Beijnum, kudos for avoiding that thriller cliché and offering audiences a story that’s still a success on its own.

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/ 381028148587141. Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Citizen Gangster Is One of The Year’s Best Indie Releases

Posted on August 24, 2012 by philspicks

Courtesy: IFC Films/MPI Media Group

Citizen Gangster is one of the best indie releases of 2012, hands down. Some critics obviously have had their say. But in an era when so many crime dramas are riddled with too much overt violence and sexuality, this piece strikes just enough of a balance to maintain its grip on the audience through the course of its almost two hour run. One can’t help but feel some sympathy for lead character Edwin Boyd (Scott Speedman) as he faces his own inner trials after deciding to take on a life of crime just to be able to support his family. The world is in a state of economic uncertainty right now. And while this movie by no means intends to reiterate that, seeing Boyd’s struggles after returning from WWII makes him at least somewhat relatable.

Speedman is spot on in the role of Boyd. Rather than trying to be some sort of over the top type of gangster a la James Cagney, Speedman’s quiet inner battles show him to be a flawed, imperfect character. It makes him that much more human. Some would say that he is the only real light of this movie. But one has to remember that an actor alone can only do so much. Thanks to the work of writer/director Nathan Morlano, Speedman has given a brilliant performance. And the story itself is emotionally powerful and gripping. As disturbing as some moments may be, audiences won’t want to look away. Nor will they want to look away from the wonderful cinematography, either. That too adds its own extra element of enjoyment.

As impressive as this indie flick is, it should be noted that it is unrated. But there is enough violence and foul language to qualify it at least for an “R” rating. That being noted, viewer discretion is advised for those with younger children. Speaking of that language and violence, it is nowhere at the level of say Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990) or Francis Ford Coppela’s Godfather trilogy. It has enough of a balance even there, that any fan of the gangster genre will likely find this to be enjoyable, given the opportunity. It’s even better than 2009′s big screen fiasco, Public Enemies, which paled in comparison to the book on which it was based.

Citizen Gangster likely won’t be seen by the number of people who have seen the Godfather Trilogy, or Goodfellas, or even Public Enemies. But one thing can be said of it. It is one of the year’s most underrated–and probably most underappreciated–movies in the crime drama/thriller category. It is also without a doubt, one of the best in the indie field this year.

Citizen Gangster will be available Tuesday in stores and online. It can be ordered online at http://www.ifcfilms.com/dvd-digital-download.

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