Got to see "Gravity" — excellent

Review to come- stay tuned.

Homeland- this can be distracting

Due to be being totally consumed by "Homeland" film viewing has decreased as of late.

Oh Bummer.

This is not a film review. I just want to vent. I hate it when I post something on someone's Blog and it is totally fine, nice, whatever and they do not post it. Ego? Maybe. What gives?

Iron Man 3: Downey is to Stark what Connery is to Bond

My ex is a world-class geek and exposed me to all manner of sci-fi and Marvel/DC Comics/Dark Horse publications and films. Call me a snob but prior to meeting him rarely had I considered seeing a film with a superhero in it or any film based on a graphic novel with few exceptions.

Yes, I had seen the Hughes Brothers' version of "From Hell" based on the Alan Moore graphic novel but it was not until I watched "V for Vendetta," which was also based on the graphic novel written by Moore, that I was hooked. My closet geek had been released. "Hellboy" directed by the amazing Guillermo del Toro became a favorite and in particular "The Watchmen." 

My sensibilities lean towards dark, flawed characters and the macabre. I like my comedy black just like my coffee. These characters always seem more interesting than the virtuous hero- unless his name is James Bond of course. These sensibilities explains my love for Southern-Gothic novels I suppose but in the context of graphic novels that become films, this also reflects a love of the anti-hero. The anti-heroes of many of the films based on the Moore graphic novels in particular are rich, complex and the narratives compelling. Characters triumph over their flaws in defense of mankind.

Which brings me to the Iron Man franchise and Tony Stark. I love this character. Stark is a fairly one-dimensional brilliant man-child character rendered more complex due in no small part to having Robert Downey Jr. depict him on screen. He is an utter smart-ass. I adore him. 

Downey is to Stark what Sean Connery is to the Bond franchise- he epitomizes this character. It is impossible to imagine any other actor portraying Stark. It can not go without saying that Downey is one of the finest actors of his generation. His depiction in 1992 of Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin" was transcendent. Have not seen it? You are missing out on a great performance. He channeled the ghost of Chaplin.

Downey's Stark is a guilty pleasure - cocky, exasperating, and male eye-candy. With Downey inhabiting the role of Stark, the character becomes more interesting. Downey has a unique quality too- which is rare in actors- he has a vulnerability coupled with bratiness. Childlike almost and endearing. He gets great lines as Stark and brings a physicality to his acting that is appropriate to the role.

"Iron Man 3," while not as good as "Iron Man," is still great fun.

The International - Another Cinematic Onion. So what that it came out in 2009

I could watch this film over and over again. Hey wait- I already do that. Brilliant on every level: writing, casting, sets, music, pacing, The performance of Armin Mueller-Stahl is stunning in how understated it is and yet so powerful.

Michael Clayton - A Cinematic Onion. So what that it came out in 2007

Written and directed by Tony Gilroy "Michael Clayton" is an onion. With every viewing it reveals some new element not appreciated before. The casting was brilliant. Tom Wilkinson — one of my favorite actors — is great as is Sydney Pollack, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton. 

Cinematic Trifecta: The Conversation, The Manchurian Candidate and The International

Goodness. The definition of trifecta on Urban Dictionary makes me blush- holy smokes. I had no idea... in any case I like a Cinematic Trifecta where in one day I watch three brilliant films. I did this recently with "The Conversation," "The Manchurian Candidate" (the original) and "The International." Well for good measure I ended up watching Michael Clayton and A History of Violence too later in the weekend. Think I need to get out more but these movies have me hooked. On the note of the "The Manchurian Candidate"... if you ever meet anyone who prefers the 2004 remake to the original run away from them as this shows a serious character defect. Ditto for "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." The 2009 remake is beyond horrible.