In Theaters
the Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 (2011) Olsson - This documentary culls footage of the Black Power Movement and the subsequent heroin epidemic that marks the end of this idealistic era. The footage is from the cameras of Swedish journalists during that time. It's interesting to see visuals from an outsider perspective coupled with quotes from current hip hop artists. I also found it amusing that the Swedes even utilize extreme face close-ups in their news. This film would serve as a great primer for high school students. 4/5
Incendies (2011) Villeneuve - Twins attend the reading of their mother's will where she has left them with two envelopes to deliver. One is for "the father," the other for "the son"; both people they never knew existed. In order to deliver the letters and unravel the mysteries of their mother's life, they have to travel to her home country of Lebanon. The Radiohead soundtrack contributes to the already incredibly global feel of this film. I found myself getting extremely sucked into this story - one of the best films I've seen this year. 4.5/5
In Home
the Asphalt Jungle (1950) Huston - Later noir film that focuses on four characters trying to pull off a jewel heist. They get away with the crime, but get too greedy (typical). Anyway, pretty standard stuff..and features a young Marilyn Monroe slutting it up. 3.5/5
Scarecrow (1973) Schatzberg - Two men become friends while hitchhiking. One is an ex-con, recently out of prison, hoping to start up his own car washing business. Francis just wants to see his ex-wife and child whom he abandoned to join the Navy six years prior. The two get in a little trouble and do some jail time together, severely straining their relationship. This movie bothered me primarily for the dialogue. It just rings incredibly false. Plus, Francis is always telling weird lame jokes, and I already hate jokes as it is...This is my second attempt to watch a Schatzberg film (the other being Panic in Needle Park) and while he might get lumped in with better 1970s fare, I really think I should avoid him. 2/5
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