FOOD, INC.

Directed by: Robert Kenner

Running time: 93 minutes

Release date: June 12, 2009

Genre: Documentary

MPAA Rating: Not rated

Assessing the vulnerabilities of the the agricultural and food industry, it seems that the U.S. government is deliberately acting as its own biological terrorist when it comes to what the American consumers digest.

Filmmaker Robert Kenner exposes techniques and practices hidden from the public with the consent of the government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Featuring interviews with experts Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) along with outspoken social entrepreneurs such as Stonyfield Farms' Gary Hirschberg and Polyface Farms' Joe Salatin examine how our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our environment.

The film shows the widespread of obesity, particularly among kids, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults. Topics of why we have bigger breasted chickens, the so-call perfect pork chop, insecticide resistant soybean seed, tomatoes that won't go bad. However we have new strains of e coli (the harmful bacteria that causes illness for thousands of Americans each year). As the tobacco industry declined, the chicken factories and cow factories increased with intensive mass productions of bad foods.

Facts in this movie are explained that the poor people eat economical foods which is poorly processed, manufactured and produced. It's an altering in the natural equation of food with cheap processed food, thus giving roots for diabetes in poor people. Low incomes mean low dietary standards of those families who fall in that category. Questions are raised in this documentary about why the USDA and FDA can't shut down plants processing these cheap foods. In addition, the film points out that the government regulatory agencies are manned by the corporate heads and/or have financial interest with the food industry showing the divisions and coalitions that affect the consumer.

As this film reveals many surprising points of fact, it will surely enlighten as well as educate the audience.

"AWAY WE GO"


Directed by: Sam Mendes
Running time: 1 hr. 37 mins.
Release date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Comedy and Romance
Distributor: Focus Features
MPAA Rating: R


In this poignant and totally good humored romantic road trip story intelligently written by Dave Eggars and Vendela Vida, a young Northwest unmarried thirty-somehing couple explore their love for each other to the fullest.


Burt (John Krasinski) and Veronica (Maya Rudolph) are experiencing the roles of upcoming parenting. The pregnancy is new to them, however they show all the love for their joy. There is a problem with the couple. Veronica does not want to get married although Burt has asked her many times. While Burt is a strange man who tinkers, Veronica is your everyday "behind the scenes" type of woman.


Six months of expecting their new baby the couple get a call from Burt's parents Jerry and Gloria (Jeff Daniels and Catherine O'Hara) that the eccentric grandparents-to-be are moving to Florida from their Colorado home. This leaves the young couple without any relatives living anywhere near them. Veronica's parents are dead and she only has a sister who lives in Tucson.


In this delightfully funny movie the couple go on a road trip to find the perfect environment to settle and raise their child. Starting off their journey they visit a former co-worker's home in Phoenix named Lily (Allison Janney) who is constantly inappropriate added by a non-respondent husband Lowell (Jim Gaffigan) and crazed kids; then to Tucson to see Veronica's sister Grace who has issues in finding the perfect man; next stop is Wisconsin, where Burt looks up his childhood cousin Ellen "LN" (Maggie Gyllenhaal) and her partner Roderick (Josh Hamilton) who are throw-backs of the "hippie communal lifestyle" years; onward on their journey they visit college classmates in Montreal, Tom and Munch (Chris Messeina and Melanie Lynsky) who are loving parents of a household of adopted children, but they have issues in conceiving their own. As things seem bad, it gets worst when Burt's brother Courtney (Paul Schneider) tells him that his wife has left him.

The characters in every sequence of events show a side a family life that scares the new couple. The performances of the entire cast is brilliant. This could be considered an ensemble performance, however the focus stays on the the two fine performers who deliver magnificently in their roles.


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"O'Horten"


Directed by: Bent Hammer
Running time: 93 mins.
Rlease date May 22, 2009
Genre: Art/Foreign, Comedy and Drama (Norwegian with English subtitles)
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Humor is found in the aging of retired railroad engineer Odd Horten (Bard Owe) who finds life boring. After 40 years of service he is left wondering what is left for him in the world to do?


This fresh and ultimately funny film shows unlikely dilemmas and puzzling adventures Horten finds himself wandering into. O'Horten, takes the audience on an absurd step by step, day by day reality check of how retirement affects this systematic man. The fun is watching him change himself to a not so different man and how it affects others who are used to his procedures. From his Norwegian co-workers to his girlfriend Svea (Henny Moan) melancholy and idiosyncratic splendor is displayed on screen.


Simplicity and directness makes this a great character study driven film.


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"BURMA VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country"



Directed by: Anders Ostergaard
Running time: 84 mins.
Release date: May 22, 2009
Genre: Documentary
Distributor: Oscilloscope (HBO Documentary Films)
MPAA Rating: Not rated

Video Journalist Ostergaard takes the viewers on an intelligent film experience to Burma.


When 100,000 people (including 1,000 of Buddhist monks) took to the streets to protest the oppressive regime that has held Burma hostage for over 40 years, foreign news crews were banned to enter and the internet was shut down.


The Democratic Voice of Burma, a collective of 30 anonymous and underground video journalists (VJs) recorded these historic and dramatic events on handycams and smuggled the footage out of the country, where it was broadcast worldwide via satellite. Risking torture and life imprisonment, the VJs vividly document the brutal clashes with the military and underground police-even after they themselves become targets of the authorities.


This is a must see film.


FOR MORE FILMS by Gerald Wright go to [url=http://www.HDFest.com]www.HDFest.com and [url=http://www.CriticalWomen.net]www.CriticalWomen.net "He Said-She Said"

"BATTLE FOR TERRA"

Directed by: Aristomenis Tsirbas
Runing time: 85 mins.
Release date: May 1, 2009
Genre: Animation, Science Fiction, Action/Adventure and Family
Distribution: Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions
MPAA Rating: PG

In RealD-3D this film tells the story of Sean (voice of Justin Long) and Mala (voice of Evan Rachel Wood), two rebellious alien teens on the beautiful and peaceful planet Terra, a place that promotes tolerance and having long ago rejected war and weapons of mass destruction. But when Terra is invaded by human beings fleeing civil war and envirionmental catastrophe, the planet is plunged into chaos. During the upheaval, Mala befriends an injured human pilot Lt. Jim Stanton (voice of Luke Wilson) and learns the two races are not so different from each other.

In masterfully orchestrated action/adventure sequences Mala and Lt. Stanton team together as they face terrifying realities that in a world limited of resources, only one life-source is likely to survive.

This family friendly fun film also features the voice talents of: David Cross, Amanda Peet, James Garner, Dennis Quaid, Chris Evans and Danny Glover.
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"THE MERRY GENTLEMAN"

Directed by: Michael Keaton (debut)
Running time: 96 mins.
Release date: May 1, 2009
Genre: Drama, Crime and Romance
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Flms
MPAA Rating: R

In Michael Keaton's first outing as a director he tackles a perplexing story of Kate Frazier (Kelly Macdonald) a woman running away from a troubled marriage of physical abuse by her police officer husband. She hopes to find refuge in a new home and job in Chicago. Despite friendly flirtation from co-workers and others, the shy and reserved Kate keeps her distance, avoiding questions about her past.

In an intentional meeting set against the Christmas and New Year's holidays Frank Logan (Michael Keaton) a professional hitman, meets Kate. She is unintentionally part of a killing Frank pulled off. Keaton gives a diabolical great performance. Frank is haunted by each of his contract killings so much he would contemplate suicide after each one. However, Frank finds a kindred spirit in the younger Kate, and, for a moment, the two seem destined to redeem and remake each other.

While Frank is forced to face the man he truly is, he is being investigated by an amusing detective named Dave Murcheson (Tom Bastounes) who is a chain smoking recovering alcoholic. Tom Bastounes is the humor in this deliberately pace film.

This flick is a heady mix of suspense, gentle romance and subtle humor. It may not be a great movie, however it shows that Michael Keaton has the makings to direct films. The movie revolves around the brilliant performance of Kelly Macdonald who shows her range in her talent which keeps this film afloat.

It's a good watch!

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"THREE MONKEYS"

Directed by: Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Running time: 109 mins.
Release date: May 1, 2009
Genre: Art/Foreign and Drama (In Turkish with English subtitles)
Distributor: Zeitgeist Films
MPAA Rating: Not rated

Winner of the Best Director prize at Cannnes shot in HD-Scope, Three Monkeys tells a twisty, noirish tale that opens with an ambitious politician Servet (Ercan Kesal) fleeing a hit and run accident. Afraid of hurting his election chances, Servet pays his chauffer Eyup (Yavuz Bingol) to take the rap.

The film concerns the effects of this devil's bargain on Eyup's family as simmering tensions and sexual intrigue wreak havoc in a household already haunted by problems. The dysfunctional family of Erup consist of slacker son Ismail (Ahmet Rifat Sungar) and a sexually repressed wife Hacer (Hatice Aslan).

Magnificent performances by the ensemble challenge a rivetting plot. This uniquely entertaining tale of forgiveness and redemption that blends guilt and accountability is set by the sweltering seaside summerscapes rife with thundering trains as a backdrop.

(FOR MORE FILM REVIEWS by Gerald Wright go to [url=http://www.HDFest.com]www.HDFest.com and [url=http://www.CriticalWomen.net]www.CriticalWomen.net "He Said/She Said")

"STATE OF PLAY"

Directed by: Kevin MacDonald
Running time: 117 mins.
Release date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Drama, Political and Action
Distributor: Universal Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13

The spy flick genre deals with the subject of fictional espionage, either in a realistic way or as a basis for fantasy.

In this slick thriler Oscar winner Russell Crowe leads an all-star cast in a blistering tale about a rising congressman and an investigative journalist involved in a case of seemingly unrelated, brutal murders. Crowe plays D.C. veteran reporter Cal McAffrey, whose street smarts lead him to untangle a mystery of murder and collusion among politicians and corporate heads.

Suave U.S. Congressman Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck) is an upcoming political force "on the hill" and his party who oversees defense spending. In a sudden incident his research assistant /mistress is brutally murdered and some secrets are unraveled.

With superb performances by Crowe and Affleck, the film makes room for a great performance by Oscar winner Helen Mirren who plays McAffrey's ruthless editor who assigns him and a rookie online (opposed to print) reporter Della (Rachel McAdams) to tie the links together in the crimes.

These types of films often involve innocent civilians being caught up in conspiracies. This movie is no different and it does a good job. The terrific emsemble adds to a classy flick.


"AMERICAN VIOLET"

Directed by: Tim Disny
Running time: 95 mins.
Release date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Drama
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Based on true events and set in a small Texas town during the 2000 Bush/Gore Presidential election, tells an astonishing story of Dee Roberts (newcomer Nicole Beharie), a 24 year old African-American single mom of four children who is wrongfully swept up in a drug raid. Promoted by bigotry of a local political and law enforcement entity she is imprisoned.

Despite the urgings of her mother Alma (Alfre Woodard), and with her freedom and the custody of her children at stake, Dee chooses to fight racist district attorney Calvin Beckett (Michael O'Keefe) and the criminal justice system he represent.

Joined in an unlikely alliance with an ACLU attorney David Cohen and a former local narcotics officer Sam Conroy (Will Patton), Dee risks everything in a battle that forever changes her life and alters the Texas justice system.
This gripping and emerging narrative challenges the audience to take a real look at society and whether it has changed its mindthought in dealing with the equality of races in America.


"THE GOLDEN BOYS"

Directed by: Daniel Adams
Running time: 98 mins.
Release date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Comedy and Romance
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
MPAA Rating: NR

In this period piece romantic comedy based on the bestselling novel by Joseph C. Lincoln titled "Cap'n Eri", set on Cape Cod in 1905, three 70 something year old retired sea captains try to lure an attractive middle-aged widow into marrying one of them.

An all-star cast of David Carradine as Capt. Zeb Hedge, Rip Torn as Capt. Jerry Burgess and Bruce Dern as Capt. Perez Ryder send off for a mail order bride Matha Snow (Mariel Hemingway). The problem is that none of them truly wants to get married.

In a series of events, in the vein of Grumpy Old Men and Three Men and a Baby this comic romp is a gem. Capt. Perez hatches the plan to keep Matha in town while Capt. Jerry works up his confidence to propose. However, it is Capt. Zeb who falls in love with her and proposes.

With supporting cast members of Charles Durning, Angelica Tron, Christy Scott Cashman, Stephen Russell, Jonathan Edwards and Julie Harris (without dialogue) this is a fun filled movie.

"17 AGAIN"

Directed by: Burr Steers
Running time: 102 mins.
Release date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Comedy, Romance and Fantasy
Distributor: Warner Bros./NewLine Cinema
MPAA Rating: PG-13

In the class of 1989, 17 year old Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) is a star on the high school basketball court with a college scout in the stands and a bright future in his grasp. But instead, he decides to throw it away to share his life with his pregnant girlfriend Scarlett (Allison Miller).

The film jumps 20 years later, where Mike (Matthew Perry) has a fallen marriage, children that have little respect for him, a job that passes over him on promotions and is reduced to crashing with his high school nerd-turned-techno-billionaire best friend Ned (Thomas Lennon).

Miraculously Mike is transformed back to the age of 17 and in trying to recapture his best years while fixing the wrongs of his (unknowing who he really is) family's wrong proves to be a predictable movie.

This film is euphoric in theme and deserves its staus as a quirky feel-good familial event under a multi-layered work of Dickensian desity. The sequences of a frustrated life causing a miraculous heavenly messenger to arrive and show the protagonist Mike (Matthew Perry & Zac Efron) a vision of rectifying the difficulties and disappointments is fun and exciting, while affirming the values of friendship, individual achievemnet and love.


"IS ANYBODY THERE"

Directed by: John Crowley
Running time: 92 mins.
Release date: April 17, 2009
Genre: Drama, Comedy and Coming of Age
Distributor: Big Beach Films
MPAA Rating: NR

Set in 1980's seaside England this film tells a story of a 10 year old Edward (Bill Milner) whose parents (Anne-Marie Duff as his mom & David Morrissey as dad) have turned their house into a retirement home. While his mother struggles to keep the family business afloat and his father copes with the onset of a mid-life crisis, Edward becomes obsessed with the deaths of the elderly and sickly residents and the afterlife. Edward's lonely life is interrupted by a new resident named Clarence (Michael Caine) who is a retired magician with personal baggage of grieving the lost of his wife he abandoned. Clarence also refuses to accept his old age gracefully.

As Clarence and Edward's relationship begins at odds the begin to face life together as friends.

The plot doesn't give anything challenging to its viewer. It is a shame because the movie has master British actors in its ensemble. These accomplished performers are Leslie Phillips, Ralph Riach, Rosemary Harris, Thelma Barlow, Peter Vaugh and Elizabeth Spriggs.

(FOR MORE FILM REVIEWS by Gerald Wright go to [url=http://www.HDFest.com]www.HDFest.com)

by Gerald Wright

SOUTH AFRICA IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AS IT IS CLOSELY WATCHING APRIL ELECTION
Festival launches April 8th


Through the lenses of emerging directors and veteran filmmakers, the 16th Annual New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) will take an introspective journey across the African continent, with films that create a vision of Africa's future through a deconstruction of its past. Under the banner "Africa in Transition," the festival will present a lineup of 35 films from 16 countries throughout Africa and African Diaspora. Exemplary of this metamorphosis is South Africa. This year's festival marks the 15th anniversary of South Africa's independence and comes just days before voters there head to the polls to select a leader for the fourth time since the end of apartheid; April's elections will be closely watched as they may be a political sea change for the country, with broad international implications.
Presented by African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) and the The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC), the 16th annual NYFF runs at The Film Society of Lincoln Center April 8th - 14th, continues with a panel discussion at the Columbia University's Institute of African Studies on April 15th and wraps up at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's BAMcinematek from May 22nd - 25th.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TICKETS AND SCHEDULE GO TO AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, INC. at [url=http://www.africanfilmny.org]www.africanfilmny.org and THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER at [url=http://www.filmlinc.com]www.filmlinc.com .

3 FILM PREVIEWS:

"BEHIND THE RAINBOW"
Directed by: Jihan El-Tahri
Running time: 132 minutes (South Africa/Egypt)
Genre: Documentary (2009)

This film masterfully explores the transition of the African National Congress (ANC) from a liberation organization into South Africa's ruling party, through the evolution of the relationship between two of its most prominent figures. It chronicals ANC's beginnings (1912) to the post apartheid era examining education, employment, housing, corruption and the political powers that ruled. In various interviews with former and current ANC leaders a complete story is told of the underground movements that forced a non-racial policy. Depicting the struggle to real solutions, this powerful documentary illustrates the evolution of the relationship between the two prominent figures, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma. Exiled under apartheid they were brothers in arms, under Nelson Mandela they loyally labored to build a modern non-racial South Africa only to become rivals. Blending facts with opinions this movie gives a thought provoking account of what history books and the news media fails to tell. (U.S Premiere)

"SEX, OKRA AND SALTED BUTTER" (Sexe, Gombo et Buerre Sale)
Directed by: Mahamat Saleh Haroun
Running time: 81 minutes (Chad/France)
Genre: Drama, Comedy and Romance (2008)

Families can be complicated, however this dramedy shows how making a transition to a new country can be difficult. Hortense (Mata Gabin), a 40 year old nurse originally from Cameroon now living in Paris finds her life with her traditional older husband Malik (Marius Yelolo) unbearable. They have children ranging from an adult son Dani (Dioucounda Koma) to a pre-schooler, however her love for a white doctor she works with causes her to leave them. Meanwhile, Malik's white neighbor Myriam (Loretta Cravotta) has eyes for him - and vice versa. In this merry-go-round, bitter-sweet tale complications are dramatic yet humorous, however it managed to leave me with my heart in their throat. Terrific performances by the ensemble give this poetic movie genuine substance.

"JERUSALEMA"
Directed by: Ralph Ziman
Running time: 118 minutes (South Africa)
Genre: Crime, Drama and Gangster (2008)

Based on true events in Johannesburg, this action-packed crime flick reminiscent of Scarface is gritty. This is a rags to riches underworld epic about Lucky Kunene (Jafta Mamabolo as Lucky and Ronnie Nyakale as older) and his best buddy Zakes moving up from carjacking and robbery to organized crime. Taking lessons from Al Capone in stealing big, these two young men worked their way up to real estate mob kingpins. While eluding a determined white cop, a cat and mouse scenario is one of many subplots that makes this an epic marvel to watch. With vengeful rival kingpins trying to eliminate him the suspense is non-stop. The setting of contemporary Johannesburg is an energetic urban character that gives this movie life. This emerging narrative has crisp pacing and challenging performances that had me holding the edge of my seat. Don't miss this flick.