The King’s Speech
A fascinating true story of inspiration unfolds in “The King’s Speech” delivered by an impressive cast with affecting performances. The period drama is set in the 1930s when England’s King Edward VII (Guy Pearce) relinquishes the throne to be succeeded by his younger, reluctant brother Prince Albert (an excellent Colin Firth) who will reign as King George VI, Duke of York. The historical, regal drama depicts the anguish suffered by “Bertie” as he’s referred to, because of a speech impediment, specifically, a stammering, stuttering in diction adversely affecting his ability to function as a respected, responsible monarch. The disorder stems from childhood and his dictatorial father King George V (Michael Gambon), who appears to have instilled fear in the boy. His ego and confidence are nearly shattered when his loving wife Elizabeth (movingly played by Helena Bonham Carter) contacts an eccentric speech tutor Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush in an exceptional portrayal). The thoroughly unconventional coach perseveres with his pupil who needs to make an all-important “pep talk” radio address to rouse the nation at a time of war.
Heralded by Colin Firth’s sensitive and touching interpretation of a troubled majesty, Tom Hooper skillfully directs a choice cast in an absorbing narrative.
Black Swan
Not since the classic “…Red Shoes” has there been an impressive film of the ballet world as “Black Swan.” Though the plot is complicated, it’s an excellent behind-the-stage look at a determined ballerina toiling for a coveted role in a new rendering of “Swan Lake.” Nina Sayers (superbly played by Natalie Portman) is desirous of dancing both the White/Black Swan. Beset by ongoing, frightening visions of a psychological nature, she is tormented by hallucinations. The demanding ballet director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) is a womanizing lothario who makes a pass at her, but sexual frigidity makes Nina a difficult conquest. In the class, Lilly (Mila Kunis), another contender for the role, proves to be a formidable rival. At home, Nina’s domineering mother Erica (Barbara Hershey) hovers about, anxious for her daughter to triumph.
Director Darren Aronofsky’s (”The Wrestler”) actors give their all including Winona Ryder in a skimpy cameo as a banished diva. But, the movie truly belongs to Natalie Portman who visibly exhibits physical as well as psychological pain, literally depicting blood, sweat and tears learning, rehearsing, and performing tortuous balletic moves. “Black Swan” is stunning in concept, detail and execution, and is poetic dance artistry in motion.
The Fighter
“The Fighter” is a fact-based true story of eighties’ light welterweight boxer “Irish” Micky Ward. He’s embodied by Mark Wahlberg in a gutsy portrayal. The melodramatic biopic is familiar, yet an engrossing depiction of the ups-and-downs of an aspiring title holder. Extremely well-played, the combination of a boxing story with a domestic drama of struggling to overcome the odds, is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. More his clan’s meal ticket than the loving son and sibling, Micky’s injuries don’t faze them as long as he brings home the money. Christian Bale plays half-brother Dicky Eklund, a former pugilist who fought “Sugar” Ray Leonard, then succumbed to drugs and alcohol, serving a prison term. The dysfunctional kin’s matriarch is Alice Ward (an effective and dominant Melissa Leo). Amy Adams plays tough-talking barmaid, Charlene Fleming who infuses Micky with encouragement and love, spurring him on to persevere and pursue his lifelong dream.
Director David O. Russell’s “The Fighter” is gritty with memorable performances. Mark Wahlberg shaped up to be in fighting form, and Christian Bale underwent a physical transformation in the other direction; his characterization of a crack addict is stunning as it is pathetic. This moving dramatization grabs the attention from start to finish and is a worthy successor to other fighting films, e.g., “Somebody Up There Likes Me,” “Raging Bull” and “Rocky.”
Tron: Legacy
The sequel to l982’s “Tron” is “Tron: Legacy,” a 3D, technological extravaganza. The scientific wizard, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) of the Encom Software Company, and originator of the unique game has remained trapped inside his invention for almost thirty years. In the outside real world, his son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) has grown up to be a twenty-something computer whiz and technical genius like his father. Exploring the arcade which housed his dad’s equipment and memorabilia, he also becomes part of the Matrix-like, intricately conceived video game and comes face-to-face with his long absent parent. Watching a younger Jeff Bridges and his present self is an intriguing experience of hi-tech achievement.
Joseph Kosinski directs the “Legacy” which plays like the video game upon which it’s based—with eye-opening special F/X & CGI comparable to a hallucinogenic, psychedelic trip. The state-of-the-art technology overshadows a weak storyline reducing last year’s Oscar winner to a supporting character. Bruce Boxleitner also reprises his role from the original as Alan Bradley. Additional supporting actors include Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen.
