Movie Review "Argo"

Ben Affleck both directs stars in this dramatization of the 1980 CIA rescue of five American embassy employees from revolutionary Iran. Five people manage to escape from the US embassy during the take over by Iranian students. They manage to make their way to the home of the Canadian ambassador. Tony Mendez, played by Ben Affleck, is a CIA “exfiltration” expert who is called on by the State Department to secure their rescue. He forms a CIA sponsored Holloywood production company that is to use Iranian sites for a science fiction movie titled “Argo.” The production company is in fact staffed by the five embassy employees. John Goodman and Alan Arkin have small, but well performed roles as Hollywood regulars used in the formation of the production company. The plot, performance and story development are great. Were it not for the salty language, the movie could have earned a PG-13 rating.

Brooks Museum Exhibits October 2012

“The Brilliance of Tiffany: Lamps from the Neustadt Collection” This spectacular new exhibit at The Brooks Museum centers around the Tiffany lamp collection of the late Dr. Neustadt of NYNY. Lamps, silverware, glass objets d’art and windows are in included in this well presented eclectic collection. A nice history of Louis Comfort Tiffany and his company begins the tour. There is also a detailed narrative of the production process and daily work life of the artisans and workers in his factory and studio in New York. Of interest, there are a number of pieces owned by Memphians and some Tiffany stained glass windows from the old Hill Mansion that was demolished on Union Avenue in 1979. “Early Quilts from Southern Collections” This exhibit displays four well preserved, pristine quilts from the 19th century. The display starts with a primer on the construction, design and use of quilts. Most impressive is the beautiful “Whig Rose” pattern quilt from a private collection in Virginia that dates from before 1850.

Movie Review: "Bourne Legacy"

This is the 4th installation of the Bourne cycle based on the Robert Ludlum series. Jeremy Renner, of “The Hurt Locker” fame, plays Blackstone program’s “Agent Number Five.” The program creator, Eric Byer, is played by Ed Norton who is bent on destroying all evidence of the program and its agents. Rachel Weisz plays Blackstone researcher, Dr. Marta Shearing who is accidently spared assassination- only to be paired with Number Five in a globe spanning fight for survival against Byer. Renner more than carries on in his role as mind altered super agent as played in the previous films by Matt Damon. The action scenes are well filmed- and unlike the previous movies, slowed to the point of visual comprehension. Aside from mild profanity, this movie could have almost circumvented its PG-13 rating.

Movie Review "Bernie"

This movie is based on the life of Bernie Tiede of Carthage, Texas. Bernie (Jack Black) is a somewhat effeminate assistant funeral director who quickly becomes woven into the social, business and church fabric of this small East Texas town. He becomes involved with a surly wealthy local widow (Shirley MacLaine) who ends up dominating every aspect of his life. The film is done as a sort of documentary, utilizing many colorful local characters as performers and narrators. Jack Black successfully captures the way of life, attitude, mannerisms and speech of East Texans. This is his best performance to date. There was occasional bad language and no nudity, sex or gore.

Brooks Museum Displays June 2012

Soul of the City: Memphis Collects African American Art: This interesting display has a multitude of art works by black artist of the 19th and 20th century. A number of the artists have a local connection and came from private Memphis collections. Most interesting were the still life paintings, wood carvings and quilts. I really didn’t find the mixed media and abstract pieces to be interesting. A short video accompanies the display. Architectural Perspectives: The Etchings of Elizabeth Searcy and Joseph Pennell: This displays centers mostly around Memphis Elizabeth Searcy. She was born in Helena, Arkansas and moved to Memphis as a young child. After having served as an office in the Confederate Army, her father established a successful business in Memphis. Because she was influenced by the work of Joseph Pennell, his etchings are included with this collection. The architectural etchings are of buildings in New York, the Northeast, as well as some Memphis structures. Also on display are some plates that were donated to the Brooks back in the 1950’s.

Movie Review: "Snow White & the Huntsman"

This adventure film is a twist of the Snow White fairy tale. Charlize Theron plays the evil queen who is bent on the destruction of her step daughter, Snow White. Snow White is the only person who stands in the way of her immortality and eternal beauty. The Huntsman is sent in to the dark forrest to capture Snow White by the evil queen. He becomes her instructor and protector as the story progresses. The special effects were similar to the last Spider Man movie. Even though I’m not much on costumes, Charlize Theron’s costumes- as well as her acting- were amazing and overpowered the other characters. The story line was above average and it was an interesting twist on an old story. There were really no inappropriate scenes or language.

Movie Review: “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

This all-English cast movie recounts the story of a group of middle class British retirees who do not have the financial where withal to retire in a comfortable fashion in England. Lured by advertisements of a newly restored hotel in India, they arrive to find their place of retirement a shell of it’s former glory. The retirees include; a nanny, civil servant and wife, never employed widow, aging lush and elderly “sport.” The plot also involves the young Indian hotel owner, his girlfriend, mother and the conflict surrounding the young owner’s desire to marry outside his social group. The majority of retirees continue their lifelong pursuit of personal fulfillment- often to the detriment of friends and spouses.

Movie Review: "Men In Black: III"

This third installation of the MIB series an alien criminal assassin goes back in time and kills young Agent K in 1969, essentially altering current events. Because of this, the earth is in danger of invasion by aliens. Agent J (Will Smith) travels back in time to prevent the murder of young Agent K (Josh Brolin). The plot is somewhat sophisticated and brings about surprising closure of some of the characters’ personal history. The movie is not overburdened by otherwise great special effects. A truly great adventure movie that did not insult my intelligence or have any inappropriate situations and little if any bad language.

Movie Review: The Avengers

Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) gathers this disparate group of six superheroes to battle an invasion by Loki and his alien minions. The group includes: Iron Man, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Thor (who incidentally is Loki’s brother), The Hulk and Captain America. Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) again serves up lots of one liners and comic relief. The director manages to give each superhero character fair time and distinctive roles and personalities. The plot is predictable, but entertaining. Each character is well developed and none are overwhelming. As expected with Disney, the special effects are top flight. It was viewed by this reviewer without the benefit of 3D format.

Review: “Armed and Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal”

This current exhibition at the Brooks Museum features a 3,000 year span of weaponry from every continent except Antarctica. Displayed are both defensive and offensive tools of warfare. Of interest is how functional weapons eventually became items of fashion, status and prestige. Displays were for the most part from out of town museums, although there were some items from local collectors.

Movie Review: "The Artists"

This delightful black and white movie features French actor Jean Dujardin as George Valentin, a silent movie star, who watches his fame and popularity decline with the advent of talking movies. He sparks with a young dancer, Peppy Miller, who is trying to break into movies. As Valentin’s fortunes fade, Peppy Miller’s star rises. The wonderful period musical score is always in synch with the plot. John Goodman plays the studio mogul. Due to the lack of voiced parts, the acting performances of the main characters were superb.