Rust CohleLondon
In New York, the drug-addicted Syd(Chris Evans) is consumed by drink and drugs – missing his girlfriend London, who broke up with him six months ago after a two-year relationship. When Syd finds that London’s friends throw a going-away party for her, he decides to go to the party without an invitation. But first, he meets the banker and drug-dealer, Bateman, in a bar to buy coke, and he invites his new acquaintance to go to the party with him. While locked in the bathroom with Bateman snorting coke and drinking booze, Syd recalls moments of his relationship with London, inclusive that he had never said “I love you” to his girlfriend despite her countless requests. Bateman also “open his heart” under the influence of cocaine and tells his impotence problem to Syd; in the end, he convinces Syd to talk to London.
Layer Cake
A successful cocaine dealer, who has earned a respected place amongst England’s Mafia elite, plans an early retirement from the business. However, big boss Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham) hands down a tough assignment: find Charlie Ryder (Nathalie Lunghi), the missing rich princess daughter of Jimmy’s old pal Eddie Temple (Sir Michael Gambon), a powerful construction business player and gossip papers socialite. Complicating matters are two million pounds’ worth of Grade “A” ecstasy, a brutal Serbian gang, and a whole series of double crossings. The title “Layer Cake” refers to the layers or levels anyone in business goes through in rising to the top. What is revealed is a modern underworld where the rules have changed. There are no “codes”, or “families”, and respect lasts as long as a line. Not knowing who he can trust, he has to use all of his “savvy”, “telling”, and skills which make him one of the best, to escape his own. The ultimate last job, a love interest called Tammy (Sienna Miller), and an international drug ring threaten to draw him back into the “cake mix”. But, time is running out and the penalty will endure a lifetime.
Blow
On your mark! Get set and blow!’ And prepare yourself for one of the most provocative and entertaining films you will see all year. `Blow’ stars Johnny Depp and is based upon the real-life story of drug dealer George Jung. Depp’s performance as Jung was outstanding and proves again why his outstanding diverse acting is all that is `cracked’ up to be. Ray Liotta was just as good as the trusting father. However, Penelope Cruz as the materialistic drug dealer wife was not a woman on top with her acting. The most surprisingly energetic performance was by Paul Reubens (a.k.a. Pee-Wee Herman) who was once again a master of his domain as the drug-dealing homosexual middleman (in more ways than one). All in all, this is one `blow’ that does the job right!
Scarface
“Scarface” has a major cult following even now, almost 40 years after its release.
Al Pacino has been criticized to be over-the-top and loud in this movie. But how about considering that that is precisely the way the film-makers wanted Tony Montana’s character to be! He is this angry young man who takes hasty decisions and throws fits of tantrum every other minute! He is not the calm Michael Corleone here. He is Tony Montana, a very tacky, uneducated individual who doesn’t really think much and gets angry all the time!
There are some memorable and beautifully shot sequences, including the famous chainsaw scene, the Rebenga hit, the first meeting with Sosa and Tony’s visit to his mother’s.
About the performances: Al Pacino is brilliant as an angry Cuban refugee. He has reportedly mentioned that he enjoyed playing Tony Montana the most in his entire career. And it really does seem like he has enjoyed himself thoroughly in all his scenes! One wonders what “Scarface” would be like without Pacino. I just couldn’t imagine anyone else portraying Tony Montana and in all probabilities, the film wouldn’t be as effective without him!
“Scarface” is definitely one of the most entertaining and one of the best gangster movies to ever come out. Enjoy it for what it is: a raw portrayal of the Drug Lords and their gangland!
Less Than Zero
A great snapshot of a time gone. The thing I love most about this movie is that it captures a generation. Whether you were one of the cocaine users, or drinkers, or school students, this movie really takes a picture. I was 17 when this movie came out and for me, the drug life was just beginning. The thing I like about this movie also is that it doesn’t trivialize or glamorize drug use. It shows both sides of it. The great heights, the stunning lows. It’s honest. And most of all it is realistic with everything it shows you, nearly perfect movie. Enjoy.
American Made
Lured by adventure and bucket loads of cash, a gutsy TWA pilot takes on flight operations for both the CIA and a Columbian drug cartel.
In this pacey action film, Tom Cruise pulls off the ultimate feat of an A List actor- he disappears in the role of Barry Seale, ace pilot, lover of risk, dedicated husband and father, and player of games with some pretty shady people. It’s a fun role, but deadly serious, and Cruise gets the tone just right.
The director Doug Liman weaves his magic to recreate the effect of being there- in the naive eighties, in the middle of all the fun of flying and unexpected opportunity, with the cautionary tale of Barry Seal a window into the world of corruption we only only saw glimpses of at the time. My only complaint was that third act dragged a little, but it’s a real life story, so what can you do.
Full credit to the excellent Domnhall Gleeson as the CIA spy who lures Barry into the web, he’s one to watch in the future, and kudos to Cruise who apparently did his own stunts. So go see it!
