In Theaters:
Observe and Report
C+
Writer/director Jody Hill seems to be able to write one character fairly well: the delusional, socially inappropriate, male misfit. He did it for a judo instructor in his debut film Foot Fist Way, for a washed up MLB pitcher in the HBO series East Bound & Down, and now as the bizarro-Paul Blart in this new film starring Seth Rogen. As someone who’s enjoyed Hill’s previous work I was disappointed with this film and its reliance on formulaic film contrivances (lame montages, trite one dimensional love interests), and the strip mining of his previous work for this film, which left me with a “been there, seen that” feeling.
ON DVD:
Downfall
A
This is a gripping and unflinching look into the last days and hours of the Third Reich based on several books—including one by Hitler’s personal secretary, Traudl Junge, who stayed with him in the bunker in Berlin up until the Russian overthrow of the city. The film focuses on Hitler and his followers as real people who had real beliefs and ideals. It doesn’t attempt to excuse the actions of these Nazis, but it does do an excellent job of helping explain some of their motives. The direction and performances were stunning and only lend to the film’s hauntingly authentic tone. This film is a must have for any WWII film buff’s library.