MAN FROM RENO (2014)

March 22, 2015

man from reno Greetings again from the dark. It’s been awhile since we have seen a turtle movie that didn’t also feature pizza and nunchucks. While it’s true that the endangered exotic turtles in director Dave Boyle’s neo-noir potboiler don’t live in the sewer or wear masks, they do play a key role in his multiple-plot murder mystery co-written with Joel Clark and Michael Lerner.

This nifty little web of clues and McGuffins centers on mystery writer Aki (Ayako Fujitani) and a small town Sheriff (Pepe Serna), and starts with a foggy night on a nearly deserted road. From there we get murders, turtles, a night of passion, deceit, paparazzi, secrets, and a rich Brit and his burly henchmen. And if that’s not enough, there is a professional impostor who takes identity theft to the extreme.

With the back and forth between English and Japanese dialogue, the film has the feel of a foreign film, yet it’s filmed mostly in San Francisco. The use of mood lighting and atmospheric sets add an element of intrigue. Heck, even one small hotel room gets used over and over for a variety of scenes. It’s a fun movie to watch and play along with.

Ms. Fujitani and Mr. Serna are both excellent in their roles, and support work comes courtesy of Kazuki Kitamura (The Raid, Killers), Hiroshi Watanabe (Letters from Iwo Jima), Rome Kanda, and Derrick O’Connor (Lethal Weapon 2). This was a favorite on the film festival circuit last year, and despite the use of a couple of false endings, it is one most fans of mysteries will enjoy.

watch the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X0d-2x0NAk

 

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Posted by David Ferguson

ATLAS SHRUGGED: Part 1

April 16, 2011

 Greetings again from the darkness. Seeing this film on opening day means you are sitting in a theatre with other aficionado’s of Ayn Rand‘s novel published more than 50 years ago. I just finished my third reading (spread over 20+ years). The argument could be made that the readers of the novel make up the only real audience for the movie … and that’s purely from curiosity after so many “almost” projects over the years.

I won’t sugar-coat this. The movie has the production value, look and feel of a TV movie. Obviously much money was saved by going with a third-tier cast. Sure, many of the faces are recognizable, but what is lacking is screen presence. This is a story of corporate mavericks vs. big time government sleaze-bags. Neither side is powerful enough to generate sufficient heat, friction or conflict worthy of the fabulous source material. The special effects of the initial run on Rearden Metal had some nice moments, but with so much back story lacking, I can’t imagine anyone really understanding the movie if they had not already absorbed the book.  The original director abandoned the project on the eve of shooting and actor Paul Johansson (who plays John Galt) took over.  That may explain much.

 There aren’t many page-turners that are 1200 pages strong. Ms. Rand’s novel is one of them. It deserved better than this after so many years. The decision to place the film 5 years in the future and then shoot it like it’s still the 1950’s makes for an odd look. Additionally, the shadowy John Galt figure seems stilted and amateurish.

 Taylor Schilling (from TV’s “Mercy”) as Dagny Taggart and Grant Bowler as Hank Rearden are in most scenes. I didn’t find much chemistry between them … heck, I didn’t see much EFFORT from either of them. These are supposed to be two very strong and intelligent people. As they say their lines, they give the impression of not understanding the words being said. Matthew Marsden as Dagny’s brother James does not posses the acting chops to pull off this difficult and crucial role. On the other hand, Jsu Garcia might just have the presence to nail the crucial Francisco D’Anconia character.

 The independent producers have already stated that parts 2 and 3 are contingent upon a strong showing from this opening act. Unfortunately, I doubt the Rand followers will see the film multiple times and the weak production value make me doubt whether anyone “new” will discover it. Ayn Rand’s words always makes me think. I shudder to think what her reaction to this would have been after fighting so many times to have the film made “her way”. Even though I am a movie addict, I will state unequivocally that if you are to choose between seeing this movie and reading the book … choose the book.

SEE / SKIP THIS MOVIE: If you have read the book, you probably feel indebted to see the movie.  If you have not read the book, its 1200 pages are really worth the effort, while the movie is really not.

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Posted by David Ferguson