Hell House (2001) ****

What a terrifying and disturbing film. Despite the name, Hell House isn’t a horror movie, it is a documentary exploring the Trinity church (Assemblies of God) in Cedar Hill, Texas, and their yearly Halloween fundraiser called Hell House. This house of horror showcases hell and the church’s perception of what gets people there through reenactments of drug use, suicide, family violence, school shootings, abortion, and more. The film follows the families and youth among the congregation through auditions, set construction, rehearsals, and the opening night. Part of what makes this film so disturbing is that many of members of this congregation seem like very nice everyday people. For example, there is the soft-spoken father who is raising three children on his own, including a son with cerebral palsy and a teenage daughter who he hopes will get the part of the girl with the botched abortion.

No documentary is completely objective, subjectivity always comes in through the editing and what the filmmakers choose to show in the film, but this film makes an attempt to portray an objective stance. Unlike the Michael Moore style documentaries, this film has no running commentary. The filmmakers present a study of this church with their gospel of fear, while allowing you to make your own judgments.

Dir. David O. Russell Freakout

I Heart Huckabee is one of my all-time favorite movies. The characters are amazing and it is fantastically written. I recently found this clip of the director, David O. Russell, freaking out on the set during filming. Someone from the film crew leaked this footage onto youtube last year. I can’t believe it. Poor Jason Schwartzman, Lily Tomlin, and Dustin Hoffman look so uncomfortable while this guy has a full-blown tantrum. He looks like an upset third grader with a severe mood disorder.

For those of you who haven’t seen I Heart Huckabee, don't let this clip steer you away. I still highly encourage you to see this film. Just assume, as I have, that Dave Russell forgot to take his medication on the day of this embarrassing outburst. Caution – the clip includes a litany of expletives from multiple parties involved.

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Indiana Jones 4 Trailer

Here is a link to the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull trailer. I have a little prayer in my heart that this movie isn't going to suck....but, honestly, I am a little worried. I will try to stay optimistic. I guess if moviemakers can bring the Batman and James Bond franchises back to life, anything is possible. Check out the trailer and let me know your prediction.

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/indianajones.html?showVideo=1

Ransomed Jesus

It seems that all local news programs follow the same predictable pattern: fire, car crash, shooting - repeat. This clip shows that a few stations are willing to break outside the mold and provide quality news broadcasting -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUJ4es4cYIU

Raw Deal (***)

This film was directed by Mann during his noir period. The film involves a prison escapee, two women who love him, and a violent mob boss played by Raymond Burr. Raw Deal is mildly entertaining, although not as complex as some of Mann’s later works. Burr is the only notable cast member who is a real baddie in the film, at one point throwing a flaming soufflé at his girlfriend.

Rififi (*****)

This might possibly be the perfect noir film. Don't take my word for it, François Truffaut said of Rififi, "THE BEST FILM NOIR I'VE EVER SEEN! A marvel of skill and inventiveness!".

American director Dassin wrote this French masterpiece while being “exiled” in France after being blacklisted during the McCarthy Era. This film, set in Paris, follows four men as they meticulously pull off a jewel heist. Using such a realistic, documentary-like portrayal of the robbery, Rififi resulted in a number of copy-cat heists. The cast is wonderful. If you like film noir, I highly recommend this film.

Sicko (*****)

Sorry, I hate getting on a my soap box but I think the world would be a better place if people put less energy in vilifying Michael Moore and spent more time trying to understand the issues he presents. It is unfortunate that a country as rich as ours cares so little for its poor. The US has higher infant morality rates and shorter life expectancies than all the other developed countries (who have each accepted universal health care). Is universal health care so terrifying? The wall is down, Russia has democracy, and yet we still have the red scare of socialized medicine!

While we are on the topic of Michael Moore, I highly recommend the film This Divided State. This eye-opening documentary follows the reactions of many conservative members of the Utah County community as Michael Moore comes to give a presentation at their local college.

http://www.thisdividedstate.com/

Mogambo (***)

A remake of Gable’s earlier film, Red Dust, this was filmed on location in Africa in the early 50’s. Not a great film, but worthwhile given the location and cast (Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, and Grace Kelly). Interestingly, the film touches on a number of, for the time, progressive topics including: infidelity, evolution, religion, genital mutilation, and tribal warfare. The graying Gable plays a chauvinistic safari guide. In the end he makes an attempt to redeem himself (although somewhat unconvincingly). Ava Gardner is particularly good as the dancehall girl who fights against the prime and proper Grace Kelly for Grant’s affection. Sadly, I think Grant’s star power, which must have initially carried the film, has not aged well and may be lost on current audiences.