9/25/08

Bob's Big Screen

Small films are unique offerings

by Bob Connally

This issue I take a look at two little films that were far better than the lack of fanfare would indicate, followed by quick reviews at two big hits.

OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies

(NR, would be PG-13, Avail. 9/30)

The 2006 winner of the Golden Space Needle for best film at the Seattle International Film Festival was not a high-minded political drama, nor was it a socially conscious documentary. Instead it was a silly French spy spoof. All I can say is SIFF got it right. After a long wait and a very brief theatrical run, “OSS 117” is arriving on DVD.

In 1955, Agent OSS 117 (Jean Dujardin) is the greatest spy in France. This does not say much for French spies. A veteran of WWII, 117 is always at the ready with his gun and his fists (“I love to fight,” he cheerfully remarks). His latest mission is to head to Cairo and solve the murder of his best friend Jack, who we see in a series of hilarious flashbacks.

Paired with Jack’s former secretary Larmina (Berenice Bejo), 117 is on the case. Oh, and he’s also been charged with the task of bringing peace to the Middle East. “No problem,” he says with an assured grin.

“OSS 117” is about as much fun as a movie can get. Full of well orchestrated comic set pieces and wonderful period detail – right down to the “Charade”-like opening credit sequence – Michel Hazanavicius has put together a movie as visually stunning as it is funny.

Dujardin is absolutely brilliant in the title role. He plays the character as more clueless than Clouseau and Austin Powers combined, and he has more comic talent in his eyebrows than most actors do in their entire bodies. Dujardin gets the character completely. 117’s attempted quips are funny because they’re not. In truth though, they’re no worse than the typical Bond witticism.

“OSS 117” is a very funny, very entertaining, and very French movie that fans of silly comedy or Peter Sellers will thoroughly enjoy. 9/10.

The Visitor

(PG-13, Avail. 10/7)

Richard Jenkins is an actor you know. You may not know the name but he's appeared in films as varied as "Step Brothers," "The Man Who Wasn't There," and "I Heart Huckabees." But with "The Visitor," Jenkins finally gets his chance to be a leading man and he makes the most of his opportunity.

Writer-director Tom McCarthy, whose previous film was the wonderful but sadly little seen "The Station Agent," returns with this tale of disaffected Connecticut professor Walter Vale (Jenkins). We learn early on that Vale's wife is dead and that he is coasting through life just hoping to blend into the background. He seems unable to connect with anyone and his attempt to learn to play the piano isn't working out either.

Walter's life is turned upside down one evening as he walks into his New York City apartment that he hasn't visited in years. There he finds a married immigrant couple who claim the apartment was rented out to them by a man Walter does not know. When each realizes the other is telling the truth, the couple leaves peaceably and Walter graciously accepts that this was a simple misunderstanding. But Walter's inherent goodness, which he probably hasn't displayed in years, gets the better of him and he invites the couple to stay with him.

The couple, Tarek (Haaz Sleiman) and Zainab (Danai Jekesai Gurira), are kindly and just trying to survive. Walter slowly finds himself connecting to them and to the world around him when Tarek shows him to play the bongo drums. But soon another misunderstanding sends their lives into a tailspin.

"The Visitor" is a quiet film that gives its actors a chance to shine. Jenkins brings more than just quiet dignity to the role of Walter. The character's subtle transformation is played just right. The unknown Sleiman and Gurira are terrific as well, and hopefully we'll be seeing much more of them in the future.

McCarthy's second film is much more serious-minded than "The Station Agent." Neither film is really a comedy, but where "The Station Agent" was a lighter drama, "The Visitor" is a film with something to say, occasionally with a slightly heavy hand. It's not as enjoyable as "Agent," but that was clearly McCarthy's intention. 8/10.

A couple of shorties:

Iron Man (PG-13, Avail. 9/30) – You saw it, you loved it, Robert Downey, Jr. continues the unstoppable hot streak begun in 2005 with “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” Jon Favreau’s super superhero flick reminds us just how much fun “popcorn movies” can be, even if it does start to come apart a bit near the end. 8/10.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (R, Avail. 9/30)- Peter Bretter (Jason Segel of the much missed “Freaks and Geeks” and writer of the screenplay) is the broken-hearted ex of TV superstar Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell of the much missed “Veronica Mars”). In an attempt to take his mind off of everything, Peter decides to go on a Hawaiian vacation, only to discover that Sarah is there with her new man, British rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). Peter's only source of happiness comes from encounters with hotel clerk Rachel (Mila Kunis).

This is another raunch-plus-heart comedy produced by Judd Apatow. While it’s not in the same league as "Knocked Up" or "Superbad," it’s a film that's more hit than miss. Segel wisely avoids cliche by writing Aldous as a pretty likable guy who wants to be Peter's friend. Brand plays the character brilliantly, as well. A very funny performance. 7.5/10.

Also Coming to DVD

September 30

My Name Is Earl: Season 3

The Sixth Sense (Blu-ray)

Ronin (Blu-ray)

October 7

The Happening (PG-13) – 7/10

Sleeping Beauty

The Simpsons: Season 11

30 Rock: Season 2

How I Met Your Mother: Season 3

Young Frankenstein (Blu-ray)

Robot Chicken: Season 3