RIFFS ON THREE FLICKS

Well, my Cinebuffs, there has been a cornucopia of films out recently and I have a report on 3 of them. They all have their own merits, but one of them is outstanding and happens to be the best movie I saw this year, to date. In order of screening, the films are: IT'S COMPLICATED, directed by NANCY MEYERS. INVICTUS, directed by CLINT EASTWOOD and BROKEN EMBRACES, directed by PEDRO ALMODOVAR.

First things first, NANCY MEYERS' IT'S COMPLICATED, starring the great MERYL STREEP, the hilarious ALEC BALDWIN and the sadly miscast, STEVE MARTIN, is a vast improvement on her last flick, THE HOLIDAY, which was D.O.A. (dreck on arrival).

In this film, STREEP and BALDWIN, play exes who start fooling around and as you may guess, mayhem ensues. It is worth seeing for the fabulous chemistry between la STREEP and Mr. B. The less said about STEVE MARTIN, as STREEP'S erstwhile suitor, the better. It is a recessive role, which does not suit MARTIN well and he only gets to let loose in one hilarious scene, where he and STREEP are stoned.

On the whole the film was ver enjoyable and I have to admit, I laughed quite a bit. STREEP, looks fabulous as framed by d.o.p.. JOHN TOLL, and on the whole, the film is alot of fun, albeit a little disjointed plot-wise and too long.

Now, the second film is something special indeed. It is INVICTUS, directed by CLINT EASTWOOD. As, I look back on the year and compile my 10 best list, I have to look no further than this one for numero uno.

Now, I have to admit I was a little leery of seeing this film, which has alot of rugby in it - not being a huge sports fan - but I have to say upon seeing it that it is a fantastic film. The film takes place and is shot in South Africa, and is about the early days of NELSON MANDELA'S reign as President and his interaction with the rugby team, THE SPRINGBOKS, and especially, their captain FRANCOIS PIENNAR, played by a very-convincing. MATT DAMON. the entire cast acquits themselves well, however, the stand-out performance has to be MORGAN FREEMAN, who becomes NELSON MANDELA.

MANDELA, sees a connection between himself and this ne'er-do-well rugby team (think of the Leafs), He thinks that both he and the team can help unite the country, if they win the WORLD CUP OF RUGBY, which they get to play in, because they're the host country. MANDELA , befriends the team captain and soon all of SOUTH AFRICA is rooting for the team and all their exploits are being documented, as they pull themselves together and become contenders. At the same time, we get to know MANDELA'S security detail which is now integrated and how they interact with him.

The film is at times funny, sad, thrilling and inspirational, but not in that treacly "you'll stand up and cheer" way. We really feel a genuine connection between MANDELA and PIENNAR. It is an outstanding film and highly-recommended.

CLINT EASTWOOD, deserves kudos for his magnificent direction. A word though about the title, however. The title is taken from the famous poem, INVICTUS, by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY. This poem provided solace for MANDELA, when he was incarcerated. I have to admit though, it's a terrible title for a movie and makes it sound like a horror film (WHO WILL BE NEXT TO DIE FROM THE VIRUS? WHO WOULD SUCCUMB...TO INVICTUS-IT'S A KILLER)!!!

Last on the list is BROKEN EMBRACES, directed by the great PEDRO ALMODOVAR. His last film was the fabulous VOLVER which like this one, stars his muse, PENELOPE CRUZ. This film is not as good as that one, but it is very good.

This flick, finds, ALMODOVAR, working very effectively in a HITCHKOCKIAN vein, with its mise en scene and music and is also very good. It is the story of a film director, and touches on themes of love, lust, guilt regret and revenge. To say any more, would ruin, the delicious surprises in store, for the viewer.

So, Cinekinder, Let me wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and I'll be back soon, with my 2009 flm wrap-up and the 10 best and worst of the year (you all know the best).

Until then mon amis...

T.T.F.N.