At the Movies ****^ Nuremberg (2025)

 I think this movie may very well be considered for the best movie of the year.  It portrays the trial of the Nazi leadership at Nuremberg.  It made a great Veteran's Day activity.  It is about the relationship and interviews between Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) and the military psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek).  Göring was the number two leader of Germany behind Adolf Hitler.  Kelley is trying to get him to open up.  He even visits his wife and child for him, and carries letters.  The relationship comes to a head after the showing of a film about the holocaust, and the way the Jews were treated.  There is a very emotional scene when Kelley confronts him.

There were actually 22 men on trial at Nuremberg.  One suicided, and eleven were sentenced to death, including Göring.  However Göring missed the gallows by eating a cyanid capsule the day before.

Another very emotional scene is when the sergeant who interprets for Kelley Sergeant Howie Triest (Leo Woodall) admits that he in fact is Jewish; a German Jew.  He escaped just before the borders were closed.  There was only enough money for one to travel.  His parents and younger sister stayed behind.  His parents were killed in the holocaust.  His sister made it out of the country and was still alive.

A member of the supreme court, Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon) was called upon to prosecute for the Americans.  Kelley thought that Göring would be able to escape the hang man's noose by out witting Jackson.  He told this to a journalist, Lila (Lydia Peckham) when he was drunk.  As a result he is fired an sent home.  But he stays for the rest of the trial, and is able to give some needed insight to Jackson.  The case hangs in the balance, saying he didn't know people were eliminating the Jews.  His order he reinterprets to mete complet solution rather than final solution.  However when the prosecutor from England, Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe (Richard E. Grant) is able to get Göring to praise Hitler, the cards are played.  

Movie Review: ****^ Les Miserables (2012)

I have seen a few opinions about Les Miserables from--the best movie ever to too dark.  And after visiting the theater yesterday, I can understand both remarks.  Les Miserables is a dark story to begin with.  However with all the expectations, many were predisposed that it was going to be the best ever even before seeing it.  I wave watched the ten year, and 25 year anniversary concerts over and over.  And granted those were concerts not theatrical productions but they music from those far surpasses that in the movie.  The movie was going for character and story, and took the risk of casting theatrical actors in musical parts.  Sometimes it worked, and others it didn't.  So the pluses and minuses.
Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean worked.  His singing does not compare to Colm Wilkinson, but he carried the roll.  "Hear my Prayer" is the highlight of the show, and although I would have liked to hear Colm Wilkinson, Jackman delivered the emotion of the song such as to be effective.  It is just so beautiful the way Wilkinson holds that last note.
Russell Crowe as Javert did not work.  The song "I Swear by the Stars" sounded more like some one singing in the shower than a prayer to the stars.  Crowe did  make the suicide scene more believable than I had seen it.
The added song of Valjean singing his love to Cosette added depth to the character.  You also can love instantly.  Being a foster/adoptive parent I know this is true.
The three young people, Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) Eponine (Samantha Barks) and Marius (Eddie Redmayne) were the highlight of the show.  They carried their trio and other performing parts with energy and gusto.  I left the theater humming "heart full of love."  "On My Own" was also well done.  However keeping with the dark theme of the director, was done in the rain. Marius sang "Empty Chairs," with such beauty and emotion, I think everyone who has seen this has cried with him.
Fantine (Anne Hathaway) was somewhat of a controversy.  Lea Salonga sings which much greater skill, energy and professionalism.  However, in the mood of the film, Hathaway did an incredible job.  The song "I Dreamed a Dream" was presented later in the movie, after arriving at the bottom, rather than just starting the slide, so there was a different tone (darkness) to the song.  I especially like her in the death scene at the end. 
The innkeepers are a welcome comic relief.  The must have worked so hard at coordinating everything.  I especially like their entrance through the carriage to the wedding. 
So there are more things to like and love about this version of Les Miserables than there are to dislike.  The music is worth going to see, the action is well done, the characterization is good, and the sets are effective (except for the sewer which is over the top) and the theme that when we show love to each other, we show love to God is timeless.  Oh Colm Wilkinson does have a cameo as the priest.  His baritone voice resonates, and somehow he is in the final scene at the pearly gates.  A nice touch.  I recommend this movie, but don't go so far as to say it is the best ever.
I would not recommend this movie for children.

Movie Review: ****Robin Hood (2010)

This Robin Hood was not what I was expecting.  I am use to the story of Robin Hood stealing from the rich to feed the poor.  Instead this movie is a prequel to these events.  It shows Robin Hood coming to the defense of King John, and because he was liked of the people, he was declared outlaw.
This movie is very entertaining.  There are plenty of sparks between Robin (Russell Crowe) and maid Marion (Cate Blanchett) even though they are only pretending to be husband and wife, rather than actually being so.  So in this version, Robin Hood is Robin Longstride, whose father was executed for seeking freedom.  This movie is then a political movie, and the search for freedom.
Godfrey (Mark Strong) gives us the evil we need in this movie. He gains King John's confidence, but in reality is scheming with King Phillip of France to create unrest and weaken King John's support in England.  This almost works, but England is united when people realize what is going on.
This movie has a good battle scene, and it ends with King John's betrayal setting up sequels if they choose. 

Movie Review: ****Cinderella Man (2005)

Cinderella Man stars Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger and was directed by Ron Howard.  This is a boxing movie, with something the Rockie Movies does not have, and that is it is based on a true story of depression era boxer Jim Braddock.  He is a journeyman boxer, who gets down on his luck and success after braking his hand.  He is discharged from boxing, and has to fend for his family by working on the docks of New Jersey.  His family suffers due to the lack of work, and finally his wife takes them to her parent's.  Braddock goes on welfare to get them back.  Braddock gets an opportunity to fight, because someone is injured.  He makes the most of it, and wins four fights in a row, and then a shot for the title.  The movie makes a point that the champion has killed two people with his punches, knocking their brains loose.  Braddock makes the most of his chances, and wins the title in a decision.

I liked the portrayal of Zellweger as the concerned and loving wife.  She does something with her mouth that is attractive.  Crowe does a great job, and the fight scenes are fun.  Braddock's manager, played by Paul Giamatti received a nomination for best supporting actor.