3:10 To Yuma
by Christopher Collier
"The Western is not dead and through the rugged skill of Bale and Crowe retains its place as one of the cornerstones of American cinema. "
Eastern Promises 
by Stephen Goetz
"While Promises lacks the thrilling premise of Violence and felt like a more standard Hollywood thriller in many ways, it still excites due to the thrilling enthralling performances of its cast."
Fracture by Stephen Goetz
"For his follow up to Nelson, Gosling chose to star in the thriller Fracture with a great actor of an older generation, Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins and Gosling are the best part of this dull and pedestrian film that drags and stutters to an unsatisfying conclusion."
Into The Wild 
by Christopher Collier
"Led by the breathtaking acting of Emile Hirsh and captured perfectly on film, Into the Wild is easily the best film that will play on screen in 2007."
The Jane Austen Book Club 
by Christopher Collier
"What is apparent, is that in their desire to sprinkle the film with cleverness, they forgot that too much of it spoils the plot. "
Shopgirl by Stephen Goetz
"While this is a beautifully shot film and some potential buildup for a truly emotional third act, this film just falls apart at the end as it clunks towards its conclusion and tries to just staple a sweetness on in the last 5 minutes."
Zodiac by Kevin Feather
"I've seen my fair share of period dramas (even reviewed one or two for this very publication); dramas that either expounds on true events or fictionalize true events and people. Zodiac is one of the best in the true events category. It doesn’t feel like a docu-mentary; it watches like an exciting, nail-biting crime thriller."
THE WEEKLY RANT
October 25, 2007
A Quirky Return
365 days ago, The Cardinal Review was launched in its infant stage, a mere film review blog connected to my personal website. A year since that fateful day, we bring you the new and improved (and I what I really hope is the final) version of our site. We have made it easier to navigate, flashier, and have even brought you the opportunity to win stuff. Of course, all of the old features that you learned to know and love, such as our wonderful and insightful reviews, our earth-shattering message board posts, and our hold-your-breath-in-anticipation-for-the-newest Weekly Rants are here and just as you remember them. So make sure to check out the new site, vote in our poll and most importantly: read the next paragraph...
Yes, this one. This is were I am going to announce the really exciting partnership that we have started with Quirk Books Press, the Philadelphia based publishing firm that has brought you the answers of what to do in the face of a Worst Case Scenario, an understanding of the art of nudie playing cards, a spectacular beer guide, and countless other irreverent books with which you can learn all the most important things in life. Well, the exciting news is that since we have teamed up with Quirk Books, we can now offer you a fun and exciting way to win free stuff. Not just free stuff, but free clever, witty, funny books. All you have to do is correctly answer our quiz question below. What could be simpler...and more fun! We have been working hard to come up with a series of visual questions to puzzle your filmic (that is a real adjective btw) knowledge and in return reward you for it. So, go on. Take a swing at this week's. And unlike our poll question (which is locked into one vote per IP address...) for the quiz we urge your to Vote Early and Vote Often!
In this wonderful month that we have had away from keeping you posted about all that is happening in current and classic films, we have not been simply biding our time, but have been writing reviews and stockpiling them for this moment. True our triplicate moving and job switching issues have caused us to be a bit unreliable as of late, but I am happy to announce that all of us are now pretty much through all of the crazy transitional stuff and settled and ready to get back to business. And that means that we will be up and posting weekly, by 12:00 noon every Friday as regular as a bran muffin will get you. So, each week you can expect not only our insights on the most recent films, but new polls, quizzes, and a heightened presence on the message boards. So, on this first week of our second year, we would like to present you with seven brand new, fresh-out-of-the-wrapper reviews which span from current theatrical releases to just-out of DVD. Next week, the marathons will return...with a snobbish French vengeance.
So what else is there but to say make sure you see Into the Wild the new film by Sean Penn based on the John Krakauer book. The best movie I have seen this year both in terms of scope, acting, and incredible cinematography, but sadly not playing in many places at all. Despite the incessant marketing, the film was only released in a relative handful of theaters and is not hitting enough people. So my plea to you (especially those in the Philly area who can make it up to the <shameless plug> newly renovated Ambler Theater in all of its 1928 splendor) is to hunt down this film and make sure you see it on the big screen. Be prepared though, it is a tough film to watch at times, but the beauty and uplifting message embedded is worth any distance you must take to find it.
And with that I will leave you to marvel at our new look, vote in poll, answer the quiz for a chance to win a FREE book and to, of course, read through our reviews. There is some great stuff out there and some really impressive films yet to come with Oscar hopeful season just getting into full swing. Make sure you check in for what is coming out, what to make sure to make time to see, and what to save time by avoiding. Look forward to talking to you on the message boards.
Welcome back,
~Chris
OPENING
Dan in Real LifeSaw IV
Rails & Ties (LA/NY/TOR)
Dark Blue Almost Black (limited)
Music Within (limited)
Jimmy Carter Man from Plains (Limited)
Bella (limited)
How to Cook Your Life (limited)
IN THEATERS
3:10 To Yuma
Eastern Promises
Into The Wild
The Jane Austen Book Club
NEXT WEEK
- The Goetz Guide to the Chicago Film Festival
- Lust, Caution
- The Darjeeling Limited
POLL QUESTION
Name the character whose toes are shown above...and while you're at it blow on them...
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