Valkyrie (2008)

***Disclaimer: Before I begin this review, I should confess (if you don’t already know), that Tom Cruise is my favorite actor. He’s had a rough few years due to some very bad publicity. But – he is still laughing all the way to the bank. That being said – I do believe I can write a fair review. After all, I never was a big fan of Legend either.***

I will admit that I wasn’t too excited about Valkyrie. Mainly because it just didn’t feel like a movie one should watch during the holiday. Movies about war don’t usually inspire peace and love (in my mind).

However, this account of a true-to-life failed attempt to assassinate Hitler was fascinating. It made me want to know more about the real life account after viewing the film.

There was quite a bit of bad publicity surrounding this film (and Mr. Cruise) prior to its release from how ridiculous his eye patch was to how Germany wouldn’t let him film in the country because of his scientology beliefs (which actually was not the case). It is too bad that this publicity occurred, because I think it caused people to only focus on Mr. Cruise and not the actual story.

The film is full of great actors including Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Terence Stamp, Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Izzard. They all immerse themselves in their roles that for not even one minute do you think about the fact they are all speaking with their native accents (none of which is German).

The intricacies that these men went to to fabricate their plan was unbelievable. I can’t believe that so many individuals were able to execute this plan without word leaking out to the enemy. The plan had to be executed perfectly and while I knew the plan doesn’t end up succeeding, I actually thought it might – the suspense was that good!

While the movie won’t win any Academy Awards – it is well worth a look see.

End.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

In honor of Halloween, I thought I'd dedicate October to horror films. The lucky film this week is "Shaun of the
Dead" - a great comedy/horror movie that doesn't spoof other horror flicks, but rather pays homage to them. This British film stars Simon Pegg as Shaun - a slacker who works in an appliance/electronics store who lives with his college roommate, can't quite seem to commit to his girlfriend and doesn't get along with his step-dad - but he does luv his mum.

Shaun and his pal Ed (Nick Frost) slowly begin to realize their town is overrun with zombies and their dimwitted realization is what makes this movie so funny. The scenarios they find themselves in are hilarious - particularly with how the zombies are portrayed, as slow moving, but deadly forces. In a moment of infinite wisdom, Shaun decides the safest place for him and his friends to be is at the local pub (which just so happens to be his favorite place, much to the consternation of his girlfriend) and so the journey to safety (and pints of beer) begins.

Great performances abound, including Bill Nighy as Shaun's step-dad and Lucy Davis (of the BBC's "The Office") as a friend along for the ride. Also, for "The Office" fans - a quick cameo by Martin Freeman - in a fabulously funny scene where Shaun and his troupe cross paths with his ex-girlfriend and her troupe on their way to safety.

If you love the dry wit of British humor - this film is for you. It is a great mash-up of horror and comedy and a perfect flick to watch on Halloween night.

End.