Higher Ground (2011)

 

 Directed by Vera Farmiga

Starring Vera Farmiga and Joshua Leonard

Runtime 109 min.- Rated R

4 Stars (Out of 4)

I spent about 7 years as a devoted protestant. That's not much time when compared to the lifetime commitment made by the lead character in "Higher Ground". However, most of the key events of the movie paralleled events in that 7 year span. During that time I worked as an unpaid intern in a program that would have bestowed upon me an official ordination. Instead of sticking with the program I became less and less convinced of my own beliefs and eventually came to the conclusion that I never really believed in the first place. These days I am perfectly content as a nonbeliever, but the lure of fellowship and a sense of belonging is something I understand completely. It's also something that this movie portrays with authenticity.

Perfect Sense (2011)

 

Available on ITUNES and AMAZON INSTANT VIDEO

Directed byDavid Mackenzie

 Starring Eva Green and Ewan McGregor

Runtime 92 min. - Unrated -R level content

 3.5 Stars (out of 4)

If you haven't heard of Eva Green then you've been missing out on someone special. Green is a former stage actress who made a huge impact in her film debut. She landed that role in "The Dreamers" by impressing legendary director Bernardo Bertolucci. The film was rated NC-17 and most scenes required Eva to be nude. Many seasoned actresses would be uncomfortable with so much nudity but Green's confidence is evident every second she's on screen.. That performance has lead to plenty of success, including roles in "The Womb", "Camelot", "Kingdom of Heaven", "Franklyn" and "Casino Royale". So if you haven't already, seek out the work of Eva Green.

2011 Oscar Predictions

He just found out that Melancholia didn't get a nomination.

The official list is out and as I feared, Melancholia didn't get a single nomination. I believe that the Academy snubbed Melancholia because of Lars von Triers controversial statements at Cannes. It can't be undone so I guess I should just move forward. Here are my picks for this year's Oscars.

Dusty's Top 10 of 2011

Full Disclosure. There are 3 films that I have not seen that I think could very easily make this list. They are "Shame", "Hugo" and "Take Shelter". I will update this when I finally get to see those movies. 


*Originally, "Warrior" was ranked at number 10, but Another Earth is a much more deserving film. "Warrior" has now become the first in what will be many honorable mentions.

Melancholia (2011)

Directed by Lars von Trier

Starring Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg

Runtime 136 min. - Rated R

4 Stars (out of 4)

Roger Ebert recently predicted that Melancholia would not get an Oscar nomination for best picture. He gave it a glowing review but doesn't think it will receive enough votes for a nomination. If that prediction proves true, the Academy Awards should be ashamed. His other prediction was that Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes would get a nomination for best picture. That would only further tarnish the reputation of this year's award in my mind. I actually liked the Apes but it doesn't belong in the elite category.

Slaughter Claus (2011)

 Slaughter Claus and Bi-Polar Elf #19 as portrayed by David Hawkins and Nelson Oliver respectively.

Visit Charles E. Cullen's website to purchase Slaughter Claus and other DVDs. 

http://www.cullenstudios.net/

 Directed by Charles E. Cullen

Unrated

Runtime 73 minutes

3.5 Stars (out of 4)

[Slaughter Claus premieres Thursday, December 8th 9:30PM at The Grandin Theater in Roanoke, Virginia]

I've been trying to think of a clever way to describe Slaughter Claus without making it sound so bad. I can't. It's the most atrocious, worthless piece of crap I've ever seen. Also, I loved every minute. If you've never seen a film by Charles E. Cullen before, then you can't really grasp the concept. It's like low-budget sketch comedy that middle-schoolers would post to youtube, except not as good.