Thursday, December 14, 2006

THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN


If ever there was a titularly-challenged movie THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN is it. No, this superb, subtly inspirational film isn't a Biograph biopic about the legendary Jim Thorpe, nor is it a Bollywood sports film featuring a Mumbaian marathoner, nor is it a zany Zucker Brothers comedy about Tonto with a hotfoot.

Simply put, this is a marvelous, unforgettable film about the indomitable human spirit found in an unlikely place, and I don't mean the football stadium at Notre Dame University.

Step aside RUDY, meet Burt.

As in Burt Munro, by all standards a fine fellow in his Golden Years who should be lounging poolside at some retirement community in Auckland reliving the thrilling days of yesteryear. But this Lone Ranger is a likeable, lively, spirited son-of-a-gun with a passion to go fast and a deep rooted love for an Indian -- a 1920 American-made Indian motorcycle to be precise -- that he has lovingly ridden, restored and modified over a period of forty years in an attempt to set a world speed record.

Burt's obsession is brilliantly revealed early in the film when the camera dollies past a long shelf holding a lifetime of broken pistons and other failed, hand-crafted parts that belie the mettle of this man. "Offerings to the God of Speed" the neatly printed words below proclaim, and it becomes abundantly clear that the Achilles' heel in his virtually insurmountable pursuit lies in the flawed aluminum alloy alchemy which takes place in a small corrugated tin shed that serves as a laboratory and a garage and a home.

Yes, he's an underdog of epic proportions, but Burt knows something most AARP members have long forgotten, "If you don't follow through on your dreams, you might as well be a vegetable." It's true, folks past sixty can still have dreams. And skills. And as Burt can attest, sexagenarians can have sex as well.

Anthony Hopkins is cast as Burt Munro and his endearing performance is as engaging and heartfelt and utterly charming as he has ever given. Unlike the diamond in my wife's wedding ring, Hopkins is flawless. Yes, I said flawless.

Written and Directed by Roger Donaldson (NO WAY OUT, SPECIES, DANTE'S PEAK, THE RECRUIT), it is clearly evident that he admires and respects Mr. Munro given the film's virtually consummate execution, especially the exhilarating cinematography by David Gribble and the skillful editing by John Gilbert. Everything considered, this is by far Donaldson's best film to date.

Of course, just getting from Invercargill, New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah proves to be a daunting task. This is especially true since Burt is near penniless and suffers from a weak heart. Luckily there is help along the way. Diane Ladd, Saginaw Grant, Paul Rodriguez, Chris Williams and Chris Lawford are just a few of the fine actors whose oddball, eclectic and surprising array of quirky characters assist Munro in his seemingly impossible quest.

Burt soon discovers that Bonneville presents additional, unsuspected obstacles. Welcome, Burt, to the Mormon Mecca for Speed where dreams of conquest dissipate as ethereally and as often as Fata Morgana.

But Burt's accomplishment was no mirage. It was damn near a miracle.

They say fame is fleeting, but this doesn't apply to an old geezer named Burt Munro who was clocked at over 200 miles per hour in a clunky contraption, man and machine as one, the rickety relic and the cantankerous old Kiwi solidly establishing a world's speed record that still stands today, almost thirty years later.

Unbelievable, but true.

Fittingly, for his stunning achievement the little town of Invercargill changed its official motto from "City of Water and Light" to "Where Dreams Come True." An appropriate tribute, indeed, to an inspiring individual the God of Speed took a liking to, just as you will when you see THE WORLD'S FASTEST INDIAN.

Monday, December 11, 2006

DEAD END


For those who find most holiday cinematic fare far too saccharine I present an alternative that just might make the annual not-so-festive trek to Grandma's depressing house a bit more appealing -- the musty smell and dreadful doilies notwithstanding.

Thanks to the writing/directing team of Jean-Baptiste Andrea and Fabrice Canepa DEAD END is a low-budget Christmas-themed classic that magically manages to masterfully mix terrifying, horrific elements with humorous, laugh-out-loud dialogue. Don't take my word for it; what other film can you think of that has garnered top honors at both the San Sebastian Horror Film Festival as well as at the Pensacola Comedy Film Festival?

While the script is remarkably tight and the directing is simply superb, primary credit must go to the phenomenal cast featuring the fabulous Ray Wise as the feckless father who decides to take an ill-advised short cut to granny's this particular yuletide eve. Likewise, Lin Shaye as the overwrought, wretched wife is nothing short of sensational while Alexandra Holden as the delicious, decisive daughter and Mick Cain as the sophomoric, smart aleck son also deliver exceptional performances that ring remarkably true. In fact, DEAD END should be mandatory viewing for all acting and directing classes -- it is that good.

Clocking in at a mere 83 minutes the tension builds as this totally believable but dysfunctional American family on an apparently endless road to nowhere discovers that, when all is said and done, there are no secrets after death.

Unfortunately, during the final three or so minutes the script takes an ill-advised detour. In fact, the ending is as hard to swallow as a Corsicana Fruitcake. Don't let the disappointing denouement dissuade you. DEAD END is anything but a dead end...

Thursday, December 07, 2006

THE GOOD GERMAN


On December 22nd Warner Bros. Pictures will release THE GOOD GERMAN in theatres nationwide. The film is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Tobey Maguire.

Given the title it is our opinion we will be unable to sufficiently suspend our disbelief to enable us to actually sit through this film's 105 minute running time. Accordingly, there will not be a review posted on this website.

THE GOOD GERMAN.

Give me a break.

Further proof that Clooney is loony.

Monday, December 04, 2006

RADIO MUSIC THEATRE


I don't profess to know what Jehovah saw, but this weekend I witnessed the best comedy show on planet earth. In fact, don't be surprised if I come a knockin' on your door to spread the good news. Let me explain...

This past Friday evening my wife and I, accompanied by four close friends, attended the annual Christmas show at Houston's Radio Music Theatre. For those of you who have never had the opportunity to see "A Fertle Holiday" you must stop whatever you are doing and make reservations immediately. This Christmas show is a perennial classic, and with tickets priced at a mere twenty bucks you'll have more fun than the law usually allows.

Radio Music Theatre consists of Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell and Rich Mills. These fabulously talented comedians not only portray multiple roles, they ingeniously incorporate musical interludes and satirical songs that make RMT truly unique. Together, they constitute the funniest comedic trifecta since the Nairobi Trio.

Sorry Charlie, but if you like GREATER TUNA you will absolutely love Radio Music Theatre.

Steve Farrell is credited with writing all of RMT's comedy and music. His "Nails Are Glue" routine is the most hilarious comedy bit since "Who's On First." And his Doc Moore character joins Ralph Kramden and Clem Kadiddlehopper as among the most endearing audience favorites of all time.

Thanks to Steve's fertile mind you will be introduced to the world of scalloped corn, cold butter pie, a performance of Fiddler on the Roof's Tevye that is, in a word, "alarming," and a Duran Duran reference that will keep you howling for days. Clearly RMT's routines are anything but routine.

Rich Mills is the funniest guy this side of Jonathan Winters. Rich's "human antenna" bit is brilliant, and when it comes to subtle but hilarious facial expressions Mr. Mills is one-of-a-kind. According to the RMT program Rich recently started a custom website design service; the internet may never be the same.

Of course, any successful comedy team must have an exceptional straight man. Or woman. George Burns had Gracie. Abbot had Costello. Lucy had Desi. The Fertle Family has Vickie Farrell. Do not misunderstand -- Vicki stands tall as a comedienne in her own right with a range that rivals Lucy Arnaz. Yet it should also be noted that much of RMT's humor works directly off Vicki. Without her and her delicious characters I fear the Fertles would fall flat. To paraphrase Lucy Van Pelt from A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: "Vicki Ferrell, of all the Fertles you are the Fertlest of all."



One could say that the only thing missing from Radio Music Theatre are a couple of Rockettes. Humbug. A show this funny doesn't need 'em...

To learn more about Radio Music Theatre I invite you to go to their website at (appropriately) www.radiomusictheatre.com.