- Peter and Jenn had a chance to talk about the latest musical turned into film: Chicago. This film is directed by Rob Marshall and stars Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly. Peter and Jenn encourage everyone to see Chicago because it's a magical ride of poetry, lyrics and dance. There are some absolutely amazing sequences involving dissolves, fades -- which show off the virtuosity of these actors (especially the Golden Globe-winning Zellwegger and Gere). A word to the wise: Chicago is methodical and loyal to its stage source. It's more like Cabaret than Moulin Rouge! (which while equally fantastic offered one second shots).
- John, Wangui and Sarah had a chance to see the latest film playing at the Bytowne: Read My Lips. This film is directed by Jacques Audiard and stars Vincent Cassell and Emmanuelle Devos. This film surprised all of us because we assumed it would be a love story. Actually, Read My Lips is a clever thriller that follows the relationship of Paul and Carla, an unlikely pair of characters who need each other due to unexpected circumstances. This film is clearly one of the more entertaining films we've seen in a while. Do check it out!
- Peter had the opportunity to catch the latest film from Spike Jonze called Adaptation. Jonze is the MTV-based, creative mind behind Being John Malkovich. Adaptation stars Nicholas Cage (in a dual role), Meryl Streep and the HIGHLY underrated, brilliant character actor Chris Cooper. It's an unofficial 'sequel' to Being John Malkovich that borders a tad on self-indulgence without really crossing that line. Charlie Kauffman (played by Cage), Adaptation's actual screenwriter, has written himself into the film as a frustrated screenwriter who can't adapt a book. It's a self-referential tone that doesn't live up to the promise. Being John Malkovich was like an onion with many metaphorical layers of meaning -- exploring issues of stardom, being, pyschology and sexuality. Adaptation is an onion that deserves more of these film layers. Peter says it's worth checking out but emphasizes that Adaptation doesn't live up to its predecessor. You be the judge.