Holidays at the movies
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vinces the powers that be that Keener fails to realize the impact of her work. Before you know it, they hit the road so the old pro can show the new kid the ropes.
It becomes readily apparent that these two are polar opposites as well as contradictions themselves. While both are efficient in their own way, Bingham recognizes the terminations they conduct must be done with a personal touch, whereas Keener sees them as simply a rote process. Ironically, Bingham is unable to see that such a personal approach is needed in his life. Estranged from his family, he fears true emotional commitment, though he’s tempted to reevaluate this when he meets Alex Goran (Vera Farmiga), a fellow frequent flyer he connects with immediately. Keener, of course, craves that which Bingham ignores and is devastated when her love life goes awry.
It comes as no surprise that each character winds up learning some hard lessons. They are forced to reevaluate their priorities. However, what makes Air special is that its final destination is not quite what you expect. The surprises it has in store are meaningful because of the emotional connection we make with the characters. The chemistry between Clooney and Farmiga crackles with wit and sexual tension and is altogether charming. We ache for them to be together. Clooney has never been better as he displays a winning sense of vulnerability. Meanwhile, Kendrick shows she has no business looming in the background of silly vampire films. She’s the real deal – funny, touching and warm – and a pleasure to watch.
Up in the Air is rife with contradictions and uncertainty, which is the point. Our lives are as well. How we attempt to deal with these issues is a true sign of our character. Bingham hasn’t quite got it all figured out and will continue in a holding pattern until he finds a place to land. As such, this is not just a film for our times, but for all times.
A phoenix rises from the ashes of despair in Precious
From reading a plot summary of Lee Daniels’ Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire, one would suspect that the misery contained in it would be simply too much to bear. However, the biggest surprise the film con tains is that it’s able to deliver a sense of hope in the face of crushing despair. It winds up being a testament to hope and redemption.
Precious (Gabourey Sidibe) has been dealt such a bad hand by fate it’s a wonder she finds the courage to go from one day to the next. Pregnant by her father with her second child at the age of 16, the young obese woman is illiterate and the constant target of her abusive mother, Mary (Mo’Nique). Her mother has given up on life and takes her frustration out on her daughter, beating her regularly and daily tearing at her self-esteem. However, when Precious is sent to an alternative school, she comes under the caring hand of Ms. Rain (Paula Patton), a teacher who sees potential in her, as well as that of Mrs. Weiss (Mariah Carey), a social worker who plays hardball and is intent on getting the girl
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