RIP: Tony Curtis 1925 - 2010

RIP: Arthur Penn 1922 – 2010

RIP: Sally Menke 1953 - 2010

Stray Dog

One the most amazing aspects of Japanese master Akira Kurosawa's films is his versatility going from genre to genre without losing his vision with a keen eye on the human condition. In this riveting thriller a rookie cop has his gun stolen and sets out to find it that will changes him to the man he will become. Kurosawa started a new genre in Japanese cinema with this crime thriller that has not lost one bit of its power. As usual Kurosawa can count on his impeccable cast and crew including Mifune. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Idiot

Japanese master Akira Kurosawa tackles Dostoevsky's novel and delivers another splendid film. The story about a simple and good man who returns home after the war where he touches and changes the lives of several people including two beautiful but different women. Kurosawa and Dostoevsky are a perfect match because of their humanistic approach to the human condition. It comes to no surprise that Kurosawa chose this novel to adapt since it studies the inherent goodness of a human and how it's contradicts with the society. A timeless classic with a perfect cast and crew that includes Setsuko Hara and Toshirô Mifune. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Lower Depths

Japanese master Akira Kurosawa successfully transfers Maxim Gorky's play to Japanese settings. In the tragic comedy a group of people at the margins of society hold onto anything to overcome their dire circumstances. Kurosawa, the humanist cuts through the surface to show the dignity of the people at the lower depths of society. As always top notch performances along with his impeccable crew Kurosawa never lets you down. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Drunken Angel

This film marked a breakthrough for Japanese master Akira Kurosawa which was his first successful film and also the first time he worked with Toshirô Mifune with whom he could collaborate for 15 other films, many considered masterpieces. The story about a fallen and alcoholic doctor who sees himself in a young gangster with tuberculosis whom he wants to safe. Kurosawa blends Italian neo-realism with American film-noir perfectly with two riveting performances by Takashi Shimura and Mifune. A timeless classic that hasn't lost one bit of its power like many other of Kurosawa's films. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Séraphine

French writer and director Martin Provost brings the live of French painter Séraphine de Senlis vividly to the screen. The extraordinary story of maid with a hidden talent which is discovered accidentally by a renowned German art collector. Yolande Moreau and Ulrich Tukur deliver pitch-perfect performances as the leads. Provost tells a unique story that satisfies on many levels including about art, artists and the passion for it which will touch anybody who appreciates it. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Angel's Fall

Turkish writer and director Semih Kaplanoglu made this gloomy and cold film about two lost in Istanbul. A lonely woman who lives a miserable life as a hotel chambermaid and daughter of an abusive man who crosses paths with a lonely man who mourns the death of his wife which leads to the woman's fall from grace. Heavy on art and symbolism which drowns the story and its characters who needed more heart and maybe some hope or redemption. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

My Trip to Al Qaeda

Prolific documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney directed and produced the play by Lawrence Wright as he chronicles the rise of fundamentalist Islam. The film informs and answers many questions people might have about the Islamic terror group that still haunts the Western world. Wright raises questions and taps into the common fear while examining his own objectivity towards his subject which makes the film more accessible with Gibney to guide him in the right direction. Relevant and important documentary to be seen for those seeking for more info about Al Qaeda or radical Islam. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The Girlfriend Experience

Director Steven Soderbergh made this low budget film after his epic "Che" about a call girl. The slice of life story of a high end call girl as she makes a living while dealing with her boyfriend and clients. It's a slick and beautifully looking film but empty due to poor writing and performances. The film is proof that how actor can elevate a film to something better or kill it. It has the feel of a reality show done by A-list director. Soderbergh gets a point for daring something new without a fear for a failure. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Brüno

Director Larry Charles and star Sacha Baron Cohen reunited again after the brilliant and immensely successful "Borat" for another outrageous comedy that fails on many levels that their first collaboration succeeded. The story of flamboyant Austrian fashionista Brüno who tries desperately to become famous. Over the top and in your face film has something to offend almost everybody from gays to straight, Americans and Europeans, liberals and conservatives to everybody else. While there are moments of brilliance it gets buried quickly and easily which is a shame. Charles and Cohen lets loose and try desperately to be funny which often falls flat. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

Where the Wild Things Are

Director Spike Jonze returned with his third feature after a seven year gap which failed to live up to his first two films (Being John Malkovich & Adaptation.) The story about a troubled and disobedient boy who creates an imaginary world in order to escape the reality. Based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, the feature loses much of its charm and innocence which becomes another dysfunctional family story that's preposterous and pretentious. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The King's Speech

British director Tom Hooper continues to impress with another superb film which might be the best film about a British Royal which is quite an impressive accomplishment. The story about how King George VI overcame his stuttering problem with the help of an Australian actor that allowed him to become a King after his father's death and his brother is forced to abdicate right before the WWII. The film should have been called "The Man Who Made a King" but then it would have taking the spotlight away from the king. Hooper and writer David Seidler tap into a goldmine with the story that's rich and complex which amazingly nobody attempt it before. Hooper's film is superior to the recent film about British Monarchs including the acclaimed "The Queen" and "The Young Victoria" which the film serves as the perfect companion piece. The outstanding cast includes Colin Firth in his best performance to date, Geoffrey Rush's hilarious return to top form and Helena Bonham Carter taking a break from Tim Burton films to return to the period films that started her career. The impressive supporting cast includes Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon and Timothy Spall as key figures around the king. YRCinema's coverage of upcoming releases.

Jennifer's Body

Diablo Cody's follow up script to her award winning "Juno" fails on every level that her debut succeeded which is partly due to director Karyn Kusama who's lost with the material. The story of two best friends whose friendship is tested when one of them becomes a demon. The well-cast talent that includes Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody can't save it either but will draw their fans to watch it. YRCinema's coverage of films on DVD.

The American

Famed photographer turned director Anton Corbijn makes his sophomore debut with this subtle existential thriller following his smashing debut with "Control." After being hunted a professional hit man is sent into hiding in Italy while waiting for instructions from his boss who might be involved in his troubles. Corbijn and writer Rowan Joffe take on the tried genre by illuminating the downside of the cinematically glamorized profession. George Clooney gives a nuanced performance as the lonely hit man on the run who realizes too late that his career has reached a dead end with nobody to count on but finds a human connection with a priest and a prostitute that shows the true damage of his existence. YRCinema's coverage of current releases.

RIP: Claude Chabrol 1930 - 2010