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| Movie Review: Fracture Alternate Title: Face Off
Story: Sometimes even if a film
has flaws it is extremely entertaining. This film easily fits into this
category. It is a 'who' (or rather 'how') done it' mixed with wit, style,
suspense and great acting. Director Gregory Hoblit
(Primal Fear) does a fine job in creating a bona fide scenery
chewing thriller. The coordination of a fine screenplay by Daniel
Pyne and Glenn Gers rounds out the entertainment
value. Millionaire Ted
Crawford discovers his younger wife is cheating on him and shoots her
in the face. He confesses, becomes his own lawyer and matches wits in
the courtroom with a young Assistant DA who is on the fast track to
a corporate lifestyle. How he manages to outwit, outplay and outlast
the Court is the meat of the film. I am not going to give away anymore
plot points but I encourage you to go to see the film and sit back and
enjoy the ride. Are there plot holes? Absolutely. But I couldn't
have cared less because it was so much fun. Acting: Anthony Hopkins certainly
recalls some of his infamous Hannibal Lector facial tics and mannerisms
but that makes it all the more fun. Ryan Gosling has
come a long way since he was a Mousketeer (in the same graduating class
as Jusitn Timberlake, Christina Aguillera and Britney Speers). He is
terrific in the part and you cannot help but see a younger Edward Norton
on screen. The ensemble supporting cast is fine and includes: David
Strathairn, Rosamund Pike, Embeth Davidtz and Billy Burke. Predilection: None.
Critters: None.
Food: A Thanksgiving meal.
Blatant Product Placement: Apple computers everywhere
and a shot of the LA downtown office buildings with a larger than life
sign of Deloitte and Touche.
Soundtrack: Cat and mousy.
Opening Titles: An enticing opening title sequence
superimposed over a fascinating table game.
Visual Art: Photography.
Theater Audience: A handful of New Yorkers like myself
who needed a two hour break from all of this terrific spring weather.
Weather: Much of the film takes place at night but
other than that it is nice. It is LA.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Predictability Level: I did not know what was going
on and had to think about the ending for awhile.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Oh, go to the big screen and
have yourself some delicious movie fun. For some of Ryan Gosling's
other films you can rent: Half Nelson, The Notebook, The United States
of Leland, Murder by Numbers and The Believer
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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