The Road - 4 Stars

Are you an introspective person? Do you like to analyze things? Do you enjoy crazy 'what if' scenarios? Well try this one on for size: you and your child are being descended upon by a mob; instantaneously threatened with torture, rape, and other horrific acts; you have a gun, but only 1 bullet. What do you do?

Well, this is the fate that befalls the main character of The Road, superbly played by Viggo Mortenson, and his son, credibly played by some child actor. They're struggling to survive in a world that has been burnt to a crisp, the sky permanently darkened with rain and ash, and almost all traces of life (and humanity, as you'll find out) wiped clean. This is all sans the mother (Charlize Theron), who's fate is played out through a series of flashbacks.

As you may know, this is an almost straight adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel of the same name. So while it may seem like a post apocalyptic sci-fi adventure, 'The Day After Tomorrow' this is not. If you're familiar with McCarthy's other work ( Blood Meridian and No Country For Old Men, also a movie, for example ), then you'll know that this premise he lays out is all just backdrop for a passion play of humanity, morality, and love. All these things are on trial as you witness the pure bond between parent and child play out, and the hardships they endure to ensure that bond is not broken. It makes me wonder, would viewers without children be affected as deep as those who know the joy and responsibility of raising a child?

So now back to my original scenario. With that one bullet you have but a few options: futilely try to defend yourself and your child against the mob with it; put it through your own brain and put yourself out of misery; or.... if you think about it there is really only one true answer. If even considering that makes you squirm, then this probably isn't the movie for you. It's probably the single reason a movie with this kind of pedigree (bestselling author, blockbuster talent, excellent directing) didn't do well at the box or with critics. If you're not queasy, then you might just enjoy The Road.

Now, one last scenario: imagine the same as before, except you're not there. Just your child and the gun. What would you have him/her do?

Queasy yet?

The Fountain - 4 Stars

I almost tagged this flick as 'suprise' because when it first came out it really didn't get good reviews at all, and it took multiple years and many passings-over before I watched it.

I ultimately decided to tag this as 'obscure', because it's one of those films that either resonates with you and you love it, or you don't really 'get it' and you hate it. I happen to be the former, but it does take a bit of mental twister to really understand what is happening in the flick.

Now I'm a big fan of Arnofsky's previous works (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), but this was an ambitious film even by his lofty standards. Several plotlines traveling on three separate timelines, intermingling with actors playing multiple characters, and it can get somewhat confusing. But the story and characters are compelling, the film itself is visually stunning, and the ending really does take you for a ride.

If your attention span hasn't been whittled away by the typical Michael Bay fare, and you're one to enjoy spending an hour after the movie chatting with fellow viewers as to the understanding and meaning of the film, then this is a flick for you.

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