25th Hour
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Movie Reviews of 25th Hour
Movie Review: Criminals are always playing spin the bottle and sooner or later it is going to point to the ugly.
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the many things that make 25th hour such a special film to me is how Benioff and Lee didn't attempt to cram too many events into this plot. This film does take place in just one day, and it's a perfect snapshot of the lead protagonist Monty Brogan's thoughts and actions in that final day before he begins a 7 year jail sentence for dealing heroin, expertly put together by David Benioff and Spike Lee. We see Brogan (superbly played by Edward Norton) walking his dog, talking to his girlfriend, having a meal with his father, going out to a club with his friends, preparing to go to jail and being driven there. It's not over the top, it isn't brash, but it does do what is necessary.
Brogan is clearly worried and regretful. This is faultlessly portrayed by the mirror scene, in which he rants incessantly about the variety of people populating New York, and then realizes that he only has himself to blame for the situation he is in. It's such a human moment, since how many people can honestly say that they have never chosen to blame others, and take their anger out in a vicious way, even if it is just personal thoughts? But it isn't just Monty who feels regret, virtually every other character we focus on does, Monty's father is weighed down by his former alcoholism, and he partly holds himself responsible for Monty's fate. And so do Monty's friends, not preventing him from his choice to deal drugs.
Monty Brogan is not really shown in a 'good' or 'bad' light. Norton plays him as a normal person. He's easy to relate to, and it's a reminder of how anyone can turn out depending on what choices they make. His choice of drug dealing is looked down upon, the interrogators ridicule him, but that is only in the context of drug dealing, not as a normal person. Benioff and Lee were keen to show his actions like this.
The film is skillfully made, from the very tasteful opening credit scene acknowledging 9/11 (another honest feature about the film, which is an important theme throughout), where we see the lights at ground zero dropping from the sky, to the fantasy scene with Monty and his father in the car near the end, where they think about the family he could have had, all surreally dressed in while. Terence Blanchard's score too is one of the most beautiful I've heard in a recent film along with Michael Andrews score for Donnie Darko - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition). The film tells it like it is. It's about decision making, it's about responsibility and it's about real friendship. It's realistic on an emotional level and is now one of my favorite Spike Lee Joints.
Movie Review: One night has never looked so sweet...
Summary: 5 Stars
`25th Hour' is truly one of the greatest films to surface in 2002, a year that up until this week I rendered as the year the movies died. That's for another discussion, maybe I'll make a "So you'd like to know" list to discuss that one. Anyways, having just seen this film I am still on a high sort-of-speak, still reeling off of the energy produced with each passing frame. Supported strongly by powerful performances by the entire cast, `25th Hour' delivers a unique premise and a thought provoking script glossed up nicely by Spike Lee's brilliant direction.
The brilliant Edward Norton delivers yet another award worthy performance as drug dealer Monty Brogan. Monty has just hit a strode of bad luck for a tip to the police has landed him an eight year stint in prison, and now, on his last night of freedom he endeavors to find the one responsible. Among the few he suspects is his stunning girlfriend Naturelle (Rosario Dawson), one of the only people who knew where he hid his drugs. At his aid are his best friend's Frank (Barry Pepper) and teacher Jacob (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who is battling his own demons as he pines over his underage student Mary (Anna Paquin).
Its one night, but so much can happen in that one night. What makes this film so brilliant is its rich character development. Each main character has their own baity scene as it could be called, a scene that defines their role in the film and showcases their own plights. Edward Norton's scene comes early on, his "F*** you" monologue in the bathroom which is delivered in a way only Norton could deliver it. Hoffman's comes next, in the club, where he goes against his own better judgment and makes a pass at Anna. As he walks away from her his face reads all kinds of controlled emotions. Lastly, and most effective, comes Barry's defining moment, a scene towards the end of the film where he reluctantly carries out Monty's last request of him. Just watch out for it, it threw me for a loop.
Flawlessly orchestrated, `25th Hour' is a prime example of how a movie can be done right. From the moment Monty stumbles upon the `Bull Pitt' to the scene where he's driving towards the prison with his father James (Brian Cox) we are completely intoxicated with this well spun and brilliantly crafted drama. Adapted the screenplay from his own novel, David Benioff breathes life into his characters, giving them rich dialog to work with and delivering a fantastic script that these actors take and execute magnificently. Edward Norton has always been one of my favorite actors, a an who can take any role and make it memorable, and Monty Brogan is no exception.
Movie Review: Lost
Summary: 5 Stars
First i suggest everybody read the two spotlight reviews by Roland E Zwick and Mark D Burgh. What one leaves out, the other mentions.
The movie is about the day before Monty goes to jail. He goes through alot mentally in this apprehension of his dramatic life change only a few hours away. Who turned me in? Does she really love me? Will she be around when I get out? Who are my real friends? Who can I trust? Why didn't I just stop when I had the money to move and start a clean life somewhere else? How bad is prison really going to be? So much more than just this though.
All the characters are so rich. Through Monty's memories we see detail of characters. And through their dialogue with each other we see their own internal conflicts. Even the few minutes spent on the top Russian Mobster shows him with a history and understanding on the world and prison.
They're all going through something you don't really want to go through, but you're sure to identify with one of them. As far as what would you do in this situation?
Apparently some people had some issues with the fantasy bit at the end of the movie. I think this is just another thing that is bound to go through your head if you were in Monty's position, or his father's. Should I just go? Just go away, change my name...etc. All that at the very last minute. The fear of having to report to prison for a 7 year sentence when you could just as easily "say the word" and your pop will take the George Washington Bridge and drive off to the west.
No, face the consequences. Be a man. Own up to what you've done.
These are the natural thoughts anybody would have in this situation and I commend Benioff for being this real.
I must commend Spike Lee for presenting this so beautifully, and the remarkable, tasteful use of Ground Zero as a backdrop done in a way that only a New Yorker could. This really might be the best film Lee has made.
I could probably indulge in symbolism in the film, but I don't want to spoil anything. Its beautiful the way it is.
Movie Review: So very excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not a big Spike Lee fan. To tell you the truth, I've never seen one of his movies besides this one. And I didn't even know he made this...all I did was rent it for Edward Norton, one of the best actors of the decade. Well, Spike Lee did a very nice job in this movie. 5 star worthy..maybe..but the effort is there to boost it.
The cast is definitely a positive sign in this movie with Edward Norton and Philip Seymour Hoffman playing their roles perfectly.
The movie's about Monty, a guy living in New York with a beautiful girlfriend, nice friends and a sweet dog. The opening sequence shows Monty saving this dog's life in a touching moment. But Monty also sells drugs. He makes money off it but lately has been stopping. One thing that I trully appreciate about this movie is that there is no drug usage whatsoever. Nada! It's all about that but unlike most movies, this movie only shows what's necessary and that is something very rare and I trully appreciate it.
Monty is caught though and is sentenced to 7 years in prison. He basically lives out his last 25 hours for a long time as a free man. The audience is one of his friends too..we follow him around town as he is about to be caged up. It's a very sad movie and very powerful movie. The part where he talks to himself in the mirror is one of the most powerful sequences that I have ever seen.
Everyone plays their role perfectly and the realism of the movie is stunning. The visuals are perfect and the story development is continuous. The ending is touching and this movie remains as one of the most powerful of the last 20 or so years.
It's a movie that everyone should see because it has an inner message and is a wonderful critique of our society.
Edward Norton once again takes a rough role and is stunning. He trully is one of the best actors to watch.
25th hour is a success...a powerful, geniously conceived movie that is one tough but true 2 hours.
Movie Review: My Favorite Joint So Far
Summary: 5 Stars
Other reviewers have done a fine job of describing the major plot points and the pros and cons of this film. I myself had some trouble with it for the first 15 minutes, it seemed to ramble, but I stayed with it because I admire Spike Lee's work. I was also mesmerized by Terence Blanchard's score. And it proved to be worth the hang. First consider that it was adapted from a pre-9/11 novel that is New York City to its core. Then consider that it's set in a post-9/11 New York City. Finally, consider that Benioff took his original story and adapted it to post-9/11 and then look beneath the surface of the story for the real story that is actually being told from this framework. (The song over the closing credits should make it clear to the viewer, if it wasn't already.) Benioff has written some sequences that made me hold my breath - the man is one of the best writers and slam poets out there. The cinematography is all New York, both gritty and gorgeous, light and more light, and the key characters are all well-defined. Edward Norton gives an underrated award-winning performance, and Brian Cox's supporting work was just as good. Then Spike Lee takes all of this, with his some very good editors, and makes this joint unforgettable. In 25 years, this movie will be regarded as a 9/11-era classic, and one of the finest memorials to a wounded and healing city that any movie director could make. And, yes, go back and look at the rambling beginning and some of the other slower-paced portions of the film on a second screening, as I did, and you, too, will probably understand that they are actually there for a very good reason.I love Spike Lee's Joints, and this is my favorite so far. Don't expect an escapist good time, this is a thinking film, but, if you're a movie buff like me, it will make you think and feel things about New York and 9/11 that you maybe didn't realize you thought or felt. Highly recommended. Thank you Spike!