Caroseli

While there are a number of good points about the film "Don King: Only in America"--the script, the direction, the supporting cast--by far the best reason to watch it is Ving Rhames' stunning performance as Don King. Ironically, although King is an extremely gregarious personality, Rhames' performance wins through its subtlety. Through the slightest gestures and facial expressions, Rhames paints a portrait of a man who is both repellent and compelling. The best touch of genius in the script comes in the scenes when Rhames as King comments upon the actions and events depicted in the regular film, actually "talking back" to the camera, filmmakers and audience. (At one point, he even calls HBO hypocrites.) I have never cared much for boxing, but there is no denying Don King is one of the most influential and colorful personalities of our century, and this film gives us an insight into his life we would did not have previously.

While "Rasputin" tends to drag a little in some parts, it is definitely worth a look for the performances of Ian McKellen, who lends a subtle but breathtaking elegance to Czar Nicholas II, and especially Alan Rickman, who plays the role of Rasputin to the hilt. It is also an incredibly gorgeous (and historically accurate) portrayal of pre-revolution Russia, which could be very valuable to history teachers. Given how little Americans in general know about Russian history, a film such as this could interest quite a few people into reading up on the subject.

Although this is an all-around good movie, two things really stand out in my mind. The first is Haskell Wexler's cinematography, which makes the camera seem like a fifth, silent character in the film, giving the audience the impression of "sitting in" on this cramped, hellish cocktail party. The second is the dialogue. Most of us have had the misfortune of knowing a couple like this (a few have maybe even been IN a couple like this), but the dialogue in this movie makes these characters come alive. While this is definitely a very funny, very sad film, the highest praise I can pay it is that it is in some moments difficult to watch, as it is almost TOO tense.