michaelf

In 2002, a suicide bombing in Maggido took the lives of seventeen innocent people. Only sixteen of the dead were identified. A team of Israeli filmmakers became obsessed with discovering the identity of victim number 17.

What follows is a good detective story, but even more than that `No. 17' gives us a view of the Mideast conflict that western news organizations tend to ignore. While news stories often profile the terrorists and the bombers, the victims remain nameless and faceless. `No. 17' is a much needed film that provides the victims of terrorist bombings the only voice they will most likely be granted.

There is a lot of truth in Michael Moore's film. During its first eight months, the Bush administration did ignore the threat of terrorism. They have been protective of Saudis involved with extremists. And the war in Iraq not only had little to do with terrorism, but it actually interfered with the war on terrorism by diverting resources.

However, Moore does so much grandstanding going for the cheap laugh that he damages his own credibility. Moore seems to put entertainment before informing, which is why `Fahrenheit 9/11' is something less than a good film. While it may cause many to justly question the Bush administration's policies, this movie will also mislead many viewers into thinking this is what a well made documentary looks like -- and `Fahrenheit 9/11' is nothing like a well made documentary.

Writer-director Jean-Jacques Annaud has given us a beautifully photographed story about two tiger cubs who become separated from each other when their world is violated by man.

Many have dismissed `Two Brothers' as a kiddie film. First of all, this movie is a bit too complicated for younger children. Second, anyone who dismisses this movie sight unseen will be doing themselves a great disservice.

The main story is told primarily from the point of view of the tigers. There are some human subplots, and the human actors do offer their voices, but the story is told primarily through visuals with no dialog or narration. Annaud's skill as a director is such that he does not need the dialog to tell the story. You know at all times what the tigers are thinking and why they react the way the do. Annaud actually brings you into their mind. This is a very expertly made movie that should not be missed.