wallykennedy

Why the movie and Denzel Washington didn't get "Best" Oscar's is beyond comprehension. Washington, Hollywood's best actor, gives it all he's got and Lee has made an epic and, certainly his best work. Washington has to play Malcolm at 3 very different stages of his life. The film is filled with top notch supporting cast, like the always watchable Angela Bassett, Al Freeman Jr., and nicely interwoven voice overs by Washington. I've seen it six times, because I think acting doesn't get any better. A superb film with a first rate cast. A recent issue of Forbes had an article on what actors bring in the most money per film. Needless to say, Washington, who has had very few duds, is Hollywood's top moneymaker. No surprise.

George Clooney is one of the writers, director and star, fully embracing a world Americans have come to detest, politics. Smartly cast, it's yet another reminder of how skilled the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman was. Add the versatile Ryan Gosling, one of his generation's most capable actors. It's a very believable look at the rotten underbelly of the American politics. Smart script, moves along at a good clip, aided by strong performances by Paul Giamatti, Marissa Tomei, the reminder of how the media becomes a key player in political drama and a touching turn by Evan Rachel Wood and a strong supporting cast make this a thoughtful, somewhat disturbing reality that American politics has become. It's yet another reminder that, in addition to being the closest thing we have to Cary Grant, Clooney is a first rate filmmaker.

Considering the fact that addiction is a disease, Remick and Lemon turn in gut wrenching performances, at a time alcoholism was considered a charachter flaw. They just can't stop drinking, and the cost is higher, with each passing day. In real life, years later, both Lemon and Remick would seek help from AA. If you question why alcoholics don't just quit, you'll never wonder again after seeing this film. First rate acting and directing (Blake Edwards) who pulls no punches. Years later, Denzel Washington's "Flight" would show how powerless the addict is over alcohol. One of the best films ever made about addiction. Way ahead of its time.