Countdown to Up: 7 Days to Disney•Pixar’s 10th film

Toy Story 2 is Pixar’s first and only sequel. It is also one of the rare sequels that lives up to, and arguably exceeds, the film it is following. The animation of the humans exceeds the original, but it doesn’t really matter, because it is mostly a story about toys.

-John C.

Toy Story 2 Trivia*

• The dust in the scene where Woody meets Wheezy set a record for number of particles animated for a movie by computer

• The settings on Zurg's gun are numbered to eleven, a reference to Nigel Tufnel's amplifier in This Is Spinal Tap

• In the opening sequence, when Buzz is on an alien planet, and ultimately battles the Emperor Zurg, many of the sound effects are directly from the Star Wars trilogy, including lightsaber sound effects, the torture droid's hum, and the scraping metal noise the AT-AT's make as they lumber across the plains of Hoth in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

• Various scenes are reprised with a twist from Toy Story. For example, when Jesse fights Woody, she has him on the ground, foot on his back, pulling his arms back - exactly the same position Buzz Lightyear had him in the gas station. Buzz Lightyear also yells "You are a TOY!" to Woody, as Woody had yelled to Buzz in the previous film. As well as the scene where Zurg and Buzz (2) are fighting on top of the elevator. As Buzz's talk button is repeatedly hit it skips the message "Buzz... Buzz... Buzz Lightyear to the rescue." This occurred in the fight between Woody and Buzz underneath the car at the gas station

• There is A Bug's Life calendar hanging in Andy's room

• There are A Bug's Life toys on display in Al's Toy Barn

• Heimlich the caterpillar from A Bug's Life can be seen crawling up a branch right before Buzz cuts through it

• Slinky's line, "I may not be a smart dog, but I know what road kill is" is a reference to Forrest Gump, which starred Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody

• "The Cleaner", the old man who restored Woody, is featured as a chess player in the Pixar short film Geri's Game. As he opens the drawers of his chest looking for his glasses, the middle drawer contains chess pieces

Up Trivia**

This is Pixar’s 10th film and it is also the first one where animals can actually talk to humans. Although I must add that the dogs do not talk in a conventional way. They wear collars that translate their thoughts into words. Which means that their mouths do not move while they are talking.

*All trivia is courtesy of IMDb

**Trivia written by James P.

The Brothers Bloom Review

The Brothers Bloom - An E1 Films Release

http://www.brothersbloom.com/

(And for a real feel of the style of this movie, neat facts, lost artwork, and 5 music tracks, see here:) http://www.brothersbloom.com/meetthebrothers/

(See the director's forum here:) http://www.rcjohnso.com/forum/index.php

(And see what the director is saying here:) http://brothersbloom.tumblr.com/

And if you're interested in more, please just use Google, or something. I really can't link to everything.

Release Date: May 22nd, 2009

Rated PG-13 for violence, some sensuality and brief strong language

Running time: 113 minutes

Rian Johnson (dir.)

Rian Johnson (writer)

Nathan Johnson (music)

Rachel Weisz as Penelope Stamp

Adrien Brody as Bloom

Mark Ruffalo as Stephen

Rinko Kikuchi as Bang Bang

Robbie Coltrane as The Curator

Maximilian Schell as Diamond Dog

Ricky Jay as Narrator

Zachary Gordon as Young Bloom

Max Records as Young Stephen

Andy Nyman as Charleston

ADRIEN BRODY (left) RACHEL WEISZ (center) and MARK RUFFALO (right) star in the adventure comedy THE BROTHERS BLOOM, an E1 Films release. .jpg

Our reviews below:

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The Brothers Bloom Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

There has always been much talk as to what makes a great movie. Well, sometimes you just know. As is the case with The Brothers Bloom. Part madcap comedy, part exciting action film, and all fun, The Brothers Bloom may end up being the best and most entertaining live-action film to come out this summer.

The film follows the story of two brothers. We first meet them as young kids in an opening prologue, that reminded of Spy Kids. We see the two boys, Stephen and Bloom (Max Records and Zachary Gordon), in black coats and hats pulling off their first con. Than we cut to 20 years later, where now they are the infamous Brothers Bloom. I should probably also mention that the brothers are also always aided by a pyrotechnics master who barely speaks a word of English and goes by the name of “Bang Bang”.

Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) sees his life as a story and writes the script for him and his brother Bloom (Adrien Brody). For him there is never a miscalculated step. Bloom has gotten tired of the whole thing, but will assist his brother in what he promises will be their last job.

This is where we meet Penelope (brilliantly played by Rachel Weisz), a lonely millionaire. When Penelope's wishes to help out with whatever the Brothers are doing and real romantic feelings get in the way, it sets into motion a brilliant little film that is full of twists, turns and surprises.

The Brothers Bloom snaps, crackles and pops it’s way to an exciting and surprisingly emotionally resonant grand finale, that leaves us mildly puzzled, but extremely pleased. This is the best movie I have seen so far this year. I can only hope that this film finds an audience amidst the big summer blockbusters, because it’s certainly just as good, if not better.

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The Brothers Bloom Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

The Brothers Bloom is one of those fun movies that exceeds your expectations and is all that you hope it will turn out to be.

The movie begins with a brilliant 7 minute opening, which takes place when Stephen and Bloom - the two main characters - are kids. (You can view this scene here on Apple Trailers.) This is where it all began - their first con - set up by Stephen, and performed by Bloom. Flash forward 20 years or so, and we see where they are around now. Stephen is as into the con artist life as ever, while Bloom wants to no longer be the actor in his brother’s stories. He would rather live, as he puts it, an unwritten life. Stephen insist that they should do one more con together, and that this one will be perfect. Bloom reluctantly agrees, and the intriguing part of the story really begins.

The acting in this movie is all spot on, and great fun to watch. Mark Ruffalo plays Stephen, Adrien Brody is Bloom, Rinko Kikuchi is Ling-Ling, (or Bang-Bang), and Rachel Weisz is absolutely amazing as Penelope. The music has a great fun feel to it, and with the way the dialogue is written, I hope that the script gets awards recognition. This is a film that is so much fun to watch, all the while keeping you attached to these characters and really allowing you to feel what they are going through. Each with their own personalities, this group of characters are loads of fun to watch on screen. Another thing I will say is that the way the movie plays out is almost inevitable, (watch the movie to see what I mean), but you almost want to imagine the ideals as the characters would. In this way, it is written so that you can actually get it from their perspectives perfectly.

There have been so many great movies coming out recently, many of them from festivals. But this one stands apart from even those. This is a movie that you don’t want to miss. It is a film that will make for a fun time at the movies, but if you do miss it, be sure to get the DVD when it comes out. This is a superb work of genius, with a great classic feel to it - I am recommending The Brothers Bloom all the way!

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The Brothers Bloom Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

The Brothers Bloom tells the exciting and often funny story about two brothers who are con artists. We first see the pair as children whose mischievous antics prevent them from staying in any foster home for too long. The older brother, Stephen, gets his younger brother, Bloom, to work with him on their first con together.

Flash forward nearly 20 years, and we see the brothers, now adults, who are still cons. Stephen is still the boss, and still works with his brother. Stephen wants to pull off the “perfect con,” and sets his brother up with a loveably quirky “hobby collector” named Penelope. Stephen tells Bloom that he is to con Penelope, so he cannot fall in love with her. However, on a series of exciting and fun adventures in con art, Bloom can not help but fall in love with this wonderfully eccentric woman.

The Brothers Bloom is an interesting, exciting, and often fun movie. Stephen’s girlfriend, a Japanese woman nicknamed “Bang Bang,” (due to her job of blowing stuff up), is really funny, reminiscent of Rico the penguin in the Madagascar movies. Penelope is also funny in her lovable eccentricity, and hobby collecting. All the acting in this film is superb, and the score by Nathan Johnson really captures the mood of the film. Part of the film is sad, and a bit violent, but inevitable. It’s not too graphic, and you know when it is coming. However, The Brothers Bloom is in no way a hard film to watch. This is one movie that you should definitely go out and see. The Brothers Bloom is one summer movie you don’t want to miss.

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The Brothers Bloom Review By Maureen

**** (out of 4)

I absolutely loved The Brothers Bloom. This has to be one of my favorite movies so far in 2009. Just about everything in this movie worked for me, the acting, the storyline, the music score all with just the right mix of action and comedy.

This is the story of two brothers, Stephen and Bloom who have been con artists since their childhood years in foster care. The movie catches up with them twenty years later wanting to pull off one last con involving a rich eccentric young woman named Penelope who collects hobbies to keep herself busy. So when she thinks the brothers are antique smugglers and con artists she also wants to take up those professions. Penelope is played brilliantly by Rachel Weisz. Some of the best comedic moments in this film involve Penelope.

As they did in their childhood, older brother Stephen would write out a detailed plan for their capers with younger brother Bloom following his brother’s plan as directed.

Things start to get complicated when Bloom (played broodingly well by Oscar winner Adrien Brody) develops feelings for Penelope. It is then that Bloom tells his brother he wants an unwritten life, with no more stories and wants out of the family business. Stephen persuades Bloom to continue on with their plans though deep down he wants what’s best for Bloom. By the end of the movie there is no question Stephen loves his younger brother and would do anything for him.

Stephen is nicely played by Mark Ruffalo. Stephen’s female sidekick - BangBang/Ling Ling (Rinko Kikuchi) is also really fun to watch.

The Brothers Bloom is an intelligent, very funny movie. While it isn’t something you would bring the kids to, adults who like a good mix of intrigue, comedy and romance will appreciate this one.

I can’t wait to see The Brothers Bloom again on DVD. I suspect I’ll get even more out of it on subsequent viewing.

Check this one out. This isn’t a con. It really is good.

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The Brothers Bloom Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

When was the last time you saw a movie that you immediately knew would be one of your all-time favourites? For me it was Slumdog Millionaire–until now. Arguably, in hindsight, The Brothers Bloom has plot elements in common with the former film, despite the obvious differences.

In a prologue before the opening credits, we see the orphaned brothers Stephen and Bloom, at 13 and 10 years of age respectively, becoming increasingly alienated as they are moved from one foster home to another. Stephen realizes the only way they will thrive is by conning “marks” in elaborate schemes that he draws up on handwritten flowcharts.

For 25 years, Bloom (Adrien Brody) followed the scripted roles devised by his brother. Attempting to begin “an unwritten life”, Bloom has hidden himself away on a remote island in Montenegro. Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) finds him and persuades him to do one last con, which will be perfect because everyone will feel they got what they want. The brothers have on their team a mysterious blonde Japanese woman (Rinko Kikuchi), nicknamed “Bang Bang” for her prowess in pyrotechnics and demolition. Speaking almost no English, like the Madagascar penguin Rico she communicates effectively by gestures. Their mark is Penelope (Rachel Weisz), a quirky heiress who has lived all her life in a New Jersey mansion. Since her parents died, she has been a recluse, “collecting hobbies” learned from books, including the mastery of various stunts, languages, musical instruments, and card tricks. Prone to petit mal epileptic seizures, she regularly crashes her yellow Lamborghini. Posing as antique dealers, the brothers convince Penelope to join their team on various adventures, planning ultimately to persuade her to part with enough of her money so everyone is satisfied. Penelope is thrilled by the intrigue, and despite the con rule against emotional involvement with marks, Bloom and Penelope fall for each other. The plot is further complicated by two antagonists. “The Belgian” (Robbie Coltrane) is a rival antiquarian. “Diamond Dog” (Maximilian Schell), the brothers’ former mentor, has vowed revenge on them after a sabre duel with Stephen left him with an eyepatch.

Reveling in its absurdity, The Brothers Bloom allows us to just sit back and enjoy the ride, constantly guessing what is real and what is a con. The whole cast is excellent, obviously having enormous fun in their roles. Some interesting style elements are notable. Filmed mainly in Eastern Europe with a largely Serbian crew, the historic buildings, steam trains and classic costumes have a timeless quality. Despite gadgets like cell phones, we can be fooled at times into thinking we are back in the first half of the 20th century. For example in the prologue, the brothers looked traditionally Jewish in their black coats and hats. When the film then moved to Berlin 25 years later, I expected at first to see a ghetto and Nazis, like other recent holocaust films. Normally, a film’s musical score remains barely noticeable in the background. Here it adds to the fun, synchronized perfectly to the moods and actions on the screen in a largely eastern European style. One of my favorite moments is when the Belgian first appears, like the Third Man, out of the shadows.

With this film, director Rian Johnson has established himself as a master.

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MARK RUFFALO (far left), RINKO KIKUCHI (left), ADRIEN BRODY (right) and RACHEL WEISZ (far right) star in the adventure comedy THE BROTHERS BLOOM, an E1 Films release.

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Consensus: The Brothers Bloom is a movie that has a fun, yet not too silly feel at the same time. It is one that will probably become a classic, and you should go see in theatres. With excellent acting from it’s cast, and a fitting, fun score, this is a movie that is perfect to see to kick off the coming Summer months. **** (Out of 4)

Next week's reviews:

- Goodbye Solo

- Up

Countdown to Up: 8 Days to Disney•Pixar’s 10th film

A Bugs Life, Pixar’s second feature film, is often forgotten when people think of Pixar. It is also considered one of their worst films. I think A Bugs Life is a great film in it’s own right. I think people may not like it because of it’s contradictory tones of cute animation and a fairly dark storyline. But it is also highly entertaining and quite smart. This animated gem should not be forgotten among Pixar’s other films.

-John C.

A Bugs Life Trivia*

• The pickup truck to the left of the mobile home when the bug flies into the bug light is the same pizza delivery truck that Buzz and Woody climb into at the gas station in Toy Story

• The face of Geri from the Pixar short film Geri's Game can be seen modeled in the tree above the ant colony

• When Hopper tells the ants why they should gather food for the grasshoppers, he mentions that it is a "circle of life thing". This is a reference to The Lion King

• According to the commentary, the character "Dim" was based on the character in A Clockwork Orange with the same name

• The circus "train" is made of boxes of animal crackers called Casey Jr. This is also the name of the circus train in the movie Dumbo

• The boxes in P.T. Flea's circus train have the name "J. Grant" on them. 'Joe Grant' wrote Dumbo

• This was the first computer generated feature film to be presented in a scope ratio of 2.35:1

• The tunnel in a tunnel joke was made in reference to Steve Jobs' (CEO of Pixar and Apple) plan for Apple's "store in a store"

• The two mosquitoes trapped in the light of the bugzapper ("Frank, don't go towards the light!" "I can't help it - it's so beautiful!") are the voices of the co-directors, John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton

Up Trivia*

This is the first Pixar film since Finding Nemo not to be presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio. It will be presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Which will give more of a sense of height (perfect for a movie called “Up” ), rather than a sense of width.

*All trivia is courtesy of IMDb

Countdown to Up: 9 Days to Disney•Pixar’s 10th film

Toy Story is Pixar’s first feature-length masterpiece. While by today’s standards the animation would be considered outdated, the story lives up just as well today as it did back in 1995. I am highly anticipating the 3-D re-release of Toy Story, which is coming this October.

-John C.

Toy Story Trivia*

• The animation team perfected the movement of the toy soldiers by gluing some sneakers to a sheet of wood and trying to walk around with them on

• The carpet texture in the hallway of Sid's house is the same as the carpet texture in The Shining

• The desk lamp and yellow ball with a blue stripe and a red star are references to the previous Pixar film Luxo Jr.

• Woody and Buzz Lightyear are inspired by director John Lasseter's own childhood toys. He based Woody on his own pull-string Casper doll, and once he grew out of Casper he moved on to a G.I Joe, a flashy toy at the time of his childhood

• Rex uses a few of George McFly's lines from Back to the Future: "I don't like confrontations" and "I don't think I could take that kind of rejection"

• In the scene where Woody is giving everyone warning to get a moving partner, the book "The Tin Toy" can be seen on the shelf behind him. Tin Toy is the Pixar short film "Toy Story" was based upon. Its author is listed as "Lasseter," a reference to director John Lasseter

• When Woody is holding the staff meeting, several books are visible behind him. The names of the books refer to previous Pixar films: Red's Dream, and Knick Knack

• Sid Phillips is said to be inspired by a former Pixar employee of the same last name who was known to disassemble toys and use the parts to build bizarre creations

Up Trivia*

Up is the first Pixar film to be made in the Disney Digital 3-D format, but Toy Story 1 and 2 have been re-rendered in stereoscopic 3-D, and will be released as a double-bill on October 2nd of this year.

*All trivia is courtesy of IMDb

Trailer Watch: Sherlock Holmes

You can now watch the trailer for Sherlock Holmes, here on Yahoo!. The film which stars Robert Downey Jr., in what is sure to be another great performance, opens on Christmas Day. I am looking forward to seeing this film, because from the trailer it looks like it will be quite good. Tell us what you think in the comments section.

-John C.

Countdown to Up: 10 Days to Disney•Pixar’s 10th film

Every day, counting down to May 29th I will be featuring one Pixar title, in anticipation of Disney•Pixar’s Up. The Pixar films will be featured in order, but since there are only 9 that have been released, I am starting out with The Pixar Short Films Collection. Every day, there will be trivia* about the featured title, as well as one piece of Up trivia.

-John C.

The Pixar Short Films Collection, is a highly entertaining collection of Pixar’s first 13 short films. I highly recommend adding this to your collection of Pixar films, if you don’t already have it. The films included on the disc are:

•The Adventures of Andre & Wally B. (1984)

•Luxo Jr. (1986)

•Red's Dream (1987)

•Tin Toy (1988)

•Knick Knack (1989)

•Geri's Game (1998)

•For the Birds (2001)

•Mike's New Car (2002)

•Boudin' (2004)

•Jack-Jack Attack (2005)

•One Man Band (2006)

•Mater and the Ghostlight (2006)

•Lifted (2007)

The Pixar Short Films Collection Trivia

• John Lasseter made the film The Adventures of Andre & Wally B.to entertain his children; ironically, it frightened them instead

• Luxo Jr. was the first computer-animated short nominated for an Academy Award

• Tin Toy was the first fully-CG film ever to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short

• Whenever John and Nancy Lasseter go anywhere on vacation, she always makes a point of buying a snow globe from that particular place. It was from this practice that the initial idea for the film Knick Knack was born

• In Geri’s Game, The wooden cigar box containing the chess pieces is marked "Pt. Richmond Hand Made Pixar Shorts". Pixar Animation Studios used to be located at Point Richmond, California

• According to Pixar's website, the first four birds in For The Birds, actually have names and individual characteristics. From left to right they are: Chipper, Bully, Snob and Neurotic. Look closely and you'll see them act out their personalities

• The model-T Ford that appears in Boundin’ is from the, at the time, upcoming Pixar movie Cars

• Mater and the Ghostlight was the final film (voice) project for Paul Newman

• In Lifted, the sound effect heard in the spaceship every time that the body hits something can also be heard in Apple's OS X operating system. It is the alert sound "Hero"

Up Trivia

This was the very first animated film as well as the first 3-D film ever to open the Cannes Film Festival. Up premiered there on May 13th. Although it was not screened in competition, the film was met with huge applause and very positive reviews. It currently holds a rating of one hundred percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

*All trivia is courtesy of IMDb

Beautiful Ohio DVD Review

Beautiful Ohio - A E1 Films Release

On DVD: May 19th, 2009

Rated 14A for sexual content and substance abuse

Running Time: 90 min.

Chad Lowe (dir.)

Ethan Canin (screenplay)

Ethan Canin (story)

Craig Wedren (music)

William Hurt as Simon Messerman

Rita Wilson as Judith Messerman

Brett Davern as William Messerman

David Call as Clive Messerman

Michelle Trachtenberg as Sandra

Hale Appleman as Elliot

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Beautiful Ohio Review By John C.

**1/2 (out of 4)

Beautiful Ohio follows the story of a family in the early 1970’s. One son is a genius, the other one is growing up in his shadow. The film’s problems lie not in the story, but in the way they decided to tell it. Too much time is spent on the family sitting around trying to intellectually out-qoute each other.

It has an excellent twist at the end that I did not see coming. The problem is, the twist only comes about 10 minutes from the end, so there is not much time to embellish on it. The film makes you think a lot more than it needs to. If you think about it after you watch it, not much actually happens in it’s 90 minute running time. With a tighter story and better editing, this film could have been quite good. Beautiful Ohio is an odd, but interesting little film, that is good, but not really anything special. Worth a rental.

There are no bonus features on the DVD.

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Beautiful Ohio Review By Erin V.

**1/2 (out of 4)

I can’t go into much of the plot of this film without spoiling it, as not all that much happens for the first 80 minutes or so. Considering that it’s only 90 minutes long, that’s most of the movie.

Essentially telling no more than the DVD package, this movie is about William, a teenager with a older brother Clive who is a mathematical genius. Natually, William feels like he is always in the shadow of his older brother as he watches him compete his way up to the Ohio state math finals. Clive and his friends speak some strange language that William doesn’t understand, and part of the movie is spent with him looking for a dictionary that he may have written to explain what he is saying. On top of this, Clive’s girl friend Sandra begins to become attached to William, and he to her.

Even with all of these ideas in the film, it never really goes anywhere until, like I said, the last 10 minutes or so. Throughout the movie, it keeps on seeming like we are going to find something out, or something is going to happen, but it rarely ever does.

I guess it would be worth a rental if you feel like checking it out, but for me, I am quite indifferent towards this movie.

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Beautiful Ohio Review By Nicole

**1/2 (out of 4)

A decent movie, with a fairly good storyline. Rent it if you have the time.

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Beautiful Ohio Review By Maureen

**1/2 (out of 4)

Interesting film, worth a rental.

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Beautiful Ohio Review By Tony

**1/2 (out of 4)

William (Brett Davern), the only relatively normal and likeable character in this story, is overshadowed by his older brother Clive (David Call), a high school senior easily working his way up to the 1973 Ohio state championship in mathematics. Their father (William Hurt), an insurance salesman and WWII navy vet, is rarely sober. Their mother (Rita Wilson) is annoyingly arrogant. When together, the family members talk past each other, each with their own agendas, pretentiously quoting passages from Einstein, Coleridge, Wilde, et al. Outside of math competitions, between puffs from his collection of bongs, Clive is usually heard speaking some mysterious language with his close friends. Clive is dating Sandra (Michelle Trachtenberg), who hides out in his basement and takes an increasing interest in William. After about 90 brooding minutes, mysteries are suddenly solved, and we can all heave a sigh of like whatever.

Beautiful Ohio is a decent coming of age film, as long as you are not in the mood for comedy. The recent film Adventureland and the much earlier Breakfast Club are full of laughs by comparison. Ohio-born director Chad Lowe, backed by a long list of names such as co-producer Hilary Swank, may have taken his material more seriously than it deserves.

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Consensus: Beautiful Ohio is a movie that is quite slow moving at times, with the most happening in the last 10 minutes. Still, it’s worth renting if you’re interested, and have the time. **1/2 (Out of 4)

This Month’s Overlooked Film

Chosen by: John C.

The Astronaut Farmer

Release Date Febuary 23 2007

Rated PG for thematic material, peril and language

Running Time: 104 min.

Michael Polish (dir.)

Mark Polish (writter)

Michael Polish (writter)

Stuart Matthewman (music)

Billy Bob Thornton as Charles Farmer

Virginia Madsen as Audrey 'Audie' Farmer

Max Thieriot as Shepard Farmer

Jasper Polish as Stanley Farmer

Logan Polish as Sunshine Farmer

Bruce Dern as Hal

Mark Polish as FBI Agent Mathis

Jon Gries as FBI Agent Killbourne

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The Astronaut Farmer

Review By James P.

The Polish Brothers' fourth film, after Twin Falls Idaho, Jackpot and one of my personal favorites, Northfork, The Astronaut Farmer is their first film that could reach a more mainstream audience. It’s the story of Charles Farmer, a dreamer who’s building a rocket ship in his shed. His dream is to have a trip in space. But, government agents stand in his way when they get suspicious of the large amounts of rocket fuel he has been purchasing. This is also a family film for older kids and adults, another Polish Brothers' first. This is a great little film with the perfect mix of fantasy, humor and most importantly, heart. Go out and watch it if you haven’t already, I highly recommend it.

Is there a film that you think is overlooked? Send the name of the movie to onemoviefiveviews@hotmail.com, or leave us a comment below.

On the 15th of May, in the Jungle of Nool...

Today is the day, the 15th of May to watch a movie, or a film you might say. The movie in question, Horton Hears A Who!, is a wonderful movie about one elephant (not two), who has to save the Who’s from becoming Beezlenut stew. Please watch it I urge you, even if you just rent it, it should tide you over until you eventually get it. I absolutely love this movie and I hope you do to.

Why watch it today you may ask, you might say? Well today is the date, in the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool, that the movie starts out on. So watch it today and it will be a good one, because you will laugh and have a lot of fun.

-John C.

Is Anybody There? Review

Is Anybody There? - An E1 Films Release

Release Date: May 15th, 2009

Rated PG-13 for language including sexual references, and some disturbing images.

Running time: 92 minutes

John Crowley (dir.)

Peter Harness (writer)

Joby Talbot (music)

Michael Caine as Clarence

Bill Milner as Edward

Anne-Marie Duff as Mum

David Morrissey as Dad

Thelma Barlow as Ena

Linzey Cocker as Tanya

Adam Drinkall as Stuart

Garrick Hagon as Douglas

Michael Caine and Bill Milner in Is Anybody There? - an E1 Films release.

Our reviews below:

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Is Anybody There? Review By John C.

**** (out of 4)

Is Anybody There? is the story of Edward (Bill Milner), a young boy growing up at the retirement home his parents own. Fascinated with death and the afterlife, Edward doesn’t have many friends, until Clarence (Michael Caine) comes along. Clarence is a retired magician, who has to come to terms with his past before he can move on to the future. Set against the backdrop of the late 1980’s in a small seaside town in England, the two of them form an unlikely friendship that is both moving and believable.

Although the story does not just concern their friendship. Edward’s Mum (Anne-Marie Duff) is desperately trying to keep the home and her family running smoothly, and Edward’s Dad (David Morrissey) is on the verge of a mid-life crisis. We also get to spend time with the other senior residents, who are charming and funny. But, this really is Michael Caine’s movie. It’s also one of his very finest performances to date. I hope he receives some Oscar recognition for his work.

Despite it’s bleak subject matter, this is not a feel-bad film. There are some very funny moments and it celebrates life more than anything else. It’s sad, yes, but it’s also uplifting and full of hope.

Another thing I loved about the film was Joby Talbot’s musical score, which uses a theremin. This adds to the film’s sense of wonderment and the mystery of the unknown.

Coming of old age tales must be popular right now with such films as last Winter’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Gran Torino. Later this month Disney•Pixar will be releasing Up, another film about an old man forming an unlikely friendship.

Is Anybody There? is touching and emotional, it is at times heartbreaking and I had tears in my eyes. It’s just a beautiful film. As of now, this is one my favorite movies this year.

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Is Anybody There? Review By Erin V.

**** (out of 4)

Is Anybody There? is a movie about a boy named Edward, (Bill Milner), who while living in the senior’s home that his parents run, has become confused with life and death, and how it all works. He tries to solve this issue by planting tape recorders around the house after a resident dies to see if he can hear their ghosts. Soon, a new resident arrives. He is a magician named Clarence, (Michael Caine), and over time a friendship between him and Edward develops, and they both start to see life in a new light.

Is Anybody There? is a beautiful film that has a wide array of emotions woven into it. It’s a good movie that really captures it’s premise well, and Michael Caine’s standout performance carries it along at a pleasant pace. Bill Milner also does a good job as Edward, while acting alongside Michael Caine. The music by Joby Talbot including instruments such as the theremin, sets the mood just right.

After seeing this movie, I was debating between 3 1/2 and 4 stars. This is a movie that makes you think about what it must be like to have a whole life behind you and no one to remember it with. Is Anybody There? is one that you should see. I am happy to say 4 stars.

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Is Anybody There? Review By Nicole

**** (out of 4)

Set in rural England in the 1980’s, Is Anybody There is a charming and very touching film about the friendship between a boy and a retired magician. The boy, Edward, lives with his parents in a house that they rent out to seniors. Edward is bored living in this makeshift retirement/nursing home, so he occupies his time searching for ghosts every time another resident dies. When a retired magician named Clarence arrives, he is grumpy, and does not want to live at the house. Clarence is saddened by what has happened in his past, and wished he could make up for his past mistakes. Over time, Clarence befriends Edward, teaching him magic tricks. Edward realizes that living with older people is not so boring after all. The friendship between the two is very touching and believable.

This movie is funny, touching, sad at times, but very quirky and sweet at the same time. The acting is excellent, and the story is very moving. Michael Cain’s performance was really good, and captured Clarence’s character perfectly. Joby Talbot’s quiet score was perfect for the film. The use of a theremin really captured the quirky aspect of this movie.

Is Anybody There is a lovely and touching film that you can bring mature friends to. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and realize that friends can be found in the most unexpected places. This movie made me happy to be alive.

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Is Anybody There? Review By Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

‘Is Anybody There?’ is a heartwarming, quirky, low key British film about aging and friendship.

The story revolves around 11 year old Edward whose family owns and operates a somewhat rundown boarding house/seniors home. Edward is fascinated with the question of what happens to people when they die. He sets out with his tape recorder to see ‘Is Anybody There’ when some of the resident’s die in the house.

When new resident Clarence (Michael Caine) a retired magician arrives at the house Edward isn’t pleased. The last thing Edward wants is another grumpy old person sharing his home. Slowly over time a friendship develops between Clarence and Edward with Clarence teaching Edward magic tricks.

Michael Caine’s Oscar worthy performance as Clarence makes this movie absolutely wonderful to watch. He reminds us that beneath an unlikable or irritable exterior is a human being with a lifetime of memories, including regrets about things left unsaid. Clarence’s friendship with Edward help both of them develop a better understanding of what gives a person value in life and in death.

For anyone who has a loved one in a retirement or nursing home this movie will touch you., There is a lot of humour but also moments that will move you to tears. This is a really good movie that will stay with me for a long time. I’m glad I saw it.

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Is Anybody There? Review By Tony

**** (out of 4)

The parents of ten year old Edward (Bill Milner) run their large house as a seniors home. His Mum (Anne-Marie Duff) loves her job a lot more than Edward and his Dad (David Morrissey), who is undergoing a mid-life crisis. Dad does most of the heavy lifting except when residents check out for good and both parents need to pitch in to drag them away. Obsessed with mortality on a regular basis, Edward has been setting up his tape recorder under the beds of residents near death to try to capture any sounds associated with their final moments. This morbid fascination with death has largely alienated Edward from his schoolmates. Widdower Clarence (Michael Caine), a retired stage magician, arrives as a new resident in Edward’s former bedroom. Though at first resentful and uncomfortable around people in even worse shape than he is, Clarence eventually befriends Edward and manages to replace his death interest with a new way to live through magic.

Michael Caine is brilliant as expected in his finest film role to date, supported by an excellent cast that includes some of the finest elderly British talent. Despite various degrees of decripitude and dementia, the dignity of people in their last years is lovingly respected with a good deal of gentle humour along the way. Despite the thick Yorkshire accents, we understood just about all of the dialogue, and look forward to subsequent viewings to pick up the bits we missed the first time around.

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Consensus: Is Anybody There? is a touching film that is carried beautifully by what may be considered Michael Caine's finest role to date. This is a film that if you don't see it in theatres, you will definitely want to catch it on DVD. **** (Out of 4)