98 - Gone Baby Gone

I had some weird reservations by watching a film directed by Ben Affleck, probably because it's a quick turn to direct. That pretty much stopped once the film started. I think he's drawn quite well from directors he has worked with and has safely kept his venture towards what's close to his familiarity with Boston culture.

The score was beautiful and moving and I admire the strength of Michelle Monaghan's and Amy Ryan's characters. Even the supporting and background cast (who Ben recruited from the streets of Boston -- a brave and good move) looked very much believable. The loudest boom in this film, however, is the ambiguity of the underlying questions about children.

What would you have done?

97 - Maria Full of Grace

Trust. That's the first thought in my mind when I think about Catalina Sandino Moreno. There is this sense of calm and reassurance when you look at her face. The "immigrant story" has been such a successful approach in storytelling, but here I like how it takes on an uncommon face, what I would describe as accidental or incidental. Maria never really makes this firm determination to come to America as an absolute goal in her life. For her, it just happened to be part of the job being a "mule" from Colombia. Even the notion of staying for the sake of her unborn child came as a discovery from her friend's sister. I've really grown fond of her and was equally impressed by her performance in Fast Food Nation (and soon....The Hotest State....currently in my queue).

96 - Balls of Fury

Christopher Walken was really serious when he said he just simply loved the work and, pretty much like Michael Caine, is willing to try pretty much anything. This film is just another example of how much he means it :). The movie is funny, though I was rather disappointed to not find that much beyond all the clips and trailers that preceded this movie. I think this is the third film that I've seen with Maggie Q and have a feeling I'll be seeing her more. Terry Crews also makes an appearance!....really funny....though I fear for this career....looks like he's getting typecasted!...but then how could you not want that pulsating chest, strutting, and gigantic smile :)

95 - King of California

There is this scene where Evan Rachel Wood confronts Michael Douglas in her car and...in a moment of pause, surrenders, "I can't stop you, can I?"...and as the scene turns to Michael Douglas' face -- heavily bearded, wearing a hoodie like the unabomer, eyes beaming like he's on a quadruple dose of espresso, shakes in head in agreement. That, I think, is one of the key moments that summarize the father-daughter relationship that exists in the film.

There was a bit of a lull in the middle of the film during where I think they glossed over what could have been Michael douglas' character earning his daughter's interest in his quest. Sadly, a "music video" approach was used instead.

Nevertheless, the film did pick-up later on and I really admire how fresh it is to see a father-daughter adventure this time.

By the way, did you ever wonder how California got its name? :)