I've seen so many movies in the last week, so I decided to write more mini-reviews.
Changeling
This film might not be the Oscar bait for Clint Eastwood like Million Dollar Baby was. But it sure is haunting. Angelina Jolie stars in this true story of Christine Collins, a single working mother whose son disappears early in 1928. Her efforts to find him are muted by the
Los Angeles Police Department, particularly Captain Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) and the chief of police (Colm Feore), who carefully orchestrate the return of Chirstine's son - who is clearly an impostor. Chrstine's only help is provided by the Rev. Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), who is horrified when Christine is institutionalized. It's only when the horrific crimes of a serial killer (Jason Butler Harner) are revealed that Christine gets a clue of what may have really happened. Jolie doesn't get much to do here other than scream "Where is my son?" in multiple tones, but that she does well. It might not land her an Oscar (or Eastwood, for that matter) but it may give you nightmares. B+
Los Angeles Police Department, particularly Captain Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) and the chief of police (Colm Feore), who carefully orchestrate the return of Chirstine's son - who is clearly an impostor. Chrstine's only help is provided by the Rev. Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich), who is horrified when Christine is institutionalized. It's only when the horrific crimes of a serial killer (Jason Butler Harner) are revealed that Christine gets a clue of what may have really happened. Jolie doesn't get much to do here other than scream "Where is my son?" in multiple tones, but that she does well. It might not land her an Oscar (or Eastwood, for that matter) but it may give you nightmares. B+Quarantine
What would happen if The Blair Witch Project took place in an apartment building in Los Angeles? Okay, I've never asked myself that question either, but the answer isn't as poorly executed as you might think. It starts innocently enough - with a local TV reporter (Jennifer Carpenter) following t
he Fire Department for a news story. Wouldn't you know! - A boring night turns into an exciting one when the department is called to an apartment building with residents exhibiting symptoms of rabies x 10. What could have felt like a total parody has occasionally frightening moments, thanks to director and co-writer John Erick Dowdle, who alternates genuine frightening moments with occasional ironic humor. The camera work is jerky, but if you survived the Blair Witch you can probably hold your own without popping a Pepto. B-
he Fire Department for a news story. Wouldn't you know! - A boring night turns into an exciting one when the department is called to an apartment building with residents exhibiting symptoms of rabies x 10. What could have felt like a total parody has occasionally frightening moments, thanks to director and co-writer John Erick Dowdle, who alternates genuine frightening moments with occasional ironic humor. The camera work is jerky, but if you survived the Blair Witch you can probably hold your own without popping a Pepto. B-Slumdog Millionaire
From Director Danny Boyle, this is shaping up to be a dark horse best picture contender. Led by an unknown cast, Dev Patel plays Jamal, a very successful contestant on the Indian 
version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? It seems the sleazy host (Regis he's not) and his executives want to know how he could possibly know all the answers. So, amid the torture (seriously - picture electrocution through your toes), Jamal recounts - through episodes of his life - why he knows the questions he's been asked. In extended flashbacks, we see how he and his brother Salim survive, and compete for the affections of a fellow orphan, Latika (Freida Pinto) - who turns out to be a driving force in Jamal's effort to conquer the game show world. Boyle combines every genre imaginable - feel good underdog story, Bollywood excess, documentary narrative... it's like Quiz Show meets Monsoon Wedding meets City of God. And I mean that in the best possible way. A
version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? It seems the sleazy host (Regis he's not) and his executives want to know how he could possibly know all the answers. So, amid the torture (seriously - picture electrocution through your toes), Jamal recounts - through episodes of his life - why he knows the questions he's been asked. In extended flashbacks, we see how he and his brother Salim survive, and compete for the affections of a fellow orphan, Latika (Freida Pinto) - who turns out to be a driving force in Jamal's effort to conquer the game show world. Boyle combines every genre imaginable - feel good underdog story, Bollywood excess, documentary narrative... it's like Quiz Show meets Monsoon Wedding meets City of God. And I mean that in the best possible way. A
