Harsh Times

Do you remember that one guy from high school or college that was always just too crazy to hang out with? Not just getting into trouble, but actively seeking it? Christian Bale is that guy in the unnerving drama, Harsh Times, out on DVD and rental.

Bale is a former Army Ranger, just back from a tour in the Middle East and looking for law enforcement work in his native L.A. He spends his mornings drinking, smoking weed and occassionally holding up rivals at gunpoint and uses his afternoons to take certifications courses for various law enforcement agencies. Neither Bale nor his friends see anything wrong or unusual with this way of living.

Bale, who has become one of my favorite actors, does a great job of adopting a certain type of Mexi-Cali swagger and lingo. The language and backdrops seem genuinely authentic, adding to the drama.

One of the best parts of the film is simply watching Bale get into his character and the intensity that he has. He verges right on the edge of complete psychological disintegration for nearly the entire film. Indeed, his personality dominates everything in the film. His friends do what he wants, his enemies usually end up doing what he wants, and woe to the one's who get in his way. This best part of the movie is also the most unsettling for me. The movie doesn't give any hints as to what will happen, but you just KNOW that things can't end well for Bale or his crew. Someone has to pay for the lifestyle that they lead. He's just too self-destructive for any other outcome.

Everything about the movie seemed well-done, but still, I can't say that I enjoyed it. Perhaps it's because I was just uneasy the entire time, just waiting for Bale to finally lose it completely and descend into madness. If you enjoy drama-tragedies then you might enjoy this movie. I'll wait for Bale's next role.

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- Stuart -

Toy Story 3

Earlier this week, I criticized Hollywood for its lack of new, creative ideas (see Get Him to the Greek).

Now, I will make a list of all the studios that are allowed to make as many prequels, sequels, remakes, and spin-offs as they want:

PIXAR

The third installment of the franchise that began Pixar’s unprecedented string of critically acclaimed hits, Toy Story 3, was released this week. To the surprise of no one, it is a fantastic film.

Our final adventure with Woody, Buzz, and the gang begins with Andy (the owner of the toys that serve as the focal point of the films) preparing to head to college. The toys are anxious and a bit frightened about what their futures will hold.

Does Andy still care about them? Will they ever be played with again? Or, worst of all, will they be thrown away?

Like most Pixar films, there is plenty here for children and adults. In fact, Toy Story 3 might have more meaning for adults than children. Not as funny as The Incredibles or as heartfelt as Up, Toy Story 3 will pull at the heartstrings of any parent who has watched a child leave for college or any person who has lost a dear friend.

Everyone should go see Toy Story 3 (and for that matter every other Pixar film to date). The movie has humor, suspense, action, and heart and is a fitting end to the first franchise from the best studio in Hollywood.

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- Kevin