films in brief

Here are some quick reviews for a few things I saw recently.

Once -

everyone has been glowing about this very low-key Irish film about two musicians struggling to make ends meet and fill happiness. I was surprised initially at how much there ISN'T besides singing, because it's not a stage musical, they're just playing songs here and there. But that becomes the main point, and it works. When they pour their souls out, it becomes a touching and deeply emotional story.

Sweeney Todd -

this seemed like the perfect project for Tim Burton. And Helena Bonham Carter. And Johnny Depp, once they were in. It all makes sense... but does it make sense as a film? It's the weirdest musical that comes from a normal musical setting, and Burton embraces that. While visually great, the story wanders a little, and musically... I guess that's how the musical goes. But every player is up to task, especially Sacha and his kid assistant, who has some great cockney numbers. Alan Rickman and the guy from Harry Potter are creepy as the villains, but I think one red herring that keeps popping up gives away too much. It's hard for me to judge, not knowing standard musicals all that well (especially this one), but I like their moxie.

December Boys -

this sweet nostalgia tale may not have gotten far if not for the casting of one Daniel Radcliffe. Yes, Harry Potter is expanding his serious scope, and he's doing good. He's one of four orphaned boys living in a lonely convent in 1960's Australia. He and three others, who have bonded over their near-Christmas birthdays, get to spend some vacation time on the coast. They hear that the ultra-cool young couple nearby might adopt one of them, and they begin amping for their love... but not the older Radcliffe, as he finds a teenage girl with a burgeoning crush. This may be an old standard of a looking-back tale, but it's good.