Dreamchasers

Just a couple of quick reviews to do here. Both good films, but stylistically they couldn't be more different. First up is "Cinderella Man." This movie was pretty much what I expected it to be. Russell Crowe in a Ron Howard film never seems to be a bad thing. Russell was outstanding and the film was beautifully shot. It was a bit long in places, but overall deserves the good press it's been getting. I was not impressed with Renee Zellweger's performance though. I'm liking Renee less and less lately and I'm not sure why. It's almost like she's not trying hard enough. Still, she's not distractingly bad and it's really Russell's movie anyway. The boxing sequences are great. Definitely worth checking out... Next we have "Lords of Dogtown." My attention span must be getting shorter, because this movie seemed a bit too long to me as well. Other than that, I really liked this film. The cast is young and pretty and they can all act and skate and surf. I liked every one of the performances. Heath Ledger does a great Jim Morrison impression as Skip - the owner of the Zephyr Surf and Skate shop - who mentors these kids. The whole thing has a grainy look that really captures the feel of 1970's Southern California. It is not a film for everyone. You really have to be into surfing and/or skating or you just won't get it. The footage they got is amazing. A lot of point of view shots and funky camera angles. This is an edgy film, not typical Hollywood fare... These movies are a like in that they are both about people overcoming incredible odds and rising to the very top of their professions. It's also about the price of fame and the sacrifices people make to achieve their dreams.

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