Real-life drama. 2009. 122 min. With Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch and Josh Brolin. Director: Gus van Sant. 13 LSV.
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Murphy Malone
Seldom has an Oscar been as richly deserved as Sean Penn’s for his portrayal of gay-rights activist Harvey Milk whose quest to give hope and dignity to one of the most victimised communities in America cost him his life.
The movie opens with the announcement of Milk’s assassination in 1978. A tape recording, made nine days before his death, weaves an eerie thread through the story.
In flashback Milk moves from New York to what he hopes is a more open society in San Francisco. It is but not for gays who are routinely victimised. Intending to be an instrument of change he runs for political office and at first is defeated by prejudice. He finally wins and uses his position to fight anti-gay legislation; he also attracts his fair share of enemies.
This superbly crafted movie, which captures the turbulent fight for gay rights and the mood of San Francisco at the time, is highly recommended. Special features: three doccies on the struggle for gay rights in the 1970s.
PAUL BLART: MALL COP
Comedy. 2008. 87 min. With Kevin James, Keir O’Donnell and Jayma Mays. Director: Steve Carr. PGV.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Willem Moller
Overweight Paul Blart (James) would love to be a real cop but with his dodgy blood sugar levels the only job he can get is as a mall security guard. He takes his job seriously though and loves zipping around on his stand-up scooter, pulling over reckless motorised-wheelchair drivers. When the mall is taken over by ruthless gangsters Paul gets a chance to prove himself and find his inner hero.
Despite some funny moments this is a pretty average comedy. What makes it worth seeing is the spectacular stunts, performed by extreme sportsmen. Check out the bonus featurettes of them filming their gravity-defying skateboard and BMX tricks.
