DEFIANCE
War drama. 2009. 131 min. With Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jamie Bell. Director: Edward Zwick. 16VL.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Kim Van Reizig
This true story set during World War 2 follows brothers Tuvia (Craig) and Zus Bielski (Schreiber) who set up a camp in Eastern Europe to feed and provide shelter for Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. Because of their vastly different personalities they frequently clash and Zus leaves to join the fight against the Nazis instead of simply trying to survive.
Tuvia remains with the camp but the numbers of sick and hungry continue to grow. When they have to face the Nazis brotherly love makes them join forces. It’s a fascinating story, even if it goes on a bit, and at the end you’ll see pictures and the life stories of the real brothers who ended up leading more than 1 000 Jews to safety.
17 AGAIN
Comedy. 2009. 98 min. With Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann and Thomas Lennon. Director: Burr Steers. PG13.
Rating: 3/5
Reviewer: Lara Atson
Mike O’Donnell (Perry) is his high school’s star basketball player and has a bright future but his life falls apart when his girlfriend, Scarlett (Mann), becomes pregnant. He gives up his dream to play the doting father and husband.
Almost 20 years later Mike is stuck in a dead-end job, his kids hate him and his wife wants a divorce. His luck seems to change when he’s magically transformed back into his 17-year-old self (Efron). He enrols in his kids’ school and pretends he’s the son of their uncle Ned, a geeky internet billionaire (Lennon). Mike again sets out to get a basketball scholarship but will he choose a different path this time?
Efron finally shows he’s more than just a High School Musical poster boy. Although the plot is nothing new there are enough funny moments - mostly provided by the hilarious Ned - and depth to keep the older folks entertained.
