Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 7; Summer, 2005

August 23, 2005

Films Reviewed: Valiant and The Skeleton Key

Commentary: Newspaper Advertising?

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Valiant

Regarding Valiant:

Matt: Vanguard Animation, the new animation kid on the block, delivers their debut feature and it's a real high flyer!  They took a tricky subject for children (here, WWII) and turn it into a film that doesn't mince words nor forgets to entertain.  Ewan McGregor is fantastic as the title character, and the animation is a real bright presence.  I loved it.  Four stars!

Aron: Well, I'm not as all out gung ho about this as Matt is, but the film is quite entertaining.  The filmmakers were able to make a film about World War II for families and do a fine job.  Tim Curry is fantastic as the voice of the "Nazi" Falcon and a slew of British actors make up the rest of the voice cast.  Not a yank to be found!  Three stars from me.

Average Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)

Regarding The Skeleton Key:

Aron: A bit predictable, but a really spooky thriller.  Kate Hudson is fine as the hospice worker in Louisiana who notices some voodoo like goings on with her new employers.  The film presents itself with what seems to be plot holes and other mistakes, but everything gets "explained" throughout.  Three stars.

Matt: Actually, I didn't find this to be predictable at all.  In fact, the film's second act (which features a kick butt performance by Gena Rowlands) caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.  I wasn't expecting much, but I was really glad I saw this one.  Three stars from me as well.

Average Rating: *** (out of ****)

Commentary: According to an article in L.A. Weekly, several of the major film studios have decided to scale back on newspaper advertising.  Aron and Matt discussed the ramifications should the movie section of our newspaper disappear, including the clout of all those that make films.

Featurette:Behind the scenes of Valiant, starring Ewan McGregor, Hugh Laurie, John Cleese and Tim Curry.