Every now and then comes an unassuming title which doesn't necessarily cry out "blockbuster" or "great night at the movies", but still manages to stir one's mind, as to a given locale, time period or situation, whichever it may be. I'm talking about the indie gem, that one instance where even the movie trailer promoting it doesn't quite do the final product justice.
Meek's Cutoff (4 out of 5)
Assume I was a bit skeptical upon being offered a chance to review a little known film by an up and coming auteur named Kelly Reichardt called Meek's Cutoff, about a small convoy of settlers (among them Will Patton, Paul Dano, Shirley Henderson and Zoe Kazan) as they willingly follow a visibly untrustworthy guide named Stephen Meek (played by the ever excellent Bruce Greenwood) through the Oregon High Desert (though the locale looks more like the Utah Salt Flats at times).
With their guide's ever changing advice as to their perilous trek through the hills and flats ahead, we as an audience grow to associate with these beleaguered travelers as they slowly realize they're quickly running out of supplies, as they try and decide who to trust and how they'll ever get out of this dire predicament.
The titular cutoff refers to the guide's assured shortcut to his charges' destination, which given this film's dramatic tones, turns out to be anything but. Michelle Williams gets another chance to outdo herself on the screen, following her brilliant turn in the prize-winner Wendy and Lucy (also by director Reichardt). Will Patton isn't far behind, providing yet another great supporting performance, leading me to wonder why the man hasn't had more leading roles in his career.
Bruce Greenwood, sporting what appears to be a long scruffy beard worthy of a Z Z Top tribute band, gets to ham it up somewhat as the ambiguous Meek, taking every chance to steal his co-stars' thunder.
I suggest you watch this film if only to experience a modest production with excellent production values, a tight narrative and some excellent on-location photography. The film might not be everyone's cup of tea, with many questions left unanswered by the time the credits roll.
But honestly, is that such a shocker? Have we not grown used to projects which provoke thought and leave us some wiggle room for analysis, rather than spoon feeding us an easy, go-to conclusion? Try not to base your viewing experience on historical accuracy or plot efficiency. Meek's Cutoff is a minimalist project which may surprise you in its rewarding journey, one which may not be headed where you think...
Dumbo 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-Ray (4 out of 5)
Walt Disney's fourth full-length animated film (well, by full-length I mean a smidge over an hour) about the young elephant who believed he could fly using a magical feather, when in fact it was his aerodynamic over sized ears that did all of the work.
For a film with a central character who never really speaks during the course of the film (most of that responsibility rests with his mouse sidekick Timothy), Dumbo has fared remarkably well over the years. The folks at the House of Mouse have given this release the same amount of high definition love they've granted the past half-dozen releases, with a much cleaner, static and filament-free image, despite a reduced 1.33:1 screen ratio.
Purists will enjoy the bonus features such as a deleted scene, while kids and families will want to seek out the usual plethora of friendly games and other featurettes. Another fine addition to the catalogue, with obvious care given to the product.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (3 out of 5)
I surprised myself giving this threequel a high mark, if only for the fact that it surpassed its god-awful predecessor in virtually every way imaginable. This time around, the Autobots and their leader Optimus Prime must solve the mystery of the return of one of their home planet's heroes, Sentinel Prime (voiced by Leonard Nimoy), the creator of a space bridge capable of manipulating space and time.
Of course, don't expect the Decepticons to sit idly by while their sworn enemies continue to protect their adoptive planet Earth, their buddy Sam (Shia Lebeouf) and all his friends.
If the plot seems familiar, you'll recall that a similar device was referred to in the original 80s cartoon, allowing travel to Cybertron and back. While this film doesn't go that far, it does benefit from the absence of Megan Fox, a much easier time distinguishing friend from foe in action sequences, as well as appearances by Frances McDormand, Alan Tudyk and famed astronaut Dr. Buzz Aldrin.
The money shot in this film rests with Bumblebee as he transforms from car to robot and back to car -- with Sam aboard -- during a chase scene. Easily one of the most intricate and exciting visual effects shots I've seen in years. Check it out. Just know that the blu-ray doesn't boast any extras. At all, from the looks of it. Digital copy is nice, though.
Make Believe (3 out of 5)
An unassuming documentary about six kids who are headed to Vegas to try and be crowned the best teen magician in the world, Make Believe is incredibly touching, while utilizing the backdrop of illusory tricks and sleight of hand as a vehicle for what is another fresh look at the pressures of adolescence. I dare you not to cheer these kids on. A feel good docu film by any other name.
Modern Family Season Two (3 out of 5)
The recent Emmy-winning show is back with more silliness and misunderstandings as we follow the misadventures of the Pritchett clan, three families who bring the funk to the word dysfunction. Shot as usual in the faux mockumentary style (complete with hilarious testimonials), you'll easily see half a day fly by as you run right through a dozen episodes in a single afternoon. The best family comedy to hit the TV schedule in years.
Also Out on DVD and Blu-Ray
Paramount brings out some of its high performing titles in their arrival to high def, starting with the 50th anniversary release of Blake Edwards' timeless classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. Find yourself singing along to "Moon River" with Audrey Hepburn, while George Peppard tries his best to cope with her free spirit. An incredible clean print and remastered sound make it another one to watch again.
Paramount also throws the original Footloose into the fray, just in time for the theatrical release of the remake. Watch the extras to see Kevin Bacon nail his audition, sporting his spiky 'do we've come to love. Some emotional tributes to the late Chris Penn are to be expected, but all in all you 80s fans are going to love this one.
Dominic Messier - Dominic Messier is a Toronto-based Film & TV writer, Sci-Fi TV and Film Dramas Topic Editor, and creator of PopCultureLandscape.com
