[psycho d]

Brooklyn's Finest (2009). This flick is the combination of a decent script in the hands of a competent director working with great talent. The story has been told before, but this one brings with it a style and flair that elevates to a level that it might not really belong. But what really matters is that this is an entertaining though gloomy cop flick. The main characters are all masterfully portrayed, with Gere, Hawke, Cheadle, and Snipes at their best. This intertwining story is all about choices that cannot but lead to a flashing sea of reds and blues. Fuqua's direction was equally adept, with subtle and effective camera work making the most of this crime drama. Overall this was a worthy flick.

Kontroll (2003). Post Eastern Bloc does art house cinema. This ones covers more adjectives than we have time for: dark, depressing, funny, violent, dark, hypnotic, psychotic, and romantic, just to name a few. Kontroll is one of those few movies that creates an underground (literally) culture almost by accident, with memorable characters and hilarious situations that are so bizarre that they must be real. At other times this is as dark and moody as they come, with the occasional blindside to keep the viewer on edge. The acting was top notch, with the protagonist making for a hero that we are almost afraid to like because of his inner demons. The story was superb, winding about a world of symbolism, of the difficulties and abuses of vocational identity, of good and evil. The direction was stellar, with Antoine's genius of photography used to the fullest. The techno score also works to drive this incomparable flick towards its denouement. Maybe not for everyone, for those that appreciate an experience left open to interpretation then this is a must see. Merci beaucoup.

Genruk'