“A Most Wanted Man” (2014) is a pretty good spy movie that all of a sudden becomes a really good spy movie – which is exactly how really good spy movies are supposed to happen. It takes place in Germany, and the main characters are Germans, but they’re played by American actors speaking English with German accents (don’t worry – it all works somehow). Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a spy who’s seen it all. Rachel McAdams plays a lawyer who’s in over her head. The city of Hamburg plays a supporting role and reminds us American moviewatchers just how different Europe looks.
Archives for posts with tag: Daniel Bruhl
When I was a kid, I’d get very upset if a sports movie wasn’t realistic enough to suit me. Heaven forbid if it took dramatic license with actual events. I’m not a kid anymore, so I could appreciate all the melodrama and spectacle that director Ron Howard packs into “Rush” (2013), a based-on-a-true story Hollywoodization of 1970s Formula One racing. The rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda is exaggerated. The race results are embellished. Get over it. It’s a good story with interesting characters, providing a new take on how opposites can bring out the best in each other.
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