Suicides and Con Men

THE BROTHERS BLOOM (2008): Brick (2005) director Rian Johnson's sophomore effort is a fun, fast-paced adventure story. Reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, The Brothers Bloom is populated with quirky characters and focuses on an eccentric family of con artists: two brothers and their quiet enigmatic accomplice Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi). Mark Ruffalo and Adrien Brody are both excellent in their roles as the titular orphan siblings, who were bounced from foster home to foster home due to their penchant for mischief and trickery. Stephen (Ruffalo), the older brother, believes he is telling a story with each of his cons and dreams of telling the greatest story ever told. He controls his younger brother Bloom (Brody), who has spent his life playing different characters in his brother's elaborate con games and wants nothing more than to start a life of his own. When Bloom finally sets off to begin his "unwritten life," it is not long before his brother appears to drag him back into one last con, involving Penelope (Rachel Weisz), an exceedingly rich eccentric heiress. The movie is littered with hilarious moments and scenarios, but has a dark streak running through it that adds weight to a whimsical tale. Great performances from all involved. Highly recommended (especially to fans of Wes Anderson's films or the director's debut Brick). Rated PG-13 for violence, some sensuality and brief strong language. Genre: Comedy/Adventure/Crime/Drama/Romance. 113 minutes. Available on DVD on 9/29/09. My score: 7.7/10

FROM WITHIN (2008): A string of mysterious suicides plagues a small town predominated by evangelical Christians. This film demands your attention with its first frame and hardly lets up. I couldn't help but see this as an amalgam of Fallen (1998) and Mirrors (2008), but what an interesting hybrid it turned out to be. Cinematographer turned director Phedon Papamichael can be credited with moving the story along at a nice pace, providing some brilliant camerawork along the way. The film loses some steam and gets bogged down in some melodrama once the source of the suicides is revealed, but by this point it has sucked you into its world and you're wholly invested in it 'til the bitter (albeit somewhat predictable) end. Providing a thought-provoking commentary on tolerance and religious extremism, this is the best entry in AfterDark Horrorfest III and probably the best since the Horrorfest series began. Recommended for horror fans who don't rely solely on bloody dismemberments to get their kicks, but rather enjoy a provocative shocker with suspense and atmosphere to spare. Rated R for violence, disturbing images and some language. Genre: Horror/Mystery/Suspense. 89 minutes. Available on DVD on 3/31/2009. My score: 7/10