The Coda Presents: For Your Consideration 6

Just in time to give you options for the weekend, here are some films FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

Harry Brown

Dir: Daniel Barber

Starring: Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer

Revenge tales are nothing new, but they can be difficult to execute properly. There is a fine line of justification that is walked, and at times the violence can heap into the realm of gratuitous violence easily. Character is key with these films, both the justified and unjustified are important in creating a proper atmosphere. Harry Brown does a great job crafting this environment. Michael Caine is great in this film, embodying the emotions needed to believe his character.

Being Elmo

Dir: Constance Marks

Starring: Kevin Clash

I grew up on Sesame Street, who wasn’t? The name Elmo is synonymous with the world of famous puppets. This documentary is a light-hearted look at the man behind the puppet that dominated the world for some time. The most interesting aspect of this documentary is the history of the puppeteers that blazed the trail for future generations to follow. Another great aspect is the high regard and love that is held for Elmo, from children to adults, Elmo evokes emotions.

13 Assassins

Dir: Takashi Miike

Starring: Koji Yajusho, Takayuki Yamada, and Yusuke Iseya

13 Assassins is a remake of the 1963 film of the same name. In this update, Takashi Miike takes the helm for one of the best films he has ever made. 13 Assassins operates like traditional samurai stories, the honor of the samurai playing key role but also the bond of the men in the group. The acting is impressive, the action is well choreographed, and the narrative is interestingly thrilling considering the first half of the film is in preparation for the final confrontation. This is a great film.

Horror Fans

I always have something for the horror fan, and this week is a good one…or bad one depending on how much of a horror film fan you think you are.

C.H.U.D.

Dir: Douglas Cheek

Stars: John Heard, Daniel Stern, and Christopher Curry

Again, many of my decisions as a young film fan were determined by cover art.  This technique for choosing films lead me in ways I would have probably never have watched if I read the actual descriptions. C.H.U.D. was one of those films, and quit honestly, I returned and re-rented it numerous times. It’s complete 80’s horror/sci-fi, from the synthesized soundtrack to the practical, cheaply made effects. It might not be the greatest 80’s horror offering, but it’s definitely not the worst…it might even be in the my top 20 favorites from the era.