Cloud Atlas- One Drop That Ripples

Cloud Atlas is the ambitious Wachowski siblings (writers of The Matrix Trilogy and V For Vendetta) film, adapted from the brilliant science fiction novel written by David Mitchell. The story travels through the intimate lives of seven seeming individuals whose journey's inevitably connect and intertwine over the span of almost 2000 years.

The movie is beautiful but the real gift that comes from this film are the actors' natural abilities (with the aid makeup and prosthetics) to take on the characters they represent in each of the separate seven stories that eventually stream together as one. The other treat is the masterful editing skills of Alexander Berner who constantly cuts between the separate story lines yet naturally brings them together as one cohesive thought that impels an audience to follow along.

Everything is connected. We are all one and even the smallest drop in an ocean significantly contributes to that ocean- thoughts we've heard before but Cloud Atlas and the Wachowski's effortlessly drive this theme home through this creative and ambitious film adaptation.

The scope of their vision is to be admired and Cloud Atlas is a must see for science fiction fans who love the journey just as much as the destination.

Argo- Nothing Fake About this Film

Argo, the latest thriller from director Ben Affleck, is a recounting of actual events surrounding the Canadian Caper- a 1979 joint rescue mission of six American diplomats in Iran by the Canadian government and the American CIA. Affleck flawlessly directs a suspenseful tale filled with engaging characters, a simple yet gripping plot, and stunning cinematography featuring barely discernible CG effects used to convincingly portray a 1970's America and Iran.

Even knowing the eventual happy ending, Argo successfully keeps it audience on the edge of their seats as it creatively takes one on the harrowing journey from beginning to end, while respectfully showing a particularly stressful period in North America's political history. It is a pleasant surprise to see such attention to detail, natural acting, and an emphasis placed on quality film directing.

Argo is a definite must see for cinema lovers everywhere who are looking for more than a sequel or remake.