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Friday, March 23, 2012

New on DVD: Carnage (2011)


My Grade for the Film: A-

"Carnage" was originally released in theaters on December 16th, 2011 in limited release. It got a wider release in January. It was nominated for two Golden Globes: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Comedy) for both Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet. It received a 71% Fresh Rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the consensus was:
"It isn't as compelling on the screen as it was on the stage, but Carnage makes up for its flaws with Polanski's smooth direction and assured performances from Winslet and Foster."

The movie is about two sets of parents who are politely discussing a fight their children had, where one of the kids teeth got knocked out by the other. At first they calmly come to an understanding and will have the one kid apologize to the other. Then very slowly, and quite brilliantly, the calm demeanour turns into slight piturbment, then into utter chaos. It no longer is about their children fighting but becomes a 4 way battle into madness as each person points out the other's flaws. They slowly become the fighting children they are there to discuss. In a way, they turn out to be worse then the kids.


The movie stars Academy Award Winner Kate Winslet (The Reader, Titanic), Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Bastards), Academy Award Winner Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs) and Academy Award Nominee John C. Reily (Chicago) and is Directed by Academy Award Winner Roman Polanski (The Pianist). The cast here is what makes this movie as good as it is. The story is really good, and has some solid writing as well. But it's the performances that make this movie so damn good. Mainly Kate Winslet and Jodie Foster who are so fantastic at playing crazy and people who are on the edge. Winslet is one of my favorite actresses and holy hell is she awesome in Carnage. Foster hasn't really been around for a while, but she balances so perfectly with Winslet. The men are the more calm ones throughout the film, but they are both really funny.

The whole movie takes place in one room as well. It's based off a play where they also remained in one set, which is a New York apartment building. They venture into the hallway a few times, but arguments ensue and they get dragged back into the apartment. This kind of adds to the tension for the audience, at least it did for me. Kind of makes you feel a bit claustrophobic. Anyway, Carnage is a wonderfully funny movie that is sure to provide a good night of entertainment! It's only 1 Hour 20 Minutes and is now available on DVD. Check it out!

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