Category Archives: Movies

Class Action (1991) – A Well-Made Legal Drama

Source: http://impawards.com/1991/class_action.html

Class Action is a legal drama film released in 1991 that stars Gene Hackman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Laurence Fishburne. The movie follows the story of a father and daughter, who are both lawyers, as they work together on a class-action lawsuit against an automobile company. The father, Jedediah Ward (Gene Hackman), is a veteran lawyer known for his no-nonsense approach to cases, while the daughter, Maggie Ward (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), is a young and ambitious lawyer who wants to make a name for herself.

The movie showcases the dynamics between the two lawyers, as they navigate through the complexities of a class-action lawsuit. The film also highlights the tension between the two sides, as the automobile company tries to defend themselves against the lawsuit. The film’s strong cast delivers excellent performances, with Gene Hackman bringing depth to his character and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio showing her range as an actress. The supporting cast, including Laurence Fishburne, also does a great job in delivering their lines and making the film more engaging.

Class Action is a well-written film that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The script is engaging and thought-provoking, as it raises questions about the legal system and the way corporations operate. The film’s cinematography, production design and background score are also noteworthy, as they give the film a sense of authenticity and realism and adds an extra layer of intensity to the film’s scenes.

In summary, Class Action is a well-made legal drama film that is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s strong cast, excellent script, and engaging cinematography make it a standout film in its genre. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and engaging legal drama film, Class Action is the perfect choice.

The Good Boss: A Dark Workplace Comedy with a Bite

Fernando León de Aranoa’s “The Good Boss” is a movie that will leave you entertained, yet disturbed. It’s a dark workplace comedy with a sharp edge, thanks to the excellent performance by Javier Bardem, who plays Julio Blanco, the head of a mid-sized company that makes and sells weight scales. Bardem’s charismatic presence makes Blanco’s megalomania, duplicity, and self-serving passive-aggression a captivating sight to behold.

De Aranoa’s script is another critical component of the movie’s success. The script has a tight cohesion and is nicely paced, with a great balance of storytelling and character development. The humor comes from unexpected places, making it all the more enjoyable.

Blanco’s company, Blanco Scales, is one of three finalists for a prestigious industry award. The award would provide much-needed subsidies, but it’s really about the glory. Blanco craves the adulation and has an empty trophy wall waiting for the award. With the awards committee set to make a surprise visit, Blanco wants to ensure that everything at the factory is in top form.

The film revolves around Blanco’s attempts to manage his employees and their problems before the awards committee shows up. Throughout the film, we meet a fun array of supporting characters, including Blanco’s friends, coworkers, and interns. The more Blanco meddles in their lives, the more complicated things get, and his paternal charade begins to crumble.

In summary, even at two hours, “The Good Boss” is engaging and entertaining, thanks to its sharp script and Bardem’s excellent performance. Bardem brings Blanco to life, and de Aranoa’s direction ensures that the story never loses its wit or its bite.

Agni Devan: A Journey Through Relationships and Leadership

Agni Devan is a character drama film that explores the leadership of a family newspaper by two brothers with contrasting opinions on how it should be run. One brother approaches the newspaper with a business mindset while the other (Mohanlal) prioritizes passion in his approach. This conflict reflects their ideological and attitudinal differences and creates tumult in family relationships.

Revathy plays a female cousin in the film who becomes caught up in the troubles between the two brothers. Her role as a bold and confident woman is characteristic of her acting abilities. The film is a treat for those who enjoy dialogue-centric dramas with well-defined characters. The interactions between Mohanlal and Revathy’s characters are particularly noteworthy and are executed with grace and depth.

One of the key features of the film is its sense of nativity and the cohesive identity of its setting and locality, which is a common characteristic of many Malayalam films from this period. The film has a few crude moments of physical scuffle, but overall, it is a well-crafted character drama that should appeal to those who appreciate strong characterizations and dialogue-driven narratives.