Since 2010, seven Nicolas Cage films been released, and out of that batch, Kick-Ass is the crown jewel of the bunch, with Trespass serving as a cinematic lowpoint for Cage and Nicole Kidman.  Seeking Justice, which stars Cage as Will Gerard, a mild mannered teacher and loving husband whose wife (Mad Men’s January Jones) is brutally attacked, hits Blu-ray & DVD June 19th (the feature had a brief theatrical release).  Guy Pearce (Lockout) is Simon, the head of a vigilante organization who offers to have the criminal killed if Will returns the favor (think Strangers on a Train meets Death Wish).

Although it’s neither Cage or director Roger Donaldson’s (The Bank Job, Species) finest moment, they do make Seeking Justice a highly watchable potboiler . Special features on the DVD and Blu-ray versions include a behind the scenes featurette, which includes interviews with Donaldson and Cage, along with select members of the cast and crew.  Harold Perrineau, best known for his work on the TV series Lost and Oz, also stars as Cage’s close friend and co-worker.

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posted by Greg Srisavasdi (Twitter: @gsrisavasdi )

The Hunger Games continued its domination at the box office with another first place finish, as it took in $21.5 million. The Three Stooges beat out the highly hyped The Cabin in the Woods for the second spot with $17.1 million, with the latter collecting $14.9 million. Unfortunately, moviegoers did not open the key to the Guy Pearce feature Lockout, as its ninth place show ($6.3 million) was downright abysmal. Here’s the top 10:

1. The Hunger Games - $21.5 million

2. The Three Stooges - $17.1 million

3. The Cabin in the Woods - $14.9 million

4. Titanic 3D - $11.63 million

5. American Reunion - $10.7 million

6. Mirror Mirror - $7 million

7. Wrath of the Titans - $6.9 million

8. 21 Jump Street - $6.8 million

9. Lockout - $6.25 million

10. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax - $3.02 million

Jennifer Lawrence talks about the greatest challenge of playing Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games:

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posted by Greg Srisavasdi

We exist in a world where the summer blockbuster has supplanted character driven narratives, an environment where a cinematic roar drowns out the subtlest of whispers.   It’s with great pleasure to know such tales as Monsieur Lazhar, a quiet and intricate study of a selfless teacher, actually exist.  Filmmaker Philippe Falardeau paints his narrative with a measured, sensitive hand, giving us a portrait of a classroom dealing with a devastating loss.

During an early Montreal morning, Simon (Emilien Neron) brings milk cartons into class and discovers his beloved teacher hanging from a heating pipe, with a scarf tightly fixed around her neck.  It’s a situation that would shake anyone to their core, and understandably the children are left reeling from the suicide.  The death devastates Simon, as withdraws from his classmates, including his closest friend Alice (Sophie Nelisse).  Bachir Lazhar (Fellag), a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant seeking asylum in Canada, willingly steps in as the new elementary school teacher.  Although his unorthodox methods (referencing Balzac to fifth graders is a bit ambitious) is met with slight resistance from the kids, they understand Lazhar’s main goal is to provide a rich education and a bit of direction, and eventually they form a close bond with their instructor.

Adapted from the play Bashir Lazhar, the Academy Award nominated film (A Separation won Best Foreign Film honors), successfully steers away from sentimentality, as Falardeau understands that Mr. Lazhar’s life can only proceed one slow step at a time.   Romantic overtures from an attractive (and lonely) colleague (Brigitte Poupart) would be welcome from most red blooded suitors, but much of Lazhar’s mind and heart, still exists in his native country, where his past continues to haunt him.  He is also attached to his students, most notably Sophie, an old soul whose life is changed (for the better) through Lazhar’s guidance.

Lazhar’s own struggles with loss enables him to connect with his students in a deeper fashion, and his continued devotion to his classroom is admirable.  We may never know if Lazhar finds peace in his new environment - as an immigrant and habitual loner he may always feel a bit out of step.  But the teacher’s heart is in the right place, and thanks to Falardeau’s subtle and sure handed direction, Monsieur Lazhar offers us a glimpse of emotional deliverance sans a syrupy denouement.  The picture’s final moment rings all too true, and it’s in these inspired, intimate exchanges where Monsieur Lazhar’s narrative continues to linger, even if class is already over.

Grade:  A

**Director Philippe Falardeau talks about the creative genesis behind Monsieur Lazhar:

Monsieur Lazhar.  94 Minutes.  PG-13.  In French with English subtitles.

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posted by Greg Srisavasdi