Classics: A Review of Gorky Park By Lauren Ennis

 Political oppression, personal corruption, and murder are just a walk in the park for a Soviet detective. 1983's crime thriller Gorky Park deftly interweaves political drama and police procedural to form a mystery that continues to mesmerize long after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Through its razor sharp writing and engrossing performances the film provides viewers with a glimpse into the waning days of the Soviet Union that will keep them guessing until its final reveal. Heat up your winter night with Cold War thrills in Gorky Park. 

From Russia, with love

The story begins with Detective Arkady Renko being called to the scene of a gruesome triple murder in Moscow's Gorky Park. In an effort to ensure that the victims could not be identified the killer removed their faces, teeth, and fingertips. The killer's careful efforts to prevent identification of the victims leads Renko to suspect that the murders are the work of the KGB. The case becomes further complicated when forensics indicate that one of the victims was an American and another victim's ice skates are traced back to an alluring political dissident. As he continues to pursue the killer Renko finds himself drawn into a web of corruption, intrigue, and greed that leads from Moscow's slums to the inner circles of the Soviet elite.

In keeping with the Cold War tensions that dominated the day's headlines Hollywood released a series of films set in the Soviet Union throughout the 1980's. While many of these films served as galvanizing propaganda Gorky Park set itself apart through its refusal to paint either side of the conflict in black and white terms. Over the course of Renko's investigation each of the film's characters is revealed to be flawed and compromised to varying degrees. As a result, both the Soviets and the Americans that they interact with are portrayed as fully developed people rather than political symbols. The film also lends an original twist on Cold War tensions by having its Russian hero join forces with a New York detective in an effort to track a killer with allies on both side of the political divide. Through its layered depiction of an investigation conducted under the ever present watch of the Soviet state the film portrays the devastating reality of life under communism with a rare nuance and depth. For a political thriller that transcends its politics join Detective Renko for a walk through Gorky Park. 

Round up the usual suspects!

The film transports viewers into the heart of Soviet Moscow thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Niall O'Brien is appropriately imposing as KGB investigator Agent Rurik. Alexei Sayle lends comic relief in his role as sleazy black market racketeer Fyodor Golodkin. Michael Elphick infuses his performance as Renko's partner and best friend, Pasha, with warmth and humor. Brian Dennehy steals each scene in which he appears in his gritty turn as gruff American detective William Kirwill. Lee Marvin strikes an ideal balance between cool charisma and menace as American business tycoon Jack Osborne. Joanna Paducah is equal parts sultry and haunting as tormented dissident Irina Asanova. William Hurt is a noirish hero worthy of Robert Mitchum as conflicted cop Arkady Renko.

Murder, duplicity, greed, romance, mystery and more await around every corner of Gorky Park. Through its intricately plotted script and intelligent performances the film relates a Cold War mystery that does anything but leave viewers cold. The film aptly portrays the last days of the USSR while still relating a timeless mystery that continues to thrill decades after its release. For a murder mystery worth solving take the case with Detective Renko in Gorky Park. 

Leave the gun take the shapka hat

Classics: A Review of The Wedding Singer By Lauren Ennis

Even as the winter winds blow hearts everywhere are set aglow, signaling that Valentine's Day is upon us once again. In keeping with the holiday, this week I'll be turning the spotlight on one of modern cinema's most endearing and entertaining romantic comedies; 1998's The Wedding Singer. This joyride through 1980's New Jersey offers first class comedy while relating a love story that is sweeter than a box of drugstore candy. Warm your heart on a cold winter's night this Valentine's Day and curl up with The Wedding Singer.

The story begins with small town wedding singer Robbie Hart preparing for his impending nuptials. His dreams of marital bliss are quickly dashed, however, when his fiancée leaves him jilted at the altar. Despite his best efforts he spirals into a depression that threatens to end his career until his co-worker, Julia, enlists him to help her plan her wedding. As the planning gets underway it becomes obvious to everyone except them that the pair are perfect for each other. When he learns that Julia's fiancée is unfaithful, Robbie becomes determined to tell her how he really feels. It's then up to Robbie and his friends to stop the wedding and save the day.

The Wedding Singer is that rarest of films; a romantic comedy that evokes laughter and sentiment in equal measure. While the film delivers plenty of Adam Sandler's signature slapstick it infuses even its most absurd moments with an unexpected tenderness and sincerity. Similarly, the film aptly balances the racy humor typical of the genre with the essential wholesomeness of its leading couple. Although the characters showcase outrageous behavior, the emotions and situations that they are coping with are all too familiar. As a result, viewers will be hard pressed not to root for Robbie and Julia finding their happy ending regardless of what shenanigans they face along the way. As an additional bonus the film also makes the most of its 1985 setting by paying loving homage to all things '80's to uproarious effect. For a romantic comedy that is certain to have you laughing and get your toes tapping hit the dance floor with Robbie and Julia in The Wedding Singer.

The film transports viewers back to the awesome '80's thanks to the work of its cast. Angela Featherstone is the ultimate 80's bad girl as Robbie's equal parts sultry and selfish fiancée, Linda. Matthew Glave would fit right in on Gordon Gekko's Wall Street as Julia's philandering stock broker fiancée, Glenn. Allen Covert is riotous in his macho turn as Robbie's best friend, limo driver Sammy. Alexis Arquette nearly steals the show as Robbie's Boy George obsessed backup singer, George. Christine Taylor infuses her role as Julia's sexy cousin, Holly, with a humor and charm that is nothing short of infectious. Drew Barrymore sheds her wild child persona and exudes girl next door wholesomeness in her beguiling turn as Julia. Adam Sandler lends what is arguably is best performance as loveable but lovelorn Robbie. Together the two form one of modern cinema's most endearing couples, showcasing a sparkling chemistry that lights up the screen.

The Wedding Singer contains all the romance of a wedding ceremony and the fun of the reception party. The by turns hilarious and heartfelt script and expert comedic performances is guaranteed to melt even the hardest of hearts. For a romantic comedy to grow old with join Robbie and Julia in The Wedding Singer.

And that is what they call 'church tongue'