Reviews

This is the one of the most intense, original, and beautifully-crafted films in the history of cinema. David Strathairn's performance is simply astonishing. Juxtaposed with the actual footage of Senator McCarthy, the recreation of Edward R. Murrow takes on an eerie quasi-reality which makes this film so absorbing. It is rather an insult for moviegoers to have to pay to watch a sloppy, inaccurate period piece; therefore, kudos to the production team for paying such meticulous attention to detail. The use of black-and-white is the central cohesive element, yet in such soft focus that the surface appears to have been delicately scratched with sand. Even the subtle jazz soundtrack is incorporated visually into the film. George Clooney shows a genuine sense of artistry here and a directorial Oscar in 2006 is not out of the realm of possibility. Most assuredly, David Strathairn will be giving Philip Seymour Hoffman a run for his money.

There's just one problem with this movie : it takes place in Arizona yet everyone seems to have a distinctive East Coast accent ... sorry, but most cops in Phoenix don't sound like they're from New Jersey. It seems that every actor in a gritty crime drama is required to have this gruff, Gothamesque 'Prince of the City' voice. (Incidentally, most of the lead actors are from the New York tri-state area ...) Of course, this is a minor flaw. Ray Liotta -- though typecast, unfortunately -- gives an intense, compelling performance as a gambling addict. This isn't his best role, by any means, but he is quite competent as usual. I always enjoy his work and he is undervalued, in my opinion. Still, in general, they could've made this movie a tad truer to the region without losing its edge.

First of all, I think Kirstie Alley is charismatic, talented, and funny. I also love the premise, especially given Hollywood's hyper-shallowness and the unbelievable, dehumanizing scrutiny put upon high-profile people in America. That said, however, this show is probably doomed -- and if it hasn't already been canceled, I fear it will be soon.

Let's face it : how long can she really milk this idea? That's the first and fundamental problem I see. The second -- and equally important -- is the writing, which is uneven and hackneyed, at best. There have been a few great moments : Kirstie on the 'casting couch' with the handsome black network exec, who whacks her on the butt and croons hilariously about the "groceries" in her "trunk"; the jail scene where the lesbian guard wants to play slap and tickle with Kirstie, whose ex-boyfriend turns out to be gay; the whole Kid Rock thing was mildly amusing, as well. But when everything started slipping into midgets and toilet humor, I saw big FAT trouble looming on the horizon!

Lastly, Kirstie's accomplices, Bryan Callen and -- sorry, I can't remember the blonde's name -- seem like attractive, telegenic, capable performers but they're so befuddled in the bad writing that they end up looking very sad and superfluous. They're weak, annoying characters who add little to the overall entertainment value, and that's a shame because they could be such an asset if they had been granted a bit of depth, quirky individuality, and genuine humor.