151. Warm Springs

151. (13 Aug) Warm Springs (2005, Joseph Sargent) 51



Warm Springs tells a more dramatic tale of FDR's battle against polio than Sunrise at Campobello. This look at an unfaithful, sad sack Franklin and chilly Eleanor feels overly critical of the pair. In an attempt to keep them relatable, this repeatedly ventures into mawkish territory where a teary-eyed FDR is repeatedly confronted for feeling sorry for himself. During such scenes, Joseph Sargent does nothing to conceal that he's making a movie in tone and appearance that's for the small screen.

Kenneth Branagh gives a convincing turn as Franklin while Cynthia Nixon is more teeth than performer as Eleanor. Kathy Bates is amiable in a supporting role while Jane Alexander, who bested her for the Emmy, is not noteworthy in the slightest.

456. Rampart

456. (05 Nov) Rampart (2011, Oren Moverman)* 36



Moverman's The Messenger had moments of promise, but this is just dreadful. He's rapidly devolving as a director and writer, letting every little quirk get the better of him. There are ridiculous subplots, like one involving Harrelson's ex-wives, that derail the film for long stretches of time. There are countless throwaway scenes and Moverman's style is outright bad in many places. There's occasionally a solid scene, like one where Sigourney Weaver calls Harrelson's character out. But such moments are few. Harrelson's Oscar buzz is unnecessary.