HOFFA

On a crime kick lately.

HOFFA: Two and a half out of five stars.

While Nicholson veers a bit into self-parodying with his interpretation of Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa, Danny DeVito's performance somehow keeps the film grounded.  Unfortunately with Nicholson taking the bulk of the screen time we are left wanting for an actor that doesn't resort to his usual tricks to convey characterization.

HOFFA's other big problem lies in the mis-en-scene.  Far too often we are treated with majestic shots of obviously matte-painted sunsets and orange skies in fake forests that we immediately realize the film as being shot on a studio lot.  To DeVito's credit, he makes the most of the film and the costuming is incredibly well done and captures the time period.

Overall I found my attention drifting away at far too many points in the film.

Film List:
January 1: THERE WILL BE BLOOD (5/5)
January 2: BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (3.5/5)
January 3: THE ARTIST (5/5)
January 4: THE KING'S SPEECH (2.5/5)
January 5: UPSTREAM COLOR (5/5)
January 7: THE PIANIST (4.5/5)
January 8: DRINKING BUDDIES: (4/5)

January 9: THE LONE RANGER: (1/5)

                 FAST & FURIOUS 6: (3/5/5)
January 10: THE IRON LADY (1.5/5)
January 11: THE FIRST GRADER (3/5)
January 12: THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (4/5)
January 13: GOOD BURGER (2.5/5)
January 14: HOFFA (2.5/5)