Jeffrey Alan Schechter

Overall Impression – Surprisingly slight, but still effective thriller. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who is your main character? – CIA agent Tony Mendez. What is he trying to accomplish? –  Physical – Get the hidden embassy workers out of Iran without getting killed.  Emotional – Stay connected with his estranged son.  Spiritual – Show that he’s a competent agent (though […]

So, I was halfway through watching TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN in a theater in Toronto when my wife called me.  My father-in-law, who had been ill, was not doing well and she really wanted to leave for Los Angeles to see him.  RIGHT…NOW! Sensing the urgency in her voice, I left the theater in […]

Overall Impression – Liam Neeson brings this slick action flick to another level.  THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s your main character? – Bryan Mills. What’s he trying to accomplish? – Professional: rescue his daughter, Kim.  Personal: rescue Kim.  Private: prove to himself that he still has a place in Kim’s life. Who’s trying to stop him? […]

Overall Impression – An illuminating look at the tensions present amongst a totally displaced people.     THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s your main character? – Tuvia Bielski. What’s he trying to accomplish? – Professional: lead the Jewish survivors to safety.  Personal: keep his brothers together, as a family.  Private: hold onto the will to fight. Who’s trying […]

Overall Impression – A big hit with small laughs. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who is your main character? – Paul Blart. What is he trying to accomplish? – Professional: Protect the mall. Personal: Get Amy to love him. Private: Not be the loser he’s always been all his life. Who’s trying to stop him? – Veck […]