The Conspirator

Directed by: Robert Redford

Written by: James D. Solomon; James D. Solomon, Gregory Bernstein (story)










Most Americans know, at least vaguely, the story of the assassination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth.  Fewer are familiar with the trial of the conspirators who help hatch the plot.

Frederick Aiken (McAvoy) has been tapped to defend Mary Surratt (Wright), who has been accused of harboring the conspirators in her boarding house.  But Aiken quickly finds out that, in the case of a military tribunal, justice may not be easy.  He is further upset when he finds out the entire trial itself may be an attempt to draw out a Surratt's son from hiding, even if it means that she might be executed.

From the standpoint of story, "The Conspirator" weaves an interesting and emotionally charged tale.  There are some interesting questions of ethnics and justice raised, mixed between plot twists (including a big one right near the end).  The actors are solid, even if it felt that they were limited by the script and story itself.

The biggest issue with "The Conspirator" is that it fails to do anything new or novel.  It tells its story in a generally straight and traditional way.  It makes its point clearly, but does not present any new or challenging ways of thinking about the issues.

For better or for worse, "The Conspirator" felt like what it was: a historical drama.  It's good, but could have done much more.

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story

Directed by: Terry Dougas, Nikki Frakes, William Lawrence Hess

Written by: Nikki Frakes, William Lawrence Hess










Stan Lee is probably the most well-known name in the modern comic book world.  Name a Marvel comic, and odds are it has his fingerprints on it somewhere.  Yet, although he's lived in the public eye, much of his own personal history has been documented in mostly anecdotal discussions.  "With Great Power: The Stan Lee" attempts to set the story straight about this influential writer.

This documentary strikes an excellent balance between telling Stan Lee's personal story and tracing his creative history.

I wouldn't say that "With Great Power" is for hardcore fans only, but it would definitely help to have a passing knowledge of the Marvel universe.  There are a few points wherein Stan Lee spends a lot of time explaining the process of creating several of his famous characters, which can be tricky to follow if you're unfamiliar with those characters.

This isn't an example of great filmmaking, but it is a project with a lot of heart.  I think the directors did a great job of framing the life and work of one of America's under-appreciated creative minds.