Benny & Joon.
There is this mystical time in cinema called approximately 1990-1994 where anything that came out no matter how (whatever adjective you wanted to connect to it) was you just thought it was brilliant and would always think it was perfect on subsequent viewings. Benny & Joon proves it. Grappling with things like illiteracy, mental illness, orphans etc. could easily make it all after school special or just plain depressing. Yet there is just this lightheartedness that makes it honest and real. Perhaps it is Depp (who by the way just seems so much more open in his early movies, so much more pure) who is just pitch perfect as the quiet but soulful Sam. Perhaps it was just the nineties with all its mullets, flannel and bad women's shoes. I fell in love with this movie and I think its hard to resist no matter when you get around to watching it.
<3
11.22.2008
DO I LOOK LIKE I'M NEGOTIATING?
Michael Clayton.
George Clooney in a suit is the only kind of George Clooney that makes me swoon period so I was already psyched. The fact he was finally in a role that didn't just play up his natural boyish charm but that had some real meat to it, magnificent.
Tom Wilkinson is just one of those actors who is always known as great but really isn't recognized as much as he should be for how many films he is in but how he manages to just be pitch perfect in every single one. The man is a genius and this role for him was just dynamite. Tilda Swinton surprised me, she is usually decent but she was a step above normal this time. I still don't see though how she got an Oscar over the Cloonster. He was just all sorts of excellent in this movie. He was tortured without making it look pretty, he yelled and I actually took it serious and he made me for perhaps one of the first times in our career together think he was actually an actor. Not only an actor but a damn good actor. If only he took more serious flicks like that. There are all the obvious highlights of him in the flick that if you watch you will just know you will just be drop jaw in awe of the plot line but then of the seamless way you feel like you are there. I was most taken by the closing image of him riding away in the taxi after delivering just a fabulous end of the movie speech. As the credits role you just watch him and in the silence you see it, that he is so in character you see Clayton's thoughts you feel what he feels and its just mesmerizing.
So surpassed my expectation.
<3
George Clooney in a suit is the only kind of George Clooney that makes me swoon period so I was already psyched. The fact he was finally in a role that didn't just play up his natural boyish charm but that had some real meat to it, magnificent.
Tom Wilkinson is just one of those actors who is always known as great but really isn't recognized as much as he should be for how many films he is in but how he manages to just be pitch perfect in every single one. The man is a genius and this role for him was just dynamite. Tilda Swinton surprised me, she is usually decent but she was a step above normal this time. I still don't see though how she got an Oscar over the Cloonster. He was just all sorts of excellent in this movie. He was tortured without making it look pretty, he yelled and I actually took it serious and he made me for perhaps one of the first times in our career together think he was actually an actor. Not only an actor but a damn good actor. If only he took more serious flicks like that. There are all the obvious highlights of him in the flick that if you watch you will just know you will just be drop jaw in awe of the plot line but then of the seamless way you feel like you are there. I was most taken by the closing image of him riding away in the taxi after delivering just a fabulous end of the movie speech. As the credits role you just watch him and in the silence you see it, that he is so in character you see Clayton's thoughts you feel what he feels and its just mesmerizing.
So surpassed my expectation.
<3
Across my Patience
Across the Universe.
Now I have heard for too long "Oh my god I can't believe you haven't seen Across the Universe it is SOOOOOO amazing" so in an effort to put of my ongoing fight with my term papers I rented it. My reluctance was dead on. While there is no disputing that artistically and visually this is a masterpiece and that its quite impressive there managed to be THAT many Beatles songs, I did not think as a whole work it was satisfying or as an awesome musical. First off holy hell I like the Beatles as much as the next person but lets be serious did there need to be ALL of those songs? Obviously all recognizable favorites and other worthwhile classics are paid homage too but some of the middle portion I was just like Oh my is it over yet? Not that I don't like the songs, not that the acting was horrible or the visuals were boring it just didn't really seem to mesh as an actual story at points. "Hold your hand" one of my personal favorites but wtf it only introduced Prudence who as an actual character had not good story line or purpose other than to reappear for songs like "Dear Prudence". Shockingly unoriginal and could have saved like 10-15 minutes out of the movie. I'm just saying. I loved the ending, loved the art, love the Beatles but could not just LOVE this movie. But its a cult movie so I guess I'll just pass on joining the ATU cult.
Worth watching but doesn't live up to the hype.
<3
Now I have heard for too long "Oh my god I can't believe you haven't seen Across the Universe it is SOOOOOO amazing" so in an effort to put of my ongoing fight with my term papers I rented it. My reluctance was dead on. While there is no disputing that artistically and visually this is a masterpiece and that its quite impressive there managed to be THAT many Beatles songs, I did not think as a whole work it was satisfying or as an awesome musical. First off holy hell I like the Beatles as much as the next person but lets be serious did there need to be ALL of those songs? Obviously all recognizable favorites and other worthwhile classics are paid homage too but some of the middle portion I was just like Oh my is it over yet? Not that I don't like the songs, not that the acting was horrible or the visuals were boring it just didn't really seem to mesh as an actual story at points. "Hold your hand" one of my personal favorites but wtf it only introduced Prudence who as an actual character had not good story line or purpose other than to reappear for songs like "Dear Prudence". Shockingly unoriginal and could have saved like 10-15 minutes out of the movie. I'm just saying. I loved the ending, loved the art, love the Beatles but could not just LOVE this movie. But its a cult movie so I guess I'll just pass on joining the ATU cult.
Worth watching but doesn't live up to the hype.
<3
11.14.2008
Saving Christian Dramas from total obscurity
Saving Sarah Cain.
With the recent buzz over Kirk Cameron's Christian film phenom Fireproof I read up a bit on other more mainstream flicks of the JC persuasion. Then I stumbled upon SSC as the next most current flick and I saw it on the new release rack at my favorite local video store I couldn't resist. Like a good after school special it did not disappoint. Full of Christian undercurrents, Amish children living in the 21st century drama and lots of tears at the end it was a warm hearted flick. While it was certainly better suited for Lifetime than the big screen it was not horrible and pleasantly enjoyable. Its overly emotional, certainly Christian and at times slightly corny so knowingly disliking any of those types of films would suggest avoiding them but if you are curious it is worth checking out.
<3
With the recent buzz over Kirk Cameron's Christian film phenom Fireproof I read up a bit on other more mainstream flicks of the JC persuasion. Then I stumbled upon SSC as the next most current flick and I saw it on the new release rack at my favorite local video store I couldn't resist. Like a good after school special it did not disappoint. Full of Christian undercurrents, Amish children living in the 21st century drama and lots of tears at the end it was a warm hearted flick. While it was certainly better suited for Lifetime than the big screen it was not horrible and pleasantly enjoyable. Its overly emotional, certainly Christian and at times slightly corny so knowingly disliking any of those types of films would suggest avoiding them but if you are curious it is worth checking out.
<3
Misdirection at the most artistic level.
The Life Before Her Eyes.
At first this one was confusing. All the flowers. All the artsy shorts. The flash-back-flash-forward-dream like cuts. The parallels and question marks. Oh my so suspenseful! And then just when you thought the ending was going to be super predictable it totally slaps you in the face. Maybe its just me not having seen such a good surprising drama in forever or maybe its just that good but I haven't been so happy with a climatic twist in forever. Also check out the alternative end on the DVD cut, I still am deciding but I'm leaning towards that I like it better than the original cut. Uma is dynamite and Rachel Wood actually made me forget how much I like her in the tabloids. Absolutely wonderful I was pleasantly surprised at how much it all actually made sense and worked in the end.
At first this one was confusing. All the flowers. All the artsy shorts. The flash-back-flash-forward-dream like cuts. The parallels and question marks. Oh my so suspenseful! And then just when you thought the ending was going to be super predictable it totally slaps you in the face. Maybe its just me not having seen such a good surprising drama in forever or maybe its just that good but I haven't been so happy with a climatic twist in forever. Also check out the alternative end on the DVD cut, I still am deciding but I'm leaning towards that I like it better than the original cut. Uma is dynamite and Rachel Wood actually made me forget how much I like her in the tabloids. Absolutely wonderful I was pleasantly surprised at how much it all actually made sense and worked in the end.
So these 7 dorks walked into a vortex. . .
Sydney White.
Okay this was perhaps the most obvious modern twist on a classic tale but for some reason Amanda Bynes always makes me not hate it. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs meets a modern college campus. With last names like Witchburn, Prince and White it is not difficult to see where this piece is going from the very beginning. Overly predictable sometimes to a frustrating level the charm and humor of the dorks and of Bynes actual manages to make this one not thoroughly nauseating. There are some genuine laughs, some good enough obvious chuckles and a typical but still enjoyable dorks beat the beauties ending. Especially good for Bynes fans, dork fans, and pre-teen/teen chick flick lovers. Cutesy.
<3
Okay this was perhaps the most obvious modern twist on a classic tale but for some reason Amanda Bynes always makes me not hate it. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs meets a modern college campus. With last names like Witchburn, Prince and White it is not difficult to see where this piece is going from the very beginning. Overly predictable sometimes to a frustrating level the charm and humor of the dorks and of Bynes actual manages to make this one not thoroughly nauseating. There are some genuine laughs, some good enough obvious chuckles and a typical but still enjoyable dorks beat the beauties ending. Especially good for Bynes fans, dork fans, and pre-teen/teen chick flick lovers. Cutesy.
<3
11.07.2008
Eye was bored
Eagle Eye
Now it is no secret that I L-O-V-E Shia Labeouf so I was very excited to get out the theatre to catch his latest action flick (especially after renting Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull the weekend before.....so terrible I can't even review it). However, Eagle Eye was such a tease. First of all you have this hot cast, Shia, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson (who actually showed us some serious acting chops) and Billy Bob Thorton. Second you start off with this completely paranoid action flick, Who is calling? Why? Why those people etc. . . I was really hooked immediately. I thought even in the beginning the action sequences were a little to harry carry for my tastes and left a lot to be desired but they were trying to be innovative. And then about half way or so through it just completely lets you down. You can't wait to find out who "it" is calling and why and everything else and then when they show you the big government secret you instantly are able to figure out the rest. Even when they try to throw in some other surprises towards the end you just don't even care because the buildup was way better than what was in truth behind it. I was horribly disappointed.
Eagle Eye was like the dating scene for me. It looks good, it sounds good in the sound bytes and previews but when you get seated and start getting to really know each other you have seen it all before and are just so disappointed.
I still will give Shia 2 of this movies 3 stars because I still adore him and he was still fabulous despite the flat lined plot line. Half a star for the buildup/action sequences, not my favorite but I do like to give credit for effort. The final half star awarded to Billy Bob Thorton for making his way back onto the big screen in a pretty decent role (I just think he never bounced back from Angie, poor guy) he was the comic relief and if given more plot to work on could have really knocked it out of the park.
Skip it while you can in theatres, rent it if you have to.
Now it is no secret that I L-O-V-E Shia Labeouf so I was very excited to get out the theatre to catch his latest action flick (especially after renting Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull the weekend before.....so terrible I can't even review it). However, Eagle Eye was such a tease. First of all you have this hot cast, Shia, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson (who actually showed us some serious acting chops) and Billy Bob Thorton. Second you start off with this completely paranoid action flick, Who is calling? Why? Why those people etc. . . I was really hooked immediately. I thought even in the beginning the action sequences were a little to harry carry for my tastes and left a lot to be desired but they were trying to be innovative. And then about half way or so through it just completely lets you down. You can't wait to find out who "it" is calling and why and everything else and then when they show you the big government secret you instantly are able to figure out the rest. Even when they try to throw in some other surprises towards the end you just don't even care because the buildup was way better than what was in truth behind it. I was horribly disappointed.
Eagle Eye was like the dating scene for me. It looks good, it sounds good in the sound bytes and previews but when you get seated and start getting to really know each other you have seen it all before and are just so disappointed.
I still will give Shia 2 of this movies 3 stars because I still adore him and he was still fabulous despite the flat lined plot line. Half a star for the buildup/action sequences, not my favorite but I do like to give credit for effort. The final half star awarded to Billy Bob Thorton for making his way back onto the big screen in a pretty decent role (I just think he never bounced back from Angie, poor guy) he was the comic relief and if given more plot to work on could have really knocked it out of the park.
Skip it while you can in theatres, rent it if you have to.
Ironic Titles
Smart People.
This movie was nice. It was a little slow even for someone who loves intellectual character heavy pieces like this was supposed to be, like myself. I always adore SJP and she did not disappoint me this time showing her range and reserve. Dennis Quaid surprised me and I enjoyed his arrogant bildungsroman. Thomas Hayden Church and Ellen Paige provided some incredibly awkward moments with Church stealing just about every scene he was in and adding some, often much needed, comic relief. Overall it was a smart choice for those individuals who crave having films that just honestly portray the truth of life situations.
<3
This movie was nice. It was a little slow even for someone who loves intellectual character heavy pieces like this was supposed to be, like myself. I always adore SJP and she did not disappoint me this time showing her range and reserve. Dennis Quaid surprised me and I enjoyed his arrogant bildungsroman. Thomas Hayden Church and Ellen Paige provided some incredibly awkward moments with Church stealing just about every scene he was in and adding some, often much needed, comic relief. Overall it was a smart choice for those individuals who crave having films that just honestly portray the truth of life situations.
<3
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