The Importance of Being Earnest.
I absolutely adore this Oscar Wilde play so I was on the fence about seeing the adaptation. Like many other wonderful literary and theatrical pieces that take the leap to film I was afraid that this one would be lacking. I was oh so pleasantly surprised.
All of the wit and fun of the play was infused into the film. In addition it was a treat to see some of the extravagance mentioned in the play up on screen. If anything this adaptation added something for those who have read the piece. The cast was pitch perfect in their roles and it would just be difficult to try and describe how they were almost exactly as they were written in the play. I feel like Wilde would have been proud to see his characters brought to life in such a way. This little romp was as much fun to watch as the play itself is to read.
Perhaps people not familiar with Wilde's works or who are interested in more period specific comedies might find it difficult to get into. Still if you give it a chance its easier to follow than say a Shakespearean adaptation, and much more fun.
Again an admirable adaptation that stayed as true as possible to the work that inspired it.
<3
1.29.2009
Schizophrenic Obsession Is a Trip
I Love Your Work.
Hmmmmmmm. Are we over the whole "boo-hoo I'm a celebrity my life is horrible?" yet? Maybe it only feels that way when largely unknown celebrities (Adam Goldberg who?) make movies about it.
At first I did like this piece, its whole psychology of what is real what is imagined, seemed like it was really going places. But then well it just didn't.
Things I liked about this film:
Giovanni Ribisi's performance. Overall the character's and plot line left a lot lacking in the interest department yet he went full out and tried to make it better. I appreciate his trying because with anyone else in that role this would have been unwatchable.
Joshua Jackson's scruff. I'll admit it when a movie sucks I'll go for the superficial. It was nice to see Jackson in a decent role especially all tortured artist and scruffy. Again it made the boring end semi-enjoyable.
Marisa Coughlan. I have to again give proper recognition to her and Jackson because Gray's mental breakdown is interesting but it causes the whole movie to fall apart. Coughlan's performance is an anchor in that part of the movie. Not a very good one but there are highlights like when she is trapped by Gray and has to ask what his intentions are with her. Good enough.
So if you are interested in psychological breakdowns or you like how obsessed celebrities have become with themselves check it out. If not you can just keep on living like you'd never heard of this movie, which most of you probably haven't.
<3
Hmmmmmmm. Are we over the whole "boo-hoo I'm a celebrity my life is horrible?" yet? Maybe it only feels that way when largely unknown celebrities (Adam Goldberg who?) make movies about it.
At first I did like this piece, its whole psychology of what is real what is imagined, seemed like it was really going places. But then well it just didn't.
Things I liked about this film:
Giovanni Ribisi's performance. Overall the character's and plot line left a lot lacking in the interest department yet he went full out and tried to make it better. I appreciate his trying because with anyone else in that role this would have been unwatchable.
Joshua Jackson's scruff. I'll admit it when a movie sucks I'll go for the superficial. It was nice to see Jackson in a decent role especially all tortured artist and scruffy. Again it made the boring end semi-enjoyable.
Marisa Coughlan. I have to again give proper recognition to her and Jackson because Gray's mental breakdown is interesting but it causes the whole movie to fall apart. Coughlan's performance is an anchor in that part of the movie. Not a very good one but there are highlights like when she is trapped by Gray and has to ask what his intentions are with her. Good enough.
So if you are interested in psychological breakdowns or you like how obsessed celebrities have become with themselves check it out. If not you can just keep on living like you'd never heard of this movie, which most of you probably haven't.
<3
1.23.2009
Holy Hell Batman. . .Where is the storyline?
Mulholland Drive.
It is honestly hard to know how you feel about this movie.
On the one hand I want to say I loved it because it was a brilliant work in misdirection, non-linear plot lines and outrageous psychology. On the other hand I want to say "What the hell did I just waste 2 hours watching?"
David Lynch does a perfect job of keep you guessing throughout this entire flick. Perhaps too good a job. Its a perfect cult movie because it is one of those pieces that people either love to death or hate to pieces. Incalculable speculation over the point of the story, the meaning of it, character analysis and anything else you could think of have come out of this one little movie. In fact it is still generally a no-name flick to most of the mainstream.
I could go over and over my own thoughts and utilize my well paid for Psychology piece up and down every second of this movie. Yet that doesn't seem right in the setting of Mulholland Drive. It is easy to over speculate or dissect something to the point you throw your hands up in frustration and say "I don't' get it". Instead maybe its even better that there was some sort of magic in this movie, a sense of "I DON'T GET it but that is life". That may just be the point after all. And for that reason I would highly recommend you watch this movie.
Mostly though kudos to Lynch and the cast and crew for never publicly revealing the secret or "key" if you will, to this movie. Whether you like it or hate it you do have to admire that commitment.
<3
It is honestly hard to know how you feel about this movie.
On the one hand I want to say I loved it because it was a brilliant work in misdirection, non-linear plot lines and outrageous psychology. On the other hand I want to say "What the hell did I just waste 2 hours watching?"
David Lynch does a perfect job of keep you guessing throughout this entire flick. Perhaps too good a job. Its a perfect cult movie because it is one of those pieces that people either love to death or hate to pieces. Incalculable speculation over the point of the story, the meaning of it, character analysis and anything else you could think of have come out of this one little movie. In fact it is still generally a no-name flick to most of the mainstream.
I could go over and over my own thoughts and utilize my well paid for Psychology piece up and down every second of this movie. Yet that doesn't seem right in the setting of Mulholland Drive. It is easy to over speculate or dissect something to the point you throw your hands up in frustration and say "I don't' get it". Instead maybe its even better that there was some sort of magic in this movie, a sense of "I DON'T GET it but that is life". That may just be the point after all. And for that reason I would highly recommend you watch this movie.
Mostly though kudos to Lynch and the cast and crew for never publicly revealing the secret or "key" if you will, to this movie. Whether you like it or hate it you do have to admire that commitment.
<3
1.11.2009
Oh the poor cinematic choices of Anna Farris.
The House Bunny.
Now I was actually pretty excited for this comedy. Even the fact that it was put on my the knuckleheads at Happy Madison was overlooked on my part because I have always really enjoyed Anna Farris' work. She is always a beacon of comedic hope in otherwise overly-rauchy, under-thought comedies (um hello Waiting?!?!? I rest my case). So to have her lead a movie this time and a movie where she plays an out of date (at the ripe old age of 27) Playboy Bunny just seemed too good to be true.
Turns out it was.
The main tip-off again should have been that it was a Happy Madison production. Adam Sandler and co. are only good when they are just over-the-top comedy (Happy Gilmore) or full out serious (Reign Over Me). There is no middle ground. Unfortunately they tried to find a mix between low ball, obvious comedy and heartful sensitivity and that is The House Bunny. Colin Hanks was a nice surprise as the boy-next-door who captures Shelly's part girl heart but even his cute smirks could save this sinking ship. Hugh Heffner and co. also guest spot for some highlights and there are some actual good laughs hidden within here. Yet the whole ugly-unpopular-girls-dress-better-and-then-realize-their-true-potential and the vapid-party-animal-gains-a-brain storylines are so overdone already in comedy and The House Bunny does nothing to give them any new light.
Sure its a cute romp and much more girl friendly than most other mainstream comedy out but don't expect it to be anything different then any other girl friendly comedy you've seen before.
<3
Now I was actually pretty excited for this comedy. Even the fact that it was put on my the knuckleheads at Happy Madison was overlooked on my part because I have always really enjoyed Anna Farris' work. She is always a beacon of comedic hope in otherwise overly-rauchy, under-thought comedies (um hello Waiting?!?!? I rest my case). So to have her lead a movie this time and a movie where she plays an out of date (at the ripe old age of 27) Playboy Bunny just seemed too good to be true.
Turns out it was.
The main tip-off again should have been that it was a Happy Madison production. Adam Sandler and co. are only good when they are just over-the-top comedy (Happy Gilmore) or full out serious (Reign Over Me). There is no middle ground. Unfortunately they tried to find a mix between low ball, obvious comedy and heartful sensitivity and that is The House Bunny. Colin Hanks was a nice surprise as the boy-next-door who captures Shelly's part girl heart but even his cute smirks could save this sinking ship. Hugh Heffner and co. also guest spot for some highlights and there are some actual good laughs hidden within here. Yet the whole ugly-unpopular-girls-dress-better-and-then-realize-their-true-potential and the vapid-party-animal-gains-a-brain storylines are so overdone already in comedy and The House Bunny does nothing to give them any new light.
Sure its a cute romp and much more girl friendly than most other mainstream comedy out but don't expect it to be anything different then any other girl friendly comedy you've seen before.
<3
Jack Black is kinda an overweight panda in real life.
Kung Fu Panda.
I don't really like Kung Fu or animated animal movies but this one turned out to be worth watching. In an age dominated by Pixar/Disney it was nice to see such a strong Dreamworks pitch. The voicing cast was well done with an excellent mix of credible names (Dustin Hoffman, Angie Jolie) and pop culture points (Jackie Chan, Jack Black, Seth Rogan). In addition the animation felt well done with a nice mix of realistic and fictional elements that made it appealing not just to children but to the adults that watched it with them. The story line also had a lot of heart. While at times it boardered overall it managed to have a sweet undercurrent without being overly cliche. Plus that action sequences weren't bad! Underestimated because it came out in the year of the overly popular Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda was still a nice choice for young and the older-but-young-at-heart alike.
<3
I don't really like Kung Fu or animated animal movies but this one turned out to be worth watching. In an age dominated by Pixar/Disney it was nice to see such a strong Dreamworks pitch. The voicing cast was well done with an excellent mix of credible names (Dustin Hoffman, Angie Jolie) and pop culture points (Jackie Chan, Jack Black, Seth Rogan). In addition the animation felt well done with a nice mix of realistic and fictional elements that made it appealing not just to children but to the adults that watched it with them. The story line also had a lot of heart. While at times it boardered overall it managed to have a sweet undercurrent without being overly cliche. Plus that action sequences weren't bad! Underestimated because it came out in the year of the overly popular Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda was still a nice choice for young and the older-but-young-at-heart alike.
<3
Ron Howard was So cheesy in his younger years.
Grand Theft Auto.
I don't even really have a review for this because it was just not really even worth it. There was a lot of car crashes with no continuity and cheesy acting even for the cheesy time period it was created in. So horrible you just have to watch it to the end but skip it if you can.
<3
I don't even really have a review for this because it was just not really even worth it. There was a lot of car crashes with no continuity and cheesy acting even for the cheesy time period it was created in. So horrible you just have to watch it to the end but skip it if you can.
<3
Leonardo Dicaprio can make anything sexy. . .even global warming!
The 11th Hour.
This is a documentary. Apparently my mother didn't know this when she rented it so I thought others who don't read the back of movie covers should be warned.
If you like documentaries and are interested in the current event of global warming then this one is not bad. Its quite bare bones which is nice as far as a documentary goes. The text is quite small though and sporadic so it is quite hard to know who is talking or why you should care.
Worth checking out if you love Leo and are concerned about global warming but if you are like the rest of my family who really doesn't care for either it will put you sound out.
<3
This is a documentary. Apparently my mother didn't know this when she rented it so I thought others who don't read the back of movie covers should be warned.
If you like documentaries and are interested in the current event of global warming then this one is not bad. Its quite bare bones which is nice as far as a documentary goes. The text is quite small though and sporadic so it is quite hard to know who is talking or why you should care.
Worth checking out if you love Leo and are concerned about global warming but if you are like the rest of my family who really doesn't care for either it will put you sound out.
<3
And WHY are we still letting Pierce Brosnan in movies?!?!?
Mamma Mia!
Honestly. Pierce Brosnan. Really?? At first I actually didn't really mind since the movie stank of cheese musical ooze already but once he attempted singing it just ruined the entire film for me. Its not too bad when you have a couple characters overacting or not hitting the right notes but when you have your male romantic lead just butchering it there is no recovery.
Which is terribly sad because there are such bright stellar spots like Amanda Seyfried who is a superb talent in acting but also has this booming beautiful voice as well!
Overall I was so highly disappointed in this flick and was quite happy when it was over. At least then I could enjoy the soundtrack (skipping over about half the tracks obviously).
<3
Honestly. Pierce Brosnan. Really?? At first I actually didn't really mind since the movie stank of cheese musical ooze already but once he attempted singing it just ruined the entire film for me. Its not too bad when you have a couple characters overacting or not hitting the right notes but when you have your male romantic lead just butchering it there is no recovery.
Which is terribly sad because there are such bright stellar spots like Amanda Seyfried who is a superb talent in acting but also has this booming beautiful voice as well!
Overall I was so highly disappointed in this flick and was quite happy when it was over. At least then I could enjoy the soundtrack (skipping over about half the tracks obviously).
<3
Vince Vaughn gets cheesy and chubby
Four Christmases.
It is no secret how much I adore Vince Vaughn as an actor. After some of my most recent viewings of his work I really think I would love any ole' thing he puts out there just because he is in it! Which may or may not be a good thing but we will see.
This movie was like Meet the Parents multiplied and set at Christmas time. While I found it MUCH more enjoyable than Stiller's grating rendition of mixing and mingling with the in-laws it was just as predictable. The whole "lets see how many horrible unrelated semi-funny incidents we can come up with for these 2 characters and then put them in them back to back for the duration of 1.5 hours" was incredibly predictable. Yet in a way that made it also delightful. Vaughn brings a sort of warmth to this type of role that other comedians like Stiller cannot draw to. He has the every man quality that is appealing to audiences. Also while he doesn't do as much of his typical fast talk jokester bits as his other comedies his physical and emotional humor is well received in the flick. Add to this the ever lovable and wonderful Reese Witherspoon and you just can't help but get in this festive spirit.
While at times contrived these two mains and a wonderful supporting cast makes the mundane storyline come to life, as much as possible. Worth a good chuckle especially in the giving mood of Christmas.
<3
It is no secret how much I adore Vince Vaughn as an actor. After some of my most recent viewings of his work I really think I would love any ole' thing he puts out there just because he is in it! Which may or may not be a good thing but we will see.
This movie was like Meet the Parents multiplied and set at Christmas time. While I found it MUCH more enjoyable than Stiller's grating rendition of mixing and mingling with the in-laws it was just as predictable. The whole "lets see how many horrible unrelated semi-funny incidents we can come up with for these 2 characters and then put them in them back to back for the duration of 1.5 hours" was incredibly predictable. Yet in a way that made it also delightful. Vaughn brings a sort of warmth to this type of role that other comedians like Stiller cannot draw to. He has the every man quality that is appealing to audiences. Also while he doesn't do as much of his typical fast talk jokester bits as his other comedies his physical and emotional humor is well received in the flick. Add to this the ever lovable and wonderful Reese Witherspoon and you just can't help but get in this festive spirit.
While at times contrived these two mains and a wonderful supporting cast makes the mundane storyline come to life, as much as possible. Worth a good chuckle especially in the giving mood of Christmas.
<3
Amanda Bynes should get a new agent
She's The Man.
Now I do think that Amanda Bynes is one of the funniest and most talented young actresses out there and have since my mother didn't let me watch her Nickelodeon sketch show. While her movies have really become my guilty pleasures I also have to hope that she will get her stuff together and get in some bigger, better things!!! Sure she had Hairspray! but lets get real she had no part until she blew you away in her last minute musical numbers.
Instead she continues to make pieces like She's The Man which while funny are starting to wane on her audience and really not show any sort of range. I do enjoy a good Shakespeare adaptation and I thought this one was more fun than say 10 Things (so angsty!) and was generally true to the overall play "As you Like It". Yet there is also something so juvenile and forced that it garners a half cringe at times. Perhaps that is just a part of her development as an actress, learning that even if you choose a predictable Hollywood force farce being able to balance going along with it and making it better. That line definitely becomes thinner the more fluff pieces you choose Ms. Bynes so I hope you choose wisely in the future. Because we are both getting a little too old to pass off enjoying these types of movies. Got me bra, brother, brethren???
<3
Now I do think that Amanda Bynes is one of the funniest and most talented young actresses out there and have since my mother didn't let me watch her Nickelodeon sketch show. While her movies have really become my guilty pleasures I also have to hope that she will get her stuff together and get in some bigger, better things!!! Sure she had Hairspray! but lets get real she had no part until she blew you away in her last minute musical numbers.
Instead she continues to make pieces like She's The Man which while funny are starting to wane on her audience and really not show any sort of range. I do enjoy a good Shakespeare adaptation and I thought this one was more fun than say 10 Things (so angsty!) and was generally true to the overall play "As you Like It". Yet there is also something so juvenile and forced that it garners a half cringe at times. Perhaps that is just a part of her development as an actress, learning that even if you choose a predictable Hollywood force farce being able to balance going along with it and making it better. That line definitely becomes thinner the more fluff pieces you choose Ms. Bynes so I hope you choose wisely in the future. Because we are both getting a little too old to pass off enjoying these types of movies. Got me bra, brother, brethren???
<3
Snooze-Infused "Comedy"
How To Lose Friends and Alienate People.
I was genuinely excited for this one. Simon Pegg, generally a true comedic genius, Kirsten Dunst, all-American sweetheart and a title that seems humorous in itself. What could possibly go wrong?
Try everything.
The story line was just so cliche and even the fact that it was inspired by a true story didn't help make it the tiniest bit more interesting. The cast was not used to its strength. The vapid and untalented Megan Fox should have just been a silent figure in the piece since her attempt to portray a vapid, beautiful, overly worshipped actress was more unbelievable than her actual fame. Dunst's charm was completely lost in translation making it very difficult to care about any of her personal or professional struggles or cheer for any of her triumphs. Pegg was only given very obvious and low brow humor and even with that easy task it fell flat.
And can we just talk about how horrible Jeff Bridges hair was?!?!!? I mean luckily they gave him such an ugly style in the movie or I would have had to focus more on his unnoticeable performance.
The whole just tries to hard and the result is just a reminder that this is a typical, cheap comedy that your lose 2 hours of your life trying to stay awake.
<3
I was genuinely excited for this one. Simon Pegg, generally a true comedic genius, Kirsten Dunst, all-American sweetheart and a title that seems humorous in itself. What could possibly go wrong?
Try everything.
The story line was just so cliche and even the fact that it was inspired by a true story didn't help make it the tiniest bit more interesting. The cast was not used to its strength. The vapid and untalented Megan Fox should have just been a silent figure in the piece since her attempt to portray a vapid, beautiful, overly worshipped actress was more unbelievable than her actual fame. Dunst's charm was completely lost in translation making it very difficult to care about any of her personal or professional struggles or cheer for any of her triumphs. Pegg was only given very obvious and low brow humor and even with that easy task it fell flat.
And can we just talk about how horrible Jeff Bridges hair was?!?!!? I mean luckily they gave him such an ugly style in the movie or I would have had to focus more on his unnoticeable performance.
The whole just tries to hard and the result is just a reminder that this is a typical, cheap comedy that your lose 2 hours of your life trying to stay awake.
<3
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