The Beach.
Recent Academy Award winning director Danny Boyle takes an interesting twist on the American vacation in The Beach.
Employing the work of Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead Richard is a stroke of genius and completely saves this movie from coming off as too campy. DiCaprio's expertise in being scrumptious yet spectacularly talented. He has the enigmatic quality to draw you into watching a movie, such as this where the plot-line description alone might not be enough to make you watch, and then once you commit he embodies the character in a way not seen by any other young male in Hollywood in recentmemory. In addition in this film there was the added bonus of his narration where his smooth, confident voice really Without the DiCaprio's anchor this movie would have sunk early on with no hope of recovery as it went to DVD or straight to television.
This film was an interesting look at the idea of paradise especially according to those who travel to find it. Psychologically the issues examined throughout the film are all interesting and subtly examined. That being said at times they are almost too subtle where the sharp film direction, beautiful local and random drama over power it. There was many interesting probes into the idea of no secrets in relationships, what one will do to keep the status quo and even the idea of if paradise or happiness can exist. Still these are merely probes and there isn't enough depth into any of these ideas to really tie the movie together. About midway through there is the sense that we are just running around and following Richard which is fine until you realize that there is no destination or purpose it gets a little trying.
The ending of paradise would have been even more powerful if there was a better build-up to it, more defined looks into the issues of human nature that were raised. Never-the-less it was still an excellent dramatic point in the story and drew the piece together well. It was quite provocative despite its flaws. That alone would have been an excellent ending to the piece yet the story continues which makes it become trite and almost completely unbelievable once again. The idea that after all of that one can just return to the status quo that they once left with not consequences or repercussions is predictable in the most boring sort of way.
In the end I remain 50/50 on this film. Half of it worked very well in my opinion and half of it just fell short. And I have no doubt that it will be the same gamble for most viewers. Some will love it totally, some will love it partially and some will barely like it.
<3
3.28.2009
3.22.2009
A PSA on cleaning up after your dog, not drinking too much and how to fine tune your gaydar:
I Love You, Man.
Bromance at it's best is the simplest way that this movie can be described. My girl friend went to see this yesterday at the opening show because we were so stoked for the comedic genius pairing of Jason Segel and Paul Rudd. We were overjoyed at how this movie excelled past our expectations.
What makes this movie so appealing is its modern influence. Writer and director John Hamburg does an interesting job of mixing his seemingly off-the-wall script and scenario's seem relevant with his up-to-date pop culture references. This absolutely helps make everything that much funnier because there is the chance that these kinds of things do happen to real people and that these characters seem like people you might know. In this way you feel for the characters because they have a heart. This also makes the laughs stronger because you feel for them as they go through the strangest and sweetest situations.
The cast is totally dynamite. Segel and Rudd are picture-perfect best friends and the supporting cast lends their comedic good graces in their seemingly hand crafted roles. This whole movie was way too funny to be missed. Since we were the only women in the theatre full of men on their own man-dates it seemed to draw its target audience. The raucous amount of laughs from both genders seems to be the best testament to how spot-on this film is.
Don't miss these laughs <3
Bromance at it's best is the simplest way that this movie can be described. My girl friend went to see this yesterday at the opening show because we were so stoked for the comedic genius pairing of Jason Segel and Paul Rudd. We were overjoyed at how this movie excelled past our expectations.
What makes this movie so appealing is its modern influence. Writer and director John Hamburg does an interesting job of mixing his seemingly off-the-wall script and scenario's seem relevant with his up-to-date pop culture references. This absolutely helps make everything that much funnier because there is the chance that these kinds of things do happen to real people and that these characters seem like people you might know. In this way you feel for the characters because they have a heart. This also makes the laughs stronger because you feel for them as they go through the strangest and sweetest situations.
The cast is totally dynamite. Segel and Rudd are picture-perfect best friends and the supporting cast lends their comedic good graces in their seemingly hand crafted roles. This whole movie was way too funny to be missed. Since we were the only women in the theatre full of men on their own man-dates it seemed to draw its target audience. The raucous amount of laughs from both genders seems to be the best testament to how spot-on this film is.
Don't miss these laughs <3
3.19.2009
RIP Ms. Richardson
Yet another unfortunate loss for the acting community.
My heart and prayers go out to her friends and family as they cope with this untimely loss. Richardson was a fabulous actress with a great heart for helping others and she will certainly be missed.
Please stay tuned for the essential movies from this wonderful woman.
<3 <3 <3
My heart and prayers go out to her friends and family as they cope with this untimely loss. Richardson was a fabulous actress with a great heart for helping others and she will certainly be missed.
Please stay tuned for the essential movies from this wonderful woman.
<3 <3 <3
3.18.2009
Burn After Experiencing
Burn After Reading.
So usually the Coen's get me so totally excited when they have a new flick coming out and this was no exception.
Sadly unlike other Coen masterpieces this one just left me wanting more. And not in that giddy good way.
Highlights:
Brad Pitt. whether you think he is an actor or can't wait for the Hollywood to just move on, his goofy yet sweet performance provides the majority of the sparse laughs in this piece. He got the good comedic lines and delivered them quite well. Plus his little twist in the middle was probably one of the only real "shockers"
John Malkovich. Oh my how I love Malkovich. Once again he morphs into character and his wounded but self-important ex-CIA agent was pitch-perfect. Plus with a name like Osbourne Cox you couldn't help but laugh and feel for him at the same time.
The ending. What a nice way to have 2 underplayed, almost unnecessary, characters close up the piece. Certainly interesting in that respect.
Low lights:
George Clooney. Ugh. Not only was his character gross but he seemed out of place as the male stock for the Coen's. Its like they just had to cast him to keep his high profile friendship. yuck.
The almost completely cheesy ending. Didn't we just see all the major characters but one die in The Departed???? I mean if you were going to rip off Scorsese you could have at least taken the pride to make the rest of your piece passable. It makes me question the credibility of the Coen's as powerhouses in Hollywood if they have to steal from a true master. Sad.
Yup so a lot of high lights but overall it just was not there. I wouldn't really recommend this especially because the Coen's are typically an acquired taste and this wasn't their best taste by far.
<3
So usually the Coen's get me so totally excited when they have a new flick coming out and this was no exception.
Sadly unlike other Coen masterpieces this one just left me wanting more. And not in that giddy good way.
Highlights:
Brad Pitt. whether you think he is an actor or can't wait for the Hollywood to just move on, his goofy yet sweet performance provides the majority of the sparse laughs in this piece. He got the good comedic lines and delivered them quite well. Plus his little twist in the middle was probably one of the only real "shockers"
John Malkovich. Oh my how I love Malkovich. Once again he morphs into character and his wounded but self-important ex-CIA agent was pitch-perfect. Plus with a name like Osbourne Cox you couldn't help but laugh and feel for him at the same time.
The ending. What a nice way to have 2 underplayed, almost unnecessary, characters close up the piece. Certainly interesting in that respect.
Low lights:
George Clooney. Ugh. Not only was his character gross but he seemed out of place as the male stock for the Coen's. Its like they just had to cast him to keep his high profile friendship. yuck.
The almost completely cheesy ending. Didn't we just see all the major characters but one die in The Departed???? I mean if you were going to rip off Scorsese you could have at least taken the pride to make the rest of your piece passable. It makes me question the credibility of the Coen's as powerhouses in Hollywood if they have to steal from a true master. Sad.
Yup so a lot of high lights but overall it just was not there. I wouldn't really recommend this especially because the Coen's are typically an acquired taste and this wasn't their best taste by far.
<3
Blazin' up Electric Avenue
Pineapple Express.
This movie could be described in many interesting one word adjectives. Cute. Action-packed. Hilarious. Smokin'.
It was certainly the most action-packed stoner movie ever and yet it had a lot of heart. Most of that was due in large part to James Franco's wonderfully sweet drug dealer portrayal. As goofy as this performance was it actually saved the movie from being too campy. Seth Rogen was his typical Appatow-fame-making goober. There was some nice surprises from Rosie Perez and Gary Cole. Overall this movie is a little bit of what you expected, a little bit what you wouldn't and a whole lot of laughs. Franco certainly steals the show but its one worth running along with.
<3
This movie could be described in many interesting one word adjectives. Cute. Action-packed. Hilarious. Smokin'.
It was certainly the most action-packed stoner movie ever and yet it had a lot of heart. Most of that was due in large part to James Franco's wonderfully sweet drug dealer portrayal. As goofy as this performance was it actually saved the movie from being too campy. Seth Rogen was his typical Appatow-fame-making goober. There was some nice surprises from Rosie Perez and Gary Cole. Overall this movie is a little bit of what you expected, a little bit what you wouldn't and a whole lot of laughs. Franco certainly steals the show but its one worth running along with.
<3
Mike Seaver is a porn addict, fire fighter AND he is getting a divorce?!?!!?!?
Fireproof.
Now I will be upfront about my reasons for watching this movie because I believe it will justify all the bones I have to pick with one Mr. Kirk Cameron. I had heard that as a staunch Christian Cameron would not kiss his co-star at the movies big romantic climax because he didn't believe in kissing any other woman other than his wife, even for pretend. Kinda weird if you are an actor but also kinda sweet in a sideways way. Needless to say I was interested to see if it was true. Then with all the pre-VDay previews of the movie my softer side started to think this movie looked kind of romantic in its own so I caved and rented it when it came out on DVD.
Now I expected it to be a little on the verge of cheesy as other low-budget-Christian-made-movies I have seen before. . .
. . .but I gave it a chance. Now Kirk Cameron if you ever read this please feel free to contact me because I would like to ask you some things. 1. Has age made your acting worse, your charm fade or was it just the script? 2. So its not okay to kiss someone other than your wife if you are acting, but it is okay to pretend she is your wife, pretend that you are a firefighter when you are not and pretend that you are an overly aggressive, verbally violent, porn-addicted, un-loving on the verge of being divorced husband?????? I just want to know where exactly that line is. Email me. We'll talk.
Other than those obvious contradictions in the message the movie is trying to get across and the actual ones it send there are some other interesting pieces of the movie. Such as Erin Bethea's accent. Does she really have such a hokey southern accent? And if it was acting why did she have such a strong accent when everyone else was from the south and lacked any discernible accent?
Hmmmmmmm.
Perhaps I over analyzed this one but Fireproof left me questioning the entire story and set-up, mostly because the actual story was so boring that I had to find another way to occupy my time. I do not doubt that this is an excellent movie seeing as it is a faith based production that did surprisingly well in the non-faith-based market that is the multiplex. Kudos for that and for your endurance but in your next stab at this try to be more continuous in your story telling. Less holes in the plot and character development please.
Thanks. And seriously Kirk email.
<3
Now I will be upfront about my reasons for watching this movie because I believe it will justify all the bones I have to pick with one Mr. Kirk Cameron. I had heard that as a staunch Christian Cameron would not kiss his co-star at the movies big romantic climax because he didn't believe in kissing any other woman other than his wife, even for pretend. Kinda weird if you are an actor but also kinda sweet in a sideways way. Needless to say I was interested to see if it was true. Then with all the pre-VDay previews of the movie my softer side started to think this movie looked kind of romantic in its own so I caved and rented it when it came out on DVD.
Now I expected it to be a little on the verge of cheesy as other low-budget-Christian-made-movies I have seen before. . .
. . .but I gave it a chance. Now Kirk Cameron if you ever read this please feel free to contact me because I would like to ask you some things. 1. Has age made your acting worse, your charm fade or was it just the script? 2. So its not okay to kiss someone other than your wife if you are acting, but it is okay to pretend she is your wife, pretend that you are a firefighter when you are not and pretend that you are an overly aggressive, verbally violent, porn-addicted, un-loving on the verge of being divorced husband?????? I just want to know where exactly that line is. Email me. We'll talk.
Other than those obvious contradictions in the message the movie is trying to get across and the actual ones it send there are some other interesting pieces of the movie. Such as Erin Bethea's accent. Does she really have such a hokey southern accent? And if it was acting why did she have such a strong accent when everyone else was from the south and lacked any discernible accent?
Hmmmmmmm.
Perhaps I over analyzed this one but Fireproof left me questioning the entire story and set-up, mostly because the actual story was so boring that I had to find another way to occupy my time. I do not doubt that this is an excellent movie seeing as it is a faith based production that did surprisingly well in the non-faith-based market that is the multiplex. Kudos for that and for your endurance but in your next stab at this try to be more continuous in your story telling. Less holes in the plot and character development please.
Thanks. And seriously Kirk email.
<3
Oh Romeo, Oh Romeo. . .
Romeo + Juliet.
I was not a Baz Luhrman fan before renting this movie. I'm considering becoming a fan now that I've seen it.
Moulin Rouge left me wanting anything but what I had seen. The mix of music and costume, serious and fun was just all wrong but enough about that. What I felt was off in Moulin Rouge was completely on in this "modern" adaptation of Shakespeare's most known drama.
For the hard core Shakespeareans this would never be their cup of tea. In a classic interpretation this setting and pizazz is almost vulgar at times. Yet if you straddle the line, like me, between loving the classics and living in the here and now you will find this a unique interpretation. Its difficult to call it a modern day adaptation of the play because well I wonder if any one's modern day is like that. Still I digress it is quite modern in its provocative twist on the work.
Not entirely accurate to the play (only Father Laurence speaks totally in iambic pentameter, many references and even lines in the film actually come from other Shakespeare plays, swords are replaced for guns etc.) the mix of the current with the classic text works. As wild and out there as the film gets the strong tie to the original is deeply felt. It works very well on so many levels.
The main of these levels is the passion of the actors. As much as I am a literature major deep into the film I found myself drawn into this new Shakespeare-esq world. The doe-eyed Claire Danes was the exact personification of the Juliet known and loved from the text. While I don't think my imagined image of Romeo was ever much like Leonardo DiCaprio, it is now. The embodiment of brooding and passion DiCaprio sizzles on the screen. These two, then youths, absolutely ignite the scene in a forbidden love desire that is at par (or day I say more vivid) than when it is read off the page.
So while at times a bit cheeky and confusing, especially for one non-versed in the original play, this adaptation of Romeo + Juliet is well worth the watch. As for my now love-hate relationship with ole' Baz I give him and A- for this one and a D for Moulin Rouge which leaves us at about a C. We will have to leave this quarrel here until Australia or Strictly Ballroom can resolve this. But kudos to you sir for this breathtaking spin on one of my favorite works of all time. Delightful.
<3
I was not a Baz Luhrman fan before renting this movie. I'm considering becoming a fan now that I've seen it.
Moulin Rouge left me wanting anything but what I had seen. The mix of music and costume, serious and fun was just all wrong but enough about that. What I felt was off in Moulin Rouge was completely on in this "modern" adaptation of Shakespeare's most known drama.
For the hard core Shakespeareans this would never be their cup of tea. In a classic interpretation this setting and pizazz is almost vulgar at times. Yet if you straddle the line, like me, between loving the classics and living in the here and now you will find this a unique interpretation. Its difficult to call it a modern day adaptation of the play because well I wonder if any one's modern day is like that. Still I digress it is quite modern in its provocative twist on the work.
Not entirely accurate to the play (only Father Laurence speaks totally in iambic pentameter, many references and even lines in the film actually come from other Shakespeare plays, swords are replaced for guns etc.) the mix of the current with the classic text works. As wild and out there as the film gets the strong tie to the original is deeply felt. It works very well on so many levels.
The main of these levels is the passion of the actors. As much as I am a literature major deep into the film I found myself drawn into this new Shakespeare-esq world. The doe-eyed Claire Danes was the exact personification of the Juliet known and loved from the text. While I don't think my imagined image of Romeo was ever much like Leonardo DiCaprio, it is now. The embodiment of brooding and passion DiCaprio sizzles on the screen. These two, then youths, absolutely ignite the scene in a forbidden love desire that is at par (or day I say more vivid) than when it is read off the page.
So while at times a bit cheeky and confusing, especially for one non-versed in the original play, this adaptation of Romeo + Juliet is well worth the watch. As for my now love-hate relationship with ole' Baz I give him and A- for this one and a D for Moulin Rouge which leaves us at about a C. We will have to leave this quarrel here until Australia or Strictly Ballroom can resolve this. But kudos to you sir for this breathtaking spin on one of my favorite works of all time. Delightful.
<3
Creepy, Clever, Classics.
Rear Window.
Alfred Hitchcock is just the master of movie making. I don't really care who has come before or after or how you want to try and argue it there is something so intoxicating about watching one of his movies. Its an unmatched quality. I have never been more drawn to any other movie than I am to his.
Rear Window was no exception. The intricate way in which he sets up the story. The intensely specific details put into the characters, setting and action is just delicious. It is almost a disservice to try and describe how fascinating this movie is. Its the sort of mystery where half-way through you have just realize you have leaned in so close and moved yourself closer to the screen just so you can get closer to the action.
Grace Kelly is a dream in this film. A true example of angelic beauty but with the talent to really back it up. James Stewart makes this kind of creepy character a little more believable. His hapless charm makes it really appear like this is a situation that everyone gets themselves into. The duo together is just dynamo and really helps to increase the tension found within the film.
Initially I was quite upset with the ending of this film. There was such an intense buildup throughout and while exciting the whole idea of the "what you see is what really happened" didn't initially seem satisfying. After getting over my initial agitation I actually realized the utter brilliance of this ending. Where other films of Hitchcock's (Vertigo) have a slow build-up to a killer ending, this one has the intensity in the buildup and the then the truth is the calm point of the story. Still this actually makes you connect more to the film overall because it makes it that more believable and therefore more disturbing.
I'm still getting chills over the brilliance of this movie as I am writing about it. Fantastic. <3
Alfred Hitchcock is just the master of movie making. I don't really care who has come before or after or how you want to try and argue it there is something so intoxicating about watching one of his movies. Its an unmatched quality. I have never been more drawn to any other movie than I am to his.
Rear Window was no exception. The intricate way in which he sets up the story. The intensely specific details put into the characters, setting and action is just delicious. It is almost a disservice to try and describe how fascinating this movie is. Its the sort of mystery where half-way through you have just realize you have leaned in so close and moved yourself closer to the screen just so you can get closer to the action.
Grace Kelly is a dream in this film. A true example of angelic beauty but with the talent to really back it up. James Stewart makes this kind of creepy character a little more believable. His hapless charm makes it really appear like this is a situation that everyone gets themselves into. The duo together is just dynamo and really helps to increase the tension found within the film.
Initially I was quite upset with the ending of this film. There was such an intense buildup throughout and while exciting the whole idea of the "what you see is what really happened" didn't initially seem satisfying. After getting over my initial agitation I actually realized the utter brilliance of this ending. Where other films of Hitchcock's (Vertigo) have a slow build-up to a killer ending, this one has the intensity in the buildup and the then the truth is the calm point of the story. Still this actually makes you connect more to the film overall because it makes it that more believable and therefore more disturbing.
I'm still getting chills over the brilliance of this movie as I am writing about it. Fantastic. <3
Lame Liberal Laments.
Blue State.
Seems like a cute idea that is actually quite timely for the youth of today. A young Democrat for Kerry makes a campaign promise that if they lose he will move to Canada. When he is forced to make good on his promise he enlists an attractive, mysterious young woman who is equally desperate to leave the states to help him road trip to his new home.
Secrets are unveiled and humorous moments follow. There isn't much to expect from this story initially since it is a low budget, largely unknown film staring an actor that most of America wouldn't recognize by name (Breckin Meyer). The concept for the storyline far exceeds the actual product. The connection between Meyer and his traveling companion Anna Paquin is genuine but takes too long to reach the almost impassioned climax. While attempting to take a promising look at the apathy of the generation, youth's gripes about their government and the state of affairs in America, Blue State simply falls short of the mark.
Still an interesting watch but lacks the passion or pull to truly make you care or feel for the characters or concept. If you are political or in favor of romantic comedies feel free to try it but you aren't missing much if you don't.
<3
Seems like a cute idea that is actually quite timely for the youth of today. A young Democrat for Kerry makes a campaign promise that if they lose he will move to Canada. When he is forced to make good on his promise he enlists an attractive, mysterious young woman who is equally desperate to leave the states to help him road trip to his new home.
Secrets are unveiled and humorous moments follow. There isn't much to expect from this story initially since it is a low budget, largely unknown film staring an actor that most of America wouldn't recognize by name (Breckin Meyer). The concept for the storyline far exceeds the actual product. The connection between Meyer and his traveling companion Anna Paquin is genuine but takes too long to reach the almost impassioned climax. While attempting to take a promising look at the apathy of the generation, youth's gripes about their government and the state of affairs in America, Blue State simply falls short of the mark.
Still an interesting watch but lacks the passion or pull to truly make you care or feel for the characters or concept. If you are political or in favor of romantic comedies feel free to try it but you aren't missing much if you don't.
<3
Black and White and Oh so right!
Roman Holiday.
This is such a great little romp. Audrey Hepburn's introduction to the mass film market is such a sweet and understated film.
At first the whole story point seems predictable. Bored and sheltered princess runs away from the palace life on her stop in Rome. Madness and fun ensue. She meets attractive and slick American journalist who is following her for an inside scoop. Who is playing who? Will they fall in love? Can their love withstand their class differences? Yes it does seem like many a romantic comedies to be published since.
Yet this seems to be one of the firsts so it is actually incredibly superior to all those cookie cutters that came after it. Plus Hepburn's innocent and vivacious beauty is unmatched by any modern princess and Peck's would-be-gentleman has an appeal that is unlike any of the technicolor wannabes that have come since.
It is so pleasantly surprising to find a movie so dated that remains so timely. This beautifully shot romp around Rome is unmissable.
This is such a great little romp. Audrey Hepburn's introduction to the mass film market is such a sweet and understated film.
At first the whole story point seems predictable. Bored and sheltered princess runs away from the palace life on her stop in Rome. Madness and fun ensue. She meets attractive and slick American journalist who is following her for an inside scoop. Who is playing who? Will they fall in love? Can their love withstand their class differences? Yes it does seem like many a romantic comedies to be published since.
Yet this seems to be one of the firsts so it is actually incredibly superior to all those cookie cutters that came after it. Plus Hepburn's innocent and vivacious beauty is unmatched by any modern princess and Peck's would-be-gentleman has an appeal that is unlike any of the technicolor wannabes that have come since.
It is so pleasantly surprising to find a movie so dated that remains so timely. This beautifully shot romp around Rome is unmissable.
Who knew Val Kilmer was actually a good actor?
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
I'll admit it. I didn't know anything about the film when I rented it. I was intrigued by the cover, the title and my recent kick of Downey Jr. flicks made me select it.
I was not at all disappointed. I love films that you really can't put into a genre and KKBB is a perfect example of that. It was funny, sexy, action packed and mysterious but in such an intricate balance that it is in a league of its own.
At risk of giving away anything about this true delight I just have to say that Downey Jr. was dynamite. It was suggested that others like Johnny Knoxville play this role but with anyone else this film wouldn't have had the appeal that Downey Jr. brings to all his films. The reluctant hero/lead he brings an everyman quality to even his quirkiest roles, such as this.
Val Kilmer was hysterical in the role of Gay Perry. His swagger and presence in the film was unmissable and he did a wondrous job of tight roping between stereotypes and originality.
I have not seen a pair work so seamlessly together in a film in a long time the way that Kilmer and Downey Jr. do in this piece. Its so phenomenal in the strangest way.
Just don't read too much into it before hand. The plot is off the wall. The execution of that plot is even more so. Just rent it and enjoy it insanity. You'll be so happy you did.
<3
I'll admit it. I didn't know anything about the film when I rented it. I was intrigued by the cover, the title and my recent kick of Downey Jr. flicks made me select it.
I was not at all disappointed. I love films that you really can't put into a genre and KKBB is a perfect example of that. It was funny, sexy, action packed and mysterious but in such an intricate balance that it is in a league of its own.
At risk of giving away anything about this true delight I just have to say that Downey Jr. was dynamite. It was suggested that others like Johnny Knoxville play this role but with anyone else this film wouldn't have had the appeal that Downey Jr. brings to all his films. The reluctant hero/lead he brings an everyman quality to even his quirkiest roles, such as this.
Val Kilmer was hysterical in the role of Gay Perry. His swagger and presence in the film was unmissable and he did a wondrous job of tight roping between stereotypes and originality.
I have not seen a pair work so seamlessly together in a film in a long time the way that Kilmer and Downey Jr. do in this piece. Its so phenomenal in the strangest way.
Just don't read too much into it before hand. The plot is off the wall. The execution of that plot is even more so. Just rent it and enjoy it insanity. You'll be so happy you did.
<3
3.17.2009
Dustin Hoffman Tickled the Little Kid in my Heart.
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium.
Okay I know this movie is a little silly for an adult woman to say she loved but well I just loved it with a capital L. And I don't care who knows it!
Sure there are some little things here and there that bothered me a bit (Dustin Hoffman's eyebrows, they way they made Natalie Portman wear her hair, the contrived "Chapters"). Yet there is a sweet, light-hearted magic in this movie that is just too overwhelming to get caught up in that, even for a critical critic like myself.
Just watching the magical toy store come to life and all of the trials and tribulations that come with being a child (and adult) are touching. I don't really think I have smiled that much over one thing in such a long time. I would even venture to suggest I might have giggled a bit when the wall of stuffed animals hugs Mutant at the end.
Such a wonderful family movie and a nice detour from the serious movies for "adults". Take a chance and get back in touch with your inner child. It feels fabulous.
<3
Okay I know this movie is a little silly for an adult woman to say she loved but well I just loved it with a capital L. And I don't care who knows it!
Sure there are some little things here and there that bothered me a bit (Dustin Hoffman's eyebrows, they way they made Natalie Portman wear her hair, the contrived "Chapters"). Yet there is a sweet, light-hearted magic in this movie that is just too overwhelming to get caught up in that, even for a critical critic like myself.
Just watching the magical toy store come to life and all of the trials and tribulations that come with being a child (and adult) are touching. I don't really think I have smiled that much over one thing in such a long time. I would even venture to suggest I might have giggled a bit when the wall of stuffed animals hugs Mutant at the end.
Such a wonderful family movie and a nice detour from the serious movies for "adults". Take a chance and get back in touch with your inner child. It feels fabulous.
<3
Raunchy Roles in Abundance
Role Models.
I think they hype got the best of this movie. In the series of raunch and low brow fueled comedies that have come out in the past 5 or so years this one actually seemed particularly promising because of the concept. Yet at times while watching it I was feeling a little bit jipped. If we are being honest here I was much more pleased with Pineapple Express and laughed much harder and longer than I did with RM.
Certainly it had its high points. The return of Seann William Scott to something (anything) mainstream. Bobb'e J. Thompson as Ronnie was just gut busting. Watching Paul Rudd grow a heart as he battles in the army Kiss my Anthia. I am not saying it was without laughs. I would just say that only about 60% of it had good laughs. The rest of the laughs were ill executed, timed, or in poor taste (even for a comedy of this nature). Also the wrap up of all the characters story lines seemed a little contrived and since you weren't laughing that much you actually were able to take note of it.
While I had high hopes for this comedy to be the high point of the comedies I've seen in recent months it was not even close. Please see some of the other comedic movies I've recently recommended and after you have watched those then consider Role Models.
<3
I think they hype got the best of this movie. In the series of raunch and low brow fueled comedies that have come out in the past 5 or so years this one actually seemed particularly promising because of the concept. Yet at times while watching it I was feeling a little bit jipped. If we are being honest here I was much more pleased with Pineapple Express and laughed much harder and longer than I did with RM.
Certainly it had its high points. The return of Seann William Scott to something (anything) mainstream. Bobb'e J. Thompson as Ronnie was just gut busting. Watching Paul Rudd grow a heart as he battles in the army Kiss my Anthia. I am not saying it was without laughs. I would just say that only about 60% of it had good laughs. The rest of the laughs were ill executed, timed, or in poor taste (even for a comedy of this nature). Also the wrap up of all the characters story lines seemed a little contrived and since you weren't laughing that much you actually were able to take note of it.
While I had high hopes for this comedy to be the high point of the comedies I've seen in recent months it was not even close. Please see some of the other comedic movies I've recently recommended and after you have watched those then consider Role Models.
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Literary Choices Leaping to Screen
The Secret Life of Bees.
Well this movie was kind of a snore. Now admittedly the actual novel by Sue Monk Kidd is on my eternally long list of things I need to read at some point in my life but has not been read yet. Generally I wouldn't watch something based on a literary work before I had read said work but this was an exception.
If this is the adaptation of the novel I'm a little less inclined to read it. The film itself was a little dry. I certainly appreciated the story points about women's, especially African American, rights and the whole coming of age while grappling with your identity. It was pretty well acted for the most part. They don't call her the Queen for nothing, Ms. Keys made a nice transition from music to movies and Ms. Fanning isn't as nauseating as she was in her younger years.
Overall it was a nice drama. I know other viewers have particularly enjoyed it. While I found it enjoyable to watch I also found it wanting at times, varying between too dry and too hokey for my own tastes. Not a bad one to try on though, see how it fits.
<3
Well this movie was kind of a snore. Now admittedly the actual novel by Sue Monk Kidd is on my eternally long list of things I need to read at some point in my life but has not been read yet. Generally I wouldn't watch something based on a literary work before I had read said work but this was an exception.
If this is the adaptation of the novel I'm a little less inclined to read it. The film itself was a little dry. I certainly appreciated the story points about women's, especially African American, rights and the whole coming of age while grappling with your identity. It was pretty well acted for the most part. They don't call her the Queen for nothing, Ms. Keys made a nice transition from music to movies and Ms. Fanning isn't as nauseating as she was in her younger years.
Overall it was a nice drama. I know other viewers have particularly enjoyed it. While I found it enjoyable to watch I also found it wanting at times, varying between too dry and too hokey for my own tastes. Not a bad one to try on though, see how it fits.
<3
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Changeling.
Holy cow. This was NOT what I expected. Luckily it was still a good movie but about half-way through its like "hey whoaaa what are we watching now?"
First Jolie dazzles, as always, as the distraught mother of a missing child. Her mix of vulnerability and edge is unmatched by anyone else in the business now. This truth inspired portrait was no exception. Her screams and her cries put you on the edge of discomfort because it just feels so real that is rattles you. With any other leading lady the twists and rough subject matter of this film would have been completely lost but she is completely the anchor.
Again Malkovich pops up as a nice touch as the one public persona on Christine Collin's side. Plus if you like names, like I do, they you can appreciate that he has such a dignified name like Gustav. Its a shame he isn't more present in the piece because he was another strong holding point. On a more personal note I had a total issue with Ms. Collin's never thanking him for all of his help in the piece. I mean he pretty much saves her and helps her through and like not one thank you. That just still irks me about the story especially if its based on a true story. . .did she really never thank him?!?!
All of that being said. . .lets talk about the actual content of this piece. If you think this is merely a kidnapping period drama, oh are you sorely mistaken. I hate to be too much of a scene spoiler here but this drama runs the gauntlet of disturbing images you will see or be left to imagine. Now again since there is fact behind much of this that is what makes the major points so difficult to swallow. The fault in the film is in Eastwood's direction. As much as I love good ole' Clint and respect his illustrious career in cinema I have to say I was a little disappointed with the layout of this piece. Certainly he got his points across but I didn't feel that it was always in an artistic way. This left the film in a strange limbo, where it was more artful than a straight docu-drama but less fluid than an artistic interpretation. At times I felt he showed us much too much and yet at other moments he squandered an opportunity to develop his story further. It seems there was such rich content for the story, the setting, the corruption, kidnapping, psychology wards for women, murder, abuse of power. . .the list goes on. The execution of this content made the film feel over drawn and uneven in many sections.
Still overall it was a stellar selection but not necessarily for the faint of heart. Or the optimists on human history and behavior. Excellent acting, excellent base for the script, some faulty executive execution but not enough to make it unenjoyable. More than worth the watch.
<3
Post Script. Kudos to Amy Ryan. She is just such a clever chameleon actress, one of the best women in that capacity currently working. Another brief but nice surprise in the middle.
Holy cow. This was NOT what I expected. Luckily it was still a good movie but about half-way through its like "hey whoaaa what are we watching now?"
First Jolie dazzles, as always, as the distraught mother of a missing child. Her mix of vulnerability and edge is unmatched by anyone else in the business now. This truth inspired portrait was no exception. Her screams and her cries put you on the edge of discomfort because it just feels so real that is rattles you. With any other leading lady the twists and rough subject matter of this film would have been completely lost but she is completely the anchor.
Again Malkovich pops up as a nice touch as the one public persona on Christine Collin's side. Plus if you like names, like I do, they you can appreciate that he has such a dignified name like Gustav. Its a shame he isn't more present in the piece because he was another strong holding point. On a more personal note I had a total issue with Ms. Collin's never thanking him for all of his help in the piece. I mean he pretty much saves her and helps her through and like not one thank you. That just still irks me about the story especially if its based on a true story. . .did she really never thank him?!?!
All of that being said. . .lets talk about the actual content of this piece. If you think this is merely a kidnapping period drama, oh are you sorely mistaken. I hate to be too much of a scene spoiler here but this drama runs the gauntlet of disturbing images you will see or be left to imagine. Now again since there is fact behind much of this that is what makes the major points so difficult to swallow. The fault in the film is in Eastwood's direction. As much as I love good ole' Clint and respect his illustrious career in cinema I have to say I was a little disappointed with the layout of this piece. Certainly he got his points across but I didn't feel that it was always in an artistic way. This left the film in a strange limbo, where it was more artful than a straight docu-drama but less fluid than an artistic interpretation. At times I felt he showed us much too much and yet at other moments he squandered an opportunity to develop his story further. It seems there was such rich content for the story, the setting, the corruption, kidnapping, psychology wards for women, murder, abuse of power. . .the list goes on. The execution of this content made the film feel over drawn and uneven in many sections.
Still overall it was a stellar selection but not necessarily for the faint of heart. Or the optimists on human history and behavior. Excellent acting, excellent base for the script, some faulty executive execution but not enough to make it unenjoyable. More than worth the watch.
<3
Post Script. Kudos to Amy Ryan. She is just such a clever chameleon actress, one of the best women in that capacity currently working. Another brief but nice surprise in the middle.
Can Scarlett find any other role than sexy skank?
Vicky Christina Barcelona.
Sometimes I just have to wonder why Woody Allen continues to make movies. I just did not see the point of this one at all. Sure its Allen's typical look at relationships blah blah blah. . .
VCB didn't seem fresh or new at all, however. The plot was obviously contrived. Johansson was pitch perfect as the bisexual point that holds two dysfunctional exes together. I'm sorry, I know you are hot Miss Scarlett but you have no acting talent beyond your breasts and the lucky choice of Lost in Translation. Otherwise your always the hyper-sexualized woman that we don't really want to root for, well from the woman's point of view.
And whose idea was it to cast Javier Bardem? I mean I know he's an Oscar winner and all but ugh. Sure a step up from like Woody Allen trying to cast himself as the male lead making us believe women do find him attractive but well its not a big step up lets just leave it at that.
Now lets talk about the Oscar this one won for Ms. Cruz. She was certainly the bright spot in the piece, believable yet quirky. . .well crazy. I'm not sure though after seeing the movie as a whole if an Oscar can be deserved for one performance when the rest of the movie was flat. She certainly made this piece enjoyable and was a great twist throughout. I suppose it depends on seeing the other supporting actress performances...it just seems like the performance was perhaps enhanced by the poor supporting cast. But I will not say anymore until I'm able to watch the comparative pictures.
Overall this wasn't anything we haven't seen from Allen before. The narrator was a nice touch, a refreshing way of making a movie. Still with nothing to narrate of interest that also just seemed to fall flat. If you want to see Scarlett do her skankalicious thing or Penelope as a likable crazy then check it out. If not you might be better off with something else.
<3
Sometimes I just have to wonder why Woody Allen continues to make movies. I just did not see the point of this one at all. Sure its Allen's typical look at relationships blah blah blah. . .
VCB didn't seem fresh or new at all, however. The plot was obviously contrived. Johansson was pitch perfect as the bisexual point that holds two dysfunctional exes together. I'm sorry, I know you are hot Miss Scarlett but you have no acting talent beyond your breasts and the lucky choice of Lost in Translation. Otherwise your always the hyper-sexualized woman that we don't really want to root for, well from the woman's point of view.
And whose idea was it to cast Javier Bardem? I mean I know he's an Oscar winner and all but ugh. Sure a step up from like Woody Allen trying to cast himself as the male lead making us believe women do find him attractive but well its not a big step up lets just leave it at that.
Now lets talk about the Oscar this one won for Ms. Cruz. She was certainly the bright spot in the piece, believable yet quirky. . .well crazy. I'm not sure though after seeing the movie as a whole if an Oscar can be deserved for one performance when the rest of the movie was flat. She certainly made this piece enjoyable and was a great twist throughout. I suppose it depends on seeing the other supporting actress performances...it just seems like the performance was perhaps enhanced by the poor supporting cast. But I will not say anymore until I'm able to watch the comparative pictures.
Overall this wasn't anything we haven't seen from Allen before. The narrator was a nice touch, a refreshing way of making a movie. Still with nothing to narrate of interest that also just seemed to fall flat. If you want to see Scarlett do her skankalicious thing or Penelope as a likable crazy then check it out. If not you might be better off with something else.
<3
So good it hurts your heart
The Pianist.
This was part of a Psychological film series my college sent me in an email so I checked it out. Fabulous.
Literally my heart ached while I was watching it.
It is hard to say what makes the Pianist so poignant. Is it Brody's haunting portrayal taken almost straight out of the pages of Wladyslaw Szpilman's memoir? Is it the diligent sound mixing taking you between the beautiful magic of Szpilman's music and the deathly quiet of isolation? Or is it the fact that Roman Polanski had such a personal connection with the Warsaw ghetto experience it couldn't help but ooze onto the film?
No matter the reason this film is genius in such a genuine way I think you would be hard pressed to ever forget it. The haunting way the isolation and silence sweeps Warsaw. Watching a family, a country, a people torn and tormented by the most horrible of horrors. When the smallest glimmers of hope underscore the events that unfold. I would probably just cheapen the actual experience of this movie by trying to define how I felt about it. It was one of those rare movies that changes your view on the human spirit and makes you remember the power of cinema in bringing that spirit to the masses.
<3
This was part of a Psychological film series my college sent me in an email so I checked it out. Fabulous.
Literally my heart ached while I was watching it.
It is hard to say what makes the Pianist so poignant. Is it Brody's haunting portrayal taken almost straight out of the pages of Wladyslaw Szpilman's memoir? Is it the diligent sound mixing taking you between the beautiful magic of Szpilman's music and the deathly quiet of isolation? Or is it the fact that Roman Polanski had such a personal connection with the Warsaw ghetto experience it couldn't help but ooze onto the film?
No matter the reason this film is genius in such a genuine way I think you would be hard pressed to ever forget it. The haunting way the isolation and silence sweeps Warsaw. Watching a family, a country, a people torn and tormented by the most horrible of horrors. When the smallest glimmers of hope underscore the events that unfold. I would probably just cheapen the actual experience of this movie by trying to define how I felt about it. It was one of those rare movies that changes your view on the human spirit and makes you remember the power of cinema in bringing that spirit to the masses.
<3
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