Horrifying, haunting. The only words that come to mind are usually used in horror films. This Romanian indie film is SO bold, so gritty!
You have to check it out. I don't want to tell you anything. DO NOT READ THE BACK OF THE DVD CASE! The trailer my hint and something, but it does try to keep the plot a mystery. It's much better that way.
If you're 30 minutes into the picture and you don't get what's going on and you want to turn it off... just wait 5 more minutes... it definitely worth it.
You'll remember this one for the rest of your life.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
HAROLD AND KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY (3.5 STARS)
I got a lot of laughs out of this movie. I say the Harold and Kumar movies deserve the respect they deserve. This one is far better than the last for many reasons.
I'm gonna say it has far too much pot smoking and pointless language...it was a little distracting if you're not into that sort of thing. I like language for humor sake, but not language for cool pot smoker sake...ya know?
The political aspect of the whole thing is halarious. I loved every bit of it. It was just one scene after another. Every situation they end up in turns into a political point and i'm in agreement with, at least, the point to bring up it's obserdity, if not to just point a finger, or poke fun.
So many great scenes, most work. The ones that don't are like, refrences to an unknown joke, which is usually thrown into comedies like these to create a cult following.
The best comedy in the last month.
I'm gonna say it has far too much pot smoking and pointless language...it was a little distracting if you're not into that sort of thing. I like language for humor sake, but not language for cool pot smoker sake...ya know?
The political aspect of the whole thing is halarious. I loved every bit of it. It was just one scene after another. Every situation they end up in turns into a political point and i'm in agreement with, at least, the point to bring up it's obserdity, if not to just point a finger, or poke fun.
So many great scenes, most work. The ones that don't are like, refrences to an unknown joke, which is usually thrown into comedies like these to create a cult following.
The best comedy in the last month.
LOVE SONGS (3.5 STARS)
This is a very modern musical. Very much like a new French new wave style. The same director as Dans Paris, and the same lead actor (guy with big nose from dreamers). I actually like a lot of it.
It's very interesting right from the start when you're trying to figure out what's going on, who's with who, and the film plays games with you as to what actually is going on.... then it breaks out in song. Very sleek, hip, Frenchy music.
This director, like i said in the Dans Paris review is try many new things with every picture. All together they seems arrogant and pretentious, but, i'm the kinda guy that would make pretentious kind of movies if i could. He's just trying new things. He's making the movie he wants. I think the word pretentious is pretentious.
Very cool trailer
If you don't watch French films, DO NOT START WITH THIS ONE. But, if you've seen a million, and you just love French styles, French language, and the sights of Paris, then go for it.
It's very interesting right from the start when you're trying to figure out what's going on, who's with who, and the film plays games with you as to what actually is going on.... then it breaks out in song. Very sleek, hip, Frenchy music.
This director, like i said in the Dans Paris review is try many new things with every picture. All together they seems arrogant and pretentious, but, i'm the kinda guy that would make pretentious kind of movies if i could. He's just trying new things. He's making the movie he wants. I think the word pretentious is pretentious.
Very cool trailer
If you don't watch French films, DO NOT START WITH THIS ONE. But, if you've seen a million, and you just love French styles, French language, and the sights of Paris, then go for it.
Friday, July 18, 2008
100 MILLION YEARS B.C. (.0000001 STARS)
Technology has come SO far. Jurassic Park is an ancient history compared to the time traveling sensation 100 MILLION YEARS B.C. PHENOMENON!! Comes out this tuesday!!! Rent it while it's hot!!!
FUNNY GAMES 1997 (4 STARS)
I do think this is a superior film to the new remake by the same director. It's in Austrian, which adds maybe, to the style of it. Also i'd say the 2 bad guys are much more suiting for the story that's being told. The leader bad guy is much more annoying and you really do hate him as much as your supposed to. The new one, i found myself saying, "Man he's cool" far to much. And the other guy "tubby". He was a real creep in this one. He seemed way more threatening. He could do anything... he was a little more crazy. I didn't feel that at all with the new one.
When watching a bazzar movie like this for the second time scene for scene, shot for shot, word for word. It makes you think about how deliberate every second really is. And now watching the original trailer after seeing the film... every second in the trailer is extremely deliberate. Very interesting.
In my top 5 of the year... unless it came out last year, then, never mind.
When watching a bazzar movie like this for the second time scene for scene, shot for shot, word for word. It makes you think about how deliberate every second really is. And now watching the original trailer after seeing the film... every second in the trailer is extremely deliberate. Very interesting.
In my top 5 of the year... unless it came out last year, then, never mind.
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (5 STARS)
"Why don't they make movies like this anymore"? Is what i kept repeating to myself while watching a masterpiece. It's unapalogetic, and uncompromising. It's the real deal even though it's not. The language is rough, and the manor is rough. People are acting up a storm, and screaming. It's such a bold movie, and at the same time it's a heartfelt, and a heart breaker, and a nice little movie.
I must have seen a lot of this as a kid on TV because i recognized most of everything that happened but i can't ever remember seeing it. I can't believe i'd waited this long. Every small to large role in the movie are great.
This film may fall in line with the style of film i'm trying to classify. Gritty and real, hard edge nature. And of coarse, Jack Nicholson.
I must have seen a lot of this as a kid on TV because i recognized most of everything that happened but i can't ever remember seeing it. I can't believe i'd waited this long. Every small to large role in the movie are great.
This film may fall in line with the style of film i'm trying to classify. Gritty and real, hard edge nature. And of coarse, Jack Nicholson.
BEFORE SUNRISE (4 STARS)
I love these kinds of movies. It's the kind of fantasy that could happen to anyone at any moment. Well, single people at leased. You could be somewhere exotic and you meet someone who is really easy to talk to, and before you know it, you're having one of the greatest nights of your life. You realize after spending several hours with this person... you're gonna remember this day forever.
One night love stories are great. They rely on chemistry (whatever that really is), dialoge (something deep that the audience can relate to), and they need some sort of conflict (for this one....time and distance).
Delpy is so great....Hawke is such a duche.
Must see... this and sunset make for good double feature. Heck... go for a trilogy with 2 days in Paris.
One night love stories are great. They rely on chemistry (whatever that really is), dialoge (something deep that the audience can relate to), and they need some sort of conflict (for this one....time and distance).
Delpy is so great....Hawke is such a duche.
Must see... this and sunset make for good double feature. Heck... go for a trilogy with 2 days in Paris.
BEFORE SUNSET (4 STARS)
This is the sequel to Before Sunrise. I forget, but i think it's 6 years later, maybe 10. More has changed than you'd think. But they are still the basically the same to people. Come together again. This time in her home town, Paris.
I really like this one. I'd say just as much as the first one. I watched them back to back. The ending really won me over. I thought the ending was a complete work of miracle compared to the standard of the 2 films. It sort of comes out of nowhere. It left me gasping with glee.
This film especially is a good movie to study dialoge writing. It was written by Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke who are the main characters. The film feels real most of the time, but you can tell it's heavily scripted...maybe not a single word is improvised.
Delpy wrote 2 days in Paris also, and i'd say she has improved greatly with that one... this however is still really good. They work really hard at upping the sexual tension to make up for the other major complication to the love story. Then the ending.... oh! What a great ending.
This isn't the trailer, this is part of the ending. Not nearly as good if you haven't yet seen it. So... don't watch this.
I really like this one. I'd say just as much as the first one. I watched them back to back. The ending really won me over. I thought the ending was a complete work of miracle compared to the standard of the 2 films. It sort of comes out of nowhere. It left me gasping with glee.
This film especially is a good movie to study dialoge writing. It was written by Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke who are the main characters. The film feels real most of the time, but you can tell it's heavily scripted...maybe not a single word is improvised.
Delpy wrote 2 days in Paris also, and i'd say she has improved greatly with that one... this however is still really good. They work really hard at upping the sexual tension to make up for the other major complication to the love story. Then the ending.... oh! What a great ending.
This isn't the trailer, this is part of the ending. Not nearly as good if you haven't yet seen it. So... don't watch this.
WALL-E (5 STARS)
What a film!!! Yes, the best pixar film to date. Yes, the best film of the year so far. It will more than likely find a nice seat in my top 5 films of the year.
People complain that there's no dialoge for the first 30 minutes. Well, i could have watched 4 hours of what takes place in that first 30 minutes. It was so captivating. The world he lived in. The amazing detail. And the heart, and personality of this little rusty box is SO GREAT TO WATCH! He watches Hello Dolly on a beta tape and mimics the dancing with a hub cap for a hat... it's just unbelievably cute!
nuf said. You have to see it in the theater... if you don't, i feel sorry for you.
People complain that there's no dialoge for the first 30 minutes. Well, i could have watched 4 hours of what takes place in that first 30 minutes. It was so captivating. The world he lived in. The amazing detail. And the heart, and personality of this little rusty box is SO GREAT TO WATCH! He watches Hello Dolly on a beta tape and mimics the dancing with a hub cap for a hat... it's just unbelievably cute!
nuf said. You have to see it in the theater... if you don't, i feel sorry for you.
FIVE EASY PIECES (4.5 STARS)
THIS WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT PEOPLE!!!! 1970, Jack Nicholson works in an oil field about in Texas or somthing. Him and his girl friend go bowling with his workin' buddy and his wife. They have a few beers at their trailer as they watch tv. She plays "STAND BY YOUR MAN" on the record player as she does her makeup while sitting in the sink to get closer to the mirror. I don't know if there's a word for movies like this. There should be, because that word would be the name of my favorite sub-genre.
Urban Cowboy, The Buddy Holly Story, Coal Miners Daughter, Hud, The Last Picture Show, Easy Rider, Thelma and Louis.
There's not a lot of them... but it's great that i'm still finding them.
Nicholson, like Travolta, fits that role quite well. But no one does it like Tommy Lee Jones.
I'd rather put up the first 10 minutes of this film because it's an amazing beginning. But the only thing on youtube is this one scene which is good but not the stuff dreams are made of.
Urban Cowboy, The Buddy Holly Story, Coal Miners Daughter, Hud, The Last Picture Show, Easy Rider, Thelma and Louis.
There's not a lot of them... but it's great that i'm still finding them.
Nicholson, like Travolta, fits that role quite well. But no one does it like Tommy Lee Jones.
I'd rather put up the first 10 minutes of this film because it's an amazing beginning. But the only thing on youtube is this one scene which is good but not the stuff dreams are made of.
PARANOID PARK (1 STAR)
Gus Van Zant's new film. Possibly the 3rd of a trilogy of films that simply follow a lead character around. First Elephant which i thought was pretty good, then Last Days which i really liked, and then this one... about a skater kid who gets mixed up in a murder that takes place by a skate park. I thought this was not very good at all. 80 minutes of mostly slow motion shots that had no meaning to the films plot. A lot of shots of skaters skating which could easily have been stock footage. And also a lot of repeated scenes, the second time with a different aspect to the meaning. Put together... makes a whole lot of nothing. I wouldn't call this a film. I would call this a 10 minute short, edited into a feature film.
2 Elliott Smith songs from Either/Or.
The cinematography was great, and i thought the main kid was perfect. Everyone else was escrusiatingly awkward. AHHHHH!!!! awkward. Everyone else!!! Awkward. How can a guy like Gus Van Zant make a movie like this, with these people in it. I think the problem was, they were just a little too young. That awkward stage where they don't know who they are, but they're trying to so hard to act like they do. But like i said the main kid is really cool.
The trailer pretty much lays it out there. Doesn't leave anything for a surprise, so if you ARE planning to see the movie, don't watch this trailer.
Don't bother.
2 Elliott Smith songs from Either/Or.
The cinematography was great, and i thought the main kid was perfect. Everyone else was escrusiatingly awkward. AHHHHH!!!! awkward. Everyone else!!! Awkward. How can a guy like Gus Van Zant make a movie like this, with these people in it. I think the problem was, they were just a little too young. That awkward stage where they don't know who they are, but they're trying to so hard to act like they do. But like i said the main kid is really cool.
The trailer pretty much lays it out there. Doesn't leave anything for a surprise, so if you ARE planning to see the movie, don't watch this trailer.
Don't bother.
WILD AT HEART (4.5 STARS)
One of Cage's best roles, absolutely Laura Dern's best role, and one of David Lynch's best films. The dialogue is far Superior in Wild At Heart than any other Lynch film, due mostly to Laura Dern being a genius, and Cage being Nicholas Cage. I love every minute of this movie. It's SO much fun.... and weird.
Sailor and Lola go on a road trip running from their past, soon to find many strangers along the way.
Sailor and Lola go on a road trip running from their past, soon to find many strangers along the way.
EIGHT MEN OUT (4 STARS)
John Sayles writes and directs a tense and cool drama about the 8 Chicago "Black" Sox. The eight men who were accused of throwing the 1919 world series. If you've never heard of this then i suggest coming out of the cave you're living in and watch FIELD OF DREAMS starring Kevin Costner.
The cast is jam packed with greatness. Very interest drama going on on several levels. Also very cool to see Chicago and Cincinati in 1919.
The cast is jam packed with greatness. Very interest drama going on on several levels. Also very cool to see Chicago and Cincinati in 1919.
DRILLBIT TAYLOR (3.5.5 STARS)
This is actually a really funny movie. Written by Seth Rogan, produced by Jude Aptow. Owen Wilson at the top of his game. I caught several references to other Owen Wilson movies. "LOCK IT UP" (Wedding Crashers), the "What's the story with the chicken" scene from Cable Guy, the "which was difficult seeing how it's made out of one piece of wood" scenes from Meet the Parents. There were a lot of Heavy Weight stuff in there which was an early Aptow production. Aptow's wife as a teacher like in Freaks and Geeks. Drillbit Tayler's friends are hilarious. I laughed the whole way threw. It looks not good but it is very very funny. Hundreds of quotable lines.
The trailer sucks so i'm not posting it... but... "You! Get me some cereal!"
The trailer sucks so i'm not posting it... but... "You! Get me some cereal!"
JOY DIVISION (2. 5 STARS)
This is not that great of a documentary. I've heard nothing but good things, but i thought there was very little i cared about the whole 2 hours. All you need to know about the band is in the movie Control. I don't think they are a good companion piece like everyone says they are, i think it's a redundant piece (of boring). The music videos and the live shows were cool... but that's the youtube is for.
THE GIRL IN THE CAFE (4.5 STARS)
Written by Richard Curtis who wrote Love Actually and 4 weddings and a funeral. Starring Bill Nighy and Kelly Macdonald (Ms. Moss/No Country For Old Men).
What a great movie. I was giddy as a school girl threw the whole film. The British downplay, and dry slight jokes without a single smile cracked really really work in this film. It's a straight love story that starts out at a delicate and gradual pace. Add on top of that, issues dealing with extremely important things. It's a great movie.
Absolute most see. Great date movie. Kelly Macdonald is great, adorable. Bill Nighy is pitch perfect. Very believable and realistic. It sucks you right in. And you feel so good after seeing it.
What a great movie. I was giddy as a school girl threw the whole film. The British downplay, and dry slight jokes without a single smile cracked really really work in this film. It's a straight love story that starts out at a delicate and gradual pace. Add on top of that, issues dealing with extremely important things. It's a great movie.
Absolute most see. Great date movie. Kelly Macdonald is great, adorable. Bill Nighy is pitch perfect. Very believable and realistic. It sucks you right in. And you feel so good after seeing it.
SMALL TIME CROOKS (4 STARS)
Woody Allen, early 2000's. The first act is about a group of half wits who decide to tunnel into a bank. It's absolutely hilarious. Then it completely changes. The movie becomes a story about what would happen if these people did have the money they always dreamed of.
Woody Allen plays this role of a corky guy, quite different from the usual. Something about him is infectiously funny in this film.
This is the funniest part so maybe you shouldn't watch it.
Woody Allen plays this role of a corky guy, quite different from the usual. Something about him is infectiously funny in this film.
This is the funniest part so maybe you shouldn't watch it.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
RUSSIAN DOLLS (3.5 STARS)
Russian Dolls is the sequel to THE SPANISH APARTMENT which i liked alot. Starring all the same actors and actresses, including Audry Tatu and the star from Dans Paris Romain along with a bunch of other multicultural people. The plot of the first one is Xavier is in Barcelona for school and get an apartment with a bunch of other early 20 somethings from ALL over. UK, Germany, Spain, France. An American street musician shows up at some point. People do each other... then cheat on each other. It's pretty good, fun, and i like the European feel to it all.
This one is more about the same guy 5 years down the road, living in France, trying to make it as a writer. He bumps into the whole gang eventually and they all go to Russian for a wedding for the leased they would expect.
Not as good as the first. The lead is far more self indulgent and at the same time much more sweet. I think the acting is good and the sights are amazing. St. Petersburg and Moscow, London, Paris. It's great.
This one is more about the same guy 5 years down the road, living in France, trying to make it as a writer. He bumps into the whole gang eventually and they all go to Russian for a wedding for the leased they would expect.
Not as good as the first. The lead is far more self indulgent and at the same time much more sweet. I think the acting is good and the sights are amazing. St. Petersburg and Moscow, London, Paris. It's great.
DANS PARIS (3.5 STARS)
Christophe Hondre directs an odd French snooty sort of movie. Very artsy, very hip. Very full of itself, very experimental. It's one big pity party.
However, i like movies like this because they try so many interesting things, and i can always sit and enjoy the new ideas and new kind of imagery an avant-garde film like this can bring.
I'll watch whatever this guy has to offer until it gets too offensively bad.
Which he actually has another film out right now (4 months apart) with one of the same actors.
However, i like movies like this because they try so many interesting things, and i can always sit and enjoy the new ideas and new kind of imagery an avant-garde film like this can bring.
I'll watch whatever this guy has to offer until it gets too offensively bad.
Which he actually has another film out right now (4 months apart) with one of the same actors.
ANNIE HALL (2ND TIME THIS YEAR) (5 STARS)
Watch one of my all time favorite films with a slight Woody Allen cynic. He loved it. It's always great to watch Annie Hall with someone who hasn't seen it. They all have different things they catch from this movie that they've never seen in anything else.
STRANGE WILDERNESS (2ND TIME) (3 STARS)
This is not NEARLY as good the second time. I laughed a lot the first but not at all the second. Everything just seems so stupid the second time.
Friday, July 11, 2008
RAMBO (3 STARS)
I would not say this is a good movie. This is a terrible movie. But all the killing and stuff is fun.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
UPCOMING FILMS I'M EXCITED ABOUT 2008
MISTER LONELY - Directed by Harmony Korine, who wrote kids, and wrote and directed Gummo and Julian Donkey Boy
VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA - Woody Allen's new film... looks great!
AMERICAN TEEN - Documentary about high school kids in Warsaw, Indiana (coming in 2 weeks)
THE PROMOTION - Looks great... sounds great.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS!!!!!
STEP BROTHERS
NEW JOE WRIGHT FILM STARRING ROBERT DOWNEY JR. JOE WRIGHT DIRECTED PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ATONEMENT.
That's all i can think of right now. Maybe i'll do this again later.
VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA - Woody Allen's new film... looks great!
AMERICAN TEEN - Documentary about high school kids in Warsaw, Indiana (coming in 2 weeks)
THE PROMOTION - Looks great... sounds great.
PINEAPPLE EXPRESS!!!!!
STEP BROTHERS
NEW JOE WRIGHT FILM STARRING ROBERT DOWNEY JR. JOE WRIGHT DIRECTED PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ATONEMENT.
That's all i can think of right now. Maybe i'll do this again later.
INDIANA JONES - THE KINGDOM OF CRYSTAL SKULL (4 STARS)
My first theater movie of the year. I had the whole place to myself. I bought the ticket with a gift card so i didn't feel like i was wasting money...heck... i even bought a coffee. Sat down and realized i had the whole place to myself. I said, "i'm really going to enjoy this". I breathed in my scolding hot coffee and watched the previews.... American Teen, a dumb chick flick, Batman, and Hancock. I teared up hardcore during American Teen even though i've seen the previews on line about 20 times. Batman choked me up thinking about Heath Ledger... and HANCOCK!! What a great lookin movie! Perfect or Wil Smith. Looks really funny.
Movie stars and i'm bumed already. The open shot is CGI. Then we are reintroduced to Indiana and find that his looks like he's 70. He looked horrible during the first 10 minutes. The dialogue was straight out of a cheezy action comic book. The digital background looked like a stage play. I will say that Cate Blanchett has never been hotter. She looks so got in ever shot of this film.
So anyway..... I got threw the opening with the thought, "I can handle this for a while but if it goes on threw the whole movie, we're in trouble."
I was extremely happy to find that after the first 10 minutes, i settled right in and really started enjoying myself. It was classic Indiana Jones. The wit was there. The action was there. The suspence was there. The over the top effects were there. The chases were better than ever. Shya Labouf (or whatever) "MUTT", i thought, was oustanding. I would never have guess that his role would ever really work. I thought he saved this film. His bike riding was so fun to watch, and he doesn't have that annoying witty snappy come back crap lines that the one guy had in National Treasure. He's straight with comedy, and it works. He pulls off the cool thing very nicely.
I thought this 4th film was extremely bold. To put Indiana in these situations was so odd. I can't list them because they're all spoilers. But... they weren't playin' it safe. The only obvious thing that is sort of a given is Soviet's... communist Russia... the 50's.
The end was bad. Over the top. Ridiculas. Was not at all a classic Indiana ending. So there we have it.
Not a good intro... not a good end... but classic middle.
Favorite scenes... Soda Shop Scene, and Sand Trap Scene.
Movie stars and i'm bumed already. The open shot is CGI. Then we are reintroduced to Indiana and find that his looks like he's 70. He looked horrible during the first 10 minutes. The dialogue was straight out of a cheezy action comic book. The digital background looked like a stage play. I will say that Cate Blanchett has never been hotter. She looks so got in ever shot of this film.
So anyway..... I got threw the opening with the thought, "I can handle this for a while but if it goes on threw the whole movie, we're in trouble."
I was extremely happy to find that after the first 10 minutes, i settled right in and really started enjoying myself. It was classic Indiana Jones. The wit was there. The action was there. The suspence was there. The over the top effects were there. The chases were better than ever. Shya Labouf (or whatever) "MUTT", i thought, was oustanding. I would never have guess that his role would ever really work. I thought he saved this film. His bike riding was so fun to watch, and he doesn't have that annoying witty snappy come back crap lines that the one guy had in National Treasure. He's straight with comedy, and it works. He pulls off the cool thing very nicely.
I thought this 4th film was extremely bold. To put Indiana in these situations was so odd. I can't list them because they're all spoilers. But... they weren't playin' it safe. The only obvious thing that is sort of a given is Soviet's... communist Russia... the 50's.
The end was bad. Over the top. Ridiculas. Was not at all a classic Indiana ending. So there we have it.
Not a good intro... not a good end... but classic middle.
Favorite scenes... Soda Shop Scene, and Sand Trap Scene.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
THE CIRCUS (4 STARS)
Charlie Chaplin in maybe his funniest film. I laughed so hard i cried. By the way i've cried in every Chaplin i've seen so far. Great introduction to "the little tramp" i thought... and a beautiful ending.
Here's the first 9 minutes.
Here's the first 9 minutes.
Friday, June 20, 2008
IN BRUGES (4 STARS)
First time screenwriter first time director Martin McDonagh. McDonagh is famous for being a playwright. He's currently hot on the scene in Europe's stage. So he writes a screen play and it's so good that he gets to direct it too. And it's really freakin good. Halarious diologue, great action. Gives you something moraly and spiritually to think about. At the same time, it's a movie any Joe Shmow would enjoy. I think that's why he's so good.
I'd say the main theme/subject of this film is stereotypes. It's really funny. They must have mentioned every stereo time of every single different person on Earth. Relentlessly stereotyping even the types you're not allowed to stereotype. I'd say Dwarfs get it worst.
Everything comes back... it all comes back. Every one comes back. It's like Back to the future or something.
Great ending... expect a great ending.
I'd say the main theme/subject of this film is stereotypes. It's really funny. They must have mentioned every stereo time of every single different person on Earth. Relentlessly stereotyping even the types you're not allowed to stereotype. I'd say Dwarfs get it worst.
Everything comes back... it all comes back. Every one comes back. It's like Back to the future or something.
Great ending... expect a great ending.
PERSEPOLIS (4.5 STARS)
Adapted from a graphic novel, Persepolis tells the story of a girl from oppressed, war torn Iran. It's about her family, her heritage, politics, and her growing up struggling to stay true to herself.
The art is beautiful every moment of the film. The story moved me so many times. Everyone needs to see this. If reading subtitles is not something you want to do then just wait... it'll come out in English soon. And i'm pretty sure the dad is going to be the voice of Iggy Pop.
I can't explain why... but every time I watch a trailer and someone is playing a guitar... i tear up. I've seen the trailer for Persepolis maybe 20 times and i have teared up every time he is playing guitar on her tennis racket. There's a few trailers, but they all have the tennis racket... this is my favorite tennis racket one.
The art is beautiful every moment of the film. The story moved me so many times. Everyone needs to see this. If reading subtitles is not something you want to do then just wait... it'll come out in English soon. And i'm pretty sure the dad is going to be the voice of Iggy Pop.
I can't explain why... but every time I watch a trailer and someone is playing a guitar... i tear up. I've seen the trailer for Persepolis maybe 20 times and i have teared up every time he is playing guitar on her tennis racket. There's a few trailers, but they all have the tennis racket... this is my favorite tennis racket one.
FUNNY GAMES (4.5 STARS)
Best movie of 2008 so far. This is my kind of movie. Very cool, very post modern. Plus i'm in love with Micheal Pitt.
It's about a vacationing couple in there summer home, who are terrorized by to nice young men. But what it's really about is violence in cinema. Humans love torture.
This was directed by the same guy 10 years ago frame for frame. I'll be seeing that one soon.
It's about a vacationing couple in there summer home, who are terrorized by to nice young men. But what it's really about is violence in cinema. Humans love torture.
This was directed by the same guy 10 years ago frame for frame. I'll be seeing that one soon.
MONSIER VERDIOUX (4 stars)
1947 black and white "talky" written, directed, and starred by Charlie Chaplin.
Orson Wells came up with the idea, and Chaplin bought it off of him. It's based on a true story about a french guy during the depressing, who marries women who have money and then kills them. All the while being married to his original wife. He has several wifes all at the same time and he goes wife hopping until it's not going to work out anymore and then he kills them.
Great film. Tedious at times but funny. The ending is indescribably good. The dialogue is extremely smart.
It reminds me of Funny Games. There were several looks into the camera... like 30 looks into the camera through out the film. And it all comes back in the viewers lap in the end. Great movie.
The dialogue is extremely smart.
Orson Wells came up with the idea, and Chaplin bought it off of him. It's based on a true story about a french guy during the depressing, who marries women who have money and then kills them. All the while being married to his original wife. He has several wifes all at the same time and he goes wife hopping until it's not going to work out anymore and then he kills them.
Great film. Tedious at times but funny. The ending is indescribably good. The dialogue is extremely smart.
It reminds me of Funny Games. There were several looks into the camera... like 30 looks into the camera through out the film. And it all comes back in the viewers lap in the end. Great movie.
The dialogue is extremely smart.
CHARLIE BARTLETT (2.5 STARS)
I think I'd rather watch THE MIST than to see this movie again. It was awful. Completely brainless and forgettable. It's not ripping off just one... it's an almost commendable homage to several of the same kinds of movies that we all know and love. To name a few; Harold and Maud, Rushmore, Every John Hughes movie ever, and Pump up the volume. There's a scene where he actually stands up and gives the same speech as in Pump up the volume. He's a rich kid that gets kicked out of private school and goes to public school and still wears his school jacket like in RUSHMORE. He's a rich kid with a crazy mother PLUS he sits down with a his girlfriend and plays on the piano "If you wanna sing out, sing out, if you wanna be free be free, cos theres a million things to be, you know that there are", like in Harold and Maud. However, they changed the lyrics from "if you wanna get high, get high" to "if you wanna live high live high." But in the end, it turns out to be just a stupid John Hughes rip off.
and by the way... i hated Juno for all the same reasons.
I will say that the main character kid was really really good in it. He had to pump out several horrible lines and do many many ridicules things through out the film and i feel like he definitely pulled it off.
He looks like Kevin Bacon too.
So... this is a bad movie. I find my self yelling several times... "AAHH, I HATE THIS MOVIE!!" at the screen. Don't be fooled... this is not good.
and by the way... i hated Juno for all the same reasons.
I will say that the main character kid was really really good in it. He had to pump out several horrible lines and do many many ridicules things through out the film and i feel like he definitely pulled it off.
He looks like Kevin Bacon too.
So... this is a bad movie. I find my self yelling several times... "AAHH, I HATE THIS MOVIE!!" at the screen. Don't be fooled... this is not good.
Friday, June 13, 2008
BE KIND REWIND (3.5 STARS)
Huge disappointment! I had Michel Gondre down for 5 stars for the rest of his movie making days. This however is barely a 3.5. It's cheesy, dumbed down, and predictable. It's a comedy without a single laugh in it. I sat threw the whole thing completely bummed. The Science of Sleep was my favorite movie of 06. I thought it was perfect. And i love Eternal Sunshine of a spotless mind (although i have my problems with it). But this is just boring movie making.
I'll give one scene credit. It's the only scene that felt like Gondre. It's the Montague. Very original, one shot. The actors run from place to place for this one huge scene. The camera movies along this maze of genius camera tricks. It's really great. Also the fact that the characters shot their film in black and white threw a fan and wires to look like a film projector and scratches.
I'll give one scene credit. It's the only scene that felt like Gondre. It's the Montague. Very original, one shot. The actors run from place to place for this one huge scene. The camera movies along this maze of genius camera tricks. It's really great. Also the fact that the characters shot their film in black and white threw a fan and wires to look like a film projector and scratches.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
DIARY OF THE DEAD (0.5 STARS)
George A."Zombie legend"Romero's Diary of the dead is the worst movie i've ever seen. It's terrible. Every moment of it is terrible.
I don't feel like going into everything, but i'd say the medium in which this is "filmed" is my least favorite problem with this movie... it goes with the Blair witch project idea of the victims filming. There's 2 cameras and a cell phone..oh, and surveillance camera footage they somehow got really easily. Everything cheesy around the camera stuff, whether it's the cheesy cuts of different cameras or it's the stupid mellow-drama they scripted to explain why they're filming everything.
The second least favorite problem with this film is the characters. The obvious cookie cutter characters. Each are given the most excruciatingly obvious dialogue, which makes me hate this movie with every word said.
Now, with my new full-time job, on top of my old part-time job, i can't be watching these kinds of movies. It seems like the last 4 movies i've seen have been really bad.
I am mad at myself for watching this.
I don't feel like going into everything, but i'd say the medium in which this is "filmed" is my least favorite problem with this movie... it goes with the Blair witch project idea of the victims filming. There's 2 cameras and a cell phone..oh, and surveillance camera footage they somehow got really easily. Everything cheesy around the camera stuff, whether it's the cheesy cuts of different cameras or it's the stupid mellow-drama they scripted to explain why they're filming everything.
The second least favorite problem with this film is the characters. The obvious cookie cutter characters. Each are given the most excruciatingly obvious dialogue, which makes me hate this movie with every word said.
Now, with my new full-time job, on top of my old part-time job, i can't be watching these kinds of movies. It seems like the last 4 movies i've seen have been really bad.
I am mad at myself for watching this.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN (3 STARS)
Of coarse this film has bad B-film cult credibility. I'll give it credit for the amazingly campy special affects. The giant hands that keep popping up. And the giants are always somewhat transparent. It think that might be a radiation thing... it wasn't quite explained. The acting in it is very entertaining. The police were different. Their dialogue was about strange things and very camp. The woman scream so obnoxiously...it's great!
I especially like the story. It's not at all what i expected. It could be called "THE ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN WHO KNOWS HER MAN'S BE RUNNIN' AROUND WITH THAT DIRTY WHORE NAMED HONEY!!!" because she's just a pissed off woman who got real big and is real steamed at her husband for bein' a no-good, two-timin', S.O.B.!!!
Also, why do giant people always move so slow?
I especially like the story. It's not at all what i expected. It could be called "THE ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN WHO KNOWS HER MAN'S BE RUNNIN' AROUND WITH THAT DIRTY WHORE NAMED HONEY!!!" because she's just a pissed off woman who got real big and is real steamed at her husband for bein' a no-good, two-timin', S.O.B.!!!
Also, why do giant people always move so slow?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
WAR DANCE (4 STARS)
Wow, what a heart wrenching documentary. It's about northern Ugandan kids who are in the dance/music/choir. They're practicing for the Ugandan choral competition.
These kids have had it as rough as you can possibly imagine. Some have seen their parents killed before their eyes. Some have been made to do the killing. Northern Uganda is a war zone, constantly in thread of rebel solders invading. They live in a refugee camp of 60,000. It's a city of huts. They live very poor, relying solely on the U.N. to supply them with food once a month.
It's SO SAD to hear the stuff they've gone threw and to see the state they are living in. All they have is this competition. It brakes your heart, over and over and over. You cry when they're sad, and you cry even more then they're happy.
I guess, go ahead and watch it.... just let the tears flow and flow and flow.
If you don't cry when watching this, i need to speak to your mother.
These kids have had it as rough as you can possibly imagine. Some have seen their parents killed before their eyes. Some have been made to do the killing. Northern Uganda is a war zone, constantly in thread of rebel solders invading. They live in a refugee camp of 60,000. It's a city of huts. They live very poor, relying solely on the U.N. to supply them with food once a month.
It's SO SAD to hear the stuff they've gone threw and to see the state they are living in. All they have is this competition. It brakes your heart, over and over and over. You cry when they're sad, and you cry even more then they're happy.
I guess, go ahead and watch it.... just let the tears flow and flow and flow.
If you don't cry when watching this, i need to speak to your mother.
24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE (4.5 STARS)
24 Hour Party People takes place from 1976 to 1986 in Manchester, England. It's the beginning of PUNK to the end of ACID. It features bands like Joy Division, The Mondays, The Jam, The sex pistols, New Order. It follows Tony Wilson as the narrator and central character who seems to be involved in every aspect of this changing culture. Steve Coogan who plays Wilson is absolutely amazing. He's hilarious and has a way about his dialogue that seems to all be made up on the spot but is so smart and witty, it'd be impossible.
A friend of mine about 8 years ago said that SLC PUNKS is a movie you can live your life to. I always thought that was a really stupid thing to say. Especially because i've always seen that movie as a huge corporate sell out of a movie. But this film....24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE...is a film you can live by. Tony Wilson's philosophy is to never sell out. He says on his epitaph it'll read "I Tony Wilson have never in any physical or metaphysical capacity, soled out." Paraphrased. This film does not sell out.
I will watch this movie until i'm blue in the face.
This is a TUBE of Steve Coogan's funny bits.
A friend of mine about 8 years ago said that SLC PUNKS is a movie you can live your life to. I always thought that was a really stupid thing to say. Especially because i've always seen that movie as a huge corporate sell out of a movie. But this film....24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE...is a film you can live by. Tony Wilson's philosophy is to never sell out. He says on his epitaph it'll read "I Tony Wilson have never in any physical or metaphysical capacity, soled out." Paraphrased. This film does not sell out.
I will watch this movie until i'm blue in the face.
This is a TUBE of Steve Coogan's funny bits.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
27 DRESSES (3.5 STARS)
Katherine Heigl is great in this ultimate chick flick. It's got weddings. It's got sisters. It's got guys we all have crushes on. It's got that one scene were everyone in the room sings a song that everyone loves just before the 3rd act.
Father Of The Bride meets My Best Friends Wedding meets The Wedding Singer.
I really do think it's pretty good.
Remember that one scene with Tom Cruise in Cocktail when they all sing "You're addicted to love"?
SPOILER: They do it after that.
Father Of The Bride meets My Best Friends Wedding meets The Wedding Singer.
I really do think it's pretty good.
Remember that one scene with Tom Cruise in Cocktail when they all sing "You're addicted to love"?
SPOILER: They do it after that.
THE SAVAGES (3.5 STARS)
This film is about Jon and Wendy Savage trying to deal with their father who is suffering from dementia. They are also trying to deal with the millions of other problems they've seemingly self imposed.
I like this kind of movie. Sort of New York intellectuals who are on hundreds of different medication to deal with a neglectful childhood. It's got a neat little sense of humor to it. Both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney are really great. Nothing really happens, so don't expect it too. It's just a character study. And quite entertaining.
I'm sure you've seen this trailer a million times, as have i.
I like this kind of movie. Sort of New York intellectuals who are on hundreds of different medication to deal with a neglectful childhood. It's got a neat little sense of humor to it. Both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney are really great. Nothing really happens, so don't expect it too. It's just a character study. And quite entertaining.
I'm sure you've seen this trailer a million times, as have i.
Monday, May 5, 2008
I'M NOT THERE (PART 2) (4.5 STARS)
*READ EARLY I'M NOT THERE REVIEW FOR REFERENCE*
I feel really awful that i said such hurtful things about Todd Haynes' Bob Dylan movie. It really is a masterpiece. He has done more research than i've ever heard of. He took on this film as a massive challenge. This film is 2 hours worth of Dylan references. It's caked in them. Every section of the movie is needed. Only i don't agree with some in thinking the acting of a few are not so good. However, the Ledger/Gainsbourg part... i don't know if i've ever seen something so amazing. And to a Bob Dylan soundtrack.
I lOVE the Richard Gere part. Every person in the town means something. A lot of them are from earlier in the film. They're all wearing masks that are a reference to something Dylan has mentioned in the past.
Blanchett's scenes were so artsy. A lot of work was put into everything! And the acting is really good on her part. She did a great Bob Dylan. I haven't mentioned David Cross playing Allen Ginsburg. Which i was really excited about before seeing. The scene when they're talking to Jesus... my favorite of hers.
The Christian Bale stuff. Still isn't any good. But i guess i didn't realize that it's not him singing. It's John Doe and someone else who sing his performances... and their just pre-recorded covers that Haynes used in the film as performances...which is odd and i like the idea... but it's really weird. You're hearing one thing and you're seeing something else.
So... i'm sorry if i gave you the wrong impression... i really do like this movie. I'm going to watch it over and over again. The commentary is extremely informative and it's a movie you can see over and over again.
I feel really awful that i said such hurtful things about Todd Haynes' Bob Dylan movie. It really is a masterpiece. He has done more research than i've ever heard of. He took on this film as a massive challenge. This film is 2 hours worth of Dylan references. It's caked in them. Every section of the movie is needed. Only i don't agree with some in thinking the acting of a few are not so good. However, the Ledger/Gainsbourg part... i don't know if i've ever seen something so amazing. And to a Bob Dylan soundtrack.
I lOVE the Richard Gere part. Every person in the town means something. A lot of them are from earlier in the film. They're all wearing masks that are a reference to something Dylan has mentioned in the past.
Blanchett's scenes were so artsy. A lot of work was put into everything! And the acting is really good on her part. She did a great Bob Dylan. I haven't mentioned David Cross playing Allen Ginsburg. Which i was really excited about before seeing. The scene when they're talking to Jesus... my favorite of hers.
The Christian Bale stuff. Still isn't any good. But i guess i didn't realize that it's not him singing. It's John Doe and someone else who sing his performances... and their just pre-recorded covers that Haynes used in the film as performances...which is odd and i like the idea... but it's really weird. You're hearing one thing and you're seeing something else.
So... i'm sorry if i gave you the wrong impression... i really do like this movie. I'm going to watch it over and over again. The commentary is extremely informative and it's a movie you can see over and over again.
Friday, May 2, 2008
TEETH (3.5 STARS)
Dawn has mutant teeth in her downstairs. It eats boys' no-no's. 'nuf said.
The first half is setup...a little tedious, but you know the good stuff is on it's way. Once Dawn's "vagina dentata" starts chopin', things really start to get fun. The whole second half is a lot of fun. The first half is my high school life all over again.
This comes out May 6th on DVD. It's a must see. Fun for the family.
The first half is setup...a little tedious, but you know the good stuff is on it's way. Once Dawn's "vagina dentata" starts chopin', things really start to get fun. The whole second half is a lot of fun. The first half is my high school life all over again.
This comes out May 6th on DVD. It's a must see. Fun for the family.
HOTTIE AND THE NOTTIE (2 STARS)
What a gem!
I laughed a bunch of times. Every time that one guy takes his shirt off and that other guy tackles him... it's funny. And then that guy tackled the hottie... it was funny. Then that one guy's friend knows all the mythology of hotties and notties... that's funny. ha ha ha.
Paris is really funny awkward throughout the movie, trying to stay continuously sexy... then theres this one scene where see really shines.. the true Paris comes out. This guy is hitting on her. Her and the Nottie put him in his place... then as if she didn't know the camera was rolling.. she yells, "PAY OUR TAB BITCH"
I got a really good idea for a remake. The Hilton sisters and the Simpson sisters starring in Big Business! The movie from 1988 where two sets of twins are separated at birth.
Oh, wait... they need to be identical.
I laughed a bunch of times. Every time that one guy takes his shirt off and that other guy tackles him... it's funny. And then that guy tackled the hottie... it was funny. Then that one guy's friend knows all the mythology of hotties and notties... that's funny. ha ha ha.
Paris is really funny awkward throughout the movie, trying to stay continuously sexy... then theres this one scene where see really shines.. the true Paris comes out. This guy is hitting on her. Her and the Nottie put him in his place... then as if she didn't know the camera was rolling.. she yells, "PAY OUR TAB BITCH"
I got a really good idea for a remake. The Hilton sisters and the Simpson sisters starring in Big Business! The movie from 1988 where two sets of twins are separated at birth.
Oh, wait... they need to be identical.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
I'M NOT THERE (4 STARS)
Todd Haynes totally dropped the ball on this Bob Dylan biopic... for the most part. He has a lot of good ideas, but they're overshadowed by bad ones. If you didn't already know, this movie represents different aspects of Bob Dylan's life. Different phases he went threw. It sounds radical but really, it's just another biopic. What this biopic does that is really stupid and pointless is it takes shots, scenes, dialogues, and characters from documentaries that every Dylan fan has seen thousands of times, and makes a movie out of them. Don't you think we'd want to see those scenes actually acted out by Bob Dylan himself other than someone else doing it poorly. A little more than half of this movie is a TOTAL JOKE!!!!!!
I'm irate with anger when watching this movie. It would be SO easy to just write original dialogue for the character, and an original narrative based on what we know. Haynes not only based the scenes on what actually happened, he based them shot for shot on what we've already seen in; Don't look back, no direction home, and Eat the document.
There are 6 actors portraying different aspects of Dylan's life.
A little black kid represents the young, wide eyed Dylan, 59', 60', 61'. Who would tell people different names and told them he was from different places. Who idolized Woody Guthrie and old blues singers. Talked about traveling and being on the road. He calls himself Woody Guthrie. It's a great idea... perfect way to start the movie. Then the dialogue comes in. The acting is awful. This kid is saying the most ridicules things. He sings a few times and it's so cheesy and awful. Really early on in the movie he's singing Tombstone Blues with some other "black folk" on a porch. I wanted to punch my fist threw the TV screen. The scenes would go on and on with no point or nothing interesting happening and stupid dialogue and then someone would say something that makes since to the story and i'd think, "oh, that's what this whole scene was about, that one stinkin' line". I got nothing against a little black kid playing a young Dylan but it stunk. It really cheesed out the movie. I think a 20 something kid could do something better. Mostly a kid who can actually play the guitar and sing and has some kind of concept of what the blues are. HOWEVER... he wasn't the worse part.
Christian Bale plays the protest era Dylan, 62', 63', 64'. THIS>>> WAS THE WORST PART! Every SECOND of Bale's performance was terrible. I'm a HUGE Christian Bale fan... HUGE. But this was a darn right TERRIBLE idea on Haynes' part. He's playing the most obnoxious Dylan impression ever. He sings all wrong. He plays all wrong. He lurks around when he walks and mumbles and talks fast. The worst part about his roll is that it's all set as a documentary. The scenes he's in are set as archive footage that is in the middle of a documentary about him. There's interviews with people including Julian Moore who's obviously playing Joan Baez because of her wittiness. She's saying the same things as Baez from No Direction Home. IT'S SO STUPID because they're re-enacting a documentary that everyone has seen. WHY!?!?!? The whole Christian Bale part is all stuff we've seen before...the union civil rights thing out in the field, the speech if front of the left wingers, the interviews. Neither the kid or him had a quarter of the balls in their singing as Dylan. I'm not saying they need to sound like him... i'm saying they should put out the message in the style he had... at leased. Why would Bale want to sing in that drony, mellow, pretty boy voice? You know he probably put a lot of thought into it.
Oh GOSH! and when he plays the "religious Dylan" it's so bad! It's a freakin joke!!! why would they do that?!! It's SO awful!
Cate Blanchett plays the mid 60's Dylan, 65' and 66. "The electric Dylan". Again, this part replays scenes from other documentaries. At least it's not played AS a documentary. It also changes things around a little. It does this annoying thing and tries to cram multiple events from documentaries into one scene. I'm telling ya, for a guy like me who's seen Don't Look Back, and No direction Home hundreds of times... it's nerve racking! Towards the end of the movie, it goes it's own direction. And during that time, i really enjoy watching it. It still looks black and white and grainy and looks like Don't look back but i'm seeing other things happening. Then Haynes starts throwing in other director influences like Fellini and Godard. French New Wave styles and abstract thoughts come flying at you in a long montage. It's get really good actually. Haynes explores the song MR JONES, using a character from Don't Look back and really dives into the lyrics of the song and throws in some amazing imagery!
Blanchett made me uncomfortable most of the time. She has boobs. I can see them. I've thought in the past that i would "DO" Bob Dylan if i had the chance, but now that Bob Dylan is a hot woman.... i'm a little turned off. It's weird seeing her walk around. And a one point she draws a mustache on her face and it gets even weirder.
Over all the Blanchett part was tolerable, annoying, and beautiful.
Ben Whishaw was my favorite of the Dylan impersonators. He was SOOO good. I've only seen him in the movie Perfume and he blew me away THEN. He's just really cool. I don't doubt for a second he's not a badass when i see him smoking a cigarette and resiting Dylan-esk thoughts. There's not much of him, but what there is... is great. I wish he had his one story. I bet Haynes regretted only having him do that one part once he saw how good he was and how BAD Bale was.
Heath Ledger plays a celebrity actor who meets a French panter played by Charlotte Gainsbourg representing Dylan and his family life in the 60's and 70's. This is no lie... for the last 2 years, my wife and i have casted who would play us in our true life story. It has always been Heath Ledger and Charlotte Gainsbourg. WE LOVE BOTH OF THEM!!! When we found out they were going to be husband and wife in a movie... and playing Dylan and Sara!!!!??? We freaked. i would have been more bummed about their part not being good more than any other. But let me tell ya..... was was not disappointed. I was awestruck! I was bug eyed, mouth open awestruck about how BEAUTIFUL their part was. It looked amazing. The acting was amazing. Haynes took the most interesting parts of Godard films to put them in there. He uses the most interesting background elements to portray thoughts. He uses media to tell the story, symbolically and literally. She was so cool... he was so cool. There was nothing stolen from any Dylan film. It was just based on Dylan's story. It was SO good. I wish Haynes could just make a movie about THEM.
And then there's Richard Gere playing old Dylan. Again... really good idea. He's a recluse. Seeming to be in the old west. Has a dog, a horse, and a shotgun. Lives in a shack. But the cool part about the story is he's Billy the kid in hiding. He used to be an outlaw and now he's just laying low out of the lime light. Really cool imagery and symbolism. However, it seems thrown together pretty terribly. He sets look like cardboard. The whole thing reminds me of the history channel, when there's a narrator talking about what happened to this guy in this one time and then it cuts to the guy wearing cheesy clothes and hes walking threw town and everyone in the town looks stupid and it's all obviously fake. I suppose it's supposed to look like that. It has a circus like feeling to it as does many parts of this movie. Dylan does refer the circus elements a lot in his book and in his songs. George Washington black face and a giraffe. Also a L.P. saying, "Good morning Mr Gladstone".
I really liked Gere's part. It had a lot of references in it. A lot of hidden messages. It also cuts back to the other characters showing his reflection on his past. It's really good and emotional.
Over all it's hard to say. There's stuff i really hate, and there's stuff i really like. However you really can't beat the soundtrack. Haynes must of had a hay day with every Dylan song at his fingertips. He DID chose just the right songs for the right moments.
So, if you're a Dylan fan, watch it for everything good i've written about. And if you're not a Dylan fan... you can watch it for all the strange director references. Or a little Dylan education. However you'll probably just be really confused.
I'm irate with anger when watching this movie. It would be SO easy to just write original dialogue for the character, and an original narrative based on what we know. Haynes not only based the scenes on what actually happened, he based them shot for shot on what we've already seen in; Don't look back, no direction home, and Eat the document.
There are 6 actors portraying different aspects of Dylan's life.
A little black kid represents the young, wide eyed Dylan, 59', 60', 61'. Who would tell people different names and told them he was from different places. Who idolized Woody Guthrie and old blues singers. Talked about traveling and being on the road. He calls himself Woody Guthrie. It's a great idea... perfect way to start the movie. Then the dialogue comes in. The acting is awful. This kid is saying the most ridicules things. He sings a few times and it's so cheesy and awful. Really early on in the movie he's singing Tombstone Blues with some other "black folk" on a porch. I wanted to punch my fist threw the TV screen. The scenes would go on and on with no point or nothing interesting happening and stupid dialogue and then someone would say something that makes since to the story and i'd think, "oh, that's what this whole scene was about, that one stinkin' line". I got nothing against a little black kid playing a young Dylan but it stunk. It really cheesed out the movie. I think a 20 something kid could do something better. Mostly a kid who can actually play the guitar and sing and has some kind of concept of what the blues are. HOWEVER... he wasn't the worse part.
Christian Bale plays the protest era Dylan, 62', 63', 64'. THIS>>> WAS THE WORST PART! Every SECOND of Bale's performance was terrible. I'm a HUGE Christian Bale fan... HUGE. But this was a darn right TERRIBLE idea on Haynes' part. He's playing the most obnoxious Dylan impression ever. He sings all wrong. He plays all wrong. He lurks around when he walks and mumbles and talks fast. The worst part about his roll is that it's all set as a documentary. The scenes he's in are set as archive footage that is in the middle of a documentary about him. There's interviews with people including Julian Moore who's obviously playing Joan Baez because of her wittiness. She's saying the same things as Baez from No Direction Home. IT'S SO STUPID because they're re-enacting a documentary that everyone has seen. WHY!?!?!? The whole Christian Bale part is all stuff we've seen before...the union civil rights thing out in the field, the speech if front of the left wingers, the interviews. Neither the kid or him had a quarter of the balls in their singing as Dylan. I'm not saying they need to sound like him... i'm saying they should put out the message in the style he had... at leased. Why would Bale want to sing in that drony, mellow, pretty boy voice? You know he probably put a lot of thought into it.
Oh GOSH! and when he plays the "religious Dylan" it's so bad! It's a freakin joke!!! why would they do that?!! It's SO awful!
Cate Blanchett plays the mid 60's Dylan, 65' and 66. "The electric Dylan". Again, this part replays scenes from other documentaries. At least it's not played AS a documentary. It also changes things around a little. It does this annoying thing and tries to cram multiple events from documentaries into one scene. I'm telling ya, for a guy like me who's seen Don't Look Back, and No direction Home hundreds of times... it's nerve racking! Towards the end of the movie, it goes it's own direction. And during that time, i really enjoy watching it. It still looks black and white and grainy and looks like Don't look back but i'm seeing other things happening. Then Haynes starts throwing in other director influences like Fellini and Godard. French New Wave styles and abstract thoughts come flying at you in a long montage. It's get really good actually. Haynes explores the song MR JONES, using a character from Don't Look back and really dives into the lyrics of the song and throws in some amazing imagery!
Blanchett made me uncomfortable most of the time. She has boobs. I can see them. I've thought in the past that i would "DO" Bob Dylan if i had the chance, but now that Bob Dylan is a hot woman.... i'm a little turned off. It's weird seeing her walk around. And a one point she draws a mustache on her face and it gets even weirder.
Over all the Blanchett part was tolerable, annoying, and beautiful.
Ben Whishaw was my favorite of the Dylan impersonators. He was SOOO good. I've only seen him in the movie Perfume and he blew me away THEN. He's just really cool. I don't doubt for a second he's not a badass when i see him smoking a cigarette and resiting Dylan-esk thoughts. There's not much of him, but what there is... is great. I wish he had his one story. I bet Haynes regretted only having him do that one part once he saw how good he was and how BAD Bale was.
Heath Ledger plays a celebrity actor who meets a French panter played by Charlotte Gainsbourg representing Dylan and his family life in the 60's and 70's. This is no lie... for the last 2 years, my wife and i have casted who would play us in our true life story. It has always been Heath Ledger and Charlotte Gainsbourg. WE LOVE BOTH OF THEM!!! When we found out they were going to be husband and wife in a movie... and playing Dylan and Sara!!!!??? We freaked. i would have been more bummed about their part not being good more than any other. But let me tell ya..... was was not disappointed. I was awestruck! I was bug eyed, mouth open awestruck about how BEAUTIFUL their part was. It looked amazing. The acting was amazing. Haynes took the most interesting parts of Godard films to put them in there. He uses the most interesting background elements to portray thoughts. He uses media to tell the story, symbolically and literally. She was so cool... he was so cool. There was nothing stolen from any Dylan film. It was just based on Dylan's story. It was SO good. I wish Haynes could just make a movie about THEM.
And then there's Richard Gere playing old Dylan. Again... really good idea. He's a recluse. Seeming to be in the old west. Has a dog, a horse, and a shotgun. Lives in a shack. But the cool part about the story is he's Billy the kid in hiding. He used to be an outlaw and now he's just laying low out of the lime light. Really cool imagery and symbolism. However, it seems thrown together pretty terribly. He sets look like cardboard. The whole thing reminds me of the history channel, when there's a narrator talking about what happened to this guy in this one time and then it cuts to the guy wearing cheesy clothes and hes walking threw town and everyone in the town looks stupid and it's all obviously fake. I suppose it's supposed to look like that. It has a circus like feeling to it as does many parts of this movie. Dylan does refer the circus elements a lot in his book and in his songs. George Washington black face and a giraffe. Also a L.P. saying, "Good morning Mr Gladstone".
I really liked Gere's part. It had a lot of references in it. A lot of hidden messages. It also cuts back to the other characters showing his reflection on his past. It's really good and emotional.
Over all it's hard to say. There's stuff i really hate, and there's stuff i really like. However you really can't beat the soundtrack. Haynes must of had a hay day with every Dylan song at his fingertips. He DID chose just the right songs for the right moments.
So, if you're a Dylan fan, watch it for everything good i've written about. And if you're not a Dylan fan... you can watch it for all the strange director references. Or a little Dylan education. However you'll probably just be really confused.
HANNAH AND HER SISTERS (5 STARS)
Woody Allen usually gets 5 stars. Woody Allen is America's greatest artist.
Hannah and her sisters follows follows the thoughts of 3 individuals, Eliot (Michael Caine), Mickey (Woody Allen), and Holly (Diane West). Eliot loves his wife Hannah (Mia Farrow *swoon*) but has fallen in love with her sister Lee (Barbra Hershey). Holly is a failed actress, who has a drug problem and has bad luck with men. Mickey was once married to Hannah, is a hypochondriac, and works in television. All these characters and many more are introduced and played out in the most fluent way. They all have depth and character. They all have dreams and aspirations.
What a great movie. One of Allen's many greats.
Hannah and her sisters was released in 86 after Purple rose of Cairo and before Radio Days.
Hannah and her sisters follows follows the thoughts of 3 individuals, Eliot (Michael Caine), Mickey (Woody Allen), and Holly (Diane West). Eliot loves his wife Hannah (Mia Farrow *swoon*) but has fallen in love with her sister Lee (Barbra Hershey). Holly is a failed actress, who has a drug problem and has bad luck with men. Mickey was once married to Hannah, is a hypochondriac, and works in television. All these characters and many more are introduced and played out in the most fluent way. They all have depth and character. They all have dreams and aspirations.
What a great movie. One of Allen's many greats.
Hannah and her sisters was released in 86 after Purple rose of Cairo and before Radio Days.
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER (2 STARS)
The scene she's referring to is really stupid.
An affair to remember is about to players engaged to be married to a rich other. On the boat ride home from abroad they meet and hit it off. Both draw media attention because of their social status and have to keep it secret. They promise to have a meeting on the empire state building when they get everything squared away. When he gets a job and gets rich on his own and when she breaks off of her dude and gets independent. I don't feel like going on....
I didn't like this movie. I don't know why i'm supposed to like it. It's about 2 rich spoiled brats who are getting married for the sole reason of money. They meet each other and fall in love, but that's not enough because they both want the money too. So they got to work that out first.
I suppose its a different time. A different class of people. I tell ya what though, i'd love to punch that guy real good. It'd be neat if i could punch them both with just one swing.
The only thing redeeming about An affair to remember is they reference it over and over in sleepless in Seattle. Which is a movie i easily tolerate.
THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE (3.5 STARS)
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Pedro Almodovar and his brother produced it. Guillermo Del Toro also directed Pans Labyrinth , Mimic, and Hellboy. Pedro Almodovar directed Talk to Her, Volver, All About my Mother, and Bad Education.
Like Pans Labyrinth, The Devil's Backbone is about children living during the war. It's also about orphaned children dealing with a bad adult person.
This film is made by a guy who knows what he's doing. However, there's something i didn't like about it. There's something a little to predictable, and not scary enough.
Del Toro is set to direct The Hobbit, The hobbit 2, and out this summer is Hellboy 2.
Like Pans Labyrinth, The Devil's Backbone is about children living during the war. It's also about orphaned children dealing with a bad adult person.
This film is made by a guy who knows what he's doing. However, there's something i didn't like about it. There's something a little to predictable, and not scary enough.
Del Toro is set to direct The Hobbit, The hobbit 2, and out this summer is Hellboy 2.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
CALVAIRE (4 STARS)
Calvaire (the ordeal) is a French film from 2004. It's about a good looking singer who is stranded in the woods when his van brakes down. He's taken to an inn where he meets interesting people.
I don't want to give anything away. Most of the fun is letting it all unfold, like most horror films of this nature.
I thought this movie was a grade A piece of work. The acting was amazing and raw. The camera work blew me away at times, and always looked incredible. The story was great, and was a lot of fun. It didn't take itself too seriously and didn't really clown around either.
The scene with the villagers was a personal favorite. If you're a horror film person and you have yet seen this shame on you. It's great.
Heres a youtube of the scene.
I don't want to give anything away. Most of the fun is letting it all unfold, like most horror films of this nature.
I thought this movie was a grade A piece of work. The acting was amazing and raw. The camera work blew me away at times, and always looked incredible. The story was great, and was a lot of fun. It didn't take itself too seriously and didn't really clown around either.
The scene with the villagers was a personal favorite. If you're a horror film person and you have yet seen this shame on you. It's great.
Heres a youtube of the scene.
Friday, April 25, 2008
ROMAN HOLIDAY (5 STARS)
Powerful in it's simplicity. Cool before it's time. William Wyler directs, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck stars in this 1953 phenomenon. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards including best actress won by Hepburn for her portrayal as the unhappy princess.
No, i've never seen this film. A little warning, there's going to be a lot more shockers along the way this year. I loved this and can't believe i've put it off so long. She's so cute. I believe this is only the second movie i've seen with her. This and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I'm proud to say i agree with the people in saying my wife looks like her. I think it's the eyes.
No, i've never seen this film. A little warning, there's going to be a lot more shockers along the way this year. I loved this and can't believe i've put it off so long. She's so cute. I believe this is only the second movie i've seen with her. This and Breakfast at Tiffany's. I'm proud to say i agree with the people in saying my wife looks like her. I think it's the eyes.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (5 STARS)
The diving bell and the butterfly is a perfect film directed by Julian Schnabel. It's a true story about a successful editor who had a stroke paralyzing his whole body except for his left eyelid. Threw a translating method of blinking, he was able to write a book of memoirs called The diving bell and the butterfly.
The women in this film, especially the main translator, are drop dead gorgeous.
The film is shot mostly from his "closed-in prospective". It's both beautiful and horrifying the way it's shot. I thought the main actor was SO great. I don't know how he can make his face droop like that... and his one eye looks so unnatural and fitting to the situation. The music is neat, different, and inspiring.
Speaking of inspiring... if this doesn't make you want to make the most of life, i don't know what will. The idea of creating something great when the only form of communication is your eyelid is so profound and so inspiring, it makes you want to just kill yourself.
This is an absolute perfect movie. It's French and in subtitles and if that bothers you then you're probably reading the wrong film blog.
The women in this film, especially the main translator, are drop dead gorgeous.
The film is shot mostly from his "closed-in prospective". It's both beautiful and horrifying the way it's shot. I thought the main actor was SO great. I don't know how he can make his face droop like that... and his one eye looks so unnatural and fitting to the situation. The music is neat, different, and inspiring.
Speaking of inspiring... if this doesn't make you want to make the most of life, i don't know what will. The idea of creating something great when the only form of communication is your eyelid is so profound and so inspiring, it makes you want to just kill yourself.
This is an absolute perfect movie. It's French and in subtitles and if that bothers you then you're probably reading the wrong film blog.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
CRUMB (5 STARS)
Crumb is one of my all time favorite documentaries. It inspires me every time i see it. Why does it inspire me? I think it's because i relate to this guy who is now famous. He draws comics. He like old things like the early 1900's. The old black blues and jazz from the late 20's early 30's.
His take on modern society is so negative. His art is honest and unapologetic.
Crumb is directed by Terry Zwigoff. Who is he long time friend. This is his first film. He went on to direct Daniel Clowes' Ghost World and Art School Confidential.
Although this was filmed in 1993, it looks like it could have been made at any time. Other than when they go to the streets of Philly, you have no sense of when then movie was made.
Most of it is about him growing up, getting into comics, why he's weird about girls, and how he got to where he is now. It interviews his brothers and his mother, who are extremely weird. Even weirder than him.
The music throughout is mostly piano delta blues, straight off a 78. It really sets the perfect tone for the film.
I'd also like to add that his New Orleans Jazz Band "THE CHEEP SUIT SERENADERS", their myspace has me on their top 20 list. yeah.
His take on modern society is so negative. His art is honest and unapologetic.
Crumb is directed by Terry Zwigoff. Who is he long time friend. This is his first film. He went on to direct Daniel Clowes' Ghost World and Art School Confidential.
Although this was filmed in 1993, it looks like it could have been made at any time. Other than when they go to the streets of Philly, you have no sense of when then movie was made.
Most of it is about him growing up, getting into comics, why he's weird about girls, and how he got to where he is now. It interviews his brothers and his mother, who are extremely weird. Even weirder than him.
The music throughout is mostly piano delta blues, straight off a 78. It really sets the perfect tone for the film.
I'd also like to add that his New Orleans Jazz Band "THE CHEEP SUIT SERENADERS", their myspace has me on their top 20 list. yeah.
Friday, April 18, 2008
ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. (3 STARS)
Raquel Welch (though not the main character but is all we care about) stars in the 1966 film ONE MILLION YEARS B.C.
It's about cavemen. There are different tribes that don't know about each other. The inland dark haired tribe, then the hot blondes on the beach. The story is kind of about the human race evolving into civilized people, trying to survive the giant stop animated creatures, and trying to survive from each other.
Raquel Welch is a babe.
It's interesting to compare the new 10000 years B.C. and this 1000000 years B.C.. I think this movie has a lot more to say in the human sense and in a political sense.
It's interesting to think that Godard's A woman is a woman came out in 66. The visual effects in One Million Years B.C. seem like they were made in the 40s.
It seems like the main stream was extremely behind the times in the 60's and a little into the 70's. The only memorable movies from that time were the independent ones.
It's about cavemen. There are different tribes that don't know about each other. The inland dark haired tribe, then the hot blondes on the beach. The story is kind of about the human race evolving into civilized people, trying to survive the giant stop animated creatures, and trying to survive from each other.
Raquel Welch is a babe.
It's interesting to compare the new 10000 years B.C. and this 1000000 years B.C.. I think this movie has a lot more to say in the human sense and in a political sense.
It's interesting to think that Godard's A woman is a woman came out in 66. The visual effects in One Million Years B.C. seem like they were made in the 40s.
It seems like the main stream was extremely behind the times in the 60's and a little into the 70's. The only memorable movies from that time were the independent ones.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
INTO THE WILD (4 STARS)
This is another movie i walked into without paying at the theater. I sat in the back and throughly enjoyed myself. I had no problems with any of Sean Penn's decisions as a directer. And i really liked how the main character sort of had the right idea and sort of was out in left field and didn't have a clue all at the same time.
I watched it last night because my wife hadn't seen it and the nature and outdoorsiness and survival is all kind of her thing. I quickly found that she was not at all tolerable of his stupidity, and especially his sisters stupidity with all her whining about them having it rough when growing up. Haley was yelling at the TV, "Deal with it! 50% of everybody has had that exact same thing happen!" She didn't like how stupid the main kid was. I agree he wasn't thinking very rationally most of the time, but understood that kind of guy. The kind that has to go overboard and throw all conventions of thought out the window... holding nothing that you've ever known. Going overboard is the only way.
It looks beautiful. The music is great. The story is inspiring. If i was a famous critic it would be quoted on the cover of Chicago Tribune as saying, "A modern ON THE ROAD".
This is the first Sean Penn movie that i've like... the first that i haven't thought was extremely pretentious. This one boards that... but i think he's figured out how to make a good movie.
I watched it last night because my wife hadn't seen it and the nature and outdoorsiness and survival is all kind of her thing. I quickly found that she was not at all tolerable of his stupidity, and especially his sisters stupidity with all her whining about them having it rough when growing up. Haley was yelling at the TV, "Deal with it! 50% of everybody has had that exact same thing happen!" She didn't like how stupid the main kid was. I agree he wasn't thinking very rationally most of the time, but understood that kind of guy. The kind that has to go overboard and throw all conventions of thought out the window... holding nothing that you've ever known. Going overboard is the only way.
It looks beautiful. The music is great. The story is inspiring. If i was a famous critic it would be quoted on the cover of Chicago Tribune as saying, "A modern ON THE ROAD".
This is the first Sean Penn movie that i've like... the first that i haven't thought was extremely pretentious. This one boards that... but i think he's figured out how to make a good movie.
KING KONG (5 STARS)
What a movie. What a tragedy. Charles Grodin as the money grubbing bad guy, Jeff "the Dude" Bridges, and Jessica "hottest woman on Earth"Lange. It so much relates to today. Bridges is awesome, Grodin is hilarious, and Lange is so HOT! The special effects were B film at best. But the content is great on so many levels.
I love Bridges' character "JACK". He's so insightful, but not too insightful. He just has a lot of observational thoughts that are extremely intelligent.
This is my 1st time watching it. I loved every minute. It's a great movie.
I love Bridges' character "JACK". He's so insightful, but not too insightful. He just has a lot of observational thoughts that are extremely intelligent.
This is my 1st time watching it. I loved every minute. It's a great movie.
Monday, April 14, 2008
CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR (3.5 STARS)
Charlie Wilson's War, directed by Mike Nichols(the Graduate), starring Tom Hanks as Charlie Wilson, Julia Roberts as the 6th richest woman in Texas, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Gust Avacados, a CIA agent. Charlie Wilson is a heavy drinkin', womanizin', partyin', Texas Congressman who, with the help of the other 2, stop the soviets from invading Afghanistan, ending the reign of soviets once and for all. He lead America into the largest covert operation in U.S. history.
What they slightly set up in the end of the movie is that this ends up backfiring on American and starts all the problems in the middle east we're having now. So though it's a happy ending you're left with a bad feeling in your stomach thinking about what comes next in history.
Very smart and very witty dialogue throughout the film, along with interesting long flowing shots of people walking through several rooms or hallways while carrying out the dialogue.
My thumbs are up for Amy Ryan, Hanks, and Hoffman... all great.
Charlie Wilson mentions he had the 2nd most demerits at West Point of any Congressman. John McCain has the 1st most.
What they slightly set up in the end of the movie is that this ends up backfiring on American and starts all the problems in the middle east we're having now. So though it's a happy ending you're left with a bad feeling in your stomach thinking about what comes next in history.
Very smart and very witty dialogue throughout the film, along with interesting long flowing shots of people walking through several rooms or hallways while carrying out the dialogue.
My thumbs are up for Amy Ryan, Hanks, and Hoffman... all great.
Charlie Wilson mentions he had the 2nd most demerits at West Point of any Congressman. John McCain has the 1st most.
MARATHON MAN (4 STARS)
Marathon man (1976) is about a history student (Dustin Hoffman) who gets caught in a conspiracy of some sort involving Nazis and secret agents and diamonds.
I love the way the film is shot, very sharp and glarey. I love that old sound of people breathing and foot steps, and you can obviously tell it's all added (poorly) later. It's acted really well. The strange edits and close ups are interesting. The action is odd, seeming to be by someone who's never done action before.
In the opening scene theres a car chase. It's one of the coolest car chases i've seen. Those huge 70's hoopties raging threw New York are scary.
Very cool movie. I suggest watching it if you're okay with no having a clue what's going on for about an hour into the movie.
I love the way the film is shot, very sharp and glarey. I love that old sound of people breathing and foot steps, and you can obviously tell it's all added (poorly) later. It's acted really well. The strange edits and close ups are interesting. The action is odd, seeming to be by someone who's never done action before.
In the opening scene theres a car chase. It's one of the coolest car chases i've seen. Those huge 70's hoopties raging threw New York are scary.
Very cool movie. I suggest watching it if you're okay with no having a clue what's going on for about an hour into the movie.
THIS IS ENGLAND (4.5 STARS)
2007 release that takes place in 1983 in Northern England. 12 year old boy Shawn, had recently lost his father in a war, gets picked on in school, and is an all around unhappy boy, gets taken in by a group of skinheads. Shawn is received with open arms to this loyal family environment of friends. He starts dressing like a skin and kids stop picking on him at school.
Theres to kinds of skinheads. Theres the good skins and the bad skins. Good skins like to have fun and brake things and they don't believe in racism, and bad skins like to have fun and brake things and they hate things and they are racist and they want the all immigrants to go back to where they came. This gang was the good kind until an old member comes back from prison with a new idea of what they should be spending their time doing, which splits the group in two and he convinces Shawn to join up with him.
It's a story about the loss of innocence. It's about how most of us grew up wanting to be apart of something.
I 100% relate to this film. I loved the whole thing. I love the music, the look of it, the era. The style of clothes and hair were exactly right.
No apologies, no holding back. The writer/directer was exactly that kid. The interview with him in the end was great. They asked him 2 questions and he managed to sum up everything about what it means to be skin and that era and everything it all meant. Led me to believe he was a genius. The commentary on the disc was fun... the kid, directer, and producer. They were all such good friends. I really like that the directer had obviously kept up with him over the past 2 years. Knew he had a paper route and a current girlfriend, and stuff like that. There was a lot of laughing.
Theres to kinds of skinheads. Theres the good skins and the bad skins. Good skins like to have fun and brake things and they don't believe in racism, and bad skins like to have fun and brake things and they hate things and they are racist and they want the all immigrants to go back to where they came. This gang was the good kind until an old member comes back from prison with a new idea of what they should be spending their time doing, which splits the group in two and he convinces Shawn to join up with him.
It's a story about the loss of innocence. It's about how most of us grew up wanting to be apart of something.
I 100% relate to this film. I loved the whole thing. I love the music, the look of it, the era. The style of clothes and hair were exactly right.
No apologies, no holding back. The writer/directer was exactly that kid. The interview with him in the end was great. They asked him 2 questions and he managed to sum up everything about what it means to be skin and that era and everything it all meant. Led me to believe he was a genius. The commentary on the disc was fun... the kid, directer, and producer. They were all such good friends. I really like that the directer had obviously kept up with him over the past 2 years. Knew he had a paper route and a current girlfriend, and stuff like that. There was a lot of laughing.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
MUTUAL APPRECIATION (4 STARS)
Alan moves to New York to plug himself into the music scene. He only knows a guy from somewhere else and the guy's girlfriend. He meets new people and gets a gig. He's awkward around people until he gets a little drunk then he's okay.
This film has all the right ideas. It's the closest thing to my ideal movie subject matter. It's filmed on a grainy stock and in black and white. It looks old, but sounds new. It's about a musician trying to make it in a new city. A lot of girls are currently interested in him because he's this new mysterious rocker guy.
I thought the concert in the movie was perfectly done. It was exactly realistic. The right amount of people, and they were doing and standing exactly like they would if not being filmed.
I really like the main guy Alan (played by Justin Rice). I was comfortable watching him even in the uncomfortable parts (which was most parts). The character he resembled was dead accurate...even if he is that person, it's still impressive. He's a none actor. Really... all of them are none actors.
It's an extremely independent film. It's in a style that is sometimes called "MUMBLE CORE"...because of they way everyone just mumbles everything...portraying somewhat how kids speak in real life. The director of this film Andrew Bujalski also plays the one friend he knows. HE is a really awkward and uncomfortable actor/guy. I think he's actually a good actor...just a terribly awkward dorky guy that i would hate to be around... and hate to watch him be around other people on screen. He also directed Funny Ha Ha which was really awkward and i don't remember if he's in it. And then he was in the new film Hannah takes the stairs ... awkward.
I like this movie.. but i really had big hopes for this story. Black and white, New York, new kid in town, musician. It's all the things i'd be into seeing in a movie, but this ended up being more about awkwardness, difficulty communicating, and that struggle to get by after college while still doing what you want to do.
Only watch this if you like extremely independent and new waved movies.
MUTUAL APPRECIATION
Then HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS
Then FUNNY HA HA
This film has all the right ideas. It's the closest thing to my ideal movie subject matter. It's filmed on a grainy stock and in black and white. It looks old, but sounds new. It's about a musician trying to make it in a new city. A lot of girls are currently interested in him because he's this new mysterious rocker guy.
I thought the concert in the movie was perfectly done. It was exactly realistic. The right amount of people, and they were doing and standing exactly like they would if not being filmed.
I really like the main guy Alan (played by Justin Rice). I was comfortable watching him even in the uncomfortable parts (which was most parts). The character he resembled was dead accurate...even if he is that person, it's still impressive. He's a none actor. Really... all of them are none actors.
It's an extremely independent film. It's in a style that is sometimes called "MUMBLE CORE"...because of they way everyone just mumbles everything...portraying somewhat how kids speak in real life. The director of this film Andrew Bujalski also plays the one friend he knows. HE is a really awkward and uncomfortable actor/guy. I think he's actually a good actor...just a terribly awkward dorky guy that i would hate to be around... and hate to watch him be around other people on screen. He also directed Funny Ha Ha which was really awkward and i don't remember if he's in it. And then he was in the new film Hannah takes the stairs ... awkward.
I like this movie.. but i really had big hopes for this story. Black and white, New York, new kid in town, musician. It's all the things i'd be into seeing in a movie, but this ended up being more about awkwardness, difficulty communicating, and that struggle to get by after college while still doing what you want to do.
Only watch this if you like extremely independent and new waved movies.
MUTUAL APPRECIATION
Then HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS
Then FUNNY HA HA
BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD (4.5 STARS)
Brothers, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawk (I know), need money. They come up with a plan to rob their own parents jewelery store. THINGS GO BAD.
Before the devil knows you're dead is directed by Sidney Lumet who directed 12 Angry Men in 1957 starring Henry Fonda, The Verdict starring Paul Newman, Dog Day Afternoon and Serpico starring Al Pacino. This movie is not the work of an 84 year old man... it's of a 28 year old man. There's so many risky, edgy, ideas in this mellow drama thriller.
I would definitely say this is one of the year's best films. I would say it's one of Lumet's best films, which is saying alot. I would say that Marisa Tomei has NEVER looked hotter. And i'd like to conclude with Philip Seymour Hoffman has never looked sexier having porn star sex with Marisa Tomei in the opening of the film.
Before the devil knows you're dead is directed by Sidney Lumet who directed 12 Angry Men in 1957 starring Henry Fonda, The Verdict starring Paul Newman, Dog Day Afternoon and Serpico starring Al Pacino. This movie is not the work of an 84 year old man... it's of a 28 year old man. There's so many risky, edgy, ideas in this mellow drama thriller.
I would definitely say this is one of the year's best films. I would say it's one of Lumet's best films, which is saying alot. I would say that Marisa Tomei has NEVER looked hotter. And i'd like to conclude with Philip Seymour Hoffman has never looked sexier having porn star sex with Marisa Tomei in the opening of the film.
LIONS FOR LAMBS (3.5 STARS)
Directed by Robert Redford. It's a political film showing 3 conversations that take place in the same hour. A Senator (Tom Cruise) and a reporter (Merle Streep). A Teacher (Redford) and his student. Then 2 former students of his who are currently in battle in the middle east.
I thought this film was, for the most part, well directed. A large majority of it is a quiet conversation. Using what he had, he did it very well. I consider him one of the pioneers of (Altman-esk)realistic conversations having done All the Presidents men and others like that where people talk over each other and have natural rhythms back and forth. That much of it, i thought he directed the film better than most. But then there's a few scenes with College kids. Theres a really terribly done scene in a college class room where everyone is saying really stupid sounding things. He's trying to get the lingo right and trying to make everyone real cool sounding. It came off awkward and totally unnatural. Especially having seen several good scenes with Cruise and Streep. Come to find in the commentary that Redford had rewritten several scenes himself...those scenes being the really bad ones.
The writer of this film, i thought, was great. While watching it, i was overwhelmed by his ability to cover all sides of the political views and still make a point with every side. It was extremely intelligently written.
Over all i thought it was good. A lot better than the critics get it credit for. I don't recommend it however. It's not worth your time. Watch something else instead.
I thought this film was, for the most part, well directed. A large majority of it is a quiet conversation. Using what he had, he did it very well. I consider him one of the pioneers of (Altman-esk)realistic conversations having done All the Presidents men and others like that where people talk over each other and have natural rhythms back and forth. That much of it, i thought he directed the film better than most. But then there's a few scenes with College kids. Theres a really terribly done scene in a college class room where everyone is saying really stupid sounding things. He's trying to get the lingo right and trying to make everyone real cool sounding. It came off awkward and totally unnatural. Especially having seen several good scenes with Cruise and Streep. Come to find in the commentary that Redford had rewritten several scenes himself...those scenes being the really bad ones.
The writer of this film, i thought, was great. While watching it, i was overwhelmed by his ability to cover all sides of the political views and still make a point with every side. It was extremely intelligently written.
Over all i thought it was good. A lot better than the critics get it credit for. I don't recommend it however. It's not worth your time. Watch something else instead.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
WHITE CHICKS (3.5 STARS)
If you're into the Wayans brothers. This is a movie you can not pass by. It's really really fun. Directed by a Wayans and starring 2 Wayans, it's a classic, holding up to early Wayans work like I'm Gonna Get You Sucka and Don't Be A Menace.
I didn't like Little Man, this is not Little Man. This is good stuff. I laughed loud and hard. The Mcdonalds guy from The Longest Yard who's always making his pecks bounce is by far the funniest thing about this movie and he has just the right amount of screen time.
I'm not going to bother with the plot... All you need to know is 2 Wayans bothers are undercover cops dressed as famous white chicks. No one notices, not even the white chicks good friends. It takes a little imagination. But man... a lot of fun.
I didn't like Little Man, this is not Little Man. This is good stuff. I laughed loud and hard. The Mcdonalds guy from The Longest Yard who's always making his pecks bounce is by far the funniest thing about this movie and he has just the right amount of screen time.
I'm not going to bother with the plot... All you need to know is 2 Wayans bothers are undercover cops dressed as famous white chicks. No one notices, not even the white chicks good friends. It takes a little imagination. But man... a lot of fun.
CLIFFORD (4 STARS)
Little Clifford (played by Martin Short) is a 10 year old boy who just wants to go to Dinosaurworld. And when his Uncle brakes his promise and is unable to take him this little terror shows that he's not someone to be messed with. Meanwhile Uncle Martin (played by Charles Grodin) is trying to juggle convincing his fiance that he likes kids, getting the specks down on his dream architect project, and trying to survive the wrath of Clifford.
Oh man what a funny movie. It's good for all ages. Martin Short is hilarious! Charles Grodin his great as always. And Mary Steenburgen is beautiful as always.
The critique i have is that it's exactly like all the movies like this. What about Bob, Heartbreak Kid, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers, Beethoven and all it's sequels, and a more recent THE EX.
It's just a conventional plot trick... Something get under one persons skin but doesn't bother anyone else... that person goes over the edge in the climax and then everything end kind of okay.
But in this film Martin Short is out right on the floor funny. With every facial expression and repetitious word out of his mouth.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
TRUE LIES (4 STARS)
Directed by James Cameron (the Terminator), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator). Cameron directed Titanic 3 years after this and then called it quits. He's action film's John the baptist. Terminator was so ahead of it's time. Aliens what the best Alien. Titanic was one of the biggest movies ever. And True Lies is a whole heck of a lot of fun. He spared no explosions in making this none stop action film.
There's a lot of really good funny humor. Not your annoying witty guy but an actually funny sidekick played by Tom Arnold is constantly surprising me with funny things to say. Schwarzeneggar too is funny. Then theres Bill Paxton and Jamie Lee Curtis who's always been funny to me.
What a great movie. I'm glad i waited until now to finally see it. I can appreciate these types of movie more now.
I own 2 other copies on VHS if anyone is interested.
INNERSPACE (4 STARS)
Innerspace (great title by the way) is an action slapstick science fiction comedy about a science experiment gone bad. Tuck (played by Dennis Quaid) is miniaturized and is to be inserted into a bunny, that doesn't work out and he ends up in the butt of Jack (played by Martin Short), the hypochondriac who now knows FOR SURE that something is wrong with him when he starts feeling something inside of him and hearing a voice speak to him in his ear. There's a love interest on both accounts played by Meg Ryan, and she is as cute as ever. Looking like she just walked off the set of Joe vs the volcano, she warms my heart and makes me giggle like a school girl.
Martin Short is really funny. He uses a slapstick humor that no one these days can pull off. Watch this, then watch Clifford.
I saw this movie on TV when i was 12 or something. It looked so familiar the whole time. I've thought about this movie a lot. Theres a scene where Jack is flipping out and grabs a bottle of asprin and chugs it. And the kissing scene. And just the fact that a huge ship is inside someone cutting them up and swimming around in the blood stream.
Innerspace was directed by Joe Dante who directed the Gremlins movies. Since then, he's been doing random TV shows... but the Gremlins were awesome.
THE GOOD NIGHT (3.5 STARS)
The Good Night is Jake Paltrow's first feature length film. It stars Simon Pegg as the lead, along with (sister) Gweneth Paltrow, Danny DeVito, Penelope Cruz, and Martin Freeman. It's about addiction, but a not so harmful addiction...dreams.
An unhappy man played by Simon Pegg has an erotic type dream about a mysterious woman played by Penelope Cruz. Soon he finds himself covering the walls with sound padding and blacking out the room, reading dreaming books, taking dreaming classes, and experimenting with Elucid dreaming, so he can get the most out of these reoccuring dreams.
I related to a lot of this movie. Not only the marriage problems but the desire to dive into a new hobby head first, as unproductive as it seems, and become completely obsessed with it, and having it be an obvious escape for whatever is going on in my life I'm not comfortable with.
An unhappy man played by Simon Pegg has an erotic type dream about a mysterious woman played by Penelope Cruz. Soon he finds himself covering the walls with sound padding and blacking out the room, reading dreaming books, taking dreaming classes, and experimenting with Elucid dreaming, so he can get the most out of these reoccuring dreams.
I related to a lot of this movie. Not only the marriage problems but the desire to dive into a new hobby head first, as unproductive as it seems, and become completely obsessed with it, and having it be an obvious escape for whatever is going on in my life I'm not comfortable with.
LARS AND THE REAL GIRL (4.5 STARS)
Lars and the real girl is about a guy named Lars who is weird and doesn't talk to people much, and then one day he has a new girl friend and he's suddenly quite talkative. His new girlfriend is an anatomically correct sex doll handicapped orphan missionary nurse from Brazil. The movie is much about how Lars' family and friends react to his new hottie girlfriend and him growing up a little and finding out what it means to be a man.
I really loved this film. I saw it the first time by sneaking into the theater after seeing Into The Wild. It was a really good day. I love the way it's shot. I love the place it's shot. The colors. There's a lot of thought that went into everything, like the clothes and the things in the house... the choices of wordings. You can really pull a lot out of it.
It was written by a first time film writer. She had been writing for TV for years but had never written a screenplay. This was her first attempt. I would think she's a genius going by this film... but I've heard a few interviews now... and i really don't like her. I can still like her movie though.
The key to this film (and also JUNO but we'll get into that next week) is the acting and the subtle directing choices, which has a lot to do with editing. About every moment in the film is very subtle and you're watching every facial movement. Humans are very keen on body language. Very hyper sensitive to it. It's a fine line directors have to walk along.
This film is good for most. It's not mainstream but it's only a tiny stretch for a mainstream only movie goer. It's a bazaar situation, but the reactions by the characters are so real and true to what anyone else would do in that position.
Don't go into it thinking it's a laugh out loud comedy (You may however laugh out loud at times). It's more of a bazaar plot that you can find the humor in.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
THERE WILL BE BLOOD (5 STARS)
Paul Thomas Anderson's 5th full length feature There Will Be Blood is quite possibly the greatest film made this decade. It redefines cinema. It's on an epic scale no film has begun to touch in years and years. No performance has ever been so RAVAGING as Daniel Day Lewis portraying Daniel Plainview, carrying the character with an unprecedented "larger than life" presence in every frame of this 158 minute epic.
Adapted from the 1927 novel OIL!, There will be blood covers a man working his way to the top in southwestern America in the early 1900's. In short, it's about oil and religion.
Further thoughts:
This is my second time watching it. I'm still left with fingernail marks in my hands from clinching my fists so tightly for the majority of the film. I'm left with a horrible migraine and horrible chest pains from the stress. Throughout the film, nothing could be happening, and you soon realize...you haven't been breathing. The movie just grips you! When something actually does happen, you don't know whats going on. You don't know why but you just don't know.(you can quote me on that).
There will be blood is a 5 act film that has no 4th act. It's not needed. Some say the 5th act is not needed, but if it didn't have the 5th act then I wouldn't be able to say that the end of There will be blood is my favorite ending ever. Which I CAN say.
I have no critiques.
Some advice for first time viewers. Try not to get stressed out. Watch it by yourself or maybe one other person who doesn't do much talking. Really sit and think about what it's really about. Don't read anything like this review or a trailer or youtube clip, it could ruin it for you... just go in cold. Don't listen to anything anyone says. If you haven't seen any other PT Anderson movies...do.
Adapted from the 1927 novel OIL!, There will be blood covers a man working his way to the top in southwestern America in the early 1900's. In short, it's about oil and religion.
Further thoughts:
This is my second time watching it. I'm still left with fingernail marks in my hands from clinching my fists so tightly for the majority of the film. I'm left with a horrible migraine and horrible chest pains from the stress. Throughout the film, nothing could be happening, and you soon realize...you haven't been breathing. The movie just grips you! When something actually does happen, you don't know whats going on. You don't know why but you just don't know.(you can quote me on that).
There will be blood is a 5 act film that has no 4th act. It's not needed. Some say the 5th act is not needed, but if it didn't have the 5th act then I wouldn't be able to say that the end of There will be blood is my favorite ending ever. Which I CAN say.
I have no critiques.
Some advice for first time viewers. Try not to get stressed out. Watch it by yourself or maybe one other person who doesn't do much talking. Really sit and think about what it's really about. Don't read anything like this review or a trailer or youtube clip, it could ruin it for you... just go in cold. Don't listen to anything anyone says. If you haven't seen any other PT Anderson movies...do.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
WALK HARD (4 STARS)
Again... I'm really liking this movie. I can see myself watching this more than your average Will Ferrel movie. I'm starting to think Tim Meadows is the best part of it. I find myself just waiting for Tim Meadows to come into scenes. My favorite section of the movie is the Brian Wilson era... however, by far the funniest scene is the "reefer" scene. Here's the youtube.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
SWEENEY TODD - THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (3.5 STARS)
Todd is a barber who comes back from exile to find his family stolen from him by the very man who exiled him. Bitter at the world, he begins taking it out of everyone with his straight razor.
I loved the story, and i loved the look (minus the CGI), but i hated the music... and i hated the singing. The problem with musicals and Bio Pics these days is modern recording technology. They have the ability to flatten and gloss and almost robotasize everything now... and they always do. I thought Walk the Line was ruined by the recordings. This is another case. Helen Bonham Carter was the worst of all of them. You could tell they did a lot of work on hers. You couldn't make out what she was saying. It sounded like a tiny bird chirping. The first scene with her in it, she's making gross meat pies and singing this stupid song and it just killed my ears and made me uncomfortable and i eventually had to leave the room. I'll also add that i just darn right did not at all like the music. However, toward the end, i got used to it. Mostly because Depp did most of the singing. He was more tolerable because he added different intinations to his voice... kept it interesting. Not just an annoying bird chirp chirp chirping my ears off.
If you have to see it... you absolutely have to have the subtitles on because you won't understand a word they're saying.
I loved the story, and i loved the look (minus the CGI), but i hated the music... and i hated the singing. The problem with musicals and Bio Pics these days is modern recording technology. They have the ability to flatten and gloss and almost robotasize everything now... and they always do. I thought Walk the Line was ruined by the recordings. This is another case. Helen Bonham Carter was the worst of all of them. You could tell they did a lot of work on hers. You couldn't make out what she was saying. It sounded like a tiny bird chirping. The first scene with her in it, she's making gross meat pies and singing this stupid song and it just killed my ears and made me uncomfortable and i eventually had to leave the room. I'll also add that i just darn right did not at all like the music. However, toward the end, i got used to it. Mostly because Depp did most of the singing. He was more tolerable because he added different intinations to his voice... kept it interesting. Not just an annoying bird chirp chirp chirping my ears off.
If you have to see it... you absolutely have to have the subtitles on because you won't understand a word they're saying.
THE AMATEURS (4 STARS)
The Ameteurs is written and directed by debut film maker Michael Traeger and stars Jeff "the dude" Bridges, along with many others. It's about a guy who feels like a big loser and wants to finally achieve something in his life. He comes up with the idea of making a porn, seems easy enough. In the process he encounters obstacles and blessings. The whole town pitches in and they all do their best.
It's about creating something...achieving something. It's about a purpose in life. It's about friends and neighborly love.
I loved this film. It's really funny and cute, but balanced with a crude subject matter and dialogue. Anyone will enjoy this movie if the porno lingo doesn't bother you. There's no nudity, and everything is in good taste.
I'd also like to give 5 stars to Ted Danson.
It's about creating something...achieving something. It's about a purpose in life. It's about friends and neighborly love.
I loved this film. It's really funny and cute, but balanced with a crude subject matter and dialogue. Anyone will enjoy this movie if the porno lingo doesn't bother you. There's no nudity, and everything is in good taste.
I'd also like to give 5 stars to Ted Danson.
Friday, March 28, 2008
WALK HARD (3.5 STARS)
John C. Reilley. A friend and i had dreams of producing a Bio pic about Blind Doc Watson. We thought John C. Reilley was the spitting image of him, plus we knew he played the guitar and was a good singer. He can also has a southern draw to him. It was going to be perfect. Those dreams have just been shattered forever.
Walk Hard is a bio pic parody. It mostly follows Walk The Line and Ray, but it takes a lot of ideas from documentaries like Wings for Wheels (about Springsteen recording Born to Run) and the Smile documentary about Brian Wilson. They also slightly wink at Elvis, Loretta Lynn, and the Beatles.
The gags in this film come slow and obnoxiously. They make the gag and then they'll hold on the gag or repeat it over and over until the humor of it goes away and you're left just smiling. The only true enjoyment of the gags is when you can see them coming a mile away. But what i really like about this movie is when they take ideas or events from other peoples life and creatively have fun with the idea. Not just spoofing scene from a movie but spoofing an entire cultural period. My favorite part in the movie is the Brian Wilson acid period. It's not from any movie... just talked about in a few documentaries. It's especially good in the longer cut of the movie. He's running around screaming about emotion and didgeridoos and he's giving goats pointers on how to baah. Recording boobs' vibration. The trampoline.
I actually really like it all. I see myself watching it over and over. And i also look forward to Step-Brothers with John C. Reilley and Will Farrel coming soon.
Walk Hard is a bio pic parody. It mostly follows Walk The Line and Ray, but it takes a lot of ideas from documentaries like Wings for Wheels (about Springsteen recording Born to Run) and the Smile documentary about Brian Wilson. They also slightly wink at Elvis, Loretta Lynn, and the Beatles.
The gags in this film come slow and obnoxiously. They make the gag and then they'll hold on the gag or repeat it over and over until the humor of it goes away and you're left just smiling. The only true enjoyment of the gags is when you can see them coming a mile away. But what i really like about this movie is when they take ideas or events from other peoples life and creatively have fun with the idea. Not just spoofing scene from a movie but spoofing an entire cultural period. My favorite part in the movie is the Brian Wilson acid period. It's not from any movie... just talked about in a few documentaries. It's especially good in the longer cut of the movie. He's running around screaming about emotion and didgeridoos and he's giving goats pointers on how to baah. Recording boobs' vibration. The trampoline.
I actually really like it all. I see myself watching it over and over. And i also look forward to Step-Brothers with John C. Reilley and Will Farrel coming soon.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
THE JERK (5 STARS)
I watched The Jerk with a friend who had not seen it...ever. It was SO MUCH FUN. He laughed at everything. He got every joke and about every 3 seconds he was laughing even harder than before. It's bazzar to see him stressing out during the scene where the once crazed maniac sniper is chasing him with his hand in his coat. I was just casually talking threw it. There's a lot of scenes that hold no value after you've seen it once.
I, like many others, have grown up watching this movie. It's always on TV, usually Saturdays or Sundays. It wasn't until about 10 years ago when it came out on VHS that i realized that his dog wasn't really named "stupid". As i grew up watching it, i would get the jokes little by little the older i got. Until now, i pretty much get all the jokes. But for him...he just got blown away with an amazingly funny movie thats jam packed with funny stuff.
I, like many others, have grown up watching this movie. It's always on TV, usually Saturdays or Sundays. It wasn't until about 10 years ago when it came out on VHS that i realized that his dog wasn't really named "stupid". As i grew up watching it, i would get the jokes little by little the older i got. Until now, i pretty much get all the jokes. But for him...he just got blown away with an amazingly funny movie thats jam packed with funny stuff.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
