Ordet (1955) - 4.5/5

Ordet (1955)

Masterful. I loved the camerawork (I believe the style is called kameraspiel) was great. The tone and style all around was great.

The characters were good and so expressive even when understated.

Two parts of this movie in particular made me stop everything, dropped my jaw, gave me chills and are stuck in my head. Good stuff.

SPOILERS

What did Johanness do when he left? What made it necessary for him to leave, find his wits and come back?

The little girl's faith was great.

The statement from Mikkel about the baby just floored me. Like a truck hit me.

The end, when she moves in the coffin, just had me wide-eyed looking for some sign. The camera, like everyone there, was glued to her wondering what was going to happen.

When the idea of her coming back was introduced in the movie, I wondered what they wd do w/ that. Wd they really do it? Then at the end, I was convinced they wdn't. I didn't think they cd pull it off w/o destroying all credibility of the film. I just hoped Dreyer cd do it well and I'd be satisfied. Wow!

When I saw her move, I was like "She moved. I saw it. They can't take that back." :)

Babel (2006) - 3.5/5

Babel (2006)

At first I thought this movie was going to really blow me away. The style and direction is so great. The scenery and cinematography is just great.

But the story seems to be about people screwing up and either hurting themselves or others. I'm not sure if I missed the point or if it was so obvious that I was just like "Sure, we all know that - our actions can hurt other people." Not sure???

SPOILERS

I felt bad for the kids b/c the nanny did so many wrong things. Her punishment was not only appropriate, but her own fault willingly. There was no sympathy there except that the kids won't see someone they love... or maybe they will. She was in the U.S. for 16 years illegally - she cd just do it again??? Sorry, tangent.

Superbad (2007) - 2/5

Superbad (2007)

Several funny parts, but the F-word is dropped 186 times (found that online) which is a TON. It's so distracting - you can barely even follow what they're saying b/c it's every other word. I think it hurts the comedy and lowers the characters.

Michael Cera is great, but I see him as such an innocent guy that some of the topics in the movie stood out as awkward for him IMO.

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) - 2/5

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)

Not Jack Black's best. He's funny, but the premise and such just aren't enough.

It's pretty thin all around. Tim Robbin's has a small role which is pretty random.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) - 3/5

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

Pretty funny, but cd be quite offensive or at least very uncomfortable to some.

It's something like one long Jackass skit: pranks, jokes, potty humor, etc.

Be warned, there's quite a bit of male nudity.