The Mist (2007)
NEXT: "The Little Bear Movie" (2001)
Decent for a B movie so I hope that's what they were going for. You have to look past some things in the usual vein: they wdn't do that, why are they so stupid, shut her up, etc.
Of course they have the obligatory whacko Christian weirdo to call down fire and brimstone. It's a cliche that never gets old... or was never new???
The intensity is pretty good and the premise and stuff is cool, but it doesn't play out quite right. There's too many caveats and such to really pull it off.
SPOILERS:
It had about as good of an ending as "The Last American Virgin" in a sense. Terribly sad, but painfully ironic. If I was able to take this movie more seriously, it wd have been a horrific ending. But since I found it rather silly and mostly a "high production B movie," I was able to take it in stride.
Haiku Summary:
Storm. Mist. Death. What is
it? Monsters. Big ones. Leave or
die. Leave. Most die. Saved.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
Baby Mama (2008) - 3/5
Baby Mama (2008)
NEXT: "The Mist" (2007)
Pretty funny - good parts w/ a decent story setting it up. Fey and Poehler have a great sense of humor so just them doing whatever will be decently funny... probably.
Later in the movie it gets a little mushy which doesn't really work - stick to the comedy.
Haiku Summary
She can't have a babe.
Surrogate mother.
Lies, jokes, mushy end.
NEXT: "The Mist" (2007)
Pretty funny - good parts w/ a decent story setting it up. Fey and Poehler have a great sense of humor so just them doing whatever will be decently funny... probably.
Later in the movie it gets a little mushy which doesn't really work - stick to the comedy.
Haiku Summary
She can't have a babe.
Surrogate mother.
Lies, jokes, mushy end.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
List of U.S. and Canadian box office bombs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
List of U.S. and Canadian box office bombs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
You can sort the list (click the arrows by the column headers) by various items. Sorting by "% of budget" is pretty cool.
You can sort the list (click the arrows by the column headers) by various items. Sorting by "% of budget" is pretty cool.
The Last American Virgin (1982)
The Last American Virgin (1982)
NEXT: "Baby Mama" (2008)
This movie was recommended to me b/c it sets itself apart from what you'd expect... and it does. The premise is a somewhat shy (virgin) boy and his friends are trying to get w/ girls like teenagers dream about. However, the main character meets a girl new to town and falls for her. I'll stop there for the non-spoiler types, but seriously, are you really going to see this movie? Keep reading.
SPOILERS:
Unfortunately, she falls for the boy's "too cool" friend. She gets pregnant and the cool guy dumps her. She gets an abortion and is helped by, Gary, the shy boy. They spend a few days together while she recovers and he's in heaven and thinks she's really fallen for him too.
He goes to her b-day party w/ a new locked inscribed and everything only to walk in her and Mr. Cool making out in the kitchen. Looks are exchanged, but no words. Gary takes off, drives away crying and... credits! Ouch!
I think the lesson here is: you might meet someone you really like and if you're good, you'll get close to them, but ultimately you'll be driving away alone crying. Yikes! It's a pretty harsh reality.
Haiku Summary:
Boy meets girl. Girl digs
boy's friend. Girls has trouble. Boy
helps. Hope. Pain. Credits.
NEXT: "Baby Mama" (2008)
This movie was recommended to me b/c it sets itself apart from what you'd expect... and it does. The premise is a somewhat shy (virgin) boy and his friends are trying to get w/ girls like teenagers dream about. However, the main character meets a girl new to town and falls for her. I'll stop there for the non-spoiler types, but seriously, are you really going to see this movie? Keep reading.
SPOILERS:
Unfortunately, she falls for the boy's "too cool" friend. She gets pregnant and the cool guy dumps her. She gets an abortion and is helped by, Gary, the shy boy. They spend a few days together while she recovers and he's in heaven and thinks she's really fallen for him too.
He goes to her b-day party w/ a new locked inscribed and everything only to walk in her and Mr. Cool making out in the kitchen. Looks are exchanged, but no words. Gary takes off, drives away crying and... credits! Ouch!
I think the lesson here is: you might meet someone you really like and if you're good, you'll get close to them, but ultimately you'll be driving away alone crying. Yikes! It's a pretty harsh reality.
Haiku Summary:
Boy meets girl. Girl digs
boy's friend. Girls has trouble. Boy
helps. Hope. Pain. Credits.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Dan in Real Life (2007) - 4/5
Dan in Real Life (2007)
NEXT: "The Last American Virgin" (1982)
Good, sweet movie. The characters really make this movie. It's something that while you're watching it, you're enjoying getting to know them despite whether anything is actually "happening" or not.
I just wanted to hang out w/ the family.
Despite having a premise that's been done many times before, the difference here is that they really take their time and develop great characters. The fact that the premise is familiar actually helps b/c it's stated and you can move on to how it plays out.
I think everything hits well in this movie and it's really good all around.
Haiku Summary:
Boy meets girl. Girl is
dating boys brother. Things fall
apart. Plays out well.
NEXT: "The Last American Virgin" (1982)
Good, sweet movie. The characters really make this movie. It's something that while you're watching it, you're enjoying getting to know them despite whether anything is actually "happening" or not.
I just wanted to hang out w/ the family.
Despite having a premise that's been done many times before, the difference here is that they really take their time and develop great characters. The fact that the premise is familiar actually helps b/c it's stated and you can move on to how it plays out.
I think everything hits well in this movie and it's really good all around.
Haiku Summary:
Boy meets girl. Girl is
dating boys brother. Things fall
apart. Plays out well.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The Andromeda Strain (1971) - 2.5/5
The Andromeda Strain (1971)
NEXT: "Dan in Real Life" (2007)
Wow. Slow. It felt like "THX-1138" and "2001" in a lot of ways. An interesting idea/story, but only decently told.
About 40% of the movie is watching the scientists prep for the sterile environment. Another 50% is watching them use robotic tools. The other 10% is the resolution at the very end... maybe it's only 5%.
You might be able to make a higher case for this story's implications about science and man and our position and such. About the decisions we have to make about humanity and who has the right to know this or cause that or how we might be playing God at times. I can see those arguments in there, but unfortunately the metal arms get more screen time and their humming gets most of the dialog.
Haiku Summary
Satellite falls. Town
dies. Unknown cause. Robotics.
Watch. Wait. Slow. Scare! Done.
NEXT: "Dan in Real Life" (2007)
Wow. Slow. It felt like "THX-1138" and "2001" in a lot of ways. An interesting idea/story, but only decently told.
About 40% of the movie is watching the scientists prep for the sterile environment. Another 50% is watching them use robotic tools. The other 10% is the resolution at the very end... maybe it's only 5%.
You might be able to make a higher case for this story's implications about science and man and our position and such. About the decisions we have to make about humanity and who has the right to know this or cause that or how we might be playing God at times. I can see those arguments in there, but unfortunately the metal arms get more screen time and their humming gets most of the dialog.
Haiku Summary
Satellite falls. Town
dies. Unknown cause. Robotics.
Watch. Wait. Slow. Scare! Done.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) - 4/5
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
NEXT: "The Andromeda Strain" (1971)
Very fun and good music. I liked the story and the development of the characters. The tone was great too: dark w/ the direction and coloring to match.
It was painful in several ways to watch (the "drop" is harsh).
Haiku Summary
Man lost family.
Goes back. Kills lots of peeps. They
pretty much all die.
NEXT: "The Andromeda Strain" (1971)
Very fun and good music. I liked the story and the development of the characters. The tone was great too: dark w/ the direction and coloring to match.
It was painful in several ways to watch (the "drop" is harsh).
Haiku Summary
Man lost family.
Goes back. Kills lots of peeps. They
pretty much all die.
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Last Dragon (1985) - 1/5
The Last Dragon (1985)
NEXT: "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (2007)
This movie is terrible. So bad. I hear them talking about it on filmspotting and decided to just watch it w/o knowing anything. Man, it's bad, but that's the fun of it.
The songs are bad, the acting is terrible, the story is just about the worst possible.
It's a karate movie set in Harlem with some gangs and such. There's a TV hostess that the main character falls for but a local promoter wants her to showcase his new singer so he tries to muscle the hostess around. But here comes Bruce Leroy!
Watch it in a group and get a laugh.
Haiku Summary
Leroy's training is
done. He falls for a girl. Thug
gets her. Leroy saves!
NEXT: "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (2007)
This movie is terrible. So bad. I hear them talking about it on filmspotting and decided to just watch it w/o knowing anything. Man, it's bad, but that's the fun of it.
The songs are bad, the acting is terrible, the story is just about the worst possible.
It's a karate movie set in Harlem with some gangs and such. There's a TV hostess that the main character falls for but a local promoter wants her to showcase his new singer so he tries to muscle the hostess around. But here comes Bruce Leroy!
Watch it in a group and get a laugh.
Haiku Summary
Leroy's training is
done. He falls for a girl. Thug
gets her. Leroy saves!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Hable con ella (2002) - 3/5
Hable con ella (2002) (Talk To Her)
NEXT: "The Last Dragon" (1985)
It's hard to say what this movie is about, but it's well made and mostly pleasant to watch. It's very powerful and uses people's longings and dreams in a powerful way.
The characters are deep and identifiable.
Despite being well made and rich in many ways, some important things don't hit quite right. There's not really anything that draws this movie to me. It's not really entertaining or sheds light on anything new. But remains w/ me w/ the characters.
Haiku Summary
Two men with women
in comas bond. One crazy.
He dies. She wakes. End.
NEXT: "The Last Dragon" (1985)
It's hard to say what this movie is about, but it's well made and mostly pleasant to watch. It's very powerful and uses people's longings and dreams in a powerful way.
The characters are deep and identifiable.
Despite being well made and rich in many ways, some important things don't hit quite right. There's not really anything that draws this movie to me. It's not really entertaining or sheds light on anything new. But remains w/ me w/ the characters.
Haiku Summary
Two men with women
in comas bond. One crazy.
He dies. She wakes. End.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
21 (2008) - 2.5/5
21 (2008)
NEXT: "Talk to Her" (2002)
Somewhat entertaining at times, but ultimately thin and weak. Lots of predictability, bad acting and thing plot. Also, some bad twists.
Haiku Summary
Smart kids rob Vegas.
Teacher is mean, takes money.
Jokes on him. Surprise!
NEXT: "Talk to Her" (2002)
Somewhat entertaining at times, but ultimately thin and weak. Lots of predictability, bad acting and thing plot. Also, some bad twists.
Haiku Summary
Smart kids rob Vegas.
Teacher is mean, takes money.
Jokes on him. Surprise!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly (2005) (V) - 2/5
Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly (2005) (V)
NEXT: "21" (2008)
I believe this was Animated Family Films first effort and while it wasn't very good, I've seen worse. Also, there's some good aspects of this movie though maybe not by industry standards: no violence, innuendo, "hidden" adult humor, etc.
It's short - like 52 mins and has a lot of cute parts, but across the board it's lacking.
Haiku Summary
A Jeep wants to fly.
Dreams, tries, crash then forgotten.
Found, repaired and "flies."
NEXT: "21" (2008)
I believe this was Animated Family Films first effort and while it wasn't very good, I've seen worse. Also, there's some good aspects of this movie though maybe not by industry standards: no violence, innuendo, "hidden" adult humor, etc.
It's short - like 52 mins and has a lot of cute parts, but across the board it's lacking.
Haiku Summary
A Jeep wants to fly.
Dreams, tries, crash then forgotten.
Found, repaired and "flies."
Todo sobre mi madre (1999) - 3.5/5
Todo sobre mi madre (1999)
Next: Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly (2005) (V)
Weird and powerful. It's a tribute to women, but not one I'd fall in line with.
It's well shot, directed, acted, etc., but I wdn't say I enjoyed it. It's a strong story and has some amazing character development w/ their relationships and such.
I have a hard time enjoying movies that I disagree w/ morally and such.
Haiku Summary
A boy doesn't know
his father. He dies. Mom goes
home. Dad's a tranny.
Next: Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly (2005) (V)
Weird and powerful. It's a tribute to women, but not one I'd fall in line with.
It's well shot, directed, acted, etc., but I wdn't say I enjoyed it. It's a strong story and has some amazing character development w/ their relationships and such.
I have a hard time enjoying movies that I disagree w/ morally and such.
Haiku Summary
A boy doesn't know
his father. He dies. Mom goes
home. Dad's a tranny.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
I Am Legend (2007) - 3.5/5
I Am Legend (2007)
NEXT: Todo sobre mi madre (1999)
I liked it. I think a lot of people expected something different. I only expected what they said it was: a zombie movie. And I thought it was a good zombie movie... which isn't saying too much.
But the action is good, it's cool to see NYC all overgrown, etc. But it doesn't stand up to much scrutiny (what zombie movie does?) in the area of "Why did he do that?" or "Why don't they just..." and all.
SPOILERS
Like I said, there's some inconsistent type stuff in it, but in a zombie movie, who cares. I mean, he's alone for so long and even has to kill his dog and then finally people show up and it's like no big deal - he's just upset she cooked the bacon he was saving... for what!!??!?
Haiku Summary
Everyone's dead or
a zombie except one guy.
Others, serum, dead.
NEXT: Todo sobre mi madre (1999)
I liked it. I think a lot of people expected something different. I only expected what they said it was: a zombie movie. And I thought it was a good zombie movie... which isn't saying too much.
But the action is good, it's cool to see NYC all overgrown, etc. But it doesn't stand up to much scrutiny (what zombie movie does?) in the area of "Why did he do that?" or "Why don't they just..." and all.
SPOILERS
Like I said, there's some inconsistent type stuff in it, but in a zombie movie, who cares. I mean, he's alone for so long and even has to kill his dog and then finally people show up and it's like no big deal - he's just upset she cooked the bacon he was saving... for what!!??!?
Haiku Summary
Everyone's dead or
a zombie except one guy.
Others, serum, dead.
The Omega Man (1971) - 1.5/5
The Omega Man (1971)
NEXT: "I Am Legend" (2007)
Wow, I cd have sworn Charlton Heston cd act. This shows 1971 production in the purest light.
Watching this movie explains why no one has ever said "Oh, you gotta see The Omega Man."
I have to give it a bit of slack b/c of the time since it was made, but man, not the greatest film.
Haiku Summary
Smart zombies want to
kill the last man on earth. He
finds cure, but dies. Cheese.
NEXT: "I Am Legend" (2007)
Wow, I cd have sworn Charlton Heston cd act. This shows 1971 production in the purest light.
Watching this movie explains why no one has ever said "Oh, you gotta see The Omega Man."
I have to give it a bit of slack b/c of the time since it was made, but man, not the greatest film.
Haiku Summary
Smart zombies want to
kill the last man on earth. He
finds cure, but dies. Cheese.
Mies vailla menneisyytt� (The Man Without a Past) (2002) - 3/5
Mies vailla menneisyytt� (2002)
NEXT: "The Omega Man" (1971)
Slow, but done well. Always interesting to see how another culture conceives an interesting plot line. Nothing earth shattering here, but interesting to see it played out.
I don't remember what prompted me to see this movie, but I always like a good amnesia story.
Haiku Summary
Beat up by thugs a
man can't remember. Friends, love,
found, but stays with new.
NEXT: "The Omega Man" (1971)
Slow, but done well. Always interesting to see how another culture conceives an interesting plot line. Nothing earth shattering here, but interesting to see it played out.
I don't remember what prompted me to see this movie, but I always like a good amnesia story.
Haiku Summary
Beat up by thugs a
man can't remember. Friends, love,
found, but stays with new.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
American Gangster (2007) - 3/5
American Gangster (2007) - Full cast and crew
Next: "The Man Without a Past" (2002)
I liked the first half of this movie and how they built up the characters and the tension, but then the second half just kinda rode that out. I know there was only so much they cd do since it was based on a true story, but maybe they sd have shortened it.
I'm having a hard time remembering too many of the points I wanted to make about this movie which tells me it wasn't that memorable.
Haiku Summary:
Frank takes over the
drug biz and gets rich. I think
he helped cops later.
Next: "The Man Without a Past" (2002)
I liked the first half of this movie and how they built up the characters and the tension, but then the second half just kinda rode that out. I know there was only so much they cd do since it was based on a true story, but maybe they sd have shortened it.
I'm having a hard time remembering too many of the points I wanted to make about this movie which tells me it wasn't that memorable.
Haiku Summary:
Frank takes over the
drug biz and gets rich. I think
he helped cops later.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Môme, La (2007) ("La Vie En Rose") - 4/5
Môme, La (2007)
Marion Cotillard so totally deserved the Oscar for her role here. The story is painful, but interesting. They did a great job telling it and showing us where she was headed. The songs were nice to hear, but it was painful to see her life go the way it did.
Haiku Summary:
Street girl can sing. She's
discovered and makes it big.
Drugs ruin it all.
Next: "American Gangster" (2007)
Marion Cotillard so totally deserved the Oscar for her role here. The story is painful, but interesting. They did a great job telling it and showing us where she was headed. The songs were nice to hear, but it was painful to see her life go the way it did.
Haiku Summary:
Street girl can sing. She's
discovered and makes it big.
Drugs ruin it all.
Next: "American Gangster" (2007)
Drillbit Taylor (2008) - 3/5
Drillbit Taylor (2008)
Pretty funny but I wasn't expecting too much. I really like Owen Wilson's style and the kids were pretty funny being put in those situations. There's not much to it, but it's got some pretty funny parts.
Haiku Summary:
Kids get picked on by
bullies and need bodyguard.
Drillbit's a bad one.
Next: "La Vie en Rose" (2007)
Pretty funny but I wasn't expecting too much. I really like Owen Wilson's style and the kids were pretty funny being put in those situations. There's not much to it, but it's got some pretty funny parts.
Haiku Summary:
Kids get picked on by
bullies and need bodyguard.
Drillbit's a bad one.
Next: "La Vie en Rose" (2007)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Mr. Brooks (2007) - 0/5
Mr. Brooks (2007)
Wow. Bad. Bad acting, bad direction, bad plot and story point, just bad all around. They lay everything out for you in dialog and completely insult the viewer.
Changes to the story/plot as they went didn't make sense. The logic in their explanations were just bad.
Everyone just phoned in the acting - they must be taking lessons from Costner.
Man, it was really bad. Worst ending pretty much ever on top of it all.
SPOILERS
The daughter was just terrible - that whole story line was bad. And her being a killer??? Oh, so bad. And his crying scene in the kitchen - ouch!
And the dream ending - yow.
And w/ Mr. Smith - who sees this kinda thing and then has the nerve to go to the guy, etc. So bad.
Haiku Summary
He kills. Dumb mistake.
Guy blackmails him to kill too.
Surprise! He kills Smith!
NEXT: "Drillbit Taylor" 2008
Wow. Bad. Bad acting, bad direction, bad plot and story point, just bad all around. They lay everything out for you in dialog and completely insult the viewer.
Changes to the story/plot as they went didn't make sense. The logic in their explanations were just bad.
Everyone just phoned in the acting - they must be taking lessons from Costner.
Man, it was really bad. Worst ending pretty much ever on top of it all.
SPOILERS
The daughter was just terrible - that whole story line was bad. And her being a killer??? Oh, so bad. And his crying scene in the kitchen - ouch!
And the dream ending - yow.
And w/ Mr. Smith - who sees this kinda thing and then has the nerve to go to the guy, etc. So bad.
Haiku Summary
He kills. Dumb mistake.
Guy blackmails him to kill too.
Surprise! He kills Smith!
NEXT: "Drillbit Taylor" 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) - 3.5/5
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Good movie and good acting. Casey Affleck is great.
I really like the slow pace and shots, but the story isn't very compelling so I never was really drawn in. Unfortunately, this movie took me a while to watch so it being spread out over a period of time probably hurt it pretty bad.
Haiku Summary
Jesse James is bad.
Bob Ford idolizes him.
Turns and kills him dead.
NEXT: "Mr. Brooks" 2007
Good movie and good acting. Casey Affleck is great.
I really like the slow pace and shots, but the story isn't very compelling so I never was really drawn in. Unfortunately, this movie took me a while to watch so it being spread out over a period of time probably hurt it pretty bad.
Haiku Summary
Jesse James is bad.
Bob Ford idolizes him.
Turns and kills him dead.
NEXT: "Mr. Brooks" 2007
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Into the Wild (2007) - 3.5/5
Into the Wild (2007)
Nicely shot and not over the top "free spirit" feel. I like the perspective they give on an interesting story w/o hitting you over the head w/ some perceived message derived by Sean Penn to force on the viewer.
SPOILERS
I didn't realize this was based on a true story until the end so that changed a lot. I'm glad I didn't know (so I made this a spoiler). I did think it was a little hypocritical that he didn't want so many 'worldly' things (and even burned his money), but then didn't seem consistent in that: He lived in a bus in 'the wild' and took jobs to get money later, etc. No biggie, but it seemed like a mixed message.
That's not to say I didn't like it. I did. But it was confusing.
I liked how he stuck to his intentions and worked towards them. It's an unfortunate ending and I'm glad they didn't try to spoon feed us any kind of 'message' about it all.
Haiku Summary
Kid goes off to leave
the world. He does it! Mistake
and he dies... happy.
NEXT: "Horton Hears a Who!" (2008)
Nicely shot and not over the top "free spirit" feel. I like the perspective they give on an interesting story w/o hitting you over the head w/ some perceived message derived by Sean Penn to force on the viewer.
SPOILERS
I didn't realize this was based on a true story until the end so that changed a lot. I'm glad I didn't know (so I made this a spoiler). I did think it was a little hypocritical that he didn't want so many 'worldly' things (and even burned his money), but then didn't seem consistent in that: He lived in a bus in 'the wild' and took jobs to get money later, etc. No biggie, but it seemed like a mixed message.
That's not to say I didn't like it. I did. But it was confusing.
I liked how he stuck to his intentions and worked towards them. It's an unfortunate ending and I'm glad they didn't try to spoon feed us any kind of 'message' about it all.
Haiku Summary
Kid goes off to leave
the world. He does it! Mistake
and he dies... happy.
NEXT: "Horton Hears a Who!" (2008)
The Brothers Solomon (2007) - 3.5/5
The Brothers Solomon (2007)
I funny, silly, stupid movie w/ some clever twists on jokes and callbacks. I like the humor though it's not the best made movie. So it's not hilarious or anything, but it's more than I expected and I appreciate the effort in the jokes.
Haiku Summary
Two brothers want to
have baby, give dad reason
to wake from coma.
Next: "Into the Wild" (2007)
I funny, silly, stupid movie w/ some clever twists on jokes and callbacks. I like the humor though it's not the best made movie. So it's not hilarious or anything, but it's more than I expected and I appreciate the effort in the jokes.
Haiku Summary
Two brothers want to
have baby, give dad reason
to wake from coma.
Next: "Into the Wild" (2007)
Friday, February 29, 2008
Junebug (2005) - 3/5
Junebug (2005)
This movie might be trying to be too deep for its own good. The characters are pretty good (except for the over-the-top brother). Amy Adams is great. W/o her, I'd say this wd be far lower scored by me.
I'm not sure what I want for these characters and for most of them, I don't really care (except for Amy Adams' character).
SPOILERS
So what are they trying to say? That who need to accept people as they are? That people don't change? There's a clear tension btwn family and career and I can't tell what they are trying to say... or maybe they're just presenting the question.
Haiku Summary
A couple goes to
the country for art, family.
What's more important?
NEXT: "The Brothers Solomon" (2007)
This movie might be trying to be too deep for its own good. The characters are pretty good (except for the over-the-top brother). Amy Adams is great. W/o her, I'd say this wd be far lower scored by me.
I'm not sure what I want for these characters and for most of them, I don't really care (except for Amy Adams' character).
SPOILERS
So what are they trying to say? That who need to accept people as they are? That people don't change? There's a clear tension btwn family and career and I can't tell what they are trying to say... or maybe they're just presenting the question.
Haiku Summary
A couple goes to
the country for art, family.
What's more important?
NEXT: "The Brothers Solomon" (2007)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Zodiac (2007/I) - 3/5
Zodiac (2007/I)
I had heard good things about this movie so I expected a lot. I also usually like 'based on true story stuff', but this mostly fell short for me.
I didn't buy into the hunt or the passion of those hunting the killer. It felt like a re-enactment of a documentary.
Also, I think they missed out on some great tension and revelation-type scenes w/ the suspects.
Haiku Summary
There's a killer. He
gives coded notes. The guy you
think is him... it's him.
NEXT: "Junebug" 2005
I had heard good things about this movie so I expected a lot. I also usually like 'based on true story stuff', but this mostly fell short for me.
I didn't buy into the hunt or the passion of those hunting the killer. It felt like a re-enactment of a documentary.
Also, I think they missed out on some great tension and revelation-type scenes w/ the suspects.
Haiku Summary
There's a killer. He
gives coded notes. The guy you
think is him... it's him.
NEXT: "Junebug" 2005
Monday, February 25, 2008
Margot at the Wedding (2007) 2/5
Margot at the Wedding (2007)
Good tone, but a bit too heavy handed trying to force the dysfunctional aspects of lives and relationships. These people seem to be dysfunctional on purpose to the point that they wd have a hard time just staying alive.
Decent performances and decent directing, but there's just no way to tell this story and make it bearable as something you can learn from - b/c it's just too much.
Maybe if there was an aspect of reality somewhere in there to have as a contrast, it might work???
Haiku Summary
Man, everyone is
messed up. Let's put them all
in one place. Messed up.
NEXT: "Zodiac" (2007)
Good tone, but a bit too heavy handed trying to force the dysfunctional aspects of lives and relationships. These people seem to be dysfunctional on purpose to the point that they wd have a hard time just staying alive.
Decent performances and decent directing, but there's just no way to tell this story and make it bearable as something you can learn from - b/c it's just too much.
Maybe if there was an aspect of reality somewhere in there to have as a contrast, it might work???
Haiku Summary
Man, everyone is
messed up. Let's put them all
in one place. Messed up.
NEXT: "Zodiac" (2007)
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
There Will Be Blood (2007) - 4/5
There Will Be Blood (2007)
While I think this movie was really good, I think it might be just a big overrated. That's the problem w/ seeing movies after the hype.
Daniel Day-Lewis was amazing. I'm continually impressed w/ him. The movie was large in scale and I'm glad I saw it on the big screen. The first 15 mins w/o dialog was awesome!
SPOILERS
There was a strong 'hypocritical' sense to this movie in that the characters were forced to sell-out for something they wanted: $. Plainview admitted he was a sinner, needed Jesus and that he abandoned his son in order to secure rights to land for a pipeline.
Ironically, it wasn't his son and he claimed later that he only kept the boy to have a pretty face for making his sales pitch. When the son returned in one scene and Daniel hugged him a lot, I have to believe it only did him good b/c he felt Eli cdn't condemn him anymore???
Eli also sold out and for nothing which was great. The climax of Daniel killing Eli was pretty powerful: he destroyed Eli in every way.
Haiku Summary
Man finds oil and buys
land for more. He squares off with
Eli. There is blood.
NEXT: "Margot at the Wedding (2006)"
While I think this movie was really good, I think it might be just a big overrated. That's the problem w/ seeing movies after the hype.
Daniel Day-Lewis was amazing. I'm continually impressed w/ him. The movie was large in scale and I'm glad I saw it on the big screen. The first 15 mins w/o dialog was awesome!
SPOILERS
There was a strong 'hypocritical' sense to this movie in that the characters were forced to sell-out for something they wanted: $. Plainview admitted he was a sinner, needed Jesus and that he abandoned his son in order to secure rights to land for a pipeline.
Ironically, it wasn't his son and he claimed later that he only kept the boy to have a pretty face for making his sales pitch. When the son returned in one scene and Daniel hugged him a lot, I have to believe it only did him good b/c he felt Eli cdn't condemn him anymore???
Eli also sold out and for nothing which was great. The climax of Daniel killing Eli was pretty powerful: he destroyed Eli in every way.
Haiku Summary
Man finds oil and buys
land for more. He squares off with
Eli. There is blood.
NEXT: "Margot at the Wedding (2006)"
Fool's Gold (2008) - 3/5
Fool's Gold (2008)
Light entertainment. There's a story there besides the 'romantic comedy' which helps. It was actually nice to see the scenery and settings like those in the middle of winter.
Haiku Summary:
Bad marriage of gold
diggers. Treasure hunt brings them
back together. Gold.
NEXT: "There Will Be Blood" (2007)
Light entertainment. There's a story there besides the 'romantic comedy' which helps. It was actually nice to see the scenery and settings like those in the middle of winter.
Haiku Summary:
Bad marriage of gold
diggers. Treasure hunt brings them
back together. Gold.
NEXT: "There Will Be Blood" (2007)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Laberinto del fauno, El (Pan's Labyrinth) (2006) - 3.5/5
Laberinto del fauno, El (2006) (Pan's Labyrinth)
Weird, but interesting. I didn't see the prequel but I listened to a bit of the commentary and it seems they are related by theme.
The visuals are great and the reality mixed w/ fantasy is really good. The gore and brutality of the soldiers is hard to watch at times.
My view of the main theme is something like: people that follow orders (or see things as black and white) are brutal, wrong and evil. Something like that.
SPOILERS
Vidal is set quickly to be someone who doesn't compromise or question what he's doing or why. He has no mercy, pity, conscious or humanity to him. He cares only about being the man his father was and thus passing on the burden to a son of his own.
The rebels are seen as caring, natural and righteous despite not actually communicating their cause other than to kill the military presence. W/o saying how or why, it's clear we're to believe they are right in their attempts to kill the soldiers but not the other way around.
The plot w/ Pan is that he directs the girl, but in her completing the tasks, she breaks some rules. The first time, it hurts her parents, the second time 2 fairies die and the third time, she saves her brother by sacrificing her life, but that was the test of the task: to see if she wd allow her brother to die to save her own life (though it wdn't have saved her life IMO).
So question authority and do what you believe is right despite everything else b/c ultimately that's what's right. Hmmm....
Haiku Summary
Girl moves to country.
Pan's tasks to become princess.
Question author'ty.
NEXT: "Fool's Gold (2008)"
Weird, but interesting. I didn't see the prequel but I listened to a bit of the commentary and it seems they are related by theme.
The visuals are great and the reality mixed w/ fantasy is really good. The gore and brutality of the soldiers is hard to watch at times.
My view of the main theme is something like: people that follow orders (or see things as black and white) are brutal, wrong and evil. Something like that.
SPOILERS
Vidal is set quickly to be someone who doesn't compromise or question what he's doing or why. He has no mercy, pity, conscious or humanity to him. He cares only about being the man his father was and thus passing on the burden to a son of his own.
The rebels are seen as caring, natural and righteous despite not actually communicating their cause other than to kill the military presence. W/o saying how or why, it's clear we're to believe they are right in their attempts to kill the soldiers but not the other way around.
The plot w/ Pan is that he directs the girl, but in her completing the tasks, she breaks some rules. The first time, it hurts her parents, the second time 2 fairies die and the third time, she saves her brother by sacrificing her life, but that was the test of the task: to see if she wd allow her brother to die to save her own life (though it wdn't have saved her life IMO).
So question authority and do what you believe is right despite everything else b/c ultimately that's what's right. Hmmm....
Haiku Summary
Girl moves to country.
Pan's tasks to become princess.
Question author'ty.
NEXT: "Fool's Gold (2008)"
Mein liebster Feind - Klaus Kinski (1999) - 3/5
Mein liebster Feind - Klaus Kinski (1999)
Klaus Kinski was crazy. Way crazy. This, like "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" feels like a 'report' or something about Herzog and Kinski's relationship. Only mildly interesting, it does point out some wild things they did during their filmmaking and how they made films.
The main thing, to me, was that Kinski was crazy; going off into rages at all times and causing a lot of drama to get attention.
Haiku Summary
Kinski is crazy.
Herzog is a little too.
They made good movies.
NEXT: "Pan's Labyrinth (2006)"
Klaus Kinski was crazy. Way crazy. This, like "Little Dieter Needs to Fly" feels like a 'report' or something about Herzog and Kinski's relationship. Only mildly interesting, it does point out some wild things they did during their filmmaking and how they made films.
The main thing, to me, was that Kinski was crazy; going off into rages at all times and causing a lot of drama to get attention.
Haiku Summary
Kinski is crazy.
Herzog is a little too.
They made good movies.
NEXT: "Pan's Labyrinth (2006)"
Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997) - 3/5
Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)
I watched this b/c I just watched "Rescue Dawn" by Herzog about the same story. This is a documentary about the real person who is the main character in "Rescue Dawn."
It was interesting, but felt a bit forced and drawn out. Also, b/c of the relationship of the subject and the filmmaker, it didn't feel like an observation, but a report. Dieter wasn't being interviewed or anything, he was just telling his story. It didn't have much of a Herzog signature to it.
It was interesting, but not much else.
Haiku Summary
From Germany, he
comes to America. Flies.
Shot. Escapes. Goes back.
NEXT: "Mein liebster Feind - Klaus Kinski (1999)"
I watched this b/c I just watched "Rescue Dawn" by Herzog about the same story. This is a documentary about the real person who is the main character in "Rescue Dawn."
It was interesting, but felt a bit forced and drawn out. Also, b/c of the relationship of the subject and the filmmaker, it didn't feel like an observation, but a report. Dieter wasn't being interviewed or anything, he was just telling his story. It didn't have much of a Herzog signature to it.
It was interesting, but not much else.
Haiku Summary
From Germany, he
comes to America. Flies.
Shot. Escapes. Goes back.
NEXT: "Mein liebster Feind - Klaus Kinski (1999)"
Monday, February 11, 2008
300 (2006) - 3/5
300 (2006)
I was let down a bit - I expected a lot. It's more than just a fighting, gore movie... it's a fighting, gore movie on a large scale... w/ great effects, editing/processing/animation and somewhat of a story.
There was some cool aspects to this movie, but it was a bit drawn out and a bit too much testosterone for the sake of testosterone. Granted, that was necessary to a degree to tell this story, but clearly they ran w/ that excuse.
Haiku Summary
Persians want it all.
300 Spartans take them
on. They die. Good fights.
NEXT: "Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)"
I was let down a bit - I expected a lot. It's more than just a fighting, gore movie... it's a fighting, gore movie on a large scale... w/ great effects, editing/processing/animation and somewhat of a story.
There was some cool aspects to this movie, but it was a bit drawn out and a bit too much testosterone for the sake of testosterone. Granted, that was necessary to a degree to tell this story, but clearly they ran w/ that excuse.
Haiku Summary
Persians want it all.
300 Spartans take them
on. They die. Good fights.
NEXT: "Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)"
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (2004) (V) 3.5/5
Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (2004) (V)
This was a real surprise. I can't remember why we recorded this for our son, but he liked it and after a few times of him watching it, I had seen the whole thing too. The best part of this movie was that it surprised me so well. It's really funny!
It has a good combination of silly, funny stuff w/ just a bit of more advanced (I don't want to say mature or adult) humor.
There's one part where the 3 'bad guys' (I love how they keep calling them 'bad guys' - today's shows have lost that) are going to dropped into 'the pit.' The door in the ground opens, they fall down, the obligatory fading yell is heard... then one of them pops up his head from the 3 foot deep 'pit.'
That's pretty funny, but then later we see them again and they're still in there wasting away the time... like they're really trapped and can't get out. Not so funny when written out here, but funny in the show.
Another great part is when a 'bad guy' is sword fighting w/ Mickey on top of the moving coach. The 'bad guy's sword cuts away Mickey's Musketeer uniform and his has his trademark Mickey shorts on and he immediate strikes the 'Mickey pose.' It just feels like their poking fun at themselves a bit.
Don't get me wrong: this is no "Cars" or anything, but it's a clever, cute, funny little show that really surprised me.
Great stuff for our son!
Haiku Summary
Mickey, Goofy and
Donald want to be in the
Muskateers... and are!
NEXT: "300 (2006)"
This was a real surprise. I can't remember why we recorded this for our son, but he liked it and after a few times of him watching it, I had seen the whole thing too. The best part of this movie was that it surprised me so well. It's really funny!
It has a good combination of silly, funny stuff w/ just a bit of more advanced (I don't want to say mature or adult) humor.
There's one part where the 3 'bad guys' (I love how they keep calling them 'bad guys' - today's shows have lost that) are going to dropped into 'the pit.' The door in the ground opens, they fall down, the obligatory fading yell is heard... then one of them pops up his head from the 3 foot deep 'pit.'
That's pretty funny, but then later we see them again and they're still in there wasting away the time... like they're really trapped and can't get out. Not so funny when written out here, but funny in the show.
Another great part is when a 'bad guy' is sword fighting w/ Mickey on top of the moving coach. The 'bad guy's sword cuts away Mickey's Musketeer uniform and his has his trademark Mickey shorts on and he immediate strikes the 'Mickey pose.' It just feels like their poking fun at themselves a bit.Don't get me wrong: this is no "Cars" or anything, but it's a clever, cute, funny little show that really surprised me.
Great stuff for our son!
Haiku Summary
Mickey, Goofy and
Donald want to be in the
Muskateers... and are!
NEXT: "300 (2006)"
Rescue Dawn (2006) - 3.5/5
Rescue Dawn (2006)
I liked this movie, but I was a bit disappointed given how great Werner Herzog is. I felt the movie didn't have as dark of a feel as I expected. I didn't feel the dread of the captors and the situation as I'm sure it was.
It was certainly harsh, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel it as I have w/ other Herzog movies.
So I think it's a really good movie, but my expectations were really high.
Haiku Summary
Little Dieter needs
to fly. Navy, Vietnam.
Captured, but escapes.
NEXT: "Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (2004)"
I liked this movie, but I was a bit disappointed given how great Werner Herzog is. I felt the movie didn't have as dark of a feel as I expected. I didn't feel the dread of the captors and the situation as I'm sure it was.
It was certainly harsh, don't get me wrong, but I didn't feel it as I have w/ other Herzog movies.
So I think it's a really good movie, but my expectations were really high.
Haiku Summary
Little Dieter needs
to fly. Navy, Vietnam.
Captured, but escapes.
NEXT: "Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers (2004)"
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Factory Girl (2006) 1.5/5
Factory Girl (2006)
Nothing really good to say about this movie except that it didn't glorify drug use.
A disappointment for Guy Pearce.
Haiku Summary
Poor little rich girl
meets Andy Warhol. Does drugs,
wastes life and dies.
NEXT: "Rescue Dawn"
Nothing really good to say about this movie except that it didn't glorify drug use.
A disappointment for Guy Pearce.
Haiku Summary
Poor little rich girl
meets Andy Warhol. Does drugs,
wastes life and dies.
NEXT: "Rescue Dawn"
Monday, February 04, 2008
3:10 to Yuma (2007) - 4/5
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Great western w/ lots of classic aspects and some new flavors. Russel Crowe is great in this and Christian Bale is his usual dedicated self in his role. Top notch performances.
There's a lot to be said for the redemption of the two main characters in this movie. Both failures in some way and to themselves... but I'll let someone else say it (better than me).
Haiku Summary
Failure at home, Dan
takes Ben to train for money.
Connects with Ben. Dies.
NEXT: "Factory Girl"
Great western w/ lots of classic aspects and some new flavors. Russel Crowe is great in this and Christian Bale is his usual dedicated self in his role. Top notch performances.
There's a lot to be said for the redemption of the two main characters in this movie. Both failures in some way and to themselves... but I'll let someone else say it (better than me).
Haiku Summary
Failure at home, Dan
takes Ben to train for money.
Connects with Ben. Dies.
NEXT: "Factory Girl"
Friday, February 01, 2008
BlockBuster Online: 1 year (2007), 86 movies
My one year with BlockBuster Online (it's in reverse order and poorly formated, but who's really going to read it?)...
Title Ship Date Return Date
-----------------------------
The Good Shepherd 12/19/2007 01/04/2008
Babette's Feast 12/11/2007 12/28/2007
The Squid and the Whale 12/07/2007 12/21/2007
Stone Reader 12/04/2007 12/11/2007
Kung Fu Hustle 12/03/2007 12/21/2007
The Constant Gardener 11/28/2007 12/07/2007
The Pursuit of Happyness 11/26/2007 12/04/2007
House of Sand and Fog 11/20/2007 11/28/2007
Akira 11/19/2007 12/03/2007
Glengarry Glen Ross 11/14/2007 11/20/2007
Children of Men 11/01/2007 11/14/2007
Fast Food Nation 10/31/2007 11/20/2007
Casino Royale 10/31/2007 11/26/2007
Blood Diamond 10/23/2007 11/05/2007
Chalk 10/22/2007 10/31/2007
The Right Stuff 10/16/2007 10/31/2007
A Scanner Darkly 10/15/2007 10/23/2007
Open Your Eyes 10/12/2007 10/22/2007
Fargo 10/08/2007 10/16/2007
Barton Fink 10/08/2007 10/16/2007
Delicatessen 10/02/2007 10/12/2007
Pi 09/25/2007 10/02/2007
Once Upon a Time in America 09/21/2007 10/08/2007
Munich 09/21/2007 10/11/2007
Far from Heaven 09/19/2007 09/25/2007
Pi 09/18/2007 09/25/2007
SCTV [TV Series] 09/13/2007 09/19/2007
North Country 09/11/2007 09/25/2007
21 Grams 09/06/2007 09/18/2007
For Your Consideration 09/05/2007 09/11/2007
Cold Mountain 09/04/2007 09/13/2007
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny 08/28/2007 09/06/2007
Babel 08/28/2007 09/06/2007
Borat 08/27/2007 09/04/2007
Letters from Iwo Jima 08/23/2007 08/29/2007
Kingdom of Heaven 08/20/2007 08/25/2007
The Butterfly Effect 08/14/2007 08/29/2007
Flags of Our Fathers 08/13/2007 08/24/2007
Mystic River 08/09/2007 08/21/2007
Gangs of New York 08/01/2007 08/09/2007
Gosford Park 08/01/2007 08/13/2007
The Cider House Rules 07/26/2007 08/01/2007
The Thin Red Line 07/16/2007 08/15/2007
Out of Africa 07/05/2007 07/26/2007
Il Postino 06/28/2007 08/01/2007
The Verdict 06/21/2007 07/18/2007
A Man Escaped 06/15/2007 06/28/2007
Fay Grim 06/15/2007 07/05/2007
The Departed 06/08/2007 06/21/2007
Howards End 06/04/2007 06/15/2007
Hope and Glory 05/29/2007 06/15/2007
Chuck Jones: Extremes and Inbetweens - A Life in Animation 05/29/2007 06/08/2007
Chariots of Fire 05/16/2007 05/28/2007
Akeelah and the Bee 05/16/2007 06/01/2007
Wordplay 05/16/2007 06/01/2007
Reds 05/07/2007 05/18/2007
Reds 05/03/2007 05/18/2007
The Illusionist 05/02/2007 05/12/2007
The Best Years of Our Lives 04/30/2007 05/10/2007
City Lights 04/26/2007 05/02/2007
Raging Bull 04/24/2007 05/03/2007
One Night With the King 04/23/2007 04/30/2007
Beyond the Gates of Splendor 04/11/2007 04/25/2007
Dave Chappelle's Block Party 04/10/2007 04/27/2007
End of the Spear 04/06/2007 04/11/2007
Extras: Season 01 03/26/2007 04/10/2007
Factotum 03/26/2007 04/09/2007
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 01 03/21/2007 03/28/2007
Crank 03/19/2007 06/29/2007
Extras: Season 01 03/16/2007 03/21/2007
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 01 03/14/2007 03/28/2007
The Butterfly Effect 03/13/2007 03/15/2007
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 01 03/12/2007 03/13/2007
Munich 03/08/2007 03/13/2007
Igby Goes Down 03/07/2007 03/19/2007
Shopgirl 02/21/2007 03/14/2007
What the #$*! Do We Know?! 02/19/2007 03/07/2007
Lucky Number Slevin 02/19/2007 03/08/2007
Just Like Heaven 02/13/2007 02/21/2007
The Station Agent 02/08/2007 02/14/2007
March of the Penguins 02/05/2007 03/07/2007
Jesus of Montreal 02/03/2007 02/15/2007
The Aviator 01/30/2007 02/08/2007
Crash 01/26/2007 02/03/2007
Derailed 01/26/2007 01/30/2007
Elizabethtown 01/26/2007 02/17/2007
Title Ship Date Return Date
-----------------------------
The Good Shepherd 12/19/2007 01/04/2008
Babette's Feast 12/11/2007 12/28/2007
The Squid and the Whale 12/07/2007 12/21/2007
Stone Reader 12/04/2007 12/11/2007
Kung Fu Hustle 12/03/2007 12/21/2007
The Constant Gardener 11/28/2007 12/07/2007
The Pursuit of Happyness 11/26/2007 12/04/2007
House of Sand and Fog 11/20/2007 11/28/2007
Akira 11/19/2007 12/03/2007
Glengarry Glen Ross 11/14/2007 11/20/2007
Children of Men 11/01/2007 11/14/2007
Fast Food Nation 10/31/2007 11/20/2007
Casino Royale 10/31/2007 11/26/2007
Blood Diamond 10/23/2007 11/05/2007
Chalk 10/22/2007 10/31/2007
The Right Stuff 10/16/2007 10/31/2007
A Scanner Darkly 10/15/2007 10/23/2007
Open Your Eyes 10/12/2007 10/22/2007
Fargo 10/08/2007 10/16/2007
Barton Fink 10/08/2007 10/16/2007
Delicatessen 10/02/2007 10/12/2007
Pi 09/25/2007 10/02/2007
Once Upon a Time in America 09/21/2007 10/08/2007
Munich 09/21/2007 10/11/2007
Far from Heaven 09/19/2007 09/25/2007
Pi 09/18/2007 09/25/2007
SCTV [TV Series] 09/13/2007 09/19/2007
North Country 09/11/2007 09/25/2007
21 Grams 09/06/2007 09/18/2007
For Your Consideration 09/05/2007 09/11/2007
Cold Mountain 09/04/2007 09/13/2007
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny 08/28/2007 09/06/2007
Babel 08/28/2007 09/06/2007
Borat 08/27/2007 09/04/2007
Letters from Iwo Jima 08/23/2007 08/29/2007
Kingdom of Heaven 08/20/2007 08/25/2007
The Butterfly Effect 08/14/2007 08/29/2007
Flags of Our Fathers 08/13/2007 08/24/2007
Mystic River 08/09/2007 08/21/2007
Gangs of New York 08/01/2007 08/09/2007
Gosford Park 08/01/2007 08/13/2007
The Cider House Rules 07/26/2007 08/01/2007
The Thin Red Line 07/16/2007 08/15/2007
Out of Africa 07/05/2007 07/26/2007
Il Postino 06/28/2007 08/01/2007
The Verdict 06/21/2007 07/18/2007
A Man Escaped 06/15/2007 06/28/2007
Fay Grim 06/15/2007 07/05/2007
The Departed 06/08/2007 06/21/2007
Howards End 06/04/2007 06/15/2007
Hope and Glory 05/29/2007 06/15/2007
Chuck Jones: Extremes and Inbetweens - A Life in Animation 05/29/2007 06/08/2007
Chariots of Fire 05/16/2007 05/28/2007
Akeelah and the Bee 05/16/2007 06/01/2007
Wordplay 05/16/2007 06/01/2007
Reds 05/07/2007 05/18/2007
Reds 05/03/2007 05/18/2007
The Illusionist 05/02/2007 05/12/2007
The Best Years of Our Lives 04/30/2007 05/10/2007
City Lights 04/26/2007 05/02/2007
Raging Bull 04/24/2007 05/03/2007
One Night With the King 04/23/2007 04/30/2007
Beyond the Gates of Splendor 04/11/2007 04/25/2007
Dave Chappelle's Block Party 04/10/2007 04/27/2007
End of the Spear 04/06/2007 04/11/2007
Extras: Season 01 03/26/2007 04/10/2007
Factotum 03/26/2007 04/09/2007
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 01 03/21/2007 03/28/2007
Crank 03/19/2007 06/29/2007
Extras: Season 01 03/16/2007 03/21/2007
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 01 03/14/2007 03/28/2007
The Butterfly Effect 03/13/2007 03/15/2007
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 01 03/12/2007 03/13/2007
Munich 03/08/2007 03/13/2007
Igby Goes Down 03/07/2007 03/19/2007
Shopgirl 02/21/2007 03/14/2007
What the #$*! Do We Know?! 02/19/2007 03/07/2007
Lucky Number Slevin 02/19/2007 03/08/2007
Just Like Heaven 02/13/2007 02/21/2007
The Station Agent 02/08/2007 02/14/2007
March of the Penguins 02/05/2007 03/07/2007
Jesus of Montreal 02/03/2007 02/15/2007
The Aviator 01/30/2007 02/08/2007
Crash 01/26/2007 02/03/2007
Derailed 01/26/2007 01/30/2007
Elizabethtown 01/26/2007 02/17/2007
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Air Guitar Nation (2006) - 3.5/5
Air Guitar Nation (2006)
Pretty interesting, but they didn't into the people enough... or they made the most of what they had to work with.
It's fun to watch the performances and they do a good job of keeping it from getting old. They get into each topic enough, but nothing to the point to make it a great documentary.
The "underdog" isn't as likable which hurts that aspect, but everyone is a character and fairly fun. From serious to ridiculous, it's all pretty good.
There are certainly some great parts and overall it's pretty fun.
WARNING: Male nudity.
Haiku Summary
What's this? Air guitar
contests? No Americans?
I say we go. Win!
NEXT: "3:10 To Ymua"
Pretty interesting, but they didn't into the people enough... or they made the most of what they had to work with.
It's fun to watch the performances and they do a good job of keeping it from getting old. They get into each topic enough, but nothing to the point to make it a great documentary.
The "underdog" isn't as likable which hurts that aspect, but everyone is a character and fairly fun. From serious to ridiculous, it's all pretty good.
There are certainly some great parts and overall it's pretty fun.
WARNING: Male nudity.
Haiku Summary
What's this? Air guitar
contests? No Americans?
I say we go. Win!
NEXT: "3:10 To Ymua"
The Secret of NIMH (1982) - 2.5/5
The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Original, but not very compelling. It's a children's book adaptation, but I'm not familiar w/ the book.
That characters and animation are good, but I wasn't really drawn into to care about what was happening (and to a degree, I wasn't really sure what was happening).
SPOILERS
The idea that an experiment by NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) made the mice/rats "smart" seemed out of left field in the reality of the story. It also gave it a too realistic and dark feel IMO.
Haiku Summary
The plow is coming.
The boy mouse is sick, can't move.
Rats are smart, some bad.
NEXT: "Air Guitar Nation"
Original, but not very compelling. It's a children's book adaptation, but I'm not familiar w/ the book.
That characters and animation are good, but I wasn't really drawn into to care about what was happening (and to a degree, I wasn't really sure what was happening).
SPOILERS
The idea that an experiment by NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) made the mice/rats "smart" seemed out of left field in the reality of the story. It also gave it a too realistic and dark feel IMO.
Haiku Summary
The plow is coming.
The boy mouse is sick, can't move.
Rats are smart, some bad.
NEXT: "Air Guitar Nation"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The King of Kong (2007) - 5/5
The King of Kong (2007)
If I had waited for my top movies from 2007 (released in 2007, not watched), this wd be up there near the top.
Awesome! I have to give some credit to the documentary makers here, but I think the material they had to work w/ was gold.
Billy Mitchell is Darth Vader's equivalent in this reality. So great. Editing does a lot, but anyone saying the things he says... wow.
And Steve Weibe - you just can't help but pull for this lovable loser.
Be sure to watch some of the extra material if you get this for more updates about what happened after the filming.... they're still going!
Next: "The Secret of NIMH"
Haiku Summary
Steve beats high score on
tape. Not good enough for Bill.
Bill evades. So great!
If I had waited for my top movies from 2007 (released in 2007, not watched), this wd be up there near the top.
Awesome! I have to give some credit to the documentary makers here, but I think the material they had to work w/ was gold.
Billy Mitchell is Darth Vader's equivalent in this reality. So great. Editing does a lot, but anyone saying the things he says... wow.
And Steve Weibe - you just can't help but pull for this lovable loser.
Be sure to watch some of the extra material if you get this for more updates about what happened after the filming.... they're still going!
Next: "The Secret of NIMH"
Haiku Summary
Steve beats high score on
tape. Not good enough for Bill.
Bill evades. So great!
Treasure Planet (2002) - 3.5/5
Treasure Planet (2002)
This is a very interesting animated movie in several areas: mix of 2D and 3D, the characters, the scope, etc.
The story is solid and the characters are fully developed. The action is good too.
It's more serious than funny (like Pocahontas and Tarzan) though the robot is pretty comical.
I think the production quality is way up on this one so the animation, effects, details, characters, etc. are really good. It's a Ron Clements and John Musker movie which says a lot.
There's some great behind the scenes/making of stuff on the DVD too.
Haiku Summary
Boy finds treasure map.
Goes w/ pirates. Dad figure
turns, boy saves them all.
NEXT: "King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters"
This is a very interesting animated movie in several areas: mix of 2D and 3D, the characters, the scope, etc.
The story is solid and the characters are fully developed. The action is good too.
It's more serious than funny (like Pocahontas and Tarzan) though the robot is pretty comical.
I think the production quality is way up on this one so the animation, effects, details, characters, etc. are really good. It's a Ron Clements and John Musker movie which says a lot.
There's some great behind the scenes/making of stuff on the DVD too.
Haiku Summary
Boy finds treasure map.
Goes w/ pirates. Dad figure
turns, boy saves them all.
NEXT: "King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters"
Monday, January 28, 2008
Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? (2006) - 2.5/5
Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock? (2006)
An interesting look at the differences btwn the "art world" and the real world more than anything.
A woman trucker buys a painting for $5 at a thrift store for a friend. She winds up trying to sell it in a garage sale and someone says they think it might be a Jackson Pollock painting.
She tries to find out if it is and prove the art world wrong. Ultimately, it becomes a matter of principle to her and, imo, she's way too stubborn about it.
SPOILERS
I can kinda see turning down the $2 million from the anonymous offerer. I guess you cd think that anyone offering to pay that much must think it's worth something and if it's worth anything (b/c it's a Pollock) then it's worth a lot more than that.
However, she cd have secured her family's future w/ that so I think she probably sd have taken it. Again, we learn at the end that she has since turned down an offer of $9 million. Now I think she's been crazy, stubborn and selfish.
Wanting to prove the art world wrong and make them admit it is just as bad as them being that way, imo.
Haiku Summary
Woman finds cheap art.
May be Pollock. Finger print
matches. Take $9 mill!
An interesting look at the differences btwn the "art world" and the real world more than anything.
A woman trucker buys a painting for $5 at a thrift store for a friend. She winds up trying to sell it in a garage sale and someone says they think it might be a Jackson Pollock painting.
She tries to find out if it is and prove the art world wrong. Ultimately, it becomes a matter of principle to her and, imo, she's way too stubborn about it.
SPOILERS
I can kinda see turning down the $2 million from the anonymous offerer. I guess you cd think that anyone offering to pay that much must think it's worth something and if it's worth anything (b/c it's a Pollock) then it's worth a lot more than that.
However, she cd have secured her family's future w/ that so I think she probably sd have taken it. Again, we learn at the end that she has since turned down an offer of $9 million. Now I think she's been crazy, stubborn and selfish.
Wanting to prove the art world wrong and make them admit it is just as bad as them being that way, imo.
Haiku Summary
Woman finds cheap art.
May be Pollock. Finger print
matches. Take $9 mill!
Tarzan (1999) - 3.5/5
Tarzan (1999)
Great animation and really good characters. Also, the story was more compelling w/ the deeper characters and expressiveness of them.
I felt this movie had a fuller feel to it w/ humor, action, animation, character development, etc.
Haiku Summary
Ape takes babe as own.
Raises him, others come. Love,
songs, white man stays there!
Great animation and really good characters. Also, the story was more compelling w/ the deeper characters and expressiveness of them.
I felt this movie had a fuller feel to it w/ humor, action, animation, character development, etc.
Haiku Summary
Ape takes babe as own.
Raises him, others come. Love,
songs, white man stays there!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Pocahontas (1995) - 3/5
Pocahontas (1995)
Good animation but it just didn't keep my attention too well. I think the characters and story were a little thin or something. Nothing big, but I just wasn't drawn in.
However, again, the animation was good. The wind effects and water and such were fun to watch.
Haiku Summary
Indians happy.
White man comes for gold. Love, songs,
guns. White man goes home.
Good animation but it just didn't keep my attention too well. I think the characters and story were a little thin or something. Nothing big, but I just wasn't drawn in.
However, again, the animation was good. The wind effects and water and such were fun to watch.
Haiku Summary
Indians happy.
White man comes for gold. Love, songs,
guns. White man goes home.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) - 1/5
National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
I liked the first one and I think it's b/c I had very low expectations. I had a bit higher expectations from this one b/c people were telling me they liked it. But my expectations were still pretty low... not low enough.
I thought the dialogue was poorly written ("As a father, how do you expect me to take this?") and poorly acted. It was like 5 teenagers found a camera and said "Hey, let's make a movie real quick."
I give it a 1 mainly b/c there was some creativity in making U.S. history mysterious. That's about the most I can do for it.
The puzzles weren't engaging and before you cd even think about them, Cage has solved them. They might as well not even of had them.
I assume there isn't a book, but it felt like a thrown together movie version where they didn't have time to flesh this and that out and so they instantly solved puzzles, found clues, traveled the world, etc.
SPOILERS
The challenges were too far fetched too: hack into Buckingham Palace (and basically do whatever you want w/ the whole place instantly), get into the Oval Office, kidnap the president, etc.
The premise was weak too: a random person makes big claims, ruins the Gates name and threatens people w/ violence and attempted murder. Why? B/c he wants to discover the city of gold and get his name in the history books (which, by the way, it worked - take note kids - that's how you can be famous forever!).
He cd have easily gone to these guys who wd have wanted to do this anyway.
Also, I felt the tie into finding the city and clearing the Gates name to be thin. Just b/c the city exists, doesn't mean that's what Thomas Gates was protecting, etc.
Haiku Summary
Bad guy ruins name.
Let's do the impossible
fast and bad acting.
I liked the first one and I think it's b/c I had very low expectations. I had a bit higher expectations from this one b/c people were telling me they liked it. But my expectations were still pretty low... not low enough.
I thought the dialogue was poorly written ("As a father, how do you expect me to take this?") and poorly acted. It was like 5 teenagers found a camera and said "Hey, let's make a movie real quick."
I give it a 1 mainly b/c there was some creativity in making U.S. history mysterious. That's about the most I can do for it.
The puzzles weren't engaging and before you cd even think about them, Cage has solved them. They might as well not even of had them.
I assume there isn't a book, but it felt like a thrown together movie version where they didn't have time to flesh this and that out and so they instantly solved puzzles, found clues, traveled the world, etc.
SPOILERS
The challenges were too far fetched too: hack into Buckingham Palace (and basically do whatever you want w/ the whole place instantly), get into the Oval Office, kidnap the president, etc.
The premise was weak too: a random person makes big claims, ruins the Gates name and threatens people w/ violence and attempted murder. Why? B/c he wants to discover the city of gold and get his name in the history books (which, by the way, it worked - take note kids - that's how you can be famous forever!).
He cd have easily gone to these guys who wd have wanted to do this anyway.
Also, I felt the tie into finding the city and clearing the Gates name to be thin. Just b/c the city exists, doesn't mean that's what Thomas Gates was protecting, etc.
Haiku Summary
Bad guy ruins name.
Let's do the impossible
fast and bad acting.
Friday, January 18, 2008
My Top Five 2007 Movies
These are not the top movies I SAW in 2007, but my top movies released in 2007 (granted I'll still see more released in 2007 going forward, but I thought I'd make this list now)...
Here's the 2007 movies I've seen. There are a ton of 2007 I didn't see so. In fact below is IMDB's top 100 based on votes (7000 vote minimum per film) - I saw 7 of the top 20.
I started the list and when I got thru the best ones, it turned out I had 5 so a nice prime number...
1. Meet the Robinsons - 5/5
2. No Country for Old Men - 5/5
3. Bourne Ultimatum - 4.5/5
4. Juno - 4/5
5. Hot Fuzz - 4/5
Rank Title
1---There Will Be Blood (2007)
2---No Country for Old Men (2007)
3---Man from Earth, The (2007)
---Sicko (2007)
---Juno (2007)
6---Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
---Ratatouille (2007)
---Bourne Ultimatum, The (2007)
9---American Gangster (2007)
10---Into the Wild (2007)
---Hot Fuzz (2007)
---Stardust (2007)
---Atonement (2007)
---3:10 to Yuma (2007)
---Grindhouse (2007)
16---Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The (2007)
---Superbad (2007)
---Gone Baby Gone (2007)
---Darjeeling Limited, The (2007)
20---Eastern Promises (2007)
---Reign Over Me (2007)
---Enchanted (2007)
---Zodiac (2007/I)
Here's the 2007 movies I've seen. There are a ton of 2007 I didn't see so. In fact below is IMDB's top 100 based on votes (7000 vote minimum per film) - I saw 7 of the top 20.
I started the list and when I got thru the best ones, it turned out I had 5 so a nice prime number...
1. Meet the Robinsons - 5/5
2. No Country for Old Men - 5/5
3. Bourne Ultimatum - 4.5/5
4. Juno - 4/5
5. Hot Fuzz - 4/5
Rank Title
1---There Will Be Blood (2007)
2---No Country for Old Men (2007)
3---Man from Earth, The (2007)
---Sicko (2007)
---Juno (2007)
6---Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
---Ratatouille (2007)
---Bourne Ultimatum, The (2007)
9---American Gangster (2007)
10---Into the Wild (2007)
---Hot Fuzz (2007)
---Stardust (2007)
---Atonement (2007)
---3:10 to Yuma (2007)
---Grindhouse (2007)
16---Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, The (2007)
---Superbad (2007)
---Gone Baby Gone (2007)
---Darjeeling Limited, The (2007)
20---Eastern Promises (2007)
---Reign Over Me (2007)
---Enchanted (2007)
---Zodiac (2007/I)
The Rescuers Down Under (1990) - 2/5
The Rescuers Down Under (1990)
I think these earlier Disney movies just aren't holding my attention and such. The stories and characters aren't that compelling.
The artwork was good and the backgrounds (first CGI backgrounds for Disney) were good. The opening sequence w/ the eagle was fun too.
Like many older movies (and probably some newer ones too???), there's a real "bad guy" as opposed to just opposition or just a situation (see "Cars"). He's a poacher.
I didn't see the prequel so that didn't help, but I doubt I will.
Haiku Summary
Boy helps eagle and
poacher traps boy to get the
location. Mice help.
I think these earlier Disney movies just aren't holding my attention and such. The stories and characters aren't that compelling.
The artwork was good and the backgrounds (first CGI backgrounds for Disney) were good. The opening sequence w/ the eagle was fun too.
Like many older movies (and probably some newer ones too???), there's a real "bad guy" as opposed to just opposition or just a situation (see "Cars"). He's a poacher.
I didn't see the prequel so that didn't help, but I doubt I will.
Haiku Summary
Boy helps eagle and
poacher traps boy to get the
location. Mice help.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Juno (2007) - 4/5
Juno (2007)
Lots of hype about this movie and I was really interested in seeing it. I think my expectations were a bit high though tempered by some things I heard/read.
Probably my main/only "problem" w/ the movie is Juno's speech: everything she says is a alt-worded, cool, slang, cliche-mock, sarcastic, crafted line. It's overdone, IMO.
I believe it shows her immaturity and defensiveness well in the beginning of the movie, but then it keeps going and going.
The nice surprise to me was Jennifer Garner's character and her sincere interactions w/ the baby. I don't know if it was so great b/c it was unexpected or what.
Jason Bateman phoned it in a bit though his character wasn't really much anyway. Michael Cera is great and under-used here.
SPOILERS
When Vanessa talks to the baby in Juno's belly, it just rocked me. It really came through and was powerful.
Haiku Summary
Girl gets preg, will place
for adoption with "perfect"
couple. Love right person.
Lots of hype about this movie and I was really interested in seeing it. I think my expectations were a bit high though tempered by some things I heard/read.
Probably my main/only "problem" w/ the movie is Juno's speech: everything she says is a alt-worded, cool, slang, cliche-mock, sarcastic, crafted line. It's overdone, IMO.
I believe it shows her immaturity and defensiveness well in the beginning of the movie, but then it keeps going and going.
The nice surprise to me was Jennifer Garner's character and her sincere interactions w/ the baby. I don't know if it was so great b/c it was unexpected or what.
Jason Bateman phoned it in a bit though his character wasn't really much anyway. Michael Cera is great and under-used here.
SPOILERS
When Vanessa talks to the baby in Juno's belly, it just rocked me. It really came through and was powerful.
Haiku Summary
Girl gets preg, will place
for adoption with "perfect"
couple. Love right person.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Official How It Should Have Ended Website
The Official How It Should Have Ended Website
Some pretty funny takes on movies. I watched a few a couple years ago and thought they had some clever ideas. I think their art is better now too.
Some pretty funny takes on movies. I watched a few a couple years ago and thought they had some clever ideas. I think their art is better now too.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Little Mermaid (1989) - 3.5/5
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Good animation, great songs and story. The characters and their expressions really come to life.
I think, to me, this was the beginning of the 'new Disney' in animation.
Haiku Summary
Mermaid wants to be
a person. Falls in love and
needs his kiss to stay.
Good animation, great songs and story. The characters and their expressions really come to life.
I think, to me, this was the beginning of the 'new Disney' in animation.
Haiku Summary
Mermaid wants to be
a person. Falls in love and
needs his kiss to stay.
The Black Cauldron (1985) - 2.5/5
The Black Cauldron (1985)
Interesting b/c of it's position and place in Disney history. Also, the animation was good and interesting techniques at times.
But I think the Disney animation department was a bit scattered and schismed at the time and it shows. The story is a bit spotty at times and the characters, to me, aren't very sympathetic.
There's some witches and a magic sword and several references the Horned King's war and army and such, but none of them are really explained.
It has some influences from Lord of the Rings, I think.
Haiku Summary
Cauldron holds power.
Horned king wants it, boy must stop.
Witches, fights. We win!
Interesting b/c of it's position and place in Disney history. Also, the animation was good and interesting techniques at times.
But I think the Disney animation department was a bit scattered and schismed at the time and it shows. The story is a bit spotty at times and the characters, to me, aren't very sympathetic.
There's some witches and a magic sword and several references the Horned King's war and army and such, but none of them are really explained.
It has some influences from Lord of the Rings, I think.
Haiku Summary
Cauldron holds power.
Horned king wants it, boy must stop.
Witches, fights. We win!
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008) - 4/5
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie (2008)
Incredible animation. Wow.
The action is pretty good and I like the humor (witty, but not too 'adult'), but I felt the story was a bit slow at times.
Also, the 'scope' of the story was narrow: they just focus on the main characters. It feels kinda small. Rarely do they cut away to another story line or anything.
I thought maybe that's b/c it's a kids' movie, but lots of other kids' movies do that.
Anyway, it's fun, funny, entertaining and "safe" for kids which all add up to a lot.
Haiku Summary
Prince is taken. Sis
seeks help. Cabin boys go there.
King's help always near.
Incredible animation. Wow.
The action is pretty good and I like the humor (witty, but not too 'adult'), but I felt the story was a bit slow at times.
Also, the 'scope' of the story was narrow: they just focus on the main characters. It feels kinda small. Rarely do they cut away to another story line or anything.
I thought maybe that's b/c it's a kids' movie, but lots of other kids' movies do that.
Anyway, it's fun, funny, entertaining and "safe" for kids which all add up to a lot.
Haiku Summary
Prince is taken. Sis
seeks help. Cabin boys go there.
King's help always near.
The Great Mouse Detective (1986) - 3/5
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
This movie suffers in comparison to more established stories Disney usually used/uses and can't compare to modern animated movies so it's probably somewhat forgotten.
The characters are good and there's good aspects to the story, animation (first use of CGI), etc., but overall it's pretty far down the list of my favorites.
However, listening to a lot of podcasts interviews w/ animators, most of whom worked on this movie to some degree, I have a fond feeling towards it.
Haiku Summary
Rat takes girls dad. She
gets Basil to help find him.
Mouse as Sherlock Holmes.
This movie suffers in comparison to more established stories Disney usually used/uses and can't compare to modern animated movies so it's probably somewhat forgotten.
The characters are good and there's good aspects to the story, animation (first use of CGI), etc., but overall it's pretty far down the list of my favorites.
However, listening to a lot of podcasts interviews w/ animators, most of whom worked on this movie to some degree, I have a fond feeling towards it.
Haiku Summary
Rat takes girls dad. She
gets Basil to help find him.
Mouse as Sherlock Holmes.
Friday, January 11, 2008
MCN Top Ten
MCN Top Ten: The Big Chart
I bit overwhelming, but you can just look at the top 10 or so to see generally what is thought of as the best of 2007.
I bit overwhelming, but you can just look at the top 10 or so to see generally what is thought of as the best of 2007.
Once (2006) - 5/5
Once (2006)
Wow. What an incredible movie. Have I build it up enough? This movie has so many aspects that really appeal to me. It's very original and I didn't know much about it going in so it was so great to just watch it unfold.
They call it a "modern musical" and it's pretty subtle in that sense. It has some similarities to "The Committments" which I loved. Not only b/c it's in Ireland and is about music, but it's about passion in music too.
It doesn't get cliche in the "love" story or the music or "success" or anything. It feels very real. I watched some of the bonus features and started watching the commentary and they talked about how they approached it and that was very cool and independent.
The two leads are musicians. The lead "the guy" leads a band the director used to be in and "the girl" is a real-life friend of the guy lead. The director said he'd rather have musicians that cd half-way act than actors who cd have way play/sing.
It really makes the music powerful. During the first duet, I literally started bawling. It wasn't sad at all, but so emotional and that's how it came out. It blew me away. I ride the exercise bike while I watch movies and I was lost in the song but looked down and realized I was pedaling really fast.
I started getting really worked up and then just started bawling. I cdn't figure it out, but it was really great. I thought it wd stop when I realized how odd it was and it did die down a bit until the chorus started up again. Really strange, but very cool.
Anyway, I just loved how the rest of the movie played out and I think it might be my favorite movie of the year. The filmspotting.net podcast is great and has some awesome 'top five' lists.
Another note, I wondered a few times in the movie "What are their names?" Very cool.
Side note: I just finished this movie this morning and more thoughts may come to me so I might update this later.
Also, I'm about to watch a series of Glen Keane animated movies FYI.
SPOILERS
The director in the commentary talks about the title: "Once." He says there's a lot of guys he knows/has met, especially in Ireland, that talk about "Once I get my X deal..." or "Once I record this..." or "Once I open my shop..." and how they really cd be great, but don't have the motivation.
Haiku Summary
Songwriter meets girl.
Awesome chemistry in song.
They record. The End.
Wow. What an incredible movie. Have I build it up enough? This movie has so many aspects that really appeal to me. It's very original and I didn't know much about it going in so it was so great to just watch it unfold.
They call it a "modern musical" and it's pretty subtle in that sense. It has some similarities to "The Committments" which I loved. Not only b/c it's in Ireland and is about music, but it's about passion in music too.
It doesn't get cliche in the "love" story or the music or "success" or anything. It feels very real. I watched some of the bonus features and started watching the commentary and they talked about how they approached it and that was very cool and independent.
The two leads are musicians. The lead "the guy" leads a band the director used to be in and "the girl" is a real-life friend of the guy lead. The director said he'd rather have musicians that cd half-way act than actors who cd have way play/sing.
It really makes the music powerful. During the first duet, I literally started bawling. It wasn't sad at all, but so emotional and that's how it came out. It blew me away. I ride the exercise bike while I watch movies and I was lost in the song but looked down and realized I was pedaling really fast.
I started getting really worked up and then just started bawling. I cdn't figure it out, but it was really great. I thought it wd stop when I realized how odd it was and it did die down a bit until the chorus started up again. Really strange, but very cool.
Anyway, I just loved how the rest of the movie played out and I think it might be my favorite movie of the year. The filmspotting.net podcast is great and has some awesome 'top five' lists.
Another note, I wondered a few times in the movie "What are their names?" Very cool.
Side note: I just finished this movie this morning and more thoughts may come to me so I might update this later.
Also, I'm about to watch a series of Glen Keane animated movies FYI.
SPOILERS
The director in the commentary talks about the title: "Once." He says there's a lot of guys he knows/has met, especially in Ireland, that talk about "Once I get my X deal..." or "Once I record this..." or "Once I open my shop..." and how they really cd be great, but don't have the motivation.
Haiku Summary
Songwriter meets girl.
Awesome chemistry in song.
They record. The End.
Frank and Ollie (1995) - 5/5
Frank and Ollie (1995)
This is a documentary about two of the great Disney animators; two of the "nine old men." These guys started out in school together and wound up sharing an apartment and then building houses next to each other where they lived the rest of their lives (Frank died in 2004, but I believe Ollie is still alive).
It's a great look at what they did and their motivations, humility, skills and general approach to animation.
I've been listening to the AnimationPodcast.com and they talk a lot about Frank and Ollie. So getting to see them and learn about them was a lot of fun.
Haiku Summary
Two animators
for Disney tell their story.
Great insight for us.
This is a documentary about two of the great Disney animators; two of the "nine old men." These guys started out in school together and wound up sharing an apartment and then building houses next to each other where they lived the rest of their lives (Frank died in 2004, but I believe Ollie is still alive).
It's a great look at what they did and their motivations, humility, skills and general approach to animation.
I've been listening to the AnimationPodcast.com and they talk a lot about Frank and Ollie. So getting to see them and learn about them was a lot of fun.
Haiku Summary
Two animators
for Disney tell their story.
Great insight for us.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Maquinista, El (2004) - 3.5/5
Maquinista, El (2004)
I really liked the bulk of this movie except for the end. I cdn't believe Christian Bale's weight. I read he lost a record 80lbs for this movie. It hurts to look at him.
This movie built a lot of promise for most of it and then didn't deliver.
SPOILERS
The felt the "reveal" was a let down. All of the mystery was just him being psycho. I know that's a bit belittling, but I was hoping for something more sensational. They really did it well, but it just didn't have it IMO.
Haiku Summary
Crazy man doesn't
sleep. Who is after him? Is
it Ivan? No, himself.
I really liked the bulk of this movie except for the end. I cdn't believe Christian Bale's weight. I read he lost a record 80lbs for this movie. It hurts to look at him.
This movie built a lot of promise for most of it and then didn't deliver.
SPOILERS
The felt the "reveal" was a let down. All of the mystery was just him being psycho. I know that's a bit belittling, but I was hoping for something more sensational. They really did it well, but it just didn't have it IMO.
Haiku Summary
Crazy man doesn't
sleep. Who is after him? Is
it Ivan? No, himself.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
The Squid and the Whale (2005) - 4.5/5
The Squid and the Whale (2005)
A fairly painful, awkward, uncomfortable and powerful movie. Dense, to use a word from the movie.
The opening scene tells most of the story of this movie, but you don't know it quite yet.
SPOILERS
The dad is a fairly lame, fake "man" who is riding on his egotism and judgment of others despite not being able to be honest w/ himself or those around him. The mother isn't much better. The oldest son clearly mimics the dad and thinks dangerously to high of himself ("I think I cd have written it so the fact that it was already written is just a technicality.").
One of the best scenes is the older son's visit to the psychologist - his description of his time w/ his mom when he was young was just amazing. So vivid and powerful and touching.
So what or who are the squid and the whale? I think it might be his parents. They are fighting and are caught in an inescapable grapple where no one ever stops or wins. It might also be a symbol of fears in life. When he was a kid, he cdn't look at the squid and the whale except for through his fingers.
At the end, he forces himself to face his fears, to face reality. To grow up and face himself.
Haiku Summary
Two kids, parents split.
All kinds of dysfunction here.
No one wins. Hey, You.
A fairly painful, awkward, uncomfortable and powerful movie. Dense, to use a word from the movie.
The opening scene tells most of the story of this movie, but you don't know it quite yet.
SPOILERS
The dad is a fairly lame, fake "man" who is riding on his egotism and judgment of others despite not being able to be honest w/ himself or those around him. The mother isn't much better. The oldest son clearly mimics the dad and thinks dangerously to high of himself ("I think I cd have written it so the fact that it was already written is just a technicality.").
One of the best scenes is the older son's visit to the psychologist - his description of his time w/ his mom when he was young was just amazing. So vivid and powerful and touching.
So what or who are the squid and the whale? I think it might be his parents. They are fighting and are caught in an inescapable grapple where no one ever stops or wins. It might also be a symbol of fears in life. When he was a kid, he cdn't look at the squid and the whale except for through his fingers.
At the end, he forces himself to face his fears, to face reality. To grow up and face himself.
Haiku Summary
Two kids, parents split.
All kinds of dysfunction here.
No one wins. Hey, You.
Henry Fool (1997) - 4/5
Henry Fool (1997)
Fun, original and creative. I can see how someone might think this is a bad moview w/ bad acting and bad directing. I thought that for the first 15-20 mins of the sequel "Fay Grim."
But once you realize the details and nuances are intentional, it's really very impressive.
Haiku Summary
Garbage man meets a
stranger who gets him to write
a poem. It gets weird.
Fun, original and creative. I can see how someone might think this is a bad moview w/ bad acting and bad directing. I thought that for the first 15-20 mins of the sequel "Fay Grim."
But once you realize the details and nuances are intentional, it's really very impressive.
Haiku Summary
Garbage man meets a
stranger who gets him to write
a poem. It gets weird.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
The Good Shepherd (2006) - 2/5
The Good Shepherd (2006)
Very underwhelming performances by all. The movie drags as I don't think De Niro succeeds in using the pace as others have in the past.
Damon's character is suppose to be cold as stone, but he comes across as lame and boring.
It's always disappointing to see a bad spy movie b/c I love the potential they have there.
One thing I'll say, he doesn't insult the audience. You have to be thinking for certain parts, but it's not worth it to wait for them.
SPOILERS
Also, the "mystery film" character is fairly predictable once you get into it. Such a pivotal aspect and it's a let down.
Haiku Summary
Kid gets recruited
by CIA. Life planned for
him. Quiet, boring.
Very underwhelming performances by all. The movie drags as I don't think De Niro succeeds in using the pace as others have in the past.
Damon's character is suppose to be cold as stone, but he comes across as lame and boring.
It's always disappointing to see a bad spy movie b/c I love the potential they have there.
One thing I'll say, he doesn't insult the audience. You have to be thinking for certain parts, but it's not worth it to wait for them.
SPOILERS
Also, the "mystery film" character is fairly predictable once you get into it. Such a pivotal aspect and it's a let down.
Haiku Summary
Kid gets recruited
by CIA. Life planned for
him. Quiet, boring.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Kung fu Hustle (2004) - 4/5
Kung fu Hustle (2004)
Very original, creative and funny. Abandon all holds on reality and enjoy the ride.
The characters are clear, strong and funny. The fighting is very entertaining too and there's LOTS of it. However, it's more like orchestrated dance fighting. Very cool.
The only problem I have w/ this movie is there's very little story and what is there isn't compelling. Which means you wind up w/ the 14 year old's dream: a movie that's almost completely filled w/ fight scenes. :)
Haiku Summary
Kid wants to fight but
is not good. Grows up and is
the One. Fights REAL good.
Very original, creative and funny. Abandon all holds on reality and enjoy the ride.
The characters are clear, strong and funny. The fighting is very entertaining too and there's LOTS of it. However, it's more like orchestrated dance fighting. Very cool.
The only problem I have w/ this movie is there's very little story and what is there isn't compelling. Which means you wind up w/ the 14 year old's dream: a movie that's almost completely filled w/ fight scenes. :)
Haiku Summary
Kid wants to fight but
is not good. Grows up and is
the One. Fights REAL good.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Babettes g�stebud (1987) - 4.5/5
Babettes g�stebud (1987)
Great movie told very well. The levels and tones of sacrifice, mercy, grace and giving are great.
SPOILERS
I see Babette as a Christ-like figure setting aside (not by choice in this case) her "glory" for a time to serve others. She challenged their perceptions on what is acceptable and allowable and how to we can enjoy things we wdn't expect.
The "feast" scene is great at the discovery and Lorens really opens it up to the enjoyment of the "affair."
Haiku Summary
Old sisters with father.
Sacrifice all to serve others.
Big, scary dinner.
Great movie told very well. The levels and tones of sacrifice, mercy, grace and giving are great.
SPOILERS
I see Babette as a Christ-like figure setting aside (not by choice in this case) her "glory" for a time to serve others. She challenged their perceptions on what is acceptable and allowable and how to we can enjoy things we wdn't expect.
The "feast" scene is great at the discovery and Lorens really opens it up to the enjoyment of the "affair."
Haiku Summary
Old sisters with father.
Sacrifice all to serve others.
Big, scary dinner.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) - 3/5
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007)
Pretty funny first 30 mins or so. After that it's ok and then it's almost serious.
A little too "spoofish" than I'd want it to be.
WARNING: A good bit of nudity.
Haiku Summary
Spoof of Johnny Cash
The songs are good. "I'm
cut in half real bad."
Pretty funny first 30 mins or so. After that it's ok and then it's almost serious.
A little too "spoofish" than I'd want it to be.
WARNING: A good bit of nudity.
Haiku Summary
Spoof of Johnny Cash
The songs are good. "I'm
cut in half real bad."
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Polar Express (2004) - 4/5
The Polar Express (2004)
I didn't expect to like this movie too much. I didn't hear too many good things about it and given the animation and Tom Hanks, I felt I sd have been hearing a lot more.
I do love how they take advantage of the animation w/ the "camera" angles and light and perspectives. It's really fun what they were able to do and did do.
So maybe low expectations helped. I'm still not sure it's a 4/5, but...
SPOILERS
The basis of the story is that the (possibly) imaginary Polar Express is taking children who seemingly have lost belief in Santa (or maybe other reasons) to the North Pole.
The three main child characters all seem to learn/gain something in the journey. The girl learns to believe in her confidence (LEAD), the shy kid learns that not everything turns out bad when you open up (and gain friends) (DEPEND ON, RELY ON, COUNT ON) and the main kid learns to believe (BELIEVE). There's a 'know it all kid' too (LEARN), but I don't consider him a main character.
The conductor is their guide and there's a hobo which is a confusing character b/c he seems rather harsh. He seems to help mostly, but I'm not really sure of his role.
From what I read, the story is greatly expanded over the book which probably explains some of the various scenes that seem to be fantastical and unsure about their place in the movie (e.g., the lost ticket - great, but...???). There's also a few scenes of everything moving really fast, out of control, falling down (e.g., the train and the present funnel). I'm not sure of the purpose, but the scenes are pretty fun.
The hobo's big line is "seeing is believing" which makes me think it's the counter to the conductor or Santa in the regard that it's mostly a matter of belief. As the conductor says: "Seeing Santa is not required." and "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
I also have a little problem w/ the ending. The robe tells us it was just a dream. The bell tells us it must have been real. It's unfortunate b/c ultimately his simple belief is in question b/c he has physical proof.
Maybe they sd have ended it w/ a series of shots of him hearing the bell throughout his life (continued belief) and late in life receiving the bell (proof it was real).
But since it's a kids movie, I guess I'm being too harsh on that point. I'm sure kids go nuts when he opens the box w/ the bell in it. IT'S REAL!!! I wonder if that's in the book???
Haiku Summary
Boy doubts Santa. Train
takes him to North Pole, Santa.
Bell tells us it's real.
I didn't expect to like this movie too much. I didn't hear too many good things about it and given the animation and Tom Hanks, I felt I sd have been hearing a lot more.
I do love how they take advantage of the animation w/ the "camera" angles and light and perspectives. It's really fun what they were able to do and did do.
So maybe low expectations helped. I'm still not sure it's a 4/5, but...
SPOILERS
The basis of the story is that the (possibly) imaginary Polar Express is taking children who seemingly have lost belief in Santa (or maybe other reasons) to the North Pole.
The three main child characters all seem to learn/gain something in the journey. The girl learns to believe in her confidence (LEAD), the shy kid learns that not everything turns out bad when you open up (and gain friends) (DEPEND ON, RELY ON, COUNT ON) and the main kid learns to believe (BELIEVE). There's a 'know it all kid' too (LEARN), but I don't consider him a main character.
The conductor is their guide and there's a hobo which is a confusing character b/c he seems rather harsh. He seems to help mostly, but I'm not really sure of his role.
From what I read, the story is greatly expanded over the book which probably explains some of the various scenes that seem to be fantastical and unsure about their place in the movie (e.g., the lost ticket - great, but...???). There's also a few scenes of everything moving really fast, out of control, falling down (e.g., the train and the present funnel). I'm not sure of the purpose, but the scenes are pretty fun.
The hobo's big line is "seeing is believing" which makes me think it's the counter to the conductor or Santa in the regard that it's mostly a matter of belief. As the conductor says: "Seeing Santa is not required." and "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."
I also have a little problem w/ the ending. The robe tells us it was just a dream. The bell tells us it must have been real. It's unfortunate b/c ultimately his simple belief is in question b/c he has physical proof.
Maybe they sd have ended it w/ a series of shots of him hearing the bell throughout his life (continued belief) and late in life receiving the bell (proof it was real).
But since it's a kids movie, I guess I'm being too harsh on that point. I'm sure kids go nuts when he opens the box w/ the bell in it. IT'S REAL!!! I wonder if that's in the book???
Haiku Summary
Boy doubts Santa. Train
takes him to North Pole, Santa.
Bell tells us it's real.
Stone Reader (2002) - 3.5/5
Stone Reader (2002)
I really like the idea of this movie. I really like it. Countless times have I read some book or similar and wanted to track down the author. I wanted to discover some hidden treasure, etc. I'm actually kind of doing it now but I don't want to give any details here.
Unfortunately the first half of this movie is more about the guy making it and is filled with shots of fields, flowers, trees, him doing yard work, etc. He narrates over it what's been happening, but it's slow.
There's also shots of friends getting UPS/FedEx packages delivered to them which a) aren't very interesting and b) cd have been shot any time so it feels like filler.
The second half has a lot more things of interest happening and that's when it gets good. If you can make it past the first half, it's worth it. If you can't, just scan ahead, you really won't miss too much (though you might not appreciate the payoff as much???).
Haiku Summary
Guy reads book after
many years. Great, but author
is gone. He finds him.
I really like the idea of this movie. I really like it. Countless times have I read some book or similar and wanted to track down the author. I wanted to discover some hidden treasure, etc. I'm actually kind of doing it now but I don't want to give any details here.
Unfortunately the first half of this movie is more about the guy making it and is filled with shots of fields, flowers, trees, him doing yard work, etc. He narrates over it what's been happening, but it's slow.
There's also shots of friends getting UPS/FedEx packages delivered to them which a) aren't very interesting and b) cd have been shot any time so it feels like filler.
The second half has a lot more things of interest happening and that's when it gets good. If you can make it past the first half, it's worth it. If you can't, just scan ahead, you really won't miss too much (though you might not appreciate the payoff as much???).
Haiku Summary
Guy reads book after
many years. Great, but author
is gone. He finds him.
The Constant Gardener (2005) - 2/5
The Constant Gardener (2005)
Over-acted, heavy handed propaganda that insults the audiences ability to think.
Movies like this need to take a lesson from "Blood Diamond" about how to get the audience to care about your cause and want what you want.
The cinematography was great and the message is actually very important, but they way they tell it will probably only appeal to those already agreeing with them.
The overheard misunderstandings of the husband tell me they have a long way to go. It's too bad b/c they had a good deal of resources to work with.
Haiku Summary
Brit goes Africa
with new bride on a mission.
She dies, he cares, dies.
Over-acted, heavy handed propaganda that insults the audiences ability to think.
Movies like this need to take a lesson from "Blood Diamond" about how to get the audience to care about your cause and want what you want.
The cinematography was great and the message is actually very important, but they way they tell it will probably only appeal to those already agreeing with them.
The overheard misunderstandings of the husband tell me they have a long way to go. It's too bad b/c they had a good deal of resources to work with.
Haiku Summary
Brit goes Africa
with new bride on a mission.
She dies, he cares, dies.
Monday, December 03, 2007
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - 3.5/5
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
This was a well made, true story about Chris Gardner striving to keep his head above water and provide for his family. It's an incredible story and the acting is really good.
It's painful to watch and sad to think that he and his son went through so much. It's even sadder to think about how close he came to not making it and how many thousands and thousands of people don't make it.
SPOILERS
I think the way they told this story is accurate and well done. However, from a film/movie/entertainment standpoint, it's not much fun to watch. It's 99% depressing/sad and you really sd know the outcome already so the "payoff" isn't very rewarding.
Also, this might be a cynical point of view, but I kinda question his decision to put his family/son thru so much. I admire his determination and struggle, but it seems he cd have gotten a regular job and kept that suffering down a bit. Plus, if he hadn't gotten the job at the end, that wd have been terrible. High risk.
I certainly don't know the details, but based on what they told us thru the film, I'm not sure risking everything like that was the best way to go. But who am I?
Haiku summary
no job, no money
become broker, be happy
until then, sleep on bus
This was a well made, true story about Chris Gardner striving to keep his head above water and provide for his family. It's an incredible story and the acting is really good.
It's painful to watch and sad to think that he and his son went through so much. It's even sadder to think about how close he came to not making it and how many thousands and thousands of people don't make it.
SPOILERS
I think the way they told this story is accurate and well done. However, from a film/movie/entertainment standpoint, it's not much fun to watch. It's 99% depressing/sad and you really sd know the outcome already so the "payoff" isn't very rewarding.
Also, this might be a cynical point of view, but I kinda question his decision to put his family/son thru so much. I admire his determination and struggle, but it seems he cd have gotten a regular job and kept that suffering down a bit. Plus, if he hadn't gotten the job at the end, that wd have been terrible. High risk.
I certainly don't know the details, but based on what they told us thru the film, I'm not sure risking everything like that was the best way to go. But who am I?
Haiku summary
no job, no money
become broker, be happy
until then, sleep on bus
Friday, November 30, 2007
Movie Reviews, Podcast, Film, DVD, Cinema, Filmspotting
Movie Reviews, Podcast, Film, DVD, Cinema, Filmspotting
Movie reviews, interviews and top 5 lists
with Adam Kempenaar and Matty Robinson
I found this site looking for a movie related podcast. It's a good one. If you know of others, let me know.
Movie reviews, interviews and top 5 lists
with Adam Kempenaar and Matty Robinson
I found this site looking for a movie related podcast. It's a good one. If you know of others, let me know.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Akira (1988) - 3.5/5
Akira (1988)
"Neo-Tokyo is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E."
I think I saw this in high school, but don't remember it really.
I watched it in Japanese w/ subtitles which I think was a good move.
Artistic animation w/ a cool futuristic/action/sci-fi feel and story.
It's a cautionary message about the future, cities/government taking over, the individual being lost and worthless, etc. I'm on board w/that.
SPOILERS
The last about 20 minutes remind me of the end of "2001" where you're not really sure what's going on "birth of a new universe" and such. I'm not sure it really fits... actually, it fits the movie, but maybe not the message.
Unless they're trying to say, it will all just start over so don't worry... though it doesn't in the movie.
Haiku summary
future biker kids
one gets big mental powers
big fight, where'd he go?
"Neo-Tokyo is about to E.X.P.L.O.D.E."
I think I saw this in high school, but don't remember it really.
I watched it in Japanese w/ subtitles which I think was a good move.
Artistic animation w/ a cool futuristic/action/sci-fi feel and story.
It's a cautionary message about the future, cities/government taking over, the individual being lost and worthless, etc. I'm on board w/that.
SPOILERS
The last about 20 minutes remind me of the end of "2001" where you're not really sure what's going on "birth of a new universe" and such. I'm not sure it really fits... actually, it fits the movie, but maybe not the message.
Unless they're trying to say, it will all just start over so don't worry... though it doesn't in the movie.
Haiku summary
future biker kids
one gets big mental powers
big fight, where'd he go?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
No Country for Old Men (2007) - 5/5
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Just a great movie. Very moving, intense and technically powerful. The silence is deafening. The (sparse) dialog is great and quite "Coen."
Javier Bardem is the new "Hannibal Lector." Josh Brolin was great also. Both great performances.
This film is so well made that the story almost suffers. But it's a great story. I listned to a podcast about it and they pointed out how in some cases they don't even show you an important scene at all. I think that is a sign of their great movie making: they can get the audience and film to a point where you don't even need to see important things to get just as much out of it.
There's several points/parts of the story that I haven't processed completely, but I look forward to seeing multiple times over time and let it sink in.
Haiku summary
guy finds druggers dough
scariest guy ever hunts
world falling apart
Just a great movie. Very moving, intense and technically powerful. The silence is deafening. The (sparse) dialog is great and quite "Coen."
Javier Bardem is the new "Hannibal Lector." Josh Brolin was great also. Both great performances.
This film is so well made that the story almost suffers. But it's a great story. I listned to a podcast about it and they pointed out how in some cases they don't even show you an important scene at all. I think that is a sign of their great movie making: they can get the audience and film to a point where you don't even need to see important things to get just as much out of it.
There's several points/parts of the story that I haven't processed completely, but I look forward to seeing multiple times over time and let it sink in.
Haiku summary
guy finds druggers dough
scariest guy ever hunts
world falling apart
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Casino Royale (2006) - 3.5/5
Casino Royale (2006)
Good spy movie and I like that they are returning to the spy aspects of James Bond.
The story falls a little short of the spectacle still, but it's good.
Haiku summary:
James, a new double-oh
Villian, loses bad guys' dough
Let's play cards for it!
Good spy movie and I like that they are returning to the spy aspects of James Bond.
The story falls a little short of the spectacle still, but it's good.
Haiku summary:
James, a new double-oh
Villian, loses bad guys' dough
Let's play cards for it!
Fast Food Nation (2006) - 1.5/5
Fast Food Nation (2006)
They should have stuck to the book or not used that name or something. So much story left undone. Plots closed in a trite way. So much of the true power they intended was just completely missed.
I have hesitated to say this in the past, but I think this film makes it easier to say that I think Rickard Linklater is overrated. He's good at some things, but overrated.
Haiku summary:
There's poo in burgers.
We only care about cash.
Eat poo, save money.
They should have stuck to the book or not used that name or something. So much story left undone. Plots closed in a trite way. So much of the true power they intended was just completely missed.
I have hesitated to say this in the past, but I think this film makes it easier to say that I think Rickard Linklater is overrated. He's good at some things, but overrated.
Haiku summary:
There's poo in burgers.
We only care about cash.
Eat poo, save money.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Fred Claus (2007) - 2.5/5
Fred Claus (2007)
Vince Vaughn was his usual self, but it felt a little worn/forced/played out. Kevin Spacey didn't do himself any favors.
It's fairly predictable and trite, but a lot cuter than I expected. I figured it wd be more irreverent and crude and it wasn't.
SPOILERS
Not that it's a completely bad idea, but the message of "even the bad kids sd get a toy for Christmas"... let's just say it's questionable b/c I'm not sure how far they're trying to take it.
I only have an "issue" w/ that b/c it cd be based on the idea that "really no one is 'bad' and down deep we're all good" or no one is really responsible for what they do (like in the case of Clyde - he didn't get a present b/c he was bad... but b/c he didn't get a present he was bad... huh?) or "who's to say who's 'naughty' and who's 'nice' - who can judge?"
Haiku Summary
Bad big bro needs cash
lil bro Santa, needs help too
Christmas miracle!
Vince Vaughn was his usual self, but it felt a little worn/forced/played out. Kevin Spacey didn't do himself any favors.
It's fairly predictable and trite, but a lot cuter than I expected. I figured it wd be more irreverent and crude and it wasn't.
SPOILERS
Not that it's a completely bad idea, but the message of "even the bad kids sd get a toy for Christmas"... let's just say it's questionable b/c I'm not sure how far they're trying to take it.
I only have an "issue" w/ that b/c it cd be based on the idea that "really no one is 'bad' and down deep we're all good" or no one is really responsible for what they do (like in the case of Clyde - he didn't get a present b/c he was bad... but b/c he didn't get a present he was bad... huh?) or "who's to say who's 'naughty' and who's 'nice' - who can judge?"
Haiku Summary
Bad big bro needs cash
lil bro Santa, needs help too
Christmas miracle!
Friday, November 09, 2007
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) (TV) - 0/5
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002) (TV)
Just bad all around: commercial, story, hidden adult humor, Whoopi Goldberg, etc.
Just bad all around: commercial, story, hidden adult humor, Whoopi Goldberg, etc.
Children of Men (2006) - 4.5/5
Children of Men (2006): "No children. No future. No hope."
Great movie, great directing - the amazingly long shots w/ so much action and choreography were amazing.
The story was good, but it was so well told. The idea that the world is infertile (lost) and there comes a child (savior) through a unwed woman (virgin) and needs to be taken by a man to a safe place to have the child, etc. Strong Christology there, but some points are off and I can't tell how much is intentional, interpretation, manipulation, etc. (the child is a girl, etc.).
No biggie, but I just wasn't sure if they were being original or had an agenda.
The technical aspect of the shots they got in the car, during the chase, etc. were so great.
What a great film to just watch, enjoy and appreciate.
Haiku Summary:
No more babies born
A girl gets pregnant, needs help
baby born in rowboat
Great movie, great directing - the amazingly long shots w/ so much action and choreography were amazing.
The story was good, but it was so well told. The idea that the world is infertile (lost) and there comes a child (savior) through a unwed woman (virgin) and needs to be taken by a man to a safe place to have the child, etc. Strong Christology there, but some points are off and I can't tell how much is intentional, interpretation, manipulation, etc. (the child is a girl, etc.).
No biggie, but I just wasn't sure if they were being original or had an agenda.
The technical aspect of the shots they got in the car, during the chase, etc. were so great.
What a great film to just watch, enjoy and appreciate.
Haiku Summary:
No more babies born
A girl gets pregnant, needs help
baby born in rowboat
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The Darjeeling Limited (2007) - 3/5
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Wes Anderson's power grows. I love the tone/feel of his movies - he's so consistent in that despite everything else which is impressive.
I think there's a lot of depth to this movie and wd love to read a good essay on it. But it's clear these men have all suffered b/c of their parents (and lack of).
UPDATE: I lowered this to 3. As time goes by, I'm digging this movie less. It has a lot of power, but fails to pull it together.
SPOILERS
When they save the kids from drowning, it's very powerful. I'm sure there's a lot being said about themselves needing to be saved and not all making it. Also, about going to the funeral and the reactions of the people.
Dropping their baggage at the end and letting go to be together is pretty clear.
Haiku Summary
bros, train, India
looking for mother, themselves
let dad's baggage go
Wes Anderson's power grows. I love the tone/feel of his movies - he's so consistent in that despite everything else which is impressive.
I think there's a lot of depth to this movie and wd love to read a good essay on it. But it's clear these men have all suffered b/c of their parents (and lack of).
UPDATE: I lowered this to 3. As time goes by, I'm digging this movie less. It has a lot of power, but fails to pull it together.
SPOILERS
When they save the kids from drowning, it's very powerful. I'm sure there's a lot being said about themselves needing to be saved and not all making it. Also, about going to the funeral and the reactions of the people.
Dropping their baggage at the end and letting go to be together is pretty clear.
Haiku Summary
bros, train, India
looking for mother, themselves
let dad's baggage go
Monday, November 05, 2007
Hot Fuzz (2007) - 4/5
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Nicely original and a great new take on spoofing other movies - kinda like "Scream" did for the '90s.
The wit is spot on and it builds so well for the last half hour of action. They really put in the time to develop the characters and story to make the last part really enjoyable and pay off well.
Haiku Summary:
top cop goes small town
"by the power of Grayskull!"
so many murders
Nicely original and a great new take on spoofing other movies - kinda like "Scream" did for the '90s.
The wit is spot on and it builds so well for the last half hour of action. They really put in the time to develop the characters and story to make the last part really enjoyable and pay off well.
Haiku Summary:
top cop goes small town
"by the power of Grayskull!"
so many murders
Friday, November 02, 2007
Surf's Up (2007) - 3/5
Surf's Up (2007)
Great animation and camera angles. The animal physics were cool too.
The story was a bit thin to me especially given it's not the most "kid" type movie/humor.
Haiku Summary
surfin' penguin gets
a break. finds lost hero, learns
to have fun, loses.
Great animation and camera angles. The animal physics were cool too.
The story was a bit thin to me especially given it's not the most "kid" type movie/humor.
Haiku Summary
surfin' penguin gets
a break. finds lost hero, learns
to have fun, loses.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Chalk (2006/I) - 4/5
Chalk (2006/I)
It gets an extra half or full point b/c it's independent.
A (sometimes) funny look at teachers' lives in and out of school. It's a rough looking life w/ little reward or encouragement. I felt pretty sorry for teachers and I don't think I cd do it.
I wdn't call this a "mockumentary" b/c I think of those as comedies. This is more of a semi-unscripted, "fictional documentary" like "The Office."
Haiku Summary
teachers have hard jobs
students make it harder still
I guess they love it.
It gets an extra half or full point b/c it's independent.
A (sometimes) funny look at teachers' lives in and out of school. It's a rough looking life w/ little reward or encouragement. I felt pretty sorry for teachers and I don't think I cd do it.
I wdn't call this a "mockumentary" b/c I think of those as comedies. This is more of a semi-unscripted, "fictional documentary" like "The Office."
Haiku Summary
teachers have hard jobs
students make it harder still
I guess they love it.
Blood Diamond (2006) - 3.5/5
Blood Diamond (2006)
Very intense and powerful film. They held back and it's still hard to watch.
This is the way to do a political movie: don't beat people over the head. Show them what's happening and let them make their own conclusions. When it's well done, the choice is obvious.
I think people might watch this movie and, if anything, be more cautious about buying diamonds or maybe even not buy them anymore. However, everything we buy is sending a message.
If you buy these diamonds, you might feel guilty about the people that died or were hurt in getting it to you. But similar is true for other purchases: when you buy from a company you are endorsing their practices even if you don't know what they are.
WalMart, like many companies, pretty much has sweat shops around the world. You're supporting that. CITGO is the U.S. subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company. JPMorgan, Chevron, Marriot and many other support Planned Parenthood. Ford funds many Gay/Lesbian groups. The list goes on. It's pretty difficult to not be supporting one thing or another w/ any purchase when we know it or not.
Haiku Summary
locals die for stones
mercenary wants big rock
helps man get fam, dies doing so
Very intense and powerful film. They held back and it's still hard to watch.
This is the way to do a political movie: don't beat people over the head. Show them what's happening and let them make their own conclusions. When it's well done, the choice is obvious.
I think people might watch this movie and, if anything, be more cautious about buying diamonds or maybe even not buy them anymore. However, everything we buy is sending a message.
If you buy these diamonds, you might feel guilty about the people that died or were hurt in getting it to you. But similar is true for other purchases: when you buy from a company you are endorsing their practices even if you don't know what they are.
WalMart, like many companies, pretty much has sweat shops around the world. You're supporting that. CITGO is the U.S. subsidiary of Venezuela's state-owned oil company. JPMorgan, Chevron, Marriot and many other support Planned Parenthood. Ford funds many Gay/Lesbian groups. The list goes on. It's pretty difficult to not be supporting one thing or another w/ any purchase when we know it or not.
Haiku Summary
locals die for stones
mercenary wants big rock
helps man get fam, dies doing so
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Meet the Robinsons (2007) - 5/5
Meet the Robinsons (2007)
Maybe it was my state of mind when I saw this or maybe somehow seeing bits and pieces of this over several days and then watching it all the way thru, but I loved this movie.
It had it all: great animation, action, comedy, drama, sci-fi and more. It's a very complex story too - I think kids wd completely enjoy it, but they might not get all of the implications of the story.
Also the score is really good and there are two songs that are really good. "Another Believer" is very haunting and beautiful.
The animation is some of the most creative and pleasant to look at that I've seen. They nail it all especially the facial expressions. So great.
This is a rare movie that pretty much gets it all around in all areas and that is rare for any movie.
SPOILERS
I love time-travel related movies and this is no exception. The idea that at the end he doesn't seek to be w/ him bio-mom is very powerful. He already has a family is his reasoning and now realizes he has to choose. It's a huge decision and it's bold to even deal w/ it.
Haiku Summary
orphan wants his mom
to future, has family
picks future, not past
Maybe it was my state of mind when I saw this or maybe somehow seeing bits and pieces of this over several days and then watching it all the way thru, but I loved this movie.
It had it all: great animation, action, comedy, drama, sci-fi and more. It's a very complex story too - I think kids wd completely enjoy it, but they might not get all of the implications of the story.
Also the score is really good and there are two songs that are really good. "Another Believer" is very haunting and beautiful.
The animation is some of the most creative and pleasant to look at that I've seen. They nail it all especially the facial expressions. So great.
This is a rare movie that pretty much gets it all around in all areas and that is rare for any movie.
SPOILERS
I love time-travel related movies and this is no exception. The idea that at the end he doesn't seek to be w/ him bio-mom is very powerful. He already has a family is his reasoning and now realizes he has to choose. It's a huge decision and it's bold to even deal w/ it.
Haiku Summary
orphan wants his mom
to future, has family
picks future, not past
The Right Stuff (1983) - 3.5/5
The Right Stuff (1983)
It might be a little dated and over acted, but it's good. The first time I saw it, I don't think I caught the compare/contrast btwn the astronauts selected and Yeager.
I'm not sure what to make of the differences btwn them, but I liked it.
SPOILERS
When the astronauts are watching the dance show and Yeager is flying the new jet, I had a lot of thoughts. Were they trying to show that Yeager really did want to go to outer space? Were they showing that Yeager did or did not have the right stuff? Were they showing that while the astronauts were wined and dined Yeager was still flying and living on the edge?
I think the lines "Is that a man?" "Yes, it is." kinda answers that, but I'm not 100% sure of all the messages there.
Haiku summary:
space race is on now!
train, test, danger and explosions
can you "fly" a brick?
It might be a little dated and over acted, but it's good. The first time I saw it, I don't think I caught the compare/contrast btwn the astronauts selected and Yeager.
I'm not sure what to make of the differences btwn them, but I liked it.
SPOILERS
When the astronauts are watching the dance show and Yeager is flying the new jet, I had a lot of thoughts. Were they trying to show that Yeager really did want to go to outer space? Were they showing that Yeager did or did not have the right stuff? Were they showing that while the astronauts were wined and dined Yeager was still flying and living on the edge?
I think the lines "Is that a man?" "Yes, it is." kinda answers that, but I'm not 100% sure of all the messages there.
Haiku summary:
space race is on now!
train, test, danger and explosions
can you "fly" a brick?
Monday, October 22, 2007
Shark Bait/The Reef (2006) - 1/5
Shark Bait (2006)
I'm not sure why the movie we rented was called "The Reef" but it's listed other places as "Shark Bait"???
Weak. Low quality animation, weak story, bad Nemo rip off (blatant at times). A bit too violent too. I was surprised how often they were hitting each other, pushing, etc. and just playing it off like this is how you live. Usually kids movies are way the other way: violence doesn't solve anything, we can all be friends, peace, man. No biggie, for a 6 year old or something, but I was a little surprised it was G.
Haiku summary:
fish loses parents
reef, love, blah... weak all around
fights, kills shark for love
I'm not sure why the movie we rented was called "The Reef" but it's listed other places as "Shark Bait"???
Weak. Low quality animation, weak story, bad Nemo rip off (blatant at times). A bit too violent too. I was surprised how often they were hitting each other, pushing, etc. and just playing it off like this is how you live. Usually kids movies are way the other way: violence doesn't solve anything, we can all be friends, peace, man. No biggie, for a 6 year old or something, but I was a little surprised it was G.
Haiku summary:
fish loses parents
reef, love, blah... weak all around
fights, kills shark for love
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A Scanner Darkly (2006) - 3/5
A Scanner Darkly (2006)
IMO the rotoscoping was distraction. I think it was done VERY well and actually fit the story, but it overshadowed the story for me. I paid more attention to that than I wd like.
Unfortunately, I also felt the story was over powered by the performances. They were so over the top (which fit the characters) that it was more like just watching performances than a story.
I was surprised to see so many big names and maybe that hurt a bit too - too much to look at, think about, etc.
SPOILERS:
How were they able to eat/take pills through the suit?
Haiku summary:
bad cop or good guy
he doesn't know either
D will mess you up
IMO the rotoscoping was distraction. I think it was done VERY well and actually fit the story, but it overshadowed the story for me. I paid more attention to that than I wd like.
Unfortunately, I also felt the story was over powered by the performances. They were so over the top (which fit the characters) that it was more like just watching performances than a story.
I was surprised to see so many big names and maybe that hurt a bit too - too much to look at, think about, etc.
SPOILERS:
How were they able to eat/take pills through the suit?
Haiku summary:
bad cop or good guy
he doesn't know either
D will mess you up
Friday, October 19, 2007
Abre los ojos (1997) - 4/5
Abre los ojos (1997)
Very original and interesting. I loved the build up and mystery of 'what in the world is going on.' Even though I'd seen "Vanilla Sky", I just liked watching it unfold before me.
I think it was good all around and made "Vanilla Sky" look like what it pretty much was: an American remake. Little change except the name, lead actor and inserted a bit of Hollywood for good measure.
SPOILERS:
I was disappointed in "Vanilla Sky" that it was basically all a dream. It's hard to explain, but it's like all the revelations and introspection was just made up in his head. Some how that took away from it in a way I can't explain.
However, in this version (and maybe "Vanilla Sky" too and I just missed it), they seem to say (or at least imply) that the "dream" was all made up by him. I think in "Vanilla Sky" they say it's a glitch in the computers.
But here it's almost like they say: You're doing this. You're making this horrible and torture and maddening. Which made me think, he knows either consciously or otherwise that he's shallow, selfish and arrogant and wanted to prove it to himself.
Of course he cd have done that by just living out his life instead of killing himself and dreaming it, but that's why it might be subconscious.
Haiku summary:
spoiled man's face wrecked
loses girl, dies, gets frozen
dreams life, learns lesson
Very original and interesting. I loved the build up and mystery of 'what in the world is going on.' Even though I'd seen "Vanilla Sky", I just liked watching it unfold before me.
I think it was good all around and made "Vanilla Sky" look like what it pretty much was: an American remake. Little change except the name, lead actor and inserted a bit of Hollywood for good measure.
SPOILERS:
I was disappointed in "Vanilla Sky" that it was basically all a dream. It's hard to explain, but it's like all the revelations and introspection was just made up in his head. Some how that took away from it in a way I can't explain.
However, in this version (and maybe "Vanilla Sky" too and I just missed it), they seem to say (or at least imply) that the "dream" was all made up by him. I think in "Vanilla Sky" they say it's a glitch in the computers.
But here it's almost like they say: You're doing this. You're making this horrible and torture and maddening. Which made me think, he knows either consciously or otherwise that he's shallow, selfish and arrogant and wanted to prove it to himself.
Of course he cd have done that by just living out his life instead of killing himself and dreaming it, but that's why it might be subconscious.
Haiku summary:
spoiled man's face wrecked
loses girl, dies, gets frozen
dreams life, learns lesson
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The TV Set (2006) - 4/5
The TV Set (2006): "A place where dreams are canceled"
A humorous and honest/cynical look at the production of a TV show pilot.
It's the story of a write working on a pilot dealing w/ the creative compromises necessary to turn art into business.
I'm not sure how the public these days manages to fool themselves into think good art can transition into boog business w/o compromise to the point of almost ruining whatever was good about the art.
Society at times will still claim it to be good and in some cases it is, but that might be in spite of the compromises (a good artist can work w/in that), just our opinion (which has to be questioned w/ some of the material out there succeeding) or it wasn't corrupted which I'd say wd be an extreme exception.
Sorry to ramble.
The dialog is great. Weaver's character has some incredible lines "He's not coming!?!?!"
I like the way it's so clearly split into 3 acts: pre-production, production and responses each separated by a few weeks. And each act is focused on just one or two long scenes. You get a tight view of the present and can fill in the blanks between.
SPOILERS:
It's interesting that even though the bed-ridden writer looking at his pregnant wife holding baby #1 realizes he needs to make this work as a job (i.e., compromise his art), he's still so upset about his work being altered that he's driven to drink and pain killers (or so they wd have us believe).
Anyway, I wd rather have seen him buy into it all to a degree just in realizing this is what it takes to make art work in business (he can still do art for the sake of art on the side if that's the point). Or he not cave to the compromise.
Haiku summary:
writer with pilot
compromises art to work
network inserts fart
A humorous and honest/cynical look at the production of a TV show pilot.
It's the story of a write working on a pilot dealing w/ the creative compromises necessary to turn art into business.
I'm not sure how the public these days manages to fool themselves into think good art can transition into boog business w/o compromise to the point of almost ruining whatever was good about the art.
Society at times will still claim it to be good and in some cases it is, but that might be in spite of the compromises (a good artist can work w/in that), just our opinion (which has to be questioned w/ some of the material out there succeeding) or it wasn't corrupted which I'd say wd be an extreme exception.
Sorry to ramble.
The dialog is great. Weaver's character has some incredible lines "He's not coming!?!?!"
I like the way it's so clearly split into 3 acts: pre-production, production and responses each separated by a few weeks. And each act is focused on just one or two long scenes. You get a tight view of the present and can fill in the blanks between.
SPOILERS:
It's interesting that even though the bed-ridden writer looking at his pregnant wife holding baby #1 realizes he needs to make this work as a job (i.e., compromise his art), he's still so upset about his work being altered that he's driven to drink and pain killers (or so they wd have us believe).
Anyway, I wd rather have seen him buy into it all to a degree just in realizing this is what it takes to make art work in business (he can still do art for the sake of art on the side if that's the point). Or he not cave to the compromise.
Haiku summary:
writer with pilot
compromises art to work
network inserts fart
Monday, October 15, 2007
Barton Fink (1991) - 4/5
Barton Fink (1991)
Interesting and weird at times. As w/ most Coen Brothers' movies, great acting, directing, cinematography, timing, dialog, etc. Such a great film to just watch for the sake of a film.
The cop scenes remind me of "Miller's Crossing" which is the best dialog ever IMO.
SPOILERS:
When Charlie carries the body and hits her head b/c he misjudges the space and then later you learn how he cuts off their heads so you realize why he misjudged the spacing - it's great.
Haiku summary:
playwright goes out west
has writer's block, meets neighbor
this guy cuts off heads
Interesting and weird at times. As w/ most Coen Brothers' movies, great acting, directing, cinematography, timing, dialog, etc. Such a great film to just watch for the sake of a film.
The cop scenes remind me of "Miller's Crossing" which is the best dialog ever IMO.
SPOILERS:
When Charlie carries the body and hits her head b/c he misjudges the space and then later you learn how he cuts off their heads so you realize why he misjudged the spacing - it's great.
Haiku summary:
playwright goes out west
has writer's block, meets neighbor
this guy cuts off heads
Fargo (1996) - 4/5
Fargo (1996)
Another Coen Brothers' - so great.
The way everyone deals w/ the extreme and every-day events w/in the same conversation is so great. Almost relaxing and reassuring.
Again, everything is quality and a pleasure to watch... it can be done so well.
Haiku summary:
screw-up guy needs cash
has his wife kidnapped, ransom
criminals are nuts
Another Coen Brothers' - so great.
The way everyone deals w/ the extreme and every-day events w/in the same conversation is so great. Almost relaxing and reassuring.
Again, everything is quality and a pleasure to watch... it can be done so well.
Haiku summary:
screw-up guy needs cash
has his wife kidnapped, ransom
criminals are nuts
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Munich (2005) - 4/5
Munich (2005)
A seemingly controversial fictional tale inspired by real events. It's a sad story on the large and small scale from countries to individuals.
I like the realism of the life of a 'spy/assassin.' It's so unglamorous and unattractive. The cost is high for everyone and shows how it can be somewhat fruitless if not counter productive. Who's to say what's effective?
A very well made movie, but an unfortunate event/topic. It makes it hard to write the...
Haiku summary:
athletes are murdered
revenge is taken for it
personal costs are so high
A seemingly controversial fictional tale inspired by real events. It's a sad story on the large and small scale from countries to individuals.
I like the realism of the life of a 'spy/assassin.' It's so unglamorous and unattractive. The cost is high for everyone and shows how it can be somewhat fruitless if not counter productive. Who's to say what's effective?
A very well made movie, but an unfortunate event/topic. It makes it hard to write the...
Haiku summary:
athletes are murdered
revenge is taken for it
personal costs are so high
Delicatessen (1991) - 4/5
Delicatessen (1991)
Great acting and directing. Somewhat of a light Terry Gilliam.
The characters are great and developed so well w/ so little dialogue. Everything was so unique and interesting. I liked how so many things are left unexplained, unanswered and unresolved. I don't go looking for that, but I like when they the filmmakers don't feel the need to wrap everything up.
Sometimes it's necessary and sometimes it's necessary not to. It's great when they know the difference.
Haiku summary:
the future is weird
butcher and tenants eat folks
love leaves knife in head
Great acting and directing. Somewhat of a light Terry Gilliam.
The characters are great and developed so well w/ so little dialogue. Everything was so unique and interesting. I liked how so many things are left unexplained, unanswered and unresolved. I don't go looking for that, but I like when they the filmmakers don't feel the need to wrap everything up.
Sometimes it's necessary and sometimes it's necessary not to. It's great when they know the difference.
Haiku summary:
the future is weird
butcher and tenants eat folks
love leaves knife in head
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The Heartbreak Kid (2007) - 2.5/5
The Heartbreak Kid (2007)
I found this funny but part of that cd be b/c of very low expectations. Ben Stiller plays the same character he's played in most of his movies: frustrated loser.
I think the chemistry works and there's some funny situations.
The Farrelly brothers do their usual stuff which can be funny at times.
Warning: Nudity and such.
Haiku Summary:
A marriage too quick
honeymoon: meets another
sunburn allows love
I found this funny but part of that cd be b/c of very low expectations. Ben Stiller plays the same character he's played in most of his movies: frustrated loser.
I think the chemistry works and there's some funny situations.
The Farrelly brothers do their usual stuff which can be funny at times.
Warning: Nudity and such.
Haiku Summary:
A marriage too quick
honeymoon: meets another
sunburn allows love
Friday, October 05, 2007
Once Upon a Time in America (1984) - 4/5
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Leone is a master and even I can see it.
Great acting and editing too. I read it was originally screened w/ Leone's cut and loved and then reedited by the studio to be in chronological order and panned by everyone.
Fortunately, I saw the right version. So great.
SPOILERS
New feature - One Sentence Summary: I try to sum up the movie in one sentence (which, of course, includes spoilers)...
Gangster kids grow up to be gangster adults with one ratting out the others on a job to send them to prison instead of death only to find the leader didn't die and hires the rat anonymously later in life to kill him out of guilt/debt/fear.
Leone is a master and even I can see it.
Great acting and editing too. I read it was originally screened w/ Leone's cut and loved and then reedited by the studio to be in chronological order and panned by everyone.
Fortunately, I saw the right version. So great.
SPOILERS
New feature - One Sentence Summary: I try to sum up the movie in one sentence (which, of course, includes spoilers)...
Gangster kids grow up to be gangster adults with one ratting out the others on a job to send them to prison instead of death only to find the leader didn't die and hires the rat anonymously later in life to kill him out of guilt/debt/fear.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Pi (1998) - 4/5
Pi (1998)
I gave this an extra half point b/c it was independent. I didn't so much care for the film development technique which was distracting at times. I like the idea of doing something different and in '98 that might have been cool, but I wasn't into it this time.
I like the story and the way the numbers work out and the mystery of it all.
After watching it one day, I watched w/ the commentary the next day. For independent movies, how they did things is pretty interesting.
I thought the actors did a good job and the story is compelling enough to enjoy. I don't think they pulled off what "Primer" did, but it's along those lines. I think in '98 it wd have been on par w/ that, but not today.
I gave this an extra half point b/c it was independent. I didn't so much care for the film development technique which was distracting at times. I like the idea of doing something different and in '98 that might have been cool, but I wasn't into it this time.
I like the story and the way the numbers work out and the mystery of it all.
After watching it one day, I watched w/ the commentary the next day. For independent movies, how they did things is pretty interesting.
I thought the actors did a good job and the story is compelling enough to enjoy. I don't think they pulled off what "Primer" did, but it's along those lines. I think in '98 it wd have been on par w/ that, but not today.
Beautiful Girls (1996) - 3/5
Beautiful Girls (1996)
This movie was decently made, but just not that interesting. Matt Dillon's story-line was a bit weak - they cd have developed that more IMO. The best story-line to me was btwn Willy and Marty and I felt they kinda dropped the ball there.
It seemed to build the first half and then just wind down the second half.
Natalie Portman was way too good for her age. Very impressive.
This movie was decently made, but just not that interesting. Matt Dillon's story-line was a bit weak - they cd have developed that more IMO. The best story-line to me was btwn Willy and Marty and I felt they kinda dropped the ball there.
It seemed to build the first half and then just wind down the second half.
Natalie Portman was way too good for her age. Very impressive.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Cahill U.S. Marshal (1973) - 3.5/5
Cahill U.S. Marshal (1973)
This was a good movie, but not maybe a typical western. John Wayne was really good, but not really having watched him growing up, he seemed a bit dated and cliche (though HE made the cliche so he defines it).
It was a great aspect of the western/cowboy about how he handles his relationship w/ his sons. I felt that was a good departure from the regular western and made the movie worth it.
SPOILERS
Great last line: "Let's go stop a hangin'."
This was a good movie, but not maybe a typical western. John Wayne was really good, but not really having watched him growing up, he seemed a bit dated and cliche (though HE made the cliche so he defines it).
It was a great aspect of the western/cowboy about how he handles his relationship w/ his sons. I felt that was a good departure from the regular western and made the movie worth it.
SPOILERS
Great last line: "Let's go stop a hangin'."
Far from Heaven (2002) - 2.5/5
Far from Heaven (2002)
Not good. I'm not sure if the cliche '50s style acting was overboard on purpose or to make a point.
SPOILERS
It was interesting how the gay husband wrecks his family and is pretty selfish all around, does what he wants and leaves, but the wife foregos her 'wants' (as does the object of her affection) for what's best (avoiding a difficult life for them all, hurting her kids, etc.).
Maybe that's just what I took away from it, but it seemed like a strange ending to a film that was trying to make a statement.
Not good. I'm not sure if the cliche '50s style acting was overboard on purpose or to make a point.
SPOILERS
It was interesting how the gay husband wrecks his family and is pretty selfish all around, does what he wants and leaves, but the wife foregos her 'wants' (as does the object of her affection) for what's best (avoiding a difficult life for them all, hurting her kids, etc.).
Maybe that's just what I took away from it, but it seemed like a strange ending to a film that was trying to make a statement.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
North Country (2005) - 3/5
North Country (2005)
This movie was really strong until the last 10-15 mins.
The acting and appearance in general was a bit overdone, but that's kinda how it was back then. :)
The story was pretty good and even better b/c it was inspired/based on a true story.
SPOILERS
The courtroom scene in the last 10-15 mins... they must have run out of money, time and the use of adults in the crew. That scene was so packed w/ cheese and overdramatic courtroom non-sense that I'd have to think Frances McDormand fought the release of the movie. Ouch.
This movie was really strong until the last 10-15 mins.
The acting and appearance in general was a bit overdone, but that's kinda how it was back then. :)
The story was pretty good and even better b/c it was inspired/based on a true story.
SPOILERS
The courtroom scene in the last 10-15 mins... they must have run out of money, time and the use of adults in the crew. That scene was so packed w/ cheese and overdramatic courtroom non-sense that I'd have to think Frances McDormand fought the release of the movie. Ouch.
Friday, September 14, 2007
21 Grams (2003) - 4/5
21 Grams (2003)
Very good movie. Great directing, incredible acting, great camera work, awesome story, well done complex editing. It has almost everything.
As soon as it was over, I started watching it again. I may not watch the whole thing, but I think it lends itself to a couple viewings - preferably soon after the first one when the elements are fresh in your memory.
SPOILERS
I'm not 100% sure what the message is if there is one. It seems there was a lot of trading of lives: he dies so he can live, she has an abortion which leads to him going w/ her to kill this guy that killed this guy so that he cd live, etc. I don't know if there's a statement there or just a powerful connection.
Also, there's a strong image of guilt. Jack warns the 'punk kid' about crimes and how the 'guilt will suck you to the bone.' Then Jack winds up killing and the guilt really did just that. So much so that he a) wanted Paul to kill him and b) did the right thing the second time (he didn't leave a dying person to die). Both times he takes the blame though the second time was a bit strange. I guess he was still trying to pay for it all.
Anyway, it's a very powerful movie. They don't spoon feed you a message so maybe it's not really there or left up to us to write our own. I will say that, as is the case often in movies these days, none of these people are really 'good.' The only ones that are close, die.
So if nothing else, we can conclude, bad people get what's due. I doubt that's the point. :)
Very good movie. Great directing, incredible acting, great camera work, awesome story, well done complex editing. It has almost everything.
As soon as it was over, I started watching it again. I may not watch the whole thing, but I think it lends itself to a couple viewings - preferably soon after the first one when the elements are fresh in your memory.
SPOILERS
I'm not 100% sure what the message is if there is one. It seems there was a lot of trading of lives: he dies so he can live, she has an abortion which leads to him going w/ her to kill this guy that killed this guy so that he cd live, etc. I don't know if there's a statement there or just a powerful connection.
Also, there's a strong image of guilt. Jack warns the 'punk kid' about crimes and how the 'guilt will suck you to the bone.' Then Jack winds up killing and the guilt really did just that. So much so that he a) wanted Paul to kill him and b) did the right thing the second time (he didn't leave a dying person to die). Both times he takes the blame though the second time was a bit strange. I guess he was still trying to pay for it all.
Anyway, it's a very powerful movie. They don't spoon feed you a message so maybe it's not really there or left up to us to write our own. I will say that, as is the case often in movies these days, none of these people are really 'good.' The only ones that are close, die.
So if nothing else, we can conclude, bad people get what's due. I doubt that's the point. :)
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Cold Mountain (2003) - 3/5
Cold Mountain (2003)
Well made and lots of good imagery and scenery. I watched some of the commentary and I think that wd be as interesting as the movie, but that's not quite enough to get me to watch the whole thing. :)
I thought the story, especially the first 1/3rd, was over-dramatic and sappy. It was also a bit cliche and over acted. Unfortunately, I also mostly saw the actors as actors playing parts instead of the characters themselves.
The rest of the movie got better, but never really turned the corner for me.
It's a decent movie, but just didn't fire on all cylinders.
SPOILERS
It was far from a happy ending, but I think it was a good one. Inman came back and b/c he did, he was able to save Ada and Ruby and therefore pretty much everyone else and their children. It was noble and worthwhile, but ultimately, not that great.
Well made and lots of good imagery and scenery. I watched some of the commentary and I think that wd be as interesting as the movie, but that's not quite enough to get me to watch the whole thing. :)
I thought the story, especially the first 1/3rd, was over-dramatic and sappy. It was also a bit cliche and over acted. Unfortunately, I also mostly saw the actors as actors playing parts instead of the characters themselves.
The rest of the movie got better, but never really turned the corner for me.
It's a decent movie, but just didn't fire on all cylinders.
SPOILERS
It was far from a happy ending, but I think it was a good one. Inman came back and b/c he did, he was able to save Ada and Ruby and therefore pretty much everyone else and their children. It was noble and worthwhile, but ultimately, not that great.
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