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.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
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.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Ordet (1955) - 4.5/5
Ordet (1955)
Masterful. I loved the camerawork (I believe the style is called kameraspiel) was great. The tone and style all around was great.
The characters were good and so expressive even when understated.
Two parts of this movie in particular made me stop everything, dropped my jaw, gave me chills and are stuck in my head. Good stuff.
SPOILERS
What did Johanness do when he left? What made it necessary for him to leave, find his wits and come back?
The little girl's faith was great.
The statement from Mikkel about the baby just floored me. Like a truck hit me.
The end, when she moves in the coffin, just had me wide-eyed looking for some sign. The camera, like everyone there, was glued to her wondering what was going to happen.
When the idea of her coming back was introduced in the movie, I wondered what they wd do w/ that. Wd they really do it? Then at the end, I was convinced they wdn't. I didn't think they cd pull it off w/o destroying all credibility of the film. I just hoped Dreyer cd do it well and I'd be satisfied. Wow!
When I saw her move, I was like "She moved. I saw it. They can't take that back." :)
Masterful. I loved the camerawork (I believe the style is called kameraspiel) was great. The tone and style all around was great.
The characters were good and so expressive even when understated.
Two parts of this movie in particular made me stop everything, dropped my jaw, gave me chills and are stuck in my head. Good stuff.
SPOILERS
What did Johanness do when he left? What made it necessary for him to leave, find his wits and come back?
The little girl's faith was great.
The statement from Mikkel about the baby just floored me. Like a truck hit me.
The end, when she moves in the coffin, just had me wide-eyed looking for some sign. The camera, like everyone there, was glued to her wondering what was going to happen.
When the idea of her coming back was introduced in the movie, I wondered what they wd do w/ that. Wd they really do it? Then at the end, I was convinced they wdn't. I didn't think they cd pull it off w/o destroying all credibility of the film. I just hoped Dreyer cd do it well and I'd be satisfied. Wow!
When I saw her move, I was like "She moved. I saw it. They can't take that back." :)
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Babel (2006) - 3.5/5
Babel (2006)
At first I thought this movie was going to really blow me away. The style and direction is so great. The scenery and cinematography is just great.
But the story seems to be about people screwing up and either hurting themselves or others. I'm not sure if I missed the point or if it was so obvious that I was just like "Sure, we all know that - our actions can hurt other people." Not sure???
SPOILERS
I felt bad for the kids b/c the nanny did so many wrong things. Her punishment was not only appropriate, but her own fault willingly. There was no sympathy there except that the kids won't see someone they love... or maybe they will. She was in the U.S. for 16 years illegally - she cd just do it again??? Sorry, tangent.
At first I thought this movie was going to really blow me away. The style and direction is so great. The scenery and cinematography is just great.
But the story seems to be about people screwing up and either hurting themselves or others. I'm not sure if I missed the point or if it was so obvious that I was just like "Sure, we all know that - our actions can hurt other people." Not sure???
SPOILERS
I felt bad for the kids b/c the nanny did so many wrong things. Her punishment was not only appropriate, but her own fault willingly. There was no sympathy there except that the kids won't see someone they love... or maybe they will. She was in the U.S. for 16 years illegally - she cd just do it again??? Sorry, tangent.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Superbad (2007) - 2/5
Superbad (2007)
Several funny parts, but the F-word is dropped 186 times (found that online) which is a TON. It's so distracting - you can barely even follow what they're saying b/c it's every other word. I think it hurts the comedy and lowers the characters.
Michael Cera is great, but I see him as such an innocent guy that some of the topics in the movie stood out as awkward for him IMO.
Several funny parts, but the F-word is dropped 186 times (found that online) which is a TON. It's so distracting - you can barely even follow what they're saying b/c it's every other word. I think it hurts the comedy and lowers the characters.
Michael Cera is great, but I see him as such an innocent guy that some of the topics in the movie stood out as awkward for him IMO.
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) - 2/5
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006)
Not Jack Black's best. He's funny, but the premise and such just aren't enough.
It's pretty thin all around. Tim Robbin's has a small role which is pretty random.
Not Jack Black's best. He's funny, but the premise and such just aren't enough.
It's pretty thin all around. Tim Robbin's has a small role which is pretty random.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) - 3/5
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
Pretty funny, but cd be quite offensive or at least very uncomfortable to some.
It's something like one long Jackass skit: pranks, jokes, potty humor, etc.
Be warned, there's quite a bit of male nudity.
Pretty funny, but cd be quite offensive or at least very uncomfortable to some.
It's something like one long Jackass skit: pranks, jokes, potty humor, etc.
Be warned, there's quite a bit of male nudity.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Block Party (2005) - 2/5
Block Party (2005)
I had high hopes for this movie w/ Dave making some good observations and being open minded and showing others doing the same.
The 'Broken Angel' couple is probably the highlight of the movie but it has little to do w/ anything else Dave did or intended.
The concert brought everything back down to a disappointing level.
I had high hopes for this movie w/ Dave making some good observations and being open minded and showing others doing the same.
The 'Broken Angel' couple is probably the highlight of the movie but it has little to do w/ anything else Dave did or intended.
The concert brought everything back down to a disappointing level.
The Thin Red Line (1998) - 3.5/5
The Thin Red Line (1998)
I actually watched this a while back and just realized I hadn't blogged about it. It's not too fresh in my mind now though.
It's a very powerful movie: strong images and characters.
I actually watched this a while back and just realized I hadn't blogged about it. It's not too fresh in my mind now though.
It's a very powerful movie: strong images and characters.
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) - 3/5
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
The companion movie to "Flags of Our Fathers" - very similar in some ways and, of course, very different. Again, great film processing.
I didn't feel the connection too strongly. Saigo was a great character though.
I think this is probably a better film than I'm thinking - I think I'm just a bit burned out on the war/battle movies at the moment.
The companion movie to "Flags of Our Fathers" - very similar in some ways and, of course, very different. Again, great film processing.
I didn't feel the connection too strongly. Saigo was a great character though.
I think this is probably a better film than I'm thinking - I think I'm just a bit burned out on the war/battle movies at the moment.
Muppets from Space (1999) - 1.5/5
Muppets from Space (1999)
Maybe my standards for these movies are too high... though the first one was really good.
Thin in most respects.
Maybe my standards for these movies are too high... though the first one was really good.
Thin in most respects.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Kingdom of Heaven (2005) - 3/5
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
The action was pretty good and the battles wd have been incredible if I cd have prevented myself from comparing them to LOTR.
The story was good, but I didn't buy into it all 100% as far as a love story or his commitment to his family, people, religion, etc.
Mostly I think Orlando Bloom just cdn't pull it off IMO.
The action was pretty good and the battles wd have been incredible if I cd have prevented myself from comparing them to LOTR.
The story was good, but I didn't buy into it all 100% as far as a love story or his commitment to his family, people, religion, etc.
Mostly I think Orlando Bloom just cdn't pull it off IMO.
Rush Hour 3 (2007) - 1.5/5
Rush Hour 3 (2007)
Same jokes as the last two and probably worse action/fights. It felt formulaic and forced and the action felt a lot like Hong Kong action.
Same jokes as the last two and probably worse action/fights. It felt formulaic and forced and the action felt a lot like Hong Kong action.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Flags of Our Fathers (2006) - 3.5/5
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
Good story and action. The film processing they used was great as it gave the color tone a great feel for the battle scenes.
It's tough not to compare this movie to others and in some ways it falls a bit short.
Ultimately, this movie had a hard battle to win me over b/c I read the book which was great and the movie can hardly compare.
Good story and action. The film processing they used was great as it gave the color tone a great feel for the battle scenes.
It's tough not to compare this movie to others and in some ways it falls a bit short.
Ultimately, this movie had a hard battle to win me over b/c I read the book which was great and the movie can hardly compare.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Butterfly Effect (2004) - 2.5/5
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
This movie is tough to get a handle on. I watched the director's cut which was recommended to me.
I really liked the idea and story, but it wasn't put together very well. A lot of the directing and writing seemed to come from the mind of a junior high student: pretty cliche, unbelievable and unjustifiable.
SPOILERS
Anything w/ a "time travel" type idea is cool to me so that helps, but that's about all this had: change something in the past and everything changes. Like "Sliding Doors" and other movies that show different possible timelines.
I usually rather a movie not explain the technical stuff b/c that just gives you a chance to disagree. However, in this case: how did reliving thoughts allow him to time travel?
There were so many shots that were just cliche like walking thru the halls of the institution w/ "crazy people" walking around and the different punk/goth students and frat boys, etc. It was just distracting.
This movie is tough to get a handle on. I watched the director's cut which was recommended to me.
I really liked the idea and story, but it wasn't put together very well. A lot of the directing and writing seemed to come from the mind of a junior high student: pretty cliche, unbelievable and unjustifiable.
SPOILERS
Anything w/ a "time travel" type idea is cool to me so that helps, but that's about all this had: change something in the past and everything changes. Like "Sliding Doors" and other movies that show different possible timelines.
I usually rather a movie not explain the technical stuff b/c that just gives you a chance to disagree. However, in this case: how did reliving thoughts allow him to time travel?
There were so many shots that were just cliche like walking thru the halls of the institution w/ "crazy people" walking around and the different punk/goth students and frat boys, etc. It was just distracting.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005) (V) - 3.5/5
Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price (2005) (V)
I thought this was a well-done version of a biased documentary. They presented the arguments and didn't really seem to hide their stance (Heck, even the title implies they have something negative towards WalMart).
However, the did it in a classy way so that you want to try to see their side and give their arguments some credit.
I was afraid this movie was going to focus too much on low wages and poor benefits which is hard to blame on WalMart. They're just giving us what we want: low prices at the cost of our economical future and local jobs, etc.
They wd pay a higher wage if fewer people were willing to work there. They wdn't run local businesses out if local residences didn't shop there, etc.
I'm not fan of WalMart and I don't shop there. I don't think their policies (from what I understand) are generally illegal (though they have lost more than their share of law suits on not paying employees for overtime, EPA violations, etc.), but I'd have to say they are somewhat immoral.
The several former WalMart managers they have in the movie describe the practices and many are clearly wrong and illegal. Who's to say they are accurately telling the truth, but if they are...
The biggest thing about this to me is that people shop there thinking they're getting a good deal when really the cost is just coming from somewhere else: higher taxes to pay for subsidies paid to WalMart, lost jobs to overseas factories, lower quality products, larger drain on social programs, etc.
I thought this was a well-done version of a biased documentary. They presented the arguments and didn't really seem to hide their stance (Heck, even the title implies they have something negative towards WalMart).
However, the did it in a classy way so that you want to try to see their side and give their arguments some credit.
I was afraid this movie was going to focus too much on low wages and poor benefits which is hard to blame on WalMart. They're just giving us what we want: low prices at the cost of our economical future and local jobs, etc.
They wd pay a higher wage if fewer people were willing to work there. They wdn't run local businesses out if local residences didn't shop there, etc.
I'm not fan of WalMart and I don't shop there. I don't think their policies (from what I understand) are generally illegal (though they have lost more than their share of law suits on not paying employees for overtime, EPA violations, etc.), but I'd have to say they are somewhat immoral.
The several former WalMart managers they have in the movie describe the practices and many are clearly wrong and illegal. Who's to say they are accurately telling the truth, but if they are...
The biggest thing about this to me is that people shop there thinking they're getting a good deal when really the cost is just coming from somewhere else: higher taxes to pay for subsidies paid to WalMart, lost jobs to overseas factories, lower quality products, larger drain on social programs, etc.
Mystic River (2003) - 3.5/5
Mystic River (2003)
This movie had a lot going for it and it went pretty well for the most part.
If kinda felt like a good attempt to copy a Scorsese movie... almost there, but never got 'big' enough.
The premise was good and the acting was very good. A well made movie that kinda got a little loose at times.
SPOILERS
The twist was cool, but I expected it too much. Laura Linney's speech about "you cd rule this town" - a lot of people seem disappointed w/ this, but I thought it was good.
The shunning of Celeste at the end was out of place to me.
Sean's reconciliation w/ his wife felt a bit forced and fast. I did like, however, the mirrored aspects of his wife's silence and Brendan's brother's silence. Kinda like each of their counterparts had to figure something out to get them to communicate... or something. Not sure it worked, but...???
This movie had a lot going for it and it went pretty well for the most part.
If kinda felt like a good attempt to copy a Scorsese movie... almost there, but never got 'big' enough.
The premise was good and the acting was very good. A well made movie that kinda got a little loose at times.
SPOILERS
The twist was cool, but I expected it too much. Laura Linney's speech about "you cd rule this town" - a lot of people seem disappointed w/ this, but I thought it was good.
The shunning of Celeste at the end was out of place to me.
Sean's reconciliation w/ his wife felt a bit forced and fast. I did like, however, the mirrored aspects of his wife's silence and Brendan's brother's silence. Kinda like each of their counterparts had to figure something out to get them to communicate... or something. Not sure it worked, but...???
Monday, August 13, 2007
Gosford Park (2001) - 2.5/5
Gosford Park (2001)
Like "Gangs of New York" - good acting, characters and setting, but nothing I really wound up caring about. They did a good job of really building up the reality of the house/people/servants/etc. That was great, but then they didn't do a ton w/ it.
SPOILERS
The murder just didn't really matter to me. The idea of the "who dunnit" in this setting is clever and original, but maybe not a great result.
The scene w/ the 2 sisters near the end was the best part of the movie, IMO.
Like "Gangs of New York" - good acting, characters and setting, but nothing I really wound up caring about. They did a good job of really building up the reality of the house/people/servants/etc. That was great, but then they didn't do a ton w/ it.
SPOILERS
The murder just didn't really matter to me. The idea of the "who dunnit" in this setting is clever and original, but maybe not a great result.
The scene w/ the 2 sisters near the end was the best part of the movie, IMO.
The Simpsons Movie (2007) - 2.5/5
The Simpsons Movie (2007)
I was pretty disappointed. The first few mins were great (the "Itchy and Scratchy" cartoon), but there wasn't too much after that for me.
There were funny parts, but like w/ many TV-to-movie cases, it seemed like a drawn out episode w/o proportionally enough gags/jokes/etc.
The animation was technically better than the episodes (though I haven't watch the show in a while) which was fun to see.
I was pretty disappointed. The first few mins were great (the "Itchy and Scratchy" cartoon), but there wasn't too much after that for me.
There were funny parts, but like w/ many TV-to-movie cases, it seemed like a drawn out episode w/o proportionally enough gags/jokes/etc.
The animation was technically better than the episodes (though I haven't watch the show in a while) which was fun to see.
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