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.
Friday, October 05, 2007
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.
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.
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