All That Jazz (1979) I think maybe this movie may be dated (for me) somehow. I think when it came out, it was probably ripe for the time period and lifestyle. However, now it feels more like a commentary on the seventies.
I thought it was well acted, but I had problems w/ the production feeling dated and the musical numbers felt strange: is it a drama or a musical? Maybe both which cd be cool, but I'd say they didn't pull that off.
Also, the message felt a little trite, but again, in 1979 it might have been a bigger deal.
I did like the ending since it wasn't typical - that's all I'll say. Though I think they cd have played up the affect on others more.
I have to say I think this movie is probably better technically than I can appreciate: the music and dancing and time period lose something in my eye as I'm not trained.
So while I feel like this movie is probably very 'good', I can't give it too high of a rating for me.
WARNING: Nudity.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006
Hook (1991) - 3.5/5
Hook (1991) I think I liked this movie the first time. I think I'm burned out on Robin Williams so that might be part of it??? Also, I felt the romantic aspect btwn Tinkerbell and Peter was a negative.
One thing that always bothered me about this movie was Julia Roberts' performance. She just seems distant and sad. I seem to remember her going thru a lot at the time. The trivia section on IMDB for this mentions something about her going into a hospital for 'exhaustion.'
Anyway, it's a good, clever, imaginative movie. It's a little dated, but otherwise still quite good.
One thing that always bothered me about this movie was Julia Roberts' performance. She just seems distant and sad. I seem to remember her going thru a lot at the time. The trivia section on IMDB for this mentions something about her going into a hospital for 'exhaustion.'
Anyway, it's a good, clever, imaginative movie. It's a little dated, but otherwise still quite good.
Bowling for Columbine (2002) - 2/5
Bowling for Columbine (2002) A ton has been written on this movie and done better than I cd do, but I'll make a few points.
Michael Moore continues to show himself to be an opinionated 'essay' filmer. Documentary is far from what he does.
He makes thin, one sided arguments leading the viewer to his conclusions. He proposes the ridiculous to make a point and, IMO, ruins his own argument and point. I can help but think of him as egotistical and arrogant thinking he's not only better and smarter than those he's against, but also hypocritical given the money he's made exploiting those he claims to be one of.
2 things I think that this movie does well in a sense:
1. Shine a light on the sensationalism of the 'nightly news.'
2. Question the common explinations about why the U.S. is so violent (compared to other countries)
He uses cheap trick and tactics to make his points and ruins them in the process. He blames others for problems but doesn't consider what their excuse might be (who's to blame for making the bad people bad which makes other people bad?).
I've read a few things about his movies including this one that show how awful he is in his tactics so I won't waste time on that. The above is my feelings, impressions and thoughts.
Update 8.3.06:
I thought recently about how MM seems to put a lot of the blame on news media for causing us to live in fear, but is quick to give Marilyn Mason the oppurtunity to refute that music (media) doesn't have the same effect. Similarly he writes off the video games cd influence people/kids to violence. I disagree.
Michael Moore continues to show himself to be an opinionated 'essay' filmer. Documentary is far from what he does.
He makes thin, one sided arguments leading the viewer to his conclusions. He proposes the ridiculous to make a point and, IMO, ruins his own argument and point. I can help but think of him as egotistical and arrogant thinking he's not only better and smarter than those he's against, but also hypocritical given the money he's made exploiting those he claims to be one of.
2 things I think that this movie does well in a sense:
1. Shine a light on the sensationalism of the 'nightly news.'
2. Question the common explinations about why the U.S. is so violent (compared to other countries)
He uses cheap trick and tactics to make his points and ruins them in the process. He blames others for problems but doesn't consider what their excuse might be (who's to blame for making the bad people bad which makes other people bad?).
I've read a few things about his movies including this one that show how awful he is in his tactics so I won't waste time on that. The above is my feelings, impressions and thoughts.
Update 8.3.06:
I thought recently about how MM seems to put a lot of the blame on news media for causing us to live in fear, but is quick to give Marilyn Mason the oppurtunity to refute that music (media) doesn't have the same effect. Similarly he writes off the video games cd influence people/kids to violence. I disagree.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
She's the Man (2006) - 3.5/5
She's the Man (2006) A somewhat predictable story (based on "Twelfth Night" by Wm. Shakespeare) and situated like a teeny bopper movie, this movie sets itself apart by one thing: Amanda Bynes.
She is so animated and energetic, I wanted to just watch her imitate a stereotypical boy the whole time. The rest of the movie holds on barely at times, but she makes those parts seem better.
The story is fine, the characters (some) are good, but Amanda is so much fun to watch I gave this movie a higher rating than I otherwise might.
I don't think I'd recommend this movie, but if there was a highlight reel, it wd be awesome.
She is so animated and energetic, I wanted to just watch her imitate a stereotypical boy the whole time. The rest of the movie holds on barely at times, but she makes those parts seem better.
The story is fine, the characters (some) are good, but Amanda is so much fun to watch I gave this movie a higher rating than I otherwise might.
I don't think I'd recommend this movie, but if there was a highlight reel, it wd be awesome.
The Matador (2005) - 3.5/5
The Matador (2005) A good story though it doesn't quite fit most criteria for an acion, spy or drama movie. The characters are rich and well defined. The interaction is powerful and intense.
I think this movie doesn't have too much to appeal to a lot of people: it's not a 'girlie drama' nor a 'manly action'... it's somewhat both and therefore not appealing to most.
It doesn't try to be more than it is, which is a strength. It's a good look into two very different lives and how they might clash. Parts are unbelievable, but it's the ride that counts in this case.
I think this movie doesn't have too much to appeal to a lot of people: it's not a 'girlie drama' nor a 'manly action'... it's somewhat both and therefore not appealing to most.
It doesn't try to be more than it is, which is a strength. It's a good look into two very different lives and how they might clash. Parts are unbelievable, but it's the ride that counts in this case.
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