Sunday, November 11, 2007

Spiderman 3 / Transformers

SPIDERMAN 3 - **1/2

This franchise is falling apart. Dammit.


TRANSFORMERS - ***

This franchise is off to a good start! Yippee! Hopefully Ben Affleck will show up eventually.


ZODIAC - ***

I liked it and looking forward to a screening of the Director's Cut - I'm not normally a fan of David Fincher but this one is solid filmmaking.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

The Sunshine Boys - ***

This film is based on Neil Simon's Tony Award-nominated play and Director Herbert Ross wisely keeps the cinematic elements to a minimum and lets the script and actors do all the showcasing. Any overly artistic editing or camerawork would have distracted attention from star Walter Matthau, who demands your attention with every line, whether mumbled or shouted ("En-taaar!").

Walter Matthau had a run of great films in the mid 70's: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, The Front Page, The Bad News Bears and The Sunshine Boys. He won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actor - Musical/Comedy for 'Sunshine,' his sixth nomination in that category between 1967 and 1975. This film also earned him a Lead Actor nomination for an Academy Award--his second in five years.

Surprisingly, it was his co-star George Burns who walked away with the Oscar for Supporting Actor, one I feel must have been more of a lifetime achievement award, as it was his only Oscar nomination (and first film role since 1939!). It's interesting to note that it was fellow co-star Richard Benjamin who won the Golden Globe as Supporting Actor for this film while Burns wasn't even nominated!

Three award-winning performances in a film mainly about three people; two has-been vaudevillian comedians who worked together for 43 years and now can't stand each other and a newphew/manager depserately trying to give them one more opportunity to shine.

A truly outstanding film, updated for a TV verison in 1995 starring Woody Allan and Peter Faulk and probably will be done again in 30 years with Adam Sandler and Tony Shaloub.

Sweet.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Because I Said So / Scoop / The Break-Up

"Because I Said So"

Is this really an insight into women? It was written by two women so it can't claim to be a movie about women but written by a man. Directed by a man, sure, but after screening the bonus features it was pretty clear he was heavily influenced by the creative control of the women writers, actors, caterer's and costumer's. Overall, I was pretty apalled at the behaviour of Milly (Mandy Moore) by the way she teetered between the two men and used them. Now, before you claim I'm sexist and had the genders been reversed it would have been acceptible, I have to disagree. Maybe I'm getting old, but treating the men the way she did is just wrong.

Her character is one frosted layer after layer of crazy. I saw several common traits in her which were reasons I've ended some of my relationships. Obviously this wackiness was inherited from her mother, Daphne (Diane Keaton), and it's easy for me to see why her husband left her, if she's consistently behaved this way. Or was his leaving the reason for her over-the-top behavoir? It's never explained in the film or deleted scenes, which is poor writing. I do give credit to the script for having Gabriel's wife leave him and their son because she "couldn't handle it" instead of him being a widower.

Also, what a waste of Lauren Graham and Piper Perabo (don’t judge her on Coyote Ugly, check out Lost and Delirious). As film about women, i.e., one that prides itself in being about mothers and daughters and sisters, it's emphasis on just two of the four doesn't seem to make sense. I certainly can't blame either of these two actresses to take these roles when given the chance to work with Diane Keaton, but any good director would know to utilize talent when presented to them.


"Scoop" I hate to use the term "classic Woody Allen" because it's been a long time since I've seen any of his great films, but this one felt very comfortable to me as a Woody Allen film. The story is simple, has a few clever Allen quips (some seem dated, like they were leftovers from previous work) and performances are adeuquate, yet extremely one-note. There are no surprises.

As much as I like her screen presence, I think Scarlett Johansson is miscast here. It's not that she doesn't play the bumbling student nerd well, but it just never sat right with me. Her delivery came across like she was improvising dialogue with long stammers (I think she was doing a female Woody Allen w/o the quips) and it just got boring quick. However, from a writing standpoint, it's a fresh choice for her not to be a golddigger because she's trying to seduce a rich and prominent man (Hugh Jackman) but she's doing it for a story and subsequently genuinely falls for him, without a change in her behaviour.

Forgetable, perhaps, considering Woody Allen's large body of work, but enjoyable.


"The Break-Up" I borderline liked this film overall, however I believe I would like it much more as a play because a live audience would help find the right peaks and valley's in both the script and performances and attain a greater balance in both.

The performances and script seemed a bit off-balanced, seeming to go to the left and then to the right without going to extremes like it couldn't find the right tone, yet somehow came across as very real. In particular, the arguement that initializes the break-up at the beginning was very well written and performed but then the attempted comedic elements that follow are never that funny to balance out the drama that came before it. As a result, the film as a comedy (especially if it was trying for Black Comedy) falls flat compared to it's dramatic elements, and as a drama it never finds the comic relief it needs to sustain our emotional connection to it's characters. "The War of the Roses" did it much, much better.

I did absolutely love Peter Billingsly in this film and wish to heaven he'll want to act more in the future. He looks like a cross between Barney Rubble and Jeff Bridges and got more laughs from me with his two scenes than the entire film did. Also, Vincent D'Onofrio was fantastic as the older brother in charge of the family business. He had only a few scenes, but I would watch a while film about what his life must be like.

Apparently I need therapy to work on my issues with women, considering my review of 'Because I Said So' and this one, but I just couldn't understand the measures Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) went to in order to save their relationship. To me, it's like blowing up your car to save on car insurance or setting fire to your house to lower the heating bill. I do understand her reasons for wanting a change in their relationship, but her methods left me perplexed. I'm reaching the age of "confirmed bachelor" and it keeps me awake some nights, but given the options of dealing with characters like women in these aforementioned films, I really don't see a choice.

And please don't give me the arguement about how these women are characters in a movie and real people don't behave this way. I have plenty of examples to back up my opinion.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Links

Does anyone have an opinion if my adding links to movie titles and actors enhances this blog or detracts from the reviews?

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Ghost Rider / The Black Dahlia

Loved “Ghost Rider” – easily the loudest movie I’ve ever screened at my house. Far more ‘spooky’ than I thought it would be and Nic Cage really plays the character well. Watching this film and “The Family Man” so close together really emphasized how great and underrated an actor he is. He’s made some poor, poor choices the post Oscar-win, but also has some great roles mixed in. I could easily envision a film class based on his films.

The Black Dahlia” was bo-ring, but really well executed and produced; difficult to explain, but if you ever watch it, make sure you screen the ‘making of’ documentaries on the disc. They made my respect for the film go up, and maybe I’d screen it again if I ever read the book. I’m just not a Brian de Palma fan and can’t really explain why. I liked Aaron Eckhart but the rest of the film was way miscast, esp. Hillary Swank. I must admit, I didn’t hate Josh Hartnett. Does he have a future as an actor I will like? Maybe “Hollywood Homicide” will sway the decision as it’s on my list (the only recent Harrison Ford film I haven’t seen).

The biggest surprise was
Mia Kirshner. She had very little screen time but really brought the character of murder victim Elizabeth Short to life. She’s been around a long time and I know I’ve seen her in some other things (“24” is the only recent thing I’ve seen her do) but I’d like to view a few more things to see how great she is.

Tonight, if I get time, I’m doing “
Lady in the Water” which, honestly, I’m not really looking forward to but need to see as part of M. Night’s body of work. And really, for Paul Giamatti.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

The Family Man / Ever After

Watched “The Family Man” and “Ever After” last night and absolutely adored them both.

"The Family Man" - Was *really* surprised by this film – Nic Cage and Tea Leoni are fantastic in parts that aren’t badly written, but they add so much to the roles in their lightly sprinkled subtle gestures and unexpected (i.e., non-cliché) reactions to situations and events. Worth another look if you saw it during its initial release in 2000 as your interpretation may be different now. Well done Brett Ratner, I may have to re-think mocking him, as I guess I sorta seem to like his films. Dammit!

“Ever After” - I’ve heard from several people that this was an above average film, which is surprising given the trailer had techno music throughout and must have tried to grab the “Romeo & Juliet” audience. Ignore the trailer… it’s doesn’t have the dialogue of “Shakespeare in Love” but it does have the same sweet romantic flair and a gorgeous score by George Fenton (check out other films he’s scored – he’s really underrated!).

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Lord of War

I liked this movie, however, in case you haven’t seen it or only saw it on DVD, the transfer of the film in this format is presented in 1:85, however, when the film was shot and shown in theaters the aspect ratio is 2:35:1. That said, this transfer annoyed the *bejeezus* out of me. It wasn’t bad like pan & scan, but just seemed like all the shots were cramped.

If a correct transfer comes out, I highly recommend this film. If not, and you’re in the mood for a good Nic Cage movie rent this.


Firewall

If you liked “Air Force One” you’ll like this. You might like it better if you’re over 60. Solid, well-made film that will be lost in shuffle of Ford's films during any tribute. If you’re a fan of Harrison Ford, Paul Bettany, and/or Virginia Madsen it’s worth the 2 hours just to see it as part of his body of work.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

The Island / Kiss Kiss Bang Bang / Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny

"The Island" ** - If I were to have $100 million dollars and want to produce an action film, I'd hire Michale Bay. To be my stunt coordinator, not director. I truly believe the man has a gift for action sequences, but gets far too caught up in them and ignores, what I feel to be crucial, narrative and characters. I don't know if he chooses films with poor dialogue or changes them to his liking once hired but something is wrong when I film can look so good and sound so bad.

Were the $100 million dream come true, I'd most certainly hire Scarlett Johansson to do... something, even if it's just to be there and talk.


"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" *** - I wish I'd made notes during or at least right after this screening. Regardless, Writer/Director Shane Black is something I will most definitely be watching in the future. He wrote the first Lethal Weapon script, The Last Boy Scout, The Last Action Hero (which I like to believe was written for Willis) and The Long Kiss Goodnight. I don't remember The Last Action Hero being all that well written, but I did like the concept and I feel The Long Kiss Goodnight is highly underrated. I may need to screen that again soon. Anyway, The cast is great, the story interesting and the dialogue fantastic.

"Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny" **1/2 - If you're a fan, it's worth seeing. If you're not familiar with their music but like Jack Black, then it's a must see as you get to witness why he became famous in the first place. Kyle Gass is still my personal fave as I think he has great comedic skills that are so overshadowed by Black. I felt the songs were good but didn't seem like a good listen outside of the film. I wish I could have seen them live 10 years ago.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

The Believer / Red Eye

The Believer - ***

A must-see if you like Ryan Gosling. Fantastic performance; one of his many.


Red Eye - **1/2

Speaking of Ryan Gosling, his equal counterpart on-screen, and sometimes off, Rachel McAdams, does her best in this solid Wes Craven thriller with an "as always" creepy Cillian Murphy.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

The Devil Wears Prada / The Notebook / Happy Feet / Pan's Labyrinth

The Devil Wears Prada **1/2 - A bit long, Meryl is terrific but I question the 3rd act’s morally reprehensible behavior by our main character. Didn’t agree with all the attention Emily Blunt was given (however, I did like her and look forward to seeing more of her work), but perhaps had I seen it before the hype I’d feel different. Such is the burden when seeing films *way* after they've been released.

The Notebook ***1/2 - In spite of myself I absolutely love this film. Rachel McAdams is fantastic and I will seek out more of her work. Gorgeous score by Aaron Zigman.

Happy Feet ** - So didn’t deserve a Best Animanted Film Oscar – Monster House and Cars were each twice as good. I found it long and boring.

Pan’s Labyrinth **1/2 - I wish I had seen this before the hype. I liked its visuals and story, but it seemed slow and not in that savory good way. I wanted more mysticism and fantasy to balance out the war story, but maybe on a second viewing I’ll appreciate it more.

Monday, June 25, 2007

In order to catch up on my reviews, I'm going to post past screenings in "list form" and hopefully get back to actually reviewing them so keep checking back!

March 24, 2003



March 25, 2003

  • The Ring
  • 8 Mile
  • Moonlight Mile
  • One Hour Photo
  • About A Boy
  • Possesion
  • Kissing Jessica Stein

March 27, 2003

  • Ice Age
  • Unfaithful
  • K-19: The Widowmaker
  • Maid in Manhattan
  • Auto Focus
  • Death to Smoochy
  • Knockaround Guys
  • Sweet Home Alabama

April 1, 2003

  • Mr. Deeds
  • Igby Goes Down
  • Secretary
  • Roger Dodger
  • Far From Heaven
  • Red Dragon

June 8, 2003

  • Lilo & Stitch
  • The Recruit
  • About Schmidt
  • Comedian
  • Femme Fatale
  • Two Weeks Notice

June 15, 2003

  • The Good Girl
  • 25th Hour
  • The Pianist
  • Love Liza
  • Frida
  • The Animatrix

June 6, 2003

  • Punch Drunk Love
  • Spy Kids
  • The Sidewalks of New York
  • Tears of the Sun
  • 25th Hour (must have not finished it)
  • The Transporter

July 3, 2003

  • A Shot in the Dark
  • Sweet Charity
  • The Dish
  • Someone Like You
  • The Hours
  • Ghost World

July 7, 2003

  • The Importance of Being Earnest
  • Barbershop
  • Full Frontal
  • Max
  • Time Bandits
  • Rashomon

July 24, 2003

  • S.O.B.
  • Lone Star
  • Dark Blue

August 5, 2003

  • Nixon
  • Spider

August 7, 2003

  • The Gangs of New York
  • Phone Booth
  • The Magnificent Seven

August 10, 2003

  • Rio Bravo
  • What A Girl Wants
  • NIcholas Nickleby

August 12, 2003

  • The Wild Bunch
  • 100 Women
  • Midnight Cowboy

August 14, 2003

  • Enigma
  • Rabbit Proof Fence
  • Narc
  • For Love of the Game

August 21, 2003

  • Collateral Damage
  • The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming!
  • Vulgar
  • The Gangs of New York (didn't finish from earlier rental)

________________________________________

April 2, 2004

  • The Matrix: Revolutions
  • 21 Grams
  • House of Sand and Fog
  • 28 Days Later

________________________________________

There is a huge gap between April '04 and Febrauary '05 as that's when I bought my video projector and basically re-watched everything I owned on the big screen.

___________________________________________

February 1, 2005

  • Chris Rock: Never Scared
  • I'm the One That I Want
  • Notorious C.H.O.

Febryary 2, 2005

  • Vagina Monologues
  • The Blue Collar Comedy Tour

February 16, 2005

  • Ali
  • A Chorus Line

May 27, 2005

  • The Phantom of the Opera
  • Bye, Bye, Birdy
  • Evita

May 28, 2005

  • Random Hearts
  • JFK
  • Fargo

*Thank you Odyssey Video for 9 great years of renting!

November 29, 2005

  • Stealth
  • March of the Penguins
  • Madagascar

December 8, 2005

  • Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  • The Polar Express
  • Cinderella Man
  • Sky High (didn't finish as DVD was defective)

________________________________________

January 24, 2006

  • Lost - Season 1 (discs 1-2)

January 26, 2006

  • Lost - Season 1 (discs 3-6)

February 2, 2006

  • Mr. & Mrs. Smith
  • Junebug
  • The Aristocrats
  • Tim Burton's The Corpse Bride
  • The Fantastic Four
  • Four Brothers

February 21, 2006

  • Waiting
  • Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Wererabbit
  • Rent
  • Serenity
  • The Exorcism of Emily Rose

May 4, 2006

  • Shopgirl
  • The Squid and the Whale
  • A History of Violence

May 9, 2006

  • Chicken Little
  • Hustle and Flow
  • Flight Plan

May 11, 2006

  • Nanny McPhee
  • Gattica
  • Legend

May 16, 2006

  • The Ice Harvest
  • The Producers
  • Nanny McPhee (didn't finish from earlier rental)

August 10, 2006

  • Running Scared
  • Underworld: Evolution
  • V For Vendetta
  • Rent

September 19, 2006

  • Battlestar Galactica (1st season?)

September 26, 2006

  • Battlestar Galactica (2nd season?)

October 3, 2006

  • Battlestar Galactica (no idea)

October 17, 2006

  • Thank You for Smoking
  • Game 6

November 7, 2006

  • Click
  • Over the Hedge

December 5, 2006

  • Cars
  • Monster House

__________________________________________

May 8, 2007

  • Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
  • The Prestige

May 15, 2007

  • Night at the Museum
  • Children of Men
  • The Prestige (didn't finish from earlier rental)

May 29, 2007

  • The Painted Veil
  • The Fountain

June 19, 2007

  • The Notebook
  • Pan's Labyrinth
  • The Devil Wears Prada
  • Happy Feet



None of the above includes any of the Netflixing I've done for the past 4 years. Those rentals were mostly TV shows and convinced me very early that if you're a television addict like I am, knocking out a season in a week is the way to go. When I figure out how to export my rental history, I'll post it here. Thanks for reading!