"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.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
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.
“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!).
"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.
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.
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.
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