1. Did I enjoy it? YES
Here's a film that works from start to finish. There have been a lot of zombie films made over the years, but it's nice to see one that isn't afraid to be tongue-in-cheek with its approach. Don't get me wrong, the zombies are still creepy looking and disgustingly eat the flesh of hapless victims, but the film's focus is on the amusing relationships between Columbus, Tallahassee, Wichita and Little Rock. Tallahassee more than anything wants to enjoy the simple pleasure of eating a Twinkie, and I suspect the viewer will want to go out and grab a few after the show is over. What really won me over though was the cameo by Bill Murray playing a version of himself, which includes a scene paying homage to the Ghostbusters movies that made me smile.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
Great jobs by the two male leads in this film. Woody Harrelson has been picking some great films to take part in lately, scoring last year with Transsiberian and Seven Pounds. Jesse Eisenberg also has had a good year, doing a fine job in the underrated Adventureland from earlier this year. Let's hope both of these guys keep up the great work in 2010.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs (Jason cravenly says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy the movie? YESI was taken back to a childhood joy.
There was something about this movie that reduced me to a child. Not in temperament, intelligence, or even physicality, but in wonderment. I was again watching Sesame Street and the Muppet Show. I was in joy. The same feelings of anything was possible because these puppets seemed more real that most of the people I met flowed from out of my heart.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
Of course.
The Hurt Locker (Jason explosively says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YESNot a morality play but a mortality play.
The movie is about people's reactions to two very simple questions. 1. Am I aware of my mortality? 2. Can I deal with that realization when I do realize my morality. Our three protagonists exemplify the varied ways people deal with the two questions. First is Eldridge. He is aware he could die any moment, as he directly tells his psychologist, but incapable of dealing with it. Plagued by doubt and fear he enters a deepening depression. Next is Sanborn. He's an interesting one. While aware of other's mortality he has not realized yet how close to death he is. Then when he does come close to death at the end of the movie, he is able to deal with this realization. Faced with finality of existence, he chooses family. Lastly is that cocky son of a bitch William James. William knows he could die at any moment and he has made peace with that.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
True catharsis only work if one engages them.
While I was dating my wife I had the hardest time dealing with how much time we spent together. I had to spend time away from Suzanne so I could remember why I love her. Movies were my respite. I'd watch some emotionally taunt movie and emerge into the daylight missing my wife. "Baby, baby...," I'd cry. The movie would act as a catharsis purging me. Truthfully these movies, like the English Patient, Summer of Sam, and the Hurt Locker, would literally wring me dry like some old time washing machine.
The Hurt Locker works for me on this cathartic level because of Sanborn. When he said he didn't want to be out there anymore. When he said I want a family. When he said I want a son. I resonated with that. I wanted to be with my family. I wanted to be with my son.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Bob says 1 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
For awhile, the Harry Potter films became very episodic, introducing a few new characters that would be involved in a dilemma solved at the end by Harry and his two loyal friends. This one begins the same way but takes a new direction into some of the darkest adventures yet. We find out some huge revelations about characters we've followed from the beginning, and one of them meets his maker. Pretty intense stuff for kids, yet the film does have a PG rating. The special effects and overall look of these films are first rate, and the latest entry is no exception.
2. Would I watch it again? NO
As with the majority of these films, the movie does suffer from overlength. There are very few films that need to exceed the two hour time slot, but I suppose with six films already in the series, pushing portions of these films into the next one would probably mean twelve movies. Maybe in ten or twenty years, I'll revisit these films, but not in the near future. Did I mention I fell asleep during Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone? Gimme a break, it was long too.
For awhile, the Harry Potter films became very episodic, introducing a few new characters that would be involved in a dilemma solved at the end by Harry and his two loyal friends. This one begins the same way but takes a new direction into some of the darkest adventures yet. We find out some huge revelations about characters we've followed from the beginning, and one of them meets his maker. Pretty intense stuff for kids, yet the film does have a PG rating. The special effects and overall look of these films are first rate, and the latest entry is no exception.
2. Would I watch it again? NO
As with the majority of these films, the movie does suffer from overlength. There are very few films that need to exceed the two hour time slot, but I suppose with six films already in the series, pushing portions of these films into the next one would probably mean twelve movies. Maybe in ten or twenty years, I'll revisit these films, but not in the near future. Did I mention I fell asleep during Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone? Gimme a break, it was long too.
The Girlfriend Experience (Bob says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
Steven Soderbergh often enjoys making low budget, independent films along with his larger commercial releases. This is another one of his experiments, which I think works very well. Sasha Grey, who in real life is an established porn star, proves she can hold her own in mainstream films. She plays Christine, an expensive call girl who will take the part of her client's dream girlfriend, going out to dinner, listening to his small talk and problems and at the end of the evening, providing sex, if he wants. Christine is interviewed by a journalist, who's fascinated by her and also how she can juggle her line of work and maintain a real relationship with her boyfriend. Sasha is a knockout and it is no wonder she is a success in porn films. As this film makes clear though, I would never want to be in her boyfriend's shoes. When your girlfriend pretends to be someone else's girlfriend for a living, the experience can easily tempt her into seeking out a real relationship with her client, not to mention the fact that she sleeps with numerous men. This is a rare look into a profession that brings both excitement and heartache, false relationships and wrecked ones.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This film is rather short for a feature, but captivated my attention from start to finish. A character study with both realism and insight.
Steven Soderbergh often enjoys making low budget, independent films along with his larger commercial releases. This is another one of his experiments, which I think works very well. Sasha Grey, who in real life is an established porn star, proves she can hold her own in mainstream films. She plays Christine, an expensive call girl who will take the part of her client's dream girlfriend, going out to dinner, listening to his small talk and problems and at the end of the evening, providing sex, if he wants. Christine is interviewed by a journalist, who's fascinated by her and also how she can juggle her line of work and maintain a real relationship with her boyfriend. Sasha is a knockout and it is no wonder she is a success in porn films. As this film makes clear though, I would never want to be in her boyfriend's shoes. When your girlfriend pretends to be someone else's girlfriend for a living, the experience can easily tempt her into seeking out a real relationship with her client, not to mention the fact that she sleeps with numerous men. This is a rare look into a profession that brings both excitement and heartache, false relationships and wrecked ones.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This film is rather short for a feature, but captivated my attention from start to finish. A character study with both realism and insight.
Away We Go (Bob says 1 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
John Krasinski from The Office teams up with SNL alum Maya Rudolph as Burt and Verona in this independent dramedy. The couple is thinking of relocating after Burt's parents announce they are moving overseas. With a baby on the way, the couple travels across the country visiting friends, family and old co-workers trying to figure out what setting and group of people they'd like to live the closest to. The answer could be none of the above. I enjoyed this film and its independent feel. Plenty of strange characters along the way, some really funny parts and a very sad moment near the end when Burt realizes his niece is going to grow up without a mother.
2. Would I watch it again? NO
Unless asked by someone else who hadn't seen it yet, this is probably just a one-time rental for me. Krasinski is a great actor and I look forward to his future projects.
John Krasinski from The Office teams up with SNL alum Maya Rudolph as Burt and Verona in this independent dramedy. The couple is thinking of relocating after Burt's parents announce they are moving overseas. With a baby on the way, the couple travels across the country visiting friends, family and old co-workers trying to figure out what setting and group of people they'd like to live the closest to. The answer could be none of the above. I enjoyed this film and its independent feel. Plenty of strange characters along the way, some really funny parts and a very sad moment near the end when Burt realizes his niece is going to grow up without a mother.
2. Would I watch it again? NO
Unless asked by someone else who hadn't seen it yet, this is probably just a one-time rental for me. Krasinski is a great actor and I look forward to his future projects.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tulpan (Bob says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
I can't say I've ever watched a movie about a shepherd from Kazakhstan before. You'd think such a story wouldn't be very interesting. It is. Asa, a discharged sailor from the Russian navy, desperately wants to fulfill his dream of shepherding his own land, but his boss will not allow him to be a herdsman unless he has a wife and realistic dreams. Unfortunately, his only prospect in the desert climate is Tulpan, but she does not show interest. Asa lives with his sister's family, but is frustrated because the sheep on his brother-in-law's land are dying. Will Asa become a shepherd, or will he give up his dream and settle for a job with his friend in the city? I love films that transport me to different worlds and cultures and still draw me with its story and characters. This is one of those films.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
I might not be as captivated with multiple viewings for this one, but then again, the enchanting spell of the film might carry it through. A film not easy to forget.
I can't say I've ever watched a movie about a shepherd from Kazakhstan before. You'd think such a story wouldn't be very interesting. It is. Asa, a discharged sailor from the Russian navy, desperately wants to fulfill his dream of shepherding his own land, but his boss will not allow him to be a herdsman unless he has a wife and realistic dreams. Unfortunately, his only prospect in the desert climate is Tulpan, but she does not show interest. Asa lives with his sister's family, but is frustrated because the sheep on his brother-in-law's land are dying. Will Asa become a shepherd, or will he give up his dream and settle for a job with his friend in the city? I love films that transport me to different worlds and cultures and still draw me with its story and characters. This is one of those films.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
I might not be as captivated with multiple viewings for this one, but then again, the enchanting spell of the film might carry it through. A film not easy to forget.
District 9 (Bob says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
Never have I seen a movie with aliens made quite like this before. Having a news-documentary feel for a good portion of the picture, the film documents aliens, who came to South Africa in 1982, being relocated from a government camp to another settlement. Wikus van der Merwe leads the relocation effort, but is one day sprayed in the face by a strange container found in one of the alien homes. He begins mutating into an alien himself and is suddenly running from his own government. One cannot help but think about minorities in the United States that have been sent to internment camps (Japanese in World War II) or relocated (Native Americans). This film will either be loved or hated by viewers, and I loved it.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
The best science fiction films, while entertaining, also have some captivating themes or messages behind them. This picture certianly does too, while retaining some good acting, great makeup and special effects and a compelling story.
Never have I seen a movie with aliens made quite like this before. Having a news-documentary feel for a good portion of the picture, the film documents aliens, who came to South Africa in 1982, being relocated from a government camp to another settlement. Wikus van der Merwe leads the relocation effort, but is one day sprayed in the face by a strange container found in one of the alien homes. He begins mutating into an alien himself and is suddenly running from his own government. One cannot help but think about minorities in the United States that have been sent to internment camps (Japanese in World War II) or relocated (Native Americans). This film will either be loved or hated by viewers, and I loved it.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
The best science fiction films, while entertaining, also have some captivating themes or messages behind them. This picture certianly does too, while retaining some good acting, great makeup and special effects and a compelling story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Silent Light (Bob says 1 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? NO
Believe it or not, I liked almost the entire film, and this came very close to receiving 2/2. What turned me off was the final dramatic revelation in the film, which has a meaning that is open to interpretation. The film is about a Mennonite community in the northern part of Mexico. Johan, a husband and father of two kids, is deeply troubled. He has fallen in love with another woman, but still cares very much about his family. He agonizes with friends, his father and ultimately to God over what to do about his situation, whether to choose Esther, his wife, or Marianne, his lover. Johan has told Esther about the affair from the beginning, and she is crushed and paralyzed to do anything about it. The final third of the film I won't reveal, you must watch it yourself and decide whether you're okay with the climax. I was not, particularly because there is no explanation given and I wanted to see Johan's reaction to the event.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
I would watch it again if someone wanted to watch the film with me and discuss it. The acting is first rate and there's great cinematography. I really wanted to praise this film from start to finish, but I just can't. Sometimes films are ruined by trying too hard to tie up loose ends, but this one warranted at least a few items to come together.
Believe it or not, I liked almost the entire film, and this came very close to receiving 2/2. What turned me off was the final dramatic revelation in the film, which has a meaning that is open to interpretation. The film is about a Mennonite community in the northern part of Mexico. Johan, a husband and father of two kids, is deeply troubled. He has fallen in love with another woman, but still cares very much about his family. He agonizes with friends, his father and ultimately to God over what to do about his situation, whether to choose Esther, his wife, or Marianne, his lover. Johan has told Esther about the affair from the beginning, and she is crushed and paralyzed to do anything about it. The final third of the film I won't reveal, you must watch it yourself and decide whether you're okay with the climax. I was not, particularly because there is no explanation given and I wanted to see Johan's reaction to the event.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
I would watch it again if someone wanted to watch the film with me and discuss it. The acting is first rate and there's great cinematography. I really wanted to praise this film from start to finish, but I just can't. Sometimes films are ruined by trying too hard to tie up loose ends, but this one warranted at least a few items to come together.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen (Jason vehemently says 0 out 2)
1. Did I enjoy this movie? NO!!!
So your telling me no Autobot or Decepticon ever thought "Hey, why don't we use this star-eater on any of the other billion stars in the f@#$ing universe." WHAT!?!
2. Would I watch it again? NO!
Land Of The Lost (Jason kindly says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES!A bad movie that constantly caught me off guard with its imagination, creativity, and humor.
To be honest, this movie did horrible critically and financially. Many called it a failure and I can see why after having watched it. But to me the only failure was the filmmakers failing to decide what kind of movie they wanted to make. Was this movie suppose to be a farce for Gen Xers of a television show that failed to realize how ridiculous it was. Or was this suppose to be a solid action adventure for the preteen crowd. A shame because that catapult the carnotaur was amazing pacing and execution. Wait...was that a pun?
2. Would I watch it again? YES!
I love dinosaurs. I love kids who ask if dinosaurs have boobies. This movie is win-win for me.
Aliens In The Attic (Jason reminisingly says 1 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? Yes! For some reason when I went to see this movie with Suzanne, I said to her something peculiar. "I have a feeling this is another Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead, and if it is we're in for a good time." It was, and we did. There were a few things in Aliens In The Attic that caught my attention. First was how the twins hand cramped up from working the controller during the grandmother-boyfriend battle. My friends would always laugh when we played Marvel vs. Capcom because my hands would cramp up to the point I would drop the controller and get my but kicked. Next, I felt bad for the grandma. You know the parents were thinking she was going senile with all the confusion and blacking out. Lastly, this is the second movie I've seen this year that borrows from Dude, Where's My Car. The Hangover uses the "so high don't remember last night and now must retrace steps" while Aliens In The Attic borrows the "aliens become giant aliens".
2. Would I watch it again? NO!
I was perfectly content with the movie until I saw Kevein Nealon, Tim Meadows, and Andy Richter together. If only those three were the ones who had to stop the aliens. Now that would be hilarious.
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