1. Did I enjoy it? YES
Growing up, I would not call myself a Michael Jackson fan. I knew little about his music and more about such items as how he'd grab his crotch as part of a dance move, his addiction to plastic surgery that I often joked turned him from a black man into a white woman, and of course, the accusations that Michael had been involved with several young boys he had taken to his Neverland Ranch. As the years went by, I picked up several of his songs from the Thriller album, but kept my admiration for MJ's talent very casual. When it was announced last June that he had died, I was surprised as many of his fans were, not aware of any poor health stories about him in recent years. I decided to listen to his hit singles over the decades of his career and found myself gaining a new respect for his artistry. This film takes his artistry and his incredible showmanship to the next level. While some films, such as Shine The Light, are better suited for hardcore fans who know their rock stars' songs by heart, This Is It is highly accessible for even casual admirers like myself. What's fascinating is the tremendous creativity and preparation that went into what was to be MJ's final tour. In such songs as Smooth Criminal, Jackson's interactions with Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca are seamless special effects. The dance moves throughout the film are incredible, and you can feel the excitement the dancers and singers had about the experience working with Michael.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This film is a visual and audio extravaganza, with dynamite songs and performances by everyone involved. This is not a film about Michael Jackson's troubled personal life, but about the creativity that went into the greatest concert he never performed.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Munyurangabo (Bob says 1 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
Given only limited release this past May, this film is the first feature in the Kinyarwanda language. It's about two boys: the title character, orphaned because of the Rwandan genocide, and Sangwa, who left home three years ago to make it on his own. The boys travel to the countryside looking for vengeance. On their way, the boys decide to visit Sangwa's family. Sanga's mother is overjoyed to see them, but his father is ashamed and disappointed in his son. Most of the film takes place here, as the boys try to decide if they want to build a new life with this family or continue with their quest for blood. I found this film interesting and dramatic, although I recommend the film Hotel Rwanda even more than I do this film. Still, this was a rare chance to see a film in a language I have never heard before, and those firsts are always a good thing.
2. Would I watch it again? NO
This was a good film, but probably not a top ten film for me given all the excellent choices out there this year. Still, give this film a rental if you get an opportunity.
Given only limited release this past May, this film is the first feature in the Kinyarwanda language. It's about two boys: the title character, orphaned because of the Rwandan genocide, and Sangwa, who left home three years ago to make it on his own. The boys travel to the countryside looking for vengeance. On their way, the boys decide to visit Sangwa's family. Sanga's mother is overjoyed to see them, but his father is ashamed and disappointed in his son. Most of the film takes place here, as the boys try to decide if they want to build a new life with this family or continue with their quest for blood. I found this film interesting and dramatic, although I recommend the film Hotel Rwanda even more than I do this film. Still, this was a rare chance to see a film in a language I have never heard before, and those firsts are always a good thing.
2. Would I watch it again? NO
This was a good film, but probably not a top ten film for me given all the excellent choices out there this year. Still, give this film a rental if you get an opportunity.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Paranormal Activity (Bob says 2 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? YES
This movie will actually scare you. Most horror movies provide one or two jumps for its audience if they're halfway decent, but rarely do I see a film like this where I'm disturbed, engaged with the movie's suspense, and genuinely uneasy even a few hours after the movie's over. It's that good. Roger Ebert correctly points out that horror films need not rely on quick cuts to create their desired effect. This movie relies on long shots and no music, definitely separating it from the pack. Stylewise, it's in the same vein as the Blair Witch Project, with the main character documenting the enfolding events using his own camera. But this movie is creepier than Blair Witch in my opinion. The movie follows a couple that records their investigation of a possible paranormal presence in their house. Katie, a student hoping to go into teaching, claims that this presence has been haunting her since she was a child, moving from house to house as she does. Micah, her boyfriend, seems more excited by the chance to capture the events on film than to truly be concerned about his girlfriend or the seriousness of the danger. I felt his character was a little one dimensional in that way, playing the part that many horror films have of a naive idiot who does exactly the opposite of what he should do. But that is forgiveable because the primary objective of a horror movie is to scare its audience, and boy does it succeed.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This film debued at the Screamfest Film Festival in 2007, and it apparently had a different ending than the one I saw in the theater for its nationwide release. I look forward to watching it on DVD with its two other endings promised by its director to be included. Horror films seem to be the creepiest when they take place in our own backyard. Better yet, in our house. In our bedroom while we sleep.
This movie will actually scare you. Most horror movies provide one or two jumps for its audience if they're halfway decent, but rarely do I see a film like this where I'm disturbed, engaged with the movie's suspense, and genuinely uneasy even a few hours after the movie's over. It's that good. Roger Ebert correctly points out that horror films need not rely on quick cuts to create their desired effect. This movie relies on long shots and no music, definitely separating it from the pack. Stylewise, it's in the same vein as the Blair Witch Project, with the main character documenting the enfolding events using his own camera. But this movie is creepier than Blair Witch in my opinion. The movie follows a couple that records their investigation of a possible paranormal presence in their house. Katie, a student hoping to go into teaching, claims that this presence has been haunting her since she was a child, moving from house to house as she does. Micah, her boyfriend, seems more excited by the chance to capture the events on film than to truly be concerned about his girlfriend or the seriousness of the danger. I felt his character was a little one dimensional in that way, playing the part that many horror films have of a naive idiot who does exactly the opposite of what he should do. But that is forgiveable because the primary objective of a horror movie is to scare its audience, and boy does it succeed.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This film debued at the Screamfest Film Festival in 2007, and it apparently had a different ending than the one I saw in the theater for its nationwide release. I look forward to watching it on DVD with its two other endings promised by its director to be included. Horror films seem to be the creepiest when they take place in our own backyard. Better yet, in our house. In our bedroom while we sleep.
Monsters vs. Aliens (Bob says 1 out of 2)
1. Did I enjoy it? NO
Unfortunately, I am not the proper audience for this film. Kids will love the movie and its unique looking cast of characters. Monsters vs. Aliens is not a bad film, the dialogue is amusing at times and the plot is about average. Unfortunately, there isn't much attempt to give this movie any heart or love for the characters, which Up did so well. I didn't find myself caring that much about what happened in the story or the characters within it.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This movie was meant to be watched in a 3-D movie theater, whereas I watched it on my TV at home. If I saw it in that capacity, perhaps the striking visuals would make the movie more exciting for me. I will say that I learned the Purple People Eater song through this film, which I will proudly play each Halloween.
Unfortunately, I am not the proper audience for this film. Kids will love the movie and its unique looking cast of characters. Monsters vs. Aliens is not a bad film, the dialogue is amusing at times and the plot is about average. Unfortunately, there isn't much attempt to give this movie any heart or love for the characters, which Up did so well. I didn't find myself caring that much about what happened in the story or the characters within it.
2. Would I watch it again? YES
This movie was meant to be watched in a 3-D movie theater, whereas I watched it on my TV at home. If I saw it in that capacity, perhaps the striking visuals would make the movie more exciting for me. I will say that I learned the Purple People Eater song through this film, which I will proudly play each Halloween.
Zombieland (Bob says 2 out of 2)
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.
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.
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.
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