August 14, 2006
Reviews- World Trade Center and A Scanner Darkly
Following the laughter of Talledega Nights, it was time to get serious with Oliver Stones World Trade Center. I rarely do this, but I declare this an unofficial review. While it is easy to nitpick most films to the furthest extent, 9/11 is one of those topics that is still hard to touch with a 10 foot pole. Would I be considered un-American if I offered a criticism? I’d rather not find out. Lord knows I received enough hate mail when I said that The Alamo was mediocre. I will say this, World Trade Center certainly does not live up to the potential of United 93, which was released earlier this year. I respect the role that every courageous American played on 9/11, and I want to keep the filmic world separated from the real world. Therefore, I leave this grade blank.
Moving on, I did finally see Richard Linklater’s highly anticipated flick A Scanner Darkly. This was probably one of the more highly anticipated films of 2006 for me. Unfortunately, my opinion joins the concensus of others: it is only an ok movie. Keanu Reeves plays an undercover cop seven years into the future, who is trying to put an end to a mind-altering drug that has a hold on junkies. Being that this is based on a Philip K. Dick story, trippy wackiness ensues.
Richard Linklater has a knack for capturing the mundane converstaion so well, and he does so here once again. Unfortauntely, this sci-fi hybrid does not quite live up to his previous favs such as Before Sunset, Dazed and Confused, or Tape. The integration of the science fiction story into the converstaion pieces makes for mass confusion. This premise could have more potential, but there comes a point in the middle of this film where it doesn’t know what to focus on more: the science fiction premise or intriguing conversation pieces. However, a twist in the end really scores some points. Might I add an actual decent performance from Keanu Reeves and the always reliable Robert Downey Jr.?
Grade: B
August 12, 2006
Review- Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
In my personal opinion, SNL is going down the tubes. I can’t state any particular reason except that it has been plain unfunny for the past few years. Coincidentally, this all began when one Will Ferrell decided to leave the cast and pursue a film career. Like Jenga blocks, the show fell down. However, Ferrell has managed to become one of America’s #1 comedic actors, pleasing the socks off of audiences and even critics!
As a follow-up to Anchorman, director Adam McKay and Will Ferrell have taken their fratty shenanigans to the race track in the NASCAR comedy Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. This follows the life story of a racing champion that wears his pride through acts of outrageous masculinity. With his million dollar endorsement deals, a kiss-ass best friend (John C. Reilly) and a “smokin hot wife”, Ricky is all set. This is until a major accident sets him back and a gay Frenchman (Sacha Baron Cohen) takes his place as reigning champion. Does the trash-talking redneck have what it takes to become #1 while simultaneously learning profound lessons in life?
Good comedies are hard to come by these days and I mean REALLY hard to come by. Judging by the trailers, I knew Ferrell’s re-teaming with McKay was sure to evoke a few chuckles. Delivering laughs this comedy does. While not quite the earth-shattering gut-buster that I hoped it to be, Talladega Nights is still a worthwhile shot of humor thanks to the ensemble cast. Veteran actor John C. Reilly proves he has a talented funny side, and Baron Cohen even manages to come through without too much overkill as Bobby’s crepe-loving nemesis.
The way I gauge comedies is by the laughs-per-minute. Face it, Ricky Bobby is a stupid movie, but I happened to enjoy it. While its storyline takes a more straightforward route compared to McKay’s previous Anchorman, it replaces more jokes with sentimental moments. While slightly inferior, I still give the stamp of approval to this comedy. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Grade: B
Memorable Quote: “I piss excellence every morning…” -Ricky Bobby
August 7, 2006
Review- The Descent
If there is one lesson I wish to convey today, it is that money does not mean crap when it comes to making a quality film. Hollywood may be able to produce millions of dollars to make The Grudge in all its PG-13 glory, but it still isn’t scary. Keeping this in mind, I wish to discuss last weekend’s release The Descent. Discovered on the film festival circuit with a limited budget, this film proves that real terror concoctions come from minds and not money.
The Descent is the story of six female friends that get together for a spelunking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The objective is to go in on one side, crawl through the many tunnels, and come out on the other side. However, after a tunnel collapses, the gang is forced to trek forward through the unknown darkness in search of an exit. Oh…did I happen to mention the mysterious cave-dwelling creatures?
This is not a concept pulled fresh from the water. We have seen the bloody tale of wit and survival on numerous occasions. However, thanks to a clever screenplay and skillful direction, Descent is much more than a “jump out and scare ya” splatter fest. It is a horror movie, an action film, and a story about female bonding. In fact, this film so cleverly eliminates the expected cliche of masculine survival and camaraderie, and gives women a chance to shine as driven protagonists willing to do what it takes to come out alive.
I had heard glowing reviews for The Descent, but I did not expect to love it this much. As an avid horror fan, this hits all the notes of dread from fear of heights, to claustrophobia, to getting eaten alive. It has been a long time since a thriller has grabbed me by the throat and taken me along for a wild ride. The Descent is a horror masterpiece and will definitely be making my cut for Best of 2006. Highly recommended!
Grade: A
August 2, 2006
Miami Vice and Wordplay
When summer time rolls around, I do not generally expect candidates for my Top 10 list. However, I at least expect thrills, and sadly this summer has not delivered. That is until now. Michael Mann’s remake of Miami Vice did not have me feeling too hopeful. After seeing how Hollywood is remaking every possible film and television program that has previously existed, I assumed another dim-witted money-making ploy. However, what I got with Vice was a solid action film with the unique direction of the gritty Michael Mann.
The film begins abruptly with no title sequence or guiding light for the audience. We are introduced to Crockett (Colin Farrell) and Tubbs (Jamie Foxx), two of Miami’s finest undercover detectives. They are also so stylish and cool that they make scraggly facial hair and the mullet come off as acceptable. After some of the FBI’s top men are murdered in an undercover drug operation, Crockett and Tubbs are recruited by the FBI to track down the killers by disguising themselves as drug runners. This results in an action-packed sexy thrill ride tactfully handled with unique direction by Mann.
I went into this film with mediocre expectations and got something more from my theater-going experience. Mann’s remake of his 80′s television show is not 50 takes per second in the style of one Michael Bay. Fans of Mann’s Heat and Collateral will recognize his signature grainy picture and handheld movements. This is a flick with plenty of action and excitement, yet with well-placed stationary shots and solid bad-ass performances from its two leads. This will likely not make my favorites list, but it certainly is what I look for in a summer movie. Skip the lame Superman Returns and try this one on for size.
Grade: B+
The second film I saw this week is more popular on the indie circuit and is known as Wordplay. Following up on a recent lineage of documentaries about word competitions, Wordplay looks at the crossword puzzle world. I was hopeful for a deep look at the culture and construction of crossword puzzles. Instead most of this film is dedicated to tracing every aching minute of the crossword puzzle tournament in Connecticut. Sure this is interesting for a little while, but the tedious coverage of people making headway through various levels at a crossword tournament is simply not interesting to me. Before seeing the recent documentary Murderball, I had low expectations because I expected to watch a 2-hour-long wheelchair rugby game. Instead it was about people and so much much more. Perhaps Wordplay should have taken the same route. Amusing cameos from Bill Clinton and Jon Stewart however!
Grade: C+
July 25, 2006
Review- Lady in the Water
Let me get this out into the open: I am a fan of M. Night Shyamalan. His films have entranced me so much that I even felt partial towards The Village. Yes it’s true. Despite a twist ending that people tore apart, I actually found the atmosphere and writing to be quite impressive. With this being said, I think I am the only person in the world that appreciated The Village. This led me to question many things such as, “Am I eternally biased towards M. Night’s films?” I’ve pondered this for the past couple of years, and now that question is resolved with the director’s recent bedtime story Lady in the Water. I am pleased to announce that there exists no bias towards the director. It is now clear that M. Night Shyamalan can make one train wreck of a film.
Unlike his prior films, this is more family-oriented and does not contain a revelatory twist ending. Cleveland Heep (Paul Giamatti) is a stuttering apartment building superintendent that is surprised to find a mysterious woman swimming the pool at night. This woman is a magical narf named Story (Bryce Dallas Howard) brought to these apartments to awaken inspiration in a writer meant to change the world. Playing this world-changing writer is M. Night Shyamalan (gag me). However, the narf’s beneficial actions are countered by wolf-like beasts called “scrunts”.
I wanted so badly to enjoy Lady in the Water, but not since Dreamcatcher have I seen a film plunge non-stop into a pit of absurdity. As the film progresses, the audience is introduced to the quirky inhabitants of the apartment building including Jeffrey Wright as crossword prodigy, Jared Harris as a stoner, and Bob Balaban as an uppity film and book critic. These over-the-top characters are quickly introduced to the narf, and have no problem playing into the real-life fantasy. I know film is all about escapism, but I could only wonder to myself why all of these characters passively submitted to such dorky nonsense. Listening to theses people discuss the elaborate prophesying of the narf is like listening to 12-year-olds discuss Dungeons and Dragons at Pizza Hut. For this reason, I found myself not caring even when the conversations lost me.
In the end I could only shake my head in disbelief at Shyamalan’s little mess. He truly has lost it. With his anti-Disney account being published at the same time as this film’s release, and the poor box office numbers, I fear this film will hurt him badly. Lady in the Water is apparently a bedtime story the director used to tell his children, and they truly is sweet. Unfortunately the only people that give a crap about this yarn live in the Shyamalan household.
Grade: D
July 23, 2006
Clerks and Haunted Houses
After a lull weekend of Little Man and You, Me, and Dupree, the weekend of July 22nd kicks back into action with four anticipated blockbusters: Lady in the Water, Clerks 2, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, and Monster House. This weekend I only had a chance to see two of these flicks and plan on seeing the remainder this week. However, here is what I’ve collected so far:
First up is Monster House. With CGI technology becoming more and more prevalent, the animation genre has lost its novelty. Yes it is now possible for poorly written CGI cartoons to exist. This is why it is so refreshing for a new concept to come alone. Something that blows mediocre generic trash out of the water. While Cars charmed my socks off as Pixar films tend to do, Monster House impressed me with its boldness to gloss over forced humor and mega-stars, and instead focus on a twisted horror story that, despite the whimsical marketing campaign, is not for little kids. This is an animated film with an emphasis on direction from newcomer Gil Kenan, and the creepy atmosphere is what keeps blood pumping through its veins. Monster House may not be child’s play, but I think it is one of this summer’s fresh surprises. While the overrated Pirates attracts the same people over and over, I fear this animated gem will go overlooked. I highly suggest this film for older children and adults alike.
Grade: A-
Next up is the long-awaited sequel Clerks 2. If you are familiar with Kevin Smith, then you probably know Dante and Randall. They are the two customer-hating twenty-somethings that spent every hour of their lives scraping by on minimum wage while working at a convenience store. Well the duo is back ten years later. After the convenience store is burnt to a crisp, Randall and Dante are forced to find solace in the fast food industry. However, now in their 30′s, the disgruntled pals spend the day reflecting where their lives have gone, and what they should do next to improve themselves. And yes, there is Jay and Silent Bob.
Like most sequels, this is inferior to the original film. On a higher budget in crisp color, it lacks the depressing tone that the original brought with it. Seeing non-professional actors Brian O’Halloran and Jeff Anderson on high quality film is a little befuddling at times. However, Smith’s humor is still intact, and the R-rated humor is a breath of fresh air. Despite a few over-the-top gags involving bestiality, and Smith going the distance with a mushy romantic subplot, Clerks 2 made me laugh. If all comedies were R-rated, this sequel may pale in comparison. But let’s face it: Hollywood wants money from the watered-down PG-13 comedy. Comedy writers with the freedom to curse is a gift from above. Clerks 2 is not comedy gold, but I certainly enjoyed the jokes and the way it chooses to close the book on Jersey’s favorite slackers. However, I am sure this will not be the last time we get a dose of Smith’s quirky shenanigans.
Grade: B
http://www.spout.com
June 22, 2006
More Summer Flicks for the Picking
It is mid-June and the flick output is not to appealing. Generally I would be psyched for a Jack Black comedy, but Nacho Libre doesn’t even appear funny on the previews. And that is where they blow the only funny scenes! Then there is The Omen. I love horror films to the core, but why would I pay to see a classic duplicated with crappier actors and more eye candy effects?
Yes, I am feeling more unmotivated than usuall to attend the movies. However, I do have a couple of recent flicks to tide things over.
First up is Walt Disney/Pixar’s Cars. The Pixar animation studio has struck gold by producing one hit after another. Critics love them and audiences love them. Cars is being touted as one of the weaker films in the Pixar family. However, I tend to disagree. The latest entry about talking motor vehicles is as worthy, if not better, as its predecessors. Owen Wilson voices a racing hot rod named McQueen that is stranded in a small desolate town where he is forced into community service. While resistant to the friendly local yokels, he comes to learn the error of his selfish ways and discovers of joys of life on Route 66.
The consensus prior to the release of Cars is that the trailers were weak. Indeed they were. For someone like me who despises NASCAR, it was hard to get pumped for previews that feature nothing but slick CGI auto racing. Leave it to Pixar to save the goods until the end. Cars is a touching and hilarious ride for both adults and youngsters. Unlike other CGI lightweights, Pixar adds their stamp of quality that relies on strong storytelling, developed characters, and classy humor. If anyone will pull Disney out of the mud, Pixar will be the saviors.
Grade: A
Next up is an entry on the indie circuit. It is a documentary called The Devil and Daniel Johnston. This tells the story of the title character, Daniel Johnston, who has dedicated his life to creating bizarre music and artwork. Millions of people across the world probably do the same thing, but Johnston is supposed to be unique enough to receive accolade in a documentary. You see, Johnston is a crazy person. He has spent most of his life wondering in and out of mental institutions, while writing songs about insanity, love, and Satan. Despite his inability to strike successful record deals, he is known by various renowned artists such as Nirvana and Flaming Lips.
Daniel Johnston is an interesting subject for a documentary. However, the film’s intent and perspectives create flaws. Friends and family members of Johnston are the only subjects interviewed. They claim he is brilliant. In fact, they compare him with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and go so far to claim he is more talented than Bob Dylan (not that I really think Dylan is that talented in the first place). The film’s overall message: Daniel Johnston is a brilliant madman. Unfortunately I do not buy it. If this film opened itself up to more sources such as mental hospital doctors, perhaps it would hold more merit. However, it is only a flattering tribute to a mentally sick artist that, in my opinion, doesn’t deserve such high recognition. I suppose this goes to show that any nut job on the street can have a documentary made about them. The question is: will anyone give a crap?
Grade: C
June 7, 2006
Indie Spotlight: Brick and Art School Confidential
Previously, I discussed the reviews thus far on multi-plex hot numbers. With my grad school work load on hiatus for a couple of weeks, I've had more time to go to the movies. Therefore, I can devote a little time to the slightly obscure films that have hit theaters recently.
First off is Brick. This is a film that is way too cool for its own good, yet I enjoyed every minute of it. Have you ever wondered what would happen if the film noir genre crossed paths with the teen film? Brick is the answer. Brendan (Joseph Gordon-Leviit) is the Bogart protagonist on a mission to find his distressed ex-girlfriend (Emile De Ravine). What follows is a surreal journey into the high school scene with a touch of noir. Ok…a splatter of noir. These kids do not talk the moronic slang of typical Generation Y hollow-heads. They speak a certain language that you can only hear in classic film noir. At first it seems like a cheap novelty. The kids refer to cafeterias instead of bars. Ha ha! However, I slid into my seat and got comfortably accustomed to this style. It then dawned on me: Brick is one hell of a cool flick. It contains a convoluted plot that demands a second viewing, but this indie gem is worth the admission. With a sweet edge of originality, I can do nothing but suggest this film. It is nice to see a little experimental variety in the film world.
Grade: A-
Now comes the interesting part. Co-writer bendi recently expressed his hate and disdain for the Terry Zwigoff project Art School Confidential. Despite his crushing blows on its exaggeration of stereotypes and poor writing, I have to come clean and say….I think I like it!
Bendi previously covered the synopsis: a high school outcast is accepted to a "prestigious" art school only to find that art students are shallow and hold little regard for real talent. Oh yes, and there is a murder on the loose on campus.
As someone that despises pretentiousness, I couldn't help but appreciate what this film was hitting at. Bendi mentions the use of unnecessary stereotypes, and I will acknowledge that. Specifically, Nick Swardson portrays a homosexual, and his character is handled rather mean-spiritedly and with little respect towards gay representation. However, I commend the film's depiction of intellectual elitism. Some may question whether people really act this way, and my response is: yes! As a film student, I listen to wannabe philosophers scream out during classes to proclaim their so-called brilliance. The characters in Confidential are a bit cartoony, but they are not far off from the truth. Zwigoff does go over the top with his character depictions, but that only enhances the experience for those fed up with academia pretentiousness.
Then there is the plot. The murder mystery is an awkward counterpart to the film's exercise in mockery, but it eventually leads up to a conclusion that I found rather satisfying (I will now take this moment to let bendi scream at his computer monitor)
Is Art School Confidential one of the best films this year? Not a chance in hell. However, I appreciate it for its balls-out lampooning of art institutions. This is not a laugh-out-loud, but rather a laugh-on-the-inside type of comedy. Love it? Hate it? You be the judge. I just hope bendi still speaks to me!
Grade: B
June 6, 2006
The Break-Up and Over the Hedge
I can tell it is finally the summer movie season. No matter what show time I attend, every theater is packed wall-to-wall with people that have nothing to do with their summer vacation time. The string of blockbusters continues and I had the opportunity to take part in the mindless fun over the weekend.
The first film, Over the Hedge, is a CGI cartoon that was worth my hard-earned dollars. The new wave of animation is losing its magic. Ever since the studios figured out how to produce slick cartoons at a fast rate, they've compensated their runtime with fart jokes and little content. Hedge is a film that made me laugh out loud not from crude humor, but from the personality of its cuddly critters.
The story revolves around a pack of wild animals that wake from hibernation only to discover that materialistic suburbanites have taken over the area. Their solution? Take advantage of consumerist America and get in on the overindulgence of goods. The merry animals steal everything from households including junk food, energy soda, and a digital camera/printer set.
The previews market this as a film packed with nasty burp jokes, and that is quite a sad thing. When a film that is earnestly charming has to promote itself as crude to attract fart-loving America, then my worries for the state of this nation continue to increase. Over the Hedge is a film with personality that stops when it is about to get excessive, and takes advantage of its talented voice cast including Bruce Willis, Gary Shandling, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes (surprisingly not too annoying) Steve Carrell, Nick Nolte, Allison Janney, and Thomas Haden Church. If you are like me and found yourself frustrated by the lackluster delivery of Madagasar and Robots, then do give this one a chance. There truly is hope for animation.
Grade: A-
If you've been following the box office newsletters, America's new favorite couple, Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Anniston, were seen across the nation in The Break-Up this weekend. By "new favorite couple" I mean the subjects of gossip from people that hate their lives so much that they need to worry about the lives of beautiful people (Ok, that was mean, but I'm not taking it back). From the previews, I thought this romantic comedy showed hope. Jennifer Anniston is about as unversatile and tame as performers get, but Vince Vaughn is there! This guy's goofy, loudmouth antics never get old for me. Plus, he re-teams with Swingers and Made pal Jon Favreau. How can it go wrong?
Unfortunately after a strong beginning, the film goes into excessive break-up territory. Sure…the title should make that evident. However, the filmmakers should know there is only so much bickering a third party can handle. Once these main characters get rolling, the fights never stop. By the fourth or fifth uncomfortable fight scene, I was automatically tuning them out like I do any other loud couple in public that decides to broadcast their dirty laundry.
Despite a strong supporting cast including Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Favreau, Jason Batemen, Judy Davis, John Michael Higgins, and Vincent D'Onofrio, the real focus is on the couple. Comedies about break-ups can work. War of the Roses is a prime example. However, The Break-Up tries to keep a nice balance between sweet and nasty that messes with my head. It left me with that awkward sensation where I question whether or not I want to laugh. It has its moments, but I can only suggest a video rental for this one.
Grade: C+
May 31, 2006
Da Vinci De Coded (in German)
via The Movie Blog
This is a must-see!!! An online Da Vinci Code trailer from Heavy that is absolutely hysterical. Go there now!!!
