05.26.06
Three Cheers for Three Burials
I'll keep this short because, by now, most movie fans have heard the word about Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, but I just got around to checking it out and I can't help myself — this is a damn good movie. I've been a fan of Guillermo Arriaga's scripts since Amores Perros, and still he seems to be unable to pen a bad screenplay and for a directorial debut, Tommy Lee Jones isn't too shabby either.
Out on DVD in the next two weeks, do not miss this flick!
01.24.06
More Brokeback
Even with all of the kudos Bareback Mounting Brokeback Mountain has received, thus far, I still entered the film cautiously. For starters, I’d like to say that I ‘m 100% behind films dealing with gay issues (as Dodd would put it…not a gay joke), however I was concerned that Bareback would receive credit for being a typical Hollywood love story that happened to be about two men.
Boy, was I wrong.
Brokeback Mountain is, in fact, a love story in the great cinematic sense. I’m willing to go out on a limb and compare it to some of the great classic love stories such as Casablanca or Singin’ in the Rain. I also am willing to say that, while what makes this film unique are the same-sex issues and the restrictions they impose on the two main characters, the greatness of this film truly lies in the love story between two people and doesn’t rely on the gay issues to tell the story.
There isn’t a whole lot that can be said about Brokeback Mountain that hasn’t already been said, but allow me to indulge in my own self-importance and imagine for a few moments that my particular take is worthy of your time.
Firstly, there is no aspect of this film which hinders it as a whole. While it is far from a perfect production, all aspects of the film are so expertly handled that I, for one, would have no complaints about it receiving the Best Picture nod at the Oscars.
While not as impressed with his past work as I am with this piece, Ang Lee does a phenomenal job directing. I, generally, tend to favor directors who push the envelope and experiment with the medium, but in this case find Lee’s directing to be the perfect angle for the story at hand. The story alone pushes the envelope with regard to Hollywood-system films and doesn’t need a director to push things any further.
The performances were mind-blowing, not the best this year, but outstanding in the sense that the Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, and Michelle Williams have never performed anywhere near this level, and as well, I find it hard to believe that they will ever reach this point again.
The weakest role lies in that of Anne Hathaway as Gyllenhaal’s wife of 10-20 years. While not a bad performance, Hathaway is unconvincing over the time progression and retains the look of a teenager, while the character should easily have reached her 30’s or 40’s. While not matching with the rest of the film, this was the weakest link on a pretty pristine chain.
Overall, the film is one of the highest quality films Hollywood has tossed out in some time. From the direction and writing to the performances and cinematography, this is one of the most solid films of the year. While it’s questionable how on my top 10 it’ll reach, there’s no doubt it’s a truly promising piece of work.
01.21.06
Back-Breaking Drama at Its Finest
After hearing the hotshot New York/LA critics bragging for months about how astonishing Brokeback Mountain is, I finally had the opportunity to catch a screening in Columbus. Everyone cannot stop raving about this movie, which means my expectations of discovering overrated material have built up. I plopped myself in the theater seat with high expectations and sat through the entire duration of the film. Is it all it is really built up to be? You bet your ass! (Not a gay joke).
Mountain is the story of Jack Twist (Jack Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Delmar and the bond they form while sheep-herding together on….Brokeback Mountain. After a few passionate trysts out in nature, the men return to reality and have to face the pressures of society. Their predicament: the men are emotionally connected. Despite the heterosexual marriages they form in order to abide by societal norms, Jack and Ennis realize that they can only find fulfillment and happiness in one another.
Ang Lee has directed a fine love story. The concensus among critics is that Brokeback is just as legitimate as any well-written romantic drama, and they are absolutely right. Lee does not rely on fast-paced spectacle in telling this story. He takes the time to observe these two men over a long span of time. The strength of their relationship is not strongly expressed through their happy time together, but through the discontent they feel when they are apart.
No other actor stresses this miserable attitude than Heath Ledger as Ennis. Ledger proves his acting skills as an isolated man’s man who can’t find stability in his life. If he goes with Jack, who truly makes him happy, he will live in fear of outlying homophobic forces. While Jack is more willing to leave it all behind to be with the man he loves, Ennis cannot untangle his insecurities. Ledger gets inside this character (once again, not a gay joke) and accurately portrays sadness and heartbreak.
Brokeback Mountain is a critically-accaimed picture that truly is what it is cracked up to be. It took home the trophy for Best Drama at the Golden Globes last week, and I am sure it has a shot at big Oscar. Ledger is a shoe-in for a best Actor nomination, and Michelle Williams (as Ennis’s neglected wife) will surely be acknowledged for her supporting role. For hard-hitting drama, a beautifully-crafted love story, and rich character portrayal, Brokeback Mountain is a wonderful flick and surely makes my Top Ten of 2005.
Grade: A
01.16.06
Golden Brief
I just wanted to drop a brief line congratulating the Golden Globes on a rather respectable year. I normally don’t put much stock in the globes, but this time around I don’t have many complaints. For a complete run-down of the nominees and winners head here.
01.04.06
Bring’n It Like Dunst
Spending time reading over the latest rumors from around the web has got me thinking about the upcoming year. All in all, I found 2005 to be a relatively disappointing year for flicks and I’m about ready to get on with the new shite.
So, what is on everyone’s must-see list for this year? I’ve gotta say Malick’s New World has me almost completely uninterested, something about a legion of foreign actors leading an American folklore flick that doesn’t have me on the edge of my seat. If the buzz is any indication, though, I’m the only person in the country that feels that way.
Once upon a time I had high hopes for All the King’s Men. With the talent of Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini, and Mark Ruffalo, I couldn’t imagine how it could go wrong. Apparently something did though as it failed to make the expected end of 2005 deadline. Hopefully, the delays are well-deserved and we’re all served a healthy cinematic platter whenever it gets released.
On the comedy front, I think I’m alone again here but For Your Consideration, the next Eugene Levy/Christopher Guest mockumentary, seems quite promising. I know, I know, we’ve seen it before and we saw it before that too but the addition of The Office (the better one…you know, where they had accents) frontman, Ricky Gervais, is enough to get my ass in the seat.
If there was only one movie I could see this year it would have to be Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain. It’s been six years since Requiem for a Dream convinced filmgoers around the world never to use heroine and I couldn’t be more excited for a follow up. Following Rachel Weisz’s performance in The Constant Gardener and Hugh Jackman’s role in…well. Whatever, Weisz is turning into a phenomenal talent and I hear Jackman can sing pretty well. But did I mention Aronofsky is directing it?!?
Another return this year that excites me in more ways than I can explain is the Wachowskis V for Vendetta. It’s time for the Wachowskis to get back to Bound and their initial Matrix zone and harness the talent and beauty that is Natalie Portman.
So, what’s on your agenda this year? Can’t wait for The Da Vinci Code? Southland Tales? Scary Movie 4? Let us know what we need to see.
RIP Patrick Cranshaw
Source: IMDB
In sad news this week, Patrick Cranshaw died. For those of you that don’t know who Cranshaw is, he made a name for himself in Old School as Blue the old fart college student. I am just seeing tiny little blurbs on sites about his death, but I say this is a bigger deal than 9/11! I mean really! This is the same guy that got initiated by having a rock tied to his nuts, and died a happy death by staring at topless women in a baby pool full of KY Jelly. I declare today National Patrick Cranshaw Day and next year there will be no mail delivered to honor Blue.
01.02.06
Box Office News
Now here is something I did not expect at all in the domestic box office. Peter Jackson’s long awaited King Kong is getting its ass handed to it by The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I love to make the occassional box office prediction, and I can usually detect a guaranteed smash from a mile away. However, this turn out is a curveball. People were speculating that Kong would make so much dough that it may even be the highest grossing film of all time. Boy were they way off.
Anyway, while Narnia is somehow making more money here (I’ve heard it is due in part to large Christian organizations), Kong has managed to make $400 million worldwide. At least this won’t be a failure for Jackson.
In the upcoming January dumping grounds, how will this box office play out? Will Kong make a comeback? Will Narnia continue its Christ-like rule? Will the gay cowboys of Brokeback Mountain spring out of nowhere on their Jan. 13 wide release with big money? Stay Tuned!
12.31.05
More on the Best (and Worst) of 2005
The critics are really churning them out this time of year. I must admit jealousy. While all of the big city writers make their rave lists at the end of December, I can only long for access to such supposedly great pictures. Generally half of these movies are still in LA/NY release. Unfortunately these do not expand until January or sometimes even February.
In the meantime, here is some more output from those crazy critics.
From Richard Roeper on Ebert and Roeper:
10. The 40-Year-Old Virgin
9. Walk the Line
8. A History of Violence
7. Brokeback Mountain
6. Capote
5. Nine Lives
4. Munich
3. Crash
2. The New World
1. Syriana
From Lisa Schwarzbaum of Entertainment Weekly
10. Look at Me
9. 2046
8. Crash
7. Me and You and Everyone We Know
6. The World
5. Munich
4. King Kong
3. The Best of Youth
2. Brokeback Mountain
1. A History of Violence
Of course, no year is complete without a list of duds. Here is what EW’s Owen Gleiberman and Lisa Schwarzbaum hate the most about 2005:
Gleiberman
5. Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
4. Syriana
3. Domino
2. The Libertine
1. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Schwarzbaum
5. The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava Girl in 3D
4. Derailed
3. Stay
2. Elizabethtown
1. Chicken Little
Looking at the compiled lists of critics so far, it is probably not difficult to judge what will make the cut at the Academy Awards this year. Then again, you never do know with the Oscars. Maybe if Columbia Pictures flashes enough green, Rob Schneider will stand a chance for Best Actor.
On the Ebert and Roeper podcast, I couldn’t help but react to the duo proclaiming this as one of the best years for film in a while. In my personal opinion, Hollywood could use a little more edge, and this year hardly accomplishes that task.
As co-editor Ben mentioned, our personal Top Ten lists are put on hold. This is primarily because we are not yet prominent enough to attend Joe Hollywood special screenings. Hopefully we will have our picks ready to go in unison with the Oscar nomination announcements.
Once again, feedback is appreciated. What are your personal picks and pans of 2005?
12.30.05
Best of 2005 (from Everyone Else)
So, it’s almost a brand new year and we’ve got a brand new blog. Not a bad deal, if you ask me, and we’re ready to get rolling. But before we jump ahead of ourselves, let’s take a look back at someof the best movies of 2005. Here, for your consideration, are a few top ten lists.
From Entertainment Weekly:
10. Tony Takitani
9. In Her Shoes
8. Hustle & Flow
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
6. Junebug
5. Match Point
4. The Century of Self
3. Brokeback Mountain
2. King Kong
1. Munich
from Cinematical (in no particular order):
2046
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Jarhead
Star Wars Episode III: Return of the Sith
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Sin City
Marie Antoinette
A Scanner Darkly
Match Point
Hustle & Flow
from The Village Voice:
10. Last Days
9. The Holy Girl
8. Cache (Hidden)
7. The Squid and the Whale
6. Tropical Malady
5. The World
4. Grizzly Man
3. Kings and Queen
2. 2046
1. A History of Violence
and from Roger Ebert:
10. Millions
9. Yes
8. King Kong
7. Nine Lives
6. Me and You and Every We Know
5. Brokeback Mountain
4. Junebug
3. Munich
2. Syriana
1. Crash
So, that looks like a pretty good mix. I guess what surprises me the most is how varied most lists are this year, not that it’s particularly uncommon for each critic to go out of his or her way to differentiate themselves from each other, but from my recollection it has seemed like a relatively weak year for great movies.
Also, I can’t let this one go. I’m a bit disappointed in cinematical this year. First, they cop-out and don’t order them, which is just lame. Secondly, Star Wars Episode III actually made the list?!?! Are they joking? Did they actually watch the movie?
Okay, before the fanboys gut me, I want to expound on why you won’t see our top ten list here in the CineFiles, at least not right away. Dodd, Supreme Allied Co-Editor, and I have decided to take a few weeks to allow everyone the chance to actually see all of the movies that will probably be considered for the Oscars before so wisely dictate what is and isn’t worth the time and money to see.
In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on the lists featured here and for more Top Ten lists, check out Fimoculous’ year-end round-up. Also, let us know what’s in your Top-Ten this year.
02.09.06
Oscar Picks
Posted in Academy Awards, Oscars, actors, actresses, awards, best-of, buzz, comments, directors, educated guess, flicks, oscar picks, reviews at 1:56 am by Ben
So, it’s about time to take a good, hard look at Oscar nominations and set out a few picks based on what the Academy has decided are the best films from these year’s litter. Keep in mind that I’m in no way suggesting these will be the picks that will be chosen, rather that these are what I would pick out of what has been laid for this year’s presentation.
So, here goes:
Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote
Terrence Howard in Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line
David Strathairn in Good Night, and Good Luck
This year features one of the best selections of talent of any recent year in Oscar history. All said and done, I wouldn’t be upset if any particular actor walked away with this trophy. The only caveat I might add is that I have not had the opportunity to check out Walk the Line. Overall, I feel that Philip Seymour Hoffman’s performance brought a complexity that wasn’t as fulfilled by the other nominations, but even that perception maybe a bit of a reach with competition as strong as this category features.
Judi Dench in Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman in Transamerica
Keira Knightley in Pride & PrejudiceCharlize Theron in North Country
Reese Witherspoon in Walk the Line
For top female honors this year, I’m ashamed to say I’ve only seen one of the pieces nominated, Pride and Prejudice, and while I do feel that this is one of Keira Knightley strongest performances and I haven’t yet witnessed her competition first-hand, I would be disappointed if she walked away with top honors.
George Clooney in Syriana
Matt Dillon in Crash
Paul Giamatti in Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt in A History of Violence
Finally, we reach a category that I feel confident addressing, as I have had the chance to check all of these out. Unfortunately, outside of Matt Dillon and Jake Gyllenhaal, I’m somewhat underwhelmed by the supporting male performances this year. While the remaining three were not particularly disappointing on there own, I don’t feel like these are particularly strong contenders for Best Supporting Actor. In the end, my vote goes to Dillon for a complex and brave performance in Crash.
Amy Adams in Junebug
Catherine Keener in Capote
Frances McDormand in North Country
Rachel Weisz in The Constant Gardener
Michelle Williams in Brokeback Mountain
Interestingly, while I managed to miss nearly all of the Best Actress performances this year, I caught all but one of the Supporting Actress roles, that of Frances McDormand in North Country. This is another category that I’m comfortable with all of the nominees, a trend I hope continues in following years. While overall I was greatly impressed with Catherine Keener in her collective performances this year (Capote, The 40-year-old Virgin, Ballad of Jack and Rose) I don’t feel that she quite overcame Rachel Weisz. I’ve heard a lot of disdain over Wiesz’s nominations and awards so far this season but her performance in The Constant Gardener blew me away, showing an ability that I had not quite witnessed in her previous work.
Brokeback Mountain Ang Lee
Capote Bennett Miller
Crash Paul Haggis
Good Night, and Good Luck George Clooney
Munich Steven Spielberg
Again, I haven’t had the good fortune of seeing Spielberg’s Munich. That said, here’s another good run-down of directorial efforts, with no one film dominating the others. In the end, I give it to Clooney, who barely edged out Lee’s Brokeback Mountain. In the end, this comes down to the directorial chances that Clooney took while approaching this film. Brokeback’s subject matter pushed the envelope enough and Lee presented the film in a traditional nature, perfectly so, but traditional nonetheless. My tendency is to always lean towards the effort that tests the boundaries and succeeds. In this light, Good Night, and Good Luck takes home my pick.
Brokeback Mountain Screenplay by Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana
Capote Screenplay by Dan Futterman
The Constant Gardener Screenplay by Jeffrey Caine
A History of Violence Screenplay by Josh Olson
Munich Screenplay by Tony Kushner and Eric Roth
For years Brokeback Mountain has been described as the best screenplay that’s never been made, and now that it has been made it’s easy to see why. This film would never have succeeded if the audience was given any reason to doubt the believability of it’s characters, and in this aspect it succeeds admirably. From the dialog to the timing and arc of the storyline, this screenplay was honed to perfection by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana and deserves this honor without question.
Crash Screenplay by Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco, Story by Paul Haggis
Good Night, and Good Luck Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov
Match Point Written by Woody Allen
The Squid and the Whale Written by Noah Baumbach
Syriana Written by Stephen Gaghan
I’m a sucker for the “hyperlink” genre of films that has become prominent over the last few years (21 grams, Traffic) and greatly respect a screenplay that successfully pulls off this approach. On top of the ingrained level of difficulty in writing this type of film, Paul Haggis takes on a complex narrative full of coincidences that must seem realistic to be believed. I left theater completely satisfied after seeing Crash and excited to see Haggis’ future work.
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck
Munich
Finally the big one and, despite not having seen Munich, I feel confident in Brokeback Mountain. Regardless (and yet because) of the gay issues that the film explores, I have no doubt this film will go down over time as one of the best romances ever to make it’s mark on celluloid. While I’m generally scared to death of the thought of Jake Gyllenhaal eternalized for future generations, his mediocrity does not make it’s presence known this time around and I will somehow manage to make it through each day because of this fact.
Well, there you have it — my picks from this year’s Oscar litter. Feel free to let us know what you think and perhaps knock some sense into me…
Permalink Leave a Comment