05.30.06
X-Men Unite Again!!! (Damn it)
Unfortunately I have yet to check out Art School Confidential and based on bendi's review, perhaps I'll pass. However, since he brings up Brett Ratner, let's talk a little bit about the man. The wannabe auteur that brought us the Rush Hour movies has taken over directing responsibilities for the third X-Men installment. Frankly, I have little faith in Ratner and expect nothing higher than mediocre output from the director. To be honest, I did not even care much for Red Dragon and found the schlocky imagery in Hannibal more appealing than Ralph Fiennes dashing around his house naked with his junk flopping.
I recently saw X-Men 3 and I have to say…….Ratner really does suck as much as I think he does! I sat in the back row of the theater and carefully analyzed what worked and didn't work with this film. The screenplay: completely solid. The premise revolves around an antidote that can cure the mutants of their "sickness". Professor Xavier's bunch continues to strive for positively directing powers, and Magneto continues to strive for hostile takeover.
Cool storyline right? Too bad Ratner had to muck it up with his flaccid choices. I've come to the conclusion that Brett Ratner does not have a vision. In scenes where most directors try to take one angle or the other, Ratner doesn't do that. He just points the camera and shoots. The actors in the film have little depth and act over dramatic than the first two installments. Whose fault is that? Considering it is the director's responsibility to direct actors…….Brett Ratner!!!!
I know, this seems like a tirade that is biased and prepared in advance. The truth is, it isn't. After sitting through X-Men 3, it just so happens that the cons I have drawn from it are based on direction. This is supposed to be the final installment, but the open ending hints at more sequels. I say kill the franchise while the first two installments still have their dignity. However, judging the mucho bucks this film brought in over Memorial weekend and rising above last year's box office slump, I have a feeling this will only get worse.
Grade: C
Brett Ratner being hauled off the set by mental ward authorities.
05.26.06
Dear Terry Zwigoff, WTF?!?
Crumb, Ghost World, Bad Santa — all solid Indy comedies, a pretty decent streak if you ask me, and, sure, every hot streak must come to end, but how can anyone end a hot streak with something as terrible as Art School Confidential?
It is relatively rare that I refer to film as downright terrible, usually that honor is reserved for the work Michael Bay, Brett Ratner or starring Julia Roberts, Terry Zwigoff should never have been mentioned in the list, yet there he is.
Basic Plot: Kid wants to be a great artist – kid goes to art school – wackiness ensues. This leaves a lot of room to work with but somehow Zwigoff and writer Daniel Clowes turn this film into jumbled mess of stereotypes, that you can't help but groan at. For the purpose of this review, I'm not going to go into too much detail, it doesn't deserve the attention. Suffice it to say I can't recommend this film to anyone, even on rental. Watch at your own risk.
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!
05.16.06
How Money Is It?
Just a few weeks ago, Bendi was telling me of his lasting impression after seeing the indie drama Friends With Money. As this blog is devoted to two movie-lovers agreeing or disagreeing on whether certain movies are worth a damn, I took it upon myself to go out and see Friends so that we can provide feedback for your reading pleasure.
I will not disclose any information about Bendi's opinion. It is only fair that he do that himself. However, I will say that I agree with him that the film is pretty good.
The plot focuses on four longtime friends played by Jennifer Anniston, Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, and Catherine Keener. They all have similar interests, but one thing sets Anniston apart from her peers: money. While her pals are married to wealthy men and devote dinner conversation to how many millions they have given to the most recent fund-raising shindig, Anniston miserably tries to reconfigure her life while working as a house cleaner.
Friends With Money is not likely to top my favorites list of the year (well…that depends on how many good movies 2006 has to offer). However, it is probably a better choice in film this week than say Poseidon. The film is flawed by the way it jumps from character to character not giving the audience a chance to really invest in them. The always charming Cusack is hardly given any screen time and McDormand spends her time ranting like a lunatic. At the same time, it is this ambiguity which benefits the film at times. Take for example the role of Simon McBurney as McDormand's sexually ambiguous husband. The character is fashion-centric and misidentified (or is he?) as gay by men and women on the street. While the film primarily focuses on Anniston's predicament, it is hard not to take an interest in McBurney's character. This may have a lot to do with him being the only husband character that is given attention.
Overall, Friends With Money is what it is. While not spectacular, it is a quality effort that is worth the admission, at least as a way of dodging flacid blockbuster fare.
Grade: B
04.28.06
The Hidden Wonders of Cache
Living in Athens, OH, I try my best to see every crucial film to hit theaters. If I had it my way, I would see every blockbuster, documentary, indie, and international art film. Unfortunately, this smaller movie market has me frequently waiting. This is my excuse for coming forward so late with a review for Cache. The film was released in Fall of 2005, and I was not able to access it. Now thanks to the Athens Film Festival, I was able to catch it shortly before its DVD release.
I walked into Cache with an expectation. While the French film has been labeled a "thriller", it is pertinent to understand it is also an art film. Director Michael Haneke is a master of meditative long takes and banning the use of filmic music. I learned this when I saw his previous dogmatic outing Time of the Wolf. So here is the crucial warning: walk into the theater with a strong attention span and an open mind.
Cache opens with a long, stationary take of a townhouse in Paris. It turns out this is a shot within a shot. A talk show host (Daniel Auteuil) and his wife (Juliette Binoche) are watching with concern after discovering that someone has been videotaping their home. More and more similar videotapes appear on their doorstep wrapped in graphic children's drawings. Who is going so far to mess with them? Why are they doing it? Better yet, why are the main characters walking right by the camera and not even noticing the culprit?
I could answer these questions, but that would be a sin. Of course it is also possible that I could not even answer these questions accurately. Haneke creates a mystical thriller packed with ambiguity and style. Every so often he gives the audience long takes that last for minutes. If you are the type that digs the editing style of Michael Bay, then you may wiggle in your seat from discomfort. However, what I got from these takes was a moment to take in every little detail. In a film such as this, it is the little details that truly count during the viewing experience.
If I could go back in time, I think that Cache would make my Top 10 of 2005 list. Without hesitation I will say that it is not for everyone. In fact, it will be better enjoyed on video. Its continuous moments of silence could be disastrous in a movie theater full of agitated popcorn munchers looking for a rush. Cache is translated in English to Hidden, and a hidden, underrated masterpiece is exactly what this picture is.
04.27.06
CineFiles Returns (Probably)
Hello everyone out there! Or at least anyone out there that may be reading this. Lately, CineFiles hasn't exactly been keeping up to date. This has a lot to do with Bendi and I trying to keep up with our busy schedules. This also has a lot to do with Bendi not having Internet access for the past few months.
In case you are about to kill yourself, stop! Pull the gun away from your temple, and put the trigger on safety. It so happens that this week Bendi is moving to a new place fully equipped with the latest in Internet technology. Therefore, it is my hope that Cinefiles will be up and running soon with more discussion about the movies they make these days. It's sexier! It's more violent! It's CineFiles! Come back soon for more postings.
03.08.06
Brief Note
I just wanted to drop a brief note thanking MovieDodd for holding things down around here for the time being. A number of obstacles have found their way between myself and The CineFiles so this blog would be completely dead without his undying loyalty to film buffs across the information superhighway. I shall return someday, but in the meantime, make sure to show him some love.
03.05.06
Oscar Results
It is 11:40 Eastern Standard Time here in Athens, OH, and this year’s Academy Awards have come to a close. So what is the outcome of the 2005 Oscars? Let’s break it down.
Biggest Shocker
Let me take this moment to give the finger (as a friendly gesture of course), to those that had the nuts to say Crash is one of the worst films this year. I realize the Academy isn’t the most reliable source for appointing the most original films of the year, but this time around, they done good. While everyone was expecting Brokeback Mountain (or Gay Cowboys Eating Pudding to South Park fans) to take home the gold not only in the Best Picture category, but in others, Crash came through in the end with the grand prize. I big hearty congratulations to Paul Haggis for getting this thing made. Now let’s hope that Hollywood doesn’t come out with too many desperately bad hyperlink dramas with ensemble casts.
Most Cliched Acceptance Speech
Is it just me, or does Reese Witherspoon take home honors for being the most superficial this evening. She reminded me of a sketch comedy actor spoofing a drama queen giving an acceptance speech. I can’t really say I am surprised. After all, the star of Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde and Sweet Home Alabama won a flippin Oscar. If Crash didn’t come through in the end, I may be building a bomb shelter for fear of the apocalypse. Anyway, I’ve always had little faith in Reese Witherspoon. Her performance in Walk the Line is acceptable, but I still expect little from the chick flick hot item.
Most Modest, Heartfelt Speech
Robert Altman accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award after a slightly annoying, yet undeniably cute, introduction by Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin. There was speculation that Altman, a director against the superficial Hollywood scene, would have some bold things to say to the Academy. Yes, I hoped to see Bob Altman give the bird to every glossy, money-grubbing prick in the industry. However, the man delivered a very kind speech and expressed appreciation for his honor, and he did it with honest gratitude. Combining this respectable speech and the fact that I love his films, I really wish I could have a beer with Robert Altman right now.
Comedy Relief of the Evening
So Robin Williams and Jim Carrey were getting annoying every year with their clownish screaming and exaggerations. Luckily, the ceremony planners have the brains to bring in the new wave of funny. Will Ferrell and Steve Carrell gave unforgettable presentations for Best Makeup with Ferrell donning layers of brown toner and Carrell caked in pale makeup. If this isn’t the end of it, Ben Stiller presented Best Visual Effects wearing a green tight outfit under the assumption that his body would be washed out from greenscreen technology. Then, of course, there is the host of the evening Jon Stewart. Not bad Stew! A lot of his hosting duties were accompanied by Daily Show humor and the voiceover of Steven Colbert. Still, it was a breath of relief to have Coemdy Central crossed with network TV.
The “What The Hell Is He Doing There” Award
Gary Busey!! What is that cokehead doing there?
What Next?
I am sure 2006 will show a slate of promising projects. My money is on Snakes on a Plane. What do you think?
03.01.06
This Just In
Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to see Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. I realize my Top 10 list should be set in stone as much as possible, but this technical 2005 release definitely earns a place on my favorites list. Tommy Lee Jones stars and directs, while 21 Grams scribe Guillermo Arriaga covers the script.
The western is not a favorite genre of mine. I look back on the classic films spawned at a time when cowboy heroes were the huge rave. To me, they all blend together as the exact same film. Three Burials may be set in modern times, but it is a western down to the bone that performs the cliches but does so with such style and tact.
This is technically not a review, but an addition to my Top 10 of 2005. Three Burials is a gritty masterpiece and should not be missed. If you are sick of seeing Tommy Lee Jones settling for mediocre crap, come see what the man can do for an indie crowd.
02.16.06
Top 10 of 2005
Yes I know. Roger Ebert, Richard Roeper, Richard Corliss, Lisa Schwarzbaum, and every other critic in the galaxy have released their Top Ten lists. Lucky for them they are able to see every official 2005 film during their two-day “Oscar eligibility” releases. With the Oscars around the corner, I think it is high time Ben and I throw out our picks before we are way too late. So just in time for the Oscars, here they are!
*I would like to note that I have yet to see TransAmerica, Ms Henderson Presents, or Match Point.
10. Millions- Danny Boyle has certainly proven his talent. After mastering Trainspotting and 28 Days Later he brings us…a family film. Millions is indeed kid-friendly, but Boyle’s signature style is still there. In fact, I would only recommend this to older children due to scenes of scariness. This movie not only looks great, but the storyline put a big smile on my face. Millions is hard not to like.
9. Sin City- What good is a Top 10 list if you don’t include a movie that is not praised by critics, but simply rocked your world? Sin City takes the prize for that. How can you go wrong with Robert Rodreguez’s adaptation of Frank Miller’s graphic novel? The amazing green-screen techniques create a world unlike any other, and Rodriguez pulls it off without making things look too ridiculously artificial. Kudos to hasbeen Mickey Rourke for stealing the show as a miserable ex-fighter named Marv.
8. Junebug- I usually have a thing for more exciting films when I construct a Top 10. Junebug is my more tame entry. While it is rather slow-moving, this indie drama very accurately depicts the small town life without making the characters look like Gomer Pyle-esque charicatures. Amy Adams is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and she truly deserves the trophy as a naive pregnant girl with a wide-eyed fascination for her big city sister-in-law.
7. Munich- Spielberg hits another one out of the park. Unlike his crappy blockbuster this year known as War of the Worlds, Munich is a truly intense outing. Once again, there is controversy all around about whether Spielberg’s message of “violence begets violence” is correct, especially when directing it towards the Israeli people. I guess it is hard for me to give a crap about that debate when there is such a well-made film being presented to me. Frankly, I dig it for its well-crafted suspense and great performances from underrated talents such as Eric Bana and Daniel Craig.
6. Murderball- The reason I am not a fan of sports films is because most of them get away with a horrible crime: showing too much sports play and not telling a good story. In my opinion, if I want to watch sports, I’ll sit at home and watch ESPN. Fortunately, Murderball is a sports film that gets it right. This is a documentary that looks at the lives of physically disabled athletes that compete in a full-contact wheelchair sport known as….murderball. The film succeeds because it skips boring, drawn-out sports play and focuses on the lives of the players. This is powerful and entertaining on many levels.
5. Brokeback Mountain- Yes of course Brokeback Mountain has made my list of favorites. I didn’t want to be cliched and rave about this movie like every other critic has, but they are all right. This love story is hard not to like, unless you are a homophobic redneck. You know the story: two male cowboys fall in love in the 1960’s, and overcome societal obstacles to figure out their true desires in life. Great acting from Heath Ledger of all people, and breathtaking shots from Ang Lee and his DP crew.
4. Oldboy- This is certainly one of the more overlooked films this year. Chanwook Park’s Korean dish is certainly not for everyone. In fact, this may be one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever seen. But damn, I can’t resist its sweet direction and demented storyline. The film follows a man that is locked in a room for 12 years, and is released. He is given the opportunity to find the truth which results in some of the most twisted revelations every applied to celluloid. This movie needs more recognition, so please be sure to rent it.
3. Good Night and Good Luck- Movies with political agendas are not my cup of tea. I can’t help but feel pissy when I go to enjoy a movie and feel like I have to defend myself against manipulation. Good Night has been criticized by some as George Clooney’s attempt to mock the Bush administration’s “you’re either with us or against us” terrorist belief. Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. Politics aside, this is a wonderfully directed film about Edward Murrow (David Strathairn) and his co-workers taking on the Red-fearing Senator McCarthy and his blacklisting witch hunts. This is a solid piece of nostalgia in crisp black and white that is not only entertaining, but is a pretty damn good history lesson.
2. History of Violence- I realize that co-writer Ben does not come close to feeling the way I do about this flick, as he indicated last week that I have a “boner” for this movie. What can I say? It is hard to hide my excitement. David Cronenberg’s masterpiece about a diner owner (Viggo Mortensen) whose screwy past catches up with him is one of the most disturbing, brilliant flicks to hit screens this year. This film has it all from kinky cheeleader sex, to genuinely creepy Philly mobsters, to brief moments of graphic violence that clearly reflect the graphic novel from which it is based. Let’s not forget the 10-minute appearnce from William Hurt that will make a person laugh and fear their life in a short period of time.
1. Crash- Yes, I went there. I realize that following its mostly positive grades in theaters, that people came forth and expressed their disdain for Paul Haggis’s “hyperlink” drama about race in Los Angeles. I am fully aware that there are scenes with the blatant “I’m racist, you’re racist, we’re all racist” subtext. However, that is not stopping me. This is brilliant storytelling that delivers all the right emotional punches thanks to performances from Matt Dillon, Michael Pena, Thandie Newton, and Terrence Howard (among a huge ensemble cast). This film should not be missed.
Runners Up- Batman Begins, Hustle and Flow, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Capote
