I really love German films, which was one reason I chose the film I watched today.
(28) Vier Minuten (Four Minutes) (2006): This is the story of an elderly piano teacher, Traude, whose students are in a prison for women. She discovers a young, but very troubled student, Jenny. The story is complex and not only deals with the current backdrop of the prison, and prison life etc., but also some some history about Traude dating back to World War II. Aside from all that, Traude is getting Jenny ready for a piano competition that would no doubt bring great acclaim to Jenny if she were to win, as well as quite favorable press to the prison for having such a wonderful music program.
One of the better dramas I've seen in a long time, and a payoff at the end -- the four minutes referenced by the title -- that will leave you spellbound and stunned. Catch this movie on Netflix instant play. German with English subtitles. Some pervasive language in spots.
4 Stars
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
January 30, 2010 - Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral On A Moving Train
Decided to watch a documentary tonight on Netflix. Glad I did.
(27) Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral On A Moving Train (2004) Howard Zinn was a human rights activist, historian, and author who has written several important books including A People's History of the United States, now in its 5th edition since it was originally published in 1980 and has sold more than a million copies.
The documentary follows Zinn as he gets his first job as a college professor at Spelman College, a black college in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a key academic leader in the civil rights movement in the south, and remained an influential activist and academician right up until his death, just three days ago.
If you want to watch an excellent bit of Americana, this is the documentary for you. Only 77 minutes, but powerful and never a dull moment. Highly recommend.
4 Stars
(27) Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral On A Moving Train (2004) Howard Zinn was a human rights activist, historian, and author who has written several important books including A People's History of the United States, now in its 5th edition since it was originally published in 1980 and has sold more than a million copies.
The documentary follows Zinn as he gets his first job as a college professor at Spelman College, a black college in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a key academic leader in the civil rights movement in the south, and remained an influential activist and academician right up until his death, just three days ago.
If you want to watch an excellent bit of Americana, this is the documentary for you. Only 77 minutes, but powerful and never a dull moment. Highly recommend.
4 Stars
Friday, January 29, 2010
January 29, - The Freebie
Caught a Sundance film today at the Broadway.
(26) The Freebie (2009): Been a long time since I was this bored. This is a problem that really talky films can have if A) the dialogue isn't very good, and B) we have to watch, incessantly, the people who are doing all the yak yak yakking. Such is the case with this film.
The story involves a couple who are bored in their marriage at the magic number of, you guessed it, 7 years. They decide they each get one night off to go get laid by someone else, just to put a little spark back into their marriage.
I actually thought the two protagonists did a fine acting job, despite suspect source material. It was a boring movie, with a premise you saw coming nearly right out of the gate, and an ending that couldn't have happened any other way. I don't need to see this movie again, don't want to see it again, and can't really recommend it. Definitely for a 30-something crowd. The language is pervasive in spots.
1.5 Stars
(26) The Freebie (2009): Been a long time since I was this bored. This is a problem that really talky films can have if A) the dialogue isn't very good, and B) we have to watch, incessantly, the people who are doing all the yak yak yakking. Such is the case with this film.
The story involves a couple who are bored in their marriage at the magic number of, you guessed it, 7 years. They decide they each get one night off to go get laid by someone else, just to put a little spark back into their marriage.
I actually thought the two protagonists did a fine acting job, despite suspect source material. It was a boring movie, with a premise you saw coming nearly right out of the gate, and an ending that couldn't have happened any other way. I don't need to see this movie again, don't want to see it again, and can't really recommend it. Definitely for a 30-something crowd. The language is pervasive in spots.
1.5 Stars
Monday, January 25, 2010
January 25, 2010 - The Salton Sea
Thought I was going to catch a little of the old mindless tonight, just for fun. Instead, something solid came my way and I couldn't be happier.
(25) The Salton Sea (2002): Honestly, I don't know how a movie like this escaped me for the past 8 years. It's got a very good Val Kilmer as a tweaker, Peter Sarsgaard in a very sympathetic role as Kilmer's best friend, and a very disturbing and effective Vincent D'Onofrio as a drug dealer. It's also got a lot of great support from the likes of Deborah Kara Unger, Luis Guzman, Anthony LaPaglia, and a lot of other faces you'll recognize.
Kilmer lost his wife. We only know she was somehow killed at the Salton Sea. He's a tweaker and hangs out with Sarsgaard, who has totally smashed too many brain cells with drugs. Kilmer is a narc working for some drug cops, but wants to make one last score to make some big cash and then vanish.
This movie is long on story, the music is soulful, haunting, and spot-on, and the acting overall is way above average. There are some unexpected moments, particularly with Bobby "Rhymes with Hobby" the drug dealer, and a brilliant Mpho Koaho as a gun dealer.
See this movie. This took me way past pleasantly surprised and into the realm of, like I said, how the hell did I miss this movie for the last 8 years.
4 Stars
(25) The Salton Sea (2002): Honestly, I don't know how a movie like this escaped me for the past 8 years. It's got a very good Val Kilmer as a tweaker, Peter Sarsgaard in a very sympathetic role as Kilmer's best friend, and a very disturbing and effective Vincent D'Onofrio as a drug dealer. It's also got a lot of great support from the likes of Deborah Kara Unger, Luis Guzman, Anthony LaPaglia, and a lot of other faces you'll recognize.
Kilmer lost his wife. We only know she was somehow killed at the Salton Sea. He's a tweaker and hangs out with Sarsgaard, who has totally smashed too many brain cells with drugs. Kilmer is a narc working for some drug cops, but wants to make one last score to make some big cash and then vanish.
This movie is long on story, the music is soulful, haunting, and spot-on, and the acting overall is way above average. There are some unexpected moments, particularly with Bobby "Rhymes with Hobby" the drug dealer, and a brilliant Mpho Koaho as a gun dealer.
See this movie. This took me way past pleasantly surprised and into the realm of, like I said, how the hell did I miss this movie for the last 8 years.
4 Stars
Friday, January 22, 2010
January 22, 2010 - 11:14
Netflix instant play kept me company while the pork shoulder slow roasted in the smoker.
(24) 11:14 (2005): This was a fun little romp through a town where no one was innocent, except, maybe, Barbara Hershey. This is the kind of movie where lots of stories unfold at the same time, and we get to see them from different points of view throughout the movie. Not my favorite type of movie, but I actually liked this one, and it was benefited by being only 86 minutes long. Also, decent turns by Rachel Leigh Cook, Shawn Hatosy, Patrick Swayze, and Hillary Swank didn't hurt. This flick is pretty much about how, in the blink of an eye, accidental deaths can happen, and they can look like a lot more than they really are.
There a great scene inside a convenience store that, like the rug in The Big Lebowski, really ties the whole movie together. Seriously, a really great scene. If you want to dirty little pleasure, then this movie is just the ticket.
2.5 Stars
(24) 11:14 (2005): This was a fun little romp through a town where no one was innocent, except, maybe, Barbara Hershey. This is the kind of movie where lots of stories unfold at the same time, and we get to see them from different points of view throughout the movie. Not my favorite type of movie, but I actually liked this one, and it was benefited by being only 86 minutes long. Also, decent turns by Rachel Leigh Cook, Shawn Hatosy, Patrick Swayze, and Hillary Swank didn't hurt. This flick is pretty much about how, in the blink of an eye, accidental deaths can happen, and they can look like a lot more than they really are.
There a great scene inside a convenience store that, like the rug in The Big Lebowski, really ties the whole movie together. Seriously, a really great scene. If you want to dirty little pleasure, then this movie is just the ticket.
2.5 Stars
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
January 20, 2010 - Surveillance
Netflix instant play kept me occupied tonight.
(23) Surveillance (2008): I admit I watched this because of the director, Jennifer Lynch, who is the daughter of David Lynch. I just can't say no to a Lynch film. This one wasn't too bad. A couple of FBI agents are investigating a string of murders and use three witnesses to tie it all together. Of course, each witness has a completely different story. It stars Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond in decent turns, and a really good performance by Pell James as a strung out junkie. Overall, a decent watch with a fairly good twist. It held my attention throughout.
3 Stars
(23) Surveillance (2008): I admit I watched this because of the director, Jennifer Lynch, who is the daughter of David Lynch. I just can't say no to a Lynch film. This one wasn't too bad. A couple of FBI agents are investigating a string of murders and use three witnesses to tie it all together. Of course, each witness has a completely different story. It stars Bill Pullman and Julia Ormond in decent turns, and a really good performance by Pell James as a strung out junkie. Overall, a decent watch with a fairly good twist. It held my attention throughout.
3 Stars
Monday, January 18, 2010
January 18, 2009 - Naked Lunch
Caught one of the strangest movies I've ever seen.
(22) Naked Lunch (1991): No one will ever accuse David Cronenberg of being unimaginative. This film was pretty awesome in the imagination department. Based on the book by William S. Burroughs, Naked Lunch is a tale of loneliness, madness, the creative process of writing, drug abuse, murder, and all manner of debauchery that plague a writer played by a very good Peter Weller. Just to give you a taste of the strangeness, people in this world are addicted to bug poison, and other drugs made from bugs like centipedes. It's almost worth watching the "making of" documentary first, and then the film. At any rate, a damn good film that you should see at your leisure.
3.5 Stars
(22) Naked Lunch (1991): No one will ever accuse David Cronenberg of being unimaginative. This film was pretty awesome in the imagination department. Based on the book by William S. Burroughs, Naked Lunch is a tale of loneliness, madness, the creative process of writing, drug abuse, murder, and all manner of debauchery that plague a writer played by a very good Peter Weller. Just to give you a taste of the strangeness, people in this world are addicted to bug poison, and other drugs made from bugs like centipedes. It's almost worth watching the "making of" documentary first, and then the film. At any rate, a damn good film that you should see at your leisure.
3.5 Stars
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 16, 2010 - Day Night Day Night
Another late night start for me.
(21) Day Night Day Night (2006): I really wanted to like this film. At times I didn't like it at all, and at other times I couldn't look away. This is a slow, deliberately paced film that follows a teenage girl on a mission in New York City. I don't wanna give it away, so I won't tell you much about her mission, because it's the whole shooting match. There are some gripping moments at the end, and a host of questions when it's over. I let this one sink in for a while before I wrote about it. Not the best film I've ever seen, but far from the worst. An interesting watch, and one I mostly enjoyed.
2.5 Stars
(21) Day Night Day Night (2006): I really wanted to like this film. At times I didn't like it at all, and at other times I couldn't look away. This is a slow, deliberately paced film that follows a teenage girl on a mission in New York City. I don't wanna give it away, so I won't tell you much about her mission, because it's the whole shooting match. There are some gripping moments at the end, and a host of questions when it's over. I let this one sink in for a while before I wrote about it. Not the best film I've ever seen, but far from the worst. An interesting watch, and one I mostly enjoyed.
2.5 Stars
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15, 2010 - Crash
I watch a lot of movies in either the last couple of hours of the day, or on the first handful. Tonight, I started one late and finished it early.
(20) Crash (1996): This is the David Cronenberg movie, based on a 1973 J.G. Ballard novel of the same name. A different movie to be sure, and certainly not for everyone, it follows a group of car crash victims as they act out their sexual fantasies, or gain their sexual energy, in crashed cars. They also watch a lot of car crashes on video as a sort of pornography. Probably not like any movie you've ever seen. Starring James Spader in a reliably understated role, Holly Hunter, Deborah Unger, Rosanna Arquette, and a very creepy Elias Koteas.
In the end this movie is about addition, any addiction, and how hollow and empty and selfish and lonely addiction really is, and to what lengths people go to just to get one more fix. A decent enough move even though its void of any redeeming qualities.
2.5 Stars
(20) Crash (1996): This is the David Cronenberg movie, based on a 1973 J.G. Ballard novel of the same name. A different movie to be sure, and certainly not for everyone, it follows a group of car crash victims as they act out their sexual fantasies, or gain their sexual energy, in crashed cars. They also watch a lot of car crashes on video as a sort of pornography. Probably not like any movie you've ever seen. Starring James Spader in a reliably understated role, Holly Hunter, Deborah Unger, Rosanna Arquette, and a very creepy Elias Koteas.
In the end this movie is about addition, any addiction, and how hollow and empty and selfish and lonely addiction really is, and to what lengths people go to just to get one more fix. A decent enough move even though its void of any redeeming qualities.
2.5 Stars
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14, 2010 - Snow Cake; The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Watched a damn good movie in the early hours of the day, and I suggest you watch it too. Watched a damn good moving in the waning hours of the day, and I suggest you also watch it.
(18) Snow Cake (2006): A very decent cast consisting of Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, and Carrie-Anne Moss unfold this funny and sad and redemptive story of loss, understanding, and acceptance. Emotional from nearly the beginning, almost immediately you know you're watching something off the beaten path. Alan Rickman plays a character who has had his fair share of loss. Sigourney Weaver is a high-functioning autistic woman who also knows loss. Carrie-Anne Moss is a single, attractive woman who lives next door to Weaver, and is living a life full of loss that she created. The particular loss each person has suffered and endured is less important than what it means personally and privately. Weaver's character says it best when she says, "You can't know how I'm feeling because you're not me."
Good writing always trumps everything else, and this movie is exceedingly better than others of similar content because of the terrific writing. Tears and laughs abound, as well as some very warm, tender moments. Definitely worth watching. Savor the performances.
4 Stars
(19) The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): This is an animated film from Wes Anderson, based on original source material from Roald Dahl, and involves the animals of a forest, led by Mr. Fox (George Clooney), and Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep), battling to keep their homes against the three human inhabitants, Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon), Mr. Boggs (Robin Hurlstone), and Mr. Bunce (Hugo Guinness). This movie is laugh-out-loud funny, so that's what we did from nearly start to finish. The movie is witty and clever, and the animation style will suck you into the film right out of the gate.
I'm not usually an fan of animated films, but I do like Wes Anderson (Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, The Royal Tennenbaums, Darjeeling Limited), and how can you miss with the brilliant source material from Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)? Grab some friends and go see this movie. It's hilarious throughout, and dares you not to laugh until you can't any longer, then you'll laugh, heartily.
3.5 Stars
(18) Snow Cake (2006): A very decent cast consisting of Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, and Carrie-Anne Moss unfold this funny and sad and redemptive story of loss, understanding, and acceptance. Emotional from nearly the beginning, almost immediately you know you're watching something off the beaten path. Alan Rickman plays a character who has had his fair share of loss. Sigourney Weaver is a high-functioning autistic woman who also knows loss. Carrie-Anne Moss is a single, attractive woman who lives next door to Weaver, and is living a life full of loss that she created. The particular loss each person has suffered and endured is less important than what it means personally and privately. Weaver's character says it best when she says, "You can't know how I'm feeling because you're not me."
Good writing always trumps everything else, and this movie is exceedingly better than others of similar content because of the terrific writing. Tears and laughs abound, as well as some very warm, tender moments. Definitely worth watching. Savor the performances.
4 Stars
(19) The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): This is an animated film from Wes Anderson, based on original source material from Roald Dahl, and involves the animals of a forest, led by Mr. Fox (George Clooney), and Mrs. Fox (Meryl Streep), battling to keep their homes against the three human inhabitants, Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon), Mr. Boggs (Robin Hurlstone), and Mr. Bunce (Hugo Guinness). This movie is laugh-out-loud funny, so that's what we did from nearly start to finish. The movie is witty and clever, and the animation style will suck you into the film right out of the gate.
I'm not usually an fan of animated films, but I do like Wes Anderson (Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, The Royal Tennenbaums, Darjeeling Limited), and how can you miss with the brilliant source material from Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)? Grab some friends and go see this movie. It's hilarious throughout, and dares you not to laugh until you can't any longer, then you'll laugh, heartily.
3.5 Stars
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
January 13, 2010 - Swimmers
Opted for an indie drama shortly after finishing my writing tonight. Wasn't bad, but a payoff at the end would've made it a whole lot better.
(17) Swimmers (2005): Emma, 11, an aspiring swimmer, suffers a ruptured eardrum in the middle of a swim meet, nearly drowns before her father pulls her from the pool, and ultimately needs a surgery her parents can't afford. A decent enough premise, and the young actress who played Emma (Tara Devon Gallagher) does a commendable job for her first real acting gig, but she was much better when she wasn't acting in the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom (2005). Still, she was the only character I even cared about.
This film is the kinds that filled with a lot of familiar faces you can't name, who've been in a lot of movies you've seen but also can't name. One of those actors, Sarah Paulson, does a remarkable job of being believably disturbed. It all pretty much plays out as one would expect, but there are some good bits of dialogue along the way. It falls flat in the final 15 minutes, and for that reason I can't really recommend this film.
2 Stars
(17) Swimmers (2005): Emma, 11, an aspiring swimmer, suffers a ruptured eardrum in the middle of a swim meet, nearly drowns before her father pulls her from the pool, and ultimately needs a surgery her parents can't afford. A decent enough premise, and the young actress who played Emma (Tara Devon Gallagher) does a commendable job for her first real acting gig, but she was much better when she wasn't acting in the documentary Mad Hot Ballroom (2005). Still, she was the only character I even cared about.
This film is the kinds that filled with a lot of familiar faces you can't name, who've been in a lot of movies you've seen but also can't name. One of those actors, Sarah Paulson, does a remarkable job of being believably disturbed. It all pretty much plays out as one would expect, but there are some good bits of dialogue along the way. It falls flat in the final 15 minutes, and for that reason I can't really recommend this film.
2 Stars
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January 12, 2010 - Eyes Without a Face
Caught another old French film in the middle of the night.
(16) Eyes Without a Face (1959): A pretty decent little film here. Dude, who's a plastic surgeon, causes a car wreck (which we never see) that results in his daughter's face becoming horribly disfigured (which we also never totally see). He's pretty sure he can fix her up, all he needs to do is find some local beauties and slice their faces off. Too bad the transplants never take. The daughter, Christiane, (played by Edith Scob) is exceedingly creepy and eerie in her "Open Your Eyes" mask. She pretty much floats around in sinuous, gyrating motions that look effortless. Totally effective. The rest of the film, however, isn't quite as great but on the whole it hits the mark and is better than average. Worth taking a peak if you're up late at night and looking for something a little different on Netflix instant play.
2.5 Stars
(16) Eyes Without a Face (1959): A pretty decent little film here. Dude, who's a plastic surgeon, causes a car wreck (which we never see) that results in his daughter's face becoming horribly disfigured (which we also never totally see). He's pretty sure he can fix her up, all he needs to do is find some local beauties and slice their faces off. Too bad the transplants never take. The daughter, Christiane, (played by Edith Scob) is exceedingly creepy and eerie in her "Open Your Eyes" mask. She pretty much floats around in sinuous, gyrating motions that look effortless. Totally effective. The rest of the film, however, isn't quite as great but on the whole it hits the mark and is better than average. Worth taking a peak if you're up late at night and looking for something a little different on Netflix instant play.
2.5 Stars
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010 - Pickpocket
Caught a little French film in the wee hours.
(15) Pickpocket (1959): A short-ish film (76 minutes), but not unusual for the day. It's the story of Michel, a pickpocket with no real desire beyond getting better at his tradecraft. His friend Jacques wishes more for him, and the girl, Jeanne, eventually falls for him, mostly because he's the only person left in her life. Not a lot happens in the film beyond a lot of pickpocketing and some cops on Michel's trail, but I liked it all the same.
2.5 Stars
(15) Pickpocket (1959): A short-ish film (76 minutes), but not unusual for the day. It's the story of Michel, a pickpocket with no real desire beyond getting better at his tradecraft. His friend Jacques wishes more for him, and the girl, Jeanne, eventually falls for him, mostly because he's the only person left in her life. Not a lot happens in the film beyond a lot of pickpocketing and some cops on Michel's trail, but I liked it all the same.
2.5 Stars
Sunday, January 10, 2010
January 10, 2010 - The Green Butchers; The Brothers Bloom
Watched another Danish film early today. It was dark, tender, and perfectly marbled. Much later in the day I almost got conned by a movie. It wanted me to think it was good.
(13) The Green Butchers (2003): Bjarne and Svend are tired of working for Holger the Butcher, so they strike out on their own, opening a shop that becomes quite a big success almost immediately. This is a dark comedy that involves, among other things, a brain-damaged twin, a skeleton collection, a 20-a-day joint habit, a really cute blonde, and the best damned meat marinade in Denmark. Well worth seeing, although the ending did leave me with the beginning twinges of a tooth cavity. That aside, there are some truly laugh-out-loud moments ("They stole my lunch money as a kid, which is why I'm so skinny today...") that make this comedy the real deal.
3.5 Stars
(14) The Brothers Bloom (2008): I like each of the principle actors in this film, which is why I ordered it from Netflix. I love movies about cons, con artists, grifters, etc. I really wanted this film to be good, but it wasn't. There were some major plot holes that remain unresolved, and one flat-out cheat by the writer/director, Rian Johnson, involving the Rachel Weisz character, a blown up building, a stolen book, and the chief of police in Prague. It's worse than it sounds. Unless you're totally into the principle actors in this film, you should take a pass. Good thing my Netflix is unlimited, or I'd be asking for a refund.
1.5 Stars
(13) The Green Butchers (2003): Bjarne and Svend are tired of working for Holger the Butcher, so they strike out on their own, opening a shop that becomes quite a big success almost immediately. This is a dark comedy that involves, among other things, a brain-damaged twin, a skeleton collection, a 20-a-day joint habit, a really cute blonde, and the best damned meat marinade in Denmark. Well worth seeing, although the ending did leave me with the beginning twinges of a tooth cavity. That aside, there are some truly laugh-out-loud moments ("They stole my lunch money as a kid, which is why I'm so skinny today...") that make this comedy the real deal.
3.5 Stars
(14) The Brothers Bloom (2008): I like each of the principle actors in this film, which is why I ordered it from Netflix. I love movies about cons, con artists, grifters, etc. I really wanted this film to be good, but it wasn't. There were some major plot holes that remain unresolved, and one flat-out cheat by the writer/director, Rian Johnson, involving the Rachel Weisz character, a blown up building, a stolen book, and the chief of police in Prague. It's worse than it sounds. Unless you're totally into the principle actors in this film, you should take a pass. Good thing my Netflix is unlimited, or I'd be asking for a refund.
1.5 Stars
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9, 2010 - The Boss of it All; The Celebration
Watched another Lars von Trier film, this time in the wee hours of the morning, and another Thomas Vinterberg film much later in the day.
(11) The Boss of it All (2006): A genuine comedy from the not-so-funny guy, von Trier. An actor is hired to play the role of company president to affect the sale of a Danish software company to a company in Iceland. There are some truly funny moments, which I thought was awesome for two reasons. First, because it's billed as a comedy. Second, because it's written and directed by Lars von Trier (who also hilariously narrates in a handful of spots throughout), who is best known for his non-comedic offerings.
Anyone who's seen High Fidelity (2000) with John Cusack will recognize a familiar face. Iben Hjejle, who played Cusack's love interest, Laura, plays a fairly prominent and hilarious role in this film as Lise, the director of Human Resources for the company said actor has been hired to sell.
Anyone looking for a really good comedy would do well to catch this one. Totally Scandinavian.
3.5 Stars
(12) The Celebration (1998): This film was utterly depressing throughout, which I don't mind at all, and was extremely well acted and presented. The grimness is strengthened by the Dogme 95 filmmaking style to which Vinterberg held himself to as he created this truly great film. Note: The Celebration is the first film created under the Dogme 95 Manifesto created by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. You'll notice that Vinterberg is uncredited as the director, which is one of the Dogme stipulations.
The "celebration" is the 60th birthday party for Helge, father and husband, and his friends and family are in attendance. This family is perhaps one of the most dysfunctional families ever to make the silver screen, which makes what transpires entirely believable.
I found great sympathy for son, Christian. I won't give it away as it's your job to seek out good films and discover the joy, beauty, and tragedy for yourself. Suffice it to say, this is a must see film for anyone who considers themselves any sort of serious lover of real cinema.
4.5 Stars
(11) The Boss of it All (2006): A genuine comedy from the not-so-funny guy, von Trier. An actor is hired to play the role of company president to affect the sale of a Danish software company to a company in Iceland. There are some truly funny moments, which I thought was awesome for two reasons. First, because it's billed as a comedy. Second, because it's written and directed by Lars von Trier (who also hilariously narrates in a handful of spots throughout), who is best known for his non-comedic offerings.
Anyone who's seen High Fidelity (2000) with John Cusack will recognize a familiar face. Iben Hjejle, who played Cusack's love interest, Laura, plays a fairly prominent and hilarious role in this film as Lise, the director of Human Resources for the company said actor has been hired to sell.
Anyone looking for a really good comedy would do well to catch this one. Totally Scandinavian.
3.5 Stars
(12) The Celebration (1998): This film was utterly depressing throughout, which I don't mind at all, and was extremely well acted and presented. The grimness is strengthened by the Dogme 95 filmmaking style to which Vinterberg held himself to as he created this truly great film. Note: The Celebration is the first film created under the Dogme 95 Manifesto created by Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. You'll notice that Vinterberg is uncredited as the director, which is one of the Dogme stipulations.
The "celebration" is the 60th birthday party for Helge, father and husband, and his friends and family are in attendance. This family is perhaps one of the most dysfunctional families ever to make the silver screen, which makes what transpires entirely believable.
I found great sympathy for son, Christian. I won't give it away as it's your job to seek out good films and discover the joy, beauty, and tragedy for yourself. Suffice it to say, this is a must see film for anyone who considers themselves any sort of serious lover of real cinema.
4.5 Stars
Friday, January 8, 2010
January 8, 2010 - The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus; The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
Happy birthday, bro!
Today I took in two films at the Broadway.
(9) The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009): For me this was a very disappointing film by brilliant filmmaker, Terry Gilliam. After such great films as Twelve Monkeys (1995), and The Fisher King (1991), this was a major letdown. A suspect story at best, totally masked behind the multi-media mania that is Gilliam's imagination. Too bad, really. This was Heath Ledger's last film (he died midway through principle photography), and he was the best part of the entire film.
I kept my ears open as we shuffled out of the theater and the comments were mixed. I could see glee on the faces of some, and head-shaking by others. I can't recommend this film, but I wouldn't use my taste in movies as any sort of official barometer. Those of you that follow this blog throughout the year will get a very good feel for what I like in a movie, and some will see the method behind the madness while others only see the madness. Caveat emptor!
1 Star
(10) The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009): Another bad Nicholas Cage movie, and only slightly better than the other film I saw today. Not a true sequel to the 1992 film by Able Ferrara, Bad Lieutenant, it also isn't nearly as good. Don't compare Cage to Keitel. For the most part the movie is laughable, and there are so many perfect little endings that I felt my Red Vines creeping up the back of my throat more than once. Also, Cage changes his accent and speaking style halfway through the film, and at some points I thought he was trying to be Pacino, and at other times I thought Jimmy Stewart had come back to life.
Surprisingly, Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner turns in the best performance. He's believable as a gangster, and to me seems like the only actor comfy in his skin. Fairuza Balk appears in a totally throwaway part/scene, but once again proves (via some nifty black lingerie) that 35 is the new 25.
Can't really recommend unless you're into the principle actors or, like me, support your local film society and see everything they so generously bring to town.
1.5 Stars
Today I took in two films at the Broadway.
(9) The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009): For me this was a very disappointing film by brilliant filmmaker, Terry Gilliam. After such great films as Twelve Monkeys (1995), and The Fisher King (1991), this was a major letdown. A suspect story at best, totally masked behind the multi-media mania that is Gilliam's imagination. Too bad, really. This was Heath Ledger's last film (he died midway through principle photography), and he was the best part of the entire film.
I kept my ears open as we shuffled out of the theater and the comments were mixed. I could see glee on the faces of some, and head-shaking by others. I can't recommend this film, but I wouldn't use my taste in movies as any sort of official barometer. Those of you that follow this blog throughout the year will get a very good feel for what I like in a movie, and some will see the method behind the madness while others only see the madness. Caveat emptor!
1 Star
(10) The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009): Another bad Nicholas Cage movie, and only slightly better than the other film I saw today. Not a true sequel to the 1992 film by Able Ferrara, Bad Lieutenant, it also isn't nearly as good. Don't compare Cage to Keitel. For the most part the movie is laughable, and there are so many perfect little endings that I felt my Red Vines creeping up the back of my throat more than once. Also, Cage changes his accent and speaking style halfway through the film, and at some points I thought he was trying to be Pacino, and at other times I thought Jimmy Stewart had come back to life.
Surprisingly, Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner turns in the best performance. He's believable as a gangster, and to me seems like the only actor comfy in his skin. Fairuza Balk appears in a totally throwaway part/scene, but once again proves (via some nifty black lingerie) that 35 is the new 25.
Can't really recommend unless you're into the principle actors or, like me, support your local film society and see everything they so generously bring to town.
1.5 Stars
Thursday, January 7, 2010
January 7, 2010 - Irreversible
Today's film is a very disturbing entry from Norway.
(8) Irreversible (2002): Another recommended film by my friend, Stephen, this was one of the toughest watches I've had. This is pretty much the story of revenge. Dude's girl gets raped and he and his buddy set out to find the guy who did it. The film is brilliant in many ways, including that it plays in reverse. You see the culminating event of the manhunt and then as the rest of the film unfolds you discover how and why it all happened.
The violence is brutal, as is the rape scene. I highly recommend watching the special feature on the DVD that describes and displays the special effects used in the film. The very "real" beating, and the very "real" rape are put into cinematic perspective, and when you see that it was all just SFX making the magic happen, it will wash a calm(er) feeling over you.
I can only recommend this to the most adventurous cinephile. Seriously, not for everyone, and easily rated NC-17 for very good reason.
3.5 Stars
(8) Irreversible (2002): Another recommended film by my friend, Stephen, this was one of the toughest watches I've had. This is pretty much the story of revenge. Dude's girl gets raped and he and his buddy set out to find the guy who did it. The film is brilliant in many ways, including that it plays in reverse. You see the culminating event of the manhunt and then as the rest of the film unfolds you discover how and why it all happened.
The violence is brutal, as is the rape scene. I highly recommend watching the special feature on the DVD that describes and displays the special effects used in the film. The very "real" beating, and the very "real" rape are put into cinematic perspective, and when you see that it was all just SFX making the magic happen, it will wash a calm(er) feeling over you.
I can only recommend this to the most adventurous cinephile. Seriously, not for everyone, and easily rated NC-17 for very good reason.
3.5 Stars
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010 - Next
I'm a huge fan of the works of Philip K. Dick, arguably one of the greatest science fiction writers of the 20th century. Hell, one of the greatest writers, period. Dick had an incredible grasp on time travel, and expounded on the implications of it in many of his stories and books.
(7) Next (2007): I caught this on Netflix instant play, largely because of the Philip Dick source material. Julianne Moore starring didn't hurt. The story premise is that dude (Nick Cage) can see a couple of minutes into the future, and thereby can prevent/avoid certain catastrophes. In this case the catastrophe is a nuclear bomb someone in California. Moore, who is an FBI field agent needs Cage to tell her where the bomb is located. Not a great movie, but a decent enough treatment of the original Dick material.
A good enough watch if you like other movies based on Dick's material (Blade Runner, Paycheck, A Scanner Darkly, Minority Report), or if you like the work of the principle actors, which includes Jessica Biel along side the understated Nicholas Cage and the ever-reliable Julianne Moore.
2.5 Stars
(7) Next (2007): I caught this on Netflix instant play, largely because of the Philip Dick source material. Julianne Moore starring didn't hurt. The story premise is that dude (Nick Cage) can see a couple of minutes into the future, and thereby can prevent/avoid certain catastrophes. In this case the catastrophe is a nuclear bomb someone in California. Moore, who is an FBI field agent needs Cage to tell her where the bomb is located. Not a great movie, but a decent enough treatment of the original Dick material.
A good enough watch if you like other movies based on Dick's material (Blade Runner, Paycheck, A Scanner Darkly, Minority Report), or if you like the work of the principle actors, which includes Jessica Biel along side the understated Nicholas Cage and the ever-reliable Julianne Moore.
2.5 Stars
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5, 2010 - Dear Wendy
Happy birthday, sis!
Today I watched a wholly unique and interesting film by Danish director, Thomas Vinterberg, and written by Lars Von Trier.
(6) Dear Wendy (2005): This film is about a group of teenage misfits led by one Dick Dandelion. The group, known as the Dandies and formed by Dandelion, is united in their love of handguns and their code of honor, namely never brandishing their guns, for any reason. All the action takes place in an unnamed American town in an unnamed era, although it's modern enough. This movie is so good, and so worth seeing, that you should drop what you're doing right now and watch it!
4 Stars
Today I watched a wholly unique and interesting film by Danish director, Thomas Vinterberg, and written by Lars Von Trier.
(6) Dear Wendy (2005): This film is about a group of teenage misfits led by one Dick Dandelion. The group, known as the Dandies and formed by Dandelion, is united in their love of handguns and their code of honor, namely never brandishing their guns, for any reason. All the action takes place in an unnamed American town in an unnamed era, although it's modern enough. This movie is so good, and so worth seeing, that you should drop what you're doing right now and watch it!
4 Stars
January 4, 2010 - World's Greatest Dad
I watched an interesting film today, and it kind of caught me off guard when it came recommended to me from a highly credible source.
(5) World's Greatest Dad (2009): Here's the reason I was caught off my guard and, I might add, highly suspicious of this film. It stars Robin Williams and was written and directed Bobcat Goldthwait. That old adage, "Never judge a book by its cover" has some merit. This film was fantastic, but not perfect. The story was interesting and fresh, and pretty much told in an unflinching manner. Williams plays a dad who is a failed author, failed father, and failing school teacher. I won't give too much away (as is not the point of this blog), but I will say that when Williams is cast in serious roles he does exceedingly well. I highly recommend this film. Rated R for a reason, not for the kidlings, even if they are in public school.
3.5 Stars
(5) World's Greatest Dad (2009): Here's the reason I was caught off my guard and, I might add, highly suspicious of this film. It stars Robin Williams and was written and directed Bobcat Goldthwait. That old adage, "Never judge a book by its cover" has some merit. This film was fantastic, but not perfect. The story was interesting and fresh, and pretty much told in an unflinching manner. Williams plays a dad who is a failed author, failed father, and failing school teacher. I won't give too much away (as is not the point of this blog), but I will say that when Williams is cast in serious roles he does exceedingly well. I highly recommend this film. Rated R for a reason, not for the kidlings, even if they are in public school.
3.5 Stars
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 3, 2010 - Europa
Today I watched a lovely little film by Danish auteur, Lars von Trier. After seeing the brilliant Antichrist on New Year's Eve, I decided to take in some of his films I'd either seen long ago, or hadn't seen at all.
(4) Europa (1991): I hadn't seen this film in many years, but I'm glad I opted to see this one first. Europa is a great story about an American in Germany only a handful of days after the end of World War II. He is a pacifist and conscientious objector, and as a result of his choice to not get involved he had no real identity or persona. The result of this is that he winds up being a pawn by both sides and is used as a sort of spy, but he's not really very good at it. This is classified as an art house film and rightfully so. The camera angles are incredible, and the blending of color and B&W works to perfection. Highly recommended viewing.
4 Stars
Note: Europa is the third film in a trilogy by von Trier. If you prefer to watch them in order start with The Element of Crime (1984), then Epidemic (1987), and finish with Europa.
(4) Europa (1991): I hadn't seen this film in many years, but I'm glad I opted to see this one first. Europa is a great story about an American in Germany only a handful of days after the end of World War II. He is a pacifist and conscientious objector, and as a result of his choice to not get involved he had no real identity or persona. The result of this is that he winds up being a pawn by both sides and is used as a sort of spy, but he's not really very good at it. This is classified as an art house film and rightfully so. The camera angles are incredible, and the blending of color and B&W works to perfection. Highly recommended viewing.
4 Stars
Note: Europa is the third film in a trilogy by von Trier. If you prefer to watch them in order start with The Element of Crime (1984), then Epidemic (1987), and finish with Europa.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 2, 2010 - The Seventh Continent
Happy birthday, mom!
Today I watched a great film by German auteur, Michael Haneke.
(3) The Seventh Continent (1989): This is a grim, harrowing tale (which came highly recommended by my friend Stephen), and is nothing short of nihilism at it's finest. Great performances all around, and a slick, slow slide into complete oblivion. Best film I've seen this year!
5 Stars
Today I watched a great film by German auteur, Michael Haneke.
(3) The Seventh Continent (1989): This is a grim, harrowing tale (which came highly recommended by my friend Stephen), and is nothing short of nihilism at it's finest. Great performances all around, and a slick, slow slide into complete oblivion. Best film I've seen this year!
5 Stars
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 1, 2010 - The Baby's Room; To Let
Today I watched two Spanish horror films that I rented from Netflix. Neither was bad, neither was great.
(1) The Baby's Room (2006): A creepy tale about parents who can see ghosts in their son's room, but only via the baby video monitor. Interesting enough, but no real scary moments, which is unfortunate because it was billed as a horror film.
2 Stars
(2) To Let (2006): A more effective horror film that the first. A couple goes to look at an apartment they might like to rent, only to discover that some of the belongings are already there. Blood and gore a plenty, so definitely no kids unless they're in public schooling.
2.5 Stars
(1) The Baby's Room (2006): A creepy tale about parents who can see ghosts in their son's room, but only via the baby video monitor. Interesting enough, but no real scary moments, which is unfortunate because it was billed as a horror film.
2 Stars
(2) To Let (2006): A more effective horror film that the first. A couple goes to look at an apartment they might like to rent, only to discover that some of the belongings are already there. Blood and gore a plenty, so definitely no kids unless they're in public schooling.
2.5 Stars
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