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