Wow! I really think this movie is underrated, I thought it was hilarious. I’ve seen the first two original Pink Panther movies from the 60s and hated them, in comparison this version is so much better.
The funniest part of the film is that it’s Steve Martin, an American actor with a corny French accent. The accent is so bad he was definitely trying to make it the worse French accent ever, it was hilarious. One of my favourite parts was when Kevin Kline says a word in French to Steve Martin, and Steve has a “what the fuck does that mean” look oh his face, haha the French character doesn’t know French, just a bad accent. It was even funnier when Steve Martin, with a French accent was trying to learn how to speak with an American accent, haha. The whole scene is a lady trying to teach him how to say “I would like to buy a hamburger” to say the least it was not successful. The next scene has Steve Martin in NYC having his first hamburger, he acts like hamburgers are disgusting, but he bites into is and is in friggin’ love
I have so many lines I loved in this movie that Steve delivered. His facial expressions were so funny also. Also surprising there was some impressive cinematography also, I wasn’t expecting any stylization, kudos!
I wasn’t anything out of this film initially because I had hated the original Pink Panther movies (I respect Peter Sellers, I just don’t think there’s anything special about his version of the character, it was lame).
Here is the trainer who trains! hehehe
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Short Cuts (1993)
I thought this was an enjoyable film. For those who are not familiar with this film, think the movie that inspired Magnolia?
I like Short Cuts more than Magnolia because it doesn’t have that syrupy orchestral music playing in the background the whole time; it’s more gritty and believable. Julianne Moore is in both films also, I think she’s alright in Short Cuts.
This film is three hours long, but I found the pacing so well done that I didn’t even notice the time going by, I think it was because Robert Altman made sure that each segment of each story was not very long making the viewer eager to see where and how the story will continue to develop in it’s next segment. I found I was eager also to see how each character would bump into one another. Most of the characters are related to one another or are neighbour or have some affiliation with each other, and I found it interesting to see how each would meet.
All of the cast members I enjoyed, This film is definitely worth checking out.
I like Short Cuts more than Magnolia because it doesn’t have that syrupy orchestral music playing in the background the whole time; it’s more gritty and believable. Julianne Moore is in both films also, I think she’s alright in Short Cuts.
This film is three hours long, but I found the pacing so well done that I didn’t even notice the time going by, I think it was because Robert Altman made sure that each segment of each story was not very long making the viewer eager to see where and how the story will continue to develop in it’s next segment. I found I was eager also to see how each character would bump into one another. Most of the characters are related to one another or are neighbour or have some affiliation with each other, and I found it interesting to see how each would meet.
All of the cast members I enjoyed, This film is definitely worth checking out.
The English Patient (1996)
I really didn’t like this film, I thought it was crap. It in no way appeals to me, and I will now say why.
For one there is not much dialogue in this film. You may thing, but the visuals speak where words would be, but no. All the visuals are the same, there is no vary whatsoever in the visuals. The characters mostly rely on facial expressions to say their emotions, but there is only one expression in this whole entire friggin film. The oh I miss my lover, my life is soo deprived, I was happy at one time, I wish I could love someone passionately, I’m lonely and I need a huggy-wuggy, bleh! I’d rather listen to someone say this than have to look at their facial expressions.
The other thing is that the cinematography has nothing to it, I never say this, but I could have done better cinematography myself. Gah! I can understand why this film won 9 academy awards, I don’t agree with the academies decisions as it is, so The English Patient film can take their crappy awards, and shove it.
I guess I’m a little irritated that I sat through this film. I just don’t understand this type of film, why do people find it appealing, it’s so boring and predictable, in the bad way.
For one there is not much dialogue in this film. You may thing, but the visuals speak where words would be, but no. All the visuals are the same, there is no vary whatsoever in the visuals. The characters mostly rely on facial expressions to say their emotions, but there is only one expression in this whole entire friggin film. The oh I miss my lover, my life is soo deprived, I was happy at one time, I wish I could love someone passionately, I’m lonely and I need a huggy-wuggy, bleh! I’d rather listen to someone say this than have to look at their facial expressions.
The other thing is that the cinematography has nothing to it, I never say this, but I could have done better cinematography myself. Gah! I can understand why this film won 9 academy awards, I don’t agree with the academies decisions as it is, so The English Patient film can take their crappy awards, and shove it.
I guess I’m a little irritated that I sat through this film. I just don’t understand this type of film, why do people find it appealing, it’s so boring and predictable, in the bad way.
A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
I thought this was a really good movie. I didn’t think I was a fan of Westerns, but the style that the spaghetti western is done in is really good. What I like about this kind of western is that there is a dimension of parody in the film. When I watched “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly” a few months ago with my dad, I had no clue why he was laughing all the time, I just thought the film was being corny and not knowing it. Now I realize that the director was aware and consciously put the parody elements in the film. One of the strongest ways this dimension is portrayed, I believe, is in the soundtrack. It’s an awesome soundtrack with a funny flute loop and chain clang against something. The cinematography is also amazing, I put it up there with my favourite films in terms of visuals, it’s orgasmic! I really want to see ‘For a Few Dollars More’, but it seems to be a hot ticket item at the library for a few weeks, argh nugget!
Note to fans of the Back to the Future trilogy: Fistful of Dollars has the scene that Marty used to get the idea of the ‘bullet-proof vest’; it was cool seeing that scene.
This is definitely a film to watch to get a well rounded film history.
Note to fans of the Back to the Future trilogy: Fistful of Dollars has the scene that Marty used to get the idea of the ‘bullet-proof vest’; it was cool seeing that scene.
This is definitely a film to watch to get a well rounded film history.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Nine to Five (1980)
This was a cute and enjoyable film. Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton have good chemistry together, and even though it could be slightly irritating to watch their hijinks, I couldn’t help chuckling to myself.
Nine to Five is a kind of self-mockery of the women’s liberation movement during the 70s. I thought they played it well; I especially found it interesting to see how different the times were over 25 years ago. Just a few weeks ago I had heard about this film because they were releasing a 25th anniversary DVD.
I also found this film interesting because of all the old technology that the have in the office. All their office equipment are antiques when compared to what is around today, it was pretty funny watching the characters function with the gi-normous photocopier, it’s loco.
I recommend this movie as an easy watch. Thinking about it now, it reminds me of Weekend at Bernie’s, but with the subject matter dealing with woman’s lib instead.
Nine to Five is a kind of self-mockery of the women’s liberation movement during the 70s. I thought they played it well; I especially found it interesting to see how different the times were over 25 years ago. Just a few weeks ago I had heard about this film because they were releasing a 25th anniversary DVD.
I also found this film interesting because of all the old technology that the have in the office. All their office equipment are antiques when compared to what is around today, it was pretty funny watching the characters function with the gi-normous photocopier, it’s loco.
I recommend this movie as an easy watch. Thinking about it now, it reminds me of Weekend at Bernie’s, but with the subject matter dealing with woman’s lib instead.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Holiday (1938)
This is another great Cary Grant picture. It’s the third film he starred in with Katherine Hepburn, and I have to say this film is my favourite with Hepburn because she was not annoying at all, I found her very charming and victimized actually (which sucked, but I guess helped me sympathize with her character).
I was deceived at the beginning of this film. The love interest in the film initially is named Julia, and I got so excited because I thought hey it’s going to be another Cary Grant love Julia film. It was like this for most of the film, but half way through it turns out that the character known as Julia was shallow and uninteresting, which blew for me personally in a way, but since I found Hepburn’s character so endearing I just told myself I wasn’t like that crazy Julia character and enjoyed the film.
Cary did some cool nonchalant acrobatics. I’m reading a biography of his and seeing him do the acrobatics (because he’s where he originated in show biz) really shown that the man has class and talent.
In terms of story this was a good film. It was explained very well why Hepburn was the black sheep of the family, besides a few renegade ideas she talked about, she didn’t seem that far from the pack (I guess they wanted me to use my imagination).
I say check out this film if you want to see classic Cary and a non-irriating Hepburn.
I was deceived at the beginning of this film. The love interest in the film initially is named Julia, and I got so excited because I thought hey it’s going to be another Cary Grant love Julia film. It was like this for most of the film, but half way through it turns out that the character known as Julia was shallow and uninteresting, which blew for me personally in a way, but since I found Hepburn’s character so endearing I just told myself I wasn’t like that crazy Julia character and enjoyed the film.
Cary did some cool nonchalant acrobatics. I’m reading a biography of his and seeing him do the acrobatics (because he’s where he originated in show biz) really shown that the man has class and talent.
In terms of story this was a good film. It was explained very well why Hepburn was the black sheep of the family, besides a few renegade ideas she talked about, she didn’t seem that far from the pack (I guess they wanted me to use my imagination).
I say check out this film if you want to see classic Cary and a non-irriating Hepburn.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Snow Falling on Cedars (1999)
I have to say that this film did nothing for me, and I know why. This film, along with many films of the same style, is extremely lyrical. That means that there are no jokes. The film revolves around illustrating the passion and the yearning the characters have for each other. There is always the direction of withdrawl that one character experiences for the other and the audience experiences this by being shown flashback over flashback of the characters happy encounters overlapped with the sad character's desire for the other, who is trying to move on with their life. I find it hard to sit through these types of films because, in two words, they’re dramatized drama. This style of filmmaking is bland to me. Now you may think I’m a hypocrite, but I love lyrical foreign films, and most lyrical Canadian films; it’s just the American lyrical film that makes me want to fall asleep or fast forward through the film.
The topic of the film was pretty interesting, and I would label this an enjoyable film, but it’s honestly the director’s fault that I don’t like this film. I don’t blame the director for ruining it for me because it’s his style; I just think it’s important to give credit where credit is due. Scott Hicks also directed Shine which I enjoy, but that’s because there was some comic relief present. I think for myself, an American film with no comic relief whatsoever is sacrilegious; it’s their strongest device in their films.
Snow Falling on Cedars did have some great performances and they deserve attention. Ethan Hawke was very cute and lonely.
The topic of the film was pretty interesting, and I would label this an enjoyable film, but it’s honestly the director’s fault that I don’t like this film. I don’t blame the director for ruining it for me because it’s his style; I just think it’s important to give credit where credit is due. Scott Hicks also directed Shine which I enjoy, but that’s because there was some comic relief present. I think for myself, an American film with no comic relief whatsoever is sacrilegious; it’s their strongest device in their films.
Snow Falling on Cedars did have some great performances and they deserve attention. Ethan Hawke was very cute and lonely.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
The Break Up (2006)
I really liked this movie. Yes, it was really depressing to watch a loving relationship end, but at the same time I thought this film had excellent flow and great character development (the film student in me, what do you expect). Both characters had their flaws in terms of communication and it was interesting to watch how the other received and responded to that communication and more so lack of communication.
It would have been nice to see the couple for a bit at least during their happy period (but I guess that’s not what the film is about). Instead the two years the relationship occurred is represented through the opening credits of snapshots (candid and organized). I thought that was an effective device, but it would have been nice to see a scene or two of them actually being in the relationship (instead of starting the film after the credits with them fighting).
There was some humour also in the film to lighten the incredible dark and depressing fall of the relationship. Aniston’s effeminate brother, during a dinner scene, is trying to get Vince to sing a drum beat in harmony to other people at the table. He kept repeating “come, come on the bass drum” to try and encourage Vince, it was hilarious! Jon Favreau also stole some scenes as Vince’s best buddy who tries to console him during this period of break up (I felt sad that Jon has gained so much weight since “Swingers”, he was hot in that film, what happened Jon? I thought you lost all your baby fat from “Rudy” years ago, you can’t claim its baby fat anymore).
I definitely recommend checking this film out. I saw it with my roommates and the consensus was it was a bad film because it made them feel awkward to watch it. I guess the voyeur in me holds nothing against that!
It would have been nice to see the couple for a bit at least during their happy period (but I guess that’s not what the film is about). Instead the two years the relationship occurred is represented through the opening credits of snapshots (candid and organized). I thought that was an effective device, but it would have been nice to see a scene or two of them actually being in the relationship (instead of starting the film after the credits with them fighting).
There was some humour also in the film to lighten the incredible dark and depressing fall of the relationship. Aniston’s effeminate brother, during a dinner scene, is trying to get Vince to sing a drum beat in harmony to other people at the table. He kept repeating “come, come on the bass drum” to try and encourage Vince, it was hilarious! Jon Favreau also stole some scenes as Vince’s best buddy who tries to console him during this period of break up (I felt sad that Jon has gained so much weight since “Swingers”, he was hot in that film, what happened Jon? I thought you lost all your baby fat from “Rudy” years ago, you can’t claim its baby fat anymore).
I definitely recommend checking this film out. I saw it with my roommates and the consensus was it was a bad film because it made them feel awkward to watch it. I guess the voyeur in me holds nothing against that!
Friday, June 09, 2006
The Thin Man (1934)
I thought this was a great film. It’s definitely one that is entertaining, let has enough substance that one does not feel like are killing brain cells.
William Powell stars as a former detective who marries woman with a large dowry who is living a life of luxury. One day there is a murder and he gets roped in (partially unwittingly) into cracking the case of who the murderer is. This film is definitely a classic caper (probably one of the best of it’s kind). William Powell is dashing and debonair; his character is constantly drinking, it’s hilarious. The chemistry between he and his wife is reason enough to watch this film. It’s a fast talking, almost screwball comedy (but he already has the girl, so the film is picking up after a few years of marriage). They joke around, very dryly, about not caring about one another, it’s so funny. This movie must have made dinner parties the hippest thing on this side of the coast.
William Powell stars as a former detective who marries woman with a large dowry who is living a life of luxury. One day there is a murder and he gets roped in (partially unwittingly) into cracking the case of who the murderer is. This film is definitely a classic caper (probably one of the best of it’s kind). William Powell is dashing and debonair; his character is constantly drinking, it’s hilarious. The chemistry between he and his wife is reason enough to watch this film. It’s a fast talking, almost screwball comedy (but he already has the girl, so the film is picking up after a few years of marriage). They joke around, very dryly, about not caring about one another, it’s so funny. This movie must have made dinner parties the hippest thing on this side of the coast.
Amadeus (1984)
I was surprised by this film because I feel like I’ve taken so much from watching it. Initially I had thought of this film as a hoaky, bio-pic of some dude with loads of melodrama and a few bits of historical information. Instead what I got was an self-enriching lesson about how history is recorded and remember. Now obviously these are all my observations because I have nowhere near enough time to research the accuracy of this film about the life of Mozart, but everyone has their own stance.
I enjoyed the novelty occurrences that this film provided. I felt like it was more of a story of the lifestyle during his time period. I never thought too much about it, but they really cared a lot about their white wigs in that time, I would think it has the equivalent importance people have to their favourite clothes.
Even though this film was long I think it was all important to have on the screen. While usually when you know a film is over 120 minutes you have to commit to really watching it, but what I found with this film is that because it was more about the daily occurrences in Mozart’s life I felt I didn’t have to give it 100% of my attention the entire time. I was able to chat with a roommate at one point, and surf the internet for some information and still was able to attain the main just of the film. Sidenote, my observations tell me that the film was called Amadeus (Mozart's middle name) to maybe show a more candid angle of Mozart's life
I recommend this film for someone who is interested in watching all the marquee Oscar films (because it won during it’s year). It is definitely an interesting story about how an artist has to struggle to put his work in exhibition because of the powers that control distribution and commission for the project (definitely something that still applies to today’s art work).
I enjoyed the novelty occurrences that this film provided. I felt like it was more of a story of the lifestyle during his time period. I never thought too much about it, but they really cared a lot about their white wigs in that time, I would think it has the equivalent importance people have to their favourite clothes.
Even though this film was long I think it was all important to have on the screen. While usually when you know a film is over 120 minutes you have to commit to really watching it, but what I found with this film is that because it was more about the daily occurrences in Mozart’s life I felt I didn’t have to give it 100% of my attention the entire time. I was able to chat with a roommate at one point, and surf the internet for some information and still was able to attain the main just of the film. Sidenote, my observations tell me that the film was called Amadeus (Mozart's middle name) to maybe show a more candid angle of Mozart's life
I recommend this film for someone who is interested in watching all the marquee Oscar films (because it won during it’s year). It is definitely an interesting story about how an artist has to struggle to put his work in exhibition because of the powers that control distribution and commission for the project (definitely something that still applies to today’s art work).
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