This movie wasn't that bad. I think I was in the mood for some formulaic hollywood horror, and this film definitely met that expectation. All the forms and conventions you would expect from this kind of film was present. Eerie music, off-kiltered woman, suspicious man, and obvious story plot, that you can figure out within the first 20 minutes. If all this seems redundant, and pointless to you, I am not forcing you to continue to read this, and maybe this movie isn't for you.
If I still have a bit of your attention, I'll continue. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, who I've lately been giving credit to as a director who can make financially, and audience friendly films, while keeping a bit of quality in the work. Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, are by no means artistic masterpieces, but they are awesome to watch.
What Lies Beneath is definitely not in the same category as these films. Watching it I actually felt like it was a very strong homage to classic Hitchcock. A lot of the shots look like they were directly pulled from Psycho, Rear Window, and Vertigo. If anything it was cool to see him paying tribute to some amazing films.
So maybe this movie is worth checking out for you. It's just not an any day occasion film.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Le Scaphandre Et Le Papillon (2007)
This movie was really good. It was authentic, touching, and I finished it feeling awe-inspired. There's really nothing critical I can say about it. It really makes you grateful for what you have in life, and the people who support you.
That being said, the performances were amazing from the whole cast, especially Mathieu Amalric as Jean-Do. I'm sure getting into that mind-set must have been a challenge, but he plays it effortlessly.
The pacing was also really good. I like how we the audience see the world as John-Do. We do not know what he looks like for the first chunk of the film (as he has probably forgotten what he looks like also), and we're gradually introduced to his former life as the editor for Elle magazine. Shooting from his POV was incredible, especially the scene where his eye is being sewn up, so tragic.
Jean-Do had an amazing life before having a stroke, so it really shows how you need to enjoy every moment, because you don't know when it will be over.
I recommend this film to all.
That being said, the performances were amazing from the whole cast, especially Mathieu Amalric as Jean-Do. I'm sure getting into that mind-set must have been a challenge, but he plays it effortlessly.
The pacing was also really good. I like how we the audience see the world as John-Do. We do not know what he looks like for the first chunk of the film (as he has probably forgotten what he looks like also), and we're gradually introduced to his former life as the editor for Elle magazine. Shooting from his POV was incredible, especially the scene where his eye is being sewn up, so tragic.
Jean-Do had an amazing life before having a stroke, so it really shows how you need to enjoy every moment, because you don't know when it will be over.
I recommend this film to all.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Defendor (2009)
I was pretty disappointed with this film, which is a shame. It played out like the typical Canadian low-budget flick, with the typically flaws. The performances were subpar, The story had gaps, and the overall production quality was also very Canadian. My reasons to see this movie was that it was filmed in my hometown, and I wanted to see my 'hood on the big screen. This aspect was satifactory. I saw my shitty mall, and some of the main arteries on display, and that was cool.
Some of the aspects that were weak.
Story: The protagonist is a mentally challenged individual. I had trouble seeing him as a legitimate super hero because he will always have issues of his own. Sure the whole idea that all super heros have weaknesses can be played, but really, it was not executed in this fashion. Instead I just felt sorry for the guy. And I did not find it believable that the whole city would support Defendor after he was killed (the guy got himself killed!)
Kat Dennings: She does not know how to play a junkie, and just comes across as confused and out of place. She played the part well visually with costume, but she was not believable smoking a crack pipe.
One part that I could help but be baffled at was the film had no soundtrack whatsoever throughout the film, but then at the end, as the credits are rolling, booms out with a powerful Metric song. No doubt this was one of the most costly aspects of this film, but really, why couldn't they put some tunes throughout the film, instead of at the end, where I'm already disappointed, and the song just seems to try too hard.
Sorry, I can't recommend this film, unfortunately.
Some of the aspects that were weak.
Story: The protagonist is a mentally challenged individual. I had trouble seeing him as a legitimate super hero because he will always have issues of his own. Sure the whole idea that all super heros have weaknesses can be played, but really, it was not executed in this fashion. Instead I just felt sorry for the guy. And I did not find it believable that the whole city would support Defendor after he was killed (the guy got himself killed!)
Kat Dennings: She does not know how to play a junkie, and just comes across as confused and out of place. She played the part well visually with costume, but she was not believable smoking a crack pipe.
One part that I could help but be baffled at was the film had no soundtrack whatsoever throughout the film, but then at the end, as the credits are rolling, booms out with a powerful Metric song. No doubt this was one of the most costly aspects of this film, but really, why couldn't they put some tunes throughout the film, instead of at the end, where I'm already disappointed, and the song just seems to try too hard.
Sorry, I can't recommend this film, unfortunately.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Whip It (2009)
This movie was enjoyable. It was by no means a cinematic masterpiece, but it definitely had a positive message, and delivered it a very formulaic, paint-by-numbers structure.
As Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, I'll give her props. This was a strong project, and a good choice made.
Zoe Bell, one of my female heros, did well in her supporting role, but could have used more screen time. Kristen Wiig showed off her chops in a featuring supporting role, so I was happy she got some deserved attention. But Juliette Lewis as the "bad" roller girl, stole the show. You know those shows when the villian is so obvious, but is also so amazing, that you want more evil, Lewis definitely oozes amazingness in this role.
To address the painfully obvious story arch, I think Barrymore might have wanted to play it safe, and that's why this film doesn't take any chances. The classic love story of girl getting involved with a boy, but then gets blown off, and then decides her passion is more important was a little obvious and plain (and the under the water love scene was just awkward).
By playing it safe I mean this film is about supposedly hardcore rockin roller derby chicks, but there was no significant profanity. This film would have had at least a smidge more credibility if Barrymore decided to make Whip It R rated and have more debauchery and more realistic language coming out of the roller girls.
Overall, this movie was decent, and if you're into roller derby girls in a PG-13 setting, then go for it!
As Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, I'll give her props. This was a strong project, and a good choice made.
Zoe Bell, one of my female heros, did well in her supporting role, but could have used more screen time. Kristen Wiig showed off her chops in a featuring supporting role, so I was happy she got some deserved attention. But Juliette Lewis as the "bad" roller girl, stole the show. You know those shows when the villian is so obvious, but is also so amazing, that you want more evil, Lewis definitely oozes amazingness in this role.
To address the painfully obvious story arch, I think Barrymore might have wanted to play it safe, and that's why this film doesn't take any chances. The classic love story of girl getting involved with a boy, but then gets blown off, and then decides her passion is more important was a little obvious and plain (and the under the water love scene was just awkward).
By playing it safe I mean this film is about supposedly hardcore rockin roller derby chicks, but there was no significant profanity. This film would have had at least a smidge more credibility if Barrymore decided to make Whip It R rated and have more debauchery and more realistic language coming out of the roller girls.
Overall, this movie was decent, and if you're into roller derby girls in a PG-13 setting, then go for it!
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (2009)
I surprisingly enjoyed this film. I walked into it kind of skeptical. I heard good things, but part of me didn't want to go in with too high expectations, because I wasn't able to finish Gilliam's previous film Tideland, and there was a lot of hype in regards to Heath Ledger's performance.
Imaginarium, like all of Gilliam's films, weights heavily on fantasy spectacle; it is done very well. The viewer is given the impression that the travelling Parnassus and co. are in a middle-world era, when they are actually in modern day London. Being thrown off like this was great, and Gilliam only at first subtly let's the audience members know that it's current year.
The story is laid out very well. The idea of capturing 5 souls for the devil to save his daughter's life is really cool. Tom Waits as the devil is also magnificent. He brings charisma to each of his scenes, and goes into character completely every time.
My favourite scene is the tango between the devil and Parnassus' daughter because it's both eerie, and visually stunning.
I also really enjoyed the visual elements that are in the same vein as Gilliam's work as a graphic designer during Monty Python. The throw back with people blowing up like balloons was done well.
My favourite "Tony" character was Jude Law.
I can't think of anything that disagreed with me in this film, or that I found was weak. I say this film is worth checking out, and definitely on the big screen.
Imaginarium, like all of Gilliam's films, weights heavily on fantasy spectacle; it is done very well. The viewer is given the impression that the travelling Parnassus and co. are in a middle-world era, when they are actually in modern day London. Being thrown off like this was great, and Gilliam only at first subtly let's the audience members know that it's current year.
The story is laid out very well. The idea of capturing 5 souls for the devil to save his daughter's life is really cool. Tom Waits as the devil is also magnificent. He brings charisma to each of his scenes, and goes into character completely every time.
My favourite scene is the tango between the devil and Parnassus' daughter because it's both eerie, and visually stunning.
I also really enjoyed the visual elements that are in the same vein as Gilliam's work as a graphic designer during Monty Python. The throw back with people blowing up like balloons was done well.
My favourite "Tony" character was Jude Law.
I can't think of anything that disagreed with me in this film, or that I found was weak. I say this film is worth checking out, and definitely on the big screen.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Paper Heart (2009)
I thought this movie was pretty cute overall. The story was solid and it felt natural because of the faux-documentary style. It also solidified my feeling that Charlyne Yi is very annoying and I can't stand her. I guess it's because I don't understand this hipster chick image that she's portraying. She also seems to go completely out of her way to make herself unattractive and unfeminine.
The polite thing would be to say that it's a different attitude, and I should respect it, but I just think it's weird, and find it hard to understand that a guy would be attracted to that.
Michael Cera is really sweet, and endearing in this movie, and I feel (even though this film is staged) that he could do better than her. It really felt real when she said she didn't love him, and that she didn't want to go to Paris with him (even though I don't know why she would turn down any chance to go to Paris, swoon).
Overall this movie is worth checking out. It definitely portrays the blooming romance accurately. People having feelings for each other, but unsure how to express it, or feeling insecure about taking the leap and even expressing it, is a very accessible topic, as everyone goes through it many times in their live. Enjoy!
The polite thing would be to say that it's a different attitude, and I should respect it, but I just think it's weird, and find it hard to understand that a guy would be attracted to that.
Michael Cera is really sweet, and endearing in this movie, and I feel (even though this film is staged) that he could do better than her. It really felt real when she said she didn't love him, and that she didn't want to go to Paris with him (even though I don't know why she would turn down any chance to go to Paris, swoon).
Overall this movie is worth checking out. It definitely portrays the blooming romance accurately. People having feelings for each other, but unsure how to express it, or feeling insecure about taking the leap and even expressing it, is a very accessible topic, as everyone goes through it many times in their live. Enjoy!
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