I was relatively disappointed with this film. It could have been better, but at the same time, I feel like it would have taken a lot more effort to make this film remarkable. It really felt like the director, writer and actor all phoned this one it.
The character was also quite sad to watch. I felt bad that it came out that the female protagonist had mental health issues. It made it hard to watch, because it because evident that it was not going to end too happily.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Artist (2011)
This movie was enjoyable for what it had to offer. My favourite part of the film, was a scene that looked like it was going to take the film in a surrealism direction, but it ended up only being a one-off scene. It was the scene where the protagonist can hear sound all around him, but he cannot hear himself make a noise. It was quite freaky, and I was hoping it would become of developing/episodic theme in the film. My date to the film said that it wouldn't have made sense if the film went in that direction, because it's a french art film, but I personally would have liked it to go that way. Maybe I was just in the mood for a David Lynch film.
The ending was cute, and overall I did enjoy myself during the film. Check it out if you're looking for a b/w revival feel silent film.
Cheers.
The ending was cute, and overall I did enjoy myself during the film. Check it out if you're looking for a b/w revival feel silent film.
Cheers.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Melancholia (2011)
I liked this movie for what it was. Anything that Lars von Trier releases I will see regardless of what people are saying. This film wasn't my favourite of his, but I definitely enjoyed seeing it.
The sound track was really good. I enjoyed the classical music that was used. The performances were good also.
What I found silly was that the plot actually had the earth being destroyed, I mean come on, really?
The sound track was really good. I enjoyed the classical music that was used. The performances were good also.
What I found silly was that the plot actually had the earth being destroyed, I mean come on, really?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
50/50 (2011)
This movie was decent, but there were elements that stood out to me.
I really liked how they portrayed Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character as an old man. His character is really 27, but everything about him screams angry old man. For one, he works in Radio. This is a medium that is not considered "contemporary" by any standards. In today's instant gratification social media networking work, his radio piece on volcanoes probably doesn't garner much attention. Another aspect is that he lives in a house somewhere in a more remote area (but probably not too far from downtown). This is not typical for someone his age. Having a house to yourself at 27 is more rare in today's culture. Another, and the most obvious is that he doesn't drive a car. While most young people who don't drive, are like that because they can't afford one, Joseph's character choose not to drive because it's the 5th leading cause for death, which to me sounds like an old man kind of statement.
The aspect of the film that I thought was weak, was that they only gave Joseph's character one guy friend. While it makes sense because it allows for more depth of the character, because you are spending less time describing other supporting characters, I felt like he should have been given one or two cronies at least for maybe some different comedic relief off of Seth Rogen's character. But that aside, giving him only one male friend, paints him more as an old man.
I liked the dynamic between Joseph and his cheating girlfriend. Even though it was sad for the character, I really felt like this added to the script.
I also really like Angelica Huston as the mother. She played this role really well, I wish there would have been more scenes with her.
Visually the film was decent. One scene had a cool split screen going on, when Joseph and Seth were burning his ex girlfriend's painting, that was a funny scene.
I really liked how they portrayed Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character as an old man. His character is really 27, but everything about him screams angry old man. For one, he works in Radio. This is a medium that is not considered "contemporary" by any standards. In today's instant gratification social media networking work, his radio piece on volcanoes probably doesn't garner much attention. Another aspect is that he lives in a house somewhere in a more remote area (but probably not too far from downtown). This is not typical for someone his age. Having a house to yourself at 27 is more rare in today's culture. Another, and the most obvious is that he doesn't drive a car. While most young people who don't drive, are like that because they can't afford one, Joseph's character choose not to drive because it's the 5th leading cause for death, which to me sounds like an old man kind of statement.
The aspect of the film that I thought was weak, was that they only gave Joseph's character one guy friend. While it makes sense because it allows for more depth of the character, because you are spending less time describing other supporting characters, I felt like he should have been given one or two cronies at least for maybe some different comedic relief off of Seth Rogen's character. But that aside, giving him only one male friend, paints him more as an old man.
I liked the dynamic between Joseph and his cheating girlfriend. Even though it was sad for the character, I really felt like this added to the script.
I also really like Angelica Huston as the mother. She played this role really well, I wish there would have been more scenes with her.
Visually the film was decent. One scene had a cool split screen going on, when Joseph and Seth were burning his ex girlfriend's painting, that was a funny scene.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Peter, Bjorn and John - Gimme Some (2011)
I had been excited for weeks to listen to this album. It was definitely enjoyable. It didn't floor me, but I got out of it what I wanted.
PB & J have a distinct rock kind of sound that makes them accessible to mainstream audiences, but also keeps them in a niche market.
Definitely good background music at a party, or something to chill out to after a long day.
Tracks that caught my ear on first listen: Dig a Little Deeper, and I Know You Don't Love Me.
I'm debating going to their show in May, not sure if it is sold out or not.
Peace.
PB & J have a distinct rock kind of sound that makes them accessible to mainstream audiences, but also keeps them in a niche market.
Definitely good background music at a party, or something to chill out to after a long day.
Tracks that caught my ear on first listen: Dig a Little Deeper, and I Know You Don't Love Me.
I'm debating going to their show in May, not sure if it is sold out or not.
Peace.
Rubber (2011)
This movie is pure shits and giggles. I definitely think it's worth checking out at least for the reason that it will blow your mind literally and figuratively.
On one hand I felt like Rubber was this incredible art film, comparing to Jean-Luc Godard who actively breaks film conventions and goes out of his way to say "fuck you" to his audience. And on the other hand, this film was pure eye candy with a tire literally blowing things and people up.
I don't think I will ever see this movie again, unless someone I know insists I see it with them, but it was definitely worth seeing at least once.
Cheers.
On one hand I felt like Rubber was this incredible art film, comparing to Jean-Luc Godard who actively breaks film conventions and goes out of his way to say "fuck you" to his audience. And on the other hand, this film was pure eye candy with a tire literally blowing things and people up.
I don't think I will ever see this movie again, unless someone I know insists I see it with them, but it was definitely worth seeing at least once.
Cheers.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Kings Speech (2010)
This film was better than I thought it would be. Normally I am not prone to watching period films because I have trouble relating to time-periods where the internet and cell phones to not exist, call me crazy.
Performances by all actors were phenomenal.
Scene that stood out for me was when Geoffrey Rush's wife meets the King and Queen and is speechless and overwhelmed by the honour of being in the same room as royalty, and she is strong enough to extend the invitation for dinner.
Also the soundtrack was really melodic. I thought the music very well complimented the inner struggle King George VI faced with his speech impediment, and the emotional toil it took on him and the people around him.
The story of this film is one that I never knew. I am not very familiar with English history, or lesser known English history, so it was really cool to learn about the King's speech impediment.
I can see why this film won best picture at the Oscars, it definitely deserved it. Definitely worth seeing.
Performances by all actors were phenomenal.
Scene that stood out for me was when Geoffrey Rush's wife meets the King and Queen and is speechless and overwhelmed by the honour of being in the same room as royalty, and she is strong enough to extend the invitation for dinner.
Also the soundtrack was really melodic. I thought the music very well complimented the inner struggle King George VI faced with his speech impediment, and the emotional toil it took on him and the people around him.
The story of this film is one that I never knew. I am not very familiar with English history, or lesser known English history, so it was really cool to learn about the King's speech impediment.
I can see why this film won best picture at the Oscars, it definitely deserved it. Definitely worth seeing.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Mother Mother - Eureka (2011)
Album review #2.
I have listened to this album 2.5 times within 24 hours and I have to say that overall it agrees with me.
The album's first single: The Stand is very catchy.
On "Baby Don't Dance", album seems dancy so far.
I'm really digging the bass lines. Not sure if it's just because they are on the same label as The New Pornographers, but they definitely so similiar. Maybe part of that has to do with the fact that they're both based in Vancouver
Something good to listen to in the background at a party - "Simply Simple"
Track "Getaway" mellow, not that strong.
Overall an enjoyable album. I listened to a few tracks off of "O My Heart" after listening to Eureka, Mother Mother is definitely a band that has legs. I don't see them getting huge, but their tracks have a nice edge.
I have listened to this album 2.5 times within 24 hours and I have to say that overall it agrees with me.
The album's first single: The Stand is very catchy.
On "Baby Don't Dance", album seems dancy so far.
I'm really digging the bass lines. Not sure if it's just because they are on the same label as The New Pornographers, but they definitely so similiar. Maybe part of that has to do with the fact that they're both based in Vancouver
Something good to listen to in the background at a party - "Simply Simple"
Track "Getaway" mellow, not that strong.
Overall an enjoyable album. I listened to a few tracks off of "O My Heart" after listening to Eureka, Mother Mother is definitely a band that has legs. I don't see them getting huge, but their tracks have a nice edge.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
The Dears - Degeneration Street (2011)
I just finished listening to this album for the first time all the way through. Like most albums I listen, it's hard for me to make judgment to form my opinion.
This album didn't do that much for me, but then again I wasn't expecting it to. Unfortunately everything that The Dears will and have released since No Cities Left will be a pale consideration because of the heavily emotional attachment I had to it. No Cities left is an amazing album, and I listened to it ad nauseum when it came out. That being said I am not capable of listening to No Cities Left because of the memories it represents.
To get back to Degeneration Street, it's still a listenable album. This post represents my first attempt at writing an album review, in change from my strictly film reviews. None of the songs of Degeneration Street stood out to me on first listen either. I will have to listen to it again some time (probably at work where it'll go decently well in the background).
Cheers.
This album didn't do that much for me, but then again I wasn't expecting it to. Unfortunately everything that The Dears will and have released since No Cities Left will be a pale consideration because of the heavily emotional attachment I had to it. No Cities left is an amazing album, and I listened to it ad nauseum when it came out. That being said I am not capable of listening to No Cities Left because of the memories it represents.
To get back to Degeneration Street, it's still a listenable album. This post represents my first attempt at writing an album review, in change from my strictly film reviews. None of the songs of Degeneration Street stood out to me on first listen either. I will have to listen to it again some time (probably at work where it'll go decently well in the background).
Cheers.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Kids are Alright (2010)
I enjoyed this movie. The structure, characters and flow felt very traditional and practical, but with the one twist, that the couple are lesbians instead of the run-of-the-mill heterosexual couple added a cool element, but I felt like this really didn't make a difference in how I watched the film. I feel like the film was able to really take this issue and make it very invisible in the narrative. Yes jokes are made about how lesbian couples are not traditional, but I felt like the made draw of this film is about fidelity, and how families deal with it, and how it is important to stick together as a unit.
Good performances by the entire cast. Good pacing of the narrative. Recommend. Even though the formula is very predictable I am glad it is nominated for an Oscar.
Good performances by the entire cast. Good pacing of the narrative. Recommend. Even though the formula is very predictable I am glad it is nominated for an Oscar.
I'm Still Here (2010)
This movie really wasn't that good. I was expecting more. I thought maybe this would be a legitimately cool movie. The hype behind the making of the film, and the press being released around the time the film played TIFF and also played in theatres made me think, hmm I really need to check out this film. Instead I found it was pretty lackluster. It did not keep my attention throughout, I had trouble finishing the film for that matter. It felt like Joaquin was acting in a way that made him look contrived. I feel like part of the reason why I didn't like this film is because, because of the hype leading up to the films' release I expected Joaquin to play the character more naturally, but his portrayal felt completely forced, and I didn't believe for a second that he was this guy that just lost it and decided he wanted to be a hip-hop artist.
To give the film at least it's deserved credit, the concept is really cool. I like how everything that was going on in Joaquin's professional life is included in this film. The fact that they didn't have to censor any of this out, and that all of Hollywood kind of went along with it or were at least fooled for a bit. I guess if anything this film was a half-decent prank they tried to pull off. It wasn't worth the 5 bucks I paid to rent it, but I left it feeling at least I made my own opinion.
Scene that did draw my attention is when Joaquin is talking to the spiritual guide, and he is talking about the mountain top water drop. That was a cool speech about taking control of your own life, and knowing that you are responsible for the direction in your life.
To give the film at least it's deserved credit, the concept is really cool. I like how everything that was going on in Joaquin's professional life is included in this film. The fact that they didn't have to censor any of this out, and that all of Hollywood kind of went along with it or were at least fooled for a bit. I guess if anything this film was a half-decent prank they tried to pull off. It wasn't worth the 5 bucks I paid to rent it, but I left it feeling at least I made my own opinion.
Scene that did draw my attention is when Joaquin is talking to the spiritual guide, and he is talking about the mountain top water drop. That was a cool speech about taking control of your own life, and knowing that you are responsible for the direction in your life.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Les Amours Imaginaires (2010)
At the risk, and with no guilt my tag line for this film: He's just not that into you, meets Jules and Jim.
This film was fantastic, I loved it every bit about it. I wish more films were of this caliber. Dolan beautifully captured the essence of being in love with someone who is for the most part ambivalent about your feelings. The cast did a great job.
I also really liked the coloring and composition of the film. The pillow talk, although redundant in explaining the feelings of the character, really emphasized the sadness they felt.
The scenes of the expository interviews really added depth (and that's where the He's Just Not that Into you analogy comes from).
Overall amazing film, definitely recommend it. Now if only J'ai Tue Ma Mere was available outside of Quebec I'd be set.
Cheers.
This film was fantastic, I loved it every bit about it. I wish more films were of this caliber. Dolan beautifully captured the essence of being in love with someone who is for the most part ambivalent about your feelings. The cast did a great job.
I also really liked the coloring and composition of the film. The pillow talk, although redundant in explaining the feelings of the character, really emphasized the sadness they felt.
The scenes of the expository interviews really added depth (and that's where the He's Just Not that Into you analogy comes from).
Overall amazing film, definitely recommend it. Now if only J'ai Tue Ma Mere was available outside of Quebec I'd be set.
Cheers.
127 Hours (2010)
From when this movie started the only thought I had was "oh god, when is he going to saw his arm off", and I think that might have been the general thought in the theatre. Once the sawing started to go down we were all squirming in our seats, ha.
That being said 127 Hours was alright. I didn't feel like it was a masterpiece. The editing, pacing and general character development was very much done in a music video/ fast-paced style, which albeit worked with this concept, I just feel like it inhibited this film from being a classic.
The film is enjoyable, but it's not a film that will require more than one viewing to get the gist of it.
Definitely a good performance by James Franco, but not the best performance I've seen of the year. I can't take him completely seriously, maybe as a result of his earlier work, but he definitely is working toward getting some dramatic chops. Rock it, dude.
Worth checking out, it is inspiring, Danny Boyle knows how to put together a film, overall.
That being said 127 Hours was alright. I didn't feel like it was a masterpiece. The editing, pacing and general character development was very much done in a music video/ fast-paced style, which albeit worked with this concept, I just feel like it inhibited this film from being a classic.
The film is enjoyable, but it's not a film that will require more than one viewing to get the gist of it.
Definitely a good performance by James Franco, but not the best performance I've seen of the year. I can't take him completely seriously, maybe as a result of his earlier work, but he definitely is working toward getting some dramatic chops. Rock it, dude.
Worth checking out, it is inspiring, Danny Boyle knows how to put together a film, overall.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Sympathy for the Devil (1968)
If you're looking for a clean transition between art cinema and classic rock 'n roll, look no further. A grand combination of The Rolling Stones' hit Sympathy for the Devil, and Jean-Luc Godard zany political monologues, this film really makes you scratch your head, and go huh. I can't say I enjoyed it much past the recording sessions of The Rolling Stones. I zoned out, and websurfed during the political scenes.
It was cool to watch, but probably not something I would revisit.
It was cool to watch, but probably not something I would revisit.
Knight and Day (2010)
I'm not even done watching this movie and I already need to say it's shit. I was hoping for some ridiculous "crazy" scenes of Tom Cruise. Oh wait, Paul Dano showed up. Nah, he wouldn't be able to contribute enough to save this sinking ship. Weak. Only benefit to this excursion is the business I gave Bay St Video when I rented it.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Stop Making Sense (1984)
I really liked this movie. David Bryne and the rest of the Talking Heads are very talented. I thought the movie was very well shot and the band's performance was really good. Byrne's crazy dancing were really cool, and I like his big suit outfit.
Overall very enjoyable.
Overall very enjoyable.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Tron: Legacy (2010)
I enjoyed this film. I saw it about a week ago, and it's not like the film particularly resonated with me, I just found it entertaining. It's the 2nd film I've seen in 3D now (the first one being Avatar, which I detested) so I'm still a lightweight when it comes to this medium. I thought the 3D was really appropriate for this film, and was used well in the story framework.
Components that stood out: Daft Punk's OST - wicked choice of group, and definitely made a point to listen to the OST before the film came out, and after watching the film.
Michael Sheen's performance as a backstabbing badass. In the same vein as Alan Rickman as Snape in Harry Potter, Sheen steals all his scenes, I only wish there was more of him.
Awesome scene with the motorcycle game - I think this was meant to be the scene that carried the film. Definitely the scene that I remember most.
Lacking Components: CGI Jeff Bridges - He looked like a friggin Benjamin Button, I hated looking at it.
Couldn't have been bothered to try and connect Legacy with the original Tron from the 80s. I thought Legacy stool by itself. I've seen parts of the original, and had no problem following Legacy with my limited knowledge of the on going story.
Cheers.
Components that stood out: Daft Punk's OST - wicked choice of group, and definitely made a point to listen to the OST before the film came out, and after watching the film.
Michael Sheen's performance as a backstabbing badass. In the same vein as Alan Rickman as Snape in Harry Potter, Sheen steals all his scenes, I only wish there was more of him.
Awesome scene with the motorcycle game - I think this was meant to be the scene that carried the film. Definitely the scene that I remember most.
Lacking Components: CGI Jeff Bridges - He looked like a friggin Benjamin Button, I hated looking at it.
Couldn't have been bothered to try and connect Legacy with the original Tron from the 80s. I thought Legacy stool by itself. I've seen parts of the original, and had no problem following Legacy with my limited knowledge of the on going story.
Cheers.
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