Tags: liam neeson
50 First Dates, Ocean's Eleven, Sin City, The Fifth Element, Love Actually
Can I just say that I had no idea that I hadn't posted a damn thing here yet in October?
Sorry about that, lol.
I've visited six graduate schools in the last month. I started (or restarted, really) a new job. I had two show weekends for the Shakespeare company I already work(ed) for. I got sick, got better, and dealt with leftovers of not feeling well. And I am currently in the middle of a performance week for one of my choruses. So I've been busy.
BUT...
I still have some old reviews for you. It's October 21st, 2009, and here they are:
Ocean's Eleven
4 stars
Don't talk to me about sequels. 12 was lame, I didn't even want to see 13. But this one was amazing--a great plot, so much great character work, incredible attention to the detail of the heist, and (most importantly) no feeling of having to top anything that went before. Clooney, Garcia, Roberts, Damon and Pitt are all generally watchable, but the supporting heisters--Eddie Jemison, Elliott Gould, Carl Reiner, Don Cheadle--made this movie the masterpiece it is. See also The Italian Job.
---
Love Actually
5 stars
When I got dragged to see this movie, I thought it would be just another lame Christmasy chick flick. It isn't. First of all, it's positively Dickensian in its connection of multiple plots and characters, often in very small and unassuming ways that nonetheless turn out to be important to the story. Second, the events in it transpire from men's perspectives as much as from women's, and these are not the usual effeminate whiny men that seem to show up in chick flicks. Thirdly, corollary to the second point, the characters in Love Actually act like real people. Human. Flawed, but trying their best. In tough situations, but rolling with the punches as best they can. And as such, the viewer feels for them. Fourth, the cast is incredible--aside from Colin Firth, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, who are always watchable, this movie was full of breakout/building roles for Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kris Marshall, Keira Knightley and (most significantly) Laura Linney. this movie can make even the most cynical hearts believe in love again, even if only for a few moments. And as if all that isn't enough, it's one of the funniest movies of its year. That's (almost) enough to balance out its being a chick flick, right?
---
The Fifth Element
3.5 stars
What do you get when you match John McClane and Lola (from "Run Lola Run"), throw in Sirius Black and Chris Tucker for good measure and then set the resulting story two centuries in the future? Certainly something out of the ordinary: an apocalyptic sci-fi spoof that also has highly respectable action scenes and a little bit of romance. In other words, this movie has something for everyone, even opera fans. Yes, Chris Tucker's character gets a bit obnoxious, but when does he not? He is the poor man's Chris Rock, after all. Anyway, this flick is definitely worth checking out.
---
50 First Dates
2.5 stars
Suffice it to say that this is one of a very, very small number of Adam Sandler movies that I don't either ignore or despise, and that actually has some redeeming value to it.
---
Sin City
4.5 stars
What do you give the moviegoer who has everything? How about a movie with three storylines, a black-and-white rainbow of characters, about 10 gallons of blood and more beautiful women than Maxim's latest issue? Not to mention the interconnectedness of Charles Dickens, the sexiness of Laurell K. Hamilton and the hard-boiled first-person perspectives of The Maltese Falcon--basically it's a 21st-century film noir comic book come to life. And I don't have room to talk about the cast, but suffice it to say that it rocks.
---
Sorry about that, lol.
I've visited six graduate schools in the last month. I started (or restarted, really) a new job. I had two show weekends for the Shakespeare company I already work(ed) for. I got sick, got better, and dealt with leftovers of not feeling well. And I am currently in the middle of a performance week for one of my choruses. So I've been busy.
BUT...
I still have some old reviews for you. It's October 21st, 2009, and here they are:
Ocean's Eleven
4 stars
Don't talk to me about sequels. 12 was lame, I didn't even want to see 13. But this one was amazing--a great plot, so much great character work, incredible attention to the detail of the heist, and (most importantly) no feeling of having to top anything that went before. Clooney, Garcia, Roberts, Damon and Pitt are all generally watchable, but the supporting heisters--Eddie Jemison, Elliott Gould, Carl Reiner, Don Cheadle--made this movie the masterpiece it is. See also The Italian Job.
---
Love Actually
5 stars
When I got dragged to see this movie, I thought it would be just another lame Christmasy chick flick. It isn't. First of all, it's positively Dickensian in its connection of multiple plots and characters, often in very small and unassuming ways that nonetheless turn out to be important to the story. Second, the events in it transpire from men's perspectives as much as from women's, and these are not the usual effeminate whiny men that seem to show up in chick flicks. Thirdly, corollary to the second point, the characters in Love Actually act like real people. Human. Flawed, but trying their best. In tough situations, but rolling with the punches as best they can. And as such, the viewer feels for them. Fourth, the cast is incredible--aside from Colin Firth, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, who are always watchable, this movie was full of breakout/building roles for Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kris Marshall, Keira Knightley and (most significantly) Laura Linney. this movie can make even the most cynical hearts believe in love again, even if only for a few moments. And as if all that isn't enough, it's one of the funniest movies of its year. That's (almost) enough to balance out its being a chick flick, right?
---
The Fifth Element
3.5 stars
What do you get when you match John McClane and Lola (from "Run Lola Run"), throw in Sirius Black and Chris Tucker for good measure and then set the resulting story two centuries in the future? Certainly something out of the ordinary: an apocalyptic sci-fi spoof that also has highly respectable action scenes and a little bit of romance. In other words, this movie has something for everyone, even opera fans. Yes, Chris Tucker's character gets a bit obnoxious, but when does he not? He is the poor man's Chris Rock, after all. Anyway, this flick is definitely worth checking out.
---
50 First Dates
2.5 stars
Suffice it to say that this is one of a very, very small number of Adam Sandler movies that I don't either ignore or despise, and that actually has some redeeming value to it.
---
Sin City
4.5 stars
What do you give the moviegoer who has everything? How about a movie with three storylines, a black-and-white rainbow of characters, about 10 gallons of blood and more beautiful women than Maxim's latest issue? Not to mention the interconnectedness of Charles Dickens, the sexiness of Laurell K. Hamilton and the hard-boiled first-person perspectives of The Maltese Falcon--basically it's a 21st-century film noir comic book come to life. And I don't have room to talk about the cast, but suffice it to say that it rocks.
---
AND I have a brief announcement: in much less time than I thought we would, we've made it through all of my old short reviews! There are certainly plenty more old ones to post, but they are beginning to increase in length now, so there will probably fe fewer of them per post...maybe two or three instead of four or five. We'll see.
I'll try to get back on a semi-regular posting schedule of these, too. Thanks for your patience.
Until next time,
FBS
Constantine, Monty Python, RENT, Batman Begins, The Italian Job
I just read LJ's general announcement, and at the bottom I noticed a sentence saying that LJ is looking for someone to work in their "Russian Abuse" department. Call me crazy, but I can't help but wonder: do that many Russians really get abused on this site? Is this a chronic problem with online journaling? Does the issue also include Ukrainians, Latvians, Estonians, Uzbekistanis? And how does one specifically abuse a Russian anyway? Deny him vodka? Never be able to take over her country in Risk? Explain to him why communism only worked on paper? Tell her to slow down, she's Russian? *rim shot*
Okay, I'm done. It's September 4th, 2009, and today's old movie reviews are:
The Italian Job (2001)
4.5 stars
Another movie where the interplay between the supporting characters takes a good film and turns it into a spectacular one. My hat is off to Jason Statham, Mos Def, Seth Green and Frankie G. They made this film priceless. Add the solid plot with great surprises, believable leads (Wahlberg is maturing very nicely, Theron is, well, Charlize Theron, and Norton is ALWAYS watchable), and all the awesome car chases, and what more do you want? One of my all-time favorites.
---
Constantine
3.5 stars
What this film did do, it did very well. The portrayals of Satan, Gabriel, and the various demons were solid and scary, for example. What it could have done better was to give us even more about Heaven and Hell--more imagery, more space in the plot, more character development, etc. Again, it's difficult to flesh out a story from a comic book, but it's doable enough that this movie could have and should have done so. That said, Keanu brought his usual Keanu-ness to the role (take that for whatever you think it's worth, but I enjoyed it), and Shia LaBeouf stole every scene he was in as the wannabe sidekick. Also, props to Gavin Rossdale for his acting debut (I think)--he made a very convincing demon.
---
RENT
4 stars
Okay, I'm aware this movie is geared toward a very specific audience of musical theatre people, but honestly, it shouldn't be viewed that way at all. Yes, it is a musical (and a great one), but it is a movie for everyone. Not to mention that using most of the original stage cast put the performances over the top. Even if you don't like musicals, you should watch this movie with an open mind at least once in your life.
---
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
3.5 stars
I have to say this movie is a conundrum: it is an acquired taste, as much of Monty Python's work tends to be, and it is full of moments that in themselves are not particularly entertaining, exciting or clever. It also defies any kind of traditional "medieval legend" plot. But amidst all of that bizarre exhibition, this movie somehow manages to be hysterically funny. Python is masterful at using totally unexpected punch lines and plot twists to further their comedic ends. You may not love this movie, but somewhere in it you will find something at which to laugh your head off. Unless the rabbit gets you first.
---
Batman Begins
4.5 stars
I may be speaking out of turn, as I have not seen the original Batman or Batman Returns, but Batman Begins made me want to stand up and shout "Finally someone is taking Batman seriously!" Yes, it's a comic, yes, there is comic relief, but the figure of Batman is a DARK figure, not to be mocked with Jim Carrey and Ah-nold. Christian Bale became Batman the way Daniel Craig became James Bond--so completely that while you watch him you barely remember anyone who came before. Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman were all letter-perfect to their characters, and the actor who played Bruce's father did a great job. Also, way to go modernizing the storyline without seeming either farfetched or way too technological--it took a plot that would have fit in any comic book and made it work in the real world. Very exciting.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
FBS
Okay, I'm done. It's September 4th, 2009, and today's old movie reviews are:
The Italian Job (2001)
4.5 stars
Another movie where the interplay between the supporting characters takes a good film and turns it into a spectacular one. My hat is off to Jason Statham, Mos Def, Seth Green and Frankie G. They made this film priceless. Add the solid plot with great surprises, believable leads (Wahlberg is maturing very nicely, Theron is, well, Charlize Theron, and Norton is ALWAYS watchable), and all the awesome car chases, and what more do you want? One of my all-time favorites.
---
Constantine
3.5 stars
What this film did do, it did very well. The portrayals of Satan, Gabriel, and the various demons were solid and scary, for example. What it could have done better was to give us even more about Heaven and Hell--more imagery, more space in the plot, more character development, etc. Again, it's difficult to flesh out a story from a comic book, but it's doable enough that this movie could have and should have done so. That said, Keanu brought his usual Keanu-ness to the role (take that for whatever you think it's worth, but I enjoyed it), and Shia LaBeouf stole every scene he was in as the wannabe sidekick. Also, props to Gavin Rossdale for his acting debut (I think)--he made a very convincing demon.
---
RENT
4 stars
Okay, I'm aware this movie is geared toward a very specific audience of musical theatre people, but honestly, it shouldn't be viewed that way at all. Yes, it is a musical (and a great one), but it is a movie for everyone. Not to mention that using most of the original stage cast put the performances over the top. Even if you don't like musicals, you should watch this movie with an open mind at least once in your life.
---
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
3.5 stars
I have to say this movie is a conundrum: it is an acquired taste, as much of Monty Python's work tends to be, and it is full of moments that in themselves are not particularly entertaining, exciting or clever. It also defies any kind of traditional "medieval legend" plot. But amidst all of that bizarre exhibition, this movie somehow manages to be hysterically funny. Python is masterful at using totally unexpected punch lines and plot twists to further their comedic ends. You may not love this movie, but somewhere in it you will find something at which to laugh your head off. Unless the rabbit gets you first.
---
Batman Begins
4.5 stars
I may be speaking out of turn, as I have not seen the original Batman or Batman Returns, but Batman Begins made me want to stand up and shout "Finally someone is taking Batman seriously!" Yes, it's a comic, yes, there is comic relief, but the figure of Batman is a DARK figure, not to be mocked with Jim Carrey and Ah-nold. Christian Bale became Batman the way Daniel Craig became James Bond--so completely that while you watch him you barely remember anyone who came before. Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman were all letter-perfect to their characters, and the actor who played Bruce's father did a great job. Also, way to go modernizing the storyline without seeming either farfetched or way too technological--it took a plot that would have fit in any comic book and made it work in the real world. Very exciting.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
FBS