Tags: matt damon
Thirteen, Chocolate Factory, Mexico, Incredibles, and Narnia
November is proving to be as busy as October was. Possibly busier. But I won't waste your time with excuses, I'll just get right to the movies. It's Tuesday, November 17th, and today's old reviews are:
The Incredibles
4 stars
As you may have heard me mention in other reviews, most Disney movies made in the last 12 years have not impressed me, having been either childishly vapid or worse, a pants-on-head retarded sequel to something childishly vapid. There have been, however, a few outstanding exceptions to this rule, and The Incredibles is one of them. Chiefly, this Disney kids' movie is set apart from most other Disney kids' movies because it's not just a kids' movie (and thus, in my opinion, not just a Disney movie). While maintaining a level of superhero-octane action that would make Spiderman stare, AND featuring a loving yet realistic family as protagonists, this movie has an attitude that teens love, topicality that parents appreciate, and humor that all ages can get into. Not all of the comedy is physical, but not all of it is cerebral, either. The villain is basically a kid who never grew up, which implies all kinds of lessons for all ages as well as bringing an interesting perspective to any future viewings of Peter Pan. And three more selling points, BAMF Samuel L. Jackson is in it, Edna Lode is one of the funniest characters Disney's ever come up with, and Wallace Shawn's character gets beat up. And of course, everything turns out great in the end, but not in a sappy-saccharine-want-to-commit-seppuku way. Like I said, one of the few that Disney got right.
---
Once Upon A Time In Mexico
3 stars
This is another of my guilty pleasure movies. Its plot is murky, the allegiances of its characters are hard to define, and at times it borders on complete campiness. And yet I still love it, and for more than the great El Mariachi-type action that was so great in its two prequels. One thing that saves this movie is its cast. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Mickey Rourke and Eva Mendes are all great in this film, though Rourke's dog is just puny and ugly. Willem Dafoe and Danny Trejo make great villains, and Cheech Marin's cameo is quite funny. Ruben Blades' world-weary retired FBI agent steals his every scene. And Johnny Depp masterfully takes on the ultimate contradiction--a capable, corrupt, cold-blooded agent who is also an irritating, officious, uncool dork.
I'm also a fan of Robert Rodriguez' filmmaking in general, as it does not seem to take itself too seriously. In this movie, the campy farfetched plot and over-the-top characters, things that could be liabilities, become assets under Rodriguez' direction. And since Rodriguez does all of his own editing and score-composing, a certain amount of continuity is inherent. Maybe this movie's not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
---
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
2.5 stars
Lord of the Rings, it ain't. In fact, I think this movie's major failing might be trying too hard to be like LOTR while trying to be its own film at the same time--perhaps trying to fiit too much into too little time, or make a kids' book into a movie for all ages. It wasn't BAD, it just...wasn't incredible. It did have a great battle scene near the end, but on the whole I preferred the way the story looked in my imagination.
---
Ocean's Thirteen
3 stars
Now I have to say, I broke my own rule about sequels when I rented this movie: not just that I watched it, but that I actually liked it. I suppose it did have one of the Trilogy Rules working in its favor: #3 is invariably better than #2, and Ocean's Twelve royally sucked. But 13, while essentially packaging the same idea in yet another new way, actually managed some masterful filmmaking. First and foremost, it included Eddie Izzard in its cast, who proved (as well he should have) to be much much more than just another heist team member. Second, it worked on a motivation other than money: camaraderie, support and revenge for a friend. Third, it developed some of the heisters heretofore underdeveloped, particularly the two redneck brothers (Scott Caan and Casey Affleck) and Eddie Jemison's Livingston Dell. Third, it didn't change what worked, things like using the house's own systems against it and working a lot of misdirection ploys. Fourth, it excluded Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones; nothing against them as actresses, but their characters were not necessary and would have really gotten in the way. Fifth, it didn't act like it was trying to top what came before it. Don't ask me how I could tell that, but that factor was exactly what ruined Twelve for me, and it was mostly absent in Thirteen. And finally, while it jumped back and forth between a huge number of locations, characters and scenarios, the film somehow managed to keep confusion to a minimum. So maybe this movie is the exception that proves the rule of sequels: every now and then there will be one that is good enough to make us keep wanting to check them all out.
---
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
1 star
If you asked me to tell you the difference between Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka and Gene Wilder's of thirty years or so ago, I could sum it up in one word: kindness. Wilder's Wonka was a bit freaky, but by and large he was compassionate, gentle and caring. Depp's Wonka was, to put it bluntly, an asshole. And that, in and of itself, completely overshadowed anything and everything else that might have been cool about this movie.
Thanks for reading, friends. Until next time,
FBS
The Incredibles
4 stars
As you may have heard me mention in other reviews, most Disney movies made in the last 12 years have not impressed me, having been either childishly vapid or worse, a pants-on-head retarded sequel to something childishly vapid. There have been, however, a few outstanding exceptions to this rule, and The Incredibles is one of them. Chiefly, this Disney kids' movie is set apart from most other Disney kids' movies because it's not just a kids' movie (and thus, in my opinion, not just a Disney movie). While maintaining a level of superhero-octane action that would make Spiderman stare, AND featuring a loving yet realistic family as protagonists, this movie has an attitude that teens love, topicality that parents appreciate, and humor that all ages can get into. Not all of the comedy is physical, but not all of it is cerebral, either. The villain is basically a kid who never grew up, which implies all kinds of lessons for all ages as well as bringing an interesting perspective to any future viewings of Peter Pan. And three more selling points, BAMF Samuel L. Jackson is in it, Edna Lode is one of the funniest characters Disney's ever come up with, and Wallace Shawn's character gets beat up. And of course, everything turns out great in the end, but not in a sappy-saccharine-want-to-commit-seppuku way. Like I said, one of the few that Disney got right.
---
Once Upon A Time In Mexico
3 stars
This is another of my guilty pleasure movies. Its plot is murky, the allegiances of its characters are hard to define, and at times it borders on complete campiness. And yet I still love it, and for more than the great El Mariachi-type action that was so great in its two prequels. One thing that saves this movie is its cast. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Mickey Rourke and Eva Mendes are all great in this film, though Rourke's dog is just puny and ugly. Willem Dafoe and Danny Trejo make great villains, and Cheech Marin's cameo is quite funny. Ruben Blades' world-weary retired FBI agent steals his every scene. And Johnny Depp masterfully takes on the ultimate contradiction--a capable, corrupt, cold-blooded agent who is also an irritating, officious, uncool dork.
I'm also a fan of Robert Rodriguez' filmmaking in general, as it does not seem to take itself too seriously. In this movie, the campy farfetched plot and over-the-top characters, things that could be liabilities, become assets under Rodriguez' direction. And since Rodriguez does all of his own editing and score-composing, a certain amount of continuity is inherent. Maybe this movie's not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
---
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
2.5 stars
Lord of the Rings, it ain't. In fact, I think this movie's major failing might be trying too hard to be like LOTR while trying to be its own film at the same time--perhaps trying to fiit too much into too little time, or make a kids' book into a movie for all ages. It wasn't BAD, it just...wasn't incredible. It did have a great battle scene near the end, but on the whole I preferred the way the story looked in my imagination.
---
Ocean's Thirteen
3 stars
Now I have to say, I broke my own rule about sequels when I rented this movie: not just that I watched it, but that I actually liked it. I suppose it did have one of the Trilogy Rules working in its favor: #3 is invariably better than #2, and Ocean's Twelve royally sucked. But 13, while essentially packaging the same idea in yet another new way, actually managed some masterful filmmaking. First and foremost, it included Eddie Izzard in its cast, who proved (as well he should have) to be much much more than just another heist team member. Second, it worked on a motivation other than money: camaraderie, support and revenge for a friend. Third, it developed some of the heisters heretofore underdeveloped, particularly the two redneck brothers (Scott Caan and Casey Affleck) and Eddie Jemison's Livingston Dell. Third, it didn't change what worked, things like using the house's own systems against it and working a lot of misdirection ploys. Fourth, it excluded Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones; nothing against them as actresses, but their characters were not necessary and would have really gotten in the way. Fifth, it didn't act like it was trying to top what came before it. Don't ask me how I could tell that, but that factor was exactly what ruined Twelve for me, and it was mostly absent in Thirteen. And finally, while it jumped back and forth between a huge number of locations, characters and scenarios, the film somehow managed to keep confusion to a minimum. So maybe this movie is the exception that proves the rule of sequels: every now and then there will be one that is good enough to make us keep wanting to check them all out.
---
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
1 star
If you asked me to tell you the difference between Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka and Gene Wilder's of thirty years or so ago, I could sum it up in one word: kindness. Wilder's Wonka was a bit freaky, but by and large he was compassionate, gentle and caring. Depp's Wonka was, to put it bluntly, an asshole. And that, in and of itself, completely overshadowed anything and everything else that might have been cool about this movie.
Thanks for reading, friends. Until next time,
FBS
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
Making up for lost time
Okay, I'm back from the land of the dead (or at least of the very damn sick), and have more old reviews to share...more than usual, in fact, to make up for my absence. So here goes:
Good Will Hunting
4.5 stars
No matter what Ludo says, you can, unashamedly, watch this movie by yourself. Yes, it can be a "couple flick" but it certainly does not have to be. Robin Williams departs from his usual obscene slapstick to give one of the most moving performances I've ever seen from him. Damon and Affleck, say what you will about their later work, gave an incredible Hollywood debut as both writers and leading actors. There is so much humanity in this movie and you cannot help but relate to it; even the prevalence of the F-word does not detract (much). Like the movie's theme song, "Miss Misery" by Elliott Smith, Good Will Hunting seems normal, almost meandering, until one of its many dynamic moments blindsides the viewer and it becomes unforgettable.
---
Brick
4 stars
Joseph Gordon-Levitt shows his non-slapstick side, and holy crap, who would have guessed it's amazing? A 21st-century film noir detective flick, which believe it or not, now that Brick exists, is not a contradiction in terms. Masterful, thrilling, and just a bit freaky, this movie had me biting my fingernails. It's supporting cast is also more than solid. Well worth a rental or even a purchase.
---
Aladdin
4 stars
I have to place this film as the best Disney movie made during the 1990's. The Lion King got the lion's share of the publicity, but its droll Arabian predecessor really ruled the Hollywood desert, not least thanks to Robin Williams' frenetically funny Genie. Likewise, "A Whole New World" got the main song recognition, but "One Jump Ahead," "Friend Like Me," "Prince Ali" and even Bruce Adler's "Arabian Nights" introduction were amazing pieces of entertainment. A great thrill ride full of laughter and fun. I still go back and watch it from time to time, which is more than I can say for most other Disney animated films made before The Incredibles.
---
Crank
3 stars
How much action, suspense, violence and retribution can you cram into a single hour of life? This movie answers that question, with some drugs and sex thrown in for good measure. Jason Statham is his usual awesomely badass self, Amy Smart is hot, there are a few cool plot twists. Does it have a great story? No way. Do we care? I sure don't, and if you do you're probably watching the wrong movie. This movie is pure adrenaline, and as such it's fun to watch.
---
300
4 stars
If 300 and Sin City are any indications, Frank Miller's penchant for gore-splattering stands second only to his talent for putting all that splattered gore into really awesome stories. Come to think of it, I guess that's the definition of a good graphic novel. Anyway, this battlefield tour-de-force is definitely not for the squeamish. But those who can look through the blood will find a stunning visual spectacle of one of history's greatest battles. Both the 300 Spartans' fighting prowess and their dedicated unity were inspiring to see, the quasi-fantasy elements (monsters, etc) were cool, Lena Headey was both hot and a good Queen, and the agents of Persia were satisfyingly sinister. (Gerard Butler's native Scots accent occasionally crept into his portrayal of Leonidas, but so what?) Also, because I am a nerd, I was impressed that the Spartans referred to the battle site as the Hot Gates--a literal translation of its historical Greek name, Thermopylae.
---
Stardust
4.5 stars
I'm tempted to call this movie the next "The Princess Bride." Neil Gaiman's novel, upon which this film is based, has much the same sense of adventure, whimsy, spoof and romance that the original TPB novel by William Goldman did. The two movies also share very funny scripts, talented casts that are NOT completely full of big names, and a sense of innocence that is in no way naive. So I really hope Stardust follows in the popularity footsteps of its predecessor. I haven't ever been much of a Clare Danes fan, but I loved her in this movie, and Robert De Niro is absolutely priceless. Definitely check this one out.
---
Boondock Saints
5 stars
"We're kind of like 7-Eleven. We're not always doing business, but we're always open." Possibly the most quotable movie since Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's such a pity the director of this movie was apparently too much of an asshole to make anyone want to work with him again, because this movie deserves at least two sequels. (THE FIRST SEQUEL IS COMING OUT ON OCTOB
That's all for now. Until next time,
FBS
Good Will Hunting
4.5 stars
No matter what Ludo says, you can, unashamedly, watch this movie by yourself. Yes, it can be a "couple flick" but it certainly does not have to be. Robin Williams departs from his usual obscene slapstick to give one of the most moving performances I've ever seen from him. Damon and Affleck, say what you will about their later work, gave an incredible Hollywood debut as both writers and leading actors. There is so much humanity in this movie and you cannot help but relate to it; even the prevalence of the F-word does not detract (much). Like the movie's theme song, "Miss Misery" by Elliott Smith, Good Will Hunting seems normal, almost meandering, until one of its many dynamic moments blindsides the viewer and it becomes unforgettable.
---
Brick
4 stars
Joseph Gordon-Levitt shows his non-slapstick side, and holy crap, who would have guessed it's amazing? A 21st-century film noir detective flick, which believe it or not, now that Brick exists, is not a contradiction in terms. Masterful, thrilling, and just a bit freaky, this movie had me biting my fingernails. It's supporting cast is also more than solid. Well worth a rental or even a purchase.
---
Aladdin
4 stars
I have to place this film as the best Disney movie made during the 1990's. The Lion King got the lion's share of the publicity, but its droll Arabian predecessor really ruled the Hollywood desert, not least thanks to Robin Williams' frenetically funny Genie. Likewise, "A Whole New World" got the main song recognition, but "One Jump Ahead," "Friend Like Me," "Prince Ali" and even Bruce Adler's "Arabian Nights" introduction were amazing pieces of entertainment. A great thrill ride full of laughter and fun. I still go back and watch it from time to time, which is more than I can say for most other Disney animated films made before The Incredibles.
---
Crank
3 stars
How much action, suspense, violence and retribution can you cram into a single hour of life? This movie answers that question, with some drugs and sex thrown in for good measure. Jason Statham is his usual awesomely badass self, Amy Smart is hot, there are a few cool plot twists. Does it have a great story? No way. Do we care? I sure don't, and if you do you're probably watching the wrong movie. This movie is pure adrenaline, and as such it's fun to watch.
---
300
4 stars
If 300 and Sin City are any indications, Frank Miller's penchant for gore-splattering stands second only to his talent for putting all that splattered gore into really awesome stories. Come to think of it, I guess that's the definition of a good graphic novel. Anyway, this battlefield tour-de-force is definitely not for the squeamish. But those who can look through the blood will find a stunning visual spectacle of one of history's greatest battles. Both the 300 Spartans' fighting prowess and their dedicated unity were inspiring to see, the quasi-fantasy elements (monsters, etc) were cool, Lena Headey was both hot and a good Queen, and the agents of Persia were satisfyingly sinister. (Gerard Butler's native Scots accent occasionally crept into his portrayal of Leonidas, but so what?) Also, because I am a nerd, I was impressed that the Spartans referred to the battle site as the Hot Gates--a literal translation of its historical Greek name, Thermopylae.
---
Stardust
4.5 stars
I'm tempted to call this movie the next "The Princess Bride." Neil Gaiman's novel, upon which this film is based, has much the same sense of adventure, whimsy, spoof and romance that the original TPB novel by William Goldman did. The two movies also share very funny scripts, talented casts that are NOT completely full of big names, and a sense of innocence that is in no way naive. So I really hope Stardust follows in the popularity footsteps of its predecessor. I haven't ever been much of a Clare Danes fan, but I loved her in this movie, and Robert De Niro is absolutely priceless. Definitely check this one out.
---
Boondock Saints
5 stars
"We're kind of like 7-Eleven. We're not always doing business, but we're always open." Possibly the most quotable movie since Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's such a pity the director of this movie was apparently too much of an asshole to make anyone want to work with him again, because this movie deserves at least two sequels. (THE FIRST SEQUEL IS COMING OUT ON OCTOB
That's all for now. Until next time,
FBS
The Illusionist, Dogma, Moulin Rouge!, V for Vendetta
Guten Tag, mein Damen und Herren,
It's Wednesday, September 9th, 2009. Today's old reviews are:
Dogma
4 stars
Dogma is a masterful movie with a very strong cast and one of the deeper and more thoughtful messages of its time. It is also incisively funny, making viewers laugh hard while still thinking hard. It loses ground, however, in its reckless and gratuitous profanity--and I mean that to include both obscene language and general disrespect of organized religion. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Kevin Smith's work in general, and I know the value of shock. But I feel many of the people who could benefit from the movie's message about individual faith would be repulsed by its tone. That said, the plot and writing are both tight as a drum, Alan Rickman and Chris Rock give two of their most wryly watchable performances to date, Jason Lee and Linda Fiorentino play great characters, and the film does expertly combine serious subject matter with great comedy. Even Jay and Silent Bob have their place, if only to balance out the movie's many deeper moments.
---
V For Vendetta
3.5 stars
An interesting take on the future-that-could-be. Escapist in the extreme and a bit far-fetched, as most such movies are, but V for Vendetta maintains an interesting balance between hope and revenge. Hugo Weaving is very strong, especially since you never even see his face, and Natalie Portman turns in a very mature performance as well. This movie has great action, and its anarchic twist is definitely entertaining.
---
Moulin Rouge
0.5 stars
Some people loved this movie, some people hated it. Guess which one I am. Sorry, Ewan fans.
---
The Illusionist
4.5 stars
This movie balances out The Prestige. Both films are dark period pieces with great actors and insanely clever plot twists. But where The Prestige is dark like a dungeon, to reflect the minds and madness of its antagonistic protagonists, The Illusionist is dark like an attic. It's shadowy, and a bit unnerving at times, but you never feel too far away from safety and warmth. Norton's magician is tormented and sometimes petty, but always retains his human decency. Paul Giamatti, likewise, is a bad guy by circumstance rather than by temperament, and in that role he is brilliant. if you want a less somber version of The Prestige, this is your movie.
Until next time,
FBS
It's Wednesday, September 9th, 2009. Today's old reviews are:
Dogma
4 stars
Dogma is a masterful movie with a very strong cast and one of the deeper and more thoughtful messages of its time. It is also incisively funny, making viewers laugh hard while still thinking hard. It loses ground, however, in its reckless and gratuitous profanity--and I mean that to include both obscene language and general disrespect of organized religion. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Kevin Smith's work in general, and I know the value of shock. But I feel many of the people who could benefit from the movie's message about individual faith would be repulsed by its tone. That said, the plot and writing are both tight as a drum, Alan Rickman and Chris Rock give two of their most wryly watchable performances to date, Jason Lee and Linda Fiorentino play great characters, and the film does expertly combine serious subject matter with great comedy. Even Jay and Silent Bob have their place, if only to balance out the movie's many deeper moments.
---
V For Vendetta
3.5 stars
An interesting take on the future-that-could-be. Escapist in the extreme and a bit far-fetched, as most such movies are, but V for Vendetta maintains an interesting balance between hope and revenge. Hugo Weaving is very strong, especially since you never even see his face, and Natalie Portman turns in a very mature performance as well. This movie has great action, and its anarchic twist is definitely entertaining.
---
Moulin Rouge
0.5 stars
Some people loved this movie, some people hated it. Guess which one I am. Sorry, Ewan fans.
---
The Illusionist
4.5 stars
This movie balances out The Prestige. Both films are dark period pieces with great actors and insanely clever plot twists. But where The Prestige is dark like a dungeon, to reflect the minds and madness of its antagonistic protagonists, The Illusionist is dark like an attic. It's shadowy, and a bit unnerving at times, but you never feel too far away from safety and warmth. Norton's magician is tormented and sometimes petty, but always retains his human decency. Paul Giamatti, likewise, is a bad guy by circumstance rather than by temperament, and in that role he is brilliant. if you want a less somber version of The Prestige, this is your movie.
Until next time,
FBS