Chasing 3000 - 6 stars out of 10
"Chasing 3000" is a heartwarming family film that will really strike a chord with the older generation of baseball fans and all Pittsburgh Pirate fans. Although the film focuses around baseball, this merely creates a context for the theme of brotherly love in the face of adversity. The classic footage of Roberto Clemente is sparingly used in several strategic places throughout the film, though no moment is better than the opening sequence with the young kids imitating Clemente as they played in 1966. While I would not nominate any of these performances for an Oscar, Lauren Holly (of "Dumb and Dumber" fame) and "Little Macaulay Culkin" (aka Rory Culkin) showed the most refined acting chops. M. Emmet Walsh was too over the top and, while being lovable, made me roll my eyes. Best of all is the satisfying end to the boys' journey and the even greater tearjerking ending to the film. This film is better than anything seen on the Highmark Channel while still warming your heart and pays a nice tribute to one of the finest ballplayers of all time.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Beverly Hills Ninja - 4 stars out of 10
Beverly Hills Ninja - 4 stars out of 10
Put a bunch of Ninja weapons in Chris Farley's hands and you have a recipe for hilarity. You don't need much of a plot, just Ninja weapons. AND I love that they featured a Botero sculpture! As with all of Farley's movies (with the exception of Tommy Boy), you aren't watching for a good plot or good acting - it's just a great excuse to watch a fat guy cause havoc and get beat up.
Put a bunch of Ninja weapons in Chris Farley's hands and you have a recipe for hilarity. You don't need much of a plot, just Ninja weapons. AND I love that they featured a Botero sculpture! As with all of Farley's movies (with the exception of Tommy Boy), you aren't watching for a good plot or good acting - it's just a great excuse to watch a fat guy cause havoc and get beat up.
Synecdoche, New York - 4 stars out of 10
Synecdoche, New York - 4 stars out of 10
There is so much to this movie that it is impossible to fully "get it" the first time. I look forward to giving this movie another shot in a few years but after my first viewing, it is way over my head. This film takes the idea of "a play within a play" to a new level as the actors and the audience get caught between reality and acting. The idea of turning real life into a play reminded me of "The Truman Show," but this was on an entirely new level as doppelgangers take the place of real people in Cotard's life, and vice versa. The number of characters playing different characters also created a lot of confusion, as "real life" people began interacting with their doppelgangers. If you want to send your mind on a trip, see "Synecdoche, New York"... just don't expect to understand after one viewing.
There is so much to this movie that it is impossible to fully "get it" the first time. I look forward to giving this movie another shot in a few years but after my first viewing, it is way over my head. This film takes the idea of "a play within a play" to a new level as the actors and the audience get caught between reality and acting. The idea of turning real life into a play reminded me of "The Truman Show," but this was on an entirely new level as doppelgangers take the place of real people in Cotard's life, and vice versa. The number of characters playing different characters also created a lot of confusion, as "real life" people began interacting with their doppelgangers. If you want to send your mind on a trip, see "Synecdoche, New York"... just don't expect to understand after one viewing.
Faubourg 36 (Paris 36) - 10 stars out of 10
Faubourg 36 (Paris 36) - 10 stars out of 10
"Faubourg 36" infuses delightful musical numbers into the movie without turning it into a musical. Without question "Loin de Paname" should have won the Oscar for best song over that country song from Crazy Heart. Throw in "Le mome Jojo" with a cute kid playing an accordion and you won't be able to resist this movie's soundtrack. While Gerard Jugnot and Kad Merad successfully bring life to their characters, the highlight of this film is an enchanting performance by Nora Arnezeder. Whenever she exits a scene, you will find yourself holding your breath as you wait for her to again brighten the screen with her electrifying smile. The French setting and idea of bringing this theater to life might make you think "Moulin Rouge" but this movie manages to feel NOTHING like it while still leaving you just as satisfied in the end.
"Faubourg 36" infuses delightful musical numbers into the movie without turning it into a musical. Without question "Loin de Paname" should have won the Oscar for best song over that country song from Crazy Heart. Throw in "Le mome Jojo" with a cute kid playing an accordion and you won't be able to resist this movie's soundtrack. While Gerard Jugnot and Kad Merad successfully bring life to their characters, the highlight of this film is an enchanting performance by Nora Arnezeder. Whenever she exits a scene, you will find yourself holding your breath as you wait for her to again brighten the screen with her electrifying smile. The French setting and idea of bringing this theater to life might make you think "Moulin Rouge" but this movie manages to feel NOTHING like it while still leaving you just as satisfied in the end.
Airport - 5 stars out of 10
Airport - 5 stars out of 10
"Airport" has a lot of stars but suffers due to its inclusion of too many main characters. I understand that the writers wanted to feature the talented cast but there is simply too much time spent developing subplots that were not essential to the characters (like failed marriages and broken families). The main characters do not need to have such convoluted, soap opera-ish lives and is too long (137 minutes) due to these tangents. The film could have avoided some of its slow moments by eliminating Burt Lancaster's failed marriage and Dean Martin's wife. I realize that this film is based on a book but each of those characters would have been fine without that extra drama attached. Amidst an all-star cast, the most memorable performances come from Oscar-winner Helen Hayes (as the delightfully witty old stowaway) and Jacqueline Bisset (as the irresistable English stewardess). While this film is credited as the first of the 1970's disaster films and provides wonderful intensity, "Airport" did not manage to begin the genre with a literal "bang." The underwhelming lack of explosions makes it difficult for me to consider this a disaster film. I expect an over-the-top cacophony of chaotic events, not one event that is nearly buried beneath layers of character development. While it lacks the bedlam that you would expect from this genre, it is an entertaining story... even if just for Helen Hayes' sneaky stowaway strategies.
"Airport" has a lot of stars but suffers due to its inclusion of too many main characters. I understand that the writers wanted to feature the talented cast but there is simply too much time spent developing subplots that were not essential to the characters (like failed marriages and broken families). The main characters do not need to have such convoluted, soap opera-ish lives and is too long (137 minutes) due to these tangents. The film could have avoided some of its slow moments by eliminating Burt Lancaster's failed marriage and Dean Martin's wife. I realize that this film is based on a book but each of those characters would have been fine without that extra drama attached. Amidst an all-star cast, the most memorable performances come from Oscar-winner Helen Hayes (as the delightfully witty old stowaway) and Jacqueline Bisset (as the irresistable English stewardess). While this film is credited as the first of the 1970's disaster films and provides wonderful intensity, "Airport" did not manage to begin the genre with a literal "bang." The underwhelming lack of explosions makes it difficult for me to consider this a disaster film. I expect an over-the-top cacophony of chaotic events, not one event that is nearly buried beneath layers of character development. While it lacks the bedlam that you would expect from this genre, it is an entertaining story... even if just for Helen Hayes' sneaky stowaway strategies.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Eight Men Out - 7 stars out of 10
Eight Men Out - 7 stars out of 10
"Eight Men Out" is an interesting perspective of the famous Black Sox Scandal, creating sympathy for the ill-treated White Sox team instead of treating their lack of integrity as a disgrace to the game. Although the entire film is enjoyable, the old-time baseball scenes are definitely the best part. I wasn't alive during the 1920's but those uniforms and ballparks make me feel nostalic. The film strikes a good balance of baseball and drama, creating a lot of empathy for the players by portraying Comiskey as a truly cruel man (particularly in the scene between he and David Strathairn, regarding the 29 wins). Although it is not the greatest baseball film ever produced, it tells a unique historical story with a handful of impressive actors. Any baseball fan should be interested in experiencing this perspective of one of the most shameful moments of sports history.
"Eight Men Out" is an interesting perspective of the famous Black Sox Scandal, creating sympathy for the ill-treated White Sox team instead of treating their lack of integrity as a disgrace to the game. Although the entire film is enjoyable, the old-time baseball scenes are definitely the best part. I wasn't alive during the 1920's but those uniforms and ballparks make me feel nostalic. The film strikes a good balance of baseball and drama, creating a lot of empathy for the players by portraying Comiskey as a truly cruel man (particularly in the scene between he and David Strathairn, regarding the 29 wins). Although it is not the greatest baseball film ever produced, it tells a unique historical story with a handful of impressive actors. Any baseball fan should be interested in experiencing this perspective of one of the most shameful moments of sports history.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Kramer vs. Kramer - 10 stars out of 10
Kramer vs. Kramer - 10 stars out of 10
This is one of the most emotionally-charged films that I have seen in my entire life. Despite the smiles on this film's cover, the only thing that will make you smile will occur several months after viewing as you reflection on the incredible acting and story. The most incredible films start with an amazing story and end with raw, emotional performances bringing that story to life. "Kramer vs. Kramer" succeeds from start to finish. The story is so simple. There is no need for special effects, surprising twists, or a soundtrack beyond the sad sounds of Vivaldi and Purcell. This film thrives through the simplicity of its common sad story and its lifelike characters. No wonder this film was nominated for 4 Oscars in best acting categories. No wonder it won two of those categories. And no wonder it won the Academy Award for Best Picture. You will feel numb during the brutal court scene and emotionally unsettled during every scene that occurs after that. This film truly makes a statement about the selfishness that occurs during custody battles, stressing the need for both parties to step back and question "What is best for the child?" as well as commenting on the cultural shift in parenting roles present in 1970's America. The progressive chemistry between Dustin Hoffman and Justin Henry develops at a perfect pace, while Meryl Streep's subtle emotional breakdown as she continually isolates herself speaks even stronger. Whether you look at this film from the perspective of dialogue, acting, or the overall storyboard, it is simple to see that this is the perfect dramatic film.
This is one of the most emotionally-charged films that I have seen in my entire life. Despite the smiles on this film's cover, the only thing that will make you smile will occur several months after viewing as you reflection on the incredible acting and story. The most incredible films start with an amazing story and end with raw, emotional performances bringing that story to life. "Kramer vs. Kramer" succeeds from start to finish. The story is so simple. There is no need for special effects, surprising twists, or a soundtrack beyond the sad sounds of Vivaldi and Purcell. This film thrives through the simplicity of its common sad story and its lifelike characters. No wonder this film was nominated for 4 Oscars in best acting categories. No wonder it won two of those categories. And no wonder it won the Academy Award for Best Picture. You will feel numb during the brutal court scene and emotionally unsettled during every scene that occurs after that. This film truly makes a statement about the selfishness that occurs during custody battles, stressing the need for both parties to step back and question "What is best for the child?" as well as commenting on the cultural shift in parenting roles present in 1970's America. The progressive chemistry between Dustin Hoffman and Justin Henry develops at a perfect pace, while Meryl Streep's subtle emotional breakdown as she continually isolates herself speaks even stronger. Whether you look at this film from the perspective of dialogue, acting, or the overall storyboard, it is simple to see that this is the perfect dramatic film.
Night of the Living Dead - 6 stars out of 10
Night of the Living Dead - 6 stars out of 10
"Night of the Living Dead" is a pretty typical zombie film, but that's because George Romero's classic is what popularized zombies in modern cinema. It has inspired countless zombie films through remakes, parodies, and the reimagining of its plot. Although it isn't as scary as many of our modern horror films, in its time it must have been thrilling (and you must admit, all of those zombie hands coming through the windows will never stop being a terrifying sight). The black and white 35 mm cinematography makes this film reminiscent of Orson Welles' reading of War of the Worlds, creating a sense of panic as if you are watching a newsreel as these events unfold in your neighborhood. That sensation is magnified if you are from Western Pennsylvania and the events were filmed (and literally occur) miles away from you. The movie certainly has its faults but the shock value of watching a young girl murder and eat her parents never loses its "chill factor." The zombies are not incredibly frightening but all of the quick cuts enhance their ability to put you on edge. It is interesting that the majority of the film is limited to a single location. The script is so good that this typically bad aspect is an advantage for the film, giving the events a personal feel and placing you into the setting with the characters. These young filmmakers may not have had a large budget or a lot of resources but they managed to weave together a landmark film of the horror genre whose legacy can still be seen in horror films today.
"Night of the Living Dead" is a pretty typical zombie film, but that's because George Romero's classic is what popularized zombies in modern cinema. It has inspired countless zombie films through remakes, parodies, and the reimagining of its plot. Although it isn't as scary as many of our modern horror films, in its time it must have been thrilling (and you must admit, all of those zombie hands coming through the windows will never stop being a terrifying sight). The black and white 35 mm cinematography makes this film reminiscent of Orson Welles' reading of War of the Worlds, creating a sense of panic as if you are watching a newsreel as these events unfold in your neighborhood. That sensation is magnified if you are from Western Pennsylvania and the events were filmed (and literally occur) miles away from you. The movie certainly has its faults but the shock value of watching a young girl murder and eat her parents never loses its "chill factor." The zombies are not incredibly frightening but all of the quick cuts enhance their ability to put you on edge. It is interesting that the majority of the film is limited to a single location. The script is so good that this typically bad aspect is an advantage for the film, giving the events a personal feel and placing you into the setting with the characters. These young filmmakers may not have had a large budget or a lot of resources but they managed to weave together a landmark film of the horror genre whose legacy can still be seen in horror films today.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Verdict - 7 stars out of 10
The Verdict - 7 stars out of 10
"The Verdict" isn't Paul Newman's best film, but it was a great role for him. My biggest criticism of courtroom dramas is that the research process moves slowly and things don't pick up until they are in court. This film is guilty of that pattern but those slow parts give Newman a chance to really act. To compliment the successful career of Newman, 2-time Oscar winner Jack Warden is cast as his partner, creating another memorable role. Finally, Charlotte Rampling was the highlight of the film for me as makes this film about more than what happens in the court room. The film has a very unexpected twist which adds to the heartless portrayal of the justice system and the trail unfolds with unexpected discord. I can't rate it as high as "A Few Good Men" but "The Verdict"s gritty questioning of the fairness of the justice system gives Paul Newman another chance to portray the down-and-out drunk character with excellence once again.
"The Verdict" isn't Paul Newman's best film, but it was a great role for him. My biggest criticism of courtroom dramas is that the research process moves slowly and things don't pick up until they are in court. This film is guilty of that pattern but those slow parts give Newman a chance to really act. To compliment the successful career of Newman, 2-time Oscar winner Jack Warden is cast as his partner, creating another memorable role. Finally, Charlotte Rampling was the highlight of the film for me as makes this film about more than what happens in the court room. The film has a very unexpected twist which adds to the heartless portrayal of the justice system and the trail unfolds with unexpected discord. I can't rate it as high as "A Few Good Men" but "The Verdict"s gritty questioning of the fairness of the justice system gives Paul Newman another chance to portray the down-and-out drunk character with excellence once again.
Sling Blade - 8 stars out of 10
Sling Blade - 8 stars out of 10
350th Review
"Sling Blade" is a complex film but it all comes down to one simple theme - the love of a friend permeates deeper than your skin. Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of Carl is brilliant and definitely worth an Oscar nod. His "Rain Man role" is flawless but few performances can match Geoffrey Rush in “Shine,” so I understand why he did not win. There are two elements that make Sling Blade a must-see experience: the acting and the story. Aside from Billy Bob Thornton's performance completely redeeming him as an actor for me, Dwight Yoakam will really emotionally engage you through the maddenning way that he speaks to the main characters. Additionally, Lucas Black proves to be a very effective child actor (as the entire film hinges on his chemistry with Thornton), Ritter adds another layer, and Robert Duvall completes the cast with an unexpected cameo. This is paired with Thornton's vibrant screenplay, perfectly written as a vehicle for him to show off his raw acting skill. The dialogue between him and Black is incredibly moving and the film's concept is very unique. The first 17 minutes are actually a condensed version of the original short film, "Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade." To be honest, I much preferred the original 25 minute short to this film's intro and I would definitely recommend watching the short and then beginning this feature-length version at the 17 minute mark. You will not regret watching Sling Blade for its unique story and incredible depth of actors.
350th Review
"Sling Blade" is a complex film but it all comes down to one simple theme - the love of a friend permeates deeper than your skin. Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal of Carl is brilliant and definitely worth an Oscar nod. His "Rain Man role" is flawless but few performances can match Geoffrey Rush in “Shine,” so I understand why he did not win. There are two elements that make Sling Blade a must-see experience: the acting and the story. Aside from Billy Bob Thornton's performance completely redeeming him as an actor for me, Dwight Yoakam will really emotionally engage you through the maddenning way that he speaks to the main characters. Additionally, Lucas Black proves to be a very effective child actor (as the entire film hinges on his chemistry with Thornton), Ritter adds another layer, and Robert Duvall completes the cast with an unexpected cameo. This is paired with Thornton's vibrant screenplay, perfectly written as a vehicle for him to show off his raw acting skill. The dialogue between him and Black is incredibly moving and the film's concept is very unique. The first 17 minutes are actually a condensed version of the original short film, "Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade." To be honest, I much preferred the original 25 minute short to this film's intro and I would definitely recommend watching the short and then beginning this feature-length version at the 17 minute mark. You will not regret watching Sling Blade for its unique story and incredible depth of actors.
Some Folks Call It A Sling Blade - 8 stars out of 10
Some Folks Call It A Sling Blade - 8 stars out of 10
It is no surprise that "Some Folks Call It A Sling Blade" was expanded into a feature-length film. After a few minutes are spent introducing the main character through dialogue by other characters, we are left with one of the most incredible monologues on film. As the camera slowly zooms in on Billy Bob Thornton over the course of several minutes, rarely cutting away and allowing the cinematic simplicity to expose this stroke of acting genius, you will have trouble believe that this is anything but real. It is hard to believe that this is the same actor from the remake of "The Bad News Bears" and this single monologue has redeemed Billy Bob Thornton as a quality actor to me. Molly Ringwald also brings a nice dynamic to the film. This short is far superior to the opening 17 minutes of the feature length film, "Sling Blade," and I highly recommend watching this first.
It is no surprise that "Some Folks Call It A Sling Blade" was expanded into a feature-length film. After a few minutes are spent introducing the main character through dialogue by other characters, we are left with one of the most incredible monologues on film. As the camera slowly zooms in on Billy Bob Thornton over the course of several minutes, rarely cutting away and allowing the cinematic simplicity to expose this stroke of acting genius, you will have trouble believe that this is anything but real. It is hard to believe that this is the same actor from the remake of "The Bad News Bears" and this single monologue has redeemed Billy Bob Thornton as a quality actor to me. Molly Ringwald also brings a nice dynamic to the film. This short is far superior to the opening 17 minutes of the feature length film, "Sling Blade," and I highly recommend watching this first.
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