Annie (1981) - 9 stars out of 10
Shame on me for labeling this is as a "child's movie" and never giving it a chance until I was 24. With a cast including Carol Burnett, Tim Curry, Bernadette Peters, and Albert Finney, how could you go wrong? Aileen Quinn was absolutely adorable, as well as the other orphans. Ann Reinking was charming and I'm sad that she did not do more screen acting in her career. The dancing was great, the singing was great, the acting was great, and most importantly: IT'S FAMILY FRIENDLY BUT STILL VERY ENTERTAINING!!! Tears are inevitable as this seemingly predictable film will surprise you several times before its heartwarming conclusion. Even though you may not recognize all of the songs, when you hear "Tomorrow" and "Maybe," you'll feel like you are home. I'll watch this one over and over again and I recommend that you do the same.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Ladri di Biciclette (The Bicycle Thief) - 8 stars out of 10
Ladri di Biciclette (The Bicycle Thief) - 8 stars out of 10
Happy moments are fleeting in "Ladri di Biciclette," a story of desperation that will leave you feeling completely vulnerable. The depression-era, post-WWII atmosphere hangs over this entire film as we are constantly reminded of the sad state of Rome by long unemployment lines, a mission filled with homeless people, characters living in squalor, and a dramatic musical score. The start of the movie is filled with hope as Lamberto Maggiorani's character is one of the few men given an opportunity to work, with the stipulation that he must own a bicycle. Knowing the title of the film, it's inevitable that the bicycle will be stolen and the director does a good job of building anticipation as there are several opportunities when it could be stolen. Though the plot centers around the search to recover the bicycle, the theme of the film is the moral example that a father sets for his son during this investigation. Interestingly, the climax of the film does not occur when the father attempts to recover the stolen bicycle but instead at the onset of an ironic dilemma. This story is incredibly simple and makes an ideal introduction to foreign film for preteens, though the ending is brutal when, without a single word of dialogue, we read Maggiorani's mind and dread his final inevitable action. The movie ends the right way, though this film's realistic conclusion is a tough one to swallow. Ladri di Biciclette has become a landmark film in Italian cinema as seen by its Honorary Academy Award for "most outstanding foreign film" several years before that category was created. Maggiorani's acting is incredible as he is the focus of every scene and he is perfectly supported by 7-year-old Enzo Staiola, one of the cutest little Italian actors that I've ever seen. This neorealist film needs to be on everybody's list as it virtuosically brings to life the moral conflict of a man in desperation to provide for his family.
Happy moments are fleeting in "Ladri di Biciclette," a story of desperation that will leave you feeling completely vulnerable. The depression-era, post-WWII atmosphere hangs over this entire film as we are constantly reminded of the sad state of Rome by long unemployment lines, a mission filled with homeless people, characters living in squalor, and a dramatic musical score. The start of the movie is filled with hope as Lamberto Maggiorani's character is one of the few men given an opportunity to work, with the stipulation that he must own a bicycle. Knowing the title of the film, it's inevitable that the bicycle will be stolen and the director does a good job of building anticipation as there are several opportunities when it could be stolen. Though the plot centers around the search to recover the bicycle, the theme of the film is the moral example that a father sets for his son during this investigation. Interestingly, the climax of the film does not occur when the father attempts to recover the stolen bicycle but instead at the onset of an ironic dilemma. This story is incredibly simple and makes an ideal introduction to foreign film for preteens, though the ending is brutal when, without a single word of dialogue, we read Maggiorani's mind and dread his final inevitable action. The movie ends the right way, though this film's realistic conclusion is a tough one to swallow. Ladri di Biciclette has become a landmark film in Italian cinema as seen by its Honorary Academy Award for "most outstanding foreign film" several years before that category was created. Maggiorani's acting is incredible as he is the focus of every scene and he is perfectly supported by 7-year-old Enzo Staiola, one of the cutest little Italian actors that I've ever seen. This neorealist film needs to be on everybody's list as it virtuosically brings to life the moral conflict of a man in desperation to provide for his family.
Friday, October 28, 2011
School Ties - 10 stars out of 10
School Ties - 10 stars out of 10
This is a great setting for religious/ethnic persecution. The writers do a great job of setting up the ethnic implications of this film right away. Fraser gives his (probably) greatest performance as his internal struggle between expressing his beliefs and fitting in is beautifully portrayed externally on the screen. Matt Damon as a bad guy? I never thought that I'd see the day... but he was incredible. This plot is seemless as Fraser learns the importance of honor, even if he becomes the victim. A few unexpected twists help this movie to end the right way. This movie is reminiscent of The Dead Poets Society and The Emperor's Club, but introduces racism into the picture.
This is a great setting for religious/ethnic persecution. The writers do a great job of setting up the ethnic implications of this film right away. Fraser gives his (probably) greatest performance as his internal struggle between expressing his beliefs and fitting in is beautifully portrayed externally on the screen. Matt Damon as a bad guy? I never thought that I'd see the day... but he was incredible. This plot is seemless as Fraser learns the importance of honor, even if he becomes the victim. A few unexpected twists help this movie to end the right way. This movie is reminiscent of The Dead Poets Society and The Emperor's Club, but introduces racism into the picture.
Edge of Darkness - 8 stars out of 10
Edge of Darkness - 8 stars out of 10
Edge of Darkness' story transforms from simplicity into complexity as the layers continually unravel to reveal a great conspiracy. It is filled with raw, adrenaline-pumping action and will leave your jaw on the floor with its twists. Some movies ease into a twist to allow your mind time to process what is happening, but this movie throws something in your face and leaves you in shock. Mel Gibson is in his element as an action hero against all odds. The English guy was difficult to understand - it would have been better with Robert DeNiro, had he not walked out on the film after the first rehearsal. If you are expecting Lethal Weapon, you will be disappointed. Edge of Darkness is dark and gritty without an ounce of humor, but with leave you with a satisfied feeling.
Edge of Darkness' story transforms from simplicity into complexity as the layers continually unravel to reveal a great conspiracy. It is filled with raw, adrenaline-pumping action and will leave your jaw on the floor with its twists. Some movies ease into a twist to allow your mind time to process what is happening, but this movie throws something in your face and leaves you in shock. Mel Gibson is in his element as an action hero against all odds. The English guy was difficult to understand - it would have been better with Robert DeNiro, had he not walked out on the film after the first rehearsal. If you are expecting Lethal Weapon, you will be disappointed. Edge of Darkness is dark and gritty without an ounce of humor, but with leave you with a satisfied feeling.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sea of Love - 8 stars out of 10
Sea of Love - 8 stars out of 10
Al Pacino expertly portrays an alcoholic with intensity and finesse. As one of the greatest actors in cinema history, Pacino is reason enough to watch this film. Sea of Love (whose title is surprisingly UNimportant to the plot) takes a typical cop film and gives it an entirely unique plot. You will be so sure that you have the end figured out... and then you will be absolutely blindsided by a shocking surprise. Ellen Barkin was the perfect woman for her role and truly drives Pacino's motivation throughout the film. I'd recommend this one.
Al Pacino expertly portrays an alcoholic with intensity and finesse. As one of the greatest actors in cinema history, Pacino is reason enough to watch this film. Sea of Love (whose title is surprisingly UNimportant to the plot) takes a typical cop film and gives it an entirely unique plot. You will be so sure that you have the end figured out... and then you will be absolutely blindsided by a shocking surprise. Ellen Barkin was the perfect woman for her role and truly drives Pacino's motivation throughout the film. I'd recommend this one.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Harry and the Hendersons - 4 stars out of 10
Harry and the Hendersons - 4 stars out of 10
"Harry and the Hendersons" has a very straightforward plot: Family finds Bigfoot, family takes Bigfoot home, family tries to get rid of Bigfoot, Bigfoot runs away, family misses Bigfoot, family searches for Bigfoot, townspeople try to hunt down Bigfoot, family saves Bigfoot, [insert sentimental ending here]. Aside from a few swear words, this is a very good family movie, though I likely wouldn't watch this again unless it was a family movie night due to the cheese factor and shallow plot. John Lithgow's acting is magnificent as always, but I typically favor a film with more depth. My favorite scene of the entire movie is the dual sequene between the lady boiling the chicken and the old guy helping the fat lady into the hot tub - the film is pretty predictable but that moment really caught me off-guard. This film absolutely deserved its Oscar for best make-up - I actually had to google the film midway through to figure out how they were "creating" bigfoot and was surprised that it was just Predator in make-up (if you literally read the words "Predator in make-up," it's a very amusing image but you know what I mean). The combination of make-up and Kevin Peter Hall's "gentile giant" mannerisms make Harry very realistic and not as scary as I remember him from my childhood. Harry and the Hendersons certainly isn't a bad film but it may not measure up to the standards of someone with a refined movie taste; however, it's a great piece of fluff for family movie night!
"Harry and the Hendersons" has a very straightforward plot: Family finds Bigfoot, family takes Bigfoot home, family tries to get rid of Bigfoot, Bigfoot runs away, family misses Bigfoot, family searches for Bigfoot, townspeople try to hunt down Bigfoot, family saves Bigfoot, [insert sentimental ending here]. Aside from a few swear words, this is a very good family movie, though I likely wouldn't watch this again unless it was a family movie night due to the cheese factor and shallow plot. John Lithgow's acting is magnificent as always, but I typically favor a film with more depth. My favorite scene of the entire movie is the dual sequene between the lady boiling the chicken and the old guy helping the fat lady into the hot tub - the film is pretty predictable but that moment really caught me off-guard. This film absolutely deserved its Oscar for best make-up - I actually had to google the film midway through to figure out how they were "creating" bigfoot and was surprised that it was just Predator in make-up (if you literally read the words "Predator in make-up," it's a very amusing image but you know what I mean). The combination of make-up and Kevin Peter Hall's "gentile giant" mannerisms make Harry very realistic and not as scary as I remember him from my childhood. Harry and the Hendersons certainly isn't a bad film but it may not measure up to the standards of someone with a refined movie taste; however, it's a great piece of fluff for family movie night!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Pollock - 8 stars out of 10
Pollock - 8 stars out of 10
Although you may not understand his art, you will certainly understand his life through Ed Harris' rivetting portrayal of Jackson Pollock. He is driven by his abstract artisic vision, by madness, and often by alcohol as Harris recreates these unpredictable personas. Marcia Gay Harden earned her Oscar with an amazing emotional performance, though it's tough to justify anybody winning over Judi Dench. The choreography of Harris taking blank canvases and creating Pollock's famous paintings before our eyes is enough to capture anybody's attention. The artistic direction in this film is amazing and, though Pollock's abrasive behavior is very upsetting at times, any person with an appreciation for art will love watching these influential pieces of art come to fruition.
Although you may not understand his art, you will certainly understand his life through Ed Harris' rivetting portrayal of Jackson Pollock. He is driven by his abstract artisic vision, by madness, and often by alcohol as Harris recreates these unpredictable personas. Marcia Gay Harden earned her Oscar with an amazing emotional performance, though it's tough to justify anybody winning over Judi Dench. The choreography of Harris taking blank canvases and creating Pollock's famous paintings before our eyes is enough to capture anybody's attention. The artistic direction in this film is amazing and, though Pollock's abrasive behavior is very upsetting at times, any person with an appreciation for art will love watching these influential pieces of art come to fruition.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Saint - 1 star out of 10
The Saint - 1 star out of 10
"The Saint" is probably one of the worst movies that I have ever seen. Netflix usually does a good job predicting how I will rate a movie... but they were way off by estimating this movie as a 3 1/2. Val Kilmer is so annoying and unconvincing that it makes Shue look RIDICULOUS for falling for him. I had high hopes after the opening sequences in the orphanage; however, outside of a few espionage scenes (which torture you by giving the impression that the movie will become interesting, but prove to be very short before reverting back to pointless drivel), there was nothing to draw my attention to this movie. In fact, 24 hours later I can barely recall anything other than the cheesy (in a bad way) ending of this snooze-fest.
"The Saint" is probably one of the worst movies that I have ever seen. Netflix usually does a good job predicting how I will rate a movie... but they were way off by estimating this movie as a 3 1/2. Val Kilmer is so annoying and unconvincing that it makes Shue look RIDICULOUS for falling for him. I had high hopes after the opening sequences in the orphanage; however, outside of a few espionage scenes (which torture you by giving the impression that the movie will become interesting, but prove to be very short before reverting back to pointless drivel), there was nothing to draw my attention to this movie. In fact, 24 hours later I can barely recall anything other than the cheesy (in a bad way) ending of this snooze-fest.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
10 Things I Hate About You - 7 stars out of 10
10 Things I Hate About You - 7 stars out of 10
I was told that I would love this movie and I hated it. After a second viewing, I take it all back because of these three things: The punch, the poem, and the guitar. Heath Ledger is great in his "bad boy" capacity but even greater is his chemistry with Julia Styles. These two were excellent as their loathing turns to love, while the film served as Joseph Gordon-Levitt's transition from Angels in the Outfield to "real cinema." Larisa Oleynik was adorable and I'm sad that her "Alex Mack" days and feature in this film weren't enough to boost her popularity. Clever writing and a smart adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew make this film a classic in the teen movie genre, plus a little more.
I was told that I would love this movie and I hated it. After a second viewing, I take it all back because of these three things: The punch, the poem, and the guitar. Heath Ledger is great in his "bad boy" capacity but even greater is his chemistry with Julia Styles. These two were excellent as their loathing turns to love, while the film served as Joseph Gordon-Levitt's transition from Angels in the Outfield to "real cinema." Larisa Oleynik was adorable and I'm sad that her "Alex Mack" days and feature in this film weren't enough to boost her popularity. Clever writing and a smart adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew make this film a classic in the teen movie genre, plus a little more.
Anastasia - 8 stars out of 10
Anastasia - 8 stars out of 10
400th Review
"Anastasia" is definitely the closest that 20th Century Fox ever came to matching the quality of Disney. Anastasia is a thoroughfare for French and Russian culture, masking education with entertainment. Fox went all out with the voice talents of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Angela Lansbury, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria, and Bernadette Peters (all of whom deserve to be mentioned). Although the quality of animation is slightly below Disney's, the voice talent makes up for it. The script is well written, though you must question whether Fox was copying Beauty and the Beast by casting Lansbury in a narrative role. The music is also on par with Disney, matching singable memories with unforgettable visuals like the ghosts of Anastasia's past dancing around her as she sings Once Upon A December. I love that it becomes a key component of the storyline as it matches the song played by the music box. Meanwhile, Journey to the Past is one of the best movie songs of the 90's. Anastasia is great for families as it entertains kids with fun characters like Bartok and Pooka, but also plays to adults with its tearjerking moments (I speak from experience) and well-developed characters.
400th Review
"Anastasia" is definitely the closest that 20th Century Fox ever came to matching the quality of Disney. Anastasia is a thoroughfare for French and Russian culture, masking education with entertainment. Fox went all out with the voice talents of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Angela Lansbury, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria, and Bernadette Peters (all of whom deserve to be mentioned). Although the quality of animation is slightly below Disney's, the voice talent makes up for it. The script is well written, though you must question whether Fox was copying Beauty and the Beast by casting Lansbury in a narrative role. The music is also on par with Disney, matching singable memories with unforgettable visuals like the ghosts of Anastasia's past dancing around her as she sings Once Upon A December. I love that it becomes a key component of the storyline as it matches the song played by the music box. Meanwhile, Journey to the Past is one of the best movie songs of the 90's. Anastasia is great for families as it entertains kids with fun characters like Bartok and Pooka, but also plays to adults with its tearjerking moments (I speak from experience) and well-developed characters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)