The Emperor's Club - 9 stars out of 10
"The Emperor's Club" is a heartwarming film about a teacher who both morally inspires his students and brings the Classics to life. This is one of Kevin Kline's finest roles, as you immediately wish that he was YOUR teacher and find yourself with a sudden interest in Greek philosophers. Emile Hirsch is the perfect antagonist in this movie and Kline's "tough love" approach to Hirsch is drama at its finest. All of the students bring a different personality to the table and do a great job of supporting the main conflict, particularly Jesse Eisenberg, Rishi Mehta, and Paul Dano. Just when you feel that the plot is comfortably resolved, two heartbreaking twists turn this movie on its head; and yet, this movie ends exactly the right way and will leave you with a combination of sentimental tears and warm fuzzies.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Killing - 3 stars out of 10
The Killing - 3 stars out of 10
There are aspects of the story that I really enjoyed and a few unexpected twists, but I'm perplexed by presentation of this film. Is it an educational video? Is it a documentary? The narrator is distracting and constantly broke the sense of reality. I know that many critics adore this film but it just screams "AVERAGE" to me. Perhaps the problem is that I watched it right after watching "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), but where other ensemble films have memorable and likeable characters, "The Killing" has annoying characters like the dog lady, Marie Windsor (who just made me angry the whole time, and not in a good way), and Elisha Cook Jr. The actor that I really latched onto was Timothy Carey, whose parking lot sequence was incredibly memorable. But overall, I just didn't fall in love with these characters and therefore did not really care about what happened to them in the end. I will admit that I thought that the end twist was fantastic and that, in spite of the narrator, I enjoyed the entire heist sequence; however, with the narrator painstakingly overexplaining everything in the final 30 minutes (where simple captions would have done), I just don't see the need for the first 45 minutes of this film. This film is significant because it was Stanley Kubrick's first major film effort and because Quentin Tarantino has cited it as the inspiration for "Reservoir Dogs" (think about it), but it would be forgotten if not for that. I would love to see a reimagining of this story set at the Kentucky Derby - this film just missed its mark for me.
There are aspects of the story that I really enjoyed and a few unexpected twists, but I'm perplexed by presentation of this film. Is it an educational video? Is it a documentary? The narrator is distracting and constantly broke the sense of reality. I know that many critics adore this film but it just screams "AVERAGE" to me. Perhaps the problem is that I watched it right after watching "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), but where other ensemble films have memorable and likeable characters, "The Killing" has annoying characters like the dog lady, Marie Windsor (who just made me angry the whole time, and not in a good way), and Elisha Cook Jr. The actor that I really latched onto was Timothy Carey, whose parking lot sequence was incredibly memorable. But overall, I just didn't fall in love with these characters and therefore did not really care about what happened to them in the end. I will admit that I thought that the end twist was fantastic and that, in spite of the narrator, I enjoyed the entire heist sequence; however, with the narrator painstakingly overexplaining everything in the final 30 minutes (where simple captions would have done), I just don't see the need for the first 45 minutes of this film. This film is significant because it was Stanley Kubrick's first major film effort and because Quentin Tarantino has cited it as the inspiration for "Reservoir Dogs" (think about it), but it would be forgotten if not for that. I would love to see a reimagining of this story set at the Kentucky Derby - this film just missed its mark for me.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Ocean's Eleven (2001) - 10 stars out of 10
Ocean's Eleven (2001) - 10 stars out of 10
This movie is definitely in my Top 10. This masterpiece begins and ends with its script. This intricate heist is believable, unpredictable, and in spite of creating a (strategically) major moment of confusion, it explains itself in an easy-to-follow and succinct manner. The dialogue varies between sophistication and comedic, but it is all so natural that you will forget that you are watching actors. Even though it has been popular since its release (and inspired two sequels), I believe that it is severely underrated and believe that at the very least, this script deserved an Oscar nomination. The only thing working against this is that it is a comedy, but this script is still lightyears ahead some of the nominees in 2002. Steven Soderbergh did a great job conducting and his cinematography gives the film a very sleek look. It is difficult to go wrong when your film includes the names of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, et al. Bernie Mac is hilarious, especially in the interrogation scene, and Carl Reiner's role-within-a-role is reminiscent of the actors of old with a finesse that we do not often see anymore. (P.S. Still love Reiner as Alan Brady in The Dick Van Dyke Show) Elliott Gould makes me smile every time that he appears on the screen and who could forget all of the cameos by the poker-playing movie stars! The chemistry between Clooney and Pitt feels incredibly natural, almost like we get to be a part of their friendship, Matt Damon is at his finest while Casey Affleck still fails to impress me (and is somehow as bad as his big brother). Outside of the incredible cast bringing this amazing script to life, the shots of Las Vegas are wonderful while the dialogue and character quirks (like Pitt's incessant eating) will keep you laughing. It may not have won any Oscars but it didn't need to in order to capture my heart. I love heist films and "Ocean's Eleven" is tops on my list!
This movie is definitely in my Top 10. This masterpiece begins and ends with its script. This intricate heist is believable, unpredictable, and in spite of creating a (strategically) major moment of confusion, it explains itself in an easy-to-follow and succinct manner. The dialogue varies between sophistication and comedic, but it is all so natural that you will forget that you are watching actors. Even though it has been popular since its release (and inspired two sequels), I believe that it is severely underrated and believe that at the very least, this script deserved an Oscar nomination. The only thing working against this is that it is a comedy, but this script is still lightyears ahead some of the nominees in 2002. Steven Soderbergh did a great job conducting and his cinematography gives the film a very sleek look. It is difficult to go wrong when your film includes the names of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, et al. Bernie Mac is hilarious, especially in the interrogation scene, and Carl Reiner's role-within-a-role is reminiscent of the actors of old with a finesse that we do not often see anymore. (P.S. Still love Reiner as Alan Brady in The Dick Van Dyke Show) Elliott Gould makes me smile every time that he appears on the screen and who could forget all of the cameos by the poker-playing movie stars! The chemistry between Clooney and Pitt feels incredibly natural, almost like we get to be a part of their friendship, Matt Damon is at his finest while Casey Affleck still fails to impress me (and is somehow as bad as his big brother). Outside of the incredible cast bringing this amazing script to life, the shots of Las Vegas are wonderful while the dialogue and character quirks (like Pitt's incessant eating) will keep you laughing. It may not have won any Oscars but it didn't need to in order to capture my heart. I love heist films and "Ocean's Eleven" is tops on my list!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Muppets - 7 stars out of 10
The Muppets (2011) - 7 stars out of 10
It's time to play the music, It's time to light the lights, It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet (Movie) tonight! The Muppets are BACK! I was enjoying this film far before it was released into theaters. The teaser trailer with Jason Segal and Amy Adams, painting the film out to be a chick flick and then throwing in the Muppets, was an incredible attention getter!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX07sTSHiTs)
It is magic to see Kermit on the big screen again, for the first time since the disappointing "Muppets In Space" was on the screen in 1999. I was really thrilled with the story and feel that this is the best Muppet movie to date (well, aside from "The Muppet Christmas Carol," which will never be matched). At first, I was worried at the "kiddiness" and that there wouldn't be much for adults in the film, but it only took about 15 minutes to reassure me. They pay homage to prior Muppet installments by using The Rainbow Connection (good luck not getting chills during that one), throwing in tons of cameos, revisiting the old Muppet Theater, and poking fun at the prior Muppet films in the process (travelling "by map" to speed up the travel and using a montage to make the cleaning more interesting). It is full of "maniacal laughs" and great visual gags like the choir in the van behind Kermit. Most importantly, it is fun! They chose great comic actors to tie this film together, like Jason Segel and Amy Adams. Rashida Jones had great spunkiness as the ABC executive and how can you resist the countless cameos. My favorite cameo was undoubtedly Jack Black, though Emily Blunt was very memorable as Miss Piggy's secretary and Jim Parsons will give you a laugh-out-loud moment as the human Walter. There are a few moments of "too many songs in a row," but at least these original songs by Bret McKenzie provide quality entertainment, particularly "Man or Muppet." I also love how they mixed in pop songs from We Built This City to Forget You! It is easy to try to analyze this movie for its cinematic quality but in the end, the Muppets make magic on the screen again and will take you back to your childhood. Even though I never wanted this movie to end, I can't remember the last time that I enjoyed the ending credits this much - NOW GO AND RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD!
It's time to play the music, It's time to light the lights, It's time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet (Movie) tonight! The Muppets are BACK! I was enjoying this film far before it was released into theaters. The teaser trailer with Jason Segal and Amy Adams, painting the film out to be a chick flick and then throwing in the Muppets, was an incredible attention getter!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX07sTSHiTs)
It is magic to see Kermit on the big screen again, for the first time since the disappointing "Muppets In Space" was on the screen in 1999. I was really thrilled with the story and feel that this is the best Muppet movie to date (well, aside from "The Muppet Christmas Carol," which will never be matched). At first, I was worried at the "kiddiness" and that there wouldn't be much for adults in the film, but it only took about 15 minutes to reassure me. They pay homage to prior Muppet installments by using The Rainbow Connection (good luck not getting chills during that one), throwing in tons of cameos, revisiting the old Muppet Theater, and poking fun at the prior Muppet films in the process (travelling "by map" to speed up the travel and using a montage to make the cleaning more interesting). It is full of "maniacal laughs" and great visual gags like the choir in the van behind Kermit. Most importantly, it is fun! They chose great comic actors to tie this film together, like Jason Segel and Amy Adams. Rashida Jones had great spunkiness as the ABC executive and how can you resist the countless cameos. My favorite cameo was undoubtedly Jack Black, though Emily Blunt was very memorable as Miss Piggy's secretary and Jim Parsons will give you a laugh-out-loud moment as the human Walter. There are a few moments of "too many songs in a row," but at least these original songs by Bret McKenzie provide quality entertainment, particularly "Man or Muppet." I also love how they mixed in pop songs from We Built This City to Forget You! It is easy to try to analyze this movie for its cinematic quality but in the end, the Muppets make magic on the screen again and will take you back to your childhood. Even though I never wanted this movie to end, I can't remember the last time that I enjoyed the ending credits this much - NOW GO AND RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD!
The Lovely Bones - 10 stars out of 10
The Lovely Bones - 10 stars out of 10
An incredible story portrayed by even more incredible actors! It is difficult for me to believe that this was not nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for best cast. Each cast member plays their role with believability and when that character disappears from the story for a period of time, another steps in with even more panache.
It is difficult to choose an actor to highlight first but Saoirse Ronan must be lauded above everyone else. At the young age of 15, she managed to keep up with (and often rise beyond) the talent of veteran Academy Award nominees and winners! Her smile lights up the screen and I hope that she continues to take on dynamic and challenging roles. She was made to play this role. Mark Wahlberg's performance will break your heart. Even without having children of my own, he helped me to understand the devastation that a father must endure when tragedy strikes his family. Your heart will warm with every moment of Rachel Weisz's incredible chemistry with her children and husband. Susan Sarandon brings a bit of comedy to this cry-fest, but also plays her always amazing "take-charge role." Even in a small role, Michael Imperioli leaves a huge impact on this film. Rose McIver really came out of nowhere to create one of the intense movies scenes of 2010. And finally, Stanley Tucci. How he could go from playing Paul Child in "Julie & Julia" to this creep in the same year is beyond me. I could feel myself growing nauseas as he lured Susie into his trap. His quiet intensity drives this entire film from start to finish. I agree that Christoph Waltz deserved to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2010 but seriously, why couldn't there have been a tie!?!?!
Outside of the incredible acting, Peter Jackson did a great job of bringing Susie's world to life. It was filmed with incredible artistry, placing her in a visually stunning dream. I loved the music as it further helped to define the line between real life drama and dream world. In fact, my only complaint about this film is the "Sixth Sense girl." She seemed a little random and unnecessary but I suppose that she helped to make for a great ending. The cute love story and wonderful family scenes (reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel movie) will immediately engage your emotions in this film, but be ready for your emotions to be shattered as this mysterious drama unfolds.
An incredible story portrayed by even more incredible actors! It is difficult for me to believe that this was not nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for best cast. Each cast member plays their role with believability and when that character disappears from the story for a period of time, another steps in with even more panache.
It is difficult to choose an actor to highlight first but Saoirse Ronan must be lauded above everyone else. At the young age of 15, she managed to keep up with (and often rise beyond) the talent of veteran Academy Award nominees and winners! Her smile lights up the screen and I hope that she continues to take on dynamic and challenging roles. She was made to play this role. Mark Wahlberg's performance will break your heart. Even without having children of my own, he helped me to understand the devastation that a father must endure when tragedy strikes his family. Your heart will warm with every moment of Rachel Weisz's incredible chemistry with her children and husband. Susan Sarandon brings a bit of comedy to this cry-fest, but also plays her always amazing "take-charge role." Even in a small role, Michael Imperioli leaves a huge impact on this film. Rose McIver really came out of nowhere to create one of the intense movies scenes of 2010. And finally, Stanley Tucci. How he could go from playing Paul Child in "Julie & Julia" to this creep in the same year is beyond me. I could feel myself growing nauseas as he lured Susie into his trap. His quiet intensity drives this entire film from start to finish. I agree that Christoph Waltz deserved to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2010 but seriously, why couldn't there have been a tie!?!?!
Outside of the incredible acting, Peter Jackson did a great job of bringing Susie's world to life. It was filmed with incredible artistry, placing her in a visually stunning dream. I loved the music as it further helped to define the line between real life drama and dream world. In fact, my only complaint about this film is the "Sixth Sense girl." She seemed a little random and unnecessary but I suppose that she helped to make for a great ending. The cute love story and wonderful family scenes (reminiscent of a Hallmark Channel movie) will immediately engage your emotions in this film, but be ready for your emotions to be shattered as this mysterious drama unfolds.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Jane Eyre (1944) - 8 stars out of 10
Jane Eyre (1944) - 8 stars out of 10
Whenever you see Orson Welles' name on a film, you know that you are looking at a quality film; however, who knew that Joan Fontain could steal the spotlight from one of Hollywood's greatest stars. The character of Jane Eyre comes with a lot of depth but Fontaine exposes every subtle feature in her portrayal. The character also shines through Peggy Ann Garner as Young Jane - I was struck by the amount of convincing emotion in the eyes of this young actress, perfectly setting the scene for the rest of the film. I was also giddy when I realized that Young Jane's friend, Helen, was played by a young and uncredited Elizabeth Taylor! All of the actors are fantastic and a joy to watch, but the credit is truly due to this wonderfully tragic love story. This Charlotte Bronte story is so interesting, all because of one intriguing mystery that will explain the disposition of its male lead. Talk about skeletons in the closet (or in the tower, as it were)! This story is a lot more than a love story between Edward Rochester and Jane - it is an examination of their strong personalities and the factors that have shaped them this way. Jane Eyre has never been portrayed with as much intensity as in this 1944 version and it simply must be experienced.
Whenever you see Orson Welles' name on a film, you know that you are looking at a quality film; however, who knew that Joan Fontain could steal the spotlight from one of Hollywood's greatest stars. The character of Jane Eyre comes with a lot of depth but Fontaine exposes every subtle feature in her portrayal. The character also shines through Peggy Ann Garner as Young Jane - I was struck by the amount of convincing emotion in the eyes of this young actress, perfectly setting the scene for the rest of the film. I was also giddy when I realized that Young Jane's friend, Helen, was played by a young and uncredited Elizabeth Taylor! All of the actors are fantastic and a joy to watch, but the credit is truly due to this wonderfully tragic love story. This Charlotte Bronte story is so interesting, all because of one intriguing mystery that will explain the disposition of its male lead. Talk about skeletons in the closet (or in the tower, as it were)! This story is a lot more than a love story between Edward Rochester and Jane - it is an examination of their strong personalities and the factors that have shaped them this way. Jane Eyre has never been portrayed with as much intensity as in this 1944 version and it simply must be experienced.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) - 7 stars out of 10
Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked) - 7 stars out of 10
It quickly becomes apparent that the focus of this movie is not the pirate radio station, but rather the interactions between its quirky characters. Philip Seymour Hoffman really steps out of his stereotype for this role. From the moment that he appears on the screen, you recognize his voice but nothing else is the same. Everything that happens in this movie is ridulous and it is very entertaining, though an unexpected turn rapidly transforms it from a comedy to a drama. However, all of the acting and plot takes a backseat to "Pirate Radio"'s inspired rock 'n' roll soundtrack. The rock music is geniusly woven to support what is occurring in the plot without trying to turn the movie into a musical. And in the midst of all of the rock 'n' roll, Edward Elgar's "Nimrod" rises from nowhere to create an incredibly inspirational scene. It was worth watching the whole movie for that single moment. I realize that they wanted to keep the runtime around the standard 2 hours, but some of those deleted scenes were SO FUNNY! This is one dvd where the deleted scenes are actually worth watching. This movie did not receive great reviews but I feel that anybody who enjoys 60's rock music will enjoy this film.
It quickly becomes apparent that the focus of this movie is not the pirate radio station, but rather the interactions between its quirky characters. Philip Seymour Hoffman really steps out of his stereotype for this role. From the moment that he appears on the screen, you recognize his voice but nothing else is the same. Everything that happens in this movie is ridulous and it is very entertaining, though an unexpected turn rapidly transforms it from a comedy to a drama. However, all of the acting and plot takes a backseat to "Pirate Radio"'s inspired rock 'n' roll soundtrack. The rock music is geniusly woven to support what is occurring in the plot without trying to turn the movie into a musical. And in the midst of all of the rock 'n' roll, Edward Elgar's "Nimrod" rises from nowhere to create an incredibly inspirational scene. It was worth watching the whole movie for that single moment. I realize that they wanted to keep the runtime around the standard 2 hours, but some of those deleted scenes were SO FUNNY! This is one dvd where the deleted scenes are actually worth watching. This movie did not receive great reviews but I feel that anybody who enjoys 60's rock music will enjoy this film.
Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts - 7 stars out of 10
Glass: A Portrait of Philip in Twelve Parts - 7 stars out of 10
500th Review
This was an interesting look into the life of a very diverse composer. Going beyond the glory, it shows the hard work that Philip Glass puts into each composition, his messy lifestyle, the strains on his marriage, and the impressive number of projects that he constantly undertakes, even at age 70! I like the form of the piece, split into twelve parts and appropriately organized like the music of this composer. This is a great documentary for anyone who has an interest in Glass's unique minimalistic/repetative style or who would like to take a look into the world of a composer.
500th Review
This was an interesting look into the life of a very diverse composer. Going beyond the glory, it shows the hard work that Philip Glass puts into each composition, his messy lifestyle, the strains on his marriage, and the impressive number of projects that he constantly undertakes, even at age 70! I like the form of the piece, split into twelve parts and appropriately organized like the music of this composer. This is a great documentary for anyone who has an interest in Glass's unique minimalistic/repetative style or who would like to take a look into the world of a composer.
Working Girl - 7 stars out of 10
Working Girl - 7 stars out of 10
I didn't expect "Working Girl" to be as interesting as it was. Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, and Harrison Ford create dynamically opposing personalities that give this well-written script energy from start to finish. That being said, I didn't think that Griffith deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Why did she have to clear her throat so much? Was she sick? Did she have a dust allergy to something on the set? I really don't think that the scriptwriter intended this for her character. She was cute, but the person who deservedly received an Oscar nod was Sigourney Weaver. Her transitions from sweet to evil were so sudden that it created the desired impression of misjudgement. I'm shocked that Ford and Weaver received billing higher than Griffith - Griffith is obviously the main character with the entire story revolving around her. Meanwhile, Ford doesn't enter the film until 1/2-hour in and Weaver disappears for the majority of the film. I actually find it offensive that the producers had such little faith in the quality of their film that they had to use big names to draw an audience. I like Joan Cusack as a character actress, which is precisely what she is in this film, but definitely not Oscar-worthy. While I think that it is a stretch to award this film the status of being a Best Picture Nominee, I do think that the dialogue was well written and the story progressed well. The best part of this film occurs when Weaver returns and, after being portrayed as the bad guy, a forgotten part of the plot returns to reveal her as a good guy. I felt a strong emotional response and became attached to the characters and story at that moment. I'd definitely recommend this film - maybe not as a critically-acclaimed Oscar nominee, but definitely as a Dramedy that is worth it for its twist.
I didn't expect "Working Girl" to be as interesting as it was. Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, and Harrison Ford create dynamically opposing personalities that give this well-written script energy from start to finish. That being said, I didn't think that Griffith deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Why did she have to clear her throat so much? Was she sick? Did she have a dust allergy to something on the set? I really don't think that the scriptwriter intended this for her character. She was cute, but the person who deservedly received an Oscar nod was Sigourney Weaver. Her transitions from sweet to evil were so sudden that it created the desired impression of misjudgement. I'm shocked that Ford and Weaver received billing higher than Griffith - Griffith is obviously the main character with the entire story revolving around her. Meanwhile, Ford doesn't enter the film until 1/2-hour in and Weaver disappears for the majority of the film. I actually find it offensive that the producers had such little faith in the quality of their film that they had to use big names to draw an audience. I like Joan Cusack as a character actress, which is precisely what she is in this film, but definitely not Oscar-worthy. While I think that it is a stretch to award this film the status of being a Best Picture Nominee, I do think that the dialogue was well written and the story progressed well. The best part of this film occurs when Weaver returns and, after being portrayed as the bad guy, a forgotten part of the plot returns to reveal her as a good guy. I felt a strong emotional response and became attached to the characters and story at that moment. I'd definitely recommend this film - maybe not as a critically-acclaimed Oscar nominee, but definitely as a Dramedy that is worth it for its twist.
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