Sentence of Death (Studio One) - 5 stars out of 10
"Sentence of Death" actually comes from the live-broadcast television show, "Studio One." This series is famous for its high quality of acting and this particular installment has the cinematic integrity of any film. The show often included rising stars and "Sentence of Death" featured an unknown James Dean. It tells the story of an innocent man accused of murder and a witness' struggle to find the real killer. The story has an interesting dynamic as she must convince the police that the accused man is innocent, causing tension between two partners in the process. The ending has a twist that you can predict if you have seen enough movies, but it's still completely worth the experience. This story is featured on Netflix with another episode, "The Night America Trembled." Both stories are entirely worthwhile, particularly the latter.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - 7 stars out of 10
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - 7 stars out of 10
This movie was far from what I expected! Going into this one, I expected a pre-teen cutesy movie (along the lines of "Sleepover"). What I found was an edgier late teen drama that challenges the ideas of alcohol, peer pressure, manipulation, and sex. The thing that left the deepest impression on me was the film's negative display of drinking. While most movies of this genre would make it glamorous, "Nick & Norah's"shows that it can lead to a lonely and embarrassing display of stupidity. I also like that the main character begins to favor the less attractive girl with a deep personality (and a lot in common with him) over the hotter but completely superficial girl that he used to idolize. In fact, my biggest criticism of this movie is the title - it turned me off from seeing this movie in the first place and even from researching what the movie was about. I should've known better and that Michael Cera would be great, and they should've known better and titled the movie "Where's Fluffy?"
This movie was far from what I expected! Going into this one, I expected a pre-teen cutesy movie (along the lines of "Sleepover"). What I found was an edgier late teen drama that challenges the ideas of alcohol, peer pressure, manipulation, and sex. The thing that left the deepest impression on me was the film's negative display of drinking. While most movies of this genre would make it glamorous, "Nick & Norah's"shows that it can lead to a lonely and embarrassing display of stupidity. I also like that the main character begins to favor the less attractive girl with a deep personality (and a lot in common with him) over the hotter but completely superficial girl that he used to idolize. In fact, my biggest criticism of this movie is the title - it turned me off from seeing this movie in the first place and even from researching what the movie was about. I should've known better and that Michael Cera would be great, and they should've known better and titled the movie "Where's Fluffy?"
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion - 6 stars out of 10
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion - 6 stars out of 10
"Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" differs from other high school reunion movies in that most of stereotypical moments that you would expect do NOT happen. Just when you think you have it figured out, this movie will catch you completely by surprise. Though it is far from being the best comedy ever written, Mira Sorvino's portrayal of Romy makes it completely worth watching. Her acting is a step above everybody else. Lisa Kudrow plays off of her perfectly as Michele and their over-the-top acting is great for this story. Many have referred to this movie as "brainless" (and they're correct), but it's still entertaining with a decent moral at the end making this movie worth watching, even if just for the excellent 80's soundtrack!
"Romy and Michele's High School Reunion" differs from other high school reunion movies in that most of stereotypical moments that you would expect do NOT happen. Just when you think you have it figured out, this movie will catch you completely by surprise. Though it is far from being the best comedy ever written, Mira Sorvino's portrayal of Romy makes it completely worth watching. Her acting is a step above everybody else. Lisa Kudrow plays off of her perfectly as Michele and their over-the-top acting is great for this story. Many have referred to this movie as "brainless" (and they're correct), but it's still entertaining with a decent moral at the end making this movie worth watching, even if just for the excellent 80's soundtrack!
8 Mile - 4 stars out of 10
8 Mile - 4 stars out of 10
It is hard to believe that this actually happens in real life - "8 Mile" gave me an appreciation for the skills needed to be a freestyle rapper. Eminem's semi-autobiography will help you to understand why he acts the way that he does today by showing you his rough upbringing. Amidst all of the fighting and swearing in this film, I see his innocent little sister and my heart goes out to some of my students who I know have a bad home life. If nothing else, this movie will make you pity children who have to grow up in a less-than-blue-collar environment. F-words and S-words were in excess and though it is realistic, it was so much that it made the movie unpleasant to watch. I expected Brittany Murphy to have a larger role in this movie than having sex with 2 guys and then disappearing. It really is pretty sweet how his rap at the end pulls together everything that we have learned about Eminem throughout the movie. Honestly, my favorite part of this movie was the closing credits - the song "Lose Yourself" is more enjoyable than anything that I saw in this film.
It is hard to believe that this actually happens in real life - "8 Mile" gave me an appreciation for the skills needed to be a freestyle rapper. Eminem's semi-autobiography will help you to understand why he acts the way that he does today by showing you his rough upbringing. Amidst all of the fighting and swearing in this film, I see his innocent little sister and my heart goes out to some of my students who I know have a bad home life. If nothing else, this movie will make you pity children who have to grow up in a less-than-blue-collar environment. F-words and S-words were in excess and though it is realistic, it was so much that it made the movie unpleasant to watch. I expected Brittany Murphy to have a larger role in this movie than having sex with 2 guys and then disappearing. It really is pretty sweet how his rap at the end pulls together everything that we have learned about Eminem throughout the movie. Honestly, my favorite part of this movie was the closing credits - the song "Lose Yourself" is more enjoyable than anything that I saw in this film.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Hollywoodland - 3 stars out of 10
Hollywoodland - 3 stars out of 10
The trailer for "Hollywoodland" looked so good but I underestimated Ben Affleck's ability to ruin a promising story. This fictional investigation into the real-life suicide of George Reeves explores the conspiracy theories that this death was not actually a suicide. Unfortunately, the film failed to draw me in at the beginning and left me without attachment to a single character as the movie progressed. While the concept is interesting, there is little action and the quality of acting is not enough to drive the film. That's really surprising with people like Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, and Bob Hoskins on-board. The only scene that resonated with me was when a young boy approached Affleck (in his Superman persona) with a loaded gun, asking if he can shoot him to watch the bullet bounce off. This scene was filmed with poignant regard for our society's dependence on television to define our reality. But other than that, I struggled to leave the film on since the ending was of no consequence to me. "Hollywoodland" is good if you are looking for some insight into the darker side of Hollywood but I definitely would not put this one on my Top 1,000 Movie list.
The trailer for "Hollywoodland" looked so good but I underestimated Ben Affleck's ability to ruin a promising story. This fictional investigation into the real-life suicide of George Reeves explores the conspiracy theories that this death was not actually a suicide. Unfortunately, the film failed to draw me in at the beginning and left me without attachment to a single character as the movie progressed. While the concept is interesting, there is little action and the quality of acting is not enough to drive the film. That's really surprising with people like Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, and Bob Hoskins on-board. The only scene that resonated with me was when a young boy approached Affleck (in his Superman persona) with a loaded gun, asking if he can shoot him to watch the bullet bounce off. This scene was filmed with poignant regard for our society's dependence on television to define our reality. But other than that, I struggled to leave the film on since the ending was of no consequence to me. "Hollywoodland" is good if you are looking for some insight into the darker side of Hollywood but I definitely would not put this one on my Top 1,000 Movie list.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Criminal - 7 stars out of 10
Criminal - 7 stars out of 10
"Criminal" is a decent heist film with a clever plot and a number of unexpected twists throughout the progression of the story (especially the twist at the end). Despite the film's immediate jump into its plot, it moves at a slow pace for most of the movie. Fortunately, the story never gets boring because of the film's short 87-minute runtime. I was unimpressed by Maggie Gyllenhaal (looks like a weirdo) and John C. Reilly (can't take him seriously), but Diego Luna brings life to the film. It cannot compare to movies like "Ocean's Eleven" or "The Italian Job" but this movie is entertaining and I'd see it again.
"Criminal" is a decent heist film with a clever plot and a number of unexpected twists throughout the progression of the story (especially the twist at the end). Despite the film's immediate jump into its plot, it moves at a slow pace for most of the movie. Fortunately, the story never gets boring because of the film's short 87-minute runtime. I was unimpressed by Maggie Gyllenhaal (looks like a weirdo) and John C. Reilly (can't take him seriously), but Diego Luna brings life to the film. It cannot compare to movies like "Ocean's Eleven" or "The Italian Job" but this movie is entertaining and I'd see it again.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Diary of Anne Frank (2009) - 9 stars out of 10
The Diary of Anne Frank (2009) - 9 stars out of 10
This BBC telling of "The Diary of Anne Frank" is absolutely chilling. Although it originally appeared as a mini-series, it contains the emotional drama of any great Hollywood film. Anne Frank (played by Ellie Kendrick) is not glamourized; instead, she is raw, moody, and believable. The realism of this character makes the entire story that much sadder as we slowly accept the truth of this story. The plight of the Franks shows how quickly the Jews went from affluent citizens to impoverished victims during the second World War. The film also makes a strong statement about materialism and the truly important things in life. This rendition feels very historic due to the quality of acting provided by the entire cast. From the desparation in the characters' faces during a burglary to the inevitably heartbreaking ending, "The Diary of Anne Frank" is a piece of history that every person worldwide needs to see.
This BBC telling of "The Diary of Anne Frank" is absolutely chilling. Although it originally appeared as a mini-series, it contains the emotional drama of any great Hollywood film. Anne Frank (played by Ellie Kendrick) is not glamourized; instead, she is raw, moody, and believable. The realism of this character makes the entire story that much sadder as we slowly accept the truth of this story. The plight of the Franks shows how quickly the Jews went from affluent citizens to impoverished victims during the second World War. The film also makes a strong statement about materialism and the truly important things in life. This rendition feels very historic due to the quality of acting provided by the entire cast. From the desparation in the characters' faces during a burglary to the inevitably heartbreaking ending, "The Diary of Anne Frank" is a piece of history that every person worldwide needs to see.
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