Le Maison en Petits Cubes (The House of Small Cubes) - 8 stars out of 10
“Le Maison en Petits Cubes” is a beautiful story of a man who lived a fulfilling life and relives his memories through a series of flashbacks in reverse order. This Japanese short is conceptually cool with a unique artistic flair. Its simplicity gives it its charm with a dreamlike musical score by Kenji Kondo and a fantastic cubist world. The idea of a town progressively flooding and constantly building new rooms on top of the old house is very original and becomes the perfect setting for a simple love story to evolve through memories triggered by different rooms. The format of the film has great proportion, taking just enough time to introduce the unique situation of the town and then revealing the old man’s life. “Le Maison en Petits Cubes” is certainly deserving of its Oscar for Best Animated Short and it’s a great remedy for a sentimental mood.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V9BYAZP3yU
Friday, March 22, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Dick Tracy (1990) - 10 stars out of 10
Dick Tracy (1990) - 10 stars out of 10
Wow, "Dick Tracy" has a positively delightful cast!!! Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Madonna, Charlie Korsmo (the kid from Hook), Dick Van Dyke, Glenne Headly, Mandy Patinkin, Catherine O'Hara, ETC!!!! This ensemble cast brings the popular comic strip characters to life with memorable details for each villain. Warren Beatty is completely B.A. He gets to the essence of the Tracy character and makes the yellow hat and overcoat cool. I know that I say this about every movie that he is in, but this was one of Al Pacino's greatest performances - he unquestionably stole the show as Big Boy. Charlie Korsmo also delivered an unforgettable performance that really connects to the kid in all of us. I could talk about the incredible acting all day, but it isn't even what this movie is best known for - the visual aspect. The make-up was absolutely fantastic and reminded me why the Academy gives an Oscar for this. Beyond the make-up, the artistic direction of the set design is magic as this entire live-action film looks like a comic book. Go rent it. Right now. You will not be disappointed. "Dick Tracy" may be rated PG and have an appropriate family appeal, but it is also a sophisticated visual feast for the movie critics while offering fast-paced thrills for the action junkie.
Wow, "Dick Tracy" has a positively delightful cast!!! Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, Dustin Hoffman, Madonna, Charlie Korsmo (the kid from Hook), Dick Van Dyke, Glenne Headly, Mandy Patinkin, Catherine O'Hara, ETC!!!! This ensemble cast brings the popular comic strip characters to life with memorable details for each villain. Warren Beatty is completely B.A. He gets to the essence of the Tracy character and makes the yellow hat and overcoat cool. I know that I say this about every movie that he is in, but this was one of Al Pacino's greatest performances - he unquestionably stole the show as Big Boy. Charlie Korsmo also delivered an unforgettable performance that really connects to the kid in all of us. I could talk about the incredible acting all day, but it isn't even what this movie is best known for - the visual aspect. The make-up was absolutely fantastic and reminded me why the Academy gives an Oscar for this. Beyond the make-up, the artistic direction of the set design is magic as this entire live-action film looks like a comic book. Go rent it. Right now. You will not be disappointed. "Dick Tracy" may be rated PG and have an appropriate family appeal, but it is also a sophisticated visual feast for the movie critics while offering fast-paced thrills for the action junkie.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - 3 stars out of 10
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen - 3 stars out of 10
“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is one of those films that just isn’t very memorable. It has several great actors but none of them leave much of an impression. I think that one of the problems was Ewan McGregor’s character, who was written as socially awkward but just comes off as unlikeable. There was little to no chemistry between him and Emily Blunt, even though they are both favorites of mine. Kristin Scott Thomas is also typically amazing but was just average in this film. I actually found the story to be very interesting as they search for a way to bring salmon fishing to the Yemen, but the salmon story became secondary to the love story and I just couldn’t get into it. This film would have done better as a strict drama, especially once the terrorists arrive and the love story seems out of place. “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is interesting but not on my list of films to see again.
“Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is one of those films that just isn’t very memorable. It has several great actors but none of them leave much of an impression. I think that one of the problems was Ewan McGregor’s character, who was written as socially awkward but just comes off as unlikeable. There was little to no chemistry between him and Emily Blunt, even though they are both favorites of mine. Kristin Scott Thomas is also typically amazing but was just average in this film. I actually found the story to be very interesting as they search for a way to bring salmon fishing to the Yemen, but the salmon story became secondary to the love story and I just couldn’t get into it. This film would have done better as a strict drama, especially once the terrorists arrive and the love story seems out of place. “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” is interesting but not on my list of films to see again.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 - 1 star out of 10
Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 - 1 star out of 10
I swore that I would never watch another one of these films but curiosity got the best of me. Big mistake. Even though I hated the first film in the franchise, "Hellbound: Hellraiser 2" cheapens the sadistic nature of its predecessor. The disturbing malicious tone of the first film is lost because of a poor script, an incoherent plot, and the weirdest make-out scene ever - who makes out with a skinless human?!?!?!? The creators of this film seemed to be looking for a medium to present more hellish creatures but these creatures aren't scary without an effective story to tie them together. After the first film, I was scared of puzzle boxes and had difficulty sleeping but this film didn't even make me flinch. The first third of the movie basically just retells the first film through flashbacks, serving as a “greatest hits” compilation of the bloodiest scenes. Later in the film, none of the scenes related to the sequel's story can even begin to compare to the recently recapped scenes and the only sadistic torture is the fact that you have to watch this terrible film. There was some decent potential as we are given the opportunity to see the sadomasochism that actually takes place in the Cenobite realm... but the torture is uncreative and boring (for which I was thankful, but is a discredit to the franchise after the first film set the highest expectation for the horrific torture in this realm). There is way too much skin peeling, but it actually made for a decent surprise. In spite of the good twist, the special effects are awful and made me wonder when the silhouettes of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 guys were going to appear on the screen. On a positive note, Imogen Boorman is adorable, though I wish my first impression of her didn't have to be this film. I decided to watch "Hellbound: Hellraiser 2" because that sick sense of curiosity made me wonder how anything could be more horrific that some of the imagery from the first film, but in the end it is the same sequence over and over again, only less effective.
I swore that I would never watch another one of these films but curiosity got the best of me. Big mistake. Even though I hated the first film in the franchise, "Hellbound: Hellraiser 2" cheapens the sadistic nature of its predecessor. The disturbing malicious tone of the first film is lost because of a poor script, an incoherent plot, and the weirdest make-out scene ever - who makes out with a skinless human?!?!?!? The creators of this film seemed to be looking for a medium to present more hellish creatures but these creatures aren't scary without an effective story to tie them together. After the first film, I was scared of puzzle boxes and had difficulty sleeping but this film didn't even make me flinch. The first third of the movie basically just retells the first film through flashbacks, serving as a “greatest hits” compilation of the bloodiest scenes. Later in the film, none of the scenes related to the sequel's story can even begin to compare to the recently recapped scenes and the only sadistic torture is the fact that you have to watch this terrible film. There was some decent potential as we are given the opportunity to see the sadomasochism that actually takes place in the Cenobite realm... but the torture is uncreative and boring (for which I was thankful, but is a discredit to the franchise after the first film set the highest expectation for the horrific torture in this realm). There is way too much skin peeling, but it actually made for a decent surprise. In spite of the good twist, the special effects are awful and made me wonder when the silhouettes of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 guys were going to appear on the screen. On a positive note, Imogen Boorman is adorable, though I wish my first impression of her didn't have to be this film. I decided to watch "Hellbound: Hellraiser 2" because that sick sense of curiosity made me wonder how anything could be more horrific that some of the imagery from the first film, but in the end it is the same sequence over and over again, only less effective.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Paperman (2012) - 10 stars out of 10
Paperman (2012) - 10 stars out of 10
“Paperman” is Disney magic at its finest. Without a single word, Disney Animation Studio tells a romantic love story that reminds us that you will find love where you least expect it and that if it is meant to be, it will work out no matter how difficult the circumstances. The storyline is simple and develops an impressive depth of character as well as a strong emotional connection to the characters in a mere 7 minutes. The comedy is great throughout the short, like the hovering boss and the little boy with the balloon on the subway, but the best part is the animation. This unique blend of a 3D world in a classic pencil-drawn style adds to the nostalgia of the film. The black and white animation gives a classic feel and emphasizes the only color in the film, the red of the girl’s lipstick. While much of the film has a minimalist feel, the lead characters are very visually appealing (and you’re crazy if you think that the main guy doesn’t look like Jim Halpert from “The Office.”) Outside of the story, there are some very memorable images during this short, particularly the flock of paper airplanes as they lead George to Meg. Everything is tied together with the picture montage during the closing credits. “Paperman” may have been the introduction to “Wreck-It Ralph,” but it stands on its own as one of the best animated shorts out there.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx5d4c_paperman_shortfilms?search_algo=2#.UUP4gzcsuSo
“Paperman” is Disney magic at its finest. Without a single word, Disney Animation Studio tells a romantic love story that reminds us that you will find love where you least expect it and that if it is meant to be, it will work out no matter how difficult the circumstances. The storyline is simple and develops an impressive depth of character as well as a strong emotional connection to the characters in a mere 7 minutes. The comedy is great throughout the short, like the hovering boss and the little boy with the balloon on the subway, but the best part is the animation. This unique blend of a 3D world in a classic pencil-drawn style adds to the nostalgia of the film. The black and white animation gives a classic feel and emphasizes the only color in the film, the red of the girl’s lipstick. While much of the film has a minimalist feel, the lead characters are very visually appealing (and you’re crazy if you think that the main guy doesn’t look like Jim Halpert from “The Office.”) Outside of the story, there are some very memorable images during this short, particularly the flock of paper airplanes as they lead George to Meg. Everything is tied together with the picture montage during the closing credits. “Paperman” may have been the introduction to “Wreck-It Ralph,” but it stands on its own as one of the best animated shorts out there.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx5d4c_paperman_shortfilms?search_algo=2#.UUP4gzcsuSo
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