La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) - 3 stars out of 10
“La Grande Bellezza” was… interesting. After seeing a movie like “Amour” win the Oscar for Best Foreign Film last year, I expected a lot more from this year’s Oscar winner. I believe that the film was well done. Toni Servillo really bears his soul in this mosaic of Italian culture, and we truly get to see Rome from all angles. I just didn’t like the concept. Everything seemed so disjointed and there were way too many extended dance party sequences. I realize that this is the point, that the main character is surrounded by people and parties but feels alone, but I didn’t enjoy watching it. I had such high hopes during the vivid opening sequence with gorgeous impressionist choral music and then the film gave way to flashing lights and club music. There was also a lot of unnecessary nudity that detracted from the visual beauty of the landscape sequences and the dialogue was often too fast to keep up with the subtitles. Although it’s easy to hate on this film, I’m glad that I experienced the scene where he humiliates that rude lady. That was one of the best scenes of 2013 and, while I wouldn’t recommend “La Grande Bellezza,” there are a few great moments hidden within.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Monday, June 30, 2014
Nick of Time - 5 stars out of 10
Nick of Time - 5 stars out of 10
“Nick of Time” is your average thriller with a few surprises but a mostly predictable plot. I always enjoy seeing a film shot in real time and I think that it fits well with the plot, forcing us to think about what we would do if suddenly thrust into that situation with only an hour to figure it out. None of the acting is bad, but nobody particularly sticks out. I suppose that I would be applauding Christopher Walken if he was anybody else, but he’s such a great funnyman that it’s strange to see him in this bad guy role. The characters were well-written, particularly Huey (the shoe shiner) and Ms. Jones. It seemed like Huey was going to be an unimportant character that broke up the action for a minute, but the writers did a nice job of making him into an unexpectedly important part of the plot. Ms. Jones was great, seeming to be an okay person until the end - very effective. While I wouldn’t put “Nick of Time” up there with my favorite thrillers, it sports an interesting plot and is worth seeing once.
“Nick of Time” is your average thriller with a few surprises but a mostly predictable plot. I always enjoy seeing a film shot in real time and I think that it fits well with the plot, forcing us to think about what we would do if suddenly thrust into that situation with only an hour to figure it out. None of the acting is bad, but nobody particularly sticks out. I suppose that I would be applauding Christopher Walken if he was anybody else, but he’s such a great funnyman that it’s strange to see him in this bad guy role. The characters were well-written, particularly Huey (the shoe shiner) and Ms. Jones. It seemed like Huey was going to be an unimportant character that broke up the action for a minute, but the writers did a nice job of making him into an unexpectedly important part of the plot. Ms. Jones was great, seeming to be an okay person until the end - very effective. While I wouldn’t put “Nick of Time” up there with my favorite thrillers, it sports an interesting plot and is worth seeing once.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Before Sunset (2004) - 10 stars out of 10
Before Sunset (2004) - 10 stars out of 10
“Before Sunset” is one of the most amazing, real love stories out there. Like the other films in this series, all of the dialogue feels completely candid as the story of Jesse and Céline unravels in real time. With just an hour in Paris to catch up on the past nine years since their first meeting, the mood transitions from friendly to sentimental to hostile to regret. On a different level, we discover the masks of happiness that both characters wear and see those masks slowly disintegrate to reveal their true dissatisfaction with life, unable to find any experience that matches that one night when they first met. It is ludicrous that this screenplay lost to “Sideways” during the Oscars. Has there ever been a more genuine conversational dialogue written? I think not. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s chemistry is stronger than the first film and that true longing is in their eyes. I cannot imagine a more vivid portrayal of love. While the synopsis of the film might make it sound like the same story in a new city, it is completely unique because the characters have changed over the past nine years. We get to meet each character in a completely new way. Although I love this film’s predecessor “Before Sunrise” and highly recommend seeing it, this film could actually stand on its own as it explains the entire first film through several brief flashbacks (literally a few second each). The subtlety of the final scene is the greatest romantic moment, as Céline plays the guitar and sings a song that she wrote about that night that changed their lives. “Before Sunset” is a must-see. It will change your perception of love forever.
“Before Sunset” is one of the most amazing, real love stories out there. Like the other films in this series, all of the dialogue feels completely candid as the story of Jesse and Céline unravels in real time. With just an hour in Paris to catch up on the past nine years since their first meeting, the mood transitions from friendly to sentimental to hostile to regret. On a different level, we discover the masks of happiness that both characters wear and see those masks slowly disintegrate to reveal their true dissatisfaction with life, unable to find any experience that matches that one night when they first met. It is ludicrous that this screenplay lost to “Sideways” during the Oscars. Has there ever been a more genuine conversational dialogue written? I think not. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s chemistry is stronger than the first film and that true longing is in their eyes. I cannot imagine a more vivid portrayal of love. While the synopsis of the film might make it sound like the same story in a new city, it is completely unique because the characters have changed over the past nine years. We get to meet each character in a completely new way. Although I love this film’s predecessor “Before Sunrise” and highly recommend seeing it, this film could actually stand on its own as it explains the entire first film through several brief flashbacks (literally a few second each). The subtlety of the final scene is the greatest romantic moment, as Céline plays the guitar and sings a song that she wrote about that night that changed their lives. “Before Sunset” is a must-see. It will change your perception of love forever.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Company: A Musical Comedy (2007) - 8 stars out of 10
Company: A Musical Comedy (2007) - 8 stars out of 10
“Company” is a great musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The story is presented as a series of vignettes that focus on different couples, all connected by the mutual and lonely friend Robert. I love the music. The film offers a lot of contrasting musical moments, from the impressionist chords at the end of the vocal Overture to the wordy Gilbert-and-Sullivan-like “Getting Married Today” and the emotional aria “Being Alive.” Sondheim established a signature sound that is completely unique to this show and I could listen to the music all day. The plot, however, gets a bit darker than I was prepared for. I suppose that the steady theme of marriage discontent should have clued me in but I felt a slight disconnect between the upbeat songs and the progressively depressing subject matter. Still, the show has some great moments and the 2006 Broadway revival emphasizes them. The construction of the show is very cool, putting the pit instruments onstage in the hands of the actors. The choreography often features the instruments, almost as a piece of the character’s personality (mellow trumpet, jazzy saxophone). The acting is superb, particularly Raúl Exparza as Bobby. His character begins so nonchalant that builds into an emotional crescendo at the end of “Being Alive.” I was also blown away by Heather Laws as Amy, frantically spitting out all of her lyrics with perfect diction, and Barbara Walsh as Joanne during her emotive “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Her voice got on my nerves a bit during her final scene, but I suppose that it perfectly embodied her drunken state. It is no surprise that this production won a Tony for Best Revival and we are so lucky to be able to experience this performance of “Company” far into the future!
“Company” is a great musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The story is presented as a series of vignettes that focus on different couples, all connected by the mutual and lonely friend Robert. I love the music. The film offers a lot of contrasting musical moments, from the impressionist chords at the end of the vocal Overture to the wordy Gilbert-and-Sullivan-like “Getting Married Today” and the emotional aria “Being Alive.” Sondheim established a signature sound that is completely unique to this show and I could listen to the music all day. The plot, however, gets a bit darker than I was prepared for. I suppose that the steady theme of marriage discontent should have clued me in but I felt a slight disconnect between the upbeat songs and the progressively depressing subject matter. Still, the show has some great moments and the 2006 Broadway revival emphasizes them. The construction of the show is very cool, putting the pit instruments onstage in the hands of the actors. The choreography often features the instruments, almost as a piece of the character’s personality (mellow trumpet, jazzy saxophone). The acting is superb, particularly Raúl Exparza as Bobby. His character begins so nonchalant that builds into an emotional crescendo at the end of “Being Alive.” I was also blown away by Heather Laws as Amy, frantically spitting out all of her lyrics with perfect diction, and Barbara Walsh as Joanne during her emotive “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Her voice got on my nerves a bit during her final scene, but I suppose that it perfectly embodied her drunken state. It is no surprise that this production won a Tony for Best Revival and we are so lucky to be able to experience this performance of “Company” far into the future!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Where the Red Fern Grows (1974) - 5 stars out of 10
Where the Red Fern Grows (1974) - 5 stars out of 10
“Where the Red Fern Grows” is so… seventies. The story is a classic, but the 70’s music montages are a little much. This is definitely a great G-rated telling of this story to show to middle schoolers who have just completed their reading assignment. It is heartwarming, the dogs are cute, and will have you guessing until the very end if it has been years since reading the book. Unfortunately, the acting quality is lacking and it is reminiscent of a 1950’s sitcom. If you don’t know this story, I highly recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie but this film version makes a good addendum to the impressive literary work.
P.S. The ending will have you in tears and earned this film an extra star.
“Where the Red Fern Grows” is so… seventies. The story is a classic, but the 70’s music montages are a little much. This is definitely a great G-rated telling of this story to show to middle schoolers who have just completed their reading assignment. It is heartwarming, the dogs are cute, and will have you guessing until the very end if it has been years since reading the book. Unfortunately, the acting quality is lacking and it is reminiscent of a 1950’s sitcom. If you don’t know this story, I highly recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie but this film version makes a good addendum to the impressive literary work.
P.S. The ending will have you in tears and earned this film an extra star.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Searching for Sugar Man - 10 stars out of 10
Searching for Sugar Man - 10 stars out of 10
“Searching for Sugar Man” is simply one of the best documentaries out there. You can’t script drama like what unfolds throughout this film! The topic is approached from several different directions, just presenting a biopic of the musician’s career, then exploring the mystery revolving around his fate, following two of his biggest fans on an adventure across the world to discover the truth, and finally with a heartwarming celebration of the musician’s life. The theme of the film is simple but leaves an impression: nobody has ever heard of Sixto Rodriguez, but his music is incredible! Consequently, everybody becomes a Rodriguez fan once this documentary has made them aware of his existence. It is easy to see why this film won the Oscar for Best Documentary. I love the mysterious angle from which this documentary approaches the musician. We are as clueless as the documentarians as to Rodriguez’s fate, which creates an emotional investment that makes us anxious to eventually learn the truth. This documentary is so good that I will not give any spoilers. If this review has piqued your interest, you will not be disappointed with the journey that you’ll experience with “Searching for Sugar Man.”
“Searching for Sugar Man” is simply one of the best documentaries out there. You can’t script drama like what unfolds throughout this film! The topic is approached from several different directions, just presenting a biopic of the musician’s career, then exploring the mystery revolving around his fate, following two of his biggest fans on an adventure across the world to discover the truth, and finally with a heartwarming celebration of the musician’s life. The theme of the film is simple but leaves an impression: nobody has ever heard of Sixto Rodriguez, but his music is incredible! Consequently, everybody becomes a Rodriguez fan once this documentary has made them aware of his existence. It is easy to see why this film won the Oscar for Best Documentary. I love the mysterious angle from which this documentary approaches the musician. We are as clueless as the documentarians as to Rodriguez’s fate, which creates an emotional investment that makes us anxious to eventually learn the truth. This documentary is so good that I will not give any spoilers. If this review has piqued your interest, you will not be disappointed with the journey that you’ll experience with “Searching for Sugar Man.”
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Star Trek Into Darkness - 9 stars out of 10
Star Trek Into Darkness - 9 stars out of 10
The new Star Trek series has brought the old characters into the mainstream and made them cool. Many people see the old Star Trek as “nerdy” but this new interpretation makes the characters gritty and deep. J.J. Abrams has used a combination of incredible special effects, witty dialogue, and pure action to bring Star Trek to “the next generation” (couldn’t resist the pun). This story picks up where the first one left off, developing the relationship between Kirk and Spock and again throwing Kirk into the center of controversy. With the character origins established in the first installment, this film gets right into the action and allows for the introduction of Khan. He is one of the most intriguing characters in the franchise and Benedict Cumberbatch is the perfect actor to deliver this sophisticated dialogue. The plot twists back and forth, keeping you on your heels and trying to figure out if Khan is helpful or dangerous. The greatest part of the film is the heroism and sacrifice displayed at the end. It really gets to the heart of science fiction and superhero movies of days past. Whoever dreamed up this script should be commended for successfully bringing Khan back to life (pun intended), building chemistry between Spock and Kirk, echoing the themes set forth in the opening of the film, resolving the seemingly impossible plot twist, and setting up the next film with the “Space: the final frontier” speech. This greatly exceeds the expectations of most action movies. All of the acting is spot on and I love how they found a way to feature Simon Pegg as Scotty, even though he wasn’t critical to the themes being developed throughout the film. Space has come to life with “Star Trek: Into Darkness.” Not only am I anxious for the next installment, but I may even have to go back and watch the original films.
The new Star Trek series has brought the old characters into the mainstream and made them cool. Many people see the old Star Trek as “nerdy” but this new interpretation makes the characters gritty and deep. J.J. Abrams has used a combination of incredible special effects, witty dialogue, and pure action to bring Star Trek to “the next generation” (couldn’t resist the pun). This story picks up where the first one left off, developing the relationship between Kirk and Spock and again throwing Kirk into the center of controversy. With the character origins established in the first installment, this film gets right into the action and allows for the introduction of Khan. He is one of the most intriguing characters in the franchise and Benedict Cumberbatch is the perfect actor to deliver this sophisticated dialogue. The plot twists back and forth, keeping you on your heels and trying to figure out if Khan is helpful or dangerous. The greatest part of the film is the heroism and sacrifice displayed at the end. It really gets to the heart of science fiction and superhero movies of days past. Whoever dreamed up this script should be commended for successfully bringing Khan back to life (pun intended), building chemistry between Spock and Kirk, echoing the themes set forth in the opening of the film, resolving the seemingly impossible plot twist, and setting up the next film with the “Space: the final frontier” speech. This greatly exceeds the expectations of most action movies. All of the acting is spot on and I love how they found a way to feature Simon Pegg as Scotty, even though he wasn’t critical to the themes being developed throughout the film. Space has come to life with “Star Trek: Into Darkness.” Not only am I anxious for the next installment, but I may even have to go back and watch the original films.
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