The Matrix - 10 stars out of 10
The Matrix is the ultimate mind-bending film. It's groundbreaking special effects, filming techniques, and unique artistic imagery are an incredible visual "experience," even 10+ years after the film was released. Amidst the incredible martial arts scenes and awesome gun fights lies one of the coolest worldview-changing concepts in any sci-fi movie. Although I typically hate Keanu Reeves, his dry delivery of lines is perfect for the character of Neo. Fishburne and Weaving give their most memorable acting performances while Moss and Pantoliano bring their characters to life. The Matrix is a complete package and the 2nd and 3rd installments hinder the amazing story created in the original. Although you will miss out on some amazing fight scenes by skipping Parts II and III, I truly recommend ending at the end of The Matrix and allowing your mind to fill in the rest.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) - 9 stars out of 10
The Importance of Being Earnest (1952) - 9 stars out of 10
It is difficult to go wrong when you have a play as genius as Oscar Wilde's social parody, "The Importance of Being Earnest." Double entendres, ridiculous characters, and obvious materialism will keep you laughing (whether it is a small chuckle or a full-out guffaw) from start to finish. The cast is outstanding, as if the actors possessed their characters' personalities in real life. The peak of ridiculousness appears in the final scene as Edith Evans delivers her lines with an inflection that is amusing, regardless of what the dialogue is expressing. Oscar Wilde's play is at its finest in this 1952 rendition of British high society.
It is difficult to go wrong when you have a play as genius as Oscar Wilde's social parody, "The Importance of Being Earnest." Double entendres, ridiculous characters, and obvious materialism will keep you laughing (whether it is a small chuckle or a full-out guffaw) from start to finish. The cast is outstanding, as if the actors possessed their characters' personalities in real life. The peak of ridiculousness appears in the final scene as Edith Evans delivers her lines with an inflection that is amusing, regardless of what the dialogue is expressing. Oscar Wilde's play is at its finest in this 1952 rendition of British high society.
Dracula (1931) - 3 stars out of 10
Dracula (1931) - 3 stars out of 10
Although I like to think that I'm a movie purist who always appreciates the original, "Dracula" just falls flat compared to modern vampire movies. I'm not claiming that "Twilight" is better, but vampire movies have come a long way since 1931. Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula will always be the best, creating angst with each pause in his dialogue. This movie falls short in the real of "vampire effects." In this version of Dracula, we never get see him actually bite a neck, or to see any fangs for that matter. Is it asking too much to see a stake driven through someone's heart? Though the visual effects lack, the film is still a classic. I knew that Lugosi would be amazing with freakish intensity in his eyes but the real surprise was Helen Chandler, whose beautiful looks will convince you that she is incapable of anything devious... until her eyes widen in the best scene of the movie. See this classic, but don't try to compare it to films like "Let Me In."
Although I like to think that I'm a movie purist who always appreciates the original, "Dracula" just falls flat compared to modern vampire movies. I'm not claiming that "Twilight" is better, but vampire movies have come a long way since 1931. Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula will always be the best, creating angst with each pause in his dialogue. This movie falls short in the real of "vampire effects." In this version of Dracula, we never get see him actually bite a neck, or to see any fangs for that matter. Is it asking too much to see a stake driven through someone's heart? Though the visual effects lack, the film is still a classic. I knew that Lugosi would be amazing with freakish intensity in his eyes but the real surprise was Helen Chandler, whose beautiful looks will convince you that she is incapable of anything devious... until her eyes widen in the best scene of the movie. See this classic, but don't try to compare it to films like "Let Me In."
Friday, May 13, 2011
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - 9 stars out of 10
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - 9 stars out of 10
This movie was awesome. It gives the effect of a stream-of-consciouness story (like The Sound and the Fury) as it paves its way through Jim Carrey's mind. The film offers outstanding performances by (but not limited to) Carrey, Winslet, and Wilkinson. It is not often that a film portrays a relationship from end to beginning but this film creates that unique perspective as Carrey's memories are deleted, one by one. I particularly like how the beginning and end line up, though I won't be specific and create a spoiler. Above all, this film is a masterpiece due to its sheer visual beauty as their world literally and figuratively falls apart in front of the audience’s eyes. The filming techniques and constantly altered frames of reference give this story the necessary feeling of a dream. It will take you a bit to wrap your mind around the concept but once you have been drawn into Joel's mind, you won't ever want to leave and risk losing Clementine until you reach the satisfying conclusion.
This movie was awesome. It gives the effect of a stream-of-consciouness story (like The Sound and the Fury) as it paves its way through Jim Carrey's mind. The film offers outstanding performances by (but not limited to) Carrey, Winslet, and Wilkinson. It is not often that a film portrays a relationship from end to beginning but this film creates that unique perspective as Carrey's memories are deleted, one by one. I particularly like how the beginning and end line up, though I won't be specific and create a spoiler. Above all, this film is a masterpiece due to its sheer visual beauty as their world literally and figuratively falls apart in front of the audience’s eyes. The filming techniques and constantly altered frames of reference give this story the necessary feeling of a dream. It will take you a bit to wrap your mind around the concept but once you have been drawn into Joel's mind, you won't ever want to leave and risk losing Clementine until you reach the satisfying conclusion.
Slumdog Millionaire - 10 stars out of 10
Slumdog Millionaire - 10 stars out of 10
This movie certainly didn't disappoint and after seeing all 5 nominees, this definitely deserved to win the Oscar for Best Picture. In this completely unique plot, it overlaps Patel's attempt to win Who Wants To Be A Millionaire with the epic story of his life as a child and search for love. One of the most impressive parts of this story is the amount of screen time consumed by child actors and the fact that, as time passes in the movie and each character is taken on by an older child, the personality and mannerisms for each character stays consistent. Though it did not receive any best actor Oscar nominations, the acting in this movie is quite realistic and truly chilling at times. Your heart will break over and over again as you feel that you are there, experiencing the hardships with these characters. Slumdog Millionaire is a must-see.
The Kid - 5 stars out of 10
The Kid - 5 stars out of 10
Bruce Willis in a family movie? I definitely approached this one with skepticism but was surprised by his versatility. The Kid is geared toward kids, especially with Spencer Breslin's "cute fat kid" prominence throughout the film. The highlight for me was Emily Mortimer - where did this charming actress come from? She was adorable enough to distract me from the weak story and to capture my heart. I wouldn't put this film in my Top 250 but I'll plan on watching it with my children someday.
Blue Valentine - 6 stars out of 10
Blue Valentine - 6 stars out of 10
"Blue Valentine" is the anti-chick flick. Instead of showing a fantasy love story, it explores a torn American marriage and the emotional implications on all who are involved. The story is told out of sequence (mixing the start of the relationship with its current state) to impressivey show how the relationship has changed and even more impressively shows the acting diversity of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. It's incredibly frustrating as Gosling tries so hard and Williams just won't have it, resigned to her fate of a doomed marriage. The unsteady camera gives the film an effective realistic sensation of watching the lives of these two characters unfold in the first person. The film contains several controversial scenes. The abortion scene was incredibly uncomfortable, in that it is a subject matter which really has not been shown on screen in this way. I applaud the directors for being so brave to show the emotional toll of an abortion on screen. While this film deserves a decent rating for its acting, I would not recommend it due to its upsetting content - it is the ultimate downer.
On another note, there has been a great deal of controversy over the initial NC-17 rating of the film due to an intense no-nudity sex scene, bringing the question "What warrants an NC-17 rating?" The question was raised "How can this film receive that rating while movies like The Human Centipede are rated 'R'?" I agree that this scene is not nearly as bad as "The Human Centipede"; however, instead of allowing every intensely disturbing scene pass with an R-rating, perhaps we should be stricter with what constitutes an R-rating and hand out more NC-17 ratings. The rating system is designed to protect children from movie content and I believe that it is a crime for any child to see a movie like the aforementioned ones.
"Blue Valentine" is the anti-chick flick. Instead of showing a fantasy love story, it explores a torn American marriage and the emotional implications on all who are involved. The story is told out of sequence (mixing the start of the relationship with its current state) to impressivey show how the relationship has changed and even more impressively shows the acting diversity of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. It's incredibly frustrating as Gosling tries so hard and Williams just won't have it, resigned to her fate of a doomed marriage. The unsteady camera gives the film an effective realistic sensation of watching the lives of these two characters unfold in the first person. The film contains several controversial scenes. The abortion scene was incredibly uncomfortable, in that it is a subject matter which really has not been shown on screen in this way. I applaud the directors for being so brave to show the emotional toll of an abortion on screen. While this film deserves a decent rating for its acting, I would not recommend it due to its upsetting content - it is the ultimate downer.
On another note, there has been a great deal of controversy over the initial NC-17 rating of the film due to an intense no-nudity sex scene, bringing the question "What warrants an NC-17 rating?" The question was raised "How can this film receive that rating while movies like The Human Centipede are rated 'R'?" I agree that this scene is not nearly as bad as "The Human Centipede"; however, instead of allowing every intensely disturbing scene pass with an R-rating, perhaps we should be stricter with what constitutes an R-rating and hand out more NC-17 ratings. The rating system is designed to protect children from movie content and I believe that it is a crime for any child to see a movie like the aforementioned ones.
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