Barnum - 7 stars out of 10
Michael Crawford puts on a clinic with his performance in "Barnum". And we're not just talking about singing and acting - you have to include dancing, gymnastics, juggling, and tightrope walking. This show is filmed during a live performance and would not be the same any other way. The circus scenes are impressive because of the energy that fills the auditorium, and filming the circus stunts on a soundstage simply would not have the same effect. The show has a festive atmosphere as Barnum oftedn breaks the fourth wall and make the audience a part of the story, as if they were actually under the big tent watching the circus. The music is exciting at first but becomes monotonous after a while. Certain songs are heartfelt while some are too cheesy ("One brick at a time, one single solitary brick) and after 90 minutes, they all start to sound the same. The story culminates with a show-stopping ending that will make you want to join the circus. "Barnum" is far from my favorite musical but this rendition is the best portrayal that this musical will ever see. Michael Crawford. Wow.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Illusionist (L'illusionniste) (2010) - 6 stars out of 10
The Illusionist (L'illusionniste) (2010) - 6 stars out of 10
"The Illusionist" is a downer but provides a unique insight into the tranformation of stage performances in the late 1950's. The story has its humorous moments, like its tongue-in-cheek portrayal of British rock bands, but maintains a serious tone as it explores the outcasting of certain types of stage performers from the entertainment industry. The film is unique, offering no more than two dozen isolated lines of dialogue in its entire 80 minutes. The rare occurrence of dialogue makes a statement about the ability of writers and animators to develop a character simply through mannerisms and the character's reaction to his surroundings. I probably would not watch this film again but it was refreshingly different from any film, animated or live action, that I have ever seen.
"The Illusionist" is a downer but provides a unique insight into the tranformation of stage performances in the late 1950's. The story has its humorous moments, like its tongue-in-cheek portrayal of British rock bands, but maintains a serious tone as it explores the outcasting of certain types of stage performers from the entertainment industry. The film is unique, offering no more than two dozen isolated lines of dialogue in its entire 80 minutes. The rare occurrence of dialogue makes a statement about the ability of writers and animators to develop a character simply through mannerisms and the character's reaction to his surroundings. I probably would not watch this film again but it was refreshingly different from any film, animated or live action, that I have ever seen.
Punch-Drunk Love - 2 stars out of 10
Punch-Drunk Love - 2 stars out of 10
"Punch-Drunk Love" and I have an interesting history together. I watched this film during college and thought that it was awful. I gave it a second chance in 2011, assuming that it could not have been nearly as awful as I remembered... and it was worse. Finally, I gave this film a third chance (forgetting that I had given it a second chance) in hopes that a greater knowledge of stylistic film would help me to better understand this odd presentation. I still didn't get it, but appreciated some of its unique characteristics enough to bump my rating from one star to two. And now I will never feel the need to revisit this film again. I mean it this time. More than anything, I wish that I could make sense of the critical acclaim for this film. Part of the problem could be personal preference. I didn't care for director Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice" and I straight up hated "The Master," so maybe I'm destined to dislike his style. Then again, my wife was completely on board with me, commenting that "it's as if the studio took the ten worst movies that they didn't want to make and threw them all together. 'Some random piano story? Okay. Adult phone service gone wrong? Got it. Awkward love story? Why not!'" I love Adam Sandler's stupid humor roles from the 90's and his serious roles from the 00's, but this falls somewhere in between and ends up falling flat. The third time around, I found myself enjoying his outbursts more and really rooting for him as an underdog, but is this performance really worth a Golden Globe nomination? The redeeming piece of this puzzle could have been Philip Seymour Hoffman's character but he was limited to less than six minutes of screen time and the most interesting facet of this story is largely undeveloped. At times, the music gets so loud that you can barely hear the dialogue. At first, I was extremely bothered but then I realized that the director is trying to make the audience feel the same angst that Sandler is experiencing. Well played Mr. Anderson. Maybe I just don't get it, but "Punch-Drunk Love" is a dark comedy that feels random and unsatisfying. I just cannot recommend this swearfest-without-substance in good conscience. Not even after giving it a third try.
"Punch-Drunk Love" and I have an interesting history together. I watched this film during college and thought that it was awful. I gave it a second chance in 2011, assuming that it could not have been nearly as awful as I remembered... and it was worse. Finally, I gave this film a third chance (forgetting that I had given it a second chance) in hopes that a greater knowledge of stylistic film would help me to better understand this odd presentation. I still didn't get it, but appreciated some of its unique characteristics enough to bump my rating from one star to two. And now I will never feel the need to revisit this film again. I mean it this time. More than anything, I wish that I could make sense of the critical acclaim for this film. Part of the problem could be personal preference. I didn't care for director Paul Thomas Anderson's "Inherent Vice" and I straight up hated "The Master," so maybe I'm destined to dislike his style. Then again, my wife was completely on board with me, commenting that "it's as if the studio took the ten worst movies that they didn't want to make and threw them all together. 'Some random piano story? Okay. Adult phone service gone wrong? Got it. Awkward love story? Why not!'" I love Adam Sandler's stupid humor roles from the 90's and his serious roles from the 00's, but this falls somewhere in between and ends up falling flat. The third time around, I found myself enjoying his outbursts more and really rooting for him as an underdog, but is this performance really worth a Golden Globe nomination? The redeeming piece of this puzzle could have been Philip Seymour Hoffman's character but he was limited to less than six minutes of screen time and the most interesting facet of this story is largely undeveloped. At times, the music gets so loud that you can barely hear the dialogue. At first, I was extremely bothered but then I realized that the director is trying to make the audience feel the same angst that Sandler is experiencing. Well played Mr. Anderson. Maybe I just don't get it, but "Punch-Drunk Love" is a dark comedy that feels random and unsatisfying. I just cannot recommend this swearfest-without-substance in good conscience. Not even after giving it a third try.
[Pictured: Yep, this is what you can expect for 90 minutes of your life when you watch this]
Monday, May 16, 2011
Frozen (2010) - 7 stars out of 10
Frozen (2010) - 7 stars out of 10
"Frozen" may not match up to the acting quality of "127 Hours," but its similar premise still delivers an adrenaline-pumping punch. In fact, I have to give this film a high rating simply for its affectiveness, as my heart is still pounding and I am not sure that I will ever going skiing after seeing this film. This script takes the... premise as far as it can go; unfortunately, this limitation prevents the story from developing beyond the slopes. Though none of the actors should get an Oscar for their performance, they are excellent at portraying the three necessary emotions for this film: devastation, sentimentality, and terror. The above-average acting (particularly Bell during the wolf attack and urination scenes) combines with well-written musical cues to quickly transition between these emotions to provide a constant driving energy. As a warning, this is not a good movie for you if you are squeamish (i.e. you do not want to see the bone sticking out of someone?M)s broken leg or see someone eaten alive). Just like "127", the gore is a necessity but will likely make you think twice before stepping foot on a ski lift ever again.
"Frozen" may not match up to the acting quality of "127 Hours," but its similar premise still delivers an adrenaline-pumping punch. In fact, I have to give this film a high rating simply for its affectiveness, as my heart is still pounding and I am not sure that I will ever going skiing after seeing this film. This script takes the... premise as far as it can go; unfortunately, this limitation prevents the story from developing beyond the slopes. Though none of the actors should get an Oscar for their performance, they are excellent at portraying the three necessary emotions for this film: devastation, sentimentality, and terror. The above-average acting (particularly Bell during the wolf attack and urination scenes) combines with well-written musical cues to quickly transition between these emotions to provide a constant driving energy. As a warning, this is not a good movie for you if you are squeamish (i.e. you do not want to see the bone sticking out of someone?M)s broken leg or see someone eaten alive). Just like "127", the gore is a necessity but will likely make you think twice before stepping foot on a ski lift ever again.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Matrix Revolutions - 6 stars out of 10
The Matrix Revolutions - 6 stars out of 10
The Matrix Revolutions cannot stand on its own as a complete film; it is merely an extension of the preceeding film. It manages to complete the "revolution" from the original's use of live-action sequences with an inclusion of CGI where necessary to a computer animated film that occasionally includes live actors. Many of the Zion battle sequences and particularly "the final battle" are completely CGI. This is not Star Wars: The Clone Wars - the production scene should have looked at what made the original Matrix so incredible and stuck with it. While I really enjoyed Bruce Spence as the trainman and Tanveer K. Atwal as Sati, I was annoyed that they found a way to include the Merovingian in this film and once again, he was entirely unnecessary. The Matrix offers some interesting visuals but falls short of the action sequences and story provided by Reloaded. The ending of the series is a confusing let-down and if I could, I would go back in time and stop watching after the original Matrix.
The Matrix Revolutions cannot stand on its own as a complete film; it is merely an extension of the preceeding film. It manages to complete the "revolution" from the original's use of live-action sequences with an inclusion of CGI where necessary to a computer animated film that occasionally includes live actors. Many of the Zion battle sequences and particularly "the final battle" are completely CGI. This is not Star Wars: The Clone Wars - the production scene should have looked at what made the original Matrix so incredible and stuck with it. While I really enjoyed Bruce Spence as the trainman and Tanveer K. Atwal as Sati, I was annoyed that they found a way to include the Merovingian in this film and once again, he was entirely unnecessary. The Matrix offers some interesting visuals but falls short of the action sequences and story provided by Reloaded. The ending of the series is a confusing let-down and if I could, I would go back in time and stop watching after the original Matrix.
The Matrix Reloaded - 8 stars out of 10
The Matrix Reloaded - 8 stars out of 10
The Matrix Reloaded picks up several months after the original ends. It exceeds the standard of incredible visual effects and fight sequences set forth by the original but, while the original focused heavily on live-action sequences and inserted CGI where necessary, Reloaded relies on CGI to the point that half of the action scenes are completely live (the Merovingian's chateau) and the other half are primarily CGI (Neo fighting the Smiths, the semis ramming each other). I like the additions of Jada Pinkett Smith and Harold Perrineau Jr., but did not like the addition of long-winded (and unnecessary) monologues that confused the plot and detracted from the storyline instead of enhancing it. I'm still trying to figure out why the Merovingian was necessary at all. The Matrix Reloaded strives to answer many of the questions left unanswered by the first film; however, some of these answers were better left shrouded by mystery .
The Matrix Reloaded picks up several months after the original ends. It exceeds the standard of incredible visual effects and fight sequences set forth by the original but, while the original focused heavily on live-action sequences and inserted CGI where necessary, Reloaded relies on CGI to the point that half of the action scenes are completely live (the Merovingian's chateau) and the other half are primarily CGI (Neo fighting the Smiths, the semis ramming each other). I like the additions of Jada Pinkett Smith and Harold Perrineau Jr., but did not like the addition of long-winded (and unnecessary) monologues that confused the plot and detracted from the storyline instead of enhancing it. I'm still trying to figure out why the Merovingian was necessary at all. The Matrix Reloaded strives to answer many of the questions left unanswered by the first film; however, some of these answers were better left shrouded by mystery .
The Matrix - 10 stars out of 10
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.
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.
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