The idea of a message in a bottle, floating in a body of water for a stranger to discover, is often parodied but rarely treated with the delicacy with which Nicholas Sparks penned this love story. I expected to hate this film but ended up enjoying the story. The mystery of "G" unfolds beautifully on the screen in a sort of "inverse ...character development." Rather than watch the character develop over time, he has already developed but the aspects of his personality are explained piece by piece as the story progresses. Costner plays the role well while Robin Wright Penn steals the show. I believe this to be her finest performance in any film. Paul Newman is just amazing and, although his character only has a dozen moments, each one is poignant and memorable. Although I don't care for the ending (it doesn't have to be happy, but could've ended more believably), this story has a lot to offer, particularly the wonderful phone conversation. The moments without dialogue are punctuated by gorgeous string themes, composed by Gabriel Yared. It isn't the best chick flick that I've seen but I would watch it again.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Elsewhere - 3 stars out of 10
Elsewhere - 3 stars out of 10
"Elsewhere" is a thriller about a girl who disappears after meeting a lot of strangers on a MySpace-type website. It gains momentum toward the end but lacks the dramatic build over the first hour necessary for a "good" thriller. Set in a small town, it contains all of the stereotypical characters: The irresponsible friend, the corr...upt cop, the awkward Christian father, and the nice nerd that saves the day. Unfortunately, on the scale of good acting, Anna Kendrick scores a 10 while the rest of the cast averages a 2. She is obviously levels above the rest of the cast and, while she is a joy to watch, she makes everybody else look weak. In addition to the poor acting, the dialogue leaves something to be desired, particularly when delivered by bad actors. This was basically a good excuse to stare at Anna Kendrick for a few hours. The only reason that I can think of to watch this film again (or in the first place) is my crush on Kendrick - if you do not share this sentiment, I'd recommend Scream or Devil. Or anything else.
"Elsewhere" is a thriller about a girl who disappears after meeting a lot of strangers on a MySpace-type website. It gains momentum toward the end but lacks the dramatic build over the first hour necessary for a "good" thriller. Set in a small town, it contains all of the stereotypical characters: The irresponsible friend, the corr...upt cop, the awkward Christian father, and the nice nerd that saves the day. Unfortunately, on the scale of good acting, Anna Kendrick scores a 10 while the rest of the cast averages a 2. She is obviously levels above the rest of the cast and, while she is a joy to watch, she makes everybody else look weak. In addition to the poor acting, the dialogue leaves something to be desired, particularly when delivered by bad actors. This was basically a good excuse to stare at Anna Kendrick for a few hours. The only reason that I can think of to watch this film again (or in the first place) is my crush on Kendrick - if you do not share this sentiment, I'd recommend Scream or Devil. Or anything else.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Scrooged - 7 stars out of 10
Scrooged - 7 stars out of 10
"Scrooged" is a unique parody of Dickens' famous fable. Bill Murray brings his brand of humor, though it is not executed as expertly as in movies like What About Bob and Groundhog Day. The lovely Karen Allen was perfectly cast as Claire, Scrooge's long-lost love. As the greedy tv executive (Murray) puts together a live Christmas Eve broadcast of "A Christmas Carol," he experiences his own New York City version. The highlight of his journey is the ghost of Christmas Present, played by Carol Kane. My favorite piece of trivia from this film is that the brother of Murray's character is actually his real-life brother. It certainly cannot compare to "true" telling of Dickens' tale and probably shouldn't become a part of any family's yearly Christmas traditions, but it's good for a few laughs.
"Scrooged" is a unique parody of Dickens' famous fable. Bill Murray brings his brand of humor, though it is not executed as expertly as in movies like What About Bob and Groundhog Day. The lovely Karen Allen was perfectly cast as Claire, Scrooge's long-lost love. As the greedy tv executive (Murray) puts together a live Christmas Eve broadcast of "A Christmas Carol," he experiences his own New York City version. The highlight of his journey is the ghost of Christmas Present, played by Carol Kane. My favorite piece of trivia from this film is that the brother of Murray's character is actually his real-life brother. It certainly cannot compare to "true" telling of Dickens' tale and probably shouldn't become a part of any family's yearly Christmas traditions, but it's good for a few laughs.
Confessions of a Shopaholic - 7 stars out of 10
Confessions of a Shopaholic - 7 stars out of 10
This movie really surprised me (in a good way). I expected to just put this on in the background while I did work but I couldn't stop watching. Isla Fisher was endearing and cute while Kristin Scott Thomas elevated the acting beyond that of a typical comedy. This film falls short of being great but does provide some great laughs through its supporting cast of big names (Cusack, Lithgow, Goodman) and wonderful interactions between Fisher and Dancy. You won't be able to resist laughing at a few parts, particularly their dance with the fan.
This movie really surprised me (in a good way). I expected to just put this on in the background while I did work but I couldn't stop watching. Isla Fisher was endearing and cute while Kristin Scott Thomas elevated the acting beyond that of a typical comedy. This film falls short of being great but does provide some great laughs through its supporting cast of big names (Cusack, Lithgow, Goodman) and wonderful interactions between Fisher and Dancy. You won't be able to resist laughing at a few parts, particularly their dance with the fan.
The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde inseglet) - 3 stars out of 10
The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde inseglet) - 3 stars out of 10
Based on everybody else's reviews, I guess that I just didn't get it. Though I can see the artistry of the film, I felt like it was a slow-moving story focusing on characters with whom I could not identify. Perhaps I'll give it another shot in a few years but my first viewing left me less than impressed.
Based on everybody else's reviews, I guess that I just didn't get it. Though I can see the artistry of the film, I felt like it was a slow-moving story focusing on characters with whom I could not identify. Perhaps I'll give it another shot in a few years but my first viewing left me less than impressed.
Spoorloos (The Vanishing) (1988) - 8 stars out of 10
Spoorloos (The Vanishing) (1988) - 8 stars out of 10
I really enjoyed the storytelling technique of this film. Knowing the basic premise of the movie, you experience several instances of paranoia thinking "Is it going to happen now?" I enjoyed the performance of Gene Bervoets and, although the development of his relationship with Johanna ter Steege is very brief, the cute factor immediately drew my interest. The one thing that I didn't buy was the kidnapper's obsession - he just didn't seem passionate about it. Perhaps his lack of emotion in scenes with his family was intentional, but overall it just seemed weak. The unconventional sequence of events kept me on edge and the ending was quite upsetting - definitely an above-average thriller.
For my review of the inferior American remake, see:http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/vanishing-3-stars-out-of-10.html
I really enjoyed the storytelling technique of this film. Knowing the basic premise of the movie, you experience several instances of paranoia thinking "Is it going to happen now?" I enjoyed the performance of Gene Bervoets and, although the development of his relationship with Johanna ter Steege is very brief, the cute factor immediately drew my interest. The one thing that I didn't buy was the kidnapper's obsession - he just didn't seem passionate about it. Perhaps his lack of emotion in scenes with his family was intentional, but overall it just seemed weak. The unconventional sequence of events kept me on edge and the ending was quite upsetting - definitely an above-average thriller.
For my review of the inferior American remake, see:http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2012/04/vanishing-3-stars-out-of-10.html
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 7 stars out of 10
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 7 stars out of 10
"The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is another enjoyable installment in the Narnia series! I was nervous that the special effects would be terrible since Disney didn't make this one but, aside from the dragon sometimes looking too "cartoony," I was really impressed with the special effects, particularly Reepicheep whose vocal nuances were perfectly reflected in his animation. The film was definitely lacking in acting quality (probably because of the deprivation of Popplewell and Moseley), character development, and awesome fight scenes when compared to the previous two; however, Will Poulter acts with maturity beyond his age and unquestionably stole the show! Every line had me laughing, though that's definitely the mood of this film (comic, not dark like "Prince Caspian"). Voyage is a very entertaining film with lots of cool special effects - it is not on the same level as the first two but I am still looking forward to the next film appearing in the future!!!
"The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" is another enjoyable installment in the Narnia series! I was nervous that the special effects would be terrible since Disney didn't make this one but, aside from the dragon sometimes looking too "cartoony," I was really impressed with the special effects, particularly Reepicheep whose vocal nuances were perfectly reflected in his animation. The film was definitely lacking in acting quality (probably because of the deprivation of Popplewell and Moseley), character development, and awesome fight scenes when compared to the previous two; however, Will Poulter acts with maturity beyond his age and unquestionably stole the show! Every line had me laughing, though that's definitely the mood of this film (comic, not dark like "Prince Caspian"). Voyage is a very entertaining film with lots of cool special effects - it is not on the same level as the first two but I am still looking forward to the next film appearing in the future!!!
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