The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore - 10 stars out of 10

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore - 10 stars out of 10

“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” has such a creative and imaginative artistic vision that it is no surprise that it received the Oscar for Best Animated Short.  The musical soundtrack, comprised of variations on “Pop Goes the Weasle,” has a whimsical feel that creates magic within this animation.  The concept is really cool but the execution is perfect.  Little details, like the way that the Humpty Dumpty book communicates and the inspiration drawn from Hurricane Katrina, put this short onto a level of greatness.  In an age of video technology, “Mr. Morris Lessmore” reminds us of the nostalgia and comfort of sitting down with a good book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vftMo1-cfWE

Crash (2005) - 10 stars out of 10

Crash (2005) - 10 stars out of 10
850th Review 

“Crash” is simply one of those films that will never be forgotten.  Beyond the acting, script, and cinematography lies an overwhelming theme that has a lot more meaning than the film’s Oscar for Best Picture.  “Crash’s” portrayal of racism in Los Angeles is raw, real, and emotional.  While it is easy to see that the film shouts “racism is bad,” it operates on a different level at the same time.  As this intricate network of interconnected stories wraps up, the film reveals that looks can be deceiving (Ludacris doing the right thing, the true vocation of the Chinese man, etc.).  Although the film’s message is more important than anything, it is brought to life by a talented ensemble cast that includes Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Brendan Fraser, Terrence Howard, and Thandie Newton.  Many of the characters have a duality to them, tempted to conform to the bigotous ways of our society while motivated by their consciences.  While I don’t enjoy Matt Dillon as an actor (and think that he only received a Best Supporting nomination due to a weak Oscar class), he excels at disgusting the audience with his character’s racist intimidation.  This is imperative to plot’s climax when he must risk his life for a woman who wants help from anybody but him.  Even more important is Michael Peña’s heartwarming father-daughter dialogue, which sets up the emotional climax of the film.  “The scene” will surely have you crying, further driving home the effects of hatred and introducing a message of hope.  The little details throughout the film, like the ignorance in the ammunition purchase and the Saint Christopher statues, set up the films biggest surprises without us even knowing it.  The script (which won Best Original Screenplay) is perfection as it weaves together so many characters in so many storylines without leaving a single plot hole.  Not only is every character important to the transformation of at least one other character, but each character also facilitates the theme of the film.  The culmination of tension and idea of racism as a learned worldview is driven home as Ryan Phillippe buys into the hatred that surrounds him.  “Crash” is stunning and you will surely realize that as you watch the credits roll by, sitting in silence and unable to move as the whole picture comes together and the levity of the theme sets in.

Hellraiser - 3 stars out of 10

Hellraiser - 3 stars out of 10

“Hellraiser” is sadism for the eyes.  It may be the most horrific of all horror movies, not in a fun sense but in an uneasy one.  I can’t imagine anybody choosing to watch this if they knew what was in store.  The disturbing nature of the film makes it easy to see why the creators of franchises like “Saw” and “The Human Centipede” believe that they can show anything that they want on-screen.  I will admit that the make-up and special effects are gruesomely impressive; whether it is the progressive transformation of Frank from bones to tissue or ripping a body apart with chains and hooks, there are few details that we are not forced to endure.  I will never submit myself to another film in this franchise.  I can’t ever handle watching the “Jesus wept” scene ever again, it was just awful (especially alone at 1 am with your mind playing tricks on you).  Considering how desensitized we have become to violence today, I cannot imagine how shocking it must have been to watch this film in 1987.  The sadomasochistic theme presented through the Cenobites turns my stomach as their ritualistic torture is left to the imagination.  Outside of the disturbing storyline and concert, the acting leaves something to be desired.  The worst of the over-actors is Ashley Laurence, though all of the actors tend to have that B-list feel.  The film also boasts a fitting musical score with those creepy chords on the piano and chimes.  I don’t know if it was the circumstances in which I watched this film (alone in the dark, half-asleep, late at night) or the film itself, but “Hellraiser” was an incredibly disturbing experience and I never want to relive it again.

Cypher - 3 stars out of 10

Cypher - 3 stars out of 10

"Cypher" failed to impress me.  The concept was interesting but the acting was just awful.  I love Jeremy Northam's singing voice, particularly in "Gosford Park," but what was he thinking?  I don't know if he was trying to capture the emotionless-ness of a brainwashed character but it just came off as bad acting.  The vision for the film was really cool, particularly as the main character is given an antidote and is able to see the things that are actually occurring at the conventions, and particularly what happens on the airplane!  Rereading the synopsis of the film got me so excited, but then I remembered how poor the script and acting were.  The single instance of clever dialogue appears toward the end of the film:
Callaway: "Did you get a look at him? Did you see Rooks' face?"
Finster: "Just Morgan Sullivan, our pawn."
But it is then trumped by the final line of the film, which also happens to be one of the worst lines of the film.  "Cypher" will always be one of those films that could have been great but was so poorly done that it is barely even watchable.

Music of the Heart - 7 stars out of 10

Music of the Heart - 7 stars out of 10

"Music of the Heart" is the touching true story of Roberta Guaspari and her journey to bring the violin to inner-city Harlem schools.  Roberta is masterfully played by Meryl Streep, who earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.  Compared to many of Streep's roles, this probably wouldn't even find its way into her Top 15 as her overall performance can't compare to "Sophie's Choice" or "The Iron Lady,"  but one poignant scene in which she argues with her son resonates so strongly that the nomination is no surprise.  This film falls a little flat due to its supporting cast.  The most interesting characters (Cloris Leachman as Guaspari's mother and Angela Bassett as the principal) are in such a small percentage of the story that the majority of the film is filled with Streep's on-screen genius surrounded by "blah" actors.  I expected Gloria Estefan to have a significant role since she is so prominently featured on the cover of the film; however, after a thorough search, I'm convinced that she wasn't in the film at all.  Of course I'm joking, but with less than 7 minutes of screen time as an insignificant character, she has made a great inside joke amongst my brothers and I over the past twelve years.  In spite of some acting flaws, the story is inspirational with a heartwarming finale that stresses the importance of music in the school system.  Wes Craven may have brought us Freddy Krueger and the Scream franchise, but it is nice that he has stepped out of his comfort zone to bring us the thoughtful "Music of the Heart."

Hotel Transylvania - 5 stars out of 10

Hotel Transylvania - 5 stars out of 10

"Hotel Transylvania" is another family-friendly computer animated film that provides some laughs but is just kind of average.  It gets its laughs from sight gags and clever use of the monster characters.  The writers really tapped in to the potential irony and humor by stereotyping the monsters, although it's several tiers below "Wreck-It Ralph" in the creativity department.  The entire film was worth watching just for the hilarious “Twilight” reference.  And then there’s Cee-Lo Green voicing the techno singing mummy... I guess that was inevitable.  Adam Sandler is a great choice for Dracula, particularly funny because you can tell that it is him doing one of his goofy accents.  The rest of the voice acting is average, in spite of its loaded cast  Mark Mothersbaugh (of “Rugrats” fame) was the perfect choice to write this whimsical musical score.  I was definitely entertained by "Hotel Transylvania" and, even though it is just average in quality, I look forward to sharing this film with my children someday.

The Hours - 8 stars out of 10

The Hours - 8 stars out of 10

“The Hours” is the story of three different women from three different eras, connected by the incredible parallels contained within one day of their life.  There is more than meets the eye as Nicole Kidman (playing Virginia Wolff) writes her book entitled “Mrs. Dalloway” in 1923, Julianne Moore reads the book in 1951, and Meryl Streep embodies the titular character in 2001.  I have watched this movie twice and I still have NO CLUE how that is Nicole Kidman!  I honestly believe that this is the most amazing example of make-up in cinematic history.  I am shocked that it did not even receive an Oscar nomination in this category and there is no reason that “Frida’s” unibrow should have defeated this exquisite work.  I’m also pretty bitter that “Frida” stole the Oscar for Best Original Score from Philip Glass and his incredible minimalist themes.  The lineup of stars is reason enough to watch this film, with names like Ed harris and Toni Collette also appearing.  Kidman earned her Oscar with her impassioned speeches, with her best line being: “Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more.”  The dialogue is poignant and the actors create realistic moments out of these words.  As the plot seamlessly transitions from one storyline to the next, it creates a beautiful split screen of three women's struggles in a life that seems normal.  "The Hours" didn't deserve to win Best Picture but is a wonderful example of clever storytelling and thematic success.