Food, Inc. - 8 stars out of 10
"Food, Inc." should not be watched while consuming meat. The gruesomely detailed exploration of the food industry exposes the man (and machinery) hiding behind the curtain. Everything that the food industry never wanted you to see is contained in this film that brings transparency to the unfair treatment of workers and animals. The film fails to address the challenges of feeding a constantly growing global community, but it won't matter in the end because the treatment of the animals that we eat is enough to make you sick (figuratively and literally). The film targets food companies that hold a monopoly on the market, forcing farmers to conform to their ways or find themselves with crops that they are unable to sell. "Food, Inc." may shed some light on the products that we consume but more than anything, it is a strong reminder that ignorance is bliss.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) - 7 stars out of 10
Le Ballon Rouge (The Red Balloon) - 7 stars out of 10
"Le Ballon Rouge" is a cute short film about a boy who befriends a red balloon (actually... a red balloon who befriends a boy) and their adventures around Paris. But there is a lot more to this film than a childish story about balloons and bullies. It tells its story with minimal dialogue, its imagery is memorable, and the ending is quite poignant. The influence of this film is not difficult to find, whether it is the balloon cluster theme of Pixar's "Up" or a parody like Don Hertzfeldt's "Billy's Balloon." By the way, if you have never seen the aforementioned short, it is very mean-spirited but once you've seen "Le Ballon Rouge," you'll get it and it will become hilarious. This film is a slice of Parisian life as it explores the Belleville area of Paris. Anybody who has visited this city will enjoy the authentic feel of a Parisian neighborhood. The film also serves as a historical record of Belleville as this area of Paris has since been demolished. It is really special that director Albert Lamorisse used his children in the main roles and his son Pascal is very impressive. "Le Ballon Rouge" is an all-around fun film and, while kids are sure to enjoy it, this film has enough substance to excite adults.
"Le Ballon Rouge" is a cute short film about a boy who befriends a red balloon (actually... a red balloon who befriends a boy) and their adventures around Paris. But there is a lot more to this film than a childish story about balloons and bullies. It tells its story with minimal dialogue, its imagery is memorable, and the ending is quite poignant. The influence of this film is not difficult to find, whether it is the balloon cluster theme of Pixar's "Up" or a parody like Don Hertzfeldt's "Billy's Balloon." By the way, if you have never seen the aforementioned short, it is very mean-spirited but once you've seen "Le Ballon Rouge," you'll get it and it will become hilarious. This film is a slice of Parisian life as it explores the Belleville area of Paris. Anybody who has visited this city will enjoy the authentic feel of a Parisian neighborhood. The film also serves as a historical record of Belleville as this area of Paris has since been demolished. It is really special that director Albert Lamorisse used his children in the main roles and his son Pascal is very impressive. "Le Ballon Rouge" is an all-around fun film and, while kids are sure to enjoy it, this film has enough substance to excite adults.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Killers - 7 stars out of 10
Killers - 7 stars out of 10
I really enjoyed "Killers." Granted, I hated "Knight and Day" with Tom Cruise so much that I have an incredibly low expectation for every assassin-thriller-romantic comedy that I watch, but I did think that this film had a decent story. I also enjoyed it because Ashton Kutcher reminded me of John Krasinski more than he reminded me of Ashton Kutcher (which made his performance bearable), and I found Katherine Heigl to be charming and hilarious so it was never a burden to watch. The action sequences were frequent but never drawn out, the dialogue had a lot of laughs, and although the twist was a bit predictable, it properly pulled the entire story together. "Killers" may not be very original but it does a good job within its cookie-cutter concept and comedic craftsmanship.
I really enjoyed "Killers." Granted, I hated "Knight and Day" with Tom Cruise so much that I have an incredibly low expectation for every assassin-thriller-romantic comedy that I watch, but I did think that this film had a decent story. I also enjoyed it because Ashton Kutcher reminded me of John Krasinski more than he reminded me of Ashton Kutcher (which made his performance bearable), and I found Katherine Heigl to be charming and hilarious so it was never a burden to watch. The action sequences were frequent but never drawn out, the dialogue had a lot of laughs, and although the twist was a bit predictable, it properly pulled the entire story together. "Killers" may not be very original but it does a good job within its cookie-cutter concept and comedic craftsmanship.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Balto - 4 stars out of 10
Balto - 4 stars out of 10
"Balto" is another one of those non-Disney animated films from the 90's that is enjoyable for kids but fails to achieve Disney standards. It may not have the greatest animation or script, but I really enjoyed the film because of its cool (though loose) portrayal of the famous 1925 serum run to Nome. The live-action intro starts the film with a "true story" feel and the live-action outro brings significance to the story (and maybe even a few tears). I do take issue with a few of the characters (mainly Boris and the polar bears) who entertain younger kids but were really annoying for an adult. That's really the difference between Disney animation (fun for the whole family) and the 90's imitations (geared toward kids to fill the seats instead of achieve cinematic perfection). I expected a bit more from a film produced by Steven Spielberg; then again, look at "Indian Jones/Crystal Skull." But aside from that, there is quality voice acting by Kevin Bacon, Bridget Fonda, and Jim Cummings and a really awesome bad guy in Steele. "Balto" is an enjoyable family film and, though it can't compare to Disney, I'd watch it again (...and would likely cry again).
"Balto" is another one of those non-Disney animated films from the 90's that is enjoyable for kids but fails to achieve Disney standards. It may not have the greatest animation or script, but I really enjoyed the film because of its cool (though loose) portrayal of the famous 1925 serum run to Nome. The live-action intro starts the film with a "true story" feel and the live-action outro brings significance to the story (and maybe even a few tears). I do take issue with a few of the characters (mainly Boris and the polar bears) who entertain younger kids but were really annoying for an adult. That's really the difference between Disney animation (fun for the whole family) and the 90's imitations (geared toward kids to fill the seats instead of achieve cinematic perfection). I expected a bit more from a film produced by Steven Spielberg; then again, look at "Indian Jones/Crystal Skull." But aside from that, there is quality voice acting by Kevin Bacon, Bridget Fonda, and Jim Cummings and a really awesome bad guy in Steele. "Balto" is an enjoyable family film and, though it can't compare to Disney, I'd watch it again (...and would likely cry again).
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Moulin Rouge (1952) - 4 stars out of 10
Moulin Rouge (1952) - 4 stars out of 10
"Moulin Rouge" tells the story of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a crippled man who only wanted to find love. Jose Ferrer's performance is stunning as the atmosphere of 1890's Paris comes to life. The special effects artists did a great job of turning this man of average stature into a convincing 4'6" character whose legs never properly grew. It was enjoyable to see Zsa Zsa Gabor as Jane Avril but for the most part, the film tends to drag on. All of the scenes in the Moulin Rouge are magic if you have ever had the opportunity to go for real and it is cool to see Lautrec's paintings come to life, but I'd much rather watch the modern musical with the same name if I am looking to be entertained.
"Moulin Rouge" tells the story of artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a crippled man who only wanted to find love. Jose Ferrer's performance is stunning as the atmosphere of 1890's Paris comes to life. The special effects artists did a great job of turning this man of average stature into a convincing 4'6" character whose legs never properly grew. It was enjoyable to see Zsa Zsa Gabor as Jane Avril but for the most part, the film tends to drag on. All of the scenes in the Moulin Rouge are magic if you have ever had the opportunity to go for real and it is cool to see Lautrec's paintings come to life, but I'd much rather watch the modern musical with the same name if I am looking to be entertained.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - 5 stars out of 10
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - 5 stars out of 10
This movie has me completely perplexed. I couldn't have cared less about the movie or its characters; and yet, the final 2 minutes we so perfect that I became completely consumed with the story and couldn't hold back my tears. And then again 5 minutes later when I rewatched the ending to see if I overreacted. I cried even harder and was even more taken by its bittersweet simplicity. Black comedies have never been my thing and I simply did not enjoy this film's depressing atmosphere mixed with ironic humor. The acting is decent but it just feels like something is missing from the script. The characters don't really grow and the film doesn't do a very good job of exploring it's main theme: "Priorities change when the end is near." One thing that is NOT missing from the script is the unnecessary profanity laced throughout the first half of the film. I can imagine several different ways that they could have told this story in a dramatic fashion that would have made me love these characters from the very start. "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" may not be the greatest film but it is absolutely worth watching for the last two minutes. The final scene is literally one of my top 10 movie scenes of all time with its emotional dialogue, simplicity, and one final smile as the world fades away. It is perfection.
This movie has me completely perplexed. I couldn't have cared less about the movie or its characters; and yet, the final 2 minutes we so perfect that I became completely consumed with the story and couldn't hold back my tears. And then again 5 minutes later when I rewatched the ending to see if I overreacted. I cried even harder and was even more taken by its bittersweet simplicity. Black comedies have never been my thing and I simply did not enjoy this film's depressing atmosphere mixed with ironic humor. The acting is decent but it just feels like something is missing from the script. The characters don't really grow and the film doesn't do a very good job of exploring it's main theme: "Priorities change when the end is near." One thing that is NOT missing from the script is the unnecessary profanity laced throughout the first half of the film. I can imagine several different ways that they could have told this story in a dramatic fashion that would have made me love these characters from the very start. "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" may not be the greatest film but it is absolutely worth watching for the last two minutes. The final scene is literally one of my top 10 movie scenes of all time with its emotional dialogue, simplicity, and one final smile as the world fades away. It is perfection.
Happy, Texas - 4 stars out of 10
Happy, Texas - 4 stars out of 10
This movie was good for a few laughs but that's all. Steve Zahn gets credit for all of these laughs, particularly in the first scene and when he interacts with the pageant girls for the first time. This movie lacks a strong plot and tries to make up with it with a lot of gay jokes. William H. Macy's acting is entertaining but this movie's purpose does not extend beyond playing in the background while doing other things.
This movie was good for a few laughs but that's all. Steve Zahn gets credit for all of these laughs, particularly in the first scene and when he interacts with the pageant girls for the first time. This movie lacks a strong plot and tries to make up with it with a lot of gay jokes. William H. Macy's acting is entertaining but this movie's purpose does not extend beyond playing in the background while doing other things.
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