http://www.halfnelsonthefilm.com/
plot : My teacher is a pusher.
thought : Not only in the 'hood.
The motivation to see this film was simple : what's that Ryan Gosling up to ? HALF NELSON garnered the once-NOTEBOOK star an Oscar nomination. I wanted to see why. From the poster, I figured he went into some project neighborhood and changed the lives of a few students, in a DANGEROUS MINDS meets SAVE THE LAST DANCE kind of way.
Sometimes I think I should start reading film synopses before watching the film.
For starters, the film is about a teacher named Dan DUNNE (Gosling) with a heavy drug problem who needs someone to step in and change his life. Gosling plays the part well, though I must admit I'm not quite sure why he got the Oscar nod. (Hollywood star playing a drug addict, does that qualify as acting ?...oh, did I go there ? I went there.) I was surprised, because I only believed him 75% of the time. But then again, when I did believe him, I was truley convinced.
But aside from Gosling--once I figured out the heart of the story, I naturally found it intriguing, because of my own obsession with this subject matter, i.e. the slow descent of an isolated individual under the eyes of a caring society. This happens in many forms : drug use, depression, eating disorders, etc. To see it happen, in this story, to a teacher who actively attempts to serve as a role model about 50% of his day, is very striking. And seeing the relationship this teacher thankfully establishes with one of his students, played by the spot-on young actress Shareeka EPPS (no relation to HOUSE MD's loveable Omar EPPS), renders the story that much more poignant.
Thank goodness for Gosling's Oscar nom, or HALF NELSON may have remained a completely overlooked gem of 2006. Lucky for me, France picked it up off the world market.
NOTE : I was also insanely PSYCHED to bear witness to the wonderful ear-gasm that is this movie's soundtrack. Broken Social Scene from start to finish. Amazing music matched to amazing footage makes for an amazing movie.
Overall rating : 4/5
samedi 21 juillet 2007
HARRY POTTER V
http://harrypotter.warnerbros.fr/site/index.html
plot : Young Potter grows a pair.
thought : Guess I'll forgive your horse-humping.
As the fifth installement in the Harry Potter film franchise, HARRY POTTER ET L'ORDRE DU PHENIX (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, non ?) does not disappoint. The action is still building, the story surging forward, becoming darker, as promised, and hence, much more interesting. The biggest change--and a change for the better, I'd say--came from Harry.
In the first Potter film, I really found young Harry quite charming. Cute. Had that little scratch on his little forehead. Winced a lot. But every film since then, he has bored and annoyed me. I think I might be an isolated case, but I've consistently found the supporting cast of each Potter movie more engaging than its principal hero. Harry's mopey attitude made me think Daniel RADCLIFFE was feeling mopey about the contract he signed. But hark and lo and never say never : Phoenix's Harry has changed. Maybe it's just that Radcliffe has rediscovered the character. But perhaps it had something to do with is brief stint on the London stage earlier this year appearing in EQUUS when he humped that horse.
Phoenix's Harry has depth ; he's becoming a man. The film is dark and deals with some subject matter that, frankly, I'm not sure I'd want the original eight-year old Potter crowd to be watching--but this Harry can handle it, and he does. Without feeling too much like a financially-bloated commercial for the upcoming sequel (like a certain PIRATES movie that may or may not have come out summer '06), ORDER OF THE PHOENIX will leave you excited to see the continuation of what is becoming an epic fantasy adventure. And if you know how to read, you already know what happens next ! Lucky.
Overall rating : 4/5
plot : Young Potter grows a pair.
thought : Guess I'll forgive your horse-humping.
As the fifth installement in the Harry Potter film franchise, HARRY POTTER ET L'ORDRE DU PHENIX (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, non ?) does not disappoint. The action is still building, the story surging forward, becoming darker, as promised, and hence, much more interesting. The biggest change--and a change for the better, I'd say--came from Harry.
In the first Potter film, I really found young Harry quite charming. Cute. Had that little scratch on his little forehead. Winced a lot. But every film since then, he has bored and annoyed me. I think I might be an isolated case, but I've consistently found the supporting cast of each Potter movie more engaging than its principal hero. Harry's mopey attitude made me think Daniel RADCLIFFE was feeling mopey about the contract he signed. But hark and lo and never say never : Phoenix's Harry has changed. Maybe it's just that Radcliffe has rediscovered the character. But perhaps it had something to do with is brief stint on the London stage earlier this year appearing in EQUUS when he humped that horse.
Phoenix's Harry has depth ; he's becoming a man. The film is dark and deals with some subject matter that, frankly, I'm not sure I'd want the original eight-year old Potter crowd to be watching--but this Harry can handle it, and he does. Without feeling too much like a financially-bloated commercial for the upcoming sequel (like a certain PIRATES movie that may or may not have come out summer '06), ORDER OF THE PHOENIX will leave you excited to see the continuation of what is becoming an epic fantasy adventure. And if you know how to read, you already know what happens next ! Lucky.
Overall rating : 4/5
2 DAYS IN PARIS
http://www.rezofilms.com/rezo.html
plot : Meet the very French parents.
thought : Best viewed while speaking Fringlish.
In short, it unrolled like BEFORE SUNRISE (sunset ?), but with more interesting conversation.
In long, Julie Delpy's first stab behind the camera is a more-or-less enjoyable romantic comedy--especially for those who understand all the social nuances between the French and Americans, or even more specifically between Parisians and New Yorkers. I'm not quite that person, but I still followed rather well. What I loved most, in fact--blame me for being an American Studies major and a French minor--was this exchange between two iconic cultures played out through both body and oral language. At turns the film was distinctly French (feathery, pretty, but a bit hard to tolerate) and at other times pointedly American (coarse, complicated, and a bit hard to tolerate). By the end, even though I had laughed a few times and smiled and frowned a bit too, I was glad it was over. Perhaps that's the fault of Adam GOLDBERG and his heavy, heavy New York stereotype. But then again, maybe he was spot on. After all, I've never been to New York.
Overall rating : 3/5 for cultural sensitivity
plot : Meet the very French parents.
thought : Best viewed while speaking Fringlish.
In short, it unrolled like BEFORE SUNRISE (sunset ?), but with more interesting conversation.
In long, Julie Delpy's first stab behind the camera is a more-or-less enjoyable romantic comedy--especially for those who understand all the social nuances between the French and Americans, or even more specifically between Parisians and New Yorkers. I'm not quite that person, but I still followed rather well. What I loved most, in fact--blame me for being an American Studies major and a French minor--was this exchange between two iconic cultures played out through both body and oral language. At turns the film was distinctly French (feathery, pretty, but a bit hard to tolerate) and at other times pointedly American (coarse, complicated, and a bit hard to tolerate). By the end, even though I had laughed a few times and smiled and frowned a bit too, I was glad it was over. Perhaps that's the fault of Adam GOLDBERG and his heavy, heavy New York stereotype. But then again, maybe he was spot on. After all, I've never been to New York.
Overall rating : 3/5 for cultural sensitivity
CASINO ROYALE (rental)
http://www.casinoroyale.fr/
viewed 09 juillet 07
plot : This is how Bond began.
thought : Good action...but not Pierce Brosnan.
Overall rating : 3/5 as a "secret agent guy" movie, 2.5/5 as a Bond movie
viewed 09 juillet 07
plot : This is how Bond began.
thought : Good action...but not Pierce Brosnan.
Overall rating : 3/5 as a "secret agent guy" movie, 2.5/5 as a Bond movie
LAST KISS (rental)
http://www.lastkissmovie.com/
viewed 09 juillet 07
plot : Just sewing some wild oats.
thought : Romantically light and rather realistic.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
viewed 09 juillet 07
plot : Just sewing some wild oats.
thought : Romantically light and rather realistic.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
vendredi 13 juillet 2007
THE LOOKOUT
http://thelookout-movie.com/
plot : How (not) to rob a bank.
thought : Joseph Gordon-Levitt...'nough said.
"What's THE LOOKOUT ?" I thought as I bought my ticket at the local UGC. I'd never heard a thing about it, which made me think it would be bad and that it probably bombed in the States, but since I had recognised Mr. JGL on the poster, I didn't care. JGL is to me what John Cusak was to me about five years ago. Doesn't matter what movie he's in, I'll go. Ever since I first saw JGL in HOLY MATRIMONY opposite Patricia Arquette (hahahaha), I've been interested. I even watched a few episodes of "3rd Rock from the Sun" for him. I couldn't stand more than a few, but for him, it was worth it. And the material he chooses may dissappoint me (ref : 3rd Rock from the Sun), and even his performance may not always be stellar (ref : 3rd Rock from the Sun), but he always has presence, he is always charming, and he always makes me think, "Oh that little JGL, look how far he's come !"
THE LOOKOUT, however, went beyond my expectations. Joseph was fantastic. This is the best role I've seen him play to date, and that's including BRICK. JGL plays a once-golden youth who has suffered a serious head injury, and hence has had most of his promising life stripped from him. A group of local thugs (headed byMatthew GOODE--who played opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Woody Allen's MATCH POINT) trick him into robbing the bank where he works...and then things get sticky as Joseph's character, Chris, tries to get out of it. With strong support from Jeff Daniels and the quickly-but-unfortunately-becoming-forgettable Isla Fisher, the film comes together quite nicely, the tension mounting and continuing to its finish.
Hard to believe it's Scott FRANK's feature directorial debut (he's the writer man behind OUT OF SIGHT and GET SHORTY, as well as THE INTERPRETER and MINORITY REPORT). The film unfolds slowly, at times even feeling slow. But it is beautiful, some of the shots surprising in their artistry. The opening shots especially, undertoned with a great song from a band I don't know (forgot to write it down during the credits), took my breath away.
So America can't handle serious movies about the physically and mentally challenged doing bad things, I guess ? I don't know...I liked it. Maybe it was the JGL factor. But maybe it was actually quite good and unfortunately just overlooked.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
plot : How (not) to rob a bank.
thought : Joseph Gordon-Levitt...'nough said.
"What's THE LOOKOUT ?" I thought as I bought my ticket at the local UGC. I'd never heard a thing about it, which made me think it would be bad and that it probably bombed in the States, but since I had recognised Mr. JGL on the poster, I didn't care. JGL is to me what John Cusak was to me about five years ago. Doesn't matter what movie he's in, I'll go. Ever since I first saw JGL in HOLY MATRIMONY opposite Patricia Arquette (hahahaha), I've been interested. I even watched a few episodes of "3rd Rock from the Sun" for him. I couldn't stand more than a few, but for him, it was worth it. And the material he chooses may dissappoint me (ref : 3rd Rock from the Sun), and even his performance may not always be stellar (ref : 3rd Rock from the Sun), but he always has presence, he is always charming, and he always makes me think, "Oh that little JGL, look how far he's come !"
THE LOOKOUT, however, went beyond my expectations. Joseph was fantastic. This is the best role I've seen him play to date, and that's including BRICK. JGL plays a once-golden youth who has suffered a serious head injury, and hence has had most of his promising life stripped from him. A group of local thugs (headed byMatthew GOODE--who played opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Woody Allen's MATCH POINT) trick him into robbing the bank where he works...and then things get sticky as Joseph's character, Chris, tries to get out of it. With strong support from Jeff Daniels and the quickly-but-unfortunately-becoming-forgettable Isla Fisher, the film comes together quite nicely, the tension mounting and continuing to its finish.
Hard to believe it's Scott FRANK's feature directorial debut (he's the writer man behind OUT OF SIGHT and GET SHORTY, as well as THE INTERPRETER and MINORITY REPORT). The film unfolds slowly, at times even feeling slow. But it is beautiful, some of the shots surprising in their artistry. The opening shots especially, undertoned with a great song from a band I don't know (forgot to write it down during the credits), took my breath away.
So America can't handle serious movies about the physically and mentally challenged doing bad things, I guess ? I don't know...I liked it. Maybe it was the JGL factor. But maybe it was actually quite good and unfortunately just overlooked.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
vendredi 6 juillet 2007
INDECENT PROPOSAL (rental)
web site, hahahaha
plot : Demi Moore does it for money.
thought : IMDB user calls it "repugnant."
Overall rating : 2/5
plot : Demi Moore does it for money.
thought : IMDB user calls it "repugnant."
Overall rating : 2/5
PERSEPOLIS
http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/persepolis/
plot : A multicultural life in BD.
thought : It's something confusing, coming from.
The only thing better than a cartoon is an intelligent cartoon. And not one of those NewYorker cartoons that has nothing to do with the story that skims its corners. I'm talking about a cartoon with a story, with history, with background and meaning. Just as a person whose life manifests these things suddenly becomes more interesting, a cartoon doing the same does the same.
For a quick history lesson (thank you wikipedia), "Persepolis" is the Greek name for Persa, being the ancient ceremonial capital of the second Iranian dynasty. It is also used to describe the Persian world community, much like "diaspora" has been used, at turns, to discribe the black and the Jewish world community. Persepolis is the name Marjane SATRAPI chose for her comic book or graphic novel (here in France, they're called BDs, for "bande-dessine") which was the precursor to this wonderful film. The film debuted at Cannes this year and won Special Jury Prize. Here in Paris it's been given the largest salle in the UGC movie theatre, and the afternoon I went to see it, it was packed. The French love their BDs. And, like me, the French love films about culture clashes. Perhaps because they have so many.
The story of both the BD and the film centers on Satrapi's life, living in Iran during the war, fleeing Iran to Austria, coming back home for college and eventually moving away, permanently, here to Paris. The story is about coming from, never going to, and for that, I think, it becomes immediately attractive. Satrapi uses her gift for illustration to document her struggle both with and away from Iran, and the result is delightful, at turns poignant and downright sad, but always resonant.
And ps, the music is amazing. From the originally crafted electronic numbers to the classical tracks to the bouts of Iron Maiden, the soundtrack follows the film beautifully.
Obviously, Marjane SATRAPI, the writer and director of this film, is my hero.
Overall rating : 4/5
plot : A multicultural life in BD.
thought : It's something confusing, coming from.
The only thing better than a cartoon is an intelligent cartoon. And not one of those NewYorker cartoons that has nothing to do with the story that skims its corners. I'm talking about a cartoon with a story, with history, with background and meaning. Just as a person whose life manifests these things suddenly becomes more interesting, a cartoon doing the same does the same.
For a quick history lesson (thank you wikipedia), "Persepolis" is the Greek name for Persa, being the ancient ceremonial capital of the second Iranian dynasty. It is also used to describe the Persian world community, much like "diaspora" has been used, at turns, to discribe the black and the Jewish world community. Persepolis is the name Marjane SATRAPI chose for her comic book or graphic novel (here in France, they're called BDs, for "bande-dessine") which was the precursor to this wonderful film. The film debuted at Cannes this year and won Special Jury Prize. Here in Paris it's been given the largest salle in the UGC movie theatre, and the afternoon I went to see it, it was packed. The French love their BDs. And, like me, the French love films about culture clashes. Perhaps because they have so many.
The story of both the BD and the film centers on Satrapi's life, living in Iran during the war, fleeing Iran to Austria, coming back home for college and eventually moving away, permanently, here to Paris. The story is about coming from, never going to, and for that, I think, it becomes immediately attractive. Satrapi uses her gift for illustration to document her struggle both with and away from Iran, and the result is delightful, at turns poignant and downright sad, but always resonant.
And ps, the music is amazing. From the originally crafted electronic numbers to the classical tracks to the bouts of Iron Maiden, the soundtrack follows the film beautifully.
Obviously, Marjane SATRAPI, the writer and director of this film, is my hero.
Overall rating : 4/5
MADE IN JAMAICA
http://www.madeinjamaicamovie.com/
plot : This is how we did it.
thought : But where are you going ?
This movie wasn't about what I thought it was about, namely, the birth of dancehall music in Jamaica. I thought I read that somewhere, and it was a lot of why I went--that, and I love music documentaries--so for about the first twenty minutes, I was fairly confused. Then I got settled in.
This film sings about the widespread fallout, as it were, of reggae music in Jamaica. Not bad for a story, since the average American (or average...anyone ?) has heard of Bob Marley, et puis...basta. This movie flashed the names and faces of a lot of people who found their light from the Marley-reggae superbubble and then went on to continue playing the music to which all the kids who didn't where green, yellow and red "Get Up, Stand Up"-inspired headbands didn't listen. I don't want to be harsh, not against the film anyway. I don't think it was a good documentary, but that's the fault of some filmmakers getting confused about how to visually portray an auditive tale. The story was--is--worth telling. But we need to figure out who, besides Bob Marley, is going to tell it right.
Best musical moment : 96 degrees in the shade.
Overall rating : 2/5 as a film ; 3.5/5 in music
plot : This is how we did it.
thought : But where are you going ?
This movie wasn't about what I thought it was about, namely, the birth of dancehall music in Jamaica. I thought I read that somewhere, and it was a lot of why I went--that, and I love music documentaries--so for about the first twenty minutes, I was fairly confused. Then I got settled in.
This film sings about the widespread fallout, as it were, of reggae music in Jamaica. Not bad for a story, since the average American (or average...anyone ?) has heard of Bob Marley, et puis...basta. This movie flashed the names and faces of a lot of people who found their light from the Marley-reggae superbubble and then went on to continue playing the music to which all the kids who didn't where green, yellow and red "Get Up, Stand Up"-inspired headbands didn't listen. I don't want to be harsh, not against the film anyway. I don't think it was a good documentary, but that's the fault of some filmmakers getting confused about how to visually portray an auditive tale. The story was--is--worth telling. But we need to figure out who, besides Bob Marley, is going to tell it right.
Best musical moment : 96 degrees in the shade.
Overall rating : 2/5 as a film ; 3.5/5 in music
DELIRIOUS
***avant-premier (that means PRE-OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL SCREENING, BOOOYAH) in the presence of the director himself, Tom DiCillo**
http://www.delirious-lefilm.com/
plot : Homeless boy falls for popstar.
thought : Everyone loves an underdog tale.
Yeh, it's true, I saw the movie here in Paris with Tom DiCillo at the movie theatre. Even asked him a question afterwards. I'm disheartened to say he gave some nebbish, stock response that made me almost immediately dislike this movie because I was disappointed by its director, but don't worrym I recovered. DERLIRIOUS is a great film. And Tom DiCillo is a great director. After watching the trailer, sure, you already know the entire damn movie, so you don't...actually...have to see it, but you should ! Because it's beautiful. And Michael PITT, our homeless, leading male, is brilliant.
The story centers on a struggling actor from Philly who comes out to the city where dreams are made at the price of your soul (that would be Los Angeles, ladies and gents) and ends up volunteering to assist Steve BUSCEMI's character, Les, a "licensed professional photographer" (read : paparazzi). He agrees to help Les snap shots of the stars in exchange for a place to sleep but almost instantaneously falls in love with his first mark, the mysterious and nimble K'harma, played by Allison LOHMAN (who we loved in MATCHSTICK MEN). It's a light romantic comedy but it maintains a beautifully visual and dialogue-centered trajectory, and though it takes some turns you wouldn't expect (keep an eye on that Buscemi), it ends up where the trailer promised it would.
Now about Michael Pitt. You may remember Michael PITT (no relation to the starving Brangelina) from such wonderful recents like the French brother-sister sexfest LES INNOCENTS, i.e. THE DREAMERS (it was intellectual, mind you) or the American mother-son sexfest THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS (it was artistic, mind you)--or you may not. I never saw either, I'm sad to say, but after seeing this movie, I find myself more curious about Michael Pitt. Tom DiCillo said it best himself by recounting that he strove to find an actor that could channel both "homeless, lost youth" and "red carpet movie star" in the same film. He definitely found his man. Will Hollywood open the door for Michael Pitt ? Or should we first wait and see how he does opposite Kiera in SILK (14 september, USA limited) ?
Overall rating : 3/5 (recall my rule about romantic comedies by reading LOVE ET SES PETITS DESASTRES)
http://www.delirious-lefilm.com/
plot : Homeless boy falls for popstar.
thought : Everyone loves an underdog tale.
Yeh, it's true, I saw the movie here in Paris with Tom DiCillo at the movie theatre. Even asked him a question afterwards. I'm disheartened to say he gave some nebbish, stock response that made me almost immediately dislike this movie because I was disappointed by its director, but don't worrym I recovered. DERLIRIOUS is a great film. And Tom DiCillo is a great director. After watching the trailer, sure, you already know the entire damn movie, so you don't...actually...have to see it, but you should ! Because it's beautiful. And Michael PITT, our homeless, leading male, is brilliant.
The story centers on a struggling actor from Philly who comes out to the city where dreams are made at the price of your soul (that would be Los Angeles, ladies and gents) and ends up volunteering to assist Steve BUSCEMI's character, Les, a "licensed professional photographer" (read : paparazzi). He agrees to help Les snap shots of the stars in exchange for a place to sleep but almost instantaneously falls in love with his first mark, the mysterious and nimble K'harma, played by Allison LOHMAN (who we loved in MATCHSTICK MEN). It's a light romantic comedy but it maintains a beautifully visual and dialogue-centered trajectory, and though it takes some turns you wouldn't expect (keep an eye on that Buscemi), it ends up where the trailer promised it would.
Now about Michael Pitt. You may remember Michael PITT (no relation to the starving Brangelina) from such wonderful recents like the French brother-sister sexfest LES INNOCENTS, i.e. THE DREAMERS (it was intellectual, mind you) or the American mother-son sexfest THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS (it was artistic, mind you)--or you may not. I never saw either, I'm sad to say, but after seeing this movie, I find myself more curious about Michael Pitt. Tom DiCillo said it best himself by recounting that he strove to find an actor that could channel both "homeless, lost youth" and "red carpet movie star" in the same film. He definitely found his man. Will Hollywood open the door for Michael Pitt ? Or should we first wait and see how he does opposite Kiera in SILK (14 september, USA limited) ?
Overall rating : 3/5 (recall my rule about romantic comedies by reading LOVE ET SES PETITS DESASTRES)
DIALOGUE AVEC MON JARDINIER
http://www.marsdistribution.com/xml/flash.html?cfilm=51878
plot : Friendship grows like a garden.
thought : A beautiful portrait of adulthood.
This new film by Jean BECKER caused quite a stir here in France. Receiving the "label des spectateurs" (meaning the "some people you don't know like this film" award) by UGC Cinema, DIALOGUE seemed to first merit attention because Monsieur Becker only makes a film about every five to ten years, and it's usually pretty good. Also, because the two leading males, Daniel AUTEUIL (from hits like LE PLACARD) and Jean-Pierre DARROUSSIN (from the recently reviewed J'ATTENDS QUELQU'UN), are definitely quickly renewing their pass for this year's French screen favorites. But really, I believe the stir came from the fact that this film pulls on the heartstrings in such a pure, breezy, Saturday afternoon "let's go for a walk, oh wow, look at that rainbow" kind of way, as if being sentimental completely on accident, that the French were bascially taken by surprise. I was.
DIALOGUE tells the story of two old friends from childhood reuniting much later in their lives, after one, who has gone on to become a very successful artist painter, hires the other, unbeknownst to him, to be his gardiner. This is the story of friendship that doesn't grow old, that ripens with age, that warms and revitalises life. It is the story of the friendship that everyone of us, even us cynical ones, hope to have. Makes for more than just a snuggly-warm French "bromance." It's lovely and pure, simple as that. Very glad I saw it.
Only complaint was the minimal prescence of women in the film. But I guess that was part of the point.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
plot : Friendship grows like a garden.
thought : A beautiful portrait of adulthood.
This new film by Jean BECKER caused quite a stir here in France. Receiving the "label des spectateurs" (meaning the "some people you don't know like this film" award) by UGC Cinema, DIALOGUE seemed to first merit attention because Monsieur Becker only makes a film about every five to ten years, and it's usually pretty good. Also, because the two leading males, Daniel AUTEUIL (from hits like LE PLACARD) and Jean-Pierre DARROUSSIN (from the recently reviewed J'ATTENDS QUELQU'UN), are definitely quickly renewing their pass for this year's French screen favorites. But really, I believe the stir came from the fact that this film pulls on the heartstrings in such a pure, breezy, Saturday afternoon "let's go for a walk, oh wow, look at that rainbow" kind of way, as if being sentimental completely on accident, that the French were bascially taken by surprise. I was.
DIALOGUE tells the story of two old friends from childhood reuniting much later in their lives, after one, who has gone on to become a very successful artist painter, hires the other, unbeknownst to him, to be his gardiner. This is the story of friendship that doesn't grow old, that ripens with age, that warms and revitalises life. It is the story of the friendship that everyone of us, even us cynical ones, hope to have. Makes for more than just a snuggly-warm French "bromance." It's lovely and pure, simple as that. Very glad I saw it.
Only complaint was the minimal prescence of women in the film. But I guess that was part of the point.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
BOULEVARD DE LA MORT (QUENTIN TARANTINO'S DEATH PROOF)
http://www.grindhousemovie.net/ (currently offline)
plot : Three cheers for graphic violence !
thought : Death proceeded by pointless conversation.
People talk, then there's some gore, and some people die. That's not a plot spoiler, okay, it's just, look, it's Quentin Tarantino ; you know what to expect. Even if it "isn't as great as PULP FICTION," it's still QT pulling no stops. And it's great. Fun. Amusing. Gory in a way that leaves you feeling good. Plus, Rosario Dawson's in it. And did I mention the killer steady soundtrack ? (Buy it here : http://www.deathproof.net/) All I'm saying is that, despite the great car chase and the cinematic brilliance of its climactic ending...it could've been about 38 minutes shorter. All I'm saying.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
plot : Three cheers for graphic violence !
thought : Death proceeded by pointless conversation.
People talk, then there's some gore, and some people die. That's not a plot spoiler, okay, it's just, look, it's Quentin Tarantino ; you know what to expect. Even if it "isn't as great as PULP FICTION," it's still QT pulling no stops. And it's great. Fun. Amusing. Gory in a way that leaves you feeling good. Plus, Rosario Dawson's in it. And did I mention the killer steady soundtrack ? (Buy it here : http://www.deathproof.net/) All I'm saying is that, despite the great car chase and the cinematic brilliance of its climactic ending...it could've been about 38 minutes shorter. All I'm saying.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
COEURS PERDUES (LONELY HEARTS)
http://www.millenniumfilms.com/lonelyhearts/
plot : I'd kill for you, darling.
thought : Might've made a better comedy.
Here's a movie whose "mauvais" French opening was well predicted by its forgettable American one. And with a cast that shimmers (John Travolta, Salma Hayek, Jared Leto, James Gandolfini) and an intriguing plot (married couple in the roaring '20s high tails it across the American southwest on a lonely hearts--read : pretty, young spinsters--killing spree with brooding detective on their scent), you really just don't immediately see why. So I went to see it to try and figure that out.
Perhaps it was due to miscasting. Jared Leto, I've always warmed to (note especially his hilarious super-agent bit role in THANK YOU FOR SMOKING...oh whoops, wait, that was Rob Lowe). But in this film, he seems to be trying to channel Leonardo DiCaprio circa CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. And Leo is a great role model, but if you wanted Leo in the film, you should have cast Leo. Then there's Johnny. Brooding John Travolta is SO not as fun as John Travolta dressed as a woman (HAIRSPRAY comes out 22 august !) . He was sadly disappointing. Wait a minute, now that I think about it, this movie was sadly depressing. But still. Why don't people flock to see Travolta these days ? Doesn't a giant live forever ? Or is that just ogres.... People still come out for Al Pacino, don't they ? DON'T THEY ? (see soon-to-be remarkable flop 88 MINUTES for reference)
By the way, must add, Salma Hayek ? No complaints, Ugly Betty.
Overall rating : 2.5/5
plot : I'd kill for you, darling.
thought : Might've made a better comedy.
Here's a movie whose "mauvais" French opening was well predicted by its forgettable American one. And with a cast that shimmers (John Travolta, Salma Hayek, Jared Leto, James Gandolfini) and an intriguing plot (married couple in the roaring '20s high tails it across the American southwest on a lonely hearts--read : pretty, young spinsters--killing spree with brooding detective on their scent), you really just don't immediately see why. So I went to see it to try and figure that out.
Perhaps it was due to miscasting. Jared Leto, I've always warmed to (note especially his hilarious super-agent bit role in THANK YOU FOR SMOKING...oh whoops, wait, that was Rob Lowe). But in this film, he seems to be trying to channel Leonardo DiCaprio circa CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. And Leo is a great role model, but if you wanted Leo in the film, you should have cast Leo. Then there's Johnny. Brooding John Travolta is SO not as fun as John Travolta dressed as a woman (HAIRSPRAY comes out 22 august !) . He was sadly disappointing. Wait a minute, now that I think about it, this movie was sadly depressing. But still. Why don't people flock to see Travolta these days ? Doesn't a giant live forever ? Or is that just ogres.... People still come out for Al Pacino, don't they ? DON'T THEY ? (see soon-to-be remarkable flop 88 MINUTES for reference)
By the way, must add, Salma Hayek ? No complaints, Ugly Betty.
Overall rating : 2.5/5
jeudi 5 juillet 2007
SHREK THE THIRD
http://www.shrek.com/main.html
plot : Charming ogre fears baby bump.
thought : Pixar triplets are the cutest.
I know I haven't yet seen DIE HARD : LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, nor HARRY POTTER : ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, but since those are actually 4ths and 5ths, respectively, I think it's fair to make the assumption that no other summer movie is going to tackle the giant that is SHREK THE THIRD. The only trilogy thus far, as I care to notice, that has maintaned its fantastic original pacing and humor all along its series, SHREK THE THIRD sees, of course, our familiar characters in their familiar antics doing familiar things...oh, but with a bit of a new plot ! Shrek's wife is gonna have a baby ! Meaning beautiful women who are now ogres can get pregnant, answering one of the great mysteries of motherhood. Ooh, and added bonus : Justin TIMBERLAKE is the voice of young Prince Artie. Weee, we love him. And by "we," I mean "I."
The jokes slant more towards physical humor than the verbal is this instillation, but the music is great (the "wait for it" moment : being hypnotised by Damian Rice's "9 Crimes"), the female roles still kick some serious arse (the "wait for it" : Snow White attacking the royal guards) and The Gingerbread Man does not disappoint. I would've liked to see another thong on Pinnochio, however.
Overall rating : 4/5
plot : Charming ogre fears baby bump.
thought : Pixar triplets are the cutest.
I know I haven't yet seen DIE HARD : LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD, nor HARRY POTTER : ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, but since those are actually 4ths and 5ths, respectively, I think it's fair to make the assumption that no other summer movie is going to tackle the giant that is SHREK THE THIRD. The only trilogy thus far, as I care to notice, that has maintaned its fantastic original pacing and humor all along its series, SHREK THE THIRD sees, of course, our familiar characters in their familiar antics doing familiar things...oh, but with a bit of a new plot ! Shrek's wife is gonna have a baby ! Meaning beautiful women who are now ogres can get pregnant, answering one of the great mysteries of motherhood. Ooh, and added bonus : Justin TIMBERLAKE is the voice of young Prince Artie. Weee, we love him. And by "we," I mean "I."
The jokes slant more towards physical humor than the verbal is this instillation, but the music is great (the "wait for it" moment : being hypnotised by Damian Rice's "9 Crimes"), the female roles still kick some serious arse (the "wait for it" : Snow White attacking the royal guards) and The Gingerbread Man does not disappoint. I would've liked to see another thong on Pinnochio, however.
Overall rating : 4/5
OCEAN'S 13
http://oceans13.warnerbros.com/
plot : Plot one on spin cycle.
thought : Effectively keeps your colors lasting.
Ocean's 13 is great. Pretends like Ocean's 12 didn't even exist, which in my opinion is a good thing. And I don't want to knock the mother of the oddest-named Hollywood twins since the turn of the millenium (that would be Julia Roberts), but her absence wasn't even felt.
I think what made Ocean's 13 so good is that it actually is Ocean's 11. Danny Ocean (the affably smarmy George "What Else ?" Clooney), driven by a sentimental mood and some Sinatra-inspired music, gathers his sheisty but loveable crew together to work a job over on a casino. That plot's familiar. We've even got Don "We're in Barney" Cheadle attempting to create a blackout again--oh, except this time they call it an "earthquake." I get confused on scientific terms, but I think they're virtually the same thing. Matt Damon's acting has gotten a little worse, and both Andy Garcia and Vincent Cassel only have bit parts (alas), but they're all back. The only thing that threw me for a loop was that Brad Pitt's winsome Rusty wasn't seen eating in every scene. Guess Angelina's got him on a diet.
The first one was a good ride, and so is this one. Go picture.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
Plot (spoiler ?) Side Note : Ocean's 11 really had me thinking that, as the result of some multi-dimensional time warp, that Rusty was Linus' father (i.e. Brad Pitt birthed the half-nebbish that is Matt Damon). This movie kind of clears that up. And it's apparently not true. So where did I get that idea ?
plot : Plot one on spin cycle.
thought : Effectively keeps your colors lasting.
Ocean's 13 is great. Pretends like Ocean's 12 didn't even exist, which in my opinion is a good thing. And I don't want to knock the mother of the oddest-named Hollywood twins since the turn of the millenium (that would be Julia Roberts), but her absence wasn't even felt.
I think what made Ocean's 13 so good is that it actually is Ocean's 11. Danny Ocean (the affably smarmy George "What Else ?" Clooney), driven by a sentimental mood and some Sinatra-inspired music, gathers his sheisty but loveable crew together to work a job over on a casino. That plot's familiar. We've even got Don "We're in Barney" Cheadle attempting to create a blackout again--oh, except this time they call it an "earthquake." I get confused on scientific terms, but I think they're virtually the same thing. Matt Damon's acting has gotten a little worse, and both Andy Garcia and Vincent Cassel only have bit parts (alas), but they're all back. The only thing that threw me for a loop was that Brad Pitt's winsome Rusty wasn't seen eating in every scene. Guess Angelina's got him on a diet.
The first one was a good ride, and so is this one. Go picture.
Overall rating : 3.5/5
Plot (spoiler ?) Side Note : Ocean's 11 really had me thinking that, as the result of some multi-dimensional time warp, that Rusty was Linus' father (i.e. Brad Pitt birthed the half-nebbish that is Matt Damon). This movie kind of clears that up. And it's apparently not true. So where did I get that idea ?
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