"An Education"

Mmmm--eating brownies and writing a review--what can be better?

Well, first of all, I want to vent about Up.  Cute?  Yes.  Disappointing?  Yes!  I heard so much about how great Up was and I was disappointed.  Nothing I haven't seen before.  Perhaps I am becoming entirely too jaded but I really have trouble enjoying a film, despite how wonderful it looks, if it does not do anything new and innovative!  I love Pixar--Toy Story, Monsters, Inc, Finding Nemo (probably my all-time favorite Pixar film)--great, creative, new stories.  Wall-E?  I guess.  It was cute, as well, but robots taking over the earth?  People getting lazy and fat?  Nothing new.  Up?  Ok, so the guy flew in his house by balloon(s), the dogs can talk, kind-of...But I was nonetheless disappointed by a film that I felt followed every cliche' in the film book.  Cranky, sad old man meets young boy (and talking dog) who make him feel young and happy again despite losing his wife.  Yawn! 

Ok, so on to what I did like:

An Education.  Old story with a new twist--try this on for size--young girl meets and falls for (much!) older man and, what?  Mom and Pop are okay with it?  Now, we're talking 1960s London and her parents are totally fine with her dating this man who is at least twice her age!  However, I like it.  I knew there was something fishy going on but I didn't pick up on it right away and I thoroughly enjoyed the film which presents an interesting look into a young girl learning about life the hard way--and a relationship between a young girl and a man.  Also interesting to think about is another recent film dealing with a similar topic, relationship between an older woman and a young boy, and how each film deals with the subject...

I am very upset that I did not manage to see Monsters vs. Aliens (yes, I was on a cartoon kick) but I will see it!  I promise!  And a review will follow for sure.  That one looks good--we'll see if it can impress me more than Up.  Also up?  Away We Go with John Krasinski (I have recently fallen in love with The Office) and, dare I say it?  Possibly Twilight.  I feel as though I must see what all the ridiculousness is all about.   And, yea, well, the preview for New Moon looks pretty interesting so I feel as though I should see the first before the second...

Also looking forward to Precious which was at Sundance last year but I was unable to catch it but heard it was really good--as well as Sherlock Holmes.  I may even go see it on Christmas!  Or maybe the day after but I want to be there--it looks really good.

Two other films of note that I saw previews for yesterday--Alice in Wonderland (thank you Tim Burton for your eccentric, crazy visions) and From Paris with Love (can we say: John Travolta?  Is that YOU??)  They look very intriguing.

As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check out the daily movie preview at the top of the blog!

Zombieland--It's a wild ride!

So in honor of Halloween, I have been getting my fill of horror films lately, as this and the last post can attest to! I absolutely love Halloween and my favorite way to get psyched is to watch scary movies...however, this has been a bit of a fail, somewhat, because my last two horror flicks have been--gasp--comedies!

Nonetheless, thoroughly enjoyable. Zombieland is hilarious! Woody Harrelson has really surprised me lately with his choice of roles--I used to dislike him for the most part but as of late, Harrelson has been making the most of his somewhat B-status to play some very fun and outlandish roles. I admire his freedom and willingness to, essentially, do whatever he wants. It's definitely working for him.

And then there's Zombieland's unlikely hero, Jesse Eisenberg, makes you cringe with his awkwardness but you can't help but like him and appreciate his nerdy candor with the audience. He is unabashedly a dork and it's alright.

There aren't really any surprises in Zombieland, outside of some of the gore that makes you cringe...at first. Then you get used to it. There are some twists but don't expect anything out of the ordinary other than some really great laughs and creativity--the story, however, is a bit run of the mill and predictable (survivors team up and kill zombies, boy (spoiler alert!) gets the girl). A few scenes revolving around Bill Murray will surprise you, though. Overall, it's the dialogue and the great performances that make this movie a true jewel among zombie flicks--think Shaun of the Dead, kind of--and it gets a 3 1/2 out of 4 stars. Check it out.

I swear that I will see Paranormal Activity before Halloween--I have to! Even if I go alone...ooooo!!! Scary!!! Seriously, though, it's next on my list.

Speaking of lists, I'm working on a Top Halloween Movie list--any suggestions? I'm all ears! Or rather, eyes...

Til next time, kiddies!

Drag me to HELL!!!

Wow. Sam Raimi has done it again. Here is a movie I thought I would hate--let's also take for an example Raimi's previous flick Evil Dead which my Dad turned me onto--or at least think was ridiculous...but much to my surprise, I found myself truly enjoying it just as I did Evil Dead.

Not your run of the mill horror flick, at least by anyone but Raimi's standards, Drag me to Hell is gross and full of surprises, the most surprising being the tricky ending. I won't ruin it for you but it might just catch you off guard (and then likely you'll feel like me--stupid--that you didn't see it coming! Or maybe it was just me...) Seriously, though, this film was so gross I had to laugh--poor Christine (Alison Lohman) gets so much nastiness thrown into her face and mouth you can't help but laugh out loud! It reminded me of Final Destination 3, I think it was, where the death scenes were so outrageous and crazily creative that I found myself laughing more than gasping. The same happened with Drag me to Hell--I could not believe the lengths Raimi went to in order to gross out his audience...and essentially torture his poor actress!

Honestly, see this movie. Don't necessarily prepare yourself to be scared--if you want scary, go see Paranormal Activity which is high on my list right now--but if you want to enjoy yourself, check out Drag me to Hell. It doesn't do much for the horror genre plot-wise, honestly you've seen most of it before in one form or another, but it's fun and just so over the top.

I hope you like it--happy early Halloween!!

Oh, and as a side-note, I know I basically reserve this blog for movies but I think I have to start mentioning some television shows as I am a true TV fanatic as well. Supernatural on the CW is a truly under-rated show that anyone who enjoys horror films and a good story should definitely get into. I have stuck with it for all five seasons and it has never disappointed. Great characters, interesting plots and excellent writing--it amazes me sometimes how creative the writers on this show can be--really, check out Supernatural if you haven't already.

Next up? I gotta see Paranormal Activity. No one wants to go see it with me! They're too scared! Ridiculous...

Yet again, the Return of the Elusive Cineblogger!

Sorry to have been so remiss in my blogging! To be very honest, life has not been so good to me lately...However, I am now picking up the pieces and trying to work it out--in fact, in some crazy way the bad that life has sent my way has actually made me somewhat more sensitive to films and their messages, especially when it comes to losing someone very close to you...and this is where I move on to the film Sunshine Cleaning:

Ah, Amy Adams. So cute, so tug-at-my-heartstrings good in this film. In the right role, Amy Adams can be very wonderful and charming. This was a good part for her, although I wasn't sure if I bought her attempt at playing a mother, but the point was made: Adams is playing a former head cheerleader whose life did not turn out at all like she had expected.

At the start of the film, Adams' character Rose is working a crummy job cleaning houses, sleeping with her married (but not to her obviously) ex-boyfriend and picking up her son from school where he has gotten into trouble yet again. She is not having a good time. By the end of the film, Rose doesn't have it all figured out but she has started to unravel the mess of her life and has found a job--the title's Sunshine Cleaning (for crime scenes). There are some people that I would have liked to have known more about, stories that were left untold, but overall I highly recommend Sunshine Cleaning. It is heartfelt and it means well, regardless of the fact that it smacks a bit of Hope Floats.

Julie and Julia:

Yet another film starring Amy Adams, Julie and Julia was, well, a bit of a disappointment on her part. First of all, let me say that Meryl Streep is amazing as Julia Child. Seriously, hands down. She made Julia Child--who I vaguely remember clicking past on the television (probably in repeats by then) as a child--interesting and fun. Who knew Julia Child was a feminist pioneer, in her own way? Who knew she and her husband had such a wonderful love and mutual respect for each other? Child's story is truly the pinnacle of this film. Honestly, it would almost be better viewing it at home so that you can fast forward through the Julie parts.

Granted, I see why they combined the two stories into one film--Julie is young, she's conventional and can reach a younger audience than Meryl Streep can. Young women can (supposedly) identify with her and with her desire to blog about cooking all of Julia Child's French recipes. However, I found her tiresome and whiney--and I'm really not that old! Amy Adams is aggravating in this role and the little tears that love to climb into the corners of her eyes, almost incessantly so, that worked so well in Sunshine Cleaning do not work the same magic in Julie and Julia. In fact, one often wonders why it is so necessary to boo-hoo constantly about life when, heck, her life's not so bad!

It's unfortunate because I really wanted to love Julie and Julia. However, I recommend a viewing, just be aware that you will love Julia but Julie will leave you basically annoyed.

9:

Last up is a great little film entitled simply 9. The story is taken a bit from the Matrix and the characters are basically cartoon cliches, but putting that aside as forgiven, visually the film is phenomenal and definitely worth watching. It is an intriguing topic that the film chooses to build around--what would earth be like without us--but one that I feel gets a bit lost in the excitement over an evil machine that is trying to kill off the cute and cuddly numbered self-animated puppets that are basically all that is left of humanity.

Check it out on the big screen if you can and see the visual effects properly! Just know that there are not a lot of surprises outside of the cool visuals in 9.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment--I would love to discuss!

A Lovely "Elegy" on "The Day the Earth Stood Still"

Elegy, starring Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz, tells the story of a mismatched couple who find dysfunctional and anti-Hollywood love for a short period of time as their lives cross. Despite its lack of warmth about love (this is no romantic comedy) it is somewhat refreshing how realistic their story is. He is an aging professor who falls into lust with his young student; she is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who is apparently seduced by David's knowledge of and passion for culture, literature and art. Eventually, however, they seem to discover a real love for each other but unfortunately it cannot survive David's fear of commitment and they go their separate ways. Without giving away the entire story, I have to say that although it is a bit slow-moving, it is a wonderful portrayal and reminder of the importance of everyone we have known and loved in life--and that just when you think you have moved on, you may be surprised how quickly they can return to your life...then you discover that your love for them was never really gone and that they had more of an effect on you than you would have liked to believe.

Ah, Keanu Reeves and your bad acting. It worked perfectly for your role in The Matrix and it works pretty well for Klatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still as well. I picked this one up for a fun diversion to go along with Elegy's much more serious topic matter and I was not disappointed. The special effects are okay--lots of bright light to make up for a lack of originality--and the plot is derived from the original story; aliens come to earth to save the planet from humans. The original had a preachy speech about protecting the planet--the new version's aliens propose to kill us off. My overall opinion of the film is that it is mediocre--Reeves sleep-walks through this role even more than usual, reading lines with a monotony typically to his performances but even more so due to his playing an alien. Like I said, it works for this film but...let's just hope he keeps getting roles where he can do his usual. Jennifer Connelly is the stand-out in this film, giving a believable and compassionate performance--although her relationship with her stepson (Jaden Smith) is pretty cliche and predictable (he moves from calling her Helen and she to referring to him as her son to him finally calling her Mom; it's something we've seen time and time again). Final verdict? See it if you get it for free.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

I love Underworld and Underworld: Evolution. Excellent special effects, interesting story, awesome heroine--to read more about my thoughts on Kate Beckinsale's Selene, see my essay on cinemaperspective.com under Perspectives. So, obviously, when I saw previews for Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, I was pretty excited. Yes, it is a different director (Beckinsale's hubby directed the first two) and yes, it is a different female star (and Beckinsale lookalike). Nonetheless, I was willing to give it a chance.

And the verdict? Not too shabby. The special effects are a bit rushed and very dark, likely to cover up a lack of budget--the camera moves around a lot to compensate for the lackluster effects and things like trees are used to cover up 'transformations' that the producers lacked the proper fundage to create. The female lead, played less than superbly by Rhona Mitra, is the daughter of the evil head-vampire Viktor. She defies him by falling in love with a Lycan (werewolf) named Lucian. This conflict ultimately triggers the war that is ongoing through the previous films (as Rise is a prequel).

For those who are new to the series, make sure you start with Underworld and then move on to Evolution and Rise. You'll encounter too many spoilers if you watch Rise first. For those who, like me, are fans of the series or just enjoy the films for their special effects, I recommend you check the film out--it's not the best movie in the series by any means, but it is worth watching to watch the backstory play out. No new information is provided, however, so do not expect to be surprised by the events as they unfold or by the story that is told; do expect to be sufficiently pleased with director Patrick Tatopoulos' contribution to the Underworld series.

Wolverine rocks my world!

Yes! A great comic book movie to kick-off the summer movie season--check out X-men Origins: Wolverine if you have not already. It is non-stop action--somewhat predictable storyline but that is to be expected for the most part, right? New mutants that are great and look cool (Gambit is my absolute new favorite mutant replacing Mystique and Lady Deathstrike--although they both hold a very special place in my comic-book-movie-dork heart). He flips around with a stick and shakes the earth with each strike! Very cool. To sum it up in a few words, Wolverine does what a comic book movie does best and does it well. I was thoroughly entertained and excited by the final scene--which is after the credits so make sure you hang in there--that suggested a pending sequel! I'm so there!

Slumdog Millionaire
I have to be honest: I usually hate the Best Picture Oscar winner. Every year. No joke. I mean, how could No Country for Old Men beat out There Will Be Blood? Or how about Crash robbing Brokeback Mountain? Don't get me started! However, Slumdog was a pleasant surprise (well, maybe pleasant isn't the word because some of the things that happen to the characters). The story is a tad predictable and a bit too unbelievable--a young girl who manages to escape a major mobster to be with her true love? It seemed just a bit too easy. Nonetheless, Slumdog provides an eye-opening view of India's slums and the lives of India's people and children. There is violence, there is corruption...and yet there is hope and love. This message of truth in itself makes this film worth watching. An interesting story (slumdog achieves on Who Wants to be a Millionaire!), good acting and great cinematography combined with bright colors and quick, moving shots make it a must-see.

Grey Gardens

So the other night (lucky me!) I won the chance to see a preview screening of the upcoming HBO film entitled Grey Gardens. For those of you not familiar, there is a documentary of the same name in existence that was filmed in the early 1970s. The documentary films and interviews a mother and daughter who are in fact aunt and cousin to Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Bottom line? These two ladies have gone a bit mad living together with virtually no other human contact (and an excessive amount of feline contact).

The HBO film takes the idea a bit further than the doc and explores the lives of these two women before they went crazy, so to speak, and intertwines it with reenactments of the documentary. Drew Barrymore plays the daughter, "little" Edie (Edith) Beale, and Jessica Lange plays the mother, "big" Edie Beale. Both play their parts very well; Barrymore is surprisingly good, in fact (surprising because although I like her, her strive to accomplish dramatic roles is always a bit amusing to me). In spite of my skepticism, Barrymore plays little Edie with passion, compassion and life.

The Edies made for a very intriguing and somewhat appalling news story soon after John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The world learned that these two women, once wealthy and pampered by Mr. Beale, were living in squalor in their formerly beautiful summer home, Grey Gardens. It was quite the scandal because Cousin Jackie was such a prominet American figure. However, the film reveals that it was Jackie who helped them out of their state and to survive from then on.

What is most provocative about this film is its exploration of wealth and being "kept." Big Edie was a woman of the 1920s, very accustomed to her husband's money and status and confident that she was indestructible. What she did not count on, however, was the Great Depression coupled with the fact that someday she may have to fend for herself--which in fact she had no idea how to do. Little Edie, as a result of her mother's overprotection, found herself much in the same boat. Their relationship is a dysfunctional but loving one, somewhat like a married couple who has spent entirely too many years with one another.

I don't want to give the entire story away--any of this you could read in a summary--but the film is very well done and interesting. It's a great story and I highly recommend the documentary as well. (Side note: believe it or not, the story of little and big Edie has also been made into a musical!) Grey Gardens premieres on HBO this Saturday, April 18th, at 8pm.

The Prodigal Reviewer Returns!

At long last, I am back for your reading pleasure! So sorry for the absence--life has just gotten in the way lately. But now, here I am to inform you of new movies on DVD that you should definitely check out (and a couple to avoid) as well as a bit of thoughtful perspective on Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas...

Cadillac Records: I have to say that I am seriously tired of the worn-out musical biography film. I keep hoping that one is going to sweep me off of my feet like Ray did but, unfortunately, Cadillac Records is not the one. Not that it isn't worth a watch--it goes through the history of Chess (aka Cadillac) Records, starting with the discovery of Muddy Waters to Chuck Berry and finally Etta James. Mos Def gives a fun, quirky performance as Berry and Beyonce Knowles is descent as James, although the story of Etta seems lacking. In fact, because the film only touches the surface of each singer's life story, all of the history seems a bit lacking. The audience just begins to get to know each character when the story moves to the next singer. The story of Cadillac Records is an interesting one and the filmmakers tried to do it justice but...unfortunately it ends up being just so-so.

Seven Pounds: I had heard mixed reviews about this Will Smith vehicle but, I gotta say, I love Will Smith--even when he's making a mediocre zombie movie like I, Legend. So I watched it in bed last night and was also a bit mixed in my own response. It is definitely not one of Smith's best films or performances--however, the film presents the viewer with an interesting concept of a good man so plagued by guilt about a mistake that took lives that he feels he must give of himself to gain redemption. Even if the redemption means he must let go of love. It is about sacrifice and penance and it is a film that sticks with you long after the credits have rolled and you've taken the dvd out of the player. Rosario Dawson is good in this film as a woman suffering from congenetal heart failure. The plot is somewhat predictable--it pretends to be a big mystery but for the most part, you know what's going on before the film tells you--but the concept, like I said, sticks with you. Worth a watch.

Let the Right One In: This was supposed to be Twilight but awesome...??? Not so much. Same old tired vampire myths, a boring and slow pace, nothing that cool and unique here. Very disappointing from the director of Nightwatch. Personally, I'm no Twilight fan but at least writer Stephanie Meyer came up with a new idea: vampires glitter in the sun. Cutsie but new rather than boring and cliche. I was so looking forward to this one, too!

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: I watched this one yesterday for the first time (I know, it's crazy that I haven't seen this one yet, right?) and all I could think about was the significant number of movies about drugs that came out in the late 90s (Vegas, Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream, Traffic). This was common practice around then, discussing the perils of doing drugs and trafficking drugs...Why did it stop? These movies were well-done, well-made and, well, effective--so where did they go? It's a subject that perhaps has been worn out, much like the musical biography that is irritating me so much right now...Actually, by the time Traffic came out, I was tired of the drug stories, I have to admit. I didn't care for Traffic at all but I felt films like Vegas, Trainspotting and Requiem told stories that remained with the viewer a long time after seeing them, years even.

Vegas doesn't have much of a plot, it mostly follows two guys around and shows the audience what they saw while hopped up on a variety of drugs over a couple of weeks time in Las Vegas which eventually ended up compiled in a book by Hunter S. Thompson (one of the said guys). However, the film reveals a "drug reality," visually taking the audience on the trip with them which is sometimes amusing and other times a bit scary as Thompson's attorney (Benecio del Toro) acts pretty psychotic. Anyone who has ever been under the influence of a substance, even alcohol, can relate to the disjointed reality of this influence--but hopefully not to the extent of the characters in Vegas! Nonetheless, the film presents multiple reasons for one to avoid drugs, as do Requiem, Traffic and especially Trainspotting (the dead baby scene, anyone?)

So where have they gone? Are we so numb to the drug problem in America that the subject is no longer relevant? Or perhaps these films are enough to assuage us for now--these films were substantial and impactful and they did the job right, so to speak.

I guess now we've moved into the era of the music biography...sigh...personally, I'm ready for a something new and unique!! I get so frustrated and tired of the way Hollywood has success with one film and then tries to replicate it over and over.

We'll see if my next up films can do something different! Slumdog Millionaire, I Love you, Man and Grey Gardens are up. I hope they're up to the challenge. 'Til next time--

Watchmen descends!!!

Whew! So I finally made to the theater to see Watchmen--saved myself for the IMAX, mind you--and it was great! Awesome action sequences, great visual effects and a pretty accurate adaptation of the graphic novel. What I especially enjoyed was the inside jokes/references for those of us who have read the novel, i.e. things like the giant, floating pink elephant for the Gunga Diner, the doomsday prophet and the final moments of the newstand owner and his comic-booking reading companion. These separate storylines were just three of many that unfortunately had to be cut out of an already lengthy affair. The short cameos of each, however, allowed those of us who took the time to read the award-winning book take some pleasure in the fact that we're in on the joke!

Zach Snyder maintained his status as one of my very favorite action film directors (300 was a wonderful, bloody masterpiece of slow and constant action and motion). Several sequences stand out but the opening sequence, which concludes in the death of a primary character, is one of the most memorable with slowed down bloody punches and kicks, bodies flying through the air, broken walls and furniture. And the action just keeps on a coming from there!

One complaint? Bad makeup! However, the excessively applied makeup to Sally Jupiter seemed fitting--as though she was overcompensating for age with makeup (something not necessarily unusual for aging beauties). And Nixon just looked a bit ridiculous--I dislike prosthetics that prevent the actor from being able to move their mouths. Also, Laurie is annoying--unless she is kicking a**, then she's cool. But as soon as she opens her mouth, I'm irritated. On the other hand, I felt the same way about Laurie in the novel so--it seems appropriate that I would feel the same about her adaptation to celluloid.

I have been reading some reviews of Watchmen and was surprised to see that people complained about the bloody action sequences--I mean, what did they expect? Snyder created one of the bloodiest, most graphic films I have ever seen in 300! Watchmen the graphic novel was not devoid of violence and blood--why should the film hold back? Watchmen's world is violent and dangerous; people live in constant fear of nuclear attacks and have outlawed their protectors. It is a chaotic world on the brink of collapse and critics expect, what, flowers and sunshine? Get real!!

My verdict? See this movie--but read the book first. Not that it is necessary to have read the book to follow the film. Quite the contrary but knowing the story beforehand will simply enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the film's message. A thought-provoking line comes from the Comedian near the middle of the film that has stuck with me--and it is found in the novel as well but I believe it is relayed better in the film due to the elimination of most of the dialogue found in the same sequence of the novel--"The American dream...it came true. You're lookin' at it!" Essentially, Watchmen explores the idea of what if America had won the Vietnam War? What kind of country would we live in right now (or at least in 1985) had we come out of the war-- that, honestly, tore the country apart --victorious? Watchmen hints, or rather screams, that our defeat in Vietnam humbled America in a necessary way. Whether this is true or not, it is an interesting concept to contemplate.

Now, on to one other review before this edition of the Cineblog comes to a conclusion--Australia. It's an "epic" film...in other words, expect a long story that spends a lot of time detailing the lives of a select few. I enjoyed the film--visually, I expected more from a Baz Luhrman film but the film reveals a part of World War II (and Australian cultural) history that I was unaware of (i.e. the island for multiracial boys). And the romance between Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman is extremely believable and passionate--there is some definite and palpable chemistry between the two of them. Overall--I give it a B. A bit long but interesting.

Til next time, folks!

Bedtime Reviews Numero Dos

Wow--I am so behind with my bedtime reviews! As promised on Cinemaperspective.com's Facebook page, I am going to review Changeling, Body of Lies and more. It's been quite a film-filled week! First up?

Changeling:
Let me start out by saying that visually, I think Changeling is one of Clint Eastwood's best films. The cinematography in this is extremely well-done, bringing the viewer into this story of the past while at the same time maintaining that it does in fact take place in the 1930s. The initial shot of the film is of a black and white street, essentially an old photograph, that is slowly permeated with color and coming to life as the audience travels through time. It is a wonderfully subtle way to establish the setting. Now, in comparison to some of his other films, Mystic River for example, this is as emotional a story, however Changeling is oddly not as powerful--perhaps because it goes from initially being a tragic slice-of-life to essentially a re-telling of history.

The story of Christine Collins' search for her son Walter and her fight against the corrupt LA police department is a fascinating one which is what keeps the film interesting despite its turn to reenactment mode after the first hour or so. Angelina Jolie delivers a stellar performance as the fiercely independent single-mother Christine who is unfortunately bound and condemned by the societal expectations of 1930s America and the corruption of the 1930s Los Angeles police department.

Body of Lies:
Disappointing. What can I tell you? Basically, I saw Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott and thought, well, this should be pretty good. I am sad to say that I was incorrect. Through a convoluted plot full of deception and trickery between DiCaprio's Roger Ferris and Crowe's Ed Hoffman (both US agents working against terrorism), the film eventually comes to a conclusion that is just as convoluted and meaningless as the entire film. There is no real point to Body of Lies and it does not inform the viewer so much as make them terribly afraid for their privacy (due to the amazingly clear and accurate satellite cameras that can apparently track a person's every move). Hoffman is uncaring for both terrorists, innocent civilians and his own agents; therefore, Body of Lies paints a rather negative picture of American agents working in the Middle East to find terrorists and prevent their crimes. Ferris tries to remain a good guy, attempting to work the system within each country but Hoffman nonetheless constantly ruins his plans and, as a result, typically puts Ferris in danger. And to what end? None that I can see.

Quarantine:
Like last year's Cloverfield, Quarantine tells a story through a handheld camera, the action highlighted through a small, bouncing lens and its trusty (and extremely long-lasting) camera light. Unfortunately, unlike Cloverfield in which the technique works and keeps the audience on the edge of its seat, Quarantine fails to become much more than a remake of 28 Days and the Resident Evil films. People get sick (hence the title) and in turn attempt to eat everyone else. Starring in this attempted rehashing of the old zombie flick is a (constantly hyperventilating) newswoman (Jennifer Carpenter) and her trusty cameraman (Steve Harris) who manages to hold on to his camera despite the gore and multiple attempts on his life--he even kills someone with the camera at one point. Overall, skip this one and if you haven't seen Cloverfield, pick that one up instead.

The Children of Huang Shi:
Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the real-life George Hogg, this is yet another re-telling of history. Hogg was a young reporter who came to China when it was consumed by civil war and infiltrated by the Japanese. Enemies were all around and Hogg wanted to get to the front of the war in order to write a story about it. Unfortunately, he witnesses something so tragic that he gets much more than he bargained for. I don't want to ruin the story, but Hogg eventually finds himself caring for forgotten and wild boys at an orphanage and having a long-lasting effect on their lives that they carry with them throughout their adulthood.

It is a good film, if not a bit predictable, and the story of George Hogg is one that should be told. His selflessness is truly a lesson that all of us should take to heart. I do wish, however, that Meyers would cease to be cast in so many films! He never actually becomes a character; he is always pretending--in Match Point this worked because the character that he was playing was a pretender and a fake. However, this method has carried on in every one of his performances that I have seen. He overacts and comes across as false, exaggerating each sentence to the point that one almost cringes. Maybe this seems harsh but sitting through two hours of this began to grate on my nerves!

Miracle at St. Anna:
I am honestly not sure why this film does not work. Just like Spike Lee's previous attempt at a more mainstream film, Inside Man, St. Anna tries to tell a powerful and provocative story but ends up falling short. Part of the reason for this could be the stereotypical roles of the black characters, each fulfilling a traditional expectation: one is big and dumb, one is oversexed and the other is a good man and soldier, faithfully believing that the war could be a sign of progress toward equality. The fourth main character is a half-Puerto Rican, half-African American man named Hector Negron (seriously--Negron) who does his best to remain neutral in the constant struggle between the other three stereotypes. Unfortunately, there is no real resolution of these stereotypes as the film concludes and the mystery is not as exciting as one has been led to believe. Overall, it is flawed yet worth watching. I believe that Spike Lee is trying to do something different here; he presents a story that one believes is going to tell the story of African American World War II heroes when, in fact, he simply tells one about real people. His misstep is to make these real people stereotypes. With this , he fails and the film falls a bit short.

Whew!! Bedtime Reviews Numero Dos is concluded--next up? Australia. Soon to be followed by Watchmen.

and the Oscar went to...

Let's just admit it--I didn't do half-bad with my Oscar predictions. Not to toot my own horn, but I got all but three right and those three were only because of my lack of confidence in the Academy to choose correctly (I've been burned so badly in the past--can we say Crash?!) But I was quite pleased with Kate Winslet's win over Meryl Streep and Slumdog's win for best picture.

Overall, the 2009 Academy Awards proved to be a decent awards ceremony with Hugh Jackman doing a good job of entertaining us (and Ben Stiller's imitation of a listless and disinterested Joaquin Pheonix putting me in stiches!) I did not like the former award winners discussing the nominee performances--what happened to clips? Also, during the tribute to those lost in the last year, why was the camera so far back from the screen? Couldn't even read who the people were!

So--what's next on the list of excitement for this cinephile and resident comic-book movie dork? Well, of course, Watchmen! I have the day set aside to go and see this movie in the IMAX and cannot wait. Read the book--and you should, too--and loved it. The effects look to be great and in line with the trend that I have begun to recognize in the latest comic book films: the alienated and imperfect hero. See The Dark Knight, Iron Man (whose Johnny Stark, although not made completely apparent in the first film but surely it will become so in the second, is an alcoholic) and the upcoming Watchmen whose heroes are not necessarily super but rather bitter and, well, imperfect. I hope that we have not seen the end of the heroic and loveable comic-book superhero film...However, I enjoy the more realistic trend that these films are taking on and in turn the elevation of this genre to much more respected (although not at this year's Oscars, unfortunately) heights.

Next up, however? Changeling and Body of Lies. Reviews of these two future Bedtime films coming soon!

2009 Oscar Predictions

Ah, the Oscars. Watching this show always makes me happy--although I am usually disappointed in the results, I have to admit. Regardless, year after year, I make my own predictions for the best in each major category and hope that for once, finally, the Academy will see the light...This year will be no exception: for your reading pleasure, my Oscar suggestions for the main events are as follows:

Best Supporting Actor:
In this category, can we choose anyone other than the late Heath Ledger? The answer is, of course, yes, and in looking at the Academy's snub of The Dark Knight in other categories that it rightfully belonged in, it is entirely possible that Ledger may not be chosen for this posthumous reward. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Robert Downey, Jr. are worthy adversaries but Ledger truly became the Joker...and I nearly cried at the thought that he would not live to reprise the role in an upcoming Batman film.

Best Supporting Actress:
Penelope Cruz! Ever since seeing Cruz in Volver last year, I have come to realize that she is truly a talent; it's a shame that American directors and casting directors (outside of Woody Allen, director of her nominated performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona) fail to see this and continue to cast her badly in films such as Sahara. A wonderful performance deserving of recognition.

Best Actor:
Kind of a toss-up here, being that all of the actors in this category put forth outstanding performances (especially Mickey Rourke and way to go on the comeback, man!) I have to predict, however, that I think Sean Penn will take the award. Penn always immerses himself in a role and Milk is no exception. It is possible that I will be surprised tomorrow night but...I think I'm probably right in this prediction.

Best Actress:
Hmmm...Now this is a competitive category! Anne Hathaway has truly come into her own with this role--however, it's her first nomination so the Academy will probably assume that she will be up for more Oscar-worthy roles in the future. What it really comes down to, I think, are the two excessively nominated and severely under-awarded actresses in this category: Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet. Who do I want to win? Winslet. Her portrayal of a former Nazi prison guard in The Reader was heartwrenching and real. Who will likely win? Streep. She has been nominated 15 times for Oscar and has gone home with him only twice. Winslet has been looked over 5 times but it seems likely that Streep will win.

Best Picture:
Now this is a difficult choice. For me, it's between Slumdog Millionaire, The Reader and Benjamin Button. Which film deserves this recognition? Probably Millionaire. Will it be chosen? Probably not. It's a popular but independent feature--the word independent usually kills any chance of a best picture award. My guess is that the statue will be bestowed upon Benjamin Button.

Best Director:
Although I love the work of David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac, Se7en) I do not feel that Benjamin is his best film to date. Therefore, I would like to give the Oscar to The Reader. This category is also difficult, however, because one must put what they feel about the film aside and examine what the director was trying to say and whether or not it came through. In my opinion, The Reader accomplishes the emotion and feeling that Stephen Daldry intended. Who will win? My prediction is Gus Van Sant for Milk.

So now it is time to get dressed in your finest (or sweats like me), sit back and watch to see the results live (or on YouTube later on tomorrow night) with your Oscar check-off sheet in one hand and a glass of champagne in the other (or bottle of beer, again, like me). Good night all and may the best--according to me--win!

The Bedtime Reviews

As of late, I have found myself ending each long day with a film in bed. So, for the past few nights, I have seen quite a few films. I also went to see a film on Friday entitled Fear(s) of the Dark, a French black and white animation film that I thought would be much more interesting than it was (although some of the stories, as there were about six different ones, were worthwhile. The art in most cases was impressive). My reviews of the various films viewed in bed are as follows:

RocknRolla: What a fun film. Most of the time, I had to struggle to understand the thick accents of the characters but completely worthwhile, Guy Ritchie almost at his Snatch best. Likeable and interesting characters, a mysteriously wonderful painting and a nearly unstoppable pair of huge men hired to guard money prove to be very entertaining (especially the unstoppable guards). What I thought was going to be primarily a shoot-em-up film ended up being quite the opposite. Two thumbs up.

Pride and Glory: Oh, Edward Norton, what has happened? After making such good film choices such as Fight Club and the often overlooked 25th Hour--although one cannot forget his recent and excellent turn in The Painted Veil and, well, The Incredible Hulk was fun for the smashing and special effects--Norton has decided to essentially waste his talent on films such as The Illusionist and this predictable and, to be honest, somewhat degrading to women, film with a story we've all seen before. Why degrading? How about the fact that the father of two cop brothers (Jon Voigt) does not want his sons to turn in their brother-in-law (who is not only a drug-dealer but framed one of the brothers in a murder) because, of course, he's married to their sister and the father of her children. All Voigt keeps talking about is family and that Jimmy (Colin Farell) is family but what about the sister? How would she feel about being married to a traitor and a drug dealer? The sister's side of the story is relatively null and void, the primary focus on a very old-fashioned story of men being men, loyalty and the apparent conflict of doing the right thing. I see what the film is trying to do: it's attempting to show the difficulty of turning in a fellow cop, especially one who is family, but what it really comes down to is good cops who can't make up their mind to be good cops. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned but I like my cops cut and dry--there are good cops and bad cops but the good ones should want to get the bad ones out of the precinct no matter the cost. And Colin Farell, well, he's just doing what he does best lately: being angry and yelling a lot. Overall, a disappointment.

Zach and Miri Make a Porno: Honestly, I was surprised that I laughed so hard at this movie. I mean, of course, I usually enjoy Kevin Smith films--although that usually depends on the topic so that is why I was pretty sure I would not enjoy Zach and Miri due to the potential for gross and inappropriate jokes. While there are plenty of those, the film is funny and primarily enjoyable, especially when it is Zach and Miri's turn to get busy: a rumba begins and hilarity enuses as Zach (Seth Rogen) dances with his pants down around his ankles with Miri (Elizabeth Banks) as they awkwardly try to have sex on camera. There's poop jokes for the boys and a romance for the girls so, all in all, definitely pick it up to have a laugh--but don't expect much more than that.

Max Payne: You know, I put in an old standby the other night--The Italian Job--and then a couple of days later I watched this stinker and...well, it seems Mark Wahlberg has gone down the same road as our pal Edward Norton (ironically enough, both are in The Italian Job). Boring, boring, boring. Wahlberg stars as Max Payne whose wife and child were killed and he has been searching for the killer for years now (sound familiar? Yea, me, too). Finally, he gets a lead that eventually allows him to rid the world of her killer--although the real killer is still on the loose! Oooooh, do I smell a sequel? I hope not! I don't know what I really expected from a movie based on a video game but the previews made this look interesting and even a bit ghostly and demonic so I thought hey, they might have something here, and picked it up. Silly me--the ghosts and demons are imaginery. They're just on a bad trip. And so was I, the whole time I was watching this film.

So there are the Bedtime Reviews, folks! Hope you enjoyed and I'm sure there will be more to come!

Reflections on Sundance 2009

Sundance 2009. What a great experience. All I can say is that I can't wait for Sundance 2010! I saw great films and Kevin Spacey (!!!) and met some wonderful people that I hope to keep in touch with or at least see at next year's fest. Now, on to the reviews...

Keep your eye out for a film called Shrink. Excellent, excellent. Kevin Spacey stars as a psychiatrist who has become jaded about his profession due to a personal tragedy in his life. Spacey is back in his cynical and quite hilarious American Beauty-form, smoking cigarettes (the unfiltered kind) and drinking his way through most of the film as he comes to terms with his wife's suicide. Spacey plays Henry Carter, a well-known psychiatrist to Hollywood's A-list whose clientel includes actors, such as Robin Williams, and an incredibly neurotic and paranoid agent who, next to Spacey, provides some of the most entertaining dialogue in the film.

Speaking of dialogue, it doesn't get much better than this, honestly. Shrink is one of the best films I have seen in a long time and the writing is what truly makes this a must-see (although combined with the guidance of director Jonas Pate and the extremely talented cast makes Shrink one of the best films of Sundance--and maybe of 2009). Keke Palmer (Akeelah and the Bee) is noteworthy as a young girl named Jemma who becomes a patient of Spacey's in order to deal with her mother's recent suicide. With the help of eachother, as well as the intriguing and amusing cast of unique characters winding in and out of their lives, Henry and Jemma are finally able to come to terms with the loss, guilt and confusion that invades one's life as a result of a loved-one's suicide. (P.S. Spacey was there for the Q and A following the film when I saw it on Thursday--was I excited?? That's an understatement!)

Also worthy of note: two films that I saw Thursday night, Amreeka and Prom Night in Mississippi. Amreeka is a fictional film about a mother and son who immigrate to the U.S. from Palestine soon after the 9-11 terrorist attacks and the declaration of war in Iraq. It is a drama sprinkled with comic relief that truly opens one's eyes to the prejudice that many were subjected to following the attacks due to the color of their skin. A well-written debut film by director and screenwriter Cherien Dabis whose experiences as a Palestinian child adjusting to life in the United States led to the production of this film.

The second film, Prom Night in Mississippi, was a documentary about the first integrated prom in the small, low-income Mississippi town of Charleston. Morgan Freeman approached the high school in 1997 and offered to fund the prom on the condition that it be integrated...but was turned down. Ten years later, he made the offer as a result of the encouragement of director Paul Saltzman and it was accepted. In 2008, Charleston High School had its first integrated prom and this documentary chronicles the organization and planning of the event. Revealing on-camera interviews uncover the essentially inherited racism in this town that some inhabitants refuse to let go of--however, the optimism and open-mindedness of those that are willing to look past skin and see the person is uplifting and a joy to watch.

Sundance was a worthwhile and fun experience and I highly recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to attend in subsequent years do so; wonderful films, nice people and a clean, quaint city--how can you go wrong?

Sundance!

This is day 2 of my first experience as a volunteer at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah and...it was a really great day. Yesterday I traveled on two planes, hit a bit of a snag at my hotel and then pretty much showered and went straight to my 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. volunteer shift. So, as you can imagine, I was a bit too exhausted to enjoy myself! Today, however, I got some much-needed beauty sleep and then decided to take a risk and try to see a film that has been much-hyped at the festival. It is entitled The September Issue and it revolves around the development of the most important issue of Vogue in the year--apparently, according to the film, September is like January in the fashion world, meaning everything starts fresh and new, just like New Year's Day. Anyway, I digress, but if you have seen The Devil Wears Prada, the film features the real woman whom Meryl Streep plays in Prada. And Streep's portrayal, although a bit more extreme, is not all that far off.

The real Anna Wintour is a bit more personable than the fictional account would have you believe but when it comes to her magazine and fashion, what she says goes. The scene in Prada that shows Streep reviewing a clothing line and everyone watching her reaction is completely accurate. The film also centers around the relationship between Anna and Vogue's Creative Director, Grace. It is wonderful to watch because it is obvious that although they bicker and clash over different aspects of the September issue, there is a kinship and a respect between them that only comes from working closely with someone for a very long time. Their interaction is very amusing and relatable because I would assume that we all have people in our lives whom we love but who can nonetheless manage to frustrate us to no end.

I won't give away any more details of The September Issue--and believe me I haven't told you anything that would ruin it, I swear--but I highly recommend this film. I am by no means a "fashionista" so this comes very honestly from a person who likes to see interesting and engaging films and this is definitely one to see.

Also recommended from Sundance: The Yes Men Fix the World. I only saw about twenty minutes of it but it was an exceptional twenty minutes and I can't wait to see the entire film. These two men basically impersonate people in order to try and encourage change in the US. For example, due to their dissatisfaction with government effort to help heal New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, one of the men impersonated a HUD (Housing and Urban Development) representative and made announcements about reopening homes that had been closed by the government and that Exxon oil was going to donate money to fund developments. To their surprise, the announcement went over very well...until people figured out that he was not from HUD! Overall, a very provocative and interesting film that I highly recommend as well. Check out their website: http://www.theyesmen.org/.

Tomorrow I plan to try and fit in three more films so wish me luck! One on the list is a documentary co-written by Chris Rock called Good Hair. It focuses on African American hairstyles and how it affects African American culture and social status. I'll be sure to post my perspectives on what I see tomorrow as soon as I can.

"The Reader" and the Influx of the Other

After viewing the wonderful and moving film The Reader on Friday, I took mental note of a trend among current film: World War II Germany from a different perspective. Films such as Schindler's List and Night and Fog, of course told the story of World War II from the position of those who were most hurt by the war: the Jewish. Their stories should be forever told; however, a somewhat new, at least to my eyes but I intend to rectify that soon, theme within films about Germany and Germans in World War II has emerged: the Other. The Other, in this regard, being those who are often villainized and grouped into an almost trademarked category: the German during World War II. In American film and history, Germans are typically viewed as following Adolf Hitler with an almost blind obedience, unconcerned with what he was doing to their Jewish neighbors and friends. Of course, there were those who tried to hide some families and help, such as the famous Schindler of Spielberg's film among other brave souls, however the majority of Germans are essentially believed to have supported their fuhrer despite the atrocities carried out by his Nazi soldiers.
What I have noticed in recent months, however, is a shift in this kind of mindset in American film; Valkyrie and The Reader in particular portray the Holocaust and Hitler's reign as fuhrer in a different way and reveal the Other side of the story not often told. The Reader tells of a (initially unlikely and somewhat off-putting) affair between a high school student and a much older woman in the late 1950s. After a summer of love and reading, the woman abruptly leaves the town, and the boy, behind. He moves on with life and goes to law school where he and the woman cross paths again as she is tried for being an SS guard at Auschwitz. Suddenly, the viewer is forced to reckon with the fact that this woman, whom they have grown to like and care about, carried out horrible actions against her fellow man, woman and child.
I will not ruin the film for you by giving away anymore spoilers, but the film causes one to reconsider, even for a moment, the tendency to simply group all SS soldiers, Nazis and Germans into one unfeeling mass. This is the easy way, of course, but it is not necessarily the right way or the just way. Could these films be a reflection of the guilt that Americans should and do feel about the war in Iraq? Perhaps they are a defense against those who might try to group us as blind followers as well...