"Blue Valentine"--AI finally got a chance to see this film, which I'd been wanting to see since I'd heard about it. It's a unique film. It's a history of everything within this one relationship, yet also a sobering, in-depth look at what could be a history of many relationship's. Life happens, we all know that. When first meeting someone, life becomes rose-tinted. Time passes, and life happens. I took a lot of things from this film, identifying of course, with Dean(Ryan Gosling). The idea of a Prince Charming, is a disservice to men, as well as women. There's no such thing, and as life happens, it will tell you this. There are too many societal pressures upon a relationship that are antequated, and are due an update. Oh, on some levels, we've come out of the middle ages, but I think there is something so ingrained in us, that we're soon taken back, no matter what. "What does it mean to be a man?" A line uttered with such frustration and confusion, by someone, who thinks that love is enough. Life happens. This is a portrait of a relationship, the beginning and the end, at the same time. The performances and direction put you there in that moment. And if you've had similar experiences, those memories will surface, and in my opinon, that's a good thing. So, the destruction of Oz. What is Oz anyway? Just a fictional emerald city where all your problems are solved. Life happens.
Until next time, dear movie-goers! Life is happening right now!
"Kisses"--Grade A
A little film. A giant journey. 2 kids about 11, bad family lives, live next door to each other outside of Dublin, Ireland. Starting in wonderfully gritty Black and White. A fitting backdrop for the bleak existence these children endure. Introduced to Dylan(Shane Curry), playing a handheld video game trying to block out the toaster rage of his violent father being thrown outside to "play", and we then meet Kylie (Kelly O'Neill), so sweetly telling a story about the "Sack Man" that kills children. Kylie being called inside because her uncle is there, and the dread plays across her face, and we know something has probably occurred between her and her uncle. Dylan's mom returns home, he goes inside, listens to his parents argue, his father hits his mother, and Dylan intervenes.
And that's the beginning of what turns into a whimsical, scary, cute, realistic, journey of two kids escaping, at least for a night, their home life. Once they are starting out of their "kip", color starts to seep into the frame, and we see these morose, cynical kids, come to life. Their little escape, this fabulous journey we get to take with them, is steeped in truth, yet is bound by magic. As their journey ends, we go back to black and white, but I believe they'll be able to bring that color back to each others lives any time they need or want to now. That's something, more than something, that's hope. And we all need a little of that.
The performances by these new actors is nothing short of spectacular. Especially Kelly O'Neill, who I hope, is able to act far into the future, she is truly transcendent. I can't wait to see what Writer/Director Lance Daly has in store for us next.
Until next time movie watchers! Remember to breathe.
"World's Greatest Dad"(2009)--B+
I had no intention of writing up a review for this movie, but it just kind of snuck up on me, and I wanted to share it. Bobcat Goldthwaite has a made a dark dark, almost subversive film, that really has a lot to say about the way we idealize death in our society. It holds a mirror to our hypocrisy, using someone's life as a blank canvas, creating someone completely different, from the brush strokes that had already been painted for that life. This isn't a movie for everyone. What movie is? But if you're looking to think, and be entertained (in a weird/funny way), then check it out. This movie sat on my queue for quite a while. I'm so glad I got around to it.
Til next time Filmland readers! Smiling is half the battle.
"Flipped"--B+
What an enjoyable little film from Rob Reiner. It's a shame that a movie with such heart, hasn't been seen by a lot of people. I say put it on your queue, or rent it, or stream it, or however you watch movies nowadays, just see it. It'll put a smile on your face. Go ahead do it. What are you waiting for?
Until next time folks
Coming soon----"Kisses" review
So, full disclosure, of the 615 films released in 2010, I've only seen 87 of them. So my top ten is from those 87, of course. You may say this discounts me from being able to do a thourough list. I'd agree with you. ;)So here it is:
10) The King's Speech: My biggest props go to Tom Hooper, while I loved your HBO miniseries, "John Adams", I didn't think that I would see "The King's Speech" as anything other than a film that would have been great for TV(which isn't a bad thing). I was completely drawn into this film with its beautiful cinematography, impeccable acting, a fab script, and an incredible director, with a special mention for the editing(especially the speech scene).
9) The Ghost Writer: Say what you will about Roman Polanski's morals and legal woe's, he can still direct! I was happily surprised by this film, Ewan McGregor takes the viewer along with him on his noir-ish journey.
8) True Grit: The Coen Brothers do it again. I loved this film, but felt a little emotionally removed from it. The performances were great all around. Stand out for me was Matt Damon. I'd really like to see the Coen Brothers take on Science Fiction, or Fantasy. I think they would have a genuine chance of creating something new, and special.
7) Inception: Christopher Nolan is the man. Glad someone out there realizes audiences aren't stupid. We like to think along with our popcorn flicks.
6) Cairo Time: You're all like, What? Yeah, little seen film, but right up my alley. It never goes where you think it will. Every corner, has something new, and you won't be dissapointed. I already wanted to go to Egypt, this makes me want to just a little bit more.
5) The Fighter: If Christian Bale doesn't win a boat load of awards, then something is seriously wrong. For an actor to have been so good in the past, and then pull this spectacular performance from his soul, well it makes me giddy. Wish Michael Keaton would have had this career trajectory after "Batman." David O. Russell made this oft-told "boxing" movie, his own, and made us care.
4) The Social Network: So, as you all saw from my earlier post, I had to watch this a second time. And I'm so glad I did. I don't rewatch films that often, when I do it's because I love them. David Fincher has really outdone himself here. Aaron Sorkin's script is flawless. Only complaint I have, as I've heard this described as "Citizen Kane" by way of John Hughes, is that John Hughes would have probably pushed for an R rating. Small thing, but well, just my opinion.
3) 127 Hours: James Franco, this is your year. Danny Boyle, I prefer this to your "Slumdog Millionaire". I was enthralled the whole time, "on the edge of my seat" as they say.
2) I Am Love: I was thrown for a loop when I watched this film. It so methodically builds these characters from, a fly on the wall perspective, until you feel a part of this wonderful/screwed up family. The fact that Tilda Swinton learned Italian WITH a Russian accent for this film is astounding. But above and beyond the language, is a performance of sheer brilliance. I could watch this film just for the visuals, and come away extremely fulfilled.
1) Black Swan: You all saw this coming right? What can I say? I found this movie to be, to me, emotinally resonant, in a way that films so rarely are. I dreamt about this film, I discussed it, I thought about it, and then I dreamt about it again. Natalie Portman is radiant, and gives a perfomance that will be remembered for years to come. Mark my words, this film is destined to be a classic, and talked about as a "masterpiece."
I know big words right? Especially when everyone is talking about "The Social Network" as being the best thing since "Citizen Kane." I can see it, and it's probably true. "Black Swan" just spoke to me on so many levels.
That's all folks. I hope you enjoyed this little list. My wish is that it introduces you to at least one film you wouldn't have checked out before now.
Until next time, dear readers. Have fun, and do everything with a smile.
So last night I watched "The Social Network" with my good friend nancels. My initial reaction upon my first viewing was that of , uh (shoulder shrug). I thought it was intelligent, but, well i don't know, i just didn't really connect with it. So, I'm currently in the middle of my second viewing, I felt that I had to be missing something, and so far, I think I did. I'm loving it this time, so I'll leave you now to continue watching.
So here's my list:
10). "Fletch"--Chevy Chase at his very best.
9). "My Beautiful Laundrette"--Hello Daniel-Day Lewis! You're going places.
8). "Brazil"--Wow, Robert Deniro, so far removed from "Raging Bull". Can't wait to see what Terry Glliam has for us in the future.
7). "The Goonies"--Fun fun flick, I think it will stand the test of time. I think this will be watched for generations to come.
6). "Blood Simple"--These Coen Brothers are destined for greatness. I wish they'd do a real western.
5). "Witness"--Harrison Ford at the top of his game. I love the Amish.
4). "The Breakfast Club"--John Hughes is a great writer. Who knew he'd be a great director? I hope he directs more.
3). "The Color Purple"--Steven Spielberg's best work to date. This Whoopi Goldberg will surely win an Oscar. Beautiful film.
2). "Back To The Future"--Michael J. Fox is such a great talent. His work opposite Christopher Lloyd makes me want to see more of them together. I hope Bob Zemekis and Bob Gale have a couple more in them.
1). "Ran"-- Akira Kurosawa is a genius.
Honorable mention: "Out of Africa"-beautiful, but i fell asleep, twice.
Oh shit, I just realized this is my list from 1985. What? You say it's not 1985? Are you sure? Oh well, disregard this post. It will self-destruct in sixty seconds................................
Until Next time folks! Do something nice for someone.
So, dear readers, (if you're still out there?), I'm back. I've decided to come back to the blog world. I know, I know, you're all very excited. If you check it out to the left. I've given a little synopsis of what I'm going to try and be doing with my own little slice of the cyber city. You'll find reviews of everything here. On my schedule, have you. You'll find posts from current films I've been able to see. You'll also find older films being reviewed from my, ever-lengthening, Netflix queue. I might post a poem, or short story. I'll also take any requests from you guys. Anything you want reviewed by someone before you go see/read/or buy it. I'm your guy. I'll be your guinea pig. Or if there's a movie that you absolutely love, that a lot of people hate, ask me to watch it, I will, and I might agree with you, then again, I might not. If there's a topic of discussion, be it religion, politics, food, travel, make-up, and everything else in between, I'll be happy to post a discussion with my thoughts on it as well. So there it is folks. I'm back, for better or worse. I hope you all will enjoy this new blog o' mine. My first real post will appear sometime this week, It will be my top ten films of 2010. Also look for Oscar picks later on this month. Happy New Year folks!Until next time, Be Nice To Someone!
