Archive for November, 2007
This Christmas
♥1/2
Though I enjoyed looking at the beautiful people who starred in this film, I think it was flawed. The singing portions were badly edited and looked lipped-synched. I hate that. During the course of the film, one character decides to leave her spouse — and everyone clinks glasses & happily toasts the absence of the husband – IN FRONT OF THE COUPLE’S KIDS! I couldn’t believe it! Even though he was a complete jerk, he’s still the children’s dad. Also, there was a scene involving a belt and some baby oil that was supposed to be funny, I guess – it was not. No one in the theater (all 8 of us) laughed.
I did love the family – its matriarch, its secrets, its beautiful LA home. Wait for the DVD.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )American Gangster
♥♥♥
If this film had not been based on a true story, I would have hated it—I would have thought, “Who wrote this horribly violent, unrealistic and depressing script?” But is was a true story – the story of Frank Lucas, the African American heroin drug lord of 1970’s NYC, and Detective Richie Roberts, who strove to bring him down. Russell Crowe, as Roberts, was excellent (has he ever not been excellent?). His accent and 70’s hair was spot-on. Denzel did a fine job as well. I appreciated his subltety; he could have easily gone over the top. But Josh Brolin stole the show with his portrayal of a cop on-the-take.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )August Rush
♥♥
My 17-year old loved this movie – she bought into the sentimentality of the film and it’s “fairy tale” nature with no problem. At the end of the film, when all of the loose ends are tied neatly into one triumphant, tear-jerking orchestral bow, my 12-year old, however, looked at me, laughing, and said, “They’ve got to be kiddin’ me!” (“They” being the makers of this movie.) Listen closely to the narration – the film was openly honest from the very start about it’s fairy tale-ishness –so I think it earned its over-the-top sentimentality. I had no problem suspending belief for this film – except for one thing: I think the main character, August Rush, was horribly miscast. I loved Freddie Highmore when he starred in “Finding Neverland” and “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory,” but I believe the character of August Rush called for a more intense child actor – perhaps a younger version of Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who was superb in the film (Louis Connelly). I didn’t really buy into Freddie’s August as being a musical prodigy—some serious film editing occurred to make his guitar-playing and orchestra-conducting seem even remotely realistic. That said, I enjoyed the film.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Dan in Real Life
♥♥♥1/2
It’s hard to put my finger on why I loved this movie so much. Maybe it’s because I hadn’t heard too much about it before I saw it and my expectations were low. Perhaps it’s because my whole family went together and we WALKED to the movie theater, which turned out to be great fun. But I think maybe I loved it because this movie had heart–a warm and genuine heart. The film tells the story of Dan Burns, a widower and devoted dad to his three daughters. While attending a family gathering out of town, Dan falls in love with Marie, a woman he meets at a book store. Marie just happens to be dating Dan’s brother Mitch. This movie is tender yet laugh-out-loud funny – especially when the whole family is together. Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche and Dane Cook are excellent; Dianne Wiest is wonderful as Dan’s mom. Go see it.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Lars and The Real Girl
♥♥♥♥
This is a perfect movie—a sweet, tender comedy starring Ryan Gosling as Lars Lindstrom, an overly shy young guy living in a small northern town. Lars finally announces to his brother and sister-in-law that he has a girlfriend; however, she’s not real – she’s a sex doll Lars ordered off the internet. Don’t freak out – sex is the last thing on Lars’ mind. Lars is taking it slow – he wants to build a meaningful relationship based on trust and friendship. Most folks, family or not, would try to have someone like Lars committed – but the ENTIRE town goes along with Lars’ psychotic beliefs because he’s such a sweet, genuine person and the townsfolk truly love him. The acting is stellar, especially Ryan Gosling. Patricia Clarkson, a favorite of mine, is a stand-out as the family doctor.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Bee Movie
♥♥
I typically love children’s films and am very forgiving. For some reason, Bee Movie did not resonate with me. The film tells the story of a bee named Barry B. Benson, who is a recent college graduate. Barry is unhappy with his career choices – all one of them – so he breaks some rules: leaves the hive and becomes entangled with Vanessa, a human florist. The first part of the film is wonderful. There are clever sight gags and amusing references to “The Graduate” (I was the only one laughing in my row; then again, I was the only one older than 12.) I believe the film completely and utterly derails in the second half. It should have stayed in the hive and out of the courtroom. Wait for the DVD.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Martian Child
♥♥
Fine acting saved this film from zero stars. (Everyone in Hollywood knows that “zero stars” from MovieKat is something to be avoided at all costs…..I digress.) John Cuzack and newcomer Bobby Coleman deserve praise. The film tells the story of David, a childless widower and highly successful science-fiction writer, who decides to adopt Dennis, a strange and socially awkward child who claims to be from Mars. The film is well done for the most part – but it glaringly glosses over some real issues surrounding neglected foster children. In real life, a big hug and “it’s not your fault” is not enough to heal deep emotional wounds. The film reminded a little bit of “Good Will Hunting”—if you recall, Robin Williams plays a therapist who keeps telling screwed-up Will (Matt Damon) that his childhood abuse was “not your fault, not your fault”–and evidently that was enough to bust up the thick walls separating Will from happiness and his true love. That breakthrough rang false in “Good Will Hunting,” but I lapped it up with a big ol’ spoon anyway because I cared a lot about Matt’s character—which is so important in a movie. I’m willing to completely suspend belief for a character I care about. I did care about Dennis in “Martian Child,” but obviously not enough. It didn’t ring true here.
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