Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Rain Man

Rain Man
1988
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise

So I know the film is 22 years old. But I had never seen it. I always saw it referenced in other films, but I wanted to see it for myself. Fantastic. It's a really good film. I really don't know what else to say. Of course seeing Tom Cruise kind of annoys me, well because he's annoying. But honestly he played his role really well. You have to have patience with this film because it's pretty long (2 hrs 13 mins), and there are certain parts that I found were kind of obnoxious and unnecessary.

Overall, the film was really good. The message it sent was awesome. I hated how during the Las Vegas scene I kept thinking about The Hangover (great movie). But that's just how it happened. But Jesus, Dustin Hoffman. I never really like him before (except in Hook), but he was fantastic playing autistic Raymond. The chemistry between Hoffman and Cruise was magical and believable.

It was also interesting to see how autism was looked at back in those times. Being an education major, I know that autism was never seen as a real disability until recently. There's a scene where a doctor says "He's artistic?" and Tom Cruise corrects her. She says "I don't understand". It's great that a doctor would not know what autism is. Anyway, good movie. I'm glad I have Netflix because it makes me able to see these films I would probably never see.

Stars (out of 4) * * * 1/2

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Crossing Over

Crossing Over
2009
Directed by: Wayne Kramer
Starring: Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta

Crash, anyone? This movie is based on a series of different characters coming together in some form or another. The illegal immigration situation in southern California is nothing new, but the spin and story on this somewhat lacks character development. You would think that a movie about this subject would focus a little bit on character development. Some of the characters you find yourself caring and wondering about, but that might be because it's someone like Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, or the hot chick from She's Out of My League naked in practically the entire movie. Either way, I'll take it.

I did like how the movie focused on more than just Mexico/America immigration. It find its way to focus on all aspects of not only immigration, but becoming an American citizen. It shows how Americans really take advantage of living in our country. However, the stories just seemed to hit a dead end and not really be resolved. I found myself not caring about whether or not they were deported or made into real citizens.

The movie had a huge cast for such a poorly done story. Harrison Ford and Ray Liotta are highly regarded actors, and they seemed to come up really short in this one. I found myself constantly looking at the ticker on my DVD player to see how close it was to the end.

Stars: **

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Sorority Row

Sorority Row
2009
Directed by: Stewart Hendler
Starring: Rumer Willis, Briana Evigan

So, this is why Netflix is awesome. Never would I go to Blockbuster to rent this (maybe drunk). Never would I watch it even if I recorded it on my DVR (maybe with a bunch of people). But for some reason, adding movies to my queue is really easy. So why not?

Sorority Row. More like No-bra-rority Row. This movie was actually quite intellectual. The intellect to show naked breasts in a horror film must have taken the genius of Kathryn "Deuce" Bigelow and James Cameron. Or maybe the work of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. Their daughter Rumer plays a nerdy sorority chick who would never be allowed to pledge this sorority if she wasn't related to Demi and Bruce. She, along with some friends attempt to prank one of their exes because he had cheated on her. Confused yet?

For some reason they give her Floories that she knows about and she pretends to be dead to freak the boyfriend out. He gets so upset and frustrated the he jams a tire iron in her chest which actually does end up killing her. The rest of the movie wanders around showing slutty girls try to look professional to their boyfriends' rich parents and other adults. If you're in a sorority, everyone knows how you act in college. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but acting like you don't inject vodka into your vains and sleep with psychiatrists to gain pills is a load of crap.

Soap box done. Moving on. I don't know why I'm spending so much time writing about this. It has some interesting story that actually could have been interesting if they actually stayed on topic. The scare factor was nill. The boob factor was decent. The chicks pillow fighting during a rager was insane. Not only pillow fighting but they overloaded the hot tub with bubble bath which of course made for every average man's wet dream (sorry Mom). Feeling a bit disappointed I went back to my facebook to see what all normal people in (and out) of college were doing. Moral of the story: do not get a flat tire with a sorority girl. She'll just jam it through your heart.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are
2009
Directed by: Spike Jonze
Starring: Max Records, James Gandolfini

When I first saw a trailer for this movie, I got excited. I couldn't believe that a truly amazing book was going to be made into a feature film. Then I re-read the book and realized it wasn't quite as long as I had remembered. I wondered how they would take a short book and make it into a feature.

I was pleasantly surprised. Although the story could have used a little more work, the movie was overall enjoyable. The way that the characters were brought to life really snuck up on you on how realistic they were. The CGI or animatronics that they used made you believe that the Wild Things were real creatures on this abandoned island. I felt that James Gandolfini's voice (along with heavy breathing) did not really fit with the Carol character. Other than that, I felt that I could watch those characters forever. The way they interacted with each other was very intriguing. Max Records was outstanding as lonely Max. He seemed to really fit in his element as the outcast boy who has virtually no friends.

Like I said, the story was a little weak, which I expected, but the characters and relationships made the movie pretty good overall. I enjoyed watching the relationships unfold and the trust instilled in the Wild Things' king. I loved this book as a child. I love the book now as a teacher able to pass on the knowledge of the book. And now, the movie can take the book to a new level. With imagination peeking around the corner, and showing true friendship at its best.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Vicious Kind

The Vicious Kind
2009
Directed by: Lee Toland Krieger
Starring: Adam Scott, Brittany Snow

So yeah, Brittany Snow is gorgeous. Did you ever see John Tucker Must Die? She was hot as a blonde in that and Prom Night, and in this film she is smoking with dyed jet black hair. Anyway, Brittany plays Emma, a girl who is visiting her boyfriend's family for Thanksgiving break. The boyfriend is some no name guy and his father is played by the always alluring JK Simmons. Adam Scott portrays Caleb, a recently broken hearted shell of a man. He doesn't care about his appearance, and he is very angry at everyone. He drives the girl and the boyfriend (Peter) home for the holiday.

After arriving Caleb starts to develop a slight obsession with Emma. Well I would too probably. The movie does not take any stupid turns. It does not fail to grip your attention to the characters. The characters are portrayed with such raw emotion that it makes you want the movie to continue longer. The relationship between Caleb and Peter gives you the feeling that they really are brothers. And, after looking at the outer shell, Brittany Snow really comes together as the beautiful girl dealing with a lot of emotions. JK Simmons does a great job playing a father torn by the death of his wife and the estrangement of his eldest son (Caleb).

The story grabs hold of you in the very first scene, and it continues to hold you in and make you curious as to what will come next. There was a sex scene towards the later part of the movie that is intense and gives you the feeling of being there. The filmmakers did not use sex as a ploy. They did not need to make it a spectacle. They just made it very important to the story.

This was truly a well done film. There were barely any slow parts, and I liked how it flowed. The fury of the characters is well documented and you really start to feel for them. The relationships seem authentic and well played by the actors.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Alice In Wonderland

Alice In Wonderland
2010
Directed By: Tim Burton
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp

I give Tim Burton a lot of credit a lot of the time. I didn't hate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Was it as good as the original? Hell no. The thing is, I've discovered that if it weren't for Johnny Depp, I don't know if I'd like any of these movies.

Once again, Johnny Depp slam dunked and took over the entire film with his lispy and Scottish? portrayal of the Mad Hatter. The acting in the movie other than Depp was subpar. The new British girl playing Alice was a cute blonde who seemed just as confused for the 2 hours as I did. Not that the story was confusing, but there was zero characted development.

I understand that it is an adaptation of a childhood fairy tale, but they tried to have character development and didn't do it correctly. The beginning and end taking place in London was slow and predicatable. The middle part taking place in Wonderland was a little more of the same. I saw this movie in 2D and I don't like how certain camera shots are intentionally done in one way to create the 3D effect for the 3D feature. To be honest, it completely took away from the cinematography, and I was so wrapped up in trying to figure out what would be in 3D that I lost focus.

The story seemed rushed out and the speaking parts seemed rushed and incomplete. There were a lot of plot holes that will not be discussed here as to not give away anything. But trust me, I wouldn't be giving away much.

Avatar

Ah, Avatar. I just started this blog a few days ago and I've decided to write about one of the most historical film experiences in the history of the industry.

Avatar
2009
Directed by: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana

Avatar (in retrospect) is a terrible movie. I do not say this lightly. I absolutely loved it. But the allure that the film created has taken away from the original allure of all films. Intriguing the audience with expensive effects and visuals can brainwash someone into loving a film that has done one too many times over.

I remember during my original viewing that I said "ok this is like The Matrix meets Fergully". Which was exactly correct. The effects = unbelievable. The CGI = amazing. The story = insufferable. What good is a movie without a solid story to build on? I know for those of you who know me, it is insane to see my logic in loving the story behind the original Scream. Or Stir of Echoes for that matter. But at least they were pretty original. Scream was the first "horror" film to poke fun of other horror films. It wasn't right in your face like Scary Movie, but it was the purpose of the film.

What I'm trying to say is that if you're going to spend $300 million, then at least afford a decent screenwriter. James Cameron is a genius. Practically every movie he has directed have been hits. But how can you sell yourself out to a story that has been done many times over? I loved Avatar, and I look forward to seeing it in blu-ray, and maybe even 3D tv? Who knows? What I do know is that the making of the blockbuster film is changed forever.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Shutter Island

So I don't know if you're gonna get annoyed by this, but frankly I don't care. But I am not reviewing movies in any particular order. I started with The Crazies, and now I shall talk about Shutter Island.

Shutter Island, 2010
Directed by: Martin Scorcese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo

When I first heard about this project about 2 years ago in an episode of Entourage, I thought "man what a dumb title". And to this day I still think the title (and the name of the island) could have been a little more thought out. To be completely honest, I had no interest in something with such a lame title.

That is until, of course, I heard that Leonardo DiCaprio was the lead. Now don't take this the wrong way. I am not some crazed fan talking about the size and ratio of Leo's abs or the wonderful part that always ends up in his hair. But I am a Leo fan. I've always held true to the fact that it seems like any good Leo movie has him dying or getting arrested in the end.

Now I'm not going to give away the ending, but I assure you this is a good movie despite my previous statement. A few months before the release I had seen the trailer about 37 million times before any other movie I saw at the local theater. There was even one movie (not sure which) that showed the Shutter Island trailer twice in a row. Mistake? Or brilliance on the part of Martin Scorcese? Who knows? But I've talked about trailers already.

I also had received a copy of the book written by Dennis Lehane. I read the book rather quickly (considering I'm not the best of readers). I was astounded by the fact that I found it really predictable, yet I was not able to put down the copy of the novel. I found it fascinating. He found a way to use descriptive words without making it feel like an epic poem.

After reading the book, I was curious to see how the movie would pan out. Turns out that the movie was exactly like the book. It was actually cool because while reading the book I could picture the actor's faces because I had seen the trailer so much.

The only complaint I had was about the dream sequences. They seemed a little too unreal and unfocused. I felt that if I hadn't read the book, I would be thoroughly confused. Oh, another complaint I had was Michelle Williams. God she is awful. Every time I see her I think of Dawson's Creek and how Dawson was so dumb that he fell for her and not hot-ass Katie Holmes (pre Tom Cruise and psychoness). The only thing Michelle Williams did correctly was had Heath Ledger's babies. Because now his legend will be here by at least half. Other than that, she should drop off the planet. I mean, Brokeback Mountain? Jake and Heath were better actresses in that movie.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Day 1 - 3/2/10

I've introduced what I am doing. So let's get going. Through this blog I will try to be as candid and free-telling of films I've seen. I will do everything in my power to prevent spoiler alerts. I am not looking to gain credit as a film critic. I just want to be seen as the average American man who likes to see movies.

So who wants to wonder why I thought of creating this blog after seeing The Crazies?

The Crazies
2010
Directed by: Breck Eisner
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell

When I first saw a trailer for this movie, I was intrigued. After viewing it tonight I see the power that movie trailer can have. the premise for the movie was (and is) not original anymore. It felt like ET meets Cloverfield meets Dawn of the Dead. Scampering around dark corners and having scary faces pop out does not scare me anymore. I don't understand. Did you know that most of the fear brought out in horror movies comes from loud noises or sounds? A good horror movie to judge this on is Paranormal Activity. That movie does not need loud bangs or music to create the creepiness that is instilled in us throughout.

The feature I screened tonight held up a few bargains of making me cringe at certain points. I don't know why, but seeing the movie on a work night actually kind of angers me. Now of course it was free (which will be explained for those who don't know), but seeing a movie after a long 9 hour day is hard to do. With amazing things like Netflix and a DVR, I can see practically any movie or film I want to. The Crazies would not be one I'd see again.

First Rounds - 3/2/10

So here I am. First day of my first blog. I don't count typing on facebook walls and twitter a blog. More of a stalker-esque way of doing things. I'm not putting down twitter or the book, but you know what I mean.

Anyway, I'm here to write about films and movies (yes there is a difference). To be honest, not everyone will like what I'm going to say. If I wanted you to like it then I'd probably say it straight to you. This is strictly opinion. It feels like I have so much to say all the time that I should write it down. Or type it, for more of a modern spin.

I like movies. I love movies for that matter. I see them any time I can. I like all different kinds. Sometimes I'll see a movie just because someone else wants to see it. I may not know what the plot is, but I can live with that.

Over the course of this blog I will discuss different movies I see and what I think. I will try to talk about them on the day I see them, but I am pretty busy working and being awesome. I do have a life and sometimes I feel my life is fulfilled by some of the people that I see these movies with (yes I will probably mention you).

For all intents and purposes, just read this blog as a guide to help you decide whether or not you want to waste 71 minutes (Eight Crazy Nights), or enjoy 3 hrs 4 minutes (Titanic). I have strong opinions that I feel should be shared. So here it goes.