5. True Grit
Nope, I didn't think I'd like this one either. Coen brothers' movies have always been a hit or miss for me. I find them compelling, but sometimes they are just dumb (Burn After Reading, The Ladykillers). So I wasn't sure what to expect. Add in the western aspect and I was almost positive I wouldn't find it pleasing. I was proven wrong. With the quick wit of the 14 year old lead character, and the drunken nature of Jeff Bridges slurring his words, the story comes together in this western tale of revenge and murder. The plot was simple, the characters were fun and interesting, and the overall concept brought forth a positive vibe from the movie. Not since Fargo have I seen a Coen brothers' movie that created such a realistic nature. The death scenes were quick, the wit was quicker, and the movie kept me intrigued the whole time.
4. The Kids Are All Right
I had no idea what the hell this movie would be about. A friend suggested it to me. It was playing at our "local" indie theater, so we went. The story was so true and realistic to today's society that it was easy to sympathize with the characters even though most of us aren't in their situation. Mark Ruffalo plays a man who once donated sperm when he was young and money seeking. We've all been there. His "daughter" turns 18 and decides to find out who the sperm donor was for her and her brother born from their lesbian mothers. Needless-to-say it was Ruffalo, who happens to live in the same area and becomes friendly with the family. He and Julianne Moore (one of the lesbians) begin an affair when they work together and all family riots ensue. I liked this movie for the real nature of its being. The true cataclysm of the family relationship shows the realistic feel of a dysfunctional American family.
3. Toy Story 3
Yeah, it probably could have been number 1, but it wasn't. This movie was an entertainment fest. I never laughed so hard in my life, that I can remember. This is also because I sat between two of my friends who have the most addicting laughs ever. But the movie was funny all the same. The combination of the characters we have come to know and love over the past 15 years brought us back to the beginning. Making us appreciate toys when we are young, and yes, even at an older age. Some people found it unusual that a 17 year old leaving for college felt so attached to his toys from childhood. But I found it real and inspiring. All people are attached to things for way longer than they should be, and we should cherish that feeling. This film brought everyone back to the comfort zone and took an hour and a half of our lives to make us feel young once again. And it did not hurt to see Mr. Potato Head trapped in a falafel.
2. The Social Network
Yep, a Facebook movie. It happened, and it only took 7 years. Yet the making of this movie was seemingly epic, while the movie itself took us to a whole new level of modern day conspiracy and theft. Identity theft does not hold a candle to the idea of stealing someone's internet dream scape. An escape and vision of reality so true that it redefines what it is to be "online". Who's on Facebook? Everyone. Who knows what Facebook is? Everyone. Who knows where Facebook came from? Now everyone. The fight for the digital frontier is brought about in this film, depicting the treachery and blogisms from Mark Zuckerberg, founder and creator of the Facebook algorithm. Add in Justin Timberlake as Napster frontman Sean Parker and you have yourself a fantastic thing that can only be called a film for our generation.
1. The Town
It's about that time to stop making fun of Ben Affleck. I know he's easy to bash, but why exactly? Is there anything this guy can't do? "He can't act", watch Boiler Room, "He can't direct", watch Gone Baby Gone. Oh, and hey, this movie brings about both of those qualities. The guy is awesome. I don't care who it is, Ben Affleck is the fucking man. He then pulls a great move by bringing in Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner and brings forth a phenomenal film. The film depicts a group of bank robbers hell bent on getting that one awesome heist. The vivid and emotional story line brings you into the depths of a lowly Boston neighborhood where robbing banks is as common as leaving out the "R" sound in words. Affleck stars and directs in this amazingly display of cinematic genius and prowess. Bring on the awards dude, you deserve it. Although the Academy is so crazy in love with older men getting Best Actor. Eh, maybe we'll see you with a statue in 20 years, long after Shia.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Top 10 Films of 2010
Alright, here it is. Another reason for you to bitch and moan about how I don't know anything. To be frank, no I did not see every movie to come out this year. But I did see a hell of a lot. Now, in the next week, this all could change if Blue Valentine or How Do You Know? blow me out of the water. But we'll see. This, being December 29, with 2 1/2 days of the year, I have compiled my list of the best films. It was hard to decipher through the mere entertainment of a movie (Jackass), or the true reality of what is possible in our lives (Going the Distance, Love and Other Drugs). Unfortunately, neither of these movies made my list, although they were close. But to judge, not merely on the state of a film's script, but the acting, and the overall engaging nature of the piece to bring my brain into such tranquility that it would make for a great movie. I will not supply you with full summaries, you don't read my shit anyway, but do me a favor. If you do read, give me some feedback. As much as I love being right in my own little brain, I do enjoy a nice discussion (or argument) over the validity of my selections. So we begin.
10. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Michael Cera playing awkward? NO! It can't be. Yet it is. But in this modern age re-adaptation of every video game we have come to know and love, the story debunks the true nature of the film and brings it to a whole new level. Pilgrim is a kid fighting for his love. End of story. But with Blu-Ray-esque(?) features and a plot line that is pretty compelling, this film slipped right into my list. This being one of those guilty pleasure type deals.
9. Black Swan
She's hot. That's the only thing I can think of when I think of Natalie Portman. She's Jewish? Check. She's not a tabloid sucking monster? Check check. Portman is a struggling ballet dancer working feverishly toward the top. Vincent Cassel (who is the bad guy from Derailed) brings about a good performance as Portman's douchebag of a ballet instructor. 110 minutes and many personalities later, I was transfixed by the beauty of something that would never usually grab my attention strings. The essence of ballet emits thoughts of beauty and beastry. I don't give a shit if that's not a word. You know what I mean.
8. Shutter Island
Leo's in it. That's all I know. I don't care how homo this sounds, I don't care if Leo was in a remake of Cursed, I would still see it. He's not only a generational actor for me, but someone that got me generally interested in movies. I was 11 when I saw Titanic twice in the theater (guilty). I don't think he's dreamy, he's a fucking good actor. So sue me. The book runs over the movie with an army tank, but the movie was good, too. Ben Kingsley, you still frighten me for a reason I can't explain.
7. The Fighter
Not since Fear (yep) have I seen Wahlberg in such a good movie. Who would have thought that the singer of once pop hit Good Vibrations would be in an Academy worthy movie. No, I don't think his performance was the caliber of award material. But I do find that his co-stars are. Christian Bale and Melissa Leo sink in the depths of a character only once seen before by yours truly in an unforgettable Joker played by the adept Heath Ledger. Bale and Leo steal the show in this once and fifty times told story of a struggling athlete fighting for a comeback.
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Yes, I read them. Yes, I've seen the movies. And yes, I love both the books and the movies. Don't say you've never been interested. The writing is tailored for audiences that enjoy fantasy and magic without all the guess work. The way the JK Rowling transfixes a mind into a world unknown to the common people is inspiring. She'll refer to something in the 6th book that was barely a headline in the 2nd book. She uses her cast of characters so fine that it brings your mind to a whole new level. The movies have gone up and down in the years with the changing directors and (due to completely uncontrollable circumstances) actor changes. The first two were very good, straight forward to tell a story. The third sucked. The fourth and fifth were fine, and the sixth is difficult to judge because the book and storyline did consist of a lot of talk setting up the seventh and final year for Harry and the gang at Hogwarts. The first part of the split up last movie was consistent with the book and told the story that needed to be told. The emotions brought forth the true nature of a Potter fan. That's all I expected and asked for.
To be continued...
10. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Michael Cera playing awkward? NO! It can't be. Yet it is. But in this modern age re-adaptation of every video game we have come to know and love, the story debunks the true nature of the film and brings it to a whole new level. Pilgrim is a kid fighting for his love. End of story. But with Blu-Ray-esque(?) features and a plot line that is pretty compelling, this film slipped right into my list. This being one of those guilty pleasure type deals.
9. Black Swan
She's hot. That's the only thing I can think of when I think of Natalie Portman. She's Jewish? Check. She's not a tabloid sucking monster? Check check. Portman is a struggling ballet dancer working feverishly toward the top. Vincent Cassel (who is the bad guy from Derailed) brings about a good performance as Portman's douchebag of a ballet instructor. 110 minutes and many personalities later, I was transfixed by the beauty of something that would never usually grab my attention strings. The essence of ballet emits thoughts of beauty and beastry. I don't give a shit if that's not a word. You know what I mean.
8. Shutter Island
Leo's in it. That's all I know. I don't care how homo this sounds, I don't care if Leo was in a remake of Cursed, I would still see it. He's not only a generational actor for me, but someone that got me generally interested in movies. I was 11 when I saw Titanic twice in the theater (guilty). I don't think he's dreamy, he's a fucking good actor. So sue me. The book runs over the movie with an army tank, but the movie was good, too. Ben Kingsley, you still frighten me for a reason I can't explain.
7. The Fighter
Not since Fear (yep) have I seen Wahlberg in such a good movie. Who would have thought that the singer of once pop hit Good Vibrations would be in an Academy worthy movie. No, I don't think his performance was the caliber of award material. But I do find that his co-stars are. Christian Bale and Melissa Leo sink in the depths of a character only once seen before by yours truly in an unforgettable Joker played by the adept Heath Ledger. Bale and Leo steal the show in this once and fifty times told story of a struggling athlete fighting for a comeback.
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Yes, I read them. Yes, I've seen the movies. And yes, I love both the books and the movies. Don't say you've never been interested. The writing is tailored for audiences that enjoy fantasy and magic without all the guess work. The way the JK Rowling transfixes a mind into a world unknown to the common people is inspiring. She'll refer to something in the 6th book that was barely a headline in the 2nd book. She uses her cast of characters so fine that it brings your mind to a whole new level. The movies have gone up and down in the years with the changing directors and (due to completely uncontrollable circumstances) actor changes. The first two were very good, straight forward to tell a story. The third sucked. The fourth and fifth were fine, and the sixth is difficult to judge because the book and storyline did consist of a lot of talk setting up the seventh and final year for Harry and the gang at Hogwarts. The first part of the split up last movie was consistent with the book and told the story that needed to be told. The emotions brought forth the true nature of a Potter fan. That's all I expected and asked for.
To be continued...
Monday, December 27, 2010
True Grit
True Grit
2010
Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges
Wow. It's a word that is seldom used by me. But the mere velocity of this western brings forth the word from my lips like a stain on a coffee table left by a cold drink. What does that mean? It's a good movie, that's what. The film facilitates true grit as the title suggests by bringing forth a collection of fast-talking, gun slinging, and more balls carried by a 14 year old girl than anyone I know.
The story focuses on 14 year old Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) searching revenge for her father's death. Her father's murderer is man named Tom Chaney (not to be confused with Dick Cheney, who shoots people, too). She is on the hunt for Chaney (Josh Brolin) and hires a gun slinging, quick talking, almost in-understandable Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Cogburn ditches the girl and hires LaBoeuf (pronounced La-Beef? We'll get to that later). The girl catches up with the two horsemen and the 3 of them ride together towards their ultimate goal of finding Chaney. Each with their own reason for finding Chaney, the three bump heads more times that I could count. The journey ensued brings forth a sense of a willingness to reach a goal, bring about friendship through strangers, and learning that no matter what age or gender, any one can do something as long as they work hard.
The Coen brothers don't always have a phenomenal movie in my eyes (Burn After Reading, The Ladykillers to name a couple). Anyway, this movie brought back to me the feeling of watching Fargo for the first, second, and even third time. The collection of characters and actors work together well in this gritty old western first brought about by the legendary John Wayne back in 1969. The irony, however, is that the Coen brothers never even saw the Duke's version of the movie. The made a re-adaptation of the book written by Charles Portis. This made sure to be interesting as the Coens made it impossible to create a direct copy of the original film.
Going on that fact, though, how did the Coen brothers know Damon's character's name was pronounced La-Beef? Did they simply guess, ask the author (if still alive), or just want to avoid any confusion with Shia. Yeah, I said it. It's spelled practically the same way, I'm just saying. Also, I know that it is a business, but I hate when movies and studios fail to recognize the main character in a movie. Hailee Steinfeld is the main character in True Grit. End of story. The camera follows her every move, and the other characters are secondary. So, on the poster of the movie, or the trailer, why isn't she first billed? There is a system, I know that. Don't comment to me of "oh they need to show that there's big actors in it, too". Well how come Jeff Bridges wasn't first billed in Stick It? How come Matt Damon wasn't first billed in Team America: World Police? There's a false nature to this business bringing about the hard work and exploitation of young actors that boggles my mind. Hailee Steinfeld deserves a lot of credit, including a Best Actress nomination, if she is to be nominated. Not Best Supporting Actress. The only thing she supported was the rest of the cast.
Oh, and Jeff Bridges, you talk like you have a gigantic tongue and no one can understand you. Please fix it or I'll piss on your rug.
Stars (out of 10): 8
2010
Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Jeff Bridges
Wow. It's a word that is seldom used by me. But the mere velocity of this western brings forth the word from my lips like a stain on a coffee table left by a cold drink. What does that mean? It's a good movie, that's what. The film facilitates true grit as the title suggests by bringing forth a collection of fast-talking, gun slinging, and more balls carried by a 14 year old girl than anyone I know.
The story focuses on 14 year old Mattie Ross (Steinfeld) searching revenge for her father's death. Her father's murderer is man named Tom Chaney (not to be confused with Dick Cheney, who shoots people, too). She is on the hunt for Chaney (Josh Brolin) and hires a gun slinging, quick talking, almost in-understandable Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges). Cogburn ditches the girl and hires LaBoeuf (pronounced La-Beef? We'll get to that later). The girl catches up with the two horsemen and the 3 of them ride together towards their ultimate goal of finding Chaney. Each with their own reason for finding Chaney, the three bump heads more times that I could count. The journey ensued brings forth a sense of a willingness to reach a goal, bring about friendship through strangers, and learning that no matter what age or gender, any one can do something as long as they work hard.
The Coen brothers don't always have a phenomenal movie in my eyes (Burn After Reading, The Ladykillers to name a couple). Anyway, this movie brought back to me the feeling of watching Fargo for the first, second, and even third time. The collection of characters and actors work together well in this gritty old western first brought about by the legendary John Wayne back in 1969. The irony, however, is that the Coen brothers never even saw the Duke's version of the movie. The made a re-adaptation of the book written by Charles Portis. This made sure to be interesting as the Coens made it impossible to create a direct copy of the original film.
Going on that fact, though, how did the Coen brothers know Damon's character's name was pronounced La-Beef? Did they simply guess, ask the author (if still alive), or just want to avoid any confusion with Shia. Yeah, I said it. It's spelled practically the same way, I'm just saying. Also, I know that it is a business, but I hate when movies and studios fail to recognize the main character in a movie. Hailee Steinfeld is the main character in True Grit. End of story. The camera follows her every move, and the other characters are secondary. So, on the poster of the movie, or the trailer, why isn't she first billed? There is a system, I know that. Don't comment to me of "oh they need to show that there's big actors in it, too". Well how come Jeff Bridges wasn't first billed in Stick It? How come Matt Damon wasn't first billed in Team America: World Police? There's a false nature to this business bringing about the hard work and exploitation of young actors that boggles my mind. Hailee Steinfeld deserves a lot of credit, including a Best Actress nomination, if she is to be nominated. Not Best Supporting Actress. The only thing she supported was the rest of the cast.
Oh, and Jeff Bridges, you talk like you have a gigantic tongue and no one can understand you. Please fix it or I'll piss on your rug.
Stars (out of 10): 8
The King's Speech
The King's Speech
2010
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush
Beginning in 1925, this film follows the story of the Duke of York (Bertie) through his trials and tribulations of public speaking. His father, King George V, asks him to speak at an event on the king's behalf in Wembley Stadium. The Duke, characterized by Colin Firth, fights with a strong stammer in his speaking voice, causing this speech to fail miserably. His wife, played by the lovely and sometimes terrifying Helena Bonham Carter, begs him to go for speech therapy before another big speech.
After trying a few methods, the Duke's wife meets a strange man who claims to be a speech therapist. The quick wit and strong demeanor of Geoffrey Rush's Lionel Logue convince the Duke to take up speech therapy with him. Ensuing are the ups and downs of speech therapy for a king in the wait. While he is in therapy, the clock jumps a bit in this film from year to year. His father dies, leaving the throne to his older brother, David. The brother cannot handle being king, and with the scandal of a forth coming marriage to a once-divorced woman, David gives the crown to Bertie. Now needing to act like a king, and with World War II just breaking out, Berties finds it in himself to make political and hopeful speeches to the country that he is the ruler of.
Firth's performance is believable as a troubled political power with a disability no one can seem to understand. Rush's quick wit and one-liners steal the show as the humor completely takes over any story that the unbalanced chronology seemed to try to have. The story is a simple one, bringing forth the difficulty of creating something this straight-forward into a motion picture. Firth's performance will likely get him an Academy Award nomination, and possible win. I'd be alright with that, but I feel that strong acting only can come about when the challenge is worth it. There is no greater way to tell a good actor than noticing that the actor has disappeared from the film and the character is there instead.
Stars (out of 10): 6
2010
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush
Beginning in 1925, this film follows the story of the Duke of York (Bertie) through his trials and tribulations of public speaking. His father, King George V, asks him to speak at an event on the king's behalf in Wembley Stadium. The Duke, characterized by Colin Firth, fights with a strong stammer in his speaking voice, causing this speech to fail miserably. His wife, played by the lovely and sometimes terrifying Helena Bonham Carter, begs him to go for speech therapy before another big speech.
After trying a few methods, the Duke's wife meets a strange man who claims to be a speech therapist. The quick wit and strong demeanor of Geoffrey Rush's Lionel Logue convince the Duke to take up speech therapy with him. Ensuing are the ups and downs of speech therapy for a king in the wait. While he is in therapy, the clock jumps a bit in this film from year to year. His father dies, leaving the throne to his older brother, David. The brother cannot handle being king, and with the scandal of a forth coming marriage to a once-divorced woman, David gives the crown to Bertie. Now needing to act like a king, and with World War II just breaking out, Berties finds it in himself to make political and hopeful speeches to the country that he is the ruler of.
Firth's performance is believable as a troubled political power with a disability no one can seem to understand. Rush's quick wit and one-liners steal the show as the humor completely takes over any story that the unbalanced chronology seemed to try to have. The story is a simple one, bringing forth the difficulty of creating something this straight-forward into a motion picture. Firth's performance will likely get him an Academy Award nomination, and possible win. I'd be alright with that, but I feel that strong acting only can come about when the challenge is worth it. There is no greater way to tell a good actor than noticing that the actor has disappeared from the film and the character is there instead.
Stars (out of 10): 6
Saturday, December 25, 2010
The Fighter
The Fighter
2010
Directed by: David O. Russell
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale
Reminding me of the 2008 Oscar race, the best supporting actor award should be a no-brainer. After Heath Ledger's film changing role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, there has been seemingly no clear cut solution to the winner of an award. Until now. Christian Bale (who ironically is the star of the Dark Knight) portrays the crack addicted brother of boxer Micky Ward (Wahlberg). Bale's willingness to let go of all he knows to find a soul in this character brings about the essence of true acting at its finest.
Bale's performance is greatly challenged by those of Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, and Mark Wahlberg himself. Adams plays Wahlberg's bartender girlfriend trying to get him onto the right track for a successful boxing career. Leo is Wahlberg's mother/manager in the film. She's relentless and thinks she only wants best for her son. However, Bale steals the show as Micky's former boxing hero brother and trainer, who is now addicted to crack and very unreliable.
The film follows the struggle of not only Ward's dwindling boxing career, but the family aspect of having your mother for a manager and too many sisters to count. The strong family values bring themselves too much into the story to make Wahlberg's character go crazy. This, in turn, causes him to lose focus on his career.
When his brother gets arrested, Ward hires a new trainer and manager to jumpstart his career again. The family fights ensue arguing over what is best for Micky. Working together and against each other at the same time, Ward's family pushes him to the breaking point to where he seems to want to quit. However, with the release of his brother and the support of his girlfriend, Ward makes a comeback and even is given his chance at a title shot.
The superb acting and directing capabilities are brought to this film in such a heart warming way. Boxing movies never had much appeal to me, but this one was not just about the boxing. It was about the struggle between family, friends, and what we think is right. The film is an instant classic sports movie, along with Hoosiers and Rudy. The fight for our lives is in our soul and our families. To fight we must work together. To win a fight, we must work well together.
Stars (out of 10): 8
2010
Directed by: David O. Russell
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale
Reminding me of the 2008 Oscar race, the best supporting actor award should be a no-brainer. After Heath Ledger's film changing role as the Joker in The Dark Knight, there has been seemingly no clear cut solution to the winner of an award. Until now. Christian Bale (who ironically is the star of the Dark Knight) portrays the crack addicted brother of boxer Micky Ward (Wahlberg). Bale's willingness to let go of all he knows to find a soul in this character brings about the essence of true acting at its finest.
Bale's performance is greatly challenged by those of Amy Adams, Melissa Leo, and Mark Wahlberg himself. Adams plays Wahlberg's bartender girlfriend trying to get him onto the right track for a successful boxing career. Leo is Wahlberg's mother/manager in the film. She's relentless and thinks she only wants best for her son. However, Bale steals the show as Micky's former boxing hero brother and trainer, who is now addicted to crack and very unreliable.
The film follows the struggle of not only Ward's dwindling boxing career, but the family aspect of having your mother for a manager and too many sisters to count. The strong family values bring themselves too much into the story to make Wahlberg's character go crazy. This, in turn, causes him to lose focus on his career.
When his brother gets arrested, Ward hires a new trainer and manager to jumpstart his career again. The family fights ensue arguing over what is best for Micky. Working together and against each other at the same time, Ward's family pushes him to the breaking point to where he seems to want to quit. However, with the release of his brother and the support of his girlfriend, Ward makes a comeback and even is given his chance at a title shot.
The superb acting and directing capabilities are brought to this film in such a heart warming way. Boxing movies never had much appeal to me, but this one was not just about the boxing. It was about the struggle between family, friends, and what we think is right. The film is an instant classic sports movie, along with Hoosiers and Rudy. The fight for our lives is in our soul and our families. To fight we must work together. To win a fight, we must work well together.
Stars (out of 10): 8
Monday, December 20, 2010
Black Swan
Black Swan
2010
Directed by: Darren Aronosfsky
Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis
Let me begin by saying: what a mind-fuck. Excuse the language, but that is the only proper way to describe this film. The film transcends you into the cutthroat world of professional ballet. I never thought a movie about ballet would interest me. However, the twist that this takes on the subject really brought me into a whole different level. I must say that the film was pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. I had heard different things from friends and reviewers about how it messes with your mind. It was awesome though seeing it for myself.
The movie (without ruining anything) is about a girl who is a dancer in a ballet company. The company's star dancer has retired, leaving the spot for the Swan Queen in their production of Swan Lake wide open for the taking. The film follows Portman as she struggles to achieve this monumental honor. She is overtaken by a sexually harassing boss, an overbearing mother, and a fellow dancer who will stop at nothing to ensure the part will become hers.
The story that follows brings about a spectacle of incidents and drama that entice the mind. Though I was under the weather while viewing the film, I still found it titillating and insanely interesting. The wonder of what will happen next is truly appealing. I really did not anticipate the ending (which I won't give away), but I did know it would be somewhere along those lines. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and look forward to the many awards that Natalie Portman will be nominated for, because I do believe she deserves it.
Stars (out of 10): 7 1/2
2010
Directed by: Darren Aronosfsky
Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis
Let me begin by saying: what a mind-fuck. Excuse the language, but that is the only proper way to describe this film. The film transcends you into the cutthroat world of professional ballet. I never thought a movie about ballet would interest me. However, the twist that this takes on the subject really brought me into a whole different level. I must say that the film was pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. I had heard different things from friends and reviewers about how it messes with your mind. It was awesome though seeing it for myself.
The movie (without ruining anything) is about a girl who is a dancer in a ballet company. The company's star dancer has retired, leaving the spot for the Swan Queen in their production of Swan Lake wide open for the taking. The film follows Portman as she struggles to achieve this monumental honor. She is overtaken by a sexually harassing boss, an overbearing mother, and a fellow dancer who will stop at nothing to ensure the part will become hers.
The story that follows brings about a spectacle of incidents and drama that entice the mind. Though I was under the weather while viewing the film, I still found it titillating and insanely interesting. The wonder of what will happen next is truly appealing. I really did not anticipate the ending (which I won't give away), but I did know it would be somewhere along those lines. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and look forward to the many awards that Natalie Portman will be nominated for, because I do believe she deserves it.
Stars (out of 10): 7 1/2
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Love & Other Drugs
Love & Other Drugs
2010
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Starring: Jake Gyllenhall, Anne Hathaway
Well here you have it, another romantic comedy. Oddly enough, this is Gyllenhall's first. I guess you could count The Princess Diaries as a rom-com, so Hathaway has been there. Well there was Valentine's Day. But I wouldn't really call that, well anything really. So the scoop. Wait, I've seen this one before. Man who is an overachieving honcho piece of crap who preys on women and makes it look all to easy. Woman who is emotionally unavailable and pretends to not care about anything in the world. Yet, they fall in love.
Emotionally, this film is pretty stable, but physically, it is hot. Anne Hathaway is naked in most of it. Kind of like Havoc, but without the rape. She is smoking. Hathaway makes the movie watchable for guys. Yeah the story was fine. But we all knew what would end up happening? How bout some irony for rom-coms, people? Bring us into the deep, dark pasts of the characters and exploit them at their rawest.
The comedy aspect was pretty good. Josh Gad does a wonderful Jonah Hill impression playing Gyllenhaal's overweight and overwealthy younger brother. When Gad's hot wife dumps him, he lives with Gyllenhaal. He throws out a couple one liners that made me smirk in my chair. One scene that I felt was unnecessary was when Gyllenhaal caught Gad watching a video of he and Hathaway. That's just gross. Who would want to watch a video of their brother having sex? It doesn't matter who it is, it just disturbs me.
Anyway, the movie was good overall. I know I just bashed it a bit, but I really don't have super positive things to say. It was good. Very straight forward. It kept me entertained until the last 5 minutes when I said to myself "oh, figures". But the story line was straight forward, taking us deep into the world of pharmaceutical sales. Seeing Gyllenhaal and Hathaway in a rom-com is a nice new treat. I'm getting kind of sick of the same four people in these types of movies. Thank you for bringing in people that we, as younger people, can relate to.
Stars (out of 10): 6 1/2
2010
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Starring: Jake Gyllenhall, Anne Hathaway
Well here you have it, another romantic comedy. Oddly enough, this is Gyllenhall's first. I guess you could count The Princess Diaries as a rom-com, so Hathaway has been there. Well there was Valentine's Day. But I wouldn't really call that, well anything really. So the scoop. Wait, I've seen this one before. Man who is an overachieving honcho piece of crap who preys on women and makes it look all to easy. Woman who is emotionally unavailable and pretends to not care about anything in the world. Yet, they fall in love.
Emotionally, this film is pretty stable, but physically, it is hot. Anne Hathaway is naked in most of it. Kind of like Havoc, but without the rape. She is smoking. Hathaway makes the movie watchable for guys. Yeah the story was fine. But we all knew what would end up happening? How bout some irony for rom-coms, people? Bring us into the deep, dark pasts of the characters and exploit them at their rawest.
The comedy aspect was pretty good. Josh Gad does a wonderful Jonah Hill impression playing Gyllenhaal's overweight and overwealthy younger brother. When Gad's hot wife dumps him, he lives with Gyllenhaal. He throws out a couple one liners that made me smirk in my chair. One scene that I felt was unnecessary was when Gyllenhaal caught Gad watching a video of he and Hathaway. That's just gross. Who would want to watch a video of their brother having sex? It doesn't matter who it is, it just disturbs me.
Anyway, the movie was good overall. I know I just bashed it a bit, but I really don't have super positive things to say. It was good. Very straight forward. It kept me entertained until the last 5 minutes when I said to myself "oh, figures". But the story line was straight forward, taking us deep into the world of pharmaceutical sales. Seeing Gyllenhaal and Hathaway in a rom-com is a nice new treat. I'm getting kind of sick of the same four people in these types of movies. Thank you for bringing in people that we, as younger people, can relate to.
Stars (out of 10): 6 1/2
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