9/300
The Runaways
Dir. Florida Sigismondi
I was sad to notice after watching this movie, that it looks like the approximate 10 million $ that it cost to create, barely made 4 mil back, even with a 244 screen release. This movie seemed to fly under a lot of people's radar. Maybe it had to do with the casting or the trailers, but in the end, this was an amazing little find for my 300.
These girls show their chops in this film. If you can get past their Eclipse pasts and get into this movie, they seem to do a really good Jett/Cherie. And they especially seem to work in this bildungsroman tale (a little vocabulary lesson, it's a coming of age story).
The lighting in this film is fabulous as well. I loved the intensity of the shadows and the passion and fire of the reds. This could have been a make or break for a movie that has about 1/4 of it's action taking place on a stage.
And of course, the music was like a cherry on top.
So, anyway, I feel like this movie, despite the girlie pop cover and traliers, was actually a pretty nice surprise. Plus, it's currently on Netflix, watch instantly. So, hit that up!
Run time 106 min +937 = 1043 minutes viwed thus far.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
We Were Really Bad.
Very Bad Things
Dir. Peter Berg
This movie had it's faults. It was an alright storyline that you can tell has been done since, but overall, I had some major issues investing myself into this one.
So, right off the bat, it seems like there are a lot of moments in this movie, mainly with Cameron Diaz, where I feel like the editor or the director should have sped up the takes or had the other actor speak quicker. If you watch, for instance, when they are in the parking lot, and Laura comes out to tell the boys she wants them inside, she stands there for an awkwardly long time pointing at the door before anyone else speaks. It's almost like everyone in the scene forgot what comes next. But this happens quite often, causing some party scenes and fighting scenes that should be more fast and chaotic seem... well... choreographed.
My biggest issue with the overall film, and the reason I don't feel like it worked nearly as well as other movies that have come out since, is that it doesn't seem like the movie can decide what kind of movie it wants to be. Is it a comedy? Is it a roadtrip movie? Is it an ethical movie that you should take sides on and try to figure out who's the bad guy in this? Or is it a deranged chaos trip movie? It never really makes that decision either. The Hangover works because it's a comedy. Fear and Loathing works because it's an arty drug trip. Plain and Simple. But with this movie, it was just so undecided and scattered.
Now don't get me wrong, it did have it's moments. I liked the dark humor bits scattered in there, like when the widow fights back and when Laura shows her bridezilla side. But overall, there was no common thread throughout this movie to hold it all together.
Run time 100 min + 837 previously viewed = 937 so far
Dir. Peter Berg
This movie had it's faults. It was an alright storyline that you can tell has been done since, but overall, I had some major issues investing myself into this one.
So, right off the bat, it seems like there are a lot of moments in this movie, mainly with Cameron Diaz, where I feel like the editor or the director should have sped up the takes or had the other actor speak quicker. If you watch, for instance, when they are in the parking lot, and Laura comes out to tell the boys she wants them inside, she stands there for an awkwardly long time pointing at the door before anyone else speaks. It's almost like everyone in the scene forgot what comes next. But this happens quite often, causing some party scenes and fighting scenes that should be more fast and chaotic seem... well... choreographed.
My biggest issue with the overall film, and the reason I don't feel like it worked nearly as well as other movies that have come out since, is that it doesn't seem like the movie can decide what kind of movie it wants to be. Is it a comedy? Is it a roadtrip movie? Is it an ethical movie that you should take sides on and try to figure out who's the bad guy in this? Or is it a deranged chaos trip movie? It never really makes that decision either. The Hangover works because it's a comedy. Fear and Loathing works because it's an arty drug trip. Plain and Simple. But with this movie, it was just so undecided and scattered.
Now don't get me wrong, it did have it's moments. I liked the dark humor bits scattered in there, like when the widow fights back and when Laura shows her bridezilla side. But overall, there was no common thread throughout this movie to hold it all together.
Run time 100 min + 837 previously viewed = 937 so far
Open Door Policy
7/300
Going the Distance
Dir. Nanette Burstein
This was a recommendation from a Mr. Ronald Short down in Texas. So, shout out to him! :)
Hit up the Redbox for this little gem, and was surprised to see what had flown in under the radar. Very funny little movie about two people trying to make a long distance relationship work. And rumor has it, the leads, Justin Long and Drew Barrymore were, and maybe still are, dating. Those kisses didn't look fake, I'll put it that way.
I must say, I feel like this was a really well put together script. You could tell the writer had some experience in the subject (I had thought this during the view, and imdb confirmed). The only real issues that I had with the flow was in the beginning of their meetings. It just seemed like they were not emotional enough in that moment of shock. Maybe that's me though. People respond to these things differently, but I feel like these two should have considered sitting at an airport and seeing people reunite for a little research. It just seemed more like they had just seen each other again after a day or two apart or something. Small flaw, though.
Otherwise, the comedy was amazing. Charlie Day is a hilarious comedic relief to any moment and putting Jason Sudeikis as his counter part in their circle just worked.
Now, I wouldn't say this is a must-see, but if you're looking for a fun movie and you don't want to have to exert yourself much into mind bending exercises or trying to sort out moral and ethical dilemmas, this is a good kick-back movie.
Run time 102 + 735 = 837 minutes invested into this so far.
Going the Distance
Dir. Nanette Burstein
This was a recommendation from a Mr. Ronald Short down in Texas. So, shout out to him! :)
Hit up the Redbox for this little gem, and was surprised to see what had flown in under the radar. Very funny little movie about two people trying to make a long distance relationship work. And rumor has it, the leads, Justin Long and Drew Barrymore were, and maybe still are, dating. Those kisses didn't look fake, I'll put it that way.
I must say, I feel like this was a really well put together script. You could tell the writer had some experience in the subject (I had thought this during the view, and imdb confirmed). The only real issues that I had with the flow was in the beginning of their meetings. It just seemed like they were not emotional enough in that moment of shock. Maybe that's me though. People respond to these things differently, but I feel like these two should have considered sitting at an airport and seeing people reunite for a little research. It just seemed more like they had just seen each other again after a day or two apart or something. Small flaw, though.
Otherwise, the comedy was amazing. Charlie Day is a hilarious comedic relief to any moment and putting Jason Sudeikis as his counter part in their circle just worked.
Now, I wouldn't say this is a must-see, but if you're looking for a fun movie and you don't want to have to exert yourself much into mind bending exercises or trying to sort out moral and ethical dilemmas, this is a good kick-back movie.
Run time 102 + 735 = 837 minutes invested into this so far.
Wall Street
6/300
Wall Street
Dir. Oliver Stone
Having had the sequel's trailers caught my eye, as per usual, I decided I must see the first one before going into the second. I'm a little OCD like that and can't handle feeling like I'm not in the loop. But, of course, I never found the time to see the first one, and completely missed my chance to catch the second in theaters. Working for a company that makes a bit of a big deal with new releases though, when it came out on dvd, I felt the need again. And again I failed to see the first one.
Anyway, long story short, this is something that was on my list for a while, and has now been checked off.
So, some amazing lighting in this film. The shadows seem to mirror the whole feeling of the film. In this, I mean that at times people stay in the shadows, others, they show parts of themselves, and some characters aren't shadowed at all, but they don't seem to have the secrets to hide from the others.
Michael Douglas was fantastic. Every move he makes on screen is calculated. You can read him, but you can't. You don't know how fully invested in someone else until he comes out and says it, and even then, you don't. There was one particular moment with this character that I felt was a complete game changer for me. When Gecko is on the beach, and instead of talking about business and the fact that he thought other's shouldn't sleep because time was money, and money never sleeps, he looks out and he takes in the ocean. He says something along the lines of, 'I wish you could see what I see'. It's this moment that makes Gecko human. He has vaults, and he's not just a money grubbing maniac. I don't know how much of this was scripted/directed/or just Douglas, but it's powerful stuff.
Anyway, I cannot wait to see the sequel.
Run time 126 + 610 = 736
Wall Street
Dir. Oliver Stone
Having had the sequel's trailers caught my eye, as per usual, I decided I must see the first one before going into the second. I'm a little OCD like that and can't handle feeling like I'm not in the loop. But, of course, I never found the time to see the first one, and completely missed my chance to catch the second in theaters. Working for a company that makes a bit of a big deal with new releases though, when it came out on dvd, I felt the need again. And again I failed to see the first one.
Anyway, long story short, this is something that was on my list for a while, and has now been checked off.
So, some amazing lighting in this film. The shadows seem to mirror the whole feeling of the film. In this, I mean that at times people stay in the shadows, others, they show parts of themselves, and some characters aren't shadowed at all, but they don't seem to have the secrets to hide from the others.
Michael Douglas was fantastic. Every move he makes on screen is calculated. You can read him, but you can't. You don't know how fully invested in someone else until he comes out and says it, and even then, you don't. There was one particular moment with this character that I felt was a complete game changer for me. When Gecko is on the beach, and instead of talking about business and the fact that he thought other's shouldn't sleep because time was money, and money never sleeps, he looks out and he takes in the ocean. He says something along the lines of, 'I wish you could see what I see'. It's this moment that makes Gecko human. He has vaults, and he's not just a money grubbing maniac. I don't know how much of this was scripted/directed/or just Douglas, but it's powerful stuff.
Anyway, I cannot wait to see the sequel.
Run time 126 + 610 = 736
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Ray, man.
5/300
Rain man
Dir. Barry Levinson
I know. I can't believe I can even call myself a cinefile without having seen this, especially after having seen it. Whoa. All I can say is that a whole lot of other movies make a lot more sense now.
So, even if Tom is a little crazy now, it's hard to lose any respect for this guy after this movie. This character made you just want to punch him, BUT I can't say I was surprised that he'd eventually come around.
Now, having heard the advice from tropic thunder, "never go full retard", you know Ray totally isn't, which makes him and his potential for not just fart humor(which he can still bring to the table and make work), but even counting cards and picking up women becomes more and more entertaining along this road trip. I mean, Rainman almost bankrupt a casino and he's a retard.
I'd argue this is the best road trip movie I've seen so far. A very feel good movie that should make everyone's must see list!
Uh oh, fart.
Run time - 133 + 477 = 610 min viewing so far!
Rain man
Dir. Barry Levinson
I know. I can't believe I can even call myself a cinefile without having seen this, especially after having seen it. Whoa. All I can say is that a whole lot of other movies make a lot more sense now.
So, even if Tom is a little crazy now, it's hard to lose any respect for this guy after this movie. This character made you just want to punch him, BUT I can't say I was surprised that he'd eventually come around.
Now, having heard the advice from tropic thunder, "never go full retard", you know Ray totally isn't, which makes him and his potential for not just fart humor(which he can still bring to the table and make work), but even counting cards and picking up women becomes more and more entertaining along this road trip. I mean, Rainman almost bankrupt a casino and he's a retard.
I'd argue this is the best road trip movie I've seen so far. A very feel good movie that should make everyone's must see list!
Uh oh, fart.
Run time - 133 + 477 = 610 min viewing so far!
Rules.
4/300
Rules of Attraction
Dir. Roger avery
So, this was a double feature night at my apartment with the movie previously blogged about, Wild at Heart, but was very different. I can def see where this movie fits into a "must see" category though in the grand scheme of things, especially for a filmmaker. Although, i really don't have much to say about it. Don't get me wrong, I loved the movie. The pacing was very good, and the characters were well developed, and they all seemed to get just what was coming to them, with the exception of Lauren, i would debate, . maybe, it was just a lot to digest when I wasn't ready for it.
I was very taken aback about how quickly this movie changed from what looks like a college flick that's very two dimensional to a very deep and ironic movie that had something to say about the college experience. The case seemed to imply i was about to watch She's all That or something of the same capacity, but went somewhere completely unexpected. At times, it seemed to turn back to wink at that type of movie too which would make me start to worry that it was about to stop, but then, it'd turn right back around and go racing forward into one of their backstories leading up to the end of the world party. Anyway, a beautifully handled film.
Rock'n Roll.
Run time 110 min + 367 = 477
Rules of Attraction
Dir. Roger avery
So, this was a double feature night at my apartment with the movie previously blogged about, Wild at Heart, but was very different. I can def see where this movie fits into a "must see" category though in the grand scheme of things, especially for a filmmaker. Although, i really don't have much to say about it. Don't get me wrong, I loved the movie. The pacing was very good, and the characters were well developed, and they all seemed to get just what was coming to them, with the exception of Lauren, i would debate, . maybe, it was just a lot to digest when I wasn't ready for it.
I was very taken aback about how quickly this movie changed from what looks like a college flick that's very two dimensional to a very deep and ironic movie that had something to say about the college experience. The case seemed to imply i was about to watch She's all That or something of the same capacity, but went somewhere completely unexpected. At times, it seemed to turn back to wink at that type of movie too which would make me start to worry that it was about to stop, but then, it'd turn right back around and go racing forward into one of their backstories leading up to the end of the world party. Anyway, a beautifully handled film.
Rock'n Roll.
Run time 110 min + 367 = 477
Not Quite Wilde at Heart, but it'll do.
3/300Wild at Heart
Dir. David Lynch
Alright, so, I'd like to start this with an apology for being delayed in these posts by nearly a week. Just went to Austin to secure an apartment for a big move. Very exciting, but very draining. So, i come to you from the passenger seat of my car on my way back to Indiana from my new Texas home. Which means for you, dear readers, soon enough these posts will be taking a nice turn to draft house cinema and South by Southwest indie flicks. How very exciting. :)
Anyway, I have never been a fan of Nic Cage. He does a good disgruntled human being (YouTube it, there are awesome montages), but other than this, I've always felt like he doesn't even know who he is enough to feel comfortable in his own skin, especially when trying to make his skin be someone else's. This movie seemed to fit him in his identity issues. I don't know how much of this was planned and how much can be chalked up to him just being weird. Whatever, it works.
There is a lot to say about this film, most of which is kind of just random thoughts. For instance, the fact that they used a roller coaster screaming track when he sings the Elvis music when they go dancing.... Maybe i was the only one to catch this though, having worked in a theme park and heard this on a daily basis for several years myself. Anyway, it bothered me. And Nic's Elvis voice is reused again when he did Ghostrider. Ick. That movie alone is enough to loose respect for m completely.
The biggest things that were interesting and helped this film really have a sense of self were completely Lynch related. Having seen Eraserhead, i feel like Lynch really shows his inner thoughts and fears in his films. Not knowing much about him as a person, as a viewer i can conclude that he is terrified of having children, maybe he doesn't know how to connect to them as a mother and child can, but his fathers def don't handle children well, and themselves are worried so much about being good fathers themselves, they actually become bad ones instead. Sailer does redeem himself in the end, but he still does acknowledge this fear.
He also has a very strange take on sexuality. It seems almost as if he cannot decide if it's beautiful or repulsive. For instance, he has Lula wear red lipstick in a very passionate and suggestively sexually heated sense, but later we see her on screen after being raped with the same bright red color, but instead it's blood gushing from her lips. It's this sort of mixed emotions about things that leave the viewer at unrest.
Otherwise, this was a typical Lynch film. A little more of a clear cut story line, but the same chaos of strange characters and random happenings. Liked this more than Eraserhead, but that made me know I'll never be ready to have an alien-looking baby.
Run time 124min + 243 previously viewed = 367 min
Dir. David Lynch
Alright, so, I'd like to start this with an apology for being delayed in these posts by nearly a week. Just went to Austin to secure an apartment for a big move. Very exciting, but very draining. So, i come to you from the passenger seat of my car on my way back to Indiana from my new Texas home. Which means for you, dear readers, soon enough these posts will be taking a nice turn to draft house cinema and South by Southwest indie flicks. How very exciting. :)
Anyway, I have never been a fan of Nic Cage. He does a good disgruntled human being (YouTube it, there are awesome montages), but other than this, I've always felt like he doesn't even know who he is enough to feel comfortable in his own skin, especially when trying to make his skin be someone else's. This movie seemed to fit him in his identity issues. I don't know how much of this was planned and how much can be chalked up to him just being weird. Whatever, it works.
There is a lot to say about this film, most of which is kind of just random thoughts. For instance, the fact that they used a roller coaster screaming track when he sings the Elvis music when they go dancing.... Maybe i was the only one to catch this though, having worked in a theme park and heard this on a daily basis for several years myself. Anyway, it bothered me. And Nic's Elvis voice is reused again when he did Ghostrider. Ick. That movie alone is enough to loose respect for m completely.
The biggest things that were interesting and helped this film really have a sense of self were completely Lynch related. Having seen Eraserhead, i feel like Lynch really shows his inner thoughts and fears in his films. Not knowing much about him as a person, as a viewer i can conclude that he is terrified of having children, maybe he doesn't know how to connect to them as a mother and child can, but his fathers def don't handle children well, and themselves are worried so much about being good fathers themselves, they actually become bad ones instead. Sailer does redeem himself in the end, but he still does acknowledge this fear.
He also has a very strange take on sexuality. It seems almost as if he cannot decide if it's beautiful or repulsive. For instance, he has Lula wear red lipstick in a very passionate and suggestively sexually heated sense, but later we see her on screen after being raped with the same bright red color, but instead it's blood gushing from her lips. It's this sort of mixed emotions about things that leave the viewer at unrest.
Otherwise, this was a typical Lynch film. A little more of a clear cut story line, but the same chaos of strange characters and random happenings. Liked this more than Eraserhead, but that made me know I'll never be ready to have an alien-looking baby.
Run time 124min + 243 previously viewed = 367 min
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