I love sports movies, i really do. But baseball never has been my thing. The trailer didn't make the film look appealing to me so this is one film I would have let go past, and perhaps downloaded or seen on TV one day.
But... I do love Phillip Seymoure Hoffman, and Brad Pitt makes very few bad choices... Plus, the reviews were right up there.
We were going to see a movie with friends, and I initially thought Id like to go see The Ides of March. But turns out it hasn't started it's run yet, so Moneyball it was.
So let me start with the premise. Based on a true story about Billy Beane, a Baseball Team's general manager who because of budget constraints, drafts players based on analytics.
The movie felt long, but the dialog was sharp and funny. The trailer did not portray the movie correctly I don't think, and I was surprised by how much we laughed throughout it. The writing is very good, fast paced and witty.
Brad Pitt is a superstar. He commands your entire attention whenever he is on screen. He does well here, I like him as an actor very much. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is also brilliant - he always is. The surprise of the film for me was Jonah Hill - a really good role for him, he really held his own, well done!
I think this film may go down as one of the best of the year, and while not astonishing (like i think Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy will be), was interesting, fun and great entertainment!
Above all, i think this is a film about leadership. I liked it a lot.
Rating 4/5
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Twilight Breaking Dawn
oh god, what's wrong with me?
I hate the books but i read them.
i hate the movies but i go see them.
the worst!
stupid story, stupid film.
0/5
I hate the books but i read them.
i hate the movies but i go see them.
the worst!
stupid story, stupid film.
0/5
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Pedro Almodovar's The Skin I Live In
I have been waiting for this movie to come to Australia, and it did indeed, closing the Brisbane International Film Festival tonight. Nick and I decided to forego the 'let's walk down the red carpet like the other people pretending to be fancy' and instead, jumped the rope and walked up the stairs into a 1/2 filled theatre. I went to buy myself a glass of wine, and in the 10 minutes it took me to do that, the cinema was jam packed! Every seat in the house!
My love affair with Pedro Almodovar and Antonio Banderas began way back with Law of Desire in 1987 and continued with Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down.. Then hollywood called, and in my opinion, Banderas in English cannot compare with Banderas in Spanish.
Pedro Almodovar is a director without peer. I think he writes and directs the best roles for women in film - All About My Mother - a masterpiece and tribute to mothers - all kinds of mothers - showing that you do not have to have a child to be a mother and you do not have to be a woman to be a mother... No other director has the ability to portray the sympathetic villain with such beauty and empathy. In Tie Me Up... a man kidnaps a woman until she loves him. In Talk To Her, a nurse rapes a comatose patient because he loves her... Almodovar sees things differently, and thank God, he can make us see things differently too.
In the Skin I Live In, Dr Robert Ledgard loses his wife in tragic circumstances, and as a result, creates a synthetic skin that cannot be harmed. He experiments on a live person, and I cannot tell you any more than this, otherwise I will spoil the film.
Needless to say, the film is shocking and bizarre and with a whopping great twist that leaves you in complete disbelief. However, you have a sympathy for Dr Ledgard, you understand his pain and his drive. As violent and brutal as the films themes are, the film is also beautiful and moving.
Banderas is fabulous as Ledgard. His physicality is so powerful. The way he wears his clothes, the way he walks, and this might be strange, but I love his wrists and the way his watch sits (ok wierd, but i like Adrien Brody for the same reason). Elena Anaya as Vera is stunning, perfection. Marisa Paredes is also very very good as Ledgard's lifelong carer.
This movie belongs to Banderas though, and he is never better than with Almodovar.
I think this film is not for everyone, I think Almodovar is an acquired taste for people who may not culturally identify with him. You need to let your belief systems stay outside the cinema for a while. I for one, loved every bizarre minute of it.
4/5
My love affair with Pedro Almodovar and Antonio Banderas began way back with Law of Desire in 1987 and continued with Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown and Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down.. Then hollywood called, and in my opinion, Banderas in English cannot compare with Banderas in Spanish.
Pedro Almodovar is a director without peer. I think he writes and directs the best roles for women in film - All About My Mother - a masterpiece and tribute to mothers - all kinds of mothers - showing that you do not have to have a child to be a mother and you do not have to be a woman to be a mother... No other director has the ability to portray the sympathetic villain with such beauty and empathy. In Tie Me Up... a man kidnaps a woman until she loves him. In Talk To Her, a nurse rapes a comatose patient because he loves her... Almodovar sees things differently, and thank God, he can make us see things differently too.
In the Skin I Live In, Dr Robert Ledgard loses his wife in tragic circumstances, and as a result, creates a synthetic skin that cannot be harmed. He experiments on a live person, and I cannot tell you any more than this, otherwise I will spoil the film.
Needless to say, the film is shocking and bizarre and with a whopping great twist that leaves you in complete disbelief. However, you have a sympathy for Dr Ledgard, you understand his pain and his drive. As violent and brutal as the films themes are, the film is also beautiful and moving.
Banderas is fabulous as Ledgard. His physicality is so powerful. The way he wears his clothes, the way he walks, and this might be strange, but I love his wrists and the way his watch sits (ok wierd, but i like Adrien Brody for the same reason). Elena Anaya as Vera is stunning, perfection. Marisa Paredes is also very very good as Ledgard's lifelong carer.
This movie belongs to Banderas though, and he is never better than with Almodovar.
I think this film is not for everyone, I think Almodovar is an acquired taste for people who may not culturally identify with him. You need to let your belief systems stay outside the cinema for a while. I for one, loved every bizarre minute of it.
4/5
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris
I don't belive there is a modern Director that tells the story of a city better than Woddy Allen - Manhattan, Annie Hall, Vicky Christina Barcelona and now Midnight in Paris.
Set in modern day Paris, a young couple - writer Gil (Owen Wilson) and his extremely dislikeable fiance Inez (Rachel McAdam) are in Paris together with her parents. Gil is in love with Paris, particularly Paris of the 1920s. Needless to say, Inez is not. I won't waste time talking about how unlikeable Inez is, but Rachel McAdam really does a good job of portraying this spoiled, American ignorant brat.
Walking along the streets of Paris at midnight, a vintage car pulls over and Gil is invited to join them for a ride. Night after night at midnight he gets in to the car to be transported to Paris of the 1920s - meeting Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso, Cole Porter, Salvador Dali, Gertude Stein, Man Ray, Henri Matisse, TS Eliot etc...
The film opens with the most beautiful montage of Paris - minutes... a sincere homage to a city that the Director obviously knows and loves.
The ensemble cast is outstanding. Owen Wilson (in the Allen persona) is the best I've seen him, Rachel McAdam was so annoying - very well played. Highlilghts for me were Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway, Alison Pill as Zelda Fitzgerald, Adrien Brody as Pablo Picasso. When Adrien Brody came on screen I heard some girls whisper "That's Adrien Brody" and after his first rant as Picasso, the theatre erupted in applause. I am a massive Brody fan, and he steals the show here - with only 2 minutes of screen time. Stoll as Hemingway is suitably intense, delivering some of the best lines in the script. Kathy Bates is also really good as Gertrude Stein.
And then of course there is Marion Cotillard as Adriana, a woman Gil meets and falls for in 1920s Paris. She is also looking towards the past - Le Belle Epoque... She, together with Penelope Cruz (who is not in this film) are - to me - goddesses! So beautiful, She plays her role with fragilility and grace. I love her.
At the end of the film the audience errupted in applause. This is something I've seen Australian audiences do only once or twice before.
This movie was exquisitely filmed, beautifully written, the cast well assembled and in my opinion flawless. I laughed throughout, but it was moving as well.
Lovers of Paris will love this film. For me, I have no feelings either way about Paris, but I love the way Woody Allen tells a story, and i have been a lifelong fan. I love the way he shows off architecture and hand selects every piece of music in his soundtracks. I love how his characters are flawed and insecure and strong at the same time. I love all the pauses in the dialogue, all the thinking you can physically see in his characters.
Like Allen's Purple Rose of Cairo when the film stars come to live, there is no explanation (like a dream) for Gil going back in time night after night. It just happens.
Loved it. 4.5/5.
Set in modern day Paris, a young couple - writer Gil (Owen Wilson) and his extremely dislikeable fiance Inez (Rachel McAdam) are in Paris together with her parents. Gil is in love with Paris, particularly Paris of the 1920s. Needless to say, Inez is not. I won't waste time talking about how unlikeable Inez is, but Rachel McAdam really does a good job of portraying this spoiled, American ignorant brat.
Walking along the streets of Paris at midnight, a vintage car pulls over and Gil is invited to join them for a ride. Night after night at midnight he gets in to the car to be transported to Paris of the 1920s - meeting Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso, Cole Porter, Salvador Dali, Gertude Stein, Man Ray, Henri Matisse, TS Eliot etc...
The film opens with the most beautiful montage of Paris - minutes... a sincere homage to a city that the Director obviously knows and loves.
The ensemble cast is outstanding. Owen Wilson (in the Allen persona) is the best I've seen him, Rachel McAdam was so annoying - very well played. Highlilghts for me were Corey Stoll as Ernest Hemingway, Alison Pill as Zelda Fitzgerald, Adrien Brody as Pablo Picasso. When Adrien Brody came on screen I heard some girls whisper "That's Adrien Brody" and after his first rant as Picasso, the theatre erupted in applause. I am a massive Brody fan, and he steals the show here - with only 2 minutes of screen time. Stoll as Hemingway is suitably intense, delivering some of the best lines in the script. Kathy Bates is also really good as Gertrude Stein.
And then of course there is Marion Cotillard as Adriana, a woman Gil meets and falls for in 1920s Paris. She is also looking towards the past - Le Belle Epoque... She, together with Penelope Cruz (who is not in this film) are - to me - goddesses! So beautiful, She plays her role with fragilility and grace. I love her.
At the end of the film the audience errupted in applause. This is something I've seen Australian audiences do only once or twice before.
This movie was exquisitely filmed, beautifully written, the cast well assembled and in my opinion flawless. I laughed throughout, but it was moving as well.
Lovers of Paris will love this film. For me, I have no feelings either way about Paris, but I love the way Woody Allen tells a story, and i have been a lifelong fan. I love the way he shows off architecture and hand selects every piece of music in his soundtracks. I love how his characters are flawed and insecure and strong at the same time. I love all the pauses in the dialogue, all the thinking you can physically see in his characters.
Like Allen's Purple Rose of Cairo when the film stars come to live, there is no explanation (like a dream) for Gil going back in time night after night. It just happens.
Loved it. 4.5/5.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Red State - special guest star review by the 3AM Dad!!!
Red State as seen by 3AM Dad.
I am quite a big fan of Kevin Smith and his body of work. Ever since I saw Clerks from quite a young age, I was a fan of Silent Bob and the Snoogans.
It had been a while since I had watched/heard anything from @thatkevinsmith until 6 months ago when I started listening to his podcast with Jason Mewes called “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old”. I started listening weekly, then daily when Smith launched his SModcast Internet Radio (SIR) network.
I now listen via Stitcher to their daily shows and their live weekly shows on most days. When I started listening, the podcasts mainly revolved around his soon to be released in the US Red State. I was immediately intrigued... A blood curdling thriller written and directed by (in my opinion) a comedic genius. I continued to listen to the podcasts, adding to the intrigue. Smith talked about how this was his movie, he wanted to make it his way and to market it his way. He didn't beg borrow and steal, to make the movie (the budget was 4 million USD), so he wasn't going to spend copious amounts of money on marketing it in the traditional Hollywood way. I loved that he utilised social media and Q & A's. "Why would I spend ludicrous amounts of money marketing to people that would not want to see my movie? I have a direct avenue to the people that want to see my movies via twitter." to paraphrase Kevin Smith. Now I really wanted to see this movie.
There was talk that Smith was going to come to Australia to do Q & A's at theatres and I would have flown to Sydney or Melbourne to see him. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. His ever growing Radio station, growing schedule of live shows, book writing and script writing for his final movie Hit Somebody halted these initial plans. Kevin didn't make it down under, but as soon as the tickets became available on the Gold Coast, I purchased two and went on a date with my wife.
Now, there was a lot of hype around this movie. Some put on by me, some by Smith, but mainly by movie goers. There has been talk of Michael Parks being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, John Goodman Supporting Actor and Melissa Leo Supporting Actress. There has even been talk of Smith being nominated for Best Director and Red State for Best Original Screen Play (this has been played down to no end by Smith).
As the opening scenes started rolling, I paid attention to the cinematography, the editing, acting, everything. I knew that this was a bit of a "Fuck you" to the man by Smith, so I was anticipating the twists and turns.
The movie starts as expected, with Smith’s cast setting the scene. Set in Middle America, where in a nearby town of Coopers Dell is a church that is always on everyone’s lips. Led by Abin Cooper (Played by Parks), the Five Points Church is a sect of sorts and Cooper is leading his church goers into ridding the Earth of “Wickedness, rampant fornication, adultery, abortion and flagrant sexuality.”
The movie initially revolves around three teenage boys , Travis (Michael Angarano), Jared (Kyle Gallner) and Billy Ray (Nicholas Braun) thinking with the only thing that teenage boys think with. They organise a sexual encounter online with a woman (Melissa Leo) in the town of Coopers Dell. This is where Smith takes you on a ride that starts like any good roller coaster... slowly taking you to the top of the biggest drop. Parks gives a stirring hate-filled 15 minute speech, which gives you a taste of what these religious fundamentalists are all about. The ride doesn’t stop for another 60 minutes, where you go through dark tunnels and thunderous twists and turns. You don’t know where the movie is going to go next. Just when you think “Aaaah, that is where is going.” BANG... you are wrong... we are going this way now. Towards the end of the movie, Joseph Keenan (John Goodman) gives a speech (not quite 15 minutes, but poignant) that wraps the movie up superbly.
Did it blow me away? No. Did it meet my inflated expectations? Yes. Is Kevin Smith more than a Comedic Genius? Hell Yeah! I look forward to watching it again and hopefully in the not so distant future, watching it, at a Cinema that Kevin Smith will be giving a Q & A.
I am quite a big fan of Kevin Smith and his body of work. Ever since I saw Clerks from quite a young age, I was a fan of Silent Bob and the Snoogans.
It had been a while since I had watched/heard anything from @thatkevinsmith until 6 months ago when I started listening to his podcast with Jason Mewes called “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old”. I started listening weekly, then daily when Smith launched his SModcast Internet Radio (SIR) network.
I now listen via Stitcher to their daily shows and their live weekly shows on most days. When I started listening, the podcasts mainly revolved around his soon to be released in the US Red State. I was immediately intrigued... A blood curdling thriller written and directed by (in my opinion) a comedic genius. I continued to listen to the podcasts, adding to the intrigue. Smith talked about how this was his movie, he wanted to make it his way and to market it his way. He didn't beg borrow and steal, to make the movie (the budget was 4 million USD), so he wasn't going to spend copious amounts of money on marketing it in the traditional Hollywood way. I loved that he utilised social media and Q & A's. "Why would I spend ludicrous amounts of money marketing to people that would not want to see my movie? I have a direct avenue to the people that want to see my movies via twitter." to paraphrase Kevin Smith. Now I really wanted to see this movie.
There was talk that Smith was going to come to Australia to do Q & A's at theatres and I would have flown to Sydney or Melbourne to see him. But alas, it wasn't meant to be. His ever growing Radio station, growing schedule of live shows, book writing and script writing for his final movie Hit Somebody halted these initial plans. Kevin didn't make it down under, but as soon as the tickets became available on the Gold Coast, I purchased two and went on a date with my wife.
Now, there was a lot of hype around this movie. Some put on by me, some by Smith, but mainly by movie goers. There has been talk of Michael Parks being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, John Goodman Supporting Actor and Melissa Leo Supporting Actress. There has even been talk of Smith being nominated for Best Director and Red State for Best Original Screen Play (this has been played down to no end by Smith).
As the opening scenes started rolling, I paid attention to the cinematography, the editing, acting, everything. I knew that this was a bit of a "Fuck you" to the man by Smith, so I was anticipating the twists and turns.
The movie starts as expected, with Smith’s cast setting the scene. Set in Middle America, where in a nearby town of Coopers Dell is a church that is always on everyone’s lips. Led by Abin Cooper (Played by Parks), the Five Points Church is a sect of sorts and Cooper is leading his church goers into ridding the Earth of “Wickedness, rampant fornication, adultery, abortion and flagrant sexuality.”
The movie initially revolves around three teenage boys , Travis (Michael Angarano), Jared (Kyle Gallner) and Billy Ray (Nicholas Braun) thinking with the only thing that teenage boys think with. They organise a sexual encounter online with a woman (Melissa Leo) in the town of Coopers Dell. This is where Smith takes you on a ride that starts like any good roller coaster... slowly taking you to the top of the biggest drop. Parks gives a stirring hate-filled 15 minute speech, which gives you a taste of what these religious fundamentalists are all about. The ride doesn’t stop for another 60 minutes, where you go through dark tunnels and thunderous twists and turns. You don’t know where the movie is going to go next. Just when you think “Aaaah, that is where is going.” BANG... you are wrong... we are going this way now. Towards the end of the movie, Joseph Keenan (John Goodman) gives a speech (not quite 15 minutes, but poignant) that wraps the movie up superbly.
Did it blow me away? No. Did it meet my inflated expectations? Yes. Is Kevin Smith more than a Comedic Genius? Hell Yeah! I look forward to watching it again and hopefully in the not so distant future, watching it, at a Cinema that Kevin Smith will be giving a Q & A.
2011 so far - wrap up
I don't think 2011 has been the best year in film, but my picks for 2011 are:
1. Closer to the Edge Isle of Mann TT move - Got free tickets to this movie about the Isle of Mann TT race. Wasn't really keen but I knew my husband would be. I am now officially a massive Guy Martin fan, and going to watch an Isle of Mann TT race is number 1 on my bucket list. Amazing.
2. Drive - Ryan Gosling doesn't put a foot wrong in my opinion. In this movie he plays a stunt car driver for hire. Life gets complicated when he falls for his neighbour, the so lovely Carey Mulligan. There is not much talking in this movie, but man does it pack a punch. Violent and tender at the same time. Liked it a lot.
3. Tree of LIfe - Terence Malik's absolute work of art. This movie really made an impact on me. Outstanding.
These are the movies i saw this year:
Peter Weir's The Way Back - solid. I really like Jim Sturgess. An incredible story.
The Company Men - Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner star. I really liked this, i think Jeremy Renner is my favorite actor of his generation.
Gnomeo and Juliet - wanted to slit my wrists. The worst.
Just Go With It - why do i do this to myself? I have to face the fact that Adam Sandler is terrible, and god knows i cannot stand Jennifer Aniston... With each Adam Sandler film I see, I die a little.
Justin Bieber Never Say Never - I'm a belieber
The Adjustment Bureau - not too bad. I like Matt Damon and this was a stock standard thriller. I saw this one on a plane. It's a good plane movie.
Rango - I hated this. Johnny Depp bores me. And he plays another trembly character in this one.
Red Riding Hood - stunning, but terrible.
Limitless - i liked this one a lot.
Water for Elephants - good god! awful.
Thor - saw this with Nick and the kids. Good fun.
The Hangover 2 - badly reviewed, but I still enjoyed it.
Terence Malik's The Tree of Life - I loved this. This movie moved me so much.
Transformers Dark of the Moon - i'm a big Transformer's fan. I don't think these can be reviewed per se. They are amazing visually, and such good fun.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 - cannot believe this big part of my life is over. I have read and re-read, watched and re-watched Harry Potter so many many times over the years... I was so emotional seeing this film. I loved it.
The Guard - great! Loved it! One of my favorites this year.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - terrifying!!!
Glee the movie 3D - LOVE GLEE!!!
Drive - i think my pick for 2011. Very good.
Footloose - the remake. No Kevin Bacon, but i loved it. I don't think it could have been better re-made. :-)
1. Closer to the Edge Isle of Mann TT move - Got free tickets to this movie about the Isle of Mann TT race. Wasn't really keen but I knew my husband would be. I am now officially a massive Guy Martin fan, and going to watch an Isle of Mann TT race is number 1 on my bucket list. Amazing.
2. Drive - Ryan Gosling doesn't put a foot wrong in my opinion. In this movie he plays a stunt car driver for hire. Life gets complicated when he falls for his neighbour, the so lovely Carey Mulligan. There is not much talking in this movie, but man does it pack a punch. Violent and tender at the same time. Liked it a lot.
3. Tree of LIfe - Terence Malik's absolute work of art. This movie really made an impact on me. Outstanding.
These are the movies i saw this year:
Peter Weir's The Way Back - solid. I really like Jim Sturgess. An incredible story.
The Company Men - Ben Affleck and Jeremy Renner star. I really liked this, i think Jeremy Renner is my favorite actor of his generation.
Gnomeo and Juliet - wanted to slit my wrists. The worst.
Just Go With It - why do i do this to myself? I have to face the fact that Adam Sandler is terrible, and god knows i cannot stand Jennifer Aniston... With each Adam Sandler film I see, I die a little.
Justin Bieber Never Say Never - I'm a belieber
The Adjustment Bureau - not too bad. I like Matt Damon and this was a stock standard thriller. I saw this one on a plane. It's a good plane movie.
Rango - I hated this. Johnny Depp bores me. And he plays another trembly character in this one.
Red Riding Hood - stunning, but terrible.
Limitless - i liked this one a lot.
Water for Elephants - good god! awful.
Thor - saw this with Nick and the kids. Good fun.
The Hangover 2 - badly reviewed, but I still enjoyed it.
Terence Malik's The Tree of Life - I loved this. This movie moved me so much.
Transformers Dark of the Moon - i'm a big Transformer's fan. I don't think these can be reviewed per se. They are amazing visually, and such good fun.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 - cannot believe this big part of my life is over. I have read and re-read, watched and re-watched Harry Potter so many many times over the years... I was so emotional seeing this film. I loved it.
The Guard - great! Loved it! One of my favorites this year.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - terrifying!!!
Glee the movie 3D - LOVE GLEE!!!
Drive - i think my pick for 2011. Very good.
Footloose - the remake. No Kevin Bacon, but i loved it. I don't think it could have been better re-made. :-)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
127 hours - an amazing story.
I've said it before, but I think that the movie "Touching the Void" should be compulsory viewing for High School boys because I don't believe there is a story that better emobodies the power of never ever giving up. I love that movie and think of it often in my every day life.
Another similar movie is the Sean Penn directed "Into the Wild" which I absolutely love (except that Chris McCandless was truly stupid and did not make it through his ordeal).
And now, 127 hours gets added to my list of must see films for boys.
Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days later) tells us the story of Aron Ralston, an "action guy" who becomes trapped under a boulder while canyonnering in Utah, and cuts his arm off with a blunt pocket knife in order to free himself.
Sounds morbid, and doesn't sound like it would be a good movie to watch. The movie is basically set in 1 location with 1 actor, and you already know the outcome (he cuts his arm off and he lives. Why would anyone want to see that?
At the start of the film, we see Aron setting off on his latest adventure - ill planned = he does not tell anyone where he is going, and not anticipating any issues, does not bring enough water, or equipment - he brings a crappy $10 multi tool thing instead of his good Swiss Army Knife that he cannot find.
He has a good time, rides his bike, meets some girls, swims in a cave - all good. Until he slips, and gets his arm caught under a boulder in the middle of nowhere and cannot get free. No one knows where he is, no one will, no one can hear him, it starts to get dark, he tips his water bottle over. A nightmare.
The film really starts from this point, and we see the sheer determination of this amazing man, as he tries one unsuccessful thing after another to free his arm. What we do not see however, at any point, is Aron giving up hope, or losing focus or waiting to die. This is a man who chooses to live, and does something very drastic in order to do so. I don't know that I would have had the strength to cut my arm off with a very blunt pocket knife. Just incredible.
The waiting for the inevitable for the viewer however, does not simply include Aron attempting to get out of his predicament. Through flashbacks, we see a young man who is self absorbed, an adrenaline junkie, disconnected from his family, not returning his mother's phone calls. And I really do believe that thoughts and memories and the pull of his loved ones got him through his experience, and I am sure that he left the adventure a much better man than when he started..
This was a tough movie to watch, but it was gripping, incredible sad but triumphant at the same time. Danny Boyle did this with Slumdog Millionaire and he does it here. He manages to beauty and hope where there should be nothing but despair. This movie just whizzed by for me, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Aron and I really want my sons to watch this, and to tell them, that hope springs eternal, and that they should always, no matter what, keep trying.... Life is worth the effort.
James Franco is just brilliant in this role. Easily his best performance ever.
4/5
Another similar movie is the Sean Penn directed "Into the Wild" which I absolutely love (except that Chris McCandless was truly stupid and did not make it through his ordeal).
And now, 127 hours gets added to my list of must see films for boys.
Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days later) tells us the story of Aron Ralston, an "action guy" who becomes trapped under a boulder while canyonnering in Utah, and cuts his arm off with a blunt pocket knife in order to free himself.
Sounds morbid, and doesn't sound like it would be a good movie to watch. The movie is basically set in 1 location with 1 actor, and you already know the outcome (he cuts his arm off and he lives. Why would anyone want to see that?
At the start of the film, we see Aron setting off on his latest adventure - ill planned = he does not tell anyone where he is going, and not anticipating any issues, does not bring enough water, or equipment - he brings a crappy $10 multi tool thing instead of his good Swiss Army Knife that he cannot find.
He has a good time, rides his bike, meets some girls, swims in a cave - all good. Until he slips, and gets his arm caught under a boulder in the middle of nowhere and cannot get free. No one knows where he is, no one will, no one can hear him, it starts to get dark, he tips his water bottle over. A nightmare.
The film really starts from this point, and we see the sheer determination of this amazing man, as he tries one unsuccessful thing after another to free his arm. What we do not see however, at any point, is Aron giving up hope, or losing focus or waiting to die. This is a man who chooses to live, and does something very drastic in order to do so. I don't know that I would have had the strength to cut my arm off with a very blunt pocket knife. Just incredible.
The waiting for the inevitable for the viewer however, does not simply include Aron attempting to get out of his predicament. Through flashbacks, we see a young man who is self absorbed, an adrenaline junkie, disconnected from his family, not returning his mother's phone calls. And I really do believe that thoughts and memories and the pull of his loved ones got him through his experience, and I am sure that he left the adventure a much better man than when he started..
This was a tough movie to watch, but it was gripping, incredible sad but triumphant at the same time. Danny Boyle did this with Slumdog Millionaire and he does it here. He manages to beauty and hope where there should be nothing but despair. This movie just whizzed by for me, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Aron and I really want my sons to watch this, and to tell them, that hope springs eternal, and that they should always, no matter what, keep trying.... Life is worth the effort.
James Franco is just brilliant in this role. Easily his best performance ever.
4/5
The Kids Are All Right
Every once in a while you get an independent film that makes you realise that all you need is a good story, and actors who can tell it well. You don't need 3D, or a massive hollywood budget to have your viewers fall in love with your movie. I feel this way about movies such as Sophia Coppolla's "Lost in Translation" and 'Somewhere", Wes Anderson's "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "The Darjeeling Limited", The Brothers Bloom, Laurel Canyon and City Island (I'll stop now cuz i'm sure you get the picture).
The Kids are All Right (directed by Lisa Cholodenko who also directed Laurel Canyon)tells the story of two children conceived by artificial insemination for a lesbian couple. They find their natural father, and introduce him into their family.
The lesbian couple are played by Annette Bening (Nic) and Julianne Moore (Jules). Both these women are incredibly good. I love Annette Bening, and Julianne Moore is definitely my favorite actress after Nicole Kidman (except that JM's face is more natural). Mark Ruffalo plays Paul the sperm donor, and the insertion of him into the family just wreaks a whole lot of chaos. I don't know why it is, but everyone loves Mark Ruffalo. I think he embodies that 'I am not a wanker but am super cool' persona that we all wish we could have... The kids Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson are really good too.
The introduction of Paul into the family brings out "the bodies" so to speak, and each family is confronted by what is uncovered. But this is a strong family, with a lot of love, and you know that it really will be all right!
This film is so strange, and so sincere and heartfelt, it was a pleasure to watch. Each character has their own issues, and yet are not judged. They are presented just as they are. I loved each character, particularly Jules and Paul - some funny scenes between these two.
This is a perfect Sunday afternoon film.
3.5/5
The Kids are All Right (directed by Lisa Cholodenko who also directed Laurel Canyon)tells the story of two children conceived by artificial insemination for a lesbian couple. They find their natural father, and introduce him into their family.
The lesbian couple are played by Annette Bening (Nic) and Julianne Moore (Jules). Both these women are incredibly good. I love Annette Bening, and Julianne Moore is definitely my favorite actress after Nicole Kidman (except that JM's face is more natural). Mark Ruffalo plays Paul the sperm donor, and the insertion of him into the family just wreaks a whole lot of chaos. I don't know why it is, but everyone loves Mark Ruffalo. I think he embodies that 'I am not a wanker but am super cool' persona that we all wish we could have... The kids Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson are really good too.
The introduction of Paul into the family brings out "the bodies" so to speak, and each family is confronted by what is uncovered. But this is a strong family, with a lot of love, and you know that it really will be all right!
This film is so strange, and so sincere and heartfelt, it was a pleasure to watch. Each character has their own issues, and yet are not judged. They are presented just as they are. I loved each character, particularly Jules and Paul - some funny scenes between these two.
This is a perfect Sunday afternoon film.
3.5/5
The Fighter
Directed by David O Russell who directed The Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees (both also starring Wahlberg), this movie tells us the story of the Pride of Lowell - Dickie Eklund (Christian Bale) and his brother Mickey Ward (Wahlberg). As a fan of boxing films, I was very much anticipating this movie. I LOVE Mark Wahlberg, and am a huge Christian Bale fan. And I was not disappointed.
Christian Bale, the Pride of Lowell, was a former boxer who in his prime knocked down Sugary Ray Leonard, and has been living on the glory of this single accomplishment since. His life has gone to shit, he is a meth head, practially homeless, but he trains Mickey with all the pride and love he's got in him - when he can remember to show up that is.
Mark Wahlberg plays "Irish" Mickey Ward, Dickie's younger brother, whose potential as a fighter is severaly handicapped by his drug addict brother trainer, his crazy family lead by the FANTASTIC Melissa Leo, 7 or so trailer trash sisters with hideous 80's hairstyles, and a general lack of opportunity - being booked fights he cannot win, bad management etc...
Without giving the plot away, Mickey gets a real shot at making something of himself, and has to choose between his family and his one real opportunity.
This movie was intense, driven, funny, and very obviously made with a huge amount of love for the people portrayed. The performances are unbelievable. Christian Bale again loses a massive amount of weight to play Dickie. He gets everything right here. His face, the "meth mouth", his swagger. He invests his entire physicality to this character and I think he will win the Academy Award for this film.
Mark Wahlberg (one of my celebrity crushes) is as hot as is humanly possible to be. I believe he trained for something like 4 years for this film. His boxing is very believable. His muscles are numerous (!). But seriously, he did a good job with this role.
For me, aside from Bale, the standout was definitely Melissa Leo who plays thier mother Alice Ward. She is just hideous (in that 80's big hair, chain smoking, fake nails way) and so so so very good. Her love for her family and fierce protectiveness over Dicky is beautiful. The scene where Alice finds Dicky in the crack house and they sing together as she drives them away is both very strange and very touching.
The 7 sisters are also very good. They are the epitome of 80's (but it's the 90's) white trash, but love their brothers something fierce.
Amy Adams is good too as Charlene, Mikey's girlfriend.
Oh and the soundtrack is good too!
I loved this movie. 4/5
Christian Bale, the Pride of Lowell, was a former boxer who in his prime knocked down Sugary Ray Leonard, and has been living on the glory of this single accomplishment since. His life has gone to shit, he is a meth head, practially homeless, but he trains Mickey with all the pride and love he's got in him - when he can remember to show up that is.
Mark Wahlberg plays "Irish" Mickey Ward, Dickie's younger brother, whose potential as a fighter is severaly handicapped by his drug addict brother trainer, his crazy family lead by the FANTASTIC Melissa Leo, 7 or so trailer trash sisters with hideous 80's hairstyles, and a general lack of opportunity - being booked fights he cannot win, bad management etc...
Without giving the plot away, Mickey gets a real shot at making something of himself, and has to choose between his family and his one real opportunity.
This movie was intense, driven, funny, and very obviously made with a huge amount of love for the people portrayed. The performances are unbelievable. Christian Bale again loses a massive amount of weight to play Dickie. He gets everything right here. His face, the "meth mouth", his swagger. He invests his entire physicality to this character and I think he will win the Academy Award for this film.
Mark Wahlberg (one of my celebrity crushes) is as hot as is humanly possible to be. I believe he trained for something like 4 years for this film. His boxing is very believable. His muscles are numerous (!). But seriously, he did a good job with this role.
For me, aside from Bale, the standout was definitely Melissa Leo who plays thier mother Alice Ward. She is just hideous (in that 80's big hair, chain smoking, fake nails way) and so so so very good. Her love for her family and fierce protectiveness over Dicky is beautiful. The scene where Alice finds Dicky in the crack house and they sing together as she drives them away is both very strange and very touching.
The 7 sisters are also very good. They are the epitome of 80's (but it's the 90's) white trash, but love their brothers something fierce.
Amy Adams is good too as Charlene, Mikey's girlfriend.
Oh and the soundtrack is good too!
I loved this movie. 4/5
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Blue Valentine
I believe that this film was first written in 1998 and re-written over 60 times until the final version was filmed. This film shows the very personal story of the failing of a marriage. This movie felt real, it didn't just feel like it was trying to be real.
Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling play Cindy and Dean, the couple at the center of the story. The movie starts at a point where you know that Cindy is just going through the motions, and you see how wound up and defeated she is just going through her everyday morning routine with their daughter Frankie. Dean on the other hand still really loves his wife, and seems confused at her rejection and just can't seem to catch a break. She fell in love with him as he was, and yet he is now no longer enough. She fell in love with him for who he was, and yet chastises him for not having become more.
The performances from these two actors is just so impressive. Michelle Williams shows sadness and timidity, defeat and fear with her entire body - her hands, her posture, her face. I wrote about Nicole Kidman's performance in 'Rabbit Hole' earlier in the month, and I said there that Nicole's eyes portray emotion, but her face is frozen with botox and she doesn't use her body well. Michelle Williams throws herself in this role with her whole physicality, she couldn't have played the role any better. Despite the fact that throughout the movie I empathised with Dean more than Cindy, you could not only see, but feel this woman's sense of entrapment.
Ryan Gosling was also outstanding as Dean. A great performance, you could see how much he loved his wife, and how her rejection hurts him. But aside from that, he is a stone cold fox and he has one of my favorite on screen faces.
Loved it loved it loved it. I hope they win loads of awards! I would think that at the very least, the two lead actors would deserve nominations as would Derek Cianfrance for his incredible screenplay.
5/5
Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling play Cindy and Dean, the couple at the center of the story. The movie starts at a point where you know that Cindy is just going through the motions, and you see how wound up and defeated she is just going through her everyday morning routine with their daughter Frankie. Dean on the other hand still really loves his wife, and seems confused at her rejection and just can't seem to catch a break. She fell in love with him as he was, and yet he is now no longer enough. She fell in love with him for who he was, and yet chastises him for not having become more.
The performances from these two actors is just so impressive. Michelle Williams shows sadness and timidity, defeat and fear with her entire body - her hands, her posture, her face. I wrote about Nicole Kidman's performance in 'Rabbit Hole' earlier in the month, and I said there that Nicole's eyes portray emotion, but her face is frozen with botox and she doesn't use her body well. Michelle Williams throws herself in this role with her whole physicality, she couldn't have played the role any better. Despite the fact that throughout the movie I empathised with Dean more than Cindy, you could not only see, but feel this woman's sense of entrapment.
Ryan Gosling was also outstanding as Dean. A great performance, you could see how much he loved his wife, and how her rejection hurts him. But aside from that, he is a stone cold fox and he has one of my favorite on screen faces.
Loved it loved it loved it. I hope they win loads of awards! I would think that at the very least, the two lead actors would deserve nominations as would Derek Cianfrance for his incredible screenplay.
5/5
Jack Black's Gulliver's Travels
I love Jack Black. Loads of people say that. But I think that when I say I love Jack Black, what I'm really saying is that I love Jack Black in School of Rock.
But let's look at him in some of his other films:
Envy: one of the worst films ever
King Kong: ok
Nacho Libre: I am one of the few who like this movie
The Holiday: ok
Margot at the Wedding: He was quite good in this
Be Kind Rewind: terrible film
Kung Fu Panda: Animated
Tropic Thunder: average
Year One: A disgraceful embarassment
Back to point.... Lemuel Gulliver (Black) takes a travel writing job in Bermuda. En route, a Bermuda Triangle thing happens and he wakes to find himself tied up by tiny people - Lilliputians. He of course becomes their hero and savior by creating a series of false stories about himself (President Awesome, Star Wars, KISS etc), then disgraces himself when the truth is revealed, then of course comes to a predictable self awareness and saves the day.
He has some good Rock and Roll moments in the film and gets to bust some moves, and it's not like I didn't laugh throughout the film, but it was pretty bad, really....
I don't think I can keep being disappointed by Jack Black. Each of his movies looks funny, and really, I have been disappointed in each and every film since School of Rock (except for Nacho Libre and Kung Fu Panda which doesn't count as it is animated).
I figure I have 1 more Jack Black film in me, and if no good, will call it a day.
1/5
But let's look at him in some of his other films:
Envy: one of the worst films ever
King Kong: ok
Nacho Libre: I am one of the few who like this movie
The Holiday: ok
Margot at the Wedding: He was quite good in this
Be Kind Rewind: terrible film
Kung Fu Panda: Animated
Tropic Thunder: average
Year One: A disgraceful embarassment
Back to point.... Lemuel Gulliver (Black) takes a travel writing job in Bermuda. En route, a Bermuda Triangle thing happens and he wakes to find himself tied up by tiny people - Lilliputians. He of course becomes their hero and savior by creating a series of false stories about himself (President Awesome, Star Wars, KISS etc), then disgraces himself when the truth is revealed, then of course comes to a predictable self awareness and saves the day.
He has some good Rock and Roll moments in the film and gets to bust some moves, and it's not like I didn't laugh throughout the film, but it was pretty bad, really....
I don't think I can keep being disappointed by Jack Black. Each of his movies looks funny, and really, I have been disappointed in each and every film since School of Rock (except for Nacho Libre and Kung Fu Panda which doesn't count as it is animated).
I figure I have 1 more Jack Black film in me, and if no good, will call it a day.
1/5
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