Some Soviets are in the US in pursuit of aliens. A youngster needs Professor Jones's help to rescue his mother and his stepfather from those villains. A crystal skull with unexplained powers must be brought along with them to the Amazon forest, where a mysterious city is said to exist.
The reencounter of father and son, which never happened in Broken Flowers, here does (with the mother's blessing). Their quest mirrors that theme: aliens are seens as fathers of mankind. One might see fatherhood as an allegory of authorship, a problem of the whole Indiana Jones series: the director is the same in the four films, but the characters are not his brainchildren. The critical output addressing the issue of personality disorder in commercial cinema, stemming from divided authorship, is still meager. In this particular instance, the symptoms of neurosis appear in certain aspects of the plot, for example the villainization of communists is concomitant with the villainization of communist paranoia.
Rating: 33
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Combat!: Off Limits (1963) (TV)
Private March encounters his wife, who is a nurse at an evacuation hospital which just happens to be in his outfit's way.
A marvelous episode, where the multiple elements and subplots fit right into one another, and everything functions like clockwork.
A marvelous episode, where the multiple elements and subplots fit right into one another, and everything functions like clockwork.
Combat!: Night Patrol (1963) (TV)
While searching for prisoners, Saunders and his squad find an American soldier who claims to be an officer whose outfit perished. They are forced to hide in a cave.
This is the third episode (at least) whose plot centers on a lonely soldier who acts strange and may be hiding a secret. It seems like they found a formula and stuck to it.
This is the third episode (at least) whose plot centers on a lonely soldier who acts strange and may be hiding a secret. It seems like they found a formula and stuck to it.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Broken Flowers (2005)
A man receives an anonymous letter saying that he is the father of a 19-year-old boy. His neighbor talks him into looking for the mother among his former girlfriends.
I may be wrong about this movie but I think it just got some things wrong. The idea is to put the don-juan type on the spot, so to speak, to uncover all his wretchedness, the pointlessness of his life. There is a certain lack of connection with reality in certain areas (Murray here doesn't look or act like a don-juan, neither does he look like a successful computer genius; other people have noticed that); that connection with reality was present in the vastly superior About a Boy, a film which did not try to be downbeat and dry-witted at the cost of abstraction.
Rating: 41
I may be wrong about this movie but I think it just got some things wrong. The idea is to put the don-juan type on the spot, so to speak, to uncover all his wretchedness, the pointlessness of his life. There is a certain lack of connection with reality in certain areas (Murray here doesn't look or act like a don-juan, neither does he look like a successful computer genius; other people have noticed that); that connection with reality was present in the vastly superior About a Boy, a film which did not try to be downbeat and dry-witted at the cost of abstraction.
Rating: 41
Tarzan's Greatest Adventure (1959)
Tarzan is after a gang who has been stealing supplies and explosives from the villages.
This is my second viewing. The first version I saw was dubbed, unlike this one; but the latter did not have any subtitles, which made it difficult for me to understand some of the lines. Anyway, it is not a great film, although there is a striking shot of a hand (of a man who drowned in quicksand) and a locket hanging from the nearby bushes, which has his mother's picture in it, and was the cause of his drowning. There is also Anthony Quayle, who is great.
Rating: 34 (unchanged)
This is my second viewing. The first version I saw was dubbed, unlike this one; but the latter did not have any subtitles, which made it difficult for me to understand some of the lines. Anyway, it is not a great film, although there is a striking shot of a hand (of a man who drowned in quicksand) and a locket hanging from the nearby bushes, which has his mother's picture in it, and was the cause of his drowning. There is also Anthony Quayle, who is great.
Rating: 34 (unchanged)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Leatherheads (2008)
A football professional player who has gone bankrupt sees in a university player his chance of going back to business. A female reporter is after the truth behind the latter man's war hero fame.
Not very well conducted attempt at reviving the 30's Hollywood comedy.
Rating: 46
Not very well conducted attempt at reviving the 30's Hollywood comedy.
Rating: 46
Red Road (2006)
A video surveillance worker spots the man responsible for her husband's and daughter's deaths - who has been released from prison - while performing her work. She plots revenge.
The whole revenge plot is retarded, as anyone with a minimum knowledge of police procedure - not to mention basic psychology - will notice. As a study of loneliness and desire, and a depiction of marginal living in the UK, it is sometimes interesting. The result is problematic, a film that feels like being about something else than its actual plot. Plus, it's pretty tedious at times.
Rating: 32
The whole revenge plot is retarded, as anyone with a minimum knowledge of police procedure - not to mention basic psychology - will notice. As a study of loneliness and desire, and a depiction of marginal living in the UK, it is sometimes interesting. The result is problematic, a film that feels like being about something else than its actual plot. Plus, it's pretty tedious at times.
Rating: 32
Spartan (2004)
A secret agent is assigned the rescuing of the kidnapped daughter of an important politician.
Watchable, but not really interesting.
Rating: 35
Watchable, but not really interesting.
Rating: 35
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Take Me to Town (1953)
A wrongfully convicted woman escapes while being transported to prison, and finds a job as a saloon singer. She is forced by circumstances to look after some kids whose widower father is away working.
Not very interesting.
Rating: 34
Not very interesting.
Rating: 34
Idle Hands (1999)
The hand of a lazy teenage boy is possessed by an evil spirit.
Not especially brilliant, but flows well and is professionally done. The one thing that bothered me most was the beginning, or, to be more precise, the absence of one.
Rating: 40
Not especially brilliant, but flows well and is professionally done. The one thing that bothered me most was the beginning, or, to be more precise, the absence of one.
Rating: 40
Noises Off... (1992)
Based on the play by Michael Frayn (1st performance 1982).
A theater play is shown from three angles, in three different nights: the rehearsal before opening night, the events in backstage at another city, and the performance at yet another location.
The premise seems alright, but the actual film is irritating instead of funny.
Rating: 24
A theater play is shown from three angles, in three different nights: the rehearsal before opening night, the events in backstage at another city, and the performance at yet another location.
The premise seems alright, but the actual film is irritating instead of funny.
Rating: 24
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Walker (2007)
Carter Page makes a living out of escorting married women to the opera, playing cards with them, exchanging gossip. Suddenly he is dragged into the center of a sordid story of murder, adultery, blackmail, involving one of his escortees.
The film depicts the fragility of one's position in the world, when one's relations are not built upon solid values. Or perhaps it is the chronicling of a certain era in U.S. politics. Perhaps a little of both. The writing is uneven: at times we are surprised by the wit of the dialogue and the accuracy of the psychology, at other times it barely manages to rise above triteness. On the average it is good enough to keep one's interest.
Rating: 53
The film depicts the fragility of one's position in the world, when one's relations are not built upon solid values. Or perhaps it is the chronicling of a certain era in U.S. politics. Perhaps a little of both. The writing is uneven: at times we are surprised by the wit of the dialogue and the accuracy of the psychology, at other times it barely manages to rise above triteness. On the average it is good enough to keep one's interest.
Rating: 53
Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)
A terrorist blows up a clothes shop in Manhattan and demands to talk to police lieutenant McClane. He proposes a game with McClane, in which a series of tasks will be assigned to him. A shop owner in Harlem is forced to be his partner.
An overwhelming amount of images and situations, the film may be accurately called action-packed. Seductiveness walks side by side with emptiness, and we are led to ask: what is the meaning? Thus, the film's villain might be construed as an allegory of the film itself: it begs to be deciphered, it pretends to play a game with us, all it wants to do is steal two hours of our time.
Rating: 50
An overwhelming amount of images and situations, the film may be accurately called action-packed. Seductiveness walks side by side with emptiness, and we are led to ask: what is the meaning? Thus, the film's villain might be construed as an allegory of the film itself: it begs to be deciphered, it pretends to play a game with us, all it wants to do is steal two hours of our time.
Rating: 50
Monday, July 20, 2009
Combat!: Next in Command (1963) (TV)
A corporal being transferred to Saunders' company saves their life while on his way to join them. His past is obscure and his behavior strange.
Well, the show was going perfectly well (I have missed some episodes though), until this one. I knew they would eventually kick one ball out, and this is where they did it. My suggestion is, skip this one, the revelation of the mystery is deeply disappointing and corny.
Well, the show was going perfectly well (I have missed some episodes though), until this one. I knew they would eventually kick one ball out, and this is where they did it. My suggestion is, skip this one, the revelation of the mystery is deeply disappointing and corny.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Bikur Ha-Tizmoret (2007)
English title: The Band's Visit.
An Egyptian police band arrives in Israel for a performance at a celebration, but goes by mistake to the wrong place, a very small town, and interacts with the locals during their stay there.
Easy to watch, and with an absolutely outstanding performance by Ronit Elkabetz.
Rating: 53
An Egyptian police band arrives in Israel for a performance at a celebration, but goes by mistake to the wrong place, a very small town, and interacts with the locals during their stay there.
Easy to watch, and with an absolutely outstanding performance by Ronit Elkabetz.
Rating: 53
Saturday, July 18, 2009
L'ivresse du pouvoir (2006)
English title: The Comedy of Power; A Comedy of Power.
Correct translation of the French title: The Drunkenness of Power.
A magistrate investigates corruption in a public company.
Boring drama (it is not a comedy, as the English title falsely implies). The incompetence of the writing team is evident in the absurd behavior of the protagonist's husband, who, among other things, for some unknown reason is ready to dismiss the possibility of a threat to his wife's life.
Rating: 39
Correct translation of the French title: The Drunkenness of Power.
A magistrate investigates corruption in a public company.
Boring drama (it is not a comedy, as the English title falsely implies). The incompetence of the writing team is evident in the absurd behavior of the protagonist's husband, who, among other things, for some unknown reason is ready to dismiss the possibility of a threat to his wife's life.
Rating: 39
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Boarding Gate (2007)
A businessman about to sell his share of the company he owns meets with his ex-lover, who is now an employee of a couple of Chinese importers in Paris. What is her motive to look her ex-lover up after so long?
To reveal more of this film's plot would be spoiling the pleasure of watching it. It is a well concocted and well told story of sex, money, betrayal and intrigue, which kept me interested.
Rating: 68
To reveal more of this film's plot would be spoiling the pleasure of watching it. It is a well concocted and well told story of sex, money, betrayal and intrigue, which kept me interested.
Rating: 68
A Child Is Waiting (1963)
About an institution for boys with mental retardation. A former musician who is in need of an occupation employs herself at the institution; one of the more problematic boys gets attached to her.
Interesting drama, very realistic in what concerns the representation of the day-to-day activities of the institution, but lacking in realism in the dramatic area, especially the subplot featuring Reuben's parents. There is no way one can understand the logic of these characters' behavior. For instance, a mother who will not visit her child is in no position to demand that from her ex-husband, and yet that is what she does!
Rating: 51
Interesting drama, very realistic in what concerns the representation of the day-to-day activities of the institution, but lacking in realism in the dramatic area, especially the subplot featuring Reuben's parents. There is no way one can understand the logic of these characters' behavior. For instance, a mother who will not visit her child is in no position to demand that from her ex-husband, and yet that is what she does!
Rating: 51
Death Wish 3 (1985)
An aging man with a past as a vigilante resumes that role in a fight to dismantle the rule of a gang in a New York neighborhood.
Rather dismal sequel, with practically nothing besides scenes of shootouts in a severely deficient plotline (one thing I could not understand is how the protagonist could buy heavy artillery at a mall whilst the police enforced a strict limitation on firearm possession). Balsam's stupendous performance in a small role is so contrasting with the film's inanity that it becomes a sort of aesthetical oddity.
Rating: 31
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Soldier's Girl (2003) (TV)
Based on a real event, the film narrates the tragic story of intolerance which culminated in the murder of an American soldier by a fellow soldier. The murdered man was having an affair with a transexual.
Engaging drama. The whole cast delivers good performances; Hatosy gives a superb one.
Rating: 59
Engaging drama. The whole cast delivers good performances; Hatosy gives a superb one.
Rating: 59
Cobra (1986)
A tough and somewhat truculent cop is assigned to protect a top model whose life is in danger after she witnessed a crime.
The plot has some severe weaknesses, the most blatant of which is the vagueness of the description of the criminal organization behind the series of crimes; said organization seems to sport a vaguely nietzschean ideology and engage in some sort of ridiculous ax-clashing ceremony, but aside of that nothing is known. The film has a varied collection of set-pieces, among which is a well done car chase - the scene where the hero makes an about-face with his car in order to get rid of his chaser, and then resumes his former course, is anthological. There isn't much of a nexus to hold these isolated moments together, though.
Rating: 32
The plot has some severe weaknesses, the most blatant of which is the vagueness of the description of the criminal organization behind the series of crimes; said organization seems to sport a vaguely nietzschean ideology and engage in some sort of ridiculous ax-clashing ceremony, but aside of that nothing is known. The film has a varied collection of set-pieces, among which is a well done car chase - the scene where the hero makes an about-face with his car in order to get rid of his chaser, and then resumes his former course, is anthological. There isn't much of a nexus to hold these isolated moments together, though.
Rating: 32
Wolfen (1981)
Strange killings in New York are investigated by a somewhat unconventional cop; he is aided by a charming expert on terrorism and a coroner.
The plot makes no realistic sense, but the film has some interesting set-pieces and is well directed. This is my second viewing but should probably count as the first, since my previous viewing was of an unsubtitled copy and much of the dialogue was missed.
Rating: 50 (down from 64)
The plot makes no realistic sense, but the film has some interesting set-pieces and is well directed. This is my second viewing but should probably count as the first, since my previous viewing was of an unsubtitled copy and much of the dialogue was missed.
Rating: 50 (down from 64)
Combat!: The Medal (1963) (TV)
Tightly dramatic episode about a man who is attributed a heroic deed whose real author was killed.
Combat!: The Prisoner (1962) (TV)
Fun episode about a soldier who is mistaken as an officer by his captors.
The Thing (1982)
A monster from outer space lands on the Arctic and attacks the folks at an outpost. It can take the shape of the person it attacks.
Entertaining and well made, up to a point: I would not call it exciting; on the other hand, it has impressive (disgustingly so, I should add) monsters. This is my second viewing, but it should perhaps count as the first, since my previous viewing was of an unsubtitled video, and therefore at that occasion I did not understand much of the dialogue.
Rating: 53 (up from 22)
Entertaining and well made, up to a point: I would not call it exciting; on the other hand, it has impressive (disgustingly so, I should add) monsters. This is my second viewing, but it should perhaps count as the first, since my previous viewing was of an unsubtitled video, and therefore at that occasion I did not understand much of the dialogue.
Rating: 53 (up from 22)
Street Justice (1989)
A CIA agent who had been held prisoner in the URSS escapes and is chased by his own agency. He goes to his home town where he hides and takes notice of the local corruption; he tries to make things right for his former family.
The plot is weak and often not very plausible; but the film is well acted and watchable, minimally.
Rating: 30
The plot is weak and often not very plausible; but the film is well acted and watchable, minimally.
Rating: 30
Combat!: A Day in June (1962) (TV)
This episode is about the D-day, and it is good, like all the others I have seen. I forget the details.
The Snake Pit (1948)
A woman begins to show signs of madness and is committed to an institution.
The screenplay is clearly schematical, with lots of psychoanalitical clichés. What makes the film watchable is the mise-en-scène, which is capable of creating some memorable sequences (the one about the rug which no one is supposed to walk on springs to mind, but there are others).
Rating:52
The screenplay is clearly schematical, with lots of psychoanalitical clichés. What makes the film watchable is the mise-en-scène, which is capable of creating some memorable sequences (the one about the rug which no one is supposed to walk on springs to mind, but there are others).
Rating:52
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Combat!: I Swear by Apollo (1962) (TV)
Saunders and his men take refuge in a convent when one of his soldiers and a French man are wounded. They force a German doctor to operate on the French man.
Seinfeld: The Rye (1996) (TV)
Kramer overbuys at a market sale; he is left in charge of a horse carriage; George and his parents have dinner with his girlfriend's family; George's father takes back the loaf of bread he had brought; George plans to replace it. Elaine is dating a saxophone player who is reluctant to give her oral sex.
This is a marvelous episode of an excellent show.
This is a marvelous episode of an excellent show.
When Time Ran Out... (1980)
A volcano eruption wreaks havoc in an island visited by tourists.
A poor spectacle both in visual and in plot terms. Its madness bears a vestigial aesthetical value.
Rating: 33
A poor spectacle both in visual and in plot terms. Its madness bears a vestigial aesthetical value.
Rating: 33
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)
Two brothers in deep financial trouble organize the theft of their parents' jewel store, with tragic consequences.
As a showcase for Hawke's and Hoffman's dramatic talents (and Finney's too, come to think of it), this works well; otherwise it's a problematic film, with a conspicuously contrived plot in service of a clear ideological agenda of indictment of capitalism. Wallowing in its own bleakness, it comes short of being truly convincing.
Rating: 47
As a showcase for Hawke's and Hoffman's dramatic talents (and Finney's too, come to think of it), this works well; otherwise it's a problematic film, with a conspicuously contrived plot in service of a clear ideological agenda of indictment of capitalism. Wallowing in its own bleakness, it comes short of being truly convincing.
Rating: 47
Combat!: Cat and Mouse (1962) (TV)
Sergeant Saunders and another sergeant get trapped inside a German post. The synopsis for this episode and a lot (all?) others of this show are found in Christopher Mulrooney's page.
I am usually incapable of producing worthwhile commentary of TV shows, even though I like some of them (e.g. this one).
I am usually incapable of producing worthwhile commentary of TV shows, even though I like some of them (e.g. this one).
The New World (2005)
A dramatization of the story of the first settlers in North America; Captain Smith's romance with Pocahontas is narrated; she marries another man after Smith goes on a long trip.
An interesting and mostly pleasant film. Malick's style is practically identical to the one he used in The Thin Red Line, with plenty of nature shots and voiceover to express a character's thoughts.
Rating: 69
An interesting and mostly pleasant film. Malick's style is practically identical to the one he used in The Thin Red Line, with plenty of nature shots and voiceover to express a character's thoughts.
Rating: 69
The Craft (1996)
This blog is not being updated as punctually as it should be, and consequently it becomes hard to remember the plot of the films being commented. This one is about teenage witches. They are four, and one of them is a newcomer to the high school where the other three study; the fourth one initially doesn't deal in witchcraft, and is invited to join the "circle".
90's trash, infinitesimally lifted by Balk's impressive performance.
Rating: 26
90's trash, infinitesimally lifted by Balk's impressive performance.
Rating: 26
Friday, June 26, 2009
Combat!: Escape to Nowhere (1962) (TV)
Lt. Hanley is made prisoner of the Germans and is put in charge of an officer who reveals to him that he is defecting. They face numerous dangers as they try to leave occupied France.
After only three episodes, I think I can surmise the eminently surrealistic universe engendered by this show. It's a real treat and I am sticking to it. (But on the other hand running out of things to say about it, perhaps.)
After only three episodes, I think I can surmise the eminently surrealistic universe engendered by this show. It's a real treat and I am sticking to it. (But on the other hand running out of things to say about it, perhaps.)
Combat!: Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherd (1962) (TV)
After the landing in Normandy, a battalion is stranded behind enemy lines, and, when an ally tank manned by a disturbed soldier approaches them, they take a ride on it to the next village, which seems to be unpopulated except for a priest and some children.
Well, it seems I am hooked to this series. It is exceedingly entertaining and well made.
Well, it seems I am hooked to this series. It is exceedingly entertaining and well made.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Funny Games U.S. (2007)
Two young men invade a lake house and hold its owners - a couple and their small son - hostage, for no apparent reason other than the pleasure of torturing them.
A cinematic heir, in plotline, to The Desperate Hours, and Les inconnus dans la maison, and, in style, to A Clockwork Orange. Self-referential, 4th-wall breaking asides are inserted, which are apparently accounted for by a desire to imbue the film with a degree of reflexivity. The effectivity of such devices is questionable: the history of films which end up inducing the very same violence they purport to criticize is long - let's not remember them here - the reasons for that fact being intimately linked to the ontological status of the displayed image. Even the attempts at thwarting catharsis have no less unpredictable consequences. André Bazin's critical work, I am told, dealt first with some of these matters, although, in connection with theatre, it has been debated at least as far back as Aristotle. Judged merely as a conventionally fashioned horror drama - which, despite its metafictional presumptions, it is - its derivativeness stands out like a sore thumb; still, among the films I have seen by this director (Caché; Code unconnu) - and not counting the one based on another person's literary work, the relatively superior La pianiste - this is the least infuriating one. The film possesses a certain tragicomical consistence of tone which lends it a considerable degree of watchability; as for the plot's coherence, it could have done a lot worse, never mind the self-mockery displayed regarding this particular aspect of it. An intriguing interpretation of it as a political allegory has been proposed on the Internet Movie Database Discussion Forum, for which you should click here.
Rating: 48
A cinematic heir, in plotline, to The Desperate Hours, and Les inconnus dans la maison, and, in style, to A Clockwork Orange. Self-referential, 4th-wall breaking asides are inserted, which are apparently accounted for by a desire to imbue the film with a degree of reflexivity. The effectivity of such devices is questionable: the history of films which end up inducing the very same violence they purport to criticize is long - let's not remember them here - the reasons for that fact being intimately linked to the ontological status of the displayed image. Even the attempts at thwarting catharsis have no less unpredictable consequences. André Bazin's critical work, I am told, dealt first with some of these matters, although, in connection with theatre, it has been debated at least as far back as Aristotle. Judged merely as a conventionally fashioned horror drama - which, despite its metafictional presumptions, it is - its derivativeness stands out like a sore thumb; still, among the films I have seen by this director (Caché; Code unconnu) - and not counting the one based on another person's literary work, the relatively superior La pianiste - this is the least infuriating one. The film possesses a certain tragicomical consistence of tone which lends it a considerable degree of watchability; as for the plot's coherence, it could have done a lot worse, never mind the self-mockery displayed regarding this particular aspect of it. An intriguing interpretation of it as a political allegory has been proposed on the Internet Movie Database Discussion Forum, for which you should click here.
Rating: 48
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Bank Job (2008)
In England, a car shop owner who is also a part-time two-bit thief is proposed a bank job by a woman of his acquaintance; the job consists in raiding the vault where the safety deposit boxes are; unbeknownst to him and his accomplices, she is being forced to do the job by a government person, who is interested in some compromising photographs of a member of the royal family which are in the possession of a drug-dealer and pimp posing as a black power activist.
Entertaining piece of speculative fiction cum thriller.
Rating: 65
Entertaining piece of speculative fiction cum thriller.
Rating: 65
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Syrian Bride (2004)
A druze woman living in the Golan Heights is marrying a guy in Syria; all the family attends her wedding, some of whom come from other countries; the border crossing is problematic.
This has no interest; it is boring and amorphous and at times just does not make sense (e.g. she allegedly will "never see her family again").
Rating: 21
This has no interest; it is boring and amorphous and at times just does not make sense (e.g. she allegedly will "never see her family again").
Rating: 21
Combat!: Forgotten Front (1962) (TV)
This is about World War II. Some guys are trying to locate a cannon, and have to enter a vacant house, and are blown to pieces; then a second group comes after them and find a German deserter hiding in it.
Good TV.
Good TV.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (2000)
Several female characters very tenuously connected, their common problem being loneliness: an abortionist, a palm reader, her terminally ill lover, a police detective, her blind sister, a divorced mother who takes an interest in her dwarf neighbor, a bank manager who gets pregnant of her married lover, her homeless acquaintance, and the corpse of a probable suicide.
Engaging drama with excellent performances, and a tendency toward romanticism (in its contemporary popular sense).
Rating: 63
Engaging drama with excellent performances, and a tendency toward romanticism (in its contemporary popular sense).
Rating: 63
Monday, June 01, 2009
Iron Man (2008)
Based on the comic book characters created by writer-editor Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and artists Jack Kirby and Don Heck; Iron Man first appeared in issue #39 of Tales of Suspense magazine (March 1963).
This is about a guy who develops a superpowerful metal suit.
Not really interesting, but if one manages to get into this warped universe, one may perhaps appreciate their efforts to produce a technological odyssey about the weapons market and how only an inside man may turn the tables, so to speak.
Rating: 35
This is about a guy who develops a superpowerful metal suit.
Not really interesting, but if one manages to get into this warped universe, one may perhaps appreciate their efforts to produce a technological odyssey about the weapons market and how only an inside man may turn the tables, so to speak.
Rating: 35
Saturday, May 30, 2009
We Don't Live Here Anymore (2004)
Based on two novellas by Andre Dubus, We Don't Live Here Anymore (published in the collection Separate Flights, 1st ed. 1975), and Adultery (published in the collection Adultery and Other Choices, 1st ed. 1977).
Two middle-class couples who share an intimate friendship face some affective problems leading up to mutual infidelities amongst themselves.
Same old same old.
Rating: 49
Two middle-class couples who share an intimate friendship face some affective problems leading up to mutual infidelities amongst themselves.
Same old same old.
Rating: 49
Panj é asr (2003)
English title: At Five in the Afternoon.
In occupied Afghanistan, there is a clash between women who want the end of Taleban oppression, and the conservative men who cling to the rules set up by that regime. An ambitious woman attends classes and wants to be the country's president one day.
There isn't much to say about this film; it isn't very good. The first 15 minutes are fine, and then it's just not anymore. Camerawork is first rate though, and one can sense the director's (or the cinematographer's, perhaps) eye for composition.
Rating: 33
In occupied Afghanistan, there is a clash between women who want the end of Taleban oppression, and the conservative men who cling to the rules set up by that regime. An ambitious woman attends classes and wants to be the country's president one day.
There isn't much to say about this film; it isn't very good. The first 15 minutes are fine, and then it's just not anymore. Camerawork is first rate though, and one can sense the director's (or the cinematographer's, perhaps) eye for composition.
Rating: 33
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
A mother and her three kids move to an old house in the country. The kids make contact with fantastical beings and find a book which is supposed to contain precious information about those creatures, being therefore coveted by an evil monster.
I don't know why I keep watching this kind of film. I can't see the point in them; I guess kids can. I guess one could say this one is "visually stunning" and that it has an "exciting pace" or something of the sort.
Rating: 37
I don't know why I keep watching this kind of film. I can't see the point in them; I guess kids can. I guess one could say this one is "visually stunning" and that it has an "exciting pace" or something of the sort.
Rating: 37
Saturday, May 16, 2009
We Own the Night (2007)
One brother is a nightclub manager and the other, following on the footsteps of his father, is a cop. When the latter brother is shot by a drug dealer, the former brother decides to do something about it.
It's rare that we see a movie about which we can say 'classic' right after we've watched it. Plus, one of the best car chases ever, albeit a short one. Gray seems to be one of the most reliable filmmakers in activity, and getting better. Phoenix is impressive in the leading role; as a matter of fact, the whole cast is fine. But be warned: this is not an ordinary thriller, as it is not really as engaged in 'thrilling' the viewer (which might explain its lukewarm reception among American viewers, and its warmer one among European ones) as it is in constructing a fatalistic fable involving kinship and identity.
Rating: 80 (a favorite; 2007's number 1)
It's rare that we see a movie about which we can say 'classic' right after we've watched it. Plus, one of the best car chases ever, albeit a short one. Gray seems to be one of the most reliable filmmakers in activity, and getting better. Phoenix is impressive in the leading role; as a matter of fact, the whole cast is fine. But be warned: this is not an ordinary thriller, as it is not really as engaged in 'thrilling' the viewer (which might explain its lukewarm reception among American viewers, and its warmer one among European ones) as it is in constructing a fatalistic fable involving kinship and identity.
Rating: 80 (a favorite; 2007's number 1)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
CQ (2001)
In 1969, a film editor (and second-unit director) working on a science-fiction film goes through a series of personal and professional incidents.
It doesn't really go anywhere, either dramatically or comedically, but its evocation of a certain slice of time and its filmic iconography are well-done and entertaining.
Rating: 53
It doesn't really go anywhere, either dramatically or comedically, but its evocation of a certain slice of time and its filmic iconography are well-done and entertaining.
Rating: 53
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Dark Hours (2005)
A psychiatrist who deals with the criminally insane has a brain tumor which was stationary and now has resumed its growth. She shows up unexpectedly at the secluded cabin where her husband, aided by her sister, is working on a book.
Yet another film which mixes dream and reality. In the case of this film, one never achieves any sense of horror, since (as usual) things are so wrapped up in mystery that the viewer will only too late get a glimpse of what is going on behind the appearances. To be frank, I still don't know what exactly went on and I don't think the movie makes that much sense to justify a second viewing.
It borrows most conspicuously from the short story "The South", by Jorge Luis Borges, first published in 1953, and, on another level, from The Desperate Hours (1955), a reference made obvious by its title.
Rating: 25
Yet another film which mixes dream and reality. In the case of this film, one never achieves any sense of horror, since (as usual) things are so wrapped up in mystery that the viewer will only too late get a glimpse of what is going on behind the appearances. To be frank, I still don't know what exactly went on and I don't think the movie makes that much sense to justify a second viewing.
It borrows most conspicuously from the short story "The South", by Jorge Luis Borges, first published in 1953, and, on another level, from The Desperate Hours (1955), a reference made obvious by its title.
Rating: 25
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Hoax (2006)
Based on the book by Clifford Irving.
Based on a true story. A writer pretends to be in contact with billionaire Howard Hughes, who according to him authorized him to write his biography.
Not a great film, but certain aspects of its story are too interesting to ignore. And it's competently done.
Rating: 51
Based on a true story. A writer pretends to be in contact with billionaire Howard Hughes, who according to him authorized him to write his biography.
Not a great film, but certain aspects of its story are too interesting to ignore. And it's competently done.
Rating: 51
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Der neunte Tag (2004)
English title: The Ninth Day.
Based on the memoirs of Jean Bernard.
A Catholic priest from Luxemburg is held prisoner in the Nazi concentration camp of Dachau on account of his activities of subversion against the racial policy of the Reich. He is released on a nine-day leave during which he is offered a deal.
One of those heavy, well-made conscience dramas which follow a predictable course but remain affecting despite of that. The dialogue is memorable and deep, offering a temptation-in-the-desert kind of dialectics. The main performance is remarkable.
Rating: 64
Based on the memoirs of Jean Bernard.
A Catholic priest from Luxemburg is held prisoner in the Nazi concentration camp of Dachau on account of his activities of subversion against the racial policy of the Reich. He is released on a nine-day leave during which he is offered a deal.
One of those heavy, well-made conscience dramas which follow a predictable course but remain affecting despite of that. The dialogue is memorable and deep, offering a temptation-in-the-desert kind of dialectics. The main performance is remarkable.
Rating: 64
Adama Meshuga'at (2006)
English title: Sweet Mud.
In a kibbutz in Israel, a boy is affected by the ordeals of his mother, upon whom the lifestyle of the kibbutz weighs. The arrival of her non-Jewish boyfriend will trigger a series of conflicts.
Critical portrayal of a kibbutz, seen as an oppressive environment. The political implication seems to be that there is always a trade-off between equality and freedom. The film is not very attractive, despite its interesting subject and story. It didn't seem convincing that the main character wouldn't just pack and leave before things reached a point of no return. Also, the mise-en-scene is too rigid and unnatural.
Rating: 43
In a kibbutz in Israel, a boy is affected by the ordeals of his mother, upon whom the lifestyle of the kibbutz weighs. The arrival of her non-Jewish boyfriend will trigger a series of conflicts.
Critical portrayal of a kibbutz, seen as an oppressive environment. The political implication seems to be that there is always a trade-off between equality and freedom. The film is not very attractive, despite its interesting subject and story. It didn't seem convincing that the main character wouldn't just pack and leave before things reached a point of no return. Also, the mise-en-scene is too rigid and unnatural.
Rating: 43
Extreme Ops (2002)
A team shooting a commercial at the Alps finds out the hideaway of a Serbian war criminal, and ends up being chased by his henchmen.
As a visual show of mountains and skiing (and probably as nothing else) this film deliver its goods.
Rating: 37
As a visual show of mountains and skiing (and probably as nothing else) this film deliver its goods.
Rating: 37
Monday, April 27, 2009
Il Decameron (1971)
English title: The Decameron.
Several stories set in late medieval Italy.
(Second viewing) The strongest aspect of this movie is the sense of authenticity which emanates from the houses, streets and even the faces in it (by the way, it's an odontological nightmare). The stories were chosen probably because of their representativeness of the social and religious points which were being shaken by the new Renaissance mindframe; the ensemble is uneven, in terms of enjoyability. In strict terms of mise-en-scence and acting, the film has a sleazy quality to it.
Rating: 68 (unchanged)
Several stories set in late medieval Italy.
(Second viewing) The strongest aspect of this movie is the sense of authenticity which emanates from the houses, streets and even the faces in it (by the way, it's an odontological nightmare). The stories were chosen probably because of their representativeness of the social and religious points which were being shaken by the new Renaissance mindframe; the ensemble is uneven, in terms of enjoyability. In strict terms of mise-en-scence and acting, the film has a sleazy quality to it.
Rating: 68 (unchanged)
Reservation Road (2007)
A boy is hit by a car and dies. The driver doesn't stop. The boy's father becomes obsessed in finding his son's killer.
Tame, suspenseless drama.
Rating: 35
Tame, suspenseless drama.
Rating: 35
Friday, April 24, 2009
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (1957)
Based on a true story.
A waterfront union leader suffers an attempt against his life; he names the shooters to his wife. He later denies what he said. A perseverant D.A. tries to convince him to speak so that he can build a case against a corrupt union boss.
Not without interest but the dramatization is often stereotypical and the plot is not exactly exciting.
Rating: 48
A waterfront union leader suffers an attempt against his life; he names the shooters to his wife. He later denies what he said. A perseverant D.A. tries to convince him to speak so that he can build a case against a corrupt union boss.
Not without interest but the dramatization is often stereotypical and the plot is not exactly exciting.
Rating: 48
White Fang (1991)
Based on the novel by Jack London (1st published in serialized form in 1906).
A young man goes to Alaska in the footsteps of his late father to search for the latter's gold mine. He associates with another explorer and they go through several adventures while befriending a dogwolf (my neologism). Sorry for the vagueness and occasional imprecisions; I saw the film about 12 days ago and it already has slipped off my mind.
Not without some entertainment value, but mostly mediocre.
Rating: 47
A young man goes to Alaska in the footsteps of his late father to search for the latter's gold mine. He associates with another explorer and they go through several adventures while befriending a dogwolf (my neologism). Sorry for the vagueness and occasional imprecisions; I saw the film about 12 days ago and it already has slipped off my mind.
Not without some entertainment value, but mostly mediocre.
Rating: 47
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
There is nothing I forget more quickly than a Harry Potter plot, so it's going to be hard to come up with a synopsis. Let me see, it begins with a quiddich, is that the word, tournament, which is interrupted, and then they go back to their school and there is another tournament, and Potter isn't old enough to be a contestant but somehow ends up being one, and so on...
If you follow my reviews (you don't? you don't know what you're missing!) you must know that I have a consistent grudge about this HP phenomenon, which I think is nothing more than pandering to kids' consumerism and simplistic notions of friendship and valor. That being said, I have watched all the films so far, because they always have some spectacle value.
Rating: 39
If you follow my reviews (you don't? you don't know what you're missing!) you must know that I have a consistent grudge about this HP phenomenon, which I think is nothing more than pandering to kids' consumerism and simplistic notions of friendship and valor. That being said, I have watched all the films so far, because they always have some spectacle value.
Rating: 39
Reindeer Games (2000)
A released convict impersonates his murdered ex-cellmate to the latter's female pen-pal and thus gets involved in a dangerous web of deceit involving the robbing of a casino.
Somehow this doesn't work right, or at least I thought so. It is clear that it is not completely serious, yet it is not completely comical either.
Rating: 49
Somehow this doesn't work right, or at least I thought so. It is clear that it is not completely serious, yet it is not completely comical either.
Rating: 49
Wolf Creek (2005)
Three young people travel to a remote place in Australia on vacation; over there they fall prey to a mad murderer.
I can't deny that it's mostly well done, but honestly I can't take much more of this formulaic kind of thing.
Rating: 48
I can't deny that it's mostly well done, but honestly I can't take much more of this formulaic kind of thing.
Rating: 48
Enchanted (2007)
A princess from the land of fairy tales is transported to the real world of New York City, with funny consequences.
I found this surprisingly watchable, particularly so in its first half. Not a masterpiece, but fresh and charming when at its best.
Rating: 53
I found this surprisingly watchable, particularly so in its first half. Not a masterpiece, but fresh and charming when at its best.
Rating: 53
Zézero (1974)
It's hard to defend this primitive piece of short cinema, but one can't deny that there is something to it, like in other films by Candeias, which captures the eye, for lack of better words. The plot is about a rural man who is enticed by a seemingly fantastic woman to go to the big city in pursuit of wealth, leaving behind his wife and kid(s).
Entre les murs (2008)
English title: The Class.
Correct translation of the French title: Between the Walls.
A year in a high school French class (meaning a class in which the French language is taught) in France, plus some glimpses into other teachers' problems, in the same school.
I've taken too long to write this review and thus am less than motivated. Anyway, if I must do it, here it goes. On the one side, there is the aspect of the events in the movie, which for me speak tons about what I would call the "politics of schooling", and relates to what the school is really all about, which is not at all about the explicit contents of any one course, but rather about learning to adapt and conform to the rules of society; awareness of the penal system is inoculated in the student through a series of disciplinary proceedings which culminate in committees for the deliberation of expulsions; the student is thus tacitly prepared for and "warned" about what expects him when he finishes school, when trials will of course be for real. The prison metaphor is beautifully expressed in the title ("between the walls"), and the film depicts in perverse detail the aspect of torture which is inherent in this kind of "education"; the student is thus faced with a cul-de-sac in which, while being reduced to a life of mandatory confinement, is obliged to come up with an essay on "interesting aspects of his or her daily life"; one of them protests in these terms more or less, to no avail. These protestations are the only mechanisms of defense the students possess and make for the film's most touching or funny moments. All that being said, the tendency among reviewers -- when they are not of the reactionary type who rant that these kids today should be taken in hand -- is to contextualize historically this repression saying that, in the past, things were worse; I can't say this is not true, but this is not the kind of thinking that made things get better.
Turning now to the mise-en-scene aspect, this film is simply too wonderful for words. There is not one false note in it, all the actors, most of whom are non-professional kids, are perfect.
Rating: 71 (1st in 2008's favorites)
Correct translation of the French title: Between the Walls.
A year in a high school French class (meaning a class in which the French language is taught) in France, plus some glimpses into other teachers' problems, in the same school.
I've taken too long to write this review and thus am less than motivated. Anyway, if I must do it, here it goes. On the one side, there is the aspect of the events in the movie, which for me speak tons about what I would call the "politics of schooling", and relates to what the school is really all about, which is not at all about the explicit contents of any one course, but rather about learning to adapt and conform to the rules of society; awareness of the penal system is inoculated in the student through a series of disciplinary proceedings which culminate in committees for the deliberation of expulsions; the student is thus tacitly prepared for and "warned" about what expects him when he finishes school, when trials will of course be for real. The prison metaphor is beautifully expressed in the title ("between the walls"), and the film depicts in perverse detail the aspect of torture which is inherent in this kind of "education"; the student is thus faced with a cul-de-sac in which, while being reduced to a life of mandatory confinement, is obliged to come up with an essay on "interesting aspects of his or her daily life"; one of them protests in these terms more or less, to no avail. These protestations are the only mechanisms of defense the students possess and make for the film's most touching or funny moments. All that being said, the tendency among reviewers -- when they are not of the reactionary type who rant that these kids today should be taken in hand -- is to contextualize historically this repression saying that, in the past, things were worse; I can't say this is not true, but this is not the kind of thinking that made things get better.
Turning now to the mise-en-scene aspect, this film is simply too wonderful for words. There is not one false note in it, all the actors, most of whom are non-professional kids, are perfect.
Rating: 71 (1st in 2008's favorites)
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Fast Food Nation (2006)
In a small American town, several characters are shown in connection with the fast food industry and commerce. Some illegal Mexicans who come and find jobs at the meat packing plant, a young high school student who works at a fast food restaurant, an executive of the fast food company who visits that town in search of the reasons for some problems with their burgers, etc.
A pamphletary and thus necessarily schematic film; I don't mean to say these are bad qualities per se; for one thing, the film doesn't resort to lies and emotional manipulation of a lower kind, and it should be praised for that. All that being said, it is flawed by its thematic diffuseness (too many issues are tackled, without sufficient development in each of them). Politically, it is valid and relevant but doesn't really show the inner workings of power, except for a few remarks about how economic power buys U.S. politicians.
Rating: 50
A pamphletary and thus necessarily schematic film; I don't mean to say these are bad qualities per se; for one thing, the film doesn't resort to lies and emotional manipulation of a lower kind, and it should be praised for that. All that being said, it is flawed by its thematic diffuseness (too many issues are tackled, without sufficient development in each of them). Politically, it is valid and relevant but doesn't really show the inner workings of power, except for a few remarks about how economic power buys U.S. politicians.
Rating: 50
El pasado (2007)
English title: The Past.
Based on the novel by Alan Pauls (2003).
A young man breaks up with his wife after a 12 year relationship. He meets several other women but his ex-wife keeps showing up in his life; she seems to be taking the separation a lot harder than he is.
I found this film consistently interesting on a superficial level, yet unsatisfying due to a certain sense of triviality pervading the plot, which I suspect may stem from the transposition from the literary medium to the cinematic one; I haven't read the book though, and thus cannot be sure of that. The ending is a bit mysterious as far as my understanding can reach; it doesn't seem very serious, but then again I may be mistaken or just too short-sighted on these matters.
Rating: 51
Based on the novel by Alan Pauls (2003).
A young man breaks up with his wife after a 12 year relationship. He meets several other women but his ex-wife keeps showing up in his life; she seems to be taking the separation a lot harder than he is.
I found this film consistently interesting on a superficial level, yet unsatisfying due to a certain sense of triviality pervading the plot, which I suspect may stem from the transposition from the literary medium to the cinematic one; I haven't read the book though, and thus cannot be sure of that. The ending is a bit mysterious as far as my understanding can reach; it doesn't seem very serious, but then again I may be mistaken or just too short-sighted on these matters.
Rating: 51
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Based on the musical by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and Hugh Wheeler (book), first performed on 1979, in turn based on a play (1973) by Christopher Bond; the main characters were drawn from an urban legend which took shape in several literary (and semi-literary, if you care to make the distinction) works dating back at least to the late 17th century.
The lyrics are inspired. The songs aren't melodic, but that, I have heard, is Sondheim's style. The cinematography is a shifting monochrome, interesting and creative, and the production design is very good. The plot is a conventional tragedy in the classic manner -- not very exciting or innovative. Old tragedy rules recommending restraint in the exhibition of violence and gore are gleefully disrespected.
Rating: 55
The lyrics are inspired. The songs aren't melodic, but that, I have heard, is Sondheim's style. The cinematography is a shifting monochrome, interesting and creative, and the production design is very good. The plot is a conventional tragedy in the classic manner -- not very exciting or innovative. Old tragedy rules recommending restraint in the exhibition of violence and gore are gleefully disrespected.
Rating: 55
High Spirits (1988)
The owner of a run-down castle in Ireland which was made into a hotel is threatened with foreclosure and decides to simulate ghosts in it to attract tourists. Some real ghosts appear.
Awful comedy.
Rating: 16
Awful comedy.
Rating: 16
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tickets (2005)
Three episodes set on a moving train: (1) an elderly chemical engineer is aided by his assistant in finding transportation after a company meeting; she is much younger than him yet is romantically interested in him and lets him know it though not in so many words; (2) a young man accompanies an older lady who is going to attend a ceremony in honor of her late husband; she is very obnoxious and treats her escort like a slave; (3) three Scottish football fans are traveling to Italy to see a game of their favorite team; they meet a family of Albanian refugees; a problematic situation about a ticket arises.
The first episode is embarrassingly bad, even though minimally lifted by references to the post-9/11 state of paranoia. The other two episodes are interesting enough though not exactly brilliant. Episode number two has no social or political connection whatsoever that I have noticed; episode number three is very politically aware.
Rating: 47 (an average)
The first episode is embarrassingly bad, even though minimally lifted by references to the post-9/11 state of paranoia. The other two episodes are interesting enough though not exactly brilliant. Episode number two has no social or political connection whatsoever that I have noticed; episode number three is very politically aware.
Rating: 47 (an average)
Yihe yuan (2006)
English title: Summer Palace.
A young woman quits her small town to attend the university in Beijing. There she meets people and falls deeply in love.
Slightly annoying at points, basically because it is impossible to empathize with or even understand very well the main character, and also because of the amount of sex scenes which don't seem to add anything at all to the flow of the story or to the understanding of the characters. It appears that they were striving for a mix of Les amants réguliers and Dr. Zhivago, or something like that. It is mostly well directed and well acted, but there is little concern from the filmmaker to make these characters' personal ordeals accessible to us. The movie seems more interested in exploring the romantic angle, and the other dimensions of the drama (especially the political one) are subordinated to the romantic one.
Rating: 45
A young woman quits her small town to attend the university in Beijing. There she meets people and falls deeply in love.
Slightly annoying at points, basically because it is impossible to empathize with or even understand very well the main character, and also because of the amount of sex scenes which don't seem to add anything at all to the flow of the story or to the understanding of the characters. It appears that they were striving for a mix of Les amants réguliers and Dr. Zhivago, or something like that. It is mostly well directed and well acted, but there is little concern from the filmmaker to make these characters' personal ordeals accessible to us. The movie seems more interested in exploring the romantic angle, and the other dimensions of the drama (especially the political one) are subordinated to the romantic one.
Rating: 45
Confessions of a Superhero (2007)
Documentary about people who dress in superhero costumes and live on tips from tourists in Hollywood.
A really bad idea for a documentary. There's very little interest in these people's stories per se.
Rating: 14
A really bad idea for a documentary. There's very little interest in these people's stories per se.
Rating: 14
Maria Full of Grace (2004)
A poor Mexican young woman quits her job at a flower factory and accepts to carry drugs in her stomach to the United States.
The first half is good. From then on, the plot veers gradually into absurdity (e.g. what's with the whole let's-give-our-money-to-someone-we-barely-know-so-she-can-give-someone-else-we-barely-knew-a-proper-funeral-even-though-we-are-in-deep-shit-and-could-use-the-money-ourselves thing?). All the performances are good.
Rating: 58
The first half is good. From then on, the plot veers gradually into absurdity (e.g. what's with the whole let's-give-our-money-to-someone-we-barely-know-so-she-can-give-someone-else-we-barely-knew-a-proper-funeral-even-though-we-are-in-deep-shit-and-could-use-the-money-ourselves thing?). All the performances are good.
Rating: 58
Vacancy (2007)
A couple has car problems on a deserted road and decides to spend the night at a motel.
Derivative and predictable, yet not totally devoid of entertainment value.
Rating: 37
Derivative and predictable, yet not totally devoid of entertainment value.
Rating: 37
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Mon meilleur ami (2006/I)
English title: My Best Friend.
An egotistical antiques dealer is challenged by his business partner to present in a short period of time a person who would qualify as his best friend; they wager a precious vase on this.
The usual simplistic rendering of a complex theme.
Rating: 40
An egotistical antiques dealer is challenged by his business partner to present in a short period of time a person who would qualify as his best friend; they wager a precious vase on this.
The usual simplistic rendering of a complex theme.
Rating: 40
The Water Horse (2007)
In Scotland, during World War II, a boy who lives near a lake discovers a strange egg; a creature is born out of it, which the boy then raises as a pet.
Inane.
Rating: 32
Inane.
Rating: 32
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
My Blueberry Nights (2007)
Episodic film with a uniting segment about a woman and a bar owner she meets after she has been dumped by her boyfriend. She goes West to work as a waitress and meets an alcoholic customer who has been dumped by his wife, and then a compulsive gambler with whom she travels.
Very weak. Its dialogue has a certain amount of charm, the bare minimum to keep it from being unwatchable due to its lack of density.
Rating: 33
Very weak. Its dialogue has a certain amount of charm, the bare minimum to keep it from being unwatchable due to its lack of density.
Rating: 33
American Gangster (2007)
Based on true events, this film shows the rise of a drug dealer and the struggle of a policeman to arrest him.
The main reason for telling in dramatic detail the two converging stories of a cop and a criminal has to be to compare their symmetrical lives. The key line of the movie is perhaps the one said by his ex-wife (quoted from memory): "You are honest in your profession so that you can be excused from honesty in your personal life." (sorry for the inevitable imprecision). Whilst the gangster, being his opposite, is an exemplary family man and cruel and ruthless in his business. This is interesting, even though not exactly new after hundreds of films dealing with that theme in a more or less tangential manner.
Rating: 61
The main reason for telling in dramatic detail the two converging stories of a cop and a criminal has to be to compare their symmetrical lives. The key line of the movie is perhaps the one said by his ex-wife (quoted from memory): "You are honest in your profession so that you can be excused from honesty in your personal life." (sorry for the inevitable imprecision). Whilst the gangster, being his opposite, is an exemplary family man and cruel and ruthless in his business. This is interesting, even though not exactly new after hundreds of films dealing with that theme in a more or less tangential manner.
Rating: 61
Comin' Round the Mountain (1951)
Two show business fellows meet a singer of rural origin. She reveals that one of the fellows is related to her and is the rightful heir to the family treasure which is being kept hidden by the family matriarch. The singer takes them to meet her country family which have a long lasting feud with a rival one (the McCoys vs. the Whitfields).
This is mostly unattractive and stale. I'm under the impression that the following verbal skit is repeated from another movie with the same duo of comedians:
-I can't marry her, I'm 30 and she is ten. I'm three times older than her!
-If you wait 10 years, she will be 20 and you will be 40, so you will only be twice her age.
-She's catching up! In time she will pass me and she will have to wait for me!
The sequence when Lou takes the larger bed but is forced to share it with an ever-growing number of cousins, being eventually dumped from it, is funny.
Rating: 31
This is mostly unattractive and stale. I'm under the impression that the following verbal skit is repeated from another movie with the same duo of comedians:
-I can't marry her, I'm 30 and she is ten. I'm three times older than her!
-If you wait 10 years, she will be 20 and you will be 40, so you will only be twice her age.
-She's catching up! In time she will pass me and she will have to wait for me!
The sequence when Lou takes the larger bed but is forced to share it with an ever-growing number of cousins, being eventually dumped from it, is funny.
Rating: 31
I Am Legend (2007)
Based on the novel by Richard Matheson (1st ed. 1954).
After mankind has been almost completely wiped out from the planet due to a virus, an immune man spends his time surviving, trying to make contact with other survivors and researching a vaccine.
This is the third cinematic version of Matheson's novel. It is well produced and well directed, falling short only when characters are forced to interact and exhibit the typical illogical bursts of temper which have become the trademark of recent Hollywood films.
Rating: 51
After mankind has been almost completely wiped out from the planet due to a virus, an immune man spends his time surviving, trying to make contact with other survivors and researching a vaccine.
This is the third cinematic version of Matheson's novel. It is well produced and well directed, falling short only when characters are forced to interact and exhibit the typical illogical bursts of temper which have become the trademark of recent Hollywood films.
Rating: 51
Friday, March 13, 2009
Le temps qui reste (2005)
English title: Time to Leave.
Correct translation of the French title: The Time That Remains.
A man finds out he has terminal cancer.
Based on one sequence alone, a more than improbable threesome, one can safely dismiss this film as idiotic. As for the remainder of the film, although I found it generally not very convincing, it's just too superficial to be worthy of analysis. A few medical details bothered me though, and someone correct me if I am wrong: (1) the protagonist complains that some of the exams were painful. I don't know of any exams related to cancer diagnostic that could even remotely be called painful; (2) at a certain point, the protagonist asserts that his condition is not hereditary, "it's just disseminated cancer". This should probably not be held against the filmmaker, as it could be accounted for by this one character's ignorance, but just for the record he is not right in saying that his "disseminated cancer" is not hereditary before making some genetic tests which would reveal whether he has certain genes which are factors in the type of cancer he has; and since he had the disease at such an early age, the probability that he is genetically predisposed is very high indeed.
Rating: 32
Correct translation of the French title: The Time That Remains.
A man finds out he has terminal cancer.
Based on one sequence alone, a more than improbable threesome, one can safely dismiss this film as idiotic. As for the remainder of the film, although I found it generally not very convincing, it's just too superficial to be worthy of analysis. A few medical details bothered me though, and someone correct me if I am wrong: (1) the protagonist complains that some of the exams were painful. I don't know of any exams related to cancer diagnostic that could even remotely be called painful; (2) at a certain point, the protagonist asserts that his condition is not hereditary, "it's just disseminated cancer". This should probably not be held against the filmmaker, as it could be accounted for by this one character's ignorance, but just for the record he is not right in saying that his "disseminated cancer" is not hereditary before making some genetic tests which would reveal whether he has certain genes which are factors in the type of cancer he has; and since he had the disease at such an early age, the probability that he is genetically predisposed is very high indeed.
Rating: 32
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
Four teenage girls are inseparable, except now each is staying at a different place during their vacation. One is visiting her relatives in Greece, another goes to Mexico for a soccer tournament, a third one is reconnecting with her estranged father, and the last one stays home to finish her documentary. Each one of them will encounter new situations in their lives during that period.
Teen drama, with not much of a plot and stuffed with sappy songs. The performances are not bad, special mentions going to Ferrera and Tamblyn.
Rating: 35
Teen drama, with not much of a plot and stuffed with sappy songs. The performances are not bad, special mentions going to Ferrera and Tamblyn.
Rating: 35
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Southland Tales (2006)
Some escatological events ravage the Earth. Several people looking chic or sexy are busy either keeping the system or taking it down.
If you really want to know what this film is about -- don't! just forget about it! no? okay, don't blame me later -- I must confess I had a little trouble myself -- even after watching it -- finding words to describe it. But almost every movie has a scene or a line which somehow holds the key to its meaning (or lack thereof) and this one is no exception. Suffice it to say that it mentions a fart which would blow up the world. There you have it, the purpose of it all: a two hour twenty minute long cinematical equivalent of a fart joke. It should be viewed as many times as it would take for one to convince oneself that one is a complete moron for viewing it. For me one viewing was enough.
Rating: 15
If you really want to know what this film is about -- don't! just forget about it! no? okay, don't blame me later -- I must confess I had a little trouble myself -- even after watching it -- finding words to describe it. But almost every movie has a scene or a line which somehow holds the key to its meaning (or lack thereof) and this one is no exception. Suffice it to say that it mentions a fart which would blow up the world. There you have it, the purpose of it all: a two hour twenty minute long cinematical equivalent of a fart joke. It should be viewed as many times as it would take for one to convince oneself that one is a complete moron for viewing it. For me one viewing was enough.
Rating: 15
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A poor teenager is a contestant in a TV prize show. His high rate of right answers is seen with suspicion by the show makers.
I really don't have much to say about this watchable yet unremarkable melodrama. It has practically every frame shot at a stilted angle.
Rating: 39
I really don't have much to say about this watchable yet unremarkable melodrama. It has practically every frame shot at a stilted angle.
Rating: 39
Monday, March 09, 2009
When Will I Be Loved (2004)
A hustler tries to set up his rich girlfriend with a millionaire for a huge sum of money.
This seems like a draft, or a rehearsal, too sleazy or too sketchy to be taken too seriously. The final part of the film resents most from this, due to the serious lack of realism and plausibility in the way some crucial plot events occur. All these things having been said, there are elements here with potential to become a good film, if anyone would wish to rewrite it and remake it.
Rating: 35
This seems like a draft, or a rehearsal, too sleazy or too sketchy to be taken too seriously. The final part of the film resents most from this, due to the serious lack of realism and plausibility in the way some crucial plot events occur. All these things having been said, there are elements here with potential to become a good film, if anyone would wish to rewrite it and remake it.
Rating: 35
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay (2002) (TV)
Based on a true story, this film tells the story of the aging founder of a direct-sales cosmetics company, and the struggles of an ambitious competitor for leadership in their field of work.
Even though the storyline doesn't lend itself to flights of genius, the writing is solid and very much in the style of classic Hollywood; the direction is visually modern and energetic. The acting is uniformly phenomenal, from the two leads right down to the tiniest bit part.
Rating: 56
Even though the storyline doesn't lend itself to flights of genius, the writing is solid and very much in the style of classic Hollywood; the direction is visually modern and energetic. The acting is uniformly phenomenal, from the two leads right down to the tiniest bit part.
Rating: 56
Inquietações de uma mulher casada (1978)
The film shows two days in the life of a woman who is dissatisfied with her married life; she goes through a series of experiences which help her take full awareness of her dissatisfaction.
Interesting drama, with a few imperfections perhaps, but which makes up for them with honesty and a focused narrative which I found mostly convincing on the psychological aspect.
Rating: 52
Interesting drama, with a few imperfections perhaps, but which makes up for them with honesty and a focused narrative which I found mostly convincing on the psychological aspect.
Rating: 52
Vision Quest (1985)
A high school student who is a Greco-Roman wrestler for his school aims to compete for the championship in a smaller weight category, which will require him to fight an extremely difficult opponent. Concurrently he falls in love with an older woman.
Just another irrelevant instance of the teenage-competition-with-a-philosophical-message-and-some-romance-to-boot film.
Rating: 26
Note: The philosophical message which is spoken at the film's end sent me into a state of shock, not because of the message in itself, which is cute, but because I instantly recognized the words as almost exactly the same ones in a Brazilian song which was released in 1989 by the band Legião Urbana in their album As Quatro Estações and was very popular in Brazil. Compare:
Words in the movie: "And I guess that's why we ought to love those people who deserve it like there's no tomorrow -- 'cause when you get right down to it, there isn't." (note: the screenplay is by Darryl Ponicsan, based on a novel by Terry Davis)
Words from the song Pais e Filhos (credited authors: Dado Villa-Lobos, Renato Russo and Marcelo Bonfá): "É preciso amar as pessoas como se não houvesse amanhã -- porque se você parar pra pensar, na verdade não há."
A further curiosity: in the song "Índios", by Renato Russo, issued in Legião Urbana's album "Dois", the verse "o futuro não é mais como era antigamente" was, as far as I know, originally a boutade by Paul Valéry ("Même l'avenir n'est plus ce qu'il était."), and was, later than Valéry but earlier than Russo, heard from the mouth of Yogi Berra ("The future isn't what it used to be.").
Just another irrelevant instance of the teenage-competition-with-a-philosophical-message-and-some-romance-to-boot film.
Rating: 26
Note: The philosophical message which is spoken at the film's end sent me into a state of shock, not because of the message in itself, which is cute, but because I instantly recognized the words as almost exactly the same ones in a Brazilian song which was released in 1989 by the band Legião Urbana in their album As Quatro Estações and was very popular in Brazil. Compare:
Words in the movie: "And I guess that's why we ought to love those people who deserve it like there's no tomorrow -- 'cause when you get right down to it, there isn't." (note: the screenplay is by Darryl Ponicsan, based on a novel by Terry Davis)
Words from the song Pais e Filhos (credited authors: Dado Villa-Lobos, Renato Russo and Marcelo Bonfá): "É preciso amar as pessoas como se não houvesse amanhã -- porque se você parar pra pensar, na verdade não há."
A further curiosity: in the song "Índios", by Renato Russo, issued in Legião Urbana's album "Dois", the verse "o futuro não é mais como era antigamente" was, as far as I know, originally a boutade by Paul Valéry ("Même l'avenir n'est plus ce qu'il était."), and was, later than Valéry but earlier than Russo, heard from the mouth of Yogi Berra ("The future isn't what it used to be.").
Thunder Bay (1953)
An engineer convinces a businessman to finance the search for underwater oil in a bay, and faces the opposition of the small adjacent fishing community.
Melodrama which is not only filled with illogical behavior but also has a dated, distorted view of environmental issues.
Rating: 35
Melodrama which is not only filled with illogical behavior but also has a dated, distorted view of environmental issues.
Rating: 35
Friday, March 06, 2009
Altered States (1980)
A scientist uses himself in a series of psychological/biological experiments involving isolation and psychedelic drugs. His friends and wife worry about him. The main character was inspired in John Lilly.
"Science"-fiction . The film's dullness is in direct proportion to the hysteria displayed by its characters. A feeling of self-parody is pervasive throughout the movie, yet the tone is so unflinchingly serious that one can never be sure of the author's awareness of the ridiculousness of the whole thing.
Rating: 33
"Science"-fiction . The film's dullness is in direct proportion to the hysteria displayed by its characters. A feeling of self-parody is pervasive throughout the movie, yet the tone is so unflinchingly serious that one can never be sure of the author's awareness of the ridiculousness of the whole thing.
Rating: 33
It's a Free World... (2007)
A woman gets fired from her job in a recruiting agency for temporary workers, and decides to open her own agency.
A typical exposé film, this time focusing on the inhumanity and corruption in the use of foreign laborers in England. As is the rule in exposés, verisimilitude is relaxed occasionally in favor of a fast moving plot which demonstrates inambiguously the point being made. All that being said, the film works (at least for me it did), and the subject it tackles deserves to be discussed and hopefully dealt with by leaders.
Rating: 54
A typical exposé film, this time focusing on the inhumanity and corruption in the use of foreign laborers in England. As is the rule in exposés, verisimilitude is relaxed occasionally in favor of a fast moving plot which demonstrates inambiguously the point being made. All that being said, the film works (at least for me it did), and the subject it tackles deserves to be discussed and hopefully dealt with by leaders.
Rating: 54
Strangers with Candy (2005)
A 40-ish woman goes back to high school after serving time in prison.
Comedy which primordially relies on the performance of the leading actress and her quick succession of one-liners. The style is caricature, pure and simple. As such, it doesn't fare too badly.
Rating: 33
Comedy which primordially relies on the performance of the leading actress and her quick succession of one-liners. The style is caricature, pure and simple. As such, it doesn't fare too badly.
Rating: 33
A casa de Alice (2007)
English title: Alice's House.
A family and its many conflicts. The father is a taxi driver and has an affair with an adolescent girl, the mother works at a beauty parlor and becomes interested in a client's husband who is an old flame of hers, the oldest son is a prostitute, the middle son is a thief, the grandmother does all the house work.
Despite a certain mise-en-scene competence which is much welcome, especially in a Brazilian movie, this is an uninspired look at the lower middle class in Brazil; furthermore, the film is suffused with an arrogant attitude which is typical of someone who has little or no knowledge of real people in this social class. Real people are nothing like they showed in this movie. And at least one plot point suggests they must have been on acid while writing it: rest homes for the elderly --- even modest ones -- charge non-negligible fees and therefore would not be an option for a family like the one depicted in the film. Apart from showing how petty and despicable these people with little money are, the film goes pretty much nowhere and ends before anything really interesting happens.
Rating: 29
A family and its many conflicts. The father is a taxi driver and has an affair with an adolescent girl, the mother works at a beauty parlor and becomes interested in a client's husband who is an old flame of hers, the oldest son is a prostitute, the middle son is a thief, the grandmother does all the house work.
Despite a certain mise-en-scene competence which is much welcome, especially in a Brazilian movie, this is an uninspired look at the lower middle class in Brazil; furthermore, the film is suffused with an arrogant attitude which is typical of someone who has little or no knowledge of real people in this social class. Real people are nothing like they showed in this movie. And at least one plot point suggests they must have been on acid while writing it: rest homes for the elderly --- even modest ones -- charge non-negligible fees and therefore would not be an option for a family like the one depicted in the film. Apart from showing how petty and despicable these people with little money are, the film goes pretty much nowhere and ends before anything really interesting happens.
Rating: 29
Shake Hands with the Devil (2007)
The Hutu-Tutsi conflict in Rwanda as seen by the head of the U.N. peace corps.
A good film, moving and informative. This is the third film I see about the Rwandan conflict, and it has intersecting plot points with the other two (Hotel Rwanda and Sometimes in April).
Rating: 69
A good film, moving and informative. This is the third film I see about the Rwandan conflict, and it has intersecting plot points with the other two (Hotel Rwanda and Sometimes in April).
Rating: 69
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Bad Company (1972)
A young man dodges drafting (from the North) when the Civil War in the U.S.A. breaks; he leaves home heading West and meets a gang of petty thieves whom he joins. His initial goal of establishing himself as a law abiding citizen in another place gradually disappears as his destiny becomes enmeshed with that of the gang's leader.
An intelligent little film, one rare example of stern realism in cinema which is also aesthetically enjoyable throughout. Bridges' performance is very fine, even finer than his usual; Savage is superb in a smaller role.
Rating: 61
An intelligent little film, one rare example of stern realism in cinema which is also aesthetically enjoyable throughout. Bridges' performance is very fine, even finer than his usual; Savage is superb in a smaller role.
Rating: 61
Into the Wild (2007)
A college graduate abandons everything to become a drifter. His ultimate goal is to live in the wild regions of Alaska.
This is pretty episodic and dull, and its philosophy if any is ultimately hokey. What lifts the film are the invaluable presences of the ever wonderful Holbrook, and Dierker, who apparently is not a professional actor and gives a completely authentic performance.
Rating: 45
This is pretty episodic and dull, and its philosophy if any is ultimately hokey. What lifts the film are the invaluable presences of the ever wonderful Holbrook, and Dierker, who apparently is not a professional actor and gives a completely authentic performance.
Rating: 45
La terza madre (2007)
English title: Mother of Tears.
An ancient urn contained in a coffin is unearthed bringing to life a terrible witch who throws the world into a havoc.
Everything you want is here: skull bashing, throat slitting, bowel extraction (and eating, of course), impaling, public phone trashing...
Rating: 3
An ancient urn contained in a coffin is unearthed bringing to life a terrible witch who throws the world into a havoc.
Everything you want is here: skull bashing, throat slitting, bowel extraction (and eating, of course), impaling, public phone trashing...
Rating: 3
The Kite Runner (2007)
The story of an Afghan boy and his childhood friend whom he betrays, and his final redemption of sorts many years later.
Melodrama in its lowest dramatic form. It seems to imply that the Azara ethnicity should be spared from persecution because above all they make for ideal servants. If I were an intellectual I would say this should be disregarded as a pre-Marxist worldview.
Rating: 26
Melodrama in its lowest dramatic form. It seems to imply that the Azara ethnicity should be spared from persecution because above all they make for ideal servants. If I were an intellectual I would say this should be disregarded as a pre-Marxist worldview.
Rating: 26
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
A poor farmer decides to join the group which will escort a dangerous criminal to the train which will take him to prison.
This is a remake of a beautiful film released in 1957. Anyway I found it beautiful when I saw it long ago. This remake is pretty lame, apart from the central idea which is indeed beautiful, a demonstration of the spirit which drove civilization forward in the old American West, but actually more universal than just that. Other than that, what we see here is a pretty formulaic first half which becomes progressively insaner after that.
Rating: 35
This is a remake of a beautiful film released in 1957. Anyway I found it beautiful when I saw it long ago. This remake is pretty lame, apart from the central idea which is indeed beautiful, a demonstration of the spirit which drove civilization forward in the old American West, but actually more universal than just that. Other than that, what we see here is a pretty formulaic first half which becomes progressively insaner after that.
Rating: 35
Hostage (2005/I)
(mild spoilers, maybe) A group of teenagers invade a luxury mansion and hold the family who lives there hostage. The house's owner is involved in some illegal activities and has a DVD wich he is supposed to deliver to the criminal organization for which he works. One of the cops who was handling the case is blackmailed to get the DVD and deliver it to the bad guys or else his family will be murdered.
Thriller that is watchable yet leaves much to be desired in regards to the depiction of the young kidnappers and their interaction with their hostages.
Rating: 40
Thriller that is watchable yet leaves much to be desired in regards to the depiction of the young kidnappers and their interaction with their hostages.
Rating: 40
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Momentum (1956) (TV)
A man is mired in debt and in his desperation commits a crime which leads to another and from then on he just sinks deeper and deeper in his path of (self) destruction.
A very good episode, which should be taken as the comedy it is, in all its glorious inverisimilitude. As an illustration of its title, it is a very intellectual piece.
A very good episode, which should be taken as the comedy it is, in all its glorious inverisimilitude. As an illustration of its title, it is a very intellectual piece.
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