Constantine, Monty Python, RENT, Batman Begins, The Italian Job
I just read LJ's general announcement, and at the bottom I noticed a sentence saying that LJ is looking for someone to work in their "Russian Abuse" department. Call me crazy, but I can't help but wonder: do that many Russians really get abused on this site? Is this a chronic problem with online journaling? Does the issue also include Ukrainians, Latvians, Estonians, Uzbekistanis? And how does one specifically abuse a Russian anyway? Deny him vodka? Never be able to take over her country in Risk? Explain to him why communism only worked on paper? Tell her to slow down, she's Russian? *rim shot*
Okay, I'm done. It's September 4th, 2009, and today's old movie reviews are:
The Italian Job (2001)
4.5 stars
Another movie where the interplay between the supporting characters takes a good film and turns it into a spectacular one. My hat is off to Jason Statham, Mos Def, Seth Green and Frankie G. They made this film priceless. Add the solid plot with great surprises, believable leads (Wahlberg is maturing very nicely, Theron is, well, Charlize Theron, and Norton is ALWAYS watchable), and all the awesome car chases, and what more do you want? One of my all-time favorites.
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Constantine
3.5 stars
What this film did do, it did very well. The portrayals of Satan, Gabriel, and the various demons were solid and scary, for example. What it could have done better was to give us even more about Heaven and Hell--more imagery, more space in the plot, more character development, etc. Again, it's difficult to flesh out a story from a comic book, but it's doable enough that this movie could have and should have done so. That said, Keanu brought his usual Keanu-ness to the role (take that for whatever you think it's worth, but I enjoyed it), and Shia LaBeouf stole every scene he was in as the wannabe sidekick. Also, props to Gavin Rossdale for his acting debut (I think)--he made a very convincing demon.
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RENT
4 stars
Okay, I'm aware this movie is geared toward a very specific audience of musical theatre people, but honestly, it shouldn't be viewed that way at all. Yes, it is a musical (and a great one), but it is a movie for everyone. Not to mention that using most of the original stage cast put the performances over the top. Even if you don't like musicals, you should watch this movie with an open mind at least once in your life.
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Monty Python and the Holy Grail
3.5 stars
I have to say this movie is a conundrum: it is an acquired taste, as much of Monty Python's work tends to be, and it is full of moments that in themselves are not particularly entertaining, exciting or clever. It also defies any kind of traditional "medieval legend" plot. But amidst all of that bizarre exhibition, this movie somehow manages to be hysterically funny. Python is masterful at using totally unexpected punch lines and plot twists to further their comedic ends. You may not love this movie, but somewhere in it you will find something at which to laugh your head off. Unless the rabbit gets you first.
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Batman Begins
4.5 stars
I may be speaking out of turn, as I have not seen the original Batman or Batman Returns, but Batman Begins made me want to stand up and shout "Finally someone is taking Batman seriously!" Yes, it's a comic, yes, there is comic relief, but the figure of Batman is a DARK figure, not to be mocked with Jim Carrey and Ah-nold. Christian Bale became Batman the way Daniel Craig became James Bond--so completely that while you watch him you barely remember anyone who came before. Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman were all letter-perfect to their characters, and the actor who played Bruce's father did a great job. Also, way to go modernizing the storyline without seeming either farfetched or way too technological--it took a plot that would have fit in any comic book and made it work in the real world. Very exciting.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
FBS
Okay, I'm done. It's September 4th, 2009, and today's old movie reviews are:
The Italian Job (2001)
4.5 stars
Another movie where the interplay between the supporting characters takes a good film and turns it into a spectacular one. My hat is off to Jason Statham, Mos Def, Seth Green and Frankie G. They made this film priceless. Add the solid plot with great surprises, believable leads (Wahlberg is maturing very nicely, Theron is, well, Charlize Theron, and Norton is ALWAYS watchable), and all the awesome car chases, and what more do you want? One of my all-time favorites.
---
Constantine
3.5 stars
What this film did do, it did very well. The portrayals of Satan, Gabriel, and the various demons were solid and scary, for example. What it could have done better was to give us even more about Heaven and Hell--more imagery, more space in the plot, more character development, etc. Again, it's difficult to flesh out a story from a comic book, but it's doable enough that this movie could have and should have done so. That said, Keanu brought his usual Keanu-ness to the role (take that for whatever you think it's worth, but I enjoyed it), and Shia LaBeouf stole every scene he was in as the wannabe sidekick. Also, props to Gavin Rossdale for his acting debut (I think)--he made a very convincing demon.
---
RENT
4 stars
Okay, I'm aware this movie is geared toward a very specific audience of musical theatre people, but honestly, it shouldn't be viewed that way at all. Yes, it is a musical (and a great one), but it is a movie for everyone. Not to mention that using most of the original stage cast put the performances over the top. Even if you don't like musicals, you should watch this movie with an open mind at least once in your life.
---
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
3.5 stars
I have to say this movie is a conundrum: it is an acquired taste, as much of Monty Python's work tends to be, and it is full of moments that in themselves are not particularly entertaining, exciting or clever. It also defies any kind of traditional "medieval legend" plot. But amidst all of that bizarre exhibition, this movie somehow manages to be hysterically funny. Python is masterful at using totally unexpected punch lines and plot twists to further their comedic ends. You may not love this movie, but somewhere in it you will find something at which to laugh your head off. Unless the rabbit gets you first.
---
Batman Begins
4.5 stars
I may be speaking out of turn, as I have not seen the original Batman or Batman Returns, but Batman Begins made me want to stand up and shout "Finally someone is taking Batman seriously!" Yes, it's a comic, yes, there is comic relief, but the figure of Batman is a DARK figure, not to be mocked with Jim Carrey and Ah-nold. Christian Bale became Batman the way Daniel Craig became James Bond--so completely that while you watch him you barely remember anyone who came before. Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman were all letter-perfect to their characters, and the actor who played Bruce's father did a great job. Also, way to go modernizing the storyline without seeming either farfetched or way too technological--it took a plot that would have fit in any comic book and made it work in the real world. Very exciting.
Thanks for reading. Until next time!
FBS