100 Films Project! May 17th - Jun 27th
+9 Films: La Frontière De L'Aube (2008), Jennifer's Body (2009), Mammoth (2009), The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall (1996), Where The Wild Things Are (2009), Out Of The Woods (2005), Eloïse (2009), The Big Bad Swim (2006), and Wallis & Edward (2005).
la frontière de l'aube (2008)+
5/10 *****
Plot: A celebrity is caught by her husband with a young lover. She ends the relationship, but slowly goes insane and kills herself.
The film tries... Really hard, I'm afraid I must add; but it doesn't reach "it". It's a tad too pretentious in my humble opinion, and it reeks of nepotism; however, I'm a bit of a sucker for toxic/screwed-up relationship stories, so, it worked a little for me (on that particular angle). Oh, and awesome b&w look.
jennifer's body (2009)+
3/10 ***
Plot: A newly possessed cheerleader turns into a killer who specializes in offing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?
Weeeeeak... to say the least. Granted it had some funny lines, but not enough to hold the whole thing together. On a sidenote: I'm no expert on that Megan Fox chick (I mean, besides this film, I've only seen her on How To Lose Friends And Alienate People; no, I didn't catch one of the how-many Transformers, and I don't plan on doing that any time soon), but man! does she have a bitch face! One of the bitchest I've *ever* seen! Which, of course, does not reflect at all her real personality. I have *no* idea of what her real personality is. Ok, I'm getting off the point here... What was I going to say? Oh, whatever...
mammoth (2009)+
5/10 *****
Plot: While on a trip to Thailand, a successful American businessman tries to radically change his life. Back in New York, his wife and daughter find their relationship with their live-in Filipino maid changing around them. At the same time, in the Philippines, the maid's family struggles to deal with her absence.
I, personally, expected much, much more, but that's not the real point. The point is that the story takes waaay too long to finally engage you. I mean, it took me more that half an hour to, you know, dive in the story like you're supposed to do with films. The theme had great potential, but it was wasted when it didn't push the envelope and kept leaning on old formulas that we're all tired of knowing. It's hard to explain. Perhaps I'm being too hard. It definitely improves from mid to finish. Anyhow, I recommend the film, it's not that. It's just that it could have been much better. The cast is marvelous 'though. Every single one of them (especially the less known) does a great job. Even the kids, or especially the kids. I'm babbling now...
the tenant of wildfell hall (1996)+
6/10 ******
Plot: Based on a little known 1848 novel by Anne Bronte. Helen is an enigmatic young woman who moves to 19th Century Yorkshire with a young son. Distancing herself from everyone in the village and their prying questions, she remains totally aloof until a charming neighbor farmer gets her to reveal her past through his persistence. Only then does she reveal she is hiding away from a womanizing, belittling husband.
I confess that Anne is the only Brontë sister I never got around to get to know. Especially work-wise. Emily sure monopolizes my favourite position, Charlotte most certainly is very well respected by yours truly, but Anne...? I've got nothing. I should definitely correct that, 'cause I really liked this story. I respond quite well to period romances, so she should fit right in. Anyhow, these BBC productions are always very well made, and this one is no exception. The cast is talented, the scenery splendid, the material golden... nothing is left wanting. Is it a "bit" cliché? Sure. But very enjoyable nonetheless. I guarantee.
where the wild things are (2009)+
7/10 *******
Plot: An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.
Soooo adorable, and cute, and -- surprisingly -- layered! Everyone should check out this gem in form of film. Really! It even managed to make me cry (a bit, or maybe more than it was appropriate). I don't know if it's because I was PMT'ing or not, but it sure moved me :) I'll even go find the book to give to my godson. It's worthy. Oh, and AMAZING music by Karen O. Totally recommended!
out of the woods (2005)+
3/10 ***
Plot: Young, self-absorbed attorney Matt Fleming is sent out of the city and into the woods by his mother, who is worried over the welfare of Matt's crusty, eccentric nature-loving grandfather Jack. Not surprisingly, Matt is in for quite a culture shock. Not only does Jack do without any modern conveniences, but he also enjoys wandering in the great outdoors completely naked.
One cliché wrapped around another. All with little character and/or story development. If you're not sick in bed, having to watch anything that comes, I recommend you skip this one. Otherwise, relax and take it like a man woman. It didn't hurt... much *lol*
eloïse (2009)+
4/10 ****
Plot: In Jesus Garay's Spanish coming-of-age drama, we encounter Asia as she lies in a coma. The story tracks back over her recent experiences with stunning art student Eloïse, whose impact on Asia's life is as passionate as it is tragic.
This one was chosen by my friend's "infallible" (God knows how!) picking films technique. Which consists on one of us hovering a hand over a bunch of dvds at the rental store's hack, while the other waits and then randomly says: "this one". Yeah, such criteria! I was the one calling, so, I guess, *I* was responsible for this one. Anyways, it's a nice film and all. Not impressive or anything, but an interesting story about two girls falling in love. Sidebar: is it me, or are there waaay more lesbian films out lately? No complaints on my end. To me, love is love, and everyone should go on as they please, as it makes them happy. Just thought it was an interesting fact. Moving on...
the big bad swim (2006)+
6/10 ******
Plot: A group of Connecticut locals enroll in an adult-education beginner's swim class.
Waaay better than I expected it to be. Quirky, interesting and engaging stories. Totally worthy of a view. Btw, this was also chosen by my friend's "technique".
wallis & edward (2005)+
4/10 ****
Plot: In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American. These events caused a scandal around the world and Wallis has since been demonised as the woman who stole the King of England. Wallis and Edward is the first time that the events have been considered from Wallis's point of view. The drama follows the beginning of their affair whilst Edward was Prince of Wales and Wallis was still married to Ernest Simpson.
Nice film-telling of this real life tale. It's so fairy tale-y that it's even hard to believe it *actually* happened. Anyways, great performances and stellar period details production. Worthy of your time.
la frontière de l'aube (2008)+
5/10 *****
Plot: A celebrity is caught by her husband with a young lover. She ends the relationship, but slowly goes insane and kills herself.
The film tries... Really hard, I'm afraid I must add; but it doesn't reach "it". It's a tad too pretentious in my humble opinion, and it reeks of nepotism; however, I'm a bit of a sucker for toxic/screwed-up relationship stories, so, it worked a little for me (on that particular angle). Oh, and awesome b&w look.
jennifer's body (2009)+
3/10 ***
Plot: A newly possessed cheerleader turns into a killer who specializes in offing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?
Weeeeeak... to say the least. Granted it had some funny lines, but not enough to hold the whole thing together. On a sidenote: I'm no expert on that Megan Fox chick (I mean, besides this film, I've only seen her on How To Lose Friends And Alienate People; no, I didn't catch one of the how-many Transformers, and I don't plan on doing that any time soon), but man! does she have a bitch face! One of the bitchest I've *ever* seen! Which, of course, does not reflect at all her real personality. I have *no* idea of what her real personality is. Ok, I'm getting off the point here... What was I going to say? Oh, whatever...
mammoth (2009)+
5/10 *****
Plot: While on a trip to Thailand, a successful American businessman tries to radically change his life. Back in New York, his wife and daughter find their relationship with their live-in Filipino maid changing around them. At the same time, in the Philippines, the maid's family struggles to deal with her absence.
I, personally, expected much, much more, but that's not the real point. The point is that the story takes waaay too long to finally engage you. I mean, it took me more that half an hour to, you know, dive in the story like you're supposed to do with films. The theme had great potential, but it was wasted when it didn't push the envelope and kept leaning on old formulas that we're all tired of knowing. It's hard to explain. Perhaps I'm being too hard. It definitely improves from mid to finish. Anyhow, I recommend the film, it's not that. It's just that it could have been much better. The cast is marvelous 'though. Every single one of them (especially the less known) does a great job. Even the kids, or especially the kids. I'm babbling now...
the tenant of wildfell hall (1996)+
6/10 ******
Plot: Based on a little known 1848 novel by Anne Bronte. Helen is an enigmatic young woman who moves to 19th Century Yorkshire with a young son. Distancing herself from everyone in the village and their prying questions, she remains totally aloof until a charming neighbor farmer gets her to reveal her past through his persistence. Only then does she reveal she is hiding away from a womanizing, belittling husband.
I confess that Anne is the only Brontë sister I never got around to get to know. Especially work-wise. Emily sure monopolizes my favourite position, Charlotte most certainly is very well respected by yours truly, but Anne...? I've got nothing. I should definitely correct that, 'cause I really liked this story. I respond quite well to period romances, so she should fit right in. Anyhow, these BBC productions are always very well made, and this one is no exception. The cast is talented, the scenery splendid, the material golden... nothing is left wanting. Is it a "bit" cliché? Sure. But very enjoyable nonetheless. I guarantee.
where the wild things are (2009)+
7/10 *******
Plot: An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.
Soooo adorable, and cute, and -- surprisingly -- layered! Everyone should check out this gem in form of film. Really! It even managed to make me cry (a bit, or maybe more than it was appropriate). I don't know if it's because I was PMT'ing or not, but it sure moved me :) I'll even go find the book to give to my godson. It's worthy. Oh, and AMAZING music by Karen O. Totally recommended!
out of the woods (2005)+
3/10 ***
Plot: Young, self-absorbed attorney Matt Fleming is sent out of the city and into the woods by his mother, who is worried over the welfare of Matt's crusty, eccentric nature-loving grandfather Jack. Not surprisingly, Matt is in for quite a culture shock. Not only does Jack do without any modern conveniences, but he also enjoys wandering in the great outdoors completely naked.
One cliché wrapped around another. All with little character and/or story development. If you're not sick in bed, having to watch anything that comes, I recommend you skip this one. Otherwise, relax and take it like a man woman. It didn't hurt... much *lol*
eloïse (2009)+
4/10 ****
Plot: In Jesus Garay's Spanish coming-of-age drama, we encounter Asia as she lies in a coma. The story tracks back over her recent experiences with stunning art student Eloïse, whose impact on Asia's life is as passionate as it is tragic.
This one was chosen by my friend's "infallible" (God knows how!) picking films technique. Which consists on one of us hovering a hand over a bunch of dvds at the rental store's hack, while the other waits and then randomly says: "this one". Yeah, such criteria! I was the one calling, so, I guess, *I* was responsible for this one. Anyways, it's a nice film and all. Not impressive or anything, but an interesting story about two girls falling in love. Sidebar: is it me, or are there waaay more lesbian films out lately? No complaints on my end. To me, love is love, and everyone should go on as they please, as it makes them happy. Just thought it was an interesting fact. Moving on...
the big bad swim (2006)+
6/10 ******
Plot: A group of Connecticut locals enroll in an adult-education beginner's swim class.
Waaay better than I expected it to be. Quirky, interesting and engaging stories. Totally worthy of a view. Btw, this was also chosen by my friend's "technique".
wallis & edward (2005)+
4/10 ****
Plot: In 1936, Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry the woman he loved, Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American. These events caused a scandal around the world and Wallis has since been demonised as the woman who stole the King of England. Wallis and Edward is the first time that the events have been considered from Wallis's point of view. The drama follows the beginning of their affair whilst Edward was Prince of Wales and Wallis was still married to Ernest Simpson.
Nice film-telling of this real life tale. It's so fairy tale-y that it's even hard to believe it *actually* happened. Anyways, great performances and stellar period details production. Worthy of your time.