Mini Movie Reviews Part II
Here are movies 6-15 on my 100 movies of 2007 list. I've actually seen 21 but, well, I'm lazy! Not to mention I don't think anyone reads these. Not that it matters, in the end it's all for me ;)
The movies are numbered and seperated under the cut so you can pick and choose which ones you read. Some of them may include spoilers so be warned.
6. Charade
Yay for older films! I think I saw this one a long time ago but since I didn't remember any of it, it counts as a new film. It's a fun mystery. It did take me a bit to figure out the whole thing. I loved how it played with the audience and tried to constantly throw you off guard about who was who and what side everybody was on. I'd love to see more films like that. A mystery, but one that's no all about violence, just the uncertainty over who did it. I love the two leads individually. They had some chemistry but I still think they were better in the scenes where they weren't being all romantic...but maybe that's just me. I seem to have problems as Cary Grant gets older and his women never do. A fun little romp, however, and I enjoyed it :) And yay for Audrey Hepburn being as lovely as ever.
7. Lagaan
Oh Bollywood, how I love you! This is impressive because it's one of the few Bollywood films I've seen (no offense, I really ahvent' seen that many) with real social commentary and a message. Set in the colonial era it definitely gives Indians a sense of pride. Excellent song and dance numbers, lots of questioning of hwo things should be, good character development. My only issue stems from the fact that I'm not Indian. There is one good white person...the girl, who naturally has to fall in love with the good Indian boy. But does she get him? Of course not, that wouldn't be in the national spirit. Instead she goes home and never loves again! Although comparing her with Radha is intersting because that means she gets him in the next seven lives, or something like that. i just found it hard to swallow that she would fall for him so hard merely over explainign the rules of cricket, that she could never love again. Probably because in this film, all the British men are jerks. But besides me reverse racism rant, sorry if that seems off to you, this was a very good film. I was pleasantly surprised by it and did get attached to several of the quirky characters that populate this film.
8. Cars
Liked it, didn't love it. Probably my least favorite Pixar film...but that's not really an insult since their films are usually mind-blowing. The moral seemed to hit you over the head a bit more than usual. And then there's the fact that I just don't care about racecars. It seems silly and a waste. But anyway, it was a cute film. Some of the characters were fabulous quirky, as always. Not to mention several very creative moments...I even liked the slightly obnoxious tractor cows. It came off as a good wholesome all amaerican film. Nice family film, but not the stunner that Pixar usually is.
9. The Illusionist
I love the way they shot this...for the most part. Sometimes I thought they were being a little too experimental and it came off as a bit showy but for the most part it was really neat. I loved the coloring, and a lot of the shots came of like an old movie. And when I say old, I mean as in one of the originals, when it was sort of brownish tinted and it crackles and fades as you simply watch a man cross the floor and sit in a chair. That probably sounds ridiculous but it's what I thought. It has a really nice nostalgic feel to it. On the other hand, I didn't think the "mystery" was very clever. I think you have to realize what's going on from the very nature of the movie...I mean, he's an illusionist!! But I did enjoy Paul Giamatti in it. He's so underrated. Overall it had a pretty good cast. Jessica Biel was up and down, not a huge fan. But the rest were quite good.
10. The Adventures of Robin Hood
This is one of the reasons I love old movies! They have such wonderful entertainment value. It's so much lighter than most of the Robin Hood films that followed. It really is just a perfect feel good movie. Also, Errol Flynn is fantastic!! He just oozes charisma. He lights up every seen. I had a tremendous urge to just rent a bunch of his movies after this film but I resisted. Fun dialogue, swordfights, and yes, even the required tacky love moments. I admit it all comes off a bit cheesy, but that ends up being the fun of it. Puts a smile on my face!
11. A Very Long Engagement
So, the first thing that struck me about this film? How much it took from Amelie. It's not terribly surprising but it rather stuck out. The use of coloring, many of the types of shots, and much of the same cast. Overall this worked, but there were moments when I could help feeling that the movements used for a romantic and comedic film like Amelie doesn't quite seem appropriate during shots of WWI. But really, that was a minor detail. I liked that overall it had a lighter view of the war. It dealt with some serious issues but you never felt bogged down by the drama. The romance was cute, even if not fully developed. And the film at a great ansemble cast...with many of the characters bringing a smile to my face. I love the elements of film noir that they threw in. And I'm glad it had a happy ending! I have to say that it was a lot different then I was expecting from the first trailer I saw of it. I remember thinking it was going to be much more heacy and dramatic. But I was very happy with the way it came out.
12. All About My Mother
Almodovar!! Love him. Love his movies. I've heard many people say this is his best film. I personally think Talk to Her is his best film but perhaps it's because I saw that one before this one. After all, most of his films share a lot of elements so they don't come off quite as new and unique once you've seen a couple. But I still really enjoyed this film...his own particular brand of melodrama that actually pulls me in instead of making me roll my eyes and want to walk away. I don't know how he does it but he does it with great style! I especially love his use of color and old film references...and in here, theater references too. I think it's always so eveident that he loves his craft and his industry so much that you can't help but respect him. Right, on to this particular film. I honestly have no clue what to say. It's one crazy ride that packs a pretty powerful punch. The characters are zany but loveable. It continues his love of women...the only real guy, her son, being killed off in the beginning. I loved the layering and manipulating of A Streetcar Named Desire within the movie. He's so good at his stories within stories. I can't seem to find the right words. He's just very, very talented. Although I think it would be intersting to see him do a film that he hadn't written...to see how he can be creative off someone else's idea.
13. Dhoom 2
I doubt that anybody has seen this but me. It's out only in a few theatres because it's Bollywood, not to mention that the original Dhoom hasn't even been released on DVD here and it was made several years ago. By the way, does anyone know what "Dhoom" means? I liked this film, I thought it was a fun romp. Several fun dance numbers, especially the theme song. Hrithik is just fun to watch! The plot was not exactly original but...it was what I was expecting. Just a lot of fun: action, dancing, some beautiful shots. There was a lot more English in this film than I'm used to for the genre but I guess it worked. Also, some of his disguises were ridiculous...such as the opening one where he was the queen?! Oh man. There's definitely a cheese factor but that's what I like in my Bollywood. In the end it gace me some laughs and left me with a smile on my face so I can't complain. Also, it was shot pretty well since it seems like it had a pretty big budget. Sort of classic storyline...with the whole bad person trying to save themselves and then sacrificing for love and doing the 'right' thing. My one problem though is that once Aishwarya is on the screen they basically drop the story of the two other girls...the female cop? injured and disappears from the movie. the cop's wife? pregnant and imobile so she's out too. I had when characters just disappear...I like them to have story arcs, or at least a story line.
14. The Merchant of Venice
I did not enjoy this movie. Why? I don't know! I think perhaps I simply cannot stand the play. He made the villain too sympathetic and I can feel satisfied at the end with anything. I did, however, find it interesting that in the end they tried to show that his daughter was torn about her decision and worried about her father...but that one scene did not work simply because it was one scene. I don't know, perhaps it is because I don't find any of the characters likable. Portia (was that her name...man I'm losing my memory) is perhaps the one I could like the most because she doesn't really show an evil or uncaring side. But it's full of people with selfish motives, either to gain something (like a wife) or to exact a sort of revenge. And really, when they take away his religion in the end, it's gutwrenching. I mean, sure, they hated jews and probably thought on some level it was saving his soul but...in this day and age nobody buys that. It just hurts. I also find it amusing that Al Pacino has such a thick stereotypical Jewish accent (which really is in the way Shakespeare wrote the lines, hard to avoid) but his friend and daughter have no such accent! And perhaps the fact that Jeremy Irons isn't particularly likeable is also why this play fails for me. Not that it's his fault, I've yet to see that part represented in a way that I can completely feel for him. He acts like a martyr for half the film and in the end his need for revenge is just as strong. Because what could break the man more than forbidding him his religion? I suppose it was shot well, but it just didn't draw the right emotions out of me. Not one of my favorite Shakespeare plays.
15. The Queen
I think I already basically did a review of this movie. Helen Mirren blew me away. She definitely deserves the Oscar this year. She's plays such a stoic character but her subtle acting still manages to let a whole range of emotions shine through. Just fantastic. The movie as a whole, I think, has an interesting view on things. I was one of the few people who was not devastated with the death of Diana...perhaps I was to young and foreign? I just remember being stunned by the impromptu memorial they put up in Paris over the tunnel in which she died, and the idiots who kept running down there (there's no sidewalk just traffic lanes) so they could take pictures of the tunnel wall. But I do remember the backlash against the monarchy and I find something comforting about the fact that someone has tried to see it from a new angle. Sure the queen may be out of touch with the new age, but she's still human, and I love that this film takes the time and care to portray that. Prince Charles comes off as rather pathetic though. He apparently understands the people but has a backbone like custard. The stag symbolism was a bit in your face for my taste too...but overall it's a well-made film with an absolutley stunning turn from Mirren.
It's amazing how much more coherent and eloquent I am when I have some to argue against...at least when it comes to movies. Alas.
Also, does anyone watch Rome? I started watching the other day and I think I'm hooked!
Edit: Oh how nice, looks like my account just ran out. I swear to god everything just all piles on at once when you have limited employment...still hoping they'll randomly call me for that PA gig. It's only a day but it would be nice. How am I 22 with no skill set?
The movies are numbered and seperated under the cut so you can pick and choose which ones you read. Some of them may include spoilers so be warned.
6. Charade
Yay for older films! I think I saw this one a long time ago but since I didn't remember any of it, it counts as a new film. It's a fun mystery. It did take me a bit to figure out the whole thing. I loved how it played with the audience and tried to constantly throw you off guard about who was who and what side everybody was on. I'd love to see more films like that. A mystery, but one that's no all about violence, just the uncertainty over who did it. I love the two leads individually. They had some chemistry but I still think they were better in the scenes where they weren't being all romantic...but maybe that's just me. I seem to have problems as Cary Grant gets older and his women never do. A fun little romp, however, and I enjoyed it :) And yay for Audrey Hepburn being as lovely as ever.
7. Lagaan
Oh Bollywood, how I love you! This is impressive because it's one of the few Bollywood films I've seen (no offense, I really ahvent' seen that many) with real social commentary and a message. Set in the colonial era it definitely gives Indians a sense of pride. Excellent song and dance numbers, lots of questioning of hwo things should be, good character development. My only issue stems from the fact that I'm not Indian. There is one good white person...the girl, who naturally has to fall in love with the good Indian boy. But does she get him? Of course not, that wouldn't be in the national spirit. Instead she goes home and never loves again! Although comparing her with Radha is intersting because that means she gets him in the next seven lives, or something like that. i just found it hard to swallow that she would fall for him so hard merely over explainign the rules of cricket, that she could never love again. Probably because in this film, all the British men are jerks. But besides me reverse racism rant, sorry if that seems off to you, this was a very good film. I was pleasantly surprised by it and did get attached to several of the quirky characters that populate this film.
8. Cars
Liked it, didn't love it. Probably my least favorite Pixar film...but that's not really an insult since their films are usually mind-blowing. The moral seemed to hit you over the head a bit more than usual. And then there's the fact that I just don't care about racecars. It seems silly and a waste. But anyway, it was a cute film. Some of the characters were fabulous quirky, as always. Not to mention several very creative moments...I even liked the slightly obnoxious tractor cows. It came off as a good wholesome all amaerican film. Nice family film, but not the stunner that Pixar usually is.
9. The Illusionist
I love the way they shot this...for the most part. Sometimes I thought they were being a little too experimental and it came off as a bit showy but for the most part it was really neat. I loved the coloring, and a lot of the shots came of like an old movie. And when I say old, I mean as in one of the originals, when it was sort of brownish tinted and it crackles and fades as you simply watch a man cross the floor and sit in a chair. That probably sounds ridiculous but it's what I thought. It has a really nice nostalgic feel to it. On the other hand, I didn't think the "mystery" was very clever. I think you have to realize what's going on from the very nature of the movie...I mean, he's an illusionist!! But I did enjoy Paul Giamatti in it. He's so underrated. Overall it had a pretty good cast. Jessica Biel was up and down, not a huge fan. But the rest were quite good.
10. The Adventures of Robin Hood
This is one of the reasons I love old movies! They have such wonderful entertainment value. It's so much lighter than most of the Robin Hood films that followed. It really is just a perfect feel good movie. Also, Errol Flynn is fantastic!! He just oozes charisma. He lights up every seen. I had a tremendous urge to just rent a bunch of his movies after this film but I resisted. Fun dialogue, swordfights, and yes, even the required tacky love moments. I admit it all comes off a bit cheesy, but that ends up being the fun of it. Puts a smile on my face!
11. A Very Long Engagement
So, the first thing that struck me about this film? How much it took from Amelie. It's not terribly surprising but it rather stuck out. The use of coloring, many of the types of shots, and much of the same cast. Overall this worked, but there were moments when I could help feeling that the movements used for a romantic and comedic film like Amelie doesn't quite seem appropriate during shots of WWI. But really, that was a minor detail. I liked that overall it had a lighter view of the war. It dealt with some serious issues but you never felt bogged down by the drama. The romance was cute, even if not fully developed. And the film at a great ansemble cast...with many of the characters bringing a smile to my face. I love the elements of film noir that they threw in. And I'm glad it had a happy ending! I have to say that it was a lot different then I was expecting from the first trailer I saw of it. I remember thinking it was going to be much more heacy and dramatic. But I was very happy with the way it came out.
12. All About My Mother
Almodovar!! Love him. Love his movies. I've heard many people say this is his best film. I personally think Talk to Her is his best film but perhaps it's because I saw that one before this one. After all, most of his films share a lot of elements so they don't come off quite as new and unique once you've seen a couple. But I still really enjoyed this film...his own particular brand of melodrama that actually pulls me in instead of making me roll my eyes and want to walk away. I don't know how he does it but he does it with great style! I especially love his use of color and old film references...and in here, theater references too. I think it's always so eveident that he loves his craft and his industry so much that you can't help but respect him. Right, on to this particular film. I honestly have no clue what to say. It's one crazy ride that packs a pretty powerful punch. The characters are zany but loveable. It continues his love of women...the only real guy, her son, being killed off in the beginning. I loved the layering and manipulating of A Streetcar Named Desire within the movie. He's so good at his stories within stories. I can't seem to find the right words. He's just very, very talented. Although I think it would be intersting to see him do a film that he hadn't written...to see how he can be creative off someone else's idea.
13. Dhoom 2
I doubt that anybody has seen this but me. It's out only in a few theatres because it's Bollywood, not to mention that the original Dhoom hasn't even been released on DVD here and it was made several years ago. By the way, does anyone know what "Dhoom" means? I liked this film, I thought it was a fun romp. Several fun dance numbers, especially the theme song. Hrithik is just fun to watch! The plot was not exactly original but...it was what I was expecting. Just a lot of fun: action, dancing, some beautiful shots. There was a lot more English in this film than I'm used to for the genre but I guess it worked. Also, some of his disguises were ridiculous...such as the opening one where he was the queen?! Oh man. There's definitely a cheese factor but that's what I like in my Bollywood. In the end it gace me some laughs and left me with a smile on my face so I can't complain. Also, it was shot pretty well since it seems like it had a pretty big budget. Sort of classic storyline...with the whole bad person trying to save themselves and then sacrificing for love and doing the 'right' thing. My one problem though is that once Aishwarya is on the screen they basically drop the story of the two other girls...the female cop? injured and disappears from the movie. the cop's wife? pregnant and imobile so she's out too. I had when characters just disappear...I like them to have story arcs, or at least a story line.
14. The Merchant of Venice
I did not enjoy this movie. Why? I don't know! I think perhaps I simply cannot stand the play. He made the villain too sympathetic and I can feel satisfied at the end with anything. I did, however, find it interesting that in the end they tried to show that his daughter was torn about her decision and worried about her father...but that one scene did not work simply because it was one scene. I don't know, perhaps it is because I don't find any of the characters likable. Portia (was that her name...man I'm losing my memory) is perhaps the one I could like the most because she doesn't really show an evil or uncaring side. But it's full of people with selfish motives, either to gain something (like a wife) or to exact a sort of revenge. And really, when they take away his religion in the end, it's gutwrenching. I mean, sure, they hated jews and probably thought on some level it was saving his soul but...in this day and age nobody buys that. It just hurts. I also find it amusing that Al Pacino has such a thick stereotypical Jewish accent (which really is in the way Shakespeare wrote the lines, hard to avoid) but his friend and daughter have no such accent! And perhaps the fact that Jeremy Irons isn't particularly likeable is also why this play fails for me. Not that it's his fault, I've yet to see that part represented in a way that I can completely feel for him. He acts like a martyr for half the film and in the end his need for revenge is just as strong. Because what could break the man more than forbidding him his religion? I suppose it was shot well, but it just didn't draw the right emotions out of me. Not one of my favorite Shakespeare plays.
15. The Queen
I think I already basically did a review of this movie. Helen Mirren blew me away. She definitely deserves the Oscar this year. She's plays such a stoic character but her subtle acting still manages to let a whole range of emotions shine through. Just fantastic. The movie as a whole, I think, has an interesting view on things. I was one of the few people who was not devastated with the death of Diana...perhaps I was to young and foreign? I just remember being stunned by the impromptu memorial they put up in Paris over the tunnel in which she died, and the idiots who kept running down there (there's no sidewalk just traffic lanes) so they could take pictures of the tunnel wall. But I do remember the backlash against the monarchy and I find something comforting about the fact that someone has tried to see it from a new angle. Sure the queen may be out of touch with the new age, but she's still human, and I love that this film takes the time and care to portray that. Prince Charles comes off as rather pathetic though. He apparently understands the people but has a backbone like custard. The stag symbolism was a bit in your face for my taste too...but overall it's a well-made film with an absolutley stunning turn from Mirren.
It's amazing how much more coherent and eloquent I am when I have some to argue against...at least when it comes to movies. Alas.
Also, does anyone watch Rome? I started watching the other day and I think I'm hooked!
Edit: Oh how nice, looks like my account just ran out. I swear to god everything just all piles on at once when you have limited employment...still hoping they'll randomly call me for that PA gig. It's only a day but it would be nice. How am I 22 with no skill set?