I hate throwing this word around, but there's no other way to say it: This is a masterpiece.
Forget that it's animated, and forget the fact that you may be one of the only adults in a theater filled with children. No matter which way you slice it, this is an amazing achievement.
I've been a fan of Pixar for awhile, but not a fanatic like some people are. While some people declare every movie they've done to be exceptional, the only two Pixar movies I truly love are Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. Those are the ones that truly felt original; like something magical was happening. It's my feeling that every other Pixar film has varied in terms of quality, and while some were very good (Finding Nemo) others I would have been vary happy had they never been made (The Incredibles, which starts off nicely only to turn into a bland action movie). This film, however, is different. This film is what happens when creative artists have money and power: they do what they want.
A hugely successful company now on its ninth film, Pixar is now free (more or less) from the do-or-die mentality of normal studios, where every film's opening weekend spells life or death for a company. Free from these constraints, they've come up with a film that's both hugely ambitious and surprisingly simple. A film where about 90% of its running time consists of no dialogue (a huge gamble for a modern animated feature), but whose central themes are the most basic of all human emotion: Love, life, and humanity. For a modern film in any genre, this would be considered unusual, but all the more so for a $180 million dollar animated feature.
I won't bore you with long, rambling thoughts about the film or its creation. I'll only tell you this: The best way to see this movie is to not view it as the new Pixar film, or even an animated film. View it on its own merits. A little movie called E.T. opened in 1982 and has always been seen, even by people who enjoy it, as a kids' film. I don't. I think it's one of the best films ever made, because of the pure emotion and unadulterated magic that radiates from it. It's because of that magic that it appeals to kids. It's a similar thing with this film. An open heart and an open mind are the only prerequisites needed to see this movie. Leave your cynicism at the door. Prepare to be dazzled, delighted, and moved by a simple, beautiful tale.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Time to play catch-up...
My opinions on Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Hammer, Harold and Kumar 2, Iron Man, Indiana Jones 4, The Happening, The Ruins, and Definitely, Maybe.
So yeah, the whole idea behind this post is that I haven't written anything substantial on here in over 2 months, even though I've seen eight recent movies. So I'll play catch-up, and write briefly about each.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Personally, this was my biggest disappointment of the year so far. I was really looking forward to this, mostly because it was written by and stars Jason Segel, who played probably my favorite character on Freaks and Geeks, and who was so god-damned funny in Knocked Up.
This movie just doesn't work. I'm not sure what it is, but it never really clicks. The humor feels forced, and many of the jokes are just simply not funny, or drawn out way past the point of laughability. Example: The main character's dream is to write a Dracula musical...with puppets. Now, the idea itself is funny. If someone just mentions that in a conversation, I would laugh at that. Where the film fails is that it actually takes 5 or 6 minutes near the end to show him performing the show. Which, of course, is great if it's funny. Let's just say that the theater was filled with silence. There are many scenes in this same vein, where a halfway-funny joke is milked for all its worth, being referenced multiple times in the hope of a chuckle.
Surprisingly, where the film succeeds is with its dramatic scenes. It is, in all seriousness, one of the most honest depictions of a breakup - or the aftermath of it - that I've seen in a long time. Segel isn't afraid to show his character's angst and depression, and the film is better for it. Unfortunately, the rest of the film is a boy-meets-girl story we've seen a thousand times. Although I absolutely love Jason Segel as an actor, his writing doesn't have the polish of Judd Apatow's (or even Seth Rogen's) and it shows.
The movie does have moments of near-brilliance, however. I will give it that. The opening scene works so well, you think you're in-store for a better movie: Segel, just coming out of the shower and in only a towel, finds his girlfriend in his apartment. She quickly breaks up with him, and in his surprise and horror over the situation, he accidentally drops his towel. The genius of the scene is that he's so wrapped up in what has just happened to him, he doesn't even notice or care, and he plays out the rest of the scene completely naked (which we see, by the way). The sequence even continues, with him sitting her down on the couch next to him - still completely nude - and begs her to stay with him. It has a darkly comic undertone to it, and it's wonderfully awkward. It's also a brilliant way to show his vulnerability in the situation, albeit in an exaggerated, comic way. If only the rest of the film could've had that fresh spark. The other characters are bland, and mostly uninteresting, save for Mila Kunis (from That 70's Show) who truly lights up the screen with her presence. It also manages the near-impossible task of making Paul Rudd (in a small role) completely unfunny.
I don't want to make it sound like it was terrible. It was an entertaining movie, and I'm glad I saw it. I guess I just expected more. On a related note, I'm really excited to see the upcoming Pineapple Express (with Seth Rogen and James Franco).
The Hammer
There's really not much to say about this one. It's an independently-produced comedy written by and starring Adam Carolla. It's really a simple boxing film, with a romantic subplot, and we've seen it numerous times before. The reason to see it, however, is Adam Carolla. He puts a spin on the material, and long-time fans of Adam on Loveline (and I'm one of them) will take a certain glee in seeing Adam's best rants and funniest rambling talk-show material translated to the screen. My verdict? A must-see for Adam Carolla fans, and worth a look for everyone else.
Harold and Kumar: Escape from Guantanamo Bay
The first film was, in my opinion, a modern comedy classic. Filled with equal parts low-brow humor and social commentary, it was funny and subversive, and it's actually a miracle it was ever made in Hollywood. Part of its charm was the oh-so-simple storyline: Two stoners get the munchies, and they set out on a night-long quest to find the only White Castle restaurant in the area, and hilarity ensues. Granted, it could have been awful. But somehow, it works. The second film raises the stakes: Harold and Kumar are mistakenly thought to be terrorists during an airport security screening, and sent to Guantanamo Bay Prison.
I'm sorry, but I just didn't find this one funny. Sure, it has its moments (one joke, where Neil Patrick Harris tries to act normal around a cop while on acid, made me laugh harder than anything in either of the two movies), but overall, it just doesn't capture the charm of the original. I think the fault lies in the direction. The writers of the first movie return to both write and direct this one. It's their first try at directing, and it shows. Scenes run on too long, and unfunny things that would have been axed early on are very present here. It's more subversive - and, dare I say, more unbelievable - than the first. The guys actually meet a pot-smoking George W. Bush. It may be funny on paper, but here it just....yeah. I don't know what they were thinking.
It's not a terrible movie, and it does have laughs. Fans of the original may be disappointed, but it's worth seeing just to spend a little more time with these characters again.
Iron Man
I'm not a huge fan of superhero movies. Sure, I was when I was ten, but that part of me just isn't around anymore. These days, if I'm gonna watch such a film, my decision's based more on who's involved in the project rather than which superhero it is. Believe it or not, I had never heard of Iron Man before. Sure, I'd heard about him peripherally, mentioned elsewhere. But I had no idea who he was or what he was. I had no intention of seeing the movie, either. But then I heard it was directed by Jon Favreau (Swingers) and had Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role. Ok, now you can sign me up...
The first 45 minutes of the film are set-up, and you don't see him in the final suit until the 90 minute point. From my point of view, that's how it has to be. It stresses story over effects, and it won me over in the process. Iron Man was one of the best times I've had at the movies all year. Now I'm excited for The Dark Knight.
Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
I grew up with the Indiana Jones movies, so this review is going to be very short. In summary: this movie is great. It's not high art, it's just a good time. There's enough references to the other films to bring you back into the Indy mood, and once you're there, and that classic theme starts playing, it's awesome. It's not perfect - much of the first half hour is pointless. But it has so much to offer, nothing could really ruin it (be prepared for one of the best car chase/action sequences of the past ten years). Somehow, for two hours, you feel like you're ten years old again... and it's a great feeling.
The Happening
Holy shit... where to start? This is one of the most laughable major studio releases of the past 20 years. It is amazing that this film was released in its current form, and even more amazing that it was released at all. It fails in every single thing it attempts to do, and fails in ways the director probably didn't even imagine. It fails as a horror story, a character study, and most of all, as a film. It is my early pick for worst film of the year.
I must start off by admitting I'm not a huge M. Night Shyamalan fan. The Sixth Sense was enjoyable, although I thought it was horribly overrated. My favorite film of his was Unbreakable. Without going into detail, I thought it was great. Everything else he's done, well... sucked. I hated Signs (although I seem to be in the minority on that one) and I never even saw Lady in the Water (despite the presence of the great Paul Giamatti). I was one of the few who saw some good in The Village, mostly because I actually liked the twist ending (even though the film itself is mostly a bore). Despite his track record, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. The trailers looked sort of creepy. I liked the actors. How bad could it be?
The Happening is a complete and total failure in film direction. Why do I say this? Well, M. Night has surrounded himself with some of the best people in the business, and a group of great actors, and he's managed to fuck it up beyond belief. Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo are three of my favorite actors working today. They're good actors. They have talent. Although, if this movie was your only exposure to them, you wouldn't think so. Shyamalan has managed to get terrible performances out of great actors, which is the biggest sin of this film. Sure, the material is hokey and stupid and unintentionally funny, but good actors can elevate bad material. As someone who has studied film and directing for years, I can honestly say I have no idea how he managed to screw up as bad as he did. He must have been asleep at the wheel. The acting is terrible in this movie. It's like watching first-time actors in a low-budget horror movie. I was honestly in awe at what I was witnessing. Mark Wahlberg is especially bad in the film. If this had been his first movie, his acting career would be over. Fortunately, we know he can act. We've seen Boogie Nights and The Departed. So what happened? The only thing I can think of is non-communication between actor and director. George Lucas is famous for not speaking to his actors on set, and thus the acting in his movies is usually terrible. I know I'm going on and on about this, but I'm truly shocked. Even if you hate M. Night (and I do) you have to admit the acting is usually a bright spot in his pictures. It's almost as if he shot the footage with his eyes closed.
Anyway, enough of that. Stay, far, far, far away.
The Ruins
A little horror film from a director who is from, believe it or not, Topsham, Maine. Now, I've seen video and text interviews with the guy (Carter Smith) and he seems to be a total prick. But, I have to admit, his first film is a decent little movie. It succeeds in being creepy-crawly and uncomfortable, and it holds your attention for most of the duration. Not to mention, it has some great actors (Jonathan Tucker and Jena Malone). Not bad. Not bad at all.
Definitely, Maybe
Now this is a movie I didn't even consider seeing when it first came out. The marketing campaign gave it the appearance of being just another romantic comedy. It's not. It's worth your time.
Definitely, Maybe is a rare breed of movie. It has more in common with an indie movie than a big studio production. It has great writing and performances, and a careful, steady hand leading you along the way. When you look at who's behind it, it makes more sense. Writer/director Adam Brooks directed several independent movies, and subsequently got jobs writing big-budget romantic comedies (French Kiss, Wimbledon).
It's original, it's engaging (if maybe a little overlong), and it has some great dialogue. It's Hollywood-ized and a little cutesy, but it has a lot to offer. I've always liked Ryan Reynolds, and he's very good here (in his first dramatic role), and it doesn't hurt that he's given an amazing supporting cast.
I never thought I'd say it when I first decided to watch it, but this gets a big recommendation from me.
So, that's it. I guess I'll try to post more often. Although, during this time of year, I don't see a whole lot of movies, by choice (poor product). This week I'll be seeing WALL-E, which was something I wasn't interested in at all until it started getting amazing reviews. So I guess now I'll check it out. (By the way, has anyone noticed that the main robot in WALL-E looks a hell of a lot like Johnny 5 in Short Circuit?)
So yeah, the whole idea behind this post is that I haven't written anything substantial on here in over 2 months, even though I've seen eight recent movies. So I'll play catch-up, and write briefly about each.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Personally, this was my biggest disappointment of the year so far. I was really looking forward to this, mostly because it was written by and stars Jason Segel, who played probably my favorite character on Freaks and Geeks, and who was so god-damned funny in Knocked Up.
This movie just doesn't work. I'm not sure what it is, but it never really clicks. The humor feels forced, and many of the jokes are just simply not funny, or drawn out way past the point of laughability. Example: The main character's dream is to write a Dracula musical...with puppets. Now, the idea itself is funny. If someone just mentions that in a conversation, I would laugh at that. Where the film fails is that it actually takes 5 or 6 minutes near the end to show him performing the show. Which, of course, is great if it's funny. Let's just say that the theater was filled with silence. There are many scenes in this same vein, where a halfway-funny joke is milked for all its worth, being referenced multiple times in the hope of a chuckle.
Surprisingly, where the film succeeds is with its dramatic scenes. It is, in all seriousness, one of the most honest depictions of a breakup - or the aftermath of it - that I've seen in a long time. Segel isn't afraid to show his character's angst and depression, and the film is better for it. Unfortunately, the rest of the film is a boy-meets-girl story we've seen a thousand times. Although I absolutely love Jason Segel as an actor, his writing doesn't have the polish of Judd Apatow's (or even Seth Rogen's) and it shows.
The movie does have moments of near-brilliance, however. I will give it that. The opening scene works so well, you think you're in-store for a better movie: Segel, just coming out of the shower and in only a towel, finds his girlfriend in his apartment. She quickly breaks up with him, and in his surprise and horror over the situation, he accidentally drops his towel. The genius of the scene is that he's so wrapped up in what has just happened to him, he doesn't even notice or care, and he plays out the rest of the scene completely naked (which we see, by the way). The sequence even continues, with him sitting her down on the couch next to him - still completely nude - and begs her to stay with him. It has a darkly comic undertone to it, and it's wonderfully awkward. It's also a brilliant way to show his vulnerability in the situation, albeit in an exaggerated, comic way. If only the rest of the film could've had that fresh spark. The other characters are bland, and mostly uninteresting, save for Mila Kunis (from That 70's Show) who truly lights up the screen with her presence. It also manages the near-impossible task of making Paul Rudd (in a small role) completely unfunny.
I don't want to make it sound like it was terrible. It was an entertaining movie, and I'm glad I saw it. I guess I just expected more. On a related note, I'm really excited to see the upcoming Pineapple Express (with Seth Rogen and James Franco).
The Hammer
There's really not much to say about this one. It's an independently-produced comedy written by and starring Adam Carolla. It's really a simple boxing film, with a romantic subplot, and we've seen it numerous times before. The reason to see it, however, is Adam Carolla. He puts a spin on the material, and long-time fans of Adam on Loveline (and I'm one of them) will take a certain glee in seeing Adam's best rants and funniest rambling talk-show material translated to the screen. My verdict? A must-see for Adam Carolla fans, and worth a look for everyone else.
Harold and Kumar: Escape from Guantanamo Bay
The first film was, in my opinion, a modern comedy classic. Filled with equal parts low-brow humor and social commentary, it was funny and subversive, and it's actually a miracle it was ever made in Hollywood. Part of its charm was the oh-so-simple storyline: Two stoners get the munchies, and they set out on a night-long quest to find the only White Castle restaurant in the area, and hilarity ensues. Granted, it could have been awful. But somehow, it works. The second film raises the stakes: Harold and Kumar are mistakenly thought to be terrorists during an airport security screening, and sent to Guantanamo Bay Prison.
I'm sorry, but I just didn't find this one funny. Sure, it has its moments (one joke, where Neil Patrick Harris tries to act normal around a cop while on acid, made me laugh harder than anything in either of the two movies), but overall, it just doesn't capture the charm of the original. I think the fault lies in the direction. The writers of the first movie return to both write and direct this one. It's their first try at directing, and it shows. Scenes run on too long, and unfunny things that would have been axed early on are very present here. It's more subversive - and, dare I say, more unbelievable - than the first. The guys actually meet a pot-smoking George W. Bush. It may be funny on paper, but here it just....yeah. I don't know what they were thinking.
It's not a terrible movie, and it does have laughs. Fans of the original may be disappointed, but it's worth seeing just to spend a little more time with these characters again.
Iron Man
I'm not a huge fan of superhero movies. Sure, I was when I was ten, but that part of me just isn't around anymore. These days, if I'm gonna watch such a film, my decision's based more on who's involved in the project rather than which superhero it is. Believe it or not, I had never heard of Iron Man before. Sure, I'd heard about him peripherally, mentioned elsewhere. But I had no idea who he was or what he was. I had no intention of seeing the movie, either. But then I heard it was directed by Jon Favreau (Swingers) and had Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role. Ok, now you can sign me up...
The first 45 minutes of the film are set-up, and you don't see him in the final suit until the 90 minute point. From my point of view, that's how it has to be. It stresses story over effects, and it won me over in the process. Iron Man was one of the best times I've had at the movies all year. Now I'm excited for The Dark Knight.
Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
I grew up with the Indiana Jones movies, so this review is going to be very short. In summary: this movie is great. It's not high art, it's just a good time. There's enough references to the other films to bring you back into the Indy mood, and once you're there, and that classic theme starts playing, it's awesome. It's not perfect - much of the first half hour is pointless. But it has so much to offer, nothing could really ruin it (be prepared for one of the best car chase/action sequences of the past ten years). Somehow, for two hours, you feel like you're ten years old again... and it's a great feeling.
The Happening
Holy shit... where to start? This is one of the most laughable major studio releases of the past 20 years. It is amazing that this film was released in its current form, and even more amazing that it was released at all. It fails in every single thing it attempts to do, and fails in ways the director probably didn't even imagine. It fails as a horror story, a character study, and most of all, as a film. It is my early pick for worst film of the year.
I must start off by admitting I'm not a huge M. Night Shyamalan fan. The Sixth Sense was enjoyable, although I thought it was horribly overrated. My favorite film of his was Unbreakable. Without going into detail, I thought it was great. Everything else he's done, well... sucked. I hated Signs (although I seem to be in the minority on that one) and I never even saw Lady in the Water (despite the presence of the great Paul Giamatti). I was one of the few who saw some good in The Village, mostly because I actually liked the twist ending (even though the film itself is mostly a bore). Despite his track record, I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. The trailers looked sort of creepy. I liked the actors. How bad could it be?
The Happening is a complete and total failure in film direction. Why do I say this? Well, M. Night has surrounded himself with some of the best people in the business, and a group of great actors, and he's managed to fuck it up beyond belief. Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo are three of my favorite actors working today. They're good actors. They have talent. Although, if this movie was your only exposure to them, you wouldn't think so. Shyamalan has managed to get terrible performances out of great actors, which is the biggest sin of this film. Sure, the material is hokey and stupid and unintentionally funny, but good actors can elevate bad material. As someone who has studied film and directing for years, I can honestly say I have no idea how he managed to screw up as bad as he did. He must have been asleep at the wheel. The acting is terrible in this movie. It's like watching first-time actors in a low-budget horror movie. I was honestly in awe at what I was witnessing. Mark Wahlberg is especially bad in the film. If this had been his first movie, his acting career would be over. Fortunately, we know he can act. We've seen Boogie Nights and The Departed. So what happened? The only thing I can think of is non-communication between actor and director. George Lucas is famous for not speaking to his actors on set, and thus the acting in his movies is usually terrible. I know I'm going on and on about this, but I'm truly shocked. Even if you hate M. Night (and I do) you have to admit the acting is usually a bright spot in his pictures. It's almost as if he shot the footage with his eyes closed.
Anyway, enough of that. Stay, far, far, far away.
The Ruins
A little horror film from a director who is from, believe it or not, Topsham, Maine. Now, I've seen video and text interviews with the guy (Carter Smith) and he seems to be a total prick. But, I have to admit, his first film is a decent little movie. It succeeds in being creepy-crawly and uncomfortable, and it holds your attention for most of the duration. Not to mention, it has some great actors (Jonathan Tucker and Jena Malone). Not bad. Not bad at all.
Definitely, Maybe
Now this is a movie I didn't even consider seeing when it first came out. The marketing campaign gave it the appearance of being just another romantic comedy. It's not. It's worth your time.
Definitely, Maybe is a rare breed of movie. It has more in common with an indie movie than a big studio production. It has great writing and performances, and a careful, steady hand leading you along the way. When you look at who's behind it, it makes more sense. Writer/director Adam Brooks directed several independent movies, and subsequently got jobs writing big-budget romantic comedies (French Kiss, Wimbledon).
It's original, it's engaging (if maybe a little overlong), and it has some great dialogue. It's Hollywood-ized and a little cutesy, but it has a lot to offer. I've always liked Ryan Reynolds, and he's very good here (in his first dramatic role), and it doesn't hurt that he's given an amazing supporting cast.
I never thought I'd say it when I first decided to watch it, but this gets a big recommendation from me.
So, that's it. I guess I'll try to post more often. Although, during this time of year, I don't see a whole lot of movies, by choice (poor product). This week I'll be seeing WALL-E, which was something I wasn't interested in at all until it started getting amazing reviews. So I guess now I'll check it out. (By the way, has anyone noticed that the main robot in WALL-E looks a hell of a lot like Johnny 5 in Short Circuit?)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Oh my god... this sucks so bad....
George Carlin
1937-2008
A huge influence on me throughout my later life, and one of the key reasons I decided I was an atheist at 18. He was a master of the English language, and one of the most intelligent people I've ever heard. We'll miss ya, George.
George Carlin
1937-2008
A huge influence on me throughout my later life, and one of the key reasons I decided I was an atheist at 18. He was a master of the English language, and one of the most intelligent people I've ever heard. We'll miss ya, George.
Monday, June 16, 2008
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