6 posts tagged “movies”
*****
Brilliant, really well done. Even the hubs was drawn in, though this happened before he was even born. I know, right? But I think he could see the parallels with the recent republican administration.
This reinforces the idea that 2008 was a phenomenal year for films and outstanding performances. It was unfortunate for Langella to be up against Penn for the Best Actor Oscar. What an emotional performance...I think perhaps he deserved it. Anyway, fantastic film.
****
...plus maybe a half?
I saw the Maysles Brothers documentary in school, and was so intrigued, my classmates and I rewatched it a number of times. It's stranger than a Bunuel film in that it's true.
This version fills in all the questions left unanswered by the documentary. Terrific performances by Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. The house didn't look as filthy as in the original, where you could "see" the stench. As expected, the hubs didn't get it at all, but was drawn in towards the end. (He thinks I'm weird)
****
This was strange and amazing. Completely imaginative. Reminded me of something along the lines of Metropolis and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. Great for sci-fi geeks everywhere.
****
As expected, I liked this very much. Strange, dark, fun to watch. Perfect for those budding goths.
Old movie, says the hubs. It was on cable. I've not seen the others nor the game, so don't know the original premise.
This is sort of Matrix-y...sci-fi aliens and some metaphysical-quasi-scientific way to defeat them...it was alright. I wouldn't go to the movies to see it. Not bad television though.
** 1/2
Three usually means I like it, but since when does a Harry Potter movie not get its own post? Oh, woe is me and the franchise, starting with #5, OOTP (Order of the Phoenix).
This was slower than most, with some good special effects, if only they were actually related to actual events (or even likely events) from the book. I'm baffled by what is included and what isn't, and what they choose to contrive (which isn't consistent with the spirit of HP). The characters were weak in THBP, and the whole thing seemed sort of flat and bland. It was good to see Ron get some airtime again, but other than that, bleh. I planned to see it in IMAX 3D until I heard that only the first 20 minutes were actually shot in 3D...so what's the point. I saw OOTP 3 or 4 times, and paid 13 pounds to suffer in the 2nd row at the Odeon in London, just to find that indeed, I just didn't like it. So I doubt repeated viewings would render a different opinion of THBP. Bummer!
3-1/2 Stars
This is epic, as Baz Luhrman films tend to be. It could be hokey, and has something of a false ending about 3/4 of the way through. There are holes. Yet...yet I liked it. It's superficially enlightening on a number of historical points. Wonderful cinematography and production values. Good performances. Wow, Hugh Jackman has some body!! Make popcorn, keep the tissue box near, and don't think about it too much.
5 Stars
Wow. Heavy. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are perfect, as is Michael Shannon as the voice of truth. Award-worthy performances all, with Leo outdoing himself (I never thought he was that great, but he is stunning here). I realize the direction may not have been as daunting as Danny Boyle's task, but in another time and place, Sam Mendes deserves kudos. Textbook perfect mise-en-scene. The language of this film is the best I've seen in a very long time (I may elaborate on that in a longer post, but first I'm compelled to buy the dvd and read the novel---by Richard Yates). It's a very American version of what seems like Europeans (or at least the French) have been doing for some time. The commentary and deleted scenes make me think a director's cut may eventually be released. You may need a couple of martinis while/after watching this film.
On a lighter note, I'm dying for the fashions and furniture of that period!
3-1/2 Stars
The chemistry between Sookie Stackhouse and Bill the vampire was the way it should've been in Twilight. Among other things. Much more interesting, if this is your kind of genre. The first two episodes were sufficiently enchanting to catapult the next disc onto my qeueu (which says alot in the context of 291 movies vying for attention).
2-1/2 Stars
Hubster would probably watch this because it has action sequences. Saw it at a neighbor's home. It's ok, not really my cup of tea. It was fine while we watched it, but I probably wouldn't see it again. (I like action, but the story is pretty cliche.)
2008 was a tremendous year for good films, which I hope is portentous for things to come. Is it because, or in spite, of the severe economic downturn? I don't care, keep it coming!
3-1/2 stars
Loved the story, but the film was extremely long and slow-moving. Terrific performances and special effects. My favorite character, though, is the guy who says, "Did I tell you I was struck by lightning seven times? Once when I was..."
3-1/2 stars
A Swedish film which was dubbed in English (at least at Netflix). I'm certain it would be better in Swedish with subtitles. But still good. Atmospheric and sincere, it depicts what seems to be a Scandinavian sensibility. There's no sensationalism, and if a vampire movie can be heartwarming, this one is.
Pre-dates Twilight in the increasingly crowded human-loves-vampire-and-doesn't-get-eaten genre.
I must admit I swiped this review format from Bitchee. He's quite the movie watcher!
Like this
Pretty cute. My husband actually entered the room and stayed to watch, which is more than he would do for "Across the Universe". However, I know he'll never read Jane Austen.
I think I'll read the novel.
Fabulous! I haven't seen this since school, and can't believe I don't own it. Showcases the genius of Cat Stevens. And Hal Ashby and Ruth Gordon.
