Delila's Reviews

[chicagofrog]

Adding to the organic feel of it is the marvellous performance of Angela Bettis as May
The thing about this is that it's very well done, however.
I'd strongly recommend this as an intelligent horror flick.

great review Cindy!
and Sedai, good taste!

Cind',

1) yeah, Angela is splendid, great, awesome, amazing!!

and she is splendid too in: (see movietab thread last week)

Carrie (2002) (TV)
Perfume (2001)
Bless the Child (2000)
Girl, Interrupted (1999)
The Last Best Sunday (1999)
Storia di una capinera (1993)
aka Sparrow
and not bad at all in Toolbox Murders (2003)

(i haven't seen the rest of her filmography YET!) :love:


2) what did you think of the fantastic creativity in "fashion"?: the dresses Angela wears (and makes herself, ... i mean her character), and the most attractive, saddest doll i've ever ever ever seen (i checked the internet but couldn't find any website or seller to purchase it for myself!! :( )

:)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Mose~ thanks for the heads up about Ichi the Killer. I have heard raves about that and while I don't mind violence or gore, I do appreciate there being a point to it beyond "look how great we got the blood to splatter".

Sedai~ I completely agree. This one slipped past a lot of people, and it's well worth a watch. I think the packaging of it sucked moose. They goth'd her out for the box art and the ENTIRE POINT of her character is that she's unstylishly unique and her own. Duh!

chic-o frog~ I think it's time I rewatched Girl, Interrupted, and caught a few of her other films. She was really impressive. I loved the fashions she created, the mishmash of textures reflected her mental state. They were beautiful, unique, unfashionable (though if you took a walk on Melrose now, you'd see some similar things, they were unfashionable at the time!). The costuming and the set decoration were both very thoughtful and flattering to Ms Bettis, and created a really lovely effect.

[chicagofrog]

chic-o frog~ I think it's time I rewatched Girl, Interrupted, and caught a few of her other films. .

i'd recommend to watch Perfume, especially, for the movie though rather than for Angela, since she appears very shortly in it. although when she does... (all dialogs are improvised in that movie, which already makes it original enough...)

[Aniko]

I love your reviews Cindy....especially Sullivan's Travels. I haven't seen it yet. I've looked for it at my local video store, but they don't have it...so I'll definately check out my local library for it.

The only other Preston Sturges movies I've seen are The Palm Beach Story (1942) and The Good Fairy (1935). Both also have that snappy dialogue that's so great to listen to. If you ever get a chance, I'd highly recommend The Good Fairy if you haven't seen it. T'is another forgotton gem. I'd love to read your thoughts on it.

:)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Annie! :)
I will look for that one. The title reminds me of Little Bunny Foo Foo, but if you say it's good, I'm there.

[LordSlaytan]

The 400 Blows (1959 - Truffaut)
I’ve always loved this movie and really like what you said about it. I agree with you about Leaud’s performance being one of the greatest of all time. I see that you also wrote a review for Day For Night, but have you seen any others? Breathless? Fahrenheit 451?

Adam's Rib (1949 - Cukor)
Nice review. How high up do you rate Tracy as far as your favorite actors go? I think he is one of the greatest of all time. I wish some of our younger members had seen more of his films. Kind of puts Keanu in perspective. :D

Aguirre, The Wrath Of God (1972 - Herzog)
Powerful film, amazing visuals. It also has one of the most magical, if not demonic, pairings in cinema history; Herzog and Kinski. Have you seen many of either of theirs? I’m curious especially if you’ve seen one of Herzog’s more recent films called Invincible starring Tim Roth.

Angels In America (2003 - Nichols)
Man, I need to see this.

The Apartment (1960 - Wilder)
Two of my favorite actors of all time. I love this movie. It’s also one of your more fun reviews. I especially liked your statistical data. You didn’t really touch on the actor’s though. Do you share the love?

Before Sunset (2004 - Linklater)
Hmm…before I read your review I would have said you couldn’t pay me enough to see either of these films, well, the latter of the two at least. But now I’ll have to check ‘em out. Thanks…I think. :indifferent:

Big Fish (2003 - Burton)
That’s one funny opening paragraph. :laugh: It appears that we had the same attitude towards the film. Too often Burton relies on his visuals and asks us to forget the lack of complexity in his films. I don’t buy it and hope that he connects more as he matures as a filmmaker. Whish is your favorite Burton? Mine is Ed Wood.

Brazil (1985 - Gilliam)
Whew…I was hoping you’d love this one. A masterpiece unequaled (at least in its, er, genre). I can’t wait for Brothers Grimm, but I don’t know if Gilliam will ever be able to match this one, which I consider his crowning achievement.

Capturing The Friedmans (2003 - Jarecki)
I keep forgetting to check this one out. I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t liked it yet.

The Crime Of Padre Amaro (2003 - Carrera)
I’m amazed that I haven’t noticed this film before. I’m usually pretty on top of foreign film releases. Thanks for the heads up.

Dawn Of The Dead (2004 - Snyder)
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit and also wrote a review for it. I agree with you that it has one of the best opening sequences ever made for a horror film. I also like the fact that Webber was used as the central heroic lead. He plays smarmy great, but I enjoy him more as a good guy.

Day For Night (1973 - Truffaut)
This is a Truffaut I haven’t seen. I don’t think I’ll rush to see it, but I will see it sooner or later. Thanks.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004 - Kaufman)
It looks like I liked it a sight more than you did, and I could relate with Joel more than you. Have you watched it again since your last review? Have your opinions changed since the horny boys incident? Oh yeah...I wrote a review for itt too, but it was a gushing kind. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

The 400 Blows (1959 - Truffaut)
I?ve always loved this movie and really like what you said about it. I agree with you about Leaud?s performance being one of the greatest of all time. I see that you also wrote a review for Day For Night, but have you seen any others? Breathless? Fahrenheit 451?
THis and Day for Night are the only of his I've seen. I do plan to see more though.

Adam's Rib (1949 - Cukor)
Nice review. How high up do you rate Tracy as far as your favorite actors go? I think he is one of the greatest of all time. I wish some of our younger members had seen more of his films. Kind of puts Keanu in perspective. :D If only it put him in a nice CPA gig... :p I like Tracy, but I'm not sure he's cracked my Top 10 yet.

Aguirre, The Wrath Of God (1972 - Herzog)
Powerful film, amazing visuals. It also has one of the most magical, if not demonic, pairings in cinema history; Herzog and Kinski. Have you seen many of either of theirs? I?m curious especially if you?ve seen one of Herzog?s more recent films called Invincible starring Tim Roth.I haven't, and I'm very interested. I really enjoyed Roth in Res. Dogs and would like to see him paired with Herzog.

Angels In America (2003 - Nichols)
Man, I need to see this.Yeah, you do. Everyone does. :)

The Apartment (1960 - Wilder)
Two of my favorite actors of all time. I love this movie. It?s also one of your more fun reviews. I especially liked your statistical data. You didn?t really touch on the actor?s though. Do you share the love?I wasn't big on Lemmon til I saw Glengarry Glen Ross and he blew me away!! And MacLaine is fun but her personality has overshadowed her career... so I'm trying to overcome that.

Before Sunset (2004 - Linklater)
Hmm?before I read your review I would have said you couldn?t pay me enough to see either of these films, well, the latter of the two at least. But now I?ll have to check ?em out. Thanks?I think. :indifferent:haha.. I think you'll like them. I thought the first one looked like pure cheddar, til I watched it end to end and really liked the relationship that is there. The second one I think does that proud.

Big Fish (2003 - Burton)
That?s one funny opening paragraph. :laugh: It appears that we had the same attitude towards the film. Too often Burton relies on his visuals and asks us to forget the lack of complexity in his films. I don?t buy it and hope that he connects more as he matures as a filmmaker. Whish is your favorite Burton? Mine is Ed Wood.
My favorite Burton is probably Beetlejuice. I saw it with no idea what was coming, and just loved it.

Brazil (1985 - Gilliam)
Whew?I was hoping you?d love this one. A masterpiece unequaled (at least in its, er, genre). I can?t wait for Brothers Grimm, but I don?t know if Gilliam will ever be able to match this one, which I consider his crowning achievement.
I didn't know he had a new one coming. Yay!!!

Capturing The Friedmans (2003 - Jarecki)
I keep forgetting to check this one out. I haven?t met anyone who hasn?t liked it yet.It was not what I expected, but within the first 5 min, I was fascinated. I'd like to know what you think, when you see it.

The Crime Of Padre Amaro (2003 - Carrera)
I?m amazed that I haven?t noticed this film before. I?m usually pretty on top of foreign film releases. Thanks for the heads up.
I'm a fan of Gabriel Garcia Bernal, I have to admit. He's really great. (And mrrrreow.)

Dawn Of The Dead (2004 - Snyder)
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit and also wrote a review for it. I agree with you that it has one of the best opening sequences ever made for a horror film. I also like the fact that Webber was used as the central heroic lead. He plays smarmy great, but I enjoy him more as a good guy.

Day For Night (1973 - Truffaut)
This is a Truffaut I haven?t seen. I don?t think I?ll rush to see it, but I will see it sooner or later. Thanks.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004 - Kaufman)
It looks like I liked it a sight more than you did, and I could relate with Joel more than you. Have you watched it again since your last review? Have your opinions changed since the horny boys incident? Oh yeah...I wrote a review for itt too, but it was a gushing kind. :)
Joel seems much more relatable to men, based on my debates over it. I've seen it twice, and I think I posted my review here after the second viewing. I like it a lot, I just had that one issue with it that kept me from raving.

Thank you for your thoughts. I love comparing notes! :)

[Ezikiel]

But have you seen any others? Breathless? Fahrenheit 451?
Breathless was done by Jean-Luc Godard, not Truffaut.

[LordSlaytan]

Breathless was done by Jean-Luc Godard, not Truffaut.****, I knew that. I was looking at this. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085276/)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

The appeal of this film is it's universality. The themes of family and home and parental relationships are something we all have to deal with, like it or not, or we stop growing. 3screamersZach Braff's central character returns to "The Garden State", ostensibly to bury his mother, but his four days back home are spent dealing with his past. In doing so, he reclaims those parts of himself that were meaningful to him, and regains his ability to feel and to grow.

This is a film about Life in all its aspects and coming to a place within ourselves where we can accept all of it, and be able to truly live. For all that depth, it's a painless watch: Braff includes a lot of humor and sweetness as well, and the levity pays off. It's a very watchable and enjoyable film about characters we like, who incidentally listen to really cool music. The performances are universally charming and relatable, even Ian Holm's emotionally removed father character. Of particular note, Jean Smart and Peter Skarsgaard turn in excellent performances. The technical aspects (sound, lighting, costuming, etc) come together in full support of the real meat of this script - it's reflections on life.

As a freshman offering from writer/director/actor-in-nearly-every-frame Braff, this is a film I would recommend highly, and a career to keep your eye on. It's not without a few flaws, however. There's a long sequence in the middle where really important stuff is going on, but we lose the sense of it for way too long. There are a couple of shots that are painfully awkward and should have been re-shot. And there were a few cuts made that would have really contributed to the meaning of this movie; do yourself the favor of watching the deleted scenes. The scene with Ian Holm, in particular, really HAS to be included in a director's cut, sez me.

tubLastly, huge kudos to Braff on writing a romantic female lead who, while a little idealized, has problems and issues and feels like an actual person. Portman does a great job of making her cute and fun, but I have to credit Braff with writing a girl who breathes and cries and sometimes acts like a geek. Sam teaches "Large" how to accept the good and the bad in his past, which enables him to face his future. I'd call that four days well spent.

[Mose]

Another wonderful review Delilah :)

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammie a great review, I am so jealous of you people there in the U S of A, this movie hasn't even come to movie theatre in my town yet. :(

[birdygyrl]

Great review SammyD. This one was already in my queue at Netflix. I just moved it up to the top. You rock.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Mose~ thanks, dood! ;)
Nebbit~ yeah, we may eat too much fast food, but we have film releases going for us.
birdy~ cool! Let me know what you think!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Napoleon Dynamite... what does one say?

There were two messages in this movie that made it well worth seeing, to me:
1. Find what you do well and do it, no matter what it is.
2. Find the enjoyment in whatever you do.

This is a kid who is beat from the get-go by all recognizeable standards, yet he has a good time anyway. We like him, anyway. He is his "tragically unique" self and that's 100x more refreshing then the best impersonation he could do of someone cool.. or even normal.

The acting is either super-bad or brilliant, I'm not sure which. The production values are crap, but for $400,000 I'd like to see anybody do better and make back their investment x100. The direction is painful... unless it's a Kubrickian Theater of Abuse thing, in which case it works like gangbusters. This is a very unusual film. The bigger nerd you are, the more you'll love it. The more you remember of the early 80's, the more you'll laugh at the in-jokes. If you were a nerd in the 80's... you may find yourself writing a rambling review of it, and hoping others get the grins from seeing it, too.

[Mose]

The bigger nerd you are, the more you'll love it.

Humm... Not sure what this says about me b/c I absolutely loved the movie. In fact, it's gotten funnier every time I've watched it and may eventually warrant a rating of 10 :)

:hangsheadinnerdlyshame:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Have you learned nothing from Napoleon, Mose? Wear your nerd-dom with pride. It's what makes you special! ;)

[Mark]

Napoleon DynamiteThe more you remember of the early 80's, the more you'll laugh at the in-jokes. If you were a nerd in the 80's... you may find yourself writing a rambling review of it, and hoping others get the grins from seeing it, too.

Hey Sammy, you realize this film is set in present day don't you? It wasn't set in the '80s.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Yes, but Uncle Rico is stuck in 1982 and there are a lot of references to that era.

[Mark]

;) Now I understand.

[nebbit]

Napoleon Dynamite... what does one say?
He is his "tragically unique" self.

I think that is a great way to describe myself from now on, "tragically Unique" :cool:

Thanks for the review, I love reading them. :kiss:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I think that is a great way to describe myself from now on, "tragically Unique" :cool:

Thanks for the review, I love reading them. :kiss:
That phrase is courtesy of Mose. Great, no? :)
Thanks for reading, Mark and Nebbs!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Eric Bana (Troy) made his screen debut in this docu-dramedy (I just made that term up!) chopperabout life as a brutal, ruthless and somehow charming killer. Based on the personality, tales told and books written while incarcerated by Mark (Chopper) Read, Bana turns in a marvelously accurate impression, balancing the psychotic behavior, the humor and charm, and the bluster of the real subject. That's Bana in the poster, by the way... believe it or not. In what could have been a flashy, exploitive slasher flick, director Andrew Dominik presents all the conflict and confusion of his subject without judgment, leaving the viewer to decide which version of events actually happened.

Watching the interviews with the real guy in the DVD extras yields an appreciation for just how precarious a balance was struck by writer/director and actor. One wonders if ?Chopper? himself is entirely sure at this point what happened and why. It's fascinating to watch, partly to see what is going to happen next and partly because you really do have the impression you're watching a person who might do ANYthing next.

Not for the kiddies or the faint of heart, this film has some strangely hilarious lines, but also a lot of violence.

[LordSlaytan]

Finding Nemo (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=173170#post173170) (2003 - Stanton/Unkrich)
Sweet review. I think all of us loved “Ellen Degeneris' expertly acted character” as much as you did. My favorite part of the film is when the naughty little one plays ‘saved your life’ with the baby girl octopus. “Hey. You guys made me ink.” :laugh:

Finding Neverland (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=205521#post205521) (2004 - Forster)
Nicely put review. Have you read the book or seen the newest incarnation of the film? If you have, how do you rate the two?

Flirting With Disaster (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=173042#post173042) (1996 - Russell)
I haven’t seen this film in a long time, but I remember not liking it that much. Tastes change and all that jazz, so maybe I’ll watch it again and see if there’s something that I missed. I’m having a hard time forgiving you for slighting the hilarious and enormously talented George Segal though. How dare you!

The French Connection (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=173183#post173183) (1971 - Friedkin)
I was thinking to myself while I waited for the review to load, “Don’t hate it, don’t hate it…” then it popped up and the first words I see are, “Hated it!”. My doG…what am I going to do now? I can’t be seen at the prom with a chickadee who hates one of my favorite 70s flicks. And the car chase…it’s one of the best ever filmed! *sigh* I guess I’ll get over it.

Garden State (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=241117#post241117) (2004 - Braff)
I’m sorry. I’ve avoided all reviews for this one because I want to see it with virgin eyes. I’m sure it’s a mighty fine review though; they all are…as long as you agree with me, that is.

Hedwig And The Angry Inch (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=173029#post173029) (2001 - Mitchell)
I don’t necessarily avoid movies that are all about gay men, but I kinda do. The reason being; most of them treat homosexual men without any note of respect. I get rather sick of seeing the gay guy who is so zany and funny…can’t any movies have them be the voices of brevity? I know that there are films that do, but not many compared to the massive amount of films that use them as comic relief. I appreciate this review in particular, because it sounds like Mitchell decided to make a movie that runs deeper than average film that centers itself on the life of homosexuals. It sounds like this is a film about people…who just happen to be gay.

House Of Yes (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=173154#post173154) (1997 - Waters)
I never thought of giving this film a chance, and your review doesn’t really me aspire to still. Is it something worth renting or not?

The Hulk (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=173157#post173157) (2003 - Lee)
I liked Hulk more than you did obviously, but I wouldn’t call it art house cinema…and what’s with the Betty hatin’?

I Heart Huckabee's (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=200820#post200820) (2004 - Russell)
Damn, woman…how did you rip the words right out of my mouth like that? I loved the cast, thought it was thought-provoking, but it still fell a little flat for me. What I find humorous is that so many people will bash Quentin Tarantino for robbing others creativity with his movies, but don’t say a negative word at all that this film is a cookie cut out of Wes Anderson’s style.

The Iron Giant (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=202818#post202818) (1999 - Bird)
Very nice review…just like all the reviews you do. I’m curious, why do you think children under the age of 13 shouldn’t see the film. I’d feel safe with 8-9 year olds seeing it. Is there something I’m not remembering?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

re: Finding Neverland
"Nicely put review. Have you read the book or seen the newest incarnation of the film? If you have, how do you rate the two?"
This was a review of the new film with Johnny Depp. I rate it 9/10. I had rated it perfect, but it seems that it is a little lost on people who haven't done theater, which is an unfortunate failing since it conveys that magic beautifully to those who have.


re: "How dare you!"
Hi.

re: Hedwig And The Angry Inch
"... It sounds like this is a film about people…who just happen to be gay."
It's a highly entertaining film and has some great music. I've downloaded at least half the soundtrack. This film is everything Rocky Horror wanted to be.

re: House Of Yes
"I never thought of giving this film a chance, and your review doesn’t really me aspire to still. Is it something worth renting or not?"
Yes. It's a good story, well acted, unique from what I've seen and people refer to it a lot, so if you're going to talk movies, you should see this.

re: I Heart Huckabee's "What I find humorous is that so many people will bash Quentin Tarantino for robbing others creativity with his movies, but don’t say a negative word at all that this film is a cookie cut out of Wes Anderson’s style."
I don't think I really see that... I'd say Christopher Durang more than W. Anderson.

re: ]The Iron Giant
"Very nice review…just like all the reviews you do. I’m curious, why do you think children under the age of 13 shouldn’t see the film. I’d feel safe with 8-9 year olds seeing it. Is there something I’m not remembering?"
[spoilers=irongiant]I found the death of the robot to be very emotionally wrenching, and because he chooses to die in order to save everyone, I think I'd hold off til kids are a little older. If kids have already been introduced to death, that might help, but this is a complex death due to the martyr issues and the suggestion that after that sacrifice, he might still re-integrate... I dunno. I know people who have younger kids who have seen it and enjoy it, so maybe I'm being overly cautious.

[LordSlaytan]

This was a review of the new film with Johnny Depp. I rate it 9/10. I had rated it perfect, but it seems that it is a little lost on people who haven't done theater, which is an unfortunate failing since it conveys that magic beautifully to those who have.I knew what movie the review was for. I was just asking what you thought of the mans work and the most recent adaptation of it. Jeezum Crow! Do you think I don’t bother reading the reviews or something? :)

Hi.I don’t think I like the tone of your voice, young lady.

This film is everything Rocky Horror wanted to be.Hugely successful with a fan base of around 100,000,000 people? Wow.

Yes. It's a good story, well acted, unique from what I've seen and people refer to it a lot, so if you're going to talk movies, you should see this.I guess I better leave the forum for a while then, because I probably won’t see it for quite some time yet. You’re such a bully.

I don't think I really see that... I'd say Christopher Durang more than W. Anderson.Am I missing something? Has Durang actually directed a film I’ve yet heard of? (actually, I haven’t seen either film that he’s written)

I found the death of the robot to be very emotionally wrenching, and because he chooses to die in order to save everyone, I think I'd hold off til kids are a little older. If kids have already been introduced to death, that might help, but this is a complex death due to the martyr issues and the suggestion that after that sacrifice, he might still re-integrate... I dunno. I know people who have younger kids who have seen it and enjoy it, so maybe I'm being overly cautious.Hmmm...it sounds like perfect subject matter to discuss with a child…but that’s just me. Thanks for your honest opinion though.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I knew what movie the review was for. I was just asking what you thought of the mans work and the most recent adaptation of it. Jeezum Crow! Do you think I don’t bother reading the reviews or something? :)
Oh, it's clear that you do. I just wasn't sure what you were drinkin' while you were reading. :D

I don’t think I like the tone of your voice, young lady.
You have no idea. I sound just like Gilbert Gottleib.

Hugely successful with a fan base of around 100,000,000 people? Wow.
Hedwig has a pretty big fanbase as well, it's just not as well-known as Rocky Horror in the US. Also, the writer/director/actor is directing a new film that is supposd to be out some day and you're going to have nothing to compare it to. Don't say you weren't warned.

I guess I better leave the forum for a while then, because I probably won’t see it for quite some time yet. You’re such a bully.
Don't break Aniko's heart again, you flighty thing! :mad: Stay put.

Am I missing something? Has Durang actually directed a film I’ve yet heard of? (actually, I haven’t seen either film that he’s written)
We were only talking about directors? I see how you play: fast and loose with the parameters. Tricky. But not tricky enough.

Hmmm...it sounds like perfect subject matter to discuss with a child…but that’s just me. Thanks for your honest opinion though.
To discuss, yes, especially (as I said) if death is something the kid has had to deal with in reality. Not everybody does that, or even watches films with their kids, so that's part of my hesitancy. I was 8 when I first learned that death had touched my life and I remember really reeling, so maybe I'm cautious after that experience. My mom didn't really talk to me about it much, she just handed me a photo of her and a baby and this man.. and said, "that is your father". Breaking news more gently than my mom is a pretty easy task, I'll grant you... Anyway, I think it depends on the kid and their situation.

[LordSlaytan]

Oh, it's clear that you do. I just wasn't sure what you were drinkin' while you were reading. :DI quit drinking six months ago. Thanks for opening old wounds though. ;) You still haven’t answered my questions though…Have you read Peter Pan or seen its latest adaptation?


You have no idea. I sound just like Gilbert Gottleib. I’m not sure who that is. Do you mean Gottfried? If so…you just made me incredibly randy.


Hedwig has a pretty big fanbase as well, it's just not as well-known as Rocky Horror in the US. Also, the writer/director/actor is directing a new film that is supposd to be out some day and you're going to have nothing to compare it to. Don't say you weren't warned. There’s nothing on IMDb about his next project. What have you heard?


Don't break Aniko's heart again, you flighty thing! :mad: Stay put. Aniko? Broken heart? Man…I suck. (shut up, Nitzer) :)


We were only talking about directors? I see how you play: fast and loose with the parameters. Tricky. But not tricky enough. I have no idea how to respond. You blew my mind…


To discuss, yes, especially (as I said) if death is something the kid has had to deal with in reality. Not everybody does that, or even watches films with their kids, so that's part of my hesitancy. I was 8 when I first learned that death had touched my life and I remember really reeling, so maybe I'm cautious after that experience. My mom didn't really talk to me about it much, she just handed me a photo of her and a baby and this man.. and said, "that is your father". Breaking news more gently than my mom is a pretty easy task, I'll grant you... Anyway, I think it depends on the kid and their situation.I’m sorry about your experience…it sounds very sad. And I agree…it completely depends on the kid.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I quit drinking six months ago. Thanks for opening old wounds though. ;) You still haven’t answered my questions though…Have you read Peter Pan or seen its latest adaptation?
Nope. Neither. Have you? Do you recommend either or both or neither?


I’m not sure who that is. Do you mean Gottfried? If so…you just made me incredibly randy.
uhm, yes. Him. Who's Randy?


There’s nothing on IMDb about his next project. What have you heard?
Here's the IMDb entry. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367027/) That's all I've heard on it, and since it says it was to film last fall, that's not a good sign...

[LordSlaytan]

Nope. Neither. Have you? Do you recommend either or both or neither?I like both alright. But you won't be missing anything amazing and spectacular spectacular.


uhm, yes. Him. Who's Randy?I had a feeling that's where you'd go with that. :)


Here's the IMDb entry. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367027/) That's all I've heard on it, and since it says it was to film last fall, that's not a good sign...Ah...I only looked at the top listings. lol...thx.

[nebbit]

Eric Bana (Troy) made his screen debut in this docu-dramedy (I just made that term up!) about life as a brutal, ruthless and somehow charming killer. Based on the personality, tales told and books written while incarcerated by Mark (Chopper) Read.

Thanks for a great review of Chopper you are right this is not for the kiddies or faint hearted. :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Australia and NZ are really making some good movies. It's a pity more of them don't get more buzz in the States.

[ash_is_the_gal]

thanks for the review on Garden State, Sammy! i really enjoyed that movie and your review was right-on, sez me. :p :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

danke schoen! thanks for saying so.
hey, I like your new av! sweet!

[Mose]

http://www.tribute.ca/tribute_objects/images/movies/i_heart_huckabees/ihearthuckabees2.jpg

Wow... I saw this on the shelf earlier this week and passed assuming it was some stupid comedy. After browsing through your reviews I decided to give it a go and absolutely loved it! It had that weird feel present in Wes Anderson and Charlie Kaufman movies, something I just can't get enough of. I'm working on a review of it, but just had to thank you for the review... If I hadn't read yours I would have missed out on one of the most unique movies of the year!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

::sits up taller::
Thanks, Mose! :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Jean de Florette
When does self-interest become greed? Where does the pursuit of self-preservation florettebecome destructive? Writer/director Claude Berri and co-writer Gerard Brach raise these questions in Jean de Flourette, starring Yves Montand, Daniel Artuiel and Gerard Depardeu. The story centers around an elderly gentleman, concerned with continuing his family?s name by marrying off his nephew. The nephew just wants to grow carnations, but to do that, he needs water, and to get the water, these two conspire to cheat their neighbor.

This is a simple and beautiful little story, by turns charming and sad, told perfectly by cast and filmmakers. Set in the French countryside, the camera work puts us in the landscape with the characters. Understated acting pulls us into the humanity of these characters without bashing us over the head with the moral issues at hand. Third in the quality trifecta is the writing: very direct and simple storytelling gives this story the feel of a fable and universal relatability, without telegraphing what is going to happen next.

Manon of the Spring
This is the continuation of the story begun in Jean de Flourette. Five years or so have elapsed when the story picks back up. imgmanon While either of these films will work as a stand-alone film, their full impact is realised only if you see them together, or reasonably so.

Manon des Sources (Manon of the Spring) has more of the feel of a Greek tragedy/comedy than it's predecessor. It completes the first story in a very satisfying and oddly suprising manner. The emotions are more complex and yet the story seems simpler. The charm is the same, though.

The performances are once again top-notch and all the lovely technical aspects are carried through from the first film. If all this isn't enough to make you rush out and rent it, let me also mention that you get to see this girl dancing nude:
http://web.singnet.com.sg/~tonym/manon2.gif

[LordSlaytan]

OOOHHHH!!!! I love these movies!!!! I'm so glad you got a chance to see them.

'tis true, they make up a tragic, yet lovely tale. The acting is wonderful, and the simplistic cinematography and music fit the overall feel of the story well...and c'mon! It's got Gérard Depardieu at the top of his game!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

OOOHHHH!!!! I love these movies!!!! I'm so glad you got a chance to see them.

'tis true, they make up a tragic, yet lovely tale. The acting is wonderful, and the simplistic cinematography and music fit the overall feel of the story well...and c'mon! It's got Gérard Depardieu at the top of his game!
Yeah, he really is! He can be a bit overpowering in some of his later films, but in this one he's in a mix of strong actors and he has such a great character in Jean. He's really endearing.

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammy for reviewing 2 of my favourite movies. :yup: :cool: :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks Sammy for reviewing 2 of my favourite movies. :yup: :cool: :D
To be honest, I had little choice. I saw these at my friends' house when I visited them in England and one of them has prodded me to review them ever since I've been back. :p They are wonderful movies though, and very under-seen in the States. I'd have had a challenge to find them here, I'm afraid.

[nebbit]

They are wonderful movies though, and very under-seen in the States. I'd have had a challenge to find them here, I'm afraid.

They are quite well known here, I first saw them at the movies. :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Were you familiar with G. Depardieu when those films came out? I thought it had been among his first til I looked it up on IMDb. He was very well established in film in the mid-80's!

[nebbit]

I had only seen him in one movie before "Too Beautiful for You" I loved them so much that I tried to see nearly everything he did, I wasn't impressed with a few Hollywood movies he did. :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I had only seen him in one movie before "Too Beautiful for You" I loved them so much that I tried to see nearly everything he did, I wasn't impressed with a few Hollywood movies he did. :D
I don't think Hollywood knew what to do with him, which is a shame.

[Tacitus]

I'd have had a challenge to find them here, I'm afraid.

That's quite sad...

They're fantastic films which I've had in my collection for 15 years (and that's only slightly to do with Emannuelle Beart's nudie dancin'). For me JDF and MDS are as vital a depiction of a way of life as Coppola's first two Godfather movies.

Thanks, Cinders, for reminding me to watch them again. :)

[susan]

every once in a while cablevision will play these two...not at the same time...usually when they put them on tho, i'm either not at home or at some hour when i'm usually not awake...

thanks for the reviews tho...i will look for these or try tot watch them next time...

[SamsoniteDelilah]

That's quite sad...

They're fantastic films which I've had in my collection for 15 years (and that's only slightly to do with Emannuelle Beart's nudie dancin'). For me JDF and MDS are as vital a depiction of a way of life as Coppola's first two Godfather movies.

Thanks, Cinders, for reminding me to watch them again. :)
Now that you mention it, that's a really good comparison. Godfather 1 & 2 are similarly connected to each other, the way the story expands in both directions in the second film and as the scope broadens, the meaning deepens. And both filmmakers do a great job of making you feel like part of the mob that the film is about.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Sling Blade is a story that navigates us, by means of a truly original character, through a familiar mileau and familiar issues in such a way ilthat we see it all as if for the first time. Karl Childers is the perhaps mentally challenged, certainly emotionally abused anti-hero of a morality play where the central figure knows right from wrong, and choses his actions accordingly... but leaves us shocked, nonetheless.

The writing, by first time writer/director Billy Bob Thornton, is not preachy. The acting is absolutely devoted (Thornton injured himself from maintaining the posture of the central character), if uneven in the supporting cast. Somehow, Dwight Yokum's suckiness in the role of the villain serves only to make him all the more reprehensible. The pace is my only complaint: it's a bit slow in the middle. Once the central characters and themes are introduced, they all seem to camp out a bit before progressing. It's well worth staying tuned in, however, as this film has one of the most powerful endings in my recollection.

The music in this is sweet without being sappy. The costumes and settings convey the working class mileau without being cheesy. The whole project walks a fine line between the familiar and the strange. It's a very strong first time showing from Thornton, and still one of his finest hours.

[Piddzilla]

I love Sling Blade. There's a lot of great things about it. For instance, J.T. Walsh makes an unforgettable appearance in it.

[Holden Pike]

HATED it.
The only reason to see this is for Gene Hackman. Mr Puffy-Face was in incredibly great physical shape, delivered a stand-up performance and was all-around impressive.

Otherwise... let's see: Screeching tires? check! Incessant car horns? check!! Sexism? And how!! Racism? BIG time!!! Ridiculous fashions and enormous cars? You betcha!! Machismo and not much else? BINGO.

I didn't want to turn it off, because it's a "classic" and I don't want to be ignorant about the classics, but all in all, I'd rather eat a live kitten than ever watch this again.

Ther French Connection is a classic, and it's a shame you couldn't see what it was getting at. First of all, it's still probably the finest police procedural ever made. Yes, there is THE celebrated car chase (still amazing all these years later, and you can feel how "real" it is, free of CGI and stunt drivers on a closed set) and a couple of shoot outs, but I love how the film emphasises how much of the job is out standing in the cold freezing your nuts off or sitting in a car for weeks drinking bad coffee without anything of seeming importance happening.

But in addition to Hackman's amazing performance, the big thing about The French Connection that makes it a classic is the uncompromising way it looks at the cops. Unlike movies had done almost exclusively up until that point and still do all too frequently now, the police are not treated as simple "good guys". There is a complicated and murky morality throughout. Hackman's Popeye Doyle is good at his job. He's also a racist, sexist pig who rarely thinks about the consequences in his single-minded drive to do his job the way he thinks he should do it, and if you take a shot at him and piss him off, he's not above shooting an unarmed man in the back either. This was a pretty radical concept for a movie to portray in 1971, and judging by your reaction I'd say it's still pretty radical.

http://www.filmposters.com/images/posters/5120.jpg http://www.physcoproductions.com/oscars/1970s/pics/frenchconnection2.jpg

The strength of the movie is that it presents this world without sugar-coating any of the bitterness. Hell, it revels in the biterness. And that dingy reflection of the world is much closer to reality than super cops trailing pyschopaths. Not that every cop is a scumbag, but they surer than ***** aren't all kights on white horses either, and for the first time here we see that a cop is just as capable of being a psychopath as the criminals he is trying to apprehend. The French Connection was one of the first and remains one of the finest depictions of how complicated and troubling the dynamic of cops and crooks can be. And of course it's a GREAT character study, with Hackman really going all-out to bring this brutal and insensitve man to life. The ending is absolutely brilliant, and really sums up the uneasy morality of the film perfectly.

It's not supposed to be an easy, breezy, fun flick. That much you nailed in your review. That you couldn't go any deeper and were struck by the period clothing is too bad. Great, great movie.

[Holden Pike]

Preston Sturges was a genius. And not the nerdy, obnoxious kind. He was the kind you hope you get to hang out with, if Sullivan't Travels is any indication of the wit, intellect and charm of it's writer/director...

I lost track, while watching this film, of the number of times it made me laugh out loud. The dialogue is some of the snappiest I've ever heard...

Having seen this, I'm looking foward to renting another of Sturges' films.

Sturges is one of the greats, a singular genius of comedy and dialogue that has not been matched before or since on the silver screen. Did you get around to seeing any of his others movies yet? Sullivan's Travels is definitely one of his best and also one of his best-known today, but I love Unfaithfully Yours, Hail the Conquering Hero, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, The Great MicGinty, The Palm Beach Story and especially The Lady Eve as much if not more than Sullivan's. Judging from your taste Delila, I think you'll ADORE The Lady Eve the most of the bunch. Hank Fonda and Babs Stanwyk weren't known for their comic turns, but they are perfect in this movie. Don't know how you'll respond to the darkness of Unfaithfully Yours, but I'm sure you'll enjoy if not want to marry every single one of those movies. Even Preston's "lesser" efforts are a treat and a half, but try and find the ones I listed above starting with The Lady Eve.

http://www.aucklandfilmsociety.org.nz/movies/images/eve.jpg http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2000-01-14/screens_feature2-1.jpg

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Well, if it isn't Holden Pike, as I live and breathe!

Thanks for your comments on The French Connection - I see why you like it and that's valuable to me. I'd like to clarify my POV, as it is actually white-horseless. I don't mind bitter. In fact, I'm drinking coffee right now. Black. I also am holding my breath for the mailperson to bring my next disc of The Wire, and I loved Homicide, Life On The Street and several other cop shows about human cops. I found Popeye Doyle to be off-balance as a character for me, though: too much dark, not enough cream and sugar. Films that feature a central character who has major flaws walk an uneasy line and are highly impressive when they garner a sympathetic reaction, despite that. I'd cite Sideways as an example of that. (Now, don't make that face!) Popeye is, however, unrelatable to me - someone I wouldn't want to know, wouldn't even want to have to deal with in any capacity - because of all those ignorant attitudes he exudes. White horses are ok in parfume ads. I don't need 'em under a cop and I don't need a cop who's representational of the statistical average of the attitudes of most working-class background police officers of a mean age with 2.4 kids to feed. That stuff is tiresome. But if he's an outright *******... bleah.

The Lady Eve does look fun. I love Babs and I think Hank was great. The references to this in the extra material that came with Sullivan's Travels sounded like a great time, and so far you haven't steered me wrong. I will check it out. If I don't get my Netflix, I may go get it today.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Vivian Bearing has Stage 4 ovarian cancer. "There is no Stage 5."iright

Emma Thompson brings her considerable skills to bear on making our time with Vivian, the central character in adaption of Margaret Edson's play, Wit, worthwhile. We are privy to her re-evaluation of her life and attitudes as her health declines, including her regrets over getting lost in her intellect to the detriment of her emotional life. And she brings us into the trenches in the opposition between intellect and compassion as her doctors fight, not for her life, but for their research data.

If that doesn't sound like fun, it's because it isn't. While this film is meaningful, and beautifully acted, at times darkly humorous, and all the production values are top-notch... it's crushingly sad without ever delivering a satisfying story arc and without the balance of some happy times in the life of our protagonist. There is poignant beauty in it, in particular the end, which positively tore my heart out. But would I recommend this to y'all? No.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Julianne Moore plays a woman who lost her son 14 months ago and can't seem to move on in a functional way. The heart of this film would like to be a testament to the maternal bond and the power of love. It would like to be, but that concept is told with such pedantic, preposterous plot points and wrapped up in such a vague fashion that I wonder if the creators of this story didn't actually hate their mothers.
forgotten
The one good thing in this movie is the cast. Julianne Moore, Gary Sinease and Dominic West manage to motivate their characters, despite the ridiculous situations, and for that they deserve kudos I guess... or better managers.

This is sci-fi where the laws of physics have been utterly suspended. It hopes to capitalize on paranoia about the government and alien coverups, but it offers insanely unfounded actions on the part of like... everyone. This film is, in short, crap with some good special effects.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

This one got me by the heartstrings. Shine is the story of a young man, driven by an abusive father, to excel at playing the piano. The stress causes a mental break that derails not just the young man's career, but his life. Jeffrey Rush plays the pianist, David Helfgott upon whose life this story is based. Rush won an Oscar for this and well-deserved. The real star though (sorry, Jeffrey) is Noah Taylor (Max, The Life Aquatic, many others) who plays Helfgott as an adolescent, who shows us a brilliant and sweet young man having a slow-speed-come-apart and wringing sympathy from us.shine

This is an inspiring story of coping with mental illness - of the joy found in doing what one can. It's also a heart-touching look at the emotional truths in growing up with abusive parents and the long-term coping deficits that can result. Overall it's well worth a watch though, and something that will leave the viewer smiling, if damp.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Annette Bening shines in this amusing story of the triumph of wit and ego over manipulation and ageism. juliaUnfortunately, it does so without much character growth and with no heart, exhaulting the worst of human ambitions: revenge at all costs. Being Julia is a film whose highest ambition is to one day serve as a punchline on Will and Grace. It's a tale of a fading diva who regains the affections of her (I'd have sworn he was gay) husband by scheming, plotting, manipulating, philandering and in general, being a ruthless bitch. She has no moral high ground and she obviously doesn't love her husband. Her motivation for winning this battle of wits/wills is to maintain a very shallow status quo. It's hard to cheer for that. Once the battle is won, she does manage to enjoy a beer by herself, but sheesh... after all that, I wanted a beer and a shower.

The production values are gorgeous, but honestly... how many more stories of moral bankruptcy can Hollywood crank out?

[blibblobblib]

Good stuff Delly :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks for reading, blibby. :kiss:
Means a lot.

[susan]

thanks for the reviews...sorry i'm so late...i couldn't agree with you more on the forgotten and shine...

[Holden Pike]

The Lady Eve does look fun. I love Babs and I think Hank was great. The references to this in the extra material that came with Sullivan's Travels sounded like a great time, and so far you haven't steered me wrong. I will check it out. If I don't get my Netflix, I may go get it today.

For Delilah or anybody else who wants to see some of the finest, wittiest romantic comedy screwball ever put on screen, tonight Turner Classic Movies is showing four of Preston's best in row. Starting at 6:15pmEST is Miracle of Morgan's Creek, followed by Sullivan's Travels at 8:00pmEST, The Lady Eve at 9:45pmEST and capped-off by The Palm Beach Story at 11:30pmEST.

http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2000-01-14/screens_feature2-3.jpg http://www.objectif-cinema.com/evenements/images/0377/sturges.jpg

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Behold the power of Holden Pike: he not only makes recommendations; he delivers!

[Sedai]

Great reviews Sammy, and thanks to good ol Pike, I can finally check out Sullivan's Travels this evening...

[Aniko]

Nice reviews as usual Sammy. I still haven't seen Shine and after reading your review, I'll need to put that on my 'too see' list. :)

Wit... I love Emma Thompson and it's one of those movies I always felt I should see even if it was too depressing. Nice review...and I think I'll keep on avoiding it. :)


It's a tale of a fading diva who regains the affections of her (I'd have sworn he was gay) husband by scheming, plotting, manipulating, philandering and in general, being a ruthless bitch. She has no moral high ground and she obviously doesn't love her husband. Her motivation for winning this battle of wits/wills is to maintain a very shallow status quo. It's hard to cheer for that. Once the battle is won, she does manage to enjoy a beer by herself, but sheesh....after all that, I wanted a beer and a shower.

The production values are gorgeous, but honestly... how many more stories of moral bankruptcy can Hollywood crank out?

I loved Annette Benning in this also. I'm sorry you didn't like this one as much as I did. By the end I was cheering for the aging diva...maybe because of some similarities in the characters of Julia and Margo Channing in All About Eve and their fear of aging. I see what you're saying about Julia not having a high moral ground and it being hard to root for her...but I didn't see any of the main characters having high morals. They were all users (except for her best friend).

I liked the ending actually. I didn't see Julia as winning back her husbands affections (in a romantic way) with that end performance...but more renewed admiration and respect for her as an actress and in turn as a person (since her/their mentor kept coming in visions and beating the idea of 'real life is theatre' theme in). I thought there was a point he seemed to just see her as more of a business than a person, so I liked how it it turned out. By the way...I thought he was gay to at one point. :p

And the beer by herself...I thought it was interesting and more of a statement that she could finally just enjoy 'being Julia' and didn't need a man to be fullfilled or to stroke her ego. She could now stroke herself. ;)


Hehe...sorry if I went over-board. So far you're the only one who's talked about this movie. Thanks. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

...I loved Annette Benning in this also. I'm sorry you didn't like this one as much as I did. By the end I was cheering for the aging diva...maybe because of some similarities in the characters of Julia and Margo Channing in All About Eve and their fear of aging. I see what you're saying about Julia not having a high moral ground and it being hard to root for her...but I didn't see any of the main characters having high morals. They were all users (except for her best friend).

I liked the ending actually. I didn't see Julia as winning back her husbands affections (in a romantic way) with that end performance...but more renewed admiration and respect for her as an actress and in turn as a person (since her/their mentor kept coming in visions and beating the idea of 'real life is theatre' theme in). I thought there was a point he seemed to just see her as more of a business than a person, so I liked how it it turned out. By the way...I thought he was gay to at one point. :p

And the beer by herself...I thought it was interesting and more of a statement that she could finally just enjoy 'being Julia' and didn't need a man to be fullfilled or to stroke her ego. She could now stroke herself. ;)


Hehe...sorry if I went over-board. So far you're the only one who's talked about this movie. Thanks. :)
No way, I love hearing what you like about films, especially if it's something I missed. I think this is one of those times where it just grabbed you and not me, more than that I missed something. (THIS time. :p) Thanks for your thoughts.

And Sedai, as always, thanks for reading!

[Aniko]

No way, I love hearing what you like about films, especially if it's something I missed. I think this is one of those times where it just grabbed you and not me, more than that I missed something. (THIS time. :p) Thanks for your thoughts.

Thanks. And, sorry again if I got carried away. Maybe it grabbed me too because I always wondered what was so special about Annette Benning. I had only seen her in a few things and thought she was ok, but never blew my skirt up. She won me over in this.



Also...Holden...
I watched a little of the Preston night last night on TCM. I wish I could have seen all of Sullivan's Travels. I'll keep my eye out for any re-runs. And, it was the first time I had seen The Lady Eve all of the way through (had seen bits and pieces). Great stuff. I loved seeing Charles Coburn in this....he's in quite a few old flicks I love. He's like a comfy slipper.

Sammy, did you get to see any of them? I still have a fondness for The Palm Beach Story. I love Claudette Colbert.

[PimpDaShizzle V2.0]

Sling Blade -
I remember seeing this with one of my friends and laughing throughout the whole thing, because we were being retarded. Anyways, my favorite line, "I aint' got no reason to kill nobody." Genius.


Sling Blade Soundboard (http://www.ebaumsworld.com/slingblade.html) - Hours of fun.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

This movie is an odd one, that way: it is dead serious and funny at the same time. That "mmmm hmmm" thing, and the "taters and mustard" and all is so imitatable. Hopefully less imitatable than the, you know, murdering people in cold blood part. :D

[nebbit]

[size=5]shine

This is an inspiring story of coping with mental illness - of the joy found in doing what one can. It's also a heart-touching look at the emotional truths in growing up with abusive parents and the long-term coping deficits that can result. Overall it's well worth a watch though, and something that will leave the viewer smiling, if damp.






I have put off watching this for a long time, only because it is so much like work, what was I thinking :rolleyes: this is a great movie with great acting. :yup:

Thanks Sammy for the reviews :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

As a matter of fact, I do feel lucky. If you like the notion of old-school honor surviving in a cover-your-ass society, you'll feel lucky to stumble across Dirty Harry, as well.
dh
Clint Eastwood stars as colorful vigil ante cop Harry Callahan, and turns in a winning performance. Not every actor could pull off Harry and Rita Fink's super-macho dialogue, but Eastwood's calm, cool delivery pulls us through it.

The story is based loosely on San Francisco's Zodiac Killer, who was never caught. (Andy Robinson plays the filmic version to the hilt.) This is an upgrade from your usual cop dramedy, as Callahan has to outwit not only the bad guy, but the social system that safeguards him. It's a thoughtful story, underlined with brilliantly thoughtful photography and a gritty look overall. You won't be wondering why they call him "Dirty Harry".

4.5/5

[nebbit]

Thanks for the review of one of my favourites :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks for the review of one of my favourites :yup:
thanks for reading, Nebbs, and I love your av.
:D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Ever wonder what might have been, had that one little thing gone differently? Sliding Doors follows the story of a woman who misses her train.... and doesn't. From the moment when she runs down to the platform, we follow a Helen who catches the train, goes home and finds her boyfriend in bed bestprices with another woman, and a Helen who misses the train, and gets mugged but doesn't find out about her ratfink lover. The beauty of this film is, it doesn't argue heavily for one possibility over the other.

Gwynneth Paltrow stars as Helen/Helen and one of her meets James (John Hannah, aka Charm On A Stick). There's a lovely and honest romance between them, played in sharp contrast to the cheating louses, played by John Lynch and Jeanne Tripplehorn. The acting is great all around, but my favorites were the two other main characters, The Best Friends: Zara Turner and Douglas McFerran. Having been in the Best Friend role myself for years, I was delighted to see a really honest portrayal from both the actors and the writer (Peter Howitt, who also directed). Sorry for dropping so many names, but they're all so good!

The gist of the story follows that of Kristof Kieslewski's Blind Chance, and this is well-developed and enjoyable to watch. There were a couple of tiny things that bugged me, but to keep this spoiler-free I won't go into them. Overall, I'd highly recommend this one: 4.5/5

[Tacitus]

Now I remember Peter Howitt as a be-mulleted, jobless Scouse lothario in Carla Lane's Bread and was genuinely surprised that he's such a competent director.

Not a bad film at all, even accounting for the fact that Ms Paltrow has a similar effect on me as a dripping tap.

Nice review Cinders. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Now I remember Peter Howitt as a be-mulleted, jobless Scouse lothario in Carla Lane's Bread and was genuinely surprised that he's such a competent director.

Not a bad film at all, even accounting for the fact that Ms Paltrow has a similar effect on me as a dripping tap.

Nice review Cinders. :)
LMAO. Thanks, D!
I can't say I'm nuts for Paltrow, but she was great in this.
What did you think of her accent?

[Tacitus]

It wasn't bad (damning with faint praise I know) though she'd shown a competent enough British accent in Emma too, from what I can remember.

[susan]

thanks for the review...i loved this film....and i thought that gwyneth was great...the idea was original and refreshing...

[SamsoniteDelilah]

thanks for the review...i loved this film....and i thought that gwyneth was great...the idea was original and refreshing...
I agree. Kieslewski is a very original storyteller.
It's like no one ever told him all movies are supposed to be alike. :)

[nebbit]

Thanks for the review Sammy, I am not a big Fan of Gwennies but i did enjoy the movie when i saw it. :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

This is the Batman we've been wanting to see. bb1 Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins is a respectful and imaginative treatment of the beginning of the story - not just what caused the transformation, but how it all came to be. This is the best of the Batman films, due in no small part to the faithfulness to creator Bob Kane's original concept and the obvious esteem for preceding treatments of the topic. One great example of this is the fight scenes. They're framed super-tight here - too tight for us to make out clearly what is going on. The effect is mass-confusion, from which leap isolated images: a sword is drawn, a punch is landed. The sounds of the fight, nearly disembodied, float in the swirl of pixels not in word balloons, but clearly reminiscent of the familiar "Pow!" "Sock!" "Blam!!" of old.

There is a subtlety in the direction and an honesty in all these performances that pulls us in, making this primarily a drama about an average guy (with above-average bank) in a rare situation. The usual sense of predestined borderline megalomania that we often get in the superhero genre is replaced by a fairly awesome combination of circumstances. The results seem a little more natural, despite the outrageous outcome: a man dressed up like a bat, fighting crime.

The all-star cast does a brilliant job, in particular Christian Bale owns Bruce Wayne in a way no one else in the role has ever approximated, and his Batman pays homage to those who've defined the role up 'til now. All of the supporting characters are great, and I found myself smiling every time a new one was introduced. This cast is a dream team. Gary Oldman pulled off the biggest surprise, for me - I was half way through the film before I realized his kindly, lost-in-the-shuffle police character would one day be Commissioner Gordon (believe it or else). The one piece of miscasting was Katie Holmes as the love interest. Bruce and Rachel are the same age as children, but when Bruce turns 30, Rachel looks and sounds 22. Additionally, while Holmes' goofy face is adorable on the small screen, those sagging eyes and the crooked gash of a mouth are, at 10' tall, somewhat terrifying.

bb2One key element that sets this film apart from other Batman films is the credibility of the villains. Removing their characteristic cartoonishness reveals the somewhat unsettling truth that the bad guys aren't always obnoxiously obvious. In fact, they might think they're saving the world. This theme is developed further in a speech by Rachel: "it's not who you are underneath that matters. It's what you do."

Production designer Nathan Crowley developed the Tumbler (Batmobile) and other key elements simultaneously with David S. Goyer's excellent work on the story (worked in Goyer?s garage, as a matter of fact), resulting in a highly cohesive feel to the film. The two pay homage to great filmmakers (I recognised nods to Kurasawa and Ridley Scott) while making their own intelligently designed project.

The one fly in the ointment here was the weapon employed by the villains. I don't claim to know a lot about science and whatnot, but I'm pretty sure that a microwave that can vaporize all the water in Gotham City will also vaporize all the people. Physics aside though, Batman Begins is straight manna from heaven for Batman fans. 4/5

[Pyro Tramp]

Nice review, i appreciate the mimetic qualities of the 'tight' fight sequences you highlighted but i felt overall they were the weakest part, which is in no way a bad thing, just everything else was so excellent, good points, good review.

[LordSlaytan]

Great write up, Sammy.

Personally, I found the fight scenes to be frustrating. I didn't like the way they were filmed, but that's only a small complaint considering all the things Nolan and crew got right. What I liked expecially well, was something you mentioned in your review...the lack of the cartoon element that all the other Batman movies had. That's one of the main reasons I never cared for any of them. The realistic (mostly) treatment that all the characters recieved was really refreshing. It seems more respectful this way...or at least it seems that way to me. What were the nods to Scott and Kurosawa that you saw?

I'd give you rep, but it seems I need to spread some around first. :)

[Pyro Tramp]

Before the shooting began, Christopher Nolan invited the whole film crew to a private screening of Blade Runner (1982). After the film he said to the whole crew, "This is how we're going to make Batman."

There's Scott for you, as for Kurosawa, Eastern element Bruce's training?
Not sure if its the Sammy nods Sammy saw....

[susan]

excellent review...thanks ...this was indeed the best batman ever....

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Lordy~ I found the fight scenes frustrating too, til this morning when it finally dawned on me what Nolan was doing. :p

Pyro's post about the whole group watching Blade Runner is something I didn't know. I got the feeling from shots of Gotham City that reminded me of that scrungy atmosphere of the city in BR. And as for Kurasawa, the fight scene in the dojo with the fire and pyrotechnics and all reminded me of the battle in Ran from which Hidetora alone emerges. In BB, the main characters emerge a bit more... eh... forcefully than Hidetora's wobbly old legs can carry him out of the burning castle, but it still reminded me of that scene. Here is a really crappy, tiny pic of it that will likely not jog your memory at all:
http://www2.tky.3web.ne.jp/~adk/kurosawa/filmo/works_image/saku27.jpg

[Sedai]

Awesome review. I loved this film, and yes, the fight scenes were annoying, I must agree. The Batmobile chase was incredible. That car was SO cool. This film and Sin City represent, for me, the best of the best of the genre....

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I still haven't seen Sin City. I will rectify this presently.

[nebbit]

Thanks for the great review, I am hoping to see BATMAN this week :yup:

[birdygyrl]

Thanks for the great review, I am hoping to see BATMAN this week :yup:

What she said........thanks!!

[adidasss]

i just saw it and i agree it's the best batman ever precisely because of the realistic nature of the characters, i agree with lordslaytan...but i have an objection,this might be a spoiler!!!! that last scene with gary oldman was completely unnecessary and the final words of batman were ridiculous....

[nebbit]

Just saw it yesterday. http://bestsmileys.com/signs3/8.gif

[SamsoniteDelilah]

i just saw it and i agree it's the best batman ever precisely because of the realistic nature of the characters, i agree with lordslaytan...but i have an objection,this might be a spoiler!!!! that last scene with gary oldman was completely unnecessary and the final words of batman were ridiculous....
Oh, I disagree. I think it put a nice finish on the end. It was corny, but then... it's Batman!


nebbs, fun stuff, eh? :)

[Darth Stujitzu]

Oh, I disagree. I think it put a nice finish on the end. It was corny, but then... it's Batman!


nebbs, fun stuff, eh? :)

Your review is miles better than mine, but I'm still a young Jedi with much to learn O great one. Glad to see we agree on most things regarding BB, what did you think of his remake of Insomnia?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Your review is miles better than mine, but I'm still a young Jedi with much to learn O great one. Glad to see we agree on most things regarding BB, what did you think of his remake of Insomnia?
Thanks for reading, Darth.
It's good... I have to say though, I've seen it twice and still had to look at IMDb to make sure I knew the one you were talking about. It just didn't make a strong impression, except for the scene in the fog, at the start. I liked Memento a lot, haven't seen his other two. Have you seen others of his?
Also, I've been wondering, what is a Stujitzu?

[Darth Stujitzu]

Thanks for reading, Darth.
It's good... I have to say though, I've seen it twice and still had to look at IMDb to make sure I knew the one you were talking about. It just didn't make a strong impression, except for the scene in the fog, at the start. I liked Memento a lot, haven't seen his other two. Have you seen others of his?
Also, I've been wondering, what is a Stujitzu?

I found it hard to believe Robin Williams' character, I think they chickened out of making him truly evil. I just felt that he was holding back a little, but that was probably the producer's fault. It felt like they were scared that people might freak out if Robin Williams went the full Kevin Spacey in Seven mode.

Stujitzu is just my nick name, amongst others. My first name's Stuart, guess the jitzu is my friends taking the piss out of my Tai Chi! Could have been a whole lot worse, especially if some of my ex-girlfriends' names had stuck!!!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I found it hard to believe Robin Williams' character, I think they chickened out of making him truly evil. I just felt that he was holding back a little, but that was probably the producer's fault. It felt like they were scared that people might freak out if Robin Williams went the full Kevin Spacey in Seven mode.

Stujitzu is just my nick name, amongst others. My first name's Stuart, guess the jitzu is my friends taking the piss out of my Tai Chi! Could have been a whole lot worse, especially if some of my ex-girlfriends' names had stuck!!!
Yeah, few things undermine a conflict like a bad guy who's being all moderate. I once saw a production of The Sound of Music where the guy playing Von Trapp tried to make him into a nice guy. It was a big blob of boredom. :p If that was the thinking, it's really a pity. Williams was a rat bastard in Death to Smoochy. He didn't give Pacino enough of a foil in Insomnia, though.

Nice to meet you, Stuart. I've been wondering why Insomnia wouldn't stay in my head for a long time, and I think we've sussed it out. :)

[Darth Stujitzu]

Yep, lets have a really nasty Robin Williams in the next Batman film. Sorry didn't mean that , too many beers at the U2 concert last night!!! Make the bad man go away!
On second thoughts, you brought up the Sound Of Music, what are you on?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

:p I have no shame. Makes life easier.
You, on the other hand.. no fair bragging you got to see U2!

[Darth Stujitzu]

:p I have no shame. Makes life easier.
You, on the other hand.. no fair bragging you got to see U2!
I got to see U2 for the 2nd time, now that's bragging!!! Hey the weather's crap over here, we have to amuse ourselves somehow.

:rotfl:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I got to see U2 for the 2nd time, now that's bragging!!! Hey the weather's crap over here, we have to amuse ourselves somehow.

:rotfl:
:D Ok then. I win on any weather-related contest. LA weather is relentlessly gorgeous.

[Darth Stujitzu]

:D Ok then. I win on any weather-related contest. LA weather is relentlessly gorgeous.

Yes it is, but I'm an east coast kinda boy. New York is my spiritual home, and if it wasn't for that pesky elusive Greencard, that's where I'd be. This is the first summer in 4 years that I've not been there. Just didn't get the same vibe from L.A., but I'll be back to check it out again someday.

[John McClane]

Been a while since I've popped in here. Great job. I wish I could pump out this many. I just can't seem to think my work as being good enough so I try harder which takes longer. Once again, great job. :up:

[nebbit]

nebbs, fun stuff, eh? :)


:yup: :yup: :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Been a while since I've popped in here. Great job. I wish I could pump out this many. I just can't seem to think my work as being good enough so I try harder which takes longer. Once again, great job. :up:
Aww, thanks John. You know I like your reviews!
Write more when you're in the mood.

[Aniko]

Sorry I haven't read your reviews in awhile. Life's been crazy, so it was a nice treat to come back and read some more.

I loved reading your reviews of Sliding Doors and Batman. I haven't seen Batman yet, but I remember when I first saw Sliding Doors. I hadn't heard too much about it and had debated about watching it even after I had rented it...and was glad I did. I really liked it. I think it was this movie that turned me on to Gwyen.


By the way...my daughter and I recently watched Phantom of the Opera and I had to go back and read your review. I enjoyed reading it again. :)

[Strummer521]

you've written a poopload of reviews and I must say, all of those I've read are great. They are very clear and get to the point without being too technical so that I can relate to your reasoning for why you liked/disliked a movie. You ought to review Dogville. It is one of my favorites of the new century and it would be cool to see you explain why you didn't like it in such a well laid out format such as this.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Ideals are hard work. Fitzcarraldo explores the question of "just how far would you go to realise your dream?" with a passion rarely matched. It's not a quickly paced film. fc But it is an absorbing, amazing, inspiring, touching film.

In the fourth collaboration between director/writer Werner Herzog and actor Klaus Kinski, we see a team who have come full-circle. Fitzcarraldo bears many resemblances to Aguirre, Wrath of God, but is a more mature approach to the same notions. Themes and performances are more developed and more satisfying (and Aguirre... was pretty great on it's own!). In similar ways, the story of the making of this film is intertwined with the story in the film. Art doesn't just imitate life, here. It is life. In other words: I can't recommend strongly enough that if you watch the film, you then rewatch it with the commentary playing.

Fitzcarraldo is the story of an Irish dreamer who wants to bring opera to the banks of the Amazon. He is the embodiment of idealistic arrogance, but at the same time he is childlike and charming. The relationship between Fitzcaraldo and his lady friend/benefactress is one of the most positive I've seen in ages.

Technical values are solid, but take a back seat to the spectacle of what is physically accomplished in this film - to say more might spoil, so I'll leave it it that. The acting is pitch-perfect. I think I'm developing a crush on Kinski, but even so: he's perfect in this role, bringing just the intensity, the insanity, the passion and the focus that is needed to show us the soul of a dreamer.

4.5/5

[LordSlaytan]

I love this film; hence the avatar.

Check out Burden of Dreams if you have a chance, C. It's a documentary of the making of Fitzcarraldo. It's packed with the logistical problems Herzog had pulling that behemoth over the mountain, plus there is a ton of Herzog interview footage. Definitely a must see if you like this film.

How many of the Herzog/Kinski films have you seen?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I love this film; hence the avatar.

Check out Burden of Dreams if you have a chance, C. It's a documentary of the making of Fitzcarraldo. It's packed with the logistical problems Herzog had pulling that behemoth over the mountain, plus there is a ton of Herzog interview footage. Definitely a must see if you like this film.

How many of the Herzog/Kinski films have you seen?
Oh cool! I just finished listening to his commentary about the logistics on the DVD, and it's so fascinating. It would be hard to say who was the bigger kook, Kinski or Herzog... and so kind of them the way they always credited the other with winning the title. :p I will look for that. Thanks for the tip, B!

[LordSlaytan]

I just noticed that I didn't spoiler tag my post...oh well. It shows the ship being pulled on the DVD cover, plus it tells you on the DVD that that's the main aspect of the film.

Personally...I've never really 'liked' any of Kinski's characters...until this one. Fitzcarraldo may be crazy...but it's the kind of crazy that geniuses with singular vision all share; not a criminal kind of crazy. I also liked the supporting players used in this film too. They’re more talented as a whole compared to the other Herzog/Kinski collaborations that I’ve seen.

Anywho…great review like usual. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

There's something in the mania of Aguirre that I love. OK, he was an insane brute, but something about him appeals. I realise this is not univeral. :p In fact, one review I read of this one was focused entirely on how "scary" Kinski is, even in this film. Proof, if ever, that pansies shouldn't write reviews. ;)

Thanks mister - review comments from you pack a wallop... in a good way.

[LordSlaytan]

OK, he was an insane brute, but something about him appeals. Oh…I hear you there. It’s just that, for me, Aguirre was not likeable…not like Fitzy anyway. Regardless…Kinski has a very animalistic appeal.

Thanks mister - review comments from you pack a wallop... in a good way. Oh..hehe. I do rock, don’t I? ;)

[Tacitus]

Thanks Cinders.

Great review of a great film. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks D. I really ejoyed this one.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Pure gorgeousness, start to finish. Visually, this is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. Story-wise, it's not that simple.2046

On the surface, the story is about a guy who returns to a building where he loved a woman who lived across the hall, in room 2046. He is writing a futuristic story, set in the year 2046, about people who travel to a place filled with the memories they long to return to.

Interpretations of the author's intent have varied, which makes for a great conversation piece. It's been said that the central character, played beautifully by Tony Leung, is in love with a woman he once met and with whome he had a very polite affair. This was the story of the precursor to this film, In The Mood FOr Love. I'm not sure I agree that the reflections on his former relationship with Su Li-Zhen mean that she was his true love. I think it might mean that he is in love with tragic love. He wants to strain and ache and reach... and have his fingertips just brush her skirt as she walks by. I think that's what is going on with several of the characters in this film, in fact, and that WKW shows us that in their self-absorbed moments. I mean... have you EVER seen a person smoke so slowly? They moon and mope and louge and reflect til I kinda wanted to shoot at their feet and watch them dance a bit. That is not a criticism, though. I think it takes a brilliant storyteller to create characters who have flaws, and make them really compelling. WKW does this in Fallen Angels too, with the super-cool hipsters that you wind up caring about. It makes for a truer relationship between the audience and the characters, that we see their faults and get caught up in their story, all the same. To his credit, Wong doesn't take sides, and the story conveys the turmoil of the character without judgement.

Also of note in this cast are Ziyi Zhang, whose character goes through a touching metamorphosis, Li Gong and Faye Wong. You just can't take your eyes off these people.

I was a bit bowled over by it the first time through - its a lot to take in. Second viewing, I found the themes to be clearer to me and was able to get caught up in the art of it without wondering if I was losing the point. It's a beautiful film... WKW, in combination with cinematographer Christopher Doyle are a masterful team. I wouldn't recommend 2046 for people who just want something to look at while eating popcorn, but if you're looking to really get absorbed in story, theme, character and incredible visuals, he's the guy to see.

4/5

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammi for 2 more great reviews. :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

As always, thanks for reading, nebbit. By now, you must be one of the most informed readers on the boards. I notice you always take a look when someone has an opinion. It's nice! :)

[John McClane]

Sorry I can't read it right now, but I expect a handful of reviews when I get back. See ya. :)

[Tacitus]

You can't go wrong with a bit of Willy Wong Kar....

Plus, Maggie Cheung's in it who, of course, is the most beautiful creature on the planet and guaranteed to make me watch any movie, however fleeting her appearance.

And boy does she fleet through 2046....

Thanks again for the review Cindy - it's reminded me that 2046 is out on DVD. :)

[Strummer521]

another great review Sam :). Sounds like a movie where a reviewer could have gotten too wrapped up in analyzing the film, but you kept it simple enough toget your points across clearly. Best of all, you made me really want to see this film! It will be a while before I will have the chance to watch it, but I look forward to seeing it and coming back to discuss it.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Sorry I can't read it right now, but I expect a handful of reviews when I get back. See ya. :)
hee! Yessir. ::salutes::

Tacitus Maggie Cheung is indeed beautiful, as are the other women in this one, each in her own way. There is scarcely a frame of this film that isn't suitable for framing. It made my eyes happy for days.

Strummer Thank you! I actually cut out a big section where I did wax philosophical about the sociology that's in this film - glad it helped focus the review. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts when you've seen it. If you haven't seen In The Mood For Love, may I recommend you see it first? They work independently, but you'll get the full impact of the second if you've seen the first.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Great review C, we have already talkes a bit about this, and I've still to see In the mood for love, but I will definetly get around to it. Hopefully it'll help me understand Tony Leung's character better.
Slight disagreement with Tacitus,IMO Ziyi Zhang is the bomb!!! :yup:
Maggie Cheung is a hot tamale too, can I have both? :randy:
A boy can dream! :love:

[Tacitus]

Slight disagreement with Tacitus,IMO Ziyi Zhang is the bomb!!!

She's very pretty, but still looks too girly for me. Give her 15 years and she might approach the grace and porcelain beauty of Maggie.

But I'm probably biased. :)

[Caitlyn]

Finally got caught up on your reviews Sammy… and as always, great job... thanks for sharing… :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Great review C, we have already talkes a bit about this, and I've still to see In the mood for love, but I will definetly get around to it. Hopefully it'll help me understand Tony Leung's character better.
Slight disagreement with Tacitus,IMO Ziyi Zhang is the bomb!!! :yup:
Maggie Cheung is a hot tamale too, can I have both? :randy:
A boy can dream! :love:
If you see ITMFL and still don't understand Tony Leung's character, come talk to me. I know that guy. I've dated him. In fact, if you don't understand him right off the bat, take heart: it is a good sign for your future. :p

Darth and Tacitus~ I found it interesting how different ZZ looks from Maggie C. The other actresses seemed to me to be either cast to look a bit like Maggie, or made up to do so - making it really obvious that Leung's character is still looking for Maggie. It's a testament to how lame that pursuit is that he has Ziyi Zhang for the taking and fails to see it. I mean jeez!

Caitlyn~ thanks, chica! :)

[susan]

sorry i haven't been keeping up with all your reviews ....but i have read them and hadn't written anything until now...thanks for two good ones...i will be sure to keep my out for them

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks for reading, susan. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Trevor Resnick is trapped in a self-induced, waking nightmare. machinistChristian Bale suffers, twitches and aches this character into life in literally painstaking detail, but balances it with a little charm here, a little humor there, and enough ill-founded hope that we are soon pulled into his gritty world and want to see him work things out. Yes, he lost a third of his body weight to play this character. But don't let that distract you from this marvellously acted performance.

The filmic elements of The Machinist come together to bring us a thought-provoking (almost profound) story. It's not a complicated story, but the emotional subject matter makes up for that. The mood is set with the employment of a very restricted, bleached-out palette, with only occasional (and meaningful) splashes of red. Director Brad Anderson makes several references to Hitchcock, and the overall feel of the piece is very classic. The score, by Roque Baños, sets a sadly mysterious tone and evokes Dark Shadows and oldtime classic horror films. All of these elements lend clarifying support to Scott Kosar's script, which is suprisingly literary, and makes reference to Kafka and Dostoyevsky.

Supporting cast features Jennifer Jason Leigh as the hooker who tries to provide safe haven to Trevor, as well as other lesser-known (in the US) but very strong actors.

I'd highly recommend this haunting film - in fact, I have been recommending it and rewatching it since I saw it two days ago. 4.5/5

[susan]

thank you thank you thank you for reviewing this film...i had never heard of this until recently....i'm glad you liked the film and am looking forward to seeing it...thanks...

[SamsoniteDelilah]

thanks for reading, susan! :)
let me know what you think, once you see it... tell me if I'm nutty, but I think Bale should get an award for this.

[Tacitus]

tell me if I'm nutty, but I think Bale should get an award for this.

Slimmer of the year? Sorry. :)

I didn't find much in The Machinist worthy of such praise, I'm afraid. It's well shot and Bale's performance is strong but nothing grabbed me and said "That's clever" or "That's original".

Maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind though as I double rented this with Kinsey (which I watched first). The dvd I rented had no extras either, sometimes a commentary track (like you had) is useful.

[Piddzilla]

Nice review, Sammy. I've been looking at this one in the rental store a few times wondering what kind of film it might be and if it would be worth the money. Maybe I'll give it a go...

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Slimmer of the year? Sorry. :)

I didn't find much in The Machinist worthy of such praise, I'm afraid. It's well shot and Bale's performance is strong but nothing grabbed me and said "That's clever" or "That's original".

Maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind though as I double rented this with Kinsey (which I watched first). The dvd I rented had no extras either, sometimes a commentary track (like you had) is useful.
I double rented The Machinist with 21 Grams, which I watched first, and which handles many of the same issues. Anderson's offering does so with a MUCH clearer point, IMO, and more emotional impact because it isn't so busy trying to keep the viewer confused all the damn time.



Pidzilla~ I'm considering buying a copy, and my DVD collection is still under 20 titles I think. I'm trying to wait til the price comes down a little, but amazon is calling my name. :D

[Tacitus]

I double rented The Machinist with 21 Grams, which I watched first, and which handles many of the same issues. Anderson's offering does so with a MUCH clearer point, IMO, and more emotional impact because it isn't so busy trying to keep the viewer confused all the damn time.

hmmmm I wasn't overly keen on 21 Grams either. Out of the two I'd prefer Anderson's movie though. :)

[christine]

I'd much prefer 21 Grams meself. Different tastes I suppose - but interested to see what issues you thought were the same Sam cos I wouldn't have thought of those two films in the same breath?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I'd much prefer 21 Grams meself. Different tastes I suppose - but interested to see what issues you thought were the same Sam cos I wouldn't have thought of those two films in the same breath?
Similarities between them would be:
Telling the story in non-sequential bits and pieces
Sustaining a dreamlike sense of confusion
Similar palette and graininess of the film
Similar emotional tone
plotwise: Both feature a main character who has to decide what to do after a hit and run accident in which people died, his grappling with his own guilt, with the same result: both turn themselves in, and both films explore the lives of the loved ones who survive the hit-and-run victim(s).

I probably wouldn't have noticed how similar they are, had I not watched one right after the other. They are more dissimilar than similar, but yeah I think they have some important common ground.

[nebbit]

Thanks for the review Sammi :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Brad Anderson is a pretty cool director. This makes two of his films I've seen (and an ep of The Wire that blew my mind) and really enjoyed, though The Machinist is much more cohesive and satisfying.

Session 9 is also a psychological thriller. It's the creepy tale of monsterzinea haz-mat team who accept the challenge of de-toxifying an insane asylum that has been abandoned lo' these 15 years. The setting is awesome and offers opportunities for really creepy sub-plot points and some good scares. Unfortunately, the plot is a bit choppy (no pun intended) and the main subplot adds to the build of tension but doesn't significantly associate with anything else, otherwise. In fact, there are several red herrings here and none of them offers more than a brief distraction from a fairly thin plot.

The other elements, however, combine to make this a fun film to watch. The score is very effective. The photography has that bump in contrast that appears to be common in Anderson's work, and that promises that whatever grisly fate comes our way, we'll see it in stark detail. This ups the ante nicely for the viewer. Acting is fairly good across the board, despite the presence of David Caruso. And the ending will pin you to your seat, if not shock you.

It's not a brilliant film, and it could have been better with a few changes. These characters, despite a wicked deadline, spend a lot of time hanging around, but they never crack any jokes. I am still wondering why Caruso's character lied about Hank leaving town, if he had nothing to do with Hank's lobotomy. : \ If you're looking for a creepy thriller though, Session 9 delivers. 3/5

[PimpDaShizzle V2.0]

Excellent review. I LIKE YO' STYLE LADY!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Tanks, meng! :D
Back atcha.

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammi, I do like a creepy thriller http://bestsmileys.com/paranoid/1.gif

[TheUsualSuspect]

The only thing that took me out of the atmosphere in this film, is the fact they decided to shoot it on digital, it looked to crisp in picture quality for those creepy thrillers. It needed a more grainy film style to get more chills into you, although I did enjoy this great film.

Great review!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks for reading, TUS. :)
lol Nebbs, you have the ultimate emoticon collection.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Have seen it around, but never really thought about renting it. Now that you've recommended it, I'll check it out, also noticed Peter Mullan is in it, got to support my fellow Scots!!!
Have you seen " My Little Eye "?
A creepy little thriller shot on digital, it revolves around a reality tv show, but I'm not saying any more! Might do a review on my thread sometime soon.
Will let you know my thoughts, once I've seen it, cheers C.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I hadn't heard of it, but I have a friend who works in reality tv. I'll have to watch it, recommend it to her and sit back and watch the mayhem. heh heh heh...

[Caitlyn]

Great reviews Sammy D... thanks... :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks, Caity. :)
Like the new av, btw.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

When it works, it really works, and the rest of the time, it's crap. Dark Blue is a good cop/bad cop story set in LA in the days leading up to the Rodney King verdict. darkblueThe racial issues are mostly set-dressing for a really standard story of a police officer who has to make the choice between respecting the law and "getting the job done'. LA Confidential presents this conflict more clearly and with prettier peripherals.

Part of the problem here is that the story has one strong character and the cast seems to have one strong actor. Kurt Russell turns in a solid performance as the cop who's taken the darker path, but wants to come clean in the end. He tackles this conflict well, but outside of this, his character is one-dimensional and so is everybody else. The one exception to this is an actor who gets about 5 minutes total screen time, played by a person who calls himself "Kurupt". In real life. (aka "Young Gotti" (http://www.hiponline.com/artist/music/k/kurupt/)) Here's hoping he gets a real name, because the guy has potential.

The main value of this film for a viewer is as a mark to shoot above. It's interesting enough to hold you, but doesn't deliver much for your time. 2/5

[Tacitus]

Haven't seen (or even heard) of this one Cinders, though Brendan Gleeson's in it so I might give it a spin.

Top work as per usual. :)

[Anonymous Last]

Top work as per usual. :)
She is something...

[Tacitus]

She is something...

...as opposed to something else, I trust? :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

She is something...
Thanks for noticing. ;)

Tacitus, yeah he plays the bad guy. It's hard to tell if the other actors who were in this are usually better. The whole thing was structured to flatter Kurt Russell. He had a scene with his love interest where it was like she was filmed throwing him his cues and never got to actually do her part of the scene, if that makes sense. I think the director got starry-eyed.

[Tacitus]

I think the director got starry-eyed.

Mullet-envy, I believe it's called...

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Mullet-envy, I believe it's called...
LMAO.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Saw it ages ago, but can't remember too much about it. Ving Rhames plays the police chief if memory serves correct, but obviously I filed it under Instantly Forgetable. Sorry can't add much else, but Kurt Russel has another film in my Instantly Forgetable file, " 3000 miles to Graceland ", score 2 for the Kurtmeister!
He's still way behind the Costner, he's into double figures by now!!!

[Pyro Tramp]

I've always had my eye on this, for quite a while, looks like a less gritty Narc with Kurt Russell. Is it worth a watch?

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I've always had my eye on this, for quite a while, looks like a less gritty Narc with Kurt Russell. Is it worth a watch?
If you really love cop movies or Kurt Russell... or have a morbid fascination with the Rodney King trial or subsequent riot... then yes, it's definately worth a watch. Or, as I said, if you want to see how to not make a film with a historical backdrop, go for it. Otherwise, not so much. It's not painful, it's just not good.


Darth... eek... Costner... are you trying to mediocre up my review thread? ;)

[nebbit]

Dark Blue 2/5

I watched this a few weeks ago, I agree with the 2/5 isn't one I would tell people "they must see". :nope:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

M*A*S*H was an audacious undertaking, back in the day. lewrockwellIt bears the mark of an Altman film - a loose sense of morality and natural dialogue springing from largely improvised scenes. The film broke taboos of social commentary regarding war, modern sexuality and (dis)respect for authority. It launched the careers of some of that generations best actors: Donald Sutherland, Elliot Gould, Tom Skerrit, Sally Kellerman, Rene Auberjonois, Bud Cort and many others.

While I found this an enjoyable film to spend a few hours with, it doesn't quite cohese, plot-wise. This happens, then that happens, then something else and none of them are really related or build on anything else. And without the historical context, the audacity has little tension in it. So it becomes a collection of snapshots of mostly happy times durning the war for some doctors, and probably brings back terrible memories for soldiers who were in those hospital beds. It shows us the dark humor that can save the sanity of those in hard situations, and for that it's worth a rental. Those who were there say it's an excellent depiction of what it was really like - and to them it surely seemed to have little meaning, from all reports, so I guess that's spot on. It just left me checking my watch once or twice.

I think the episodic nature of it was better served by the tv series, although the trade-off was a much softer blow to The Establishment.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Philip Marlowe has awoken Rip-Van-Winkle style, in 1970's Los Angeles, and is trying to reconcile what he finds there with his 1940's sense of morality. That's the idea, anyway. ezydvdWhat we actually see is a bit of a rube, mumble/bumbling through a PI job and in the end, doing something completely wrong by any morality, including a Hollywood one. It would be called a "crime of passion", only he seems completely blase about it.

Elliot Gould does a fair turn as Philip Marlowe, bringing a freshness to the character that once in awhile is reminiscent of Bogart's famous portrayal, without ever resorting to impersonation. This can't have been an easy task, and for that he deserves kudos.

Also worth watching for in the cast: esteemed California Governor, Arnold Schwartzenegger.. in his underoos. ...huh.

Robert Altman directs this, and I wouldn't call it among his best. If I could time-travel, the one thing I'd want to tell him is this: natural dialogue does not all happen at once unless it's between people who have been married a long, long time. Also: I don't believe even stoned women act as vapid as Marlowe's neighbors. These were not minor details. They should have been, mind you, but they were omnipresent in this film, and mighty annoying.

Of particular note (pun not intended), John William's music is excellent and brilliantly used. The film starts with the theme song, which goes plays throughout many scene changes and is stylistically different in every scene. I loved it. Also worth praise: Sterling Hayden's performance as a drunken, blustery husband of Marlowe's love interest. The man was larger than life.

Overall, I'd recommend this as a conversation piece, but I can't say that it's among my favorites.


Edit to add: Holden has just informed me that this was a satire of the morality of the 70's. I must say... it's a smarter picture if that is the case but they made that pretty subtle. That's the only logical excuse for the ending, however. Dang. I think I missed the boat on this one. :p

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Shrewd commentary on the head games of Hollywood and the realities of superficial people. Altman tells the story beautifully with a charming, somewhat art deco look that harkens back to a cleaner Los Angeles, all the better to contrast with the smarmy S.O.B.'s in it. The humor works better in this than dvdidealoany of the other Altman offerings I've seen so far, partly because it supports a strong story by writer Michael Tolkin.

Tim Robbins stars as Griffin Mill, Hollywood studio exec, who is recieving death threats from a writer he rejected, but he can't seem to find the right writer. The cast is so loaded with stars that it's hard to tell right away who is playing a character in the story and who is playing themself. The result is a lost sense of reality... which is precisely the point. It's a point which becomes sharper as the film reaches it's purposely treacly conclusion... one that feels like vindication for anyone who has felt frustrated with the politics of Hollyweird.

This one has all the pieces: great story, great cast, a focused sense of right and wrong (skewed, but clear), cynical intelligent humor... It's a fun ride and one worth taking.

4.5/5

[nebbit]

Thanks for the great reviews Sammi, :D I must see The long Goodbye it does sound interesting. :yup:

[Tacitus]

Altman-orama!

I bought M*A*S*H a while back but haven't managed to watch it yet - it's been a good few years.

Thanks for bringing it to the front of my addled brain. :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Note: This was live theater, but worth mentioning here because there is a DVD in the works, due for release early next year. The show is so much fun, I can't wait to see the DVDs!

kandmLast week, I caught a 2-night revival of their two woman show, concieved 2 decades ago by the same 2 woman I got to see. ...was that 2 much?

Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney wrote the show, toured it, took it to Broadway, won Obie awards, did a couple of HBO specials of it. Doesn't it sound like they should be rich? ah, theater...

http://www.geocities.com/topcatburns/blue.jpg
Kathy Najimy is unfortunately best known as the fat nun who stole the show from Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. I say "unfortunately", because she's been all over the place and done a ton of great work, and should be better known, IMO.

mo
Mo Gaffney has done a lot of TV, including Mad About You, That 70's Show, Friends, Absolutely Fabulous and more that I'm not about to sit here and type out.

I'd known about the show from a local production 10 years ago. The script is vignettes about being female. The first is two angels, surveying Creation and making up The Rules. They decide, among other things, that to keep men from getting jealous of women getting the honor of childbirth, that they will make childbirth horribly painful. That doesn't sound at all funny, the way I just wrote it, but I was in tears laughing at the way the scene was played.

There were vignettes on various topics. One was two old ladies who signed up for a Womens Studies course, and are asea among the vegans and performance artists and "lesbambinos" (I think is how they said it). One was a contrast between a Beverly Hills divorcee at the spa and a woman at the laundry, both talking to friends about plastic surgery and trying to keep looking young. The woman at the laundry had this great line about having used moisturizer, serum, peels, scrubs, etc... and still aging. She said it's going to happen, no matter what, because "there will always be that one day that you forget a step or you laugh... or you cry... or you smile or frown or you have a *****ing thought and there you'll be, unable to recognise your own face in the mirror". I don't mind telling you, it was a little scary.

The last, and I'd say most poignant sketch had Kathy as a drunken guy in a bar, and Mo as the local hottie that he hits on every night. There was more sad truth and humor in that bit than should be legal.

The sketch that killed me was the second one, the one after the angels. Mo walked onstage alone, mimeing hoeing a garden. She began to speak in a russian accent. "Eet's 10 years now zince my hussband is gone and I vork dis farm by meinzelf..." she goes on about how hard her life is, and gets to how all this labor leaves her no time to worry about feminine protection. Trust me, you do NOT see that coming when she's talking.

They go on to do back to back parodies of how women act like having a period is a mortal sin, compared to how things would be if men had periods. Kathy walks up to Mo and nervously (with bouts of nervous giggles) asks if Mo "has anything"... When Mo catches on, she loudly announces "OH YOU NEED A LIPSTICK" (I remember someone calling them that in jr high, so I found that hysterical.) The male scene starts with one guy proudly announcing that he needs a "pon" and getting a high 5 from the other guy. He proudly annuonces that he cried all morning.

Their bit ends with, "what are you doing the 28th?
"Nothing, why?
"I'm getting my period that morning, planning a kegger. Bring the bean dip!"

heh.



kw
The show opened with three songs, performed live, by Kathleen Wilhoite.
If you watch Gilmore Girls, she plays Luke's wacky sister Chloe. She was really awesome - her voice is gorgeous and very skillfully used. Her last song was "When You Wish Upon A Star" and everybody was choked up.

It was a great evening, a wonderful show and a very thought-provoking and hilarious performance. If not for Rabid and her white pants on the beach, I'd have never got to see it, so you know, thanks for your insufferable mention of leak-proof hijinks!

[nebbit]

Sounds like great fun Sammi, :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Chungking Express is about two police officers who fall in love with two very different women. The stories contrast to make a point about genuineness, maturity and our ability to love.

ce1The first story centers on Officer 223 who has just gone through a breakup with his girlfriend May. Officer 223 (Takeshi Kaneshiro) is into superficial habits. We're treated to a hilarious sequence of phone calls when he's looking for a distraction from the breakup, in which he's shot down by women from his past where it becomes increasingly obvious he has no idea what is going on with these women.

In the end, he brushes past Faye - the heroine of story #2 - and goes to a bar where he meets a woman who is the essence of superficiality (Brigitte Lin). All we ever see of this woman is her wig, sunglasses and raincoat... and that murder she commits. Ironically, their meeting is a high point for both of them in real emotion, but of course it never amounts to anything.

ce2At this point, we meet Faye, who works at Chungking Express (where Officer 223 is perpetually dodging introductions by the manager to nice girls). Faye is the cousin of the manager, working there to help him out, and dreaming of going to California. Faye falls in love at first sight with Officer 663 (Tony Leung). Both are quirky, warm, genuine people and to watch this film is to park ourselves in those opening moments of a relationship when you're loving every moment of getting to know a person.

cecoverWong Kar-Wei is a filmmaker with a rare ability to create and sustain a mood. In Chungking Express, we're looking into the meeting of minds, when one person enters and begins to explore the psychological landscape of another person, leaving mementos and sometimes sprucing up the place... or flooding it. Taken literally, moments of this film seem a bit absurd, but as the externalization of thought and emotion, it's brilliant metaphor.

A remarkable cast, great music and some really nice cinematographic touches make this a real treat on every level. The only weakness in this film is that the first story, while much shorter than the second, is still a bit long. We don't get very invested in the characters, and it's mainly there for humorous contrast to story 2. Once we get to that though, it's true love.

9/10

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammi, :D the movie sounds interesting. :yup:

[Tacitus]

It's a very good film, thanks for the review Cinders.

Has the Willy Wong-Kar thing worn thin yet? :D

[Aniko]

Great reviews again Cindybear...nice insight. I'll have to look for The Kathy & Mo Show and Chungking Express. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

It's a very good film, thanks for the review Cinders.

Has the Willy Wong-Kar thing worn thin yet? :D
Quite the contrary, mon frer. I'm noticing more depth in them. His visuals are so gorgeous that it can be satisfying just to sort of let them wash over you, and indulge in whatever mood he's offering. There's a great layer of meaning under all that though. So no, I love him. :love:


Nebbs and Annie, thanks for reading! :)

[Tacitus]

Quite the contrary, mon frer. I'm noticing more depth in them. His visuals are so gorgeous that it can be satisfying just to sort of let them wash over you, and indulge in whatever mood he's offering. There's a great layer of meaning under all that though. So no, I love him.

I didn't make myself clear. :(

Though that kinda answered my question for me - no longer will I refer to the talented director as Willy Won-Kar...

...it was wearing a wee bit thin. :)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I didn't make myself clear. :(

Though that kinda answered my question for me - no longer will I refer to the talented director as Willy Won-Kar...

...it was wearing a wee bit thin. :)
oops... My Irony Sense was tingling, but I couldn't... quite.. locate.. source! If your Willy Won-Kar wears out, you can use my Wrong Car, Why. :modest:

[Tacitus]

oops... My Irony Sense was tingling, but I couldn't... quite.. locate.. source! If your Willy Won-Kar wears out, you can use my Wrong Car, Why. :modest:

As Hamlet, if he were in a silly mood, might say: Get thee to a Punnery! :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Eeeeeeewwwwww!
:laugh:

[Sedai]

Oh sweet! Another Wong film I must see. I have given up on In the Mood For Love, as Netflix will just never send it to me. It has been in my number one spot forever, and has never shipped, and still says long wait. Funny thing is, all my friends in the Boston area who have put it in their queue, have gotten it within a week. I was going to head out to a friends to watch it when it was at their place, but the plans fell through, and they sent it back. So, unless I buy this film, I probably won't see it. Anyhoo, I am adding Chungking Express right now....


_s

Starting to think netflix isn't all that.

great reviews btw, It seems I have retired from writing them, as I never have the urge to do it anymore. Glad we have you folks around.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Oh sweet! Another Wong film I must see. I have given up on In the Mood For Love, as Netflix will just never send it to me. It has been in my number one spot forever, and has never shipped, and still says long wait. Funny thing is, all my friends in the Boston area who have put it in their queue, have gotten it within a week. I was going to head out to a friends to watch it when it was at their place, but the plans fell through, and they sent it back. So, unless I buy this film, I probably won't see it. Anyhoo, I am adding Chungking Express right now....


_s

Starting to think netflix isn't all that.

great reviews btw, It seems I have retired from writing them, as I never have the urge to do it anymore. Glad we have you folks around.
Thanks, Meng!
I would say, if you've seen and liked any other WKW's, that you wouldn't be sorry to blind-buy ITMFL. I normally don't recommend blind buys, but that one is just... "sublime" is not too strong a word, truthfully. That's odd about your not being able to rent it, though.

I got a disc from Netflix last week that was broken when it arrived. That is only the second time in two years I've had any sort of problem with them, though, so I'm still loving the service. Compared to the tales of woe I hear of other mail services, it's the Mercedes of DVD rental. Have you had trouble getting other films?

As for the writing, thanks. :) I've had to sort of make myself write, at times, but I want to develop a habit. This though, this was fun to write about. Really loved this film.

[chicagofrog]

I normally don't recommend blind buys, but that one is just

Sammy, recommend him Gilmore Girls!
;)

[adidasss]

^^sometimes, you make no sense whatsoever....

[chicagofrog]

as if i didn't know......... but i don't have to make sense, Gilmore Girls do! hehe :)

[adidasss]

you're a fan too then?(sarcasm)... i find them to be a nice relaxing show, although their snappy conversations are a bit too orchestrated, noone talks like that in real life, and Rory's behaviour is a tad strange for someone who's in collegge ( she acts like she's 12 )

[chicagofrog]

no one talks like that in real life, and Rory's behaviour is a tad strange for someone who's in collegge ( she acts like she's 12 )

i do talk like that! :p
and not everyone is as amoral as you! ;) :D

[Clark Nova]

Nice review. I've only seen one film by Wong Kar-Wai and that was "In the Mood for Love." I agree with everything you've said about that film already, it's exceptional and really beautifully filmed too. Maggie Cheung is one of the most beautiful women I've ever clapped eye on too I think.

I don't have anything like a NetFlix to order movies from but I might shop around and see if I can get "Chungking Express" for a good price tomorrow when I go shopping.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Nice review. I've only seen one film by Wong Kar-Wai and that was "In the Mood for Love." I agree with everything you've said about that film already, it's exceptional and really beautifully filmed too. Maggie Cheung is one of the most beautiful women I've ever clapped eye on too I think.

I don't have anything like a NetFlix to order movies from but I might shop around and see if I can get "Chungking Express" for a good price tomorrow when I go shopping.
Oh, eek! Inspiring blind buys makes me nervous, but I think that's a Can't Miss. It's really a fun one. I just bought it a month or so ago and have watched it 4 times already. Let me know what you think!

[SamsoniteDelilah]

How do you affect the lives of those around you? crash Not just the people you know... everyone knows (sooner or later, usually) how they affect those they know.... but what about those you don't know? This was the question that haunted then television writer Paul Haggis for ten years before he finally started writing what became the screenplay of the film Crash. The short answer is: "for better and for worse". The long answer is well worth your time in viewing this beautiful film. Haggis and cowriter Robert Moresco interweave the stories of various and varied Los Angeles residents into a philosophical tapestry that is humorous, moving and profound, and suprisingly realistic.

Part of the realism comes from the fact that many of the stories either happened to one or the other of the writers, or came from people they knew. Another other part comes from a cast that is positively perfect. I won't mention names, because everyone deserves a mention for deeply committed and beautifully timed performances.

Shot on a shoestring, on spec, much of the talent working gratis, the photography is still warm and involving. The score is another gigantic plus - a combination of styles combines to deepen the emotion and the meaning of what we're seeing and the music is gorgeous. The film was shot on digital video, and there are scenes where, on a large screen, I missed film. On dvd though, you can't tell the difference.

Much of the dialogue is hilarious, and then you ask yourself if it's ok to laugh... which is part of the point. While both writers insist they didn't start out writing a script about race issues, this is unquestionably a film that will make you think along those lines. Actually, it will make you think along a lot of lines. This one's a keeper.

9/10

[nebbit]

Thanks for the review Sammy.:D I just bought the DVD, I loved it so much I have watched it twice. :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

buff66Buffalo '66 is a dog-eared, handmade valentine. Vincent Gallo wrote the story, then the screenplay and the music, then directed himself in the lead, with a supporting cast of strong players. What starts out as a quirky tale morphs into an emotionally powerful and suprisingly honest love story.

Gallo's story centers on Billy Brown, who just finished serving 5 years in the slam. That was a cakewalk compared to what comes next: Sunday afternoon at his parents' house. Rather than tell his parents he went to jail, Billy has claimed to be married and have an important job with the government. To support this claim, he kidnaps Layla (Christina Ricci, who is charmingly, awkwardly marvellous in this) and makes her pretend to be his wife. From this most unlikely of beginnings, love blooms.

The tale is told strictly from Billy's romanticized and none-too-shrewd point of view. We see him as a child - a sweet kid with monsters for parents. And we see him as an adult - a man reaching through a maelstrom of troubles for some sort of ownership of himself. It's one of the best character studies I've seen, and you can bet your socks I've been looking.

The relationship between Billy and Layla suffers slightly from this monocular point of view. Layla doesn't act like a real young woman would act and we know nothing of her except what falls within the parameters of her time with Billy. But as Billy's limited perception of a girl, the character works beautifully. While the film is mostly about Billy's journey and the choices he has to make, the relationship with Layla offers some thought-provoking questions, if you feel like waxing reflective. In fact, a lot of this film makes for a nice springboard for further thought - Gallo's tale is simple and powerful, leaving room for interpretation. It's also powerfully sweet.

8/10

[Tacitus]

Nice one Cinders. :)

This is on my rental list as we speak but, of course, they decide to send me something near the bottom... :rolleyes:

I think we'll need to start acting on our idea. ;)

[Piddzilla]

Buffalo 66 is an old fav of mine. Say what you will about Gallo as a person (I actually am starting to think he's so nasty he's cool) but he's occasionally making interesting movies. I'm glad you liked it, Sammy! Now have you seen Tarnation yet? :D

And I love the song "Heart of the Sunrise" with Yes that is in Buffalo 66, btw.... Wicked drumbeat...

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Tacitus ~ we'll be rich! RICH I say!! :D

Pidzilla ~ suprisingly, I haven't gotten to Tarnation yet. ;) I don't know anything about Gallo as a person - sounds like that might be for the best?

[Strummer521]

I think we'll need to start acting on our idea. ;)

What's your idea?

Great review btw Sam. I hadn't heard of that film before.

[nebbit]

Great review Sammy, I thought this movie was very thought provoking, must watch it again soon. :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

What's your idea?
We're going to elope to Costa Rica and become cocaine barons.
Come visit, when we get settled, ok? ;)

Great review btw Sam. I hadn't heard of that film before.It's not a well-known one. I think you'd like it, though. Very charming.

[ObiWanShinobi]

Part of the realism comes from the fact that many of the stories either happened to one or the other of the writers, or came from people they knew. Another other part comes from a cast that is positively perfect. I won't mention names, because everyone deserves a mention for deeply committed and beautifully timed performances.


It is interesting that many of these stories are based on true stories. The film is still incredibly hyperbolic, however, and the plausibility that these plots could interweave with such drama is laughable.

I found the acting performances to be quite average, adequate mind you, but nothing special. The extreme drama of the story is what kept it going, the actors were just there to suffice in their roles.


Much of the dialogue is hilarious, and then you ask yourself if it's ok to laugh... which is part of the point. While both writers insist they didn't start out writing a script about race issues, this is unquestionably a film that will make you think along those lines.

I believe the main point of this script was race relations, and it missed the boat by 30 years. I believe it showed duality and complexity in characters where everything was based on the race of people.

As for hillarious dialogue, I only laughed at one part, the rest didn't seem to be funny but rather high tension.

Oh yea, and Bullock blew this one.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

It is interesting that many of these stories are based on true stories. The film is still incredibly hyperbolic, however, and the plausibility that these plots could interweave with such drama is laughable.

I found the acting performances to be quite average, adequate mind you, but nothing special. The extreme drama of the story is what kept it going, the actors were just there to suffice in their roles.



I believe the main point of this script was race relations, and it missed the boat by 30 years. I believe it showed duality and complexity in characters where everything was based on the race of people.

As for hillarious dialogue, I only laughed at one part, the rest didn't seem to be funny but rather high tension.

Oh yea, and Bullock blew this one.

If I respond to this, you'll only claim I'm being mean to you or condescending or insulting you.
And if I don't, you'll crow that I wouldn't stand up to you because I can't handle people whose opinions differ - despite all the evidence to the contrary.
So I'll simply say: tom yum kai soup rocks. I think I'll have some for lunch tomorrow.

[Piddzilla]

I don't know anything about Gallo as a person - sounds like that might be for the best?

He's pretty known for his inability to get along with other people and his outspoken right wing views. At the same time, if you read some things he's said, he's kind of funny.

[nebbit]

So I'll simply say: tom yum kai soup rocks. I think I'll have some for lunch tomorrow.

Yum, I will have some of that also ;D

[Tacitus]

We're going to elope to Costa Rica and become cocaine barons.
Come visit, when we get settled, ok? ;)


Argh, you've let the cat out of the bag now! D'ye know how hard it is getting a visa when your job title is 'Cocaine Baron'? We might have to settle for a little cottage in County Kerry selling plastic shamrocks to huge, plaid & nylon wearing tourists called Earl.

Bonnie & Carlos indeed.....

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Argh, you've let the cat out of the bag now! D'ye know how hard it is getting a visa when your job title is 'Cocaine Baron'? We might have to settle for a little cottage in County Kerry selling plastic shamrocks to huge, plaid & nylon wearing tourists called Earl.

Bonnie & Carlos indeed.....
hmm, hadn't thought of that. So when they ask at Customs why I'm coming into the country, I should say "NOT TO SELL COCAINE, THAT'S FOR SURE!!!" ?

[Tacitus]

hmm, hadn't thought of that. So when they ask at Customs why I'm coming into the country, I should say "NOT TO SELL COCAINE, THAT'S FOR SURE!!!" ?

Maybe we could change it to 'Coco Pops Barons'. The packaging could come in handy for our little export business... ;)

http://cratercritters.com/pictures2/miniboxcoco.JPG

[nebbit]

We might have to settle for a little cottage in County Kerry selling plastic shamrocks to huge, plaid & nylon wearing tourists called Earl.

Hey, I had a Kerry Blue Terrier doggie, Her pregnant mother was imported from County Kerry, I have always wanted to go there, can i come? http://bestsmileys.com/beging/1.gif

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Hey, I had a Kerry Blue Terrier doggie, Her pregnant mother was imported from County Kerry, I have always wanted to go there, can i come? http://bestsmileys.com/beging/1.gif
Fine by me! :D
Just make absolutley sure the customs people know you have NOTHING to do with drug trafficking. ;)

[ObiWanShinobi]

If I respond to this, you'll only claim I'm being mean to you or condescending or insulting you.
And if I don't, you'll crow that I wouldn't stand up to you because I can't handle people whose opinions differ - despite all the evidence to the contrary.


Forgive me for trying to initiate conversation with the almighty.

Let's see if you can step off of your stool for one moment and act like a human being instead of a patronizing clique-fiend.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Forgive me for trying to initiate conversation with the almighty.

Let's see if you can step off of your stool for one moment and act like a human being instead of a patronizing clique-fiend.
If I respond to this, you'll only claim I'm being mean to you or condescending or insulting you.

God, I'm good. :laugh:

[Tacitus]

Let's see if you can step off of your stool for one moment and act like a human being instead of a patronizing clique-fiend.

Let's see if you can drop the tiresome persona first, then more folks might respond the way you wish.

[nebbit]

Let's see if you can drop the tiresome persona first, then more folks might respond the way you wish.

:yup:

[Yoda]

Here we go again, eh?

Just deleted a handful of posts. I didn't know where to cut them off, because there's no one post that definitively crossed the line, but needless to say things escalated, things were said, and people were warned.

There are many root causes to these scuffles, but the biggest, beyond whatever perceived injustice sparked it all, is that once the grudges are present, no one gives anyone the benefit of the doubt anymore. I don't think we're going to have any kind of sustained peace and civility until someone steps up and is willing to assume the best, rather than the worst, about the other person's words and intentions.

Anyway, that's my soapbox moment for the day. I hope things improve. All the people involved have said insightful things, and I'd really hate for the conflicts to continually overshadow the insight.

[7thson]

If it would help I will take the blame for everything, unless it involved jumper cables, a zesty night in a motel room, and Holden. I have to draw the line somewhere.

[Piddzilla]

http://cratercritters.com/pictures2/miniboxcoco.JPG

I'm gonna be a cereal killer.... :bored:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I'm gonna be a cereal killer.... :bored:
booooooooooooooo! :laugh:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

A fascinating and inspiring documentary,gb Genghis Blues is the story of blues musician Paul Pena and his musical pilgrimage to the Republic of Tuva, in 1995. Pena is a career musician (writer of the Steve Miller song "Big Old Jet Airliner") who has worked with the greats of Blues, from Muddy Waters and B.B. King to Bonnie Raitt. Listening to a short-wave radio, Pena encountered Tuvan throatsinging and was instantly obsessed. He taught himself the technique, which involves one voice simultaneously making two harmonic tones. He also translated Tuvan songs and written word into Russian, then into English (no Tuvan-English dictionaries existed) and all in Braille, so he could learn the language.

The film is a documentary on Pena's trip to Tuva, to participate in a contest of Tuvan throatsinging. I'll leave you in the dark as to whether he wins or loses. The thing that you'll come away from this film with is a major win: the beauty of two entirely strange cultures, joined by music. Pena's appreciation for the people he encounters is inspiring as well, and the reception he recieves is truly gratifying to watch. But the thing that struck me was that the Tuvan culture, nearly squelched by years of Soviet oppression, survived and was so valued by a blind blues musician from half a world away, and discovered by chance..... and the result is this shining combination of people.

This film is a beautiful and joyous experience, and so much more than a travelogue. I strongly recommend it.

9/10

[TheUsualSuspect]

good review, better check this one out. :)

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammy, it sounds really interesting :yup:

[SamsoniteDelilah]

TUS and Nebbit.... thanks for reading :)
It's really a good one. Let me know what you think if you see it.

[Tacitus]

Thanks Cindy, an excellent film which I really must buy... :)

[birdygyrl]

Sammy, you've given me such good recommendations and this one seems like its no exception. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Tacitus and birdy~ thanks for reading, you two! birdy, let me know what you think! :)

[Caitlyn]

As always, great reviews Sammy D… thanks for sharing… I think I might have enjoyed MASH a little more then you did… but some of that might be for sentimental reasons… the first time I watched it was with a couple of vets years ago… anyway, my "to see" list just grew a little more… :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks for reading, Caity! :)
Right after I watched M*A*S*H, I mentioned it to a coworker and we decided we need to watch it together. She was an army nurse for 22 years. I'd love to get her take on it. That's awesome that you got to see it with people who'd had the experience.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Ghengis Blues sounds right up my street ( oooooooh-er in a campy Carry on/ Benny Hill way )
Haven't found it yet, but I will!!!!
Cheers for the review C.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

:D I'm not sure I'd compare Genghis Blues to Benny Hill, really... but it's a great film. :)

[ash_is_the_gal]

parkerWhhhhooooaaaa! Odd little flick, but I really liked it. It's dark and twisted and had Tori Spelling. Freaky. My only complaint was that I think it needed more rehearsal, or a better director - not sure which - but the cue pickups were a little lacadaisical, which threw off the beats. Great writing, very funny stuff and the plot was cool. That business of JackieO's family kinda Gaslighting her into keeping mum... Good story! I think my favorite moment was the mother's line, "well of course I can MAKE chicken noodle soup, I mean it comes in a can..." hee! Parker Posey was awesome and Freddy Prinze, Jr was suprisingly good. He's not just pretty.

cool. ive been meaning to see this one for some time now, i think it might be on my Netflix cue. glad you liked it! for some reason i remember when i read about it, it seemed to have some similarites to The Royal Tenenbaums...does it, or am I confused?

[Strummer521]

Great review Sam...I think I'll see that one soon.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

cool. ive been meaning to see this one for some time now, i think it might be on my Netflix cue. glad you liked it! for some reason i remember when i read about it, it seemed to have some similarites to The Royal Tenenbaums...does it, or am I confused?
It does have some similar content, but a different feel. It's a bit darker and stranger, believe it or else. ;)

[SamsoniteDelilah]

An absolute classic, Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront is a perfectly crafted, brandosocially significant story of the battle between good people and corruption. Marlon Brando is compelling and relatable in the central role - the man who must decide for himself where he will stand in a landscape painted in shades of grey. Karl Malden turns in a quality job as the priest, who is similarly choosing between what is traditional and what is truly right.

The story is set on the docks, among union officials, common laborers and their families. The cinematography pulls us into the physical environment and the acting similarly puts us in the emotional shoes of these people, and you can't help but ask yourself "what would I do in this situation?"

5/5. A must-see. This film is heralded as a "career best" for both Kazan and Brando. The combination makes for highly compelling cinema.

[Tacitus]

Before my screen name chose me, I was originally going to register here as Karl Malden's Nose...

I haven't seen On The Waterfront for years, in fact must hunt out the VHS tape in the loft. Thanks for reminding me again via your review. :)

[SmegFirk]

I have not really been in here before, and you have your own "folder" for want of a better word, very cool.

Anyway, I saw this for the first time within the last two weeks. I did not know anything about it apart from that it was always in the top 10 or even five when the lists of the greatest films ever are published. This naturally made me sceptical, but just like Citizen Kane, I was pleased to say that everybody is correct.

I had not really seen any Marlon Brando films apart from the Godfather and his famous 10 minutes in Superman. I thought he was excellent, good performances all round.

[SpoOkY]

Awesome review Sammy! :D I just watched it for the 2nd time yesterday and loved it even more (and I predicted it as getting best picture from my first viewing so keep that in perspective :p). Um just in response to Obiwanshinobi's comment about the coincidences being laughable, well I think they were meant to be overly connected. It's the amazing connection that raises all the questions about the movie. If it seemed like an obvious occurance then it wouldn't have anywhere near the effect it does.

I personally think the movie is not only about how we affect each other but its also about how we judge people. You see certain characters and you dismiss them almost unconsciously as being a racist or a decent guy; then your perceptions turn out to be false when you see the other side to them. You see how their past pains have propogated these racist ideals and how while you might automatically describe them as a 'racist biggot' when you first see them if you look a little closer they are still good people. It's your anger and hostility towards them that also perpetuates the problem. As the old saying goes 'hatred breeds hatred'. In the same way people generalise races into one entity I found that I tend to generalise racist people into one evil entity and I wasn't even aware of it until this movie came out.

Acting superb, casting terrific, music was spectacular in creating the right mood (ooh that scene with the girl jumping into her father's arm was so powerful because of the awesome sounds) and the subject matter was very timely in my eyes. It's easy to assume we have come so far and there is little racism left in society, but this movie raises the question about how far have we really come? and perhaps there is still a long way to go to stop racist views from eventuating in modern society.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

D~ As always, thanks for reading. You'll let me know if you rewatch it, I feel pretty confident. ;)

Smeg~ that's some timing. It was my first time seeing it just recently, as well. It was on my list of "Classics I Guess I Am Going To Have To Watch". Am a convert, now.

Spooky~ I couldn't agree more! Very well put. The obvious point is that our lives intersect in ways we don't always see, and there is no sleight of hand in interweaving the storylines. It's done deliberately, and those who've complained about that seem to have gone in looking for a different sort of film. One of the writers is a playwrite, and I see his influence in the bold strokes of the Crash screenplay. I think there's plenty of subtlety in the details and that the performances are heartfelt enough that we still see the characters as relatable people. I'd consider that the determining factor in whether it's all "too heavy handed", as I've heard it described. As long as we care about the characters, we are open to the message of the film.

Agreed too about the music and acting. It's one of the best casts I've seen, where everyone is really strong, and it's an actor's dream, in that nearly every character has depth. Because of that, we can relate to them AND feel a certain level of discomfort when they start making racist comments. It's a gentle way of making us look at something less than rosie in our selves, or our society.

[nebbit]

Thanks Sammi, I just watched On the Waterfront again i love it :yup: I was able to pick it up for under $10.00 last year :D

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Nebbs, wow! what a deal! :up:
I really loved it, too. I didn't expect to relate to it all that strongly - it looked like a man's film, I guess. It's very relatable though, don't you think?

[Piddzilla]

On the Waterfront is one of the best films I have ever seen. I think it is fantastic! I saw it as a kid and didn't see it again until a couple of months ago. It's a true classic....

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Thanks for reading Piddy.
Yeah, it's a masterpiece, I'd say.

[nebbit]

I think i can relate as it is about important issues of good v's evil, the movie is strong and powerfull.

[Piddzilla]

What struck me the most when I saw it was that there were so many of the actors that stood out. It wasn't a one-man-show by Brando. Malden has allready been mentioned but I also think Rod Steiger as the tormented brother was brilliant. And the story and how it is being told is just so sharp....

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Nebbs ~ exactly. The good vs evil thing is something we can all relate to. And then it's personalized in the story - there are real, viable options and emotional ties on both sides of the battle for the central character. And then you have the brother, and anybody who has younger siblings can relate to the desire to look out for them, conflicting with cimultaneously trying to get your own ducks in a row. (It's a bit like Don Cheadle's situation in Crash, there...)

Piddy, yeah, the supporting cast is all really strong and great types. They used a lot of actual dock workers and locals, and it adds to the authenticity of the world of the film.

[SmegFirk]

after watching the film I watch the brief documentary. It was interesting to learn about the parallels with Kazan deciding to name names to the House of Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) about other people in Hollywood with communist tendencies.

[Darth Stujitzu]

Hey C, just ordered Genghis Blues, I'll let you know what I think of it.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Smeg - agreed, the historical perspective on that one adds a layer.

Darth - cool! :D I think you'll like it, but look forward to hearing your thoughts.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

This is the filmic equivalent of chocolate... itmfl melting deliciously onto the tongue and filling the viewer with sweet warmth. Wong Kar-Wei's valentine to romance itself captures beautifully that feeling of wanting to be in love.

Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and Su Li-zhen Chan (Maggie Cheung) become neighbors in a boarding house, seemingly by accident. They share an appreciation for noodles and serial dramas... and they share a pair of unfaithful spouses. Unlike so many of the people they know though, Chow and Su Li-zhen are respectful and restrained people. Theirs is a romance that begins as a support group of two, but becomes a smouldering attraction that tests them as people.

Wong Kar-Wei unfolds the story with a measured restraint, punctuated by still, reflective scenes of simple beauty. The photography throughout is stunning, with rich colors and gorgeous shapes - not the least of which belong to the lead actors. Everything about this movie pulls the viewer into the romance and the desire between them.

It's a film that stays with you, that floats you along for hours or days. It really will put you in the mood for love. That's excruciatingly corny, but it's true. 10/10

[Tacitus]

Willy Wong Kar does it again. Great review my dear. :)

Any appearance by the porcelain goddess that is Maggie Cheung on screen holds my attention, especially in something as nice is this...

[birdygyrl]

Its in my queue and I can't wait to see it. I just may have to move it on up......thanks for the wonderful review.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Willy Wong Kar does it again. Great review my dear. :)

Any appearance by the porcelain goddess that is Maggie Cheung on screen holds my attention, especially in something as nice is this...
HA! I'm reasonably sure "the porcelain goddess" has a different meaning on this side of the Pond. ;)


byrdy - I think you'll really like it. As always, thanks for reading. :)

[Golgot]

HA! I'm reasonably sure "the porcelain goddess" has a different meaning on this side of the Pond. ;)

Is this like the fanny thing?

And class review, i should say publically (before i degenerate ;))

(And Birdy, it's well worth watching. It's degenerate in the very best sense :))

You'll see what i mean. ...I think ;)

[Purandara88]

I absolutely love In the Mood for Love, but it has had, I fear, a rather malign influence on a lot of recent world (and especially Asian) cinema. Wong Kar-Wai is a master at creating tension and longing through silence and imagery, but he has unfortunately inspired a legion of lesser directors to make boring, incomplete films with great colour and no dialogue.

[Tacitus]

HA! I'm reasonably sure "the porcelain goddess" has a different meaning on this side of the Pond. ;)

Ah yes, I can see where the confusion could arise. In this house iPorcelain Goddess means astonishingly beautiful woman and Porcelain God means...toilet.

You say potato and I say spud... :D

[Pyro Tramp]

I got In The Mood for Love on DVD since i've enjoyed all Wai's other films though i just couldn't finish this one, must have tried 5 times.

[SamsoniteDelilah]

I got In The Mood for Love on DVD since i've enjoyed all Wai's other films though i just couldn't finish this one, must have tried 5 times.
Which of his others have you seen, Pyro? I was suprised how many were listed at imdB.

[Purandara88]

I got In The Mood for Love on DVD since i've enjoyed all Wai's other films though i just couldn't finish this one, must have tried 5 times.

I'm not at all surprised. In the Mood for Love is a pretty radical departure from postmodern, often convulsively violent and always structurally fractured work of his earlier career (also brilliant, by the way).

[SamsoniteDelilah]

Is this like the fanny thing?
It's fanny-related. :D

And class review, i should say publically (before i degenerate ;))You're much too kind, sir.

(And Birdy, it's well worth watching. It's degenerate in the very best sense :))

You'll see what i mean. ...I think ;)
hmm.. that's very well put. It's on a topic I'd usually have a problem watching, but here things are really turned around, and not the usual course either. It winds up being refreshing.

[Pyro Tramp]

I first saw Chungking Express, then Ashes of Time, which also took me two attempts but mainly due to the quality of the copy, then it was 2046 which lead me into In The Mood For Love (the wrong way around). Much of wanting to see ITMFL was the ever awesome Chris Doyle's involvement.