I'm all for an inspirational story. A tale of exceeding the limits one has been confined too. Overcoming great odds. Is that not the dream everyone has? To be better? To be more? In this regard, people are suckers for a good inspirational story. The reality, as most people find out, is that life offers very little of these dynamics. I've always preferred the films that provide inspiration and realism in the same. Where even the slightest triumph can provide meaning to the characters in the film. Such titles as One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, On The Waterfront, and Cool Hand Luke. The main character may not have to even survive to provide the inspiration.
The Shawshank Redemption is considered by many to arguably be the most inspiring film made. It tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a man who is sent to prison for killing his wife and her liver although he is innocent. While inside he befriends a man named Red. Red has become content with life inside the prison, while Andy keeps up hope.
My greatest criticism of this movie is how it tries to make life inside the prison seem horrible. I'm not saying prison is a cakewalk, but I mean, come on. Are they seriously trying to make the Warden appear so evil when he has lines like this, "The woman can't cook worth shit anyways." Ooooo, I'm so scared! Then he *SPOILER ALERT* kills Tommy. Ohhhh nooooo! It tries to be hard, but in the end the story just does not offer any conflict worth a darn.
The only part of that film that truly moved me was *SPOILER ALERT* when Brooks is set free and decides that rather than live a life where he is serves no purpose, he takes his own life. That is a real character dilemma culminating in a meaningful, significant end. It reminds me of another Stephan King/Frank Darabont film called the Green Mile. It pulls no punches in it's portrayal of inspiration.
I love debating about this movie. It's one that unanimously is loved. Sometimes I wonder if it's just a mistake on my part. Too bad it ain't.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
W.- educationlizing the world nation
First and foremost, I'm not some political nut. I vote because I feel it is my right to have my voice heard. I have never been a big fan of George W. Bush. He's made poor decisions and was not the best person to represent the most powerful country on the planet. Needless to say, I was skeptical when I heard there was not only going to be a movie about Bush, with a release date in campaign season, but that the greatest propagandist not named Moore was behind the helm.
W. tells the the story of the last President of the USA, George Bush, as he tackles the September 11 terrorist attacks. Through brief flashbacks, we see how he developed from a booze swilling malcontent to the charismatic politician who convinced a nation he could run it.
With Oliver Stone behind the camera, one would expect Bush to be portrayed as a dumbed down version of the man. However, Josh Brolin plays Bush very accurately. Bush is as much a product of his daddy complex as his poor vocabulary. Brolin has Bush down to a T, but doesn't exaggerate or emphasis the worst characteristics. In fact, the movie is more critical of Bush government and subordinates. Thandie Newton as Condoleeza Rice was so overdone I thought Thandie's face would cramp up from all the squinting she does. In fact, Colin Powell played by Jeffrey Wright comes off as the smartest person in the film. You can tell what Oliver thought of him....
All in all, it was enjoyable look at arguably the most controversial President ever. For the most part, Stone plays it with a deft hand. One can't expect Oliver Stone to keep a hold on himself for too long however, and he loses the film for long stretches.
W. tells the the story of the last President of the USA, George Bush, as he tackles the September 11 terrorist attacks. Through brief flashbacks, we see how he developed from a booze swilling malcontent to the charismatic politician who convinced a nation he could run it.
With Oliver Stone behind the camera, one would expect Bush to be portrayed as a dumbed down version of the man. However, Josh Brolin plays Bush very accurately. Bush is as much a product of his daddy complex as his poor vocabulary. Brolin has Bush down to a T, but doesn't exaggerate or emphasis the worst characteristics. In fact, the movie is more critical of Bush government and subordinates. Thandie Newton as Condoleeza Rice was so overdone I thought Thandie's face would cramp up from all the squinting she does. In fact, Colin Powell played by Jeffrey Wright comes off as the smartest person in the film. You can tell what Oliver thought of him....
All in all, it was enjoyable look at arguably the most controversial President ever. For the most part, Stone plays it with a deft hand. One can't expect Oliver Stone to keep a hold on himself for too long however, and he loses the film for long stretches.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Pineapple Express- *cough, cough* I don't get it...
The current trend of mainstream pot use has seen a subsequent rise in main stream stoner comedies. Movies that glorify the pot experience are becoming cool. That's nothing new. Movies have often been a vehicle for what is deemed main stream and provide a portrait of the generation.
Pineapple Express is one of the latest Judd Apatow productions. Since the uber-succesful 40 Year Old Virgin, he's been Hollywood's go-to guy for comedies. His right hand man, Seth Rogen, co-wrote Pineapple Express and one gets the feeling it's a personal one for him. Rogen has always been outspoken about his pot use, so you get the feeling he's put in serious work. It's too bad because honestly, it didn't work for me.
I thought it was genius to cast against type with James Franco and Rogen. The problem is that there really wasn't that much funny. I got more laughs out of the way they acted than anything they said. Rogen coughing after his first hit on the tri-joint was very funny. Franco's body language throughout the whole movie. Yet a lot just did not work. Half of the 'stoned' ad libbing was amusing, but hardly hilarious. The whole concept of spoofing action flicks is good in theory, but is too straight laced and inconsistent to be funny at times. Unless that was the idea. Then I guess all that was accomplished was a poor action flick.
If you're looking to see a great stoner comedy, I guess you could do worse but you can most definitely do better. If you're looking for an action spoof, rent Hot Fuzz. Either way, it's worth a look but I wouldn't take the relationship further.
Pineapple Express is one of the latest Judd Apatow productions. Since the uber-succesful 40 Year Old Virgin, he's been Hollywood's go-to guy for comedies. His right hand man, Seth Rogen, co-wrote Pineapple Express and one gets the feeling it's a personal one for him. Rogen has always been outspoken about his pot use, so you get the feeling he's put in serious work. It's too bad because honestly, it didn't work for me.
I thought it was genius to cast against type with James Franco and Rogen. The problem is that there really wasn't that much funny. I got more laughs out of the way they acted than anything they said. Rogen coughing after his first hit on the tri-joint was very funny. Franco's body language throughout the whole movie. Yet a lot just did not work. Half of the 'stoned' ad libbing was amusing, but hardly hilarious. The whole concept of spoofing action flicks is good in theory, but is too straight laced and inconsistent to be funny at times. Unless that was the idea. Then I guess all that was accomplished was a poor action flick.
If you're looking to see a great stoner comedy, I guess you could do worse but you can most definitely do better. If you're looking for an action spoof, rent Hot Fuzz. Either way, it's worth a look but I wouldn't take the relationship further.
Saving Private Ryan- what was sacrificed
For the records, I have only cried in a movie twice. The first time was Cinema Paradisio, which is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. The second time was Saving Private Ryan. I had the flu and the film made me think of my late grandfather who flew planes in WWII. So I wept.
I think if you cry in the same movie on more than one occasion, it's cool to count the first cry as the only cry because it was the same flick. I watched Saving Private Ryan for the first time since that last cry and I made for a good encore.
Saving Private Ryan was groundbreaking when it hit screens in 1998. It was far ahead of it's time for it's genre. The sheer scale of it was beyond any war movie seen before. Yet more importantly, it is a reminder of the things sacrificed and lost to oppress tyranny. No other film represents this better. It's brutal reality provides us with the knowledge of just what our forefathers experienced to keep our world free. The tragic consequences are on full display, back dropped by beautiful cinematography.
I feel no embarrassment for having cried watching this film. They are tears shed for the memory of someone I cared about who fought for what was right. What he fought for is why I you and I are here today.
I think if you cry in the same movie on more than one occasion, it's cool to count the first cry as the only cry because it was the same flick. I watched Saving Private Ryan for the first time since that last cry and I made for a good encore.
Saving Private Ryan was groundbreaking when it hit screens in 1998. It was far ahead of it's time for it's genre. The sheer scale of it was beyond any war movie seen before. Yet more importantly, it is a reminder of the things sacrificed and lost to oppress tyranny. No other film represents this better. It's brutal reality provides us with the knowledge of just what our forefathers experienced to keep our world free. The tragic consequences are on full display, back dropped by beautiful cinematography.
I feel no embarrassment for having cried watching this film. They are tears shed for the memory of someone I cared about who fought for what was right. What he fought for is why I you and I are here today.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Fight Club- philosophy for the 21st century
I have watched a movie a day for the last three days, so here's a quick rundown:
Fight Club- There is a moment in David Fincher's Fight Club when a roomful of men listen intently to every word spoken by their leader, Tyler Durden. While Tyler Durden is no president or religious leader, he might as well be to them. Tyler Durden is their prophet. Fight Club has always been to me a movie of profound depth. There is much to take from it if one is so inclined to pay attention and look past the brutality. Not to mention, Bad Pitt at his charismatic finest.
Kill Bill- the epitome of style over substance. More like style takes a hatchet and hacks substance into a bloody, screaming mess. For once though, this stylistic direction does not make Quentin Tarantino come off as a conceited goof. Tragically it was a sign of things to come as Quentin spiraled madly into the oblivion of style, culminating in the horrifically intentional campiness(and squandered greatness) of Death Proof.
Panic Room- another Fincher flick. I've always liked this one. I loved how it takes place in one building and doesn't try to burst out of the seams like many films do. Not to mention Raul being one of the most cold-blooded house robbers in film.
Fight Club- There is a moment in David Fincher's Fight Club when a roomful of men listen intently to every word spoken by their leader, Tyler Durden. While Tyler Durden is no president or religious leader, he might as well be to them. Tyler Durden is their prophet. Fight Club has always been to me a movie of profound depth. There is much to take from it if one is so inclined to pay attention and look past the brutality. Not to mention, Bad Pitt at his charismatic finest.
Kill Bill- the epitome of style over substance. More like style takes a hatchet and hacks substance into a bloody, screaming mess. For once though, this stylistic direction does not make Quentin Tarantino come off as a conceited goof. Tragically it was a sign of things to come as Quentin spiraled madly into the oblivion of style, culminating in the horrifically intentional campiness(and squandered greatness) of Death Proof.
Panic Room- another Fincher flick. I've always liked this one. I loved how it takes place in one building and doesn't try to burst out of the seams like many films do. Not to mention Raul being one of the most cold-blooded house robbers in film.
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