winter's bone

So I watched 2010's critically acclaimed redneck flick "winter's bone." So was it good, well I say does a toad bump its ass when it jumps, in other words hell yeah! I really liked this movie. The story is simple enough some inbred family's pa has gone missin' in the Ozarks, and his daughter done need to find him before she lose da' house to da' bail bondsman. This story is a well written effort that takes us through the twists and turns of life far away from the city or even the suburbs. This is a place where kids know the answer to the question "how do you want that squirrel cooked?", and don't no one ever talk to da' poh-lice (something I personally recommend). The movie is well cast and acted, with much of the typecast hillbilly's of SAG doing a great job of kind of being themselves (or at least the types of characters they usually portray). This is a movie about navigating through choppy social waters, and understanding backwoods custom. I think this movie should have broad appeal and should at least get an "I liked this flick" from most people whatever their personal tastes.

the friends of eddie coyle

So I watched 1973's "The friends of Eddie Coyle", starring tough guy Robert Mitchum. So considering it's age is this movie a classic, well I say ehhh. However, is this movie good, I say yes. This movie stars Mitchum as Eddie "fingers" Coyle a gritty thug from the bad side of Boston. I don't know the history of Boston crime movies but this is the oldest I have seen. It seems in the last decade there have been a lot of these type of movies with Boston as the backdrop, including the crown jewel of this collection "the departed." Well anyways, Mitchum is not in this movie alone and there are a lot of recognizable faces, including Peter Boyle. The only part of the plot I would like to mention is how the parallel stories involving Boyle and Mitchum slowly come together in the end. And not to give anything away, but the ending is just wonderful, and something I did not see coming. I really liked that. The performances are strong the story taut. The action is subtle and not over done. I really liked this movie, so why is it not a classic. I guess for me it was the little things, like the music for instance. It sounded like 70's porn music. I guess that is a small beef, but I just reviewed Das Boot (and though I didn't discuss it) one aspect of the film I did not like was the very synthesizer driven music that was very very 80's. So if you look at the departed with its awesome soundtrack that stretches across several decades to find great songs, I think it lends to the notion that a movie is the sum of its parts and often a big part of the story is supported by music. O.k well what else, well that was about it. So why am I still not calling this a classic. Well I guess while I was watching it, I kept thinking if they did it right this movie would make a great remake. I would never think that about say "star wars". It is a classic and doesn't need to be remade. So I guess this movie is great but I just wouldn't say "classic." I think if you like crime dramas or movies from this period you will like this movie. Do not get me wrong this is a great movie, just not timeless in style. So watch it and maybe comment on what you thought, I'd love to know.

get him to the greek

So I watched 2010's raunchy comedy "get him to the greek". So was it good, I say ehh.. it started good. This film stars Russel Brand who I personally think is hilarious, especially when he appears on talk shows. He is an odd ex drug addict, who is sexy and looks like a rocker, so he is perfectly cast here. It also stars P-diddy as a record label owner a role he is well suited for. Additionally, it stars Jonah Hill who is very finny, and several supporting roles all done well. This movie starts awesome. It has sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, all with raunchy humor and an interesting take on the classic road trip theme used by movies. However, the third act doesn't just feel weird and out of place it also feels awkward. The film comes back together by the final sequence, but by then I at least lost interest. This movie is geared more towards stoners, raunchy comedy fans, and the youth of this world. If you are not part of this demographic you will probably not care for this film much, and if you are, you may find yourself rolling on the floor in laughter until the third act when you may find yourself saying "what?".

Das Boot

So I watched 1981's oascar nominated "Das boot", directed by Wolfgang Peterson. This is Peterson's masterpiece and his most lauded film. So is it a classic, well let me just say Heil, Hitler. Wait what was that, yes this movie had me rooting for the Nazis, something I never thought I would do, and something that probably just killed my parents. This movie starts a little slow, but once the men are on the u-boat (submarine), it becomes one of the most fascinating and realistic films I have ever seen. This movie was filmed over the course of a year, and allowed the men to naturally grow thin, pale, grow beards, and even really get injured. Even the injuries which really occurred as the actors were thrown around the set, were included in this film. "Das Boot" is emotional, gripping, well written, and wonderfully directed, what else can I say. "Das boot" is considered to be one of the best films ever made and I would concur with that notion. This film should have broad appeal ranging from women to men, and every cross section within the primary sexes. It is German, with subtitles, but like many movies is dubbed, though I have never liked a dubbed version of anything I have ever seen outside of cartoons. To discuss the plot like many films I review, is to do this film an injustice, the audience is always better off when a good story isn't spelled out for them before they see it. So just watch it sometime you should dig it, and maybe you to will find yourself rooting for the bad guys.

the social network

So I watched 2010's most over-hyped film "the social network". So was it good, well yes, was it as awesome as advertised well no. This film has quite a pedigree oscars, David Fincher, Aaron Sorkin (not a fan, I personally think all his characters speak with the same tone, just watch Sports night to get an idea of what I am talking about), and universal critical praise. I personally liked this movie but did not love it. It is a fictionalized version of the truth, a truth that is still the present for the most part. I personally don't see what is so great about facebook. I have an account, but most of the time when I log on I see someone "likes q-tips", thanks for sharing. But it is fascinating that this genius named Mark Zuckerberg, basically took being socially awkward, having a chip on his shoulder, and programming skills, and turned all that into a company that is somehow magically valued at around 25 billion dollars (another thing that I just don't understand). Zuckerberg apparently did all this while he sacrificed friendship, and screwed over a couple of uber twins to become the king nerd. This film does give us some sense of the basic story of how someone became the world's youngest billionaire. It is also interesting, well acted, and has broad appeal. However, just like facebook itself I think it is overvalued, over-hyped, and may very well be more of a fad than a classic.

time bandits

So I watched "time bandits" from 1981 and directed by the great Terry Gilliam. So is it a classic, yes but possibly just of the cult variety. Time bandits represents Gilliam's more playful side, a side that is directed at making kid's fairy tales. Other examples of this side include "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" and "the brothers Grimm". This film is his most successful attempt at making a kid's movie. However, this movie is not just for kids, I do remember making my dad take me to this when I was just 7. However, I have seen this movie at various points in my life and it held up at every stop, including this latest viewing. This film is a child's dream come true (or is it). It is strange at times, while making subtle statements on modern suburban life at other times. Statements that I may add still hold up today. The story centers around the adventures of a young boy, well played by Craig Warnock (this was one of the few things he did as an actor), as he joins a rag tag bunch of little people who work for the supreme being. These pint size creative assistants are hell bent on making a name for themselves as robbers. The first thing they steal is the supreme beings map of time portals allowing them to time travel and well become "time bandits." From there the movie is a mythical adventure partly based on historical figures and partly based on fairy tales. This movie is hilarious, it is stylistically a good example of the unique genius of Terry Gilliam, and has several cameos of great actors including Sean Connery. The one thing that is up for debate is was this a dream, was it real, or was it a dream so powerful it became real. I lean toward the last theory, just look for giant "leg-gos" and the last shot of the boys bedroom, to understand part of my justification for subscribing to this last theory. The end is odd and leaves many unresolved questions, but that is part of the beauty of this great film. This movie is not for everyone, it is for the indy lovers, the more creative among us, and the little kids who grow up and don't necessarily score with the head cheer leader.

With a friend like harry

So I just watched "with a Friend like Harry" from 2000. So is it good, I say oui. This movie is slow in its build up to the suspenseful second half of the film. It is mildly humorous at times, while being quite disturbing at other times. Look movies like this you don't want to talk too much about, it is after all a suspense pic. So what I can ponder openly is the deeper meaning behind the ending, if there is one. I picked up something deeply psychological, though I could have been mistaken, but perhaps we are all a little Harry in some ways? Watch and maybe you will understand what I am getting at. So that's all I can say is if you like slightly cerebral, fresh and original, suspense flicks, that are in french then you will love this one. If you can deal with the subtitles (and everything else applies) it is a really good movie and you can't go wrong with it.

Judgement at Nuremberg

So I watched the award winning "Judgment at Nuremberg" from 1961, and directed by Stanley Kramer. So is this movie a classic, I say fuck yeah! So not only is this movie a classic, I would rank it among one of the best films I have ever seen. This movie has twists and turns like a suspense thriller, but is very subtle in those twists and turns, they are neither obvious nor are they possibly even intentional. This film is brilliantly written, it is brilliantly acted, was wonderfully cast, and directed by a master. This film is both unflinching at times, and surprising at other times. These surprises aren't typical surprises in the traditional sense, these are the twists and turns you feel. Every moment you feel is building to some sort of sympathy by the head Judge played by Spencer Tracey for the German's particularly one of the defendants played stoically by Burt Lancaster, but he is pragmatic and unforgiving without being angry or vengeful in the end. I personally think his performance was better than Maximilian Schell's, which garnered him a well deserved Oscar. In addition to these brilliant roles, there are strong roles played by Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and Richard Widmark. Additionally, there were roles performed by iconic characters of the small screen, by Captain Kirk in one of his first film roles, and Colonel Klink from "Hogan's Heroes" (Werner Klemperer). So basically this movie is moving, surprising, exquisitely acted, wonderfully written, perfectly cast, classic in every sense of the word, and award winning. So yeah I think it is one of the best films of all time, even if you don't agree with that sentiment, I would be surprised if you watch this film and don't love it.

My dinner with Andre

So I finally watched the cult classic "My dinner with Andre" directed by the legendary Louis Malle. So was it good, no it was excellent. This film was written by two friends who come from wealth, intellect, and a prestigious education that includes Harvard and Oxford. This film was written by two friends, who had worked often together one a playwright and the other a theater director. The playwright is the popular but somewhat unknown Wallace Shawn (the princess bride (he even says inconceivable in this film)), and he plays a playwright named Wallace Shawn who grew up in New York and is dating a woman named Debbie which is his reality. The theater director who co-wrote and co-starred in this film is Andre Gregory, who plays theater director Andre Gregory. So basically this somewhat improvised film which, has the feel of a play, is an actual conversation these dear friends had one evening over dinner. The stories they tell throughout the film are all real life experiences, their character names are their real names and their professions are their real life professions. Basically this could have been a documentary featuring these two men talking, but the shell and the structure was written before hand. The movie is simple, we enjoy dinner with these two men as if we are there with them enjoying their witty deep discussion. This movie reminded me a lot of another great film that is simply one long conversation called "mindwalk." I think this movie was brilliant, and I look forward to watching it again someday with others, so that maybe the film can be the spark that ignites such a profound discussion that me and my friends or girlfriend can engage in ourselves. I don't think this film is for everyone, it is after all a conversation between two very erudite artists. However, I believe it is a must see for the intellectuals of this world. Oh and one other thing, I usually hate movies based on plays, they read and are often shot like we are an audience watching a play. This film is a film, it is intimate and simple but feels natural and we are allowed as I said to be at the table with these men and not in the audience watching them.

Out of Africa

So I watched 1985's best picture winner "Out of Africa". This movie won a butt load of awards. So is it a classic, I say yes. This movie is based on the true life adventures of writer Karen Blixen while she lived in Kenya in the early part of the last century. She is also the writer of another story which is the basis for one of my favorite films "Babbette's feast." This movie has gotten some flack for being an undeserving winner, chiefly because "the color purple" and the cult classic "Brazil" were also released that year (Brazil's thought to have gotten snubbed by Oscar and I would agree with that sentiment). However, I thought this movie was great. It seems to be mostly true to the real life adventures and trials and tribulations of Karen Blixen. The movie has superb acting from both it's leads, the great Robert Redford and the timeless Meryl Streep. The backdrop of Africa in all its glory is beautifully shot, and the time period is faithfully represented. There are a few moments which look a little fake, like they have video backdrops, something today's green screen would have prevented. Besides from that I think this is a first class film and a great story. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.

the boy in the striped pajamas

So "I watched the boy in the striped pajamas" from 2008. So was it good, yeah it was good. Now was it great, I say no. So Vera Farminga won the BIFA for best actress, for portraying a German chick with an English accent, portrayed by a U.S born chick who only spoke Ukrainian until she was six. So I guess that's what got her the award, because that is kind of challenging. Other than that I didn't find her performance all that note worthy. As far as Nazi flicks I have seen better, namely in the form of "Schindler's list". "Schindler's list" didn't pull any punches, making it one of the most powerful films of all time. But this movie is good. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. One of the problems I had was all of the German's spoke with British accents, which threw me off a little at first, until I realized they were Nazi's. The story itself is good and centers around a small boy who befriends the boy in the striped pajamas. I will admit the ending is very powerful, and in a tamer movie would probably have ended differently. The end in this movie is more than just the final act, it is what this film builds too, and I guess that is why I just liked it and did not love it. I guess what I am saying is if the rest of the film had been as unflinching as the end it could have been great. However, this is one of those movies I think everyone should watch, not just to form there own opinion of this film, but to serve as a reminder that humans in reality can be monsters far worse than anything with fangs or sharp claws.

transamerica

So I watched the academy award nominated indy flick "transamerica" from 2005. So was it good, I say yes it was very enjoyable. Look let me just say I am not gay, not that there is anything wrong with that. And that is kind of the point, the United states has rapidly been submerged in gay culture since Ellen decided to out herself on her show. It was kind of a rallying call for the troops, to say "we're here, we're queer, get used to it." So movies like this and "the kid are all alright" are finding themselves green light more often and we are the better for it. Because a good movie is a good movie. So Felicity Huffman gave an Oscar nominated performance, playing a man named Stanley who is trying to become a chick named Bree. So why would a woman pretending to be a woman trapped inside a man, be the role of a lifetime for a T.V actress? Well the answer is she did it convincingly, there weren't any "I'm a lumberjack" moments that she had to deal with, but she still had to deal with the emotions of someone who is already feminine, but at the same time isn't physically feminine (well completely). However, this movie goes beyond just the character it is a funny story, and a fresh take on the classic "road trip" theatrical model. This movie is fresh, funny, and breaks down social barriers. I say see it, even if this isn't normally your cup of tea. This movie doesn't bash you over the head with ideology, it is just an enjoyable story centered around a stand out performance.

three o'clock high

So I watched 1987's three o'clock high starring, well no one whose name you will probably know. So is it good, I say it is was rad dude. I love this movie, I have seen it a few times since its original release, and I think it has the makings for status as a cult classic, if it hasn't achieved that moniker already. So it holds up 20 some odd years later, well why? Well I guess its the clever story, the humor, the use of the western theme where two men draw guns at high noon (well at three after class here), and the subtle homage to the biblical story of David versus Goliath. You take all that, you add a young Barry Sonnenfeld working on cinematography (men in black, Addams family, etc), a young Lisa Simpson playing a cheerleader, a practically unseen Paul Feig (freaks and geeks, the office, etc), and a bulked up Skinner from the x-files, you have a movie worth watching for a variety of reasons. I like how the characters day slowly goes from bad to worse just because he touched the wrong guy, how everything goes haywire after that, and how not only does he redeem himself in the end, but becomes both a living legend and a stud in the process before the fight even begins. This movie is just great, it is made in the mold of a John Hughes flick in some ways as well, these types of movies were green lighted a lot during that period, but this one stands on its own . So if you like 80's flicks that don't suck (well the music tangerine dream did does), if you like a good teen high school flick, or if you like clever and unique movies you can't go wrong. So put on your wayfarers and vans, pop some jiffy pop, maybe find a new coke somewhere, and enjoy.