Logic dictates that when a movie slated for release in October is pushed back until February of the next year, the film probably has some major flaws that would pull it out of contention for any major awards. And, for the most part, the producers are conceding that the film isn’t very good and would only be […]
Andrea Arnold masterfully handles Fish Tank, a film of gritty British realism that captivates and depresses, but does not wear itself out trying to rend your heartstrings. The soundtrack is minimal and is most often comprised of various background noises and the cockney-laced vocal outburst of the oft-volatile Mia (Katie Jarvis), a fifteen-year-old who is ostracized by […]
As has been known to happen, I drank way too much last Friday and was thus incapable — or at least unwilling — to do anything other than stare at the glowing box of moving light in my living room for the duration of the following day. And since sound decision-making was just one more task I […]
In a previous post, I determined that The Happening edged Taking Lives as the worst movie that I had seen in the first decade of this millennium, and moving forward, I’m proud—or saddened—to announce that I have a front runner for the worst movie I will see in the next ten years. Just to put this in […]
Set in 1961 England, An Education examines the limited options for a young woman, offering either the academic route that would lead to a life of education and a professorial profession, or the wife of a husband who offers security. We fine Jenny Mellor caught in this binary as she is too bright for a 16 year […]
Feb05
Four From Haneke
Austrian director Michael Haneke might be one of the most provocative working in the film industry today. I’ve shied away from using the term “Hollywood” because there is nothing in Hollywood that resembles the patience exhibited my Haneke—much less the pleasure taken in keeping an audience on pins and needles, forever hinting that a boogey man will […]
Typically, obesity, illiteracy, rape, child abuse, pedophilia, and incest that results in two children for a sixteen year old girl wouldn’t even warrant a viewing and would be automatically categorized as poverty-porn designed to hyperbolically inflict guilt on the white majority in a liberal-capitalist society—see Crash. However, Precious conveys this glut of disturbing elements without diving […]
Saturday Morning Quiz: The above poster advertises: The Vatican’s rationale for requiring abstinence An ice-skating team preparing for Vancouver Thirst, a movie about Vampires Kim Jong Il’s growing fear of rong-regged women If you answered “1”, it’s not women the Vatican is worried about. “2”, she’s not wearing skates. “4”, you racist! Prior to being deemed too […]
Characteristically, Jeff Bridges captivates the audience with his portrayal of Bad Blake, a hard-drinking, serial marrying, downward-spiraling country singer who has gone from headliner to saloon-crooner. The film’s redemption theme is not unique—it’s really kind of a rehashing of 2008’s The Wrestler — so Crazy Heart offers nothing new to the category of “man must save his […]
Orphan I’m a bit disappointed about how much I enjoyed this film — I hated the reboot of House of Wax and categorize most recent horror/suspense/thriller-type movies as bits of films that have been recycled and placed over snippets of Dvorak opera. However, the acting in Orphan is quite solid as Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgarrd hold their own. […]