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Notorious

If only we still had writers and actors who mirrored the sensibilities of early Hollywood.  Alfred Hitchcok's Notorious is a wonderous trip in Miami and Rio filled with suspense, intrigue, and the brillant talents of none other than Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman.  The last shot in the film is well worth watching the whole thing for. 

There Will Be Blood

Unfortunately I'm writing this long after watching Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood.  It's inevitable that in my quick summation I will leave a great deal out from my initial reaction.  While artfully constructed and brilliantly performed I was bored and irritated during the majority of the film.  The score detracted greatly by attempting to be so different.  I wanted there to be someone to root for, someone with any form of redeeming quality, someone who could take a stand.  In the end, the audience is left with nothing.  You've been struggling for hours and you're broken.  There is one film of quiet evils that I can point to that makes it worth all the darkness.  The Shawshank Redemption brings you through the other side in its final minutes that makes the whole journey that much sweeter.  I know it's probably unfair to compare the two films.  After all, The Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorite films of all time.  I suppose I'm just an optimist at heart and the emptiness I felt after There Will Be Blood was distasteful. 

Tron Legacy

Going into Tron Legacy I didn't expect much.  All that really took me there was nostalgia from my childhood and an excitement to hear Daft Punk's score.  I was shocked to find myself thoroughly enjoying this slick reboot.

It's clean like its predecessor and I feel that is in a way what makes it stand out.  It's a family friendly sci-fi, which given the current state of affairs these days is a welcome and refreshing change of pace.   The story is simple and the characters aren't terribly complex however the glorious CG landscapes and creative art direction envelop the viewer and draw you in deeper than you really want to go.  Regretfully I watched this on a plane on a tiny screen with my headphones on.

No Strings Attached

Welllllll, I really don't know why I keep subjecting myself (and you) to these movies.  Right now, the romantic comedy genre is in a very steep tailspin.  The days of When Harry Met Sally seem to be behind us for the time being. 

No Strings Attached tells the uninteresting friendship story between Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and it's dying for a little sass.  There are occasional jollies to be had but overall this flick lacked all the sweet charm that makes romance work on the big screen.  There was little to no chemistry between the actors and the storyline followed a predictably lame path.

Heartbreaker

Heartbreaker is a fun watch!  It's currently on instant view on Netflix and I highly recommend it.  It's a French film that takes place primarily in Monte Carlo.  Essentially, we follow a band of break-up specialists whose jobs are to go in and ruin relationships.  It's sexy and witty.  Trailer here. 

Taken

Taken is the sort of depressing fare that might be a good date movie.  I say this because the ladies will be tensely uncomfortable for a couple hours and yearning for some protection afterwards.  I didn't really love this one.  It was suspenseful overall but everything felt so cliche and tired.  Sorry Liam.

Life As We Know It

I am having a difficult time proving any form of legitimacy as a serious movie-lover with my choices these days.  When the going gets tough, Danielle looks for ridiculous.  Thus, I present to you dear readers Life As We Know It.  Far be it from me to try and deter you from a chill evening at home watching this movie with a bottle of wine while you're drinking away your sorrows over some failed relationship.  However, I'd like to suggest you put this one aside and reach for something a bit less...terrible.  Seriously. 

Morning Glory

Now for the onslaught of reviews that are short, sweet, and to the point.  I've been VERY behind on these.  Morning Glory hit closer to home than I anticipated.  Rachel McAdams plays a TV morning show producer desperate to save a flailing show.  She's stuck with two persnickety hosts (Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford) and a barrage of other difficulties.  Overall, not very funny.  In fact, even by my standards - it was too fluffy.  That's saying something.  As much as I love legit award-winning film making I'm far from being above a good rom com or cheeseball summer blockbuster.  Next!

The Adjustment Bureau

So, I was left feeling neither here nor there after seeing The Adjustment Bureau.  I didn't love it but there were a lot of things I certainly liked about it.  It had the overall effect of a 1950s Cary Grant escapade.  In fact I was reminded specifically of North by Northwest on more than one occasion.

The chemistry between Matt Damon and Emily Blunt is dynamic and believable and the dialogue they share together is downright smashing.  The film was written and directed by George Nolfi.  His filmography is short (this is the only film he has directed) however his writing credits include Ocean's Twelve and The Bourne Ultimatum - both of which are rife with quick-firing dialogue.  The film boasts one of my favorite cinematographers, John Toll and its stars are supported by a solid supporting cast of Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), Terence Stamp (total icon, listing his movies would take all day), and John Slattery (you might recognize him as Roger Sterling on AMC's "Mad Men").

Again, it doesn't knock it out of the park but it's fun and sweet.  Trailer here.   

3 Flicks 1 Post

I keep forgetting to post about the flicks on planes that I see...oh well - both forgettable...

1) Love & Other Drugs.  What the...totally not as advertised.  It's pretty sad and then really over the top.  Not a good combo when you think you're signing up for a mindless chick flick.  Pass.

2) Due Date.  Expectations?  High.  Reality.  Meh.  Pass.

3) This one I saw at home...Never Let Me Go.  Wow.  Super duper duper sad with a sprinking of depressing on top.  It is based on Kazuo Ishiguro's book and directed by the awesome Mark Romanek.   It's gorgeous to look at but you should really know what you're about to watch before you view it.  I saw it right before bedtime and well, it was a restless night of sleep. Trailer here

True Grit

100% truth.  I had no interest in seeing this movie.  The only reason I did was naturally because it is a nominee for best picture at the Oscars this year.  Here's the deal, I read the book as a kid and I also suffered through the movie.  I really hated both of them.  Maybe they didn't appeal to my middle school sensibilities, who knows?  All I remember was I was bored to tears and I really didn't like the story.  Sadly, that still rings true all these years later.  The thing is...the Coen Brothers made it much more bearable for me in a couple of ways.

Roger Deakins is the Director of Photography and his eye is simply spot on.  This film marks his ninth Academy Award nomination and he stands a good chance of winning.  The other notable standout is young Hailee Steinfeld who is nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category.  I have to say, I find it interesting that it's the supporting field.  Her character seems to own the bulk of the story more so than the marshall (played by Jeff Bridges).

Kings of Pastry

Kings of Pastry is an inside look at the pastry chef competition in France.  It's a great peek at how grueling the preparation is and how much skill is involved to even make it to the finals.  The event takes place once every four years and only a few will earn the prestigious title of Best Craftsman in France.  Trailer here!

Waiting for Superman

Waiting for Superman is a documentary that everyone in America should see.  It's eye-opening and shocking.  If every single person felt even a fraction of the way I felt when I finished watching this movie, something would be forced to change.  It's a travesty what has happened to education in this country.  Sure, you know it's bad.  Sure, you just hope that you live in a place where your kid can go to a good school - or, you make enough to send said kid to a private school.  It's really very sad.  We're the US!  Educating our people so they can participate in society is the most fundamental part of what makes us tick.  We're failing, big time.

This film is not lighthearted fare nor does it depress you to the point of no return.  There is hope and there are change agents however awareness is key and this film is a terrific jumping off point.  Watch it.  Tell your friends.  Engage people.  This is what documentary filmmaking is all about.

The Hurt Locker

 

I have been trying to watch The Hurt Locker for almost a year now.  I rented it, borrowed it from the library, thought about seeing it in the theater but something inevitably stopped me from watching it.  I spent a lazy rainy Saturday morning finally getting through it and after so much hype I'm not sure where I landed on this one.  

Director Kathryn Bigelow has always stood out to me because there are such a handful of female directors out there and even fewer who go beyond making romantic comedies.  Bigelow helmed one of my favorite guilty pleasure flicks, Point Break and I found the film to be surprisingly masculine.  The same can be said of The Hurt Locker.  It tells the story of a bomb squad in Iraq who are at the edge of death on a daily basis.  It's gripping but I left very unsatisfied without knowing why.   The film won an Oscar for Best Picture in 2009 as did Bigelow for Best Director (first woman to win the award).  There were 10 films nominated for Best Picture and I remember being very frustrated that Inglorious Basterds didn't win.  For me, it was a masterpiece and the best film that year.  There were several other films in the category that seemed very worthy, and after finally seeing The Hurt Locker I truly think the Academy made the politically correct choice as opposed to the right choice.  But hey - they have a knack for doing that I suppose.

Catfish

Catfish.   This film seemed WAY more interesting to me than The Social Network in terms of the real power of social networking.   For those that know absolutely nothing about it - good.  I'm not going to tell you too much because doing so would spoil the movie.  What I will tell you is simply that Catfish is a documentary about a relationship that blossoms on Facebook.  It brings up a plethora of interesting topics that have kept me thinking about it intensely for the past few days.  15 years ago we would never be talking about any of these things but now, in our techie, modern, and connected lives it's one of the most relevant and current films to come along in ages.  What do you really know about anyone that you meet virtually?  For example - you're reading this blog.  I'm assuming that a fair number of you actually know me.  You know my quirks and mannerisms, how tall I am, where I work, etc.  I'm guessing though that a bunch of you don't know me and somewhere in your brain you've developed some notion of who I am and what I'm like "in real life".  Isn't that odd to think about?  Watch Catfish and then think about it some more.  You won't be able to help yourself.  I'm not including the trailer because I really think this film is better the less you know about it going in.

All About Eve

I really cannot believe I had not seen this movie through 6 years of film studies.  All About Eve is the very definition of classic.  Betty Davis stars and Anne Baxter shines as rival actresses on the Broadway stage (oh yes, that's Marilyn Monroe on the background).  Our friends at Wikipedia tell me that until Titanic no film had matched the 14 Academy Award nominations that this one did (and it won 6 of them).  It's chalk full of drama.  Fabulous!!

The Town

Admittedly, I had a Ben Affleck crush since...well okay, a while ago.  I'll do my best to be unbiased about this one.  What's interesting is that I don't even really need to.  He's proven himself a far better filmmaker/writer than actor over the years (unless of course we're counting Armageddon.  Come on.  Does it get any better than "Harry, for real now, I love her"?  I don't think so).  He also continues to focus his lens on his home turf, Massachusetts.  I keep assuming audiences will get sick of it but they're (I'm) not and his films continue to do well at the box office and gain critical acclaim.

It all began fairytale style with pal Matt Damon with Good Will Hunting.  Then just four years ago he released a supremely solemn and strikingly good film starring his brother Casey, Gone Baby Gone.  And now, The Town - a look at a band of "townies" who spend their days on a dizzying array of robberies.  It's solid.  I can't say it was one of my favorites from this year.  For me, the story just lacked a certain something.  Don't you love it when you can't even pinpoint exactly what it is?  Yeah, me too.  I think it has vaguely something to do with rooting for a criminal.  Sure, but he's a good guy and he can't help his situation.  Can he though?  I don't know.  I wasn't feeling it.  Besides my small inner conflict with the premise, the film was engaging and I'd certainly recommend it as a rental.  Oh, and if Ben doesn't entice you - maybe someone off this list will: Jon Hamm, Blake Lively, Chris Cooper, Jeremy Renner, & Rebecca Hall.  Pretty decent cast, right?  See the trailer here. 

Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows Part I

Allow me this nerdarific posting readers.  I saw this flick twice and neglected to write about it.  Not sure why, let's say for argument's sake that I just forgot to.

It's no secret (or it shouldn't be if you've read any of my other postings) that I love a good story and fantasy/sci-fi certainly enhance that love.  It's through that lens that I write this note.  When I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows I remember feeling like I couldn't have asked for a better resolution after years of following these characters through their magical fight for justice.  After Part I of the movie concluded I was so pleased that there was still more to come, the end had been stretched, yes...but logically - not just to make a quick extra buck, though I'm sure Warner Bros didn't make out too badly. 

At the film's conclusion, the young boy in the seat behind me on opening night said to his friends "just when it starts to get interesting, they make you wait months to see what happens".  Yes, they do - but I guarantee you - it will be worth the wait.  We're so used to getting everything immediately now.  You no longer wait for a roll of film to be developed and your prints to come in.  We don't need to wait to get a letter in the mail because we can receive one in a matter of seconds via email - forget that - how about immediately via text?  The 'nowness' of our society makes the waiting game oh so much sweeter.  In the case of Deathly Hallows the waiting yielded three young actors who have grown immensely through the tutelage of such British theatrical icons as Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, etc.  It's remarkable really.  If you look back at where the journey started with a trio of wide eyed kids and Christopher Columbus' vivid magical tapestry and then you juxtapose it with where it is now the transition is as special as Harry's story.  Even the filmmaking techniques have been taken up several notches for this final installment.  I can't wait for the last film.  I have a feeling that just like the book I will experience a sense of satisfaction that can only come from expertly realized creative craftsmanship. Trailer here!

Good Hair

If you have ever been remotely curious about the world of hair you MUST see this movie.  If you have no interest, STILL see this movie.  It will make you curious and it's kind of fun to learn more about it, no really, totally serious.  Chris Rock produces and stars in Jeff Stilson's informative journey through weaves, relaxers, and what it all means for little African American girls in the US.  Totally enjoyable and ready and waiting for you at Netflix.  Trailer here!

127 Hours

It's amazing that even when you know exactly what is going to happen you can still be caught off guard.  127 Hours tells the real life story of an adventurous outdoor enthusiast who finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place.  Okay, WORST pun of all time - I admit that.  Sorry.  Okay, refocusing.  James Franco plays our hero with heartfelt authenticity and director Danny Boyle brings a great deal of visual electricity to the story.  A must watch this awards season for sure - just get ready for the inevitable.  Trailer here.

Jamaica Inn

1930's Hitchcock?  Yes please.  Jamaica Inn tells the tale of early pirates off the English coastline who shipwreck nearby boats, kill all aboard and plunder.  It's slow at times and too cutty at others.  It can't help it really, film was just getting started.  Here's the wondrous thing, it's early in Hitchcock's career - but it's still creepy.  Sure, his later classics are more finessed but this one is dark and raw which makes it kind of special I think.  Great for a dark and stormy night.

Did You Hear About the Morgans?

I'm sorry, what's that?  Judgment?  Oh no no no.  You'd better not.  Here's the thing.  Yes, you had a pretty strong feeling about Did You Hear About the Morgans?  You assumed it would be crappy.  You thought you could spend your $10 more wisely.  But...did you know?  That's where I come in.  I watch these turds so that you can continue to trust your own judgment and KNOW that something as alluring as Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker on horseback (I'm hoping you're reading this as sarcasm) may be a mirage.  Follow your gut on this one.  Don't do it.

Winter's Bone

Well, this one was a real downer.  Never ever watch something like this at 8:30 in the morning.  Trust me.  So Winter's Bone won the grand jury prize at Sundance for dramatic film in 2010.  It tells the rather unsettling story of a young woman who has to find her father to save her family's house.  There's a desolate realism to the film that makes it that much more difficult to watch.  It's hard to relate to the characters.  They're all so horrifically entrenched in this culture of drugs, fear, and poverty.  The shining light of course is our heroine, Ree - played by Jennifer Lawrence.  It's definitely worth a watch, but I recommend a bowlful of cherries and sunshine afterward.  Trailer here.

The King's Speech

Colin Firth just won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of King George VI (father of Queen Elizabeth II, whom we're familiar with in present day) in Tom Hooper's The King's Speech.  His performance is fantastic.  The king had a speech impediment and sought the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, played brilliantly by Geoffrey Rush.  The two play very well off of one another.  They have a splendid script to work off written by David Seidler.  Hooper is relatively young (38) and brings a certain sharpness to the edit that keeps this period piece moving in a modern fashion.  The cinematography is gorgeous - painterly at times and photographic portraiture in others.  

The film is quietly paced and at times frustrating - a clear choice to help the audience feel what this monarch's disability was like.  The film builds to an iconic speech the king made as Britain entered the second world war.  Trailer here!  Check it out before Oscar-time!

The Fighter

Well, I'm utterly ashamed that work life has taken me away from my fun hobbies such as this blog for well over 3 months now.  Thing is, it couldn't be helped.  Dear readers.  I know there are at least a couple of you.  I need a swift kick where the sun don't shine.  I write about films because I love them and I think that it's a necessity for me to analyze, discuss, and share my cinematic experiences until the cows come home.  It's just...what I do.  So without further ado...here's a flurry from the past month or two.

Nothing makes me more giddy then leaving a theater and feeling like I just stepped out of the best thing all year.  That moment came after I saw The Fighter, David O. Russell's boxing bio pic film starring Mark Wahlberg and Christan Bale.

Honestly I don't even know where to begin.  Bale's performance will haunt you.  Wahlberg was solid as a rock.  Yeah, I just said that.  Supporting roles by Amy Adams and Melissa Leo were utterly awesome.  And don't even get me started on the other actors that make up the rest of the family.  It's a fiesta of scrappers and they're punching each line as though it was the only one they had in the movie.

Not a moment was unnecessary or a scene out of place.  It's sad and funny and dramatic and witty all in one tense breath.  I could go on but you get the idea.  It's a cinematic masterpiece and I loved every minute of it.  The trailer doesn't it do it justice but can be found here.

The Social Network

The Social Network is based on real events surrounding the creation and fight over the creation of Facebook directed by David Fincher.  By the time I got around to seeing this I had incredibly high expectations.  It's a fascinating film and the DVD comes with an equally engaging behind-the-scenes.  I honestly don't have much to say about it other than it's worth a watch to be sure.  The Golden Globes adorned it with best picture of the year.  It makes my top 5 but The Fighter wins my number one slot.  We'll see what the Academy has to say.   

Black Swan

I would describe Black Swan as a cinematic romp through someone's bad dream after they went to the ballet and maybe...did some ecstasy right before they fell asleep.  It seems unfair to boil it down to such a basic level but it's good to know what you're getting into before you drift off with director Darren Aronofsky.  I made that mistake with his movie The Fountain a few years ago and I was depressed for the rest of the day.  Today's tip: always know what's in store at the theater when it's an emotional tale.  Overall, I really enjoyed the film.  It kept me guessing and I followed down the rabbit hole all the way.  Natalie Portman was very dynamic, showcasing a wide range of emotion as she flitted from one character to the next.  Trailer here.  

The Kids are All Right

The Kids are All Right.  This took a couple starts and stops.  I'm not going to lie.  I'm only human.  People fall asleep.  Here's the thing though, when I did finally commit to this one, I found it to be pretty charming.  At its core it's about family and the complicated messes that they can be no matter who is running the ship.  I liked its honesty and the solid performances.  Trailer here. 

Easy A

Teen comedy may secretly be my favorite genre.  Okay, maybe not so secretly.  But when good teen comedy comes along, it's delightful.  There's just something about those teenage years that is ripe for all sorts of hilarity.  We've all been there.  We all know the drill and some things never change.  The universality of the themes and the glee and zest with which young talent take on their roles is unique to the genre and special for viewers.  If the right director and writer bring that cast to life, it's pure joy.  Easy A takes The Scarlet Letter and brings it to California in 2010.  It's fabulous and witty on many levels.  Emma Stone received a Golden Globe nom for the role and to be honest, the film wouldn't have had nearly so much pinache without her.  Trailer here.