tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25197643751732116812024-03-05T22:51:00.260-06:00PELICULA: A MOVIE BLOGCaroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-57394636448634785482009-10-30T06:07:00.003-06:002009-10-30T06:17:02.192-06:00Review: A Serious Man (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.oregonlive.com/madaboutmovies/photo/gopnik-roofjpg-c8c41bc18dfb8343.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://media.oregonlive.com/madaboutmovies/photo/gopnik-roofjpg-c8c41bc18dfb8343.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I saw this weeks ago. And I'm getting to writing this at 7 AM after staying up all night why? I dunno.<br /><br />Those Coen's are quite the masters of modern-day Film Noir. So skilled are they at the art of dark humor, sometimes it's hard to tell whether we, the audience, are viewing a funny film, or a serious film.<br /><br />"A Serious Man" is, as the title may indicate, very serious. But it's labeled as a comedy. There are comedic elements, most certainly--this is a Coen Brothers' picture after all, and when have they never been tugging at the corners of your mouth? But you feel bad for laughing. Pardon my schaudenfreude. This is a film about a man who has a good life; he has a family, a prominent position at a University... He is a serious man, until suddenly, and without warning, every single fucking thing on earth that could happen to him DOES. <br /><br />What the Coen's do so brilliantly is keep you wringing your hands, wondering what could <i>possibly</i> happen next? How much worse could it get? By the end, I am literally terrified at what the next bit of bad news will mean. <br /><br />Much like (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138524/">almost</a>) every one of their films, they have crafted a remarkably dark and humorous script with dynamic characters. They have photographed a 60s Minneapolis suburbia with pristine nostalgic quality, and they have further proved themselves to be unstoppable. Their finest blend of Noir and Comedy. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Most Def</span><br /><br />Grade: A<br />(39)Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-67482526674951404412009-09-28T10:33:00.001-05:002009-09-28T10:33:30.535-05:00Trailers: A Serious Man (2009)<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/40EJLgUR2CY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/40EJLgUR2CY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />Yeeah. I'm finally putting this up. Comes out Friday.Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-29288697036076796932009-09-28T10:28:00.002-05:002009-09-28T10:29:24.773-05:00Trailers: New York, I Love You (2009)<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5katNrnYb8U&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5katNrnYb8U&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />Super HD. <br />I'm kinda excited for this. I mean, I love New York, and there are a few good people in this, but when you had all those amazing directors for <span style="font-style:italic;">Paris, Je T'aime</span>, it's a hard act to follow. <br /><br />I guess I'll see in two weeks.Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-6387334046083097462009-09-28T10:26:00.001-05:002009-09-28T10:27:36.546-05:00Trailers: Young Victoria (2009)<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t-l_IsIdjAg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t-l_IsIdjAg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />Look! Paul Bettany!<br />Also look, another period romantic drama. I swear. They'll make anything!Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-79299885701812888202009-09-28T09:56:00.004-05:002009-09-28T10:23:36.732-05:00Review: The Informant! (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://livingincinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/the-informant-001-425.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 425px; height: 283px;" src="http://livingincinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/the-informant-001-425.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Steven Soderbergh has once again solidified himself as one of the industry's most stylish directors (It's hard to pick just one, though, when you have about a dozen to choose from).<br /><br />The Informant! is based on the true story of Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), who was the President of Bioproducts at Archer Daniels Midland, a company that, in essence, sticks corn syrup into food products. He turned informant for the FBI when he discovered a fair bit of corruption within the company. It should be quite dramatic, but it's presented as a farce. <br /><br />Matt Damon is hysterical, and honest. He gained some weight to portray Whitacre, but where he truly resembles him (or rather, how he resembles someone who isn't himself) in in his performance.. Like any good actor does. There is a stream of ridiculous inner-monologue voice over throughout the film, seemingly about absolute nonsense, but is actually, in a roundabout way, entirely related to the plot. <br /><br />The story portrays Whitacre as bumbling, though it's clear that he's actually brilliant, another credit to Damon's performance. <br /><br />And the style. The style of the film is fab. I've been told that natural light sources were used, i.e. regular lightbulbs. It gives the film a yellowish tint, which actually perfectly captured the early 90's for me. It really set the tone nicely. <br />Not that I would ever expect Soderbergh of anything less. <br /><br />Brilliant film. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Recommended? A must see.</span><br /><br />Grade: A<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(38)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-802045321022140852009-09-28T09:46:00.002-05:002009-09-28T09:56:24.120-05:00Review: Bright Star (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bright-star11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.awardsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bright-star11.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />O, woe is me..<br />The period romance always feels the same to me. It's... Sweeping, it's weepy, and it's indulgent. Bright Star is no different. It is largely dramatized from the true story of John Keats, the poet, and his lady love, Fanny Braun, the fashion designer. They dance around some sort of love affair for like 10 years then become estranged, then become engaged, then she's really depressed, and he's sick or something, and she's really happy and wistful, then she's really angry. She's incredibly weak-willed. Like I said, it's a weepy film. <br /><br />But it is beautifully shot. It takes place in the sprawling green landscapes of the English countryside. It's definitely pleasing to the eye. And it's pleasing to my lady parts. But otherwise, the film was boring. <br /><br />I feel like they'll make a movie out of anything these days. (Stay tuned for the "Young Victoria" trailer)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended?</span> If you like period romance dramas, you'll definitely love this movie.<br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(37)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-49431276851326308772009-09-21T11:55:00.002-05:002009-09-21T12:01:58.243-05:00Review: Taking Woodstock (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.radfordreviews.com/icons/taking-woodstock_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.radfordreviews.com/icons/taking-woodstock_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I apologize for being away for so long. I have, like, 4 other blogs, and all my children were suffering equally.<br /><br />Also I completely forgot that I saw this movie, and therefore forgot to write a review. Because, as I have said, I hate writing them.<br /><br />But, let's see. This is an odd film. In 1969.. Woodstock happened. We know about that. That's not really what this film is about. It's about the guy who brought Woodstock to his hometown, and the hijinks that ensued for those couple weeks. Demetri Martin is that guy. He plays the part very quietly, but it's a good performance. The supporting actors (Imelda Staunton, Eugene Levy, Liev Schreiber...) are all spot on, but nothing spectacular.<br /><br />That's how this whole movie felt. Good; not great. <br /><br />In fact, in a movie where everything is going on, nothing is happening. So, I felt confused as to why I was even watching. It's not too memorable. But it's finely made. I'm completely ambivalent. Bleh.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Do what you want...</span><br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(36)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-53099275575545964372009-08-24T18:26:00.003-05:002009-08-25T12:46:29.763-05:00Review: Inglourious Basterds (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/KiwiTrekker/Picture3-1.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/KiwiTrekker/Picture3-1.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I've stated previously in this blog that I hate writing reviews. It's still true. And I feel that any attempt to sound smart here would only result in bringing zero justice to the film. So I'll just say this: Quentin Tarantino has constructed a masterpiece. His script is dynamic and camera work immaculate. Go see this glorious film and you shan't be disappointed.<br /><br />Also I couldn't decide on whom I was crushing harder; Daniel Brühl or Michael Fassbender. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Hell. Yeah.</span><br /><br />Grade: A<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(35)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-44335331778455844912009-08-22T14:34:00.003-05:002009-08-22T14:35:29.169-05:00Review: In The Loop (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nickelodeon.org/photos/in_the_loop_ver5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 592px;" src="http://www.nickelodeon.org/photos/in_the_loop_ver5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />DEATH by British Comedy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Absolutely.</span><br /><br />Grade: A<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(34)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-28734664374942972882009-08-22T14:24:00.002-05:002009-08-22T14:33:33.811-05:00Review: Julie & Julia (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/4500000/-Julie-Julia-Production-Still-meryl-streep-4552552-400-300.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/4500000/-Julie-Julia-Production-Still-meryl-streep-4552552-400-300.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Meryl Streep is the greatest living actress. Period. It's not an overused cliché, it's just simply true. She disappears into every role, transforms with each new challenge. I love Meryl Streep. <br /><br />Here is no exception. I seriously forgot a few times I was watching <span style="font-style:italic;">her</span>, and not Julia Child. She plays the legendary chef flawlessly. <br /><br />Apart from that, this film is so-so. It's a glorified cooking show with at least one Talking Heads song in the soundtrack. Amy Adams is a tad bland as Julie Powell, a girl stuck in a depressing job and a creaky apartment but saved by her lovely husband (Chris Messina) and cooking. She loves cooking. And she's good at it, so she decides to start a blog (because that's what people do nowadays. They start blogs) cooking her way through Julia Child's cookbook. <br /><br />On the other side, we see Julia struggle to write the first ever french cookbook in english. Both women go through similar plights but it ends up fine, predictably. It's a film with some sweet moments but not much weight. I'd say if for nothing else, see this for Meryl Streep and delicious looking foods. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Are you a woman?</span><br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(33)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-54449537415386588032009-08-22T14:10:00.002-05:002009-08-22T14:23:44.444-05:00Review: Funny People (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/11/13/funny-people-poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 668px;" src="http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/11/13/funny-people-poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Being a product of the late-eighties, I grew up on Adam Sandler. He was my absolutely favorite actor as a kid. I think I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for him. <br /><br />So I guess it was kind of fun to see a film where he plays a distorted version of himself, complete with archive footage of his younger years as a comedian. Instead of playing a man-child jackass, as he is prone to do, he's a fully grown asshole. Okay, backup. In the beginning George Simmons (Sandler) finds out he's dying. So, he decides to shake things up in his life and meets Ira (Seth Rogen), an aspiring stand-up comic, and hires him to be his assistant and help him write jokes. <br /><br />People are calling this Judd Apatow's "serious movie." It's sort of true. It's got more serious issues, but it's still funny. ALTHOUGH. The humor seems more forced than usual. It's a movie... <span style="font-style:italic;">About</span> stand-up comedians. I have to say most of the footage at comedy clubs is dull. I was... disappointed. <br /><br />Seth Rogen is at his most endearing, though. Instead of playing a lovable slacker who's always screwing up, he's an earnest, sweet-minded guy who's trying to get himself out there, but finds himself frustrated constantly by his roommate (Jason Schwartzmann, in a role not far off from Max Fischer) who has a well-paying job on a pitiful network TV sitcom. <br /><br />After about what feels like 2 hours of becoming closer with his friends and family (and beating cancer), George finally gets back in touch with his ex-girlfriend (Leslie Mann) who is now married (To Eric Bana) and has two kids (The Apatow children). Some shit goes down and it all gets rather uncomfortable to the point where I lean over to my sister and say: "I'm trying to imagine how this is going to end well..." <br /><br />I'm not sure I like the serious side of Judd Apatow.<br /><br />Okay, and one last thing. It's over 2 hours. No comedy should ever be longer than 2 hours, and Apatow has always had a problem with editing. It really feels like a lot of stuff packed in. Like they couldn't bear to cut some stuff because they liked it, but it really had no place in the film. Eh, what am I saying? <br /><br />The movie is too long and not funny enough. There I said it. <br /><br />Still, Apatow is Apatow and he's always present.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? May as well</span><br /><br />Grade: B-<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(32)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-85153165440570922812009-08-22T14:06:00.003-05:002009-08-22T14:10:22.832-05:00Review: The Ugly Truth (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://saradobie.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/ugly-truth_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://saradobie.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/ugly-truth_l.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Poor Katherine Heigl. She CAN act. We've all seen her. But for some bizarre reason, she chooses to be in utter shite.<br /><br />And I'm not, you know, proud to say I saw this film. I naïvely thought that since it was rated R it would be fairly decent (as in, no restrictions on certain topics). I was right, in a way. It is completely jam-packed with sexist generalizations, (really) crass humor, and vulgar language with seemingly no merit. And Gerard Butler, who can be a charming guy, was uncomfortable and had a weird Jersey-ish(?) accent. Ugh. Bad characters, worse writing. Altogether a terrible movie.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? No. </span><br /><br />Grade: F<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(31)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-73195251905868960242009-08-07T00:19:00.004-05:002009-08-07T00:22:19.814-05:00R.I.P. John Hughes 1950-2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3796468081_77407abdf6_b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3796468081_77407abdf6_b.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />See Edgar Wright's lovely obituary <a href="http://edgarwrighthere.com/2009/08/john-hughes/">HERE</a>.Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-91050256278951170412009-08-04T22:07:00.004-05:002009-08-04T22:17:16.125-05:00Review: (500) Days of Summer (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://openlettersmonthly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://openlettersmonthly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/500.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Two of the cutest indie actors today; Joseph Gordon Levit and Zooey Deschanel. JGL in his earth-toned woven shirts and sweater vests, and ZD in her precious one-of-a-kind vintage dresses. Romance, quirk, The Smiths.. Totally set up to be as pretentious as they come, and even worse they bill themselves as "the anti-romcom."<br /><br />Too bad that's exactly what it is. It's romantic comedy with a few dark corners. Still, I adored this film. I wanted to hate it because it looked, like, too indie to be good. But it was just delightful. <br /><br />Both actors delivered insanely sincere and earnest performances. Even though I didn't like the eponymous character, Summer, I thought Deschanel played her perfectly. It wasn't the character that was bad, it was what the character represented, which is a completely different beast. I didn't like her in a good way. Joseph Gordon-Levit was a tiny bit heartbreaking and he sold me on the deliverance of one word; "Yeah." <br /><br />I felt the story structure was really interesting without going over the top (as in, trying too hard to be interesting). The film didn't take itself too seriously and kept me totally engaged the entire time. I really felt for these characters, no matter how quirky or free-spirited they may have been. They were real kids, maybe in love, maybe not. It doesn't glorify relationships or even give the audience what it wants. It's kind of a reminder to us all "hey man, sometimes love sucks, and sometimes it stays that way." but with always the promise that life goes on after a broken heart, no matter how we hate to think about it. <br /><br />I was definitely one of the cynics, and if I could be warmed by this film, I think anybody could.<br /><br />And The Smiths rock.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Yep.</span><br /><br />Grade: A-<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(30)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-62916147139913073962009-08-04T22:03:00.005-05:002009-08-04T22:07:09.323-05:00Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.scene-stealers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince-20080320101218658_640w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266.25px;" src="http://www.scene-stealers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/harry-potter-and-the-half-blood-prince-20080320101218658_640w.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Basically, I hated everything about this movie, and I'm too exhausted to rant about it anymore.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Not personally, but every single person on the planet seems to love it. Your call (though you've probably already seen it).</span><br /><br />Grade: F (yeah that's right. Ever seen that on here?)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(29)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-64339617996351414672009-08-04T21:59:00.003-05:002009-08-04T22:15:47.103-05:00Review: Whatever Works (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/festivalcoverage/uploaded_images/whatever-works-4-753071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://www.filmmakermagazine.com/festivalcoverage/uploaded_images/whatever-works-4-753071.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Woody Allen's latest venture brings us back to his roots; New York (duh). Essentially he wrote the main part for himself, but instead chose a different neurotic, misanthropic Jew (Larry David). You can see how that kind of character can get a little tedious after a while. Still, the film was about as decent as I think anyone could've expected. It's hard to follow up Vicky Christina Barcelona (because that was awesome), but he did alright. It's got to be hard to keep writing screenplays and not recycle (there was essence of <span style="font-style:italic;">Manhattan</span> here and there). But Woody Allen, he continues to show he's still relevant. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? It's worth checking out.</span><br /><br />Grade: C<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(28)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-77603477631381042142009-08-04T21:52:00.002-05:002009-08-04T21:58:33.051-05:00Review: Moon (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.newsok.com/staticblog/files/2009/07/moon-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 433px; height: 589px;" src="http://blog.newsok.com/staticblog/files/2009/07/moon-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />*I am like a month behind but thank the lord I only have four movies to review. Go me.*<br />Moon is a really interestingly psychologically and physically plot-driven. Does that make sense? I totally expected this odd mind-bend of a journey about a guy who is stationed at the Moon for 3 years and starts losing his mind a lá <span style="font-style:italic;">The Shining</span>. But it's more <span style="font-style:italic;">2001: A Space Odyssey</span> than the former. Still there is a (nicely done) heavy influence of Kubrick, complete with serene A.I. companion (sadly not named HAL). Great work for first-timer Duncan Jones, and I tells ya, this was really hurting for some "Space Oddity" or "Star Man." Would that have been just too obvious?<br /><br />I will say: It would've done great with a Brian Eno score. I defy anyone who says differently!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended?</span> Well it's probably too late to see it anywhere now, but definitely.<br /><br />Grade: B+<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(27)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-24714381202339553882009-07-03T12:31:00.005-05:002009-07-03T12:52:37.528-05:00Review: Public Enemies (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.channel4.com/film/media/images/Channel4/film/P/public_enemies_xl_01--film-A.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.channel4.com/film/media/images/Channel4/film/P/public_enemies_xl_01--film-A.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Since I've started this blog, there has not been a movie with Johnny Depp for me to review. So this is the first time I can point this out; Johnny Depp is singularly responsible for my love of film. I had once been a lover of movies, but somehow they got away from me. Then I saw Pirates of the Caribbean when I was 15 and remember thinking that his performance was the first one where I actually thought "that was an amazing acting performance." Thus, my love affair with Johnny Depp and the need to see films emerged. <br /><br />So. That said, on to Public Enemies. I had a few issues with this one. First of all, I don't know much about the story of John Dillinger. However, the film was presented as if everybody should have a decent amount of knowledge going in. Essentially, I was lost a lot of the time and it was really difficult to absorb information. There were so many characters that were never properly introduced and some that never saw the end of their story line. For example. Billy Crudup as J. Edgar Hoover comes into the story with somewhat of an introduction, gives a great performance for a few scenes, but then fades away into the background and is never heard from again. Even Christian Bale who is supposedly a co-lead on this one, was sort of missing half the time and the other half he wasn't doing it for me (although, I don't think he can be blamed for that.)<br /><br />The film's biggest problem was the writing. I really felt it lacked depth. It's over 2 hours but I still don't quite know if I got anything out of it. There was hardly any character development or a commitment to themes. I was under the impression that this film was more about the beginning of the FBI's crack down on local law enforcement (all established because of John Dillinger). And was it about that? Maybe. It was touched upon briefly but again, I got the impression that the film was mocking me for my lack of knowledge. <br /><br />In terms of technical problems, there was something wrong with the sound mixing, because a lot of the dialogue was lost on me. Either the actors were mumbling or those audio tracks were not deemed important enough in the editing process. To sum up; this film missed the mark. <br /><br />All disappointment aside, the camera work in this film is phenomenal. Honestly some of the best hand-held camera work I've seen. I love Johnny Depp and he always delivers. Always. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended? Eh... </span><br /><br />Grade: C<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(26)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-44871635691524550682009-06-24T21:06:00.002-05:002009-06-24T21:08:36.137-05:00Review: The Hangover (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/the_hangover_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/the_hangover_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Ridiculously over-the-top and delightfully witty. No but really, it's quite funny. And I'm sorry to Bradley Cooper for doubting you for so long.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended?</span> Yep<br /><br />Grade: B<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(25)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-54417029706415795172009-06-24T20:59:00.002-05:002009-06-24T21:05:45.024-05:00Random News: Oscars to nominate 10 for Best PictureOfficial Press Release:<br /><br /><blockquote>Beverly Hills, CA (June 24, 2009) — The 82nd Academy Awards, which will be presented on March 7, 2010, will have 10 feature films vying in the Best Picture category, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis announced today (June 24) at a press conference in Beverly Hills.</blockquote><br /><br />Read the full story <a href="http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleases/2009/20090624.html">here</a>.<br /><br />--<br />Okay, most of us know that Oscars don't really mean anything, but to those in the industry, it's still a pretty nice thing to be nominated. So on behalf of them, I offer this opinion:<br /><br />First of all, I'm struggling to see how they'll even be able to find 10 films worthy of a "best picture" nomination. The five up for it last year weren't even all the best ones. But even so, 10 films up for best picture. It's ridiculous. It completely cheapens the whole honor. It will cease to be a big deal for people. The ones who say "It's an honor just to be nominated." Yeah well, you and everybody else in the room. I just think it loses something. Credibility, perhaps.Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-18958548070565806852009-06-05T18:35:00.001-05:002009-06-05T18:38:01.721-05:00Review: Wolverine (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/855/855333/x-men-origins-wolverine-20080227111118055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 600px;" src="http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/855/855333/x-men-origins-wolverine-20080227111118055.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />What a stupid, stupid movie. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended?</span> Wait for the DVD.<br /><br />Grade: C- (only because Ryan Reynolds is quite enjoyable in his 5 minutes of screen time)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(24)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-68237017936904250352009-06-01T17:23:00.005-05:002009-06-01T17:26:41.527-05:00Review: Up (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/04/11/up-pixar-render.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/04/11/up-pixar-render.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />As if anything Pixar does is ever less than great. I admire that they address adult issues to add some gravity to a film that is otherwise silly and whimsical. Really touching, really funny, really worth it. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Recommended?</span> Yes. But I don't know if you really need to see it in 3D.<br /><br />Grade: A<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">(23)</span>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-17595176027820939612009-05-27T20:04:00.007-05:002009-05-27T22:44:53.970-05:00Random News: "Paul" gets a cast!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/KiwiTrekker/DSC01851.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/KiwiTrekker/DSC01851.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />From the <a href="http://www.avclub.com/articles/new-simon-pegg-nick-frost-comedy-gets-a-cast,28479/?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=feeds&utm_source=avclub_rss_daily">A.V. Club</a>:<br /><blockquote>Paul, a new comedy starring and written by Shaun Of The Dead, Spaced, and Hot Fuzz co-stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost has announced some casting choices. Variety, which inimitably describes the film as a "road trip laffer," has revealed that the cast will include Jason Bateman, Jane Lynch, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Seth Rogen, the lattermost providing the voice an alien. This is the first Pegg / Frost pairing on which Frost has a writing credit, the previous films having been co-written by Pegg and director Edgar Wright. It's also the first such team-up with another director. Greg Mottola of Adventureland and Superbad fame will be taking the helm.</blockquote><br />Why.... Has this suddenly turned into a Judd Apatow film?Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-20661106366341329472009-05-24T19:13:00.003-05:002009-05-24T19:15:36.182-05:00The Girlfriend Experience (2009)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mrpinup.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/the-girlfriend-experience-poster-preview-30402-1238647127-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 592px;" src="http://mrpinup.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/the-girlfriend-experience-poster-preview-30402-1238647127-2.jpg" border="1" alt="" /></a><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zqNvnicN-PY&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zqNvnicN-PY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2519764375173211681.post-67139693130121685532009-05-24T19:06:00.001-05:002009-05-24T19:08:48.387-05:00Trailers: Year One (2009)<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f6KbFBQ7fjM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f6KbFBQ7fjM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br />Michael Cera playing Michael Cera in yet another role would probably annoy me, but for some reason, I cannot wait to see him in this film.Caroline Roycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10463185838600826018noreply@blogger.com0