Review: Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008)

Funny. Sexy. Smart. Just a few of the things I look for in a man. Also, all the elements that make up the latest from the legendary Woody Allen. So fresh in a new Spanish setting. Lots of culture, attractive people, a tremendous soundtrack, and wine. Lots of wine.

This is the first thing I've ever liked Scarlett Johanssen in. Bravo.

Grade: A

Review: Hamlet 2 (2008)

This movie rawks. Steve Coogan has taken long enough to get his face in American movie theaters. Being a lover of all things British, I was already a fan, but I'm so happy that he's in this film.

I'm going to keep it short: Lots of laughs, well developed story, good supporting cast, and an over-the-top inappropriateness that will make you glad you're not anal about being PC.

You know the song already; Rock me Sexy Jesus, so now go and sing it along in the theater.

Grade: A-

Review: Tropic Thunder (2008)

In hindsight, I would've reviewed this as soon as I saw it, more than a week ago.

Let's see what I remember. I wasn't looking forward to this like I was, say, Pineapple Express. That's usually a good thing, because *generally*, you are pleasantly surprised. With Pineapple, I was a tad disappointed. With Thunder, I was mightily impressed.

I think the story was good, but the cast is the biggest part. Seriously. You have a fantastic, fantastic cameo from Matthew McCounaghey, great supporting acting from the likes of Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, Bill Hader, and Jay Baruchel. Then you have your main actors; Ben Stiller (doing Ben Stiller), Jack Black (doing Jack Black) and Robert Downey Jr., who goes above and beyond as an over-the-top method actor (I don't need to explain this, do I?) You sometimes forget it's really him under that makeup. They all basically act as themselves, which is exactly the key. They are all brilliant actors.

I won't say much about Tom Cruise. He was, just, well, eh. He really seemed to be trying too hard.

Worth while summer movie? Hands down. If for nothing else, see it for Robert Downey Jr. (Who, incidentally, also has the best of the fake trailers. Make sure you catch Satan's Alley!)

Grade: A-

Review: Iron Man (2008)

FUCKING AWESOME.

grade: A++++++

Review: Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Has Judd Apatow spread himself too thin? 

You'd think, what with the movie trailer fatigue of "From the guys who brought you Knocked Up", etc.. they could take a break. Nope.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall is written by Apatow protegé Jason Segal (Freaks and Geeks, Knocked Up) and is loosely based on his long-term relationship with Linda Cardellini (Also Freaks and Geeks). The question is asked: IS he as good a writer as, say, Seth Rogen?

The simple answer is: No. He is not. 

However, I found this movie quite enjoyable. The jokes were clever and relevant to pop culture, like so many Apatow-based movies are. A guy gets dumped by his famous girlfriend and takes a vacation in hawaii, except she's also there with her new boyfriend. The boyfriend, played by brit Russel Brand, is possibly the film's greatest part. You got the narcissistic, sex-crazed, rock star londoner. He's pitch-perfect, and, like Segal's character Peter, it's impossible for me to dislike him, even though he tore the two apart.

The biggest problem this film had was timing. 

Oh, hello edting. Cut about 30 minutes off the movie and you're golden. Otherwise, a highly enjoyable film, and proof that Judd Apatow knows what he's doing... Right?

Grade: A- 

Reviews: Recent Rundowns (3 films)

I absolutely fail at this blog! Lightning quick rundowns. 

Run, Fat Boy, Run (2008)

--Endearingly generic romantic comedy with my all-time favorite Simon Pegg, who probably boosts the likability of this movie about 80%. The other 20%? The soundtrack. It's surprisingly good. I almost forgot that David Schwimmer directed it until about 2 minutes before the movie ended. Still, I expected it to be bad and I was very pleasantly surprised. 

Grade: B-

The Bank Job (2008)

--A heist movie I honestly expected to be more "fun". Jason Statham has long been a favorite of mine, and we see him here in his natural element. The movie is certainly dramatic and more based on the before and after of the actual "job". Still, it was very smart, well crafted, and well acted by a cast of virtual unknowns (at least, to me, which in the world of british actors, is rare. I usually recognize most people).

Grade: B

The Grand (2008)

--On the surface this "mockumentary"-style film is an attempted remake of "Best in Show", but set in a casino. They even have the two outlandish commentators. However, later throughout the film it truly comes into its own. A dynamic cast led by the often underrated Woody Harrelson (becoming one of my favorite guys to watch), supported by such comic greats as David Cross, Chris Parnell, and Cheryl Hines, and even a fantastic cameo by famed director Werner Herzog as a sadistic german gambler out for blood.

Grade: B+

Reviews: Recent Rundowns (5 films)

Due to my recent hiatus, I can't remember all the movies I've seen. I'll try my best, though, to give a brief rundown of recent films I've seen:

The Band's Visit

A light and quaint comedy set in Israel about a Police band stranded for a day and the events that ensue in their desertion. I thought the movie was cute, quirky and sweet. Nothing epic or even spectacular, it's surprisingly heavy at time but strong with emotion. A fine achievement. 

Grade: B

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Amy Adams continues to amaze me with every performance. But I wonder, can she ever be anything besides bubbly and cute? Even so, her performance in this film about a governess (Frances McDormand) finding herself as Adams' "social secretary" and the wild shenanigans involved in one day is endearing and lovely. I'm just a little bit in love with this film.

Grade: B+

10,000 B.C.

I don't know where to begin with it. History can be interesting, and it is. And I think when dealing with something as epic and primitive as the world 12,000 years ago, you could be more creative with a film. This movie was dull and, at times, laughable. This movie was simply ridiculous. 

Grade: D

Shutter

This is probably the worst movie I've seen in a long long time. Bad story, terrible acting, the worst dialogue EVER. Wow, I was just so blown away at how bad this was. Please, enough of the J-Horror remakes. Let's take a break from this genre. It's very, very tired.

Grade: F

Drillbit Taylor

One thing I learned while watching this is that Owen Wilson is adorable. His boyish charm along with his mess of sandy blonde hair makes my insides all fangirly. This harmless movie is more broad than a movie like Superbad (which, like this film, was a Seth Rogan collaboration) and a little younger (it's PG-13 as opposed to Superbad's R rating), but I still think it works. If nothing, it's a fluff feature with some garaunteed laughs. At least you don't have to think about it.

Grade: B

That's all I got for now. Hopefully I'll get back into the habit soon with more fun stuff.

Something Funny: Juno Parody

(From Something Awful.

My mom emailed this to me a couple weeks ago. And I just realized that I have a movie blog. And that I hate Juno.
It's funny 'cause it's true.
Page 2
Page 3

Random News: The Results

For those counting: Bourne Ultimatum-3 oscars, Juno-1 oscar.

Other than that I think the Oscars went as smoothly and as predictably as anyone could've imagined.

A brief rundown of how I felt:

First off, I was very confused about the order of these awards. From what I can recall, every ceremony has kicked off with the Best Supporting Actress award. Well, that was actually more in the middle of the ceremony. Also, the last three awards given were Actor, Director, and Picture. What makes Best Actor so much more important and epic than Best Actress?

Also on that note--before Best Actor was the Best Original Screenplay award, which seemed conveniently built up on. Sigh.

Other than that, I was quite pleased with the results.

BEST PICTURE
No Country for Old Men
--Yep. We all know how I feel about this one. Very pleased indeed.
BEST DIRECTOR
Joel and Ethan Coen, No Country for Old Men
--Again. The best choice. This award was not only for this movie, but for their stream of classics they've pushed out through the years.
BEST ACTOR
Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
--Helen Mirren announced this before she even opened the envelope. I thought it would've been funny if it had actually been Johnny Depp. Day-Lewis dedicates awards to sons, not Heath Ledger.
BEST ACTRESS
Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
--Cate Blanchett's reaction to her winning was priceless! I think everybody in that room was as ecstatic as she was. This virtual unknown french actress (who I only know from small roles is like, two films) was so happy and so sweet up on that stage. I'm really glad she won. Now I just have to see the film...
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
--Ah, he is probably the coolest guy I have or will ever see in this business. I'm blown away by Señor Bardem.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton
--I was sad that Cate didn't win (but admittedly, nobody had a lock on this award), however, Tilda Swinton's speech was pretty good. I wish I could work with George Clooney, so I could make fun of him from the stage.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Diablo Cody, Juno
--She cried. I cried. For different reasons, of course. She won. Can we get over her now?
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, No Country for Old Men
--Yussss. I'm glad that the Coens pretty much dominated the awards show (besides editing, mixing and cinematography). This was really their year.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Ratatouille
--Didn't see it, but I'm sure.. I'm absolutely sure it's great.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Taxi to the Dark Side
--
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Counterfeiters (Austria)
--
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
''Falling Slowly,'' Once
--Oh my god. I was legitimately thrilled for this to win. "The little movie that could", as so aptly described by Colin Farrell, really did, and boy were those two happy. Glen Hansaard has the coolest accent. He says stuff like "Tanks" instead of "Thanks". Good choice, academy.
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Atonement
--This score? Beautiful. If it wasn't going to be There Will be Blood, I would've wanted it to be this.
BEST ART DIRECTION
Sweeney Todd
--I think I called this. Didn't I? I think it would be a terrible shame for a movie based on a play NOT to win for best art direction.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
There Will Be Blood
--Spot on. This movie? Bloody gorgeous.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
--Ha! I called this one too!
BEST FILM EDITING
The Bourne Ultimatum
--Damn, I didn't see it. But, it's one of those movies, I guess.
BEST MAKEUP
La Vie en Rose
--The transformation from turning the french rosette Cotillard into the withered Edith Piaf was seamless.
BEST SOUND EDITING
The Bourne Ultimatum
--*see film editing
BEST SOUND MIXING
The Bourne Ultimatum
--
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Golden Compass
--Um, sure!
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
Peter & the Wolf
--
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Freeheld
--
BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT
Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)
--

Overall this was a pretty good ceremony, although the musical numbers made it tough, as well as the Honorary Oscar speech (I know they can turn on the music for them. They just don't).

Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill--Best. Presenters. Ever.

Review: Be Kind, Rewind (2008)

I always loved making movies at home with a big camcorder. Using whatever worked to create the illusion we were trying to achieve; it wasn't easy, but it was fun. 

I felt that way about Be Kind, Rewind, the newest from the ultra-fine director Michel Gondry. In an increasingly digital world where editing movies is as quick and simple as tying your shoelaces, this film takes you back to a time when it was work for people to make home movies. 

I thought this film--about the classic run-down VHS-only neighborhood dollar rental store--was entirely too clever. When a mission to sabotage the local power supply goes horribly wrong, Jerry (Jack Black) becomes magnetized and accidentally erases every tape in the store. 

While the owner (Danny Glover) is out of town, Mike (Mos Def) and Jerry have no other option to appease their customers and let them borrow the movies they want. But since they don't have the original copy, they have to shoot their own. 

What works best here is the dynamic between Jack Black and Mos Def. Their pairing is unlikely but dammit, it works. Mike is whiny and spazy and anxious all the time. Jerry is paranoid and weird and silly. 

The two create organic 20-minute versions of classic films such as Ghostbusters, Driving Miss Daisy, 2001: A Space Odyssey, etc... 

Then there's the classic story of: The man wants to tear down the store because it's an architectural nightmare. It's been condemned and they need to move shop. Oh noes! Luckily, they have a plan. They're going to rent out their movies for $20 and use the money to buy off the contractors. 

It's a little tired, but the endless antics from Black, Def and the rest makes up for it. 

The ending is ambiguous. But I think that works. It's not always important to know how things will turn out, or what will happen to the characters. The movie is really about strengthening a community and an underdog video store. 

Ironically, this film will only be released on DVD and Blu-Ray. Whoops.

Grade: A-

Random Notes: The Nominations

The Academy Award nominations were announced today. They are as follows:

Best Picture

Atonement

Juno

Michael Clayton

No Country for Old Men

There Will Be Blood

--I am very sad to see Juno up here. For some reason, people have eaten up this sassy and pretentious teen-pregnancy comedy. I do not think it was the best picture of the year, not by far. However, three of my favorite pictures of the year--Atonement, No Country and There Will be Blood--are nominated. I'm hoping it's at least between those three. Of the selection, Atonement has the best chance, because that's just the kind of movie it is, although I think it should be No Country for Old Men, but hey, that's just me.

Best Actor

George Clooney-Michael Clayton

Daniel Day-Lewis- There Will be Blood

Johnny Depp-Sweeney Todd

Tommy Lee Jones-In the Valley of Elah

Viggo Mortensen-Eastern Promises

--I think there's no question- Daniel Day-Lewis has been the favorite for months and months before TWBB even came out. I've always been a big Johnny Depp backer, but I honestly don't care at all that he's nominated. He won the golden globe, much to my surprise (and delight), but in this pool of actors, he's nearly last for me. I can't say a whole lot, though, because this competition is (hopefully) all wrapped up for Day-Lewis.

Best Actress

Cate Blanchett-Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Julie Christie-Away from Her

Marion Cotillard- La Vie en Rose

Laura Linney-The Savages

Ellen Page-Juno

--Curse Ellen Page. Everyone knew she would get nominated, but if she wins I will burn buildings. Anyway, I have only seen two of the 5 movies on this list, so I can't provide speculation, but from what I hear, Marion Cotillard gives a spectacular performance, and she did win the Golden Globe and I also *hear* that she's a lock for the trophy, and has been for a long long time.

Best Supporting Actor

Casey Affleck-The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Javier Bardem-No Country for Old Men

Philip Seymour Hoffman- Charlie Wilson's War

Hal Holbrook-Into the Wild

Tom Wilkinson- Michael Clayton

--It's nice to see PSH get a nod, after all he did 3 movies this year, he was bound to get noticed for one of them. I can't say for definite who might win this one. Javier Bardem won a Golden Globe but Hal Holbrook has been a favorite for a long time and he was pretty spectacular in Into the Wild. If I was putting money on it, I'd say it was between those two.

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Blanchett-I'm Not There

Ruby Dee-American Gangster

Saoirse Ronan-Atonement

Amy Ryan-Gone baby Gone

Tilda Swinton-Michael Clayton

--Apparently Michael Clayton has great acting performances and I still haven't seen it. Damn. Anyway, I think Cate Blanchett is the favorite in this category (she's always mine), so she'll probably win, but I hear Amy Ryan is great in Gone Baby Gone...But I haven't seen it.. I actually thought that Ruby Dee's performance was amazing, but I believe in this race she's a true underdog. Like, seriously. I think it's unfortunate that Saoirse Ronan is nominated for Atonement but James McAvoy is not. Because he truly delivered.

Best Director

Paul Thomas Anderson-There Will Be Blood

Ethan and Joel Coen-No Country for Old Men

Tony Gilroy-Michael Clayton

Jason Reitman-Juno

Julian Schnabel-The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

--Juno again?? I understand that people like this film, but seriously, why?? Anyway, I don't know who to root for here. I think PT Anderson did a really fantastic job but I also loved No Country... I suppose we could just give it to Julian Schnabel. I loved TDBATBF (jeez...) a whole lot. Yes. A whole lot. 

Best Original Screenplay

Juno- Diablo Cody

Lars and the Real Girl-Nancy Oliver

Michael Clayton-Tony Gilroy

Rataouille- Brad Bird

The Savages-Tamara Jenkins

--Fuck it. Just give it to Diablo Cody.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Atonement-Chris Hampton

Away from Her- Sarah Polley

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly-Ronald Harwood

No Country for Old Men- Joel and Ethan Coen

There Will be Blood- Paul Thomas Anderson

--Hm... Well, I haven't read any of these books, and I haven't seen one of these movies, so I have nothing on this category. My mom is reading Atonement and says that it's exactly like the movie..So maybe that should win?

Best Cinematography

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Atonement

No Country for Old Men

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

There Will be Blood

--I would've said The Diving Bell but after I saw There Will be Blood that sold me for best cinematography. Really striking landscapes and colors. Superb frame work.

Editing

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

The Bourne Ultimatum

Into the Wild

No Country for Old Men

There Will be Blood

--No Country and TWBB are against each other in nearly everything, it seems. I love them both, which one do I want to win? Uh, Into the Wild, no. Because you had shitty, shitty graphics. I would have to say the Diving Bell for this one. Really interesting look. Good.. Arty.

Art Direction

American Gangster

Atonement

The Golden Compass

Sweeney Todd

There Will be Blood

--I didn't see The Golden Compass, but I heard cool things about the look of it. But I would say that this is between Sweeney Todd and TWBB.

Costume Design

Across the Universe

Atonement

Elizabeth: The Golden Age

La Vie En Rose

Sweeney Todd

--Across the Universe didn't have costumes. Atonement had very pretty ones, La Vie en Rose probably won't win, neither will Sweeney Todd. So, Elizabeth it is. I never saw this, but some of the only good things I heard were how amazing the costumes where, so why wouldn't it win? Oscar is predictable like that.

Makeup

Norbit

Pirates of the Caribbean 3

La Vie En Rose

--Oh my God. How amazing would it be if Norbit won an oscar? That's incredible. Anyway, I would say that Norbit doesn't have a shot against the other two, and I think that La Vie en Rose might actually win.

Original Score

Atonement

The Kite Runner

Michael Clayton

Ratatouille

3:10 to Yuma

--WHAT. No Original Score nomination for There Will Be Blood?? It was absolutely brilliant. I quit this blog.

Best Song

August Rush

Enchanted (3)

Once

--I'm not putting the song titles up because it's not important. Once must win. It simply must. It breaks the rules for musicals. It's incredible. If you haven't seen it, you must. Besides, the song that's up for the award is really beautiful.

----

That's all I shall touch upon for this. I must say that I'm pretty disappointed by a lot of these. I don't think that the Oscars are for people who are true lovers of film. If I was running the show, Juno wouldn't even be allowed to compete. 

But, I'll still watch them anyway. 

Favorite Films of 2007

Here's my first post of the year, and I decided to start out with a look at the year that was: 2007.

FAVORITE FILMS OF 2007

I saw 44 films this year, which is a record for me. However I didn't see every one I wanted to, some of which might've made this list more difficult to put together. I'm not saying these are the best of the year, but they were my favorite, so here they are:

1. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

This film was nothing short of a masterpiece. I thought the execution of it was flawless, the story was great, and the acting was pitch-perfect. Un-doubtedly the best thing the Coens have done in years. There was no contest here. A tremendous accomplishment.

2. THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
This film starts out from the literal point of view of a man who has been completely paralyzed save for his left eye. I thought that this whole film came with a complete package that includes good acting, good music, and beautiful photography. Emotional and always different. I was never bored.

3. ONCE
This film did not get all the recognition it deserved. A truly original love story with music as the driving force--and what music. The soundtrack is obviously what stands out here, but also the performances from the two leads are phenomenal. Just goes to show that a low budget film can still do amazing things.

4. KNOCKED UP
A sometimes brutal look into relationships and how we're betrayed by what's on the surface. Even so, this movie was smart and funny as hell. A unique drama that disguises itself as a comedy, so almost anyone can enjoy it. Great ensemble acting.

5. I'M NOT THERE
I didn't know much about Bob Dylan going into this film. Still, it didn't matter, because it's not really a biopic. I thought that having 6 actors play the same person, all for different stages of his life or different personalities of his was ingenius. Each character had a different setting and a different look. The film was innovative and fresh and new.

6. DAFT PUNK' ELECTROMA
What an abstract, ambient piece of art. I think that for a film to succeed without dialogue is something not often seen, but this delivers. Gorgeous cinematography, and an awesome soundtrack. Daft Punk created an experience that was fascinating and surreal.

7. HOT FUZZ
On the surface, it's a spoof movie. It's so much more, though, underneath. Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright are the kings of visual references, even though some are hidden. A movie for geeks by geeks. Outstanding writing. I still catch new things the more I watch it.

8. EASTERN PROMISES
I had no expectations going into this and was very pleasantly surprised. I think that Viggo Mortensen is an invaluable asset to the world of acting. He does what an actor is supposed to; make yourself vulnerable. An intriguing story and good supporting acting from Naomi Watts and Vincent Cassel

9. ATONEMENT
I'm going to get a beating for this one. I knew Atonement wasn't going to impress me but I saw it anyway, and I was amazed and blown away. What I thought was going to be a flimsy love story with sappy music attached was the complete opposite. The first 40 minutes are perfectly constructed around meticulous shots that match sharp but lovely music. The eternal romantic inside of me loved the last 40 minutes, which was full of sap and tears that I'm sure any fan of titanic will enjoy.

10. GRINDHOUSE
The minute I first heard of this film I loved it already. When two directors are so bold as to recreate an experience such as double-feature exploitation pics, my skin tingles at the thought. After viewing the movies, I was even more captivated. Rodriguez and Tarrantino are smart. These are movies that are based heavily around the experience of watching it in a movie theater. I only wish I could've seen it on the big screen (it's the only one on here I haven't), because I'm sure it would've hit me 10 times harder.