Steve's Movie Suggestions

Nikita

2012-01-03T21:54:00.000-08:00

Again, I stray from the movie path to review a TV show. But this one has a nice tie-in to movies!

Nikita (2010, season 1) picks up where Le Femme Nikita (1990) leaves off. [Personally, I prefer Bridget Fonda and Gabriel Byrne in Point of No Return (1993), but there are so many direct scene copies I've almost forgotten how they differ.]

Nikita (Maggie Q) is a trained spy/assassin who is determined to take down the now-rogue, super-secret agency that "recruited" and trained her. "Recruited" is a very generous term. See the movies to get a full understanding. But the first season of the show actually spells it out enough that I don't think it's imperative.

I stumbled upon Nikita season 1 while surfing Netflix's instant watch list. Boy, am I glad I did.

I was instantly hooked. I watched the entire 22 eps of season 1 in ONE weekend!

Plots, writing, action, acting, direction, editing... all are really good by TV standards. For movie standards I'm not complaining that much, either. This is a smart action/intrigue show - similar to Burn Notice in that regard.

I suggest you rent Season 1 and 2, cram, and tune in Jan 6 for season 3's premier!

OK, maybe that's unrealistic. Rent Season 1 then 2, watch, enjoy and tape the new eps until you're caught up!

Sucker Punch

2011-12-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

I was thoroughly entertained by Sucker Punch (2011). But I think most people won't be as amused as I was.

Sucker Punch is about a girl (Emily Browning) who gets sent to an insane asylum by her wicked stepfather (circa 1950s) and has to escape before she's lobotomized. She enlists the help of 4 other inmates.

OK, it's not long on plot. But it is weird. And cool. It has amazing action scenes. Did I mention odd? ...And did I mention Fun?

I cannot claim to fully understand this movie. But I don't care. I was still entertained and I'm recommending it anyway. To a select group, that is.

I was drawn in from its opening scene with its dream-like haunting beauty. The soundtrack works perfectly. (Emily Browning actually sings a few of the songs on the soundtrack, including the initial scene's.) And it works!

The action scenes are the best part of this movie. Yes, they're obviously green-screened, a la Sin City, and there is CGI galore. But it's all done very well. It was like watching a live-action anime! (And the other scenes don't detract enough that I ever got bored with the movie).

And here we come to the crux of the situation. If you like action movies, and like amazing visual effects... Rent this!
If not, you'll probably want to pass.

Sherlock

2011-11-30T22:05:00.000-08:00

Again, it's not a movie. But it's good. And streaming (dvds, available) on Netflix. And British.

Sherlock is a 2010 BBC mini-series (each episode is 90 min) - but only 3 episodes?? I want more! - created by 2 guys who wrote a bunch of (the new) Dr Who shows.

It was critically acclaimed, according to the number of Emmy's it was nominated for (4) and it also won a boat-load of other (FOREIGN, OH NOOO!) awards. Sherlock was so well received that they're filming a new set of 3 due to air next year!

This is a cool update of the classic set in modern day London. Yet it has all the hallmarks of Sir A.C. Doyle: incredible observation and deduction by Holmes (on the borderline of too incredible but hey: it's Sherlock Holmes, the greatest detective ever! Sit back and have fun.); great cases, including a famed "locked-door murders"; Holmes is as inept and awkward socially as he is utterly brilliant; and, most importantly, it's genuinely suspenseful.

This show has great writing, acting... maybe a few glitches with directing here or there, but I really enjoyed it! ...Until the ending of the last episode. I'd like to hear other people's opinions but I thought it was a bit contrived.

However, this detraction did not dissuade me from really liking the series. I was riveted throughout. Rent, watch, lemme know what you think.

Bunraku

2011-11-22T22:18:00.000-08:00

Again, sorry for the hiatus. I haven't been super-excited about any movies that I've seen recently. Everything seems to be just ok.

I wasn't even super-excited about this movie. But mostly-excited works.

Bunraku (2010) is an odd mix of genres, with an odd mix of visuals (a bunch that are cool), a bunch of talented actors and a whole bunch of good action.

This movie is not to be taken very seriously. It's an amusing action film that takes itself lightly. From the opening annimation to the pseudo-noir narration (by Mike Patton, lead singer of Faith No More!) to the overly obvious art direction - where everything looks like a set - (and a few others examples I could rattle off), this movie purposefully crosses lines and pokes fun at more serious films.

This, besides the great action scenes, is what I liked about this movie. It doesn't fit neatly into a box. And for good reason.

Writer/director Guy Moshe fittingly named it Bunraku, which is an ancient Japanese version of puppetry where you can see the puppetiers on stage all dressed in black as they manipulate their puppets.

But even more, it's a pop-up book movie. You've seen comic books turned into movies (like Sin City or 300 that tried to convey that medium into the movie) but Moshe may be the first to do this with pop-up books. And it actually works.

Oh, I totally forgot to give the plot synopsis. And I don't think I will. Moshe does a great job of taking the viewer for a good, long ride with a pretty simple premise.

So, if you're a fan of action movies but are tired of the norm (especially out of Hoolywood) and you 're open-minded enough to bend genres, Rent Bunraku!

Robot Chicken: Star Wars Trilogy

2011-09-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'm going Off Script again, so to speak. Yes, it's TV, but it's based on the movies, so I'd ask the judge for a little leeway here. Oh, and they are available on Netflix (they may be available only as individual dvds).

Robot Chicken's Star Wars trilogy is one of the funniest things ever to grace the small screen.

For those who are unfamiliar with Robot Chicken, it's a short little TV show that pokes fun/mimics other TV shows and movies. Animated using only plastic figures (think GI Joe with the Kung Fu Grip) and voiced by the creators and sometimes celebrities, it's just a series of short scenes cut together. Each ranges from a second to several minutes long.

Obviously, the Star Wars trilogy is dedicated solely to poking fun at the Star Wars franchise. Surprisingly, they did get some Star Wars big wigs to lend their voices - like George Lucas, himself!

I thought I saw a box set collection of all three in a store, but you'll have to rent them

separately.

Rent! Laugh out loud! Enjoy! These are a Must See - For the casual Star Wars fan as well the obsessed!
One of the best things about Robot Chicken is it caters to every sense of humor. There's something here for everyone.

Start with the first episode. Not because you need a chronological order. But it is the best.

Bonus Post Script: Family Guy did a Star Wars trilogy too that are almost as funny as Robot Chicken. It's in story format, rather that skit. I recommend this, too!

The Conspirator

2011-09-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Allow me to suggest an atypical Hollywood historical drama.

2010's The Conspirator is atypical because it does not alter facts drastically to add drama. Nor does it have a silly, contrived romance thrown in for no good reason. (Like we need to look at history by how it formed/changed/enhanced a romantic relationship??)

What you do get from The Conspirator is the true story of Mary Surrat, a widowed boarding house owner, accused in the plot to assassinate Abe Lincoln, his VP and cabinet.

For me, the main source of drama was of not knowing the outcome of this interesting and important story. But there are other dramatic threads weaved in - a mother's love for family, just to list one.

Robert Redford (director) is a little heavy-handed in spots but not nearly as bad as in Lions for Lambs.

But this movie really shines in the performances of the actors. All are excellent (including a couple who had to adopt seamless American accents)!

Rent this for an entertaining, true story.

Constantine's Sword

2011-08-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

Here's an excellent, thought-provoking documentary. Based on James Carroll's book of the same name, Constantine's Sword came out in 2007.

There are three subjects intertwined in this movie: the indictment that the Air Force Academy was trying promoting Evangelical Christianity and turning a blind eye toward the discrimination of others, especially Jewish cadets; James Carroll's fall from grace (or faith), a former Catholic priest; and a history of the Christian church's anti-semitism.

This is way too much to cram into one documentary. It's just a precursory view of the history. But an actual in-depth investigation would take days.

It is good at what it does. It gives a well researched, far-reaching history, and actually takes you to the places it talks about. And it leaves you with a wanting to learn more. (I really want to read his book now!)

My favorite quote from Constantine's Sword: "If you want to make religion a constructive force in society, religions must begin with an honest admission of those moments when they haven't been a constructive force...when they've been a DESTRUCTIVE force."

I have very different politics, but I certainly agree on the last two thirds of that statement.

The Orphanage

2011-08-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'd never heard of The Orphanage until it was suggested to me about 2 weeks ago. I liked it so much, I'm blogging about it. So thank you for the suggestion, Sezduck!

This is a 2007, subtitled movie from Spain (original title: El Orfanato), which is a nice mix of thriller, drama and a tiny bit of horror. It's produced by Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth), but that's the limit of his involvement.

It's about a family who moves into the abandoned house that used to be the orphanage where the mother grew up. Soon, the son is playing with invisible friends... You know that means plenty of strange things are afoot.

First, my only complaint: it does start a bit slowly. But stick with it. It gets interesting!

If you're worried about having to read a subtitled movie of this genre... Don't be. It works.

All the actors do fantastic jobs, as does the director. But my favorite part of this movie is how well this is written.

Sergio G. Sanchez makes it realistic and plausible enough. Very little suspension-of-disbelief in needed. There's a fair amount of drama (done well) incorporated to make this work. But where he really shines is making it a throw-back to older, and I dare say, better horror movies. Incorporating little gore and more suspense. And best of all, attention to detail!

Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)

2011-08-08T20:01:00.001-07:00

In the spirit of taking things lightly for the summer...
Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns) (2002) is an entertaining and educational look at the band They Might Be Giants.

If you are not already a fan of tmbg I'd suggest you skip this. But if you like the band - anyone from a die-hard fan who owns all their albums, to the (very) casual fan - this is a must.

I should point out that this documentary was made before they started doing albums aimed at children. (When tmbg lost my interest.)

For me, this documentary was a welcomed trip down memory lane. But I also learned a lot. Gigantic - employing interviews with band members, colleagues and fans, as well as concert footage and videos - gives a history of tmbg, including their tumultuous relationships with record companies, their instant fame and influence on MTV, and especially the friendship of John Linnell and John Flansburgh

And then they delve into the depths. Looking at how freakishly dedicated some of their fans actually are. This is entertaining too.

Speaking of freaky fans. About 56 minutes into the film you need to pay close attention. There's concert footage looking out into the crowd... And you can see one especially unfortunate guy who has the eerie and uncanny resemblance to a clean-shaved, yours truly, minus glasses.

Anyway, back to topic. This documentary not only seeks to explain tmbg's quirky sense of humour, they employ it. And this is why Gigantic is perfect for any fan.

Pandorum

2011-07-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

Under the category of "They can't ALL be 5-stars...", comes this (modest) recommendation.

I was in the mood for a sci-fi movie that I hadn't seen before. Pandorum is what I found streaming on Netflix.

You've already guessed that this isn't going to be a glowing endorsement. But it was entertaining enough to make The Blog.

Pandorum is about 2 astronauts who groggily awake from their hyper-sleep, isolated on an enormous spacecraft, and have to piece together their identities, mission status, and even mission goal. They wrestle with all these factors and, oh yeah, they're being hunted by super-quick ravenous creatures.

OK, The plot is trite: Amnesia, close-quarters, becoming potential prey... It definitely borrows from a lot of other films.

But what I liked most about Pandorum was just that borrowing. It is some of the best parts of Das Boot, Predator and Rear Window.

It's not the most mind-blowing movie ever. That's safe to say. But if you have Netflix streaming, Rent it.

The Lives of Others

2011-07-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a highly recommended German film. It's 2006's, The Lives of Others.

It's set in 1984 East Berlin -where Politics means keeping an eye on potential dissenters and incarcerating the nonconformists - a meticulous, by-the-book Stasi (East German [GDR] secret police) agent is given a high-level assignment to spy on a local playwright and his lover. And to paraphrase the Netflix synopsis: none of their lives are ever the same again.

This may be the best debut drama by a first-time writer/director since John Singleton's Boyz in the Hood.

But the comparisons stop there. Whereas Singleton uses a sledgehammer in Boyz, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck uses a paint brush in Lives.

I keep reading reviews of this movie that use the term, "deeply nuanced". And I can't come up with a better way to put it.

In a dvd extra, Florian briefly talks a little of the research he did to write the screenplay - a year and a half worth. He talked about the roller coaster ride of personally interviewing people who had their lives ruined by the secret police and the next day interviewing a ex-Stasi agent who, with some pride, recounted his accomplishments.

Florian puts this roller coaster into the movie. I knew it's set in the GDR, but I kept guessing which way the movie would take me. This is why Lives is also listed, aptly, as a thriller.

Not only is this movie well written and direct, I give extra special credit to the acting (subtle, sincere, and effective) and art direction (I've never seen the GDR look so authentic).

I really enjoyed this movie. I think you will too.

The Man Who Skied Down Everest

2011-07-13T20:08:00.001-07:00

I just found this old documentary and am really glad I did. I think a lot of different people will like this, for at least one of multiple reasons.

Released in 1975, The Man Who Skied Down Everest, tells the story of a world-class Japanese alpine skier, Yuichiro Miura, who got the bright idea to, you guessed it, ski the tallest mountain in the world.

So in 1970, he and a huge crew try to first climb one of the most dangerous peaks, then film as he tries to ski down eight thousand feet - on a slope of 40-45 degrees! (Ask anyone who skis the degree of difficulty of that kind of angle!) To add to the insanity...

No, I'm not going to spoil it. But it truly is crazy!

This is fun to watch for many reasons. It's old, so you can laugh at the outdated fashions. It's narrated using Miura's own diary, and he uses that cool, very-Japanese kind of poetry in his writing. It's touching and sad at points. It's adventurous and harrowing, to say the least - no one's ever tried this before (or since!).

Trivia: this was the first sports movie to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary.

Rent this and I'd bet you'll re-watch at least some parts before you return it.

The Tourist

2011-06-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

OK, This movie is very mainstream. But it got very mixed reviews. I think it deserves better than that.

It's called The Tourist (2010).

I had no expectations going in. Maybe that's the key. It is a bit cliche: bad guys are bad, Interpol doesn't have a clue to what's going on....

This is not the most suspenseful movie ever, nor the most original or least predictable.

But I don't think it's trying to be.

I think it's more of a light-hearted, easy-to-watch-after-a-really-bad-day-of-work romp of international intrigue - not many brain cells required.

It does have enough of a good story to keep your interest.

I found myself totally engrossed in Johnny Depp's character for 2 reasons. He is the common man - a tourist on vacation: not overly smart, witty, good with his fists, or a knack for getting out of trouble. And Depp plays him perfectly.

Angelina Jolie is pretty good too. She could be better. I think she kinda relies on her looks too much. But hey, they are good looks.

I guess I would classify this under the bad/great movie category. I'd probably be upset if I paid top dollar to see it in the theatre. But now that it's out on DVD. Rent. Relax. Don't think too much. Just enjoy.

Goya's Ghosts

2011-06-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am recommending Goya's Ghosts, a 2006 drama set around the life of artist Francisco Goya.

Here's what I knew going in: Goya was a Spanish painter. That's it. I was totally unfamiliar with his works, his historical relevance or even time period.

What I liked most about this movie was that it has a very engrossing story and that I learned some stuff too - stuff that I later confirmed to be true.

In Goya's Ghosts Stellan Skarsgard (Pirates of the Caribbean) plays Francisco Goya, chiefly commissioned by the royal family and The Church near the end of the Spanish Inquisition, was skating on thin ice. Goya, it's rumored, was using common whores as models (as ANGELS??!!). Even More alarming to The Church were his drawings of the suffering.

The actual main story in the movie is of the upheaval of Spain: end of the Inquisition, conquest by Napoleon, injustice, civil strife, etc. Goya happens to be caught in the middle and depicts it in his art. Goya had such a remarkable eye for capturing images as is - no bias nor romanticism. And as such he almost becomes the AP photographer of this period.

The best part of the movie is Goya's actual artwork as it's interjected. He was amazing, but I found his drawings of mobs particularly unsettling and oddly beautiful, despite the simplistically.

The acting in this movie is top notch! Natalie Portman (Star Wars Ep I, II & III), Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Skarsgard and even Randy Quaid are all great! (Quaid actually playes the violin! For real!)

Goya's Ghosts was directed and co-written by Milos Forman, director of Amadeus (a movie he didn't help write). And similarities abound. The music is good in each (better in Amadeus - go figure!). Both are historical fiction. The main -as well as some supporting - characters of both were actual real people of the same time period. Their interaction with each other is where things get fuzzy. And whether or not the things portrayed in the movie actually happened to these real people....even fuzzier.

Watch this! The story, acting and artwork will keep you enthralled.

Lord Stanley

2011-05-17T23:42:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's that time again.

Hockey playoffs take preference to blogging. Sorry. But I'll be back soon...

...Thank you for the comment Sezduck!

But instead of reviewing a movie, here's a list of good hockey movies....

1 Mystery, Alaska (1999) - quirky comedy and Cinderella story.

2 Miracle (2004) - re-enactment of the 1980 USA gold! (the hockey scenes are really close to the actual games!)

3 Slap Shot (1977) - DATED comedy!! But still funny if you like (and know there's not that much fighting anymore in) hockey.

4 The Mighty Ducks (1992) - funny, cliche, what else can I say?

5 Hockey Mom (2004) - drama. better than I thought it'd be (though a bit cliche). Worth a peek.

Touching The Void

2011-04-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Here's an incredible story of survival!

Touching the Void is a 2003 docudrama that will make you go "WOW!" out loud at least a few times while watching.

This is the amazing true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates trying to summit a very remote, very tall peak in the Andes by themselves. Oh yeah, and they're attempting this by a route that had never previously been successful.

On their descent (where most climbing incidents occur) is where they run into trouble. Joe falls and breaks his leg badly. Without the personnel of a large expedition, this is a death sentence. But Simon, risks his own life and tries to lower Joe off of the mountain. More complications ensue!

You don't need to be a climber, a survivalist, or a voyeur of viciousness to appreciate (or love, I dare say) this movie. This is captivating to anyone who's still breathing.

This movie's best feature is that it keeps the suspense. You know both climbers live - they narrated the movie. You know it's an incredible feat of survival. You just don't know how damaged the climbers become. To pull this off they use a simple and effective technique: every shot of the narrators is a head shot.

This is one of the most captivating movies, let alone docudramas, I've seen!

Chocolate

2011-04-04T19:38:00.001-07:00

If you enjoy a good, stupid Kung Fu movie from time to time as much as I do you need to see Chocolate!

This movie defines the term "obscure". Released in Thailand (where it's from) in 2008, it only opened on SEVEN screens in the USA a year later, obviously to no advertising or fanfare.

Chocolate was directed by Prachya Pinkaew, who also did The Protector (which has, I think, the best long, uncut martial arts scene ever!) It introduces and stars, and I do mean STARS, JeeJa Yanin as Zen, an autistic young lady who can copy complicated martial arts moves just by seeing them. She uses her remarkable skill to collect money to help her sick mother - money owed to the mother from her shady past.

Yes. The plot is silly and unrealistic. But in this case, I say who cares! This is a great, stoopid martial arts film! There are plenty of other problems and plot holes, all equally overlookable.

I'm no expert, but I don't think autistics have the physical dexterity to have this skill. But, as stated at the beginning, the film was made to celebrate people with special needs. The film, indeed, does very well not to treat Zen as a freak but as an actual person. This movie is actually touching at times too!

The biggest problem with this is getting through the first 20 minutes. Slow, boring, not well written, if you can get through the back story, a real treat awaits. Stick it out!

Chocolate has some of the best, most intense martial arts scenes. Quite brutal at times (a sure sign of a good Kung Fu movie) they are amazingly choreographed. The filming of the fight scenes is great - no jump cuts, so you can see exactly what happens and how hard the blows land. They also mix up the martial arts styles nicely- Muay Tai and Kung Fu are the most used there are others too.

I'm adding this to my soon-to-come list of Best Martial Arts Flicks!

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

2011-03-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Time to change things up again! I'm actually blogging about a TV mini-series. A very clever, delightful comedy/musical: 2008's Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

No one knows this. But, yes, it was on TV. It even won a prime time Emmy (Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Programs).

Everyone who's already seen this thinks it went straight to the Internet. Where it gained so much fame (Joss Whedon fans are devoted!) that you can no longer view it at its website. It is, however, available on Netflix (streaming!) or to buy via Amazon.com and other places, I'm sure.

As eluded to, Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy, Angel, Firefly) and his brothers Jeb and Zack wrote this... I'll just call it a Short (42 min total). It stars Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser, MD.) as Billy who is trying to cement his role as Dr. Horrible, evil genius/super villain, and impress his wanna-be girlfriend, Penny. Standing in his way is Captain Hammer, played by Nathan Fillian (Firefly, Castle).

The Whedon brothers are very crafty mixing live action with Dr. Horrible's blog (actually a podcast), and the musical numbers fit in perfectly. Most of the songs are really good, too. Maybe not Roger's & Hammerstein, but they are surprisingly complex (in places), catchy, witty, drive the story...you know, good. But the biggest surprise: Doogie Howser can sing!!

The writing is spectacular. Very few could execute so well the idea of someone trying to become a member of the "Evil League of Evil", and still make the character sympathetic and real.

I found this an absolute joy to watch. But I should point out that this is not all flowers and wine - after all the main character is an anti-hero.

Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight

2011-03-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

This review falls under the category of "I can't believe some of my friends have never seen this movie".

In 1995 HBO brought their award-winning series to the big screen with Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. A Classic was born.

Like the TV series, it's an homage to B movies: kinda campy, and a bit adult (gore, nudity & language). But, also like the series, it's totally engrosing, not too scary or long (92 min), funny, well written and acted.

I'm not going to tell you the plot. Don't look it up. It's not very complicated. Just watch it!

I'll just say I love this movie for what it is: a perfect distraction. Not Academy Award material but just plain fun. Its witty writing, decent story and awesome acting (esp. Billy Zane!) keep me watching it to this day.

GasLand

2011-03-14T19:17:00.001-07:00

Here's a MUST-SEE: 2010's GasLand!

Josh Fox kinda does a Michael Moore - rising from obscurity by finding a huge problem close to home and he makes a really good documentary about it.

Josh takes on the unregulated, insidious practice of "fracking" - natural gas mining by Big-Oil in rural America. Unfortunately, fracking is so demonstrative I'm not even going to attempt a description of the method or to spell out the many, many serious effects. See the movie!

Big-Oil gets away with this because in 2005 the George W. Bush's administration (and more specifically their "Environmental Board" which contained all Big-Oil reps and zero actual environmentalists) passed a law stating Big-Oil is no longer subject to the clean water and clean air acts enabled in the 1970s. The EPA no longer regulates drilling inside the USA.

Josh Fox doesn't include the humor of a Michael Moore, nor does he really "take on" Big-Oil. But there are a few humorous bits and a few attempts at getting interviews with the companies. And it does start a bit slow, but that ends abruptly. I was engaged and outraged soon enough.

This is as upsetting and thought-provoking documentary as I've ever seen!

House on Telegraph Hill

2011-03-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here's an old movie (1951) but definitely worth your time.

House on Telegraph Hill is billed as a Film-Noir. But I think that's a misnomer - it is much more of a Hitchcockian thriller.

The story is about a WWII concentration camp survivor who, after the war, assumes the identity of her dear friend so she may come to San Fransisco to look after her friend's son. Things soon unravel when she gets to the states and odd "accidents" consume her imagination, paranoia, and/or guilt.

I really liked this movie because it's an edge-of-your-seat thriller...FOR THE TIME. Aside from the first 20 minutes or so, this is paced like a good Hitchcock mystery - slow, deliberate, and very suspenseful!

Some (not most!) of the acting, dialogue and direction/editing you could easily point fingers at - criticizing for not being up to today's standards.

This is missing the point. This is a 1951 movie. Take this for what it's worth: a great story, told well!

...and those of you who "cannot watch black & white films"... Grow up.

Dersu Uzala

2011-02-21T20:14:00.001-08:00

Here's an older movie. 1975 according to imdb.com but that may just be the US release date - there were 2 copyright dates on the dvd box ('71 and '74), so I'm very confused...

I am positive, however, that I really liked this movie - Dersu Uzala.

Akira Kurosawa was commissioned to direct this Russian epic adventure: the story of an early-20th century mapping quest into the Siberian wilderness. The company of Russian soldiers happens upon an older nomad (Dersu), who at first seems antiquated and eccentric. Dersu soon earns their trust and much more as he guides them through the uncharted, vast, VAST wilderness. But over the course of just a few years, as the wilderness becomes tamed, Dersu's usefulness comes into question...

This is a sloooooooooooow (old!) movie, yes. But anyone interested, REALLY interested in film should see this. It is a cinematic masterpiece. An absolute wonder to look at. This is what kept my interest throughout the film. I don't think any other director could pull off this movie.

Akira captures the bleakness of the landscape, he catches it's rugged beauty. EVERYTHING is in focus (thanks to his use of long lenses). But there are a few scenes that will stay with me, if not forever, for a long, long time - not for the action (old movie!), but for the absolute beauty in the picture!

The dvd case did not say anything about remastering or enhancing the video. But the colours were so vibrant, so clear I'm not sure they didn't lie. That's how good this film looks.

Rent to watch. Watch and learn from the master.

Ip Man (eep mun)

2011-02-02T20:06:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the long delay in posts. But I haven't been really passionate about anything I've seen lately.

...That was until I watched Ip Man (2008).

Here's an amazing movie that, unfortunately, I think only a very few people I know will enjoy. This is a great drama with a lot of great martial arts. I felt equal parts sad, happy, touched, and that adrenaline rush that you get from amazing action scenes.

Set in the 1930's, more specifically the Japanese occupation of China, it follows the life of a man aptly named Ip Man. He's an expert it Wing Chun kung fu and a gentleman of leisure (very much a gentleman) before the war. Then during the occupation a Japanese general tries to prove that Japanese martial arts is superior to the Chinese. Ip Man refuses to fight. Conflict ensues.

The cast is excellent. Especially Donnie Yen as the lead. He's so engaging and charismatic in both dramatic and action scenes that I was on his side almost instantly. And if you didn't know any better you'd think he had been practicing Wing Chun all his life (rather than 9 months prior to shooting). But the supporting cast is very good too.

There are a couple caveats to watching this movie: 1) Some of the action is a bit brutal here and there. occasionally it looks really, REALLY painful. They did a really good job keeping the various styles of martial arts specific and accurate. A little wire-work seeps in, but it's mostly good old fashioned butt-kicking and is shot really well.

2) Watch this (please!) in it's original Cantonese with English subtitles. I prefer when the actors' mouths sync up with what it sounds like anyway. But there are subtleties that the English dubbing does not do justice to. But more importantly, there are a couple times during the film that they explain stuff that happens historically. And unless you can read Chinese you will miss a lot.

Blood Into Wine

2010-09-22T20:26:00.001-07:00

I'm cautiously suggesting this new documentary - Blood Into Wine.

Maynard James Keenan, singer from Tool and A Perfect Circle fame, started a vineyard and wine making facility in northern Arizona a few years ago - a region NOT previously synonymous with either. Blood Into Wine is its story.

With help from Eric Glomski, he's painstakingly started producing a very small amount of grapes (compared to most vineyards) which they sculpt into a couple different blends of vino.

This is a very interesting documentary and the wine - or at least one of the three varieties - sounds like a "Must try". But I have a couple issues with it.

I'm not sure if I'd care one little bit if I weren't a fan of Keenan's. [Maybe my audience could help me answer that.]

Secondly, there are some scenes put in for comic relief that were NOT funny. It's not a good thing to watch a movie for the first time and want to fast forward past certain actors. Yes, actors. Inserted into what appears to be all documentary are splashed a fake cable-access interview show (a-la Wayne's World) that is just way too painful to sit through,

Lastly, there's NO Tool or A Perfect Circle music. They have some of Keenan's Andy Kaufman-esqe band Puscifer, but not Tool?? OK, minor critique at best.

This review really isn't bad. I really enjoyed it - mainly for the interviews with Maynard and Eric. And even a lot of the DVD extras are worthwhile - although most are just unedited, longer versions of what appears in the movie.

Rent and give me your opinion!

War, Inc.

2010-09-12T18:35:00.001-07:00

Today's suggestion is a 2008 comedy produced, co-written and starring John Cusack - War, Inc.

It's set in a fictional Middle-Eastern country after the first privately-run war. A US company, headed by a former vice president, sends their ace "trouble shooter" (read: assassin) to take out the opposition. While battling his own old demons, new complications arise as he has to organize a high-profile pop star's wedding and he starts falling for an anti-war journalist.

The cast is great: John Cusack is the assassin, Marisa Tomei as the reporter, Hillary Duff (I never thought I'd blog about a movie with HER!) as the pop star diva, Joan Cusack, Ben Kingsley and Dan Aykroyd. All are superb.

This is a sometimes biting satire, sometimes silly, somewhat violent film with a nod here and there to spaghetti westerns. The action is top-notch and the humor is varied, smart and actually funny!

It's also reminiscent of Grosse Point Blank - not only in cast but in characters, plot and humor. But there are enough distinctions to let this film stand on its own. Rent both and have a double feature!

Sky High

2010-08-23T19:42:00.001-07:00

I didn't think Disney made obscure movies. But based on how many of my friends haven't heard of 2005's Sky High I may have to revise this axiom.

This is a delightful and clever comedy about a boy, Will Stronghold, finding his way through his first year of high school. Will is the son of 2 superheroes (Kurt Russell and Kelly Preston), and thus goes to Sky High, a school devoted to teaching teens with super powers.

The cast is amazing - especially the school's staff; including Lynda Carter, Bruce Campbell (!!), and Kids In The Hall stars Dave Foley and Kevin McDonald.

Even its soundtrack is good: 80's songs covered by various artists (and done well), like Devo's hit Through Being Cool performed by They Might Be Giants.

As you may have guessed already, this Disney movie is not for little kids. But I'd suggest this for anyone older than a high school freshman. Adults will really like this too. In fact, I'd put this in my favorite high school movies!

Not the Messiah - He's a Very Naughty Boy

2010-07-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

This week's suggestion is mainly for you Monty Python fans - 2010's Not The Messiah.

Filmed at a one-time only showing at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Eric Idle and John Du Prez, the creators of Spamalot, give Python's Life of Brian the same treatment as they did Holy Grail (Spamalot).

This is not a play, as Spamalot is. Rather it's an oratorio - meaning it's just singers, Eric Idle and some memorable cameos standing on-stage in front of a symphony orchestra. There isn't much acting unfortunately, mainly singing.

The other slight drawback for me was that it made me want to watch Life of Brian again (oh nooooooo!)

The singers, orchestra and choir are all excellent and it's a really good show. So if you enjoy Monty Python I'd recommend renting this.

Zombieland

2010-07-07T19:44:00.001-07:00

Time to change things up - in more ways than one.

2009's Zombieland is a lot more mainstream than I usually review but...

Every once in a while you watch a movie that captures your sense of humor so perfectly that it becomes an instant classic - like Tremors, Clerks, Supertroopers and now Zombieland.

It's about...it's a zombie flick, do you really need a plot summary??

And like the other movies I just mentioned, this is NOT to be taken too seriously. (Zombie flick!) Sure it's predictable in spots, but it more than makes up for that with it's humor.

This has instantly become my favorite zombie movie, by far. Sorry, George A. Romero, I love the idea of the zombie allegory, but Zombieland is such a pleasure to watch, it's got you beat.

It's not nearly as scary as most zombie movies and not as gory. Although there is some gore. (Zombie flick!)

Rent Zombieland!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2010-06-28T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'd consider this week's suggestion a Must See! It's the 2008 World War II drama The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

It's about an 8-year old boy and his family who move from the big city, Berlin, to the country. Bruno, the boy, finds it boring and lonely in his new surroundings so he explores the woods behind his house and makes an unusual friend, to say the least, in another boy his age.

This is a BBC film and everyone, including the American actress playing the mother, has a thick British accent that is hard to understand at points. There - that's the bad stuff. (Some have complained about the pacing, especially early, but it's a DRAMA. Shut up, sit still and watch!)

I was skeptical of the premise going in, but the plot is handled with care and precision. All the characters are very 3-dimensional. but most of all, they did wonderful job with the script capturing the innocence of childhood!

This is what sets this movie apart from other great WWII movies - It really is seen though the eyes of a child.

Perhaps, best of all, this movie is hard hitting - how can it not be - but it does not beat you over the head with a sledgehammer like many war movies do.

Better Than a Movie

2010-06-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a brief holiday, as the Brits would say, from blogging.

There is something a lot more exciting to watch. Especially this year!!

I hope it's a long, good series and I wish I could watch every single minute of it. (silly eastern time zones!)

Beer Wars

2010-05-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

Here's an interesting, informative and entertaining documentary, 2009's Beer Wars.

Written and directed by Anat Baron, a former executive for Mike's Hard Lemonade, this movie describes the fight micro-breweries have to endure to try to compete with the "Big Three" (Anheuser-Busch, Coors, and Miller).

I've been interested in this subject ever since Coors bought the rights to Caffrie's Cream Ale and then refused to sell it in the U.S.A.

Do not be put off if you're not a beer snob/aficionado/casual fan. This documentary doubles nicely as a Big-corporations-are-too-greedy essay.

Information is abundant in the movie. I learned Stella Artois, Kirin, Bass and other "good" imported beers' rights are owned by Anheuser-Busch, if not owned outright, for example.

There are a few problems with Beer Wars. The female subject isn't nearly as sympathetic as she should be, and Anat spends almost all her time on the east coast. Stone Brewery and Mike's are mentioned in passing, but those are the only mentions of anything west coast - Odd, I thought, as the micro-brews are doing so well here.

But over-all I liked this movie and would recommend renting (or streaming) it!

Shinobi: Heart Under Blade

2010-05-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

I'm suggesting the next movie to a very select few. I just watched Shinobi: Heart Under Blade and enjoyed it. But I don't think very many people will.

Shinobi is billed as X-men meets Romeo and Juliette, and it doesn't lie. Two ancient clans of warriors (each warrior has a different 'special ability') face off to determine the rightful ruler of Japan. Unfortunately for them, two happen to have just fallen in love.

What I liked about it:
A] It was adapted from a Manga [anime] series, and indeed it is a well-done, for the most part, live-action anime. The action scenes are stunning. The characters' super powers are as realistic as super powers get and well shot. B] This movie is beautiful to look at, especially the backrounds and scenery. C] They introduce the love story and then leave it at the door - no cornyness here. D] Its many references to my favorite anime movie Ninja Scroll.

What I didn't like about it:
A] It was really hard to follow in spots! B] It's ending. I won't say any more in case you actually rent it. But really, unless you're a big fan of anime, I don't think this is a good rental for you.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2010-04-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a crusade of my very own this week. Go out and rent (and then buy???) The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus!

I'm doing this to spite the silly company (not gonna give them any hype here) who decided they'd release a Terry Gilliam movie but treat it as movie-non-grata. They gave it absolutely no advertising and a very limited release - and in a very akward way. [Explitive deleted] studio!

The movie studios should know by now that Gilliam has a devoted following and should have at least tried to market this film.

OK. So it's probably not his best film ever. But it is still very good. Any fan of Gilliam will appreciate and like this film - and in a new way.
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Gilliam has always displayed a vivid imagination in his movies - but has done so in a now outdated way with lavish, grandiose sets - and, to paraphrase my friend Bug, the technology finally caught up with him. This is, by a million miles, his finest looking film. He uses digital effects for the first time. And it is beautiful where it's supposed to be, bleak where it should be! (Bigger screen TVs will be more effective here.) I was very upset that it didn't win the Oscar for Art Direction.
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Imaginarium is about Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) who has a running bet with the Devil (Tom Waits). The entire cast is spectacular! The story and script are better than average.
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This is Heath Ledger's last movie. He died while filming. But he had completed all his "real life" scenes. So after much deliberation, Gilliam got Heath's acting buddies to fill in for the dream-like scenes. But this is not a distraction. On the contrary, I think it adds to it.
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As I eluded to, non-Gilliam fans might not dig this movie as much because of its subtle humor, pace, and a python-esque scene or two.
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But I'm still urging everyone: Please, at least rent this movie. Show the Big Corporate Studio that original directors like Gilliam still have an audience!

Live from Baghdad

2010-04-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here's another good HBO film to rent. It's a docu-drama from 2002 called Live from Baghdad.

Based in Baghdad (go figure), a CNN crew struggles to cover the lead up to the 1991 Gulf War.

This is an interesting film. It highlights the rise of the 24-hour news network, while showing the CNN crew struggling with moral dilemmas while still trying to get actual news out of a very secretive regime.

Michael Keaton and Helena Bonham Carter star as the producers of the film crew. Both do an excellent job, as do the rest of the cast.

Music Within

2010-04-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here's an inspirational movie based on a true story: 2007's Music Within.

Ron Livingston (Office Space) stars as Richard Pimentel. Richard looses almost all his hearing in the Vietnam war. He comes home and finds a new calling - fighting to get wounded vets and otherwise disabled people jobs.

There are a few problems with the movie, like Ron Livingston is not able to pass as a 19 or 20-year old. And it is rated R for bad language, so kids who'd be able to learn quite a bit from it are not its target audience, I guess.

But otherwise this is a really good movie. Your emotions will run the gamut. It's funny, touching, tragic, and inspiring. And most importantly, it's honest. Here's a real biography of a real person - good and bad.

It's also worth watching 2 of the DVDs extra features: the making of, and actual live footage of the real Richard Pimentel.

Primer

2010-04-06T19:27:00.001-07:00

This week my suggestion is a real low budget movie: 2004's Primer.

It was written, directed by and stars Shane Carruth. And he managed to make it for under $8,000. Needless to say, you won't recognize any of the actors.

Without giving too much away, it's about 4 guys who use their spare time to invent stuff in their garage. Their latest sci-fi-like contraption threatens their bonds, in more ways than one.

This is a good movie. It is slow paced, but stick with it. It's intelectual and realistic for a sci-fi based concept.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

2010-03-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

This week's suggestion is called Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai.

Forest Whitaker portrays a thoughtful antihero, a modern-day hit man who lives by the code of the samurai, who has sworn to protect the mafia member who saved his life. Things soon turn nasty when the mob put a hit out on him.

This is a really interesting movie - mixing action and philosophy, mafia and samurai, modern and ancient.

I found a couple problems with the realness of some of the action scenes, and it has an odd flow to it. It's not a typical Hollywood action flick. But that's the point here.

Closet Land

2010-03-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm going to break my own rule here. This is a super obscure movie that I loved watching when it first came out on VHS (1991), but haven't been able to see it since. Netflix doesn't have it so if you have a Mom & Pop video store near you that has a great selection you may still be able to watch this. And I highly recommend that you do!

Closet Land is a little movie - 2-person cast - produced by Amnesty International. But both actors are amazing in it - Alan Rickman (Die Hard) and Madeleine Stowe (12 Monkeys).

It's about a children's book writer (Stowe) who is imprisoned and interrogated at length for suspected political messages in her books.

Rickman 's use of accents is especially good as the interrogator. But it's when his accents slip that it gets really intriguing.

This is a superb look a dark subject, nuanced and intelligent. A true study of human nature.

Sukiyaki Western Django

2010-03-16T19:46:00.001-07:00

This week's suggestion is a bit more off the beaten path, so to speak, than usual. It's also for a limited audience.

Sukiyaki Western Django is the film. Its a 2007 Japanese movie that Quentin Tarantino helped produce, and has a small (thank God) part in.

It's billed as an "East meets West western" and it doesn't lie. It's a spaghetti western where the characters are equally adept with a six-shooter as a samurai sword.

This is Yojimbo remade with a cult-type of intent. (Yojimbo was later remade as A Fistful of Dollars and Last Man Standing.) Gunslinger wanders into a town where neither of the two rival gangs can get an upper hand and plays them off each other.

Sukiyaki will have a bigger audience in Japan because of some of the campiness. But if you don't mind a little 'camp', aren't too upset by generous amounts of violence or gore, and like westerns and swordplay, this is a good film to rent.

I know that's a bunch of caveats, but here are two more. You need to watch this with the subtitles on - the accents are just too thick to understand. You'll need to somehow get past Quentin Tarantino's awful imitation of a Japanese accent - which borders on insulting, but is fortunately over after the first five minutes.

Black Moon Rising

2010-02-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

This week's film is an 80's action classic: Black Moon Rising.

This is another HBO movie, never making a theatrical release. But it was written by John Carpenter - 'nuff said?

No? OK. It stars Tommy Lee Jones, before he got really famous, as a thief hired by the FBI to steal records from a company they've been investigating. Things take a turn toward the complicated when he has to hide the tape in a prototype car....which then gets stolen.

This is a good heist movie with a lot of realistic action, even tho the super car isn't realistic, the characters don't bounce right back up after they're knocked down. And the acting is good for an 80s action flick.

Rent this if you're in the mood for a no-brainer action flick.

The Dogs of War

2010-02-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

This week I'm suggesting another "older" film - The Dogs of War.

Christopher Walken plays a mercenary hired to start a coup in a small African country rich with valuable minerals. But soon after his arrival he's exposed and captured.

This is a pretty faithful adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's novel. Forsyth writes a bit like Tom Clancey - too much dry detail for 1 movie. But The directer and editor do good jobs eliminating the unnecessary.

This was made in 1980. So it's a bit slow by today's standards. This is not a Hollywood summer blockbuster. There aren't action scenes every 10 minutes.

But if you have a little bit of patience, this is a good movie. Walken is awesome! So are the atmosphere and characters.

Pi

2010-02-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

This week's suggestion is Darren Aronofsky's 1998 masterpiece, Pi.

I know a lot of my friends have already seen this movie. But I'm writing this anyway for the few people I know who haven't seen it yet, and also because this is independent movie making at it's best.

It's about a paranoid, obsessive compulsive mathematician searching for order in nature's chaos. There are also forces trying to recruit him to work for their darker purposes.

This is not a dumbed-down Hollywood summer blockbuster. This is a really intelligent film, mixing numerology with Kaballah and Wall Street.

Don't worry if you're not a math-wiz. Everything is explained and ingeniously creative.

Being shot entirely in black and white also helps give it the "Indy" feel. The acting and direction are top-notch and even the soundtrack of music I typically don't like fits in perfectly. This is a must-see!

Fanboys

2010-02-06T15:48:00.000-08:00

This week's suggestion is a bit of a conundrum for me. I really liked this movie - thanks for the recommendation, Bug! - but I think most of the people I know who would like it have already seen it. But I'll take the chance and review it anyway.

The movie in question is the 2008 comedy Fanboys. With no big-named director or actors, it's about a group of Star Wars fanatic (fanboy) friends (circa 1999) who venture to the Skywalker Ranch to steal a copy of the much-awaited Star Wars I - The Phantom Menace, since one of their group is dying and won't be around for the theatrical release.

This is a good comedy, but I think most of the references are too specific for the "common" audience. This movie if for Sci-fi fans. Not so much only for Star Wars fans, but Trekkies (Trekkers??) and sci-fi buffs in general will enjoy this movie. If you know who Wedge, Sarek and Starbuck are you'll get a lot of the humor.

Other references are more obscure, like the guards at Skywalker Ranch dressed in THX 1138 costumes, but not critical to the enjoyment of this movie. I didn't get all the obscure references, but it would help if you got more of them than you missed.

The band Rush also has a surprisingly prominent role in the humor (alas, no cameo), which I, personally, greatly appreciated!

Fanboys is a little cliche at points, but it also made me literally laugh out loud at times. And the cameos were priceless!

Rent if you're even close to being a sci-fi geek!

Moon

2010-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

This week you get two reviews for the price of one!

I just watched 2009's Moon, which I would suggest renting! Thanks, Brian, for recommending it to me!

To call Moon a sci-fi movie may give the wrong impression - there are no aliens, ship-to-ship combat scenes or anything in general exploding. This is a good psychological thriller that happens to take place on the far side of the Moon.

Written (original story) and directed by Duncan Jones, it's about a miner/astronaut who, approaching the end his three-year stint alone on the Moon , wonders if he's losing his mind due to strange events. A lot more is involved.

It's got a small cast, but they are all excellent - Sam Rockwell, in particular, as the astronaut and Kevin Spacey as the voice of the computer.

This is a good movie - it's atmospheric enough that it moves quite well and doesn't get boring, and it leaves you thinking about it afterwards. But I'd stop right there. I wouldn't call it great, but it is very worth seeing.

Moon kept reminding me of another movie: 2002's Solaris. Both have similar themes and subjects, but Solaris, based on a 1972 Russian film, is more diabolical but a lot SLOWER!

So, I'd suggest renting Moon. And if you liked that and can sit through a 2001-like tempo and want something a little darker - Solaris is right for you!

True Stories

2010-01-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

This week's suggestion is a bit older. It's a comedy from 1986 called True Stories.

David Byrne (of the rock band Talking Heads), who directed, co-wrote and stars, takes a satirical visit to a typical Texas town while it's celebrating it's sesquicentennial.

This isn't a laugh out loud Airplane or Holy Grail-type comedy, it's a lot more subtle, as most satires tend to be.

And as I mentioned, it is an older movie, but I don't find it dated. The clever writing, visuals and quirky characters are just as effective today.

This movie is enhanced by the numerous Talking Heads songs. But even if you're not a fan of the music I think there's enough other good stuff in here to entertain you.

9

2010-01-17T21:50:00.001-08:00

It's hard to say how obscure this movie is since it just came out on DVD. But just judging on how long it was in theatres and how much money it didn't rake in...

9 is definitely a movie to rent!

It's not the greatest movie ever. The preview made it seem like a non-stop action flick - which it is NOT. The script leaves a bit to be desired. And it's based on a short film created by a film student (Shane Acker, who directed and co-wrote), so don't be expecting a Citizen Kane...

That being said, this is still well worth seeing. It's got a cute story. And the animation is simply amazing! ...Especially the use of focus, backgrounds, and the charming main characters made of burlap.

This is not a movie for the little kids, as the PG-13 rating attests, but it's food for the soul, so to speak, for the little kid inside all of us so-called grownups.

DO NOT RENT THIS!

2010-01-09T13:55:00.001-08:00

I was all set to love this movie. I just joined Netflix and I really wanted this to be my first film rented. I'm a huge Terry Gilliam fan. And poor reviews are practically meaningless when it comes to his works...

Except in this case!

Normally, I wouldn't waste the time in writing a bad review. But this film warrants it.

According to the introduction by Gilliam himself, it's about a child's resilience and innocence. But Gilliam not only missed the mark, he wasn't even in the same zip code. There are scenes in this movie (way too numerous) I found totally inappropriate - and I'm not that squeamish.

This is a colossal waste of a potential viewer's time. There's no conflict in this story: no obstacles to overcome (inner or otherwise), no justice to be sought. It's just 2 hours of the worst, most scarring childhood imaginable.

For all you other Gilliam fans out there (or just film fans in general), and I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT bother with this one! Go see Imaginarium of Doctor Parnasus instead.

Gotcha!

2009-09-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

This week's suggestion is a cute little spy flick from the 80's.
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Gotcha! stars Anthony Edwards as a college student who goes to Europe on vacation and unwittingly falls for a spy (Linda Fiorentino) who uses him as a courier.
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It is a little bit cliche in parts and a bit dated (KGB bad guys, East Germany...). But it's funny and suspensful. A good movie if you're in the mood for something light, yet isn't completely mindless.

Final

2009-09-23T19:56:00.001-07:00

This week, my suggestion is the 2001 cerebral thriller Final.
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It's about a man who wakes up in a hospital babbling that he's from another time. He's suffering from delusions and flashbacks of an auto accident.
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It stars Denis Leary. Yes, THAT Denis Leary - comedian and usually bad actor. But in Final he shows that he actually can act!
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And it's a good thing. This movie is driven on atmosphere, dialogue and acting. This isn't an edge-of-your-seat thriller like The Sixth Sense. It doesn't have the big payoff like The Sixth Sense, and it's not as good (how many are?). But it is intriguing enough that I recommend seeing it.

Who Killed The Electric Car?

2009-09-17T00:15:00.001-07:00

Time to change gears again (pun intended). Who Killed the Electric Car? is a must-see documentary from 2006.
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Written and directed by Chris Paine, this is an unflinching look at the electric cars from the mid to late 1990s and the forces that conspired against them: big oil, big business, California and federal governments...
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There is a lot of really good information packed into this movie. Why it makes more sense for electric rather than hydrogen, for example.
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I haven't seen Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, but I'd venture a guess that Who Killed the Electric Car? is as important a movie. If you haven't seen this yet, I recommend it highly!
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Paine is filming a sequel, Revenge of the Electric Car, which is due out in 2011. I can hardly wait. If it's half as good as the first it'll be worth the price to see it in the theatre.

Oscar

2009-09-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

If you're in the mood for a silly comedy that won't strain your mind, you'll enjoy this week's suggestion: 1991's Oscar.
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It stars Sly Stalone as "Snaps" Provolone, a gangster boss (circa 1930s) who promises his dying father he'll give up the racket. Unfortunately for him, circumstances - along with the police, family, his henchmen - conspire against him.
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It's got a wonderful supporting cast: Tim Curry, Marisa Tomei, Don Ameche, Chazz Palminteri, Kutwood Smith, to name a few.
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This is a cute, light-hearted comedy in the same vein as Clue. It's directed by John Landis, one of the Clue writers.

It isn't quite as good as Clue. But then again, very few are.

The Last Innocent Man

2009-09-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

My suggestion this week is a taut court-room thriller from 1987, The Last Innocent Man.
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It's an HBO film starring Ed Harris as the best defense attorney in Portland. He's burned out but gets seduced into defending a man charged with murdering a woman vice cop.
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As always, Harris is great, and so is the supporting cast: Roxanne Hart (Highlander), David Suchet (Foolproof), and Bruce McGill (Animal House).
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It's rated R for nudity, language and a little violence.
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It got less-than-glorious reviews on imdb.com, and an average viewer rating of 6.6 out of 10 stars. But I really liked this movie.
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Yes, it has some cliches but the main characters are all 3-dimensional; superbly written, directed and acted.

Watch It

2009-08-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

This week's suggestion is the 1993 comedy Watch It.
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It has the one of the best taglines ever: Four men and the women they annoy.
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Too bad the movie isn't quite as good as its tagline. I'm still recommending it, but don't be expecting a great movie. It's just good.
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It's all about relationships, but I would not call this a "chick-flick" by any stretch.
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John moves in with 3 house-mates, one who's his estranged cousin. It shows as he tries to reconnect with his cousin, along with the romantic relationships of the womanizing guys.
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It's got a lot of good actors: Peter Gallagher, Suzy Amis, John C. McGinley, Tom Sizemore, Cynthia Stevenson, and Lili Taylor. All of whom do good jobs here.
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It's rated R for it's vulgarity, and I found some scenes hard to sit though. So I won't say run right out and Watch It. But if you're looking for a brutally honest, yet funny film it's worth renting.

Tapeheads

2009-08-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

This weeks suggestion is one of my favorite comedies of all time. 1988's quirky indictment of the music video industry, Tapeheads.
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It stars John Cusack and Tim Robbins as a pair of under-achievers who have a dream of making rock videos.
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This is Cusack and Robbins at their comedic bests. Cusack's character is kind of a sleaze, and he plays it perfectly. Robbins is equally good playing the artsy, creative type.
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It has a ton of musicians who make cameos: Ted Nugent, Weird Al, Jello Biafra, Michael Nesmith (who also produced) to name a few.
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It is rated R for some "adult situations" and for language. And it does get a little cheesy in parts. But it's also really entertaining.
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I read a review that called it "the next generation Blues Brothers". I don't know if I'd go quite that far. But I do love this movie. It's a light-hearted romp through the rock video business.

The Children of Huang Shi

2009-08-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here's another film based on real events. 2008's The Children of Huang Shi.

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It's about George Hogg, a British journalist trying to report on the Japanese invasion of China in 1937. He soon discovers a new purpose at an orphanage where the children are without supervision. With a Australian nurse and a Chinese soldier he leads the children on an impossible trek to freedom.
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Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh (both from Crouching Tiger)are great in their supporting roles. I've heard some criticism for the leading roles by Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Bend it Like Beckham) and Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black), but despite Radha's lack of an accent I really can't complain.

This is a powerful and moving story, and it's my favorite film of this era. Yes, better than Empire of the Sun.

Snatch

2009-08-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

This movie is a bit mainstream, but I know too many people who haven't seen it yet.
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It's Guy Ritchie's best film, I think. A crime thriller/comedy masterpiece from 2000, Snatch.
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Basically, this is about a guy trying to fence a huge diamond in London after a heist. But everyone and their dog, it seems, is after the diamond.
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It's hard to explain any more than that. There are too many stories overlapped and intertwined. And Ritchie does an amazing job mixing them all in seamlessly.
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This movie is packed full of violence and harsh language. So if you're easily upset you'll want to skip this one.
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But it's also packed with humor (often dark) and great characters.
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Brad Pitt has an amazing role as a pikey (english gypsy), who has an accent so odd it's hard to understand. The DVD has a "pikey translator" that gives subtitles every time he talks. But it's much more fun to watch it without, gradually you pick up more and more of what he's saying.
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I love this movie. And it stands up well to repeated viewings.

Outland

2009-07-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

To show my age a little bit...
Here's another older movie that not very many people younger than I am have seen. It's the futuristic 1981 film Outland.
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Sean Connery plays a marshal who is transferred to a mining outpost on Io, moon of Jupiter. There he stumbles on a drug-smuggling ring with lofty connections.
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Don't be fooled, this isn't so much of a sci-fi movie. It's more of a western that happens to be set in outer space.
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It is very slow moving, especially by today's standards, but still good. All The characters are well written and acted and there's a constant air of tension .
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As you watch this movie keep an eye out for 2 cast members who would later wind up as relatives on the TV series Cheers.

Something the Lord Made

2009-07-22T13:43:00.001-07:00

Here's another movie based on historical events. This one, though, is not depressing - quite the opposite, in fact - it's inspirational and moving.
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It's 2004's Something the Lord Made, an HBO film starring Alan Rickman and Mos Def.
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Starting about the time of the great depression, it tells the true story of Alfred Blalock (Rickman), a pioneering cardiologist, who hires an African-American lab assistant, Vivian Thomas (Mos Def). Thomas soon becomes much more useful than just sweeping floors. He manufactures new surgical tools and even assists Blalock in radically new procedures. Together they try to cure Blue babies - babies with a terminal heart condition.
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This movie shows some of the racial tensions of the time (although understated at times), and a really cool time when surgeons had to build their own equipment.
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Rickman (as always) and Mos Def are both spectacular. This is a must-see!

The Grey Zone

2009-07-15T12:18:00.001-07:00

This next movie is the Aptly-named The Grey Zone. From 2001, it's a dark, macabre look at a horrifying time in history.
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Based on actual events at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, it's about a Jewish doctor recruited by Josef Mengele and other Jews who get special privileges for working for the Germans, called Sonderkommandos. Together they raise arms and mount the only armed revolt in any German WWII death camp.
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The cast is good: Steve Buscemi and Harvy Keitel are great, and I even didn't mind David Arquette - a rarity.
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This movie doesn't pull any punches. It is unflinching, depressing and hard to sit thru. But it's well worth it. It explores the moral grey zone and you often find yourself asking tough questions like what would you do if you were put in this hell.

Taps

2009-07-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here's an older movie for you. The 1981 drama Taps.
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It's about a group of students at a military academy who take up arms and get into a stand-off with the police when their academy is threatened with closing to make room for condos.
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Timothy Hutton is excellent as the ranking cadet leading the students and George C. Scott and Ronny Cox are good too. But they are not the reason to watch this movie.
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This movie basically launched the careers of Tom Cruise and Sean Penn. They didn't even get their names on the original movie poster (the studio changed that once they got famous).
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But their roles in Taps are opposite of their typical roles later in the 80s. Sean Penn, who I remember as Spicoli or a tough delinquent in Bad Boys, is the straight-A-getting book worm. And Tom Cruise plays the gung-ho, trigger-happy tough kid - quite a change from the spoiled rich kid from Risky Business.

If you remember Penn and Cruise from their typical 80s roles this movie should give you a nice chuckle at the ironic casting. Oh, and it happens to be a pretty decent movie otherwise, too.

Wit

2009-07-01T10:25:00.001-07:00

Time to change things up again. Here's a great tear-jerker: a 2001 HBO film called Wit, based on a play by Margaret Edson. The screenplay was written by Emma Thompson and director Mike Nichols.
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Don't let that description scare you off (GUYS!), this is a really interesting, engaging, witty, intelligent look at a tough subject.
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It tells the story of Vivian Bearing (Emma Thompson), a rigid professor of 17th century English Lit, who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The movie follows Vivian as she looks back and also at the relationships she has with her medical staff, including one doctor who was a former student of hers.

Because this was not theatrically released it makes the performances not eligable for Oscars. What a shame! Thompson would have been a virtual shoe-in for one. She is so amazing that you sometimes forget you're watching an actress playing a part. And even Christopher Lloyd is great as the head doctor.
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This is a truly great movie - enough said. To quote Vivian Bearing: After all, brevity is the soul of wit.

Wicked City

2009-06-23T23:33:00.001-07:00

If you're a fan of anime you've probably seen Ninja Scroll. If you liked that movie you will like Wicked City. If you haven't seen Ninja Scroll yet...DO! NOW! [well, wait till you read the rest of this blog, please... then watch Wicked City after that.]
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There are a bevy of similarities between the two films. Both are writen and dircted by the same guy; both use some of the same voice actors; neither has robots, spaceships, transformers, or any variation there of; and both are very violent and very sexual; and very NOT for children .
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And both are very fun.
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But this is about Wicked City: which is about two "Black Guards" assigned to protect a diplomat who is about to sign a very special peace treaty between humans and "the other side" (supernatural). Of course, not of all the "other side" wants the treaty signed. Conflict ensues...
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This is not an Academy Award winner by any stretch of the imagination. But it is a very nice distraction, where you may actually have to think in parts [GASP!!]
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(Check out my favorite animated flicks on the right-hand side)

House of Flying Daggers

2009-06-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

If you liked Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon you'll love this movie: 2004's House of Flying Daggers.

A subtitled, Chinese film from the director of Jet Li's Hero [also worth seeing], this is a beautiful, "stylized" martial arts movie and romance drama. The only actor you'll probably recognize in Flying Daggers, also happens to be in Crouching Tiger, Ziyi Zhang.

It's set in ancient China where a corrupt government rules. The local police are charged with getting rid of the House of Flying Daggers, a ruthless group with a secret martial art who are trying to stage a coup. The police see their way in when it's discovered a new dancer at the local club (Zhang) has ties to the Daggers. But the cop who infiltrates the clan didn't plan on falling in love with the dancer. Complications ensue...

Like Crouching Tiger it's got great action. But it requires suspending disbelief for the really amazing looking, albeit impossible, martial arts and effects. Thrown daggers curve around obstacles to hit their intended targets, for example.

But this movie is so much more beautiful than Crouching Tiger. It was nominated for the Oscar in cinematography and how it didn't win is a mystery to me. It's the most visually stunning film I think I've ever seen. It's worth watching just for the scenes in the bamboo forest - THAT's how pretty this film is! It also should have been nominated for [if not won!] the Oscar for best foreign film.

Watch House of Flying Daggers and when you do, watch it on the largest screen possible.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

2009-06-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

This week's movie is another favorite of mine: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang from 2005.
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It's a Film noir-ish dark comedy/detective movie, too adult for for kids. It's got lots of bad language, violence and nudity - so if you're easily offended this movie is not for you. But it's also one of the smartest, wittiest and funniest detective movies I've ever seen.
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Without giving too much away, it's about three people who get thrown into the midst of a murder mystery - a private investigator, a petty thief from New York, and an aspiring actress.
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Val Kilmer, Robert Downey Jr. and Michelle Monaghan (respectively) do superb work.
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However the writing is what sets this movie apart. It's written by Shane Black (writer of Lethal Weapon), who also makes his directorial debut. Black is at the top of his game: great dialogue, witty banter, spoofing other movies while not taking itself too seriously...
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See Kiss Kiss Bang Bang if you're in the mood for an intelligent, funny, unconventional movie!

Stranger Than Fiction

2009-06-03T23:44:00.001-07:00

To change things up a little bit, here's a cute, light-hearted American romantic-comedy: 2006's Stranger Than Fiction.
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I know. This is a bit more mainstream than most of the films I review. But there are many people who haven't seen this movie yet. Most are people who are not fans of Will Farrell.
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Do not fret, Farrell haters (and I consider myself one of your ranks). There is no SNL-like silliness, no Ron Burgundy or Old School shenanigans. Will is the straight man here!!
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And as hard as it is for me to write: Will Ferrell does a fine job.
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He plays an IRS agent who suddenly starts hearing a female voice narrating his daily activities. Only he can hear this voice and it starts driving him mad; especially when the voice says something cryptic about his impending doom. So he sets out on a quest to find the narrator and change his fate, if possible.
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Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Thompson all do wonderful work in this film. It is well directed by Marc Forester (Finding Neverland and Monster's Ball), and written. It does get a tad cheesy in sections, but no worse than most romantic-comedies.

The Twilight Samurai

2009-05-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

This next movie is one of my all time favorites. The Twilight Samurai is a 2002 period piece set in feudal Japan.
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This is NOT your typical samurai film. There are no armies massing, no blood baths, revenge yarns, or characters driven to ritualistic suicide or otherwise ridiculous extremes by outdated (most will say) codes of honor.
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Set in Japan's Meiji era, the last days of the samurai warriors, it follows Seibei Iguchi, a low-level samurai widower who has to look after his 2 daughters and senile mother. Most lesser samurai in that period were relegated to bureaucratic work rather than actual fighting, although Seibei does have tremendous skill with the sword.
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This movie is all about conflicts. To name a few: conflict with the parents of his late wife, with his clan, within himself whether or not to give up his samurai status to farm and spend time with his kids...
This was a huge deal in ancient Japan. Class systems ruled - the gap between the lowliest samurai and a well-to-do farmer was a really big deal. [Sidebar: this is a point missed by the movie The Last Samurai: just how much of an insult to samurai it was to all of a sudden promote peasants to warrior status.]
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This is a great drama with a little samurai swordplay, and a whole lot of insight into an every-day man of Japan long ago. Amazingly shot, acted, written, directed...
I can't possibly say enough about this movie.

Foolproof

2009-05-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

This week's suggestion is Foolproof. A 2003 Canadian movie.

It's about 3 friends who play a game pulling off theoretical heists. Of course they'd never do this in real life...

Until they get blackmailed into doing just that.

It does have some harsh language, but it's an intellegent, well acted thriller.

If you liked Ocean's Eleven or The Heist, you'll enjoy Foolproof.

Battle Royale

2009-05-13T11:42:00.001-07:00

This week's movie, Battle Royale, is harder to find. But you can find it on NetFlix: http://www.netflix.com/?mqso=80015652

Known as Batoru Rowaiaru in its native Japan, where it's won a ton of awards. It was deemed too controversial to be theatrically released in the US.

Indeed, this is NOT a movie for the kiddies!

It takes place in the near future. After Japan has a near apocalyptic economic crisis, they pass the "Battle Royale Act" as way to thin the herd. Every year they drop a very surprised middle school class on an abandoned island, give each kid a survival bag complete with a weapon of some sort, and let them battle it out till there's only one alive.

This movie is not as gory as your typical Hollywood slasher flick. But it is very violent.

Fun to watch if you have even the least bit of schadenfreude.

The Zero Effect

2009-05-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

This week's suggestion is the oft overlooked 1989 movie The Zero Effect starring Bill Pullman and Ben Stiller. A dark comedy/detectve story, filled with subtle humor, great characters and a good plot.

Do not worry if you're not a Ben Stiller fan. I'm not. But he's great in this.

But this movie is driven by Bill Pullman as the reclusive PI Daryl Zero. He is both funny and desperately vulnerable. It's been whispered that this character was the insperation to create Monk. Whether or not this is true, Daryl Zero is truely a great character - afraid to be in his own skin when not working a case.

Run out today to rent The Zero Effect