Movie Musings

After a disappointing first film, I wasn't initially all that interested in seeing this second outing for the Fantastic Four.  The original film almost felt like a "second tier" title compared to the Like of the X-Men and Spider-Man  in regards to the overall production. The verdict?  Pleasantly surprised. 

The trend these days seems to be to interject comic book films with weighty pathos.  This can work as in the first two X-Men films, Spider-Man 2(and it was arguably done successfully in the original Spider-man film as well I suppose), as well as Batman Begins.  However there are some films where the drama becomes too heavy-handed as seen in Superman Returns.  In Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, it allows the characters to have fun while still saving the world from impending doom.  We get some great character moments with Sue Storm and Reed Richards as they prepare for their wedding and some very good chemistry between Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm, whom fight a lot despite being friends.  Also you can easily tell Julian McMahon loves chewing up the scenery as Victor Von Doom, the team's nemesis despite not getting much of a character arc.

The special effects were good with nothing completely distracting on screen and the story is coherent.  I'm thankful this movie wasn't another 2.5 hour opus that seems to be plaguing this summer film going season.  The film is tightly editable to a much more palatable hour and a half.

I wouldn’t go see this to be drawn into a complex story only to discuss it for hours on end.  This is a definitely a film to go see to be entertained for a couple hours and just have a good time with some fun characters.

One of the things that DVD has done for me is in a sense, it has reunited me with numerous films from that I remember viewing during my childhood. One such film was Waxwork, a seemingly low budget genre film about wax displays killing people in terrible ways. Having just seen this film unedited for TV, I have a new found respect for this movie that I did not have before.

Released in 1988, this movie has a high cheese factor to compliment the times. It almost seems anachronistic even watching a films that is less than 20 years old these days as political correctness has found its way on the film scene. For example there is a ton of cigarette smoking in this movie, but unfortunately a serious lack of T&A for a film made during that time but the gore factor more than made up for it. Yes its a typical "kill the dumb teenager" movie but the fact that they can manage to do it in a creative way can make up for that a little bit.

The characters aren't really worth talking about at length, seeing as they are just fodder for the various creatures thrown at them. Although the heightened melodrama at the beginning of the film reached 90210-levels, which I have to admit is kinda annoying for this kind of movie.

So I'm naming mostly negatives for a movie I supposedly respect, there are present and merited I do admit. The film does shine in its tongue-in-cheek style though. The kills are very well done, the gore is very well.. gory and the closing credits is set to "It's My Party." An odd choice, especially due to incongruous nature of the preceding scene but its still got a chuckle out of me yet. This is a great trip down memory lane and I will continue to enjoy this film in the future more likely while heavily intoxicated.

American Beauty is a film I initially saw when it was initially released in theaters in 1999.  I remember I initially saw it with my friend Danny, and remember being awe struck by the simplistic beauty of this family drama, so much so that I needed to see it again.  It has probably been a few years since I've sat down and really watched it, but its left pretty much the same impression on me but I feel like I get the story more now, which to me is a sign of a truly great movie.  

In the film there is one main family examined, the Burnhams, the patriarch, Lester, opens in voice over stating that he's going to die in his 42nd year of life.  At the start of the movie he its just a shell of the person he used to be when he was younger.  He masturbates in the shower, works at a thankless job, and he is a less than active participant in his family as a husband and father.  Not by choice however as his wife and daughter almost push him out of their lives.  The mother, Carolyn, is career-obsessed, yet unsuccessful real estate agent, whom is constantly seeking to better herself no matter what it takes.  Their daughter, Jane, has self image problems which are further augmented by her best "friend," Angela, who uses Jane to validate her beauty and allay her own insecurities.  In the first half of the film each of these characters has an awaking that promises happier lives for each of these three characters.  Lester falls in lust with  Angela and meets the the son of their new neighbor, Ricky,who makes him more assertive about his needs and nostalgic for his Youth in general,  Carolyn starts having rendezvous with Buddy Kane, popular real estate king, and Jane starts dating Ricky,  and no longer needs the validation for Angela.

Information in this movie is present is many ways.  While present in other movies, I think American Beauty presents a whole picture not necessarily in the story and dialog, but in other unspoken ways.  For example, there is a picture taken of the Burnham family of a carnival of some sort that sorta shows the happier times.  It almost makes you wonder what happened to this family to make them so xenophobic.  Also, the new neighbors, The Fittz's,  the father is a marine.  The mother seems detached some how.  She'll inquire about noises and comments that weren't made, sit at the dining room table staring at the wall  when no one is home, yet you know that this woman is in an unfulfilling marriage, if not an unfulfilling life.  I think that is what is so powerful about this film.  You wondering and think about the characters not only during the events of the film, but their pasts and where they are going after this particular story ends.

With out going in depth the acting is great, the story is interesting, leaving you wanting for more and the score is very fitting.  While watching this movie I has to look at the film information about the score because I thought it sounded familiar.  I was correct as Thomas Newman worked on Six Feet Under as well as this film.  I was able to draw upon similar themes between American Beauty and Six Feet Under, but I assume this is because that show was created by Alan Ball who wrote this film.  When the film was over,  there is several seconds of black that I just linger on every time I see this.  It seemingly invites the viewer to digest the film a little bit before getting up out of their seats.  For me it makes me beg for more, not to be taken out of this world.

In the last few years, the horror film has completely gone down hill.  this is attributed to many thing, the waning box off and tying to get as many "kids" in the theater with the PG-13 rating and possibly general conservatism in Hollywood.  Whatever the reason, 90% of modern horror films suck.  In 2003,  the film Haute Tension was release in France and garnered the attention of genre fans.  From is stark brutality at times to its quiet suspense, it makes you part of the characters' world until the end of the 91 minute runtime.

The film opens up with Marie visiting her friend Alex's family.  That night a stranger knocks at the door, and Alex's family is brutalized and Alex is kidnapped.  This film is about Marie's experiences in trying to rescue her friend.  Yes, this is a basic slasher film premise.  A silent killer stalking its prey.  At the same time however,  Marie is also stalking him, not only for her own survival, but also the Alex's as well.

There are two reasons this film has made such an impression on me.  Gore fans are definitely in for a treat with this film.  While obviously fake, the director Alexandre Aja and special effects make up work of Giannetto De Rossi (according to Wikipedia is a favorite of Lucio Fulci, the renowned horror director), have created a feast for the eyes for fans of the red stuff.  Unlike the violence in say the later entries Nightmare on Elm Street series or the Friday the 13th series, there isn't the element of playfully in the killing.  these are actually pretty sick to watch and  contain a strong element of sadism and savagery.

The second reason is the ending.  I'm not say I don't like it, because I do.  Still, I can't wrap my head completely around it and figure out how it works within the context of the film.  It's good if a bit gimmicky.  At the same time it does elevate this film from being a simple slasher film to something a bit more... cerebral.  My argument for that is: Does a simple slasher film need to be cerebral?  My instinctual answer is simply "no" just because I don't go to horror films to think.  If the film happens to offer more than the typical blonde bimbos being offed one after the other, it should be well thought out and clearly executed.

All in all, I love this film  I think this is an important film for the horror genre fans and they should definitely pick this one up.  For those that  are not genre fans I think that if you can stomach the blood you'll enjoy this movie for the visceral experience that it is. Aja has taken the slasher film back to where is used to be 3 decades ago: scary, bloody, and fun.  Even with the ending there is no denying this guy has an eye for these type of movies. and after seeing this I have high hopes for his remake of The Hills have Eyes coming out next year.

Plato had an explanation for the reason why love exists not only between man and woman, but also homosexuality. Initially, there were three sexes, the sun (men), the earth (women) and the moon (a hybrid of men and women). These beings were like two people in one, occupying the same body and facing opposing directions. Due their growing insolence, the gods cut them in half. According to this theory, love is in a way, the parts becoming whole, the two halves finding each other and becoming one yet again. I think this concept of love is an intriguing one and makes sense. Instead of find something as ambiguous as a soulmate or something of the like, you are finding someone that compliments you in one way or another to complete the whole.

As I could discuss this topic in more detail, this is a movie review and not thesis on mythology, but as a basis of the story for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Musicals are something that I am very hit or miss about. One thing I really like about about musicals is that a fair number of them take place in a very hyper-kinetic reality, but if done incorrectly the film can lose any sort of basis in reality. While there are clearly over the top moments as this is partially a comedy, its still fairly grounded and make for a more believable film.

One of the aspects of the film that I really liked about this film is the writing. It has an almost poetic rhythm to it, coupled with flowery dialog while I tend not to really care for verbose language, it seems to really work here especially during early scenes between a younger Hedwig and Tommy Gnosis, as it sort of represents their blossoming relationship.

The music in the film is generally hard rock, with a ballad or two thrown in there for good measure. So instead of the "razzle-dazzle" numbers of typical musicals, we get music that is more my personal taste, as well as serving the purpose of moving the plot forward and providing exposition. Notable numbers are "Origin of Love" outlining Plato's story above, "Sugar Daddy" about Hedwig's first male experience, and Wig in a Box about Hedwig's outward transformation to the person she is throughout the movie.

I think this is more than a musical. John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig, director) has crafted a tale that may not be fore everyone, but I think it can speak to people who feel that they may be the outcasts of their respective societies, as well as those looking for their "other half." The writing, music and acting make for a film that while campy, is still very high caliber and is a great watch if you are ever in the mood for a good time.

In the last few years event films in the winter have almost become as ubiquitous as those that are released in the summer.  Films such as those in the  Lord of the Rings series, the Aviator, and Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events have been released in the Christmas season within the last few years.  While not all family films, there was much anticipation upon the release of most of these films.  This trend continues with the release of the first entry in the Chronicles of Narnia series;  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

For those unacquainted with the novels, they will probably go into this film with the impression that it may be Lord of the Rings but with half the calories and less filling.  I would say that would be a incorrect assumption but with some exceptions.  There are some absolutely thrilling action set pieces, some breathtaking cinematography (which honestly did feel like it was ripped right out of Lord of the Rings with all the sweeping landscapes and such), but at the core, the story was just generally well told and well paced.  I have seen a few interations of this story, names a miniseries produced by the BBC and also an animated version, and this new telling is easily the strongest.  My main complain with the 1988 miniseries is that it was boring.  I don't remember exactly what bothered me about the miniseries but it had to have been a pacing issue with the first part of the story.  To contrast the story moves at a brisk pace.  Perhaps a little to brisk, but the story doesn't really slow down very much.  While this may sacrifice come character moments that many loved in the Lord of the Rings films, I just don't think they would work here.

I have really said much about the acting.  That is mainly due to the fact that there aren't really that many human roles in this story.  We have the four children, whom are actually very good, or at least didn't really annoy me for the two hours and fifteen minutes they were on screen (which is quite a feat).  Tilda Swinton was wonderfully cast as the White Witch.  I'm not terribly familiar with this actress.  I've only seen her in Constantine and she didn't leave much of an impression on me in that movie.  I think her plain beauty contributed lot to her effectiveness in this role and overall she has a strong presence for such a cold, calculated role.  The rest of the characters save for Mr. Tumnus were all CG and were voiced by some fairly well known British talent including Dawn French.  The role of Aslan was voiced by Liam Neeson which came as a surprise to me.  Now that I know I guess it did sound like him, but I couldn't place it at the time.

One aspect I have failed to mention about the film is the Christian allegory that this story represents.  Personally, I thought it was a bit blatant.  I like stories that metaphorically you can drawn your own conclusions, but as was the case in this film, it was pretty obvious what he was trying to depict.  Granted this may be because this is a children's story and such concepts as metaphor are foreign but still it made me a bit uncomfortable.  Despite that, I think this movie will still be in theaters well after the Holidays.  It has several things going for it.  Its based on a well-known book.  It's a family film that is entertaining for kids and adults at the same time.  And finally, it just has a magical appeal to it that is irresistible.  I'm curious to see when the rest of the series is going to come out (there is no "if" in this movie's case).  I will definitely try and see this one again.

It has been a while since I have affected by a film to the degree that Irreversable has affected me.  It hasn’t given me nightmares, but there are instances where this film plays out like one.  While there is little French cinema that I have enjoyed, this is actually one of the few that I could sit all the way through.  And honestly, I can’t say I even enjoyed this movie because the experience itself was emotionally taxing, I don’t think I can ever watch this film again, at least anytime soon.

It’s hard to describe the film without mentioning the format of this film.  The movie occurs in a backwards fashion, much like Memento, but with a few differences.  In Memento, when a scene ended it ended fairly abruptly and also featured the first few seconds of the previous scene to put the scene into context within the story.  This is honestly preferable because in Irreversible, instead of a scene just ending, there is a camera move to transition between the scenes instead of a cut.  Also, there the overlap that is present in Memento is not present in this film.  It’s not like there is vital information that it missing but the viewer needs to piece the puzzle together themselves.  This does not work in this film until about 20 minutes or so as I had no clue what was going on.  Also the camera work was insane, floating around an opening scene in a dimly lit bar, not focusing specifically on anyone or anything.  It’s quite possible this technique was employed to show the main character’s state of mind at the time.  Despite that, there were no hints as to the structure of the film until after this time and then I eventually figured it out what was happening and the camerawork became more controlled.  Once this happens the plot finally gets a chance to rise to the surface.  The story focuses on a man avenging the rape of his girlfriend.  We get a story arc about the day the rape occurred which gives us a chance to see the characters and their personalities before and after the tragic event occurs.  The only name familiar to me in the cast is Monica Bellucci, whom is known for roles in the last two Matrix films and The Brothers Grimm.  She gives a strong performance considering she doesn’t have a whole lot to do and is only in about half the movie.

 I have a really difficult time recommending this movie.  At the same I will see see it if you have a strong stomach.  This is a strong, unforgiving thriller that I think should be seen to be appreciated, yet not necessarily liked.

After 17 years, I have finally had a chance to take in one of my favorite Disney films, The Little Mermaid, on DVD This film was the first in a line of Disney that defined the studio during the early to mid 90s in a line of popular animated films such as The Lion King and Aladdin.  I was excited yet a bit cautious to take this film after so many years because nostalgia has a way of making memories more pleasurable that what they really are.  The rose-tinted glasses effect as they say.  This really was no the case with this film and I really enjoyed revisiting this film again.

When you are younger one really doesn’t care about the technical aspect of any film, but one of the first thing that I noticed about this film is that the character designs seems very expressive for a Disney film.  There aren’t many traditional human character designs in this film, obviously, but the human elements of the characters’ faces are over exaggerated, almost like those found in anime and 80s era Don Bluthe Films such as All Dogs go to Heaven and The Land Before Time.  This lent for a more “cartoony” look as opposed to the traditional character designs I was used to from other Disney films such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

One aspect that this film is renowned for is the music.  Disney practically had it down to an art form on how to convey character and plot through song and this film is no exception.  Personal favorite songs include “Part of Your World” about Ariel’s long for a life outside of the ocean and “Poor, Unfortunate Soul,” the main villain Ursula’s ploy to lure Ariel in the her trap.  The “popular” songs are a little too catchy and formulaic to want to be listen to over and over again, but are entertaining enough within the context of the film.  And these song should be good as they were written by Alan Menkin, the musical writer of several play such as Little Shop of Horrors, another personal favorite film.

One thing I didn’t remember is how quickly the film ends.  Looking at my DVD player as the credits were about to roll, the film did not get a chance to break an hour and twenty minutes at that point.  That not really a bad thing however.  The film never really let’s up and moves along at a brisk pace.  The only time I can say I thought it really dragged was right before and during the “Under the Sea” number.  It almost seems as if it is filler.  The actors are well performed with actors that I have never heard of with the exception of Buddy Hackett as Scuttle the Seagull.

Overall, I was impressed how much this film held up.  I find that for ever film I watch today that I enjoyed as a child there a few others that I can’t believe I liked.  As I said previously, nostalgia can be tricky.  This film still holds, has great music and one of the best Disney villains in their entire catalog.  This is a fun filled movie that can definitely still be enjoyed by a twenty five year old as much as I did when I was eight.