JakeStevens Blog

Under discussion:

Imaginary Heroes  (2004)

Apparently a film not made for everyone, I tend to like films like these suburban-dramedies (others like it are "Running With Scissors", "American Beauty", "Ordinary People"). Apart from the too-wrapped-up-for-my-tastes ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this film, also. The script, mostly berated by the majority of film critics, is dryly funny and starkly melencholy in turns. I agree that many of the crucial "twists" or "reveals" come a tad too late in the film (arguably the most crucial in the last two minutes!). The acting is top-notch all around, and the cast makes the occassionally melodramtic script (almost) work. Sigourney Weaver is the stand out here, and her turn as the smarting matriarch of the family ought to have been noticed by the AMPAS (especially considering 2004's nominees). The verdict: A decent effort by a first time director worth at least one watch.

Under discussion:

An American in Paris  (1951)

I've never really been one for musicals or extended dance sequences, and it seems this film is almost completely just about that, with some scant plot thrown in to connect all of the numbers together. I'd be hard pressed (more like tortured) to say this was deserving of its 1952 Best Picture Oscar, especially when you consider it was contending with "A Place In The Sun", "A Streetcar Named Desire" and the not-even-nominated-for-Best-Picture "The African Queen" (perhaps my favorite mentioned thus far). True, the cinematography is breath-taking, the obvious sets are lavish, and the song and dance sequences captivating...if you're into that sort of thing. As a whole, though, does that constitute it being the best picture of that year? I would say no. No way. I bought this because not only did it win Best Picture, it also found its way onto AFI's 100 Best Films of All Time list, and I would MOST DEFINITELY say that "Singin' In The Rain" is the superior picture, and much more deserving of its status. This is certainly a charming film, but so is "Rain", and charm a best picture does not make.

Under discussion:

Jacob's Ladder  (1990)

Since first seeing this film in 1990, at the urgent goading of one of my uncles, I have raved about this film and I attempt to watch it at least once a year. As such, it hasn't lost any of its impact with multiple viewings, rather, the subtlties of Adrian Lyne's direction and Tim Robbins deft portrayal of Jacob Singer keep elevating it higher and higher on my favorites list. Robbins is perfectly cast as a mad who is seemingly losing his mind while desperately attempting to figure out what is happening to him. Danny Aiello is simply angelic (pun fully intended) as his chiropractor, and Elizabeth Pena is effectively seductive and sexy as his post-failed-marriage concubine Jezebel. If you've never seen this film - PLEASE - watch it soon; I promise...you will not be disappointed. Even if you don't LOVE it, you'll at the very least appreciate it.

Under discussion:

Eastern Promises  (2007)

So I've been watching a lot of Cronenberg's earlier films, and although I enjoy them for what they are (semi-low budget horror/sci-fi films), his recent work is what most interests me. He has crafted here yet another multi-layered masterpiece about violence and codes of ethics with a cast that knows exactly how to handle said material. Someone below mentions the gore and violence, and I don't see how this film could be nearly as effective without it. Cronenberg is one of those directors (in the vein of Scorsese) whose sole purpose, it seems, is to evoke emotion via shock and unexpected surprise. I like it. And I think you will, too.

Under discussion:

Alien vs. Predator  (2004)

Cool concept - flawed execution. Sure, the thing is shot wonderfully, and the effects are top notch, so if that's what you're looking for, you'll be properly satisfied. The story, though, is deeply flawed in keeping with both the Alien and Predator story "facts". For instance, Alien blood is, by now, well known to be highly acidic, and this is shown when one of the Predators uses his wristblades to cut the Alien, and his wristblades melt. Not more than a few minutes later, the same Predator chops the head off of another Alien, and absolutely NOTHING happens to the blade, let alone the fact that not a DROP of acid comes out of the Alien. And that's just ONE example, and believe me, there are tons of inconsistancies in logic, story arc, and "lore" - too many to get into here and now. Sorry, fanboys...I think they could have done better. Fun, but not enough.

Under discussion:

The Devil and Daniel Johnston  (2006)

There's always, at the very least, a hint of naivete and childlike wonder hidden in the hearts and souls of your everyday artist, whether they be musicians, writers, painters, actors, filmmakers...what have you. Every so often, an artist comes along whose entire being is made up of this magical, and yet frustratingly volatile, pixie dust. That person is Daniel Johnston, and what a story he has to tell. Unbelievable things have happened to him in his lifetime, and he's still going strong, perhaps even more strongly than before thanks to the creation of this documentary. Johnston has overcome every roadblock imaginable, from not acutally being able to sing to not actually being able to play guitar, and yet his songs are accessible and catchy, if you can get past his voice that is, but for me personally, that's part of its rough-hewn charm. I was so impressed with this film that as soon as it ended, I started the movie again. I just could not believe the tale I was just told. I don't expect everyone to have the same reaction, but you should AT LEAST give this a watch to experience the life of one of underground pop's most underrated, tragic songwriters.

Under discussion:

Batman  (1989)

Let's look at the facts here: Tim Burton, fresh off the giddy originality of Beetlejuice, helms this big-budget version of Batman with his signature style fully intact. Danny Elfman, whose score for Pee-Wee's Big Adventure thrilled audiences with its fresh new sound and fit Burton's vision to a tee. Michael Keaton, also from Beetlejuice, was Burton's then "it" guy, and of course, you've got Jack Nicholson whose persona goes without saying. Just as much as people were anticipating The Dark Knight a few months ago, that was the fervor surrounding 1989's Batman - around the same time, the old 60's television series was airing on Nick At Nite, so everyone knew how campy Batman could be. Conversely, DC comics released Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns", Jim Starlin's "A Death In The Family", and most importantly to ME, Alan Moore's "The Killing Joke", and they took the series into new, darker territory. Then news came of the film version being dark and "serious", and people flipped. I've probably seen this film 50 times if not more, and it never gets old. Sure, you could argue that the Christopher Nolan Batman is more "realistic", and that Heath Ledger's Joker is more "villainous", but why go there? It's like comparing apples to oranges - there's no point. They're BOTH good and they BOTH come from visionary directors who slathered the films with their signature styles. Heck, for me personally, I might even like this one the best.

Under discussion:

Made for Each Other  (1939)

Found at my local Wal-Greens for a dollar, the version I purchased has three films on it: "Made For Each Other", "Pot O' Gold" and a cartoon. I found the film to be VERY uneven tone-wise, but the film was saved from sinking (and getting a lower rating) by two things: the cinematography. More specifically, shot composition. There are a select few very picturesque scenes in the film that make it quite interesting to watch. Jimmy Stewart. He's just too darned wholesome to completely dislike, even when his acting is wooden, which it is several times here, but he makes up for it in the later, more melodramatic scenes. Everyone else is hamming it up and sobbing, whereas he gets surprisingly angry. I don't think I've ever seen him in another role where he yells so realistically at another character. I would rate this film as "for Jimmy Stewart completists".