JakeStevens Blog

"Running With Scissors" Done...Well...Better, At Least

JakeStevens — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:10:49 GMT

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.

Great Acting, Crisp Direction

JakeStevens — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:15:05 GMT

I picked this up because I've been a fan of Steve Buscemi's since his "Reservoir Dogs" days, and particularly, his directorial debut, "Trees Lounge". This film being his fourth directorial effort, I could not pass it up, and I'm glad I didn't - this is the work of someone who has made a living acting in some of the best independent and/or quirky films (or even roles) of the last 15+ years. And considering there are basically only two people in the entire film, it's important to have them be engaging and interesting to watch. Buscemi and Miller have a surprising amount of chemistry throughout the film, and considering the action is limited to a series of cuts between two people having a conversation in one room, the direction is kept brisk and fresh by some clever blocking and a documentary-type feel. My only gripe is the somewhat unbelievable way these two characters get into this situation (the car wreck and Miller's character's sudden need to help someone she officially hated a minute and a half ago), but without that necessary step...well, there wouldn't be much of a story here, now would there?

They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To...Good Thing?

JakeStevens — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:21:16 GMT

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.

Zzzz...Wha? Huh? OH! Review Time!

JakeStevens — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:32:50 GMT

A snoozer through and through. Interesting dialogue, but you could get more out of reading a book, which is what much of this film felt like. There's no action, save for when Johnathon Schaech enters the picture, and that is DEFINITELY not enough to save this film. I only bought this because this is one of Brad Renfro's last films and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe's appearances are also getting few and far between. Again, not enough to save this film from getting me in a solid state of R.E.M.

A Great Thriller (All Around)

JakeStevens — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:00:05 GMT

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.

The Coens Best? It's Hard To Choose

JakeStevens — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:44:49 GMT

This is probably the 8th time I've seen this film, and I've got to tell you, it gets better every time I watch it. There's honestly not a bad thing I can say about this film - every character is so well written and performed, it's scary how funny it is; there are simply too many great quotable lines to even begin to scratch the surface here. The music on the soundtrack could not have been more perfectly chosen; every song fits the visuals and the overall feel of the film to a tee. But most importantly, the script is GENIUS. I hate to sound like such a fanboy (as I try to be as objective as possible when watching films), but every time I've seen this film, it's been a very enjoyable experience. My suggestion: watch this film several times, and I promise you, you will see what I mean.

Cronenberg: Improves With Age

JakeStevens — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:03:45 GMT

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.

Obviously Not For Everyone

JakeStevens — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:56:11 GMT

I realize people have different definitions when it comes to comedy and what is actually funny, but I think this film is unfairly judged. I went and saw this with a group of friends at the theater, and we could not stop laughing. Here's the thing: it's very sarcastic, dry, and odd. It's a black comedy! Much in the same vein as Lake Placid, Death To Smoochy or Pumpkin. If you didn't like those films, chances are pretty good you won't like this one either. If the opposite is true, make sure you check this film out - it won't disappoint.

Loopholes & Gaffes Up The Wazoo

JakeStevens — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:05:47 GMT

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.

A Classic Horror/Sci-Fi/Action Flick

JakeStevens — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:16:11 GMT

In the same vein as the "Alien" franchise (which, ironically, the two film franchises would mesh with AVP and its sequel), this film sets up a man vs. alien premise which works extremely well. I've seen this film several times now (mostly thanks to cable television) and I've got to tell you, I enjoy it every time I see it. Schwarzenegger is in top form and director John McTiernan is able and keeps things moving. All in all, a great film for the action-lovers crowd. My one gripe is the cheesy "turn around and smile" ending credits, I definitely could have done without that :P.