Reel Thoughts

Under discussion:

Walk the Line  (2005)

You know, sometimes a movie sticks with you because of the music.  Sometimes, a movie sticks with you because of the performances.  This movie has kind of done both for me.

I borrowed this one from my co-worker too.  I had to watch it because it was an Oscar movie.  See the Oscar group for more on this movie. (That and the fantasy group are kind of my babies on Spout; I'm trying to generate interest...)

I really liked this movie.  Like Ray (2004), it follows a sort of flashback storyline, beginning with Johnny Cash's childhood and following his early years through the period of his drug addiction and utmost popularity.  While the movie is about Johnny Cash, its primary focus is about his courtship with June Carter.  And really, it's just one of those American love stories that's so timeless, both in real life and on the silver screen.

Reese Witherspoon won the Best Actress award for her portrayal of June Carter.  She deserved accolades for sure; it was easy to suspend my disbelief.  Her performance had a lot of heart and a lot of guts to it, and that's just what June Carter was all about.  I think she shined through in this performance and was absolutely fantastic.

Similarly, Joaquin Phoenix did an excellent job.  While his singing voice was not a dead ringer, his mannerisms and affectations were.  I really felt like he was the younger Man in Black.  I almost wish he had won for Best Actor, for which he was nominated.

In fact, I think the movie itself was well put together and like the subject line says, Ring of Fire and Walk the Line have been playing incessantly in my head since last night when I watched the movie.  I give it a 10 out of 10 (it was a masterpiece!).

The test: will she by buying it?  The answer: well, I'm on the fence.  I liked it alot, but would I watch it repeatedly?  I'm not sure.  So, I'll think about it.  I'd recommend others buying it if they wanted to though.  It was marvelous.

Under discussion:

Red Eye  (2005)

So, I borrowed these two movies from my co-worker.

And they both so happen to be thrillers set aboard an airplane.

While Flightplan was predictable, Red Eye was not.  Or, at least, not as much.  The movie takes turns that leave your heart pounding.  I would expect nothing less from Wes Craven.  It's also very tight.  I highly priase how the movie sets up the situation so quickly yet so effectively.

And there's more than a little female empowerment in here.  There was in Flightplan too, but that was about a mother's love for her child.  This is about facing demons, both outer and inner, that could jeopardize survival.

The acting was a little wooden.  Cillian Murphy takes yet another turn as a bad guy, and he always sounds, and looks, like a robot programmed for evil.  And none of the supporting cast was very convincing.  Colby Donaldson from Survivor fame was the lead security agent for the Homeland Security dude.

Rachel McAdams was the only convincing actor; she's really the heart of the movie.  She was believable even when the other actors were not.

All in all, I give the movie an 8 out of 10.  Minor flaws but otherwise very good.

The test: will she buy it?  The answer: it's unlikely.  There's not that much suspense that can withstand repeat viewings.  A Wes Craven fan might want it, but I can't be called a fan - I have only passing interest and don't own a single one.