Last Chance Harvey review: B-
Last Chance Harvey follows the lives of two older people, both struggling in one way or another with their routine’s. Harvey is a jingle writer who can’t keep up with the changes in the industry and, ultimately, doesn’t want to. The musician leaves for London to attend his daughter’s wedding at a critical moment in his career: the perfect moment for him to be fired. He also learns that his daughter is asking her step father to give her away at the wedding. Kate, meanwhile, works for a census gathering booth at the air port, and has to take care of her lonely, mother, who calls Kate’s cell phone almost non-stop. It’s only when they find each other that things start turning in the right direction.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins, Last Chance Harvey is a light movie about falling in love, with comedic and dramatic moments laced together. Sounds a lot like a number of other movies, of course, but what makes it stand out in a big way is its focus on the leads. Two people over forty, finding new love. It’s sweet and dynamic, and a lot of the credit for this film lies squarely on the shoulders of its leading cast.
Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman are both very familiar faces on the big screen. Both Oscar winning, veteran actors who each have impressive filmographies to their credit, they are power houses of the top most caliber. They don’t falter here, both delivering near perfect performances that are endearing, captivating, and easy to relate to. This coming from someone very much younger than either of them, it truly shows the depth of their reach and the simple, yet resonating, nature of a well told romance story.
Thompson and Hoffman have a beautiful chemistry together. Natural and subtle, it isn’t explosive and fiery, yet it isn’t stoic or forced. It flows and simmers, always present and, like a breeze over beautiful embers, blazes at all the right moments. They’re funny together, and bring out the best in the other. Each has a familiar way of delivering lines, of playing a character: they’re Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, for crying out loud. And yet when they are on screen together it’s like watching two new people, which is, of course, what good acting is supposed to feel like. Not to mention the fact that they look adorable together. Thompson sometimes towers over Hoffman, and the awkward way Hoffman has to tile his head up to look at her just makes the screen light up with charm.
Of course, there are things to complain about. The story is very simple and straight forward, almost text book in fact, with no real surprises. It’s a cute story, as far as set up and characters, but the devices used to move the plot are common place, complete with a ‘picking out dresses’ montage that feels almost obligatory rather than natural and welcomed. The side story with Kate’s mom and their Polish neighbor is almost a waste of time, and it feels like those few minutes of screen time could have been used for more productive purposes. But this kind of story telling is acceptable in a piece that is supposed to be about its characters, and their relationship, so these flawed scenes can be forgiven.
What can’t be so easily overlooked is the lack of character development. Yes, Hoffman and Thompson deliver beautifully with what they are given, acting their socks off in every single scene they’re in, but it just feels like a shame that they weren’t given more. There’s little exposition on the backstories of the two leads, and what there is can easily be missed in the movement of the conversations they pop up in. Harvey and Kate walk together, learning about each other, but it never feels like much is revealed. This, I think, is a failure on the part of the writing, because it didn’t delve deeper into the two components that were the most important parts of the film. We’re told that Kate is sometimes very rude and downright mean, yet are only giving a fleeting example of it. Harvey is built as this awkward outcast, yet has no trouble leaping into conversations with strangers (granted, maintaining them often proves to be more of a challenge). These are great traits that are meant to add a dynamic to their relationship but, unfortunately, are just not explored as much as they deserved.
The movie still shines, with some memorable scenes and two extraordinary performances to make it a worthwhile viewing experience. It offers laughs and smiles, as well as warm hearts, easily and never manages to alienate any of its viewers, despite being set across the seas and with middle aged love birds. London is shot beautifully, and the music fits every scene gracefully, never making itself overbearing or out of place. And did I mention the memorable scenes? I’d probably go again just to watch them meet in the airport bar one more time.
Rental Queue 2
Meet the Fockers
The sequel to Ben Stiller’s Meet the Parents and, in my opinion, the better of the two, focuses on Greg Focker bringing the family of his soon-to-be wife to meet his own parents, and hilarity ensuing once the two groups collide. Dustin Hoffman plays the father of the Focker house hold, a goofy, lovable, childish man with an over-active sex drive and no concept of ‘over sharing’. Robert De Niro returns as Jack Byrnes, the formidable father of the bride and ex-CIA operative. The two are hilarious, both together and apart. Barbra Streisand is absolutely charming and could almost steal the movie as Greg’s mom. It’s just a fun romp with great performances all around.
Sense and Sensibility
Emma Thompson’s Oscar winning adaptation of the Jane Austen’s novel is a brilliant tale of romance and devotion. Not to mention heart break. Thompson earned her Oscar, for best writing, by adding in some truly great scenes and recreating dialogue that flowed seamlessly with the original voices penned by Austen. The cast is remarkable and all deliver stand out performances, from Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant to Alan Rickman. Hugh Laurie shows up as the cantankerous Mr. Palmer, hinting at a character that would make him a ‘house’ hold name years later.
Stranger than Fiction
The movie that introduced the powerhouse duo of Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman to the world. True enough, they only share one scene together, but it’s just enough to hint at a great compatibility between them. The movie itself is one of my favorite showings from Will Ferrell, who takes a break from his usual slap stick and crude humor movies to give a fairly sober, though sweet, performance here. Thompson also shines, playing a battered writer fighting against writer’s block and an ever approaching deadline.
Outbreak
Want to watch Dustin Hoffman running around in a bio-medical suit, leaping out of helicopters and saving the world from the ever so pretty Motaba virus? I knew you would. This is an interesting, albeit disturbing, film about a highly contagious disease hitting the US, courtesy of an infected monkey and Patrick Dempsey. If bleeding from every orifice isn’t something your stomach can handle, then this probably isn’t the flick for you. But if you like your Kevin Spacey sarcastic and endearing, like I do, as well as a fairly entertaining sci-fi thriller, then this is worth checking out. Though, it might make you want to wash your hands.
Howard’s End:
In ‘Last Chance Harvey’, Kate, Emma Thompson’s character, mentions the book ‘A Room With a View’, which Harvey recognizes as a work by E.M. Forster, but confesses to never reading it. E.M. Forster also wrote Howard’s End, which was adapted in 1992 for the screen. This film won three Oscars, including one for Emma Thompson in her leading role as Meg Schlegel. Yes, it’s long, it’s British, and it’s wordy, but it had some powerful performance and is engrossing. I could have watched stories from the lives created in this piece for hours on end. Also, when it won the Oscar for Best Screenplay no one was around to accept it, which left the presenters to do their usual ‘thanks guys’ on behalf of the missing party. Who was that presenter? Dustin Hoffman. Thanks, IMDB!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Carly Watches the Golden Globe.
Just a warning: there will be NOTHING profound here. It's literally just me sitting with my computer, writing down stupid, pointless stuff as I watch the Golden Globes.
6:33pm :
Flicking between this Dance show, like American Idol, and Red Carpet coverage.
It’s the final for season two, apparently, and the crews are called Super Crew and SoReal Cru, I think. Might have to check on the spelling. The winner looks pretty clear to me, but we’ll see how it turns out. Hey look, one of the judges is JC from NSync.
Playing Minesweeper and Spider Solitaire during the commercials. What Feature Writing homework?
I still don’t actually know what channel the Golden Globes are on.
6:37 :
Alec Baldwin! Ryan Seacrest is such a tool. Is that Jay from America’s Next Top Model? He’s doing a Glamastrator, poking at a screen and drawing on actresses. At least he’s not as obnoxious as Ryan. Alec Baldwin is chewing gum and blowing bubbles. I think I love him even more. He just hijacked the interview, literally taking the microphone out of Seacrest’s hands. Oh my God he’s putting Ryan on the spot and it’s so awkward, I think I’m going to burst.
That’s a ‘no’ on the Jack and Liz hook up. But I completely agree with him, 30 Rock would be over if they ever got together. The cute moments and crazy tension would be over, and that’s the best part. I love the dynamic of their relationship, and how much it’s changed. I want to see it keep changing, even if that means suffering through without ever having them as an official item.
Alec… is so hilarious, and I think he just pissed Ryan off. And he’s off, gallantly down from the E! platform, to rebel against some other interviewer, I suppose. A man’s work is never done.
Yeah, I’m on a first name basis with most of the stars in Hollywood. Cough.
6:45 :
Talking about Amy Adams and Meryl Streep in their movie next year. Now some poll. Did I miss something? I saw Rachel Getting Married. I hated it. And one of my biggest issues with it was Anne Hathaway and her inability to act. Which isn’t bias, because I like her in other things. She was just terrible. What was it? Because they crammed in drugs and sex? Oh, look how against character and edgy it is! Pfft. I don’t even want to consider seeing it again, you know? Because that would mean… seeing it again, and I just… I don’t want to do it. I remember walking out of the theater, turning to my friend, and saying “I’ve seen enough of that movie to last my life”, meaning I never have to see it again.
Eva Longoria. I don’t watch Desperate Housewive’s, so this really doesn’t mean much. Ryan is still being a tool.
AARON ECKHART! I. Love. This. Man. Suddenly interested in this interview. He’s a handsome man. The Dark Knight. Hmmm. No comment.
Some crowd shots. Oh, there’s Amy Adams. She’s so cute. I want to squish her. Oh look, Miley Cyrus just showed up. Nice. I don’t really have a beef against her, as so many my age seem to do. Debra Messing arrives, looking pretty but not… memorable. Some actors from House. Christina Applegate in yellow. I don’t know who Ryan is interviewing right now.
I need to watch more TV, I suppose.
Jonas Brothers showed up. Thousands of teenage girls just peed themselves.
6:57 :
Losing interest in the red carpet stuff. I find these people so annoying, even though I can understand how hard their jobs are, and how they have to keep talking, flying by the seat of their pants. Still getting a head ache.
Seriously though, what channel is the actual awards show on?
7:00 :
Found it! Or maybe not. It’s another pre-show. Puh.
You know, we all know Heath is going to win Best Supporting actor. I’m sorry, but that irritates me. I know, his performance was good. Great even. But I honestly believe other actors in that category did harder, more intricate, and ultimately more award-worthy work. Yeah yeah, I’m an awful person. Whatever.
Oh, Amy showed up! She’s so cute. Quiet, and pretty.
Here’s another pretty lady. Elizabeth Banks. The idea that she’s playing a possible murderer in The Unwelcomed. Hahaha. I love it.
7:16 :
Is Maggie Gyllenhaal remarkably tall, or is Ryan Seacrest stupidly short? She’s having some issues with this question, but… it’s sweet, in a way, the way she’s dodging around it. It feels, I don’t know. Respectful, but, elusive. Hahah.
Decided to stop watching the pre show stuff and see who wins this dance show. I’ve been invested in them for about an hour! I must know.
7:21 :
Dang. Not the ones I wanted to win.
It’s funny, I’m flicking through three preshows and… these poor actors. The same thing over and over. How silly. And I love that everyone from the Dark Knight is pretty much a spokesperson for Heath Ledger right now. I guess it is the big topic for everyone, with his nomination and possible, very likely, posthumous win.
7:32 :
Distracted by House. That always seems to happen.
Clicked back to the E! show, since it seems to be the ‘furthest along’. Kate and Leo. Kate is hilarious. She says she hates Leo, and it was awful being back together on screen. I love that she’s sarcastic like that. She did it for The Holiday, with Jack Black. I love it.
Greg Proops! On Teen Nick. Hahah. I love him. He’s pouting, and has wild fluffy hair. And just sounded a bit like Peanut from Jeff Dunham’s shows.
I think I’ve settled on watching The Simpsons until the Golden Globe’s actually start.
TINA AND AMY! I love it.
Why do my fucking obnoxious neighbors have to start yelling at each other twenty minutes out from the Golden Globes? If I had a weapon, I’d be chasing them away from my door. Yell at each other in the common rooms, or behind closed doors, you moronic wastes of matter.
I just saw a commercial for House and there was a scene… that makes me want to start watching that show every day again. Why did I stop? I clearly still love it. It’s come up twice when I’m supposed to be watching something else.
Oh. Shit. Robert Downey Jr. I’m so glad I clicked back. Oh man. I’m so ridiculously addicted to this man. It hurts. He looks wild. Hahaha. He’s a fascinating one, that creature. He’s… crazy. I don’t know what it is about him. Damaged? Healing? Still crazy? Not perfect. Talented, definitely. Just fascinating. I feel like I can’t say what I want to say, as if he’s reading and that would be fucking creepy. Oh, random person making assumptions about me? Yeah, that’s new. Particularly on the internet, in some nameless blog that three people read, give or take a couple.
Yo ho. Paranoia.
8:00 :
Here we go!
It’s channel five for me, by the way. Glad I found it.
Whoa, what a weird, but pretty venue. Jennifer Lopez matches the stage. Starting with Best Supporting Actress. Something weird happened there, and Jennifer had to call for their attention, but that was funny. Amy Adams, being cute. I just saw Doubt the other day, so it’s in my head. Ooooh, Viola Davis from Doubt. She stole that one scene she was in, she really did. But at her most pivotal line in her monologue, which she yelled, the sound shut out. We literally had no idea what she said, and it was kind of hilarious. I heard other people going ‘wtf?’
Kate Winslet! She’s so pretty, and so talented. Emma Thompson patted her on the shoulders on the way up. Hahahahahah. She has a habit of ‘not winning things’ and she tried to put it down and it ‘didn’t feel right’. She’s so breathless and flustered. I love her. But wow, what if you wrote that and you didn’t win? I couldn’t imagine writing a speech like that, without any kind of certainty about winning. I don’t think she’s the kind of person who just thought she had it in the bag. Maybe she is, though? Who knows, I can’t guess.
This uh… this speech is getting long, but she’s aware of it. Won’t stop her though.
Composer, singer and social activist. Best original song, eh? I’m not sure I care about it. I love the song from Bolt… but I’m a goof ball. I’m disappointed at how few of these movies I’ve seen.
9:06 :
Had to go outside to watch the first hour because my retard neighbor was being really loud. But then a bunch of RA’s came into the common to do a poster or something, so now I’m back in my room. This social anxiety really sucks. You have no idea how I feel right now. It’s like it’s an excuse, but it’s not. It’s sickening. I feel disgusting. And useless. My throat and chest are really tight. I can’t stand dealing with this, but I try. I don’t even know what set it off. So someone was listening to music, and so people wanted to use the common room? But I’m shaking. I hate it. I absolutely hate it. I want to hide and be alone, but it’s impossible.
And I called that Heath Ledger award, didn’t I?
Everyone did.
Seriously.
Everyone.
I’m feeling stressed and sick, and I haven’t done my homework yet. But I’m trying really hard to be a good student. Or even just… a normal student… and just… get my homework done. It shouldn’t be that hard, right? And yet… here I am.
Not doing my homework. XD
“Paul Giamatti” Awkward Pause. “Thank you.”
I never caught Slumdog Millionaire, though I’ve heard great things. Oh! Amy Pohler and Patrick Dempsey. That’s a winning combo right there, methinks. Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock. My love. Oh snap. Steve Carrell in the Office. Also good. Now watch, one of these other two will win. Tony can’tspellhislastname is good.
HAHA Amy. You rock. Synchronized… not so much.
ALEC BALDWIN! SO MUCH WIN!
I didn’t get his joke either, audience.
Thank you Tina. <333333 That’s a heart with a lot of love in it, if you’re confused by the emote.
That’d be a sweet job, huh? Being one of the members that decides the winners? That’s hot, right there. And those three they listed, the ones who already know. Sign me up for that gig. Not that I’d want to ruin the novelty and majesty of watching the Golden Globes from my home, irritated by the constant commercial breaks. But if the opportunity to move up in the world presented itself, I might be convinced to take that option.
Why is everything happening to Paul? Another awkward pause! It’s a conspiracy.
I’m playing Chrono Trigger right now. I’m in the new… green vortex thing in
KEVIN SPACEY! I didn’t know he was nominated. He wasn’t there, but he didn’t win anyway. Still. Love that man.
…green vortex thing in Prehistory. I don’t know what I’m doing in here, though. Tina says it’s annoying, and there’s a lot of mountain running going on.
Comedy! My kind of category. Go go, 30 Rock! Oh the Office. Weeds! I’ve never seen it, but the best friend says it’s great and I have no will to disagree with her.
FUCK YEAH 30 ROCK! God that’s great. I love that show, it’s so clever and hilarious. Tina Fey kills me, with her talent and just… comedic genius. Absolutely kills me. She hid away from the microphone! Hahah, Tracy is talking for the show? I was looking forward to her. He’s kind of stupid and ruining it. Not too good at this speech thing. HAHAH. Alec to the rescue. I love him. I love this show. This cast. Everything. So cute. Just big smiles all around.
9:42 :
I just saw Mamma Mia! the other night. I loved it.
Hans Zimmer has a special place in my heart, but I’m not surprised by Slumdog Millionaire winning. Nor disappointed. Oh hey, that was the first ‘thanks God’ I’ve heard all night. But I might have been spacing out for it. Sometimes I zone out on speeches.
Tee hee. I love this woman. Her voice is so pretty. David… you know, I could take or leave. Haha. The ‘ordinary looking girl’ in the show Ugly Betty. That’s nice. TINA FEY!!!! The sheer amount of happy emanating from me is downright scary. She looks horrified and awe struck. Hahah, she had all the action figures as a kid. “Thank you Will Arnet, for the joke.” Hahahahaha. Oh my God. I love this woman.
9:58 :
Yeah, spaced out there. Steven Speilberg is getting an award, methinks. Since they’re showing scenes from all his movies. Ha. I’ve seen a lot of these. And liked a lot of these. Except 2008 Indy. Oh that’s right. He directed Columbo? Freaking sweet. Back to the Future was awesome. This man has had an amazing career.
And he’s an amazing speaker. He’s so inspirational and… passionate. That’s a love of his art, right there.
Aw, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. I am so going to see your movie if it releases here on the 16th.
Sandra Bullock still gets work, huh? I’m in love with Dustin Hoffman. I don’t care if he gets the statue. He wins in my heart. What? I haven’t seen the movie? Yeah, that’s just a technicality.
Haha, the Golden Globes are in HD, huh? I thought those statues were particularly shiny. Or maybe I didn’t notice anything at all because I’m watching on a rather crappy, old TV in my dorm room. Ho hum.
I need to watch more movies.
News reporters here are awful. I wonder why that is? On the TV I think. I don’t consider them my people. –cough-
Oh, here’s the category I just know will piss me off. Of course I’m pulling for Meryl or Kate.
OH THANK GOD. If Anne Hathaway had won, good lord. Of course, that still leaves the door open for the Oscars, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Look at Kate! She looks like she’s about to pass out! She’s so freaking cute. She’s apologizing and she can’t think of who was nominated. She’s so freaking cute it hurts. I mean. My face hurts, I’m grinning so much. No words are coming out! She doesn’t know English any more! They’re all smiling at her. Awwwwwwwww.
I did see the end of it, but I was too sleepy to keep typing. XD
6:33pm :
Flicking between this Dance show, like American Idol, and Red Carpet coverage.
It’s the final for season two, apparently, and the crews are called Super Crew and SoReal Cru, I think. Might have to check on the spelling. The winner looks pretty clear to me, but we’ll see how it turns out. Hey look, one of the judges is JC from NSync.
Playing Minesweeper and Spider Solitaire during the commercials. What Feature Writing homework?
I still don’t actually know what channel the Golden Globes are on.
6:37 :
Alec Baldwin! Ryan Seacrest is such a tool. Is that Jay from America’s Next Top Model? He’s doing a Glamastrator, poking at a screen and drawing on actresses. At least he’s not as obnoxious as Ryan. Alec Baldwin is chewing gum and blowing bubbles. I think I love him even more. He just hijacked the interview, literally taking the microphone out of Seacrest’s hands. Oh my God he’s putting Ryan on the spot and it’s so awkward, I think I’m going to burst.
That’s a ‘no’ on the Jack and Liz hook up. But I completely agree with him, 30 Rock would be over if they ever got together. The cute moments and crazy tension would be over, and that’s the best part. I love the dynamic of their relationship, and how much it’s changed. I want to see it keep changing, even if that means suffering through without ever having them as an official item.
Alec… is so hilarious, and I think he just pissed Ryan off. And he’s off, gallantly down from the E! platform, to rebel against some other interviewer, I suppose. A man’s work is never done.
Yeah, I’m on a first name basis with most of the stars in Hollywood. Cough.
6:45 :
Talking about Amy Adams and Meryl Streep in their movie next year. Now some poll. Did I miss something? I saw Rachel Getting Married. I hated it. And one of my biggest issues with it was Anne Hathaway and her inability to act. Which isn’t bias, because I like her in other things. She was just terrible. What was it? Because they crammed in drugs and sex? Oh, look how against character and edgy it is! Pfft. I don’t even want to consider seeing it again, you know? Because that would mean… seeing it again, and I just… I don’t want to do it. I remember walking out of the theater, turning to my friend, and saying “I’ve seen enough of that movie to last my life”, meaning I never have to see it again.
Eva Longoria. I don’t watch Desperate Housewive’s, so this really doesn’t mean much. Ryan is still being a tool.
AARON ECKHART! I. Love. This. Man. Suddenly interested in this interview. He’s a handsome man. The Dark Knight. Hmmm. No comment.
Some crowd shots. Oh, there’s Amy Adams. She’s so cute. I want to squish her. Oh look, Miley Cyrus just showed up. Nice. I don’t really have a beef against her, as so many my age seem to do. Debra Messing arrives, looking pretty but not… memorable. Some actors from House. Christina Applegate in yellow. I don’t know who Ryan is interviewing right now.
I need to watch more TV, I suppose.
Jonas Brothers showed up. Thousands of teenage girls just peed themselves.
6:57 :
Losing interest in the red carpet stuff. I find these people so annoying, even though I can understand how hard their jobs are, and how they have to keep talking, flying by the seat of their pants. Still getting a head ache.
Seriously though, what channel is the actual awards show on?
7:00 :
Found it! Or maybe not. It’s another pre-show. Puh.
You know, we all know Heath is going to win Best Supporting actor. I’m sorry, but that irritates me. I know, his performance was good. Great even. But I honestly believe other actors in that category did harder, more intricate, and ultimately more award-worthy work. Yeah yeah, I’m an awful person. Whatever.
Oh, Amy showed up! She’s so cute. Quiet, and pretty.
Here’s another pretty lady. Elizabeth Banks. The idea that she’s playing a possible murderer in The Unwelcomed. Hahaha. I love it.
7:16 :
Is Maggie Gyllenhaal remarkably tall, or is Ryan Seacrest stupidly short? She’s having some issues with this question, but… it’s sweet, in a way, the way she’s dodging around it. It feels, I don’t know. Respectful, but, elusive. Hahah.
Decided to stop watching the pre show stuff and see who wins this dance show. I’ve been invested in them for about an hour! I must know.
7:21 :
Dang. Not the ones I wanted to win.
It’s funny, I’m flicking through three preshows and… these poor actors. The same thing over and over. How silly. And I love that everyone from the Dark Knight is pretty much a spokesperson for Heath Ledger right now. I guess it is the big topic for everyone, with his nomination and possible, very likely, posthumous win.
7:32 :
Distracted by House. That always seems to happen.
Clicked back to the E! show, since it seems to be the ‘furthest along’. Kate and Leo. Kate is hilarious. She says she hates Leo, and it was awful being back together on screen. I love that she’s sarcastic like that. She did it for The Holiday, with Jack Black. I love it.
Greg Proops! On Teen Nick. Hahah. I love him. He’s pouting, and has wild fluffy hair. And just sounded a bit like Peanut from Jeff Dunham’s shows.
I think I’ve settled on watching The Simpsons until the Golden Globe’s actually start.
TINA AND AMY! I love it.
Why do my fucking obnoxious neighbors have to start yelling at each other twenty minutes out from the Golden Globes? If I had a weapon, I’d be chasing them away from my door. Yell at each other in the common rooms, or behind closed doors, you moronic wastes of matter.
I just saw a commercial for House and there was a scene… that makes me want to start watching that show every day again. Why did I stop? I clearly still love it. It’s come up twice when I’m supposed to be watching something else.
Oh. Shit. Robert Downey Jr. I’m so glad I clicked back. Oh man. I’m so ridiculously addicted to this man. It hurts. He looks wild. Hahaha. He’s a fascinating one, that creature. He’s… crazy. I don’t know what it is about him. Damaged? Healing? Still crazy? Not perfect. Talented, definitely. Just fascinating. I feel like I can’t say what I want to say, as if he’s reading and that would be fucking creepy. Oh, random person making assumptions about me? Yeah, that’s new. Particularly on the internet, in some nameless blog that three people read, give or take a couple.
Yo ho. Paranoia.
8:00 :
Here we go!
It’s channel five for me, by the way. Glad I found it.
Whoa, what a weird, but pretty venue. Jennifer Lopez matches the stage. Starting with Best Supporting Actress. Something weird happened there, and Jennifer had to call for their attention, but that was funny. Amy Adams, being cute. I just saw Doubt the other day, so it’s in my head. Ooooh, Viola Davis from Doubt. She stole that one scene she was in, she really did. But at her most pivotal line in her monologue, which she yelled, the sound shut out. We literally had no idea what she said, and it was kind of hilarious. I heard other people going ‘wtf?’
Kate Winslet! She’s so pretty, and so talented. Emma Thompson patted her on the shoulders on the way up. Hahahahahah. She has a habit of ‘not winning things’ and she tried to put it down and it ‘didn’t feel right’. She’s so breathless and flustered. I love her. But wow, what if you wrote that and you didn’t win? I couldn’t imagine writing a speech like that, without any kind of certainty about winning. I don’t think she’s the kind of person who just thought she had it in the bag. Maybe she is, though? Who knows, I can’t guess.
This uh… this speech is getting long, but she’s aware of it. Won’t stop her though.
Composer, singer and social activist. Best original song, eh? I’m not sure I care about it. I love the song from Bolt… but I’m a goof ball. I’m disappointed at how few of these movies I’ve seen.
9:06 :
Had to go outside to watch the first hour because my retard neighbor was being really loud. But then a bunch of RA’s came into the common to do a poster or something, so now I’m back in my room. This social anxiety really sucks. You have no idea how I feel right now. It’s like it’s an excuse, but it’s not. It’s sickening. I feel disgusting. And useless. My throat and chest are really tight. I can’t stand dealing with this, but I try. I don’t even know what set it off. So someone was listening to music, and so people wanted to use the common room? But I’m shaking. I hate it. I absolutely hate it. I want to hide and be alone, but it’s impossible.
And I called that Heath Ledger award, didn’t I?
Everyone did.
Seriously.
Everyone.
I’m feeling stressed and sick, and I haven’t done my homework yet. But I’m trying really hard to be a good student. Or even just… a normal student… and just… get my homework done. It shouldn’t be that hard, right? And yet… here I am.
Not doing my homework. XD
“Paul Giamatti” Awkward Pause. “Thank you.”
I never caught Slumdog Millionaire, though I’ve heard great things. Oh! Amy Pohler and Patrick Dempsey. That’s a winning combo right there, methinks. Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock. My love. Oh snap. Steve Carrell in the Office. Also good. Now watch, one of these other two will win. Tony can’tspellhislastname is good.
HAHA Amy. You rock. Synchronized… not so much.
ALEC BALDWIN! SO MUCH WIN!
I didn’t get his joke either, audience.
Thank you Tina. <333333 That’s a heart with a lot of love in it, if you’re confused by the emote.
That’d be a sweet job, huh? Being one of the members that decides the winners? That’s hot, right there. And those three they listed, the ones who already know. Sign me up for that gig. Not that I’d want to ruin the novelty and majesty of watching the Golden Globes from my home, irritated by the constant commercial breaks. But if the opportunity to move up in the world presented itself, I might be convinced to take that option.
Why is everything happening to Paul? Another awkward pause! It’s a conspiracy.
I’m playing Chrono Trigger right now. I’m in the new… green vortex thing in
KEVIN SPACEY! I didn’t know he was nominated. He wasn’t there, but he didn’t win anyway. Still. Love that man.
…green vortex thing in Prehistory. I don’t know what I’m doing in here, though. Tina says it’s annoying, and there’s a lot of mountain running going on.
Comedy! My kind of category. Go go, 30 Rock! Oh the Office. Weeds! I’ve never seen it, but the best friend says it’s great and I have no will to disagree with her.
FUCK YEAH 30 ROCK! God that’s great. I love that show, it’s so clever and hilarious. Tina Fey kills me, with her talent and just… comedic genius. Absolutely kills me. She hid away from the microphone! Hahah, Tracy is talking for the show? I was looking forward to her. He’s kind of stupid and ruining it. Not too good at this speech thing. HAHAH. Alec to the rescue. I love him. I love this show. This cast. Everything. So cute. Just big smiles all around.
9:42 :
I just saw Mamma Mia! the other night. I loved it.
Hans Zimmer has a special place in my heart, but I’m not surprised by Slumdog Millionaire winning. Nor disappointed. Oh hey, that was the first ‘thanks God’ I’ve heard all night. But I might have been spacing out for it. Sometimes I zone out on speeches.
Tee hee. I love this woman. Her voice is so pretty. David… you know, I could take or leave. Haha. The ‘ordinary looking girl’ in the show Ugly Betty. That’s nice. TINA FEY!!!! The sheer amount of happy emanating from me is downright scary. She looks horrified and awe struck. Hahah, she had all the action figures as a kid. “Thank you Will Arnet, for the joke.” Hahahahaha. Oh my God. I love this woman.
9:58 :
Yeah, spaced out there. Steven Speilberg is getting an award, methinks. Since they’re showing scenes from all his movies. Ha. I’ve seen a lot of these. And liked a lot of these. Except 2008 Indy. Oh that’s right. He directed Columbo? Freaking sweet. Back to the Future was awesome. This man has had an amazing career.
And he’s an amazing speaker. He’s so inspirational and… passionate. That’s a love of his art, right there.
Aw, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. I am so going to see your movie if it releases here on the 16th.
Sandra Bullock still gets work, huh? I’m in love with Dustin Hoffman. I don’t care if he gets the statue. He wins in my heart. What? I haven’t seen the movie? Yeah, that’s just a technicality.
Haha, the Golden Globes are in HD, huh? I thought those statues were particularly shiny. Or maybe I didn’t notice anything at all because I’m watching on a rather crappy, old TV in my dorm room. Ho hum.
I need to watch more movies.
News reporters here are awful. I wonder why that is? On the TV I think. I don’t consider them my people. –cough-
Oh, here’s the category I just know will piss me off. Of course I’m pulling for Meryl or Kate.
OH THANK GOD. If Anne Hathaway had won, good lord. Of course, that still leaves the door open for the Oscars, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Look at Kate! She looks like she’s about to pass out! She’s so freaking cute. She’s apologizing and she can’t think of who was nominated. She’s so freaking cute it hurts. I mean. My face hurts, I’m grinning so much. No words are coming out! She doesn’t know English any more! They’re all smiling at her. Awwwwwwwww.
I did see the end of it, but I was too sleepy to keep typing. XD
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Newspaper: Rental Queue 1
Rental Queue:
Mamma Mia
A newer release, so a bit higher in price since it’s still ‘on the wall’ at Blockbuster, but worth it if you’re as big a fan of musicals as I am. Or… even slightly less of a fan, since I admit that I’m a bit obsessive in my adoration of the genre. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth are among the easily recognizable faces flexes their vocal cords in this upbeat romantic comedy. You don’t need to be an ABBA fan to get a kick out of the story, the characters, and the performances. Everything about it screams ‘fun’, and that’s exactly what you’ll have when you watch it.
The Devil Wears Prada
Another Meryl Streep movie, but a real winner. Here she plays a sharp, sarcastic, openly and unabashedly rude magazine editor and her performance alone, without any context of plot or any other characters, is more than enough of a reason to pick this one up. It’s even been on the television recently, in which care you’re ahead of the game if you watched it. It’s a hilarious film, and you really get to see Streep at her best when her character is tested and she softens up.
Charlie Wilson’s War
A good film that features both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams. Tom Hanks leads the rest of the rather impressive cast as Charlie Wilson, a congressman from Texas who inserts himself in the war between rebels and the Soviets in Afghanistan. Adams plays his secretary/assistant/the girl I wished he would notice instead of Julia Roberts, and does so with quiet enthusiasm and a lot of heart. Hoffman plays a man from the CIA and, even in his first scene, is absolutely hilarious. He hijacks the film and does not give it back. Which is fine by me.
Cold Mountain
I caught this just recently on television. It’s long, but the story is interesting enough to justify it. Of course, my viewing was made even longer by the intermittent commercial breaks, so I can’t really judge it on that basis. Jude Law and Nicole Kidman play two relative strangers who, after only a brief relationship, are split apart by the civil war as Law’s character goes off to fight for the Confederates. Whoops. After he is wounded he goes on a long trek to reunite with his fleeting love, and alone the way he runs into a myriad of interesting characters. Seymour Philip Hoffman is among them, playing an often inebriated Reverend who is chased from his home after trying to kill a servant he had impregnated. Whoops again. An interesting counter point to the Priest he plays in Doubt.
Zodiac
David Fincher, the fascinating director responsible for films like Seven, Fight Club, and Panic Room (listed in decreasing awesomeness), is responsible for the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He also directed one of my top crime thrillers, Zodiac. Starring the doe faced Jake Gyllenhaal, the plot evolves over a number of years as a young cartoonist with an eye for puzzles dedicates himself to finding the identity of an infamous serial killer, the Zodiac. Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards make appearances, and Robert Downey Jr. is memorable as a reporter who helps Gyllenhaal in hopes of finding his one big story. It’s creepy and there are some amazing moments of sheer tension.
Mamma Mia
A newer release, so a bit higher in price since it’s still ‘on the wall’ at Blockbuster, but worth it if you’re as big a fan of musicals as I am. Or… even slightly less of a fan, since I admit that I’m a bit obsessive in my adoration of the genre. Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth are among the easily recognizable faces flexes their vocal cords in this upbeat romantic comedy. You don’t need to be an ABBA fan to get a kick out of the story, the characters, and the performances. Everything about it screams ‘fun’, and that’s exactly what you’ll have when you watch it.
The Devil Wears Prada
Another Meryl Streep movie, but a real winner. Here she plays a sharp, sarcastic, openly and unabashedly rude magazine editor and her performance alone, without any context of plot or any other characters, is more than enough of a reason to pick this one up. It’s even been on the television recently, in which care you’re ahead of the game if you watched it. It’s a hilarious film, and you really get to see Streep at her best when her character is tested and she softens up.
Charlie Wilson’s War
A good film that features both Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams. Tom Hanks leads the rest of the rather impressive cast as Charlie Wilson, a congressman from Texas who inserts himself in the war between rebels and the Soviets in Afghanistan. Adams plays his secretary/assistant/the girl I wished he would notice instead of Julia Roberts, and does so with quiet enthusiasm and a lot of heart. Hoffman plays a man from the CIA and, even in his first scene, is absolutely hilarious. He hijacks the film and does not give it back. Which is fine by me.
Cold Mountain
I caught this just recently on television. It’s long, but the story is interesting enough to justify it. Of course, my viewing was made even longer by the intermittent commercial breaks, so I can’t really judge it on that basis. Jude Law and Nicole Kidman play two relative strangers who, after only a brief relationship, are split apart by the civil war as Law’s character goes off to fight for the Confederates. Whoops. After he is wounded he goes on a long trek to reunite with his fleeting love, and alone the way he runs into a myriad of interesting characters. Seymour Philip Hoffman is among them, playing an often inebriated Reverend who is chased from his home after trying to kill a servant he had impregnated. Whoops again. An interesting counter point to the Priest he plays in Doubt.
Zodiac
David Fincher, the fascinating director responsible for films like Seven, Fight Club, and Panic Room (listed in decreasing awesomeness), is responsible for the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He also directed one of my top crime thrillers, Zodiac. Starring the doe faced Jake Gyllenhaal, the plot evolves over a number of years as a young cartoonist with an eye for puzzles dedicates himself to finding the identity of an infamous serial killer, the Zodiac. Mark Ruffalo and Anthony Edwards make appearances, and Robert Downey Jr. is memorable as a reporter who helps Gyllenhaal in hopes of finding his one big story. It’s creepy and there are some amazing moments of sheer tension.
Newspaper: Doubt Review
Doubt Review: B+
This movie is a finely crafted piece of art. Like with any such endeavor, like a stature cut from stone, or a hand made piece of furniture, there are imperfections and unique attributes that might not fit in something of a similar build, or appear in a similar piece, but they only serve to heighten the overall value in the end. Doubt is not perfect, but it is still beautiful and effective.
The story is set in the 1960’s, about a year after the Kennedy assassination according to one of the sermons, and focuses on a Catholic church and school. It begins innocently enough, with a sermon from Father Flynn (Seymour Philip Hoffman), the topic of which is the movie’s namesake. This alerts the suspicions of Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), who tells her fellow Sisters to keep an eye on the kindly, vivacious Priest. When the idyllic young Sister James (Amy Adams) sees something she can’t explain, she begins a long battle of conscience and grit determination between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn, the former crusading to prove the latter of an unsavory relationship with an Alter Boy without any proof to aid her. She is steadfast, and it seems nothing will satisfy her until Father Flynn is removed from the school.
Originally written for the stage, playwright John Patrick Shanley adapted his script for the screen and pulled together a cast of strong faces and reputations to direct. He handles them with skill, their performances adding to his powerful script and making the transition from stage to screen appear almost effortless. The story feels at home on film, projected over an audience, which is frequently a difficult thing to accomplish when translating a performance piece that relies so heavily on its words to something so much more visual and nuanced.
While the writing is strong, quick, and potent, it really is the performances that bring this movie to its full potential. Of course, it’s hard to imagine anything less happening when Oscar winning names like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep are put in a room together. Amy Adams also provides a stunning performance, and holds her own ground against the heavyweights around her. The complimentary cast, including the young students of the school, are excellently cast. It would be a difficult task to find a weak performance here.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is undeniably complicated and troubled, yet endearing and as loveable as they come. He’s funny, carries himself lightly, and has this intensity about him that shows his devotion to his vows, even though that conviction is never directly spoken about in the movie. It’s questioned, and he’s clearly struggling, with quiet shots of his face falling, his eyes wandering, his body tensing or relaxing whenever Sister Aloysius comes near or moves away. His is a subtle technique, and his usually powerful and resonating voice is pulled back to reveal this kind, genuine character that the audience simply cannot trust. It’s subtle, and extremely potent.
Meryl Streep plays Sister Aloysius with zeal and a fair amount of human. Her deliveries are so natural, with lines being muttered or stepped on by other people speaking. With a character as specific as Aloysius, it’s difficult not to play a type. After all, this isn’t the first ‘mean’ character she has ever played. Yet, I found the Sister to be compassionate, albeit it bullheaded and extremely determined. She was devoted to this idea of guilt with such conviction, she pursued it with every ounce of her being, even if it meant stepping back from her vows. It was a fascinating journey for her, because her heart wasn’t made of steel. She wasn’t evil or cruel. She was old fashioned and a bit jaded, her views outdated and threatened by the changing times. Still, she had a good heart, and the film made sure to let it be seen with subtle moments between herself and an aging Sister who was in danger of being taken out of the church.
Of them all, I think Amy Adams had the most commanding role. Not because of the importance she held to the plot or how difficult her scenes were, but because of the changes her character was undergoing through the film. She began as this young, bright eyed Sister who saw good in everyone and tried to bring it out, playing nice and teaching her classes with an honest passion and a rather lenient style. She never knew which side of the battle to be on, once she inadvertently got it rolling, and was affected with each interaction she had with Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius. She is malleable, and her struggle to choose what to believe is very much akin to what the director wants of his audience.
There are a few very odd camera angels and other weird moments of directing that keep the piece from being as cohesive as it needed to be. Stark cuts, tilted cameras and veiled imagery that are difficult to decipher in one viewing seem out of place and too few and far between to dictate any real necessity. Still, the performances and writing truly carry the movie. There are also some great moments of music within the relatively quiet scenes, which almost creates another character in its own right, perhaps in the visual presence of the wind that changes and blows throughout the piece.
Doubt it a powerful, thought provoking piece that highlights what characters, writing, and actors are capable of. It is an interesting film, well paced, and in the end, does nothing to clear up that for which it was named. And that’s the best part.
This movie is a finely crafted piece of art. Like with any such endeavor, like a stature cut from stone, or a hand made piece of furniture, there are imperfections and unique attributes that might not fit in something of a similar build, or appear in a similar piece, but they only serve to heighten the overall value in the end. Doubt is not perfect, but it is still beautiful and effective.
The story is set in the 1960’s, about a year after the Kennedy assassination according to one of the sermons, and focuses on a Catholic church and school. It begins innocently enough, with a sermon from Father Flynn (Seymour Philip Hoffman), the topic of which is the movie’s namesake. This alerts the suspicions of Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), who tells her fellow Sisters to keep an eye on the kindly, vivacious Priest. When the idyllic young Sister James (Amy Adams) sees something she can’t explain, she begins a long battle of conscience and grit determination between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn, the former crusading to prove the latter of an unsavory relationship with an Alter Boy without any proof to aid her. She is steadfast, and it seems nothing will satisfy her until Father Flynn is removed from the school.
Originally written for the stage, playwright John Patrick Shanley adapted his script for the screen and pulled together a cast of strong faces and reputations to direct. He handles them with skill, their performances adding to his powerful script and making the transition from stage to screen appear almost effortless. The story feels at home on film, projected over an audience, which is frequently a difficult thing to accomplish when translating a performance piece that relies so heavily on its words to something so much more visual and nuanced.
While the writing is strong, quick, and potent, it really is the performances that bring this movie to its full potential. Of course, it’s hard to imagine anything less happening when Oscar winning names like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep are put in a room together. Amy Adams also provides a stunning performance, and holds her own ground against the heavyweights around her. The complimentary cast, including the young students of the school, are excellently cast. It would be a difficult task to find a weak performance here.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is undeniably complicated and troubled, yet endearing and as loveable as they come. He’s funny, carries himself lightly, and has this intensity about him that shows his devotion to his vows, even though that conviction is never directly spoken about in the movie. It’s questioned, and he’s clearly struggling, with quiet shots of his face falling, his eyes wandering, his body tensing or relaxing whenever Sister Aloysius comes near or moves away. His is a subtle technique, and his usually powerful and resonating voice is pulled back to reveal this kind, genuine character that the audience simply cannot trust. It’s subtle, and extremely potent.
Meryl Streep plays Sister Aloysius with zeal and a fair amount of human. Her deliveries are so natural, with lines being muttered or stepped on by other people speaking. With a character as specific as Aloysius, it’s difficult not to play a type. After all, this isn’t the first ‘mean’ character she has ever played. Yet, I found the Sister to be compassionate, albeit it bullheaded and extremely determined. She was devoted to this idea of guilt with such conviction, she pursued it with every ounce of her being, even if it meant stepping back from her vows. It was a fascinating journey for her, because her heart wasn’t made of steel. She wasn’t evil or cruel. She was old fashioned and a bit jaded, her views outdated and threatened by the changing times. Still, she had a good heart, and the film made sure to let it be seen with subtle moments between herself and an aging Sister who was in danger of being taken out of the church.
Of them all, I think Amy Adams had the most commanding role. Not because of the importance she held to the plot or how difficult her scenes were, but because of the changes her character was undergoing through the film. She began as this young, bright eyed Sister who saw good in everyone and tried to bring it out, playing nice and teaching her classes with an honest passion and a rather lenient style. She never knew which side of the battle to be on, once she inadvertently got it rolling, and was affected with each interaction she had with Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius. She is malleable, and her struggle to choose what to believe is very much akin to what the director wants of his audience.
There are a few very odd camera angels and other weird moments of directing that keep the piece from being as cohesive as it needed to be. Stark cuts, tilted cameras and veiled imagery that are difficult to decipher in one viewing seem out of place and too few and far between to dictate any real necessity. Still, the performances and writing truly carry the movie. There are also some great moments of music within the relatively quiet scenes, which almost creates another character in its own right, perhaps in the visual presence of the wind that changes and blows throughout the piece.
Doubt it a powerful, thought provoking piece that highlights what characters, writing, and actors are capable of. It is an interesting film, well paced, and in the end, does nothing to clear up that for which it was named. And that’s the best part.
Newspaper: Winter Break Movie Catch Up
Winter Break Movie Catch Up
I admit I didn’t get to the movies quite as often as I would have liked to over winter break, but here’s a peek at the few that I did manage to catch.
Yes Man: A-
I admit, I was charmed the moment I saw a trailer for this film. I thought it looked light, funny, and stupid. Just another addition to Jim Carrey’s long list of comedic movie credits. And it was exactly that, mostly. It managed to surprise me, however, with how engaging and inspiring it was, and there were some truly laugh out loud moments that nearly had my side splitting. The most surprising thing was it did not rely solely on Carrey’s penchant for goofy faces, or his ability to contort his lanky frame in fantastical ways. In fact, it was rather subdued in all that, focusing instead on the story and the interactions to build its comedy.
Of course, Jim Carrey was hilarious. He did ride a motorbike in a hospital gown, with his bare backside open to the wind, and he did fall down more than a couple of times. He did wrap his face in tape and do a few strange voices. He also played a man who was struggling with his lot in life, and allowed the audience to go with him as he embarked on a quest to turn it all around.
By agreeing to say ‘yes’ to everything, instead of his usual ‘no’, Carrey’s character Carl encountered experiences that were wonderful, sad, and everything he needed. He also found the lovable Allison, played by Zooey Deschanel. Zooey literally lit up the screen with her effervescent smile and brilliant eyes, and provided Carrey with a charming talent to act off of. Together they created a chemistry that not only kept the audience laughing, but invested in this new, strange relationship.
One of the most hilarious moments involves Carl, a guitar, a suicidal man, a window ledge, and a chorus of onlookers down below. Yes. A chorus. The scene can be viewed online, but it is truly at its funniest in the context of the film. That scene, alone, is enough for me to go see it again.
The Tale of Despereaux: B
A dark, but interesting animated movie about rats and mice. There are chefs and soup and misunderstandings, but I’m not one to buy in to the dire need of comparing it to Ratatouille. In fact, that will be the last time I mention it.
Despereaux, the mouse himself, is a strange little creature with a big heart and a need for adventure, devoting himself to ideals of truth and honor he gleaned for a story book he was supposed to be eating. He gets himself banished from his home in Mouseworld and finds himself in Ratworld instead, where he meets the kind hearted Roscuro and their interwoven, yet separate, journeys unfold.
The plot is a bit convoluted, with side stories for a number of characters, but it all weaves together in the end. There is something profoundly interesting in the plot, and I shamelessly never found myself bored as I watched. Of course, it was far from perfect. A bit clunky, the scenes don’t flow as effortlessly as might be required for fairy tale story telling such as this.
Matthew Broderick has a strange way of delivering his lines, playing the voice of Despereaux, that leave the little mouse seeming constantly confused rather than interested and passionate. Dustin Hoffman makes up for it, providing a charming and thoroughly endearing voice for Roscuro the rat. In fact, the story opens and closes with Roscuro, making the film’s title almost deceptive when you think about who the main character really is.
Seven Pounds: C
Seven Pounds focuses on the story of a man with a tragic past, devoted to the goal of changing the lives of seven strangers for the better.
Will Smith stars in this movie that wants to be as potent as The Pursuit of Happyness, but falls short. Ultimately, it just comes off as self serving, which is more than a little irritating. The fact that this isn’t an aftertaste that the viewer is left with at the credits says a lot. Oh no, this feeling of haughty, “I’m making a point here” pretension is prevalent in every scene of the movie, courtesy of Smith’s constant mugging. His facial expression caught me a little of guard, considering I’ve considered him a pretty natural actor for a while now. Here, however, he seems plagued by this Chaplin-esque need to paint his feelings so clearly on his face, it seems almost amateurish.
Rosario Dawson, on the other hand, has a charming and endearing smile, and gives off a truly lovable attitude. When the two are sharing scenes it becomes much more of a love story than the outlandish plot enveloping it allows. Too bad the scenes have to shift to other parts of the plot. Woody Harrelson is surprisingly effective in what little he is given to do, playing a blind man that Smith’s character has decided to help. He and Dawson are saving graces, and Smith is at his best when playing against him.
The movie loses track of itself by the end, and the final plot twist is so absurd, and yet at the same time completely predictable, that it considerable weakens what might have been a good film. In the end, it’s just another forgettable endeavor that did not quite meet the high bar it had set for itself.
I admit I didn’t get to the movies quite as often as I would have liked to over winter break, but here’s a peek at the few that I did manage to catch.
Yes Man: A-
I admit, I was charmed the moment I saw a trailer for this film. I thought it looked light, funny, and stupid. Just another addition to Jim Carrey’s long list of comedic movie credits. And it was exactly that, mostly. It managed to surprise me, however, with how engaging and inspiring it was, and there were some truly laugh out loud moments that nearly had my side splitting. The most surprising thing was it did not rely solely on Carrey’s penchant for goofy faces, or his ability to contort his lanky frame in fantastical ways. In fact, it was rather subdued in all that, focusing instead on the story and the interactions to build its comedy.
Of course, Jim Carrey was hilarious. He did ride a motorbike in a hospital gown, with his bare backside open to the wind, and he did fall down more than a couple of times. He did wrap his face in tape and do a few strange voices. He also played a man who was struggling with his lot in life, and allowed the audience to go with him as he embarked on a quest to turn it all around.
By agreeing to say ‘yes’ to everything, instead of his usual ‘no’, Carrey’s character Carl encountered experiences that were wonderful, sad, and everything he needed. He also found the lovable Allison, played by Zooey Deschanel. Zooey literally lit up the screen with her effervescent smile and brilliant eyes, and provided Carrey with a charming talent to act off of. Together they created a chemistry that not only kept the audience laughing, but invested in this new, strange relationship.
One of the most hilarious moments involves Carl, a guitar, a suicidal man, a window ledge, and a chorus of onlookers down below. Yes. A chorus. The scene can be viewed online, but it is truly at its funniest in the context of the film. That scene, alone, is enough for me to go see it again.
The Tale of Despereaux: B
A dark, but interesting animated movie about rats and mice. There are chefs and soup and misunderstandings, but I’m not one to buy in to the dire need of comparing it to Ratatouille. In fact, that will be the last time I mention it.
Despereaux, the mouse himself, is a strange little creature with a big heart and a need for adventure, devoting himself to ideals of truth and honor he gleaned for a story book he was supposed to be eating. He gets himself banished from his home in Mouseworld and finds himself in Ratworld instead, where he meets the kind hearted Roscuro and their interwoven, yet separate, journeys unfold.
The plot is a bit convoluted, with side stories for a number of characters, but it all weaves together in the end. There is something profoundly interesting in the plot, and I shamelessly never found myself bored as I watched. Of course, it was far from perfect. A bit clunky, the scenes don’t flow as effortlessly as might be required for fairy tale story telling such as this.
Matthew Broderick has a strange way of delivering his lines, playing the voice of Despereaux, that leave the little mouse seeming constantly confused rather than interested and passionate. Dustin Hoffman makes up for it, providing a charming and thoroughly endearing voice for Roscuro the rat. In fact, the story opens and closes with Roscuro, making the film’s title almost deceptive when you think about who the main character really is.
Seven Pounds: C
Seven Pounds focuses on the story of a man with a tragic past, devoted to the goal of changing the lives of seven strangers for the better.
Will Smith stars in this movie that wants to be as potent as The Pursuit of Happyness, but falls short. Ultimately, it just comes off as self serving, which is more than a little irritating. The fact that this isn’t an aftertaste that the viewer is left with at the credits says a lot. Oh no, this feeling of haughty, “I’m making a point here” pretension is prevalent in every scene of the movie, courtesy of Smith’s constant mugging. His facial expression caught me a little of guard, considering I’ve considered him a pretty natural actor for a while now. Here, however, he seems plagued by this Chaplin-esque need to paint his feelings so clearly on his face, it seems almost amateurish.
Rosario Dawson, on the other hand, has a charming and endearing smile, and gives off a truly lovable attitude. When the two are sharing scenes it becomes much more of a love story than the outlandish plot enveloping it allows. Too bad the scenes have to shift to other parts of the plot. Woody Harrelson is surprisingly effective in what little he is given to do, playing a blind man that Smith’s character has decided to help. He and Dawson are saving graces, and Smith is at his best when playing against him.
The movie loses track of itself by the end, and the final plot twist is so absurd, and yet at the same time completely predictable, that it considerable weakens what might have been a good film. In the end, it’s just another forgettable endeavor that did not quite meet the high bar it had set for itself.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Bolt Review & Rental Queue 7
Bolt Review: A-
I have to admit that I have been a sucker for Disney/Pixar movies since the good old days of Toy Story. In fact, each one of their collaborations has been a winner with me, so when I learned that this movie was made solely by the Walt Disney Animation Studio, I couldn’t help but feel slightly worried. Why mess with a great team? After such great films as A Bug’s Life, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille and Wall-E (I told you I was a fan of these flicks), why deviate from a system that works and risk damaging the reputation of CGI movies out of this cooperation by not including the minds at Pixar?
Because they can, and because it works.
Bolt seems to mesh with the classic Disney movies we’re used to, despite it’s sharp computer animation. Sure, it’s not hand drawn, but neither was Enchanted and that movie was just as priceless as any Disney Princess movie in my mind. Here we have a film more akin to Lady and the Tramp or the Lion King: endearing animals (with the uncanny ability to communicate across species without so much as a difference in accent. It seems the animal world is a lot more harmonious than that of their bipedal masters) engaging in life altering journeys of discovery, friendship and, ultimately, love.
What makes this movie shine is the kind of love it chose to focus on. So many people have pets in their lives, and we all know that our cats, dogs, hamsters, horses, iguanas: our animals are members of our family. They’re not ‘like’ family members. They are. And this movie highlights the bond between a human and their pet, and the other way around. It’s an unconditional love that is so easily recognizable and relatable, the characters are almost instantly endearing. It helps that most of the movie is spent with the canine Bolt and his cat, Mittens, and hamster, Rhino, companions, since they’re fluffy and adorable as well as emotionally lovable.
The story follows Bolt, voiced by John Travolta, a dog who believes his exploits in a highly acclaimed TV show (if all the ads for it throughout the movie are any indication of its popularity) are real. In the show he is a genetically engineered super dog with powers he uses to keep his human, the loving Penny (Miley Cyrus), safe from the wicked advances of the Man with the Green Eye. In order to boost ratings, however, the show decides to leave the audience with a cliffhanger: Penny is finally captured. Bolt believes she is gone and manages to ship himself across the country in order to save her. On his way back to
This movie really knows how to make the animal lovers in the audience invest themselves in this journey of devotion. I, being a cat lover and the owner of the three best kitties in the world (disagree with me all you want: you haven’t met them), found myself absolutely riveted to Mittens and her backstory. Dog lovers will find moments of connection with Bolt and his exploration of what it is to be a real dog, rather than the super hero he has grown up believing himself to be. And fans of small, furry things will be unable to stop from laughing and ‘aw-ing’ at Rhinos antics in and out of his rolling ball.
Of course, coming from Disney and being animated, there’s the assumption that this movie is meant for children lingering over the heads of almost anyone over the age of 16. While the content is soft and friendly to all ages, it never feels like its shutting out its older viewers. It is meant as a family film, and can be thoroughly enjoyed by any person of any age, regardless of whether they brought a young child with them as an excuse to see it or not. In fact, I recommend going to see it with friends your own age, and enjoying it for what it is: a good reason to act like you’re a carefree kid again, rather than a college student stressing under the weight of impending finals.
The voice acting is solid enough. Honestly, I was having too much fun with the plot and the animation to notice if anything fell short with the lead voices. John Travolta plays Bolt with emotion and subtlety, to the point where I hardly noticed if the Greaser had any sort of Saturday Night Fever about him. It wasn’t until the credits that I remember Travolta was the voice at all. Miley Cyrus is a bit more recognizable, but her young tones are perfect for Penny. Mittens, voiced by Susie Essman, was as strong as the more well-known voices, and Mark Walton was hilarious was the wild and excitable Rhino. James Lipton made an appearance as The Director of the Bolt TV show, but ultimately he was only in it for one scene that didn’t really need to be there. It was just background on why Bolt thought everything was real, except his over the top description of bringing out the best ‘performance’ in the dog was… a bit hard to swallow. Particularly because we were not invited to see how the Director reacted to his lead star going missing, or how he dealt with t he choice of replacing Bolt with a trained dog instead.
And this is where I have to complain about a couple of small, ultimately inconsequential things. Some of the plot elements, or rather the human characters, felt a little like movement devices and nothing else. Penny, for instances, had an agent that was constantly hounding her about press appearances and the advancement of her career. I’m not sure if he was supposed to be a comedic relief, or some kind of antagonist, but he didn’t really serve either purpose. The movie was not made any better whenever he was on screen, and I don’t think it was necessary to invest so much time in a character that wasn’t contributing to the story.
But that is just a small complaint for an otherwise great movie. Go and see it. But be warned, the song that plays at the end credits will get stuck in your head. Forever.
Rental Queue 7
Enchanted
Disney’s winner of a movie last year, Enchanted brings the animated world to life in a new, brilliant way. The story is so sweet and classic, it feels like the cell-shaded films of the past, and does not fail to be absolutely, for lack of a better word and because the pun never gets old, enchanting. It is as magical as they come, and the characters actually sing about the story they’re involved in. Remember how the old movies used to do that, rather than putting songs over montages or having recording stars lend their voices to the CD or closing credits? Good times.
Ratatouille
The first of many Disney/Pixar recommendations on the list this week, Ratatouille is one of my favorite animated movies in recent times. The story is simple and fun, and I can’t help but think I’ve always wanted to be a chef every time I watch it, just because everyone is so fulfilled and happy by the time the credits roll. Remy is charming, and the voice Plus, the antagonistic food critic has one of the best character moments I’ve seen in a ‘kids’ movie in a very long time.
Kung Fu Panda
Not Disney, and not Pixar, but brilliant nonetheless. Kung Fu Panda boasts a cast of well known voice actors that pull their weight flawlessly. Leading the pack is Jack Black as
Grease
There cannot be a mention of John Travolta without a subsequent reference to this musical comedy. He and Olivia Newton-John light up the screen with their chemistry and dulcet tones, making it impossible not to have fun just sitting back and watching it. The adventures of the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds are timeless. Besides, you know you’re still trying to learn all the words to We Go Together.
Tropic Thunder
Just released on DVD, and a must have for every movie fan. Tropic Thunder is one of the most hilarious movies I’ve seen in recent times, and needs to be at least rented and viewed by every single person in the world. If there’s not possible, than at least as many people on campus that read this paper. Robert Downey Jr, Jack Black and Ben Stiller each give excellent performances in what is not just another slap stick comedy thrown together for cheap laughs. Sure, there are those moments in their, too, but it really is a more sophisticated movie than that. It’s a strange character piece, as well as an excellent directorial achievement for Stiller, who also helped pen the script.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Movie Review: Quantum of Solace and Rental Queue 6
Quantum of Solace Review B
The entire James Bond series has been following a fairly linear ‘concept’ rule sheet. There are basic necessities every 007 movie needs in order for it to appease its established fan base, while at the same time continue to appeal to newer audiences. The ingredients are simple: sexy lead actor, witty dialogue, interesting plot, villainous antagonist, lots of explosions, fights and gun fights. Even though the film makers have decided to ‘start over’ in the Bond universe, the newest iterations of this beloved franchise do not waver from these guidelines. And that’s a good thing.
Daniel Craig reprises his role as the debonair secret agent, with the same flair for the character like he showed in the previous film, Casino Royale. His eyes also return, stealing souls with their piercing majesty of pure blue glory. I admit, there were a number of moments where I stopped paying attention to the banter and just got lost in those glistening pools.
Anyway.
This movie was a lot more action-oriented, rather than the thrilling plot of the first, so we got to see him doing a lot of running, jumping, and kicking the crap out of any and every thing. It was fun, but he spent so much time covered in dirt and blood, it was hard to connect him with the classy, clean Bond of the past. Of course, the film makers seemed to be aware of this, and put in a rather funny moment of Bond refusing to stay in a run down hotel.
And that’s where this movie loses some momentum. There aren’t as many witticisms and engaging conversations in this one than many of the others. I blame that on the lead actress, the Bond girl of the film, Olga Kurylenko. She is, for lack of a better term, really boring. Almost painfully so. She’s not engaging, wallowing in the damage of her character’s past and not offering anything endearing or… even interesting. She’s flat, which does not allow for Bond to show off his comedic prowess.
But that’s okay, because Dame Judi Dench is there to pick up the slack. Her character, M, and Bond have such a great dynamic, I could literally be content in watching a film with just the two of them talking. She cares about him, and he knows it and thrives on it. They have the best lines together, and their chemistry is top notch. It’s what happens when you get two good actors, even great, and let them do their work. I’m of the mind that Dench is supplying a lot of it, but that’s what makes it amazing.
This newest Bond film is a lot of action all rolled into two hours. James Bon literally fights for his life on land, through motorcycle and car chases, on the sea, ala motorboat chases, and in the air, while piloting a large carrier plane. He also spends a lot of time running and leaping off of things, convincing me that a large part of his spy training came in the form of Free Running. It’s really fun to watch, and there are moments that prompt auditory responses of awe from the audience, but it seems a bit over done. James Bond films, including Casino Royale, have a subtle triumph to them. Where Bond does something simply amazing, the blows everyone away and reminds us why he’s a legend. As much as I loved all the stunts and thrills, that one moment of sheer awesome never seemed to happen.
All my whining aside, this is still a very good movie. Stand alone, without comparing it to any of its predecessors, it is a fun, entertaining thrill ride that reminds me very much, particular the first few chase scenes, of a ride that once graced Great America in
Whether you’re a fan of the series, or new to the world of James Bond, this film is one worth checking out. I’d go and see Casino Royale first, as the plots do intertwine, but even if you don’t the main story is easy enough to follow.
Rental Queue 6
Casino Royale
Daniel Craig’s first outing as James Bond is a real treat. The story is also referenced a lot in the new one, and it wouldn’t hurt giving yourself a refresher before heading out to the movie theater. The plot is fun, considering it’s James Bond’s first mission, and we get to follow his development as he works his way toward the debonair, deadly spy we’re all so used to. This movie sets up his affinity for fleeting relationships, and offers a look into the first kills of his career.
This movie has both Daniel Craig and Mathieu Almalric (the baddie in the new Bond film) in its cast list. Of course, the real star is Eric Bana in his powerful performance. The story is intense and based on true events. At the Munich Olympics in 1972 11 athletes from the
Pride and Prejudice
Dame Judi Dench has been in many, many good movies. Movies she has been nominated or even won an Oscar for, like Notes on a Scandal or Shakespeare in Love (hey, look, it’s Geoffrey Rush again). Yet I can’t help but recommend this retelling of the classic Jane Austen novel. She plays the rude, snobby, ridiculously upper class Catherine de Bourg, and though she is in only a handful of scenes, she delivers a truly memorable performance. Plus, I’m a hopeless romantic and this newest adaptation of the book has a perfect, beautiful cast that just steals my heart. I’m still waiting for Mr. Darcy to walk across a morning field for me.
I recently caught The Secret Life of Bees downtown, and it reminded me that I appreciate Queen Latifah’s work. Since I recommended Hairspray recently, and I don’t like to repeat myself, I’ll go with the next greatest musical movie in her credits:
Kramer Vs. Kramer
This one is just a random note, but is a film really worth checking out. I caught it on Oxygen recently, but it needs to be viewed without commercial interruption. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep both one Oscars for their performances here, and it really isn’t difficult to see why. This is what acting is, and what it always should be. Plus, if you ever wondered where that scene in Family Guy comes from, where Tom Tucker, after breaking up with Peter Griffen’s mom, is eating dinner with Peter and has to tell him off as he goes for the ice cream in the freezer by standing on a chair, comes from, then you should probably give this film a look.
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