Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Brave One


Headlined by Jodie Foster, The Brave One is an exciting story of a woman trying to piece her life back together after a traumatic event, but as hard as she tries she will never be the same person again. The movie is well written and the dialogue is strong and believable.

Unfortunately, Terrance Howard is not and he is actually what weakens this movie. His interactions are forced and unnatural, and it really takes you out of the movie. The editing worked in some scenes adding a lot to the composition and emotion of the movie, but it really took away from some other scenes and killed the pacing. (Trying to be different and inventive really ended up hurting the overall movie).

However, there is one scene that gave me chills because it was executed perfectly, the camera was in the right spot, and there was a definite attention to detail. (In an attempt to maintain a spoiler free review I will not mention any more detail)


3 1/2 Dead Clowns

~BC

Sunday, February 24, 2008

3:10 to Yuma


3:10 to Yuma is a western that isn’t all about pointless violence. It goes beyond the main story (making a 3:10 train to Yuma) and becomes a battle on screen between Russell Crowe and Christian Bale’s characters. (Thank god Tom Cruise backed out of this movie.) The acting and dialogue are strong throughout the movie, but it falls entirely on Crowe (I guess when he’s not busy throwing phones at people he can act) and Bale’s shoulders. While this isn’t Unforgiven it is still an enjoyable movie.




3 1/2 Dead Clowns

~BC

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Triplets of Belleville


Written and directed by Sylvain Chomet the Triplets of Belleville is a French animated film that tries to redefine the category. It does not have either the stunning scenic animation of Japanese Anime or the fuzzy/cute characters of American animated movies. The Triplets is a simple yet poignant story of grandmother doing anything to make her orphaned grandson happy. It is also a social commentary on the over development of the Parisian suburbs/countryside and the consumerist driven over-indulgence of America. (The reasons many people have said they hated this movie.) The animated characters are gangly, grotesque, and over exaggerated, but they are extremely compelling relying on emotion and the environment instead of dialogue to tell the story. Wonderfully executed overall, the Triplets of Belleville is an under appreciated movie.


4 Dead Clowns

~BC



To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar

I guess it helps to know who Julie Newmar is. Ms. Newmar is most famous for her role as Catwoman on the 1960's Batman TV series.








In some bizarre twist she becomes the inspiration for three drag queens about to embark on a road trip. Like most movies involving drag queens, the are lots of laughs punctuated by periods of threatening behaviour on the parts of others. These seems to be an odd theme (also see The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) that I guess reflects how they see life around them or how they are actually treated outside the big cities. Anyway...To Wong Foo has its moments, though not a great movie by any means, its worth seeing Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo and expecially Wesley Sinpes (as the unforgettable Noxeema Jackson) get all gussied up. Its also a good reminder these three gents, excuse me, "career girls" can act. Swayze has become the butt of so many jokes sometimes its hard to remember that he's had some memorable roles.



BrianS



2 1/2 Dead Clowns

Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Kingdom


Starring Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, Jason Bateman, and Jeremy Piven (yeah I know what your thinking) The Kingdom provides a solid action movie with a message (notice it does not star Steven Seagal.) The movie is slow to start, but it is not for naught because it actually builds up to a strong climax. The movie is well written and acted, and actually incorporates some comedic relief. It helped ease you off at the right time and the action sequences made a stronger impact. The dialogue flows and exchanges between characters feel natural.

It is a gritty movie and the urban combat scenes rival the intensity of Black Hawk Down.

Well worth renting. (Enjoy the special features which includes a breakdown of two important scenes.)

4 Dead Clowns

~BC

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Knocked Up

Knocked Up is well written and directed. (it's a shame Judd Apatow's only black mark is Fun with Dick and Jane) Seth Rogan carries this movie, although I was pleasantly surprised by Katherine Heigl's comedic ability. The supporting cast was strong, I only wish they had written stronger dialogue for Jonah Hill's character. While the movie was strong overall it did have some slow spots, but there were scenes where the movie could have gone on for another hour.

Definitely worth renting although I enjoyed Superbad much, much more. May be a tad on the graphic side for some. You’ve been warned.


4 Dead Clowns

~BC

I agree: Superbad is the better movie. Leslie Mann steals this movie. The best scene is when she and a club bouncer get into it. Great stuff. The problem with the Apatow crew (as with the Stiller crew) is that they seem to think beating something into the ground makes it funny. It doesn't. This drags on a good half hour too long.
I'm talking away a Dead Clown!

BrianS


3 Dead Clowns