Elegy(2008) Directed by Isabel Coixet Length: 112 minutes Rated R for sexuality, nudity, and language
It seems more and more movies featuring big actors are either being released straight to DVD or with little fanfare. I was fortunate enough to hear about Elegy via entertainment magazines (I highly recommend reading either 1) Rolling Stone or 2) Entertainment Weekly to stay abreast of all that is going on in music, television, and film) and was pleasantly rewarded with a very moving film featuring some talented actors at their best. Elegy is the kind of movie that makes you analyze the relationships in your own life and take stock of just where you want to be in ten years.
Based on the novel The Dying Animal by Philip Roth (The Human Stain), Elegy is the story of David Kepesh, played by the Oscar winning actor Ben Kingsley (Shutter Island, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time), a well cultured man that teaches, critiques, and lives as an overall connoisseur of the arts. However cultured David may be, he has avoided committing to one woman and lives his life going through one woman to the next. This all changes when David meets his lovely student Consuela Castillo, played by recent Oscar winner Penelope Cruz (Nine, Vicky Christina Barcelona), who he quickly develops a new and unusual attachment to. While the premise may not be the most original idea ever, the beauty comes from the story layered over the relationship between two lovers separated by almost thirty years in age.
Ben Kingsley delivers another gem of a performance in Elegy. As the film develops, you quickly realize that this isn't just about two lovers and their relationship, but instead it is about a man coming to grips with his own mortality. David has been content to run through one woman to the next, until he meets Consuela who he quickly develops feelings for. As their relationship becomes more real, David struggles to accept the fact that a woman so young could actually love him as well as change his opinions on relationships and love that have dictated his life and profession. As friends die around David, old lovers grow older and more distant, a son repeats his father's mistakes, David begins to realize just how important Consuela truly is to him. The journey David takes to this moment of clarity really is the beauty and tragedy of Elegy.
You know it is a good movie when it makes you examine your own life and evaluate your own destiny. As I watched this film, I kept praying I don't wind up old and alone like David and his casual lover. But beyond actually being alone, Elegy causes you to think about marriage and the beauty in such commitments. Over the last few days, I've vowed to myself that I want to avoid being the old couple that grows more and more distant as a marriage drags on; Elegy might make you consider how dedicated you truly are or could be to one person and how you might do things differently.
This isn't a light movie. You should certainly watch this with the intent of reflecting; when you have two great actors presenting a beautiful piece of art that causes the admirer to ponder, you know it's good. Please do not let this film pass you by: you should make an effort to check out this moving film that incites reflection on multiple levels.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote: David: "When you make love to a woman, you get revenge for all the things that defeated you in life."
Sex Drive(2008) Directed by Sean Anders Length: 109 minutes Rated R for strong crude and sexual content, nudity, language, some drug and alcohol use - all involving teens
Some of you may have heard of this teen-sex comedy that came out last year; than again, many of you may not have since it seems a new "American Pie clone" comes out every other week. While initially I decided this would be another POS movie trying to capitalize on our obsession with sex obsessed youths trying to get laid, I finally decided to give Sex Drive a shot for nostalgic reasons (i.e. they go to Knoxville, TN). Ultimately you wind up with a decent comedy that will serve its purpose - it entertains.
As the title indicates, the movie centers around sex. Ian, played by Josh Zuckerman (Kyle XY), meets a girl online via those ever-popular social networking sites who wants to meet up for a sexual encounter. Of course, like most teenage boys, Ian steals his brothers car, takes two of his friends, and proceeds to get he and his friends into various encounters that would make for a great story at its conclusion. There's nothing here that breaks the mold. Boy/girl best friends; boy likes girl but girl doesn't like boy; end of movie boy and girl fall in love; homophobic brother that turns out to be gay; the "cool" friend whose casual approach to sex changes by the end; etc. Let's just say you don't watch Sex Drive for the plot or performances.
So why did I REALLY decide to watch a movie I initially perceived to not be worth my time? Honestly, it's because Ian's trip takes him to Knoxville, TN, the home of my college that I currently attend. While I can't say I recognized any of the locale from the film, Sex Drive proved to be good for a few laughs. The film was at its best when Ian and his friend encounter an Amish community, specifically Seth Green (Family Guy) playing his sarcastic wit to a T. You'll probably find the rest of the movie full or stereotypes and the other usual jokes; not to say you won't necessarily laugh, it's just not the most original comedy.
So is it worth the time? While you definitely won't be missing out on anything if you pass Sex Drive over, it can still be entertaining. You'll find a few laughs, and you may even discover a few, new inside jokes to quote with your friends. It's worth at least giving a shot if you're looking for an easily accessible film; after all, they can't all be the serious Oscar winning movies all the time, right?
I've been oddly fascinated by this film for some time and have awaited that little red envelope (Netflix if you didn't get it) since I first saw the preview for Charlie Kaufman's first directorial attempt. Kaufman has written some of the more modern classics such as Adaptation (2002), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), and Being John Malkovich (1999), but up until this film he has never directed. After viewing Synecdoche, New York I can understand why maybe he should just stick to writing.
The premise of this odd movie centers around the character of Caden Cotard, played by the vastly talented Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt, The Boat That Rocked), who is a talented director dealing with the shit of life: that being his artist wife, played by Catherine Keener (The Soloist), leaving with his four year-old daughter, a disease that will slowly take his life, and his own sexual inadequacies with the number of women in his life. Awarded a prestigious grant for developing a play, Caden decides to cope with his problems by developing a massive play that will recreate his life within the confinement of a huge warehouse. Maybe you're beginning to see why I was intrigued by this film; Kaufman is known for his, shall we say, "out there" concepts. One review I read of Synecdoche, New York (IMDB has some great facts that explain the title better) said it best; usually, Kaufman has someone (a director) to reign in his ideas and make them accessible to the audience. Without a director to tone down the philosophical concepts, it turns the film into a real mind-bender.
I won't claim to be smart enough to truly explain the movie as well as it probably deserves; and rest assured, more of you will hate this film than enjoy it. But it definitely is worth a rental. There are still enough moments that will cause you to laugh out loud, as the movie is intended as a dark comedy - a really dark comedy. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is a really gifted actor and is versatile enough to perform in any type of genre. When he needs to be pathetic, he has it down to an art. When he needs to be upset and emotional, you'll empathize with his character's plights. But that is the whole point behind Kaufman's directorial debut. Everyone has problems in their lives. You may think of yourself as an individual with individual problems, but really everyone deals with the same shit, to put it bluntly.
I know most of you will read this and not think twice about forgetting this film. While I certainly can't claim this is the best example of Kaufman's work, it is still worth checking out. You'll still get a few laughs, and you'll get to see a master actor at work. So keep an open mind, invite a friend who is really profound, and maybe partake in a few mind altering substances, and you may wind up really enjoying Synecdoche, New York.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote: Caden Cotard: "I don't menstruate, so I don't know how I could smell like I'm menstruating."
This small indie film released last year didn't generate huge buzz but garnered more attention when lead actress Anne Hathaway was nominated for her performance. I have been looking forward to this movie for quite a while now with eager anticipation. While at first I was a little turned off, this is a beautiful and tragic movie that will leave you an emotional wreck wrought with feelings spanning the entire spectrum.
Rachel Getting Married is about a young girl named Kym, portrayed by the Oscar nominated Anne Hathaway (Alice in Wonderland, Get Smart), who is released from rehab in time for her sister Rachel's wedding. As you can imagine, the movie largely centers on Kym's struggles to acclimate to "normal" life with her family as she copes with her personal demons as well as the pain she has inflicted. At first, I was really turned off by Kym as she is catty and dramatic. But as we learn about her addictions and past, we begin to empathize with her more, to the point of actually wanting to stand up for her against her family's anger. This transition is a tremendous credit to the talented Anne Hathaway. She is quickly establishing herself as one of the classiest and more talented actresses in Hollywood and was every bit deserving of her nomination. Kym is definitely a tragic figure; you'll grow from hating her to pitying her struggles. I really have to credit Hathaway's performance for turning around my initial opinion of this movie.
You'll immediately notice the hand-held camera footage. A majority of the film is shot in such style and really adds a quaint feeling to the movie. I know many of you dread the infamous "shaky oh my God, what was that" camera style that often leaves people nauseated and not entertained, but honestly the style works well in this case. Being as the setting is a wedding, the hand-held camera footage really allows you to feel as if you were watching someone's wedding video and not simply a movie. This is largely attributed to Jonathan Demme's background in documentaries, for which he is more famously known for.
Speaking of weddings, I have to admit this is one of the cooler weddings I've ever seen. It's such a cultural, musical, and colorful experience; it truly is an original and special occasion that you feel privileged to partake in as the audience. Just a little warning, if you don't cry/tear up during the wedding vows, you may want to check for a pulse. Both bride and groom's vows are very special and touching. While most weddings are beautiful, joyful affairs, what makes Rachel Getting Married so special is how beautifully tragic it is. While the wedding is such a beautiful event, the struggles of Kym to be a functioning member of her family is so tragic that you'll quickly feel as torn as her family does. My favorite scene from the wedding is a short moment when the bride, groom, Kym, and best man are all dancing together under an archway in the dark; it's such a beautiful moment that shows how much people can really love each other.
I can't promise you'll enjoy this film: it's definitely not for everyone. As I said, I started off not enjoying Rachel Getting Married at all; but as the characters developed, I quickly began to grow affectionate towards this movie. I can't honestly say I've ever felt that tragically depressing scenes were beautiful till I saw this movie. There's just something about the raw emotions portrayed in this film that strikes a chord within me. I really hope you'll give this film a chance and witness the fine performance of one our generation's best actresses.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Kym: "I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening."
Oscar Nominations:
Best Actresses in a Leading Role-Anne Hathaway
Watchmen (2009) Directed by Zack Snyder Length: 163 minutes Rated R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity, and language
Considered one of the most anticipated movies of the year, if not the decade, the movie Watchmen has finally arrived. Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and considered one of the greatest novels of all time, many wondered if this classic could ever truly be adapted for the big screen. Having read the novel, I can attest to the concerns that many had going into the film: there are so many details and plots woven together throughout the story that it is almost impossible to cut any thread loose. After finally seeing the movie that almost never made it (check out the stories on the lawsuits between Fox & Warner Brothers), Watchmen delivers in every aspect imaginable.
Watchmen is set in 1985 in a parallel, yet similar time in the United States. The Soviet Union and America are still engaged in a bitter cold war with the imminent threat of nuclear strike at any moment. However, in this world, it's the infamous Richard Nixon leading the charge as masked crusaders protect the streets and the country from criminals and danger. That would be the basic summary of the plot, and I mean basic. There is so much going on in Watchmen that it can be a bit much at times. I have to admit, if I had not read the book in advance, I might have been lost during the film. It can take a bit of time to digest all that is and has happened, but overall the story is amazing and heart wrenching.
Let me start by commending the directorial job of Zack Snyder (300). Snyder has quickly established himself as the go-to-guy for graphic novel adaptations; many fanboys were hesitant when Snyder was announced as the director. Yeah, he had success directing 300, but let me be very clear that the two are miles apart in terms of quality of material. Watchmen, contrary to many tags, is not a superhero movie. Yeah there are people in capes and a blue guy with superpowers, but that's not the point. This film is a commentary on society as a whole: an analysis of the weakness of humans and how we hide behind masks, the beauty of relationships of all kinds, and the depths to which humans are capable of sinking. That being said, you can see why some may have been hesitant to laud the naming of Snyder as the director. Ask any fan of Moore's novel, and their number one priority had to be that the director truly has a passion for the series; I can safely say that Snyder wears his love for the story and characters of Watchmen on his sleeve for all to see. You can tell that this is a film where the director put every ounce of energy and passion into making the most accurate and realistic adaptation of an amazing book; I really hope Snyder will branch out into more original material and will have a chance to showcase his talents.
The acting for the most part is excellent. Jackie Earle Haley (Little Children, Shutter Island) continues to prove he is a very talented actor that has the deranged characters down to a science, in this case as the masked Rorschach. Rorschach is the most loved character from the series and is seen as the narrator throughout both the film and book. While he is more prone to breaking fingers to obtain answers and brutally murdering a criminal, Rorschach is a man of principles and ideals who strives to uphold the laws of society. I'll go on to say that I would not be surprised if Haley draws serious Oscar consideration this year; his portrayal of Rorschach fulfills every image I had of the character as I read the book and ultimately provides for some of the best scenes of the movie. Billy Crudup (Almost Famous, Public Enemies) also delivers an excellent performance as the god-like Doctor Manhattan, the blue guy that can control matter. Manhattan is a tough character in that he really has no emotions considering he is immortal as well as detached from human concerns, yet he is a compassionate man who cares for those around him. Crudup does a good job of staying emotionless yet conveying that glimmer of concern that really sells you on Manhattan's character.
Now what would an action "superhero" movie be without the CGI graphics and explosions. I was fortunate enough to see Watchmen in an IMAX theater and highly recommend the same for you if you have the chance. The action is intense; the punches hurt; the sounds of bones snapping are disturbing; the flames raging are intense...it really is a gorgeous looking film that should be enjoyed on the big screen. I'll warn you that the fight scenes can get a bit graphic (as mentioned, bones snapping, blood splattering EVERYWHERE), but the sounds capturing the fights are amazing. With every punch, I felt as if my jaw was being beaten.
Speaking of sounds, Watchmen is one of the few movies I have seen incorporating music so well into its presentation of the story. Very rarely do we care about the opening credits, but the one for this film is classic. To the tune of "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan, Snyder is able to provide the back story of the original costume fighters and the evolution to the new crime fighters that roam the streets today. The funeral scene for The Comedian is set to "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel and is one of the most beautiful and touching scenes in an action movie in a long time.
As I stated before, this is not a superhero movie. Many of the themes from Watchmen, while written during the 1980s, are still very relevant today. Consider this the thinking man's action movie. Yeah you can enjoy it for just the explosions and fights, but to really get everything out of Watchmen, you have to appreciate the themes and analysis behind every story and relationship. Many serious fans may notice the ending is different from the book, but Snyder has remained very true to the novel. For a majority of the film, it was as if I was reading the book page for page. Snyder has truly captured the essence of the Watchmen in an amazing film that many thought would never be possible. I truly hope all of you will look past the close to three hour length and graphic nature to appreciate this fine piece of art that truly transcends the "superhero" genre.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Quote: Rorschach:[to prisoners] "I'm not locked in here with you! You're locked in here with ME!"
Wanted (2008) Directed by Timur Bekmambetov Length: 110 minutes Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language, and some sexuality
Usually I like to start these off with a little intro about the movie, summarize the plot, comment on the acting, comment on something else in the movie, and then close it up. But I'm not going to waste time or mince words about this movie - it's a straight up action movie, period. You should not watch Wanted expecting Oscar winning performances or profound/life-changing plot. If you want an entertaining popcorn movie that has plenty of "Oh shit! That just happened!" moments, then Wanted is an excellent choice.
James McAvoy (The Last Station, Atonement) plays Wesley Gibson, a disgruntled office worker who is struggling to accept his pathetic life, when he learns he is actually the son of a skilled assassin that belongs to an ancient group known as The Fraternity. As Wesley undergoes his training to help him unlock his innate abilities, he finally becomes a true ass-kicking assassin like his father. That's about it...as in that's all you really need.
What really makes Wanted enjoyable are not the characters or the plot, but the action sequences and creativity behind a lot of the stunts. This movie doesn't try to claim realism but is able to avoid crossing the line of absurdity. If you enjoy a good car chase, fight sequences, and explosions, then Wanted will most definitely deliver.
My only real complaint with the movie is the ending. I figured it would be open ended, leading to the inevitable sequel. While work has already begun on the new script, once you see the ending, you'll understand my dilemma with the ending. Also, the "Loom of Destiny" (I know it's from a comic) is a bit of a reach for me to accept as justification. I know this review is certainly much shorter than normal, but trust me, there's not much to surmise. Definitely check out Wanted if you enjoy good action movies, just keep your expectations low.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Favorite Quote: Wesley: [voice-over] It's my anorexic boss' birthday. This means there's a certain amount of inter-office pressure to stand around the conference table, eating crappy food and pretending to worship her. Acting for five minutes like Janice doesn't make all our lives miserable is the hardest work I'll do all day. My job title is account manager. I used to be called an account service representative, but a consultant told us we have to manage our clients, and to not service them. I have a girlfriend who I neither manage or service. That's my best friend Barry fucking her on an Ikea kitchen table I picked up for a really good price. I'm finding it hard to care about anything these days. In fact, the only thing I do care about is the fact that I can't care about anything. Seriously, it worries me. My name is Wesley Gibson. My dad walked out on my mom when I was seven days old. Sometimes I wonder if he ever looked into my baby blue eyes and asked himself "did I just father the most insignificant asshole of the twenty-first century"?
Oscar Nominations: Best Achievement in Sound Best Achievement in Sound Editing
