Brüno

Brüno (2009)

Directed by Larry Charles

Length:81 minutes

Rated R for pervasive strong and crude sexual content, graphic nudity, and language

Vas up? It's time for everybody's favorite gay, Austrian fashionista known simply as

Brüno. I will preface this review with a strong warning: this is not a film for everybody! This is a movie that strives to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and forces you to watch, sometimes in horror, as Brüno convinces a mother to dress her child in Nazi attire as another baby is crucified, tells a Southern Baptist minister he has DSLs, or feigns blowing the ghost of his dead lover Milli from Milli Vanilli. Is it funny? Hysterical! But its humor will definitely be lost on a lot of people. That being said, if you can overcome any potential scruples you may have, you will enjoy seeing a very funny movie.

In the second film featuring a character from the popular HBO series Da Ali G Show, Sacha Baron Cohen (Sweeney Todd, Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa) has once again attempted to push the boundaries in another "mocumentary" style film. Riding high after the success of his previous film Borat, Cohen strives to recreate the controversy and insanity that made him a huge success. Though Borat succeeded in creating controversy, it cannot begin to near the level of absurdity found in Brüno. How this movie avoided earning a NC-17 rating I'll never know, but Cohen certainly succeeds in "one-upping" his previous film in almost every category...almost.

Let's establish right now, Brüno is a very funny movie. Falling from grace after a disastrous snafu at a fashion show, our favorite fashionista leaves for America to achieve stardom, no matter what. Needless to say, an overly flamboyant European isn't exactly what American audiences are looking forward. The situations Brüno finds himself in definitely exceed the border lines of taboo and acceptable. But does Cohen succeed in making a believable, funny yet introspective film like Borat? Admittedly, the film feels a bit more staged than Cohen's previous endeavor. Though typically very funny, it's harder to believe the spontaneity or realism. A perfect example is a hunting expedition with three Southerns that Brüno believes will make him man up; though highly funny, you definitely feel like Cohen had to force more situations this go around.

I believe the reason for this lies with the character. Borat is a much more likable kind of guy. Is this simply because Brüno is gay? Certainly many people are initially put off by this character for that simple reason. What makes Brüno funny is also what makes him a less accessible character. While Borat was simply a guy from Kazakhstan trying to make "romantic explosion" on Pamela Anderson's stomach, Brüno addresses the largest prejudice in the world today. Granted a gay man attempting to make a sex tape with Ron Paul would probably make many people uncomfortable, you should be willing to give Brüno a chance.

My biggest complaint with Brüno lies with the story. As stated, though highly funny, the plot largely is a rehash of Borat...as in the exact same story sans love interest. Brüno comes to America looking for love (in this case fame leads to love) and winds up falling for the most unexpected of characters. Though this is a bit disheartening, it's not enough to take away from some truly brilliant moments. I realize not everyone will enjoy the humor found here, but really this is a very funny movie. If you can find it within yourself, you should definitely gives Brüno a chance...after all, don't we all have a little gay fashionista within us all?

Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote:

Reviewer response to Brüno's new show: "It's worse than cancer!"

(500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Directed by Marc Webb
Length: 95 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sexual material and language




Movies are an amazing thing: they can allow us to connect with a piece of art in such a short time period, at a very intense level. While many have certain songs that remind them of moments in their lives, movies allow someone to empathize with the images and sounds that result in an immediate emotional response that can have lasting implications. This intense connection can be felt immediately or even sometimes afterwords, and is often hard to truly vocalize. (500) Days of Summer takes what many would consider another romantic comedy and creates a redefining film that breaks the surface level in order to provide an in depth look at the new generation of lovers. My generation, the sons and daughters of hippies, yuppies, feminists, and Vietnam vets: we are the broken generation, born of divorce and resistance to the standards predefined throughout the American culture.

(500) Days of Summer pairs two of the most talented young actors in the film today. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) plays Tom, a greeting card writer, and Summer, the titular object of Tom's affection, is played by the "queen of indie damaged chicks" Zooey Deschanel (Your Highness, Yes Man). In an interesting twist, (500) Days of Summer becomes the Memento of the romantic comedy drama as the film unfolds in a sporadic jump throughout the five hundred days of the relationship between Tom and Summer, showing the first kiss, to the first time they ever make love, all the way to the heartbreaking end of their relationship. That's right kids, know going in, this isn't your typical romantic comedy; the guy doesn't get the girl. Instead, the greatness of this film is not the relationship but the commentary on today's love.

Today's love? What does that even mean?!?! Well consider the state of marriage and relationships today: almost 50% of marriages end in divorce; most children grow up in a "broken home" with one predominant parent; women have striven for more independence and control leading to a more powerful role in relationships; and men have become a more docile partner seeking companionship more than many women do. Admit it, guys, how many times have you heard, "I want to keep this casual. Let's just be friends," only to have her then act like she is dating you. (500) Days of Summer captures this shift in society to perfection, showcasing the independence of the modern female in relationships while allowing the often hormonal male to show his more emotional side. While very beautiful and tragic, Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel's chemistry is hard to deny. I found myself laughing along with the audience at the pure joy and hilarity the couple enjoys, while clinching my teeth in horror at the way Summer plays Tom's emotions.

Though focusing more on the Generation X couple, the film also showcases the modern Millennials/Generation Y'ers. As the voice of reason, Tom's pre-pubescent teenage sister represents the speed at which children begin to understand and develop adult connections and thought processes. With access to the internet, the young children are more knowledgeable and experienced than any other generation.

This film will revolutionize the romantic comedy, redefining the tried-and-true formula by injecting more realism and modernity into a tired, stale, and predictable genre. Beyond the deeper analysis, Webb has succeeded in creating a movie enjoyable on all levels. Surface dwellers will enjoy a funny, intelligent, beautiful, and tragic film that never goes over the top but allows the audience to build an intense connection, all while allowing the harshest of movie critics to dig into the layers that compose this modern masterpiece. Woody Allen's 1977 classic Annie Hall is often thought of as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time, despite its quirky, unorthodox delivery. You can now safely add (500) Days of Summer to the list of instant masterpieces that should be viewed, enjoyed, and discussed for generations to come.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:
Paul: "Have you slept together? Hanjob, blowjob, any job?"
Tom: "I'm still unemployed."

Two Lovers

Two Lovers (2008)
Directed by James Gray
Length:110 minutes
Rated R for language, some sexuality, and brief drug use




We've all been there: the person we want to be with and the person we should be with. But who do we choose? Who should we choose? The content may not be an unfamiliar one, but Two Lovers is an exacerbating, self-destructive ride that showcases the follies of human emotions and desires. Coming from the hugely disappointing We Own the Night, James Gray has written and directed his redemption in the form of a dramatic piece that is beautiful, enchanting, and heartbreaking all at the same time.

Filmed in the dark and somber colors and backgrounds of Brooklyn, Two Lovers is the story of Leonard, a damaged, suicidal, and unstable guy trying to mend the heartache of a broken engagement. Living with his supportive parents, Leonard struggles to regain the glow and spirit he is remembered for by his family. As his parents incite a meeting with a beautiful young, compassionate, and forgiving woman, Leonard happens upon a dark, damaged, and equally screwed up neighbor. As two different relationships begin to develop, he begins to struggle with the choice between the girl he should and the girl he wants to be with.

As the character Leonard, Joaquin Phoenix shows his tremendous talent and ability that will be sorely missed if his new "career path" turns out to be real. Phoenix has always been good at playing the emotionally damaged characters; however, he is especially adept at allowing glimmers of happiness and joy escape from an otherwise broken man. From his stilted interactions with his two lovers, to joyfully dancing with his mother in his father's laundry mat, Phoenix shows why he is one of the best actors in Hollywood and a master of his trade. Let's certainly hope that his choice to be a rapper is not a permanent one.

What makes Two Lovers so accessible is the way Leonard interacts with the women in his life. At times we see that this is not some guy that has never been able to interact with other people, specifically women. Let's be real, the guy balances two relationships at one time! Watching this film is akin to watching a film of your life and grimacing at all the times you made a mistake with a person, whether you were too available, too apparent, or too quick to fall in love, Leonard is the walking, living, breathing film of your life and all the times you wish you could stop or change. It's like watching a bad car crash coming in slow motion, and, if you could just tell the driver to hit the brakes, everything would be okay.

Two Lovers succeeds in not only being a film about the mistakes males typically make, but also the ones women make as well. Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man 2) plays Michelle, the damaged party girl locked in an affair with a partner at the law firm she works at. While we watch the film knowing Michelle is the wrong girl for Leonard, from the female perspective, we cringe knowing the imminent heartbreak waiting around the corner for Leonard.

Two Lovers may not be an enjoyable experience in the traditional sense, but it certainly is a good movie. Phoenix is an amazing actor, and it is hard to imagine losing such a talent at the peak of his career. In either case, this is one film you should definitely watch, if not for the personal story lines, then at least to witness a master at work.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote: Couldn't find any so instead I'll share this wonderful image...