Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
Directed by Edgar Wright
Length: 112 minutes
Rated PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language, and drug references
Before going through the usual dialogue of why I love or dislike a movie, let me just begin to list the ways in which I love Scott Pilgrim: Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Edgar Wright, "Under My Thumb" by The Rolling Stones (my all-time favorite Stones song), the soundtrack, the idea, the awesome blend of Japanese anime style manga with American humor, Ramona Flowers, gay roommate Wallace, vegan police, and the list goes on and on...
Now for the more traditional approach. Edgar Wright has built a huge cult following after his instant classics Spaced: The Series, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz. In his latest efforts, Wright decides to adapt the Bryan Lee O'Malley graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, in which the titular character must defeat the seven evil exes of Ramona Flowers, the girl of his dreams. This mash-up of Japanese anime style action and storytelling from the perspective of the hipster social scene is pure genius and translates well to the screen. And let us not forget the incredible casting job.
Perhaps the poster child of an actor capable of balancing mainstream success with indie cred, Michael Cera (Youth in Revolt, Arrested Development) as Scott Pilgrim is the perfect choice. Not only a native of the film's locale in Toronto, Cera posses that effeminate yet "cute" quality that makes you want to cheer for him. Equally awesome are Mary Elizabeth Winstead (The Thing, Live Free or Die Hard),as my future wife and Scott's love interest Ramona Flowers, and Ellen Wong (Unnatural History) as Knives Chau, Scott's scorned ex-girlfriend. Both capture the essence of their characters and really add an extra dimension to the film. Of course, I would be a terrible fanboy if I didn't mention Jason Schwartzman (Bored to Death, The Fantastic Mr. Fox) in his role as Gideon, the leader of the League of Seven Evil Exes. One of my favorite actors, Schwartzman continues his reign as the ultimate "funny even when I'm not being funny" actor - just see his incredible work in Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, and even here - he's that perfect arrogant yet mysteriously appealing cool guy. While I would love to talk about each of the seven evil exes, I'll leave it to these parting thoughts: Anne Hog and vegan police = pure gold. Bonus points for those who get the Anne Hog reference.
The over-the-top style of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is well done, successfully mixing the gaming community and their nostalgic cliches with the noisy fury of the hipster indie scene and the over-exaggerated style of anime manga. Coupled with a raucous sonic boom of a soundtrack as well as enjoyable kung-fu esq battles, the film contains most every element needed for a geek to feel right at home.
While this review is a complete and total mess, it's simply because, like the film, one cannot help but constantly jump from thought to thought in attempt to retrace the spectacle just witnessed. By commercial measures, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will be deemed a complete failure due to its poor box office performance; but it would be unfortunate if the bottom line dictates the fate of similar films. A gust of fresh air breathed into the stale movie scene, Edgar Wright's latest film is a complete fun-fest and certainly should be enjoyed. While most people will not care for this highly stylized and frantically paced film, it is a shame that most people will pass on seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I certainly feel the film deserves a trip to the theater, but I acknowledge the film isn't for everyone. So at least send the film industry a message and rent this original and refreshing film so we fans can see more good movies.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
I had a lot of favorite quotes, but I'll just say anything involving the vegan police rocked my world.
Greenberg (2010)
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Length: 107 minutes
Rated R for some strong sexuality, drug use, and language
Director Noah Baumbach became a favorite amongst film critics with his 2005 indie darling The Squid and the Whale. But in a industry full of big name directors, he remains a relative unknown. Baumbach previously worked with more popular indie director Wes Anderson, co-writing several screenplays. In his latest effort, Baumbach nabs one of Hollywood's biggest comedians in the ever lovable Ben Stiller; but are the results any different this time around?
In a role MUCH different than his usual dense yet lovable goof, Ben Stiller (Little Fockers, Help Me Spread Goodness) is Roger Greenberg - a neurotic Gen-X'er hoping to do absolutely nothing while house sitting in Los Angeles for his brother. Roger is a difficult character: at times charming and compassionate before transforming into a moody, brooding asshole. As Roger passes the days house sitting, he reconnects with old band mates and becomes friends with the family's assistant Florence Marr, played by Greta Gerwig (Art House, Northern Comfort).
This is one of Stiller's most complex and difficult characters portrayed to date, yet also one of the most difficult to like. Stiller really captures the difficulty people have in connecting with Roger, even those who want to be a part of his life. Old friends and Florence struggle with his manic mood swings and borderline tropophobic behavior. Where Baumbach's contemporary Wes Anderson has succeeded several times in creating damaged and difficult characters that are still likable, Baumbach continues to deny the viewer any chance of really liking the protagonist.
Much like his previous works, Baumbach does not care if you get the "warm, fuzzy feeling" after his films. You could think of his work as an analysis of the aging of Generation-X and their interaction with modern society. Infidelity, drug use, an elitist sense of intelligence, snarky humor - the traits of a Baumbach film are becoming as recognizable as some of Hollywood's elite. However, this does not make his films any more enjoyable for the popular masses. Greenberg and Baumbach's previous works are a polarizing experience that will leave you firmly planted in the love it or ho-hum side. I, much to my chagrin, fall into the latter. Make sure you rent if only to see Stiller at a new level, but be prepared for 100% indie dramedy.
Final Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Roger Greenberg: "Dear Starbucks, in your attempt to manufacture culture out of fast food coffee you've been surprisingly successful for the most part. The part that isn't covered by the 'most part' sucks."
The Kids Are All Right (2010)
Directed by Lisa Cholodenko
Length: 106 minutes
Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, language, and some teen alcohol and drug use
As 2010 continues onward, we are quickly approaching Oscar season - aka the time of the year movies get vastly better. Generating intense buzz amongst the critics for its modern take on the family, The Kids Are All Right is the story of a middle age couple struggling to maintain the romance while raising two teenage kids. The twist? The couple are lesbians with sperm donor children who want to meet their donor daddy.
Annette Bening (State of the Union, Hemingway & Fuentes) as the perfectionist wino Nic and Julianne Moore (Elektra Luxx; Crazy, Stupid, Love) as the free-spirit Jules are amazing in their roles as a struggling couple. Both really convey the different natures of their characters while still allowing you to sympathize with their flaws. And I think both actresses and screenplay writer should be commended for making this a movie about a family and its struggles and not focusing on the gay couple pitfall. Sure there are plenty of tongue-in-cheek jokes about the two, but the film really does an incredible job of showing how relationships and families with gay couples are no different than straight couples except for anatomically.
Equally impressive are the performances of the children, next best thing Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre) as Joni and her brother Laser played by Josh Hutcherson (Red Dawn, Carmel). Earlier this year, Wasikowska epically failed as Alice in Tim Burton's rendition of Alice in Wonderland, but she has certainly redeemed herself this time. As a teenager preparing for college and struggling with becoming an adult, Wasikowska nails the emotional range needed for the role. One scene in particular sums up her performance as her lip quivers as she realizes she is finally on her on...good stuff. As the 100% straight and male-thinking member of the family, Hutcherson's Laser shines. Searching for a male influence and an understanding of who he is, Hutcherson has some of the best dead-pan deliveries in the movie as well as portraying the pure teenage male moodiness.
Perhaps the most conflicting part of the movie arises from Mark Ruffalo (Date Night, The Avengers) as sperm donating, biological father Paul. Ruffalo is the restaurant owning, organic vegetable raising, motorcycle riding cool guy, who really wants a family more than anything. While Paul is certainly charming, the film seems conflicted over whether we should hate Paul for his actions or compassionate for his endeavors. Without revealing too much, this is probably the weakest component of the film. Ruffalo certainly delivers on his part, but the screenplay seems confused over how we should react to Paul and his desire to be part of the family.
Without a doubt, The Kids Are All Right masterfully blend the more dramatic elements with several great laughs. The performances are amazing and really shift the focus on the family and away from the type of parents that may deter some viewers. This may not be Brokeback Mountain in terms of making the more conservative squirm; but like Ang Lee's "gay movie standard," the audience sees beyond the couple for their sexual preferences and embraces the story. I found myself on the verge of tears near the end of the movie, as my own fears of failure in relationships manifested itself onscreen. Truly, this is a solid film accessible to even the most average film watcher that should generate some serious buzz come Oscar time.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Nic: "I need your input like I need a dick in my ass!"
Oscar Nominations:
Best Motion Picture
Best Supporting Actor - Mark Ruffalo
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Annette Bening
Best Original Screenplay
Dinner for Schmucks (2010)Directed by Jay Roach
Length: 114 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sequences of crude and sexual content, some partial nudity and language
Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and a strong supporting cast in a comedy? Sign me up! Unfortunately what looked like a strong comedic effort on paper didn't quite live up to its billing. Certainly there are plenty of laughs to be had, but for a movie that centers around the infamous dinner for idiots, the movie starts slowly and relies too heavily on the performance of Carell in particular.
Resident smart-ass Paul Rudd (How Do You Know, Wanderlust) is Tim, a financial analyst seeking a promotion by bringing an unsuspecting idiot to a dinner for his bosses to ridicule. Like a sign from God, Tim literally runs into an idiot - with his Porsche, mind you. As an IRS agent by trade and a taxidermist who recreates popular paintings and scenes with dead mice, Barry played by Steve Carell (Despicable Me; Crazy, Stupid, Love) is the perfect schmuck for the dinner. And the perfect person for this movie.
As the destructive tornado that threatens to wreck Tim's life due to his absolute oblivion, Steve Carell as Barry is the pulse of the movie and frankly the saving grace. The first ten minutes of the film feels listless and pointless, but the second Carell enters the screen the movie truly begins to flourish a he balances the right amount of stupidity with heart. I have been a big fan of Rudd's over his last few films, but this is one of his worst performances to date. Whether the result of bad writing, bad character, or simply bad acting, Rudd's character is dull and disconnected, while Carell is charming in a strange way.
Helping Carell along the way is Jemaine Clement (Predicament, Men in Black III) as Kieran, a narcissistic artist that seeks to embrace the animal side of life. While Carell is certainly the star of the show, Clement's character only adds to the laughs, especially when the two are employed together. Additionally strong in a supporting role is Zach Galifianakis (Due Date, It's Kind of a Funny Story) as Therman, Barry's psychic co-worker. Galifianakis's role in The Hangover may be more memorable, but the faux-turtleneck wearing Therman has his moments.
Amazingly, for a movie centered around the titular dinner, the scene is relatively short and one of the weaker moments. The bottom-line is no one will consider this a modern classic, like Tropic Thunder or The 40 Year Old Virgin. But there are plenty of laughs. What may have been a disappointment of a movie still features memorable roles by the likes of Carell and Clement. Ultimately, save your money and way for the DVD release or cable debut. The laughs will still be there and a lot cheaper. And cheaper things are certainly easier to appreciate even if they lack in certain areas.
Final Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Favorite Quote:
Kieran: "Do you have any idea what it's like Tim, to be up to your elbow in a zebra's vagina?"
Tim: "No."
Kieran: "You should try it Tim, it's magical!"
