DIRECTOR: Christopher Nolan
STUDIO: Warner Bros. Pictures
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
GRADE: A-
I love movies that make you think! (It may be the nerd in me.) But, I feel like anyone would enjoy this film much more if you watch it twice. Mostly because, the first time you are just trying to understand exactly what's happening and why, so the second time you can focus more on the plot and characters.
One of the best parts of this film is the visuals, which I unfortuantely didn't get to see on the Big Screen, but sometimes the plot may move too fast for the viewer to completely understand. However, that is a small complaint, because they try to establish the universe quite well.
The acting was great, and directing was wonderful, too. There was no gaps in story or character motivation, but I didn't feel the power behind it to give it a full "A+" or even an "A". It's still one of the movies you should see, because it truly is the universal genre.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Country Strong (2010)
DIRECTOR: Shana Feste
STUDIO: Maguire Pictures
STARRING: Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Romance
GRADE: C
Ehh, country has NEVER been my favorite genre of music (probably in my least-favorite, actually) but this movie didn't necessarily have to do much with the actual "country" feel, but just the pressures of how fame and love can't co-exist. In fact, the main character said she based her acting off of pop-star Britney Spears.
This film was mostly just a bunch of cliches with some funny jokes and a twist or two, but it was mostly dry. The best actor was probably Tim McGraw, which really shocked me, considering his poor acting from before. Garrett Hedlund wasn't too shabby either, and this is actually the first work I've ever seen him in. A lot of newcomers surrounded Paltrow, but it still made an interesting set of events with the characters.
The main problem I had with the film was the sound editing. There would be a song playing in the background, and you couldn't understand what the characters in the scene were saying, which can get annoying if it happens for almost every scene. Luckily, the plot wasn't too difficult to understand, but it was mostly a nuisance.
Overall, this wasn't a horrible film, but it's not exactly going to be around for the Academy Awards.
STUDIO: Maguire Pictures
STARRING: Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Garrett Hedlund
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Romance
GRADE: C
Ehh, country has NEVER been my favorite genre of music (probably in my least-favorite, actually) but this movie didn't necessarily have to do much with the actual "country" feel, but just the pressures of how fame and love can't co-exist. In fact, the main character said she based her acting off of pop-star Britney Spears.
This film was mostly just a bunch of cliches with some funny jokes and a twist or two, but it was mostly dry. The best actor was probably Tim McGraw, which really shocked me, considering his poor acting from before. Garrett Hedlund wasn't too shabby either, and this is actually the first work I've ever seen him in. A lot of newcomers surrounded Paltrow, but it still made an interesting set of events with the characters.
The main problem I had with the film was the sound editing. There would be a song playing in the background, and you couldn't understand what the characters in the scene were saying, which can get annoying if it happens for almost every scene. Luckily, the plot wasn't too difficult to understand, but it was mostly a nuisance.
Overall, this wasn't a horrible film, but it's not exactly going to be around for the Academy Awards.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Movie Facts Thursday!
Every Thursday, I've decided to post 10 interesting facts about films! So, check in at least every Thursday to see what the new trivia is.
TWILIGHT (2008)
1) Kristen Stewart's stunt double, Katie Powers, also plays a waitress at the diner.
2) When Bella and Edward are lying in the meadow, the sun coming through the trees makes a heart between them.
3) At the cafeteria salad bar, Bella drops an apple which Edward picks back up and then cradles in his hands, copying the cover image of the Twilight novel. This shot took 13 takes to get it right.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)
4) The Blind Man's parting line "I was gonna make espresso" was not in the script, but was ad-libbed by Gene Hackman during shooting.
5) The idea of Frederick's dart hitting a cat was ad-libbed on set. When Gene Wilder threw his dart off camera, director Mel Brooks quickly screamed like a cat to create the illusion.
6) Rock band Aerosmith took a break from a long night of recording to see "Young Frankenstein" in 1974. Steven Tyler wrote the band's hit "Walk This Way" the morning after seeing the movie, inspired by Marty Feldman's first scene, the "walk this way... this way" scene.
TOY STORY TRILOGY
7) At 102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes) the third film is the longest Toy Story movie.
8 Buzz's first name was Lunar Larry, but it was changed because it didn't fit the grand space hotshot he became.
9) The crowd voices of the little green aliens are actually John Lasseter (the director) and crew after breathing in helium gas!
10) In its most productive week, Pixar completed just 3.5 minutes of animation.
TWILIGHT (2008)
1) Kristen Stewart's stunt double, Katie Powers, also plays a waitress at the diner.
2) When Bella and Edward are lying in the meadow, the sun coming through the trees makes a heart between them.
3) At the cafeteria salad bar, Bella drops an apple which Edward picks back up and then cradles in his hands, copying the cover image of the Twilight novel. This shot took 13 takes to get it right.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)
4) The Blind Man's parting line "I was gonna make espresso" was not in the script, but was ad-libbed by Gene Hackman during shooting.
5) The idea of Frederick's dart hitting a cat was ad-libbed on set. When Gene Wilder threw his dart off camera, director Mel Brooks quickly screamed like a cat to create the illusion.
6) Rock band Aerosmith took a break from a long night of recording to see "Young Frankenstein" in 1974. Steven Tyler wrote the band's hit "Walk This Way" the morning after seeing the movie, inspired by Marty Feldman's first scene, the "walk this way... this way" scene.
TOY STORY TRILOGY
7) At 102 minutes (1 hour, 42 minutes) the third film is the longest Toy Story movie.
8 Buzz's first name was Lunar Larry, but it was changed because it didn't fit the grand space hotshot he became.
9) The crowd voices of the little green aliens are actually John Lasseter (the director) and crew after breathing in helium gas!
10) In its most productive week, Pixar completed just 3.5 minutes of animation.
Black Swan (2010)
DIRECTOR: Darren Aronofsky
STUDIO: Fox Searchlight Pictures
STARRING: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Thriller
GRADE: A
I have been anticipating this film for a long time! Maybe not THIS film specifically, but a ballet film that isn't purely about the harshness of the eating disorders or strictness of the director or the romance between the two leads.
The director of this film was AMAZING. Every prop, every costume, every makeup device is used in such a beautiful symbolist way that subconsciously make the viewer dive deeper into the self-destructive and almost crazy mindset. You begin to question was is reality and what is just another hallucination.
Portman and Kunis also did very good jobs at both their roles, both portraying the White and Black Swan in their own unique characters' ways. The only issue with this film is that the two lead females both look very similar, so in certain hallucinations it's difficult to tell that it's not the same person. But, that's something Hollywood really couldn't control, but, maybe that's what they were trying to do all along.
Overall, the best film I've seen all year (2010, that is) and I'm not even really a fan of the genre. Anyone should see this movie before they die!
STUDIO: Fox Searchlight Pictures
STARRING: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel
RATING: R
GENRE: Drama, Thriller
GRADE: A
I have been anticipating this film for a long time! Maybe not THIS film specifically, but a ballet film that isn't purely about the harshness of the eating disorders or strictness of the director or the romance between the two leads.
The director of this film was AMAZING. Every prop, every costume, every makeup device is used in such a beautiful symbolist way that subconsciously make the viewer dive deeper into the self-destructive and almost crazy mindset. You begin to question was is reality and what is just another hallucination.
Portman and Kunis also did very good jobs at both their roles, both portraying the White and Black Swan in their own unique characters' ways. The only issue with this film is that the two lead females both look very similar, so in certain hallucinations it's difficult to tell that it's not the same person. But, that's something Hollywood really couldn't control, but, maybe that's what they were trying to do all along.
Overall, the best film I've seen all year (2010, that is) and I'm not even really a fan of the genre. Anyone should see this movie before they die!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Craigslist Killer (2011)
DIRECTOR: Stephen Kay
STUDIO: Lifetime Network
STARRING: Jake McDorman, Agnes Bruckner, Kevin Kilner
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Thriller
GRADE: C+
Although most made-for-TV movies suck, this one definitely rose above the standards. Though, it certainly couldn't stand up to in-theatre films today, it would be one of the decent ones that come out once in a blue moon.
The film's about a man who seems to live a perfect life: top of his class Medical Student, engaged to a beautiful, wealthy girl and very charming overall. However, he's really a sex-addict with a gambling problem who ends up robbing prostitutes, and eventually killing one - meanwhile, all is unbeknown to everyone in his everyday life.
The movie stars some big names, mostly Jake McDorman and Kevin Kilner, but all actors do well with whatever they can with the script. The dialogue isn't that strong, but it compels the motives clear enough. For a Lifetime film, it's one of the strongest, but it still lacks the pop that movies need to make it to the big screen.
STUDIO: Lifetime Network
STARRING: Jake McDorman, Agnes Bruckner, Kevin Kilner
RATING: PG-13
GENRE: Drama, Thriller
GRADE: C+
Although most made-for-TV movies suck, this one definitely rose above the standards. Though, it certainly couldn't stand up to in-theatre films today, it would be one of the decent ones that come out once in a blue moon.
The film's about a man who seems to live a perfect life: top of his class Medical Student, engaged to a beautiful, wealthy girl and very charming overall. However, he's really a sex-addict with a gambling problem who ends up robbing prostitutes, and eventually killing one - meanwhile, all is unbeknown to everyone in his everyday life.
The movie stars some big names, mostly Jake McDorman and Kevin Kilner, but all actors do well with whatever they can with the script. The dialogue isn't that strong, but it compels the motives clear enough. For a Lifetime film, it's one of the strongest, but it still lacks the pop that movies need to make it to the big screen.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Blazing Saddles (1974)
DIRECTOR: Mel Brooks
STUDIO: Warner Bros.
STARRING: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy, Western
GRADE: B+
Mel Brooks has done it again! I never cease to laugh, or at least smile, whenever I watch his films. "The Producers"..."Young Frankenstein"..."Robin Hood: Men in Tights"...and now one of his most famous!
Well, obviously I adore the director, but another star that is one of my favorite actors is Gene Wilder. He plays his part beautifully, but it may be just because I'm used to seeing Gene on screen about 80% of the time when I watch a film starring him, that I thought he was hardly in this movie at all.
Almost every joke that was played worked well, and the only ones may just be the generation gap from the '70s to now. My only complaint, which is why it didn't recieve an A grade, is the ending. It felt so forced and random that it led me to be confused. The errors that could be made in just the ending are too many to ignore, so I have to say that if it wasn't for that, it may have been my favorite Mel Brooks film.
Overall, if you've ever enjoyed any film of the simliar genre, you will adore this movie. It's best to watch with a group of people, because then you'll appreciate every joke a bit more.
STUDIO: Warner Bros.
STARRING: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy, Western
GRADE: B+
Mel Brooks has done it again! I never cease to laugh, or at least smile, whenever I watch his films. "The Producers"..."Young Frankenstein"..."Robin Hood: Men in Tights"...and now one of his most famous!
Well, obviously I adore the director, but another star that is one of my favorite actors is Gene Wilder. He plays his part beautifully, but it may be just because I'm used to seeing Gene on screen about 80% of the time when I watch a film starring him, that I thought he was hardly in this movie at all.
Almost every joke that was played worked well, and the only ones may just be the generation gap from the '70s to now. My only complaint, which is why it didn't recieve an A grade, is the ending. It felt so forced and random that it led me to be confused. The errors that could be made in just the ending are too many to ignore, so I have to say that if it wasn't for that, it may have been my favorite Mel Brooks film.
Overall, if you've ever enjoyed any film of the simliar genre, you will adore this movie. It's best to watch with a group of people, because then you'll appreciate every joke a bit more.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Movie Facts Thursday!
Every Thursday, I've decided to post 10 interesting facts about films! So, check in at least every Thursday to see what the new trivia is.
The Princess and the Frog (2009) :
1) The star Ray calls "Evangeline" is in fact the planet Venus. Venus is known as the Roman goddess of love.
2) This is Disney's first film in which all of the voice actors do both the speaking and singing parts since Beauty and the Beast (1991).
3) Tiana is on-screen for roughly 40 minutes of the film, 17 of them spent as a human and 23 as a frog.
Across the Universe (2007):
4) All the main characters' names are references to famous Beatle songs. (Hey Jude, Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Sexy Sadie, Get Back(Jojo), Dear Prudence, ETC)
5) This film was released in the United States on John Lennon's birthday (October 9th).
6) During "Happiness is a Warm Gun", the dancing priest does the same dance the hippy in "Come Together" does across the crosswalk when he's in the area with the prostitutes.
TITANIC (1997):
7) Rose only says "I love you" to Jack once while they are both shivering in the water. Jack never says it, although he mentions what he loves about her.
8 Most Oscar-nominated film (14) not to win in any acting categories.
9) After finding out that she had to be naked in front of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet decided to break the ice, and when they first met, she flashed him.
10) When Jack prevents Rose from committing suicide, he shares a story about how he once fell into freezing cold water while ice fishing and how it feels like "being stabbed with a thousand knives all over your body." This was an actual quote from a Titanic survivor describing the temperature of the North Atlantic water.
The Princess and the Frog (2009) :
1) The star Ray calls "Evangeline" is in fact the planet Venus. Venus is known as the Roman goddess of love.
2) This is Disney's first film in which all of the voice actors do both the speaking and singing parts since Beauty and the Beast (1991).
3) Tiana is on-screen for roughly 40 minutes of the film, 17 of them spent as a human and 23 as a frog.
Across the Universe (2007):
4) All the main characters' names are references to famous Beatle songs. (Hey Jude, Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Sexy Sadie, Get Back(Jojo), Dear Prudence, ETC)
5) This film was released in the United States on John Lennon's birthday (October 9th).
6) During "Happiness is a Warm Gun", the dancing priest does the same dance the hippy in "Come Together" does across the crosswalk when he's in the area with the prostitutes.
TITANIC (1997):
7) Rose only says "I love you" to Jack once while they are both shivering in the water. Jack never says it, although he mentions what he loves about her.
8 Most Oscar-nominated film (14) not to win in any acting categories.
9) After finding out that she had to be naked in front of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet decided to break the ice, and when they first met, she flashed him.
10) When Jack prevents Rose from committing suicide, he shares a story about how he once fell into freezing cold water while ice fishing and how it feels like "being stabbed with a thousand knives all over your body." This was an actual quote from a Titanic survivor describing the temperature of the North Atlantic water.
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