'Once is just enough'
Well, that's it. The search for best song at the next academy awards is over. This little independent Irish musical steals the show with the music. In fact, to be honest, you might be able to save yourself some time in a big stadium by just buying the cd because if you do see the movie you will want to go buy the CD directly after anyhow. Now, knowing what I know about this film in particular makes it very bizarre to me. I will explain as I go *sigh* as always...
Story. Simple. Boy meets girl and they start up an indie type romance as they help each other to mend their broken lives and to become someting greater than their current shells. Why is it so special? Well, its not the script...and its not the cinematography or the directing...its the casting. My god, their has not been such a great chemistry between two people in a long long time. That, and the amazing music. The two main actors played by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova sing their own songs and play them too. Also, they wrote most of them. I mean, its amazing to see these two performing together like a great concert DVD between a famous duo. If Glen Hansard wasn't famous before, well he just became so as this can easily translate into cd sales since his music is perfect for the kind of crowd this movie will bring. As for directing, there are some amusing and cute moments but they are few and far between and generally the romantic portions steal from common romance films or from Richard Linklater and his Before Sunset and Before Sunrise movies. Except instead of witty banter and dialogue, the emotions and communication happen mostly through organic songs. Organic meaning it never feels like the songs don't belong. No dancing wombats or moments of angst bursting into melodious tune. Nope, all is song in a very gritty and raw style that accents the soothing melodies and accents the sometimes despairing lyrics. Its a great story about love and about getting back on your feet and helping others, strangers. It's a wonderful feel good film, even if the film is made on crappy DV tape. Its obvious from the viewing that the film stock was cheap and that the amount of money put into this film was next to none. Thankfully the gritty handheld look and the terrible quality of the film stock add to the raw and indie aura of the movie, plot, and music. In the end, it all ties together to make a great film that only needs to be viewed once and then if you buy the CD you can relive the film everytime you turn on your speakers. I am not sure that the film is for everyone as the directing can be kind of boring at times and it does feel slightly slow. But if you like the music you should love the movie and the amazing chemistry between two current artists. Congratulations casting director on this brilliant job. And now the truth, once you see the film you won't be able to imagine Cillian Murphy as the lead male's role which is what he was until he dropped out and the songwriter had to step in. It would have been very bizarre indeed. Go see it if you can, if you cant don't be afraid. It should work just as well on the home set as in the theaters.
4.6 out of 5
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
'Sympathy for bad pacing'
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is the directorial debut of Korean director Chan-wook Park and it is also the first of his vengeance trilogy which is followed by Oldboy and Lady Vengeance. Although I haven't seen Lady Vengeance yet, I highly recommend Oldboy to anyone who has a strong stomach. Most critics call it the preffered film of the trilogy. The nice part about the trilogy is that it is a trilogy only by its ties through the theme of vengeanced and each story is a standalone tale. However, unless you want to see a film that will make you sit in pain, I wouldn't advise watching Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance.
The story is pretty muddled but it becomes clear after a bit. First we are introduced to Ryu, a poor dumb and deaf brother whose sister is dying and needs a kidney transplant. In an attempt to save her, he decides to offer his kidney to the black market in exchange for one for her. When he wakes up and realizes he's been screwed in the deal, he is forced to consider a new option. Finally he and his communist revolutionary girlfriend decide to kidnap his former boss's daughter and hold her for ransom. As you can imagine, things just keep getting worse. In fact, it's pretty obvious that the writers of this film and the director took a lot of their cues from Shakespeare. And that's all I will say about that.
As for acting, the females are the strongest actors in the film closely followed by Ha-kyun Shin who plays Ryu. Unfortunately Kang-ho Song who plays the other main protagonist across from Ryu seems to have taken acting lessons at the Keanu Reeves school of immovability. Truth be told the acting is okay on the whole but nothing special which makes the film incredibly hard to watch as we are shown shot after shot of uninspired cinematography and ridiculously long edited scenes that seem to have no purpose other than filling time. All of these things combine to create a pace that is excruciatingly slow. Also, it doesn't help to feel sympathy for either protagonist after all of the violent decisions made and the fact that the camera takes a third party omnipotent approach for most of the film (although the scene with Ryu and his girl and the detctives in the elevator all at the same time is riduclously powerful). Now, if you are a fan of over the top killing and deaths and violence...then damn this guy can do it. The writers and the director have obviously tried to think up some of the most terrible ways to die. Being electrocuted through the ears, committing hari-kari, having your achilles tendon cut while in water that's barely standable might just be the worst as it shows the gaping holes in the man's feet while he struggles to maintain balance and not drown. This is simply one of the director's cues I feel since there are similarly gruesome maimings in Oldboy. But even these gruesome scenes and depictions can't make up for the terrible pacing of the film. So can anything save it? Well, this is where the writing really kicks in and saves Chan-wook Park's obvious directorial debut.
While the writing is taking many cues from Shakespeare, it is in how the film uses these elements that th real message of the film comes through. It actually becomes easier to see the real message thanks to third-party approach of the camera work. The two main characters come from two totally different sides of the track. One is poor and heavily disabled in life with no luck. The other is rich but hard working and trying to lead a good life. The communist girl makes the dichotomy of these two more apparent by constantly referencing the idea of communists vs capitalists. The two main characters Ryu and Park then become symbols of a greater conflict between South and North Korea. Its a rivalry that causes many heated problems and Chan-wook goes out of his way to show that nothing good can come from this hatred rivalry. Like the two main characters, poor vs rich, capitalist vs communist, and North vs. South can only end in tragedy as both sides are forced to hate each other for what the other has and who are destined to die in a never ending conflict. I think that how Chan-wook uses the film to convey a societal meaning is an excellent beginning to a trilogy of films that I hear become more personal in approach after this one. It also provides an interesting look into the conflict of North vs. South as told from a prolific native artist. This almost makes up for the slow pacing. Almost.
Conclusion:
Unless you have a giant interest in Korean cinema and the conflicts of the culture in Korea or if you just want to understand the bizarre ant scene in Oldboy, I wouldn't recommend watching Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. Yes it has awesome blood scenes that I think more directors should study if they want to create a more realistic and sickening violence in their films. Tarantino looks like a pawn compared to this guy, probably because Tarantino prefers the over the top blood splatter instead of the blood drip which I find infinitely more creepy and life like. The acting is eh and the story can get muddled some. And the pacing cannot be overstated as to how terrible it is. Fun to analyze but painful to watch. Not for the common viewer and its big mistake is the attempt to try to create sympathy in the audience through a detached and fairly Brechtian approach.
3.7 out of 5
Wannabe
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance is the directorial debut of Korean director Chan-wook Park and it is also the first of his vengeance trilogy which is followed by Oldboy and Lady Vengeance. Although I haven't seen Lady Vengeance yet, I highly recommend Oldboy to anyone who has a strong stomach. Most critics call it the preffered film of the trilogy. The nice part about the trilogy is that it is a trilogy only by its ties through the theme of vengeanced and each story is a standalone tale. However, unless you want to see a film that will make you sit in pain, I wouldn't advise watching Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance.
The story is pretty muddled but it becomes clear after a bit. First we are introduced to Ryu, a poor dumb and deaf brother whose sister is dying and needs a kidney transplant. In an attempt to save her, he decides to offer his kidney to the black market in exchange for one for her. When he wakes up and realizes he's been screwed in the deal, he is forced to consider a new option. Finally he and his communist revolutionary girlfriend decide to kidnap his former boss's daughter and hold her for ransom. As you can imagine, things just keep getting worse. In fact, it's pretty obvious that the writers of this film and the director took a lot of their cues from Shakespeare. And that's all I will say about that.
As for acting, the females are the strongest actors in the film closely followed by Ha-kyun Shin who plays Ryu. Unfortunately Kang-ho Song who plays the other main protagonist across from Ryu seems to have taken acting lessons at the Keanu Reeves school of immovability. Truth be told the acting is okay on the whole but nothing special which makes the film incredibly hard to watch as we are shown shot after shot of uninspired cinematography and ridiculously long edited scenes that seem to have no purpose other than filling time. All of these things combine to create a pace that is excruciatingly slow. Also, it doesn't help to feel sympathy for either protagonist after all of the violent decisions made and the fact that the camera takes a third party omnipotent approach for most of the film (although the scene with Ryu and his girl and the detctives in the elevator all at the same time is riduclously powerful). Now, if you are a fan of over the top killing and deaths and violence...then damn this guy can do it. The writers and the director have obviously tried to think up some of the most terrible ways to die. Being electrocuted through the ears, committing hari-kari, having your achilles tendon cut while in water that's barely standable might just be the worst as it shows the gaping holes in the man's feet while he struggles to maintain balance and not drown. This is simply one of the director's cues I feel since there are similarly gruesome maimings in Oldboy. But even these gruesome scenes and depictions can't make up for the terrible pacing of the film. So can anything save it? Well, this is where the writing really kicks in and saves Chan-wook Park's obvious directorial debut.
While the writing is taking many cues from Shakespeare, it is in how the film uses these elements that th real message of the film comes through. It actually becomes easier to see the real message thanks to third-party approach of the camera work. The two main characters come from two totally different sides of the track. One is poor and heavily disabled in life with no luck. The other is rich but hard working and trying to lead a good life. The communist girl makes the dichotomy of these two more apparent by constantly referencing the idea of communists vs capitalists. The two main characters Ryu and Park then become symbols of a greater conflict between South and North Korea. Its a rivalry that causes many heated problems and Chan-wook goes out of his way to show that nothing good can come from this hatred rivalry. Like the two main characters, poor vs rich, capitalist vs communist, and North vs. South can only end in tragedy as both sides are forced to hate each other for what the other has and who are destined to die in a never ending conflict. I think that how Chan-wook uses the film to convey a societal meaning is an excellent beginning to a trilogy of films that I hear become more personal in approach after this one. It also provides an interesting look into the conflict of North vs. South as told from a prolific native artist. This almost makes up for the slow pacing. Almost.
Conclusion:
Unless you have a giant interest in Korean cinema and the conflicts of the culture in Korea or if you just want to understand the bizarre ant scene in Oldboy, I wouldn't recommend watching Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. Yes it has awesome blood scenes that I think more directors should study if they want to create a more realistic and sickening violence in their films. Tarantino looks like a pawn compared to this guy, probably because Tarantino prefers the over the top blood splatter instead of the blood drip which I find infinitely more creepy and life like. The acting is eh and the story can get muddled some. And the pacing cannot be overstated as to how terrible it is. Fun to analyze but painful to watch. Not for the common viewer and its big mistake is the attempt to try to create sympathy in the audience through a detached and fairly Brechtian approach.
3.7 out of 5
Wannabe
Monday, June 4, 2007
Rightsizing
The last few weeks have been dreadful. Every time he looked in the paper he noticed that his ranking was lower each week and that the predictions were becoming more dire. He believed in sticking to his guns and following the lead of the president when times got tough, but then he saw it. The most recent article. Kevin Reilly fired from NBC to be replaced by Ben Silverman. He read it again to make sure. After all, this was THE Kevin Reilly. The man who championed critical sleeper hits like 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights and kept them around for another season despite bad statistics. The same man who helped start such quality shows on NBC such as Heroes. The #1 guy in charge of programming who successfully brought class to the big peacock was fired for under performing and was being replaced by the guy known for translating overseas hits into American ones. Why? Sure, Reilly had a number of expensive high quality shows that had to be canceled due to nobody watching..but why Reilly?...
As he pondered, Wannabe quickly lit a crack pipe and pondered his opiousness in a fun-filled haze. Only after realizing that his hand wasn't really that delicious a gyro, he had a revelation. 12 slaps and 3 coffee pots later, he was on the phone calling Headquarters. "Hello?"
"Yes?"
"Hello?"
"Yes si..."
"Dammit man speak up and stop the ch-ch-chimp imp-p-pr-pression."
"YES SIR!"
"That's more like it! Now do a little dance with your phone and sing to it before telling that fat smorgasbord Danion that he is fired! And if he ever shows his face around my office again, I'll eat him! With ketchup!"
"YES SIR" *click*
The next call was slightly more coherent as the effects were wearing off as was his energy in a rapid progression. "Hello, Yea, hello? *yawn* IS someone there?"
"Yes, I'm here. Who the hell is this and why are you calling so friggin late? It's 2AM buddy now leave me alone."
"Huh? Oh, Junders, this is the president of uh...chimaera productions. You know, in H-wood."
"Oh, wow, yea hey. What, uh, what seems to be the problem? Anything I can do? Just uh, let me get out of the room here...YEa, I'm sorry about that earlier. Just caught me napping thats all."
"What thing earlier?"
"...Nothing."
"Oh...anyhow, I just fired Danion as my film purchase manager and I have a need. I would like to offer you the opinion, I mean position based on your previous produced films. But first I need you to tell me how you plan to fix my currently drowning slate."
"Easy, I mean I think Danion did a good job on choosing independent hard films that America needs to see but...well, you run a very old commercial institution. Therefore I'd drop Ghosts of Cite Soleil, The Method, and even A Mighty Heart."
"But that has Angelina Jolie!"
"YEa, but have you seen her skinnyness recently? It's not good. And then I'd replace them with the sure to be hits I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Sicko, and I think the small indy film Fido can take off provided the right coverage and critical praise. It has a great Shaun of the Dead feel which is more popular these days with things like the Hot Fuzz guys. Anyhow, that's what I'd do."
"Hmm, interesting. Alright fine, but you're late for work. So double time it mister. I have money to make and tickets to sell. "
"Oh, uhh, okay sir. Let me just tell my wife..."
"NO TIME! Now get out that door right now and be down at the office in 15 or forget that 150,000$ job along with your career!"
"I'm going, I'm going!" *click*
A smile of joy passed over Wannabe's face right before his head hit the table from standing too quickly and he revisited the wonderful land of handwiches. Peace to you all and just to let you get a glimpse as to how this affects things...read and weep.
OVERALL
GoS 10
WILLO 10
CASTLE 11
WANNABE 10
Yes...yes...now take that with some dijon mustard!!!
As he pondered, Wannabe quickly lit a crack pipe and pondered his opiousness in a fun-filled haze. Only after realizing that his hand wasn't really that delicious a gyro, he had a revelation. 12 slaps and 3 coffee pots later, he was on the phone calling Headquarters. "Hello?"
"Yes?"
"Hello?"
"Yes si..."
"Dammit man speak up and stop the ch-ch-chimp imp-p-pr-pression."
"YES SIR!"
"That's more like it! Now do a little dance with your phone and sing to it before telling that fat smorgasbord Danion that he is fired! And if he ever shows his face around my office again, I'll eat him! With ketchup!"
"YES SIR" *click*
The next call was slightly more coherent as the effects were wearing off as was his energy in a rapid progression. "Hello, Yea, hello? *yawn* IS someone there?"
"Yes, I'm here. Who the hell is this and why are you calling so friggin late? It's 2AM buddy now leave me alone."
"Huh? Oh, Junders, this is the president of uh...chimaera productions. You know, in H-wood."
"Oh, wow, yea hey. What, uh, what seems to be the problem? Anything I can do? Just uh, let me get out of the room here...YEa, I'm sorry about that earlier. Just caught me napping thats all."
"What thing earlier?"
"...Nothing."
"Oh...anyhow, I just fired Danion as my film purchase manager and I have a need. I would like to offer you the opinion, I mean position based on your previous produced films. But first I need you to tell me how you plan to fix my currently drowning slate."
"Easy, I mean I think Danion did a good job on choosing independent hard films that America needs to see but...well, you run a very old commercial institution. Therefore I'd drop Ghosts of Cite Soleil, The Method, and even A Mighty Heart."
"But that has Angelina Jolie!"
"YEa, but have you seen her skinnyness recently? It's not good. And then I'd replace them with the sure to be hits I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Sicko, and I think the small indy film Fido can take off provided the right coverage and critical praise. It has a great Shaun of the Dead feel which is more popular these days with things like the Hot Fuzz guys. Anyhow, that's what I'd do."
"Hmm, interesting. Alright fine, but you're late for work. So double time it mister. I have money to make and tickets to sell. "
"Oh, uhh, okay sir. Let me just tell my wife..."
"NO TIME! Now get out that door right now and be down at the office in 15 or forget that 150,000$ job along with your career!"
"I'm going, I'm going!" *click*
A smile of joy passed over Wannabe's face right before his head hit the table from standing too quickly and he revisited the wonderful land of handwiches. Peace to you all and just to let you get a glimpse as to how this affects things...read and weep.
OVERALL
GoS 10
WILLO 10
CASTLE 11
WANNABE 10
Yes...yes...now take that with some dijon mustard!!!
Most recent update
BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE
1 RATATOUILLE 225 8 16 7.9
$2 PAPRIKA 0.114 4 0 8
3 NO RESERVATIONS 38 0 1 6
4 SIMPSONS 100 4 9 6.9
$5 DAY WATCH 0.05 1 0 7.1
$6 BUG 6.1 0 2 6.9
$7 ONCE 1.06 8 0 8.5
8 EAGLE VS. SHARK 13.3 6 0 6.9
TOTAL 383.624 31 28 7.275
GoS
1 TRANSFORMERS 240 10 16 7.1
2 EVENING 23 7 0 7.7
3 OCEAN'S 13 115 4 8 5.7
4 NANCY DREW 48.5 1 2 6.1
$5 GOLDEN DOOR 0.07 6 0 7.4
6 YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME 0.35 0 0 7.2
7 YOU KILL ME 2 3 0 6.9
$8 EVEN MONEY 0.05 0 0 5.9
TOTAL 428.97 31 26 6.75
WANNABE
$1 KNOCKED UP 30.7 5 4 8.6
2 SURF'S UP 90 3 6 6.3
3 FF4 160 8 13 5.7
4 BLACK SHEEP 1.1 1 0 6.3
5 DEATH AT A FUNERAL 11.5 0 0 5.3
6 THE METHOD 0.45 0 0 7
7 GHOSTS OF CITE SOLEIL 0.25 0 0 7
8 A MIGHTY HEART 29 5 0 6
TOTAL 323 22 23 6.525
WILLO
1 EVAN ALMIGHTY 135 5 10 6.6
2 HP5 230 9 13 7.6
3 HAIRSPRAY 60 2 4 5.9
4 LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD 73 3 6 5.9
5 HOSTEL II 33 1 3 5.3
$6 SEVERANCE 0.06 0 0 6.9
7 CAPTIVITY 12.9 0 0 4.9
$8 MR. BROOKS 10 0 2 7.7
TOTAL 553.96 20 38 6.35
OVERALL
GoS 12
WILLO 10
CASTLE 13
WANNABE 6
mAN, i'M GETTING stomped. I will be doing some changes real soon. to everyone else, congrats and keep moving on!
CASTLE
1 RATATOUILLE 225 8 16 7.9
$2 PAPRIKA 0.114 4 0 8
3 NO RESERVATIONS 38 0 1 6
4 SIMPSONS 100 4 9 6.9
$5 DAY WATCH 0.05 1 0 7.1
$6 BUG 6.1 0 2 6.9
$7 ONCE 1.06 8 0 8.5
8 EAGLE VS. SHARK 13.3 6 0 6.9
TOTAL 383.624 31 28 7.275
GoS
1 TRANSFORMERS 240 10 16 7.1
2 EVENING 23 7 0 7.7
3 OCEAN'S 13 115 4 8 5.7
4 NANCY DREW 48.5 1 2 6.1
$5 GOLDEN DOOR 0.07 6 0 7.4
6 YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME 0.35 0 0 7.2
7 YOU KILL ME 2 3 0 6.9
$8 EVEN MONEY 0.05 0 0 5.9
TOTAL 428.97 31 26 6.75
WANNABE
$1 KNOCKED UP 30.7 5 4 8.6
2 SURF'S UP 90 3 6 6.3
3 FF4 160 8 13 5.7
4 BLACK SHEEP 1.1 1 0 6.3
5 DEATH AT A FUNERAL 11.5 0 0 5.3
6 THE METHOD 0.45 0 0 7
7 GHOSTS OF CITE SOLEIL 0.25 0 0 7
8 A MIGHTY HEART 29 5 0 6
TOTAL 323 22 23 6.525
WILLO
1 EVAN ALMIGHTY 135 5 10 6.6
2 HP5 230 9 13 7.6
3 HAIRSPRAY 60 2 4 5.9
4 LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD 73 3 6 5.9
5 HOSTEL II 33 1 3 5.3
$6 SEVERANCE 0.06 0 0 6.9
7 CAPTIVITY 12.9 0 0 4.9
$8 MR. BROOKS 10 0 2 7.7
TOTAL 553.96 20 38 6.35
OVERALL
GoS 12
WILLO 10
CASTLE 13
WANNABE 6
mAN, i'M GETTING stomped. I will be doing some changes real soon. to everyone else, congrats and keep moving on!
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Out of Time
'Out of Originality'
Denzel Washington is always considered to be above reproach when playing roles. With that said, he always plays the same roles. When he stops acting, he will have played more police roles than some tv police actors have episodes. He is almost always a strong tough black man who is an authority figure such as a detective, cop, navy officer, etc. Hell, in the Branagh Shakespeare film he plays the prince/king. Fortunately, he is quite good in this role type and he seems to realize that everyone thinks so as well. Yet, I would still like to see him try and do something outside his comfort zone like a nerdy scientist. All the same, he plays his typical role in this film and its quite sad that I can feel nothing new for him. Oh well.
Out of Time is a paint by numbers mystery/thriller. With that being said, the real shining moments are the tense bits that occur with Washington at the station trying to cover his tracks from his semi-divorced wife who was recently made detective and head of the case he would easily be suspected and put away for. Yes, Denzel is excellent and I love watching Eva Mendes in anything. Although she also needs something other than the hot chick or tough girl part. Perhaps the best part goes to Dean Cain who plays the villain and whom I didn't recognize until I read the credits. Yep, Supes is evil baby! and apparently a football player. The other main leads are fairly unknown such as Sanaa Lathan who is excellent as the damsel in distress and John Billingsley as Chae, the lovable comedic sidekick to Washington's straight man. Seriously, the twists and turns could be predictable but there is a nice familiarity with a piece like this. Despite the fact that the mystery ends too soon, the plot is familiar enough to let the audience know to just sit back. In fact, the saving grace of this movie is the setting which is supposed to be the Florida coast near Miami but I swear the settings reminded me a lot of New Orleans. Most of the shots caught that by the shore feel perfectly and added an exotic feel to the story that kept things fresh and interesting in the same way that there are so many beach murder mystery novels that I never read but always catch my eye when walking past the mystery sections. Unfortunately, the setting is pretty similar to some of Denzel's later works like Deja Vu and Man on Fire, rendering this film as a complete waste in Washington's canon. So yes, the story is pretty simple and has been told a thousand and one times, but it is conveyed well and it ties itself to the Florida coast exceedingly well through the cinematography. Also, this film had some of the best tension scenes that I have seen in a while. Now in the fighting, but between when Washington's wife would figure out that he is involved with everything. a lot of luck and some great timing elevate those scenes and the long introduction to the characters at the beginning pays off by having us as an audience care for Washington's character and screw ups and root for him to stay with Mendes. In this relationship the movie shines. So, directors of the world, watch this film to figure out how to set up a believable mounting tension sequence and for nothing else, except maybe some beautiful settings and shots. Washington, go do a screwball comedy or something. Anything! end the monotony and remind us why the world still respects you as an actor. Pull a Samuel Jackson and do Snakes on a Train, I don't care. Just switch shit up! Oh, and Carl Franklin proves he has a decent to good grasp of directing, now next time just try and get a better script that doesn't need to try and hide its defects with a lame comedic character.
2.9 out of 5
Wannabe
Denzel Washington is always considered to be above reproach when playing roles. With that said, he always plays the same roles. When he stops acting, he will have played more police roles than some tv police actors have episodes. He is almost always a strong tough black man who is an authority figure such as a detective, cop, navy officer, etc. Hell, in the Branagh Shakespeare film he plays the prince/king. Fortunately, he is quite good in this role type and he seems to realize that everyone thinks so as well. Yet, I would still like to see him try and do something outside his comfort zone like a nerdy scientist. All the same, he plays his typical role in this film and its quite sad that I can feel nothing new for him. Oh well.
Out of Time is a paint by numbers mystery/thriller. With that being said, the real shining moments are the tense bits that occur with Washington at the station trying to cover his tracks from his semi-divorced wife who was recently made detective and head of the case he would easily be suspected and put away for. Yes, Denzel is excellent and I love watching Eva Mendes in anything. Although she also needs something other than the hot chick or tough girl part. Perhaps the best part goes to Dean Cain who plays the villain and whom I didn't recognize until I read the credits. Yep, Supes is evil baby! and apparently a football player. The other main leads are fairly unknown such as Sanaa Lathan who is excellent as the damsel in distress and John Billingsley as Chae, the lovable comedic sidekick to Washington's straight man. Seriously, the twists and turns could be predictable but there is a nice familiarity with a piece like this. Despite the fact that the mystery ends too soon, the plot is familiar enough to let the audience know to just sit back. In fact, the saving grace of this movie is the setting which is supposed to be the Florida coast near Miami but I swear the settings reminded me a lot of New Orleans. Most of the shots caught that by the shore feel perfectly and added an exotic feel to the story that kept things fresh and interesting in the same way that there are so many beach murder mystery novels that I never read but always catch my eye when walking past the mystery sections. Unfortunately, the setting is pretty similar to some of Denzel's later works like Deja Vu and Man on Fire, rendering this film as a complete waste in Washington's canon. So yes, the story is pretty simple and has been told a thousand and one times, but it is conveyed well and it ties itself to the Florida coast exceedingly well through the cinematography. Also, this film had some of the best tension scenes that I have seen in a while. Now in the fighting, but between when Washington's wife would figure out that he is involved with everything. a lot of luck and some great timing elevate those scenes and the long introduction to the characters at the beginning pays off by having us as an audience care for Washington's character and screw ups and root for him to stay with Mendes. In this relationship the movie shines. So, directors of the world, watch this film to figure out how to set up a believable mounting tension sequence and for nothing else, except maybe some beautiful settings and shots. Washington, go do a screwball comedy or something. Anything! end the monotony and remind us why the world still respects you as an actor. Pull a Samuel Jackson and do Snakes on a Train, I don't care. Just switch shit up! Oh, and Carl Franklin proves he has a decent to good grasp of directing, now next time just try and get a better script that doesn't need to try and hide its defects with a lame comedic character.
2.9 out of 5
Wannabe
Friday, June 1, 2007
Indie League Late Update
Alright, sorry fellas about the lateness of this update. The week has been crazy. Here's the current standings and don't be surprised if I start changing mine up pretty soon. So here's the breakdown!
INDIE LEAGUE BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE
1 RATATOUILLE 225 8 16 7.9
2 $PAPRIKA 0.05 4 0 8
3 NO RESERVATIONS 38 0 1 6
4 SIMPSONS 100 4 9 6.9
5 DAY WATCH 1.5 1 0 6.3
6 $BUG 4.6 0 2 7.1
7 $ONCE 0.5 8 0 8.3
8 EAGLE VS. SHARK 13.3 6 0 6.9
GoS
1 TRANSFORMERS 240 10 16 7.1
2 EVENING 23 7 0 7.7
3 OCEAN'S 13 115 4 8 5.7
4 NANCY DREW 48.5 1 2 6.1
5 $GOLDEN DOOR 0.04 2 0 7.4
6 YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME 0.35 0 0 7.2
7 YOU KILL ME 2 3 0 6.9
8 $EVEN MONEY 3 0 0 5.9
WANNABE
1 KNOCKED UP 105 3 6 6.9
2 SURF'S UP 90 3 6 6.3
3 FF4 160 8 13 5.7
4 BLACK SHEEP 1.1 1 0 6.3
5 DEATH AT A FUNERAL 11.5 0 0 5.3
6 THE METHOD 0.45 0 0 7
7 GHOSTS OF CITE SOLEIL 0.25 0 0 7
8 A MIGHTY HEART 29 5 0 6
WILLO
1 EVAN ALMIGHTY 135 5 10 6.6
2 HP5 230 9 13 7.6
3 HAIRSPRAY 60 2 4 5.9
4 LIVE FREE OF DIE HARD 73 3 6 5.9
5 HOSTEL II 33 1 3 5.3
6 $SEVERANCE 0.02 0 0 6.9
7 CAPTIVITY 12.9 0 0 4.9
8 MR. BROOKS 21 0 0 4.6
If a film has $ beside it, it means it has been released and the figures beside it are its current stats.
STUDIOS BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE 382.95 31 28 7.175
GOS 431.89 27 26 6.75
WANNABE 397.3 20 25 6.3125
WILLO 564.92 20 36 5.9625
BO PTA TOP IMDB TOTAL RANK
CASTLE 1 4 3 4 12 1
GOS 3 3 2 3 11 2
WANNABE 2 2 1 2 7 4
WILLO 4 1 4 1 10 3
So, it looks like I am losing right now, but after a few changes this weekend and that will hopefully disappear. Expect the next update on Monday or Tuesday as usual. Sorry once again fellas and I hope your summer is going well! Oh, also, Willo, contact me when you get the chance. Got some questions for you. Peace!
Wannabe
INDIE LEAGUE BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE
1 RATATOUILLE 225 8 16 7.9
2 $PAPRIKA 0.05 4 0 8
3 NO RESERVATIONS 38 0 1 6
4 SIMPSONS 100 4 9 6.9
5 DAY WATCH 1.5 1 0 6.3
6 $BUG 4.6 0 2 7.1
7 $ONCE 0.5 8 0 8.3
8 EAGLE VS. SHARK 13.3 6 0 6.9
GoS
1 TRANSFORMERS 240 10 16 7.1
2 EVENING 23 7 0 7.7
3 OCEAN'S 13 115 4 8 5.7
4 NANCY DREW 48.5 1 2 6.1
5 $GOLDEN DOOR 0.04 2 0 7.4
6 YOU'RE GONNA MISS ME 0.35 0 0 7.2
7 YOU KILL ME 2 3 0 6.9
8 $EVEN MONEY 3 0 0 5.9
WANNABE
1 KNOCKED UP 105 3 6 6.9
2 SURF'S UP 90 3 6 6.3
3 FF4 160 8 13 5.7
4 BLACK SHEEP 1.1 1 0 6.3
5 DEATH AT A FUNERAL 11.5 0 0 5.3
6 THE METHOD 0.45 0 0 7
7 GHOSTS OF CITE SOLEIL 0.25 0 0 7
8 A MIGHTY HEART 29 5 0 6
WILLO
1 EVAN ALMIGHTY 135 5 10 6.6
2 HP5 230 9 13 7.6
3 HAIRSPRAY 60 2 4 5.9
4 LIVE FREE OF DIE HARD 73 3 6 5.9
5 HOSTEL II 33 1 3 5.3
6 $SEVERANCE 0.02 0 0 6.9
7 CAPTIVITY 12.9 0 0 4.9
8 MR. BROOKS 21 0 0 4.6
If a film has $ beside it, it means it has been released and the figures beside it are its current stats.
STUDIOS BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE 382.95 31 28 7.175
GOS 431.89 27 26 6.75
WANNABE 397.3 20 25 6.3125
WILLO 564.92 20 36 5.9625
BO PTA TOP IMDB TOTAL RANK
CASTLE 1 4 3 4 12 1
GOS 3 3 2 3 11 2
WANNABE 2 2 1 2 7 4
WILLO 4 1 4 1 10 3
So, it looks like I am losing right now, but after a few changes this weekend and that will hopefully disappear. Expect the next update on Monday or Tuesday as usual. Sorry once again fellas and I hope your summer is going well! Oh, also, Willo, contact me when you get the chance. Got some questions for you. Peace!
Wannabe
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints
Wow. I'm not sure if it is the fact that this week has been exhausting and makes me therefore more susceptible to crying or what, but this movie had me bawling several times and I HATE crying at any entertainment piece. In other words, this film is damn good.
Before I get into this film, let me just say I picked it up on a whim. I had heard mention of it once before. I knew it was an indie film that got little to no release. More importantly, I knew it contained Robert Downey Jr., aka Iron Man, who is ALWAYS outstanding despite whatever personal issues he might currently have. This was the key factor for my choosing this over Thank You for Smoking from the local Blockbuster 3 for 20$ line. That and I had already seen the latter. I found out later after the movie was over that the movie is loosely based off the book of the same name written by the same director/writer Dito Montiel. And for a guy who has no other film credits to his name, it's obvious that this guy has a passion for this story and that sometimes that's all you need to tell a story well.
The story starts with a writer named Dito Montiel, played by Robert Downey, beginning to read from his novel. The novel is based on his childhood and the people he used to hang out with back in the incredibly hot days of New York. As the story evolves, we see how it relates not only to his childhood, but also how it now affects his adult life as his father falls ill and he has to come back and revisit the family that e ran away from and try to right some of the wrongs caused by his early departure. At times, the story and loses some importance to how its told. For example, at a couple of pinnacle moments, the editing will become more apparent as the action gets broken up and snippets of what is happening is shown with a second of black in between creating a hazy montage of blurred action that portrays an emotion perfectly despite the hectic crazy-ness. The story is a tragedy at first and it evolves into a reconciliation story. It's beautifully portrayed and told as evidenced by the Best Director and Best Ensemble award from Sundance. It's an emotional powerhouse that I haven't seen since Crash. It's incredible.
As for the acting, now that I've butchered any telling of the story, is outstanding. Chazz Palminteri has never impressed me much. He has always come across in the past as the prototypical Italian and would play the Italian role well in whatever film he was inserted. Then again, to be fair, the previous roles he received were nowhere as meaty as this and he knocks down any old prejudices by shining and flaunting his acting ability in this film. Robert Downey plays his part well, but surprisingly his is not the hardest part nor is it that astounding. He has one or two good scenes, but essentially his part is just a walk-on in a lot of ways. And as much as Castle will hate this, Shia is damn good in this film. As the young Dito, Shia plays a lot of it just right. He's a confused kid trying to grow up and be one of the boys and at the same time desiring to leave and become something. The director Dito, (too many Ditos!) does an excellent job of directing all of the actors but Shia and Channing Tatum especially. Channing plays the young thug friend of Dito, Antonio, to whom the film is dedicated and he gets the brooding thuggery and mixed emotions of being tough while at the same time expressing his love and loyalty just right. In fact, all of the young actors are well directed, including Melonie Diaz who plays Dito's girlfriend, Adam Scarimbolo who plays Antonio's dejected and possibly mentally maligned younger brother, Peter Anthony Tambakis who plays the young ethnic Nerf,and even Martin Compston who plays Mike O'Shea, the young Scottish immigrant with big dreams who helps Dito to realize his potential. The performances are all outstanding and entwined. Despite all of the big names though, I am highly intrigued now by Anthony DeSando who plays Frank the dog walker. Man, he is amazing and what a great character to have to play. I cannot imagine a better introduction to a character in my life and when you see the film, which you WILL, you will understand. The acting is outstanding and it is obvious that the director knows exactly how he wants everything to go.
As for the lighting and cinematagrophy, well, it is all used to accent the acting of the actors. The one real slip up, is the occasional use of voice overs. At certain moments, seemingly random at times, the camera switches to documentary mode and has an actor address it as to who they are and what they think. It is not that distracting and it actually adds to the film by helping to clarify things occassionally, but it is a very interesting device and could be cleaned up some by putting it in more appropriate places. The editing is excellent and it changes into a more frantic scattered pace usually when some high emotional moment occurs. Hats off to the cinematographer and editor on a job well done.
Conclusion:
The acting, story, all aspects of the film are incredibly well done. The film isn't for everyone. It's a very personal look into the director's childhood and it does contain a lot of adult content in terms of violence and cursing and sexuality. But what the film has in spades that very few films now do, is heart. The brutish love of Antonio is heartbreaking and disgusting at the same time. The film is set in New York back in the older days of the blocks and it conveys that sense beautifully. I have nothing but good things to say about this film and its message about family and what it takes to be a real man. I will have to go read the book now. But you, well, watch this first then decide. I think you'll agree with me.
4.7 out of 5
Wannabe
Before I get into this film, let me just say I picked it up on a whim. I had heard mention of it once before. I knew it was an indie film that got little to no release. More importantly, I knew it contained Robert Downey Jr., aka Iron Man, who is ALWAYS outstanding despite whatever personal issues he might currently have. This was the key factor for my choosing this over Thank You for Smoking from the local Blockbuster 3 for 20$ line. That and I had already seen the latter. I found out later after the movie was over that the movie is loosely based off the book of the same name written by the same director/writer Dito Montiel. And for a guy who has no other film credits to his name, it's obvious that this guy has a passion for this story and that sometimes that's all you need to tell a story well.
The story starts with a writer named Dito Montiel, played by Robert Downey, beginning to read from his novel. The novel is based on his childhood and the people he used to hang out with back in the incredibly hot days of New York. As the story evolves, we see how it relates not only to his childhood, but also how it now affects his adult life as his father falls ill and he has to come back and revisit the family that e ran away from and try to right some of the wrongs caused by his early departure. At times, the story and loses some importance to how its told. For example, at a couple of pinnacle moments, the editing will become more apparent as the action gets broken up and snippets of what is happening is shown with a second of black in between creating a hazy montage of blurred action that portrays an emotion perfectly despite the hectic crazy-ness. The story is a tragedy at first and it evolves into a reconciliation story. It's beautifully portrayed and told as evidenced by the Best Director and Best Ensemble award from Sundance. It's an emotional powerhouse that I haven't seen since Crash. It's incredible.
As for the acting, now that I've butchered any telling of the story, is outstanding. Chazz Palminteri has never impressed me much. He has always come across in the past as the prototypical Italian and would play the Italian role well in whatever film he was inserted. Then again, to be fair, the previous roles he received were nowhere as meaty as this and he knocks down any old prejudices by shining and flaunting his acting ability in this film. Robert Downey plays his part well, but surprisingly his is not the hardest part nor is it that astounding. He has one or two good scenes, but essentially his part is just a walk-on in a lot of ways. And as much as Castle will hate this, Shia is damn good in this film. As the young Dito, Shia plays a lot of it just right. He's a confused kid trying to grow up and be one of the boys and at the same time desiring to leave and become something. The director Dito, (too many Ditos!) does an excellent job of directing all of the actors but Shia and Channing Tatum especially. Channing plays the young thug friend of Dito, Antonio, to whom the film is dedicated and he gets the brooding thuggery and mixed emotions of being tough while at the same time expressing his love and loyalty just right. In fact, all of the young actors are well directed, including Melonie Diaz who plays Dito's girlfriend, Adam Scarimbolo who plays Antonio's dejected and possibly mentally maligned younger brother, Peter Anthony Tambakis who plays the young ethnic Nerf,and even Martin Compston who plays Mike O'Shea, the young Scottish immigrant with big dreams who helps Dito to realize his potential. The performances are all outstanding and entwined. Despite all of the big names though, I am highly intrigued now by Anthony DeSando who plays Frank the dog walker. Man, he is amazing and what a great character to have to play. I cannot imagine a better introduction to a character in my life and when you see the film, which you WILL, you will understand. The acting is outstanding and it is obvious that the director knows exactly how he wants everything to go.
As for the lighting and cinematagrophy, well, it is all used to accent the acting of the actors. The one real slip up, is the occasional use of voice overs. At certain moments, seemingly random at times, the camera switches to documentary mode and has an actor address it as to who they are and what they think. It is not that distracting and it actually adds to the film by helping to clarify things occassionally, but it is a very interesting device and could be cleaned up some by putting it in more appropriate places. The editing is excellent and it changes into a more frantic scattered pace usually when some high emotional moment occurs. Hats off to the cinematographer and editor on a job well done.
Conclusion:
The acting, story, all aspects of the film are incredibly well done. The film isn't for everyone. It's a very personal look into the director's childhood and it does contain a lot of adult content in terms of violence and cursing and sexuality. But what the film has in spades that very few films now do, is heart. The brutish love of Antonio is heartbreaking and disgusting at the same time. The film is set in New York back in the older days of the blocks and it conveys that sense beautifully. I have nothing but good things to say about this film and its message about family and what it takes to be a real man. I will have to go read the book now. But you, well, watch this first then decide. I think you'll agree with me.
4.7 out of 5
Wannabe
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