Action films, of late, have been...well...pretty crappy and I think the audience for action films have known this which is why there has been a surge in interest in comic book films that tend to have lots of action. In fact, most of the better action films tend to be smaller releases such as Ong-Bak and District B13. But a movie whose description mentions the main character helping to birth a baby in the middle of a gunfight grabbed me by the balls and made me go see it. You've probably seen the commercials for it and the crazy over the top action in it with Clive Owens. Well, unless you've seen the movie then you haven't really seen over the top yet.
Shoot 'Em Up plays like a videogame turned into real life with bosses and crazy levels where any part of the environment is indestructible. In some ways, it feels like the writer/ director Michael Davis said, here are some badass ideas for a fight scene/s now lets create some sort of through line. Then again, the story does do a great job of commenting on what it means to be a good person and father. It also shares a real love of gunplay that I haven't seen since Equilibrium. Davis obviously wanted to show how many ways to could kill someone with bullets and guns, the most inventive of course being holding bullets near a fire until they get so hot they fire. Because of the bizarre story line and the excellent fight scenes, I have issues with how to judge this film. It's like watching Ultraviolet except good. Storywise, it feels haphazard and will-o-the-wisp, but it has enough gravitas to weigh down this fun crazy shooter to keep the film from flying away completely. Oh, by the way, the introduction to Clive Owen in this film is one of the best introductions I have seen in a long time. (Whats up with all the ridiculous references to cartoons? Trying to accent the cartoon violence?)
As for acting, well, the three main characters are Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, and Monica Belucci. All three of which have pretty cut and dry characters. Clive Owen is the Duke Nukem hobo badass. Possibly a previous black ops man who of course can wipe out thousands with his ingenuity. Paul Giamatti is the crazy sicko hired help bad guy who is trying to kill a baby that Owen has taken. Belluci is the whore who decides to help Owen and they kind of fall into the rhythm of being a couple and adopt the child as their own somewhat. Now both Giamatti and Owen have their own ticks as characters and I really like both of their jobs. Giamatti looks incredibly creepy and Owen is a major badass and there are moments where you realize that this is essentially his Bond film if he were Bond. And thank God Belluci is in this as a hooker because she is so hot! Unfortunately, I don't know what the heck to do with Giamatti's bizarre accent. It just doesn't fit and he comes across slightly as an evil version of the KFC icon. It really throws me everytime he speaks and I never liked it in this movie. Doesn't seem to fit. But besides that, all of the actors do great jobs with the narrowly defined characters they were given.
Directorially, the shots are beautiful and crisp and the director obviously knows how to turn a heavy scene in to a funny moment and then back. I was quite impressed with teh handling of the comedy bits, they were just right and at worst amusing to see, but never annoying. The action scenes, while yes, they are quite out there and very specific to this film, are still awe inspiring and a necessary watch for any action directors out there looking to make a high adrenaline movie.
Conclusion:
The setup is very stylistic and the directing becomes abvious but it is done in a way to accent the crazy scripted fights that happen constantly. The over the top attitude of the characters, actors, and everything comes together nicely with the constant cartoon violence and feel. Essentially, this is a saturday morning cartoon involving lots of guns and violence using real people. I highly recommend everyone to see thsi film and make your own opinion, but I'm going to stick to...
4.2 out of 5
Wannabe
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Fanatix Indie League 2 Week 4
Alright gents, you know the drill so here is the breakdown of what has happened.
INDIE LEAGUE BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE
1 ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE 41 5 3 8.1
2 ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 45 3 6 6.8
3 DARJEELING LIMITED 22 3 0 7.2
4 SHOOT EM UP 39 1 4 6.4
5 $THE NANNY DIARIES 16.5 0 0 6.5
6 $RESURRECTING THE CHAMP 2.9 0 0 7.5
7 THE BRAVE ONE 65 4 7 6.5
8 $THE INVASION 14.1 0 1 6.1
GoS
1 $STARDUST 31.9 0 2 8.2
2 THE KINGDOM 55 5 7 7
3 THE HEARTBREAK KID 125 6 11 7
4 IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH 31 3 5 7.7
5 $THE 11TH HOUR 0.4 5 0 6.6
6 MICHAEL CLAYTON 37 4 4 7.4
7 RESIDENT EVIL EXTINCTION 41.5 4 6 6.3
8 IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON 3.1 6 0 8.1
PERENNIAL
1 *DARFUR NOW 9.3 10 0 8.2
2 GRACE IS GONE 3 2 0 6.8
3 I WANT SOMEONE TO EAT CHEESE WITH 2.2 2 0 6.2
4 SAW IV 45 3 5 5.9
5 RUN, FAT BOY, RUN 13.75 1 0 5.5
6 LUST, CAUTION 8 6 0 7.1
7 SHINE A LIGHT 6.7 2 0 7.9
8 $LADRON QUE ROBA A LADRON 2 2 0 7.1
WANNABE
1 $SUPERBAD 92.4 4 14 8.5
2 $RUSH HOUR 3 122.2 2 13 6.6
3 3:10 TO YUMA 31 1 3 6.7
4 *HITMAN 51 6 7 7
5 THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING 16 0 0 4.2
6 30 DAYS OF NIGHT 22.5 3 5 5.5
7 $HALLOWEEN 31 4 5 6.5
8 THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 49 2 4 5.9
BO RANKINGS
WANNABE 415.1 4
GOS 324.9 3
CASTLE 245.5 2
PERENNIAL 89.95 1
PTA RANKINGS
GOS 33 4
PERENNIAL 28 3
WANNABE 22 2
CASTLE 16 1
TOP 5
WANNABE 51 4
GOS 35 3
CASTLE 21 2
PERENNIAL 5 1
IMDB
GOS 7.2875 4
CASTLE 6.8875 3
PERENNIAL 6.8375 2
WANNABE 6.3625 1
BO PTA TOP IMDB TOTAL RANK
CASTLE 2 1 2 3 8 3
GOS 3 4 3 4 14 1
PERRENN 1 3 1 2 7 4
WANNABE 4 2 4 1 11 2
Alright, so what happened this week? Well, Perennial's first film came out, Ladron Que Roba a Ladron. It earned some PTA but nothing else. And despite my reluctances and predictions that Halloween was going to rip myself a new one, it earned excellent Labor Day Box Office and some PTA with its top 5. I still highly doubt if it can stay in the top 5 for more than possibly 2 weeks at best, but it is turning out to have been a very smart trade on my part earlier for the film. My movies are racking some serious top5 and BO. PTA is okay, but I really need to work on my IMDB. ALSO, MOST IMPORTANTLY IS THAT TWO MOVIES HAVE BEEN PUSHED BACK BEYOND THE SEASON'S RELEASE DATES. MY MOVIE HIT MAN AND PERENNIAL'S FILM DARFUR NOW HAVE BOTH BEEN PUSHED BACK TO NOVEMBER...MEANING SOME MORE TRADING WILL BE GOING ON QUITE SOON I'M SURE AS I STRUGGLE TO RECOUP MY LOSS. Until then, good luck gents and let me know if you would like to trade anything. Peace!
INDIE LEAGUE BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE
1 ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE 41 5 3 8.1
2 ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 45 3 6 6.8
3 DARJEELING LIMITED 22 3 0 7.2
4 SHOOT EM UP 39 1 4 6.4
5 $THE NANNY DIARIES 16.5 0 0 6.5
6 $RESURRECTING THE CHAMP 2.9 0 0 7.5
7 THE BRAVE ONE 65 4 7 6.5
8 $THE INVASION 14.1 0 1 6.1
GoS
1 $STARDUST 31.9 0 2 8.2
2 THE KINGDOM 55 5 7 7
3 THE HEARTBREAK KID 125 6 11 7
4 IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH 31 3 5 7.7
5 $THE 11TH HOUR 0.4 5 0 6.6
6 MICHAEL CLAYTON 37 4 4 7.4
7 RESIDENT EVIL EXTINCTION 41.5 4 6 6.3
8 IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON 3.1 6 0 8.1
PERENNIAL
1 *DARFUR NOW 9.3 10 0 8.2
2 GRACE IS GONE 3 2 0 6.8
3 I WANT SOMEONE TO EAT CHEESE WITH 2.2 2 0 6.2
4 SAW IV 45 3 5 5.9
5 RUN, FAT BOY, RUN 13.75 1 0 5.5
6 LUST, CAUTION 8 6 0 7.1
7 SHINE A LIGHT 6.7 2 0 7.9
8 $LADRON QUE ROBA A LADRON 2 2 0 7.1
WANNABE
1 $SUPERBAD 92.4 4 14 8.5
2 $RUSH HOUR 3 122.2 2 13 6.6
3 3:10 TO YUMA 31 1 3 6.7
4 *HITMAN 51 6 7 7
5 THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING 16 0 0 4.2
6 30 DAYS OF NIGHT 22.5 3 5 5.5
7 $HALLOWEEN 31 4 5 6.5
8 THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 49 2 4 5.9
BO RANKINGS
WANNABE 415.1 4
GOS 324.9 3
CASTLE 245.5 2
PERENNIAL 89.95 1
PTA RANKINGS
GOS 33 4
PERENNIAL 28 3
WANNABE 22 2
CASTLE 16 1
TOP 5
WANNABE 51 4
GOS 35 3
CASTLE 21 2
PERENNIAL 5 1
IMDB
GOS 7.2875 4
CASTLE 6.8875 3
PERENNIAL 6.8375 2
WANNABE 6.3625 1
BO PTA TOP IMDB TOTAL RANK
CASTLE 2 1 2 3 8 3
GOS 3 4 3 4 14 1
PERRENN 1 3 1 2 7 4
WANNABE 4 2 4 1 11 2
Alright, so what happened this week? Well, Perennial's first film came out, Ladron Que Roba a Ladron. It earned some PTA but nothing else. And despite my reluctances and predictions that Halloween was going to rip myself a new one, it earned excellent Labor Day Box Office and some PTA with its top 5. I still highly doubt if it can stay in the top 5 for more than possibly 2 weeks at best, but it is turning out to have been a very smart trade on my part earlier for the film. My movies are racking some serious top5 and BO. PTA is okay, but I really need to work on my IMDB. ALSO, MOST IMPORTANTLY IS THAT TWO MOVIES HAVE BEEN PUSHED BACK BEYOND THE SEASON'S RELEASE DATES. MY MOVIE HIT MAN AND PERENNIAL'S FILM DARFUR NOW HAVE BOTH BEEN PUSHED BACK TO NOVEMBER...MEANING SOME MORE TRADING WILL BE GOING ON QUITE SOON I'M SURE AS I STRUGGLE TO RECOUP MY LOSS. Until then, good luck gents and let me know if you would like to trade anything. Peace!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Fanatix 2 week 3: A Foreboding Return
So, just because he had gone to Africa, they thought he was through. Done for. Washed up like a piece of driftwood. Well, they'd regret that.
Willo turned from the balcony and the rain drenched night of the Kenyan countryside toward the plush hotel, the only restaurant in the area, and his future. Everyone had thought he had gone mad or was just a sore loser, but he knew the truth. He knew that by escaping America he would be able to see how best to improve his overseas sales once he returned. Plus, the rise in Christian box office had made him realize that there was an entire population of people he could tap into in Africa, he just needed to get some data first. And the problem with any data, is that it takes time.
The bump grazes the underside of his foot as he enters the tropical belly of the hotel. Its a cool rainy night so most of the travelers are milling about like cattle, chewing the cud and huddled up against each other in fear of whats outside in the drenched dark waiting for them. They know nothing and everything at the same time. Or maybe they know nothing but their body instinctively guesses. Either way, no one moves toward the front door at night ever.
Scanning the light mahogany bar in the left corner, Willo sees him. The bartender has just finished refilling his drink with a purple pinkish liquid. Possibly a mango drink , a rare dessert of a drink in these parts. Unlike the other silly tourists, this one is attired in a wide-brimmed safari hat, the kind you might expect to see on Theodore Roosevelt if he were hunting. Hmmm. Bully.
"So, have you made up your mind yet?" The young man asks as he sits beside him.
"A drink first if you don't mind."
"Sure."
The bartender comes almost at once, bringing his favorite drink. He had found out it was his favorite three weeks agao when had arrived and everynight he made him one when he saw him. Willo realized he rather liked the black bartender for he was a friendly sort.
"I'm sorry, I just don't like getting involved in anything without something to soothe my nerves first."
"It's okay. You're an expatriot see? You like to sit and eat in cafes on the street."
"This is hardly a cafe and please, don't quote Hemingway to me. He was pretentious."
A scowl covered the young man's face, but being a conscientous sort he quickly hid his face in shadow while taking the brunt against his favorite author, knowing that he couldn't afford to be rude. After all, he needed something from Willo.
A few seconds later, "So, did you decide?"
"Yes."
"Well?"
"The legal documents are in my room strewn out over my bed. I think you'l like the gist of it. I, blah blah blah, hereby sign over my American assets to blah blah blah. I had the lawyer fax it this morning." Even as Willo was saying it, he wished that he was giving these assets to someone else. The bartender maybe? With his fuzzy black scalp and trim ears on his hulking frame? What would he do with them? Ahh, but it was too late now. Maybe he would cast him as the lead in his first African film, he did make excellent blackberry mojitos at least.
The sad part about collecting data and being abroad in other countries accepting drinks from black bartenders named Bobby Bershmere is that the costs add up and unfortunately studios in America cost taxes which eat up people's funds quicker than the locusts of the seven plagues. But, he reflected, it would be okay since he knew he would return in the future with his data and wipe out the competition, even this energetic Hemingway chap. Knowing this, Willo didn't feel too bad about signing the document and turning over and changing the name of his American studios to Perennial Studios.
ALRIGHT FELLAS. PERENNIAL STUDIOS HAS JUST JOINED US FOR THIS SEASON. THE WEEKEND JUST ENDED. AND HERE ARE THE CURRENT STANDINGS WITH PERENNIAL FIGURED IN. NOW THINGS ARE GOING TO GET ROUGH AND THE WIGGLE ROOM FOR MISTAKES AND ERROR JUST GOT A LOT SMALLER.
STUDIO RELEASE BO PTA TOP5 IMDB
Castle
Elizabeth: The Golden Age * Fri. Oct 12 41 5 3 8.1
Across the Universe Fri. Sep 14 45 3 6 6.8
The Darjeeling Limited Sat. Sep 29 22 3 0 7.2
Shoot 'Em Up Fri. Sep 7 39 1 4 6.4
The Brave One Fri. Sep 14 65 4 7 6.5
$The Nanny Diaries Out 7.8 0 0 6.5
$Resurrecting the Champ Out 1.8 0 0 7.8
$The Invasion Out 11.5 0 1 6.1
GoS
The Kingdom Fri. Sep 28 55 5 7 7
The Heartbreak Kid (formerly Seven Day Itch) * Fri. Oct 5 125 6 11 7
In the Valley of Elah Fri. Sep 14 31 3 5 7.7
Michael Clayton * Fri. Oct 5 37 4 4 7.4
In the Shadow of the Moon Fri. Sep 7 3.1 6 0 8.1
Resident Evil: Extinction Fri. Sep 21 41.5 4 6 6.3
$Stardust Out 26.5 0 2 8.2
$the 11th Hour Out 0.15 5 0 6.5
Perennial Studios
Darfur Now * Fri. Oct 12 9.3 10 0 8.2
Grace Is Gone * Fri. Oct 5 3 2 0 6.8
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With Wed. Sep 5 2.2 2 0 6.2
Saw IV * Fri. Oct 26 45 3 5 5.9
Run, Fat Boy, Run * Fri. Oct 26 13.75 1 0 5.5
Lust, Caution Fri. Sep 28 8 6 0 7.1
Shine a Light (formerly Untitled Rolling Stones Documentary) Fri. Sep 21 6.7 2 0 7.9
Ladron Que Roba A Ladron Fri. Aug 31 1.3 0 0 6.2
Wannabe
3:10 to Yuma Fri. Sep 7 31 1 3 6.7
Hit Man * Fri. Oct 12 51 6 7 7
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising * Fri. Oct 5 16 0 0 4.2
30 Days of Night * Fri. Oct 19 22 3 5 5.5
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Fri. Sep 21 49 2 4 5.9
Halloween (2007) Fri. Aug 31 33 4 6 5.6
$Superbad Out 68.6 4 10 8.6
$Rush Hour 3 Out 109 2 12 6.6
BO
Castle 233.1 3
GoS 319.25 2
Perennial 89.25 1
Wannabe 379.6 4
PTA
Castle 16 1
GoS 33 4
Perennial 26 3
Wannabe 22 2
Top 5
Castle 21 2
GoS 35 3
Perennial 5 1
Wannabe 47 4
IMDB
Castle 6.925 3
GoS 7.275 4
Perennial 6.725 2
Wannabe 6.2625 1
RANK TOTAL POINTS
3CASTLE 9
1GOS 13
4PERENNIAL 7
2WANNABE 11
SORRY FELLAS FOR THE FUNKY SCORING. I'M CURRENTLY OUT ON VACATION SO THE FORMS I AM USING TO CALCULATE THIS AREN'T AS NICE AS THEY NORMALLY ARE, BUT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GATHER THE SAME AMOUNT OF COLLECTIVE DATA. MOSTLY THIS WEEK, CASTLE WAS HIT THE WORST. MY STUFF DID REALLY WELL BUT RESURRECTING THE CHAMP AND THE NANNY DIARIES BOTH FAILED TO GET ANY PTA OR TOP5 WHICH MEANS THEY PROBABLY WILL NEVER GET ANY AND THE ONLY NEW MOVIE THIS WEEKEND TO GET ANYTHING WAS WAR WHICH NO ONE OWNED. THE TIMES ARE GETTING ROUGHER, GOOD LUCK GENTLEMEN. TIL NEXT WEEK,
WANNABE
Willo turned from the balcony and the rain drenched night of the Kenyan countryside toward the plush hotel, the only restaurant in the area, and his future. Everyone had thought he had gone mad or was just a sore loser, but he knew the truth. He knew that by escaping America he would be able to see how best to improve his overseas sales once he returned. Plus, the rise in Christian box office had made him realize that there was an entire population of people he could tap into in Africa, he just needed to get some data first. And the problem with any data, is that it takes time.
The bump grazes the underside of his foot as he enters the tropical belly of the hotel. Its a cool rainy night so most of the travelers are milling about like cattle, chewing the cud and huddled up against each other in fear of whats outside in the drenched dark waiting for them. They know nothing and everything at the same time. Or maybe they know nothing but their body instinctively guesses. Either way, no one moves toward the front door at night ever.
Scanning the light mahogany bar in the left corner, Willo sees him. The bartender has just finished refilling his drink with a purple pinkish liquid. Possibly a mango drink , a rare dessert of a drink in these parts. Unlike the other silly tourists, this one is attired in a wide-brimmed safari hat, the kind you might expect to see on Theodore Roosevelt if he were hunting. Hmmm. Bully.
"So, have you made up your mind yet?" The young man asks as he sits beside him.
"A drink first if you don't mind."
"Sure."
The bartender comes almost at once, bringing his favorite drink. He had found out it was his favorite three weeks agao when had arrived and everynight he made him one when he saw him. Willo realized he rather liked the black bartender for he was a friendly sort.
"I'm sorry, I just don't like getting involved in anything without something to soothe my nerves first."
"It's okay. You're an expatriot see? You like to sit and eat in cafes on the street."
"This is hardly a cafe and please, don't quote Hemingway to me. He was pretentious."
A scowl covered the young man's face, but being a conscientous sort he quickly hid his face in shadow while taking the brunt against his favorite author, knowing that he couldn't afford to be rude. After all, he needed something from Willo.
A few seconds later, "So, did you decide?"
"Yes."
"Well?"
"The legal documents are in my room strewn out over my bed. I think you'l like the gist of it. I, blah blah blah, hereby sign over my American assets to blah blah blah. I had the lawyer fax it this morning." Even as Willo was saying it, he wished that he was giving these assets to someone else. The bartender maybe? With his fuzzy black scalp and trim ears on his hulking frame? What would he do with them? Ahh, but it was too late now. Maybe he would cast him as the lead in his first African film, he did make excellent blackberry mojitos at least.
The sad part about collecting data and being abroad in other countries accepting drinks from black bartenders named Bobby Bershmere is that the costs add up and unfortunately studios in America cost taxes which eat up people's funds quicker than the locusts of the seven plagues. But, he reflected, it would be okay since he knew he would return in the future with his data and wipe out the competition, even this energetic Hemingway chap. Knowing this, Willo didn't feel too bad about signing the document and turning over and changing the name of his American studios to Perennial Studios.
ALRIGHT FELLAS. PERENNIAL STUDIOS HAS JUST JOINED US FOR THIS SEASON. THE WEEKEND JUST ENDED. AND HERE ARE THE CURRENT STANDINGS WITH PERENNIAL FIGURED IN. NOW THINGS ARE GOING TO GET ROUGH AND THE WIGGLE ROOM FOR MISTAKES AND ERROR JUST GOT A LOT SMALLER.
STUDIO RELEASE BO PTA TOP5 IMDB
Castle
Elizabeth: The Golden Age * Fri. Oct 12 41 5 3 8.1
Across the Universe Fri. Sep 14 45 3 6 6.8
The Darjeeling Limited Sat. Sep 29 22 3 0 7.2
Shoot 'Em Up Fri. Sep 7 39 1 4 6.4
The Brave One Fri. Sep 14 65 4 7 6.5
$The Nanny Diaries Out 7.8 0 0 6.5
$Resurrecting the Champ Out 1.8 0 0 7.8
$The Invasion Out 11.5 0 1 6.1
GoS
The Kingdom Fri. Sep 28 55 5 7 7
The Heartbreak Kid (formerly Seven Day Itch) * Fri. Oct 5 125 6 11 7
In the Valley of Elah Fri. Sep 14 31 3 5 7.7
Michael Clayton * Fri. Oct 5 37 4 4 7.4
In the Shadow of the Moon Fri. Sep 7 3.1 6 0 8.1
Resident Evil: Extinction Fri. Sep 21 41.5 4 6 6.3
$Stardust Out 26.5 0 2 8.2
$the 11th Hour Out 0.15 5 0 6.5
Perennial Studios
Darfur Now * Fri. Oct 12 9.3 10 0 8.2
Grace Is Gone * Fri. Oct 5 3 2 0 6.8
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With Wed. Sep 5 2.2 2 0 6.2
Saw IV * Fri. Oct 26 45 3 5 5.9
Run, Fat Boy, Run * Fri. Oct 26 13.75 1 0 5.5
Lust, Caution Fri. Sep 28 8 6 0 7.1
Shine a Light (formerly Untitled Rolling Stones Documentary) Fri. Sep 21 6.7 2 0 7.9
Ladron Que Roba A Ladron Fri. Aug 31 1.3 0 0 6.2
Wannabe
3:10 to Yuma Fri. Sep 7 31 1 3 6.7
Hit Man * Fri. Oct 12 51 6 7 7
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising * Fri. Oct 5 16 0 0 4.2
30 Days of Night * Fri. Oct 19 22 3 5 5.5
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Fri. Sep 21 49 2 4 5.9
Halloween (2007) Fri. Aug 31 33 4 6 5.6
$Superbad Out 68.6 4 10 8.6
$Rush Hour 3 Out 109 2 12 6.6
BO
Castle 233.1 3
GoS 319.25 2
Perennial 89.25 1
Wannabe 379.6 4
PTA
Castle 16 1
GoS 33 4
Perennial 26 3
Wannabe 22 2
Top 5
Castle 21 2
GoS 35 3
Perennial 5 1
Wannabe 47 4
IMDB
Castle 6.925 3
GoS 7.275 4
Perennial 6.725 2
Wannabe 6.2625 1
RANK TOTAL POINTS
3CASTLE 9
1GOS 13
4PERENNIAL 7
2WANNABE 11
SORRY FELLAS FOR THE FUNKY SCORING. I'M CURRENTLY OUT ON VACATION SO THE FORMS I AM USING TO CALCULATE THIS AREN'T AS NICE AS THEY NORMALLY ARE, BUT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO GATHER THE SAME AMOUNT OF COLLECTIVE DATA. MOSTLY THIS WEEK, CASTLE WAS HIT THE WORST. MY STUFF DID REALLY WELL BUT RESURRECTING THE CHAMP AND THE NANNY DIARIES BOTH FAILED TO GET ANY PTA OR TOP5 WHICH MEANS THEY PROBABLY WILL NEVER GET ANY AND THE ONLY NEW MOVIE THIS WEEKEND TO GET ANYTHING WAS WAR WHICH NO ONE OWNED. THE TIMES ARE GETTING ROUGHER, GOOD LUCK GENTLEMEN. TIL NEXT WEEK,
WANNABE
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Superbad
'Superbad is only somewhat good'
In life, most elitist film people tend to disregard teen comedies and coming of age stories unless they are told with a serious bent due to the lackluster teen films that came out in the 90's including Can't Hardly Wait, and the spoofs that followed such as Not Another Teen Movie. Of course, before that there were many classics like Clueless and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. So where does the recent film Superbad fall? I would place it as a good film that most people can enjoy, except the conservative. The plot? Easy, three dorks in high school scheme to get alcohol and sleep with the hot girls of their choice and along the way grow up some and come to terms with their lives. So why is this film better than most? Because of Judd Apatow. Judd also helped to create 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, two very funny films with a lot of heart, the main ingredient. See, teen comedies and films are made to relate to teens as well as adults by making people relive the angst and anxiety felt during those pitiful years and as times have changed the purpose has been mostly to share lessons of learning with other students who could relate to the experiences in the film. Superbad, unfortunately, gets a lot of the social scene from what I remember in high school correct. The big difference is two fold: The language is much worse and the patience of the females are much higher. If two girls at my old school had liked such young fellows, they would have saved their face after the embarassment caused by the drunken party at the end. As for language, well, my friends know I am do enjoy me some coarse language but man, this is the first time I have blushed at hearing things. I mean, damn, do kids really talk this frankly and coarsely about everything nowadays? Anyhow, a break down of got it rights:
Good: The movie has a lot of heart and the actors play the characters with enough honesty to be completely passable in their beliefs and issues. Also, it doesn't hurt that the bad police cop routine is mapped out and put to such great use. Why are they bad? Because they want to look cool. Also, the humor for most of the people is fresh and interesting despite some of its toilet roots.
Bad: The humor is so crude it feels put on sometimes and the story is a basic coming of age friends tale. Plus, the weird Frodo-Sam undertones Jonah Hill places in the story is a bit odd.
Conclusion: If you like to remember high school years and enjoy fresh interesting comedy with loads of crude humor, then this is the film to see. If you find language "shocking" or "ill-mannered" then stay at home with your life support system. And if you are on the bench, nothing is funnier than the tons of hand-drawn animated penises in the film. Yes, I said that correctly. It's damn funny.
3.8 out of 5
In life, most elitist film people tend to disregard teen comedies and coming of age stories unless they are told with a serious bent due to the lackluster teen films that came out in the 90's including Can't Hardly Wait, and the spoofs that followed such as Not Another Teen Movie. Of course, before that there were many classics like Clueless and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. So where does the recent film Superbad fall? I would place it as a good film that most people can enjoy, except the conservative. The plot? Easy, three dorks in high school scheme to get alcohol and sleep with the hot girls of their choice and along the way grow up some and come to terms with their lives. So why is this film better than most? Because of Judd Apatow. Judd also helped to create 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, two very funny films with a lot of heart, the main ingredient. See, teen comedies and films are made to relate to teens as well as adults by making people relive the angst and anxiety felt during those pitiful years and as times have changed the purpose has been mostly to share lessons of learning with other students who could relate to the experiences in the film. Superbad, unfortunately, gets a lot of the social scene from what I remember in high school correct. The big difference is two fold: The language is much worse and the patience of the females are much higher. If two girls at my old school had liked such young fellows, they would have saved their face after the embarassment caused by the drunken party at the end. As for language, well, my friends know I am do enjoy me some coarse language but man, this is the first time I have blushed at hearing things. I mean, damn, do kids really talk this frankly and coarsely about everything nowadays? Anyhow, a break down of got it rights:
Good: The movie has a lot of heart and the actors play the characters with enough honesty to be completely passable in their beliefs and issues. Also, it doesn't hurt that the bad police cop routine is mapped out and put to such great use. Why are they bad? Because they want to look cool. Also, the humor for most of the people is fresh and interesting despite some of its toilet roots.
Bad: The humor is so crude it feels put on sometimes and the story is a basic coming of age friends tale. Plus, the weird Frodo-Sam undertones Jonah Hill places in the story is a bit odd.
Conclusion: If you like to remember high school years and enjoy fresh interesting comedy with loads of crude humor, then this is the film to see. If you find language "shocking" or "ill-mannered" then stay at home with your life support system. And if you are on the bench, nothing is funnier than the tons of hand-drawn animated penises in the film. Yes, I said that correctly. It's damn funny.
3.8 out of 5
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Black Snake Moan
'Moan with pleasure'
When Craig Brewer's first hit the big scene with Hustle & Flow, there was a lot of critical dismissal despite the strong reviews most critics gave to it and Terrence Howard's performance. When the film went on to gain several nominations at the Academies, tunes were changed and the film was recognized for what it was, a film exploring the roots of hip hop and what that style of music means to some people and how things can be. It always helps that Howard won an Oscar for it. Of course, as soon as the trailer for Brewer's next film came out, Black Snake Moan, people dismissed him again calling him a one-time hack and got lucky with the good casting of Terrence Howard in his last film. I'll admit that the casting scenario of Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, and Samuel Jackson sounds like a pseudo bad comedy and that the trailer screamed sexploitation with the craziness of Ricci's character being chained to a radiator next to a cursing Samuel Jackson. I mean lets face it, the last time I remember Ricci being in a good movie was Casper and Jackson had just come off of the great success of Snakes on a Plane. Plus, I had heard that Justin Timberlake acts and never sings while Samuel Jackson does sing, which I had no idea what to expect. So I blew it off.
But man, when those reviews started flying in for the movie, some were as I had feared describing how terrible of a sexploitation flick it was, but most were pretty supportive of the film and thought it was pretty good. I was struck not knowing what to do. Finally, my better half settled the debate by mentioning that she wanted to see it and now that it is out on Redbox (of course I watched it for a dollar!) I must admit defeat and claim Craig Brewer to be a guru of creating exploratory music films.
Not only does Black Snake Moan manage to sidestep every possible footfall, it also does an elegant dance over everytrap, taunting the audience with its dazzle and embrazoned attitude. Ricci gives her best performance in years. Jackson does a great job and even Timberlake reveals he has some acting chops. Honestly, I like this film better than Hustle & Flow for several reasons and the hateful critics...well they are just wrong.
Assumption 1: It's a sexploitation piece showing tons of Ricci's chest and disturbing masturbatory images. False. The film is really about the fixing of one's soul and of each other through blues music and caring. Yes, Ricci does several topless scenes with verve and vigor and yes she is tied to a radiator half naked for a good bit, but not for that long and the radiator and chain are simply metaphorical symbols in her battle against her nymphomania that she contracted after having been sexually abused by her father at such a young age. This is a film of healing, not only for Ricci but also for Jackson whose wife has just left him.
Assumption 2: Samuel Jackson can't do blues. False...he looks pretty comfortable doing it. I mean, yes, I can tell he was better at some songs than others but his voice was uncannily suited for Blues style music. He performs excellently and I think I have a new wish item for Christmas.
Assumption 3: Craig Brewer is a hack and got lucky with Hustle & Flow. COMPLETELY WRONG. The level of visual imagery and symbolism in this film is astounding and even though it requires a stretch of the imagination at times, Brewer writes such a good script that it isn't a fight to stretch and ride with the characters. The characters become real people despite the obvious religious overtones and heavy symbolism and are able to carry the story on their backs despite its seeming unwieldyness as a script which tells me that Brewer knows how to direct his shit. Honestly, this film was a huge risk for him and for Paramount but after having seen the film I can tell that their decision to let him go for it was well founded and I look forward to the next two music films he comes out with of which I hear one is country. Brewer has a knack for not only knowing how to portray events and people, but also how to create character arcs in a manner that is fresh and different from most of Hollywood's techniques. He can communicate this to the actors and it is obvious that his craft has improved tenfold in this film. I am awed and will never doubt the guy again. Strike 3, I'm out.
But even my awe has limits. As good and as awesome as this film is, none of the actors show break out promise. Ricci does the best as its a huge change for her, but her constant one-note torture of sexism is at times slightly hard to take. Samuel Jackson is terrible as an old man at times. Even good old Justin doesn't get to show a whole lot of range. Sure, he can be a good upbeat lad or a raging crazy guy. But the transitions between these attitudes and moods is where he needs some tweaking.
Conclusion: This film blew me out of the water by destroying any pre-made assumptions I had. I think the trailer for the film did it a huge disservice but thinking back I have no idea how they would have marketed this differently to try and attract crowds. It is simply an art house flick with mainstream aura to it. Everything about this film is well done although at times the editing is a little too rough and the actors while doing a great job of upholding and making the story excel, can't stretch themselves too far without having trouble. Definately a rent and maybe a buy.
4.5 out of 5
Wannabe
When Craig Brewer's first hit the big scene with Hustle & Flow, there was a lot of critical dismissal despite the strong reviews most critics gave to it and Terrence Howard's performance. When the film went on to gain several nominations at the Academies, tunes were changed and the film was recognized for what it was, a film exploring the roots of hip hop and what that style of music means to some people and how things can be. It always helps that Howard won an Oscar for it. Of course, as soon as the trailer for Brewer's next film came out, Black Snake Moan, people dismissed him again calling him a one-time hack and got lucky with the good casting of Terrence Howard in his last film. I'll admit that the casting scenario of Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, and Samuel Jackson sounds like a pseudo bad comedy and that the trailer screamed sexploitation with the craziness of Ricci's character being chained to a radiator next to a cursing Samuel Jackson. I mean lets face it, the last time I remember Ricci being in a good movie was Casper and Jackson had just come off of the great success of Snakes on a Plane. Plus, I had heard that Justin Timberlake acts and never sings while Samuel Jackson does sing, which I had no idea what to expect. So I blew it off.
But man, when those reviews started flying in for the movie, some were as I had feared describing how terrible of a sexploitation flick it was, but most were pretty supportive of the film and thought it was pretty good. I was struck not knowing what to do. Finally, my better half settled the debate by mentioning that she wanted to see it and now that it is out on Redbox (of course I watched it for a dollar!) I must admit defeat and claim Craig Brewer to be a guru of creating exploratory music films.
Not only does Black Snake Moan manage to sidestep every possible footfall, it also does an elegant dance over everytrap, taunting the audience with its dazzle and embrazoned attitude. Ricci gives her best performance in years. Jackson does a great job and even Timberlake reveals he has some acting chops. Honestly, I like this film better than Hustle & Flow for several reasons and the hateful critics...well they are just wrong.
Assumption 1: It's a sexploitation piece showing tons of Ricci's chest and disturbing masturbatory images. False. The film is really about the fixing of one's soul and of each other through blues music and caring. Yes, Ricci does several topless scenes with verve and vigor and yes she is tied to a radiator half naked for a good bit, but not for that long and the radiator and chain are simply metaphorical symbols in her battle against her nymphomania that she contracted after having been sexually abused by her father at such a young age. This is a film of healing, not only for Ricci but also for Jackson whose wife has just left him.
Assumption 2: Samuel Jackson can't do blues. False...he looks pretty comfortable doing it. I mean, yes, I can tell he was better at some songs than others but his voice was uncannily suited for Blues style music. He performs excellently and I think I have a new wish item for Christmas.
Assumption 3: Craig Brewer is a hack and got lucky with Hustle & Flow. COMPLETELY WRONG. The level of visual imagery and symbolism in this film is astounding and even though it requires a stretch of the imagination at times, Brewer writes such a good script that it isn't a fight to stretch and ride with the characters. The characters become real people despite the obvious religious overtones and heavy symbolism and are able to carry the story on their backs despite its seeming unwieldyness as a script which tells me that Brewer knows how to direct his shit. Honestly, this film was a huge risk for him and for Paramount but after having seen the film I can tell that their decision to let him go for it was well founded and I look forward to the next two music films he comes out with of which I hear one is country. Brewer has a knack for not only knowing how to portray events and people, but also how to create character arcs in a manner that is fresh and different from most of Hollywood's techniques. He can communicate this to the actors and it is obvious that his craft has improved tenfold in this film. I am awed and will never doubt the guy again. Strike 3, I'm out.
But even my awe has limits. As good and as awesome as this film is, none of the actors show break out promise. Ricci does the best as its a huge change for her, but her constant one-note torture of sexism is at times slightly hard to take. Samuel Jackson is terrible as an old man at times. Even good old Justin doesn't get to show a whole lot of range. Sure, he can be a good upbeat lad or a raging crazy guy. But the transitions between these attitudes and moods is where he needs some tweaking.
Conclusion: This film blew me out of the water by destroying any pre-made assumptions I had. I think the trailer for the film did it a huge disservice but thinking back I have no idea how they would have marketed this differently to try and attract crowds. It is simply an art house flick with mainstream aura to it. Everything about this film is well done although at times the editing is a little too rough and the actors while doing a great job of upholding and making the story excel, can't stretch themselves too far without having trouble. Definately a rent and maybe a buy.
4.5 out of 5
Wannabe
Monday, August 20, 2007
Fanatix Indie League 2: Week 2
INDIE LEAGUE BO PTA TOP 5 IMDB
CASTLE
1 ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE 41 5 3 8.1
2 ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 45 3 6 6.8
3 DARJEELING LIMITED 22 3 0 7.2
4 SHOOT EM UP 39 1 4 6.4
5 THE NANNY DIARIES 66 4 8 6.1
6 RESURRECTING THE CHAMP 2.25 3 0 7.8
7 THE BRAVE ONE 65 4 7 6.5
8 $THE INVASION 5.9 0 1 6.2
GoS
1 $STARDUST 19.5 0 2 8.3
2 THE KINGDOM 55 5 7 7
3 THE HEARTBREAK KID 125 6 11 7
4 IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH 31 3 5 7.7
5 $THE 11TH HOUR 0.06 5 0 7.1
6 MICHAEL CLAYTON 37 4 4 7.4
7 RESIDENT EVIL EXTINCTION 41.5 4 6 6.3
8 IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON 3.1 6 0 8.1
WANNABE
1 $SUPERBAD 33 3 5 8.8
2 $RUSH HOUR 3 87.6 2 9 6.7
3 3:10 TO YUMA 31 1 3 6.7
4 HIT MAN 51 6 7 7
5 THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING 16 0 0 4.2
6 30 DAYS OF NIGHT 22.5 3 5 5.5
7 HALLOWEEN 33 4 6 5.6
8 THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 49 2 4 5.9
BO RANKINGS
WANNABE 323.1 3
GOS 312.16 2
CASTLE 286.15 1
PTA RANKINGS
GOS 33 3
CASTLE 23 2
WANNABE 21 1
TOP 5
WANNABE 39 3
GOS 35 2
CASTLE 29 1
IMDB
GOS 7.3625 3
CASTLE 6.8875 2
WANNABE 6.3 1
BO PTA TOP IMDB TOTAL RANK
CASTLE 1 2 1 2 6 3
GOS 2 3 2 3 10 1
WANNABE 3 1 3 1 8 2
Hey fellas, well as we can see, the Invasion was a failure, Superbad did well but not quite what I hoped. WHo knows what it will do in a while. Rush Hour 3 is still going strong and the 11th Hour was a great PTA flick, but will it last? Only next week can tell,
so tune in next time....
Wannabe
CASTLE
1 ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE 41 5 3 8.1
2 ACROSS THE UNIVERSE 45 3 6 6.8
3 DARJEELING LIMITED 22 3 0 7.2
4 SHOOT EM UP 39 1 4 6.4
5 THE NANNY DIARIES 66 4 8 6.1
6 RESURRECTING THE CHAMP 2.25 3 0 7.8
7 THE BRAVE ONE 65 4 7 6.5
8 $THE INVASION 5.9 0 1 6.2
GoS
1 $STARDUST 19.5 0 2 8.3
2 THE KINGDOM 55 5 7 7
3 THE HEARTBREAK KID 125 6 11 7
4 IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH 31 3 5 7.7
5 $THE 11TH HOUR 0.06 5 0 7.1
6 MICHAEL CLAYTON 37 4 4 7.4
7 RESIDENT EVIL EXTINCTION 41.5 4 6 6.3
8 IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON 3.1 6 0 8.1
WANNABE
1 $SUPERBAD 33 3 5 8.8
2 $RUSH HOUR 3 87.6 2 9 6.7
3 3:10 TO YUMA 31 1 3 6.7
4 HIT MAN 51 6 7 7
5 THE SEEKER: THE DARK IS RISING 16 0 0 4.2
6 30 DAYS OF NIGHT 22.5 3 5 5.5
7 HALLOWEEN 33 4 6 5.6
8 THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD 49 2 4 5.9
BO RANKINGS
WANNABE 323.1 3
GOS 312.16 2
CASTLE 286.15 1
PTA RANKINGS
GOS 33 3
CASTLE 23 2
WANNABE 21 1
TOP 5
WANNABE 39 3
GOS 35 2
CASTLE 29 1
IMDB
GOS 7.3625 3
CASTLE 6.8875 2
WANNABE 6.3 1
BO PTA TOP IMDB TOTAL RANK
CASTLE 1 2 1 2 6 3
GOS 2 3 2 3 10 1
WANNABE 3 1 3 1 8 2
Hey fellas, well as we can see, the Invasion was a failure, Superbad did well but not quite what I hoped. WHo knows what it will do in a while. Rush Hour 3 is still going strong and the 11th Hour was a great PTA flick, but will it last? Only next week can tell,
so tune in next time....
Wannabe
Friday, August 17, 2007
Death at a Funeral
'At least Death comes with a casket'
You know how sometimes you see a trailer that makes you laugh outloud and then you see the film and feel that all the best parts were already shown? Well, Death at a Funeral is better than that, albeit not by much. This film lacks heavily in some of the realm of essentials that it tries to dabble in as a film. It's directed by Frank Oz, aka Yoda, with a cast of relative unknown actors in America and has the feel of a small quirky British comedy. The problem is that Oz should have taken more notes from A Fish Called Wanda and Fierce Creatures before making this film and less from Wes Anderson.
Death at a Funeral stars highlt talented actors in a dark situation comedy. It's perfect casting and the script allows for wonderful comedy to ensue, however this genre of movie REQUIRES not only a good script and cast, but a sure and knowing hand as director to make it work. The vision has to be there otherwise someone somewhere along the way will get lost and the whole thing will tumble from the tightrope known as intelligent humor down to the dull brown sod below it. The trend for these types of films recently has been a downer to me. Wes Anderson is an interesting director but he tends to make his movies so depressing that it becomes hard to laugh despite whatever happens. Frank Oz thankfully never falls into this trap. He realizes that the situation of a grieving estranged family at a funeral and the script provide enough gravitas to the atmosphere to keep it dark throughout without his help. So he focuses on making things lighter and adding the comedy in an honest fashion, as the script and material requires itself to be taken. Oz does all of the first things right. Instead, he falls with Anderson in the problem of not making it light enough. Sure there are hallucinogenic drugs and scandalous stories abounding as ties grow taut and it all resolves in an awkward speech at the end that is far from outstanding...but the real problem is the lack of outrage in the characters. The actors all do a nice job of hitting punchlines and comedic timing, but the problem is their reactions! For God's sake, their father is gay and they only joke once before asking, "you mean he's a gay?" The problem with honest reactions is that it sometimes requires further involvement in characters and delving further into how a character would react instead of just following the pacing of the script and then molding the two into an organic material. It is why A Fish Called Wanda succeeds so well, after all who could ever play outrage better than Kevin Kline? No, the problem doesn't come from any one actor in fact but from all of them leading me to believe that it was a directorial choice used to emphasize the fact that the family was trying to keep its staunch upper lip position and a shot for more subtle comedy. It works at tmes, but the reason why it isn't consistent is because there is no strong reaction or time spent on anyone in particular. Honestly, if that was fixed, I think the jokes would have reached farther and hit more often and made this film much better. The best reaction in this film was the absolute horror with which Howard found an unexpected surprise in his mouth. More big reactions at times please, especially when the people are holding private conversations.
As for scenery, well, this could, should, and probably will be a play. It's practically set in one place which must have been nice for the set designers and the director, but it is also well adapted. The lighting is good for a small film like this. And the music is amusing at times.
Lastly, as to actors, well where to start. Mathew MacFayden as the main character is great. His composure and general appearance scream meek and average and it is great to see his anger. He is the only one who could downplay everything and still have it come across crystal clear what went through his character's head. I loved the scene where he writing the check and Peter Dinklage goes off about writing. However, he could have used more variation and some more disbelief at times. Speaking of Peter Dinklage, he comes across as a very good actor and now I have to admit he was perfect for the part. Not only for height reasons which added some great laughs, but also for his talent which amazed me because I believed him to be possibly gay, and he walked a fine line but never crossed over into too campy or diva-like De Niro did in a recent movie. Instead he was just a short gay man there to pay respects and get what he deserved. No big tears or crying about feeling like a cheap whore and he seemed respectable. Great choice for him. Andy Nyman as Howard the hypochondriac is great after a while seeing how he keeps getting gipped and mistreated, although its hard to like him fully because of his annoying ass habits. He is a good foil though to Ewen Bremmer's Justin who just whines and tries to catch an old girl pathetically. It's sad, because I've seen Bremmer in other films where he is hilarious, but in this film his character is just bland to begin with and then he is underused and his reactions needed more punch. Good guy, but not for the part. Lastly, if it seems that I'm only focusing on the guys, its because I am since they tend to be the ones in the film who lose their heads and go crazy. The last two main men are Alan Tudyk and Kris Marshall. I have followed Tudyk since his Serenity days and I have to admit that it was a good part for him in this film even if he is a litle too wonky all the time. I also felt that he could have had more fun with the part and that he didn't need to necessarily try so hard to be that character. It was pretty obvious that he was trying really hard to get the "I'm-coocoo-for-cocopuffs-crazy" humor that is in the character. At times, he gives just teh right amount and at others he's a little too much of a scene stealer or the fact that he is thinking of something to improv next is in his eyes and can jolt the audience back and forth in believability in his character. He's great for the part, but he needed a little better tweaking and direction from the director. Kris Marshall I have seen before as well, in what, I can't remember but it doesn't matter since he is perfect in this film as the favored child who went into pharmacy and then used his knowledge in making and selling illegal drugs in a hawkish way. He holds himself always in a I'm better than you manner because I am a knowledgeable pharmacist person and it makes it that much sweeter to watch him have his ass on the line throughout the film. Thankfully, he is not an odious person and so even though he is involved in things that make him easy to hate, his personality is one of trying to help others, even to save himself, which makes it okay that he isn't outed in the film.
Conclusion:
Strong females with little to no comedy to do lead me to believe that the writer was male. The situations and the dialogue and even the subject material and setting are all perfectly set up and in place. The actors picked are more than suited for their roles. The director starts on the right foot, but he doesn't tweak and work with the actors enough to get the utmost out of the script and talent which leads the film to feel like it could have been better. It was a great try and compared to Stepford Wives its a step up, but Oz needs to get his game back on and produce some excellent guffaws to herald his return with his next film, if he gets the chance. Keep the Force, you need it.
3.6 out of 5
Wannabe
You know how sometimes you see a trailer that makes you laugh outloud and then you see the film and feel that all the best parts were already shown? Well, Death at a Funeral is better than that, albeit not by much. This film lacks heavily in some of the realm of essentials that it tries to dabble in as a film. It's directed by Frank Oz, aka Yoda, with a cast of relative unknown actors in America and has the feel of a small quirky British comedy. The problem is that Oz should have taken more notes from A Fish Called Wanda and Fierce Creatures before making this film and less from Wes Anderson.
Death at a Funeral stars highlt talented actors in a dark situation comedy. It's perfect casting and the script allows for wonderful comedy to ensue, however this genre of movie REQUIRES not only a good script and cast, but a sure and knowing hand as director to make it work. The vision has to be there otherwise someone somewhere along the way will get lost and the whole thing will tumble from the tightrope known as intelligent humor down to the dull brown sod below it. The trend for these types of films recently has been a downer to me. Wes Anderson is an interesting director but he tends to make his movies so depressing that it becomes hard to laugh despite whatever happens. Frank Oz thankfully never falls into this trap. He realizes that the situation of a grieving estranged family at a funeral and the script provide enough gravitas to the atmosphere to keep it dark throughout without his help. So he focuses on making things lighter and adding the comedy in an honest fashion, as the script and material requires itself to be taken. Oz does all of the first things right. Instead, he falls with Anderson in the problem of not making it light enough. Sure there are hallucinogenic drugs and scandalous stories abounding as ties grow taut and it all resolves in an awkward speech at the end that is far from outstanding...but the real problem is the lack of outrage in the characters. The actors all do a nice job of hitting punchlines and comedic timing, but the problem is their reactions! For God's sake, their father is gay and they only joke once before asking, "you mean he's a gay?" The problem with honest reactions is that it sometimes requires further involvement in characters and delving further into how a character would react instead of just following the pacing of the script and then molding the two into an organic material. It is why A Fish Called Wanda succeeds so well, after all who could ever play outrage better than Kevin Kline? No, the problem doesn't come from any one actor in fact but from all of them leading me to believe that it was a directorial choice used to emphasize the fact that the family was trying to keep its staunch upper lip position and a shot for more subtle comedy. It works at tmes, but the reason why it isn't consistent is because there is no strong reaction or time spent on anyone in particular. Honestly, if that was fixed, I think the jokes would have reached farther and hit more often and made this film much better. The best reaction in this film was the absolute horror with which Howard found an unexpected surprise in his mouth. More big reactions at times please, especially when the people are holding private conversations.
As for scenery, well, this could, should, and probably will be a play. It's practically set in one place which must have been nice for the set designers and the director, but it is also well adapted. The lighting is good for a small film like this. And the music is amusing at times.
Lastly, as to actors, well where to start. Mathew MacFayden as the main character is great. His composure and general appearance scream meek and average and it is great to see his anger. He is the only one who could downplay everything and still have it come across crystal clear what went through his character's head. I loved the scene where he writing the check and Peter Dinklage goes off about writing. However, he could have used more variation and some more disbelief at times. Speaking of Peter Dinklage, he comes across as a very good actor and now I have to admit he was perfect for the part. Not only for height reasons which added some great laughs, but also for his talent which amazed me because I believed him to be possibly gay, and he walked a fine line but never crossed over into too campy or diva-like De Niro did in a recent movie. Instead he was just a short gay man there to pay respects and get what he deserved. No big tears or crying about feeling like a cheap whore and he seemed respectable. Great choice for him. Andy Nyman as Howard the hypochondriac is great after a while seeing how he keeps getting gipped and mistreated, although its hard to like him fully because of his annoying ass habits. He is a good foil though to Ewen Bremmer's Justin who just whines and tries to catch an old girl pathetically. It's sad, because I've seen Bremmer in other films where he is hilarious, but in this film his character is just bland to begin with and then he is underused and his reactions needed more punch. Good guy, but not for the part. Lastly, if it seems that I'm only focusing on the guys, its because I am since they tend to be the ones in the film who lose their heads and go crazy. The last two main men are Alan Tudyk and Kris Marshall. I have followed Tudyk since his Serenity days and I have to admit that it was a good part for him in this film even if he is a litle too wonky all the time. I also felt that he could have had more fun with the part and that he didn't need to necessarily try so hard to be that character. It was pretty obvious that he was trying really hard to get the "I'm-coocoo-for-cocopuffs-crazy" humor that is in the character. At times, he gives just teh right amount and at others he's a little too much of a scene stealer or the fact that he is thinking of something to improv next is in his eyes and can jolt the audience back and forth in believability in his character. He's great for the part, but he needed a little better tweaking and direction from the director. Kris Marshall I have seen before as well, in what, I can't remember but it doesn't matter since he is perfect in this film as the favored child who went into pharmacy and then used his knowledge in making and selling illegal drugs in a hawkish way. He holds himself always in a I'm better than you manner because I am a knowledgeable pharmacist person and it makes it that much sweeter to watch him have his ass on the line throughout the film. Thankfully, he is not an odious person and so even though he is involved in things that make him easy to hate, his personality is one of trying to help others, even to save himself, which makes it okay that he isn't outed in the film.
Conclusion:
Strong females with little to no comedy to do lead me to believe that the writer was male. The situations and the dialogue and even the subject material and setting are all perfectly set up and in place. The actors picked are more than suited for their roles. The director starts on the right foot, but he doesn't tweak and work with the actors enough to get the utmost out of the script and talent which leads the film to feel like it could have been better. It was a great try and compared to Stepford Wives its a step up, but Oz needs to get his game back on and produce some excellent guffaws to herald his return with his next film, if he gets the chance. Keep the Force, you need it.
3.6 out of 5
Wannabe
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