quick blog

Superbad

Jonah Hill's constant whining in the first 20 minutes annoyed the hell out of me, which set the tone for the rest of the movie. It certainly has its moments and I wouldn't argue Superbad's funniness, but I spent most of the movie wishing Jonah Hill would just shut the f--k up.



Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

A scatter piece. Feels like someone had to please 50 different producers, and then tried to slip in a thing or two of their own that they didn't know where else to put. I enjoyed the scene of Jack Sparrow in Davy Jones' locker-the look of the stark white, and hey, it's pirate adventures with Johnny Depp, but overall it was messy and still tries to ride the tails of the first.




We Own the Night

Actually better than I was expecting. The drama is well built, and the intensity of the characters' situations really come across.







Planet B-Boy

A recent fave. Any lover of hiphop could easily appreciate this one, and as a documentary is done quite well. Some nice graphics with an appropriate brief intro to bboying and hiphop, transitioning smoothly into the personal subjects, and the film's focal point-the international bboy competition. Well focused, with a nice balance between the subject and personal stories. Interviews are funny and even at times poignant, creating a light comedic touching tone. There's an awesome scene showing korean soldiers starting to break out in dance with a voice over interview of how soldiers are forbidden to dance. Pacing is just right, no lack of amazing dancing with a great soundtrack to match, and they even include some pretty nice scenery from around the world. It's a good one.



16 Blocks


Satisfying enough for a day on the couch with the stomach flu. Satisfactorily entertaining, and Mos Def surprisingly carries his weight.







Barton Fink

A Coen Brothers kooky classic. The cinematography is rich, and performances are amazing. Even the side characters that appear for a brief scene are directed to perfection. You could likely watch this movie multiple times and still have things to ponder and discuss. This movie's got many great layers and is a classic in my book.

mis en scene - i acknowledge

i will contribute to this webpage(s) on a monthly basis - here and there. just to bring the attention to the image of a film... a single frame. 1/24th of second - and no other frame like the next or the one before it. it is a moment. not 29.97, but 24 - progressive, not restrictive.

Get the Vote Out

It's election day! Get out and VOTE!
(even though it's likely noone but me reads this blog.)

I'm proud to be a part of this historical election. For the first time in my life, I've campaigned for a candidate who I strongly feel is what this country, and the world, needs. Not that what outsiders think is the important issue, but what it says. When the rest of the world is looking upon what once use to be the most powerful nation in the world and shaking its head, there's something sorely wrong. Like one journalist put it, we're not just electing the US leader, we're electing a world leader. It's not a coincidence the world is rooting alongside us for Obama.

He has dedicated himself to the betterment of his community, and now the country, and tomorrow the world. Because he's about uniting common causes. Because he's worked his ass off to better himself, and to better the world that surrounds him. Because he's maintained a level head and unbelievable integrity through a constant barrage of outrageous attacks. Because he's shown insight. reason. intelligence. and accomplishment. Because he has shown us that he is ready to lead.

At this critical juncture, we are about to elect an inspiring president who holds much promise. Who just happens to be black. Now that's the America I'm proud of.

religu-LOSS: in desperate need of an editor

In "Religulous," Bill Mahr sets out to show that the fanatacism and extreme dogmatic ideology that religion fosters does more harm than good. What could've been an atheist's wet dream, or at least a thought provoking discussion, turns out to be nothing more than a jumble of wasted interviews and silly found footage.
The biggest problem with this film is the wasted interviews. Waste I say, WASTE! There is no shortage of blind faith pushing the extremes of stupidity and ignorance. That kind of footage is not hard to find. The makers of Religulous knew that and went well beyond that, actually finding a huge variety of uniquely interesting subjects to interview. They had a gold mine of interviewees; gay Muslims, ex-Mormons, a neuroscientist who studies mental illness alongside religious fervor, a Vatican priest who says it's all hoo-hah, an ex-gay, rabbis, catholic priests, regular schmoes, and the list goes on. They touch on many religions and get an extremely wide range of personalities and backgrounds, from potentially diverse views. Sigh. And what do we get out of it? Rather than probing questions or thought provoking insight, all we get is Bill Mahr arrogantly interrupting his interviewees repeating his own views.
In his interview with the ex-gay, he doesn't even touch upon any gay issues. An ex-gay! In the interview with the gay Muslims, no irony being pondered, not even a WORD from the interviews, just Bill Mahr standing there disrespectfully mocking them. The interview with the neuroscientist who asserts that his studies show that the brains of religious fanatics much resemble those that are mentally ill; what great evidence that would have been had we seen the comparisons of the brains. Instead we get a few short introductory sentences that again get cut off by Mahr. I felt shameful for Mahr's behavior with some on these other respected religious heads. The Vatican priest who says it's all a joke is one of the shortest interviews of all! Had some of the interviews been more extensive or probing, it might have been effective to punctuate the film with some shorter interviews, but with each successive interview, the only thing we reaffirm is how arrogant Bill Mahr is.
There are certainly moments of hilarity, like the religious congressman who says, "you don't have to take an IQ test to be in Congress," and there are some pretty ridiculously funny found footage incorporated which may have emphasized the point being made. However, there is no real organization to the film, and alongside the lacking interviews, the extra footage only emphasizes the lack of substance.
Even Bill Mahr, who is usually effectively sarcastically witty (if not obnoxious) in stating his point, doesn't do so successfully here. Again, what stands out is his disrespect and arrogance, showing that he's just as pigheaded as the people he tries to discredit.

How to lose friends and alienate viewers

I enjoyed the first half of "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People". There are a fair share of laughs, and it seemed to have some promise as a lighthearted jab at Hollywood stereotypes and America's celebrity obsession. Simon Pegg has a natural charm that comes across in everything he does with no exception here, and Kirsten Dunst delivers some great one liners. The rest of the characters are colorfully painted and well cast. Then, I started to worry it was turning into, my nightmare... a romantic comedy. Noooooooo!! It did. Gone were the sassy lines and comical characters (and Megan Fox's nipples). What remained was the second half of any eye stabbing romantic comedy out there-one dimensional caricatures and no fail predictability. The movie is entertaining enough, but it ultimately turns into the very thing it started out to ridicule.

quick blog

Crimes and Misdemeanors

Ends justify the means in this movie. Meaning, I like the ending; it puts the slant on this movie that makes it interesting. Gotta be in the mood for Woody Allen. His verbosity and high brow humor can be much at times, and it doesn't let up here. None of the characters are particularly likable, yet it works here and possibly makes it interesting to watch. You get the effect of a play, although subtle filming techniques like long takes and overlapping dialogue bring this movie to life. My favorite is Alan Alda as the seedy egocentric yet lovable producer.



Pineapple Express
A satisfying comedy and light hearted action. Pacing keeps it moving along with enough suspension of disbelief to enjoy the ridiculous antics. The jokes are pretty effective and draw honest laughter. James franco is great as a pothead potdealer, though he could work on his fake cough. and Seth Rogen should definitely work on his fake crying. I would have like to see more of Rosie Perez and that spunk. A fun buddy movie that did its job for an easy-going Sunday evening.

the visitor

Though the title sounds like that of an alien horror movie, "The Visitor" is a wonderfully touching look at loneliness and the simple beauty in life itself. Director Thomas McCarthy, who also gave us the hug inducing "the station agent," has a knack for tapping into the human experience. A little more plot to propel the film this time, "The Vistor" follows Walter, a widower living an uninspired, quiet life. He comes home one evening to find an immigrant couple living in his apartment. With no place else to go, Walter allows the couple to stay for the night. As he slowly forms a unique relationship with his visitors, something gradually begins to awaken in Walter.
Though the movie is propelled by plot events, it is really about the characters. There's no good guy, no bad guy, but real, everyday people, with unique experiences, emotions, and motivations. With rhythmic, soulful drumming at the heartbeat of the film, "The Visitor" asks us to find the music within ourselves. (I promise, the movie is nowhere near as cheesy as that last line.) Simultaneously sad and uplifting, Thomas McCarthy delivers another gem.

Timeless

This is an incredibly beautiful film. The photography is jaw dropping. Pick a handful of stills from "2046" at random and you'd have an amazing photo gallery. This film puts 99% of Hollywood movies to damn shame, solidifying [my opinion of] Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wai as one the best in our day. and thankful to be reminded of him. An allegory of love that weaves the writings of Chow with the characters and escapades in his own life, 2046 explores love in/and time/memory. A loosely linear plot leaves much to interpretation, and there's plenty of interesting plot details and frame composition for one to ponder. or the film student to write about :P I'm in love with the stark contrast of saturated colors split frame with dark shadows. It's tremendously affecting. and effective. 2046 is somewhat reminiscent of The Fountain (made later from another director fave Darren Aronofsky). Similar themes, comparable tone and photography... Beautiful film.

Forgetting Sarah Palin

Ok, the movie has nothing to do with sarah palin but at least i did forget about her for at least two hours while laughing, watching "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." (Ok Ok, it's a cheap and unsuccessful shot at a clever title). Anyway, there's just a tiny bit of unidentifiable something missing that keeps me from giving the movie a solid "It's Good," but it's definitely likable and keeps the laughs coming at steady pace. Yes, the plot is unoriginal and predictable, but it's forgivable here as it takes a backseat to the jokes it allows. And I do appreciate that the characters aren't completely one dimensional. Oh Hollywood romantic comedies, how you've lowered my standards so. Here at least the the guy you're suppose to be rooting against has redeeming qualities and the girl you're suppose to be rooting against has some humanity (and are possibly the more fun and interesting characters). Cast is decent, with all the main characters proving comedic chops. The fake show spoofs and vampire musical track were my high points (yes, vampire musical), adding at least a half star rating for those alone. Not a terribly memorable or great movie, but it's fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. All in all a good time.

the vp debate goshdarnit

this debate made realize just how low my expectations of sarah palin really were. my initial reaction was, "hey, not bad." then immediately, "are you shitting me?" i was impressed because she said "ahmadinejad" 3 times beautifully? the not so bright one time beauty queen put her training to use, smiling into the camera as she spoke, using big words to hide her lack of substance. she was well rehearsed, and 'performed' better than john mccain, at least engaging her opponent, and stayed more on topic than mccain did. of course she didn't always answer questions directly, spewing obviously rehearsed lines and slogans whenever possible. her circuitous reasoning, empty slogans, and contradictory points, like saying john mccain, the "maverick," "voted along party lines" 96% of the time, were not blaringly obvious. her smoke and mirrors technique, turning the question of her inexperience into a call to America about people and the government, was probably pretty effective. and hey, that's a talent in itself. and well let's face it, a large part of "politics." even though her "talking straight" was as straight as the Castro district on Halloween, and "everywhere like and the such as," she only let those of us down who were hoping she'd drool on herself and make a ms. south carolina snafu.
biden was a contrasting image. looking like he was about to fall asleep in the first half of the debate, he came alive in the second half when the discussion turned to foreign policy, his specialty. he became impassioned and focused, coming across with clear points. His reputation for rambling didn't make a showing tonight, and he did well by attacking mccain's past policy and statements which went largely unanswered. the highlight of the debate was when he called mccain's healthcare plan the "ultimate bridge to nowhere." on the whole, he sounded professional with solid points. though calls to home depot and Scranton made me cringe, an obvious attempt to appeal to the "average American." unfortunately, if being dumb and ignorant is more like the average american, well heck, palin has the advantage on that one.

snl face-off: guru pitka vs. zohan

given the choice: mike meyers or adam sandler? i'd say mike meyers. i love the way he combines silly and witty, and austin powers being one of my all-time favorites, i have certain comic expectations of mike meyers.

unfortunately he drops the ball on this one relying on potty humor and giving in to a predictable plot that you're just waiting to play itself out. there's a few isolated moments of good jokes, but the movie quickly unfolds exactly as you know it will, and at the end you're still left with nothing. it's almost as if the movie itself knows how bad it is and rushes right through it so it can be over already. justin timberlake is possibly the one thing worth watching as a ridiculous "jacques the cock," though the gimmick can only carry itself so far.

zohan, though not great either, does garner some good laughs. more like an extended saturday night live skit than a movie, the zohan character is likable, funny, and well suited to adam sandler. the movie at least has some relevance or something to identify with, whether a silly dream of cutting hair, or giving a light heart to some very real tensions. not to mention i have a new girl crush on emmanuelle chriqui.

both have plenty of dick jokes to satisfy the 13-year old within and cameos to test your tmz iq.


no k.o. here, zohan by decision.

the station agent

i wanna hug this movie. this simple understated movie is feel good through and through. an honest look at loneliness with lovable quirky characters, each element of the film comes together to reach right in there and make you feel something true. added to my top faves.

Take your soul to the cleaners - watch Dirty Pretty Things

"We are the people you dont see.  We drive your cabs, clean your rooms, and suck your cocks."

It will feel like your soul has been taken to the laundromat, washed out and wrung dry of all the dirty, pretty things, by the time that line hits you.  

 

This is a story of simple, ordinary people with extraordinary problems.  A story of what happens when impossible situations force an ingeniuty that can only be derived from desperation.  Of exploited people, pushed to their limits, stripped of all reasonable options, and left with nothing except their morals and beliefs.   

Which is what it should be right?  That's why we watch movies like this.  To see the human condition triumph amidst unfavorable odds.  What really sets this movie apart from others is the story telling.

Director Stephen Frears doesnt rely on flash and special effects to try and make the movie pop.  Instead, subtly beautiful cinematography and precision character acting bring our protagonists, Okwe and Senay, to life.  Chiwetel Ejiofor (Talk To Me) and Audrey Tautou (Amelie) are brilliant in their starring roles.  and Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda) shines brightest among the cast of eccentric supporting characters, who, although at moments appear a little over the top, tip-toeing on caricatures, help paint a picture of the type of lives people in the London underground need to live just to survive.

There is also something quite beautiful about the language each character uses.  Every one of them seems to have a unique and distinct accent and manner of speaking, which meshes elegantly.  Personally, I could listen to an African accent all day long, there is something very calming and peaceful about it.  I'm not familiar with a Turkish accent, but if it all sounds like Senay's, I might be moving to Turkey.

The bottom line is, this movie is amazing.  I don't remember it being out in the US market, and dont think it got too much press over here.  If you have yet to come across it, go find it, it'll be worth it.  By the time the movie ends, your soul will feel clean, fresh and renewed.

burn before seeing

the most disappointing thing about "Burn After Reading" was the lack of appreciation from my fellow audience for what a hilariously fun movie this is. save for the man who cracked us up because he was cracking up.

the colorful characters, each in their own world in one way or another, collide in the Coen brothers classic snowball manner, in which a one track mind + a chance event spin wildly out of anyone's control. i love the way they play it out-like the astute observations of a standup comedian who gives insight and hilarity to the foibles of human and social nature. plus a few drinks and a handful of limes.

the combination of slapstick, satire, and that curious brand of coen dark humor is well carried out by the talented cast. forget the silly butchered foreign accents in "seven years in tibet," the questionably gay drama "a devil's own," and the foo-foo romance of "legends of the fall"(ok, i never saw that one), brad pitt is best when he's goofy. george clooney does a great run as a not-so suave, well meaning womanizer, his exaggerated expressions one of the standouts in "burn." frances mcdormand is wonderful as always, and this part must have been written for john malkovich who plays frustrated anger to comic perfection. even the supporting cast all add their own little color.

though not their best nor most memorable, it's nonetheless thoroughly enjoyable, and signature coen brothers. for those who go see this movie because they got hit by marketing, there's a chance they may not take to this brand of humor. for those of us who love and cherish the coen brothers, we are excited to have a movie to be excited about.