Summary: A bitter and aging teacher uses her knowledge of a fellow teacher's affair with a student to blackmail and manipulate the woman.
Things I Liked: The powerful performances and quietly effective direction. The impressive manner in which the filmmakers and actors build and maintain dramatic tension throughout the story.
Things I Didn't Like: The film's score, while well-done, occasionally feels intrusive.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, December 31, 2007
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) Directed by Gore Verbinski
Summary: In this, the third installment of the popular action-adventure franchise, the film's hero and heroine seek to enlist the aid of the other notorious pirate lords in order to A). locate and rescue their lost companion and B). organize a resistance against the formidable British-run East India Trading Company.
Things I Liked: The first-rate visual and creature effects. The makeup and many of the costumes. The high production value and use of existing locations.
Things I Didn't Like: The overwrought and unnecessarily complex storyline. The sound. Unlike CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, the focus of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END appears to lie with it's enormous set pieces and lengthy, larger-than-life action sequences rather than with an interesting storyline and characters.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The first-rate visual and creature effects. The makeup and many of the costumes. The high production value and use of existing locations.
Things I Didn't Like: The overwrought and unnecessarily complex storyline. The sound. Unlike CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, the focus of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END appears to lie with it's enormous set pieces and lengthy, larger-than-life action sequences rather than with an interesting storyline and characters.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Monster Squad (1987) Directed by Fred Dekker
Summary: When a host of classic monsters (including Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolf Man and the Mummy), descend upon a small town in order to lay claim to a magical amulet, it's up to a club of horror-loving kids to stop them.
Things I Liked: The make up and creature effects. The opening of the film provides an atmospherically decent - and occasionally witty - set up.
Things I Didn't Like: The direction, acting and dialogue. Unlike other family-sized creature features, the characters and humor of THE MONSTER SQUAD lack the charm necessary to compensate for the devolving storyline.
Two Stars Out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The make up and creature effects. The opening of the film provides an atmospherically decent - and occasionally witty - set up.
Things I Didn't Like: The direction, acting and dialogue. Unlike other family-sized creature features, the characters and humor of THE MONSTER SQUAD lack the charm necessary to compensate for the devolving storyline.
Two Stars Out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Golden Compass (2007) Directed by Chris Weitz
Summary: A young girl and her shape-shifting animal companion - both of whom live in a universe parallel to our own - find themselves whisked away into an adventure containing abducted children, witches, warrior bears and prophecies.
Things I Liked: The visual effects (much of the animation is excellent). The casting and acting, particularly that of the leads, is quite good. The film is well directed and for the most part, the plot moves along quickly and clearly.
Things I Didn't Like: The architectural design of many of the buildings in the movie seemed (to me) to be wholly unoriginal. Some of the longer running battle and/or spectacle-laden scenes could stand to be trimmed. Also cringeworthy (yet probably unavoidable): vital exposition delivered via character dialogue increases exponentially as the film progresses.
Three and One Half Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The visual effects (much of the animation is excellent). The casting and acting, particularly that of the leads, is quite good. The film is well directed and for the most part, the plot moves along quickly and clearly.
Things I Didn't Like: The architectural design of many of the buildings in the movie seemed (to me) to be wholly unoriginal. Some of the longer running battle and/or spectacle-laden scenes could stand to be trimmed. Also cringeworthy (yet probably unavoidable): vital exposition delivered via character dialogue increases exponentially as the film progresses.
Three and One Half Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Beowulf (2007), Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Summary: In this 3-D digital retelling of the epic poem, the larger-than-life hero battles against demons, monsters . . . and temptation . . .
Things I Liked: The intensity of the action sequences. Much of the modeling and rendering visible in the close ups is breathtaking. In some of the B-scenes, the voice talent is so powerful that it manages to "plus" the animation. The story and plot of BEOWULF offer an interesting and original twist on the classic saga.
Things I Didn't Like: The creature, character and costume design. The animation and rigging in the longer shots - particularly with regard to the way subtle human actions are handled. There has been much praise regarding the environments and backgrounds but nothing stood out (to me) as particularly groundbreaking.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The intensity of the action sequences. Much of the modeling and rendering visible in the close ups is breathtaking. In some of the B-scenes, the voice talent is so powerful that it manages to "plus" the animation. The story and plot of BEOWULF offer an interesting and original twist on the classic saga.
Things I Didn't Like: The creature, character and costume design. The animation and rigging in the longer shots - particularly with regard to the way subtle human actions are handled. There has been much praise regarding the environments and backgrounds but nothing stood out (to me) as particularly groundbreaking.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Friday, November 30, 2007
Enchanted (2007), Directed by Kevin Lima
Summary: A naive young lady is magically exiled from her classically animated fairy tale kingdom to modern day New York City; a place where she finds her idealistic beliefs severely tested.
Things I Liked: Many of Lima's creative decisions. The traditionally animated segments are very well done, as is the whimsical art direction seen over the film's end credits. Interestingly, the film's story plays a bit leaner on screen than it did in (an earlier version of) the script.
Things I Didn't Like: The lack of complex characters (it's worth noting, however, that many of the actors do a fine job with their roles). The humor and songs. The film's over-reliance on mediocre digital effects and computer animation; particularly during important moments in the film.
Two and One Quarter Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: Many of Lima's creative decisions. The traditionally animated segments are very well done, as is the whimsical art direction seen over the film's end credits. Interestingly, the film's story plays a bit leaner on screen than it did in (an earlier version of) the script.
Things I Didn't Like: The lack of complex characters (it's worth noting, however, that many of the actors do a fine job with their roles). The humor and songs. The film's over-reliance on mediocre digital effects and computer animation; particularly during important moments in the film.
Two and One Quarter Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Four Feathers (1939), Directed by Zoltan Korda
Summary: When a young man - the son and grandson of career military men - resigns from the army on the eve of war, he finds himself branded a coward by his family, friends and fiancé.
Things I Liked: The riveting dramatization of the film's theme (a comment on cowardice and bravery). I cannot remember the last time I've seen a film's message more clearly depicted and/or explored. The humor and setups are well-done.
Things I Disliked: Oddly, the film suffers from one of today's more common maladies: the inclusion of too many epic battle scenes. The story's pace could be much improved by cutting out some of the film's longer shots.
Three and three quarters stars out of five stars
Moviewatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The riveting dramatization of the film's theme (a comment on cowardice and bravery). I cannot remember the last time I've seen a film's message more clearly depicted and/or explored. The humor and setups are well-done.
Things I Disliked: Oddly, the film suffers from one of today's more common maladies: the inclusion of too many epic battle scenes. The story's pace could be much improved by cutting out some of the film's longer shots.
Three and three quarters stars out of five stars
Moviewatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
The Queen (2006), Directed by Stephen Frears
Summary: A very traditional-minded Queen Elizabeth butts heads with the newly elected (and throughly modern) Prime Minister of England on the proper way to deal publicly with the tragic death of Princess Diana.
Things I Liked: The story and characters. So compelling was the film's story, and so immersed was I in the internal struggles of the players, that it was not until the end credits that I realized I had paid absolutely no attention to mechanics such as camera moves, editing and art direction. Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for her role in the film, does a truly fantastic job in the lead role. Rather than attempting to imitate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, she completely and utterly inhabits her. All of the acting is good, but James Cromwell and Michael Sheen (as the newly inducted Prime Minister Blair) both turn in particularly solid performances. As in so many of his films (DANGEROUS LIASONS, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, THE SNAPPER, HIGH FIDELITY, THE GRIFTERS), Stephen Frears' direction is excellent.
Things I Disliked: The presence of Prince Charles (the character's contribution to the story is minimal). Normally, I would list as a negative the films subject matter (politics and history), but even that aspect of the film takes a backseat to the director's exploration of humanity in this film. THE QUEEN has joined PAN'S LABRYINTH as one of my favorite films of 2006.
Four out of five stars
Moviewatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The story and characters. So compelling was the film's story, and so immersed was I in the internal struggles of the players, that it was not until the end credits that I realized I had paid absolutely no attention to mechanics such as camera moves, editing and art direction. Helen Mirren, who won an Oscar for her role in the film, does a truly fantastic job in the lead role. Rather than attempting to imitate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, she completely and utterly inhabits her. All of the acting is good, but James Cromwell and Michael Sheen (as the newly inducted Prime Minister Blair) both turn in particularly solid performances. As in so many of his films (DANGEROUS LIASONS, MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS, THE SNAPPER, HIGH FIDELITY, THE GRIFTERS), Stephen Frears' direction is excellent.
Things I Disliked: The presence of Prince Charles (the character's contribution to the story is minimal). Normally, I would list as a negative the films subject matter (politics and history), but even that aspect of the film takes a backseat to the director's exploration of humanity in this film. THE QUEEN has joined PAN'S LABRYINTH as one of my favorite films of 2006.
Four out of five stars
Moviewatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
300 (2006), Directed by Zack Snyder
Summary: A retelling of the battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartans faced off against the seemingly endless hordes of Persia. This version is adapted from the graphic novel by Frank Miller.
Things I Liked: The visuals and overall look of the film. 300's crowning achievement is it's almost poetic beauty and in the artistic way that it reproduces Miller's work for the cinema. Strangely, the crunching, industrial music inspired score works.
Things I Disliked: Some of the anachronistic, fan-boy dialogue (which I presume works much better on the pages of a comic book). It's not a major thing, but it can be jarring to hear Scottish, Welsh and British accents issuing forth from the mouths of Greek soldiers.
Three out of five stars
Moviewatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The visuals and overall look of the film. 300's crowning achievement is it's almost poetic beauty and in the artistic way that it reproduces Miller's work for the cinema. Strangely, the crunching, industrial music inspired score works.
Things I Disliked: Some of the anachronistic, fan-boy dialogue (which I presume works much better on the pages of a comic book). It's not a major thing, but it can be jarring to hear Scottish, Welsh and British accents issuing forth from the mouths of Greek soldiers.
Three out of five stars
Moviewatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Zathura (2005), Directed by Jon Favreau
Summary: Two bickering children stumble upon a vintage science fiction board game and must learn to get along if they are to have any hope of surviving the game's magical effects. Based upon the book by Chris Van Allsburg.
Things I Liked: The casting, as well as the performances of the children. The emotional punch and resonance of the film's theme. The direction. The filmmakers' decision to use practical effects (miniatures, motion control and traditional visual effects) rather than computer-generated effects. This not only looks better, but gives the film a nostalgic charm which would have been otherwise unachievable.
Things I Didn't Like: The clumsy story reversal near the end, as well as the somewhat abrupt climax.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The casting, as well as the performances of the children. The emotional punch and resonance of the film's theme. The direction. The filmmakers' decision to use practical effects (miniatures, motion control and traditional visual effects) rather than computer-generated effects. This not only looks better, but gives the film a nostalgic charm which would have been otherwise unachievable.
Things I Didn't Like: The clumsy story reversal near the end, as well as the somewhat abrupt climax.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Frankenstein Meets Wolf Man (1943) Directed by Roy William Neill
Summary: Accidentally resurrected after grave robbers open his tomb during a full moon, Larry Talbot travels to Frankenstein's castle, hoping to find the good doctor's diary and with it, a cure for his lycanthropy. En route, he forges a relationship with Frankenstein's lovely daughter and the monster himself, who has survived beneath the castle, frozen in ice . . .
Things I Liked: The story and plot is well-conceived and surprisingly believable. The set design and construction are excellent, and when paired with the compassionate and intelligent performances of the cast, evoke the mood of the better Universal monster films. The casting is solid; especially the return of original cast members such as Lon Chaney Jr. and Maria Ouspenskaya. Ilona Massey brings strength and beauty to her role as Baroness Elsa Frankenstein.
Things I Didn't Like: Bela Lugosi, who simply did not work for me as Frankenstein's monster. The film's story loses steam about halfway through, resulting in a less-than-stellar conclusion.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The story and plot is well-conceived and surprisingly believable. The set design and construction are excellent, and when paired with the compassionate and intelligent performances of the cast, evoke the mood of the better Universal monster films. The casting is solid; especially the return of original cast members such as Lon Chaney Jr. and Maria Ouspenskaya. Ilona Massey brings strength and beauty to her role as Baroness Elsa Frankenstein.
Things I Didn't Like: Bela Lugosi, who simply did not work for me as Frankenstein's monster. The film's story loses steam about halfway through, resulting in a less-than-stellar conclusion.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, November 12, 2007
Thank You for Smoking (2005), Directed by Jason Reitman
Summary: A highly charismatic tobacco lobbyist verbally spars with politicians, the media and a politically correct public over the dangers of cigarettes; all while bonding with his young son.
Things I Liked: The opening credit sequence. The beautifully designed (and very entertaining) characters. The movie's humor and clearly defined theme. The direction. Overall, a very successful and clean adaptation of Christopher Buckley's satire.
Things I Didn't Like: Not much. One of the montages felt out of place with the rest of the film and a few minor characters tread dangerously close to stereotype, but those are extremely minor notes.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The opening credit sequence. The beautifully designed (and very entertaining) characters. The movie's humor and clearly defined theme. The direction. Overall, a very successful and clean adaptation of Christopher Buckley's satire.
Things I Didn't Like: Not much. One of the montages felt out of place with the rest of the film and a few minor characters tread dangerously close to stereotype, but those are extremely minor notes.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, November 5, 2007
Shooter (2007), Directed by Antoine Fuqua
Summary: A highly skilled ex-army sniper reluctantly gives in to a government plea for his help in preventing an assassination attempt on the President of the United States, only to find himself framed for the sinister plot.
Things I Liked: The look of the film, which is competently shot and directed. Overall, Wahlberg portrays his character in a fairly believable manner.
Things I Didn't Like: The less-than-original premise and frequent plot conveniences. Also, the slurred, unenergetic manner in which actor Danny Glover delivered his lines rendered the actor very difficult to understand.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The look of the film, which is competently shot and directed. Overall, Wahlberg portrays his character in a fairly believable manner.
Things I Didn't Like: The less-than-original premise and frequent plot conveniences. Also, the slurred, unenergetic manner in which actor Danny Glover delivered his lines rendered the actor very difficult to understand.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Chicks 101 (2004), Directed by Lovinder Gill
Summary: A male womanizer (and professor of the art of picking up women) finds his confidence challenged after one of his students gives him thirty days to seduce a fellow teacher - an ultra feminist who already dislikes him.
Things I Liked: The story premise and direction. Kate Leahey's performance. I really enjoyed watching my former classmate (and good friend) Keith Harris in the lead role.
Things I Didn't Like: The lighting and much of the second act, wherein several of the scenes felt overly long and lacked the humor of earlier ones. The acting - particularly among the supporting cast - was uneven, and some of the leads' reactions in the film lacked the integrity of the rest of their performances.
Two and Three Quarters Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The story premise and direction. Kate Leahey's performance. I really enjoyed watching my former classmate (and good friend) Keith Harris in the lead role.
Things I Didn't Like: The lighting and much of the second act, wherein several of the scenes felt overly long and lacked the humor of earlier ones. The acting - particularly among the supporting cast - was uneven, and some of the leads' reactions in the film lacked the integrity of the rest of their performances.
Two and Three Quarters Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Wolf Man (1941) Directed by George Waggner
Summary: A logical, man of science returns home to discover acceptance from his father and love with a local woman. Life turns suddenly tragic for the man, however, when he's attacked in the woods by a werewolf and afflicted with an incurable (and inconceivable) disease.
Things I Liked: The thought-provoking complexity of character as well as the depth of the emotional content. It's not the makeup, but the psychology and subtext of the characters and story that make the WOLF MAN frightening. Decent performances by Claude Rains, Evelyn Ankers, Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi. Maria Ouspenskaya delivers a heartfelt and human - if not technically brilliant - performance as the gypsy woman.
Things I Didn't Like: Many of the outdoor sets, which seem inferior when compared to other films of the period. In my opinion, the makeup and effects depicted in THE WOLF MAN, while impressive, pale in comparison to those seen in other monster films such as THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925) or THE MUMMY (1932).
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The thought-provoking complexity of character as well as the depth of the emotional content. It's not the makeup, but the psychology and subtext of the characters and story that make the WOLF MAN frightening. Decent performances by Claude Rains, Evelyn Ankers, Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi. Maria Ouspenskaya delivers a heartfelt and human - if not technically brilliant - performance as the gypsy woman.
Things I Didn't Like: Many of the outdoor sets, which seem inferior when compared to other films of the period. In my opinion, the makeup and effects depicted in THE WOLF MAN, while impressive, pale in comparison to those seen in other monster films such as THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925) or THE MUMMY (1932).
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Red River (1948), Directed by Howard Hawks, Co-Directed by Arthur Rosson
Summary: A tyrannical and abusive rancher locks horns with his adopted son during a long, dangerous and desperate cattle drive.
Things I Liked: The entertaining and varied tapestry of supporting characters (Walter Brennan!). The dramatic tension (and the escalation of said tension) created between the two leads.
Things I Didn't Like: The overly long second act. In my opinion, the story might have benefitted from a shorter running time.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The entertaining and varied tapestry of supporting characters (Walter Brennan!). The dramatic tension (and the escalation of said tension) created between the two leads.
Things I Didn't Like: The overly long second act. In my opinion, the story might have benefitted from a shorter running time.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Lifeboat (1944) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Summary: An eclectic group of people band together for survival after their passenger ship is torpedoed by a German U-boat. An already desperate situation becomes even more volatile when one of the passengers is revealed to be a Nazi sailor . . .
Things I Liked: The premise and the movie's technical achievements. Films like this one make me really appreciate the director's skill and expertise with a camera on set. Solid performances all around.
Things I Didn't Like: The story - particularly the resolution - lacked meat and left me feeling unsatisfied.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The premise and the movie's technical achievements. Films like this one make me really appreciate the director's skill and expertise with a camera on set. Solid performances all around.
Things I Didn't Like: The story - particularly the resolution - lacked meat and left me feeling unsatisfied.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), Directed by Shekhar Kapur
Summary: In this follow-up to 1998's Oscar-nominated ELIZABETH, the mighty Queen Elizabeth I flirts with Sir Walter Raleigh, deftly sidesteps attempts on her life, and lives vicariously through her subjects; even as she prepares England for the seemingly impossible task of repelling King Philip II of Spain's most powerful armada . . .
Things I Liked: The music and score. Samantha Morton's performance as Mary Stuart. The costumes and art direction.
Things I Didn't Like: The casting of Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh. The disappointing manner in which the digital effects were integrated with the live-action sets.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The music and score. Samantha Morton's performance as Mary Stuart. The costumes and art direction.
Things I Didn't Like: The casting of Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh. The disappointing manner in which the digital effects were integrated with the live-action sets.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
The Riddle (2007) Directed by Brendan Foley
Summary: Following the murder of a close friend, a British journalist finds himself in possession of an enigmatic historical clue. The more the man learns about the artifact, the more he is drawn into the investigation of a series of related crimes.
Things I Liked: The underlying idea/concept. I respect Vinnie Jones' bold decision to go against type. Some of the costumes and sets depicted in the historical sequences are worth mentioning.
Things I Didn't Like: The foggy, complicated and often confounding sequence of events. It's almost as if the filmmakers failed to choose the strongest moments to tell the story. The filmmakers' decision to include noticeably subpar actors alongside such talents as Derek Jacobi, Vanessa Redgrave and Jason Flemyng further muddles the experience. The dialogue is unnecessarily heavy.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The underlying idea/concept. I respect Vinnie Jones' bold decision to go against type. Some of the costumes and sets depicted in the historical sequences are worth mentioning.
Things I Didn't Like: The foggy, complicated and often confounding sequence of events. It's almost as if the filmmakers failed to choose the strongest moments to tell the story. The filmmakers' decision to include noticeably subpar actors alongside such talents as Derek Jacobi, Vanessa Redgrave and Jason Flemyng further muddles the experience. The dialogue is unnecessarily heavy.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Two Tickets to Paradise (2007) Directed by D.B. Sweeney
Summary: Three former childhood buddies - now adults and at a low point in their lives - embark upon a road trip together to try and recreate some of the fun they experienced in their youth.
Things I Liked: The film's energy - it's obvious that Sweeney imbued the project with loads of fun and affection. The characters and situations presented in the film are fairly adequately set up.
Things I Didn't Like: The direction. There are a few powerfully acted scenes in the film but for the most part, the primary actors - all immensely talented performers - appeared to be hamstrung by the limits of the material.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The film's energy - it's obvious that Sweeney imbued the project with loads of fun and affection. The characters and situations presented in the film are fairly adequately set up.
Things I Didn't Like: The direction. There are a few powerfully acted scenes in the film but for the most part, the primary actors - all immensely talented performers - appeared to be hamstrung by the limits of the material.
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Juno (2007) Directed by Jason Reitman
Summary: When a strong-willed, vigorously independent young high schooler learns that she's pregnant, she and her best friend settle upon a unique (and often humorous) path for the baby.
Things I Liked: The well-written and unformulaic script. The quietly competent direction and often hilarious performances of the cast make this film more original than most of it's ilk. Overall, a cute and enjoyable story.
Things I Didn't Like: The music and songs. Viewers may have trouble separating some of the actors' characters from the television and feature film roles they're most famous for.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The well-written and unformulaic script. The quietly competent direction and often hilarious performances of the cast make this film more original than most of it's ilk. Overall, a cute and enjoyable story.
Things I Didn't Like: The music and songs. Viewers may have trouble separating some of the actors' characters from the television and feature film roles they're most famous for.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Kabluey (2007) Directed by Scott Prendergast
Summary: Unable to cope with her husband fighting in Iraq and two unruly children at home, an exhausted woman finally gives in and invites her hapless (and luckless) brother-in-law to help out . . .
Things I Liked: The small, charmingly sweet and heartfelt story. The plethora of likeable and entertaining characters - both leading and supporting. The physical humor.
Things I Didn't Like: The movie's slow opening as well as it's abrupt (and somewhat ambiguous) ending.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The small, charmingly sweet and heartfelt story. The plethora of likeable and entertaining characters - both leading and supporting. The physical humor.
Things I Didn't Like: The movie's slow opening as well as it's abrupt (and somewhat ambiguous) ending.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Reservation Road (2007) Directed by Terry George
Summary: Following a sudden and tragic accident involving their son, a couple and their lawyer struggle to find closure.
Things I Liked: The direction, lighting and acting, which I believe elevate an otherwise mediocre story to a heart-wrenching level. Solid performances by Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, and Jennifer Connelly. Impressively shot and edited, the filmmakers of RESERVATION ROAD manage to successfully convey a heightened sense of believability and realism.
Things I Didn't Like: The film's resolution, though emotionally powerful, fell short of my expectations.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The direction, lighting and acting, which I believe elevate an otherwise mediocre story to a heart-wrenching level. Solid performances by Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, and Jennifer Connelly. Impressively shot and edited, the filmmakers of RESERVATION ROAD manage to successfully convey a heightened sense of believability and realism.
Things I Didn't Like: The film's resolution, though emotionally powerful, fell short of my expectations.
Three Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
The Walker (2007) Directed by Paul Schrader
Summary: A male "companion" of Washington D.C.'s wealthy society wives becomes a prime suspect in a murder case after he reluctantly agrees to help one of the women carry on her affair with another man.
Things I Liked: The gradual and subtle character development presented in the beginning of the film.
Things I Didn't Like: The protagonist's sudden lack of action later in the film. Overall, the story seemed to lack the "meat" necessary for a feature and might perhaps work better as a short film.
Two and One-Half Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The gradual and subtle character development presented in the beginning of the film.
Things I Didn't Like: The protagonist's sudden lack of action later in the film. Overall, the story seemed to lack the "meat" necessary for a feature and might perhaps work better as a short film.
Two and One-Half Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Chicago 10 (2007) Directed by Brett Morgen
Summary: A reenactment of the trial of eight anti-war protesters in 1969. Told primarily from the activists' point of view, the film employs an eclectic mix of archival footage, animation and music to recount the trial as well as to offer glimpses into the events leading up to it.
Things I Liked: The comedic personalities and genuinely humorous actions of many of the primary characters. I also appreciated the filmmakers' sense of balanced objectivity and restraint concerning the "other side" of this historical happening. The exceptional (and very unrecognizable) voice talent (notably Hank Azaria, Mark Ruffalo, Jeffrey Wright and Roy Scheider).
Things I Didn't Like: The story's frequently inconsistent narrative flow. Also, the chaotic style of animation utilized in the film - while interesting - tended to distract from, rather than enhance, the courtroom experience. To be honest, I found it difficult to overcome the film's subject matter (politically-themed movies rarely appeal to me because of their tendency to want to preach to and inform, rather than to entertain).
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The comedic personalities and genuinely humorous actions of many of the primary characters. I also appreciated the filmmakers' sense of balanced objectivity and restraint concerning the "other side" of this historical happening. The exceptional (and very unrecognizable) voice talent (notably Hank Azaria, Mark Ruffalo, Jeffrey Wright and Roy Scheider).
Things I Didn't Like: The story's frequently inconsistent narrative flow. Also, the chaotic style of animation utilized in the film - while interesting - tended to distract from, rather than enhance, the courtroom experience. To be honest, I found it difficult to overcome the film's subject matter (politically-themed movies rarely appeal to me because of their tendency to want to preach to and inform, rather than to entertain).
Two Stars out of Five Stars
FilmWatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Directed by William Wyler
Summary: Three WWII veterans struggle to adapt following their return home to small town America.
Things I Liked: The characters. The fluid manner in which director William Wyler juggles multiple storylines, all the while managing to keep each one interesting. Excellent performances by Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Harold Russell, Fredric March and Hoagy Carmichael. Worthy of every one of the seven (7!) Oscars it won.
Things I Disliked: The delayed climax made me more aware of the film's running time than I otherwise would have been.
Three stars out of five stars
Filmwatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The characters. The fluid manner in which director William Wyler juggles multiple storylines, all the while managing to keep each one interesting. Excellent performances by Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Harold Russell, Fredric March and Hoagy Carmichael. Worthy of every one of the seven (7!) Oscars it won.
Things I Disliked: The delayed climax made me more aware of the film's running time than I otherwise would have been.
Three stars out of five stars
Filmwatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Hot Fuzz (2007) directed by Edgar Wright
Summary: A London "supercop" faces boredom and frustration when he is reassigned (against his will) to a sleepy little village in the country. But things get interesting for the sergeant and his dim-witted constable when a rash of fatal "accidents" strike the hamlet . . .
Things I Liked: The film's style and the very solid direction. The camera work expertly evokes (and parodies) the action-filled, big-budget police movies we Americans adore. I found the characters and the relationships between them to be very interesting but I did not in a million years expect the film's story to have as much depth and complexity as it did.
Things I Disliked: The title. The film is funny but the humor is not nearly as pervasive as the humor in SHAWN OF THE DEAD. Wright could have wrapped things up ten minutes earlier and I still would have been satisfied.
Three and one half stars out of five stars
Filmwatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Things I Liked: The film's style and the very solid direction. The camera work expertly evokes (and parodies) the action-filled, big-budget police movies we Americans adore. I found the characters and the relationships between them to be very interesting but I did not in a million years expect the film's story to have as much depth and complexity as it did.
Things I Disliked: The title. The film is funny but the humor is not nearly as pervasive as the humor in SHAWN OF THE DEAD. Wright could have wrapped things up ten minutes earlier and I still would have been satisfied.
Three and one half stars out of five stars
Filmwatch Ratings Legend:
One Star: Hated it
Two Stars: Didn't like it
Three Stars: Liked it
Four Stars: Really liked it
Five Stars: Loved it
Sunday, October 21, 2007
A Word About My Process
Rightly or wrongly, I consider myself to be less of a snob than many popular film critics. Having actually worked as filmmaker, I understand how unbelievably difficult it can be to make a film - any film - and therefore harbor a deeper sense of appreciation for a poorly conceived or ill-produced film. Most films I review garner a three. This is not to say, however, that they are merely average, nor does it mean that I enjoyed each "three" equally -- in fact, I perceive there to be quite a broad range within any given number. BATMAN BEGINS (2005) and LIFEBOAT (1944), for example, both receive a three from me but in no way can I say that I enjoyed the two films equally.
My process is very simple. I write the reviews very quickly, often working from notes jotted down while watching the film. Composing reviews in this way serves two purposes. One, it forces me to find the good in a piece of art that I might otherwise not care for. As I said before, a lot of hard work goes into making a film -- even a bad one -- and this is a much less critical or negative way for me to comment on the strengths and/or weaknesses of the film. In fact, I will even go so far as to say that I believe even the worst movies have something to like about them.
Secondly (and most usefully), writing down what I think works and what doesn't work has really helped me understand the visual storytelling process better.
My process is very simple. I write the reviews very quickly, often working from notes jotted down while watching the film. Composing reviews in this way serves two purposes. One, it forces me to find the good in a piece of art that I might otherwise not care for. As I said before, a lot of hard work goes into making a film -- even a bad one -- and this is a much less critical or negative way for me to comment on the strengths and/or weaknesses of the film. In fact, I will even go so far as to say that I believe even the worst movies have something to like about them.
Secondly (and most usefully), writing down what I think works and what doesn't work has really helped me understand the visual storytelling process better.
Welcome
Hello and welcome!
I first began scribbling these quick little movie reviews two years ago as a way to help me understand why a film works (or doesn't work) for me. A good story well told is an increasingly rare event, so when a film in some way impacts or affects me (or fails to do so) in a profound way, I feel compelled to discover the reasons why.
I've done my best to review films from varying time periods and to avoid revealing any story or plot details that might spoil the movie for viewers who haven't yet experienced it. Keep in mind that I am a filmmaking enthusiast -- not an expert -- and that my observations and opinions are my own.
It is my sincere hope that you will find these little analyses informative and perhaps even interesting.
I first began scribbling these quick little movie reviews two years ago as a way to help me understand why a film works (or doesn't work) for me. A good story well told is an increasingly rare event, so when a film in some way impacts or affects me (or fails to do so) in a profound way, I feel compelled to discover the reasons why.
I've done my best to review films from varying time periods and to avoid revealing any story or plot details that might spoil the movie for viewers who haven't yet experienced it. Keep in mind that I am a filmmaking enthusiast -- not an expert -- and that my observations and opinions are my own.
It is my sincere hope that you will find these little analyses informative and perhaps even interesting.
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