Movies
Match Point
This is easily Woody Allen's best movie in a decade, if not of his career. I really, really enjoyed it. In many ways, it reminded me of Closer, maybe because of the way that everyone is pretty evil. I highly recommend it.
[ 2006-March-25 14:50 | Permanent Link ]
You and Me and Everyone We Know
This movie is very strange, to the point where it is hard to describe. But the really mysterious part is that somehow, improbably, it all works. It is a joy to watch, and it left me with a sense of wonder for the beauty of human relationships. Magic! Ebert's review (★★★★) contains a good attempt to describe the plot, but also contains a few spoilers. Interestingly, Miranda July, the woman who wrote, directed, and also acts in this film, is a performance artist. That explains the weirdness.
[ 2005-December-03 10:47 | Permanent Link ]
Brazil
Brazil is a science fiction movie directed by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame. I loved Twelve Monkeys, another sci-fi directed by Gilliam, so I figured that Brazil was worth a shot. This movie is set in a world ruled by an authorthitative regime similar to 1984. The sets and atmosphere of this film are excellent, the concept is interesting, but unfortunately the execution is mediocre. There are parts of this movie that are really great, and parts that are not good. I watched the 140 minute Criterion Edition, but it left me thinking that the original 90 minute theatrical release was probably a stronger film. Still, it is worth a look if you like science fiction.
[ 2005-November-05 15:33 | Permanent Link ]
Primer
I am a fan of independent cinema, and Primer is a fantastic example. The writer/director, Shane Carruth, managed to do the impossible. He made a movie for $7000 that can compete with films that are cost a thousand times more. It is a classic example of how a good story is the most important part of a movie. It has simple and natural visuals and sound. It has no recognizable actors. Yet, the movie is compelling and thought provoking. Ebert gave Primer 3 ½ stars. I recommend it for movie fanatics, but I don't recommend reading too much about it in advance, since that would ruin the plot.
[ 2005-November-02 13:37 | Permanent Link ]
In America
Very emotionally powerful. I think that Ebert's review is dead on. This is a movie filled with sadness, happiness, and humour, but above all, life. Strongly recommended.
[ 2005-October-05 22:10 | Permanent Link ]
Crash
This post is about the 2004 movie entitled Crash, directed by Paul Haggis, not the 1996 movie entitled Crash by David Cronenberg (strangely enough, both are Canadian). This movie is excellent. It is very, very good. It beautifully combines ugly human behaviour with beauty, sadness with hope. I want to see it again. As a side note, Paul Haggis was supposed to direct another one of my favourite recent movies, Million Dollar Baby, but he was directing this movie at the time so Clint Eastwood was asked to do it instead. The fact that he was involved in the writing of both of these films puts him on my list of film writers to watch, along with Charlie Kaufman.
[ 2005-September-24 10:58 | Permanent Link ]
Finding Neverland
A beautiful movie. It is both serious and touching. I am amazed at Johnny Depp's taste in roles. He is almost never in a bad movie, and always plays such a wide variety of characters. He is definitely a skilled actor.
[ 2005-June-04 13:07 | Permanent Link ]
Sin City
This is the most violent movie I have ever seen. Yes, even more violent than Kill Bill. However, once you get past that, this is a great movie. The story is filled with film noir stereotypes that are reinforced by the visual imagery. Sin City is an intense movie experience.
[ 2005-April-03 15:01 | Permanent Link ]
Sideways
This movie is good, but not great. I certainly would not have nominated it for best picture. It tries to be both a comedy and a drama, which means it faces the classic struggle of how to balance the two elements. I did enjoy the movie, and I would recommend it. However, there are better films out there.
[ 2005-March-16 19:13 | Permanent Link ]
Shaun of the Dead
A well done spoof of zombie flicks. The cinematography is good, the story is funny, and the result is entertaining.