Life, Interrupted
Due to Life, i won’t have the time nor energy to watch movies, much less review them. So, this blog won’t be updated very much. From time to time, if i am very free and it strikes my fancy, i might write something down. Otherwise, this blog is for all intents and purposes semi-dead.
Still, here are some of the films which i recently watched. I may not even bother to write anything about it so just look at the numerical rating.
Australia (2008) 6/10
Way too long and overindulgent. But entertaining nonetheless.
The Girlfriend Experience (2009) 6/10
Stephen Soderberg follows up his epic, 2 part film Che with a small, arthouse flick that uses Sasha Grey as stunt casting. But Ms Grey is surprisingly good in the lead role and the film’s disjointed time-line whilst mildly annoying at first actually enhances the film. While the film looks great, and Sasha Grey provides the requisite eye candy, the film feels distant and the main character remains a cipher, whose motivations and personality never rise to the surface.
Speedy Scandal (2008) 8/10
Despite a totally hackneyed and predictable plot, the film was one of the top grossing Korean films of 2008. And understandably so because it is a great crowd-pleaser and is highly entertaining. Cha Tae-hyun may be repeating the same performance he did in My Sassy Girl but he is so pitch perfect as the comical battered male that you just don’t care that he is recycling his persona. It may not be art, but it sure is entertaining.
Push (2009) 5/10
It has a nice soundtrack. That’s the most positive thing i can say about this film.
Coraline (2009) 8/10
Easily one of the best films of the year and definitely in the running for best animated film (currently only Pixar’s Up seems to be its only challenger) Coraline is a dark, intelligently crafted tale that will win the hearts of adults. Its not really kid friendly and i can best describe it as Pan’s Labyrinth turned into an animated film. Visually, top marks. Its a smart and beautifully rendered film that deserves to be seen.
Yes Man(2008) 3/10
Just Say No to this.
Stage Beauty (2004) 7/10
Claire Danes is good but it is Billy Crudup who gives a phenomenal performance.
JCVD (2008) 8/10
Jean Claude Van Damme in his best film ever. Surprisingly, JCVD is an affectionate, entertaining movie that actually gives Van Damme the opportunity to show off his acting chops. Just as the Wrestler gave Mickey Rourke a new start, JCVD equally gives Van Damme the best film he has ever made. Unfortunately, noone seems to have noticed, but JCVD is well worth taking a look, if only for an amazing extended soliloquy given by Van Damme which is as honest as it is heartbreaking.
Franklyn (2008) 4/10
Bold concept, interesting visuals. But I can’t fucking understand the damn film!
Romeo + Juliet (1996) 3/10
Never ever ever ever let your cast speak in iambic pentameters. The characters speak in Shakespearean dialogue, which unless you are studying R&J as part of Lit class means that the average viewer can’t catch the dialogue. Not even a winsome pairing of Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio could save this overwrought mess.
Suspect X (2008) 5/10
Retarded plot.
Still Walking (2008) 6/10
Very Arthouse and incredibly slow but if you have the patience, Hirokazu Kore-eda weaves an intriguing tale that explores family dynamics. I was a tad disappointed with this because his earlier film Nobody Knows was one of my all time favourite films.
Last Chance Harvey (2008) 6/10
Annie Hall (1977) 6/10
Overrated.
Two Lovers (2008) 5/10
It’s a good thing that Joaquin Phoenix wants to quit acting, because he is not a particularly good actor.
