Reviews & Ratings

[One-Way]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Boy Interrupted

I have always been fascinated with death, because it's the scariest thing in the world. I have only been to one funeral and that was undoubtedly one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. I can't understand how a family can cope with a tragic death and go on living their lives. So, when I discovered that this documentary was made by a husband and wife about their child who committed suicide, I couldn't imagine what they would be discussing. Boy Interrupted is not without its flaws. It's extremely amateurish in its camerawork, and consists of pictures and home videos. Evan Scott Perry is the subject of the film, a boy who had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. His mood swings and fascination with death led him to commit suicide at the age of 15.

There's something peculiar about this film. Evan's parents seem distanced from their son's life. There are numerous videos of Evan talking about killing himself, and while this comes as a shock to his parents, it's all handled so oddly. Evan's father is a calm and collected man, and his mother seems to expect his son to kill himself one day - at least that's the expression I got from them. Throughout the film, they discuss that had he not killed himself on that particular evening, that he would have done so later. While this may true, the way his family dealt with certain situations felt off-putting, almost as if they have no faith in their child.

There is no real structure in this documentary - it wanders along through interviews and gives us a briefing on Evan's life, then falls into a discussion about his uncle's suicide - until it finally gets back on track. Stylistically, it feels just as peculiar. There are certain shots that last forever, such as an unsettling picture of Evan that lasts for (and I'm not kidding) about 30 seconds. There are other pictures that are horrifying, but do their duty in showing you Evan's inner demons.

As a documentary, Boy Interrupted does its job. It gives you an intimate look inside this boy's life and his struggles and paints a portrait of who he was. Unfortunately, we can feel the filmmaker (Evan's mother) desperately pulling the heartstrings. Sometimes, it's subtle and you gain sympathy, while other times, you don't know what to feel. In a specific scene, at Evan's funeral, his mother smiles and laughs, something unbelievably unnatural. Despite its title - which is a blessing, in a sense, because I might have not stopped browsing and watched the film - this documentary succeeds in that it is unsettling and shows us the horrors of Bipolar Disorder, but suffers in its execution from the filmmaker's parents, who were perhaps not as objective as they should have been.

The Girlfriend Experience

I've been wanting to see this film for quite a while, based on curiosity and good word. I think the best thing about this film, as a whole, is its photography. It's shot on a digital camera (Red One) and looks absolutely beautiful. Steven Soderbergh - or should I say, Peter Andrews - knows how to photograph, frame, and light his shots. I love the long takes and its subtle way of revealing certain characteristics about the characters, such as the scene where Chelsea speaks to Chris, and we can't see her because she is sitting behind a couch.

There's something magical when a filmmaker knows how to take these beautiful shots and combine them with dialogue that feels natural, because it puts the viewer in the best position possible. As an audience, we are sitting in on their conversations - we're not thrown in and out of them through awkward cuts or close-ups - but are given a chance to observe them. The Girlfriend Experience heavily relies on this, it puts us in a position to listen and observe these encounters. I don't know how I feel about the film from this first viewing, but I think it's a film that will grow on me after multiple viewings. Its fragmented narrative works differently than, say Atom Egoyan, but it's an interesting way of telling this story. If nothing else, this film is an exercise in experimental filmmaking, which I'm always open to, especially in a time when filmmakers are turning to franchises and remakes. Steven Soderbergh gives us a breath of fresh air, and whether you like or dislike the film, you have to appreciate his efforts.

[One-Way]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

The Color of Paradise

I saw this in my History of International Cinema class on Monday. This was arguably one of the best films I've seen recently, and is somewhere in my all time favorites. It's a beautiful film with minimal dialogue, which allows you to focus on the visuals. It's a film about a blind boy who feels neglected by his father, and it's as heartbreaking as you can imagine.

A Passage to India

This was my second David Lean film, because I've been trying to see them all in 35mm/70mm. It's a visually stunning film, and you can definitely feel the attention to the detail that Lean employs. There's a lot of things that make it feel dated, and it's a bit difficult to get into. I suppose after another viewing, it might prove easier. It's masterfully directed and that's what I was looking for, a craftsman's work.

You Don’t Know Jack

I thought Al Pacino was phenomenal. He saves one of his best performances for an HBO film - even know this wasn't intended for HBO, it's still a shame. Its supporting cast is strong, the direction is here and there, I was left unsure about the whole thing. I had a few problems with its pacing, but I could have been looking to into it. I think it did a good job telling us about the Dr. Kevorkian a lot of people don't know. I just remember growing up and everybody bashing him, but now, more and more people think he was wrongly accused. So, it's a bandwagon they had back then, and this film helps shed light on his intentions. For that reason, I enjoyed the film.

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

You Don't Mess with the Zohan
3/5

Adam Sandlar plays this Hitman, but wants to get out that lifestlye & become a hair dresser, he escapes & goes to Ny. There he finds a job & starts his unique hair stylings & also falls in love with the owner of the place.

[MrHyeSev]

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Precious

About a 16 year old girl who was pregenant with her second child got kicked out of high school & went to this alternate school so she could improve her education. Home situation is horrible where the mother is addicted to crack & the children of Precious kids is her own father.

3.5/5

[One-Way]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

No, you don't. It's the same film three times and the best of the three was the one you saw. So, save yourself the trouble.

[MrHyeSev]

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Rush Hour

I have never seen the movie in its entirely, until yesterday
3.5/5

Now I have to see Rush Hour 2 & Rush Hour 3.

[One-Way]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

I just saw Chloe at an advance screening, which was followed by a Q&A with Atom Egoyan and Erin Cressida Wilson.

It's tough to begin to talk about the film because what I want to say and what everybody expects me to say will result in two completely different discussions. I'm sure anybody who is interested in this film would like to know how it generally was, how was the cast of performers, and how it all played out in the hands of Atom Egoyan, as a director and not a writer. I would much rather go into depth about what made this an Atom Egoyan film, and whether or not it is still the work of an auteur, rather than a director for hire. I'll end up doing this eventually, probably after more people have seen the film so I don't give away its ending or reveal other spoilers.

Chloe tells the story of Catherine and David, a married couple living in Toronto - and yes, Toronto is Toronto, and doesn't substitute for another major city. Catherine suspects that her husband is cheating on her, which results in her hiring an escort to test his limits. I won't go into its genre or how the film compares to other films of its kind, because truth be told, I haven't seen many of them. Chloe exists within these genre films (we will hear a lot about Fatal Attraction and such), but Egoyan explores the complexities and layers of a marriage.

I fell in love with Egoyan's work because of his writing and formal strategies when it came into exploring the narrative of a film. I didn't know quite how to feel about Chloe, because it is an unwelcoming change, especially if the screenplay isn't well written, to begin with. Chloe is exceptionally directed and I believe that's what makes the film work. Its actors fit perfectly together as part of an ensemble and the most important thing is that Egoyan doesn't treat them as stars. He doesn't make you feel like Liam Neeson is Liam Neeson or that Julianne Moore is Julianne Moore. In this film, they are all performers, with great performances and being handled by a great director.

I went into the film with the intentions of discovering what was Egoyan about it, considering the screenplay wasn't written by him. Is it the opening sequence? No, Egoyan usually gives us a long tracking shot and allows his credits to spill over. Is it the unconventional narrative? No, Chloe tells a straightforward story, in a rather conventional structure. Somehow, however, Egoyan finds a way to make us aware of his directing hand. Their are recurring visual motifs, such as hands, a comb, mirrors and glass, that all highlight certain characteristics about the characters. Egoyan introduces Chloe through a monologue, then emphasizes her entrance into Catherine's life. He does this all through visuals, and expresses their characteristics and behaviors through imagery. Catherine spends much of her life looking into the lives of other people and understanding them, and at times, controlling them. Egoyan makes us aware of her personality through the use of production design, visuals and cinematography.

In the third act of the film, there is a shift in the tone as we move into a thriller. If I reveal anything here, it will be nothing but spoilers, so I can speak on how it is handled rather than what happens. Egoyan doesn't rely on gimmicks and instead brings his own style into the film. He relies on technology throughout the entire film and allows it to develop the plot; live discussions on webcams, text messaging, etc. He allows us to break apart the characters and put them back together during the ending of the film, when a significant twist is revealed. He does this, once again, through visual motifs. I would have to kill the film to explain the ending of the film. I would like to say, however, that the ending consists of one of the most beautiful shots Egoyan has pulled off. It's breathtaking and you will know it when you see it.

Overall, I thought the film was exceptionally directed. It allows you to feel the directing hand at work, constructing the film and telling a story visually. During the Q&A, Egoyan and Wilson discussed adapting the film and their approach to the material, which was very interesting to hear. Egoyan mentioned that some of the inspirations for the film came from Persona (which I immediately felt during scenes between Catherine/Chloe), Rear Window (Catherine's need to control her family), and Let the Right One In (surprisingly, for the tone of the film). Unfortunately, everybody probably wants to know about the sex and nudity. I don't know what to say. If that's all you're hoping for, I guess you will be satisfied. There is a ton of nudity when it comes to Julianne Moore, and not much when it comes to Amanda Seyfried. There is a sex scene between the two, but what I just said applies to that scene as well. I hope people don't go into this film looking forward to that, but hopefully, if they do, it will help ticket sales.

[Haykakan]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

I have seen Death at a Funeral several times and it is still funny everytime i watch it. The best known actor in the bunch is probably the midget but i think the best performer was the husband to be, the guy who took the wrong medicine. The other actors put in fine performances as well especialy the chubby hypocondriac who reminds me of some armenian guys i know.
I rate it 5/5

[MrHyeSev]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Game Plan

I have already seen this movie & for some reason I liked it more the 2nd time around.
For those who haven't seen it. It starts The Rock Dwayne Johnson that's a hot shot football quarteback who is living his life the way he wants to partying girls etc. Until one day a little girl knocks on his door & says the he is the father...now his life gets turned upside down.

3/5

[One-Way]

Re: Reviews & Ratings

Working Girl (Second Viewing)

This is a fun, throwback 1980s film, with some memorable moments. I had to watch it again for a class, but I think it's a pretty enjoyable film.

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (Documentary)

I had been meaning to see this documentary for a long time. I have to write about Roman Polanski in my class, and after reading the transcript of the trial and watching this film, I learned quite a lot about what actually happened. I think it was well-crafted, during certain moments, despite its rather long conclusion.

The Marriage of Maria Braun

I enjoyed this film because it had some great stylistic techniques used by R.W. Fassbinder. There was certain things I just couldn't keep up with, so I would have to watch it again.

Sideways

I had seen parts of the ending because it features an Armenian wedding and actors, but had not seen the film in its entirety. I thought it was great though, from its smart writing to the direction and performances. I really, really enjoyed this film.

The Truman Show

I enjoyed this film because we watched in my Television class, and it incorporates a lot of things we are learning about now. Its pretty much our entire semester in a film, and I can't imagine how others would feel about it, such as the general audience. I thought, because of what we are learning, it was quite brilliant. It portrays television and its powers, and uses some intelligent tools to construct the world within the world.

Avatar (IMAX 3D)

Yup, I saw it. It was closing night and I had to get it in before it was gone. I feel pretty much how I thought I would feel, except much more letdown, overall. Besides its generic story and cliche dialogue, I thought the film lacked an entertaining narrative. Its use of exposition was done so poorly, but probably because the screenplay was so bad to begin with.

I thought it was directly pretty masterfully, as James Cameron is the only person who could direct such a film. Surprisingly, I thought the 3D in this film was quite well, because it added depth; not gimmicky, but actual depth to the scenes. Obviously, it had some excellent visuals, which made you feel like you were transported to another world.

I couldn't get attached to the story and didn't feel engaged with the characters. I was thrown in and out of the film by its episodic strucutre which ended with such cheesy lines. I felt like the entire film was a showcase of its technical achievements, which it is, with a poor storyline to give audiences a reason to spend $300 million to make a film. I feel like the film also resulted in gimmicks to achieve its goals; Sully is dying because of the lack of oxygen, but is miraculously saved after passing out by Neytiri. It was a roller coaster and nothing more and a wrong direction for films to go in. If I had to give it a rating, which I hate doing, it would probably be a 7/10, and that's being generous.