Re: Reviews & Ratings
Singin' in the Rain
I saw Singin' in the Rain for the first time on August 25, in my second day of film school. I hadn't seen the film before and was blown away by its beauty, especially because it was screened in 35mm. When I realize the Egyptian Theatre was going to screen it the day after Christmas, I knew I had to take my girlfriend.
The film was just as wonderful the second time around. It truly is the greatest musical ever made, primarily because everything feels so well-balanced with the film. The film has meaning; it's a time when the industry is transitioning into sound films, and the way the story plays out within the film is what makes it so great. The self-reflexivity in the film is ahead of its time, particularly in the scenes involving The Dueling Cavalier.
The performances make this film what is, featuring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. I can't seem to pick a favorite song from the film because they're all so wonderful. O'Connor plays a slapstick clown in his song and dance of "Make 'Em Laugh", "Moses Supposes" is utterly brilliant, "Good Mornin'" is beautifully chereographed and sung, and "Singin' in the Rain" is a classic. I've always felt like bad musicals make you realize you're sitting and watching a film that goes back and forth from its dialogue to song and dance, but Singin' in the Rain feels amazingly natural.
An American in Paris
Singin' in the Rain was accompanied by An American in Paris. I hadn't seen the film but who could say no to another musical by Gene Kelly? Unfortunately, the film isn't as good and suffers from several misfortunes.
Gene Kelly is just as enthusiastic and charming in this film. Oscar Levant is a genius in the film, playing Kelly's friend, who steals the entire film. The problem, however, comes from Leslie Caron, who was cast in her first film here, and gives a rather uninspired performance. In many scenes, she is incapable of giving us any emotion. The film, therefore, feels awkward as she acts alongside the very upbeat Gene Kelly, who carries her throughout most of the scenes. Nina Foch is charming and seductive as Milo, and her relationship with Kelly feels much more natural.
The film also lacks the structure that Singin' in the Rain had. It feels like a musical, and many of the musical numbers feel placed into the film with no reason or significance. They're not as enjoyable as Singin' in the Rain, although there are several intimate moments within the numbers that give them some value.
I also enjoyed the look of the film. Its long takes and use of framing were very European and it was quite enjoyable to watch an American film that wasn't plagued with constant close-ups of the stars. The ending of the film consists of a brilliant ballet, with roughly 20 minutes of no dialgoue from the actors. The way the film ends, however, is rather cliché and feels very, very, very Hollywood. I almost thought it was a joke, but it's the Golden Age of Hollywood and this is what makes us "feel good."
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
Ara, I don't know if you read my review/thoughts on Nine, but I discussed this film and tried to figure out just why I enjoyed the film whereas so many others disliked it. It mainly had to do with Federico Fellini's 8½, but others pointed out that it was its lack of character development and story strucutre.
It's intersting because you directly spoke about the characters, and how they don't seem to fit together because they all seem like they're about separate worlds. While I don't agree with everything you said, you brought up some good points.
I don't agree with your thoughts on Kate Hudson's character. I don't feel like she was completely unnecessary. I felt like her presence benefited Guido's character because, for once, he truly feels himself sinning. His Catholic guilt is confronted when he goes to her hotel room, but he finds it within him to leave as he returns to his wife. While the film lacks much of the overall guilt and atonement Guido feels, his situation with Hudson's character added onto its significance.Leave a comment:
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
NINE 6/10
All the stories about the women seemed liked they'd make more interesting movies than the lead characters life.
Overall each actress did well, but the fact that barely any of the leading women in the cast actually had any dialogue or scenes with each other, gave the film a choppy strung together feel.
Marion Cotillard did spectacular,as did Judi Dench and Penélope Cruz. With Nicole Kidman it felt like I was watching an excerpt of "Moulin Rouge." Fergie's performance wasn't exactly necessary to the plot of the movie, but it was great.
Sophia Loren shouldn't have been cast. It felt as if she just were to draw attention to the film ("OMG SOPHIA LOREN IS IN IT?!"). Her reputation is just so immense and you feel as if she should have some important part, but therole she had was a mediocre part without much dialogue, and it leaves you wondering why they had to have Sophia Loren to play a role anyone could have
Kate Hudson did well but her role was 110% unnecessary. The film is suppose to be about a director and the women who've inspired him, but it's just unclear how Kate Hudson's character did that at all. Her one song was great, but I would have rather seen her character cut out to give the other characters more timeLast edited by ara87; 12-27-2009, 12:57 AM.Leave a comment:
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
Well 7/10 = 70% so that's a C, and C's is just average.Originally posted by PepsiAddict View Post
Overall its a decent flick, the kind that's perfect forwhen you're on break, but if you've read some of the books, the movie at times doesn't feel that holmesish... especially since the film isn't based on any one actual book.
I don't want to say to much about the film, b/c of spoilers, but I think if I was going to sit and watch one of his movies today, I'd watch Iron ManLeave a comment:
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
Nine
I had been eager to see Nine since the release of its trailer. Despite its harsh reviews, I still wanted to see the film. During the week, such an opportunity presented itself as I saw the film before its wide release. In fact, even after I saw the film, I couldn't understand its reviews. I had thoroughly enjoyed the film and found it to be both engaging and entertaining. I couldn't understand the critics and even called the film one of my favorites of the year... until I read Roger Ebert's review, who helped put things into perspective.
More...Leave a comment:
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
AVATAR 7/10
Better than what I expected, even though the plot isn't that original. A lot of people who are going forthe effects may not be impressed since there's a bunch of theaters not showing it in 3-D, which is from what I understand how you are supposed to see the filmLast edited by ara87; 12-26-2009, 12:06 AM.Leave a comment:
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
I just saw the movie Disclosure
pretty good.
A computer specialist is sued for sexual harassment by a former lover turned boss who initiated the act forcefully, which threatens both his career and his personal life.
I would give it a 3/5
3/5Leave a comment:
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Re: Reviews & Ratings
That movie is sooo true it's not even funny. Anyone that works in a corporate workplace should feel the way the characters did in that movie.Originally posted by Haykakan View PostOffice space is a great movie. I laughfed my ass off.
I'd give it a 9.0/10... only because it gets me to laugh and makes me depressed at the same time
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