TAKEN (2009) - Jan. 30, 2009
A film that pretty much defines the word "awesome," Taken stars Liam Neeson as an ex-CIA agent (who is such a badass he makes Jack Bauer look like a hand-wringing amateur) who springs into action when his daughter is kidnapped. Liam Neeson is a big reason that the film is as successful as it is -- he brings a gravitas to the role that a lesser actor never could have hoped for. Also, there seems to be something inherently awesome about seeing Neeson tearing through Paris, kicking ass. This was so much better than the usual, watered down, slick, explosion-heavy CGI-fests that pass for action these days. The fact that they managed to make such an awesome, satisfying action film within the constraints of a PG-13 rating means that there really is no excuse for the egregious mediocrity of most contemporary action movies. Pierre Morel's direction is a bit more shaky-cam heavy than I'd like, but that really is a minor complaint for what is otherwise such a superlative genre outing. ****
Short reviews of all the movies I see, rated out of four. Reviews containing spoilers are marked with an (S).
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
My Bloody Valentine 3D
MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D (2009) - Jan. 16, 2009
Though the idea of a 3D horror film is kind of a neat gimmick, it actually winds up being more tiresome than anything else. About a small town plagued by a psychopathic miner who likes to kill people with his pick-axe, this was a fairly mediocre slasher film. The film isn't trying to be anything more than an uncompromising slasher movie, and I can respect that; a big problem is that the gore (which is abundant, and a fairly crucial element of a film such as this) tends to be a bit too CGI-heavy, and is frequently obscured by the murky, dark cinematography and the director's tendency to cut away as soon as anything violent happens. The aforementioned 3D just becomes a hindrance as the movie goes on -- though it looks good some of the time, it tends to periodically give the actors the appearance of being cardboard cutouts. Speaking of cardboard cutouts, the characters are all essentially paper-thin, though that can be forgiven in a movie like this. However, the film isn't nearly as fun as it's clearly trying to be. **
Though the idea of a 3D horror film is kind of a neat gimmick, it actually winds up being more tiresome than anything else. About a small town plagued by a psychopathic miner who likes to kill people with his pick-axe, this was a fairly mediocre slasher film. The film isn't trying to be anything more than an uncompromising slasher movie, and I can respect that; a big problem is that the gore (which is abundant, and a fairly crucial element of a film such as this) tends to be a bit too CGI-heavy, and is frequently obscured by the murky, dark cinematography and the director's tendency to cut away as soon as anything violent happens. The aforementioned 3D just becomes a hindrance as the movie goes on -- though it looks good some of the time, it tends to periodically give the actors the appearance of being cardboard cutouts. Speaking of cardboard cutouts, the characters are all essentially paper-thin, though that can be forgiven in a movie like this. However, the film isn't nearly as fun as it's clearly trying to be. **
Revolutionary Road
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD (2009) - Jan. 16, 2008
Another knockout from Sam Mendes, and further proof that the man needs to get the hell off the stage and focus his efforts exclusively on film. About a young couple in the 1950s whose marriage disintegrates as they (particularly the wife) have a hard time adapting to the suburban lifestyle. Featuring really effective direction from Mendes, and amazing performances all around, this was a really good film. ***1/2
Another knockout from Sam Mendes, and further proof that the man needs to get the hell off the stage and focus his efforts exclusively on film. About a young couple in the 1950s whose marriage disintegrates as they (particularly the wife) have a hard time adapting to the suburban lifestyle. Featuring really effective direction from Mendes, and amazing performances all around, this was a really good film. ***1/2
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Get Smart
GET SMART (2008) - Jan. 15, 2009
About a klutzy analyst who dreams of being a secret agent, this was a marginally entertaining film. There were a few chuckle-worthy moments, though for the most part the humour was clearly aimed squarely at the kiddies. This was hammered home by the juvenile tone and Peter Segal's ridiculously bland direction, which robbed the action sequences of any excitement whatsoever, and made the whole thing feel like the stylistic equivalent of a movie made for the Disney Channel. It wasn't all bad, though -- the performances were pretty good, particularly a scene-stealing Alan Arkin. **1/2
About a klutzy analyst who dreams of being a secret agent, this was a marginally entertaining film. There were a few chuckle-worthy moments, though for the most part the humour was clearly aimed squarely at the kiddies. This was hammered home by the juvenile tone and Peter Segal's ridiculously bland direction, which robbed the action sequences of any excitement whatsoever, and made the whole thing feel like the stylistic equivalent of a movie made for the Disney Channel. It wasn't all bad, though -- the performances were pretty good, particularly a scene-stealing Alan Arkin. **1/2
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Reservoir Dogs
RESERVOIR DOGS (1991) - Jan. 11, 2009 (Fourth or Fifth Viewing)
Quentin Tarantino's electrifying first film, this definitely ranks up there with classic debut features like Citizen Kane and Amores Perros. About the aftermath of a diamond heist that's gone seriously wrong, this is one of those rare films that I think achieves everything it sets out to do with perfection. Tarantino's writing and direction are top notch, and the performances are all pitch-perfect. This is a very talky film, but Tarantino's stylish direction ensures that it never feels theatrical, and the combination of the top-notch script and the blistering performances means it is never boring for a second. In case you can't tell, I kind of like this film. ****
Quentin Tarantino's electrifying first film, this definitely ranks up there with classic debut features like Citizen Kane and Amores Perros. About the aftermath of a diamond heist that's gone seriously wrong, this is one of those rare films that I think achieves everything it sets out to do with perfection. Tarantino's writing and direction are top notch, and the performances are all pitch-perfect. This is a very talky film, but Tarantino's stylish direction ensures that it never feels theatrical, and the combination of the top-notch script and the blistering performances means it is never boring for a second. In case you can't tell, I kind of like this film. ****
Friday, January 09, 2009
Milk
MILK (2008) - Jan. 9, 2009
Filled to the brim with really excellent performances, this was an above average biopic about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician to be elected to office in the States. ***
Filled to the brim with really excellent performances, this was an above average biopic about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician to be elected to office in the States. ***
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