Whatever Works

Whatever Works!

I just recently saw Whatever Works! The new film written and directed by Woody Allen. It’s your typical Woody Allen movie where the main character might as well be Woody Allen himself and the character he plays in every movie. But that is the charm that comes with Woody Allen.

I am a big big Woody Allen fan, and I have to say this is my least favorite out of all the Woody Allen movies I have seen. Typically his rants about atheistism and religion, and his negative view on society doesn’t really bother me. I find it rather humorous, like in love in death, but this one had a different twist to it.

No doubt the movie was funny. I found myself laughing very loud during some scenes, like when Larry David would be going off on random tangents of why he is a genius and how he feels bad for everyone else who isn’t. The plot itself was very funny. The plot is that Larry David, a man who had it all, was bent on ending his life. He was a teacher at Columbia, and had money. He tried to commit suicide but failed, and ended up divorced, with a limp living in the Bronx. To make money he teaches children how to play chess, and more than likely ends up loosing his cool and calling the children idiots.

One night while walking home, a homeless girl played by Evan Rachel Wood approaches him and asks him for some food and a place to stay. She is from the deep south of Mississippi, and is 18, and ran away from home to spite her mother.

Boris Yellnikoff (Larry David) decides to let her stay till she can find a job and save some money. Her name is Melodie St. Ann Celestine, and slowly becomes a Boris herself. She adopts all of his random rants and pessimistic views of the world. She realizes that he is the only one for her, and they get married. Their age difference is huge, but it works out. You never see them kiss or anything. It’s a marriage to just keep each other company.

Then Melodie’s mother comes racing into town beaming with joy because she finally found her daughter. The mother is played by Patricia Clarkson (Lars and the Real Girl, Station Agent) and is the most southern Baptist a woman can get. She is appalled to find out her daughter married an old man and is bent on ruining their marriage. She asks them if she can stay because of her marriage that recently feel in shambles. Her husband lost everything and ran away with her best friend. While in New York, her life changes dramatically, ends up being in a 3-way relationship, and tries to find men for her daughter to hook up with.

Then the Dad finally comes into town, praising Jesus that he finally found his wife and daughter and wants everyone to move back home and be together. He finds out his wife is living with two other men, is an artist, and that his daughter is married to an old man who claims he is a genius. He goes out drinking and tries to find himself, which he does.

At the end everything comes crashing down, and people take the route that makes them the happiest. It’s an interesting ending, considering that everyone is happy in the end.

All in all, it was a good film, but one I wouldn’t buy or own, and one I wouldn’t tell people they have to see. It has its entertaining moments, good messages, mixed messages, and your typical Woody Allen whit.

(500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer

Day one, boy meets girl.
Day two, boy obsesses over girl.
Day three through day 500, boys repeats process of day two with occasional moments of bliss lifting him above the clouds of heartbreak only to come back down to his meager and lowly existence. That is the movie in a nutshell, but I suppose I could shed more light on it. However let me begin by telling you what this movie isn’t. It isn’t Serendipity, Message in a Bottle, or Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants(that was a love story wasn’t it?). It wasn’t Maid in Manhattan, Failure to Lunch, or The Notebook either. Basically it wasn’t your typical boy meets girl/over the top/prove my love to/win the girl at any cost/Hollywood love saga.

Instead (500) Days of Summer was a true to life clever approach to the real side of love. The pain, the frustration, and the agony we in the real world, not Hollywood, have come to know all too well. Namely what it’s like to fall for someone that doesn’t ever fall quite as hard or fast for you. Playing the part of the desperate to impress boy was Joseph Gordon-Levitt(remember 3rd Rock from the Sun? Well he’s grown up a bit since then) and playing the object of his obsession was the charming Zooey Deschanel(Elf). The two meet at work when Miss Deschanel is hired as the assistant to Mr. Gordon-Levitt’s Boss. Slowly the two get to know each other, and with each passing day Gordon-Levitt becomes more smitten by Deschanel. The short of it is that the two gradually work their way into a non-working relationship that the boy only wants to strengthen and validate and the girl only desires to casually continue without serious talk or labels. Miss Deschanel manages to string him on through out the course of the movie in what is one point ironical referred to by the narrator as “not a love story” at least not for the two.

What impressed me about the film was that it didn’t subscribe to a more conventional methodology, it wasn’t predictable nor cliche, it included a great scene shot at IKEA(I don’t want to spoil anything but it may or may not have involved meatballs), and it even included a impromptu musical scene that could rival a Broadway production. (500) Days of Summer knows when to pull the punches and when to draw the laughs. I don’t think I’ve seen a romantic comedy so refreshing and honest since High Fidelity. Oh l’amour, c’est fantastique or c’est la vie.

I saw Inglourious Basterds before you, Achtung Basterds?

What audiences have come to know and love of Quentin Tarantino can be expected in his most recent opus, Inglourious Basterds.  His latest release since 2007’s Deathproof,  deals with a group of Jewish Allied Soldiers engaged in a no holds bars all out terror campaign against the Nazi regime in German occupied France.  The Basterds cruelty is aimed to cause a panic that will reverberate all the way back to Berlin.  However what audiences don’t know is what it will be like to have Tarantino turn back the clock almost 70 years doing his first film that isn’t set in modern times or North America.    

 

True to Tarantino’s artistic storytelling style, he weaves the film chapter by chapter, presenting five in all.  Each chapter is filled with cleverly written dialogue, showcasing actors transitioning from German to French to English as the scenes require.  Quentin’s ability to find actors that could seamlessly move from language to language is perhaps most astonishing.  In particular, it’s the performance of Chritoph Waltz(an unknown to English speaking viewers that is unless you fancy yourself a German Cinema aficionado) that steals the show.  Mr. Waltz is the "Jew hunter" the clever and multilingual colonel that works his way throughout most the movie, just as despicable as he is debonair. 

 

On the other hand the performances of the "basterds" were great as well.  Brad Pitt as their leader is likable and ruthless Tennessee country boy turned Nazi killer(imagine Benjamin Button staying 30 for the whole movie and scalping Nazi’s and voila you have Lt. Aldo Ray).  Fellow Basterd, Eli Roth, known to the Germans as the "Bear Jew", plays what could be best described as a Brooklyn street Jew with something of a fetish for employing baseball bats for more than baseballs. The Basterds roll through France, living up to the name the Nazi's have endowed upon them.  

 

Perhaps my only problem with the movie is that it didn't show enough of the basterds.  We don't ever see why they were selected and are only teased with small doses of the mayhem they cause to Hitler’s forces.  Also we don’t have any great battle scenes, shots of troops storming the beaches, or american prisoners jumping motorcycles over barbed wire fences(Steve McQueen!).  The movie lacks the action often shown in classic WWII movies.  As can be expected Mr. Tarantino host numerous quality actors playing small roles like a master chef using only a dash of his best spices to bring out a delizioso taste.  One might speculate that Kill Bill One and Two was enough and dividing up the load into two films would be the case for the Basterds.  However what Inglourious Basterds lacks in action and character development it makes up for in a history altering story-line that only Quentin could conjure. 

 

 

 

Harry Potter: The Half Blood Prince (The new 6th movie)

So I saw the midnight premier of the new Harry Potter movie. I got inline at 4 p.m. in the afternoon and waited till midnight. The real question is, was it

worth it? Was it worth $10 to sit in a long line outside in the heat for 8 hours? Was it worth staying up till 3 a.m. and missing my first class in the morning and waking up the next day super exhausted? The answer to all these questions is YES, it was worth it.

Every Harry Potter movie seems to be better then the next Harry Potter movie. It’s because the story keeps becoming better, and the characters develop more along with the story, and it keeps getting darker, which I find to be entertaining.

This movie is the sixth movie in the series of books and movies. Directed by David Yates, who directed the last Potter movie order of the phonenix, and doing the new 7^th book movie split into two parts, and staring the normal cast for the most part with the expection of new ones, this movie takes you into the memories of the past and the dark secrets of the future.

I don’t want to give to much of the plot away, mostly because I am not sure if I am spoiling things or not. The most important thing to know about this movie is that Harry is starting private lessons with Professor Dumbledore, during which Harry learns the dark secrets of Voldemort's past, hoping that they could use these secrets to find a way to defeat him. Harry's year gets even more stressful with the suspicious actions of Draco Malfoy, who has been sneaking around the school doing, so Harry assumes, Voldemort's bidding. Harry quickl

y becomes determined, and slightly obsessed, to find out exactly what Malfoy has been up to and putting an end to it.

One thing I didn’t like about this movie is that it left me with so many questions. I am to eager now for the 7^th and 8^th movie. I would read the book, but then I would have to start from the begging and I don’t know if I am willing to make that commitment. That’s a crap load of reading just to know what happens. People tell me I cant see all the movies and then just read the 7^th book. But this ending is most def a cliff hanger that leaves you with questions.

This movie had awesome features to it. It was very comical, and yet very dark. Ron was the comic relief of the movie, and so was Harry when he drank a potion that made him “drunk” but was told that it would give him confidence in whatever he does, which in real life alcohol does to you. The love squabbles that happen between everyone is quite entertaining as well, but in the end true love takes its course.

It had many good creepy dark moments too. I loved all the death eaters in it. There is a scary zombie like cave scene that will make everyone jump and screen for the first time seeing it. It had a lot about death eaters which was fun to see and learn and about.

One thing I had hoped for in this movie is that we would see more of Lord Voldermort instead of his pale, creepy looking childhood past. I always have enjoyed seeing the Dark Lord, mostly because he has really cool long fingers and no nose which amazes me.

All in all, the movie was a fun watch. I enjoyed myself as much I have in all the Harry Potter Movies. I say it’s the best one, only because each one gets better as it tells more of the story and its mystery.

The Brothers Bloom

The Brothers Bloom

First emotion that comes to me when I think of this movie is love. I loved this movie. It was a fun movie with lots to offer. All in all, I would see it again and again, and most likely own it when it comes to DVD.

Written and Directed by Rian Johnson (Brick, Evil Golf ball Demon from Hell) and staring Rachel Weisz (Agora, Lovely Bones, Fred Claus, Mummy Returns), Adrien Brody (The Darjeeling Limited, King Kong), Mark Ruffalo (Rumor Has it, Zodiac, All the Kings Men, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and Rinko Kikuchi (Who will be in the new Shanghai film) This movie was very funny, witty and clever. I haven’t seen a good con movie like this for a while.

The plot of the movie is about two brothers - older Stephen and three years junior Bloom - have been con artists since they were kids. Stephen is the mastermind, for who the intricacy of the story used in the con is as important as the positive outcome of the swindle. Bloom is the main character of Stephen's stories, the character he considers the anti-hero. As adults, they travel the world and never enlist the same people twice in their cons, except for their consistent sidekick, the mysterious and primarily silent Bang Bang, a Japanese woman who just appeared in their lives one day and who has a penchant for blowing things up. As Bloom hits his mid-thirties, he wants to quit the business as he is losing his own identity to that of the

characters he portrays; he doesn't know anymore what is real and what is make-believe. Stephen talks him into one last con, the mark to be the eccentric, lonely but beautiful New Jersey heiress, Penelope Stamp. Penelope's primary past time in life is to, as she calls it, "borrow hobbies": when she sees something she likes, she learns how to do it solely through reading books. As the brothers go through their final con on Penelope, three main problems may occur to thwart the plan. First, the brothers' former mentor and now archenemy, Diamond Dog, may exact his long awaited revenge on the brothers. Second, Penelope may end up being more unpredictable than all their former marks. And third, Bloom, who has let love slip by in his life, may fall for Penelope. But through the process, no one ever really knows who is conning whom.

There were so many things that I liked about this movie. First off, I really enjoyed Rachel Weisz in this movie as Penelope. She was very funny in it, and so ditzy and believable. You never really know what she is capable of in the movie, and it’s always fun to watch her character unfold. Adrien Brody was great in this movie. I haven’t seen to many of his films, but from the ones I have seen this has to be my favorite of his. Mark Ruffalo plays a good smooth,

but sweet man. I liked him as the mastermind behind most of the cons. I feel that this role suited him very well. Rinko as Bang Bang was entertaining to watch. She didn’t say much at all in the movies, but her outfits and facial gestures were good.

I really enjoyed the outfits in the movie and the set designs. It took place all over the world, and it was fun to see the beautiful parts of Europe. Everyone in the movie had very unique outfits, and I loved the all the different clothes that Bang Bang wore. I really wish I could pull of a suit 24/7 like the brothers do in this film.

The cinematography in this film was very excellent. There were many cool shots. My favorite shot in the whole movie was the ending one where they are in Russia. It was so beautiful and well light.

The movie was clean for the most part. Little violence, no drug use, and some language. It was defiantly worth seeing and taking the time to see.

Devils Playground

Devils Playground

This is a documentary about the alleged Amish rite of passage called Rumspringa. The film follows Amish teenagers in LaGrange County, Indiana who enter the "English World" and experiment with illegal drugs, drinking, partying, and pre-marital sex. After a certain amount of time, the teenagers are expected to either become baptized as adults in the Amish community, or permanently leave the church and be forever shunned by their families and friends.

According to the film, at the age of 16, Amish youth are allowed to depart from many of the Amish rules, though the scholarship on the subject does not support this view of a normative rumspringa. The young people sample life outside of the Amish community. Many drive cars, wear modern clothes and cut and style their hair in more fashionable styles, get jobs, have romantic and sexual relationships, and some experiment with tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

One Amish youth whom the film follows, Faron – a preacher's son – even turns to drug dealing to satisfy his habit. Faron is eventually apprehended by the authorities and aids them in arresting another dealer. The movie continues as each subject faces a variety of challenges and pressures from both the "English World" and the "Amish World" of their families. Some return to their families, others do not. One girl is baptized but later leaves the Amish church, resulting in her family shunning her.

According to the documentary, after the period of Rumspringa, "almost 90%" of Amish youth decide to rejoin the church.

I thought it was an interesting thing to watch. I wont watch again, but it was a cool look into the Amish life and community. I was blown away about the Amish life and the teenagers. It makes sense though, after being in a bubble your whole life, your first chance breaking out you don't know how to go about it or what to do, so you go crazy. So many sacrifices come with being Amish, and the teens have a sweet deal. Between 16 and 25, they can do whatever they want, and then be baptized and be all good.

Things i didn't like about this movie is that it felt super depressing. It was a sad movie. I felt so bad for these teens, and their families, and for them living in Indiana. There was a lot of swearing that just sounded awkward. What was most depressing is that these kids have nothing to look forward to if they don't go back to the faith. None of them are high school graduates, and none of them have options because of lack of education. So they leave the faith, live in trailers, do drugs and work dead end jobs.

Bruno

Bruno

I did not like this movie. I rarely walk out of movies, but with this one i walked out in the first 10 minutes. What made me walk out was the long gay sex scenes with a little asian dude, and the minute clip of Bruno doing a windmill with his penis. It just wasn't for me. Now i know i didn't sit through the movie long enough to really say that it was awful, but the first 10 minutes was enough for me to make me feel uncomfortable and want to leave. I thought it was a poor excuse to get cheap laughs.

In the previews, the movie looks really funny. I didn't get to those funny parts when actually watching the movie, mostly because i was tired of seeing a bunch of dick. ONe thing i thought was interesting was that in the movie theatre mostly Motorcycle Bros and big truck guys were in this movie. They must have felt more weird with all the penis in the movie. BUt anyways, i feel that some penis and gay jokes are funny, but showing gay sex and flopping your dong on screen for a minute is way to far for me, and just not funny. i think its a poor excuse to get laughs, and personally i am surprised they were allowed to show that in a rated R film. I know that it progressively gets worse as well, even showing female nudity. Getting an R rating for this film was like getting away with murder.

Borat was not as bad for me. I could handle Borat. I thought that was funny and clever. Bruno could have been much funnier if it didn't focus so much on penis' and made more vocal jokes. I was really bummed i wasted my time with this movie. I feel like its a stand up comedian who only uses swears and sex jokes to get a rise out of people, and get shock credit. But when a comedian uses clean language, and talks about normal things that aren't shocking, it is a lot more creditable, funny, and it takes more talent and skill.

Paper Heart

i have to say i am very excited for this movie to come out. I am getting sick and tired of Cera playing the same role everytime, but i feel this role fits him better than ever. I think it looks like a very good mocumentary. IN real life, Cera and the asian girl are dating

Public Enemies Review

Public Enemies

To be honest, there was a lot of hype to this movie, and it did not live up to it. I have to side with the reviewers who didn’t like this movie. This was not Depp’s or Michael Mann’s masterpiece by any means. This movie lacked many things that could have made it great.

First off, this was one long big police chase. That made if fun and entertaining, but at the same time, you didn’t get to know the characters. There was so much going on with the plot and the characters that it got annoying.

Now I am not saying this movie is complete garbage. It was fun to watch. I am glad I saw it. I enjoyed the gun shot sounds, and I enjoyed the grainy soap opera feel that the movie had. Depp and Bale did an amazing job in this movie. I really enjoyed watching them in this movie. Depp always plays such a good sly bad guy.

I am in a pickle with this review. I didn’t love it or really like it, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it again. I enjoyed the action and seeing Depp play John Dillinger. But once again it lacked things that bothered me.

For example, it told a couple stories at once, and you never knew what was going on in each story, how it started, how it ended, and where the crap they are. I didn’t enjoy that. There were people talked about in the movie, and when they talked about them, you never saw them.

I don’t know. I guess see the movie and see for yourself. I didn’t love it or hate it. I was just ehhh about it.

Public Enemies

So browsing the internet, i have read mixed reviews for the new film "Public Enemies." Honestly, i am getting fully mixed reviews. Some say its horrible and the worst film this year, and then some say its the best film of the year. Reading both reviews, each side has a good argument. I am going to see it tonight, and i will let you know my true feelings. So keep posted.