Love Actually
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Film Reviews
Everyone goes to a film with some idea in mind of what they’ll take away; hopefully it’s more good than bad, especially if you were particularly keen on the title.
This film was in parts as charming and delightful as I’d hoped–and as bad, morally, as I’d feared. How hard could it possibly have been to edit a family-oriented version of this film?
The controversial scenes all center around one subplot that really had no connection to the rest of the film. Then again, the ability to remove those scenes might make this a great rental, because otherwise Love Actually is a wonderful piece.
Finding Joy in Nemo
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment
Boo (my toddling niece) watched Finding Nemo for the first time today. Though having to be distracted during the scary parts, she seemed utterly entranced by the fishies onscreen. It’s so very cute to see her actually get caught up in a story, since her energy level often keeps her from sitting still long enough to hear one. Go Pixar!
The Recruit
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Film Reviews
There’s a new name in Hollywood that has the charm, talent, and sheer luck to unseat Tom Cruise from his action hero throne: Colin Farrell. If you’ve been paying attention, you can easily point out his supporting roles in Minority Report and Daredevil; or, if you’re particularly good, you might have recognized the name from the somewhat lackluster Bruce Willis feature, Hart’s War. Farrell’s real claim to fame, however, has been The Recruit, starring as a CIA trainee under the watchful eye of everyone’s favorite hardball, Al Pacino.
This kid’s got it made. The film, which almost plays out like an unofficial Mission:Impossible, does a better job of shining a bright spotlight on Colin than it does telling the story — a student/master conflict that aptly captures the idea of “in with the new, out with the old.” Don’t get me wrong, the plot is actually very engaging and deliciously complex, but in ten years it’ll be Farrell who’s remembered. And for good reason, as he is the strongest lead actor I’ve seen since, well, Cruise.
If you’ve seen the trailer for Recruit, then you likely already know the plot and its twist ending (or at least one of them) — as a side note, considering the sheer brunt of interest the trailer generates, film studios should really put more effort into enticing rather than spoiling the plot of potential blockbusters. For those who haven’t seen the trailer, young college graduate James Clayton (Farrell) is recruited in thrilling cloak-n-dagger fashion by CIA trainer Walter Burke (Pacino). Through the course of who-knows-how-long, Clayton endures the tests and trials of the Farm, a highly secret facility that transforms wannabe spies into real James Bond-style agents. Of course, the CIA knows a pretty face when it sees one, and has also recruited Layla Moore (Bridget Moynahan, another rising star). Clayton and Moore are inevitably paired up on operations and form a pseudo-competitive relationship, just as the plot takes off and the fun begins.
Previous films notwithstanding, director Roger Donaldson carefully lays out this multi-tiered spy flick layer by layer, building suspense and intrigue until the last scene; even if you have seen the trailer, this film wins by being so enjoyably intricate. The beautiful cinematography, thoughtful script, and top-notch acting definitely help, however.
In the end, the Recruit should be enjoyed while calling one’s agent to book Farrell — before he reaches Tom Cruise’s multi-million contract fees.
The Fashion Designer of Azkaban
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment
Out of the fiasco that has been the filming of the third Harry Potter feature (Prisoner of Azkaban, in case you *gasp* haven’t read the series), one thing is rapidly becoming clear: J.K. Rowling’s beloved characters have abruptly discovered the Gap.
Due to the change in directors (and subsequent change in style), Harry, Ron, and Hermione now sport some of the latest fashion trends, right down to the carefully curled tips of Hermione’s newly highlighted “frazzled locks.” Not only is it a departure from previous director Chris Columbus‘ fantasy world, but one from Rowling’s own book descriptions as well.
It will be really interesting to see if newcomer Alfonso Cuarón’s depiction of Hogwarts works as well as his predecessor’s. If you’re into that kind of thing, of course.
A Visit to “Our Town”
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment
Attending today’s performance of “Our Town” by the National Players was a requirement for this semester’s Literature course; if only all my requirements were so enjoyable. It’s the first time I’ve actually caught a performance of Thornton Wilder’s classic, which is certainly worthy of the praise better critics have given.
This production specifically excelled in its direction, though requiring a bit more from its actors than some could give (of course, acting is the easiest part to critique and the hardest to execute). The director made a particularly good decision in generating the sound effects live on-stage, as if together they formed an additional character of their own.
Now, to critique the audience… that would be a test of the will.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Film Reviews
My first reaction upon entering the theatre was “Whoa, there’s a lot of estrogen here.” The realization, for any guy, that your audience will inevitably be crying before credits roll is quite daunting, and it took me a moment to remind myself why I was seeing this film: great referral, decent trailer, and Kate Hudson (heart-catching smiles aside, she is one of the more talented actresses of our time). With that firmly in my mind, I took a seat and waited for the lights to dim.
One hour and fifty-six minutes later, I had to pry myself out of the chair and head out the door, wishing for a girl. What exactly that has to say about the quality and excellence of the film, I don’t really know–but I’ll try to figure it out.
The first right decision in the film’s production was the enlistment of director Donald Petrie, whose previous work on Grumpy Old Men and more appropriately, Miss Congeniality, is a testament to his newfound success. In the hands of another director, the film could have easily lost its audience in the first ten minutes. Instead, Petrie builds upon the genious of the book with layered character moments and heartfelt scenes; although still fantastical, the story becomes more believable than, say, two people meeting for the first time atop the Empire State Building. The fantasy is emphasized by light colors and soft cinematography, while the reality is upheld by solid performances and careful scripting.
Kate Hudson was entertaining as always, but Matthew McConaughey was surprisingly fun to watch. Although similar to Mel Gibson’s advertising character in What Women Want, Matthew’s role has a deeper humanity and spirit that creates within the audience a desire to see him succeed. In a twist, Hudson is almost harder to support because of her character’s strict adherence to her goal — but, inevitably, she wins back your heart in the finale (honestly, she’s kept it hostage the entire time).
I can’t say How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a wonderful achievement in filmmaking history, because it isn’t, nor was it meant to be. The film’s goal is to rekindle the spark of romance in its viewers, and judging by my own response, I consider it a success.
Everyday Lives of Matchstick Men
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment
After nine months of sequel debris being pawned off to movie theatres as engaging entertainment, one film finally makes its way into my annual Top Ten list. Hopefully more will join it, but for right now, Matchstick Men is the only seriously good live-action* film of the year.
The script alone is solid enough, involving a hypochondriac con artist coming to terms with himself and his 14-year old daughter. But the real force behind this cinematic success is Ridley Scott’s wonderful direction and powerful performances from Nicholas Cage and (relative) newcomer Alison Lohman.
* Remember Nemo.
Shall We Dance?
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment
A timid fan of foreign films, I rarely choose international cinema over other, more popular releases unless the film is widely recognized (Life is Beautiful, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Per my sister’s appraisal, however, I sat down and watched a wonderfully relaxing Japanese piece entitled Shall We Dance.
Its premise, dancing and its place in Asian society, was quite deeper and more interesting than standard Hollywood fare, and the storyline was sweet and simple. Films like this are bound to make a foreign cinemarati out of me before too long.
Blockbusters of 2003
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment
Normally I’d love to critique the hits and misses at the box office this summer, but Patrick Goldstein from the LA Times does a much better job: Sequels are Fish Food
(Hat Tip: What Do I Know)
Apologies For The Silence
Posted by David | Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Personal
Wow, it’s been almost a month since I posted last; political overload will do that to you, I suppose. I’ll try to make it up with a few posts in rapid succession today. Until the next, you can read my review of the Matrix Reloaded, if you’re into that kind of thing.
