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Reviews
Night at the Museum (2006)
Solid family film that's not hard to appreciate
Ben Stiller has become something of a commodity in Hollywood, because, like Will Ferrell, he tends to play the same role in every movie he makes. For a film like Night at the Museum, which is big on entertainment but has no lofty ambitions, he's perfect. It's not hard to see why this movie didn't get great reviews, but the average moviegoer will probably respond positively to it, regardless of their age. It was certainly much better than I expected it to be, and I think that it's exactly the sort of thing that would not only entertain a child, but would spark an interest in history as well, which is something few movies manage to accomplish anymore.
Disappearances (2006)
A good concept, but proves too difficult to follow
I recently saw "Disappearances" at a private screening at my college. Jay Craven was there to offer some insights into the film and to prepare us for it. It was a small audience, mostly college students and teachers, the latter apparently being the only ones who "got" the movie.
Jay Craven's work is famous for its breathtaking visuals and ambiance, courtesy of the still relatively undeveloped Northeast Kingdom of Vermont (where I live) - and his latest film doesn't disappoint in this respect. What's disappointing about Disappearances is that it unwisely shifts its mood from that of the cold, hard realism of Vermont circa 1930s, and as the movie progresses, becomes increasingly focused on the "magical realism" that is tied to the back story behind its characters. While such an approach might have worked in the book on which the film is based, it leaves the audience puzzled and somewhat removed from the film.
There are elements of the film that do indeed shine, demonstrating to the uninitiated how Jay Craven manages to attract big names to his films with such limited resources (Kris Kristofferson is the most well-known actor in this particular film). The dialogue is clever and well-written, and there are quite a few moments, mostly in the first half of the film, where you'll be pleasantly surprised by Craven's ability to tell a story and keep a plot moving seamlessly.
In fact, had the entire film stayed true to the theme shown in the beginning of the film - harsh and unforgiving realism - Disappearances might have been remembered as one of Craven's better films. Unfortunately, it tries to do more with its script than the film can manage without overwhelming the viewer, and the ending seems rushed and somewhat terse. Disappearances might be the sort of film that improves with multiple viewings, but only a dedicated viewer will be able (or willing) to keep up with its inconsistent tone and pace and to find the deeper meanings that Craven hoped would be the driving force behind the film.
The O.C. (2003)
Surprisingly engaging
I decided to watch the pilot episode tonight. Why? I have no idea. My expectations were low, judging from the impression the previews left on me. I thought it was going to be another show about ridiculously rich kids and muscle studs who charm all the ridiculously hot girls, get wasted, and do drugs(not necessarily in that order).
I was right in predicting that these factors would play a part in the show. I was wrong in predicting that they would be the shows center.
Instead, "The O.C."(Orange County) focuses on a trouble young man named Ryan, a tough yet oddly reserved and moral "hoodlum" who comes from an unloving family who doesn't care about him. A man who knows of him through his parents and is genuinely concerned for his well being offers to take him under his wing for a weekend at his home in the upper-class neighborhoods of Newport Beach.
Dashingly handsome yet still very unpretentious, Ryan quickly garners attention from all of the aforementioned teenagers, as well as a cast of interesting and decently presented characters, including his caretaker's geeky, anxious, and ambitious son, his scrutinizing mother, another father who is in trouble with law and is secretly unhappy with his life, and a shy young girl who tries to fit in with the other girls and is clearly attracted to Ryan.
I won't go into detail about the plot, but in his first few days in Newport Ryan butts heads with the local male hierarchy, tries to sneak in elements of his old life under his "foster" mother's nose(unsuccessfully), and, being dashingly handsome, is of course approached by several of those ridiculously hot girls. A lot of drama ensues that I won't give away, but I'll say that I like the way Ryan handles himself throughout. It's admirable, believable and in a way thought provoking.
It may be too soon to say, but judging from the unprecedented depth and entertainment this show provides, that could be said about the series in general. The story is just beginning, and the show could easily make or break itself at any time, but no matter what, and this is something I haven't said in a long time, certainly not about a show like this one - I'll be watching.