Change Your Image
criticall
Reviews
Pretty Bird (2008)
Don't invest in this venture!
I have become a big fan of Paul Giamatti of late. To be fair, he was great in this as he always seems to be. All of the acting was very good, and for some time the movie was engaging and funny, but man did it fall apart in the last 1/3 or so. It is the worst movie I have seen in some time.
There were elements of humor and even suspense, but the story really didn't make any sense, and not in a cool quirky way either. Also the use of Kristin Wiig for such an insignificant role is a waste of her talent.
Don't bother with this one. Try Cold Souls for Giamattites and even Whip It for you Wiigies!
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Better than the trailers by FAR
Just rented the movie from the Redbox, and I have to say it was far better than the trailers or clips shown on TV commercials. I was expecting a mindless romp with the Holmes name carrying it, but actually found a clever story and interesting characters.
The only negatives I would really point out is that there was a lot of action i would still not expect Holmes and Watson to be involved in, and I thought there was a lack of "chemistry" between Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr.. It's not that I thought they did not work well together at all, it's more like when a TV show premieres and the characters aren't quite right during the pilot. Maybe they'll refine that for the sequel?
Tommy Boy (1995)
You look like a Helen...
I can't tell you how many times I've seen Tommy Boy, and I never get tired of it. I am not a fan of high art cinema, but I also don't like slapstick silliness like Dumb and Dumber etc.
I saw Tommy Boy a year or two after its release on Starz. I expected very little from it, and to be honest, that may have helped. I often try to go in expecting little and am often pleasantly surprised. Did the same thing with Bubba Ho-Tep, and was still terribly disappointed.
Tommy Boy has all the elements of a great story. It's character development is established very well and quickly. And it's not just a mindless comedy romp. It's a heartfelt story of love, family, and friendship as well.
Give it a try.
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)
a modern fairy tale
OK,
So here's another one. I am detecting a pattern in my film preferences. Honestly, I don't just like it because no one else does...
This is a fairy tale. DO NOT go into it expecting any more. It's silly and irreverent at times, but it really makes you think about the value of life and the time we spend and how we (mis) spend it.
Tom Hanks is outstanding as Joe Banks and exercises all elements of his comedic repertoire. Meg Ryan plays multiple roles and does all with aplomb. And you can't make a bad film with Abe Vigoda (who, at the time of this comment is NOT dead)!
Again, don't rely on what your Fellini and Bergman loving friends told you. Try it for yourself, and see if it doesn't just affirm something for you.
Ishtar (1987)
much maligned
Even the stars of the film, themselves would seem to prefer to keep this one silent. However, I , and many others think of Ishtar much more highly. Admittedly, it's not high brow cinema, but it is entertaining, and memorable. Some of the song writing sequences are classic.
I think many if not most of its ratings are based on reputation and here- say rather than the opinions of actual viewers. I can't tell you how many times I've met people who profess disdain for something they've never experienced, especially film, just based on popular notions and rumor. Did Mikey from the Life Cereal ads really die from eating Pop Rocks and drinking Coca Cola? Did Cary Grant ever say, "Judy, Judy, Judy" in a film?
Telling the truth can be dangerous business, or is it a bitter herb?
Bee Season (2005)
yikes
I can only take comfort in the fact that I borrowed the movie from the public library. My wife and I were hoping the time invested would pay off, but the plot never really develops. Anyone who sees anything in this is REALLY stretching for meaning.
There is little to establish the intent of the characters and even less to explain their actions. By the time you're half way in you realize that nothing has really happened. However, having spent that much time you assume there will be a significant plot twist by the time the film resolves, but it just never does so.
Perhaps the problem is my own lack of "spiritual enlightenment". I don't know.