tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89487163624838342592024-03-14T01:56:01.046-07:00Cleveland Film ClergyThis is a blog that will catalog updates and ideas surrounding cinema in Cleveland, Ohio. Hopefully grasping a cult following of international genre film making and bringing an uprising of reclusive film buff/snobs/geeks/nerds to the public eye and putting Cleveland on the map as thriving film realm of a very active cinema community.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-20133884043017150232010-11-02T17:17:00.000-07:002010-11-02T17:17:55.414-07:00Hey, Old Man Trailer 2<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_UwwNh-IdO4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_UwwNh-IdO4?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-81387743884968891852009-11-05T15:33:00.001-08:002009-11-05T15:41:33.614-08:00Last Life in the UniverseThailand/Japan 2003<br /><br />8/10<br /><br /><img src="http://www.cinemaeye.com/images/uploads/last_life_rev.jpg"><br /><br />Damn. I put this one off for too long and I'm not really one to talk not having seen<br />Pen-Ek Ratanaruang first feature 6ixty9ine. This is good stuff. I was very impressed<br />with the amount of detail put into this where it was actually questionable.<br />Questionable in the realm of it was probably real and not staged. The house in the film<br />was so disgusting and laughable. Very convincing. The film really went no where but it's so quietly done and delicate that it never feels aimless even with the linear breaking editing. Things feel ghostly, throughout, where tragedy strikes and beauty grows where one dies and loneliness is a gift in disguise that holds an even bigger gift inside. This guy loves Woody Allen. And Takashi Miike has a role in the film's 3rd act!<br />I really want to see Nymph now.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tU2QhICrdgY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tU2QhICrdgY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-49333068417906353182009-11-05T15:16:00.000-08:002009-11-05T15:32:44.886-08:00DobermannFrance 1997<br /><br />8/10<br /><br /><img src="http://img.blogonline.ru/bl/posts/01/1174736501_dobermann.jpg"><br /><br />Okay. 2 Things I learned from watching Dobermann. Gaspar Noe really looks up to Kounan<br />and Tchéky Karyo is one of the best fucking actors that has ever lived.<br />This is a stylistic, violent romp about a wreck loose team of professional thieves headed by the notorious Dobermann(Cassel), who after years of dangerous successful and reckless bank heist have finally left a money trail with a team of by the book cops hot on their asses. By the book obviously has not worked in the past and this is realized by a rogue Inspector played fucking brutally brilliant by Tchéky Karyo. The movie itself is a triumphant whirlwind of detail and deep, rich cinematography. Based off a series of books the movie fumbles a few times where continuity and whimsically needless destruction weighs down the violent edge the film sharpens throughout, but ultimately never dulls and full delivers at it's climatic, awesomely brutal end.<br />There's even a cameo of Gaspar Noe serving a french fries and beef jerky hoagie to Tchéky Karyo. Noe has definitely borrowed quite a bit of style and brutality from Kounan's uncompromising direction. I'm sure Kounan is also a fan of Kergl's ANGST.<br />Though BLUEBERRY wasn't that great, it had the best visuals I have ever seen and<br />that was something Noe tried to accomplish with ENTER THE VOID, but 5 years too late.<br />I'm not sorry, Noe.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Of7I7c9zwJM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Of7I7c9zwJM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-91645884481306742732009-10-18T14:34:00.000-07:002009-10-18T14:38:30.836-07:00Where the Wild Thing AreUSA 2009 <br /><br />4.5/5 8.8/10<br /><br /><img src="http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID20393/images/where_the_wild_things_are_movie_trailer.jpg"><br /><img src="http://www.daemonsmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/where_wild_things_are1-500x332.jpg"><br /><br /><br />An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TAhHatgZtZU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TAhHatgZtZU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />A potent exclamation of being a lonely troubled child, is adapted better than anyone could of imagined from the Maurice Sendak book.<br />From the start an intimate portrait of the young boy Max is painted beautifully. Confronting his fears,<br />unbeknown insecurities of his older sister's coming of age lifestyle, understanding his jealousy issues with his financially stressed, but loving mother's relationship with a boyfriend who doesn't approve of Max's out lashes. A story about building unconditional friendships, with understanding that you're not alone in the world and there are in fact others just like you is delivered sincerely, with a great cast. Funny, natural, smart and profound the dialog is genuine and deep. The impact is heavy with this one. Don't miss.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-45368734170130878252009-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:002009-10-17T10:19:01.505-07:00MiragemanChile 2007<br /><br />5/5 10/10<br /><br /><img src="http://cinestilo.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/mirageman3.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://screencrave.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/mirageman.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><br />A shy, inconspicuous man named Maco (Marko Zaror) decides to become a self-made superhero when he gains national notoriety for unintentionally rescuing a television reporter from the clutches of two dangerous criminals. Action director Ernesto Diaz Espinoza follows the success of his South American breakout film, Kiltro, with this martial arts gem that also stars Maria Elena Swett, Ariel Mateluna and Mauricio Pesutic.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9EU3w2mqmu0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9EU3w2mqmu0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />This film is pure gold. Reasons being many, but mainly for rich character emphasis and the action sequences.<br />Secondly there is a deep emotional construction of all the characters. Focusing on those who have withdrawn from<br />society as true underdogs and some that are in the spotlight doing anything to boost their financial and commercial ego.<br />A young shy martial artist who works at a dead end local club as a doorman, trains extensively in the martial arts as a passion and purpose.<br />His heart is big and pays weekly visits to his younger artistically talented brother in a mental hospital who has lost all of his barrings due to being raped by a group of men who killed his family during a random street assault.<br />This group of men are of larger crime syndicate known as The Pedophile Network who kidnap and market young children in<br />a twisted sexual trafficking ring. Police are helpless due to lack of evidence and cannot seize, search the powerful crime ring.<br />One night while jogging the young shy martial artist prevents a burglary and a rape of a young news anchor. She then calls<br />him out during a report on live television and kind of paves the idea for MIRAGEMAN.<br />From there we see a classic take on developing a super hero, but in a low budget, modestly ambitious stylistic way.<br />Setting up an email MIRAGEMAN receives messages online of people in distress, sometimes backfiring in his face.<br />We see him deal with his social insecurities and the treachery of the media moguls that helped his inception into crime fighting.<br />From natural comedic relief to sad sights of emotional distress as well as brutal full contact fight scenes. I actually think this may<br />be my favorite super hero movie. Do not miss this inventive and big hearted action film.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-65299970326488364112009-10-12T17:48:00.000-07:002009-10-12T17:54:03.722-07:00Paranormal ActivityUSA 2007<br /><br />3.5/5 7.5/10<br /><br /><img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/11/article-0-06C9039D000005DC-108_468x289.jpg"><br /><br />Bumps in the night begin to spook San Diego couple Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat). When Katie fears their home may be haunted by ghostly intruders, skeptical Micah plants a camera in their bedroom to prove nothing is amiss -- but he's in for a chilling surprise. Soon, the stage is set for a roller coaster of creepy thrills in this intensely gripping, no-budget suspense thriller in the vein of The Blair Witch Project.<br /><br /><img src="http://campblood.org/Newblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/paranormalactivity.jpg"><br /><br />3.5 out of 5 rating. As a hyped up phenomena that corroborates with the Blair Witch project as far as marketing and budget goes, I would most definitely agree that Paranormal Activity as a movie itself is just as formidable in it's scary succession. Though well thought out, believably acted and genuinely creepy, there were times where it felt contrived. But more pros than cons, this minor gripe is easily forgotten and long lost in the character build. I personally could identify with the bf and gf because a lot of the dialog reminded me of my gf and I. From harmless bickering and teasing to intense yelling and passion for one another onn both positive and negative scales. The main emphasis of what is actually happening to the 2 is extensive but over all leaves the audience in the dark with what the cause or reason of such a "haunting" is. That is definitely a pro about the film. Merely hinting around and poking at some back story involving the GF and her past, really upped the creepiness. Full of sounds, and subtle visuals and psuedo-spiritual psychological torment, each step the film takes is careful, well played out, hardly compromising the pace of the film in any aspect. Despite the ending and some minor contrived comic relief, Paranormal Activity is a robust, low budget, clever little social experiment on the masses that no one really needs to watch again, but something most people will be thinking about for days.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-83533464870628697782009-10-09T17:10:00.000-07:002009-10-09T17:24:42.697-07:00The Devil's Game더 게임 <br />Deo ge-im<br /><br />Korea 2008<br /><br />4/5 8/10<br /><br /><img src="http://www.hancinema.net/photos/photo47940.jpg"><br /><img src="http://www.hancinema.net/photos/photo47943.jpg"><br /><br />A young illustrator in his prime named Min,lives a modest living doing portraits in the city, <br />his girlfriend whom he's very much in love with, owns a flower shop with her mother.<br />The Mother and girlfriend owe money to some local gangsters and it's a lot of money for those living a modest life.<br />One day, Min gets a mysterious phone call from a joyous old man who declares Min lucky and that by being male, he had won the old man a bet. The old man insists on thanking Min personally. Min meets the old man and discovers he's loaded with billions, huge paintings cover his mansion walls, with butlers and servants at his beckoning. The old man wants to make a bet. What is at stake is huge. And what<br />follows is a 180 degree turn into loneliness, self loathing, true love, treachery, cold heartedness, a couple ridiculous break throughs in medical science and an open ending that leaves the viewer thinking not only about the turn of events that have unfolded in front of them<br />but your actual life and what you should not take for granted.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d5GzlvT3Xt0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d5GzlvT3Xt0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-50593905585510316212009-10-09T17:05:00.000-07:002009-10-09T17:10:13.772-07:00GraceGrace <br /><br />USA 2009<br /><br /><img src="http://z.about.com/d/horror/1/0/F/1/0/-/Grace03.jpg"><br /><img src="http://moviesmedia.ign.com/movies/image/article/101/1010790/grace-20090804043329098_640w.jpg"><br /><br />2.8/5 5/10<br /><br /><br /><br />When an accident takes the life of the unborn, 8-month-old fetus inside her, Madeline Matheson (Jordan Ladd) insists on delivering the stillborn child -- only to discover that the baby is alive and heinously hungry. Before long, voracious baby Grace spurns milk and forces Madeline to slake her insatiable appetite for blood. Paul Solet directs this masterful horror movie, while Gabrielle Rose and Stephen Park co-star.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_FIsRuIoxLE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_FIsRuIoxLE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />As much as I wanted to like Grace, I just could not get passed a few key points that were just left empty.<br />There is this ominous shell of promise around Solet's debut feature but the hollow inside suggests that maybe more attention<br />should have been made to cementing the reason behind what Grace is all about, a zombie/vampire baby and her docile mother.<br />The look and feel of the film is really well constructed and directed. The acting is fallible but satisfyingly convincing.<br />What makes the audience wonder is the point, the reason, the explanation. Where in films that interpretation and open endings<br />are made essential and acceptable, Grace I feel as a story, doesn't cop out, but the film does not know what to do with itself<br />and ultimately in the end does feel like a cop out. The director's point I'm sure was to establish the idea of unconditional love<br />amongst a Mother and her kin, but ends up being a passive aggressive utterance of vaguely captured emotion that bears no substance<br />or true understanding of what is trying to be said. The idea would have been cool if a balance of such anxiety could have been<br />laid next to, what exactly the baby was and why. Because a Mother's love and yearning and desire to have a child for which on 2 previous occasions her husband and her had a miscarriage, doesn't constitute any substantial reason for such an exploitation.<br />Subplotted of Grace's dead father's Mother, desiring to take the child away and raise it her self is just as forgetful and loose<br />as the midwife, hired by Garce's Mom who was once involved as lesbians with... Huh?Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-63507049158287408752009-09-24T16:21:00.000-07:002009-09-27T09:22:46.384-07:00ENTER THE VOIDOkay, this isn't really a review or an over view this is me being mad and disappointment<br />in the lack of character richness that I've come to expect from Noe's films.<br /><br />I did not give a fuck about these characters, they were pieces of shit who deserved their tragic upbringing and the whole reincarnation out of body experience, if that was the point and the characters were something to forget, you failed even more Noe.<br />And I love the guy.<br /><br />Enter the Void 2/5 6/10<br /><br /><br /><object width="384" height="313"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mooCXnTMJUQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mooCXnTMJUQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="384" height="313" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><img src="http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/film/gallery/2009/apr/23/cannes-film-festival-quentin-tarantino/etv-(1)-3319.jpg"><br /> <br />Cool idea, technically the best film ever made thus far, but poor, writing and the mistake of casting no name actors<br />to fill in such shallow shoes, leads to a tiring whirlwind of contrived profound failure. A film that is probably the most inventive and obscure pile of shit ever constructed yet it holds no substance or real character value. No name actors could have worked but these ones sucked and ruin it from the start. The characters of Alex and the parents of a drug abuser friend Victor are the only characters that can act and they are mere sub blots. The children actors couldn't even save this despite the few rewarding moments the younger Linda tour de forced. Half of the film could have been left on the editing room floor. I absolutely fucking hated how demanding this films was. Some might defend it, "Oh the hallucinations and visuals, er"... People, Jan Kounan in 2004 made a half decent film called Blueberry: L'expérience secrète and guess what? They easily rival those of Enter the Void.<br />However, all the hating aside; best editing, I've ever seen. This is such a subversive stamina draining journey on an impact scale of 2001: Space Odyssey. 155 minutes and the opening credits are the best thing about this film. The transitions are amazing at first, but continually their grandeur is over played and their welcome over stayed and they become ridiculous, needlessly self indulgent in all the wrong ways. Sorry but maybe I'll like this in 4 years because right now I just don't get it. <br /><br />Oscar and Linda are brother and sister. As toddler's they are young and happy amongst their happy parents.<br />One night, the family in a car in a tunnel, are in a head on collision with a semi truck. The parents die.<br />The kids are kept by their grandmother who is dying. For the children's sake despite their incredible bond and<br />traumatic life altering experience are then given up for separate adoption to foster homes. This is never expanded upon<br />and makes the grandma a dying idiot for why would she separate the two?<br />This feels completely empty, needless and just a contrived emphasis on their tragic up bringing. <br />Oscar as a child seems to understand being 2 years or so older and plays it a cool silent soldier.<br />(I guess the blood pact the two toddlers made with a knife<br />in flashback scenes means he knows they will never truly be separated...pft) <br />in the meanwhile toddler Linda is flipping out, screaming... exclaiming stuff about them always being together. <br />Usually when little kids flip out and act crazy it's effective in adult films, in Enter the Void this is hit or miss. <br />So after 15 years or so of living apart Oscar moves to Japan and meets Alex. <br />A sensitive artist drug dealer who introduces Oscar to his drug contacts. Oscar then begins dealing drugs to make a living.<br />He doesn't really deal seriously, or get even when they flashback and explain how everything unfolded <br />so this makes the turn of events even more obnoxious. <br /><br />He meets up with a creepy<br />gay drug dealer, who really holds no value to the story, (like most of the characters). Once Oscar had made enough money that is when he called his sister up, paid for her to fly over to Japan and live with him. For some reason she lectures him on becoming a druggie when she's out at the club dancing nude and face sitting and whoring herself to the owner. She's a stupid fuck. As is<br />Oscar. I have no sympathy for these people, both are shallow and clueless and deserve what they get.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-76657080567656350912009-09-24T16:14:00.000-07:002009-09-24T16:18:09.610-07:00Valhalla RisingValhalla Rising 4/5 8/10<br /><br /><img src="http://media.tiff.net:8080/contents/original/valhallarising_03.jpg"><br><br /><img src="http://www.screendaily.com/pictures/586xAny/9/7/8/1105978_Valhalla_Rising.jpg"><br /><br />1000 AD, for years, One Eye, a mute warrior of supernatural strength, has been held prisoner by the Norse chieftain Barde. Aided by Are, a boy slave, One Eye slays his captor and together he and Are escape, beginning a journey into the heart of darkness. On their flight, One Eye and Are board a Viking vessel, but the ship is soon engulfed by an endless fog that clears only as the crew sights an unknown land. As the new world reveals its secrets and the Vikings confront their terrible and bloody fate, One Eye discovers his true self. <br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aZeKRUzXqTA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aZeKRUzXqTA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />A Tarkovsky throwback to the bone. From graphic violence to atmospheric art house, the score swells as the blood spills<br />and each character delves into their self questioning being and the audience is subjected to it. It pulls you in, it doesn't demand your attention, you ask for it's. The film builds, stacking on layers of a foreboding sinisterness, only to let up with the silence of<br />violence and wilderness. A character dissection of a mythical mute warrior named One Eye (for literal reasons) who is said to be from hell, escapes captivity where his unmatched strength was exploited in brutal fights to the death by his captors. One Eye upon his escape comes across a group of Christian Inquisitors on a distorted journey to claim and rebuild the Holy Land of Jerusalem in the name of their lord and riches. The Christian vikings murder and burn those who deny Christianity but dare not challenge the legendary strength of One Eye. As the film assembles itself in 6 labeled parts, we see each of the men unravel into their own perception of existence which clearly <br /><br /><br /><br />What we get here is pretty much Torkovsky's Stalker meets all the cool violent parts in that shitty movie Pathfinder.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-62800714072449602682009-09-24T16:09:00.000-07:002009-09-24T16:14:10.057-07:00Deliver Us From EvilDenmark 2009<br /><br />Fri os fra det onde 4.8/5 9.5/10<br /><br /><img src="http://www.ioncinema.com/old/images/upload/news_4317_main.jpg"><br /><br><img src="http://media.tiff.net:8080/contents/original/deliverusfromevil.jpg"><br /><br />A father returns to his old hometown with his young family. Events force him to face the small town's xenophobia.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jcLzfzCmnzY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jcLzfzCmnzY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Very nice, Bornedal. Will you ever let me down? This director knows not only how to make the movie look good<br />but write as well. This is an intense, cold hearted film based in a small, middle of nowhere town,<br />about two brothers, Johannes and Lars. A vitally brilliant cast. <br />The brothers are polar opposites. Blood is thicker than water and in this movie, there is a lot of it.<br />Lars is the alcho-loser scum bag selfish brother with the whore girlfriend that he beats. <br />Johannes on the contrary is the modest, successful lawyer with the beautiful, smart family, renovating an old house.<br />Alain is Johannes friend who buried his family in the conflict of Bosnia and then fled to the remote region.<br />Alain is known to Lars and his troupe of even bigger scum bag loser friends as the "Nigger" because of his distinct Islamic "irregularity" of the small town's folk. This all comes down strongly in a whirl pool of intense violence when Lars runs over the wife of an old senile, retired local gangster turned Christian extremist, known as Major Ingvar. Lars frames Alain who then is sheltered by Johannes with his family caught in the middle when the senile old man comes out of retirement to avenge her death,<br />but spirals further into his senile Christian extremism with violent revelations.<br /><br />This film brings it. The grain and hue of the cinematography is some of the coolest I've seen in a while. <br />It's silver with veiny blues, allotted with deep greens and rich, black reds. The pace is flawless and told without<br />a second of lag or loop hole. It's a film of great acceptance and exceptional craftsman ship.<br /><br />A very heartfelt and brutal story of all the essential elements of friendship, family, redemption and death.<br /><br />Stoked on his adaptation of Dean Koontz novel The Husband.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-61756836541977940902009-09-24T16:03:00.000-07:002009-09-24T16:09:54.794-07:00I Am Not Your FriendHungary 2008<br /><br />Nem vagyok a barátod 3.8/5 7.8/10<br /><br /><img src="http://media.tiff.net:8080/contents/original/iamnotyourfriend_04.jpg"><br><br /><img src="http://media.tiff.net:8080/contents/original/iamnotyourfriend_01.jpg"><br /><br /><br />I AM NOT YOUR FRIEND is a film of improvisations - not only from the part of the nine amateur actors, but from the D.O.P, the director and the scriptwriters as well. The story unfolded itself instantly by the reactions and ideas of actors during the 20 days of shooting and developed into what is presented to the audience. But the story perhaps is less important than the world which opens up in front of us, a taste of Budapest in January 2008<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hVQMOWZf0kA&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hVQMOWZf0kA&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />György Pálfi's 3rd feature is far from his previous as far as directive style and story telling.<br />Like a Hungarian cinema verite styled Closer, I Am Not Your Friend opens with a short film<br />that takes place in a daycare center, where voyeuristically captured hungarian children interact with<br />one another is purely rewarding experience. Where conversations amongst the kids (ages 3-5 approx)<br />seem adult despite their frivolous content. As the feature starts we are introduced to each character<br />in an off kilter sense. One character is the focus and named and interacts with characters that eventually become<br />introduced as the focus, even though that have already appeared with dialog and intermittent character development<br />through relationship establishments that eventually leads to a whole cast of interconnected characters.<br />The characters are all sexual deviants. Some having sex with the other's spouse or husband and not even realizing it<br />and some realizing it and not caring. Almost all the characters are shit beings but every one of them<br />has a favorite song and when alone they sing that song aloud. This anecdote provides a depth to each of them.<br />As the film progresses and relationships crumble and/or grow, one may begin to wonder where the film is going or <br />what it's trying to say. But with it's hefty, realistic, subtle twist, some one fucks over the wrong girl. <br /><br />The message and moral becomes very clear;<br />Women are strong, resourceful creatures especially when their heart is broken.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-67552326026080045952009-08-01T10:04:00.000-07:002009-08-01T10:09:37.323-07:00Sleep DealerUSA/MEXICO 2008<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://cinematropolis.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/sleep.jpg"><br /><br />In a futuristic yet not unfamiliar world, the lives of three strangers connect in surprising ways amid a backdrop of militarization, closed borders and an all-encompassing global technological network. At the center of this potent sci-fi tale (nominated for a Best First Feature Independent Spirit Award) are Memo (Luis Fernando Peña), a peasant displaced after his village is attacked; Luz, a writer (Leonor Varela) who plugs her brain into the net; and Rudy (Jacob Vargas), an American security company worker.<br /><br />8.5/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xW8oSRSzS7M&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xW8oSRSzS7M&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />A potent, time piece of realistic technologically steered rhetoric placed in the not so distant future,<br />where the borders of Mexico and the USA have been permanently blocked off to end illegal immigration.<br />A young man named Memo is out of touch with his boring country lifestyle and does not appreciate the smalls things in life until they are taken away from him, though his heart is indeed a great one.<br />Upon a tragedy Memo sets off to Tijuana to get a job working in San Diego, Ca... wait, what?<br />You see there is a company called TruNode, throughout the film we are filled in with commercials that throwback to propaganda, encouraging people of all shapes, sizes and creeds<br />to have nodes installed into their bodies and "plug in" and via remote viewing, work remotely a machine in the United States. A very cool concepts filled with budgeted yet ambitious special effects and detailed, yet not far fetched gadgets and machinery.<br />Along the way Memo befriends a girl and there is your love story. Great film. Looking forward to seeing what this director does next. A very promising young talent.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-76310634352281476412009-07-28T15:29:00.000-07:002009-08-01T10:24:25.184-07:00Bronson2009 UK/DENMARK<br /><br /><img src="http://img5.allocine.fr/acmedia/rsz/434/x/x/x/medias/nmedia/18/67/44/98/19120683.jpg"><br /><br />Nicolas Winding Refn's vivid and unflinching biopic delves into the life of Britain's most notorious prisoner, Charlie Bronson (Tom Hardy) -- who's been jailed for nearly 35 years -- and attempts to dissect the real man behind the deranged persona. While Bronson's primary ambition was to be famous, he became a celebrity of sorts as a criminal who seized myriad opportunities to demonstrate extreme and terrorizing savagery.<br /><br />9/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GMJ1c3qxOWc&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GMJ1c3qxOWc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />This is near masterpiece for reasons not only associated with the main actor, Tom Hardy's performance, but because of it's on and off linear, narrative story telling. From the get go we are immersed into a biopic told directly through the words of the Bronson character himself, in a black abyss of a room with only light shining onto his bald head, distinctly twisted mustache and prison coveralls that stick to his broad shoulders.<br />He's not charming,he's not smart, or resourceful, but he's intimidating. Really intimidating.The look of self certainty in his eyes and his raspy, yet brooding voice with his thick British accent, begins to elaborate his life's tale in visual gushes of realistically choreographed fist fighting, face stomping, face biting, mouth frothing, veins popping, plethora of testosterone and ego maniacal... well sanity. Whether most of this biopic is true or merely elaborated for cinematic purposes, the point is finely met and it never gets boring, that being a character study/biopic hybrid that shows from start to finish the self-transformation of a man. As it is really well made and done so with a high entertainment value by somehow, attaining substance and sincerity.<br />If I had to make any comparison to any other film,<br />I would utter CHOPPER but if it were done by Kubrick. This film has a risky pace, that really works for it's content. Which all in all, is pretty twisted and hilarious. Don't miss it.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-15491257807578310802009-05-02T09:14:00.000-07:002009-07-09T16:25:58.991-07:00SplinterUSA 2008<br /><br /><img src="http://fearsmag.com/08/images/stories/2008/Movies/Splinter/splinter01.jpg"><br /><br />Kidnapped by an escaped convict (Shea Whigham) and his young accomplice (Rachel Kerbs), Seth Belzer (Paulo Costanzo) and Polly Watt (Jill Wagner) are thrust into the fight of their lives when the four of them become the prey of a bloodthirsty splinter parasite. Trapped inside an abandoned gas station, the foursome is forced to band together to thwart the monster's vicious attacks and make it out alive.<br /><br />7/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aJndd5Eyz18&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aJndd5Eyz18&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />A few lackluster moments of pure stupidity kept me from loving this film. The more I think about it however, I'm really starting to believe it was the film maker's intentions for the characters to make such ridiculous choices in order to supply the film with an unsettling climax, wherein the audience is yelling at the screen in dismay. The plot is pretty cool, where a parasitic fungus comprised of intricately bacterial splinters infects the body and physically and might I say painfully contorts body parts, breaking bones, splitting skin and you know, killing it's victims. The creature is totally a wannabe "The Thing" via Carpenter and Bowtin, but definitely has a personality and brutality all in it's own and looks really cool and creepy. The acting is damn good<br />despite the idiocy of the cast scripted as being smart people each in their own way. The ending however, is not satisfying and the lack of explanation of what the creature is, is a total cop out, if I wasn't so sure there would be a sequel. Which there will be. Watch it. You'll like it.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-2033716790859661092009-04-26T08:17:00.000-07:002011-12-11T17:16:45.725-08:00The InformersUSA 2008<br /><img src="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/df-01450_m.jpg"><br /><br />Based on the book by Bret Easton Ellis and set in Los Angeles during the sex-, drug- and rock music-fueled early 1980s, this series of intertwining dramas features a range of characters reveling in the debauched excesses of the era. But as movie execs, vampires, ex-cons and others traverse the same seductive landscape, they also reveal the emptiness lurking just beneath the city's shiny veneer. Kim Basinger leads a star-studded cast.<br /><br />7.5/10<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lXvzjaB9DG8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lXvzjaB9DG8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Spotlighting the likes of both the top and bottom of the social heap, that being rich snobby spoiled twenty somethings, their formidably arrogant and selfish parents interconnecting to and from a voyeuristic hotel desk clerk(Renfro) and his relationship with his ex-convict uncle,(Rourke). The Informers is full of people you will just hate. Where luxury spawns hedonism, and what seems like a complete absence of morale, passion appears to only be in the form of carelessly having sex with everyone around you and snorting coke up your nose. As a marriage is attempted to be rekindled (Thornton/Basinger) despite a scandalous affair with an anchorwoman,(Ryder) the toll the adultery has taken on their marriage is far from forgettable let alone able to be repaired. The story is oddly told in a way where the audience is introduced to the characters with no dialog, merely a visual narrative dictating the irrelevance everything holds to each character outside of their drugs and promiscuity, provides an interesting overcast of depression and emptiness, that all in all, makes very clear the intention of the film. 3.5/5 stars.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-31532906493595401222009-04-25T12:57:00.000-07:002009-04-25T13:02:35.577-07:00The Butcher BoyUSA/Ireland 1997<br /><br /><img src="http://thisdistractedglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/the-butcher-boy-1998-eamonn-owens-alan-boyle-pic-3.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Neil Jordan adapts Patrick McCabe's novel about Francie Brady (Eamonn Owens), an overimaginative boy whose dire home life turns his harmless fantasies into murderous delusions. When his abusive father (Stephen Rea) dies, and his suicidal mother is institutionalized, Francie acts out in homicidal fashion. Disturbing and surreal, Jordan's film is notable for, among other things, casting controversial singer Sinéad O'Connor as the Virgin Mary.<br /><br />7.75/10<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-DmDxULCIpo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-DmDxULCIpo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I went into this movie not really knowing what to expect. I'm a fan of Neil Jordan and had never seen this up until now. I can't really explain really what it is I just watched. It's elaborately acted,<br />as a timepiece; very, very detailed and accurate.<br />As a film that should, with all it's momentum, build some sort of empathy for any of it's characters, doesn't. Whether this was the writer's intent is unclear, for as an adaptation, the film could have lost the story's original intention by being alive and visual. I wasn't bored, that is certain. The film itself is very top notch and the acting very theatrical and boisterous. Loud and uncompromising, the dark humor definitely saves this movie. The narrative is a tad contrived at times, but for the most part never fails to deliver a clever emphasis on the events unfolding before your eyes. Ending was not a satisfying wrap up, but was in no way a bad one. 3.5/5Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-59924665872264875092009-04-11T07:23:00.000-07:002009-04-11T07:26:12.998-07:00FelonUSA 2008<br /><br /><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/gxsKFjPPBr0cLO9ATw92kl-YExTzqbGoTPhwUoj7OXVd*Ea6X2vI9LxzHjDJZCTv*5vyPU9y5IJ9dQC-tpSR-QQgFAq5XGPC/Approved_Unit_043396278844_AE2DD4BF.jpg"><br /><br />After accidentally killing a burglar while trying to protect his family, regular guy Wade Porter (Stephen Dorff) finds himself convicted of involuntary manslaughter and thrown into a maximum security prison for three years. Facing a harsh new world -- including a notorious mass murderer cellmate (Val Kilmer) and regular beatings organized by the head guard (Harold Perrineau) -- Wade soon realizes he'll have to toughen up if he's going to survive. <br /><br />9/10<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sr0zDhqfOVo&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sr0zDhqfOVo&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />What starts off as a pretentious, 2 dimensional character infused movie, turns out to be a riveting, emotionally strong, raw acted, suspenseful triumph! There was some really deep dialog in this that brought tears to my eyes. Such a big surprise, I highly recommend this. The prison quarters and the guards procedures and ethics are very educational and degrading to even those that deserve to be treated in such a way. Wherein a realism is captured making the experience seem authentic. Full of sorrowful lessons of life in the cell with a life awaiting you on the outside as well as without anything to live for but respect on the inside, "Felon" delivers on all aspects of life making it easy to identify with, regardless if you have been to prison or not and especially if you have a family.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-78695089632610645042009-04-11T07:10:00.000-07:002009-04-11T07:19:19.665-07:00Fine, Totally FineJapan 2008<br /><br /><img src="http://www.cinemastrikesback.com/news/filmfestivals/nyaff2008/fine01.jpg"><br />Teruo, the eldest son of a used bookstore owner has a dream: to build the world scariest haunted house. About to reach his 30th birthday, Teruo is still idling away his life. One day, through the introduction of childhood friend Hisanobu, an extremely clumsy painter/artist comes to work at the bookstore. Meet Akari. A cute, attractive girl that both Teruo and Hisanobu soon fall for.<br />This small bookstore could be in any town and becomes a refuge for these individuals that have fallen out of the mainstream society. EVERYTHING IS ALRIGHT is an eagerly awaited hilarious film that portrays an easy-going, comical and heat-warming story that unfolds in a bookstore.<br /><br />10/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XeXgwYf2hZs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XeXgwYf2hZs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />This is a comedy. A love story. A tale of brotherly commitment to their family and their Father's business. A tale of doing the things in life that make yourself happy while not compromising others. Simply a riot! I laughed from start to finish. Loving to hate some characters for their stupidity and just adoring the evolved throwback to slapstick comedy but with more of a horror genre twist. Very well acted and intriguing cast of characters that has to be seen to be understood. A very fulfilling story full of subplots that come together quite satisfyingly in the end. I highly recommend getting your hands and eyes on this. Some of the best sweaters you'll ever see. Yes, like winter sweaters...Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-38272222391976238442009-04-11T07:07:00.000-07:002009-04-11T07:38:08.399-07:00SpecialUSA 2006<br /><br /><img src="http://brightcove.vo.llnwd.net/d5/unsecured/media/429149625/429149625_2665516001_special-movie.jpg"><br /><br />Enrolling in a drug study to spice up his humdrum life as a low-paid meter reader, Les Franken (Michael Rapaport) begins taking an experimental antidepressant, which proves to have a few unexpected side effects. Convinced that he's actually developing special powers that can be used to fight evil, Les decides to quit his day job and focus on being a superhero … despite his doctor's professional opinion that his abilities are all in his mind.<br /><br />10/10<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/s4sZaoqLfBM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/s4sZaoqLfBM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Getting right to the point from the get go, "Special" sets the viewer up for an intimate look into the life of a lonely meter reader, Les,(Rappaport) who just doesn't seem to have anyone other than 2 brother nerds that own a comic book shop. Upon signing up for an experimental medication, Les believes he has developed super powers that are too real to him and all but real. Throughout the film, there is a psychological evaluation that preps the reasons why Les has powers not perceivable to anyone but himself. Les's life lacks a sense of purpose. Bottled up emotions and depression pour out into an interesting portrayal of a lonely man trying to find his place in the world doing what he feels is right for him; Saving the world while sacrificing himself. Paranoia and near psychosis ensues as the medication permanently etches itself into his bloodstream. An amazingly well acted depressing, yet completely uplifting film. Exceeded my already high expectations.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-77975885383384515012009-04-05T10:49:00.000-07:002009-04-05T10:55:41.295-07:00MoonUnited Kingdom 2009<br /><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVwFBkUMCVMTqdsb4zeeNYW5eTAP-J6kQwNk_-700pUs8l1pdD-GbbaQ4NgTvN-i0wzhbzFJ84FiPhqid8UPn6IofTEkgI5yAi2G_Wy58nffYfPJTHibYmWNiWt2yWusFJP4HUDzunPlz/s400/Sam+Rockwell+Moon+Movie.jpg"><br /><br />As he nears the end of a lonely three-year stint on the moon base Sarang, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) begins to hear and see strange things. It's not long before Sam suspects that his employer -- the conglomerate LUNAR -- has other plans for him. Featuring Kevin Spacey as the voice of a robot, this sci-fi thriller also stars Matt Berry and Kaya Scodelario. The film was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival.<br /><br />9.3/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z4rL3ncSchM&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z4rL3ncSchM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />In the future Earth's energy crisis is solved when it is discovered that the dark side of the moon's rocks serve as a sponge soaking up the sun's solar energy. The rocks are then harvested and the clean, energy source is coined HE3, or Helium 3. On the moon there is a 1 man crew thus the film begins... What a gem! There are so many levels of empathy towards the orphaned protagonist played by Sam Rockwell that is developed so delicately, yet so straight forward with vast amounts of small practical detail. That makes the film undeniably potent, emotionally. 2 weeks from fulfilling his lone 3 year contract with his employer, Lunar Industries, an outing into the mining area on the moon's surface afar from his station, Sam has a freak accident which opens up a tightly locked secret that his employer has been keeping from him. I would really like to take this a step further in great detail, but it would spoil the film. Really, I do not want to say anything other than how well acted and made the film is. Very original and evenly poignant, attaining humor. Go to the Moon!Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-90554178793244501952009-04-05T10:35:00.000-07:002009-04-05T10:49:17.709-07:00SparrowHong Kong 2005-2008<br /><br /><img src="http://www.ugo.com/images/galleries/sparrow_filmtv/1.jpg"><br /><br />Sparrow is a story that begins with intrigue: A group of petty pickpockets falling and heels over a beautiful woman of mystique. But during the course of their playful adventure, the film also attempts to capture something subtle and yet more poignant: The city of Hong Kong.<br /><br />8/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PXKlPw8Xnz0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PXKlPw8Xnz0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Sparrow is a heart felt, high brow examination of a group of anti-heros on the streets of Hong Kong and their lifestyle as "professional" pick pocketing. Kei (Simon Lam) is the groups leader, who like an army general dictates the guise of the crowd and his pick pocketing team of friends tactical alignments. When an attractive and seemingly distraught woman enters each of their lives, Chung Chun Lei (Kelly Lin) on separate occasions, each pickpocketer falls head over heels but never turning on one another, which is great! They all embrace the fact of the matter and that fact is that of the woman is running away from something or someone. Kei plays detective and discovers<br />that Chung Chun Lei is the young mistress of a high up crime, Mr. Kim Fu, a boss who earned his fortune through pickpocketing and is now retired and still has a lot of power. In an attempt to free Chung Chun Lei the group of pickpocketing friends serve as her knight and challenge the crime lord to an old fashioned duel of pickpocketing, totally shot in a signature Johnnie To style.<br />What a clean, honest heartfelt movie. BEST SOUND TRACK EVER!!!!!!! Seriously.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-42547039449536333082009-04-05T10:17:00.000-07:002009-04-05T10:31:33.674-07:00SurveillanceUSA 2008<br /><br /><img src="http://www.channel4.com/film/media/images/Channel4/film/S/surveillance_xl_03--film-A.jpg"><br /><br />Revealing the stunning truth behind a horrific string of homicides near Santa Fe, a young girl (Ryan Simpkins), police officer (Kent Harper) and drug addict (Pell James) spill their wildly different witness accounts to FBI agents Elizabeth Anderson (Julia Ormond) and Sam Hallaway (Bill Pullman). Jennifer Chambers Lynch (Boxing Helena) directs this thriller that co-stars Michael Ironside, Cheri Oteri and French Stewart.<br /><br />7/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QT2dy7WogTI&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QT2dy7WogTI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Jennifer Lynch's sophomore effort to follow in the footsteps of her legendary director father, seems to teeter and divide the audience. First off let's get this straight, the acting in this, so solid. You have Michael Ironside, Bill Pullman, Julia Ormond, French Stewart and Cheri Oteri. The lesser known names are great additions too, including the little girl, Ryan Simpkins who totally serves as the heroine but not as a the typical hero archetype. Now when it comes to the plot, the predictable twist and the resolution; Eh, whatever... really. Nothing special. Oliver Stone emphasized madness and love pretty thoroughly when he put out Natural Born Killers which I personally thought spoke loudly enough for this film to go in another direction.<br />Love and madness are Surveillance's connection and it's point<br />and despite how BRILLIANT Pullman's performance is, the film really just seems to be very unlikely and not worth all the tediously crafted plotting of the killers.<br />If someone is that sick and demented, I think it would be a lot more meticulously strategic opposed to just... a romp, dare I say?Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-55444065751349247832009-03-25T19:30:00.000-07:002009-03-25T19:59:52.323-07:00The CandidateDenmark 2008<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://jdiff.ticketsolve.com/i/photos/0001/9545/Candidate_3_1024__1024_72_large.jpg"><br /><br />Jonas Bechmann, a defense attorney, is a man of the system. Until the day he himself is accused of murder. Taking matters into his own hands, he throws himself into the hunt for a group of blackmailers who threaten to expose him as the killer. But nothing is what it appears to be, and the blackmail links back to his father's death under mysterious circumstances a year and a half earlier. <br /><br />7.8/10<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtyvulotREw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GtyvulotREw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Besides two major bummer flaws of "The Candidate"; One being something I must not spoil the other is just the whole reasoning and justification behind what is really causing the antagonists to go through all this intricate blackmailing scheme.<br />Once you see how detailed and technically, psychologically involved this master frame job is for Jonas, you will just be wondering, why?<br />Fast paced editing and brilliant performances, you got Bodnia who I just love, Nikolaj Lie Kaas who was intimidating as fuck in Bornedal's "Kærlighed på film", which was one of my favorite films I saw last year. Some other familiar faces pop up through out making a solid cast. However with too many curve balls there is just something loose<br />with the big picture.Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8948716362483834259.post-13030004511877698172009-03-22T09:41:00.000-07:002009-03-22T09:44:32.113-07:00Tokyo!Japan/France/South Korea/Germany 2008<br /><br /><img src="http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Tokyo/tokyo_movie_image__1_.jpg"><br /><br />Directors Michel Gondry, Leos Carax and Joon-ho Bong each contribute a short film set in the great metropolis of Tokyo. Gondry's "Interior Design" follows an aspiring filmmaker who drifts apart from his girlfriend as they pursue a future in the big city. In Carax's "Merde," a strange man commits a bizarre series of controversial public acts on the Tokyo streets. And in Bong's "Shaking Tokyo," a recluse falls in love with a pizza delivery girl.<br /><br />8.8/10<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rhWLFW3te-k&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rhWLFW3te-k&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br />Inventive, imaginative, intriguing yet completely identifiable. Tokyo! brings three non-Japanese director's visions of Tokyo, Japan together in this 3 part movie of top notch performances and production. Each film maker, with their distinct styles really bring a lot to the table. Where a despairing laugh or an empathetic tear is just around the corner of every scene, TOKYO! is absolute in it's searing captivation of all things that make the human condition complicated, yet so frail and unstable, yet intelligent and simple.Very fascinating movie with a high replay value!Keithisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17575334210336932653noreply@blogger.com0