11:14

A look at a two murders from every character that was directly or indirectly involved! The film takes us on a journey from several different points of view into some unfortunate circumstances surrounding the murder of two people. Each character and scene is directly involved by accident as the two murders were an accident. Dark desperate people do dark desperate things. I wonder why we don't see Rachel Leigh Cook anymore, she had promise and I like to watch Hilary Swank because she always gets the most out of a role squeezing every ounce out that she possibly can. Shawn Hotosy is awesome too, and hasn't been around lately either. Patrick Swayze is also in this film, playing the weird, protective dad of Rachel Leigh Cook's character! If you liked the film "GO", you will more than likely enjoy this film.

I give it a 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-g6uIyFvow

Brick

The dialogue in this film is quite unique and reminiscent of a 1950's film noir detective story. I re-watched this with my friend Mark last night and he kept saying, this is so "David Mamet" with respect to the writing.. sing songy, and poetic. I found the dialogue to be most annoying, most of the time. If it wasn't for the great artistic direction and the overall uniqueness of the film, I would have rated it a 0 due to having to pay far too much attention and feeling like I was missing important information. On the flip side, it was hilarious to see highschool kids use 1950s film noir slang! Quite clever. The cinematography was interesting and the presentation of the overall situation was somewhat mysterious and that is what will keep the viewer. I like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but why the two last names for him, is he married? His character was interesting because he was fearless but physically small. He put himself in crazy situations repeatedly. Mark and I kept wondering, where are all the kid's parents in all of this! ha ha ha.. seriously, these kids were participating in murder, drugs, and guns and only one parent was around, the Pin's.. and she would serve them cereal and milk, etc. That was why this film got a 4, bizarre and odd situations made it a lively watch. The story centers around a murder of a classmate and Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Brandon who becomes an instant detective and gets to the bottom of the crime by playing each dumb kid involved.

I give it a 4 for ORIGINALITY.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cVzHeJ0Z3I

Hero Tomorrow

Not being a real comic book reader or being privy to the world of the comic book peeps, I am not sure what to make of this film. I appreciated the Director's vision but the acting was wooden. Not all performances were totally wooden, but most were. The main character, David, played be dreadlock ridden Perren Hedderson was the worst actor of them all, and he needed to be GREAT to carry this first film from Director Ted Sikora! This film genre is titled comedy on IMDB and I didn't really see much that was funny, much more tragic for the main character to be such a MESS. I thought the costume was well done but I didn't relate and or connect with any of the characters and that is what is essential for a successful movie. They pulled off some of the special effects and the back and forth storytelling, but I found it a bit depressing overall. The story was depressing, the characters were depressing and not at all vibrant and likeable. The story centers around a comic book junkie who created a character Apama, and desperately wants to publish and we get to see his frustrations and him trying to make Apama come alive in more ways than one.

I give it a 1.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=5685873#

Kicking and Screaming

My friend Brian Howie recommended this film and I have to say almost each and every line is worth quoting again and again in life! Why is it that men always remember quotes from films and women don't? There should be an entire web site devoted to Kicking and Screaming quotes because many of them are genius!
Max: "What I used to able to pass off as a bad summer could now potentially turn into a bad life"
The story centers around a group of guys who just graduated college and are having a difficult time integrating themselves into the real world. It is realistic, the guys are cute and Parker Posey is in it! Enough reason for me to watch it! The dialogue is witty, dry, and hilarious through out most of the movie. Although I never laughed hard out loud, inside I was appreciating it immensely. Such a clever writer.. and cast perfectly. It was created in 1995, but for me, it is timeless. This is a DVD to buy and add to your collection! We all know someone who is like ONE of the characters (if you are somewhat elitist, literature driven, and were a little off beat and cool (self titled)...

I give it a 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL0-ADlTL3U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZvhSqEVKi8

Gigantic

I am still trying to figure out why the film was titled Gigantic, but I did enjoy it and all it subtleties. It is a likely love story between two socially awkward 20 somethings, Harriet,played by Zooey Deschanel, and Brian, played by Paul Dano, who accidentally meet at Brian's place of work as Harriet's eccentric father, Al,played by John Goodman, buys a bed from Brian. We get more of a glimpse into Brian's more often than not, odd life than we do Harriet's. The direction is effective as it leaves the viewer to come to his or her own conclusions without the film being pretentious. Zooey is her usual adorable, quirky beautiful self and Patrick Dano is always masterful at being strange, due to his appearance and mannerisms. This film couldn't have been better cast. There is a strange theme occurring throughout which includes the actor Zach Galifianakis, of Bored to Death and The Hangover fame. At first it seems gratuitous and forcefully weird, but later the issue becomes apparent, but is never explained. Artful and purposeful direction makes this snapshot of a voyeuristic emotional story effective.

I give it a 7.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rngoGb00Rto

Whatever Works

HA HA HA.. I don't know if I should admit this.. but I had no idea Woody Allen directed this, but as I watched, I thought to myself, THIS IS SO WOODY ALLEN!! AND.. I had no idea Rachel Evan Wood played Melody! I loved this film! It was hilarious...Boris was someone who I think I dated in the 80s, however, he was only a year older than me, but definitely soured me on existence. I liked how I could not predict what was going to happen. I thought the pessimistic and dour man would learn from the young girl.. be less jaded. He didn't. He remained the same. The two people who changed were the least likely to change.. the others remained constant... Boris, played by Larry David, is a genius, and meets Melody, a young "inch worm" with no brains and somehow they wind up married. The story then winds and changes and brings Melody's parents to town and they do all the changing.. Not much else to write, other than it is funny and I loved how they brought in quantum mechanics. They made fun of republicans quite a bit. I am not going to disclose where I stand politically, but that aspect could anger certain people. I don't really care, personally.

I give it a 8.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAgp2Bgrl0g

Stealing Home

Katie Chandler, played by Jodi Foster, is absolutely one of my most favorite movie characters on the planet! I see myself in her, irreverent, bold, direct, loving, and rebellious. Unfortunately, she is met with a personal demise that makes her character a bit ironic, but maybe the world wasn't a place where such passion was capable, for Katie, anyway. I always like movies where young kids are acting out, smoking, drinking a little, even though it is unhealthy, it is HILARIOUS... and Stealing Home is no exception. Katie babysits Billy Wyatt from an early age, and their families' are close. Katie treats Billy like an adult when he is 10 years old and makes a big impression on him. Billy, as a grown man, must come home as he was designated in charge of Katie's ashes, and he must make the decision of where to lay them forever. While he travels home, via bus, he remembers all the times with Katie and growing up with his best friend Appleby, played by Jonathan Silverman. This is one of my all time favorite movies. I think the young Billy Wyatt is soooo gorgeous, and I like how the relationship between Katie and Billy ebbs and flows throughout the years. It is interesting, romantic, and enlightening. A true human bond is illustrated in a poetic manner.

I give it a 9.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwxFIUjmwQQ

Dakota Skye

Dakota, the main character of the film, was born with a gift of being able to ascertain whether or not people are being truthful after they make a declaration. This "super power" becomes problematic for Dakota as she discovers that the whole world lies, and a result, becomes withdrawn, depressed and cynical. She is of high school age and has friends, but feels different. She dates an "older" guy, out of school, in a band, and regularly experiences his lies, but stays with him because they are adequately attracted to one another. She comes across a friend of her boyfriend's, who comes back to LA, after being in NYC and notices he never lies. She cannot fight her fascination with him as she has never met someone honest. This isn't a real mind bender.

I give it 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqxP96T7HiM

Away We Go

The more I think about it, the more I enjoy Jeff Daniels,although his "pivotal" role was in Dumb and Dumber.. jus kiddin.. He is quite the actor and definitely great in the Squid and the Whale. He only had a small part in this, but when I see him, I enjoy him, he is sort of the William Hurt of this generation. Anyway, I LOVED this film. It was so well directed, subtle, simple, and the music was perfectly peaceful and appropriate. The story centers around a couple in their 30s who accidentally become pregnant and are forced to reconcile it emotionally. I enjoyed the pace of the story, and found it charming, interesting, and endearing. Allison Janney's cameo was hilarious! The main characters, played by John Krasinski, of THE OFFICE fame and Maya Rudolph of Saturday Night Live fame, had believable chemistry. Sam Mendes is a masterful director that knows how to create emotional impact so well. He is sensitive with character portrayal and somehow nails it EVERY TIME. The main characters, Burt, and a very pregnant Verona, travel around visiting their friends trying to find a place to settle down and raise their child; all the while reasoning, rationalizing, and figuring out how they are going to do it all.

I give it a 9.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEp3NKG2U5U

The Living Matrix, A Film on the New Science of Healing

I loved this film as it inspires hope, understanding, education and belief that human potential is truly limitless. Similar to the documentary, Something Unknown, this film focuses on the new sciences and quantum physics surrounding our own ability to heal ourselves and others through the unified field of energy that surrounds all of us. This film has even go so far as to even suggest that memory is not something within our own brain but information encoded from the energetic field that surrounds all of us. These MDs, Ph.D.'s and Scientists have conducted countless experiments and tests to conclude that there is more to the human body than meets the eye. It is a combination of both mind and body, creating the mindbody all interconnected and should be treated as such. Intention and belief are two very strong indicators of healing and health and miracles happen all the time as a result. Our thoughts are just as important as how we treat our bodies nutritionally and physically. Everyone has the power to heal others and themselves. Beyond medicine, the placebo effect is extraordinary and is explained in depth, and it all makes sense. In the coming years, we will all witness a great change in medicine and how disease is treated. Every ailment is the result of the encoding of information, and disease is simply scrambled information. To know what I am talking about, you must watch this informative, thought provoking and intellectual film.

I give it a 10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne-I7JTXCbo

Strictly Sexual

This obviously low budget indie threw out some surprisingly honest, raw, direct, and thought provoking dialogue AT TIMES. I had very low expectations and occasionally found myself surprised at how my attention was kept. The premise was hilarious. Two women roommates in Los Angeles living in a house met two new LA transplant construction workers and let them live on the property in a cabana tent in exchange for sex slavery. The acting was a little off at times, but the dialogue as crass as it was, at times, was realistic, but woodenly delivered. Much of the psychological aspects made sense and you could see where the director wanted to go... but failed.. creating a low budget feel. The writer was onto something, and I could sense why they wrote the script, and why they wanted to make the film. It was rife with romantic nuances that typically don't get addressed.. sort of like French Cinema. I am sorry they missed the mark, because parts of it was funny and actually quite smart but the execution was lame.

I give it a 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhw71DyXj4s

The Babysitters

I did not know what to expect at all when I began watching this film. At times, the music in the opening can determine whether or not I will like it. The opening, without the first scene told me I would find this interesting. Interesting it was... Sort of like Jawbreaker, Cruel Intentions and a combination of other teen films that were laced with debauchery, lack of a moral compass and a little bit of shock all rolled into one. The story centers around a mousy girl who babysits for Michael who is played by John Leguizamo, and Gail, Cynthia Nixon's character. Michael is a recovering addict and has a weird marriage as a result and likes the babysitter because she is young and doesn't have any thing over him. After becoming intimately involved, he pays her above and beyond babysitting fees to keep her quiet. Soon thereafter, this mousy quiet girl involves other friends because Michael cannot stop telling people about his experience and she becomes a madam of a teenage prostitution ring called the babysitters. Ironic title, but makes sense because the male characters in this film are quite despicable. This film is a bit of a car accident that you can't stop watching and the scene which created the denouement was perfect and equally disturbing. The last quote in this film is,"A unique detail in an otherwise ordinary life..." so fitting and downplayed... like the high school student who created the business.

I give it 6.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-OAyTcd_Q

Jump Tomorrow

I watched this film and thought, was this made in the 1970s??!! I couldn't place the decade of this film due to the crazy main character, George, from Nigeria with his horn rimmed glasses and smart attire. The music in the opening was crazy and fun, and I thought, what the heck is this?? I then wondered if it was an African film.. It was full of surprises and an artful and often times simple direction laced with absurd dancing, music and dialogue. I now realize that it is an English film (UK)and that makes some sense AND it was made in 2001. Straight forward, simple story of a chaste Nigerian about to participate in an arranged marriage but meets an idyllic, vivacious and provocative Brazilian who makes him rethink his future.

I give it a 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSQQNN120Sg

Paris, je t'aime

This film wasn't great at all...I usually like unique vignette style films, but this one was abyssmal. Especially the short story of the mimes, UGH! Each little story illustrated a different form of love "happening" at that moment. The theory was interesting but the execution was awful. Cameo appearances by Steve Buschemi, that kid who played some character in Lord of the Rings, Elijah Wood, I think.. Maggie Gyllenhall as well. I get that the director was attempting to create an artful experience....but it sucked! It was pretentious and a failure.

I give it a 0.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkrqtxogmME

Priceless

The French have a way with film and an ability to capture emotional nuances infrequently done in American cinema and this comedy was no exception. There is something distinct about the the way the French tell a love story. This film centered around a woman, played by the incomparable Audrey Tautou, who found herself bouncing from one wealthy man to the next to subsidize her preference for the finer things in life. She would frequent places where rich men hung out in provocative attire, charm them and take them for whatever she could get materially. Her life gets turned upside down when she meets a common man who pretends to be something he isn't to woo her. These two characters develop an unusual relationship to assist one another in garnering what it is they both need to survive separately, but suffice to say they find it hard to resist one another in the process. It is a morally driven tale of happiness or money... one must ultimately decide, and because I say moral... we know where this ends up... but the ride to the end is quite clever, sweet, and entertaining.

I give it a 6.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAxFvLx5M8g

Something Unknown (is doing we don't know what)

What a thought provoking and unusually informative film about the UNKNOWN.. we all know I love irony, and this film attempts to explain the unexplainable. In my mind now, the quote mentioned at the end, Einstein, "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." This documentary provides the viewer with alternative ways of thinking about the mind, the brain and quantum physics. Explaining such phenomena is the ever interesting Charles Tart, and Larry Dossey, M.D., who I became aware of working with the great Dr. Henry Grayson. The film's title is a bit frivolous given the content. One might think that this is hokey because of the word psychic.. but these great new minds, and studiers of the brain and physics go much further. They are scientists who continually challenge new theories and have devoted their life's work to this mysterious phenomena. The message in this film is that human potential is infinite, that it is far beyond what we can see, feel and touch (Newtonian Science), that there is a very distinct spiritual element to existence which makes consciousness far more special and magical than what meets the eye. We would all be remiss in just believing that this is all there is because we are only aware of a small percentage of what the brain/mind can actually do. Our capabilities reach far beyond western science when it comes to healing and health. I am surprised there isn't so much more media to attempt to explain our infinite abilities. It is also difficult for me to believe that others wouldn't be open to this but easy to believe for me because people can be pretty lazy and accept status quo and not be desirous of betterment and change. They want to remain in a victim role, it is what is comfortable.. they don't want to be accountable... the crazy thing is... all they need to do is let the natural part of them shine, but remarkably the jaded emerges most triumphantly most of the time. I personally work to not let that part of human existence taint my views of others. We all want, need and desire the same thing, peace of mind...

I give this a 10.
http://vimeo.com/5566661

Charlie Bartlett

This film made me think of two others, Rushmore, and Harold and Maude because Charlie, like Max Fisher in Rushmore, and like Harold was misunderstood! An outcast who was smart, eccentric and creative, Charlie eventually won the hearts of everyone around him. It is always perfectly wonderful to be the different one because the world is comprised primarily of boring sheep! If it weren't for the Max Fishers, and the Charlie Bartletts, and the Harolds, everything would be gray, and without passion. The hilarious interaction between Charlie and his mother was so reminiscent of Harold and Maude to me.. but distinctly different, however, the dynamic was similar (if that makes sense!)... I am enamoured of the original and enjoy seeing passion no matter what form it takes.. it is refreshing. All hail these characters for they are what makes the world go round... Charlie Bartlett becomes a psychoanalyst of sorts for the kids in high school, meanwhile, he was kicked out of several private schools and typically had trouble making friends.. the irony.. so perfect and accurate.. people so quick to judge instead of appreciating people's differences! Imagine, if we all were the same what a boring world it would be...

I give it a 8 (on the principle of illustrating this important point)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAKEKxS-I64

Smiley Face

This movie was HILARIOUS! I am a huge Anna Faris fan and cannot believe how cute and funny she is! She should have Jennifer Anniston notoriety due to her appearance and obvious comedic acting ability. I like her much better than Jennifer Anniston because Anna takes chances and doesn't mind looking foolish and still manages to retain her attractiveness. I vote ANNA FARIS for America's Sweetheart!! She convincingly plays a stoner in this film like no other I have seen on television, besides maybe, James Franco in Pineapple Express or that kid in Grandma's boy, Dante, who owns the monkey. I have literally watched Smiley Face 4 times and enjoy it just as much each time. A super funny part is when Jane F. played by Anna is in this house, stoned, and is lying about who she is to escape the cops from finding her, and sits and thinks about framing things she likes and comes up with lasagna, and goes to ridiculous lengths in her imagination and how she will hang a picture of President Garfield and tell the story of how Garfield the cat loves Lasagna and how she loves it, and I am not doing the story justice, but trust me it is so ludicrous and hilarious... The film centers around a journey a very stoned girl takes after smoking pot in the morning and then getting the munchies and eating an entire plate of cupcakes, not knowing they were baked with pot! She needs to pay the electric bill, replace her roommates cupcakes and meet her dealer but gets off track by so many events.. aka Harold and Kumar go to White Castle! SO FUNNY!

I give it an 9.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLCzta7BROE

Descent

I had no idea what I was getting into with this one and watched it the night before Thanksgiving. I also never quite realized how beautiful Rosario Dawson was until I watched Descent. I also sort of wish I NEVER watched this film because the ending was disturbing beyond belief and dragged out for WAY TOO LONG!!! It was torture.. Rosario plays Maya, a smart student from Baltimore who attends a college and meets a football player. He pursues her relentlessly and she reluctantly agrees to get together with him. He winds up raping her and the story continues.... Maya begins a turn for the worse as a result of this very unfortunate incident. I have no idea why I continued to watch it.. I think it is sort of like viewing a car accident. The slow and purposeful direction was impactful, but at the same time lingered on the rape scenes WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO long, and it was AWFUL. I forget about Rosario's great performance and the relevance of the journey down after rape, which is significant because of the elongated rape footage...

I give it 1 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUzHBEk6FMs

Lymelife

My friend, Mark Pason, asked me if I had seen this film and I said, "A film about Lyme Disease?" He said, "Trust me, it's your kind of film, check it out." So, after hooking up my Roku, this was my first viewing experience. I liked the raw, 1970s feel of the direction very much. Rory Culkin plays the lead, Scott Bartlett, who's dad is played by Alec Baldwin, Mickey. As much as I can detest Alec Baldwin in real life, I LOVE HIS ACTING! He is so funny.. not since Providence, have I seen him shine in all his slimy glory! Rory Culkin is a great actor, and I loved watching him as well... It is a coming of age story about Scott, who's family friend's daughter, Adrianna, with whom he holds a secret affection. Cynthia Nixon's character, Melissa, is Adrianna's frustrated mom. Melissa is sick and tired of her husband's antics due to his Lyme disease, played by Timothy Hutton. This was before Lyme disease was accepted as a real illness and it is clever how Hutton's character sees a mirage of a deer almost constantly in the back yard, taunting him, due to Lyme disease being deer tick related. Odd and quirky, and fun, and at times emotional, this film was pretty good. I liked the cast!

I give it a 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5j6QAkGbNU

Empire Records

The soundtrack contains this one band, Quicksand, song Thorn in My Side, which I had no idea was in this film, but is not included on the soundtrack! I love Quicksand. They are an old school band my friend,Jeff Unger, introduced me to in college back in the old days! In the 80s it was very cool to work in a record store and the story centers around some local misfits working in an indie record store that is about to be bought by a big corporate conglomerate due to the dying art of indie music. The manager, played by Anthony LaPaglia, is an older musician who encourages the employees be themselves by allowing them to play their favorite music loudly in the store, etc. Robin Tunney (who I love) is a troubled girl who eventually shaves her head ala Brittany Spears in the film. Brittany must have been copying Empire Records!! Anyway, it isn't a deep movie but shows how different people can find common ground. It is entertaining to a certain degree, but given the story line and my love of the concept,...
I give it a 4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyVutj2oEpk

The Big Bad Swim

I watched this because my friend, Michael Ellenbogen, who is in the "business" posted something about it on his Facebook page. I didn't know anything about it and was surprised that it took place in Connecticut in the Groton area. It is a small budget indie that focuses on an adult swim class. Adults taking a swim class is a clever premise and I liked what they did with it, however, it was incredibly slow moving and not overly thought provoking. The character development wasn't great and I didn't feel for any of them. The teacher was a young Olympic hopeful, (story killer) who was unusually depressed but physically super attractive. His class contained some characters who befriended one another and we got a glimpse into each of their lives, but again, it was remiss in making any real emotional connection from me. It wasn't terrible, but certainly not riveting. We see that emotional connection with others enhances lives, but we all know that already.

I give it a 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJNR5Nl2_VY

Happiness

This film is an incredibly twisted bunch of despicable characters weaving a web of total dysfunction throughout a disturbing life in the day of.... Lara Flynn Boyle and Philip Seymour Hoffman are the notable actors in this ironic, dark, and thought provoking drama. Happiness is an ironic title given how much each character is suffering. Todd Solondz is the father of bizarre and addresses many taboo subjects in this story of a family chock full of problems. He depicts mental illness with a dark comedic flair that is so Todd Solondzesque... unmatched by any other auteur in the industry. If you have absolutely no sense of the Flannery O'Connor dark humor, you would serve yourself well to pass this by as either you "get it" or you don't. The average American film goer will not get this film and will not laugh at the "funny moments", and believe me as much as it is disturbing there are points where you must laugh, but you sort of hate yourself for it when you do.... Solondz delves into the darkest corners of human ailments in Happiness and it is truly not for the faint of heart. The story weaves in and out of a family comprised of 3 daughters, 2 grandchildren and the grandparents; each rife with issues that plague the secret underbelly of American existence. There is a lot of deadpan humor and the delivery is genius at points and remarkably shocking. This was a courageous film making effort and Solondz is to be applauded. The end of the film is just as crazy as the whole thing. I don't want to reveal any of the story because I would have to sit and type the whole thing because even sharing one scene would make me ludicrously remiss as it is entirely impossible to fathom. If you are seeking to be shocked, and if you want to laugh at the unforgiveable and want to feel that your life is unusually "normal" pick it up and give it a whirl, otherwise, steer very clear if you aren't into irony.

I give it a 7.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkQ_JxoWUP8

Out of Sight

I don't know how I missed this film in 1998! It is rife with notable actors including: George Clooney, who plays Jack Foley, a bank robber, Jennifer Lopez, who plays Karen Sisco, a Federal Agent, Steve Zahn who plays a dummy, Don Cheadle who plays Maurice, a common criminal, Ving Rhames, who plays a fellow inmate, Dennis Farina, plays Karen's father, Isaiah Washington, another criminal, Luis Guzman the ugly actor who is in EVERYTHING and one of my all time faves, Catherine Keener! Steven Soderbergh really chunked it up with names and directed this fun film with style! I liked that it was comedic, a romance, and a drama all wrapped up into one entertaining film! I liked every minute of it, and actually found George Clooney appealing in it. I don't typically adore him, but he did lend this film a certain Cary Grantesque lead in the looks department. The two main characters, Jack and Karen make an unlikely connection when she inadvertently gets involved in a prison break, wrong time, wrong place. She is locked in the trunk with George Clooney who's face is painted but manages to seduce and interest her with his conversation although she was held beyond her will. This film had all the classic elements for a great story and was often clever. I was talking with a friend today and I said Jennifer Lopez was an "interesting" choice given the other line ups, but she quickly reminded me of U Turn and a couple other great independents that Jennifer was in before she went all mainstream.. for the money.

I give this an 8.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_GOrRyhABg

Paranoid Park

Gus Van Sant is the uncle of cool, too young to be a grandfather, but maybe not.. but I liked this film a lot. The use of music was quite interesting. The landscape of young skater kids lent itself to hip, but the story line was directed in such a way that it felt dream like. The main character is a highschool kid of about 15 who's parents are going through a divorce. He becomes enamored of a skate park commonly referred to as Paranoid Park. This park is inhabited by degenerates, and outcasts and Alex, the main character feels akin to these kids and borrows his mother's car one day to secretly go there alone. None of his friends would ever go there alone but Alex, going through a hard time at home, felt drawn to it. On this night, while alone at Paranoid Park, he gets talked into drinking beer and hopping trains. While on the train, a railroad security guard starts to run along side of the train and hit at him with a bat, and Alex uses his skateboard to shoo him away and the man winds up stumbling and then falling onto the track in the train's path. His body is ripped in half and Alex witnesses him dying as a result. Throughout this film we experience a young kid with a devastating secret and we watch how it affects him in his day to day life. Gus Van Sant is graceful in his direction and it becomes elegant at some points, which is ironic given the who the main character is, and the situation at hand. It was subtle and genius, to me.

I give it a 8.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkMDs3FXVzg