Adventureland

I liked what they tried to do with this film, and that was embody the 1987 experience, and they did achieve that, but it failed for me because it was too long and too predictable. I feel I was misinformed about the comedic value this film was supposed to deliver. It felt more like a coming of age, sappy sort of story and I was prepared for more of a comedy, due to the misleading marketing and trailer. While there were a few funny scenes, there weren't enough to hold my interest, and therefore it felt way too long. I found myself wanting it to end far earlier than it did. I knew how it would end from the very beginning. I was happy that they used the Replacements for music, and that made me momentarily happy. It reads more like a television show, than a full length feature. I think this movie was supposed to be "cooler" than it actually is. The trailer features the more comedic scenes, and Violent Femmes music,which wasn't even in the movie, but it was boring! Also, the lead character, James, played by Jesse Eisenberg,was an exact replica of Jesse's character in his last film, Roger Dodger; a virginal, likable geek who winds up being ok just the way he is. I have seen it all before. The mix of the telltale comedic actors such as, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, of Saturday Night Live fame within a drama confused me. I thought I was going to see a hilarious film when actually I was force fed a drama about Em Lewin, played by Kristen Stewart who had a pension for picking all the wrong men until she met James, and James, a uncomfortable virgin who finally meets his match. It just didn't have "it" for me. I was greatly surprised by the reemergence of Martin Starr, of Freaks and Geeks fame, who plays Joel. I am a huge Freaks and Geeks fan! Eh, I was just not so excited about this story. I see where they tried to go with the execution, but somehow didn't hit that mark. Ryan Reynolds character didn't suit him either....All star cast but no go... save it for a rental.

I give it a 3 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtVnRAY5LQE

Grandma's Boy

Happy Madison brings us another ridiculous film; this time it is about Alex, the oldest video game tester who has a pension for partying too much. Alex is forced to move in with his grandmother because his roommate was spending the rent on his secret massage addiction. At work, Alex encounters a project manager, Samantha, played by Linda Cardellini (of Freaks and Geeks fame) who all his geeky coworkers ogle and soon with he finds himself smitten. The story centers around Alex's partying lifestyle which includes his dealer, Dante, who is one of the funniest characters in the film. Dante is a overly tanned, overly high, good looking, silly man who has a pension for wildlife as pets and and exotic friends from other cultures. We also get a glimpse into Alex's home life with his grandmother, played by Doris Roberts (of Everybody Loves Raymond fame), and her 2 older roommates. At one point there is a huge house party at grandma's place with Dante, Alex's work buddies, and a bevy of other local partiers, which is totally ridiculous. Chuck Church, who plays Dan stole many scenes, next to Dante. He had the funniest lines and delivered them with great comedic timing.

I give it 5 out of 10.

I Could Never Be Your Woman

My friend Kristina gave me this film to watch and I took it because I enjoy Paul Rudd and Michelle Pfeiffer. The story centers around a 45 year old, tv show producing single mom, Rosie, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. She has a tween aged daughter, Izzie, who is creative and socially awkward. Rosie's ex husband is played by Jon Lovitz with whom she has a very cordial relationship. Rosie is surrounded by the youth of her business in Hollywood but has effectively preserved her good looks and becomes taken with a much younger man who is an actor on her television show. Throughout the film references are made about plastic surgery, staying young and dating therefore this film will be attractive to women. While it wasn't super by any means, I did enjoy it somewhat because I am the target market. I liked the opening scene where Rosie was hanging out at home in an Iron Maiden tshirt and doc martens and her exhusband, Nathan, and she take cheap shots at eachother which are themed primarily about the aging process. It is a light, airy, cheesy sort of film and sometimes us ladies like stuff like this! The part I didn't care for was when Tracy Ullman would appear in a cloudy haze as mother nature chirping in Rosie's ear about the stereo-typical impossibility of things. I suppose she served as narration, but it wasn't necessary and it was fairly annoying.

I give it a 4 out of 10.

Taxi Driver

Travis Bickle, played by Robert DeNiro, is a deranged loner who isolates himself from the filth of New York City and drives a taxi cab to keep busy 12 hours a day. Through out his travels he encounters some characters who make an impression on him. One, Betsy, played by Cybill Shepherd, who he is enamoured of but he is so socially awkward he can't seem to get things right and loses her interest fast and a 12 1/2 year old prostitute , Iris, played by Jody Foster. As demented as he is when alone, he does seem to have some sort of barometer for justice proven by his homicidal whim to kill her pimp and others involved with the prostitution ring. Slow moving scenes and purposeful direction depict a man alone in his apartment pulling guns to his mirror and fantasizing about killing. Throughout the entire film I wondered what the big kill would be. The audience was prepared for him to kill the presidential candidate, but circumstances would prevent it and instead he frees the prostitute from her miserable life. The music was seductive throughout the film and it lended to the film noir feeling. I liked it, but I am unsure that I would put it up there as an all time favorite. It was truly original. One last thought, Harvey Keitel was such a disgusting character (the pimp) and looked devastatingly tiny.

I give it a 7 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqLyTdcMLhc

Roger Dodger

The film opens with a lot of witty banter, and some thought provoking opinions given by the main character, Roger, played by Campbell Scott (I like him)while having dinner with his co-workers and his much older girlfriend/boss (Isabella Rossellini). Roger is sarcastic copy writer for commercials who has lots of great lines and who has a bit of lady trouble. His troubles become obvious fairly early on in the story, but it is sort of undetectable how deep they run until the arrival of his 16 year old nephew who comes to NYC to check out Columbia University. Nick, played skillfully by Jesse Eisenberg, is a loveable nerd who hasn't scored with the ladies and seeks out the assistance of Roger to "train him" in the ways of the "pick up." Roger appears to be the quintessential lady's man as he is handsome, successful and well dressed. Roger's suggestions are callous but resonate with some truth. There is a cunning ironic twist to the story, and that is where this film becomes a 4 versus a 3. There should be a Roger Dodger quote page dedicated to this film as he really does say some amusing things. If you are schooled in the ways of the indie film, you might want to check this out.

I give it a 4 out of 10.
http://www.reelzchannel.com/trailer-clips/25408/roger-dodger-trailer

Living in Oblivion

Since I am interested in what it is like to actually produce a film, I thought to watch this given the attachment of Catherine Keener and Steve Buscemi. It was fairly painful to get to the end as the screaming of the Director's assistant (character) was terrifyingly annoying not to mention the repetitive scenes due to the re dos that inevitably happen as you shoot a film that were in the story. I would never want to direct a film.. it is hard enough to try to figure out what I want a web site to look at, let alone a major scene in a film! Steve Buscemi plays Nick, a Director with a vision and an extremely low budget. Catherine Keener plays the lead in his independent film. I always enjoy watching them perform, but this time, it was painful. I had to watch until the end, hoping the end would justify the means.. NOPE.. didn't occur. I search for these odd films and sometimes I am delightfully surprised and sometimes NOT.

I give it a 2 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaTEaKhXfzM

The Covenant

This movie is rife with adorable male actors so ladies... watch it! The story centers around the male witch coven of the Ipswich brothers in Massachusetts which numbered at 4 until a new evil doer shows up to wreak havoc on the secret power clan. The fight scenes had good special effects, and if you are planning on watching this because you want a heartfelt, deep story, then reach for a different film, but if it's good looking boys you want, reach for this! If you are a man, you will be inspired to work out like crazy, if you are a woman who loves eye candy, you will be enamoured of the beauty that is bestowed upon you in the form of: Taylor Kitsch (Riggins of Friday Night Lights TV fame), Chase Crawford (Gossip Girl), Toby Hemingway (various films), Sebastian Stan (various films along with 4 episodes of Gossip Girl), and Steven Strait (various films). The acting wasn't bad, and the story line kept me involved, although it could get ridiculous at times. It is the Twilight, with some metal music! I liked it! Why not?
I give it a 6 out of 10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2y4bl07A7Q

Mini's First Time

A one person wrecking ball, Mini, played by Nikki Reed, of "13" and "Lords of Dogtown" fame takes what she wants by conniving and scheming. Nothing is sacred. Nikki Reed is underrated, if you ask me. Why don't I see her in more films? Carrie Ann Moss plays her uncaring, indulgent and selfish mother and Alec Baldwin plays her wealthy step father, Martin Tennan. By all means, Martin seems to be the "most together" of them all, barring one indiscretion (escort service use) yet falls prey to Mini's scheme. Mini plays all the adults in her life like a fairly worn fiddle. Amazing how an 18 year old can reason murder to an owner of a Public Relations firm, "work" a television producer, played by Jeff Goldblum, and drive her mother insane. The premise of the story is interesting. Is it her feminine wiles that get her what she wants, or is it her brain? Perhaps both...

I give it a 7 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPgt_tASzb8

The Ice Storm

An Ang Lee directed Story that takes place in New Canaan, CT in 1973 with Sigourney Weaver, Kevin Klein, Joan Allen, Christina Ricci, Tobey Maguire and Katie Holmes. The subtle unfolding of a family is threaded throughout the film and done well. Wendy, played by Christina Ricci is the young daughter of Ben Hood, played by Kevin Klein, who seduces some neighborhood brothers. Wendy's brother, Paul played by Toby Maguire, is a clumsy nerd back from boarding school who dabbles in the art of pot and booze. Joan Allen plays Elena Hood, the mom who appears to be happily married to Ben. That part of the story is revealed as well.. but I don't want to give it all away. It is a believable and thought provoking story of a seemingly perfect suburban family who underneath all the posturing is a blistering mess. The denouement is perfected with the all encompassing key party towards the end of the film.

I give it a 7 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA0stGEfhmw

GO

The quintessential hipster movie of 1999 with a killer cast and a story from 3 points of view. Rife with action, music, drugs, and trouble, this movie will not disappoint. It is not intellectual, but clever in its direction. What makes this movie so good is the cunning story telling angles, and the action sometimes totally hilarious, but sometimes like oh boy, did that just happen? I haven't seen Sarah Polley in much since this film.. she is good, she reminds me of a young Toni Collette. Katie Holmes is good in this and makes me miss the "old Katie." Jay Mohr and Scott Wolf are pretty funny. Overall, I would recommend this film as it is quite entertaining!

I give it a 7 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KTWEFpDOis

Secretary

Maggie Gyllenhall as Lee is perfectly cast as a self cutting young woman who is living with her parents after being released from the mental institution. She epitomizes a childish, dependant, and truly odd person who is now trying to make her way into society which includes getting a job. After high scores in typing in secretarial school, she finds a position in the newspaper to work for a lawyer, played by James Spader. Lee's appearance is frumpy and matronly in the beginning of the story and we watch her conform into a swan. The story centers around the relationship between she and Edward Gray (Spader, who plays demented beautifully). I liked that the similarities drawn between the two were subtle and believeable. However quirky they both were, they have the same obsessive qualities and it created a unique bond to one another. It is not a fast moving story, and isn't music driven in anyway. You must be patient when you watch this and let the story unfold.

I give it a 6 out of 10.
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/secretary/trailer

21 Grams

I have always heard that this was a deep story full of despair and I finally saw it and have to agree. The time line was shot in a clever and sometimes confusing manner. I had to pay attention closely to figure out if the scene was before or after the beginning clip of the film. It annoyed me at times because I felt I had to pay such close attention to try to figure out where in the progression of the story the scene would fit in. If that makes sense, and the way I am communicating it was exactly the way the film was shot. Benicio del Tores was great as usual, as was Sean Penn and Naomi Watts. The acting was superb and the story sort of gut wrenching. If you are seeking an uplifting film, this is not for you. The story centers around a great tragedy and how the three main characters come together as a result. This script was well executed and definitely thought provoking.

I give it a 7 out of 10.
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/21-grams/trailer

Sunshine Cleaning

I mistakenly went into the theater thinking this was going to be a "funny" movie, and while it was humorous at times, the feel was decidedly serious. It is a touching story of a blue collar family who endures a tragedy early in their life and deal with it abysmally. Each of the characters are barely getting by, and seem to have failed to find their niche in life. This is prevalent in America, as most people live this way, and therefore it was realistic. It was pretty sad in many scenes, but I did like and want Rose, played by Amy Adams, to succeed. Each character couldn't get out of their own way, and it was due to the early situation. Alan Arkin played Rose's father, and was a colossal F UP, but I liked him too. They did a great job with character development, but failed on the closing. I suppose the end was realistic, but it would have been nice to show a little romance.

I give it 7 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN5hSoC4-cQ

What Just Happened?

This film boasts a star-studded cast, including, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Keener, Stanley Tucci, Sean and Robin Wright Penn, Bruce Willis, Kristen Stewart, and John Tuturro ( I miss Tuturro).
While I loved experiencing the inside life of a Hollywood producer (one would have to be nuts to pursue a career in production) the tantrums were excessive and gratuitous. I understand that directors and writers are artists have a vision and can be ridiculous, but the elongated scenes of tantrums were boring. I kept watching because the reigning conflict of the film was not resolved until the very end. The conflict was stupid as well. I am surprised that so many big names were attached to this, and the reality is, this film's outcome is eerily similar to the movie's outcome in the story, not too super. Anytime I see DeNiro involved I automatically think it's going to be great... but I have been proven wrong many times... I don't know why I continue to hold on to that fantasy!

I give it a 4 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av0EAOfwQ3k

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters

This is a creative interpretation of Mishima Yukio's life by Paul Schrader, who wrote and directed. The film is quite picturesque, dramatic, colorful and simple. Minimalistic sets grace the screen most of the time which coincide with the score beautifully performed by Philip Glass. Mishima was a complicated intellectual, author, political activist and latent homosexual who Japan chooses to ignore. I saw this film and was lucky enough to endure a question and answer session with Paul Schrader. I asked him if he knew Japanese, as the movie was filmed in Japan and subtitled. He said no, and that make it a bear of a film to make. He did have some Japanese speaking partners helping and he said it is not uncommon for people to produce films that are in a foreign tongue. This film is a visual stunner, but slow moving, and Schrader's most personally rewarding piece. It is not for the novice movie goer. I found it exceedingly long at times, but appreciated the intellectual script immensely.

I give it a 5 out 10.

Drugstore Cowboy

Safe to say, Matt Dillon as Bobby Hughes is not only gorgeously beautiful in most every scene, but the part seemed to have been written for him. How could a man's face be that soft and perfect? Easy to see why, when he was young, he was a busy actor. Kelly Lynch as Diane, Bobby's wife was OK. She seemed somewhat wooden in this role and it didn't appear to come natural to her. Heather Graham made a bust as Nadine, a young girl wanting the fast life, but truly couldn't keep up. It is fun to watch older films and I highly recommend it. This story centered around the famous screw-up Bobby Hughes, who has been hustling and doing drugs since he can remember. He has been running around with Diane since they were children and both dropped off into the life of crime and drugs rather early. Bobby is the brains and brawn behind each drugstore robbery but something occurs that makes him rethink his ways. This is one of the cooler genX films I have seen and I am glad I rewatched it.

I give it a 7 out of 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Rs8c08hM8