Avatar (2009)

My hope is that everyone is not only lucky enough to see this film, but to see it in theatres, so that it may be experienced to its full and amazing extent. I know you have heard the hype about Avatar; James Cameron's epic undertaking (he only spent 300 million making it!), but trust me when I say that all the hype and all the rumors about its innovative CGI and revolutionary special effects will not let you down! We, as film-goers really have no reference for what we see in this movie, and I know it will leave you imagining what the future has in store for cinema, just as it did me.

This film's plot is a very basic, and primordial one, focused on only two characters despite a rather large cast. Jake Sully is a wheel-chair bound marine who receives an offer from the government to take up his twin brother's place as a researcher on the planet of Pandora after his brother's sudden death. Pandora holds many mysteries, but much wealth is to be had from it as well, so there are conflicts between those who want to learn from the planet, and those who want to exploit its resources.

A race of native humanoids called the Na'vi dwell in the forests of Pandora, and are thought of as dangerous savages by nearly all the humans who have come to Pandora. Those who have come to study and learn the scientific secrets of the planet, however, venture out of their safe havens with Avatars. These Avatars look like the native Na'vi, and Jake Sully's brother was to have one of his own. Now the Avatar is Jake's, and despite his inexperience and fear of Pandora's dangers, he is thrilled to be free of his wheelchair and able to walk once more.

Neytiri is the daughter of one of the Na'vi clan's chiefs. She is blue skinned, has cat-like eyes, and wears her dark hair dreadlocked like the rest of her people. She also reflects her people's resentment of the humans when she meets Jake, though he counters that with an admiration for her, and an ever-increasing sympathy for her people and their values. The peaceful lives they live in harmony with their planet have great appeal to Jake, and he eventually begins to realize that he too cares about what the Na'vi are fighting to protect. In addition, he has fallen in love with Neytiri, and she with him despite all their differences.

I must say, that at this point, the story will remind you, as it did me, of many other similar movies. You may be thinking Dances With Wolves, but first to pop into my mind is Princess Mononoke, which also contains the environmental themes. James Cameron himself has pointed out the "green" message, just as Hayao Miyazaki pointed his out twelve years ago in Princess Mononoke. Please follow this link to read more on the subliminal undertones of Avatar:
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/hmg-avatar-hidden-messages.html

So now on to things I didn't like so well about the film! I will not describe the end here, as I know I have probably gushed way too many spoilers as is, but I will say that I did not care for it much, and that it was predictable. I also would have enjoyed more of a back story with the human characters, such as an explanation for why Jake Sully so easily gave up his earthly life in favor of fighting against his own people and betraying all they had done for him. His heart over head thinking was a little beyond belief for me there.

Avatar is rated PG-13 and is a whopping 162 minute film, which I know is longish for some, but it did not bother me. I would gladly have sat through another half hour if that time could have fleshed out those characters that Cameron put on screen just long enough to interest me, but not allow me to really know them. This though, is obviously minor, and is a testament to how wonderful his characters really are. Noteworthy performances come from Sigourney Weaver as Dr. Grace Augustine, and also from Giovanni Ribisi and Michelle Rodriguez. All in all, this film is a work of art and an astounding contribution to cinema.

- Dani

The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Based on a book of the same name by Jon Ronson, this film is enormously entertaining and yet also based on fact! Keep that in mind as you watch it.

Ewan McGregor is our narrator and guide into the journey of this film, which basically starts out when his wife leaves him and he decides to go to Iraq to cover the war as a journalist. While there he meets Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), who claims to be a member of the Army's First Earth Battalion, an elite and covert group trained to use the powers of their mind in warfare. With much dead-pan seriousness Lyn refers to himself as a Jedi, and the irony is not lost on the fact that Ewan McGregor also played Obi-Wan in the Star Wars prequels.

The story progresses with Bob Wilton (McGregor) following Lyn on a mission that he says he is on, while along the way Lyn entertains Bob's curiosity about the First Earth Battalion which we as as an audience see as flashbacks involving Bill Django (Jeff Bridges) and his hippie-esque ideals that produced his zany training methods and his group of remote viewers, a.k.a. psychic spies, a.k.a Jedi Knights.

The confidence that Clooney's character has in his supposed super powers, and his many deceptive attempts to prove that he has them, is in my opinion, one of the funniest things in the film. McGregor's character counters Clooney's enthusiasm with concern about their journey, and by fretting over whether or not his traveling partner is completely nuts. The dynamic was great, and the two of them kept me laughing even when their joke was long over. But, then again, I am a fan of Clooney's comedy, and especially of O Brother Where Art Thou, and Burn After Reading. It honestly doesn't get much better for me than those two bundles of comedic joy.

With that said, this movie may not be quite so hilarious to another as it was to me. To enjoy it, one cannot expect some sort of commentary out of its Iraq War subject matter, and one cannot think too much about where the story is heading. All you need to do as an audience member is enjoy the ride! If you do indeed get to the end of this film without seeing the humor, then first of all, I pity you, and second of all... it's based on fact! That in and of itself is the biggest joke in the film.

Here's my watered down rendition of the facts: Due to the U.S. learning that other countries were experimenting with ESP and psychic research to be used in warfare, our government actually funded many such projects throughout the WWII years until the 1990s when the projects were terminated due to lack of results and value to the intelligence community. One of their objectives was remote viewing, wherein the link to the film lies.

All in all, this R-rated flick directed by Grant Heslov is a good film overall, but not great. The disjointed story style was fine with me, but it may irk others. Drug refrences were plentiful, and the bit of brief nudity we see seems to exist only for the sake of an easy laugh. I plan on reading the book when I can so that I may look further into the differences between it and the film, and between the book and the government's actual dealings with psychic research and LSD-induced mind control. It's a fascinating part of our nation's history (if you're as interested in all things bizarre as I am), and I hope that watching The Men Who Stare at Goats will not only give you a chuckle, but will open your eyes up a little wider to the fact that truth is often stranger than fiction! And by strange, I mean really strange!

-Dani

Adventureland (2009)

With the winter months quickly approaching, it’s nice to sit back and reminisce on those summer days that have faded to distant memories. Adventureland, a new teenage film from the director of Superbad, is the perfect movie to remind us that warm weather, vacations, and carnivals are only seven months away!

At his celebration dinner, recent 1987 college grad James Brennan receives two blows from his parents: due to his father’s demotion, James must cancel his European summer vacation AND pay his way through graduate school at Columbia University. In desperate need of cash, James is forced to find a summer job. Having no previous job experience, the only place that will hire him is the tacky theme park, Adventureland. There, he befriends an array of coworkers, and falls in love with the complicated Em Lewin, who is struggling with family and emotional problems of her own.

While Adventureland was marketed as humorous, this is definitely not a light film, and much more characteristic of a dark romantic comedy. The characters are complex, and in the midst of dealing with their emergence into adulthood, experiment with drugs, sex, and alcohol. Outstanding performances are given by Jesse Eisenberg (James), Kristen Stewart (Em), and Ryan Reynolds, among others.

Interestingly, the film is set to an 80’s soundtrack, and reminded me a great deal of the movie Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Jesse Eisenberg also oddly resembles Michael Cera, in both his behavior and looks. Eisenberg’s portrayal of James is also similar to the geeky-awkward characters Michael Cera characteristically plays.

Although I enjoyed the first half of the movie, especially the setting of the corrupt amusement park, the second half seemed to fizzle out. Overall, the film resembles a bit of a cliched "coming-of-age" story. Yet, it's worth seeing if you enjoyed films such as Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist and Juno.

-Lindsay

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

There are only so many ways that people can still be transported to fantasy worlds in a manner that we have not seen a billion times before, and still remain on board with the story. My examples: Dorothy and her tornado. Alice and that rabbit hole. Peter Pan and those lucky children he feels inclined to teach how to fly. Those means of travel are classic, and have been, at least to me, completely believable. Max (played by Max Records in the movie) and his journey fits right in with these timeless characters and lessons learned from imaginary lands.

Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are storybook was never really a staple of my bedtime hour during childhood, but I of course was aware of Max and his adventures in the book. I love how this new live-action re-telling of the story relies upon this classic tale of escape from ordinary life (in Max's case, a life filled with discipline for his wild ways), and fleshes out the basic premise in ways that you probably won't expect, but are refreshing to see.

This is a dark children's film, there is no doubt. It is rated PG, but contains much angst at the outset from 9 year old Max who is struggling to deal with a sister who is growing too old to play with him, a mom who has a new boyfriend and a father who is not present in the film, but whose absence is actually a driving force to Max's frustration and unbridled actions. This film will take you back as you watch it, to moments during your own childhood when you felt as Max feels in the opening scenes. It will remind you that yes, childhood contains simple joys, but there are also fears that we in our adulthood have long ago overcome.

Children, more so than adults will always say what they are thinking, and behave more in accordance with the whims of their feelings. This is what the Wild Things in the film are crafted to symbolically represent. Before Max escapes to the world of the Wild Things, his mother tells him: "You're out of control!" which haunts him for the rest of the film and makes him worry that he may not be a good person.

In the world of the Wild Things, Max meets Carol. Carol becomes a sort of friend to Max there, but even that seems to present its own dangers. Carol struck me as being symbolic of Max's uncontrolled emotions. When Max becomes king of the Wild Things, it is like he has let go of all restraint and lives only to do as he feels. Eventually, though, the Wild Things prove too wild for Max, and he finds himself the one yelling "You're out of control!" to them.

I highly recommend this movie, even for children if they of school age and are mature enough to deal with some of the themes. Below you will find my link to the parents' guide on imdb.com concerning this movie. Read it and decide for yourself and your children if it is right for you!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386117/parentalguide

-Dani

Sin Nombre (2009)

I really love having this blog when I come across films like this one. I do not believe it is one that many people have heard of, let alone seen. It was the winner of the New Director's Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the winner of both the Cinematography and Directing Awards at the Sundance Film Festival. I couldn't agree more that it is deserving of these honors.

This is director, Cary Fukunagra's very first film, and though it is dark, dreary and violent, there is a hope to the film, and its theme is one of redemption.

Honduran teen Sayra is making the perilous journey through Mexico toward the United States with her father who shares her dream of a free life there. They move along the path of the illegal immigrant, fearing border patrol officers and riding on north-bound trains whose cars are topped by people we as Americans have been taught by our society to resent, but suddenly sympathize with when we see them onscreen.

We next meet Casper, a young Mexican gang member who appears to take this membership none too seriously, and finally faces a deciding moment in his life when his girlfriend, (whose importance he has been putting before his gang duties) is killed by his gang's leader. Filled afterwards with a hate for his gang, Casper steps in at the moment in the movie when he finally crosses paths with Sayra, and saves her from a grim fate, consequently ending his brotherhood with the gang by ending the life of their leader.

Afterwards, Casper and Sayra's journeys are forever intertwined and they struggle against the odds to evade the shadows of their past and the obstacles that stand between them and the border.

This movie is realistic in a documentary sort of way, but also fantastically epic in its setting and situations. Many aspects of it were reminiscent to me of Slumdog Millionaire, such as the fairy tale vibe with a modern day setting. Please, though, do not get the wrong impression from me about this film when I say "fairy tale vibe". This is no Disney movie, and is rated R for its violence and sexual situations. I think of fairy tales as being stories that have the meat stripped off the bones until they are solid lessons on our morality. I really love the simplicity of that, and the strength of the archetype characters that remain. This film has that quality, and I highly recommend that you see it for yourself to understand fully what I mean. It is mythic, but also disturbingly true to life. I loved it.

- Dani

Knowing (2009)

While disaster flicks such as Deep Impact, Armageddon, and Signs have been done many times before, Knowing is a fresh take on the usual sci-fi catastrophic film.

The film begins in 1959, with the opening of a new elementary school. In celebration of its opening, the school decides to bury a time capsule containing the student’s drawings of what they believe the future will look like in the year 2009. A somewhat strange and recluse student by the name of Lucinda doesn’t draw a picture, however. Instead, she begins to furiously scribble numbers on her piece of paper, but is prevented from finishing. During the ceremonial burial of the time capsule, Lucinda goes missing. Her teacher later finds her in the basement gym closet, carving the remaining numbers into the door with her fingernails.

Fifty years later, the time capsule is opened by the school, and each child is given one of the past student’s drawings. Caleb Koestler is given Lucinda’s image of seemingly random numbers, and brings it home to his father, John Koestler (played by Nicholas Cage), a professor and astrophysicist at the local college. At first, John ignores the numbers. But at closer inspection, he discovers that they catalogue the date, fatalities, and location of every major disaster that has happened in the last 50 years. John’s attempt to find Lucinda and speak with her about the numbers fails when he discovers that she has passed away, but instead locates Lucinda’s daughter Diana Whelan, raising her own daughter Abby. Both children, Abby and Caleb, bond over hearing voices speak to them, and discover that mysterious figures are following them around whom they call the “whisper people.” With three disastrous dates still yet to occur, John is determined to stop the events from taking place before they happen first.

The plot of this movie definitely drew me in. I was constantly intrigued throughout the entire film as well as entertained. The crash sequences that also took place were well done and realistic-looking, and the special effects were great. The ending also surprised me, since I could not foresee that particular twist.

The film also consists of many religious undertones. While I would not consider this to be a religious movie, the strange “whisper people” that play a somewhat main role throughout the entire film could be arguably perceived as angels or aliens, depending on which direction you want to take. There were many references to religion throughout the movie, including John Koestler’s father being a pastor, the Noah’s Ark-type situation with the children near the very end of the film, and the Eden symbolism including the image of the Tree of Knowledge also seen at the very end.

On the other end of the spectrum, the “whisper people” could be perceived as aliens. If this is the case, the movie could be hinting towards the realization that all throughout time, we have confused the presence and ideas of “angels” and other forms of higher beings with “aliens”, when they in truth have been aliens all along.

The movie leaves this debate completely open and never fully reveals what exactly the “whisper people” are. I had very interesting discussions with friends who have also seen this movie about the meaning of the “whisper people.” Whether angels, aliens, strangers, or other hybrids, we as viewers can only speculate what we believe them to be.

While I do have some complaints regarding the movie, they are few and far between. One however would be the incredibly odd musical score. I didn’t feel like the classical music that played throughout the entire film fit in with the rest of the movie plot.

Without giving too much away, I would definitely recommend seeing this movie for yourself. It is an entertaining and suspenseful film that also leads to an interesting discussion.
-Lindsay

District 9 (2009)

Moviegoers who are faint of heart: This one is not for you! Needless to say, though, I enjoyed District 9 greatly. It is rated R and contains graphic violence, disturbing situations, and foul profanity. It is also a strikingly realistic sci-fi film brought to us by director Neill Blomkamp and producer Peter Jackson, of whom I have been such a fan since Lord of the Rings.

I guess I was expecting to see some big budget version of Bad Taste; one of his earliest works in which aliens come to earth in an attempt to harvest humans for the menu of their intergalactic fast food chain, but what I saw instead was something unlike anything I could have ever imagined coming to an American movie screen.

The film is set in Johannesburg, South Africa, and establishes immediately that an alien mothership came and lost power above the city many years ago. Instead of being the advanced race from which humans will either learn from, or be destroyed by, the idea is put forth that perhaps aliens have problems too, and what would we as a people do if they needed help from us?

Out of the ship come some of the most pathetic aliens you will ever see. They are filthy and emaciated, bringing the residents of Johannesburg the challenge of setting these creatures up with food, and shelter in the form of a refugee camp that quickly degenerates into a slum.

20 years after the mothership first came to a halt above the city, the aliens are experiencing the corruption and racial hostility of their human saviors. Their camp, called District 9, segregates them in a way that reminds us of the apartheid in that country, and holds up a mirror to our fears of anyone or anything different from ourselves.

District 9 is a science fiction film, but it is also very applicable to our social issues and prejudices. Along with that, it is an action-packed and entertaining movie, not to mention the spectacular special effects.

I have hopes that someday it will be watched by our children (not before their teens, hopefully!) during some classic sci-fi marathon they have with films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), Star Wars (1977), and The Matrix (1999). District 9 has all of the elements it needs to stand the test of time as they have, and I hope that it does.

My only "Oh, pleeease!" moment came very near the end when it seemed to me they were departing with a cliffhanger and leaving the plot open for a sequel. It takes talent to tell a story with multiple movies, I know, but it is also a talent to tie up your tale into a neat 2-3 hour movie that I can watch in one sitting. In Hollywood nowadays, that seems to be an outdated idea. Example: Harry Potter movies.

Again I am resisting the urge to ramble on here, and will sum up with this - See District 9 for yourself! I highly recommend it.

-Dani

Public Enemies (2009)

Based on the true and daring exploits of John Dillinger during the Great Depression, Public Enemies stars Johnny Depp and was directed by Michael Mann. There was much hype about this film... we heard all about their filming schedule from T.V. and saw distant glimpses of Johnny Depp on set in his 1930s duds caught by news cameras and aired during reports of local goings-on. They used many outdoor as well as indoor locations in the cities of Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Madison, and Beaver Dam (to name a few!) The whole state of Wisconsin, as well as the Midwest of this country where John Dillinger himself used to roam and ramble, was waiting with great anticipation for this film's release...

I saw it as a treat to myself on the day before my birthday and must say that I enjoyed watching it, but was a little disappointed by how much it reminded me of a mindless action movie.

One of the things that I thought was done well, was the Robin Hood vs. Sheriff of Nottingham situation that Johnny's Dillinger found himself in with Christian Bale's Melvin Pervis; FBI head honcho. The competition between the two seemed to be the main source of energy for the plot, and despite the fact we as an audience know the outcome to their little cat and mouse game, it keeps one biting their nails nonetheless.

Something I did not really expect was the love story that the film wove between Dillinger and Marion Cotillard's Billie Frechette; only one of his many real life romantic interests. This, I think, was one of the weakest elements to the film, and came across looking awkward and nonsensical as they tried very hard to portray the relationship as star-crossed love. The fact that Johnny Depp plays Dillinger behaving suave, and yet more than a little controlling and prone to violence even during his first encounters with Billie, leaves me wondering why she would fall for such a guy? I mean, if a guy came into your place of employment to ask you why you did not do exactly what he had told you to do on your first date with him, and then became so frustrated by your answer that he punched out one of your customers, wouldn't you be at least a little turned off? Well not Billie Frechette apparently. She even seemed to accept the fact that she was supposed to hang around and wait for her beau while he ran amok with his buddies playing shoot-em-up and driving fast, then getting thrown in jail with execution a sobering possibility.

When this movie started to play on our theatre's huge, ultra screen, I was overcome by the feeling that I had sat down in my seat mid-way through the show, instead of right before the previews as I had done in actuality. This I believe, is one of the main issues with the film. It could use a good dose of character establishment before we begin jumping into the action as we do with the film's beginning. Even as some of the gang members die at various points in the film, these deaths lack meaning, as we were never allowed to know their characters, or see the relationships that they had to fellow gang members.

One film that I saw many years ago and explored this territory well was The Newton Boys (1998), and needs to be seen by those that thought Public Enemies was too shallow and too obviously trying to cover their historical inaccuracies with noise and a ridiculous romance. Another film that is in the same vein, but done much better is The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007). Brad Pitt as Jesse James really gives you pause, so that you actually THINK about what is occurring on the screen, and you see history in a way that you never considered seeing it before.

My closing thoughts on Public Enemies, (it's so hard to stay focused on my blog subject here and not wander off into recommending better movies...) is that you really must be warned not to expect too much from this film. I know that it is Johnny Depp, but the role he took on here really does him no justice. I know that a good portion was filmed in Wisconsin, but let me assure you that this will never put us on the map due to Public Enemies becoming more classic than Casablanca. Accept Public Enemies for what it is; an action flick that is more fun than deep, and though parading as a historical drama, has gotten most of the facts mixed up without much gain from doing so. Bear in mind as well that this film is rated R.

- Dani

My Sister's Keeper (2009)

I would like to start out by stating I really had no intention of ever seeing this film, or reading the book. I typically try to avoid sad, dramatic movies (and books) that tend to be emotionally draining, causing me to cry my way through most of it, and feel depressed long after it’s over. My Sister’s Keeper was no exception. Directed by Nick Cassavetes (He also directed The Notebook), the entire movie was that of archetypal “sick dramas”- sad and emotionally draining. I ended up seeing it only because my friend really, really wanted to.

However, I thought the movie was done very well. My Sister’s Keeper tells the story of the Fitzgerald family, and relays their individual struggles in dealing with Kate Fitzgerald’s leukemia. Parents Sara and Brian Fitzgerald make the decision to genetically engineer a child, Anna, who will be a direct donor match for 2-year-old Kate. From birth, Anna gives spare parts to her sister in order to keep her alive, such as blood and bone marrow. When Anna is 11 however, and her parents request that she donates one of her kidneys to Kate, Anna decides she’s had enough. Anna hires a lawyer and attempts to sue her parents for the rights to her own body—medical emancipation.

The acting is superb in this film. Abigail Breslin, who was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Little Miss Sunshine, does an amazing job at portraying Anna and newcomer Sofia Vassilieva also gives a noteworthy performance as leukemia-stricken Kate. I’m sure we will be seeing more from this young actress in the future. The most surprising of all was Cameron Diaz. Playing the pragmatic mother trying to do everything possible in order to save her daughter, Cameron Diaz shows viewers that she is capable of doing more than her usual romantic comedies. This was the best performance I’ve ever seen her do.
All of the actors did an outstanding job of making you feel the heartache of the Fitzgerald family.

The flashbacks also worked very nicely with the film. Often the characters would be shown in the present time, and then the storyline would flashback to when the children were younger. I especially liked the flashbacks when Kate is looking through her scrapbook in the hospital. I thought the flashbacks added a lot to the movie, and were very easy to follow.

If you plan on seeing this movie, be prepared for a good cry. There are relatively no happy moments throughout the film, and very little humor. But the film moves along quite nicely, the 109 minutes didn’t seem long at all. My Sister’s Keeper is extremely touching, and succeeds at making you question why certain things happen in life, and the difficult choices we make along the way.

I’ve never read Jodi Picoult’s book by the same title, so I’m not able to give a comparison between the two, but if you enjoy the book, I’m sure the movie is worth checking out.

-Lindsay

Låt den rätte komma in A.K.A. Let The Right One In (2008)

This little Swedish horror flick may not be something you have heard of, or have had the chance to see. I came across a review for it around Halloween-time of last year (when it was hitting theatres overseas), and had to wait, and wait and wait for it to come to DVD in the U.S. When I placed a hold for it in February through the SHARE system, I was not expecting to wait for another four months. 'This better be good,' I thought to myself when I finally pulled the DVD out of the transit bin. I must say that it actually was worth the long wait, and you may agree with me if:

A) You don't mind foreign fims (English dubbing was an option, but I personally prefer subtitles).
B) You don't mind an R rating for some blood and gore, nudity and swearing
C) You liked Pan's Labyrinth

This film was directed by Tomas Alfredson and its screenplay was written by the author of the book that the movie was based on. Bear with me as I try to explain this amazingly unique film...

Oskar is an awkward 12 year old living in a wintry 1980s suburb of Stockholm. He is bullied at school, and lives with his divorced mother in an apartment complex that includes a playground where no children ever seem to be playing. While out in the playground one day, Oskar meets Eli (pronounced Eeelee), who seems to be his own age and has just moved into the apartment next door to his.

There is an immediate attraction between the two, and we see that Oskar is drawn to his new neighbor out of curiosity toward her odd habits, such as her walking in the snow with bare feet, and out of admiration for her strength. Eli's advice for Oskar in terms of the school bullies? Fight back.

Eli seems drawn to Oskar at first due to his sweetness, but as the film progresses, we see that Eli's feelings are very complex, and that she is no ordinary girl. On top of walking barefoot in the snow and never feeling cold because she's "forgotten how", Eli scares cats, defies gravity Spiderman-style, and drinks human blood to sustain herself. Let The Right One In is a vampire movie, but like none that has ever been made before. It has elements of spine-tingling horror, a heartwarming portrayal of first love, and the depth and intrigue of a dark fantasy. All of the film's images are in my opinion, instant classics, and the story is a primal one, yet also fresh and modern.

It is arranged to be remade by Hollywood (I am obviously worried, but keep reminding myself that I liked The Grudge, whose original was Japanese), and will be called Let Me In. Look for it on a big screen near you in 2010. Today, however, take the time to see Let The Right One In on DVD as I did, and remember that they just don't make many films like this one, so ENJOY!

- Dani

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

After reading the self-help book entitled, He’s Just Not That Into You and finding it extremely hilarious and insightful, I was very excited when I discovered they had a movie coming out by the same name. However, I was curious as to how they were going to portray a self-help book on the big screen. Unable to see the movie at the time of its theatrical release, I had to wait the four long months until it was finally released onto DVD, but the wait was well worth it. I was pleasantly surprised to ascertain that the movie was done in a rather creative way, while also keeping much of the information provided in the best-selling book intact.

He’s Just Not That Into You follows the love lives of a dozen or so people through the complicated world of dating, marriage, and friendship. Well-known actors portray the cast of characters, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, Kevin Connolly, Scarlett Johannson, Bradley Cooper, Drew Barrymore, and Justin Long.

Rated PG-13, this 129-minute romantic comedy will make you laugh as well as empathize with the main characters. I found it intriguing that all of the characters are connected to each other in some way, and I also enjoyed the short scenes of “real people” giving their take own person takes on dating.

All in all, I thought this movie was very well done. It’s difficult to share more of the movie plot without giving away too much, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself!
I also suggest reading the best seller that started it all, He’s Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. It’s as hilarious and well-written as the movie.

-Lindsay

Ghost Town (2008)

This film had an unusual, but unexpectedly nice combination of elements. It is a PG-13 romantic comedy directed by David Koepp, and features Ricky Gervais (whom I enjoyed so well in the British TV series The Office). In Ghost Town he is Bertram Pincus; a cantankerous dentist who prefers to keep company with himself rather than with others. So when he dies unexpectedly for seven minutes and discovers upon waking that he can see dead people and is expected to help them, he is especially perturbed.

I must say that Sixth Sense is one of my favorite films, and the jabs at it here were particularly funny to me for that reason, but the "romantic" part of this movie's genre comes in when Greg Kinnear's character, Frank, does not become discouraged by Pincus and his wish to be left alone. A particularly pesky ghost, Frank very badly wants to see the new man that his widow, Gwen has fallen for be chased off, and then a new, much more suitable man be paired up with her in the old one's place. Bertram Pincus finds himself expected to play matchmaker, but goes along with the whole thing in hopes that he can win Gwen, played by Tea Leoni, for himself. The complex and awkward scenes that ensue are pure hilarity.

While Ricky Gervais as Bertram Pincus is not so different from Ricky Gervais as David Brent from The Office, and though Ghost Town is a little like a lot of different films that have already done similar things, the combination of his acting and this script is a good one. So, in conclusion, I recommend you see Ghost Town if you are up for a little twist on the old been-there-done-that romantic comedy, and especially if you are unfamiliar with Ricky Gervais, though you find dry, British wit humorous. I know it does the trick for me!

-Dani

Up (2009)

Torn between Year One, The Hangover, and Drag Me to Hell at the movies last night, my friends and I finally decided on the movie Up- which surprisingly proved to be a great choice!

Up chronicles the adventure of a 78-year-old balloon salesman named Carl. Carl and his wife Ellie possess adventurous spirits, and both share a lifelong dream of traveling to South America to live next to Paradise Falls. After Ellie passes away, Carl is forced to move to a retirement home. But before they can take him away, Carl ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies off to visit the wilds of South America.

Not long after being airborne, Carl discovers a stowaway on board his house. Russell, a young Wilderness Explorer is along for the ride as the two of them develop an unlikely friendship and journey toward fulfilling Carl’s dream.

While Wall-E still remains my favorite Disney/Pixar film, Up is as unique and well done. I especially loved the sequence near the beginning of the film that illustrated major events in Carl and Ellie’s life as they aged-such as getting married, attempting to have children, and the changes they made to their home throughout the years. This was done at a fast pace and set to music, with no dialogue. This particular scene reminded me a great deal of Wall-E, in that a story can be told with little to no dialogue and still be unique, understood, and inspiring.

The characters in Up are both loveable and hilarious. This is definitely a humorous movie with witty dialogue, but it also has its sad, moving moments too. Rated PG and directed by Pete Docter, (writer of Wall-E and director of Monsters, Inc.) Up is not just a movie for kids. Both adults and children will be impressed and entertained by this unique story. I don’t know how much longer it will be available in theaters, but be sure to see it on DVD when it is released. You won’t be disappointed.

-Lindsay

Gran Torino (2009)

First things first, I loved this film. The plot is not one that can easily fit into any clearly defined genre and has a little bit of something for everyone, no matter what their taste in movie style. Clint Eastwood, as both director and lead actor will blow you away with this story of life, death, and the choices that we all have to make in between those points.

Our main man, Clint, plays Walt Kowalski; an elderly Korean war vet who is experiencing the recent loss of his wife and the distance that has always existed between himself and his family. His prejudices are many, and he seems absolutely careless about revealing both them, and the disgust he seems to have about the fact that the nice Detroit, MI neighborhood he enjoyed with his wife has slowly over the years become the home of immigrants and their families. Needless to say, he is not on the best of terms with the Hmong neighbors that he shares a property line with. We see this tension established from one of the first scenes, where they are having a baby shower while Walt's family gathers to grieve after the funeral of his wife.

The story begins to swirl around Walt's 1972 Gran Torino, a car he treasures above all else, and a car that the local Vietnamese gang dares Walt's young Hmong neighbor, Thao, to steal as initiation into their fold. Sweet, shy Thao fumbles this quite thoroughly, but the pressure is still on him to leave the house he lives in with his grandmother, mother and sister, and to take to the streets with the gang. Annoyed with the whole affair, Walt eventually becomes involved. Through the persistence of Thao's sister, Sue, the two families begin to make amends and Walt seems to forgive Thao for his transgressions, just as his late wife's priest has been urging Walt to do with his life and the past that haunts him.

This story is both dark and unexpectedly funny, with a very deep and meaningful message. It is impossible to not be moved in some way by it, and so I urge you to seek out this film! For those that think it will not be up their alley, I say to them: you may be surprised.

Dani

Valkyrie (2008)

Based on one of the 15 known attempts to assassinate Hitler during World War II, Valkyrie, the PG-13 movie directed by Bryan Singer, tells the true story of the final attempted plot by a group of German officers of the Wehrmacht to overthrow Hitler and the Nazi regime.

Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, played by Tom Cruise, sees the evil and corruption that Hitler is bringing to Germany. He decides that he must save Germany from Hitler, and he, along with several other German officers develop a plot to assassinate Hitler, and take control of the Nazi regime. By redrafting the plans for "Operation Valkyrie," Hitler's private Reserve Army that would maintain order in the event of a national emergency, Stauffenberg and the others are now able to overthrow the SS and bring down the regime.

Without even watching this movie, you already know the outcome: this assassination attempt fails.

The movie plot is very slow-moving, almost to the point of boredom, and I felt that it was very anti-climatic. It does, however, pick up finally near the end, as Stauffenberg's plan is put into action.

While this movie aims at being a "historical thriller" and an "action adventure,” I would highly disagree. To me, it seemed more like a war-drama, with the actors walking around in uniform scheming and talking amongst themselves, rather than being on the front lines in the middle of the war action. There are really very little action scenes throughout the movie, and relatively zero suspense—the plot is obviously very predictable.

There is also little character development. Aside from what we are shown of Stauffenberg’s family life, there is no insight into any of the main character’s personal lives. The movie also doesn’t give much motive as to why each of the characters desired to plot against Hitler.

I do feel however that the acting was very good. I thought that each of the actors portrayed their characters well. The costumes were also very authentic representations of Nazi Germany.

Overall, this movie was pretty blah. I don’t know much of the history behind Operation Valkyrie or Colonel Stauffenberg, so I’m not sure how historically accurate the movie really is, but supposedly there are many accounts and records of this assassination attempt. I wouldn’t go so far as to call the movie a complete waste of time, but if you’re looking to see an action-adventure or a thriller, I’d advise you to look elsewhere.

-Lindsay

The Reader (2008)

To start off, I will say that I thought a lot higher of this film than I usually think of romance dramas. It was thought provoking and very low-key, with Kate Winslet playing the character of Hanna Schmitz and both David Kross and Ralph Fiennes playing Michael Berg, a man who as a boy meets Hanna in a 1958 Germany and begins a passionate, but forbidden love affair with her, only to find his heart broken when she suddenly leaves with no goodbye.
Years later, while Michael is studying law at college, he attends a Nazi war crimes trial and is shocked to encounter Hanna once more... on the defense stand.
The Reader is an adaptation of Bernhard Schlink's novel of the same title, and was directed by Stephen Daldry. It deals quite intriguingly with the the generation gap in 1958 between the Germans who experienced the war (Hanna) and the country's younger citizens (Michael) who did not. The idea that the most average and seemingly guiltless people, who may even be your neighbors, are hiding skeletons in their closets and concealing their secrets is a fascinating thing here, and is executed well.
I liked how we saw things from Hanna's point of view, and experienced, along with Michael at the trial, that she was guilty of her crimes, but was not necessarily a wicked person because of them. One of the messages within this is that though you might involve yourself in a war to do what you believe is a good and right thing, you may someday realize you have done or are doing something quite the opposite. Hindsight is always 20/20, as they say.
As you can see, this film is not a light one (watch 17 Again according to Lindsay if that's what you're looking for!), and some scenes can really drag you down emotionally. Parts of it are a bit slow, and in the day to day lives of the characters there was an abundance of thinking and regretting... regretting and moping... hopefully you get the idea.
If weighty movies don't phase you and melancholy, dead-end romances set in bleak, post-war Germany sound appealing, then you probably will not see much to dislike about this film. Keep in mind that it is rated R for its sexuality and nudity and see for yourself why Kate Winslet won the Oscar for Best Actress in The Reader.
-Dani

17 Again (2009)

When I began to see previews and movie trailers advertising 17 Again a couple months ago, I thought it looked hilariously funny. This is the main reason I wanted to see this movie and surprisingly, the movie actually lived up to my expectations. I found it extremely entertaining, and laughed all the way through it.

Along the same lines as Big, The Kid and 13 Going on 30, 17 Again explores the idea of reversing the clock and getting the chance to relive your life again. Mike O’Donnell is currently living with his best friend from high school, Ned Gold, because he is going through a divorce with his high school sweetheart, Scarlett. Stuck in a dead-end job with no relationship with his family or teenage kids, Mike contemplates what it would be like to go back in time and relive his high school “dream years” when he was a basketball star with the chance at a college scholarship. Mike’s wish is granted when he meets the mysterious school janitor. He is transformed back to his 17-year-old self, and gets a second chance at reliving high school, and changing his life.

Directed by Burr Steers, 17 Again earned a PG-13 rating for language, and some sexual content. However, younger kids were also present in the theater, and they seemed to enjoy it as well, although I believe it is geared at a more mature audience. I thought the acting was very good, with Matthew Perry playing the adult Mike O’Donnell, and Zac Efron playing the 17-year-old version of Mike. I feel that Efron proved in this performance that he has a lot of talent that extends beyond High School Musical. The supporting actors also added a lot to the film. Thomas Lennon was hilarious in his role as nerdy Ned Gold, and Leslie Mann was also great as estranged wife Scarlett.

While the time-warp vortex that Mike falls into is a little unrealistic, and the plotline is inevitably predictable, there is really no point in overanalyzing the film. The movie is just meant to be fun.

I felt that this movie was everything it was geared towards being. It was humorous, with a well-written plot, and very good acting. While it is not an Oscar worthy film, it served its purpose at being entertaining and funny. I would definitely recommend seeing it. If you don't plan on watching it in theaters, look for it in the future months to be released onto DVD. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.

-Lindsay

Changeling (2008)

This film has been out on DVD for a while now, but I really wanted to take the time to recommend seeing it if you have not already. Not enough can be said for Angelina Jolie's performance as Christine Collins, the mother of missing child, Walter Collins, who actually did disappear in March of 1928 and caused a series of events to unfold that proved that truth can be just as strange as fiction.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, the movie follows the true events quite faithfully, all the while focusing on Angelina's character as she searches for her son with the help of the LAPD. When they bring her son back to her, she is shocked to realize that some evident mistake has been made, and that the boy they present her with is not Walter. The police insist she is wrong, and pressure her into accepting the boy as her own. This acceptance is something that she will rue as the story progresses, and perhaps is something hard for the audience to swallow. We must remember, though, that this really happened! As she begins to insist that the boy is not Walter, and to raise her voice higher and higher in opposition to the mistake made by the LAPD, and their denials of their mistake, they go to greater and greater lengths to dismiss and discredit her.

Women, we must remember, had a much different standing in society in the 1920s than they do today. She was speaking out not only against a powerful organization, but against powerfully ambitious men, who inevitably decided she was not minding her ladylike manners.

After being locked away in an insane asylum by the police, her cause begins to expose the corruption of the LAPD and to ignite a public outcry against it.

Things seem to go from bad to worse at this point, when a serial killer is apprehended after his cousin confesses their crimes due to a heavy conscience. The murders of all those boys that they kidnapped inspire all of the grisly shock onscreen that they must have caused in the 1920s when they were recounted in papers and in the courtrooms of the trial. These scenes no doubt earned the film's R rating, and are not for the faint of heart, but even if crime and horror is not your forte in film, you are guaranteed to be riveted and unable to look away! It's a splendid film, and a fascinating story.

-Dani

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

As the Oscar winner for Best Picture, Slumdog Millionaire is definitely one of the most original movies I have seen. While it may not consist of well-known actors cast as the leading roles, I feel that this movie still has a unique storyline, and is portrayed in a very captivating way.

Based on the book Q & A by Vikas Swarup and directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandon, Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal Malik, a Mumbai teen who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? in order to find his lost childhood sweetheart. As Jamal advances his way through the questions, he is suspected of cheating. No one can believe that a young man who grew up in the slums knows the right answers. He is arrested and interrogated. During his interrogation, the movie reveals how events throughout Jamal’s life prove that he knows the correct answers.

I really enjoyed how the situations from Jamal’s past ended up relating to questions he was being asked on the game show. This really kept me interested throughout the whole movie. While flashbacks usually end up confusing me, these were done very well.

The only complaint I will make is relatively minor. While the movie was not anti-climatic in any sense, it seemed to drag a bit. At exactly 120 minutes, the beginning seemed a little sluggish, but it picked up soon after.

Overall, I think this movie was extremely fascinating and well-done; a different twist on the average “love story.” I would not recommend it for younger children, however. It has an R rating for violence and language, and I must admit that a couple of the scenes are pretty graphic.

Slumdog Millionaire is emotional and engaging, making it one of the most memorable movies. It is now available on DVD, so be sure to see it!

-Lindsay

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

Well, I saw this film a while ago, (a few days after it came out due to my excitement). I love scary movies, but only when they have supernatural elements and are more akin to ghost stories than slasher flicks.

Rated PG-13, the film is director Peter Cornwell's debut. Keep that in mind when you see it...

This story about an average family struggling to deal with their eldest son's cancer diagnosis and the changes in their lives that that brings was always, in my opinion, a rich and promising premise. If this so far sounds like a drama, instead of a horror film, allow me to continue. The family is forced to move to Connecticut where their son is being treated, and they then see no choice but to move into a house that was once a funeral home and seems to have a very dark and sinister past. Paranormal activity is witnessed by every single member of the family and slowly but surely begins to put a strain on their lives and also cause mysterious effects to their son, Matt, and his grave illness.

This is basically where fiction takes leave of fact, as believe it or not, the film is based on a true story that I have been quite fascinated with for some years now. A more in depth look at the actual events can be obtained from the Discovery Channel's program A Haunting in Connecticut, or from the book, In a Dark Place, written by the family alongside Ed and Lorraine Warren; the paranormal investigators that they ended up calling into their home.

For reasons unknown to me, it seems that Hollywood made the decision to deliberately leave out the most compelling aspects of the story and the details that made this particular case different from any other. The film plays onscreen like a bad imitation of The Amityville Horror; falling into every cliche and using every cheap trick known to the genre. I love subtlety in my horror films, and also admission from them within their plot that unexplainable things happen in our world, and that not all stories end with a resolution. Needless to say, this film did not give me that.

I would recommend seeing this movie before looking for yourself into the real case, if you intend to do so. This does not guarantee that you will avoid disappointment, but it may help.

- Dani

Marley & Me (2008)

Based on the “New York Times” bestselling book by the same title, “Marley & Me” follows the life of John Grogan and his family, and the many trials they face with their Labrador, Marley.
John and Jenny Grogan have no idea what’s in store for them when they bring home puppy Marley. Soon, Marley grows in to a large, out of control dog that’s always causing hilarious, but awkward trouble.
Directed by David Frankel, “Marley & Me” is entertaining for the whole family at only a PG rating. Many scenes made me laugh out loud, as well as cry. Even though I’ve never owned a dog, I felt that the development of Marley throughout the years was very accurate. While the cast was not very large, both the main actors, Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, portrayed John and Jenny immensely well.
I have yet to read the book, but I believe that the movie accurately captured the story. I definitely have plans to read the book in the near future.
“Marley & Me” is now available on DVD, so make sure you see it! It’s definitely a movie worth watching.

-Lindsay

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

One short phrase can probably sum this movie up here for me, but I have a feeling that it won't. The phrase is this: Best film I have seen in a long time.

Directed by David Fincher and based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the story chronicles the entire life of Benjamin Button, who is born an old man and ages backwards from there. The film makes no apologies and offers no explanations for this condition, but you somehow find yourself never wondering about the whys and hows. The direction and acting are mesmerizing, and from the start you are swept away into the story which is poignant and humorous; joyful and sad.

I was amazed by the textures and artistry of the sets and scenes, and though that was greatly due to the location of the story's setting (New Orleans, with some adventures abroad also thrown in), the cinematography was exquisite.

Benjamin Button is played by Brad Pitt, and with the help of some amazing make-up and nearly undetectable computer aid, he plays both a frail and elderly man, and a flawlessly youthful teen all in the same movie! Cate Blanchett's transformation in her role as Benjamin's friend and love interest, Daisy, is also very dramatic.

Benjamin's strange life seems to have also been frought with strange adventures, and for a time we follow him about on some Huck Finn-style forays into the world beyond his home, where he meets a seemingly endless array of odd characters. One cannot help but feel at least a little wanderlust while watching him learn as much as he does from these travels.

This is what I would call a fantasy movie , though it is not the classic definition of that genre. It is rated PG-13 and is a lengthy 166 minutes. It will be coming to DVD on 05/05/09, and is available for hold placement today, so be sure to get your name on the list!

- Dani

Coraline (2009)

Coraline is a computer animated adaptation of Neil Gaiman's book for children, directed by Henry Selick. The film, however, has appeal for viewers of all ages. It is rated PG, and though inevitably it has a happy ending, some elements may be a bit frightening to young children, and many scenes are quite dark. It is about an 11 year old girl who unlocks an Alice in Wonderland-type door in her new home and finds behind it a parallel universe where all her wishes seem to have come true. Things take a creepy turn, however, when she is faced with the fact that it is all too good to be true, and that she may never be able to return home again.
The theatre was showing it in 3-D when I went, and handed you the glasses as you entered to take your seat. I cannot say that I noticed much of anything popping out from the screen (as I expected!), but rather felt that the 3-D added a depth that I cannot now imagine the film being without.
I am a fan of the Tim Burton-style of animation, and was hoping that Coraline would be similar. I was not disappointed, and hope that the same will true for you when you see it! Keep an eye out in the months to come for the film's release onto DVD!
-Dani