The film is so wrong but so funny. It pokes fun at Hollywood and what actors will do to get noticed. Sure, there’s the whole “retard” controversy, but most of the antagonism comes from people who haven’t seen it in context. The way that Ben Stiller uses it is so true and makes such a pointed statement, that it’s not offensive at all. Some would say Robert Downey Jr in blackface is offensive, but the Wayans in whiteface and drag isn’t?
If there is anything wrong, it mostly lies with Jack Black. For the most part, he’s unfunny. There is one scene towards the end that is absolutely fantastic.
As a filmmaker, I can really appreciate a lot of the jokes. I probably can’t appreciate it as much as those in the Hollywood system though. Bottom line. If you haven’t seen it yet, go see it.
Wall-E is a delight. It’s about a little trash compactor robot that goes on a romantic journey. One of the best things about the film is the lack of dialogue. There will be long segments where all you hear our sounds. It’s just a great example of visual storytelling.
If you stay for the credits, you’ll be treated to a mini art history lesson epilogue followed by 8-bit renderings of the two main characters: Wall-E and Eve.
Iron Man is fantastic. It’s about a multibillionaire, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) who develops powered armor to fight terrorists.
What makes Iron Man so good is how tight the story is. It’s a great example of telling the story on the cut. We get just enough of each scene that it develops the characters and progresses the narrative. You get a real sense that Tony Stark is a real guy which makes it seem like a real movie, not just another comic book movie.
Iron Man has everything, action, comedy, and heart. And unlike most other movies, especially comic book movies, Iron Man’s second act is really strong. It doesn’t drag or ever feel slow. It develops naturally, bringing us into the third act and the final battle almost seamlessly.
There’s so much hype surrounding Juno. It may not live up to the hype, but it’s definitely a good movie. It’s about a 16 year old girl, Juno (Ellen Page) who gets pregnant and offers the child up for adoption.
What makes Juno so good? The spunky pop-reference laced dialogue. The fantastic acting from Page and everyone else (literally!). The folksy and tender soundtrack. The swing from in your face to tender and sweet. It’s an all around fantastic movie.
Sunshine, the new movie by Danny Boyle, who also brought you 28 Days Later and Trainspotting, tackles the sci-fi genre. I loved 28 Days, so I was looking forward to seeing what he’s done to the sci-fi genre. By no means, is this 2001: A Space Odyssey, but I would say that it’s definitely up there.
The first two acts are a revelation. The third act, gets a little derivative plot wise, but the acting is so good, and the cinematography is so good, and the editing is SO GOOD, that it doesn’t matter.
I just finished watching it and I had to look up the times to see it again. This is something you have to see on the screen. I called up Ninja, and we’re going to see it tonight. It’s that good.
