I almost tagged this flick as 'suprise' because when it first came out it really didn't get good reviews at all, and it took multiple years and many passings-over before I watched it.
I ultimately decided to tag this as 'obscure', because it's one of those films that either resonates with you and you love it, or you don't really 'get it' and you hate it. I happen to be the former, but it does take a bit of mental twister to really understand what is happening in the flick.
Now I'm a big fan of Arnofsky's previous works (Pi, Requiem for a Dream), but this was an ambitious film even by his lofty standards. Several plotlines traveling on three separate timelines, intermingling with actors playing multiple characters, and it can get somewhat confusing. But the story and characters are compelling, the film itself is visually stunning, and the ending really does take you for a ride.
If your attention span hasn't been whittled away by the typical Michael Bay fare, and you're one to enjoy spending an hour after the movie chatting with fellow viewers as to the understanding and meaning of the film, then this is a flick for you.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Inside Man
Background:
I have a list (Google doc) that has flicks that I either want to see or flicks that I want my wife to see. I'm usually adding new entries and rarely crossing them off because I forget to consult my list when it comes time to rent a flick. One of my favorite places to rent flicks is my mom's house so when I say 'rent', I really mean 'borrow'. Anyway... the other day I 'rented' the Inside Man and it wasn't until we had finished watching it that I realized it was on my list. I guess my initial impression of the trailer was accurate because this film definitely didn't disappoint.
I could preface this review by saying that I like Denzel Washington. Off-hand, I can't think of a flick he's been in that I didn't like. I also like Jodie Foster; although her role in this flick was a little underdeveloped and not as prominent as I had expected. I can't say I've seen many flicks with Clive Owen, unless he's played smaller roles in flicks I'm forgetting. Lastly, it's certainly worth noting that the flick was directed by Spike Lee. However, it didn't feel like a 'Spike Lee joint' as is often the case. Christopher Plummer has a limited, yet integral-to-the-story role that he plays quite well. Willem Dafoe also has a bit role, but nothing worth mentioning.
The flick is essentially about a bank robbery... or is it? Denzel plays a hostage negotiator/detective and Owen plays the criminal mastermind... or does he? It's one of those flicks that keeps you guessing, or rather isn't as simple as it seems. It's also one of those flicks that doesn't follow a linear timeframe, but rather jumps back and forth (don't worry though, it's not too confusing to the point where you can't follow). Denzel's character isn't your clean-cut, good guy cop, and Owen certainly isn't your simple, crazy bad guy. The interplay between the two (while same sceen interacion is limited) is exciting.
The entire flick basically takes place at the bank or outside of the bank it what appears to be NYC (Spike Lee connection; don't worry there are no Knick references). It covers the timeframe of about a week, primarily focusing on 2 days.
Without revealing too much, I can say that the flick is definitely worth seeing and one that I'd like to watch again soon. This certainly qualifies as a SURPRISE because I had no expectations going in and it was a good flick. It had been on my list for quite a while and I'd forgotten any impressions that I initially had. I'm glad that I can cross one off my list, but I'd suggest you readers add it to yours.
Rating: 3 Stars
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I have a list (Google doc) that has flicks that I either want to see or flicks that I want my wife to see. I'm usually adding new entries and rarely crossing them off because I forget to consult my list when it comes time to rent a flick. One of my favorite places to rent flicks is my mom's house so when I say 'rent', I really mean 'borrow'. Anyway... the other day I 'rented' the Inside Man and it wasn't until we had finished watching it that I realized it was on my list. I guess my initial impression of the trailer was accurate because this film definitely didn't disappoint.
I could preface this review by saying that I like Denzel Washington. Off-hand, I can't think of a flick he's been in that I didn't like. I also like Jodie Foster; although her role in this flick was a little underdeveloped and not as prominent as I had expected. I can't say I've seen many flicks with Clive Owen, unless he's played smaller roles in flicks I'm forgetting. Lastly, it's certainly worth noting that the flick was directed by Spike Lee. However, it didn't feel like a 'Spike Lee joint' as is often the case. Christopher Plummer has a limited, yet integral-to-the-story role that he plays quite well. Willem Dafoe also has a bit role, but nothing worth mentioning.
The flick is essentially about a bank robbery... or is it? Denzel plays a hostage negotiator/detective and Owen plays the criminal mastermind... or does he? It's one of those flicks that keeps you guessing, or rather isn't as simple as it seems. It's also one of those flicks that doesn't follow a linear timeframe, but rather jumps back and forth (don't worry though, it's not too confusing to the point where you can't follow). Denzel's character isn't your clean-cut, good guy cop, and Owen certainly isn't your simple, crazy bad guy. The interplay between the two (while same sceen interacion is limited) is exciting.
The entire flick basically takes place at the bank or outside of the bank it what appears to be NYC (Spike Lee connection; don't worry there are no Knick references). It covers the timeframe of about a week, primarily focusing on 2 days.
Without revealing too much, I can say that the flick is definitely worth seeing and one that I'd like to watch again soon. This certainly qualifies as a SURPRISE because I had no expectations going in and it was a good flick. It had been on my list for quite a while and I'd forgotten any impressions that I initially had. I'm glad that I can cross one off my list, but I'd suggest you readers add it to yours.
Rating: 3 Stars
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The Happening
I have to say what a disappointment this film was in nearly every aspect. I had to watch this flick twice to make sure I hadn't missed out on some nugget that would have made this flick worthy, but I couldn't find it. I really didn't like this flick. Every thing about it was just blah.
Everything but the opening scene that is, which gave me hope that the flick would be not disappoint. But alas, it was all down hill from those first few scenes in NYC. I don't get how director M. Night Shyamalan can make flicks like The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable and also this piece of doodoo.
Rating: 1 Star
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Everything but the opening scene that is, which gave me hope that the flick would be not disappoint. But alas, it was all down hill from those first few scenes in NYC. I don't get how director M. Night Shyamalan can make flicks like The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable and also this piece of doodoo.
Rating: 1 Star
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