I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With, Sex and the City, The Strangers
I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
This is a really short full feature film but it was really enjoyable. Pretty much each scene has something funny about it because it’s raw and honest. The movie comments on pretty much everything: the hypocrisy between the way people think and the way people act, the showbiz industry, relationships, and family. The pace is very brisk so it was never boring. Sarah Silverman is a bowl of sunshine. Every time she’s on screen, I have this silly smile on my face because I constantly anticipate for her to say or do something funny. And she delivers. Unfortunately, what prevents this movie from becoming great is that it could feel a little choppy. Choppy in a way that it feels more like it belongs on television than in the cinema. With better flow, even if it means adding an extra ten or fifteen minutes to the film, would’ve elevated this film. Still, I’m recommending this movie because it really did make me laugh and feel good about myself. Plus, I don’t see a lot of indie comedies out there that are both good-hearted and works in pretty much every level. If one wants to see comedians play characters in a movie, I’d say go see this one.
Sex and the City
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]
I only watched the early seasons but that didn’t prevent me from thoroughly enjoying this movie. I’m glad that it had some sort of an introduction to familiarize those that haven’t seen a single episode or people like me that didn’t see it until the end. Even though this is about two and a half hours long, it barely felt like two hours because it was full of ups and downs, interesting characters, fantastic fashion, and beautiful people. Each main actress–Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon–had something special to offer so I was glad that the film featured each of them at one point or another. I love that there is no perfect, cookie-cutter character because perfection is not what “Sex and the City” is about. It’s about problems: how people deal with the problems, moving on, and how to deal with similar problems in the future, all of which are wrapped in a feminist point of view. What I’m surprised about is how much gravity it had… especially after a certain event (you’ll know what I’m referring to once you watch it). It wasn’t handled in a cliched way but it’s delicate and touching enough to be close to perfection. The movie is so consistently funny, I had a smile from beginning to end. In fact, I wanted it to continue because I wanted to know more about what would happen to the characters. I’m glad they made a movie because it had the chance to give something truly special to its fans. Even though most guys will most definitely not like it, women will more than enjoy it. Fortunately, I’m one of those guys that did enjoy its brilliance. I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel!
Strangers, The
[ 2 stars out of 4 ]
I had high expectations coming into this film because its trailer was really good. I was really disappointed with movie because there weren’t enough thrills. With its running time of barely an hour and thiry minutes, it spent too much of its time trying to get its audiences to care for its characters. But when the “scares” actually finally happened, it was more laughable than anything because the characters made one stupid decision after another like most horror films out there. Liv Tyler is pretty good because she conveyed a lot of different emotions but her character was helpless most of the time. I would’ve liked to see her a bit tougher and less terrorized. For a short full feature film, I feel like they ran around the house for five hours, not really accomplishing anything other than waste my time. The factor that saved this movie for me was Glenn Howerton. When he finally appeared on screen, he was kind of amusing and the tension was at its peak because he arrived when everything was happening all at once. A few scenes like those made it somewhat entertaining. As for the rest of the picture, it didn’t make much sense nor was it truly terrifying. I came out of the theater thinking “Wow, that’s it?” and most people did, too. Just Netflix it when it comes out. It’s not worth the ten dollars.
The Shining, The Air I Breathe, Lust, Caution
Shining, The
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]
I saw this film when I was about thirteen years old and I was absolutely horrified. Even though I was scared, I couldn’t help but keep watching because it was so interesting. Seven years later, nothing much has changed. Jack Nicholson was perfectly casted because he has that natural manace and craziness that are both amusing and intimidating. I completely believed with the way his character changed from a somewhat distant father to a murderous ax-swinging psychopath. Even though most people think that the way Shelley Duvall acted was annoying, I thought it was exemplary. I don’t think this film would have been as scary without her constant freak-outs, trembling voice, and maternal instinct. I could tell that she was pushed and did her best. I must also give kudos to Danny Lloyd for playing a kid that is more sensitive to paranormal activities than regular people. At times, I thought he was a little too good and that made it creepier. I think this is one of the greatest Stanley Kubrick films. Like “2001: A Space Odyssey,” this film was made with such focus and intensity, it’s impossible to admire its timelessness. The best part of this masterpiece is the build-up to the climax. He was able to juggle the difference between suspense and horror–every silence, shadow, and empty hall posed a threat. I certainly wouldn’t want to stay at the Overlook Hotel. Without the sense of complete isolation that Kubrick masterfully wielded, I don’t think this picture would have been as effective. After the credits started rolling, I couldn’t help but just sit and think about it all. And then it occured to me: the best horror is the kind that lingers.
Air I Breathe, The
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
I thought this film took just the right steps. More than half of the time, I was really interested in what was going on because the events that were unfolding were multilayered. Although there are four main storylines, characters fuse into other storylines so the film felt more concrete. As for the actors, I haven’t seen Brendan Frasier in anything for a while so it was nice to see him here. Even though his character was supposed to be this tough guy, the audiences come to realize that he’s more complex than that. He’s actually sensitive and he does think a lot about action and their consequences. I didn’t really expect Emile Hirsch to have that big of a role but I was surprised that he managed to shine every time he’s on screen. In fact, he provided the much needed comic relief when things started to get a little too serious. Lastly, I’m glad that Sarah Michelle Gellar isn’t running from a Japanese ghost this time around. Even though her storyline is the weakest because her character is not that deep, I enjoyed watching her because her depression here reminded me of Season 6 of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” I guess it’s just refreshing to see her in something else other than an inferior Japanese horror remake. Overall, about two-thirds of the film worked for me so I am ultimately recommending it. I’m surprised that not a lot of critics liked this movie because I thought it was focused and consistently fascinating.
Lust, Caution
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
Yes, there is no excuse for this movie to be more than two hours long. It dragged on and on but I must admit that I was glued to the screen. I don’t see a lot of Asian cinema so I was automatically interested. Ang Lee made a beautiful picture but I’m afraid it lacks a big emotional wallop. For a thriller about spies, it lacks tension. In fact, this is more an observant picture than anything else. It takes its time to get to the point. And when it finally did, it’s kind of disappointing most of the time. Nonethless, I think all the actors did a great job because I actually believed their characters to exist in the given time period. Not only that, it made me want to learn more about what was going on in that particular era. The infamous sex scenes are the most memorable part of the film because that’s when things get complex. Many emotions are revealed and it shows that the characters are always playing a game that resembles chess. One wrong move and it’s over. With a little bit more time on the cutting room floor and adding more tension-filled scenes, I think this could’ve turned out to be a totally different picture–a movie that the mainstream would enjoy and love. Unfortunately, Lee decided to take more risks. And for that, I’m giving him kudos. I saw a lot of potential in this film… but only a few of them were realized.
