Sunday, July 24, 2005
The Island
Send in the clones. This movie was cool as $hit to me. Featuring "it girl" Scarlett Jo (Lost In Translation) and charming Ewan McGregor (Revenge of the Sith), The Island takes place in the not-so-distant year of 2019. McGregor and Johansson are two "humans" living amongst others in a sort of pristine bio-dome type of place. The world as we know it ended years ago, and McGregor and Johansson are two survivors of the great contamination that ended human civilization...or so they think! Turns out they're clones (I'm not giving away anything here-you can glean as much from the trailer) of real people. As we learned in movies such as A.I., clones/robots have feelings too! The truth doesn't sit to well with our heroes once they discover it, and we watch them flee for their carbon-copied lives. They run. And they run some more. The movie tends to drag towards the end, peppered with a few explosions for those who missed their morning testosterone milkshake. Also featured are Djimon Honsou (Amistad, Gladiator) and Steve Buscemi (most notably of Reservoir Dogs). A few script details don't quite add up. For example, the clones are prohibited from having sex, yet some of the females are pregnant. I guess the powers-that-be are in no short supply of turkey basters, I dunno. Aside from the pacing and a few plot holes, I think it was pretty good though it begins better than it ends.
Hustle & Flow
Inspired by a pimp? Yes, I was. You will be too. I read somewhere that everyone can relate to this movie, I don't know how true that is, but on my way out of the showing I saw a 90-ish looking white lady exiting the theater. 'Nuff said!
Hustle & Flow weaves the tale of D-Jay, a Memphis pimp trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. Starring Terrence Howard (Crash, The Best Man) in another stirring performance, Hustle is gritty and inspiring throughout. D-Jay has a stable of hoes, two of which bring in money. His right-hand girl is the young, white "innocent" Nola. D-Jay is getting along in age and feels life slipping away as he realizes that he can't hustle forever (he sells weed along with women). He and the girls live in a dilapidated home and earning money is a struggle. When a chance encounter at a store reunites D-Jay with childhood friend "Key" (Anthony Anderson in a serious role), opportunity knocks. Key has the means to produce some tracks for D-Jay, who is encouraged to revive his never-realized rap dreams. Howard brings a plaintive sympathy to his role as pimp. Though his language is salty, he is rarely violent, and we see the unique and caring relationship he has with all the girls. However, he's still a pimp, let's call a spade a spade. He proffers women for sex and there's nothing glamorous about that. Particularly moving is a scene where he and Nola clash after he offers her services to a merchant in order to get a new microphone. At this moment we are reminded of the vileness of the trade. The most powerful thread running through the movie, and the one that I related to most was: The desire to be greater than what you are at this very moment. Sometimes you find yourself stuck in a rut and ask yourself: "Is this what I'm here for? Is this all there is?" I felt that, and you can see that every character in the movie is reaching for something to pull themselves out of their existence...D-Jay is that hope. The movie has a sweaty, dirty, sticky, hot quality, creating an oppresive urgency. Does D-Jay make it? Find out at at your local theater.
Hustle & Flow weaves the tale of D-Jay, a Memphis pimp trying to make a dollar out of fifteen cents. Starring Terrence Howard (Crash, The Best Man) in another stirring performance, Hustle is gritty and inspiring throughout. D-Jay has a stable of hoes, two of which bring in money. His right-hand girl is the young, white "innocent" Nola. D-Jay is getting along in age and feels life slipping away as he realizes that he can't hustle forever (he sells weed along with women). He and the girls live in a dilapidated home and earning money is a struggle. When a chance encounter at a store reunites D-Jay with childhood friend "Key" (Anthony Anderson in a serious role), opportunity knocks. Key has the means to produce some tracks for D-Jay, who is encouraged to revive his never-realized rap dreams. Howard brings a plaintive sympathy to his role as pimp. Though his language is salty, he is rarely violent, and we see the unique and caring relationship he has with all the girls. However, he's still a pimp, let's call a spade a spade. He proffers women for sex and there's nothing glamorous about that. Particularly moving is a scene where he and Nola clash after he offers her services to a merchant in order to get a new microphone. At this moment we are reminded of the vileness of the trade. The most powerful thread running through the movie, and the one that I related to most was: The desire to be greater than what you are at this very moment. Sometimes you find yourself stuck in a rut and ask yourself: "Is this what I'm here for? Is this all there is?" I felt that, and you can see that every character in the movie is reaching for something to pull themselves out of their existence...D-Jay is that hope. The movie has a sweaty, dirty, sticky, hot quality, creating an oppresive urgency. Does D-Jay make it? Find out at at your local theater.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Wedding Crashers
Yooooo...this movie was hilarious! One word: sick! Too funny, the dude Vince Vaughn is crazy. If you didn't know, the movie stars Vaughn and Owen Wilson as two sleazebags who crash weddings to score with women. Tacky right? The pair actually wind up endearing themselves to you by the time the movie's over...even though they're despicable we love it. Wilson falls for the daughter (Rachel McAdams of Mean Girls and The Notebook) of a wealthy politician (Christopher Walken) when he crashes her sister's wedding. The comedy gets a little low brow at times, but I'd liken it to the humor found in Something About Mary. Wilson and Vaughn had good comedic interaction and look for Will Ferrell in an outrageous cameo. The movie is a little predictable, because you know this terrible duo will get their comeuppance, then win the girl in the end. It was good to actually see an R-rated comedy, too -- for a change. Leave the kiddies at home for this one. Maybe the funniest of the summer.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Rize
This joint was good but I will preface my review with the following caveat: You have to actually be interested in the subject matter before you go see this movie. It's a documentary, so it is what it is: kids from the hood dancing. For like 80 minutes. I went with a friend and probably wouldn't have gone to see this flick independently. I just wasn't sure I wanted to watch them dance the whole time, and I was skeptical about whether or not "krumping" is worthy of a film. Krumping is the name given to the frenetic dancing featured in the movie. The movie was directed by David La Chapelle, who is renowned for a bunch of stuff, I guess -- but I recognize his name from directing videos. Anyway, this art form basically saves the lives of the people who do it by serving as an alternative to gang banging and other hood activities which spell the downfall for so many black youth. So, props to La Chapelle for showcasing it. And the dancing was off the hook, why can't I shake my ass like that? By the way, don't try to practice "krumping" when you get home like I did. You'll probably look like an a$$hole.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
By now you've probably seen this movie if you're inclined to do so. I thought it was good. You have to check your brain at the door, but I mean really -- is that a problem? LOL. If you want an intellectual movie-going experience, check out the Crash review below. Back to the topic at hand. Pitt and Jolie do their thing as a married pair of assassins, assigned the task of killing each other. The first half of the movie may seem plodding to some, but it shows how a marriage can deteriorate into a mundane routine. The ending is totally implausible, but you have fun getting there. Arguably the best scene in the movie is a knock-down (literally) drag out fight between the two leads. I hate when women and men fight in the movies, and the viewer is really expected to believe that some chick is kicking a guy's ass...but Jolie actually pulls it off and the two actors seem to be having fun doing it. The fight winds up serving as foreplay as the two make up the old-fashioned way. 2 pretty people kickin' ass and blowin' stuff up? Works for me.
Crash
These movie reviews aren't exactly hot-off-the press, so again--if you really wanted to see Crash you probably would have done so by now...if not SHAME ON YOU! This is the hands-down best movie of the year. Some people thought it was heavy-handed, but I thought it was dead on. I've even heard that some moviegoers felt compelled to walk out...can't handle the truth!!! The movie is in the vein of other intersecting lives/ensemble movies like Magnolia, 21 Grams etc. The cast is stellar and the acting superb. Expect nothing less from the likes of Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard and Larenz Tate. Howard and Tate are pretty underrated outside of the black community, but take my word for it, these guys are some powerful actors. Howard's reputation may get a boost from the upcoming Hustle & Flow, stay tuned. Anyhoo, Crash examines contemporary racism in L.A. It was written by Paul Haggis, the man who penned Million Dollar Baby--and like Million Dollar Baby, Crash gets under your skin and settles there long after you've left the theater. Just when you've decided that you absolutely detest a character they go and do something that flips your whole perspective. When you decide that you've finally found a character with some redeeming qualities, an event happens that ruins even that! This is an Oscar-worthy flick that should not be overlooked. Check it out.
Batman Begins
I'll keep this one short. This movie is worth checking out, as it explores the darker side of the Caped Crusader and shows the psychological demons that shape his existence. We know that Bruce Wayne's parents are killed in front of him as a child. The movie accurately depicts a child's guilt and despair, and we can see how witnessing this tragic event stays with Bruce essentially forever. Christian Bale stars as Batman, and does an excellent job. He's dark and tormented and looks good without a shirt. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are always effective, and they bring a level of dignity and refinement to any role. Katie Holmes? Umm, wasn't really feelin' her. Any actress could've played the role, it really wasn't a big deal. Her character is a lawyer in the D.A.'s office and a childhood friend of Bruce. Big whoop. The villains are particular creepy as well. Overall a good movie -- not comparable to Spiderman, but not bad either.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
By now you've probably seen this movie if you're inclined to do so. I thought it was good. You have to check your brain at the door, but I mean really -- is that a problem? LOL. If you want an intellectual movie-going experience, check out the Crash review below. Back to the topic at hand. Pitt and Jolie do their thing as a married pair of assassins, assigned the task of killing each other. The first half of the movie may seem plodding to some, but it shows how a marriage can deteriorate into a mundane routine. The ending is totally implausible, but you have fun getting there. Arguably the best scene in the movie is a knock-down (literally) drag out fight between the two leads. I hate when women and men fight in the movies, and the viewer is really expected to believe that some chick is kicking a guy's ass...but Jolie actually pulls it off and the two actors seem to be having fun doing it. The fight winds up serving as foreplay as the two make up the old-fashioned way. 2 pretty people kickin' ass and blowin' stuff up? Works for me.
Crash
These movie reviews aren't exactly hot-off-the press, so again--if you really wanted to see Crash you probably would have done so by now...if not SHAME ON YOU! This is the hands-down best movie of the year. Some people thought it was heavy-handed, but I thought it was dead on. I've even heard that some moviegoers felt compelled to walk out...can't handle the truth!!! The movie is in the vein of other intersecting lives/ensemble movies like Magnolia, 21 Grams etc. The cast is stellar and the acting superb. Expect nothing less from the likes of Don Cheadle, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard and Larenz Tate. Howard and Tate are pretty underrated outside of the black community, but take my word for it, these guys are some powerful actors. Howard's reputation may get a boost from the upcoming Hustle & Flow, stay tuned. Anyhoo, Crash examines contemporary racism in L.A. It was written by Paul Haggis, the man who penned Million Dollar Baby--and like Million Dollar Baby, Crash gets under your skin and settles there long after you've left the theater. Just when you've decided that you absolutely detest a character they go and do something that flips your whole perspective. When you decide that you've finally found a character with some redeeming qualities, an event happens that ruins even that! This is an Oscar-worthy flick that should not be overlooked. Check it out.
Batman Begins
I'll keep this one short. This movie is worth checking out, as it explores the darker side of the Caped Crusader and shows the psychological demons that shape his existence. We know that Bruce Wayne's parents are killed in front of him as a child. The movie accurately depicts a child's guilt and despair, and we can see how witnessing this tragic event stays with Bruce essentially forever. Christian Bale stars as Batman, and does an excellent job. He's dark and tormented and looks good without a shirt. Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine are always effective, and they bring a level of dignity and refinement to any role. Katie Holmes? Umm, wasn't really feelin' her. Any actress could've played the role, it really wasn't a big deal. Her character is a lawyer in the D.A.'s office and a childhood friend of Bruce. Big whoop. The villains are particular creepy as well. Overall a good movie -- not comparable to Spiderman, but not bad either.
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