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The Dark Knight (2008)
A Grim, Dark Masterpiece
The Dark Knight follows the themes of the division between good and evil, insanity, betrayal, hopelessness, and misunderstanding.
Gotham has become flooded with terrifying events connected to the Joker , who is played by Heath Ledger. Heath's Joker has cracking white paint on his face, a swollen red smile, and hair tinged with green. He wears a suit and gloves, and moves his tongue out of his mouth when he speaks. His laughs even when he is beat up, and cackles in a manic voice. He threatens others with a knife in their mouths and a different story every time about how he got his scars on his face, implants a bomb in a man's stomach, and at times has helpers who run around in scary painted clown masks. He is frightening and the definition of villain- playing the role more psychotic and more evil than Jack Nicholson's Joker. He embodies the Joker beautifully- acting as a creature of pure malice and evil who will not stop pursuing his dream of destroying everything he can. (He of course, tells Batman that he wouldn't want to kill him because it is 'fun' having him to chase.) He says also that he doesn't have plans for anything, he just enjoys destructing this and sees what happens and what would be enjoyable to ruin next. He enjoys watching Gotham tear itself to pieces- for example in the scene where he forces boats (ones full of citizens, ones full of prisoners) to choose what boat they'd like to blow up so that the two boats will in turn blow each other up.
Gotham is shown to be devoid of morality and trust, but Harvey Dent comes to be seen as the white knight in shining armor. He locks up over 50 criminals in a day, and is seen as diligent and heroic. But, after Rachel-his lover is murdered by bombs in a room full of gas tanks set up by the Joker, Harvey is heartbroken. The Joker gives the choice of Rachel or Harvey for Batman to save from the bomb. He chooses Rachel, but the Joker being insanely cruel enough to choose to murder Bruce's one love, switched the addresses for Rachel and Harvey, and Bruce ends up saving Harvey. Half of Harvey's face is burnt off by the flames from the gas, and he turns evil from his hatred for losing Rachel. He threatens to murder a person from Gordon's family to show how it feels to have a loved one murdered and live with it. Batman saves Gordon and his family, and it is thought that he murders Dent. But, he chooses to remain as the Dark Knight, the protector of Gotham and pretend that Dent died heroically as a white knight hero of Gotham.
The visuals are stunning, and the movie grips you- wrenches you to the front of your seat, dares you to believe the 'impossible'- that evil will win. The actors play their roles beautifully- but of course Heath Ledger steals the show as the Joker. The movie really shows humanity as it is, and how psychotic some people in this world are- completely devoid of remorse, just looking to tear people apart for amusement. Recommend as many people as you can to see this. It is a dark masterpiece.
The Illusionist (2006)
Incredible.
The Illusionist left me speechless. First of all, the cinematography and use of flashbacks in the film are beautiful. The scenes from the past open out in faded vignettes. The acting is phenomenal. If you think that thinking of the 'forbidden love' plot may remind you too much of Romeo and Juliet, once viewing this film, all thoughts of unoriginality escape you.
It unfolds like a jaw-dropping illusion- revealing layers of truth and lies to the world. It snakes around, escaping predicability.
The movie is about "Eisenheim" a magician who had a childhood romance with the beautiful Duchess Sophie, and his magnificent illusions. It shows the effects of power hunger, and need for finding the truth.
The ending of the film made my jaw drop and repeat the word 'Wow' multiple times.
Paranoid Park (2007)
emotionally captivating.
paranoid park is an incredibly sad, beautiful film. it makes you think, and creeps under your skin- tugging at your emotions, putting you in Alex's shoes.
Gus van sant wonderfully captures the emotional journey of a teenage skateboarder who has to deal with the burden of his accidental murder. the imagery is captivating and dream-like- like his racing thoughts.
Gabe Nevins is incredible. he gets under the flesh and bone of his character- Alex. he beautifully captures not only the spirit of his character, but pulls you into to his mind. it makes you sympathize with him, and think what it would be like to be him.
the brutal murder scene shows Alex's facial expressions when seeing the guard's mangled body half alive. you see the horror pulsing inside of him, and him trying to figure out how to deal with the aftermath of the murder.
also, the capture of skateboarding is gorgeous. it portrays skateboarding as a dream-like graceful art that gets people to escape from their lives. the constant scraping of the board against cement, and imagery of guys mid air floating, eyes focused on their boards is amazing.
the cinematography is beautiful. the shots move slowly- capturing the motion of people's body's moving and change of facial expression. light fades and brightens at times to do with the plot. go see this movie- it is like no other and will captivate you.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Wow, fantastic Gothic musical!
Wow I loved this film! So Sweeney Todd tells of a man who, after suddenly being taken and to jail after false pretenses and having his family stolen from him by Judge Turpin, vows revenge.
He sets up a 'barber shop' where he slices the men's throats, and Mrs. Lovett bakes the people into meat pies.
The acting is incredible- all the actors act superbly and sing incredibly!
I adore the look of the film- mostly monochromatic with bright splashes of red blood during murder scenes. The music is incredible of course- Sondheim is a genius!
The film is a mixture of comedy at times- the fantasy sequence, tragedy, anger, and music of course.
The ending is actually great- him dying in the arms of his former wife.
I adored the whole film- I even bought the entire soundtrack.
It should be seen!!
La Môme (2007)
One of the Greatest, most tragic, well-acted biopics!
This film is exquisite. The cast is exceptional- especially the actress that plays Edith Piaf. She plays her over a long period of her life span, and though she does not actually sing, she acts incredibly.
The movie is extremely well made and touching. It begins with the early childhood of Edith. She begins as a street urchin who shortly later is abandoned by her mother. Her father finds her sickly ill and leaves her in the caring of a brothel. She is brought up by the girls there until her father returns from war and takes her into his care again. He holds the career of a circus contortionist until he leaves the circus. He begs on the street for money as a contortionist until he asks his young daughter to do something for the crowd. She bursts out into beautiful song and this shows the beginning of her notice of her miraculous talent.
Later, as a young adult performing on the street with her drunk friend, she is met by a man who gets her to perform in his cabaret club. The story continues showing her anguish, drug addiction, heartbreak, rise of fame, and illness. The film is a must see that will melt you into tears. It is one of the most memorable pics ever, and there is no doubt that the lead should be nominated next year for an Oscar.
Dreamgirls (2006)
Extraordinary Movie Musical
I saw this movie two days ago at an advance screening. The costumes were gorgeous, the set design was too, the acting was wonderful, and the singing spectacular. I have not seen the original musical, but I still think it was great.
Dreamgirls tells the story ('loosely based on Diana Ross and the Supremes') of three girls- Deena (Beyonce), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorell (Anika Noni Rose). They are aspiring singers (the Dreams) who enter a talent contest but sadly lose. A 'wheeler-dealer manager' named Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) sees the Dreams and signs then up to be back-up for James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy).
The movie shows the ways of the music industry and what they will do to make it big.
Jennifer Hudson is FANTASTIC as Effie White. She is a first-time actress who delivers great passion to her part as well as her powerful voice.
See the movie because it will stay in your heart as the best musical made into a movie you will have seen for years.
Ray (2004)
Amazing
Ray is a heartfelt movie that tells the story of Ray Charles' (Jamie Foxx)life. It shows the hardships he struggled through, his amazing talent, and his past. The movie is extremely well made and Jamie Foxx is excellent as Ray. He embodies the soul, personality, and likenesses of Ray. You could even mistake him for Ray Charles! This movie is one that will be watched over and over and over again. It is a classic, a masterpiece. People were right for handing Jamie Foxx an Oscar for his role, for he is magnificent.
Even people not into musicals, or films about musicians, will love this film. It is not just a biopic, nor is it a musical drama. SEE THIS FILM!
Beowulf & Grendel (2005)
Worst Movie Ever
There is not a real spoiler here, but I talk about a few things that happen in the movie.
The lighting is awful in this movie. It changes from a sunny afternoon to nighttime in a second. The script is horribly written with lines such as "that troll didn't give a s&%# about us" and stuff like that. There is no climax nor is there well acting, or an intriguing storyline. The movie is entertaining in a crappy, badly made, funny kind of way.
The troll is a huge being with fuzzy boots and little shirts. He plays bowling with human skulls, talks in a made up language, and even sleeps with Bewoulf's love, an eccentric young woman. The whole movie is a chaotic mess. There is serious editing that should have been done, and stupid lines that have no meaning in the movie.
Do not see this film
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
in this brilliant dark comedy a young seven year old girl and her family travel in an RV to California for a state beauty pageant.
Little Miss Sunshine is the best movie of the year. It is a warm and unique comedy the defines "normal." The acting is superb, the jokes are dark yet hilarious, and the plot is fantastic. Abigail Benslin plays Olive, a dark haired seven year old who dreams of being a beauty pageant queen. Her father is an overachiever; her uncle a suicidal gay. Olive's brother is Dwayne, a fifteen year old who dreams of being a jet pilot. Lastly are her mother and her grandfather. Her grandfather is a lady's man drug addict who advises his grandson about girls and drugs.
The sickest and greatest part of the movie is the end. In the end, Olive is at the "Little Miss Sunshine" beauty pageant. Seven years old girls' hair is being styled, makeup being sprayed on, and glitzy gowns being laced up. It is a frightening image of young beauty, and Olive stands out like a daisy in a field of roses. When Olive thanks her grandfather for teaching her her dance moves the host asks "where is your grandfather now?" and she replies "in the trunk of our car." That line is one of the funniest and most memorable quotes from the movie.
Anyone of thirteen and above can see this movie. Sure, it is rated R, but teenagers can handle any mature conversations or swearing in the movie.