scoochie9 Reviews

Sharp Objects (2018)

Best Adaptation Ever

[10/10 · 2 December 2023]

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is my favorite, most disturbing, novel.

I could never fathom a way to make it into a movie, but this series actually came through.

It preserves all of the slowly encroaching creepiness of the book, and does so with brilliant acting, sly cinematography, and a spot on soundtrack, complete with Led Zepplin's most sinister sounding songs.

Not for the faint of heart, this one!

The one and only complaint I have is that it was very difficult to see Camille's scars, when it was obvious by the music and camera movement that we were supposed to be seeing something disturbing. Perhaps it's just my TV?

Otherwise, this baby gets an A+++++

Sundown (I) (2021)

It could have been meaningful if...

[7/10 · 28 July 2022]

The film is actually quite intriguing with the very ambiguous family dynamics, and Tim Roth's character's movements, and its action and romance and terror.

I just think it could have been more profound if instead of a brain tumor, he'd have had colon cancer. That would have affected his brain just as much, causing him to act in the same way, and it would have made greater psychological sense.

Dude comes from wealth created by pig slaughter, hence the hallucinations with pigs, which when eaten in excess, cause colon cancer.

It would mean that he just wanted out, which he did.

Just my two cents...

Give or Take (2020)

Unexpected wonder!

[10/10 · 11 June 2022]

I happened upon this movie at the library (on Cape Cod), and found it incredibly engaging--in fact, actually addictive. Maybe it's because I have to return it to the library soon, but I don't think so. It's actually quite a warm, compelling, and funny story with top notch acting, which would make me want to watch it over and over again, even if I didn't live on the Cape!

Wuthering Heights (2011)

Finally! If you've read the book, watch this!!!

[8/10 · 18 January 2014]

This is the first adaptation I've yet seen which actually captures the true feeling of the novel. I haven't seen all of the movies, so I may be wrong, but everything I've seen so far has portrayed Catherine and Heathcliff as completely sympathetic characters, and I'm just not OK with that, considering there are so many Heathcliff groupies out there.

While I was reading the book several years ago, the involuntary expression on my face was the same as the one on Colin Farrel's face in "In Bruges" when he's viewing the medieval paintings depicting torture scenes: an expression of unprepared revulsion.

This film is brilliant in a million ways, particularly its direction and cinematography, but it's especially brilliant in that it shows in an extremely visceral way (beware of animal cruelty images!) how very messed up these people in the story are.

Well done!

Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire (1999)

A Uniquely Endearing Film

[7/10 · 18 November 2011]

I happened upon this DVD at the library, and because I love watching movies I've never seen which also have strange titles, I checked it out. After watching it a couple of times, I've decided to buy it!

"Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire" will definitely not appeal to everyone. It's a quiet little story about relationships, both romantic and brotherly, and "coming of age" (funny, I never knew what that term meant until seeing this film).

I hadn't ever heard of the Martini brothers, nor Kevin Jordan or Bill Henderson for that matter, and I probably never would have were it not for the lucky happenstance at the library. This film is genuinely charming, thanks in no small part to the actors and the screenplay. Not your basic Hollywood romantic comedy in the least (and I'm not averse to those), "Smiling Fish..." is in full possession of its own self. Bravo all around! Anyone who comes from a close two-sibling-of-the-same-sex family will probably love this film, as well as anyone who enjoys a touching "slice-of-life" story with much originality, and even more heart. Funny, unique, and sweet!!!

I'm Not Scared (2003)

A work of art in every sense

[10/10 · 17 September 2011]

I just happened upon "I'm Not Scared" at the library. I'd seen the preview several times through the years, thought it looked good, and never came across it 'til today. I'm so glad I finally did!

This is a truly beautiful film, from the stunning cinematography all the way to the very emotional story of two young boys meeting under extraordinary (and scary) circumstances. The acting was fantastic, particularly the young protagonist played by Giuseppe Christiano.

It's almost like a crime thriller told in story-book-speak. Pretty understandable since it's seen and told through the eyes of children.

Absolutely brilliant and unique! I can't BELIEVE this escaped Oscar notice!!!

Burn After Reading (2008)

Dang I love the Coen brothers!

[10/10 · 14 May 2010]

This movie is hilarious however many ways you slice it! Yeah, it's short, and not so very substantive, but it embodies the wonderful brilliance, silliness, and continuing originality that I've come to love from these wacky sibling film-makers (I love it so much that they're brothers!).

The actors are all at their best--each and every one of them! Gotta give a shout-out to Brad Pitt--Dude, I didn't know you had it in you! Bravo sir.

This is one of my favorite Coen brothers' movies. Very well done boys!!!

Bernard and Doris (2006)

A Sadly Beautiful Character Study

[10/10 · 20 June 2009]

This is a fantastic movie. I don't know thing one about the life and death of Doris Duke, and as it says in the beginning credits: "Some of this film is based on facts...Some of it isn't." What writer Hugh Costello, director Bob Balaban, actors Susan Sarandon and Ralph Fiennes have come up with here is sheer brilliance. Two troubled people who come together, almost accidentally, only to find that each of their unique psychological troubles meshes extremely well with the other's. Yes, it's a story about "enabling" and "codependence", but it's also a story of the power of friendship and loyalty (no matter how sadly unhealthy it might be for both parties involved). I can't say enough good things about the performances of both Sarandon & Fiennes, not to mention all the other actors, and the director, cinematographer, etc... But I must say, the writing is paritcularly effective. The story of these two people's intertwining lives comes off as so true, so kind-of tragic, and so compelling, that I will never forget this film. Bravo!!!

The Onion Movie (2008)

Monty Python, American Style

[9/10 · 26 June 2008]

This movie possesses that rarest of combinations: utter brilliance and unbridled stupidity. Obviously, nothing can compare to Monty Python's Flying Circus, but The Onion Movie's creators were plainly big fans of that show, and succeeded in delivering "something completely different".

While this movie is chock full of current-societal satire (which Python never was), it uses the clever segues to new scenes, the reappearance of characters you'd just about forgotten, and the absolute Absurdity (it has to be capitalized!) that those wonderful Brits mastered decades ago.

The Onion Movie is not a regular movie. If you insist on plot, and/or are easily offended, this movie is not for you. But if you're in the mood for laughing about cultural stereotypes, or people with enough humor to parody themselves (you rock Steven Seagal!), or just enjoying the ride through countless ridiculously silly situations (God bless you, Armed Gunman), you might want to take a peek at The Onion Movie.

Do you have the balls?

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

Things that make you go awwwww!

[9/10 · 18 April 2008]

Sweet. Sweet. Utterly sweet.

I rented this movie thinking it would be an original, offbeat comedy, which it is, in a way. What I wasn't prepared for was how deeply, almost heartbreakingly, moving an experience "Lars and the Real Girl" is. Wow! It's the story of a lonely, emotionally traumatized, young man who discovers happiness (sort of) with his new girlfriend, the life-sized, anatomically-correct doll Bianca...and it's also so much more.

Warm, fuzzy feelings abound as the small-town community comes to embrace Lars and Bianca, all in an effort to help this sweet, wounded soul. Ryan Gosling plays this character beautifully (which is no surprise, considering his amazing performances in his other films. I'm totally in love with him!). The whole rest of the cast, and Emily Mortimer especially, delivers big time as well.

If you're at all down in the dumps, or feeling disillusioned about your fellow humans, check out "Lars and the Real Girl". It'll restore your faith in humanity, and, assuming you have a pulse and aren't completely evil, maybe even make you go "Awwwww".

He Was a Quiet Man (2007)

Very interesting...

[8/10 · 26 March 2008]

"He Was a Quiet Man" is perhaps the most original and unpredictable movie I've ever seen. If you're looking for something "normal", you should probably look elsewhere.

A story of an extremely lonely, put-upon, disturbed man who desperately wants to be Somebody. Christian Slater plays this man absolutely brilliantly. In watching his performance, I kept thinking "Where is Christian Slater?" ... Well, he's not even in the neighborhood. Well done, guy!

The direction is absolutely amazing: colorful, imaginative, darkly funny, and surreal. Cubicles, and hummingbirds, and talking fish, oh my!

While the film is not particularly emotionally satisfying (to say the least), on the cerebral and aesthetic level, it delivers big time.

"He Was a Quiet Man" answers the musical question: "Now maniacs will think twice before going crazy."

Yessiree.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Wow!

[10/10 · 19 March 2008]

I only just saw this movie on DVD, well after the Oscars, but my (belated) response is an unequivocal "Wow!". "No Country For Old Men" is like a slow, hypnotic, completely mesmerizing "Pulp Fiction". I was glued to the screen the entire time. It's like something Quentin Tarantino would create if he were on quaaludes and mushrooms combined. I'm a huge fan of the Coen Brothers ("The Big Lewbowski", "Raising Arizona", "Fargo", and "Intolerable Cruelty" are among my all-time favorites), and I'm thrilled they finally got their shining moment with this completely brilliantly conceived film! I'm not normally a fan of westerns, and how very slowly they usually seem to pan out, but this movie used every possible slow-moving scene to up the adrenaline one (or two, or three, or ten) more notch(es). Not to be overlooked was the ethical stance the movie took. The title itself bespoke what is a major problem in the world today: socio/psychopaths, and their unerring tendency to breed... With all these ultra-creepy, conscious-less people being born indiscriminately, it's no wonder this may end up "no country for old men"... Old men who actually have a sense of ethics and fair play. Old men who actually CARE. Wow! Great job boys!!!

Martian Child (2007)

Yay For The Outsiders!

[8/10 · 14 February 2008]

HELLO! SPOILERS APLENTY! The first time I saw this film, I enjoyed all the clever comedy and the warmth of the story. I felt a little teased, though, to find out that the boy wasn't, in fact, from Mars. That would have been so perfect, and meaningful too! BUT, I watched the DVD extras, and discovered that "Martian Child" was actually based on a true story (not 100%, but with creative license).

SO, I watched the movie again, and was completely charmed. It's a story of someone who truly, conscientiously, wants to be a parent, rather than someone who simply has children without even thinking about how their children's' psyches will end up years from now.

I wish more people would see this movie...It would certainly benefit mankind! Despite the first-viewing tease, I think "Martian Child" has a great deal to offer. I totally recommend it!

The Amateurs (2005)

The Anti--"Boogie Nights"

[8/10 · 10 February 2008]

I just saw this movie (titled for my viewing: "The Amateurs", 2008, US), and was ever so pleasantly surprised. I'd seen the preview, and thought it looked pretty darn funny.

Pretty darn funny is exactly what it was! It's the story of a small town, comprised of many sweet down-and-outers, whose inspirational leader (the iconic Jeff Bridges) is suddenly inspired (for a really good reason) to "make a porno film!!!".

What follows is a wonderfully absurd combination of the somewhat sordid idea of the production of a porn film, and the somewhat corny idea of nice people coming together to support each other, and cooperate on a project for the benefit of all.

The cast contains so many faces you will recognize, but may not be able to name, so I'm thrilled that these folks are involved in this tremendously fun film. Standout performances abound! Check out Ted Dansen, Joe Pantoliano, and William Fichtner, for example.

The screenplay was deftly written: A combination of the story itself, how the story's told, and how the story's told again. Quite clever. Far more clever than meets the eye, in fact.

While many people have qualms about narration in a film, and often justifiably, the story of "The Amateurs" (a far better & more logical title than "The Moguls", by the way) was actually dependent upon the narration... That's where a whole lot of the (subtle) humor lies!

One of my favorite movies is "Boogie Nights": brilliant, dazzling, and awfully sad... If you want to see a different take on the porn business (albeit, a completely innocent, heartwarming, and comically ironic take on the porn business), have a look at "The Amateurs".

You won't regret it.

Mon meilleur ami (I) (2006)

Touching Story of Eventually True Friendship

[9/10 · 8 February 2008]

Since I live in the US, I never saw any previews of this film. I think I can understand how some people were disappointed with it, if they'd seen a preview that promised a wacky comedy, and, instead, were delivered something else altogether.

I've got to say that the "something else altogether" is what I absolutely loved about "My Best Friend" ("Mon Meilleur Ami").

It definitely had its funny moments, and the actors were certainly on their game, but what really sold me was the sensitive story about two men (one clueless about friendship, and one sweetly gun-shy) who, after a series of blunders, betrayals, and misunderstandings, end up becoming best friends.

If you're not too cynical, and have forgiveness in your heart, you will truly enjoy this sweet gem of a movie.

The Magdalene Sisters (2002)

A Harrowingly True Story

[10/10 · 7 February 2008]

If you don't think you can handle a brutally honest account of absolute mind-f**k, then you mustn't see this movie.

I, myself, had a very hard time watching it, mostly because it was true. That fact, however, is what makes it so powerful.

"The Magdalene Sisters" is a horror story of the most accurate nature imaginable. A story of how organized religion destroys the lives and psyches of several young women who were punished for their "sins".

Being raped by one's cousin is one of those "sins".

So (I hope) you see, this is not an easy film experience...

The "sinners" are sent to work at a laundry run by even-more-brainwashed nuns, who have bought into the ideology so much (and have probably been on the receiving end of so much more abuse), that they want, nay, need to punish these new sinners in any way possible.

Hypocrisies abound in this brilliant, well-crafted movie. I totally applaud writer/director Peter Mullan for having the guts, vision, and enormous talent to make this controversial (for him particularly) film.

Bravo!

Hairspray (2007)

Put on your dancing shoes!

[10/10 · 6 February 2008]

While I wish I'd seen this movie in the theater, I can't imagine how that would have gone. Sure, it would have been great to share the (guaranteed) exuberance of the other viewers, but how could I dance while trapped in one of those binding theater seats? Without jumping on my neighbor's toes? Without the usher being forced to remove me at flashlight-point?

This movie is THAT infectious! I've never seen the original, and, in a way, I'm glad because that might have tainted my extreme enjoyment of this film. Someone called it "the ultimate feel-good movie", and they were right on the money.

I won't bother with specifics, because if you're reading this, and other comments, you already know the story and how wonderfully it's presented.

All I know is, when it's time to watch "Hairspray" at home (which it often is), that means it's time to move some furniture around... to make room to dance, and to get fabulously happy!

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A Perfect Film

[10/10 · 29 January 2008]

After having watched this movie for probably the tenth time, I feel compelled to shout my love for it from a mountain top (or at least, from the IMDb commentary page)! "Million Dollar Baby" is a masterpiece in all possible respects. The brilliant screenplay could in no way be improved upon. The story is beautiful, gritty, sweet, tragic, warmly funny at times, and profound. The method of delivery as the story is written (which we find out at the end), is not merely icing on the cake, it's like lightning striking a crate of fireworks stored in the viewer's heart.

The acting is impeccably understated, as it should be. I watched it this last time trying to imagine how it would have played if the lines were said differently, by anyone else. (I'm a movie dork, I know.) It could have come off as really schmaltzy and melodramatic if the actors hadn't been so very sensitive, and the direction hadn't been right on key.

Speaking of direction, I suppose it's time we mentioned one Sir (he must be a "Sir" by now, mustn't he? Dude's an artistic genius after all...) Clint Eastwood. Not only did he bring the ideal combination of crotchetiness and underlying tenderness to the roll of "Frankie", aka "Boss", with his acting, not only did he direct (gently--I've heard he's the favorite director of all actors) the gifted Oscar-Winners Hilary Swank and (the incomparable) Morgan Freeman to do their finest, he actually composed the emotionally resonant soundtrack!

I find myself torn between wanting to prostrate (not prostate, that's something else altogether) myself before Mr. Eastwood, and wanting to slap him upside the head for being so darn talented... Bastard. (Just kidding!) My only disappointment was that he didn't win the Oscar for Best Actor.

This film is not for the faint of heart. I went in thinking it would be like "Rocky". It was, for the majority of it... then it took a most unexpected dramatic turn. I loved "Rocky", but "Million Dollar Baby" is an entirely different animal: an animal to be reckoned with, and an animal to be loved.

Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

Action and Comedy Meet, Fall in Love, and Have a Baby

[8/10 · 22 January 2008]

At last there's a movie an action junky and a comedy addict can enjoy together! "Shoot 'Em Up" is an outrageously over-the-top action film overflowing with unbridled violence. AND, it's very funny. It's almost a parody, but not quite. It doesn't spoof any particular movies, but has its own unique story {with a baby! Woo Hoo!!!}. Gotta love it.

Almost cartoony, but not quite. Almost a genuine action film, but not quite. Almost a romantic comedy, but not quite.

I'm so glad that there's a movie out there that's "not quite" like anything we've seen before 10,000 times.

Hooray for the creators and participants of this fun, suspenseful, and truly unique film!

Half Nelson (2006)

Beautiful, Sensitive Film About Addiction

[10/10 · 20 January 2008]

Ryan Gosling is such a hottie, and such a good actor, he could be working full time as a Hollywood heart-throb. Thank goodness he chose to take part in this somewhat small and controversial movie.

A story of two people floating about, wanting to do the right thing, but truly adrift--not knowing how to get there.

One is a child, bombarded by the desire of others to get her into the drug business, and the other is her teacher, a drug addict who feels it's his duty to protect her... But of course, he can't, because he is an addict himself.

The acting is phenomenal all around, and the story is absolutely beautiful. Anyone who has ever experienced addiction, or been close to someone in that situation, will absolutely love this story.

It's a profoundly real story... and it's a story of hope.

Watch it!

Smiley Face (2007)

Anna Faris is FUNNY!--Movie is so-so.

[8/10 · 17 January 2008]

Anna Faris is, in my opinion, the funniest young comedic actress out there today. In "Smiley Face", she is extremely entertaining (and completely unconcerned about vanity) as Jane, the much-too-stoned pothead. I just love her (and I'm not even gay)!

The story has me scratching my head a little bit. I can't decide if it's just some mindless, silly stoner movie (which works for me!), or, as another reviewer put it, some sort of 70's anti-marijuana training film. Maybe it's a little of both...? I dunno.

Story aside, I think the acting and direction are superb, very colorful, and quite hilarious! It's worth a viewing, if only for the reason that you're in the mood for something completely different. You'll definitely have something to ponder...and many scenes to remember fondly and laugh about!

The Brothers Solomon (2007)

Popcorn and Dead Bird

[7/10 · 2 January 2008]

"The Brothers Solomon", while quite funny, could be compared to "popcorn and dead bird".

Much of it is laugh-out-loud-funny in a bit of a commercial, "popcorn" kind of way, and much of it lays inert on the ground like the proverbial "dead bird". "Dead bird" is somehow proverbial, isn't it? I mean, you've got the Phoenix, and maybe the Raven (was the raven dead? I can't remember)... but that's not really the thing I'm talking about here... Oh well... Nevermind.

Awkward pause.

So anyway, the actors Will Arnett and Will Forte (also the writer) were fabulous in their perpetually upbeat cluelessness! The story was sweet, completely absurd (which is a good thing, in my opinion), and full of every possible type of comic hilarity. I just found the pacing a little bit too uneven to give it a higher rating (sorry guys!!!).

This movie most certainly won't appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy extreme silliness (as I do!), you probably won't be disappointed by this kooky, stupid, sweet, and utterly ridiculous film.

Live Free or Die (2006)

Fans of Deadpan--Boon! Non-Fans of Deadpan--Bomb.

[8/10 · 13 December 2007]

Taste is a funny thing. What one person considers hilarious may well leave another person desperately wishing for something else...anything else. I've seen a lot of indie movies claiming to be "hilarious", and left them depressed, wondering where the comedy actually was.

This movie actually tickled my funny-bone on more than one occasion. I don't think the "mass of men" would have the necessary twist-of-sensibility to appreciate the often subtle comedic aspects of it, and that's just a fact of life. It doesn't mean the detractors are lacking in intelligence...it just means that everybody has his/her own unique taste.

That said, I found this movie to be quite a fun ride. Paul Schneider, I admit, was the great big selling point for me. Every scene he was in made me giggle, and, on occasion, roll upon the floor grasping my sides. Low humor? Maybe, but not entirely.

The rest of it was funny for me in a somewhat cerebral way, possibly. I'm a fan of good, clever, sly, ironic writing, and "Live Free or Die" was certainly chock full of that. Anyway, if your sense of humor tends towards the off-beat, you might want to give this little fire-cracker of a movie a try. You won't regret it.

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Excellent adaptation--Hooray for Ben!

[10/10 · 9 December 2007]

When I saw the first preview of this movie, I got goosebumps all over. I'd read the book by Dennis Lehane, and "Gone Baby Gone" is THE one & only story I've ever read which stuck in my gut and my soul without ever letting go. I was a little worried the ending might have been altered in the movie, but I've been rooting for Ben Affleck ever since the public began its mean assault on him, so I figured he wouldn't let me down...and he did not.

The plot was condensed, and some characters changed a little, as they would have to be. The language was updated (perhaps a bit foully) from the clever and ironic original, but the meat of the story came through bright and loud and clear. The direction and acting were brilliant, and so, so real. Casey Afflect was perfect, Ed Harris will surely receive an Oscar, and Amy Ryan was so effective, I didn't even notice she was acting, I was too busy loathing her. Keep your eyes on her future, people!

This is a gritty, hard, thought-provoking story.It's a story I'm so very glad has risen from the obscurity (these days) of print, to the toppity-top of the silver screen. Yay and bravo all around! Oh, and by the way, the ending WAS changed just a little bit from the novel. Screenwriters Ben Affleck and Aaron Stockard made the best decision ever to make the very last scene a study in subtle hopefulness rather than the heartbreaking conclusion to the novel. Both endings are good, but I think the movie's ending will draw more of an audience, and, perhaps, effect more change in the long run. I hope so, anyway.

Redrum (2007)

Very funny and totally unique!

[9/10 · 12 November 2007]

This very pleasant surprise of a film gave me even more hope for the future of Hollywood. I do enjoy many big-budget movies, but I'm always on the look-out for great indy-films. "Redrum" is such a one. It's reminiscent of the 80's film "Eating Raoul" in some ways (the dorky, "square" couple transforming themselves through outrageous means, for instance), but it veers off onto more morality-questioning paths. Pretty deep for such a fun, often extremely silly movie. In fact, if you're not a fan of the silly, the bizarre, the truthful, or the absurd, "Redrum" may not be your cup of tea. The actors are all on their game, particularly the two leads who are hilarious from their geeky beginnings (the first dance scene! OMG!),through their transformations (when he tells her he has to deal with his high school nemesis by himself! OMFG!), all the way to the very end. The supporting actors are just as talented in their various roles: often obnoxious... and totally funny. Look for great things in the future from these film-making folks!