barbicane3333 Reviews

American Honey (2016)

A phenomenal achievement in filmmaking

[10/10 · 17 October 2016]

I'm 64, and I can honestly say American Honey is one of the finest films I have ever seen. Critics' comparisons to 1995's Kids are accurate, but the astounding portrait of wayward youth presented here puts it miles ahead of that movie. American Honey is nothing less than astonishing. There is not a single second of wasted footage in this 2 hour 43 minute instant classic.

Director Andrea Arnold has chosen her performers well. Shia LeBoeuf gives his best performance yet, but newcomer Sasha Lane is a commanding presence who steals the picture. Producers and directors take note: The bidding for her talents starts now. She will definitely have a long career.

My review is coming to an end, but I kept wishing this movie would never end. American Honey is the best movie of this year and would qualify as the best of any year. Don't miss it.

The DUFF (2015)

Absolutely marvelous!

[10/10 · 1 March 2015]

Oh, to be a teenager again. My first "encounter" with Mae Whitman was when I saw her in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. She was my favorite character in that fine film. I fell in love with her immediately. I was hoping it wouldn't be long before she'd get a starring role. Now, we have The Duff.

I saw The Duff today, and she - and everyone in the cast - didn't disappoint. Her relationship with Robbie Amell's character brought back memories of the relationship between Mary Stuart Masterson and Eric Stolz in Some Kind of Wonderful, one of my all time favorite films. I will now add The Duff to that list.

This is a tender romance with plenty of laughs thrown in. The teacher characters reminded of some in Clueless. They're well-drawn and funny. Allison Janney plays Mae Whitman's mother, also a funny, yet very wise character. Ms. Janney has never delivered a sub par performance.

I won't reveal the ending. I'll just say it made me so happy, I applauded. It made my week. A great date night movie or just see it by yourself. This is one for the young and, like me, the young at heart. I would see it again - and again. Don't miss it!

Under the Skin (I) (2013)

Nothing short of astonishing!

[10/10 · 22 June 2014]

I was lucky to see this magnificent film today at a local art theater. I'll never understand why it isn't in multiplexes. I considered rating it only a 9 because I felt the director should have subtitled the dialogue of the Scottish actors for the American release. Their accents are that thick. Truthfully, though, the dialogue is secondary. You always know what's going on because of the way the action unfolds.

This is not only the best film of the year so far, it is one of the best films I've ever seen. Scarlett Johansson gives a bravura performance that should earn her a best actress nomination. The film is compelling from first moment to last. Just try to take your eyes off the screen. There are images in this film that will stay with you forever. You won't guess the ending, and it's mind-blowing.

I do recommend that you see it with as many people you know as possible. I regret that I saw it alone, because there are so many things in it I would like to have discussed afterward. Kudos to the director. I agree with the critic who said, "Kubrick is back." It's not as manic as A Clockwork Orange, but still pretty bizarre. Oh, and fans of the second Outer Limits TV series will see definite similarities to the episode of that show that starred Alyssa Milano as a strange seductress.

To recap, Under the Skin is nothing short of amazing!

Shadows in the Sun (2009)

A beautiful film

[7/10 · 2 June 2014]

I saw this film tonight on the euro channel. It is thoroughly enjoyable. The story is touching. All of the actors are wonderful in their roles, especially Jean Simmons.

The cinematography of the English countryside is lovely. As an earlier reviewer said, you'll feel like you're in Norfolk. As a bonus, I'm now a lot more familiar with the poetry of W.B. Yeats.

Many viewers will connect with the central theme of the heartbreak of watching the decline of an aging parent. I give the screenwriter great credit for the way the subject is handled here. Watching this intelligent drama was a very pleasant experience. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Grand Piano (2013)

Avoid this one

[3/10 · 23 March 2014]

How often have you heard someone laughing out loud at a movie billed as a thriller? It happened at the screening of Grand Piano I attended. For about the first hour, this film does deliver chills as it keeps viewers guessing. After that, however, it feels as though the director had walked off the set and allowed a five-year-old child to finish it. Actually, Grand Piano might have been a more cohesive film if said child had directed the whole thing.

John Cusack is very lucky that this film is showing only in art theaters. He'll survive this career move because few of his fans will see it. If it were showing in cineplexes, the theater managers would need to have the riot squad on speed dial. Grand Piano will have a short life in theaters, then go straight to DVD. At that point, I predict plumbers across the country will reap a bonanza from unclogging the toilets of people who buy it.

Walking with Dinosaurs 3D (2013)

Pass this one by

[2/10 · 26 December 2013]

There are no spoilers in this review. The movie itself is the spoiler. It will spoil your day, your week, your year. I can honestly say this is the first time I fell asleep in a movie when I wasn't tired. The dinosaurs looked very lifelike, but unless you're deaf, you would be better off looking at them in a Museum of Natural History than suffering through this dreck. If I were Japanese, I would say, "It brows!" I can imagine judges ordering petty criminals to see this film as punishment. I've had toothaches that were less painful. Seriously, if your kids nag you to take them to see this wretched mess, go to a full service multiplex. Walk them into the movie and tell them to look for you in the bar when it's over. And don't be surprised if they remind you of it during arguments when they're teenagers.

Pulling Strings (2013)

A fun film!

[7/10 · 14 October 2013]

I saw Pulling Strings today, knowing little about it and having seen no trailers. It sounded like something I'd enjoy, and I did. The male and female leads give pitch perfect performances; you'll know right away they are made for each other. The male lead (a single dad with an adorable young daughter) has a very funny sidekick - you'll love the sound effect his car makes. The female lead has a fun "buddy," too.

The story is set in Mexico City. It begins at the immigration window at the US Embassy and takes off from there. A missing laptop is a major plot point. Mariachi music is another. I loved the romantic elements in the movie and the comic elements made me laugh out loud many times. All of the characters are wonderful.

This is a great "date night" movie, but obviously, singles will like it, too. I had a ball. One more thing: Much of the dialogue is in Spanish with subtitles, but please, please, don't let that put you off. You'll have great fun watching Pulling Strings!

The Ultimate Life (2013)

A wonderful film

[7/10 · 9 September 2013]

The Ultimate Life has been attacked by critics as a sop to "family values" types and prudes, who complain about "too much sex and violence" in movies. I'm not a prude or an ultra religious person, and I loved this film. I knew nothing about it when I agreed to go with two friends, who had seen trailers for it. I nearly passed after reading critics' reviews, and boy, am I glad I didn't.

This is a "feel good" movie which I highly recommend, particularly to anyone who likes a good romance. The main characters are shown falling in love as teens and still in love as adults. It presents its characters honestly and shows how someone can change from ruthlessly pursuing riches to wanting to do good for mankind. You'll also see beautiful cinematography of the Texas prairies.

There are battle scenes of WW II and it also portrays the beginning of the oil industry in Texas. The key word for me is romance. Ignore the critics this time. This is a story well told.

Please check this review for spoilers.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

A must see film

[10/10 · 28 October 2012]

Fans of the Matrix films (I haven't seen them) will rush to see Cloud Atlas because two of its three directors made those movies. Others will be drawn in because of its main stars, Halle Berry and Tom Hanks. The draw for me was the third director, Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run, Perfume, 3). Tykwer is simply one of the greatest directors alive today. He's never disappointed me.

The best word to describe Cloud Atlas is astonishing. Some potential viewers may be daunted by the film's nearly three hour length. Don't be. This is the quickest three hours I've ever spent at the movies. The time really flew by. The directors' decision to have their actors play multiple roles is a good one. You may want to spend time trying to figure out which performers are playing what roles, but I recommend against it. Just relax and allow yourself to be drawn in to the various plot lines. You will be quickly be mesmerized.

This a truly unique film, the best I've seen this year. Try to see it with one or more friends. You'll be talking about it for a long time.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

What a sweet,wonderful film!

[10/10 · 13 October 2012]

I'm a 60-year-old guy who's never been lucky enough to fall in love but I love watching other people, especially kids, fall in love. This film was perfect for me. It took you through every imaginable emotion that teenagers would experience. It covers a range of themes, including drugs (a little) and homosexuality (a little more).

There are many funny moments and it was touching throughout. All the young performers are superb in their roles. These are performances they will always be proud of. I got so involved with the main characters, I was gripping my seat a couple of times. I don't want to give away any of the main plot points. I'll just say that it is a heartwarming story very well told. If you were a teenager once or you're just a sucker for a good story about young love, don't miss this movie!

Ruby Sparks (2012)

A remarkable film

[10/10 · 9 August 2012]

I saw Ruby Sparks at a preview showing with two friends, and we all loved it. It is part rom com and part fantasy, with a dash of psychological drama. First of all, I give the lead actors, the director AND the casting director an A+. Leading man Paul Dano and woman Zoe Kazan totally look like you'd imagine their characters would. Calvin(Dano) is the shy, bookish, introverted type, while Ruby, the title character (Kazan), is a sprightly, sweet - and beautiful - pixie.

There isn't a lot I can say about this film without giving away major plot points. Calvin is a writer and Ruby is an artist. Ruby is the girl of Calvin's dreams, as the saying goes. He becomes a happier, more outgoing person after meeting her. They have wonderful, life affirming fun together. Beyond that, I can only say that the movie is full of surprises. There are cameo performances by Annette Bening and Antonio Banderas as Calvin's parents and a funny role for Elliott Gould as a psychiatrist.

The story is totally original and the script is first rate. You are not likely to guess what's around each corner. Just sit back and prepare to be entertained. One of my friends said she'd like to see it again. So would I. This is a film you'll be talking about for a long time.

Peace, Love & Misunderstanding (2011)

A real good time!

[10/10 · 8 August 2012]

Two words describe this movie: inspired filmmaking. There is a little sadness, a lot of happiness and laughs galore. There is a heaping helping of romance with changing attitudes and roller coaster emotional twists. The friend who saw it with me said, "Jane Fonda is back!" He's right. She is. She is a laugh riot throughout.

In Peace, Love and Misunderstanding, director Bruce Beresford has re-created the '60s with a broad brush. It's not hard to believe that the eccentric characters depicted in the movie still inhabit the small towns of upstate New York, where most of the movie takes place. In fact, I know one "aging hippie" who does.

Besides the fun plot, viewers are treated to marvelous cinematography that highlights the beauty of the area. Topping that off, various feathered and hoofed creatures make cameo appearances. Beresford was lucky to capture them on film. If I didn't know better, I'd think they were following his direction. The music is wonderful, too.

This is a film the whole family (let's say 12 and up) can enjoy. You'll be glad you saw it.

This Ain't California (2012)

A wonderful documentary about skateboarding and the East German political system

[10/10 · 17 April 2012]

I saw this film last night at the Palm Beach International Film Festival. As a passionate fan of anything related to Germany, I figured I'd enjoy it, and I did. The film revolves around a group of old friends who have gathered to reminisce about one who recently died. The deceased was the central and most popular figure in East Germany's emerging skate culture in the 1980s.

The film's story is told by the friends in personal interviews and with period film clips. Some of the clips are grainy or out of focus, which is understandable, given the time period and the difficulty of obtaining good quality cameras and film in East Germany. Rather than distracting, these clips give the film its authenticity. Life in East Germany was hard, as the friends make clear. Having never lived there, it's difficult to imagine the restrictions (e.g., skateboarding was considered an anti-Socialist activity) they constantly had to deal with.

The story is told with a mixture of humor and sadness, and it was thoroughly enjoyable throughout. It is a remarkable piece of filmmaking, never less than engrossing. The closeness and camaraderie evident among the friends will almost make viewers feel they are part of the story. My spirits rose and fell with them as the details emerged. The film's most important fact is not revealed until a few minutes before the end.

The film is also accompanied by an excellent soundtrack featuring a wide range of genres from techno pop to speed metal. Each tune is appropriately matched to the action in the film. Stay through the closing credits, because the song director Marten Persiel chose to play over them is a perfect summation of what you have just seen. Don't be surprised if you get misty. If this movie comes to a local theater, I will see it again, and I will definitely buy the DVD when it's released.

One Day (2011)

One Day made my week

[26 August 2011]

If you read reviews by movie critics, you know that many have trashed this delightful movie. Ignore the herd. The only summation you need is Roger Ebert's. There's a reason he won a Pulitzer Prize for criticism. He knows his stuff, and he liked One Day. Trust me. You will, too.

It's been quite a while since a film tugged on my emotions like this one did. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess play Emma and Dexter, two characters you will surely like. The film begins on the day they graduate college. Over the next twenty years, they meet each year on that same day to renew their friendship and catch up on each other's lives.

The laugh lines are mostly subtle. There is sadness, too. The story begins slowly, but you will enjoy it more with each passing year. The scene on the street in Paris (you'll know which one) is not a rom com original, but it had the audience at my showing applauding. The actors are perfect for their roles, the script is well written and the film is in the very capable hands of Danish director Lone Scherfig, who made An Education.

If you like romance, just sit back and let One Day take you away. It's a very good movie and I feel certain you will enjoy it.

Another Year (2010)

Slow, sad and very powerful

[9/10 · 5 February 2011]

First of all, when Mike Leigh's name is on a film, you see it. I've been a fan since his wacky comedy, Life Is Sweet. Here, he has another big hit. If you prefer deep emotional drama that will touch you to your very soul to car chases and shootouts, this one should not be missed. I would call Another Year a docudrama, because I have no doubt that there are real lives playing out just like those in the film. I am a male nearing 60 and just about as alone as Mary. My heart ached for her throughout the movie. If Mary lived in my neighborhood, she wouldn't be alone for long. This is a very impressive effort from one of today's great film makers. See it!

Leap Year (2010)

An absolute delight

[10/10 · 9 January 2010]

I saw Leap Year today. Matthew Goode has been a favorite of mine since his performance in Chasing Liberty with Mandy Moore. Amy Adams was new to me. Both leads were outstanding in this film. I am 58 and single, an old softy who always looks for a good "chick flick" and this one is a beaut. I don't want to give away anything. Just see it. You will love the interplay between Amy and Matthew. Theirs is a very sweet romance that builds ever so slowly. For laughs, there are pratfalls and other silliness (that's a good thing). The supporting characters are also funny and charming. The Irish countryside is gorgeous. On the way out, I heard a man behind me tell his wife "That was a good movie. I'd see it again." So would I. Definitely!