Let me first say that I don't usually enjoy the regular guy turns superhero genre like Kick Ass, but do find redeeming humorous elements. This film really sets itself apart from the others. I was very torn about this film, and not sure how to feel after. There are excellent performances, some humor, but for the most part, it is painful, dark and creepy, to say the least. It's less of a fantasy and more of a serious psychotic breakdown. You watch a person in desperate emotional pain who loses all sense of right and wrong in such graphic detail that it is truly painful to watch. The graphic violence is shocking, and the very weird sex scene just completely turned my stomach. The performances are really wonderful from all, especially Ellen Paige. The storyline needs some work, there are no consequences, no redemption, no professional help, and surprisingly no incarceration for obvious crimes. There is no positive message from the film, and although I think this will quickly become a cult classic and loved by most pre- and post-adolescent boys who will think the violence is awesome, it is most definitely not a kid's movie, or for that matter, a mom's movie.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
(2011)
Conan please don't stop
31 March 2011
I am not a big Conan O'Brien fan, but I love behind-the-scenes type documentaries. This one is excellent. It showcases Conan during a very difficult time in his life when he tries to come to terms with losing the Tonight Show and what to do with his anger. It shows a side of Conan that most people never see, and is hilarious throughout. I have so much more respect for him as a performer after seeing the film even though he comes across as a fairly arrogant jerk during most of the film. He is still very funny, even when you wish he were nicer. The director had over 140 hrs of footage and cut this down perfectly. Great audio and editing which was a huge task. Overall, it is a truly enjoyable movie.
Win Win
(2011)
Indie Feel with a Win
31 March 2011
This film is a heartwarming, honest look at what it takes to win in everyday life, when sometimes that makes for unethical choices with consequences, and the winning actually comes from unexpected places. The excellent performances from the entire cast are spot on, and help to portray each flawed character in a way in which you can understand and sympathize with their perspective. It's a complex film, more of a drama than a comedy, but still one that compels you to keep watching and you leave the theater completely satisfied. There is an indie feel to the film with understated star-power performances and a great script.
The Beaver
(2011)
Broken Man Facing His Demons Works for Gibson
18 March 2011
Although it's difficult to watch Mel Gibson now without the backdrop of alcoholism, abuse, bigotry, rants and disappointment, this role may actually be the perfect role for him to re-appear on the screen with sympathy and hope of redemption. He plays this role perfectly and the viewer is sucked into the emotion and distress of all characters dealing with their own challenges. It's a beautiful movie with a powerful message. Some have criticized Jodie Foster's directing, but I found the film to be very balanced with the right amount of comedy and tragedy. I loved the camera work and editing, especially with the Beaver as its own character. I also liked the secondary storyline about the teenagers. All the performances were very good. I think the entire movie is very well done, and although I have not changed my personal opinion of Mel Gibson at all, the movie does make you very sympathetic towards families dealing with crisis including his own, and as an actor, he pulls off a very difficult role.
Source Code
(2011)
Suspenseful thriller with a twist
11 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I was very fortunate to be at the World Premiere at SXSW in Austin and attended the Q&A after with James Duncan, Vera Farmiga, Michelle Monaghan, Jake Gyllenhaal and Ben Ripley. The story line keeps you on the edge of your seat and adds in enough humor to make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There is amazing, subtle chemistry between Jake and Michelle which really is the star of the film, performances by all the actors are excellent. Beautiful cinematography that will make Chicago proud. The ending brings up more questions than answers, but it feels right, so that's OK with me. I am not a big sci-fi fan, but this film delivers on romance, suspense, mystery and thrills. Highly recommended.
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