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john_bonsai
Reviews
Strangers with Candy (2005)
A poignant farcical romp
Though I must say that almost nothing could compare with the often hilarious and memorable moments that made up the Comedy Central original series Strangers With Candy, this movie has been one of my personally most anticipated films of the past year. When the theater I work at FINALLY put the title on the marquee I was elated. Seeing the film (twice now) did not disappoint. I do, as the first sentence of this "review" eludes to, appreciate the series more than the film, but from the moment Amy Sedaris' face appears on the screen, the crowd on both viewings began giggling and laughing outright. This is a refreshing film that manages to poke fun at society (and its discontents) both brilliantly and often surprisingly. From the note that "Professor" Noblet finds in his class (and its eventual origins) to Jerri and her mother's discussion of sexual jargon, much of the film's timing and writing is hilarious. There are moments (especially towards the end) that move with a predictability that I would like to have seen reworked, but overall an excellent and refreshing addition to a classic series.
Trust (1990)
Years later and this movie still get me
I had the honor of viewing this, one of Hal Hartley's first films, last night. This being 2006, needless to say it has been some time since my first viewing of this very special film. This is the kind of movie that I recommend to certain friends and younger people I know (I first viewed it when very young). So many moments sit in my mind unnoticed until another viewing years after the last. An amazing tale of growth and awakening in a world that often does not present itself as being conducive to growth. The dialog is pure Hartley (if you are unfamiliar with his films I would recommend this as a good place to start). Halfway between John Hughes and Samuel Beckett. The actors portray their awakenings delicately and with precision. Please see this film!
Hunting Humans (2002)
Far better than I was expecting
Just saw this last night. Enjoyed the voice over dialog very much. Definitely low budget but an excellent outing by this young Baltimore-area director. Very humorous with a few good scares as well. As an aside....that lead character is HOT! Check out FEAR OF CLOWNS as well. Like I said, not the best, but surprisingly entertaining. Sometimes the plot twists at the end become a bit much, but in the end they play more like a comical chess-game that lead you into an absurdist exercise of cat-and-mouse. Not for those who cannot grasp sarcasm and irony. Whoever wrote this dialog must have worked in either a telemarketers office or other phone related business. The main character's interior comments about the office world are truly hilarious!
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Great...even more great on subsequent viewings
Ang Lee's destined to be a classic, Brokeback Mountain, will more than likely be the most moving film you will see this year. A sweeping epic love story plays out as a meditation on loss in many respects, and in many ways is a bittersweet experience. An unusual film considering Hollywood and the Networks have taken to "Disneyfied" gay characters who break into song and dance at the drop of a hat. Finally we have a tender and heartbreaking portrayal of two, extremely real, characters. The film and the performances are so subtle and underplayed, so much of the dialog being conveyed in unspoken gestures and facial expressions, that subsequent viewings really enable the viewer to "understand" many more aspects of this complex story. No big explosions or car chases, but you may still feel as if you've been run over by a truck.