little_rhody Reviews

Private Romeo (2011)

IMDb's math is off

[9/10 · 2 July 2013]

Quite some time ago I saw the play R&J in New York on which this film is based. It was one of the most exciting evenings of theatre I have experienced. Theater to film transitions aren't always successful due to a shift in emphasis from language and suggestion to visual storytelling. Angels in America is wonderful on stage - not so much on screen. Here the concept of the play was changed just enough to satisfy the visual requirements of cinema but keeps the spirit of the play (sort of). They are different enough to stand apart, and at the same time it can be said this is one of the most successful screen versions of a play.

If 75% of all people who rated this film gave it a 6 or better, and if 30% of all the people who rated this film give it a 9 or 10, how can the average rating be 5 point something?!

A Mighty Heart (2007)

A Touching Tribute

[8/10 · 1 July 2007]

A Mighty Heart, like United 93, gives us some insight into a particular even. In this case it's the kidnapping and search for Daniel Pearl in Pakistan. In both cases we know the outcome before we walk into the theatre, and both films are successful in holding our attention while telling their stories.

Anyone who has traveled in South Asia will find the setting familiar. Location shots pepper the plot line in order to remind us that "we're not in Kansas anymore." The crush of traffic, architecture, vegetation, local dress are visually stunning - not necessarily pretty, but beautiful in their own way. The use of hand held cameras and tight shots is very effective in conveying mood. Angelina Jolie is wonderful, but I'm not sure the performance is Oscar worthy. I guess that's contingent on how many strong female roles come along this year.

What is most interesting about the film is the way it shows us the world today, the world of terrorism, and how a handful of discontent with computers and cell phones can be tremendously disruptive.

Wilde (1997)

A Little Gay History

[8/10 · 30 June 2007]

This is an interesting film in that it illustrates the point in modern history where sexual orientation becomes labeled and the rise of Aestheticism; however, it does not illuminate those evens as much as it chronicles the life of Oscar Wilde. Stephen Fry does a marvelous job at portraying the title role. Fans of Jude Law will enjoy his rendering of Lord Alfred Douglas, a self centered, self important, manipulative, superficial son of the ninth Marquess of Queensberry (played by Tom Wilkinson). And Vanessa Redgrave is wonderful as Oscar's devoted mother. The film opens with Wilde visiting the American west, then follows his marriage to Constance, his exposure to gay sex, his success as a play write, his children, relationship with Lord Douglas, arrest, imprisonment, and exile. A life destroyed because of consensual relations.

The Doom Generation (1995)

Araki's Best Film To Date

[8/10 · 30 June 2007]

This review is of the uncensored directors cut. Part of a trilogy which is preceded by Totally F***ed Up, and followed by Nowhere, The Doom Generation is more surreal than the Totally F***ed Up, but not as "out there" as the Nowhere. This is a good thing. It's also the sexiest of the three - some might say "raunchiest." Yes...parts could be considered to have pushed the envelope, but if you've seen the opening sequence in Shortbus you might consider this tame. Another way it differs from Shortbus is that there is a lot of sexual tension between the three main characters. That's what makes this film so sexy.

The film follows our three leads, the bitchy Amy Blue, the gentle Jordan White and the HOT but volatile Xavier Red Now I wouldn't consider this a serious, or deep, or profound film, but it's highly entertaining and it's great to watch with a bunch of friends...just to see their reactions if nothing else. There certainly will be lots of laughter, conversation and rewinding. It is a commentary on America to some degree, but I see that as being used more as a catalyst for subsequent events. It will probably become a cult classic. It's still as fresh 12 years after the day it was released.

Evening (2007)

The love of a lifetime - a lifetime of love

[9/10 · 30 June 2007]

This is not a film about mystery, or misery, or making the wrong choice. It's about love - love of a parent; love of a child; love between siblings; love between friends; love of that special someone that comes into our lives, and it's about the cycle of life.

The first twenty minutes of the film doesn't work all that well. The attempt to set a tone comes across muddy; however, once past that initial confusion the film comes together and proceeds nicely from that point. The stellar cast of women are a joy to watch, and although Patrick Wilson is very cute, Hugh Dancy is adorable. There's something of the bad boy in his character that is attractive, and he looks fabulous in the period wardrobe. Perhaps his performance stands out due to the dearth of male roles in this film.

I'm anxious to see this film again. I'm sure there are layers of subtleties I missed in the first viewing.

Wonder Boys (2000)

A clever comedy

[9/10 · 24 June 2007]

Wonder Boys is full of subtle humor and fine performances. Michael Douglas plays a college professor/writer who seems to be having one problem after another. His wife just left him, his girlfriend is pregnant, and he can't seem to find an end to his novel (not to mention he's been having spells lately). Toby Maguire plays a troubled, talented student who seems to be reaching out for help and is taken under Professor Tripp's (Douglas) wing. Robert Downey Jr plays a bisexual editor in search of a good book to publish, and a companion to keep him warm at night, not to mention he travels with a stash of recreational drugs. Frances McDormand plays the pregnant girlfriend who is also the wife of Douglas' boss. Throw in a stolen car, a drag queen, a dead dog, lots of pot and shake vigorously.

Déjà Vu (1997)

Love and yearning

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

Henry Jaglom's films have a distinct feel to them. The dialog is more natural, less theatrical, with stammers, stutters, repetition, hesitation, and stepping on lines. In this film we follow an engaged woman from the streets of Jerusalem, through Tel Aviv, Paris, Dover and onto London where she is to meet up with her fiancé. This journey was shaped in part by a mysterious woman she meets in Jerusalem. Along the way she encounters a dashing gentleman who seems to be the perfect fit for her. This film raises questions about destiny and soul mates. Steven Dillane and Victoria Foyt work well together, and Vanessa Redgrave glows.

Strawberry & Chocolate (1993)

A charming film

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

How often do we get to see Cuban films here in America?

How many Cuban films have a gay protagonist?

Strawberry and Chocolate is a wonderful Cuban film that features a glimpse into Havana and the Cuban gay subculture juxtaposed against dedicated, communist college students.

David is the college student who believes in the system. Diego is a gay writer who has friends in the art world. Nancy is stuck between the two worlds, and having difficulty coping. Through his association with the others, David receives an education he wouldn't get at the university.

The film is about love and desire: love of country; love of art; love between men and women; love between men - romantic and platonic. Thank you Robert Redford and Miramax for bringing this to the States

Transamerica (2005)

America the beautiful

[9/10 · 24 June 2007]

Transamerica is the quintessential road trip movie. One where the characters are on a journey of discovery , not only of each other, but of themselves, and are transformed in the end. Those met along their travels help facilitate this personal growth.

Bree, a pre-op transsexual in California has her life turned upside down when she learns she has a son and he's in jail in New York. Her therapist will not approve her surgery scheduled for the end of the week until she confronts that part of her past. Bree meets Toby, her son, bails him out, and is about to return to California when circumstances and conscience initiate the cross country road trip. Along the way secrets, hopes and dreams are revealed which at times pull the two together, or push the two apart. The film is touching, and funny, shocking and comforting.

Felicity Huffman is amazing as Bree, and Kevin Zegers is equally compelling as Toby. It's a journey worth taking.

Shortbus (2006)

Naughty and nice

[9/10 · 24 June 2007]

Yes, there's a lot of explicit sex in the film, but that's not what defines it. The movie opens up with a lot of sex going on, but as we observe the reactions of those involved we see that it isn't all they expected it to be - not unlike the real world. Sometimes it's great, and sometimes it isn't, and for these guys at this time it isn't. Anyway, what is interesting about the structure of this movie is that as we get to know the characters the sex becomes less explicit.

Another interesting choice was to present the most profound, intimate moments as non-sexual encounters. Humor is prevalent in the beginning of the film, but like the explicit sex fades away as the story unfolds. I think it's a lovely story about the human condition (not to be viewed with you Mom), which ends on a positive note in a very German cinematic way - with a marching band and a drag queen.

Little Children (2006)

A sympathetic pedophile

[10/10 · 24 June 2007]

Little Children is one of the freshest, most original productions I've seen in a while. It's a light film about adultery, and you care about everyone in the end . . . including the pedophile. In addition to the screenplay, the things that make this film are the narration - which comes across as if it's addressing children, the cinematography - which is mostly ambient light with lush shadows and highlights, and the performances of the entire cast all of which are flawless. There are a few shockers and more than a few laughs. It's a solid film that caries you through the spectrum of emotions and remains fresh after subsequent viewings.

Hellbent (2004)

A Gay Slasher Film

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

This is a low budget, slasher film set in West Hollywood on Halloween. Being low budget some of the acting isn't world class, but that really doesn't hurt the film because of the campy, sexy, spooky nature of the film.

There are some wonderful moments in the film, like when Eddie first sees Jake, and has trouble hitting on him because he's nervous, or when Joey gets the phone number of the guy he's interested in. On the flip side there's the scene where Eddie is handcuffed to the bed while the killer is lurking about, undetected, in his apartment. That was more suspenseful and more thrilling than "1408" and "Vacancy" combined.

In the end, like any slasher film, the killer survives, and I hope there's a sequel set in New York on Halloween. How cool would that be?

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

Better than Pirates II

[7/10 · 24 June 2007]

Pirates III, in my opinion, is better than the second, but not as good as the first. Where Pirates II seemed to be in-cohesive, Pirates III offers resolution to the various topics opened in the second installment.

Captain Jack doesn't come across as funny in the third film, but I suspect that's because we have come to know and love him, so all his eccentricities, which were humorous in the first film, have become a part of him to the point we no longer see them as funny, but just part of his charm.

There's a surrealistic sequence somewhere in the middle of the film which reminds me a little of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and that's one of my favorite parts of the movie. A close second is little Jack's performance. But Jonny Depp is incomparable, and he's by far one of the greatest actors of our time.

Special effects are wonderful, and over the top (which works in a film of this nature). Some movies are meant to be seen on the big screen, and this is one of them.

The Valet (2006)

Another French farce

[5/10 · 24 June 2007]

French comedy often times seems to be structured after the plays of Moliere. The Valet is an amusing little film, but falls into the category of watered down, 300 year old farce.

Boy meets girl, boy looses girl, boy gets HOT super model, boy doesn't want super model - he wants the girl. His perceived relationship with the super model is making everybody crazy in one way or another, but the laughs are few and far between. It's amusing, but not funny, and comedies ought to be funny. I saw this in a theatre with between 80 and 100 people. There was one woman in the crowd that laughed regularly, and it was a laugh that indicated she was trying to deal with some hardship, but was presenting a strong facade to show the world she was okay. That kind of response doesn't auger well for a comedy.

28 Weeks Later (2007)

Could have been better

[6/10 · 24 June 2007]

Sequels can be tricky. Often times they're a remake of the original film (think Final Destination I, II and III), but in this case the sequel would have to be a continuation of the story. . . something different. And at first the film promises to give us something new. The set up is great, some of the subtle references to Iraq come through nicely, and we learn something new about the disease. The film becomes cliché when a blood bath unfolds.

Where 28 Days Later kept the horror intimate, personal, immediate - 28 Weeks Later opens up the violence making it impersonal. Perhaps another reference to the war in Iraq. The movie should end 30 seconds before it does. I think an open ending would have been more successful by leaving the audience wondering what happens next.

After the Wedding (2006)

Danish film stands alone

[7/10 · 24 June 2007]

I usually don't have a problem enjoying any kind of cinema, but Korean and Danish films have a quality about them that doesn't sit right with me. In Korean films it's structural, but Danish films it's visual. Maybe there are too many hand-held shots for my taste. Maybe it's the Scandinavian penchant for sparseness.

At any rate, the story itself is quite interesting. There are mysteries inside of riddles wrapped in enigmas. The character's motivations are Shakespearean, and there's one surprise after another. Again, my problem with the film is visual. Perhaps the hand-held shots are meant to intensify the anxiety of the moment, but I just find them annoying in this context. They do, however, work for me in Manhattan Murder Mystery.

Bug (2006)

Better than expected!

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

When I saw the trailers for Bug I was expecting a SciFi/horror film. Bug is going to be a disappointment if that's what you're looking for, but if you're interested in seeing a psychological thriller, this is the film for you.

Originally a play, it makes the transition to the screen better than most plays have in the past. It still has that theatre feel about it: small cast; a clear division between Act I and Act II; dialog driven; wonderful character development; great foreshadowing. It's precisely these qualities that make this film compelling. If you're looking for special effects, and lots of action, this is not the movie for you.

The performances by Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon are fantastic. Anything less would have been a disaster. The cinematography follows the recent trend of shooting in ambient light which renders wonderful shadows and highlights.

Vacancy (2007)

Great premise - lousy rendering

[4/10 · 24 June 2007]

I didn't find Vacancy to be all the suspenseful. When I think of hotels and suspense, I think of Psycho (the original - not the remake). Vacancy doesn't measure up. Although there are fine performances by Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale, and there is adequate explanation of the plot points, something didn't click for me.

I like the idea of businesses doing anything to survive after traffic is rerouted away from them. In this case it's producing snuff films. I also like the idea of guests viewing the films made in their room to show them what's in store. But the suspense is lost once the "terror" starts because it comes on too strong too fast. Subtlety sustained for a longer stretch of the film might have improved it.

Paris, I Love You (2006)

Love comes in many forms

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

Paris, je t'aime is a charming film which is a series of vignettes, each shot in a different part of the city, and each directed by a different director. The end result is a mini film fest of Parisian shorts. Although this film might be compared to Love Actually, it differs in that the individual subplots do not interconnect to form a cohesive story.

Since no two segments were written or filmed by the same people, there is a wide variety of styles, and some of the stories are more memorable than others. The segments titled The 14th Arrondissement, Place de Victoires, Pigalle, Pere-Lachaise, and Le Marais stand out as do many of the performances. In the end, this film is as much about the city of Paris as it is about the relationships we have.

Hostel: Part II (2007)

It can stand on it's own

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

Horror sequels are often times carbon copies of the original: same premise; same focus; same victims; same villains. Hostel Part II breaks all the old sequel rules and presents a fresh look at the same industry that terrorized back-packers in the first film.

The film opens with a short sequence to bridge the first Hostel and this one before introducing the victims and villains of this film. We are shown the behind the scenes workings of the Hostel and factory, and we are presented with a number of plot twists. I think there was an equal emphasis on the gore and torture in this film...but maybe after seeing Hostel the shock value was lost. Regardless, the introduction of tongue-in-cheek humor into Hostel Part II gives it a different feel from the first, and it's a great way of redirecting our expectations of this film.

Where the Final Destination series is basically the same film, over and over again with different death scenes, Hostel Part II is not the same as Hostel, and that's a good thing.

Eli, I'm looking forward to a Part III

La Vie En Rose (2007)

You gotta love Piaf

[8/10 · 24 June 2007]

La Mome, or La Vie en Rose, is a charming film with an outstanding performance by Marion Cotillard. Although Ms Cotillard's portrayal of Piaf borders on caricature, it works well here.

The story is told non-linear, with lots of flash-backs and flash-forwards which becomes a bit tiresome about two thirds of the way through; however, once we reach the end of the film it becomes clear as to why the film was edited this way. The only way to have solved the problem of becoming slightly bored would be to edit out a good half hour, but choosing which bits to cut would be problematic. I'm sure that subsequent viewings will be that much more satisfying with an understanding of the film's structure.

Although La Mome is a litany of hardships suffered by Piaf, it stands as a testament to personal strength. Non, je ne regrette rien takes on new resonance after seeing this film.

1408 (2007)

Could have been better

[6/10 · 24 June 2007]

Although I enjoy all sorts of films, I seem to be most critical of horror and SciFi. I am able to suspend disbelief without any trouble, which might account for my enjoyment of so many movies, but once broken I have trouble buying into the plot line. Having said that, there are a few times 1408 started to loose me; however, there were enough unexpected twists to the story to make the film satisfying in the end.

The best movie villains are unseen and subtle. Think of Jaws. 1408 starts off that way, but then relies on over the top special effects to thrill and frighten the audience. Had that part of the film been less over stated, the over all results would have been much better.

John Cusack's performance is solid and he was able to keep me engaged even when the story began to fall apart for me. Also, Samuel L Jackson can do no wrong in my eyes. The cinematography and artistic direction could have been more creative.

It's a great show to see at the drive-in with a bunch of friends, but I doubt it's destined to become a classic.