500 Days of Summer

‘500 Days of Summer‘ is one of those films where some of the pieces are touching and original, but as a whole, they don’t add up to much more than expected.

To start with the good: Joseph Gordon-Levitt has become quite a talented actor, growing a lot since his ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ and ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ days. Here, his Tom is idealistic and played so well that we mimic his feelings for Summer (Zooey Deschanel). And we fall into this trap, despite being warned by Summer that nothing serious will happen and by Tom that it all does not end well.

There is some quick wit, mostly revolving around Tom’s sarcasm and inverted perspective of the situation, or in the way that he misinterprets a comparison of him and Summer to Sid and Nancy. Yet it’s not all wit, like when Tom and Summer play the ‘penis game’. I didn’t know this film took place around the time of my 6th grade P.E. class. I found myself thinking, ‘Really?’

We can learn lessons from Tom, though. His precocious younger sister tells him something like “Just because she likes the same weird crap you do doesn’t make her your soul mate.” During brief interviews towards the end, Tom’s friend Paul is talking about the girl of his dreams. Her “bodacious rack”, etc. But he concludes, about his girlfriend of 10 years, “Robin is better than the girl of my dreams. She’s real.” These quirky touched tickle us, but the laughs are rare.

While the film feels like it is certainly breaking some convention, like all that have failed before, it turns to convention at the end. Yes, we know Summer moves on and is not with Tom, and then to fit the movie mood, Tom gets his act together towards the end and encounters another potential girl and gets to start over. The film dares to be different for 90% of its run-time, then falters at the last stretch. But at least this ending has some resemblance to real life, and for that I guess I cannot fault it.

What I do fault is its gimmicky storytelling which at times seems to play the same tune as ‘Amelie’, which was fresher. We have the omniscient narrator telling us the protagonist’s feelings, we have inserts of old films, the character projecting himself into scenarios on a movie-in-a-movie, childhood flashbacks (this happens all the time, but here, they feel eerily similar), and expectations vs. reality scenes. They are different films, but some of the similarities in minor elements annoy me. ‘Amelie’ was a much better film.

I saw ‘500 Days of Summer’ with big hopes due to buzz from friends and the internet and a good trailer. That was a mistake. I will not say I was disappointed, but I will say that this is not the new-wave romantic comedy that some are portraying it as.

Great Film Clips: Alec Baldwin in GGR

Here is the Alec Baldwin scene in David Mamet’s ‘Glengarry Glen Ross‘. It’s his only scene in the film, but wow, is it great. He also looks so young compared to his ‘30 Rock’ self.

This is close to the beginning of the film, so if you haven’t seen it you may still enjoy it, though it’s not as effective out of context.

Note: Clip is definitely NSFW.

What’s great is Baldwin’s commanding presence in the room. He’s definitely younger than all of the salesmen but with arrogance, humor, and what can be boiled down to true sales-talk he takes what can almost be called a “cameo” and makes it awesome.

The Spanish Prisoner

I have recently been on a David Mamet kick and last night I watched ‘The Spanish Prisoner‘ for the first time. It was a good film, but I feel my enjoyment was hindered because I saw ‘House of Games’ and knew this was also a con movie. When surprises are expected the fun isn’t in being surprised but in guessing where the next surprise will come from. Yet in the end, it is ultimately not a surprise because pretty much everyone is in on something.

I have not seen every film by David Mamet. ‘House of Games’ was entertaining. ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ was taut and subtle. I think ‘Redbelt’ is my favorite. There are a couple others which you can IMDb. ‘The Spanish Prisoner’ ranks above ‘House of Games’ but below ‘Redbelt’, I guess. If that helps place anything, which it really doesn’t.

But ‘The Spanish Prisoner’ is a great, fun movie. It manages to do what few movies can accomplish: The film says one thing, tells us it is something else, but then falls back and tells us a third thing that puts the first two into a whole new perspective–and somehow it all makes sense. It is rare when that third step is even attempted, let alone executed with any success.

This is not a film you need to watch twice to understand, though a second viewing would be much more fun. Little hints are dropped along the way, one in particular where one character has to improvise and she is so good at it that we know she’s not as candid as she tries to appear.

And at the end it is nice to appreciate how truly elaborate all of the plays in the film are. Bit by bit, con by con, they seem amusing, but it is when they are tangled in the same web that their elaborate nature can be appreciated.

I have been purposely vague. Despite this film coming out in 1997 I want to avoid spoilers since many young people will have yet to see this film. Don’t skip it. It’s not about some dude stuck in a prison somewhere. I promise.

Trailers That Are Way Better Than the Film: Watchmen

The first Trailer That Is Way Better Than the Film is ‘Watchmen‘, the train wreck that came into theaters on 03.06.09. The film butchered the source material. Instead of wasting a few hours, watch the three minute trailer and get super pumped.

I still love watching this. If only the film itself had editing this good….

Apocalypto

When ‘Apocalypto‘ first came out, I praised it (on my old blog). Was it the movie of the year? Definitely not. But it proved Mel Gibson could make an entertaining, thrilling, exciting film. It proved that ‘Braveheart’ wasn’t a fluke. (Sidenote: ‘Braveheart’ was not the movie of the year, either. It was ‘Toy Story’.)

The one problem I have with ‘Apocalypto’ is the ending. Which will be discussed after the jump

Choke

Films are rarely better than their bookish partner, but let’s not compare apples and oranges here. Choke, the book by Chuck Palahniuk, is entertaining (not great, but entertaining). The film ‘Choke‘, adapted and directed by Clark Gregg, is almost there as a comedy, not even close as a tale of redemption, and the ‘twist’ (used loosely) at the end is unneeded and out of nowhere–just like in the book.

I will not lie: Having read the book, the film frustrated me. At least the book made sense. The choking scenes in the restaurant were frequent and humorous, and the money they brought in was a real issue. It seems skimmed over in the film other than an insight into how horrible a person Victor Mancini is. Yes, we need that, but it is possible to do multiple things in one movie scene.

The one saving scene is when Victor meets up with a girl for some rape play and he’s surprisingly a little uncomfortable. I think we can always count on the continuously small roles of Heather Burns to amuse us.

But I have satisfied my curiosity. Now I can move to something that will energize my brain. A Mamet movie, perhaps.

Retro Post: Top 10 of 2007

Editor’s note: Taken from my old blog to be posted here. Anachronisms are present to keep the integrity of the piece.

1. Zodiac

David Fincher’s finest film to date, even surpassing ‘Seven’ and ‘Fight Club.’ Here is a movie that is split almost two ways — the first half about the killings, the second half about the obsession. Both halves are amazing and together form this perfect movie. Sadly, the movie came out too early in the year, and will most likely be looked over come Oscar time.

Editor’s note: ‘Zodiac’ is discussed in more detail in the Movies to Study column.

2. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

There are very few movies that I would make everyone see if I possibly could. This would be one of them. The movie is inspired by Jean-Do Bauby’s “locked-in syndrome,” in which he blinks out an entire memoir with only his left eye. He is completely paralyzed and somehow manages to accomplish that. Jean-Do is a witty man (even more-so in the memoir itself), and that helps offset the deeply serious subject matter. Yet, at the same time, the scenes of his family coping with his immobility are overwhelming. It is perfect and innovative the way this story was filmed, and supreme credit goes to the director, cinematographer, and writer. I will write a more lengthy review at a later date.

Editor’s note: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly can be found as a Movie to Study.

3. No Country For Old Men

A movie that will not be overlooked come Oscar time is the Coen Brothers’ latest. Seeing this twice in theaters, the movie is smart, clean, and altogether flawless. People bitch about the ending. The first viewing it caught me off-guard, but when I saw it a second time I liked it a lot better, and think it’s the only way the film could have ended. I feel this movie will be studied for years to come.

4. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Where most movies would falter, ‘Devil’ rises up and becomes that much better. There are no questions of motivation, there are no flaws in pacing, and the acting is completely top-notch. Sidney Lumet is the mastermind behind this picture, but a fabulous script by Kelly Masterson and the always-great Philip Seymour Hoffman take this film out of the standard ‘jewelry store robbery movie’ genre and elevate it to greatness.

5. Juno

You would have to try really hard not to love Juno. The character, specifically — but also the movie. I would try to describe scenes in this movie, but it would lose all effect. But ever since Juno accuses her ~4 year-old sister of puking blue slurpee into the vase, I couldn’t help it. It’s rare when I laugh at parts in a movie that are in the trailer, but I was that guy. It seems like Juno is the female version of any of the characters from ‘Knocked Up’ or ‘Superbad.’ But the real success here, where those movies have good one-liners, it’s the stupid jokes that are endearing. Here, Juno herself is what the movie is about — her quirky personality comes second to the movie as a whole.

6. Atonement

Atonement is a movie that on first glance seems to be all about love, but people forget to factor in ignorance, betrayal, lust, jealousy, and self-loathing. The twisting of this movie is delicate and perfectly executed. Visual art of the highest form, the whole movie is a pleasure to look at and just take in. Gotta love British period pieces.

7. La Vie en Rose

A one-woman show for Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf, and how great that show is. The music aside, this is pure storytelling in a creative way. Taking the life of a person and re-ordering it for increased effect is risky, but here works extremely well. Perhaps there is a reason Edith Piaf was the pride of France.

8. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Tim Burton is very hit-or-miss for me. On the one hand is Batman and Big Fish, but then there’s also Planet of the Apes and Sleepy Hollow. Here I think is his best work to date, with an eerie movie/musical that lifts well from the source material. Johnny Depp also shines, showing he has more range than most working actors today. A great movie, but not for everyone.

9. Ratatouille

I’ll be honest — I liked the Incredibles, but not so much as everyone else. Here Brad Bird steps up again for Pixar and produces the best animated film in years. A great blend of wit, passion, and cooking detail, the movie could have been twice as long and I still would’ve watched it three times.

10. The Bourne Ultimatum

The third installment in the series, and the best of the bunch (which we all know is rare). The plot is a bit flimsy, but still strong enough to justify the endless action sequences that put many imitators to shame. Believe the hype when they say, “You are glued to the screen.”

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I will not do a ‘honorable mentions’ because that is a cop-out, though in a year like this it would be more than justified. 2007 was a phenomenal year for movies, with so many great flicks. I could have probably made a top 20 and felt strongly about all of them.

And as with all top 10 lists, let me say that I know people will gripe. Really, I just do these so whoever may stumble across the list will feel a tiny bit more inclined to see a few of these, and I know that they will appreciate it. Any time I can get people to see these films instead of ‘Epic Movie’ or ‘The Bucket List’ I am pleased.

And lastly — I stand by these rankings. Isn’t No Country For Old Men a better movie than Zodiac? How can you rank perfect movies that are so different? It’s like judging any kind of art: When you’re stuck in the middle, go with the one that makes you feel something.

Retro Post: Top 10 of 2008

Editor’s note: Taken from the old blog and posted here. Anachronisms removed.

First, let me say that this year was not as strong as last year (2007). Last year I had trouble just picking ten, and while I’ve seen plenty of movies this year, few have had a lasting impact, which is somewhat required of all great movies. A movie has not done its job unless you’re still pondering about it 24 hours later. This year, lots of films need to be fired. These are the ones that will last.

1. WALL-E

I struggle with this choice, because choosing an animated film as my number one of the year seems taboo. Well, rules be damned, this is a spectacular film. Pixar has achieved such a significant level of storytelling that they scarcely even need dialogue anymore. WALL-E, both the robot himself and the film, possess an overwhelming compassion. WALL-E, with more determination than any robot has ever had before him, begins by pursuing his love for EVE, and ends up saving humanity. At first he tries to recover the plant to impress EVE, but along the way, somewhere, he realizes his purpose. Similarly, EVE transforms from a simple one-track robot to a real character, capable of more emotion than most characters in most other films. For these reasons, along with perfect animation, a great soundtrack, and a high ‘cute’ factor, WALL-E is the best film of the year.

2. Slumdog Millionaire

In my ‘review’ I copped out, saying that to reveal any plot details at all would dishonor the film and ruin the experience. I stand by that. This is not a film that is watched, but a story that is experienced. There is no better reason to go to the movies this year than to see this film. We shall discuss it later.

3. Revolutionary Road

Unlike Slumdog Millionaire, this is not a film for everyone. Revolutionary Road is a story likely to hit emotional chords with specific viewers because its characters have big dreams and even bigger falls. The truth about life is that not everyone finds their happy ending or meets their one true love — some people end up living in the suburbs and slowly die little by little every day. I have a feeling this is one of those films that will be praised ten years from now, but until then, be passed off as mediocre. Trust me, it is a great treasure.

Editor’s note: Revolutionary Road is written about in details as a Movie to Study

4. The Wrestler

Mickey Rourke, as The Ram, struggles deeply with his identity, his past, and his addictions. What is so touching in this story of one man’s life is not the actual wrestling, but how far his life has gone past its prime and how determined he is to make it right, even after he blows it one time after the other.

5. In Bruges

I recently watched this again, and am thrilled that the film has a screenplay nod for the Oscars. Sure, the politically incorrect humor is funny, but behind the vulgar comedy is a fine layer of weaving between the characters and their actions that makes the film work. Each viewing leads to the picking up of something new, for instance, when Ken drops the coins from the top of the tower toward the end, he doesn’t just happen to have coins (like most people), but they are the coins the clerk would not take way earlier in the film. Excellent.

6. Gran Torino

Can we all agree on something? Clint Eastwood is The Man. Not only is he one of the best actors to ever live, but he has directed many GREAT films — not ‘good’ films, but great ones. Just counting recent years, we have: Million Dollar Baby, Letter From Iwo Jima, Mystic River, and now Gran Torino. Dealing with aggressive racial issues (sort of like In Bruges, but in its own way), Gran Torino is a spectacular film about acceptance, forgiveness, vengeance, and doing the right thing. No matter what you read, it will still not be what you expect, but you will enjoy every minute of it.

7. Iron Man

Yes, there is a superhero movie on this list. No, it is not the overrated Dark Knight. Iron Man is such a success because — and this is fundamental to all stories — we care about the protagonist, the man, the hero. Tony Stark, while kind of a jerk, makes us laugh, and laughter is the way to the heart, right? I think that’s a proverb. This is a superhero film done extremely right, and the best since Spidey 2.

8. Rachel Getting Married

Seeming strangely like a documentary, this film is a treasure. It uses a unique pacing style to include the audience as a member of the family, and by the end we still don’t completely understand the dysfunction, but we appreciate it. Anne Hathaway has not been better, but the whole cast is perfect in this little film about what chunks of our past belong to us, which chunks are community canon fodder, and why some people can’t stop being selfish, just for one day. But why should they have to?

9. Religulous

Bill Maher makes fun of every religion, pointing out all of the contradictions and implausible theories behind creationism, the virgin Mary, Jesus, etc. Not perfect, but very funny.

10. Milk

A film that is moving, because Harvey Milk was not just fighting for gay rights, but for the rights and equality of all peoples. He was beaten election after election, but through perseverance, determination, and a little luck, he succeeded. Again, not a perfect movie, but one that everyone could benefit from seeing.

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And that is it for 2008. Intentionally left off because they are undeserving of any ‘best’ list, or any ‘Best Picture’ nomination: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Dark Knight, The Reader.

District 9

‘District 9‘ is one of those gems that comes almost out of nowhere and leaves a pleasant smirk on your face when it’s over. It had a decent budget, no stars, and a young director, but on content and originality alone it succeeds.

“Good, but not great” seems to be a verdict on a lot of movies I see these days. ‘District 9′ is one of them. Oh, the beginning is great. For the first 40 minutes I was completely involved in the story and build-up, the characters, the aliens, the segregation and easily discernible message. But somewhere along the line the film falls off the tight-rope and ends up in a typical outcast-versus-society story. Which is a shame, because so much potential was there.

It’s not that the film descends into ‘bad’ territory, it just goes from audacious to formulaic. The film could have had a better second half.

There is talented weaving of motives, which I admire. The weapons needs of MNU, the merging DNA, the relocation, all of this. But when Wikus is on the run and teams up with Christopher Johnson on a Rambo-like mission, the future of this film transitions into obscurity.

Away We Go

I have unintentionally become a harsh critic of Sam Mendes’ work. Possibly because in the five movies he has made I’ve loved two of them. His latest, ‘Away We Go‘, falls somewhere between the upper tier (‘American Beauty’ and ‘Revolutionary Road’) and the bottom tier (‘Jarhead’ and ‘Road to Perdition’).

The film starts with a thirty-something couple in bed and delivers the news of pregnancy in possibly the funniest way ever put to film (sorry, ‘Juno’). Then we get some sly humor for a few minutes, but then the film goes on a straight track to Serious Town. I tire of movies doing that. There are many, many films which start off humorous, and once you get reeled in, it seems all the good jokes are spent and we need to catch up to the ‘plot’.

‘Away We Go’ is one of those films, but here, at least the plot is substantial. And at least there is an amusing running gag with Burt (John Krasinski) getting loud. The problem for me is the film is so clearly divided into chapters that I found myself wondering, ‘Okay, this is over, where are we going to go next, and what are we going to learn?’ It’s not bad to have structure, but too much takes away from art. ‘Pulp Fiction’ had “chapters”, but that didn’t feel as repetitious as this.

And then the film is book-ended with a great closing scene that is touching and deserved. Notice the latter: “deserved”. The film earned that ending, and since it did that, this will be deemed a good film.

Dave Eggers and his wife Vendela Vida wrote the script together, and while it was a decent effort, I wish both of them to stay off the screen with their writing. Maybe they’re too smart for the movie industry.

‘Away We Go’ comes to DVD soon after a limited theatrical run.