Review of Super 8 (2011)
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Written by J.J. Abrams
Starring: Joel Courtney, Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Riley Griffiths, Ryan Lee, Gabriel Brasso, Zach Mills, and Ron Eldard
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1979, a group of middle-school aged friends set out to film an 8-track film they want to enter in a film festival, when they witness a mysterious train crash. They attempt to go on with their lives as before, but begin to find things in their small Ohio town becoming stranger and stranger.
Review: To begin, the most impressive part of the movie, even more so than the special effects, was the acting from the young cast. As five best friends, along with newcomer to the group Elle Fanning, they were not only believable, but also hilarious. They delivered their lines with the expertise of seasoned professionals, making all of their interactions as best friends realistic and, quite frankly, very, very funny. Although very suspenseful and scary because of the new strange happenings to the town, the group of friends were still able to keep the audience laughing because of the undeniable each had with their fellow actor, as well as the witty writing from writer/director J.J. Abrams. Not to say this is a comedy, because it definitely is not, but there are some irresistibly funny moments that stood out in the film. And even while the town is being mysteriously ravaged, there is a subplot involving a blossoming (albeit very innocent) romance between Joe and Alice (Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning). Although very cliche, this film has something for everyone. Although at it's heart it is a science-fiction thriller, there are elements of comedy and romance, as well as a pretty good development of the main characters. Overall, this film was highly impressive. It was entertaining throughout, exciting, funny, sad, endearing, and just kind of beautiful. This is definitely a film worth seeing in the theater.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Upcoming Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Review of "Hesher"
Review of Hesher (2010)
Directed by Spencer Susser
Written by Spencer Susser, David Michôd, and Brian Charles Frank
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Devin Brochu, Rainn Wilson, Piper Laurie, and Natalie Portman
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: After the death of his mother, young T.J., confused and feeling alone, meets Hesher, an unpredictable, impulsive man, who seems mean at first, but just may teach him something about life.
Review: Hesher centers around the life of adolescent T.J. (played by an impressive Devin Brochu), a young boy growing up with his father (played by Rainn Wilson) and grandmother (played by Piper Laurie), left depressed and confused after the death of his mother two months before. Unsure of what to do with himself, and attempting to hold on to the last memory of his mother that he has, T.J. desperately tries to get the family car back when his father has to give it away. Because T.J. is angry and upset, he throws a rock through a window of a house he believes to be abandoned, and he meets Hesher.
Hesher (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), is a metal-loving, long-haired all-around crazy dude. He gets angry with T.J. for breaking the window of his "home" and soon enough, Hesher appears again, now telling T.J. that he must tell his father and grandmother that he is a friend of his. Out of fright, T.J. goes along with it, and Hesher begins living in their house. For T.J., who is already confused and upset, the presence of Hesher is a burden he is not ready to accept. Hesher seems to make T.J.'s life way worse, not better, and T.J. grows increasingly annoyed. Hesher even sees T.J. being picked on by a bully, and just walks away, not even attempting to help T.J.
The idea of Hesher and the way he acts is almost too out there to be believable, but just when the audience believes Hesher really is a terrible person, he does something decent that makes people believe in him again. Although a little strange, the film was quite enjoyable, and newcomer Devin Brochu as T.J. was especially impressive. Joseph Gordon-Levitt impresses as well, playing someone much different than, say, Tom from (500) Days of Summer. Overall, the characters (and of course the actors who play them) are what make this film worth seeing.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Upcoming Review: Super 8 (2011)
Directed by Spencer Susser
Written by Spencer Susser, David Michôd, and Brian Charles Frank
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Devin Brochu, Rainn Wilson, Piper Laurie, and Natalie Portman
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: After the death of his mother, young T.J., confused and feeling alone, meets Hesher, an unpredictable, impulsive man, who seems mean at first, but just may teach him something about life.
Review: Hesher centers around the life of adolescent T.J. (played by an impressive Devin Brochu), a young boy growing up with his father (played by Rainn Wilson) and grandmother (played by Piper Laurie), left depressed and confused after the death of his mother two months before. Unsure of what to do with himself, and attempting to hold on to the last memory of his mother that he has, T.J. desperately tries to get the family car back when his father has to give it away. Because T.J. is angry and upset, he throws a rock through a window of a house he believes to be abandoned, and he meets Hesher.
Hesher (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), is a metal-loving, long-haired all-around crazy dude. He gets angry with T.J. for breaking the window of his "home" and soon enough, Hesher appears again, now telling T.J. that he must tell his father and grandmother that he is a friend of his. Out of fright, T.J. goes along with it, and Hesher begins living in their house. For T.J., who is already confused and upset, the presence of Hesher is a burden he is not ready to accept. Hesher seems to make T.J.'s life way worse, not better, and T.J. grows increasingly annoyed. Hesher even sees T.J. being picked on by a bully, and just walks away, not even attempting to help T.J.
The idea of Hesher and the way he acts is almost too out there to be believable, but just when the audience believes Hesher really is a terrible person, he does something decent that makes people believe in him again. Although a little strange, the film was quite enjoyable, and newcomer Devin Brochu as T.J. was especially impressive. Joseph Gordon-Levitt impresses as well, playing someone much different than, say, Tom from (500) Days of Summer. Overall, the characters (and of course the actors who play them) are what make this film worth seeing.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Upcoming Review: Super 8 (2011)
Review of "Pirate Radio"
Pirate Radio (2009)
Directed by Richard Curtis
Written by Richard Curtis
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Tom Sturridge, Chris O'Dowd, and Rhys Ifans
Synopsis: In the 1960s, when the English government looked down on the newly formed "rock and roll" music, radio broadcasters play rock music from their radio station (Radio Rock) on a ship off the coast of England.
Review: Pirate Radio centers around a group of men who all have one important thing in common: they love rock and roll music. To them, and to the millions of listeners in England, rock music is the coolest, best thing in the world. But to the English government, rock music is "promoting" drugs and sex and sending the people of London the wrong message. The harder the government fights to shut Radio Rock down, the harder the crew fights back to keep rock music alive. Although a little zany and crazy and even at times somewhat unbelievable, this movie was full of funny and sentimental moments that would melt even the toughest critic's heart.
The film also features an impressive cast, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as "The Count" (the lead radio broadcaster), Bill Nighy as the men's adviser of sorts, Nick Frost as an outgoing, goofy broadcaster, and impressive newcomer Tom Sturridge, as a young teenage boy who is sent by his mother to come live with the men on the ship. And considering the time period and the place, the 1960s in England, the music rocks. The soundtrack is full of great tracks from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, and many other great artists from that time. Overall, Pirate Radio is a feel-good film with an amazing soundtrack, something to see for music lovers or someone looking for a good comedy.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Upcoming Review: Hesher (2010)
Directed by Richard Curtis
Written by Richard Curtis
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Tom Sturridge, Chris O'Dowd, and Rhys Ifans
Synopsis: In the 1960s, when the English government looked down on the newly formed "rock and roll" music, radio broadcasters play rock music from their radio station (Radio Rock) on a ship off the coast of England.
Review: Pirate Radio centers around a group of men who all have one important thing in common: they love rock and roll music. To them, and to the millions of listeners in England, rock music is the coolest, best thing in the world. But to the English government, rock music is "promoting" drugs and sex and sending the people of London the wrong message. The harder the government fights to shut Radio Rock down, the harder the crew fights back to keep rock music alive. Although a little zany and crazy and even at times somewhat unbelievable, this movie was full of funny and sentimental moments that would melt even the toughest critic's heart.
The film also features an impressive cast, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as "The Count" (the lead radio broadcaster), Bill Nighy as the men's adviser of sorts, Nick Frost as an outgoing, goofy broadcaster, and impressive newcomer Tom Sturridge, as a young teenage boy who is sent by his mother to come live with the men on the ship. And considering the time period and the place, the 1960s in England, the music rocks. The soundtrack is full of great tracks from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, and many other great artists from that time. Overall, Pirate Radio is a feel-good film with an amazing soundtrack, something to see for music lovers or someone looking for a good comedy.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Upcoming Review: Hesher (2010)
Review of "Somewhere"
Somewhere (2010)
Directed by Sofia Coppola
Written by Sofia Coppola
Starring: Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: When a young eleven-year-old girl unexpectedly comes to stay with her father, a successful, albeit unreliable man, he is forced to confront what is important to him in his life.
Review: In Sofia Coppola's Somewhere, Johnny Marco (played by Stephen Dorff) is a laid back, middle-age actor, essentially floating through life without any concerns about his life passing him by. That is, until his 11 year old daughter, Cleo (played by Elle Fanning), comes into his life, and has to stay with him for a few weeks. Although the movie is very subtle and slow-moving (with long shots of Dorff and Fanning sitting by a pool together, driving in a car, etc.), the intended message becomes clear.
The presence of Marco's daughter in his life forces him to examine his life thus far, and to re-determine his priorities. The characters are portrayed in a simple, realistic way that helps the viewer understand and feel for the father and daughter, and hope that their relationship will continue to grow, even if Cleo goes back to live with her mother. Overall, Somewhere was a well-written, simplistic film that did very well at showing the audience a seemingly real relationship between a father and a daughter, a relationship where not everything is perfect, but somehow we know that Johnny will stick with his kid.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Upcoming Review: Pirate Radio (2009)
Directed by Sofia Coppola
Written by Sofia Coppola
Starring: Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: When a young eleven-year-old girl unexpectedly comes to stay with her father, a successful, albeit unreliable man, he is forced to confront what is important to him in his life.
Review: In Sofia Coppola's Somewhere, Johnny Marco (played by Stephen Dorff) is a laid back, middle-age actor, essentially floating through life without any concerns about his life passing him by. That is, until his 11 year old daughter, Cleo (played by Elle Fanning), comes into his life, and has to stay with him for a few weeks. Although the movie is very subtle and slow-moving (with long shots of Dorff and Fanning sitting by a pool together, driving in a car, etc.), the intended message becomes clear.
The presence of Marco's daughter in his life forces him to examine his life thus far, and to re-determine his priorities. The characters are portrayed in a simple, realistic way that helps the viewer understand and feel for the father and daughter, and hope that their relationship will continue to grow, even if Cleo goes back to live with her mother. Overall, Somewhere was a well-written, simplistic film that did very well at showing the audience a seemingly real relationship between a father and a daughter, a relationship where not everything is perfect, but somehow we know that Johnny will stick with his kid.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Upcoming Review: Pirate Radio (2009)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sorry
I'm sorry I haven't been updating and continuously writing reviews. I originally planned to do so, but it became too difficult. Now that it's summer I will attempt to write more reviews. And I did see "Somewhere," which I planned to review next, but since it's been a few months I will probably skip writing a full review and only write a short review on the parts of the movie I remember thoroughly. I also recently saw the film "Hesher," starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a metal loving, long-haired, somewhat crazy badass. I also plan on seeing "Super 8" and "Midnight in Paris" soon, both of which I intend on reviewing. Until I post my mini-review for "Somewhere," have fun at the movies!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Review of "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Written by: Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright
Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Mark Webber, Johnny Simmons, Alison Pill, Ellen Wong, and Anna Kendrick
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: Scott Pilgrim is just an average 22 year old in a band, although at the moment he's living a less than exciting life, and has a 17 year old girlfriend. That is, until he meets Ramona Flowers, the girl he believes he's been waiting for. The only problem now is: to be with Ramona, he has to defeat her 7 evil exes.
Review: Michael Cera, in his usual charming way, really comes alive in this film. He is generally type-cast as an awkward, nerdy type, which he somewhat is in this film, but at the same time, he's different in this one. Like he does in Youth in Revolt, Cera gets the opportunity to show off his badass side. Along with Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead (as Ramona Flowers, the girl Pilgrim pines for) is comedic, but in an understated, subtle way. Her nonchalant attitude, but awesome personality, pulls Pilgrim in. Kieran Culkin (as Pilgrim's roommate), Johnny Simmons (as Pilgrim's sort-of-bandmate), Allison Pill (Pilgrim's bandmate), Ellen Wong (Pilgrim's 17 year old girlfriend), Aubrey Plaza (cashier), and Anna Kendrick (Pilgrim's sister) also give good comedic performances.
This movie is also very interesting because of the way it is presented. Pilgrim's life is shown as if it were a video game, such as when he defeats Ramona's first evil ex, and he breaks up in to tons of gold coins. Little touches like that, as well as some awesome one-liners ("Back off hasbien!," "I'll leave you alone forever now," and "Bye and stuff") make the movie even more unique and enjoyable to watch.
Overall, this is a really fun movie. I view it as a refreshing take on a romantic adventure story. And unlike typical romantic comedies, this one's a little more interesting. The premise (having to defeat Ramona's seven evil exes) and the originality in the characters gives the tired genre a little pizazz. Even if one's not into romantic comedies, you may be attracted to this movie for it's comedic appeal, or you may like it just because you like video games.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Next Review: Probably Somewhere (2010)
Directed by: Edgar Wright
Written by: Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright
Based on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley
Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Mark Webber, Johnny Simmons, Alison Pill, Ellen Wong, and Anna Kendrick
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: Scott Pilgrim is just an average 22 year old in a band, although at the moment he's living a less than exciting life, and has a 17 year old girlfriend. That is, until he meets Ramona Flowers, the girl he believes he's been waiting for. The only problem now is: to be with Ramona, he has to defeat her 7 evil exes.
Review: Michael Cera, in his usual charming way, really comes alive in this film. He is generally type-cast as an awkward, nerdy type, which he somewhat is in this film, but at the same time, he's different in this one. Like he does in Youth in Revolt, Cera gets the opportunity to show off his badass side. Along with Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead (as Ramona Flowers, the girl Pilgrim pines for) is comedic, but in an understated, subtle way. Her nonchalant attitude, but awesome personality, pulls Pilgrim in. Kieran Culkin (as Pilgrim's roommate), Johnny Simmons (as Pilgrim's sort-of-bandmate), Allison Pill (Pilgrim's bandmate), Ellen Wong (Pilgrim's 17 year old girlfriend), Aubrey Plaza (cashier), and Anna Kendrick (Pilgrim's sister) also give good comedic performances.
This movie is also very interesting because of the way it is presented. Pilgrim's life is shown as if it were a video game, such as when he defeats Ramona's first evil ex, and he breaks up in to tons of gold coins. Little touches like that, as well as some awesome one-liners ("Back off hasbien!," "I'll leave you alone forever now," and "Bye and stuff") make the movie even more unique and enjoyable to watch.
Overall, this is a really fun movie. I view it as a refreshing take on a romantic adventure story. And unlike typical romantic comedies, this one's a little more interesting. The premise (having to defeat Ramona's seven evil exes) and the originality in the characters gives the tired genre a little pizazz. Even if one's not into romantic comedies, you may be attracted to this movie for it's comedic appeal, or you may like it just because you like video games.
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Next Review: Probably Somewhere (2010)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" Review
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Written by: Ronald Harwood
Based on the novel of the same name by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Starring: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny, Max von Sydow, Olatz López Garmendia, and Patrick Chesnais
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: When successful, rich magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby (also known as Jean-Do) has a massive stroke at 42 years of age, he has the terrible misfortune of getting locked-in syndrome, a syndrome that leaves its victims paralyzed from head to toe.
Review: To begin, I'd like to say that this was a beautiful story. All the camera work by Janusz Kaminski is wonderful. For a good part of the movie, we are seeing the world through Jean-Do's eyes, beginning when he wakes up in the hospital and two different doctors tell him two totally different versions of his condition. While one tells him that he'll be fine and that his speech will come back, the other tells him the the disheartening truth: he's paralyzed from head to toe and is not able to speak. To make matters worse, his right eye has to be sewn up because it's septic and is in danger of infection. At first, the viewer feels absolutely devastated for Jean-Do, and he feels immense pity for himself. Again, the camera work and effects are absolutely divine.
Fortunately, Jean-Do has people there who want to work with him to better his situation. One of his nurses who is hired to help him with his speech comes up with a method of speaking for Jean-Do, where he has to blink his left eye to convey messages to people. The nurse reads Jean-Do a chart of all of the letters in the alphabet (beginning with the most common letter) and he has to blink when the correct letter is said. This happens over and over until Jean-Do's conveyed message is told. I don't know if it's just me, but this method of communication is absolutely incredible. Before this movie, I'd never heard of anything like it. Although it would be extremely difficult to only be able to communicate with others through your left eye, it's comforting to know that it's possible.
In addition to showing Jean-Do's life in the hospital, there are scenes from his life before the stroke, such as when he goes to a photoshoot and the viewer can see his glamorous life as Elle magazine editor, when he goes to visit his ex-wife and his three children, and a scene where he gives his father a shave and they discuss Jean-Do's future endeavors in life. These scenes are also particularly devastating, maybe even more so than the scenes of Jean-Do in the hospital. They are devastating because the viewer gets a glimpse into the life Jean-Do had before his stroke, all the possibilities and opportunities he could've had or taken before his ultimate fate.
Although the viewer may believe that the hospital scenes would be boring and just plain depressing to watch, they are actually quite interesting. These scenes serve to show how Jean-Do handles his new life and the difficulties he has to go through just to live with a paralyzed body. Although this sounds really depressing, it's actually really uplifting. Even with his condition, Jean-Do ends up writing a book about his experience.
In addition to the excellent camera work and plot, the soundtrack was superb. I practically jumped for joy upon realizing they used the instrumentals from The Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes." I also enjoyed all of the beautiful French music.
I was also impressed by the performances of the actors, especially Jean-Do (played by Mathieu Amalric), and his ex-wife (played by Emmanuelle Seigner), as well as the doctor (played by Patrick Chesnais) who tells Jean-Do the dire situation of his condition. I also have to give immense kudos to the actors for being able act so well while looking directly at the camera (so the audience is seeing through Jean-Do's eyes).
Overall, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an absolutely beautiful, inspiring film. It's one of the best of the decade.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Upcoming Review: Most likely Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Directed by: Julian Schnabel
Written by: Ronald Harwood
Based on the novel of the same name by Jean-Dominique Bauby
Starring: Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze, Anne Consigny, Max von Sydow, Olatz López Garmendia, and Patrick Chesnais
Review by Jennie Brouse
Synopsis: When successful, rich magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby (also known as Jean-Do) has a massive stroke at 42 years of age, he has the terrible misfortune of getting locked-in syndrome, a syndrome that leaves its victims paralyzed from head to toe.
Review: To begin, I'd like to say that this was a beautiful story. All the camera work by Janusz Kaminski is wonderful. For a good part of the movie, we are seeing the world through Jean-Do's eyes, beginning when he wakes up in the hospital and two different doctors tell him two totally different versions of his condition. While one tells him that he'll be fine and that his speech will come back, the other tells him the the disheartening truth: he's paralyzed from head to toe and is not able to speak. To make matters worse, his right eye has to be sewn up because it's septic and is in danger of infection. At first, the viewer feels absolutely devastated for Jean-Do, and he feels immense pity for himself. Again, the camera work and effects are absolutely divine.
Fortunately, Jean-Do has people there who want to work with him to better his situation. One of his nurses who is hired to help him with his speech comes up with a method of speaking for Jean-Do, where he has to blink his left eye to convey messages to people. The nurse reads Jean-Do a chart of all of the letters in the alphabet (beginning with the most common letter) and he has to blink when the correct letter is said. This happens over and over until Jean-Do's conveyed message is told. I don't know if it's just me, but this method of communication is absolutely incredible. Before this movie, I'd never heard of anything like it. Although it would be extremely difficult to only be able to communicate with others through your left eye, it's comforting to know that it's possible.
In addition to showing Jean-Do's life in the hospital, there are scenes from his life before the stroke, such as when he goes to a photoshoot and the viewer can see his glamorous life as Elle magazine editor, when he goes to visit his ex-wife and his three children, and a scene where he gives his father a shave and they discuss Jean-Do's future endeavors in life. These scenes are also particularly devastating, maybe even more so than the scenes of Jean-Do in the hospital. They are devastating because the viewer gets a glimpse into the life Jean-Do had before his stroke, all the possibilities and opportunities he could've had or taken before his ultimate fate.
Although the viewer may believe that the hospital scenes would be boring and just plain depressing to watch, they are actually quite interesting. These scenes serve to show how Jean-Do handles his new life and the difficulties he has to go through just to live with a paralyzed body. Although this sounds really depressing, it's actually really uplifting. Even with his condition, Jean-Do ends up writing a book about his experience.
In addition to the excellent camera work and plot, the soundtrack was superb. I practically jumped for joy upon realizing they used the instrumentals from The Velvet Underground's "Pale Blue Eyes." I also enjoyed all of the beautiful French music.
I was also impressed by the performances of the actors, especially Jean-Do (played by Mathieu Amalric), and his ex-wife (played by Emmanuelle Seigner), as well as the doctor (played by Patrick Chesnais) who tells Jean-Do the dire situation of his condition. I also have to give immense kudos to the actors for being able act so well while looking directly at the camera (so the audience is seeing through Jean-Do's eyes).
Overall, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is an absolutely beautiful, inspiring film. It's one of the best of the decade.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Upcoming Review: Most likely Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
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