“The Nopleonic Code”

So I’ve been wicked busy with my show that just closed yesterday. It was a really fun show and I really enjoyed. I made me realize to take in every moment I can on the stage, because it’s going to go by so fast. Theres nothing better than acting on the stage - I love every second of it.

But with all this acting going on, I have been neglecting my movie reviews. So I watched some movies, and here’s what I thought of them…

This Film Is Not Yet Rated (Documentary)

Stars Not Available.

So I decided to watch this because my friend recommended it to me beacuse of my interested in censorship in movies. But this movie pretty much only focused on sex in movies, and I wasn’t very interested. So I watched three minutes of it and then turned it off beacuse it wasn’t what I thought it was. Granted it was about censorship, just not the type I’m interested in. So there you go.

Guys and Dolls (Classics)

4/5 Stars

Of course this is going to be biased because Marlno Brando is my favorite actor and he was in this. But it was really good, and I loved the opening and closing scenes. The movie is a movie-musical wicked also made me enjoy it more. The story follows 4 characters and deals with gabling, religion, love, and friendship. There was also a really cool dance break during one of the songs that I thought was awesome. Really good beacuse of the singing, dancing, acting, plot, and Brando being in it.

Rocket Science (Independent)

2.5/5 Stars

This film was about a kid with a studder who gets recruted by this girl to be on the schools debate team because she thinks he has potential. The story wasn’t very interesting or anything, and kind of lacked in a lot of places. The acting was Okay, nothing special. There were its funny parts, but overall it kind of blew. I was hoping for good things with this movie, but it failed to reach my goals.

Diggers (Comedy)

2/5 Stars

Even though I didn’t really give this film a chance, it was so boring for the first hour. It was about Paul Rudd living in Long Island as a clam digger, living in the shadow of his family. I really liked Paull Rudd in Knocked Up so I was hoping for another, but it wasnt. He was very serious in this role, and it bored me beacuse nothing happened in the movie that seemed to move the plot along, and it seemed like it would be one of those movies for the entire time, so I got bored.

The Adventures of Mile and Otis (Children & Family)

4/5 stars

Great movie, if you havent watched it in a while, watch it. the only thing is that its narrated by one person, and thats the only voice in the whole show. Its like he changes his vioce for one character, like a 1 man show. But its such a great movie. For those of you who don’t know, its about bb4l dog and car who get seperated one day, and then are reunited, but then get seperated again. And its a great film that has alot of animal cruety, that probablly wouldn’t be allowed today. But fun movie.

Wedding Daze (Comedy)

4.4/5 Stars

Well this movie was great beacuse it started with Inches and Failing by the Format, so that put me in a good mood for the rest of the show. I had low expectations of this beacuse I thought it was going to be one of the American Pie things, because Jason ____ is in it, and the picture was in the same font and logo as American Pie. But it wasn’t. Kind of clique as a whole, but very unique ideas. Ian Michael Black wrote and directed it and it was pretty hilarious. Not to give anything away but theres one part where the mom and dad are talking and its SO frickin hilarious. but i suggest this movie.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

So I have three movie reviews:

Vantage Point (Thriller)

4/5 Stars

The one thing that really confused me the whole time during this movie, was that the film said it was set in Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Spain; when it is really in Madrid, Spain. I don’t get why the production would change the cities: either they were really dumb and actually thought that (doubt-able) or they wanted to make it seem more foreign, since Madrid is the capital maybe people would think it be less likely. (I want to know what this even happened in Spain to begin with?! but that’s a different story). So the film follows the assassination of the U.S. President during a world conference in Spain. The movie then spends about 15/20 minutes following about 6 characters during and around the time of the assassination. The movie was very easy as an actor because they pretty much shot one scene, with about 43 different angles. Because each time the scene replays, its through the eyes of a different character. Forest Whitaker’s eyes still creep-ed me out, but he really played a role that was unexpected and different, but he did it very well. Also seen in this movie, Jack from Lost, PS. I recommend this movie for you to go see it, maybe wait until its on DVD/VHS, but watch it. (do they still make VHS?…)

No Country for Old Men (Thriller)

3.9/5 Stars

So, when it first ended I hated it, and was going to give it about 2 stars. But then as I started to think about it, I realized it was a pretty good movie. Most people I’ve talked with about it, expect there to be a second, but regardless, I think when you think about all the action that occurs, you can make a educated guess about what happens. The film follows this guy that falls into a drug deal gone wrong (after it’s already gone wrong) and takes the money. The man who wants the money, tracks him down and terrorizes him. The film pulls in some pretty big names, even for some small roles. The lack of dialogue and lack of subliminal explanation really made me wonder the whole movie what was actually going on. (Subliminal explaniation = when the characters explain what happened in previous action or explaining something very complicated-through talking with someone else. This happens alot on TV shows like CSI, where one investigators like “seems like we have a riboflavin mefanderglobe” and the other characters like “oh so you think there’s rust on the edge of this nail? hmm.” I really enjoyed the movie while it was going and really had me on the edge of my seat. Great way to not be cliche and follows characters as they appear. Recommend, but just couldn’t give it 4 stars.

Vacancy (Horror)

1.5/5 Stars

…Another reason why most horror films now-a-days cannot be taken seriously. They plot, very reminiscent of Psycho, revolves around a couple trapped in a motel with the owners attempting to kill them for no reason. The only part that got my heart racing was when they were going through the tunnel and the bad-guy was chasing them. The ending was also awful and left you with no sense of feeling relieved or knowing even what really happens. I also don’t think Luke Wilson is very convincing as a male lead “hero” role. I like him best in The Royal Tenenbaums. Acting was decently good, but the plot and dialogue was pretty week. Don’t recommend this movie.  

So… “Colma: The Musical” had some pretty catchy songs, that are stuck in my head, I want to listen to them more often. Colma has inspired me to write an play/musical/screenplay/movie musical/script thing. I have three scenes, including one song done. Any one know how to write music, and want to help me out?! Anyways, I’m drawing from real life beacause I’ve been taught by my director/teacher that most plays that attempt to simulate real life and the more “real” they are, the better they come out. So most of the scenes are actual scenes that have happened to me, and most of the characters are firmly based off people I know. I’ll probabbly be posting it when I’m finished, or when I feel like I have accomplished something.

Tried to watch some movies last night, but they sucked so bad: Open House and Pop America. Even though Anthony Rapp is in Open House, don’t watch it.

Colma: The Musical (Music & Musicals)

3.5/5 Stars

Frickin Hilarious movie. I died laughing about five times during the film; something that I usually don’t do while watching a movie. Colma: The Musical follows three kids who just graduated and trying to find out what they want to do with their life outside of thier small town that is always in the shadows of San Fran. The 18 year-olds also face the regular things that kids at the age do. The characters were very relate-able and I found myself often in the same situation as the characters. Granted the film was probably made with a video camera and iMovie, but it was still very awesome. The two male leads voices were pretty weak alone, but with backup sounded okay. Some parts I laughed, when it was supposed to be sad, but i just couldn’t because of the technical aspect - I could have produced it. But overall it was VERY entertaining, and I recommend it. The only part that sucked was the technical. Watch it.

The Departed (Drama)

5/5 Stars

I’m ashamed to say that as a Bostonian, this is my first time seeing the movie, but atleast I have seen it. So, this is an excellent movie (with no obvious fake Boston accents) that follows the ‘rats’ are are both involved with the police and the criminals. Very interesting to see how both sides can play out a situation. The film kept me wondering who was going to get caught first - but it never really ended up that way. I was told the film was very confusing by my friend and mom, so I followed every detail. I missed one thing, but was able to be filled in later. So if you haven’t seen this movie, watch carefully; and, if you have, watch it again to better understand it. I loved the very ending scene (dont want to give it away) with the rat. It’s always cool to see places you know on the big screen: the state house, those Wizard of Oz stairs where my friend parks when I go into Boston with her. It was a really well done film that I highly recommend - especailly if your a Bostonian. Humor was thrown in very well, acting was amazing (Nicholson never fails to amaze me), and characters were very well motived. Overall, this film didn’t lack in any department - highly recommended.

In The Company of Men (Independent)

1/5 stars

Where to begin. This film was clearly independent as in there was no money. The acting was good, probably the only reason this movie got any stars at all. The categorize this movie as an indie comedy; it wasn’t funny. The film follows two office men who get a six week transfer to another city to do work. Two waste time, one man comes up with a plan to pick up a girl fall in love with her and the break her heart just to see them squirm. The whole time this movie is so disgusting in the way the characters talk about minorities. The movie insults any and all minorities whether its gender, race, or handicapped-ness. Also the ending seems like they ran out of money to have a complete ending, that was the funniest part. Overall this movie had a good acting, but lacked in morals and money - do not waste your time on In The Company of Men.

In Cold Blood (Classic)

4.5/5 stars

For a late 1960s movie, the production team sured used technology to its advantage. Most of the scenes dissolved into each other in creative ways, it was very well done aestically. The acting by wife-killer Robert Black as Perry and Scott Wilson as dick is phenominal. They truely seem to become the characters from the real life. Truman Capote must have been very proud of this movie. It is set up interesting so that murder occurs, but the audience does not get to see it happen. They wait until the ending to show you the climax. Very interesting way to put it together. The reason it didn’t get the full five stars - at one part when they are being robbed, the Clutters never seem to be honestly scared about strangers in the house. The girl comes out of her room and says “Is this some joke?” with a big smile on her face. It just didnt seem to fit. But maybe thats they way people would have reacted in late 1950s. Overall, great movie to very interesting story.

So I have been overwhelmed with studying for exams, readings, and doing papers, and organizing a talent show this last week that I have not gotten to watch any movies. Damn. I have half-way through In Cold Blood and next up is The Departed. Look out for those. Until then…

So I’ve been watching a ton of movies recently, since I got Netflix, so I thought I’d share what I thought of the movies I’ve watched…

This Is England (Independent)

 4.5/5 stars

Follows the story of a young English boy, who desperately tries to fit in anywhere he can; which ends up being with skinheads. For those who don’t know what I skinhead is (like me), they are people who shave their heads and hate minorities, specifically Pakistani peoples. The boy, whose father died in war, is subjected by the skinheads that he must make his father proud. The story is very fascinating, set in 1980s Great Britain. The boy (Thomas Turgoose) is a very talented young man who held is own throughout the whole film. The film was very, very good, filled with talented actors. The reason it did not get that last half a star is because I thought it dragged on for minutes that were unnecessary, and did not come through to especially move me during some powerful scenes. Overall, I loved this movie and defiantly recommend it.

Confessions of a Superhero (Documentary)

4/5 stars

The film is a documentary that follows four men and woman who dress up as superheroes outside of the Grumman’s Chinese Theatre. It discussed the reasons for the actors moving out, the (sometimes violent) history, what they are doing now in an attempt to become famous, and how they make a living taking pictures with people. The film does an extraordinary job in displaying the real life of these individuals. I found it very fascinating and interesting following the life of four want-to-be-actors. Didn’t get that last star because – well, that’s what it called for. It could never be held up to some five star movies, but it was awesome as it was, a documentary. Overall, you’ll enjoy this movie id you’ve ever tried to get an acting job, if you’ve even been to Hollywood, or if you enjoy a good story. Great film.

Sex and Breakfast (Independent)

2/5 stars

Macaulay Culkin ruined this movie for me. His nostrils flared too much, and all I could see him as was a little boy in Home Alone. He was talking about sex, and it just grossed me out. Granted, I never gave this film much credit, since I probably only watched the first 45 minutes, but I couldn’t sit through it any longer. The rest of the cast was plain, nothing special. I found it interesting about the concept (group sex therapy), until about ten minutes in when nothing really happened. If you’re curious, watch it. But overall, I wouldn’t.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Classic)

3/5 stars

Great movie for its time, but it was just so boring. It’s two and little more hours of JUST dialogue. However, very powerful performances demanded by all actors. I would love to see this as a stage performance, but the film, compared to now a days, was pretty boring. The most exciting part of the film, happened very early on, and was a joke – literally. If you love classic movies, I guess you’ll have to sit through this to say you’ve watched it, but other than that, I wouldn’t.

I’m Reed Fish (Comedy)

5/5 stars

I’m Reed Fish stars the guy from Knocked up (not that guy, but the other guy). It follows a son trying to live up to his father’s passion of radio personality, and Reed just doesn’t have it. The ending has a huge twist which I never saw coming, and actually had to watch again. I really enjoyed the ending because it didn’t make the movie so cliché. The performances by the three leads were tremendous and created very likable characters. The characters are very down to earth, and that concept mirrors the overall film. I really enjoyed it for its little comical asides and simplicity. (3/3)

I’ll be adding more as I watch them. If you’ve seen them, let me know what you think.