“This trial, the whole world, it’s all… show business.”

Chicago
Years ago I was forced in into watching Chicago. I don’t know why but I really had no interest in seeing it. Upon my first viewing, I felt so stupid for judging it without knowing anything about it. Now I base my whole movie watching philosophy (if you can call it that) on this experience. Since then, every time I see it, this film gets better and better. Sure, the songs are good, dancing is good and the acting is mostly good. But I absolutely love the way this story is told and shown. Brilliant editing.

I think that is why I enjoy Chicago more and more each time I see it. The shining moments happen during the musical numbers as Roxie’s imagination clashes with reality. Every tiny little cut is done with purpose and is perfectly synced with the real world around her. It’s technically flawless but it’s also clever in a way that I’ve never seen in any other film.

The story as a whole is not the best, and neither is the acting by Renée Zellweger but it’s good enough to look past. I think I just find her annoying in most films but it works for this one. Besides, just wait a minute or two and Catherine Zeta-Jones will show up to distract you. The musical numbers are quite good; my favorite being “Cell Block Tango”. It’s such a forceful song, reminding me a little of “It’s The Hard-Knock Life” from Annie. I can’t really think of any of the songs that felt out of place or didn’t add the the story.

The unique way that Chicago tells its story, the beautiful artistry, and the simple silliness of the characters make this one of the better Best Picture winners that I’ve seen so far.

Just so you know: The story originated from the 1926 play “Chicago” by Maurine Dallas Watkins. It was the retelling of two very public murder trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, that occurred in Chicago in 1924. Watkins had been a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and later wrote the play based on her coverage. That play would later inspire the 1927 silent movie Chicago, the 1942 movie Roxie Hart, the 1975 stage musical “Chicago”, and finally the Best Picture winner of 2002.

“What keeps you up nights, Mr. Dillinger?” “Coffee.”

Public Enemies
I have fixed feelings about this film. It’s definitely not the best of last year but it’s certainly enjoyable. There was a lot of criticism of the script and the sometimes campy dialogue. I disagree. I liked the feel of a 1930s gangster film even though every other aspect of Public Enemies is very realistic, up-close and personal. I guess it helps that I really had no familiarity with the real story of John Dillinger. Not that it, like any other biopic, is entirely accurate but, for me it was a good starting point. A good introduction to a troubled man in troubling times.

Visually, this film is amazing! The costumes, sets, authenticity of the weapons and vehicles really put you in 1930s mid-America. Perhaps the best aspect was the fact that much of the filming takes place in the actual places they occurred, like Dillinger’s prison escape, the shootout in the woods and outside Chicago’s Biograph Theater. It’s pretty spooky to think that Johnny Depp’s face hits the exact same space of sidewalk as Dillinger’s 75 years before.

But despite the terrific look, I did have problems with Public Enemies. It was a bit hard for me to keep track of who was who in his gang, especially after they joined up with another gang near the end. I only cared about Dillinger. The rest just seemed like clutter. I also couldn’t quite follow what they were trying to do once they joined up with Baby Face Nelson and the rest. In the end it didn’t seem to matter anyway. Another problem was with the additional FBI that were brought in to deal with Dillinger. Even though I thought Melvin Purvis was played very well by Christian Bale (contrary to some critics), there was just not enough character development for the rest of the team to make me care who they were. All I could think was “Hey that’s the guy from Avatar.”

Despite these aspects, this was an enjoyable movie that I would recommend to most. But it just seems like it should have been better. Honestly it’s worth renting just to watch the documentaries. They certainly got me fascinated by this era and the crime lords that ruled it.

“Don’t hope for a miracle. Make one.”

Extraordinary Measures
I love Harrison Ford. But let’s be honest, the last time I saw him act, I mean really act, was in K-19: The Widowmaker eight years ago. That’s a long time to go without Jack Ryan or Indiana Jones. What? There’s been another Indiana Jones film recently? I don’t recall anything about it.

I was quite surprised by Extraordinary Measures. It’s by no mean an Oscar winner and it does have a bit of a made-for-tv feel to it, but if you’re looking for a solid, emotional story with very good characters, then you won’t be disappointed. Harrison Ford really shines as some sort of grumpy, reclusive, medical genius. As much as he has sometimes phoned in his characters in the recent past, he really seems to enjoy this role and it was a pleasure to watch. Even Brendan Fraser, who I haven’t really seen since Blast From the Past, was quite good as the desperate father willing to do anything to keep his kids alive.

When you’re dealing with kids and diseases, you have every opportunity to get over-the-top sappy and emotional, to the point where it is not effective at all. I really thought that was going to happen with this film but I was wrong. I got close a few times but seemed to know just when to pull back and let the story resume. Extraordinary Measures is not a perfect movie, not even a great movie. But it pulled me in and effected me much more than I expected, and I really enjoyed it.

“The Wrong Alice”

I can’t believe it has been three months since my last review. I have honestly enjoyed spending my weeknights and weekends doing other things. But more to the point, the few movies I have watched we’re nothing I cared to write about. Plus I need a new bulb for my TV.

So, after a long drought, I’ve started to get the itch again. And I hate to renew my reviews this way but…

Alice In Wonderland
…good lord this is a terrible movie. As whacked out as it is, I’m a fan of the 1951 Disney animated version, and I’ve never seen any of the numerous other versions made through the years. So I can only compare it to the 1951 film, and there really is no comparison at all. Everything that made the original so good is not only missing in Tim Burton‘s attempt, but seems to be thrown out and mocked as if it should never have been there to begin with. All the craziness, the total lack of a plot, and the very important fact that Wonderland is not a place where Alice should actually be is very much the point of the story. But for some reason, Tim Burton makes Alice some sort of savior of Wonderland (now called Underland for some reason) much like the Pevensies of Narnia. Suddenly there is an actual story with actual characters that are interrelated. And Alice is now their friend? In trying to make sense, this story of Alice makes no sense at all.

Plus it’s just a bad movie. The story, even if it is out of place, is just plain boring as well. The dialogue is horrid and the acting is terrible (yes, even from Johny Depp). The only thing that may be good is the 3-D animation. But I did not see it in 3-D. In 2-D, it was average at best, and it was clear when I was supposed to be “wowed” by the 3-D.

From the reviews of others I had little expectations for Alice In Wonderland. Usually that’s a good thing and my experience is not as bad as others. Not the case this time. Though I didn’t expect it to be good, it was worse than I could have imagined and had me reaching for the fast forward button within an hour. But don’t worry I didn’t miss the Hatter’s dance. So terrible.

“You know, I do believe this ship may sink.”

Titanic
For some reason (teenage hype being my guess) people shy away from this film. It’s a shame too. This is a great movie. Sure, it’s got a few bad lines and it’s really really long but it never drags before moving on with what is a pretty great story. Sure, you know what’s going to happen to the ship but you don’t know what’s going to happen to the characters who you’ve spent nearly 2 hours with leading up to that point. Honestly, every time I see this film it breaks my heart to witness the fate of Jack and Rose. I know that sounds sappy, and very few stories as simple as this one work for me, but Titanic works on many levels.

It’s visually stunning even if it is less so 13 years later when we’ve seen it done so much better. James Horner‘s score is perfect and be honest, who didn’t buy it and listen to it over and over? If not great acting, there are at least great actors like Kate and Leo delivering the often par for the course dialogue. If you saw Avatar, you know writing is not James Cameron‘s best gifts. But it’s adequate enough to bring you into the story and never gets in the way. Titanic is by no mean a perfect film but, like the name itself, it is grand, luxurious and just really fun.

So if it’s been a while or if by some odd reasoning (ahem, Amy) you’ve never seen one of the most successful movies of all time, winner of 11 Academy Awards, you might be surprised at how good it really is.

Oscar picks 2010

For the second year in a row I’ve seen a majority of the films nominated for various categories and all of the Best Picture Nominees. It definitely makes the Oscars more fun to watch. So here I give you my vote on the main categories (plus a few I’ve thrown in) as well as which I think will actually win. Rarely do I agree with most of the actual winners. And I’m sure I won’t agree with all of Casey’s either. Be sure to check his picks for the 2010 Academy Awards as well. Winner gets… nothing.

I’m going out on a limb with some of my predictions just because you never know. Go here to see a full list of nominees.

Best Animated Feature Film
My prediction: Up
My vote: The Princess and the Frog

Best Visual Effects
My prediction: Avatar
My vote: Avatar

Best Original Score
My prediction: Michael Giacchino for Up
My vote: Michael Giacchino for Up

Best Editing
My prediction: The Hurt Locker
My vote: District 9

Best Cinematography
My predition: Avatar
My vote: Avatar

Best Adapted Screenplay
My prediction: Precious
My vote: Up in the Air

Best Original Screenplay
My prediction: Inglourious Basterds
My vote: Inglourious Basterds

Best Director
My prediction: Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker
My vote: Jason Reitman for Up in the Air

Best Supporting Actress
My prediction: Mo’Nique for Precious
My vote: Vera Farmiga for Up in the Air

Best Supporting Actor
My prediction: Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds
My vote: Christoph Waltz for Inglourious Basterds

Best Actress
My prediction: Sandra Bullock for The Blind Side
My vote: Meryl Streep for Julie & Julia

Best Actor
My prediction: Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart
My vote: George Clooney for Up in the Air

Best Picture
My prediction: The Hurt Locker
My vote: Up in the Air

2009 was an incredible year for movies. Some of these categories were extremely hard to narrow down to a winner. Honestly, other than Precious and The Blind Side which don’t have a chance anyway, I would not be terribly upset or surprised if any one of them won Best Picture. Obviously, I really loved Up in the Air. For me, it was the only film of last year without a flaw, and the one I am most anticipating watching again.

“I see you.”

Avatar
I badly wanted to dislike this movie. I guess it’s all the hype. Maybe it’s the fact that I thought going in that that story was going to be lame and did not want to get suckered into being entertained by all the pretty colors. Well, I have to say that I was mostly wrong. The story is not so much lame as it is incomplete and completely unoriginal. But with Avatar, both of these are easily given a pass because it is absolute entertainment. And I have to be honest, I really like the story of Pocahontas. James Cameron just set it on another world. I also feels that he did a decent job, for the most part, of not pretending that we don’t know this story already. There is not much time focused on the reason the humans are there in the first place, which is perhaps the most unoriginal aspect of the entire film. That was my biggest fear, that we would be lectured on the innocence of nature and the pure evils of mankind. But it really wasn’t that bad and didn’t seem to get in the way of characters and relationships, most of which are quite strong on this story. Unfortunately the weak link by far was the over-the-top, ridiculous villain, Colonel Miles Quaritch. He was so stereotyped it was insulting. Even when you get a glimpse that there might be more to him, it goes nowhere. Why was he so intent on the complete destruction of the Na’vi? Did his paycheck depend on it? There had to be more. There wasn’t. And he had the worst dialogue imaginable with lines like: “This low gravity’ll make you soft. When you get soft, Pandora’ll shit you out dead with zero warning.” What? Some of the dumbest lines ever.

I’m not sure if this should even be said, but I wonder how my reaction would differ if I did not see Avatar in 3-D. I’ve heard reviews of other recent 3-D films like Up and Coraline, most remarking that the 3-D did not really add anything to the enjoyment of the movie. I’m not sure I would say the same with Avatar. Even in stunning 3-D, the 2 hour 40 minute run time was a bit much and by the time the final showdown was gearing up, I was getting a bit restless. I just didn’t feel the story was strong enough near the end to hold my attention. But as I got in the car to drive home, I certainly felt it was worth the $9.75 (for a matinee!) which is something I’ve rarely said!

As far as the Oscars go, Avatar honestly deserves every artistic award out there. Maybe even Best Score although it is definitely not James Horner‘s best. But a Best Picture win? Probably not, but I would not be surprised or upset if it did, which is something I cannot say about the past two winners.

“…for war is a drug “

The Hurt Locker
Honesty this plot, or at least the way it was presented in the media, did not seem that interesting to me. A bomb squad goes out on missions disarming bombs in Iraq. Well, you know that the one they are disarming 30 minutes in is not going to go off, right? Luckly that’s not really what this film is about. The suspense created, and it is extremely suspenseful, is not because of the bombs. It’s because of the main character, William James played by Jeremy Renner. Renner is absolutely brilliant here, well worthy of his Oscar nomination. Is he a crazy cowboy or a brother in arms? I was not sure what to think of James until the very last moment. Not a bad guy but not really a good guy either. Just a messed up person in a messed up place.

As far as the overall film goes, it’s pretty good. It certainly does not dumb down the action or feel the need to explain what is going on. I was also glad it didn’t have some political grandstanding moment that could have been so easy to have. It simply puts you on the ground with these guys and by the end, you’re ready to get out of there too. Where I think The Hurt Locker trips up a bit is the ending. Once we got away from the group and focused solely on James, as great as the character is, it lost something. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but the tension and heart of the story fell apart. It wasn’t a terrible ending but in my opinion turned a great movie into a really good one.

Just when I was all set to give George Clooney my pick for Best Actor…

UPDATE: Winner of Best Picture for 2009.

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast.”

Chariots of Fire
With all my catching up on this year’s Best Picture nominees I’ve neglected a Best Picture Winner of the past. So, in Honor of the Olympics this week, I thought I would check out the Best Picture winner from 1981, Chariots of Fire. I had never seen it before but knew the story. Or I thought I did. There is more to it than British runner Eric Liddell’s refusal to run his heat on a Sunday because of his commitment to not run on the Sabbath (More on that later). The story is also about a Jewish runner, Harold Abrahams, and his obsession of winning and, in particular, beating Liddell who had been the only runner to beat him. It all comes down to a match-up in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. So it sounds like a good set up for confrontation and rivalry and all types of drama, right? Well not so much. The problem with this film is that it can’t decide who’s story it wants to tell. Honestly, I thought Abrahams’ was more intriguing with all the personal anguish and great training scenes with his coach, played by the great Ian Holm. But when it all comes down to the race where the two stories would meet up, Liddell drops out because of his refusal to run. So in the end, we never get the match up. Now I know this is based on a true story so you can’t exactly change that outcome. But it was presented on screen as not that big of a deal and suddenly the most important thing for Abrahams was simply to win the race. So basically you’ve taken the whole plot and said it doesn’t matter anymore. It seemed like a waste of a good story.

Now about Eric Liddell. I have always been bugged about this story because of the bad theology behind his decision not to run on a Sunday, or Sabbath as he says. I’ll just move past the issues of what the Sabbath is and what constitutes keeping it holy. I was pleased that, as portrayed in the film, Liddell was not being holier-than-thou at all in his decision. He was simply backing up a personal commitment that he made long before and had even suggested to children playing rugby after church. He even expresses his own frustration about his stand and mentions he’s not even sure why he feels that way. I greatly respected this portrayal as it could have easily been portrayed in the other direction. There is a great line when a friend asks Liddell while at the very race he was supposed to run, if he had any regrets. He says he did indeed have regrets, but never doubt.

Both of these characters were very likable and both had great stories to tell. It’s just that they were only half-way told. There was little emotional involvement beyond just witnessing their ability to run. I wouldn’t say it’s a bad movie, but it was certainly disappointing and hardly worthy of a Best Picture, especially when you look at the other nominees. Perhaps you’ve heard of a little one called Raiders of the Lost Ark?

Bad goof: Every American flag in this film has 50 stars. It’s 1924. How much research would it take to find out there were only 48 states at the time? It was very noticeable.

Catching up is hard to do.

The Olympics have taken up most of my time this past week and will continue to do so , but I was able to catch up on a few Best Picture nominees for the 2010 Oscars. Here’s a few quick thoughts on each.

Up In The Air
I said this about An Education last week but this is probably my new favorite for Best Picture. I like George Clooney but there are very few films of his that stand out. Ocean’s Eleven and maybe O Brother, Where Art Thou? are all that immediately come to mind. But he is by far at his best in this film and I’m actually glad he’s nominated for Best Actor this year as opposed to when he actually won it for the train wreck that was Syriana.

The story is not all that different than what’s been done before many times and you even can see the climax coming a mile away, but that doesn’t make it any less sweet and heartbreaking. I think what makes this such a great film is the intense study of character. I felt like I knew Ryan Bingham so well by the end that I just wanted to give him a hug and hang out for a while. Also nominated for acting are Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick. I’ve honestly never heard of either so I was very impressed. Especially with Farmiga. It’s not a complicated role but she plays it with such a subtle sweetness that you can’t help but be drawn to her.

Great film, and I wish I could say it is my hands-down favorite but…




District 9
Wow! This one came out of nowhere and has blown me away. Of course I had heard of it for many months but I knew nothing about it other than checking out the short it was based on. I was a bit worried it would try to be political and try so hard to make a point at the expense of the story *cough* Children of Men *cough*. I could not have been more wrong. It’s such an original idea and done with such suspense and progression. There was not one single moment when you feel the story slow down or shift focus. It was relentless and such a great ride.

I was glad that I was warned of the goriness. It is certainly there and in some cases it was a bit much but that’s just a matter of my taste. We’re dealing with aliens and alien weapons, so it was certainly not out of the realm of possibility for that type of violence to occur. But the good part is that the gore never took center stage or overshadowed the characters or the story. It simply reinforced the danger. A danger that really everyone involved is unsure of.

So, with two such drastically different types of films, Up In The Air and District 9, it’s hard to say which I would place above the other. Both are incredible and deserve whatever Oscars they may win.




Precious: Based on the blah blah blah
One film that doesn’t deserve any awards much more Best Picture is this little uplifting tale. It’s not that you can’t have an utterly depressing story and have a great film. Some of my favorites of all time fit this category. Take Cold Mountain, The Thin Red Line, or even The Passion of the Christ. These are wonderful, beautifully told stories in which not a single good thing happens.

I’m not sure what the intent of telling this story is and I’m not going to take the time to think about it. I’m simply going to refer to Casey’s review as I agree with him on every aspect including the beyond dumb title.

I will add one positive. There is one good scene at the very end where Mary, played by Mo’Nique is struggling to justify her abuse and reveals a pretty sick and twisted occurrence. I certainly will not get into it, but Mo’Nique’s performance throughout this scene as she fruitlessly tries to explain away her actions is quite good. Great, even. But I’m not sure if this one scene in an otherwise dreadful movie is worthy of any award.




So, two more films to go, The Hurt Locker and Avatar (yes I’m one of 14 people on earth who has not seen it). The maybe Casey and I can give you our Oscar picks for 2010! I’m off to watch some more short track speed skating!