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Interstellar (2014)
3 Hour Alternative to this Movie: A Root Canal
Save your money and your time. Except that the CGI moments were great (but were better done in the new "Cosmos" TV series and the film "Gravity"), this film at nearly every level of filmmaking was boring. This certainly would be true if you have no interest whatsoever in science fiction or fact. I had problems enjoying this film on several levels: 1. The annoying musical score: Never seemed to fit the moment, bombastic. 2. The over-the-top soap opera-type melodrama: All characters it seemed carried an unlimited supply of angst and tears. 3. The irritation of trying to hear the actors mumble inane dialogue, especially Michael Caine. 4. Burning corn fields look like Iraq oil fields on fire. 5. After 23 years, the watch left on the bookshelf still ticking and evidently keeping time. 6. Chasing speeding drone through cornfield with a flat tire all with a smooth ride. 7. Hollywood "Wild-west-type" mano-mano fist-fight between Damon & McConaughey in air tight space suits, through a worm hole on an ice planet in another galaxy far, far away. 8. Midway and unexplained appearance of the Topher Grace character. 9. Sets and props often looked like they were borrowed from ancient TV show "Twlilight Zone" 10. Absolutely zilch on-screen chemistry among actors. 11. Poor Ellen Burstyn looking so artificial in all that heavy latex and make up.
I quit, you get the picture of this picture. Awful!
West of Memphis (2012)
Everything old is new again!
Some time travel came to me this week by way of a series of DVD documentaries I viewed over the last few days. The only way to describe the experience is as though I became a 17th century citizen of Salem Massachusetts and witnessed firsthand a witch trial. Without a doubt, these films present a frightening look at 20th century American political and religious relationships and what the rest of 21st century America could expect. To paraphrase the introductory tag line of the currently popular courtroom TV series, "the cases are real, the people are real and the verdict is final". The possibilities are chilling. Watch at least the last film, "West Memphis", which gives an excellently crafted overview and update of the first three. You will be, as I was, challenged intellectually and emotionally and you will come away with an opinion, good, bad or ugly. I highly recommend but not for the squeamish.
Last Tango in Halifax (2012)
Akin to the great character driven novels of old.
With a bleak but effectively used backdrop of Northern England this film is a wonder. The everyday types of characters are so well fleshed out that I felt that I have known one or all of them at one time or another in my life, the good ones, the bad ones and the ugly ones. It is definitely a superb example of all aspects that makes movie viewing worthwhile. The director, actors, writers, production set all come together in a way seldom seen, lightning in a bottle it is. Alternatively sad, gritty, charming, humorous, witty, moody and melodramatic, it can only be described by me as thoroughly memorable and entertaining. As I own the DVD collection, I intend to give the series a repeat viewing. Believe me when I say, this film is a sure-fire winner!
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man I put away childish things" --- Paul the Apostle
This is not your typical coming of age movie. It is transcendent and sincere and of special interest to those of us (especially the introspective and isolated among us) who remember moving forward from junior high to the new and strange place called high school. The story deals straightforwardly and honestly with the many personal issues we all experienced as children during those times, awkwardly developing into teenagers and adults. The pains and wonders of the process are extraordinarily examined in this wonderfully crafted film. The script is literate, the ensemble cast is excellent and the mood thoughtful and ultimately uplifting. It is one of the best of its genre and enthusiastically recommended.
eCupid (2011)
Boy Finds Boy. Boy Loses Boy. Boy Finds Boy and the Angels Sang!
I found this flick quite charming but a tiny bit on the naive side. I kept hoping the plot would lead to a fairy tale fantasy or a "French" farce. Either or both approach would have given it extra bounce. Wittier dialog and a tighter direction would not have hurt either. With a little tweeking what storyline this would have made for those 1950s misfits Rock Hudson as the philanderer and Doris Day as the castaway. With that said, both leads and nearly all the film's supporting players were fabulously easy on the eye and, unlike some gay films of recent, they all could act along with great comedic timing thrown in for good measure. I took note in the credits, that the producers thanked the Screen Actors Guild which evidently provided some solid talent. All in all, the writing and actors' chemistries carried this one from beginning to end. My recommendation is to give it a look, for with some hot popcorn, refreshing beverages and the company of a gay friend or two it's a fun time at the movies.
John Carter (2012)
Good old fashion movie flavor, like freshly popped corn with just the right amount of butter on top.
Hey all you naysayers regarding this movie. Given the plot was contrived some 100 years ago and now, it seems, copied by every other modern day fantasy film maker. I found the film a pleasant surprise and robustly entertaining. Granted, it had the feel of a 1950s, early 1960s movie experience, but those films were not all bad and besides when they were done well, they could be extremely ENTERTAINING and worth the admission and visit to the concession stand. I found the characters in this movie likable, the plot imaginative, the production values high and the special effects superb. Believe me when I say, go see this movie and just enjoy the entertainment it provides. You won't go wrong.
Night of the Eagle (1962)
Quiet but creepy.
There is something irresistible about older British horror films. Here is one of them. While surfing through NetFlix last night, I ran across this little gem from 1962. The title rang a bell in my memory and I queued it. I became intrigued by the premise and stayed with the film to its exciting ending. Horror film fans who love creepiness at its low key but effective best will find this movie a jewel. It certainly provides a unique insight into academic tenure. The story and acting are great. Admittedly, the film is somewhat dated. It has few special effects. It is nonetheless highly recommended. It still carries a psychological wallop. Enjoy this minor fright classic.