lifeisnteverything Reviews

Rent (2005)

Magnificent

[9/10 · 7 December 2005]

Being something of a Broadway geek, I was fully prepared to criticize the film version of "Rent" in any way I possibly could. I was ready to rip it apart, frame by frame, and let everyone know that it trashed a Pulitzer-winning musical. What I was completely unprepared for, however, was that I'd have no need to do so. "Rent" succeeds on almost every level.

The plot follows a year in the life of eight bohemian friends in late '80s New York City, and the various ways in which the year changes them. Some find--and lose--soulmates; others discover the capacity to live life more fully, while they still can.

I was particularly incensed with the casting of Rosario Dawson as the fragile stripper Mimi, but I was blown away by her explosive performance; she exhibits a go-for-broke streak in the role that surpassed my expectations by a mile. The other notable standout performances were Wilson Jermaine Heredia, playing the HIV-positive drag queen Angel, and Jesse L. Martin as Angel's lover, Tom Collins. The two displayed a delicate, flirty chemistry that worked well for their duet "I'll Cover You"; later, at Angel's funeral, Martin imbues Collins with a palpable, heart-wrenching grief as he reprises the song alone.

Director Chris Columbus wisely cut out most of the play's through-sung dialogue; its inherent theatricality can be difficult to sell even on a stage, but in a film it can be disastrous. Mimi and Roger (Adam Pascal) have a sung-dialogue duet on "Light the Candle", and it is, in fact, the film's low point--I even remember thinking, "God, I hope the rest of the film doesn't suck this badly." Other than some minor anachronisms--the film is set in 1989, yet Angel sings about "Thelma and Louise", which didn't come out until 1991--the film is superlative. I encourage everyone to see it.

Bewitched (2005)

Good idea, terrible execution...

[3/10 · 7 July 2005]

I *wanted* to like this movie. I love Nicole Kidman, I love Will Ferrell, and I love the television series "Bewitched". The film had an intriguing premise, certainly; a TV-remake of the classic show unknowingly casts a real witch, Isabel, in the role of Samantha. So, to review, I like the cast, I like the concept, and I wanted to like the movie.

Unfortunately, I don't. The script is convoluted; it can't decide if it's an ode to the TV show or a (very) gentle poke at the narcissism of Hollywood. Isabel is supposed to be naive and innocent (she even asks what a d*ck is), but she comes across as mentally challenged. The movie wastes its solid supporting cast of Michael Caine, Shirley Maclaine, Stephen Colbert, and Jason Schwartzman. The fabulous Kristin Chenowith, however, shines in her under-written role as Isabel's ditzy next-door neighbor.

The movie's main problem is simple; it just isn't very funny. The jokes come quickly, but the laughs do not. In fact, it's kind of dumb.

High Fidelity (2000)

On my all-time Top Ten list

[10/10 · 30 June 2005]

This is one of those movies that has the potential to change your life. Underneath the humor (of which there is a considerable amount) lies a truly sweet movie about an adult who still needs to grow up. Watching Rob, played charmingly and realistically by John Cusack, mature as he traces his life through music and various romantic entanglements is a joy.

The central message of the movie seems to me to be that relationships take work. Well, duh, you may be saying. But this film illuminates that point, showing each of Rob's formative (or, as he puts it, "All-Time, Desert-Island Top Five") relationships, why they went wrong, and, to a certain degree, how they could have gone right.

Rob's most important relationship is with music--it's his true love, and the film treats it as a character. Given the choice between his girlfriend and his record collection, the viewer is left with no doubt which Rob would choose--music, hands down. This disregard for human feelings that Rob shows throughout much of the movie proves something else: as much as we may like him, Rob's kind of a jerk. It is a testament to the heart of this film, the strength of the story, and the talent of its large, varied cast that "High Fidelity" emerged a thoughtful, funny movie, rather than an annoying pity-party about its main character.

I recommend this movie to everyone.

Surf Ninjas (1993)

Not a masterpiece, but it's pretty funny

[6/10 · 30 June 2005]

It never fails to amaze me--no matter how many times I read over the comments about "Surf Ninjas", I'm astounded by the sheer number that are written by people who must look down their noses at any movie that does not fit into the category of "serious film". You would think that an Oscar contender was being reviewed, not a children's movie from the early 90's about surfing ninja-princes.

Come on. How much can a person expect from a movie called "Surf Ninjas"? All you can expect, as far as I'm concerned, are ninjas who surf. This movie has both, therefore it is a complete success.

I have to say, I loved this movie when I was little. I rented it every weekend for three months straight. Last Christmas, I found a VHS of it at Wal-Mart for $3.99, and, of course, I bought it. When I watched it, I was pleasantly surprised that it not only lived up to what I remembered of it, but that it was full of inside jokes and one-liners that my kid's brain couldn't quite get, but that my now-adult brain totally comprehends. And, might I add, finds rather funny.

Few movies could make a running gag out of a line like "Money can't buy knives", but "Surf Ninjas" pulls it off. Don't watch this expecting a masterpiece, but as a slice of good old 1990's nostalgia, it's great.