smithr1223 Reviews

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Like watching Lord of the Flies while on acid...

[9/10 · 16 June 2012]

and I absolutely loved every minute. There's nothing better than when you see actors commit fully to absurdity, and there wasn't a misstep in the entire film, stellar cast and a great movie watching experience. My favorite, of Wes Anderson's films, and what a move picking the two lead child actors - their performances were brave and spot-on. I want to find this island, I want to liquidate everything I own and move there, I just wonder if a place like this still exists in the World? I bet it does. Quirky and humorous, this film doesn't disappoint (or at least I've only heard of 1 person so far not giving it a thumbs up), anyone who doesn't get this film I suspect had a very regimented childhood and didn't take any risks. Great soundtrack, two people near me in the theatre jumped up into the aisle to start dancing (I suspect they may have been there for a second viewing!), the entire audience enjoyed it. Really, Anderson's best film yet in my book, highly recommended.

An Education (2009)

Inspired writing & filmmaking

[9/10 · 5 June 2012]

This film was a delight, and I have to say, a warning to all parents who look for the easy way to opportunity for their children. If something sounds too good to be true it generally is. Carey Mulligan was a revelation, going from young to mature teen in a heartbeat with her overnight transformation, I honestly can't wait to see what she'll do next. The entire cast just didn't miss a beat. The costumes and music were both memorable, kudos to the staff who worked on those, there just wasn't a missed beat except - as usual - there should have been a Directors' Cut on the DVD that included some valuable deleted scenes. It was well-edited, so most people won't miss them, but I hate to see good work relegated to an afterthought when you have the space on DVD to include them.

I'd say about this An Education, don't read many reviews, just watch it and let it unfold naturally because it's well worth your time.

Bright Star (2009)

Stunned by this film

[9/10 · 5 June 2012]

I was literally stunned by this film, Campion has crafted another masterwork, and I found myself intensely relieved that I saw it in the comfort of my home rather than in a theatre. As breathtaking as I imagine it would be on the big screen I am sure I would have been removed from the theatre sobbing uncontrollably. At home I even had to pause the film several times because I just needed a break from it, yet I'd go back to it quickly, I was entirely pulled in to the story. Abbie Cornish is a revelation, I'd just seen her in Limitless, unrecognizable as the same actress. The costumes are so memorable I immediately began sketching one of her jackets to replicate (and I've never done that before from watching a period film). The art direction was haunting - like perfect still-life paintings. Fanny's little sister Toots, played by Edie Martin, delighted me every time she appeared on screen. The poetry itself, and how seriously it was taken by the characters, took me back to a seemingly simpler time and I immediately began pulling out long forgotten poetry volumes (my garden hasn't looked the same to me since seeing Bright Star).

Bright Star is a must-see.

Hide Away (2011)

Excellent, moving, haunting...

[9/10 · 31 May 2012]

A man arrives at a dock, in suit & tie and carrying his suitcase, buys a boat as-is, he seems haunted but we don't yet know why. If you've ever experienced deep grief or a need to hideaway and heal, this film will have a deeper meaning for you, if you've not yet experienced those tortured emotions in life you may not yet understand fully the emotional depths this film represents. I've been there, I am there, and felt the film all the more meaningful for my own experiences. The waterside setting is magical and the story plays against the backdrop of its setting (Traverse City, Michigan) and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, The Children's Hour, which given Longfellow's own sad history gives the film even deeper resonance. The typical Hollywood films you'll barely remember a month later but Hide Away will have a lasting impact and this, this, is the film you want to see this Summer. Best work I've seen from Josh Lucas and James Cromwell is, even more than usual, so very memorable as The Ancient Mariner. I'd originally rated this film an 8 but, after viewing it a second time, I changed my review to a 10. Now I'm left wondering what my own boat is...

Robin Hood (2010)

Beautiful but no cigar

[3/10 · 28 May 2012]

There's a wealth of information from which to write an amazing script but it just didn't materialize. Beautiful production values and some great actors but, because there was little or no time spent developing the characters, I wasn't drawn in by the film and so I just felt like a bored spectator. It seemed more like the first "episode", with one or more to come, so in the end I felt cheated because I had to sit through endless, sometimes even comical, battle scenes. Russell Crowe missed the mark for me, in major part because his accent was so fluid (where's he from again? What did he say? Wait? Robin's from Australia now? No, wait, he's from Wales now! Crikey). So glad I didn't pay to see the film or buy the DVD - got it for free from my local library. I can't recommend the film unless you're a huge fan of "Robin Hood' and can overlook much of the anachronistic flubs in this film. Other reviewers have outlined them so clearly I needed repeat them here. I got so bored I just kept looking for Baron pins, the giant gold ones, because I'd bought a set from the film at a charity auction. Yes, really, that's how bored I was and that's saying a lot because I generally love anything "Robin Hood".

It's Complicated (2009)

Loved it and the entire theatre audience did too...

[10/10 · 5 January 2010]

I can't recall ever hearing an audience, of both men and women, laugh so continuously throughout an entire film! Now, I'll admit, I read some reviewer's comments prior to the film so I wasn't expecting much. After the film, on re-reading those reviewer's comments (and doing a little research into their background) I realized that they just didn't get the film because they hadn't lived the life experiences shown in this movie, life experience counts toward your ability to really grasp what the characters are going through (so when someone misses the boat on this film I honestly believe it's because they haven't had that sort of a complicated closure to a relationship). This film was well worth watching! For comparison, a friend and I saw Up in the Air and It's Complicated together, hands down we thought It's Complicated was the more entertaining of the two. Not to take anything away from Up In The Air, it's a movie worth watching (and in a big theater), but for pure entertainment we put our money on It's Complicated.

Nancy Meyers always does some sort of a distinctive look in her films, loved the sets and wardrobe, the sets are featured in Traditional Home and on their website. I'll be studying the interiors, and all of Nancy Meyers movie sets, for a long time to come.

Up in the Air (I) (2009)

Well worth a viewing

[9/10 · 5 January 2010]

This is one of the most timely movies I've seen in my life (I write as my own company approaches more layoffs at the beginning of 2010) so I went thinking it should be required viewing before returning from my holiday vacation. It was entertaining, sometimes even painful to witness, but mostly I came away with something useful (my own script should I be downsized).

I've since talked with others who've seen the film and the reviews seem to divide into two categories: - if you've been fired or downsized, it can be uncomfortable emotionally to watch the film, it's as though you're re-traumatized because you're living other's version of what you've already been through (while that's the case with any film you watch there is something about job loss that really shakes people to their core) - if you are in fear you'll be downsized, it can be reassuring, you come away with a script you can use - and - you realize that this one single job isn't the only thing life has to offer

Most definitely worth your time and your movie dollar.

Spoiler: Minus one star, at least, for a deceptive plot twist that doesn't really fit the character of Alex (shame on Reitman, don't hoodwink audiences thinking we won't notice, we do).

Penelope (2006)

LOVED Penelope, should be required viewing for teens...

[10/10 · 19 July 2008]

I genuinely loved this movie, all the performances, the art direction, and ultimately think it should be required viewing for teens (and younger) because while many may say the film is about 'the outside doesn't matter' what the film really speaks to is acceptance and especially self-acceptance... and what kid doesn't need to hear that message in a positive way as they're growing up? I think this could serve as a great introduction for parents to talk about our differences, inside and out and embracing people who may look different than the image I see in my own mirror, there are so many moments or passages in this film that give an opening for a great parent/child talk. And I noted that Reese Witherspoon was one of the producers on the film, well she's on the right track, please find more treasures like Penelope! LOVED THIS MOVIE!!! (P.S. and shame on the studio, for failing to market this film properly, and the critics for giving short shrift to a genuine treasure because they kept me away when the film was in theaters and I really regret not seeing it on the big screen)

The Family Stone (2005)

My recommendation: WATCH this film!!!

[9/10 · 27 January 2007]

I genuinely loved this film and, based on reviewers descriptions and the promotion for it, I fully expected to hate it and doubted why I would even want to sit through it for free. What's most important to say here is that the reviewers, and the studio in their promotional work, did a grave disservice to this film and everyone who worked to make it. They should either be fired or ordered to do community service!

This film's story is real life, messy, it's beautifully written and well acted. It's one of the best ensemble pieces I've seen in recent years (everyone does well though I felt SJP's performance was the least natural). Yes, the family is cold and occasionally mean to the newcomer, but that's occasionally what happens to newcomers as a family forces itself to flex to include them (we've gamely welcomed brother's wife #3). In reference to those reviewers who complain about Meredith's bigoted behavior, well I've been in homes where a guest has behaved that way, and it wasn't as well handled as it is in this film. I adore how the mother communicates with her son and only wish I'd witnessed that more often in real life. Far from those scenes being in the film to just 'be cruel', it honestly shows what prejudices people have to address regularly, and I love its uncomfortable honesty. I love that the truth is allowed to be the truth, unvarnished, as people find their way in a family and in their love lives.

Overall, if you'll let it, this film takes you for a real emotional ride and hopefully will make you think about how your own family welcomes outsiders, will make you challenge your own prejudices, and make you value what you have in your family before the next major life change occurs. I loved it and it's quickly become a new holiday favorite for me...

Enchanted April (1991)

My favorite film, ever...

[10/10 · 3 December 2006]

This is one of those rare movies, it's lovely and compelling, dignified and quirky, a true gift. I consider it a prerequisite for any trip to Italy, or any vacation at all, because it reminds you to open yourself up to a broader experience (yup, find the magic). I especially loved Josie Lawrence, as Lottie Wilkins, but every lead and supporting actor is flawless in this film. Further the costumes, if you're drawn to fashion and costumes, are extraordinarily well done. I just wish they'd release it on DVD because I'm wearing my tape version out! (updating this review: thank heavens they finally did release it on DVD!!!)

Absolutely well worth your time, just make sure to settle in to watch it, without any interruptions.

This is still my favorite film of all time.

Lucky 7 (2003 TV Movie)

A sweet movie well worth watching...

[8/10 · 3 December 2006]

The helpful direction the dying give you, in an effort to help you think about the future, really does weigh on you once they're gone. You hold onto it thinking you're holding onto them and yet you have to challenge yourself to get on with the life you want for yourself. This film's lead character experiences that, struggles with it, trying hard to stick to the map her mother left her for her life. Throughout it reminded me to move on so I could appreciate the film for that alone. However Kimberly Williams is very good in her role, alternately type-A and ditsy, and Patrick Dempsey is also really good and his character the sweet but strong man most hetero women - and gay men - wish for (for all Grey's Anatomy "McDreamy" fans, it's worth watching!) and the scenery in and around Sooke Harbour House lovely (so want to move there).

Yes, I'd watch it again! And probably again, in a few years, just as a reminder...