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Captain Fantastic (2016)
Gross!
This is not what you might think it is as it is really a story about a gross bunch who do a disgusting thing at the end of the movie so do not wast any money on this. Even so it is well acted and directed but so what! If you think that this is a movie to take kids to see then think again. Who needs to see this horror story masquerading as a regular flick. how disgusting can you get. I Would tell you what this disgusting thing is but then I would be in violation of the spoiler policy of this web site and rightly so.
Be advised that such a thing is just not something you subject a dog to let alone your own children. Seriously? Give me a break! How can anyone think that is not just something that is atrocious and grossly offensive. Couldn't they have thought of something else like you know anything for a quest or what ever that is (mission?)
Good such folks should make fun of Christianity.
Who the hell would care?
I sure as hell don't!
Hurlyburly (1998)
Junk Cinema
I went to see this piece of crap at a really nice art-house in Newton MA and I couldn't believe how ridiculously bad this film is.
Think plan 9 From Outer Space and if you have seen this POS and think not shame on you because films are suppose make you care in some way or another and I can think of nothing less important than the creeps bums and assholes depicted in this film and not very well depicted at that.
One dimensional sets crappy creepy dialog stupid plot: it is all there.
The last time I laughed at a funeral scene was when I saw Cat Ballou and it was meant to be funny but not this one.
I was surprised to find out that it was supposed to be touching.
Touch this morons!
American Sniper (2014)
Good story telling
I saw "American Sniper" twice and I wonder what Clint Eastwood has to do to make a bad film simply because I have yet to see a really bad Clint Eastwood movie and that includes this excellent war flick.
I didn't see anything political in this film and doubt that most if not all of the narrative in the film can be disputed however Hollywood and accurate history doesn't usually mix this film being a possible exception as I don't see why making a fairy tale of a film would make any sense for him ever but for anyone this close in time to the events depicted.
It's hard to write about this film because he tell the story in a very visual way suited to the medium in which he works so that it is a very very compelling and emotional indeed visceral experience that I am sure anyone can appreciate but will not necessarily want to verbalize as in writing.
But to say that I was struck by this story of a man who cared about his country almost to the point of losing his family and indeed his very life is almost well maybe completely an understatement as I usually do not see a film more than once unless I am truly struck by the verbal and visual narrative presented on screen.
Mr. Coopers work in this film is the second?? reason this tale worked so well for me because I think he is talented and understood Mr. Kyle to the point where he interprets his motivation and thought process and reasoning so well.
He should be and is nominated for a best actor Academy Award.
Worth both admission prices.
Wild (2014)
Resonates
I have seen "Wild" twice and liked it both times as it seems to strike a cord some where. (not sure) Reese Witherspoon is the main reason this film works as she gives an Oscar worthy performance that is directed and filmed nicely the part having been capably written for the screen as is the entire film.
I do not think that anyone thinks they are making a classic when they are doing it. It just comes out that way. Not that movie making is just dumb luck. And how this is done is a mystery to me and probably every one else as well.
It is interesting to see this man (woman) against nature and self real life story develop and play it self out against the scenic backdrop of the "Pacific Crest Trail" that becomes an intricate part of the story as much as the different characters mostly the main character who I could not help but identify with on more than one level.
If Ms. Witherspoon and the director can communicate this much than a very good job indeed has been done making this film well worth the admission price.
I checked the Oscar nominations today as I wrote the above yesterday and indeed the performance of one Reese Witherspoon is nominated for best actress
Good idea as I think she will win again!
Hope she does.
Still don't get that fox thing though.
Looper (2012)
Looped In and liking it
Looper is a lot of fun with a lot of interesting plot twists but is on the gory side.
This narrated film needs it (narration) to fill you in at different places in the context of that given place in the film and that is the extent of the narration.
The film is written so as to be understandable but not simple minded. The character's in this film are well written and acted out and seem real enough. The director has chosen to tell the story in an effective way so as to generate some suspense and keep you guessing till the end which I of course won't get into.
What I thought remarkable about this film is the idea that it would work at all and making it work and watching the story unfold is quite an experience and worth the price paid for admission.
I couldn't help but think of the work of author Stephen King as the story played out on screen. It seem so effective in its totality that I thought it possibly an adaptation of one of his (Kings) works.
It is gritty without being to gritty and gives you a break from the carnage enough to make this film very viewable.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Very Good
I saw "Moonrise Kingdom." for the second time yesterday and I liked this film because it is a simple story about people albeit very young who meet and for no apparent reason love each other. The premise here being how much reason should you have or need.
When I see a movie based on a children's book (This might as well be) I imagine that I am seeing what people of that age are seeing or understanding. Understanding being the better word here in used.
This however is probably not the case as perspective changes with time. Time only? I cannot tell if this movie is for adults or not because I do not think it mattered to Mr. Anderson who directed.
It somehow resonates because when people are younger there is less of a reason for things to be the way they are or the way they turn out so life seems simpler.
I like the character's in the film was 12 (-30) in 1965 the year in which it is set.
So what!
This is a fanciful treatment of a fanciful story no doubt.
This movie is agreeably entertaining and well made and amusing so much so as to hold ones attention throughout.
I couldn't help but think children's book through the whole movie and was surprised to find out otherwise.
I thought this movie witty and insightful and entertaining and worthy of two tickets as stated above I have seen it twice. It mattered very little if at all that it was slightly miscast. Love it!
Lawless (2012)
Lawless still
I guess its time for me to admit I really like this movie. It has about anything in it I like about gangster flicks. Especially white people! Who by the way can box to.
Do you really want to be known as someone who knows only peaceful resolution for life's problems when there is so much violence in this world? So much take at any cost! Like the bastard's who gave us prohibition and made an obscene fortune on gasoline while ethanol went by the wayside.
This is a good screenplay by Nick Cave? Well it is a good screenplay. (Who's Nick Cave?)
I didn't see enough of Gary Oldman either! I have liked his work since I think I first saw him as Dracula. And Tom Hardy gives a good turn here as does the rest of the cast.
There is something to be learned from this period of history that I think is particularly urgent. Can we really let other people run things? Like tell us how much soda we can drink or talk on the phone while driving and then have some filthy shitty asshole thug (in LA) slam our women to the ground.
For Christ sake!
Well pigs love the sty I guess!
There is one scene in this film that I didn't see the need for and probably isn't in the book. Guess!
The director John Hillcoat did a excellent job interpreting the screenplay and brought it to the screen with some artful insight.
The big shootout needed Tommy guns though to make it more exciting.
The Tortured (2010)
Rotten
I personally don't get the point of movies like this other than to make money. (All movies must really)
I am not interested in this type of thing because it is pointless has almost no narrative and I couldn't care less about some lunatic serial killer or in the case of this film someone out for vengeance.
I guess the point might be the victims.
Ha!
Don't think so.
Wouldn't it be amazing if this film won an Oscar for best screen play best picture and whatever.
No?
Good.
This is a movie I would not take my pet snake to if I had one. You can almost bet that some weirdo is going to take his kids to see this.
I saw Scream (Yes I am embarrassed) and there was some nut with young children with him.
They are probably in jail or a mental hospital by now.
Don't worry he is probably just fine.
I can't image why anyone would want to see this. Really bad day at the office? Other more serious problems?
So what if the pig in this film gets what he deserves!
Well anyway Boooooo!.
By the way I really didn't bother to see this one thank Christ!
Ruby Sparks (2012)
Ruby sparkles shines
Ruby Sparks shines best as a comedy which is its strong point. I am not sure of a philosophy here. Not that this movie or for that matter any other needs one.
Its plot revolves around a seeming feminist idea that men create an ideal of a woman and wish always to be able to control this ideal as is manifested in a real person.
That real person is the fictional ' Ruby Sparks'.
A very good movie that has good acting and directing as its good points and is very much worth watching.
The star of this film is an able and talented screen writer who can elucidate her thoughts. This film relies on good writing but does not take it for granted. As previously stated the acting and directing are good.
This is the feminine answer to " Ted" a movie that has an avatar that spanks the protagonist because his girl friend can't. Whereas here we have someone who is lovelorn and not at all a bad boy. Who apparently can't find the girl of his dreams so he dreams one up as nobody has measured up to his fantasy-needs.
Ted (2012)
Funny Classic
Ted is a very funny movie. Some of the humor I didn't care for but over all I had a good many laughs watching this film.
The humor springs forth from an imagination that can grasp what's not funny and what is and this movie is very funny. However I thought the spanking should have involved another cast member in another scene. It would have worked better but the film would be X rated.
You know there is more going on here than just a funny talking teddy bear movie. Right!
No? So what! Just sit back and enjoy the laughs!
The writer/director has a lot going for him and so does his cast of talented actors.
Please read into this movie a little. A guy and his talking teddy bear. REALLY! What is this brilliant comedy writer getting at? SHOULD we read anything into this?
I had a teddy bear when I was a kid and it used to mysteriously get ripped during the night and people started looking at me kinda funny like ya know.
All those cab trips to that nice hospital to talk to that nice man because someone tore the made in China tag off before my Mom bought it. Merry Christmas indeed!
Oh well.
Don't you think probation is a little lax.
Give up the teddy bear buddy or else!
No probation for you!
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Inspired work
Never underestimate the power of an old comic strip to inspire. Hence we are inspired. I was thoroughly entertained by The Dark Knight Rises and did not think it was any less of a movie than The Dark Knight. Maybe better!
Though not possessed with the amazing power of its predecessor's Oscar winning performance it is none the less a compelling movie.
The main character is played with an excellent eye towards the craft by Christian Bale who seems like a different person in the Batman suit. Rather haggard and a little spent. This is what it takes to win an Oscar to be able to project a character's state of mind and spirit.
Now that Mr. Bale has an Oscar you who did not like his Batman can now believe!
I enjoyed Anne Hathaway's excellent performance as Selina and every one gave wonderful performances as good ensemble work is evident through the entire film. The entire cast of stars here gave a star turn.
It was not lost on me that this villain's pain is hidden and relieved buy his mask and the hero's pain is his mask. They battle it out against the back drop of a city that is living a lie.
Also this movie captures its moment in history before it happened as a villain stepped inside a theatre and while wearing a mask murdered 12 innocent people and injured 58 who went to see this very film.
GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU!
I saw "The Dark Knight Rises" less than 5 hours after 12:00 PM EDT 7-20-11 when I found out about the senseless attack on that theatre in Colorado.
It didn't stop me.
I planned on seeing this movie on the day and at the hour it opened in Waltham but was delayed by all the news feeds.
Christopher Nolan was inspired and has made an excellent film.
First Position (2011)
Good work
This documentary takes a little time to pull you in but it succeeds nicely. A little patience is required but it is worth it !
I like most people expected to be bored senseless with this but instead I now appreciate classical dance much more.
This is because director Bess Kargman pays attention to the sufferings hard work and devotion and lets not forget beauty of what these young people go through and what they do.
She lets us see the toll ballet takes on these kids emotions and feet. Yes I said feet. Bruised bloody feet. And all the emotional strain as well.
Watch for the African girl who dances with a bad ankle and it is just normal for every one around her and nobody tries to dissuade her!
I could empathize and feel the dramatic as the competition nears and judgement is made in the various categories.
I gave this documentary 8 stars. But it might as well be 10 because it did hold my attention about a subject I had no interest in whatsoever. I didn't want to see it. For shame. I am glad I spent the money on this film.
I was going to see an other film for the second time because the Embassy in Waltham has $6.00 Tuesdays.
When there's a new film showing? What a waste!
The Hunger Games (2012)
Excellent adaptation
I liked this movie. It is well thought out from start to finish. I know this is an adaptation from a novel so the story really isn't relevant. ( It is a relevant story though.) Did i say liked? Loved!
Mr. Ross knows how to make a story his. And he does so here with a good deal of skill. It starts with a nightmare, and this movie is about a nightmare. A well directed nightmare. If you do not think this can happen then think of all the many many millions of people who think it already has happened in many ways.
This aside from the science fiction aspects.
This film hits a nerve in many places! And maybe more than just a nerve!
Conversely think of the parents who would love to have there children compete in such games and be very proud of each and every kill.
I liked Jennifer Lawrence's performance because she carries a very well acted movie on her shoulders. That and with a character that while charismatic not so as say Dr. Hannibal Lecter (dark) or Father Chuck O'Malley.
Drive (2011)
Bad people
Not that they should make movies about good folk only but every character in this well made film suck and is degenerate with one exception. Bryan Cranston ... Shannon. I could not root (well barely) for anyone but Shannon. I hope when they remake this years from now it will be as well done as this one. I hope they can improve on the characters. I was kind of bored. Almost stepped out for a smoke. Worth the money because the put good acting and what ever else it takes into this picture. I though there was some attempt at making these characters more agreeable to viewers but here it's to no avail. I would wait for the remake if I knew better No thanks!