jonny15 Reviews

Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (2002)

Didn't Quite Do It

[5/10 · 13 March 2005]

"Wilbur" is a pretty hard movie to describe. It has many redeeming qualities, but in the end, I just didn't like it and wished I hadn't seen it.

It's another quirky comedy/drama, and it fits well into that category. I thought the writing was very good, and the comedy made me laugh out loud several times. However, the movie tries to get you to connect with the characters, and for me, it was impossible to do that. Although they're all likable people, the only one who really got to me was Wilbur's brother. If you have seen or will see the film, I'm sure you'll know why.

I wanted to like this movie, and I still just couldn't. It's very funny at times, and sometimes touching, but I left the theater being more angry and repulsed than relieved and entertained.

It's close, but unfortunately, no cigar.

5/10

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Not Your Typical PTA Film

[9/10 · 13 March 2005]

I'm a huge fan of Paul Thomas Anderson, and being a young guy, I was very interested to hear that he was doing a movie with Adam Sandler. Needless to say, this is neither your typical Sandler or PTA film.

Sandler shows an acting ability that I didn't know he had, and he does a phenomenal job with the character. It makes me happy to see him do so well in the film, and it's hard to imagine someone else in the role.

Also, we finally have a PTA film that isn't a three hour emotional epic. Now, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy those films (Magnolia is my favorite film of all time), but it's nice to have a short film from him that doesn't leave you feeling emotionally exhausted. Many directors try to evoke emotions and feelings out of the viewers, and mostly, those emotions are feelings of extreme love, happiness, or even sadness. However, PTA uses the first half of the film to create a sense of urgency and agitation, and I've never seen a director do such a good job of creating such a response. PTA makes us feel sympathy for Sandler's character by making us feel the same anger and frustration that he feels toward his sisters and other things.

I like Sandler, I love PTA, and together they made a very entertaining film. It's not life-changing or absolutely outstanding, but it's a very beautiful film (specifically the colors and settings), and it's a very good, quirky comedy/drama.

9/10