aimdav Reviews

Who Is Cletis Tout? (2001)

At least its not like every other movie

[8/10 · 20 May 2004]

This one at least, is original. Even though it does follow many clichés and movie plots, it does so with individuality. It's real focus is the story, it doesn't build to any dramatic, heart-stopping climax, but its better that way, it gives it an even flow. And makes it comfortable unpredictable.

The film is written and directed by Chris Ver Wiel, it seems it is his story, his piece, that he wrote and directed, I am a fan of that sort of novelty.

Nice for an entertaining, easy-going, story movie. Watch it some evening when you feel like curling up with a good book. That is my best analogy for it.

8 out of 10, for what it is.

John and Mary (1969)

Brilliant look at the psychology of starting a relationship

[10/10 · 8 May 2004]

This is a low-key, easy going and wonderfully realistic movie, about how people react to one another when they are trying to begin a relationship out of nothing. John and Mary meet each other, have sex and wake up knowing next to nothing about each other. Mary has her history of relationships where she wasn't valued and John has history with feeling abandoned and used.

We follow them throughout their day, hear and see their thoughts and begin to understand why they say and do, the things they do in regards to each other.

Their cognitive distortions are apparent and made entertaining by the movies style and humor.

This movie is under-rated and possibly misunderstood. If you are looking for a ridiculous, meaningless, romantic comedy, full of pop songs and cliched plot twists, you'll have to look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a laid-back, emotional piece of life, then this movie will be one to see.

9 out of 10.