jewbearjosh Reviews

The Bucket List (2007)

heart warming story of friendship-strong male performances

[9/10 · 3 January 2008]

On new years day, 2008, I saw the film "The Bucket List." It was not my first choice of a film that I wanted to see. To be honest, however, I probably would not have enjoyed any of the films that I would have chosen more. This film is very well done. I liked the screenplay, by Justin Zackham. I liked the direction, by the real talented Rob Reiner. And I was very impressed by the acting. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman did a superb job, playing two dying old guys who befriend each other, and together have the adventure of their lives. The film is very good. The plot involves this hospital owner-Edward Cole-who is dying from cancer, and another cancer victim-Carter Chambers-who meets Cole while getting treatment at the same hospital. After they both find out that they each have only a few months to live, they agree to travel together all over the globe, and follow this list of tasks. They call it the bucket list.

Nicholson gives a real touching performance as Ed Cole. He plays Cole funny, sad, stubborn, angry, strong, fearless, and loud. Morgan gives an equally touching performance as C. Chambers. He plays Chambers smart, cool, romantic, funny, fearless, and emotional. Both men are very moving in this film. They are great sharing the screen. I really enjoyed watching them play scenes together. It was for me a real treat. These guys, Nicholson and Freeman, are two of our finest actors. And this film is no exception.

Even though "The Bucket List" is a small film about friendship, and the meaning of truly living, I do not recommend it for the preteens. There are some very adult scenes. However, families with teenagers will enjoy seeing it together.

Josh Weinman

I Am Legend (2007)

Real scary version of the near future-well made science fiction film

[19 December 2007]

It goes without saying that Will Smith is one of the most talented actors working in film today. In I am Legend, he proves that fact.

To summarize the plot, Smith plays a scientist named Robert Neville. Neville and his dog, Samantha, spend each day running around Manhattan (the year is 2012) looking for any other survivors. It seems that a man-made virus, originally a solution that cures cancer, has made the country virtually deserted of people and animals. This epidemic quickly wiped out the country. It only took three years. However, Neville is not alone. Hiding in the dark parts of the island are creatures called The Infected. These creatures have only one goal-feed. Every day, Neville risks his life looking for one of these creatures. Once he can bring one of The Infected back to his lab, he can spend time testing potential cures on it. The question is, will Neville-who is immune-finally come up with the cure, or will he make a mistake and become one of The Infected? I was real impressed with Smith's performance. He really does a great job of showing emotion. And, he is not afraid to be vulnerable. I think also that he truly makes this character his own. Smith has no one to act out scenes with here. Its just him, acting for the audience. All by himself, in a deserted city. Trying to outrun creatures that are looking for humans to feed. How does someone perform that? It must not be an easy job. In fact, I bet its real tough, emotionally and physically. But, Smith makes it look effortless.

I am Legend has some awesome camera work-sound effects-cinematography-production design-special effects-digital animation-and creature design. It is a vary well done science fiction film. I will even say that it is a must see. But, do not bring the children. There are scenes in the movie that will frighten them.

josh weinman

The Mist (2007)

better than expected horror film, not for the under 12 crowd

[5 December 2007]

sometimes you have to catch a film on a big screen, while it is still in movie theaters. "The Mist" is clearly in that category. I will be thinking about this scary, moving, smart, and original work for days. I would like to say nice job for the screenplay, and direction, to Frank Durabant. He obviously understands the genre, and how to keep an audience engaged for a few hours, in the dark. There really is not much more to say about "The Mist." The cast, lead by Thomas Jane and Marcia Gay Harden, is brilliant. Some of the camera shots are amazing. The look of the supernatural creatures is stunning. The sound design in this film is creepy, and beautiful. The production design, art direction, is great. Every aspect of film making comes together here.

To summarize the story-in a small town in Main, VI, a man/David Drayton/and his son, join a big group of people hiding from supernatural creatures in a supermarket. These bug like creatures are brought to the town by a mist, which envelopes the town, and everyone there. I would describe "The Mist" as a cross between "8 Legged Freaks," and "War of the Worlds." It is original, scary, dark, serious, smart, and moving.

I have one large problem, though. The ending, which I will not discuss in detail with my comments, is in my opinion to realistic. We go to the movies to escape reality, not to visit reality. However, please do not wait for this film to appear at the DVD store. You might miss out on the chance to get real close to your date, when you get scared and you want him or her to protect you.

In closing, I will be brief. Do not miss this film. Go. I am real happy I had the chance to see "The Mist" in a theater. My hope is that you all get that chance as well.

Margot at the Wedding (2007)

Touching family drama with very adult themes

[23 November 2007]

I am always excited to see a well done family drama. "Margot at the Wedding" however, is not that well done, in my opinion. Too bad, because with this cast, which includes Nicole Kidman, Jack Black, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, one does expect a certain amount of quality film making. From the director of "The Squid and the Whale," Noah Baumbauch, who also wrote the screenplay, this film tells the story of two sisters, Margot and Pauline. Pauline is about to have her second wedding, to an artist named Malcolm. She is visited by her older sister and nephew, Margot and Claude. They all hang out together at their childhood home. During the course of a few days, we learn that Margot is a bit different, and we also learn some family secrets. One performance that deserves to be mentioned is the struggling artist that Pauline is going to marry, Malcolm, played brilliantly by Jack Black. Black, to my surprise, is very refreshing in this part. I believe that this effort by Black, to show his versatility as an actor, is terrific. He is charming, funny, angry, scary, and sad. Come award season, I expect Black to receive some recognition. As for the rest of the cast, they are all doing a good job here. I just feel that this film could be better than it is. There are some confusing scenes. And some of the drama is over done. To end, I would like to praise the photography work. There are some brilliant camera angles. And the images in this film are very memorable. I would love to know where this film was shot. As a student of the craft, it seems like a great location to work in. In closing, let me write that sometimes you can hire the most gifted actors to work in your film, with each other, but that is not a guarantee that the final result will be great. Baumbauch has an incredible cast here. Too bad they did not have the material to match.

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

A nice, heartfelt story about three brothers on a adventure of discovery

[10/10 · 11 November 2007]

This kind of film is not the norm for me. So, I was not running to the theater to watch it. I am very happy that I saw it at the theater, though. Dargeeling Limited is the sort of film that one needs to pay real close attention to. There are a lot of great moments between the three leads. They are the Whitman brothers, played by, Owen Wilson/Jason Shwartzman/and Adrian Brody. The title refers to the train that our brothers are taking through India. Directed by Wes Anderson, who also wrote the original screenplay. Anderson is not one of my top 20 filmmakers. However, I think that he deserves to be praised for this work. For a couple of reasons-originality, humor, great performances from the three leads, interesting settings, and original screen duologue. It needs to be said that some of the camera movement was a tad jarring. Though, that did not distract me from watching the film. It is always a treat when the cast of a film is joined by one of the most gifted actresses of cinema. In this case, that actress is Anjelica Houston. She plays the mother of the Whitman brothers. Her role in the film is very short, but she steals every scene she is in. With a performer of her talent, it seems effortless. In closing, this is a real well acted, and written film. I will recommend Darjeeling Limited to friends and family. I expect it to be honored during awards season.

Josh Weinman

Sahara (2005)

a waste of my time at the movies

[1/10 · 19 May 2005]

Have you ever watched a film that you thought was so awful, that you wanted to physically hurt the people responsible for its production? Well, I felt that way about Sahara. I understand that as a student of the film industry, I could forgive most of the issues that filmmakers face during the production process. However, about every three or so years, I find that I come across a current film that makes me sick to my stomach, and I find it difficult to forgive that. Especially when the son of Micheal Eisner, Breck, who directed the film, is dealing with so much material.

I am especially disappointed with the fact that the main characters, as part of the plot, travel to Africa to remedy some disease that is killing the natives, and is found in the water they drink. First of all, what does this plot point have to do with the search for the treasure? Secondly, everyone in the world knows that the disease killing people all over the globe is AIDS. Not to sound preachy, but what business do the filmmakers have putting into the plot some made up disease for the African natives.

Well, I am about finished with this review. There really is not much more to discuss. Josh Weinman Santa Monica, CA

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

Well done, funny cartoon with heart.

[4 March 2004]

I love it when I get to review a well done, creative film. It is a seldom occurance. In the case of "The Triplets of Belleville" I will write about a wonderful, heartwarming, funny movie. The story revolves around a mother and son who live in a single dwelling in Paris. The mother loves him very much. The son becomes a competator in the Tour De France.

During the race, he gets kidnapped by some gambling ring. The plot then starts to develop. The mother follows the kidnappers, with the help of her dog, to the seaside city of Belleville. In Belleville, she and the dog are invited to stay with the Triplets of Belleville, a group of Burlesque performers.

There are alot of impressive parts of this film. The scene at Tour De France, where the son is kidnapped, is visually captivating. The scene in which the mother and dog are at sea, folowing the massive ship that holds the kidnappers, is beautiful. The scene which introduces the kidnappers is hilarious. The scene which shows the mother and dog joining the Triplets for a meal is both disturbing and poignant. The scene where we find out why the son was kidnapped is stunning. And, I have to mention the final climax. It is the best few minutes of the film. From the beginning until the final frame, it is exciting and marvolous.

I wish I knew the name of the writer and director, so I could give him some well deserved credit. I know that he is French-Canadian. And, I know that he received a Acadamy Award nomination for best animated film. I send him congradulations on a great achievement. This is one amazing film. Josh Weinman, Video Production Student