Category Archives: Movie Analysis

The Year in Film: 2006

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Well… awards season is upon us once more.  Therefore it’s fitting that I do my list of the top 10 films of 2006.  This was a year without all the big name sequels of 2005 (or 2007), filled with many smart, interesting movies, that unfortunately many people did not see.  My list includes only films eligible for Academy Award nominations (i.e. films that ran for at least a week in a theater in L.A. and were not eligible last year).  This list may change as I still have several films from 2006 to see (most notably Children of Men and Letters from Iwo Jima).

 

Honorable Mentions: The Illusionist, Stranger than Fiction, Lady in the Water, Hoodwinked, V for Vendetta, Monster House, Thank You for Smoking, Snakes on a Plane, Little Miss Sunshine, Flags of Our Fathers, The Pursuit of Happyness.

 

10) Rocky Balboa

I rolled my eyes along with everyone else when I first learned that Sylvester Stallone would finally be making his long-gestating final installment of the Rocky film series.  I was pleasantly surprised to find this wonderful film.  It is exactly everything it needed to be; hopeful, pure, believable, sweet, and badass.  Sly does the best acting of his career and brings the heart to a character that will always stand for how far your heart can truly carry you. 
* A *

 

9) Casino Royale

I think all the Daniel Craig haters have shut up.  Lacking only in a bit of the Bond humor and sleekness, this was the perfect way to “reboot” the franchise.  As long as they don’t try to make the next several movies so gritty that they cease to be Bond and start becoming something else.  (as a side note, please bring back Q and Miss Moneypenny) 
* A- *

 

8) Shut Up & Sing

One of many movies I had to drive an hour to Yuma to see.  I was the only person in the theater for this and it’s truly a shame.  If you want to know my feelings on the Dixie Chicks then read the article I wrote several months ago.  The documentary does a great job of showing us what the ladies went through, and their motivations and reasoning behind what they have done and continue to do.  It offered several moments of great humor, especially the F.U.T.K. shirt, and had a couple scenes that will absolutely break your heart. 
* A *

 

7) United 93

One of the more emotional experiences I’ve ever had at the movies, United 93 will rip your heart open.  Watching the passengers’ last hours and minutes was one of the scariest things I saw on film all year.  The film follows what was in the 9/11 Commission Report pretty exactly, but still manages not to be stiff or heartless.  If you ever want to see a film about some true heroes, check this one out. 
* A- *

 

6) An Inconvenient Truth

Despite some sketchy science (ask my best friend Bess if you want to know more) this documentary definitely deserves a spot in the top 10.  Not only did the film have a good message to deliver, it did so with style, heart, and even a little humor.  People have been preaching the scary truth about how we impact our planet, but it seems like Al Gore (Mr. Lockbox himself) might have finally gotten through to some people.  And it makes a perfect gift for the people in your family who might have their eyes closed. 
* A *

 

5) Cars

Disney/Pixar has always delivered.  I own every Pixar movie on DVD.  They continue to show not only their technical skill (which is becoming more common with other studios) but their endless creativity and imagination.  One of the funniest movies of the year, thanks mainly to Larry the Cable Guy, it also has a heart of the size which can only be expected from Disney. 
* A *

 

4) Happy Feet

If Cars has heart, then Happy Feet has soul.  It is hard to classify and describe due to the vast number of layers and messages that can be found in it, but I will say that I was very touched by this film.  I must also add that Robin Williams continues to set the gold standard for comedic voice acting, and I think “It’s called LAND” might be my favorite quote of the year. 
* A *

 

3) Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls got an A+ in my book and a spot on this list because of one song.  If my showing of Borat had had Jennifer Hudson’s amazing performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in it, then it would have the same honor (and that is saying a lot, because Borat is the worst thing my eyes have ever seen, was the only thing I ever considered walking out of, and is the only thing on my list that does not have a grade next to it).  That one song is possibly (it’s a tough call) the most powerful moment I’ve ever seen in a theater.  I’ve never had a theater burst into applause after a musical number, nor have I ever seen musical acting like that before.  Some say it is second only to Judy Garland in A Star Is Born, but I might (again, tough call) rate it higher.  The rest of the movie is good, especially Eddie Murphy’s performance, though the film falls flat in a few places, and the other musical numbers are smashing.  It was great to see people of many ages and races in the same movie (not something that happens too often); I can’t remember the last time I saw that many elderly white people in a theater along with teenagers of all colors.  If Jennifer Hudson does not win an Oscar (and Murphy should too) then I might have to purchase a new TV after shattering mine in anger. 
* A+ *

 

2) The Queen

The newest edition to this list is The Queen.  An interesting look at the aftermath among the Royal Family and all of the UK of Lady Diana’s death in 1997, this film is best described by the word subtle.  Helen Mirren most definitely deserves the Best Actress Oscar for her amazing performance of Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II.  She manages to portray a wide range of emotion while maintaining the reserved and private style of the Queen.  The film is practically perfect, from the wonderful script to the nuanced performances.  No moment is wasted, no word, no look, as carefully thought out as the speeches delivered by Tony Blair and the Queen to the people.  Yet despite all of that, Mirren never makes the Queen sound cold or uncaring, and shows her heart and her conflict under the exterior that tradition demands of her. 
* A+ *

 

1) A Prairie Home Companion

For me, by far, the greatest film of the year was Robert Altman’s A Prairie Home Companion.  It is certainly not for everyone.  It is replete with folk music, has a tint of melancholy throughout, and has very little story.  It is, at heart, a moment in time, captured expertly by one of the greatest filmmakers who ever lived (and who died at the end of 2006).  Altman juggles a perfect ensemble cast including Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Kevin Kline, Garrison Keillor, John C. Reilly, Woody Harrelson, Virginia Madsen, Tommy Lee Jones, and (incredibly) Lindsay Lohan.  It is a movie that offers no morals, messages, conclusions, judgments or the like.  It simply is, and what it is, is beautiful.  This is one of the most beautiful films I’ve ever seen, in the way that it celebrates life, and makes the most out of the moments it is given.  It makes your heart swell with the feeling of the now, and casts aside all worries about the future or sorrows of the past, and on top of all that is vastly entertaining.  I have not laughed any harder in a theater as I did during the “Bad Jokes” song.  Yet true to Altman style, that moment is immediately followed by a moving rendition of “Frankie and Johnny” by Lindsay Lohan (providing the best performance of her career), which is moving not because of the ridiculous song, but because of what it represents to the cast and crew of the show, and therefore what it represents to us.  What I took away from that moment of silliness, is that nothing good ever ends, it just changes, and if you fight hard enough, it will find a way to carry on.
* A+ *

Movie Etiquette

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It has become evident to me that many people are unaware of the proper etiquette for attending a movie.  Recently, many theaters have started having less subtle messages to create a more enjoyable movie going experience, but I felt I should provide a step by step instruction sheet for those who might be confused or uninformed.  Feel free to copy this and print it out to take to a movie with you, and if you see someone being rude hand it to them after the show.  I will attempt to put this in a chronological order, with individual guidelines for each stage of the movie going experience.

 

 

Movie Etiquette

 

            – First and foremost, do not be rude.  If you are doing something that you think might have the potential to disturb someone, then do not do it.  If you are doing something that would disturb you should someone else do it, then do not do it.  Above all else, think of others before yourself.

            – Movies are not social events.  You may be social before or after the movie, but a film is a work of art to be appreciated both on an individual level and as a group.  If you are with a group of your friends or family, all of you focus on the film and save discussions for later.  If you are not enjoying the film as much as you would like do not attempt to supplement it with socializing.  If you are bored with the film, leave, otherwise enjoy the film and enjoy the feeling of a shared artistic experience, leave the socializing for later.

 

Pre-film


Timeliness

            – Do your best to arrive on time for the feature.  It is better for all involved if everyone is comfortably seated and situated before the houselights dim.  If you must arrive late, do so without talking or excessive wandering.  Take the first available seating and be satisfied.

 

Seating

            – Many people have particular seating locations that they prefer (e.g., I like to be as close to center as possible).  However, at a showing that is not sold out, please refrain from sitting directly behind, in front of, or next to other patrons if at all possible.  It is immensely frustrating to be alone in a theater and to have someone else come sit directly in front or behind you.  Please also decide on seating arrangements, so that there is no playing of musical chairs once the lights dim.

            – At a sold out showing, please fill in all available seats, sliding towards the center and leaving no empty seats.  This allows late comers to fill in at the aisles with a minimum amount of disruption.

 

Concessions

            – I will skip the commentary on the ridiculous state of the concessions at most theaters and simply say this.  Please get all food arranged before the lights dim.  If any candy needs to be opened, now is the time.  If food is to be shared, arrange this so as to do it silently once the film starts.

 

Trailers (Previews)

            – It is understandable that people will want to discuss a trailer for a particular film, and their desire (or lack thereof) to see such a film.  Please follow the guidelines in the film section, however, for all discussions during trailers.  If you feel you must discuss something with your companions, the best time is between trailers.  Many people very much enjoy the trailer portion of the movie going experience, and it is equally as rude to disturb them during this time as it is to disturb them during the film itself.

 

Film

 

Attitude

            – To me, one of the most important things to be aware of is attitude.  Those who know me know that I take my movies very seriously.  That does not mean that I do not laugh or have a good time, it just means that I get very emotionally involved in a film.  One of the things that is the most frustrating is when someone laughs at something that is not meant to be funny, especially if done repeatedly.  I have seen many a film, serious dramatic films, where what would have been a heart-wrenching scene is spoiled because someone lacking in maturity thought a character’s pain was funny.  Perhaps modern movie goers have no empathy for others and therefore find inappropriate things funny.  If you want to laugh at or relish in the pain of others then see a slapstick comedy, or a horror movie designed for that purpose.  Otherwise, appreciate the movie for what it is and not what you wish it was.  One suggestion is to try to involve yourself in the movie, and if you can not empathize with the characters, at least sympathize, and you will find that you will have a much more fulfilling experience.

 

Cell Phones/Electronic Devices

            – By far the most common rudeness involves the use of cell phones, and other such devices.  The guideline for such devices is very simple.  TURN THEM OFF.  If you are unable to be out of contact with the world outside the theater for the length of the film, then you should not be there.  DO NOT put your phone on vibrate or silent modes.  Vibrate mode still makes noise and shows those around you that you are so rude as to know that cell phones disturb others but you still are so rude as to leave it on.  I understand that if you turn your phone off it will not show you any calls that are missed, but if the calls are important they will leave a message.  Do everyone around you a favor and just turn it off.  The remaining guidelines should be moot if this one rule is followed.  DO NOT send text messages, DO NOT check your missed calls, and DO NOT even open your phone.  Cell phone screens give off an unreal amount of light, even if you hold it down by your hip.  They can light up the entire theater and distract and annoy everyone sitting behind you, the same goes for watches with glowing faces.  Your phone should be off.  DO NOT call people or answer your phone during the film.  DO NOT play games on your phone.  DO NOT be rude in any way.  Your phone should be off before the film starts and should stay off until you exit the theater.

 

Behavior

            – Generally, there should be no talking during a film.  All discussion can take place once you have exited the theater.  However, it is understandable that through the course of 2-3 hours, some talking might need to occur.  If you must talk to someone, ONLY talk to the person sitting directly next to you.  When you want to talk to them, tap them to get their attention, lean in and place your mouth within an inch or so of their ear, cup your hands around your mouth so that no sound can escape, and whisper as quietly as you can.  If you follow this simple procedure, no one else should be able to hear even the slightest noise.  DO NOT provide your own commentary on the movie, this is a public theater not your private living room.  DO NOT make comments designed to cause others to laugh, especially during serious films.  DO NOT attempt to communicate with anyone who is not sitting directly next to you.  These guidelines apply to ALL movies, not just serious dramas.  A comedy can be ruined by rude behavior just as easily as a drama.

            – Avoid going to the restroom during the movie if at all possible.  It usually is not necessary to get the largest size drink.  Know how long the movie is beforehand and plan your drinking accordingly.  If you must go to the restroom, wait until a moment in the movie which would be the least disturbing for those around and behind you.  During an action film this could be immediately following an action scene, during a drama it could be soon after a scene of heightened emotion, during a comedy after a particularly funny scene.  If you know before the film starts that you are likely to need to use the restroom, try to find a seat on an aisle, and as near as possible to the exit, allowing you to slip away and back with a minimum amount of disturbance.  Avoid walking along a walkway across the front of the theater.  Most modern theaters have two entrances/exits to the lobby; use the one nearest to you.  Walking across the whole theater is a sure way to bother the maximum amount of people.

            – Avoid fidgeting as much as possible.  It is understandable that most people will need to shift position during the course of a movie, but do so as little as necessary, and as quietly and smoothly as possible.  Do not let your feet tap on the floor, do not kick the seat in front of you, do not raise and lower the armrests, and do not switch seats.

            – If you have concessions with you, please eat/drink them as quietly as possible.  It is preferable for you to finish all snacks before the start of the film, but if you are unable to, be quiet about it.  Do not crunch ice or make slurping noises with your straw.

 

Sickness

            – If you desire to attend a film while sick, please put considerable thought into whether you can comfortably sit through a movie without disturbing others.  Take medicine beforehand if necessary.  If you think you will need to blow your nose, have your tissues ready before the lights dim, so you do not have to hunt for them.  Only blow your nose, cough, or make any other noise at a time when you feel you will cause the least disruption, preferably during a noisy part.  If you have an extended fit of coughing, excuse yourself from the theater and go OUTSIDE to the lobby.  You can still be heard coughing in the entrance hallway.  If you think you will have trouble with any of these guidelines, stay at home and watch a DVD.  It will be more enjoyable for those at the theater and for you if you do not have to worry about making sick noises.

 

Children

            – I go to all types of movies, from R-rated to G-rated, and I am a great supporter of taking your children to a movie as a family.  I very much look forward to the day when my wife and I can take our children to the movies.  There are several things that must be considered before taking a child to a film.

            – Know your child and do your research.  There are many sources available that will tell you EXACTLY what is in a particular film (www.kids-in-mind.com).  If you are unsure if a film is suitable for a child, then do not take that child.  I cannot recall the number of times that I have seen children of 10 or younger in an R-rated film.  If you feel your child can handle this film, then that is your choice to make.  If you think your child will be scared or bored during a movie, choose something else.  If you can not find a babysitter to watch your child while you see a more adult movie, then wait until it is available to rent and you can watch it at home.

            – If your child is too young to sit through a movie then do not bring it.  Before bringing a child to a movie, find a comparable movie on DVD and sit down with your child to watch it.  If the child runs around, talks, cannot sit still, or cries during the course of the DVD, then it is probably not ready for the theater experience.

            – Please teach your child the proper etiquette for a film.  Teach them not to talk aloud, run around, kick the seat in front, or otherwise disturb people.  Just because you might be watching a “kids movie” does not excuse anyone from the guidelines.  Pay attention to your child’s behavior and if it becomes unruly, take the child out of the theater.  If this means you have to sit outside and wait for the rest of your party to finish watching the movie, or if it means your entire party must leave, then that is what must happen.

 

Post-film

 

            – Many people enjoy watching the ending credits of a film.  For this reason please keep talking to a minimum at least until inside the exit hallways.  Do not stand in front of people who appear to be watching the credits, you might cause them to miss the credit that they were looking for.  Wait until you leave the theater to turn your cell phone on.  REMOVE YOUR TRASH.  The employees of the theater are not there to clean up your trash, this is not a football game.  Also, there is nothing worse than getting nacho cheese all over your shoe because someone left their nacho tray underfoot.  Hold the door when leaving so it does not slam someone in the face.

 


Above all things put others before yourself.  Be kind and considerate, avoid being rude, and help others to enjoy the film.  Remember that you are there to see and hear a work of art, not to participate in a show.  Hundreds and sometimes even thousands of people worked hard to bring this art to you, and it is a shame to ruin their hard work and other people’s enjoyment of that work for your own selfish needs.

DO NOT GO SEE BORAT

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Do not go see Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Glorious Benefit of Kazakhstan. It is the worst thing I have ever seen. I refuse to call it a movie or to give it a grade. It is worse than Napoleon Dynamite (though, since I actually consider that one to be a movie, it is still the worst movie I’ve ever seen, Borat doesn’t have the right to be called a movie). It is revolting, disgusting, offensive, boring and not funny. If it were not against my principles to walk out of a theater I would have walked out halfway through, if not earlier. Do not go see this thing.

The Year in Movies: 2005

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With awards season upon us, I thought I should give you my top ten movies of the year. Just for statistical purposes, I went to the cinema 60 times and saw 42 different films. The complete list of what movies I saw is available if anyone’s interested. I’m only including films eligible for this years Oscars in my top 10 list, since some of the movies I saw in 2005 already got their awards, and some of the movies I’ve seen in 2006 are still eligible, so, that being said, here’s the list (it should be noted that I have yet to see Munich, and that I don’t go see slasher movies or sophomoric comedies).

First, the honorable mentions, films that were good but did not make my top 10 (in no particular order):
King Kong
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Brokeback Mountain
The Producers
Sin City
Kingdom of Heaven
Batman Begins
Memoirs of a Geisha

And now for the top 10:

10) The Constant Gardener
– Though most people never saw this film, they should have. A story about one man’s quest to find out why his wife was killed and to get justice, not vengeance. Ralph Fiennes is a truly special actor, and one of the best in the business. Rachel Weisz is captivating as well. A small piece with big messages and a well told story.

9) March of the Penguins
– Most people know I’m biased towards penguins, and now they can see why. There is nothing cuter than a baby penguin. In addition to the warm and fuzzy feeling of the penguins, this movie tells a story of struggles and hardships undergone just to have one chick. Deeply moving, funny, and totally cute.

8) Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit
– Funniest movie of the year by far, and it can even bring a tear to your eye (if you cry at the drop of a hat, like me). Great sight gags, witty dialogue, and a wonderful story, this had it all. Any worries about the transition from short to long films were put at ease. If this film doesn’t win the best animated picture Oscar, then something is very wrong.

7) Rent
– I had never seen the show, though I had an opportunity to that didn’t work out, and I was truly amazed. This film has many messages to send about gay rights, AIDS, art, love, music, film, dance, anarchy, and so many other potent topics. The music is phenomenal, basically a string of show-stoppers. It’s easy to see why the play was such a success. Most of the original cast of the show was used for the film, which was wonderfully directed by Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter fame). The best musical since Chicago and one that will set the standard for years to come.

6) War of the Worlds
– Spielberg is a genius. This tense thriller has aspects of Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan all in one. Despite Tom Cruise’s best attempts to draw attention to himself, he is still a great actor, and Dakota Fanning is amazing as well. The scariest movie I saw this year, and it will haunt you for a long time after. Some of the greatest effects as well. I will see every Spielberg movie until he stops making them.

The top 5:

5) Cinderella Man
– Boxing has always been inherently dramatic, at least on film. This is no exception. Russell Crowe dominates the film, and Renee Zellweger continues to show why she is so sought after. Paul Giamatti is excellent as well. True story movies either float or sink, there’s no in between. This year was a great one for truth in the theater, as 3 of my top 5 were based on true stories.

4) Walk the Line
– Joaquin Phoenix and Reece Witherspoon bring so much feeling to this film as Johnny and June, and not enough can be said about their performances. They did their own singing (something Jamie Foxx didn’t do) and sound remarkable. And the marriage proposal scene at the end is one of the best marriage proposals on film, ever. Truly a film not to be missed.

3) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
– Should a Harry Potter movie actually be considered one of the best films of the year? Absolutely. Scary, emotional, gripping, exciting, sad, funny, romantic… this film was everything. A huge step up from the other 3 HP films, this one upped the ante for the next 3 to come. The PG-13 rating helped Mike Newell add some weight to the film that he couldn’t have under a PG rating. The 3 leads are spectacular, and they have truly defined their characters in ways Rowling probably could not have imagined.

2) Good Night and Good Luck
– Basically a snapshot of a moment in time, this tells the story of Edward R. Murrow’s historic “battle” with Senator Joseph McCarthy. George Clooney directed, co-starred and co-wrote this film, and his ability is surprising. A short, calm, simple movie about a big turning point for television and politics. Everyone should see this film (don’t be afraid of it being in black and white).

1) Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
– Just for the record, I saw this 9 times in the theater, and for good reason. I know people think I’m biased and silly for picking this my #1, but it deserves it. In addition to being the most powerful film and powerful story of the year, it was one of the most well put together productions I’ve ever seen. It was practically flawless. Much has been said about the acting, but I’ll say this, it works. You may find Anakin annoying, but the character is played exactly as it should be. Ian McDiarmid is outstanding as Emperor Palpatine, and Ewan McGregor is perfect as Obi-Wan. Spectacular fights, spellbinding effects (the opening shot, over a minute long, is almost a ballet between starfighters), believable acting, magnificent direction, heart-wrenching emotion, beautiful sets, costumes and music, and the greatest story all make this #1. The Star Wars saga is one of the greatest stories ever told throughout human history, and no story has ever been told in as grand a fashion as this. George Lucas is a storyteller, not a writer, not a director. He sees everything (as all storytellers do) and can communicate it to us easily, no matter how complex or confusing. The symbols, the archetypes, the motifs… it’s a masterpiece, and it will take its place as the link that forms this amazing story. It will live on forever.