I thought this movie was done very well. This was a tough project, I'm sure. Obviously subjects such as: Nazi Germany, Hitler's regime, concentration camps, etc. are very touchy, but I feel that Valkyrie was done tastefully. Brian Singer directed this film, so if I'm in any position to thumb rate it, I'll personally give Singer two thumbs up, and hooray to the writers for tackling such a difficult topic.
I'm glad to see that at least part of the movie was shot in Germany. Though a newbie fan of filming locations, I still believe that a certain amount of authenticity is derived from accurate locations (disclaimer: a good chunk of it was filmed it California too--surprise, surprise).
I'll admit that I haven't done any research into the subjct matter--a coup of Nazi officials and other insiders led by a Colonel von Stauffenberg (played by Tom Cruise in the movie) formed in an attempt to assassinate Hitler and overthrow Nazi Germany. I'm sure the moviemakers took some liberties with this project, as is often the case with "historical" films. Still, I don't believe that the writing was by any means over the top. I thought the acting was spot-on, and the pacing was perfect. Never before have I seen a movie that kept my attention so well as Valkyrie.
I'm big into action/thriller. Still, I can admit that many of the movies I've seen before (including a certain unnamed trilogy also starring Tom Cruise that I'm sure most of you are aware of) consist of decent acting, but HORRIBLY contrived writing. Contrary to that type of movie, Valkyrie was believable.
There was a romance aspect, but it wasn't overdone. I hate romance movies, so I'm quite sensitive to anything that even borders syrup or mush. I found neither here.
As I said earlier, the plot moved at the perfect pace. I wasn't bored at all. In fact, I found myself focusing completely on the movie--no checking the time on my glow-in-the-dark watch, no time spent worrying about things on my To Do List, just pure, unadulterated movie-watching. And that's going some for me--my mind likes to wander around and ramble.
Moving on: I wasn't confused. I appreciate that you don't have to be a scholar of WWII or German history to understand this film (unlike some other WWII movies I've seen).
Your blood will boil a little during this movie, though not as much as it will during Changeling. The focus of Valkyrie was progress, rather than sheer anger. This movie, I feel, gives a message of hope.
That being said, there wasn't a "happy" ending, I'm afraid. It was bittersweet to know that these men (because the movie was based on real people and their real actions) put together a really gutsy plan and sacrified all because their loyalties were to humanity, not to a political party.
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Movie Review--Seven
Okay, ladies and gents, it's the moment you've all been waiting for... I've put it off long enough, and now it's time to review Seven.
I loved Seven. I hated Brad Pitt's character through most of the movie, but I'm okay with that. I was happy with him at the end... kinda. Morgan Freeman's character was probably my favorite (there's a place where his character actually bursts out laughing--one of my favorite parts of the whole movie because for once, he's not being so doggone serious).
The premise: Serial killer flick meets the Seven Deadly Sins. You can tell me what you think. I say it was suspenseful, perfectly paced, and well-written. Like any movie you see, there were parts that seemed contrived (but then, my vice is looking for contrivances in books, movies, TV, etc.).
There are places that may raise your blood pressure. Heck, you might want to scream at some of the characters at times. But that's okay. That's what we want in a movie. As writers, we want our audience to relate to the characters we create, and I think we grow very attached to the characters in Seven. They are well-rounded, not stereotypes (that kind of characterization scores BIG with Sunshine Jones), and we actually care about them, which makes the movie worth watching.
So, if you like movies about serial killers and/or movies about Church doctrine relating to literature of the Middle Ages, definitely give Seven a look.
I loved Seven. I hated Brad Pitt's character through most of the movie, but I'm okay with that. I was happy with him at the end... kinda. Morgan Freeman's character was probably my favorite (there's a place where his character actually bursts out laughing--one of my favorite parts of the whole movie because for once, he's not being so doggone serious).
The premise: Serial killer flick meets the Seven Deadly Sins. You can tell me what you think. I say it was suspenseful, perfectly paced, and well-written. Like any movie you see, there were parts that seemed contrived (but then, my vice is looking for contrivances in books, movies, TV, etc.).
There are places that may raise your blood pressure. Heck, you might want to scream at some of the characters at times. But that's okay. That's what we want in a movie. As writers, we want our audience to relate to the characters we create, and I think we grow very attached to the characters in Seven. They are well-rounded, not stereotypes (that kind of characterization scores BIG with Sunshine Jones), and we actually care about them, which makes the movie worth watching.
So, if you like movies about serial killers and/or movies about Church doctrine relating to literature of the Middle Ages, definitely give Seven a look.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Movie Review--Changeling
This is one of those movies I foolishly jumped into--I decided I wanted to see it after simply catching the tail-end of a muted trailer for the movie. However, let me say, up front, that unlike Scarface, this movie did not let me down.
Quite the contrary.
Changeling is based on a true story of L.A. crime in 1928. The story sort of ends in 1935, but you'd have to watch the movie to understand why. I'll agree with IMDb that the movie starts out a bit slow, but for a movie like this, it kind of has to. Angelina Jolie does a brilliant job of portraying Christine Collins, a single mom whose son disappears one Saturday while she is at work. Her acting, in my opinion, appeared neither contrived nor reserved. She seemed quite natural in her role. All of the child actors in this film were very believable in their balance between childlike actions and grown-up responsibilities (many of them were forced to react to situations totally inappropriate for anyone, especially young children). Jason Butler Harner (an actor I've never heard of) was freakishly talented at playing a delusional psychopath, and John Malkovich was stunning as Rev. Gustav Briegleb, a minister seeking to bring the truth of the LAPD's corruption to the public.
I highly recommend this movie; however, if you are the type of person who allows films to make you emotional, then come prepared with a box of Kleenex or two. I didn't cry during the movie, but there were a couple of times I came close (interesting side-note: I've only cried at one movie, and yes, John Malkovich was in it... Of Mice and Men). There were also moments in Changeling when I desperately wanted to give certain characters a standing ovation. Yes, the movie will pull at your heartstrings and manipulate you to a certain extent, but remember, this was based on a true story. Had it been a fictional movie, I would have said that never in a million years would this plot be possible. I was shocked and appalled that such crime actually took place in human history. There are some sickening scenes near the end of the movie, so make sure you've finished your popcorn early. You might also find yourself losing faith in humanity after watching Changeling, but trust me, the movie is well worth it.
One other note: I am by no means a historian, but with what little I do know of the late 1920s and early to mid-1930s, I found the costumes and dialogue to be very realistic. If you go see this movie, I think you'll agree with me that, though we don't have much background on most of the characters, you'll become attached to them anyway and feel like you know them by the end of the movie.
No, Changeling is not exactly a feel-good movie, but it's not a total downer either. It's a great mix of genres: drama, mystery/crime, political, horror (arguably), and even a little romance at the end. I absolutely abhor sentimental movies, but this one was excellent. Clint Eastwood directed Changeling, and I was impressed that it was neither overly bloody and violent, nor overly dramatic and sappy. I think the cast and crew did Mrs. Collins' story justice with this one. Go out and see it for yourself--let me know what you think.
Quite the contrary.
Changeling is based on a true story of L.A. crime in 1928. The story sort of ends in 1935, but you'd have to watch the movie to understand why. I'll agree with IMDb that the movie starts out a bit slow, but for a movie like this, it kind of has to. Angelina Jolie does a brilliant job of portraying Christine Collins, a single mom whose son disappears one Saturday while she is at work. Her acting, in my opinion, appeared neither contrived nor reserved. She seemed quite natural in her role. All of the child actors in this film were very believable in their balance between childlike actions and grown-up responsibilities (many of them were forced to react to situations totally inappropriate for anyone, especially young children). Jason Butler Harner (an actor I've never heard of) was freakishly talented at playing a delusional psychopath, and John Malkovich was stunning as Rev. Gustav Briegleb, a minister seeking to bring the truth of the LAPD's corruption to the public.
I highly recommend this movie; however, if you are the type of person who allows films to make you emotional, then come prepared with a box of Kleenex or two. I didn't cry during the movie, but there were a couple of times I came close (interesting side-note: I've only cried at one movie, and yes, John Malkovich was in it... Of Mice and Men). There were also moments in Changeling when I desperately wanted to give certain characters a standing ovation. Yes, the movie will pull at your heartstrings and manipulate you to a certain extent, but remember, this was based on a true story. Had it been a fictional movie, I would have said that never in a million years would this plot be possible. I was shocked and appalled that such crime actually took place in human history. There are some sickening scenes near the end of the movie, so make sure you've finished your popcorn early. You might also find yourself losing faith in humanity after watching Changeling, but trust me, the movie is well worth it.
One other note: I am by no means a historian, but with what little I do know of the late 1920s and early to mid-1930s, I found the costumes and dialogue to be very realistic. If you go see this movie, I think you'll agree with me that, though we don't have much background on most of the characters, you'll become attached to them anyway and feel like you know them by the end of the movie.
No, Changeling is not exactly a feel-good movie, but it's not a total downer either. It's a great mix of genres: drama, mystery/crime, political, horror (arguably), and even a little romance at the end. I absolutely abhor sentimental movies, but this one was excellent. Clint Eastwood directed Changeling, and I was impressed that it was neither overly bloody and violent, nor overly dramatic and sappy. I think the cast and crew did Mrs. Collins' story justice with this one. Go out and see it for yourself--let me know what you think.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Movie Review--Juno
Okay, so I promised a review of Juno as well. Here it goes.
I'd never heard of Juno until it was released for sale on DVD at Wal-Mart. Obviously I was intrigued by the cartoonish drawings and the largely preganant girl on the cover. Plus, like several people, I am intrigued when something takes the country by storm. It just takes a little longer for the storm to get to me.
The clincher was when I received a copy of Writer's Digest a few months ago. This particular issue sported a picture of Diablo Cody (author of Juno) on the cover. Of course, I had to read the interview. Cody has lived an interesting life. Then, like the sell-out that I sometimes am, I had to go out of rent her movie.
Initially, I had my doubts about Juno. Teen pregnancy movies (well, any kind of pregnancy movies, or comedy, or drama, or romance), typically aren't my style. I go for action movies and the occasional "thriller," but even at that I'm pretty choosy. My favorite part of Juno was the intro, if that tells you anything. The rest of the movie was cute in parts, sad in parts--you know, your typical comedic manipulation. But all in all, it wasn't as bad as I expected.
Having never read the book, I don't know if I should attribute this compliment to Cody or the director, but somebody did a great job of capturing the attitudes and dialogue of a sassy, unconventional 16-year-old.
I know I don't have much to say about the film, but really, what can I say? It's about teen pregnancy--but the cover art of the box will tell you that. If I say much more, it will give away too much of the plot. If you like the idea of seeing what a sassy 16-year-old will do about an unwanted pregnancy, and if you like the concept of awkward teenagers trying to figure out love, and, oh yeah, if you like pop culture references in your teenage coming-of-age comedy/drama movies, then watch Juno. If not, then just read an IMDb synopsis.
I'd never heard of Juno until it was released for sale on DVD at Wal-Mart. Obviously I was intrigued by the cartoonish drawings and the largely preganant girl on the cover. Plus, like several people, I am intrigued when something takes the country by storm. It just takes a little longer for the storm to get to me.
The clincher was when I received a copy of Writer's Digest a few months ago. This particular issue sported a picture of Diablo Cody (author of Juno) on the cover. Of course, I had to read the interview. Cody has lived an interesting life. Then, like the sell-out that I sometimes am, I had to go out of rent her movie.
Initially, I had my doubts about Juno. Teen pregnancy movies (well, any kind of pregnancy movies, or comedy, or drama, or romance), typically aren't my style. I go for action movies and the occasional "thriller," but even at that I'm pretty choosy. My favorite part of Juno was the intro, if that tells you anything. The rest of the movie was cute in parts, sad in parts--you know, your typical comedic manipulation. But all in all, it wasn't as bad as I expected.
Having never read the book, I don't know if I should attribute this compliment to Cody or the director, but somebody did a great job of capturing the attitudes and dialogue of a sassy, unconventional 16-year-old.
I know I don't have much to say about the film, but really, what can I say? It's about teen pregnancy--but the cover art of the box will tell you that. If I say much more, it will give away too much of the plot. If you like the idea of seeing what a sassy 16-year-old will do about an unwanted pregnancy, and if you like the concept of awkward teenagers trying to figure out love, and, oh yeah, if you like pop culture references in your teenage coming-of-age comedy/drama movies, then watch Juno. If not, then just read an IMDb synopsis.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Movie Review--No Country For Old Men
I rented No Country for Old Men on Wednesday, I believe it was, because I was completely unable to get my paws on a copy of Scarface. I was not disappointed. This movie is not for those unaccustomed to blood or opposed to graphic violence, blood guts and gore, etc. My gosh, Javier Bardem! WHOA! What a great actor! I know makeup made him up to look creepy, but my gosh. Unlike most "horror" movies that become tacky in a handful of years, I think No Country is going to be fresh for a while.
It takes place in border cities of Texas. At one point, El Paso is mentioned, though it seems that the story takes place in some other, smaller Texas towns. The year is 1980.
I don't want to give much away, because I seriously do recommend this movie, but I will say that Javier Bardem's character (Anton Chigurh) is defined by Bardem himself as an incarnation of violence (I paraphrased this, but you get the point).
Josh Brolin also does a remarkable job as Llewellyn Moss, a retired Vietnam vet, turned hunter who gets messed up in a murderous crime spree in the Texas desert.
That's all I'll say. Go rent this movie--tell me what you think.
It takes place in border cities of Texas. At one point, El Paso is mentioned, though it seems that the story takes place in some other, smaller Texas towns. The year is 1980.
I don't want to give much away, because I seriously do recommend this movie, but I will say that Javier Bardem's character (Anton Chigurh) is defined by Bardem himself as an incarnation of violence (I paraphrased this, but you get the point).
Josh Brolin also does a remarkable job as Llewellyn Moss, a retired Vietnam vet, turned hunter who gets messed up in a murderous crime spree in the Texas desert.
That's all I'll say. Go rent this movie--tell me what you think.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Anchovies, Reasor Park, and No Scarface
I did something yesterday that I haven't done in a very long time. Too long, actually. I went on a drive. Sarah invited me up to see where she will be doing her practicum or student teaching or whatever. You'll have to forgive me for getting the two confused--I wasn't in the teacher certification program.
Anyway, we drove around Mattoon some, and then I remembered that I wanted to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings to pick up some hot sauce. It's one of those things I've always wanted to do, but never did--until yesterday.
So, Sarah and I waited an eternity for someone to emerge from the back to get down a jar of Parmesan Garlic and a jar of Wild sauce. As soon as I'd paid for my goods, the lady disappeared, just as mysteriously as she'd appeared not five minutes prior. As Sarah and I were walking out the door, I had the crazy idea to read the ingredients label. I really shouldn't do this, because, to my knowledge, I have no food allergies. And as far as the vegetarian thing goes, if I am not aware of animal products or by-products, it's fair game; once I learn of said products, my stomach gets queasy.
Yep. You guessed it. Wild sauce has anchovies in it.
Anchovies are not a major player in the Wild game--they're second from the last on the list of ingredients. They are the second to last important ingredients in the sauce. I considered returning the bottle, but then I remembered how long I had to wait just to get the stuff. Then I thought, I'll just eat it and not think about it. I mean, after all, I ate Cheez-Whiz and Worcestershire sauce with anchovies for years unawares.
Coming back to Charleston, Sarah and I decided to check out Reasor Park. I've tried to find Reasor Park before, only to get derailed by the Lafferty Nature Study Center. Anyway, this time, since Sarah and I had been discussing the park via IM earlier that day, we thought we knew where we were going, so it shouldn't be a big deal. It looked like a good-sized park, anyhow.
We took off down University Drive (don't even get me started about the name of that street), and started looking for Lover's Lane. That is seriously the name of the road on the map that takes you to Reasor Park. I never saw any "Lover's Lane," but Sarah saw a sign that read "Reasor Park."
I missed it.
I had to turn around in the church school's parking lot (I think it is Calvary Baptist or Calvary Christian Academy or something like that) and head back to so-called "Lover's Lane" (I never did see a street sign for it. This should have been my first clue. Hey, don't get me wrong, it was a pretty drive, but that's all it was--a drive. I got to the end of it and started recognizing Reynolds Drive (I got lost there looking for Reasor Park on yet ANOTHER occasion).
Then we got the bright idea to check out VFW Park. I'm not even going to comment on that one.
In Mattoon and Charleston both, I looked Family Video for Scarface. I thought I found it at Charleston, but someone had stuck the movie Predator behind the Scarface box. Mattoon didn't even have it. I wanted to watch Scarface because I saw an interview with Michelle Pfeiffer on TV. Isn't publicity great?
When I came back home, I checked Visual Effects--no Scarface. I then checked Casey's. I settled for No Country for Old Men and Juno. Those movies sure were a change of pace from one another. Movie reviews of these coming soon.
Anyway, we drove around Mattoon some, and then I remembered that I wanted to stop at Buffalo Wild Wings to pick up some hot sauce. It's one of those things I've always wanted to do, but never did--until yesterday.
So, Sarah and I waited an eternity for someone to emerge from the back to get down a jar of Parmesan Garlic and a jar of Wild sauce. As soon as I'd paid for my goods, the lady disappeared, just as mysteriously as she'd appeared not five minutes prior. As Sarah and I were walking out the door, I had the crazy idea to read the ingredients label. I really shouldn't do this, because, to my knowledge, I have no food allergies. And as far as the vegetarian thing goes, if I am not aware of animal products or by-products, it's fair game; once I learn of said products, my stomach gets queasy.
Yep. You guessed it. Wild sauce has anchovies in it.
Anchovies are not a major player in the Wild game--they're second from the last on the list of ingredients. They are the second to last important ingredients in the sauce. I considered returning the bottle, but then I remembered how long I had to wait just to get the stuff. Then I thought, I'll just eat it and not think about it. I mean, after all, I ate Cheez-Whiz and Worcestershire sauce with anchovies for years unawares.
Coming back to Charleston, Sarah and I decided to check out Reasor Park. I've tried to find Reasor Park before, only to get derailed by the Lafferty Nature Study Center. Anyway, this time, since Sarah and I had been discussing the park via IM earlier that day, we thought we knew where we were going, so it shouldn't be a big deal. It looked like a good-sized park, anyhow.
We took off down University Drive (don't even get me started about the name of that street), and started looking for Lover's Lane. That is seriously the name of the road on the map that takes you to Reasor Park. I never saw any "Lover's Lane," but Sarah saw a sign that read "Reasor Park."
I missed it.
I had to turn around in the church school's parking lot (I think it is Calvary Baptist or Calvary Christian Academy or something like that) and head back to so-called "Lover's Lane" (I never did see a street sign for it. This should have been my first clue. Hey, don't get me wrong, it was a pretty drive, but that's all it was--a drive. I got to the end of it and started recognizing Reynolds Drive (I got lost there looking for Reasor Park on yet ANOTHER occasion).
Then we got the bright idea to check out VFW Park. I'm not even going to comment on that one.
In Mattoon and Charleston both, I looked Family Video for Scarface. I thought I found it at Charleston, but someone had stuck the movie Predator behind the Scarface box. Mattoon didn't even have it. I wanted to watch Scarface because I saw an interview with Michelle Pfeiffer on TV. Isn't publicity great?
When I came back home, I checked Visual Effects--no Scarface. I then checked Casey's. I settled for No Country for Old Men and Juno. Those movies sure were a change of pace from one another. Movie reviews of these coming soon.
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