Plot: This film is based on a true story. This film takes place in 1966. Gertrude (Catherine Keener) is on trial for the murder of Sylvia Likens (Ellen Page). Gertrude, a single mother of six children, agrees to take in Sylvia and her sister Jenny (Hayley MacFarland). The Likens are carnival workers who constantly travel and leave their daughters with Gertrude and give her twenty dollars every week as payment for the care of their daughters. Sylvia, who is accused of stealing and spreading rumors that one of Gertrude's daughters is pregnant, is burned with cigarettes and eventually forced to stay in the basement. Gertrude's children and neighborhood kids repeatedly torture Sylvia, which ultimately leads to her death. The film alternates between the trial and the flashbacks that are being described by the witnesses.
Review: This is a TV movie and honestly probably one of the most difficult films I've ever had to watch. I heard about this film from an interview with Ellen Page and I was intrigued. When I heard about the story and everything, I decided to watch it. And I was shocked and disturbed. The fact that this happened in the United States not even fifty years ago shacks me to my core. You watch this movie and you see what this 16-year-old girl went through at the hands of others honestly makes you question their humanity. And they did have to leave certain aspects of the abuse out of the film because it was too graphic to show on television.
The acting is simply amazing. Catherine Keener is brilliant in this. Despite the fact that her character is completely a mess and probably mentally unstable, she gives a powerful performance of a woman who was not in touch with this reality (this is just my own perspective from I watched on-screen). The supporting cast, which consist of many relatively unknown actors, do a good job of portraying people who have no sympathy and just believe what they're doing is normal and not completely wrong. James Franco has a brief supporting role as the father of Gertrude's youngest child. He is a completely vile human being in this, but still plays the part well. Hayley MacFarland is simply incredible as Jenny. You see her fear and anxiety from what she's going through and witnessing what's happening to her sister. But the real star of the movie for me is Ellen Page. Her performance is beyond amazing. Her facial expressions as she's going what she's going through. The only characters I had sympathy for throughout the film were Sylvia, Jenny and their parents. All of the other characters in the film were completely unlikable and inhuman to me.
As I said before, this is a disturbing film and very uneasy to watch. Is it the greatest film I've ever seen? No. But why do I give such praise? Because the topics that we see in this film, child abuse, is an endless topic in our society. We're afraid to confront it and talk about it. Child abuse led to the death of a 16-year-old girl. We even had a scene where Sylvia is being abused and we see neighbors outside who hear it, but say "better to stay out of it I think". It's very sad to think that happened then and the reality is that that possibly still happens today.
I've only watched this film three times because I cannot bear to see the horror and torture this young woman went through. It's so uncomfortable to see everything unfolding in front of you. But this film shows you what can happen behind closed doors and what could happen if no one does anything to stop it.
Rating: 4/5
Friday, 30 December 2011
Waitress (2007)
Plot: Jenna (Keri Russell) is a woman who's in an unhappy marriage with the abusive Earl (Jeremy Sisto). She works as a waitress at Joe's Pie Diner, where her job includes creating inventive pies, which are inspired by her own life. Jenna soon learns that she's pregnant and isn't entirely pleased. Her coworkers and only friends Becky (Cheryl Hines) and Dawn (Adrienne Shelly) encourage her to start a new life for herself. Jenna hopes to win a pie contest where the prize is 25,000 dollars. Her life takes another turning point when she meets her new physician Jim (Nathan Fillion) and they start having an affair. Will Jenna be able to have a new life or is she forever doomed?
Review: This is a brilliant film. Firstly, what I like about the film's plot is that it's not entirely cliche. I like that we have a film where we see a woman who is not happy that she's pregnant. It's probably seen as not normal behavior. Women should be happy to be having a baby. But the truth in the matter is that some women aren't always thrilled that they're pregnant and I'm happy that we have some films, such as this one, that shows this side of impending parenthood.
The film has a genius blend of humor and drama. The humor isn't over the top. It's just fun to watch.
The scenes with the pies, where Jenna creates them in her mind and what she calls them is fun entertainment. For example, when she comes up with a pie after finding out she's pregnant and calls it "Bad Baby Pie".
The acting is top notch. Keri Russell is great as Jenna. What I like about Keri's performance is that we're able to have sympathy for somebody that we might not necessarily like. Think about it: she's pregnant and not happy about it and having an affair with her doctor. But Keri's charisma and charm is able to have us draw sympathy towards this character. Jeremy Sisto is completely unlikable as the abusive husband Earl- he's does a tremendous job. Cheryl Hines provides a hilarious performance as Becky. She's the comic relief in this and we need it. Adrienne Shelly is so good as the shy and timid Dawn and provides just as much comedy as Cheryl Hines does. Andy Griffith plays Joe, the diner owner who also tries to encourage Jenna to go to a bigger and better life. He provides humor and wisdom, sometimes in the same sentence and it's very touching to watch.
Adrienne Shelly directed, wrote and acted in this. She was tragically murdered in 2006, before the film was released and it's dedicated to in her memory. I watched the behind-the-scenes footage and Adrienne Shelly put her heart and soul into this and it shows.
This is a funny, touching and entertaining film. The film was well-received critically and in my opinion, is one unappreciated film by fellow movie goers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Review: This is a brilliant film. Firstly, what I like about the film's plot is that it's not entirely cliche. I like that we have a film where we see a woman who is not happy that she's pregnant. It's probably seen as not normal behavior. Women should be happy to be having a baby. But the truth in the matter is that some women aren't always thrilled that they're pregnant and I'm happy that we have some films, such as this one, that shows this side of impending parenthood.
The film has a genius blend of humor and drama. The humor isn't over the top. It's just fun to watch.
The scenes with the pies, where Jenna creates them in her mind and what she calls them is fun entertainment. For example, when she comes up with a pie after finding out she's pregnant and calls it "Bad Baby Pie".
The acting is top notch. Keri Russell is great as Jenna. What I like about Keri's performance is that we're able to have sympathy for somebody that we might not necessarily like. Think about it: she's pregnant and not happy about it and having an affair with her doctor. But Keri's charisma and charm is able to have us draw sympathy towards this character. Jeremy Sisto is completely unlikable as the abusive husband Earl- he's does a tremendous job. Cheryl Hines provides a hilarious performance as Becky. She's the comic relief in this and we need it. Adrienne Shelly is so good as the shy and timid Dawn and provides just as much comedy as Cheryl Hines does. Andy Griffith plays Joe, the diner owner who also tries to encourage Jenna to go to a bigger and better life. He provides humor and wisdom, sometimes in the same sentence and it's very touching to watch.
Adrienne Shelly directed, wrote and acted in this. She was tragically murdered in 2006, before the film was released and it's dedicated to in her memory. I watched the behind-the-scenes footage and Adrienne Shelly put her heart and soul into this and it shows.
This is a funny, touching and entertaining film. The film was well-received critically and in my opinion, is one unappreciated film by fellow movie goers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Disturbia (2007)
Plot: Kale (Shia LeBeouf) is a teenager who is put under house arrest after assaulting his Spanish teacher. Bored, he begins spying on his neighbors. He then later suspects that his neighbor Robert (David Morse) is a serial killer. Kale enlists the help of Ashley (Sarah Roemer), a new neighbor, to prove that Robert is a serial killer. Will they succeed or will they get caught in a bigger trap?
Review: This is a good thriller. The plot resembles the plot to Rear Window, which is seen as a classic Alfred Hithcock film. The plot is very interesting and keeps the audience invested. There are numerous twists and turns that don't keep the audience constantly guessing, but keeps us entertained.
What I like about the film is that it isn't entirely cheap thrills. There are good thrilling, scary moments that you wouldn't see coming. There are also many scenes, which some are just conversations, that are very intense and will give you shivers. It's that good. The film also has a good blend of humor to it, which I like. Because in this kind of suspenseful and intense film, it's good to have a couple of laughs. Especially in the beginning, because it's towards the middle and end that the intensity starts to surface.
The acting is fantastic. Shia LeBeouf really holds his own as the lead. Sarah Roemer is very good as Ashley, the neighbor who willingly participates in Kale's plan. But the real star of Disturbia to me is David Morse, who plays the serial killer neighbor. He's very creepy and intense in this role. What I like about his character is that he has a charm to him that makes others oblivious to Kale's suspicions and that charm allows him to escape suspicious circumstances and situations. Almost every scene he was in I had chills. The supporting cast, which include characters like Kale's mother, the police, the parole officer, mold into the plot very well. A well-rounded cast and there's no major weak player.
This is one of the better thrillers from the 2000s that I've seen. An intense, suspenseful and thrilling film that will satisfy viewers.
Rating: 4/5
Review: This is a good thriller. The plot resembles the plot to Rear Window, which is seen as a classic Alfred Hithcock film. The plot is very interesting and keeps the audience invested. There are numerous twists and turns that don't keep the audience constantly guessing, but keeps us entertained.
What I like about the film is that it isn't entirely cheap thrills. There are good thrilling, scary moments that you wouldn't see coming. There are also many scenes, which some are just conversations, that are very intense and will give you shivers. It's that good. The film also has a good blend of humor to it, which I like. Because in this kind of suspenseful and intense film, it's good to have a couple of laughs. Especially in the beginning, because it's towards the middle and end that the intensity starts to surface.
The acting is fantastic. Shia LeBeouf really holds his own as the lead. Sarah Roemer is very good as Ashley, the neighbor who willingly participates in Kale's plan. But the real star of Disturbia to me is David Morse, who plays the serial killer neighbor. He's very creepy and intense in this role. What I like about his character is that he has a charm to him that makes others oblivious to Kale's suspicions and that charm allows him to escape suspicious circumstances and situations. Almost every scene he was in I had chills. The supporting cast, which include characters like Kale's mother, the police, the parole officer, mold into the plot very well. A well-rounded cast and there's no major weak player.
This is one of the better thrillers from the 2000s that I've seen. An intense, suspenseful and thrilling film that will satisfy viewers.
Rating: 4/5
Big Fat Liar (2002)
Plot: 14-year-old Jason (Frankie Muniz) is a compulsive liar. When he lies about the reason why he couldn't write an English paper and is caught, he's told unless he finishes the paper in a certain amount of time, he'll have to attend summer school. He manages to finish the paper, writing a story called "Big Fat Liar". While riding on a bike to hand the paper to his teacher (Sandra Oh), he hits the limo of Marty Wolf (Paul Giamatti), a Hollywood producer who like Jason, is a compulsive liar, but believes it helps his career. "Big Fat Liar" falls out of Jason's backpack and Marty steals it and plans to make it his comeback movie. Jason tells his parents and teacher about what happened, but they don't believe him. To prove he's telling the truth, Jason goes to Los Angeles and takes his best friend Kaylee (Amanda Bynes) with him. But Wolf proves to be reluctant, refusing to admit the truth. Jason and Kaylee make numerous plans to prove Jason's innocence. But will they work?
Review: I really like this movie. I like the plot and it's references to Hollywood. The plot is cliche at certain points, but they worked. They're still there and they're noticeable but they work well into the film's plot.
What I like about the film's humor is that while it is cartoonish and will please kid viewers, it doesn't go completely over the top. The gags and pranks that Jason and Kaylee pull on Marty reminds me a lot of those that were used in the Home Alone movies. Even though it's cartoonish and ridiculous, it still entertains.
The acting is surprisingly good. Frankie Muniz does a good job as lying Jason who is desperate to prove himself worthy of his father's trust. When he does prove that he was telling the truth, we're satisfied that the protagonist succeed in his goal. Paul Giamatti does nice work as Marty. He is a cartoonish villain, much like the burglars from Home Alone, but he still manages to entertain and make us laugh. Amanda Bynes does fine as Kaylee. She has great comedic timing and she shines in certain moments with Frankie Muniz. The supporting cast is also very good.
Overall, this is an energetic, funny, entertaining and fun movie that kids will certainly enjoy and that adults will probably too.
Rating: 3.5/5
Review: I really like this movie. I like the plot and it's references to Hollywood. The plot is cliche at certain points, but they worked. They're still there and they're noticeable but they work well into the film's plot.
What I like about the film's humor is that while it is cartoonish and will please kid viewers, it doesn't go completely over the top. The gags and pranks that Jason and Kaylee pull on Marty reminds me a lot of those that were used in the Home Alone movies. Even though it's cartoonish and ridiculous, it still entertains.
The acting is surprisingly good. Frankie Muniz does a good job as lying Jason who is desperate to prove himself worthy of his father's trust. When he does prove that he was telling the truth, we're satisfied that the protagonist succeed in his goal. Paul Giamatti does nice work as Marty. He is a cartoonish villain, much like the burglars from Home Alone, but he still manages to entertain and make us laugh. Amanda Bynes does fine as Kaylee. She has great comedic timing and she shines in certain moments with Frankie Muniz. The supporting cast is also very good.
Overall, this is an energetic, funny, entertaining and fun movie that kids will certainly enjoy and that adults will probably too.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
Plot: Siblings Conrad (Spencer Breslin) and Sally (Dakota Fanning) are left home at the hands of a babysitter while their mother (Kelly Preston) goes to work. Suddenly, the Cat in the Hat (Mike Myers) comes, declaring their going to have a day of fun and nothing bad will happen. Is this true?
Review: When I heard they were doing a live-action version of one of Dr. Seuss' books, I was skeptical. I felt this way because of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), the live-action film based on the Dr. Seuss book. I wasn't expecting much when I went to watch this and I wasn't let down because my expectations weren't that high. This isn't a good adaptation of the classic children's book.
The film runs for 82 minutes, so they added new characters and subplots to meet the film's length. For example, they added a love interest for the mother, Larry (Alec Baldwin), gave the fish a more significant role and they added tension in the relationship between Conrad and his mother. These are just a few examples.
The film's humor is ridiculous and hilarious. I'm honestly surprised that they used this kind of humor in what is seen as a family movie. The comedy used is very slapstick. It goes beyond the boundaries of reality. And I can understand it to an extend because the film is fantasy. It's so exaggerated that I can't wrap my head around it. The use of toilet humor is simply too much. I think writers expect kids to laugh when they use that kind of humor. And some of the comedy they use is very mature. For example, they have a hoe (the garden tool) and the Cat says "dirty hoe". There's one joke where the Cat says the S.L.O.W. car was originally called something that was known as S.H.I.T. It's that kind of humor that I find crude and mature for a kid movie. It feels more like a teen version of The Cat in the Hat.
The acting is alright. Mike Myers is entertaining as the Cat in the Hat and does the best he can with the material, which isn't much. Spencer Breslin is fine as Conrad. Dakota Fanning is good as Sally, even though I found the character incredibly annoying. Alec Baldwin and Kelly Preston weren't that good in their respective roles. I didn't find their characters interesting and found both characters flat and boring. The only characters that weren't a pain for me as a movie watcher were the Cat in the Hat, Conrad (for the most part) and the fish.
I'll admit that I laughed and the movie itself can be entertaining. But that doesn't change the fact that this is a horrible adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic book. And that this shouldn't be seen by younger kids. I'll go as far to say that kids under the age of 8-9 shouldn't see this because of its mature content. Yet I can't help but to enjoy this movie. I honestly think Dr. Seuss is rolling in his grave because of this adaptation.
Rating: 2.5/5
Review: When I heard they were doing a live-action version of one of Dr. Seuss' books, I was skeptical. I felt this way because of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), the live-action film based on the Dr. Seuss book. I wasn't expecting much when I went to watch this and I wasn't let down because my expectations weren't that high. This isn't a good adaptation of the classic children's book.
The film runs for 82 minutes, so they added new characters and subplots to meet the film's length. For example, they added a love interest for the mother, Larry (Alec Baldwin), gave the fish a more significant role and they added tension in the relationship between Conrad and his mother. These are just a few examples.
The film's humor is ridiculous and hilarious. I'm honestly surprised that they used this kind of humor in what is seen as a family movie. The comedy used is very slapstick. It goes beyond the boundaries of reality. And I can understand it to an extend because the film is fantasy. It's so exaggerated that I can't wrap my head around it. The use of toilet humor is simply too much. I think writers expect kids to laugh when they use that kind of humor. And some of the comedy they use is very mature. For example, they have a hoe (the garden tool) and the Cat says "dirty hoe". There's one joke where the Cat says the S.L.O.W. car was originally called something that was known as S.H.I.T. It's that kind of humor that I find crude and mature for a kid movie. It feels more like a teen version of The Cat in the Hat.
The acting is alright. Mike Myers is entertaining as the Cat in the Hat and does the best he can with the material, which isn't much. Spencer Breslin is fine as Conrad. Dakota Fanning is good as Sally, even though I found the character incredibly annoying. Alec Baldwin and Kelly Preston weren't that good in their respective roles. I didn't find their characters interesting and found both characters flat and boring. The only characters that weren't a pain for me as a movie watcher were the Cat in the Hat, Conrad (for the most part) and the fish.
I'll admit that I laughed and the movie itself can be entertaining. But that doesn't change the fact that this is a horrible adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic book. And that this shouldn't be seen by younger kids. I'll go as far to say that kids under the age of 8-9 shouldn't see this because of its mature content. Yet I can't help but to enjoy this movie. I honestly think Dr. Seuss is rolling in his grave because of this adaptation.
Rating: 2.5/5
Let Me In (2010)
Plot: 12-year-old Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is neglected by his divorcing parents and is constantly harassed by bullies. He befriends Abby (Chloe Grace Moretz), a young girl who has moved into the apartment next door. Owen eventually learns the truth about Abby- she's a vampire. Chaos soon ensues as Owen tries to handle the bullies and protect Abby.
Review: I'm a fan of vampire films and literature so I was hoping that I wouldn't be let down by this. This film completely passed my expectations.
This is a remake of the 2008 Sweden film. Both of these films are adaptations of a novel. I haven't read the novel and watched the original film which this is based on, so I can't compare this film to the original film and the remake. I'm looking it as an entirely separate entity altogether.
Firstly, what I like about the film's plot is that it feels like real life. Many horror films I've seen, it feels like the characters lives have been exaggerated. Here, we have a young boy who is going through a rough time in his life. His parents are getting divorced, he's being bullied and just trying to survive it all. In all of this, we're introduced to a vampire child. It's not what you would expect, but I like it because it's fresh and feels unique. And the film doesn't sugarcoat what Owen is going through. We see the ugly side of what he's going through, when most films would have other characters say what he's going through. We witness it and makes it much more gripping.
Kodi Smith-McPhee and Chloe Grace Moretz's acting in this is fantastic. The chemistry between the two lead actors is unbelievable. They both have such maturity and chemistry on-screen that surpasses their teenage years. The way they click on-screen shows and I'm amazed that such young actors could have chemistry that actors twice their age hope to have with their co-stars.
Kodi Smith-McPhee's ability to portray his pain, frustration and determination to escape from his life in a simple facial expression is outstanding to me.
Chloe Grace Moretz is in my opinion one of the better child actors working today. She's a great actress and is brilliant in this. What I admire about how she portrays Abby is that even though Abby is an immortal, she's still a vulnerable child at heart who wants to find some sort of connection with humanity since that connection was taken away from her.
You kind of forget that this is supposed to be a vampire film. It doesn't feel like a vampire film. Owen's destructive home life and school life take up a good portion of the film's plot. And I think that adds a human element to a horror film. That pre-adolescent life can be hell. Even when we find out that Abby is a vampire, it's kind of like an afterthought because there's so much else going on.
This is one the better vampire movies I've seen in a long time that I think any horror film fan will appreciate.
Rating: 4.5/5
Review: I'm a fan of vampire films and literature so I was hoping that I wouldn't be let down by this. This film completely passed my expectations.
This is a remake of the 2008 Sweden film. Both of these films are adaptations of a novel. I haven't read the novel and watched the original film which this is based on, so I can't compare this film to the original film and the remake. I'm looking it as an entirely separate entity altogether.
Firstly, what I like about the film's plot is that it feels like real life. Many horror films I've seen, it feels like the characters lives have been exaggerated. Here, we have a young boy who is going through a rough time in his life. His parents are getting divorced, he's being bullied and just trying to survive it all. In all of this, we're introduced to a vampire child. It's not what you would expect, but I like it because it's fresh and feels unique. And the film doesn't sugarcoat what Owen is going through. We see the ugly side of what he's going through, when most films would have other characters say what he's going through. We witness it and makes it much more gripping.
Kodi Smith-McPhee and Chloe Grace Moretz's acting in this is fantastic. The chemistry between the two lead actors is unbelievable. They both have such maturity and chemistry on-screen that surpasses their teenage years. The way they click on-screen shows and I'm amazed that such young actors could have chemistry that actors twice their age hope to have with their co-stars.
Kodi Smith-McPhee's ability to portray his pain, frustration and determination to escape from his life in a simple facial expression is outstanding to me.
Chloe Grace Moretz is in my opinion one of the better child actors working today. She's a great actress and is brilliant in this. What I admire about how she portrays Abby is that even though Abby is an immortal, she's still a vulnerable child at heart who wants to find some sort of connection with humanity since that connection was taken away from her.
You kind of forget that this is supposed to be a vampire film. It doesn't feel like a vampire film. Owen's destructive home life and school life take up a good portion of the film's plot. And I think that adds a human element to a horror film. That pre-adolescent life can be hell. Even when we find out that Abby is a vampire, it's kind of like an afterthought because there's so much else going on.
This is one the better vampire movies I've seen in a long time that I think any horror film fan will appreciate.
Rating: 4.5/5
Thursday, 29 December 2011
White Chicks (2004)
Plot: Brothers and FBI agents Kevin (Shawn Wayans) and Marcus (Marlon Wayans) are assigned to protect two spoiled heiresses from a kidnapping plot. The heiresses are going to a beauty contest. When the four are in a car accident and the girls refuse to leave the hotel room, Kevin and Marcus decide to disguise themselves as the heiresses in order to save their jobs. Will they be able to fool everyone and stop the kidnapping plot?
Review: This is an okay movie. The plot is okay, but there's nothing really original or something that will throw you on the edge of your seat.
As for the film's humor, it's a typical Wayans movie. Lots of toilet humor, racist jokes and stuff like that. And it is funny. I've laughed countless times whenever I've watched this movie. But I'm laughing because it's crazy, over the top humor.
The film's make-up is very well done, but it's not a convincing look. Let me try and be clearer. The protagonists in White Chicks are African-American men, disguising themselves as white women. While the cosmetics are impressive, they don't look anything at all like the women they're suppose to look like. I wonder if the characters seeing them are just really dumb. But I know it was for the sake of the movie's plot. Also, how fast they change back into their make-up back and forth throughout the film is unrealistic to me. But once again, it's all for the sake of the plot.
The acting is alright. The Wayan brothers are funny and I enjoy them in their respective roles. But they are slightly melodramatic in certain parts of the movie. I felt the same way about the supporting cast. They're all alright actors and play their parts well, but there's really no standout for me. Usually when I see a movie, for me, there's one actor that stands out from the other actors. For me, they were all equal, which isn't a bad thing.
This is an entertaining, funny and over the top comedy.
Rating: 3.5/5
Review: This is an okay movie. The plot is okay, but there's nothing really original or something that will throw you on the edge of your seat.
As for the film's humor, it's a typical Wayans movie. Lots of toilet humor, racist jokes and stuff like that. And it is funny. I've laughed countless times whenever I've watched this movie. But I'm laughing because it's crazy, over the top humor.
The film's make-up is very well done, but it's not a convincing look. Let me try and be clearer. The protagonists in White Chicks are African-American men, disguising themselves as white women. While the cosmetics are impressive, they don't look anything at all like the women they're suppose to look like. I wonder if the characters seeing them are just really dumb. But I know it was for the sake of the movie's plot. Also, how fast they change back into their make-up back and forth throughout the film is unrealistic to me. But once again, it's all for the sake of the plot.
The acting is alright. The Wayan brothers are funny and I enjoy them in their respective roles. But they are slightly melodramatic in certain parts of the movie. I felt the same way about the supporting cast. They're all alright actors and play their parts well, but there's really no standout for me. Usually when I see a movie, for me, there's one actor that stands out from the other actors. For me, they were all equal, which isn't a bad thing.
This is an entertaining, funny and over the top comedy.
Rating: 3.5/5
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