Archive for April, 2008
kiss kiss bang bang »
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008
… is a hilarious buddy-cop comedy that’s slightly twisted. Harry (Downey Jr., Guide to recognizing your saints), the thief, ends up landing the role of a detective in a film after a botched robbery attempt. A private eye, (Kilmer, Salton Sea) works with him to research his role. A struggling actress meets up with the two of them and enlists them to help solve the mystery of her sister’s disappearance.
It’s not film noir in the classic sense, but modernized. The cigarette smoking hero/narrator explains and deduces while solving an unlikely riddle. The direction is great, working with the narration to tell a story in a disorganized, but purposeful way. The story unfolds in parts, some in flash back and others through asides. It’s entertaining and smartly done.
The characters are strong and easily related to on top of being genuinely funny in their own ways. The acting is strong. The pace is intentionally sporadic, which kept me on my toes. It’s not what you’d expect from a buddy crime drama, but it builds on the long-standing framework while manipulating it to its own ends. There’s a realness and surrealness to the entire plot that makes for a good show.
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cinematic genius… »
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008
… in just over nine minutes. I can’t say I’m a fan of shorts, because they’re usually oversimplified out of necessity. But, a low-level staff member here, we’ll call him D-C- so you can’t shower him with appreciation, which should, obviously, be exclusively directed at me, linked me to the following YouTube video. Go to the office kitchen, pop some popcorn, put on some headphones and enjoy.
Incidentally, if you’re in an office that doesn’t care that you watch videos or aren’t in an office at all, you’re on notice… also, get a real job, you’re mom’s pissed.
I was astounded by the intricacy, depth and impact of such a short clip. Or maybe I was reading too far into it. You decide:
rocket science »
Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
… is a feel-good, smart comedy about adolescence and the crushing awkwardness that comes with it. Hal, a stuttering, unpopular student, is recruited by Ginny to join the debate team. He struggles to make it through any arguments and falls for her while she ignores all his advances.
The story isn’t strong. It’s odd and doesn’t really portray a realistic situation, but it’s better than most teen comedies. It’s a little darker and the dialog is pretty smart. The characters are realistic and I could relate to them even if they’re somewhat exaggerated. The acting is unimpressive, but Reece (Dreamcatcher) did a pretty good job with the stutter.
It’s a strange comedy based on an unrealistic story, but the characters were endearing enough to hold it together. I genuinely felt for Hal and got into it. It was simple and optimistic with quite a few asides that added to the entertainment value.
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a fond farewell… »
Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
… to you, my dear readers. The common folk. I must bid you, with a heavy heart, adieu. In checking my account status online, I found I’ve received my rebate for the government’s sssssstimulus package. I have no need for work or peasants’ entertainment, so I must depart.
I don’t know what I will do with my new-found wealth exactly. It was only moments ago when I found it, after all. Maybe I’ll buy a Chinese child, or a few to show that bitch, Jolie, what’s what. Just last night, coincidentally, I watched up the yangtze, so I’m far more in touch with their plight than I may have been yesterday.
Maybe I’ll scuttle off to a private island and waste my days basking in sunlight that doesn’t come coupled with 50° temperatures. I will miss all of you, as I will obviously be far from contact. Please go about your days without showing the marrow sapping sorrow I’m sure you’ll feel frowning makes you seem ugly, and you’re suffering enough.
I could give to those less fortunate. I could search citywide to find the homeless man everyone talks about, give him a dollar and could repeat the process for almost two years. Oh, the philanthropy would warm my soul and make life worth living. Surely I won’t, because they have such a horrific odor and it’s totally out of character, but the thought alone is enough to make me feel better inside.
Wait… everyone… everyone! got one of these? What the shit?!? To fix the economy?!? Who’s the idiot that thought this would work? Who in their right mind gives cash to a bunch of poor people? Do they think they’ll ignore their children/credit debt/medical bills/food needs and buy a new american-made television? are there any?
Oh… that’s exactly what they think? I guess that makes sense then. Well, I have faith in it. There’s no current or recent examples of our government tossing an idiotic idea into the forum that was approved abruptly without any consideration of logic or realistic consequence, so I pretty much have to.
Ah well. Maybe I’ll put part of it toward a new bike and stash the rest in a low-interest savings account or invest in an oil company/defense contractor. I guess I congratulate all you jerk-offs on your checks, too. Or something. Meh.
cashback »
Monday, April 28th, 2008
… is an artistic movie about an artist. It follows Ben, an art school student who just broke up with his girlfriend of a couple years, as he picks up a job at a supermarket to fill the hours he spent sleeping before insomnia hit him. It’s visually entertaining (and not just for the obtuse use of feminine nudity) and the story was quite good.
The direction was great. A few scene transitions from present to past or imagined to reality were great. The freeze-frames that Ben walks through are impressive. The visuals supplement the plot. A number of events happen within Ben’s imagination and there’s a surreal quality to some of the shots to represent that.
The story plays out in a smart way. The pace is well done. The dialog is great, with a few stand-out comedic lines. The narration is an overused element, but it’s more effective with this one because I don’t know how they’d be able to pull it off otherwise. The acting was decent enough and the characters were developed well. There was a lot of retrospection and transition.
It has the look of an art film and the meat of a romantic comedy with slightly darker humor. I enjoyed getting somewhat lost in Ben’s head and the interactions between the characters. It’s a good movie for a rainy night in.
(I’ve started a new rating system. Please check the editorial link to the right for more information.)
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