The Prestige

Ahh another Nolan film. The Prestige is probably my favorite of his films though they are all excellent. The prestige blends facts, illusions, revenge, deceit, obsession, and a little bit of history all into one engrossing film. I, for one, didn't see the ending coming in the slightest. I'm interested on if other people did or didn't. I don't want to reveal any secrets so this will probably be a brief review.

Christian Bale once again displays his enormous talent for acting. When all is revealed and you realize how he, and for that matter, Hugh Jackman, pulled off their characters...it is truly fun to watch a second, third, or even fourth time. Michael Caine also plays a more central role than other Nolan films they have collaborated on. He plays his role with very understated, classic Caine mannerisms. All three actors fit perfectly together. The two leading women were ,unfortunately, noticeably less talented than their male counterparts. Though to be very fair, ANYONE acting next to those three would have a hell of a time holding their own.

Aside from the acting, Nolan tells a story with each of his shots instead of just telling the story. Very similar to Kubrick in that regard. Instead of just showing two characters, Nolan does so in a way that the two characters are progressing the story, as well as the visuals on the screen. It's very interesting to watch and as I said before, very reminiscent of Kubrick. Nolan again shows his artist brush can paint an enormous canvas in only 130 minutes. The music sets the tone nicely throughout and keeps the pace well.

All in all, The Prestige is a great film that keeps you guessing until the end. See it if you have not already!

IMDB here.

Inception

Well, I have now seen Inception twice and plan to see it a third time. At first I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I expected something (though I'm not even sure what I expected) and it wasn't that. So maybe I was disappointed at first. Then I thought about what I had seen though: one of the most superbly crafted movies ever made. Christopher Nolan has outdone himself with his writing and directing talents. I believe I have mentioned his enormous talent before: The Prestige, Following, Memento,and The Dark Knight are his mainstream successes. That's quite a list of movies. I've heard it said that he could be the next Kubrick, well he just might be but not yet. His movies, and most of all Inception, are exciting, gripping, and really fun to watch, but they lack the emotional depth that Kubrick had. I think he will get there though. I hope his next movie is much less main stream and hard hitting. But on to Inception.

The computer generated graphics are used very sparingly, which, I love. The scenes that do incorporate computer images are stunning and perfectly crafted. The actors that play off of these images are just as good. Leonardo DiCaprio once again shows his impeccable talent for the screen. Michael Caine has a small and enjoyable part that suits him perfectly. Ellen Page turns in a great performance as well. The best of the very talented cast though is Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The scene in the hallway is amazing in every way possible, and I know how physically demanding it was so for him to also stay in character during it is incredible.

All of the actors are great because they are given such a great story. Lot's of twists and turns and nightmares revealed. It is written in a way that I truly and deeply care about the characters. Nolan also treats his well written script with great care when directing it. Nothing takes away from the story and only adds to it. Every detail is accounted for and painstakingly researched. I applaud Nolan for his finest work so far.

Hans Zimmer deserves special mention for his use of music. It complements the story and acting perfectly. In fact there is much more detail that went into the music than I even knew. Listen very closely for each song and see how they work together. It's amazing.

You MUST go see Inception for yourself. I highly recommend. What do you think of the ending?

IMDB here.

The Difference Between Movies and Films - An Essay

Many people ask me what my favorite movie is. That is a difficult answer for me to come up with. So many movie's make me laugh, cry, happy, and sad that it is hard to pick just one. I would probably say Ronin with Robert De Niro. Yes, way out of left field on that one I'm sure. It's an excellent movie, but fall's short of being a film in my opinion. Which brings up another point, these are all my opinion. You may totally disagree which is fine with me. Respectfully argue your point without becoming defensive and moronic and I will listen to every word you have to say. There is one huge distinction in my mind between the word film and movie. Here is my own personally definition of movie:

Movie - Moving pictures and sound meant to entertain an audience from the moment they start said movie, until it ends. It is nothing more or less, simply entertainment. There is no thought provoking argument to be made or intellectually stimulating images to be seen. They are simple entertainment for the average moviegoer.

Now before you start shouting elitist pig, I have nothing against movies or those that enjoy them. I do too. They are a great way to relax and have a good time. BUT, they are not art. On this issue I will not budge. The average movie will not be remembered ten years from now. It will be forgotten by all except a few. Example: Name a movie that came out in 1999 besides Fight Club, The Matrix, and The Green Mile. If you can I give you extreme credit because I couldn't. Granted I was 8 years old but I will not use that as an excuse. Now, why do you remember THOSE pictures from 1999? Are they simply movies? If you saw Fight Club in theaters did it not immediately make you want to discuss it for hours on end? Same with the Matrix, plus it had stunning visuals like we had never seen before. The Green Mile is also excellent fodder for endless discussion. Now, are those simply movies? Or are they more? Much more? I believe so. This distinction is what separates movies and films. The above mentioned pictures should be classified as films in my opinion. They achieve so much more than other movies released the same year. How excited were you when you first saw Blair Witch Project? That came out the same year. The Sixth Sense also came out that year. Do you have the need to see it again? Didn't think so. These movies were excellent at the time but as we reflect on them we see that they are exactly that: Excellent at the time, nothing more. Now for my definition of film:

Film - Moving pictures and sound meant to stimulate the mind of the audience. Films are not meant to be easy to watch, in fact, they are almost always hard to watch. This is because they do not use the cliche, sugar-on-top, cookie cutter Hollywood formula to tell their story. They are an honest look at a slice of life.

In short, films are art. Movies are entertainment. Consider this the next time you are asked what your favorite movie is. I would reply, "Well my favorite movie is probably Ronin. My favorite film is 2001: A Space Odyssey." Here are some examples to help you see the difference between movies and films.

Ex. #1: Movie: Star Wars
Film: 2001: A Space Odyssey

Ex. #2: Movie: The Dirty Dozen
Film: Apocalypse Now

Ex. #3 Movie: A Few Good Men
Film: 12 Angry Men

Ex. #4 Movie: Disturbia (yes re-make I know)
Film: Rear Window

That should give you a pretty good idea about what constitutes a film and a movie. I will repeat again that these are only my opinions. It is my hope that the film community will stop referring to stupid, idiotic movies like Avatar as films. It isn't. It's a movie and it's my opinion that it's barely that. Yes, you might have been entertained by the mind numbing three hour run time, but thwart did you take away from it? Don't cut down trees? Well, that was shoved in your face and basically said out loud throughout the movie, so don't think that you are some great person because you "got" Avatar. There is nothing deep or moving there. Lots of flashy graphics were the only reason you saw it. Obviously I won't argue that the graphics were incredible, they are. But simply having graphics doesn't make a film. There was little to no story that hadn't been done a million times before. The acting was the worst I have seen in a long time, literally the worst. There was no character development so most importantly I didn't care about whether the characters lived or died. The only reason you did is that Mr. Cameron played off your guilty conscience about destroying animals homes so that you could have your nice three story house in suburbia. Think about it. Did you really care or were you guilt tripped into caring? This is my case on the difference between movies and films. I used Avatar because it is just the most recent big, dumb, flashy blockbuster. Please use the terms films and movies more carefully.

Children of Men

Children of Men is an excellent film that begs to be seen by anyone with the stomach to handle it. Gritty, violent, and moving; Children of Men is a stunning vision of the future by Alfonso Cuaron. Humans have been incapable of reproducing for nearly twenty years as we pick up the story with Theo, a reporter in this grim, hopeless future. Terrorist bombings are looked on as an everyday occurrence and little is done about them. What's the point? The human race is extinct. This is where Alfonso's directing really comes into play. It is hard to make a future that is truly and completely hopeless. In "The Road" (which is excellent but doesn't quite warrant making it onto this site) we have hope for the father and son even under horrible circumstances. There are no kids in Children of Men. No school, no laughter ringing out in the streets, nothing. It's a bleak and depressing future. If you can take the subject matter it really is an interesting thought about what we might be like as a people if there was no point in existing everyday because we are working toward our extinction.

Clive Owen is excellent and brings a genuinely good guy nature to this bleak film. Julianne Moore is also good, though nothing special in her role. Michael Caine is excellent as Theo's "accomplice" and friend. The music is moving and flows from one scene to another. Intense and gripping in a frightening way when we see immigrants (not illegal immigrants) being thrown in cages and deported, while moving and touching when the action slows to reveal the intricate story surrounding the characters.

Children of Men is great on many levels but I'll point out the distinct few.

1. Most importantly it has it's own visual style that captures the gritty and violent setting it takes place in. The audience will not be sheltered from seeing people crying out in anguish that they are being ripped forcefully from their homes or being beaten savagely by the police for no reason. This being said, it is also one of the most moving things to see when something good happens. It's almost highlighted in the the strangest ways. Time seems to slow. Sound seems to have no meaning. You are so focused on a glimmer of hope in this horrifying world that it touches you on a deep level. An entire war zone stops to look while three people leave a building to escape the violence (when you see this scene see if you catch yourself not breathing, I wasn't).

2. It's got tons of action and a great story. I would highly recommend if a girl would like to see something emotionally stimulating and if the guy would like to see lots of explosions and violence. It has lots of both. While a film buff would say they need to compliment each other accordingly (and I completely agree), I am merely stating a situation where this movie would fit the bill.

I urge you to see this film if you feel you can emotionally take it. I'm not kidding that this isn't a film to be watched lightly. It is important and excellently made but I would not let someone watch it that couldn't handle it. Films must be a respected form of art. Not simply a form of entertainment.

IMDB here.

A Clockwork Orange

Well, it will be hard to cover this one in a single post. I'm sure I will remember things later and keep adding to it. A Clockwork Orange is a frightening look into the future by the master of film, Stanley Kubrick. While 2001 was an optimistic look about the intelligence of man and where we can go, ACO is the opposite side of man. The depravity and inhumane way we treat each other. How brutal and uncaring man can become. Most importantly: what lengths society will go to to stop a monster. I will address this part of the film at the end of my post, as I believe that that issue IS the entire film.

Of course Kubrick's attention to detail is apparent here as with all of his movies. Every shot is done so to make the audience dislike Alex. He is a villain of the highest magnitude. The cinematography is excellent and complements the weird futuristic story very nicely. Also, the music has an odd, chilling, and ominous tone throughout. Even the language that is spoken is a hybrid mix of English, Russian slang, and another dialect I didn't recognize. Kubrick obviously took great time in construction this....world. It really is a world. Every detail is taken care of so that you KNOW this is a different place. Same planet, different world. With every beating, rape, and drunken brawl we see the humanity drain from Alex. He is hollow. A shell. A monster living among us humans, if we can even be called that anymore.

So, now to my interpretation of the film - of THE issue. Alex isn't human by most peoples standards. So what do we do with him? He cannot be allowed to roam the streets hunting for prey anymore. So he is arrested after a particularly heinous act of violence. Now what? Let him rot in prison? Kubrick had enough of a vision to know that prison would not be an option at some point in the future. It simply does not work. Finally, execution makes society the bad guy so that's out of the question. What do we then do? A Clockwork Orange suggests that we will start to "re-condition" prisoners. Not rehabilitate, that has also been throw out because of the high rearrest rate. To "re-condition" someone means to expose them to "ultra-violence" while injecting them with a serum that reacts to make the "patience" queasy, nauseous and debilitated. Much like Pavlov and his experiment with dogs (look it up if you don't know what aversive conditioning is). So now Alex is "cured" right? The main point of this movie is do we want him on the streets? This is a human that is being to forced to comply and fit into society. True it is for the good of the whole, but do we want people to have this kind of power? What if things like jaywalking are punishable in this way? Things would get out of hand quickly. Ponder the implications of each of Alex's situations throughout the film.

A Clockwork Orange is a piece of art. Not a movie or film. It is not for the weak-of-heart or the squeamish. Malcolm McDowell is brilliant as Alex and the masterpiece is worth seeing even if just for his performance. You have been warned but I urge everyone to see this and sit and think for an hour or two. Strike up a discussion.

IMDB here.

Leon: The Professional

Well I was very pleasantly surprised with this film. Of course I know that it is on IMDB's top 250 and has a very high 8.6 average rating (keep in mind that The Godfather has a 9.1). Anyone that knows me also knows that I am a huge fan of Jean Reno. He always brings a quiet confidence and elegance to his roles. It is a refreshing and rewarding experience to watch him. For his role in The Professional, he is also using a subtle approach, though with none of the confidence. He plays Leon: an immigrant, gun for hire, ravenous milk drinker, and socially awkward fellow. The performance is great because he is so believable as a stone cold killer that doesn't know how to act around a child. And that is the center of the movie. Mathilda (Natalie Portman) lives a few doors down from Leon who is constantly abused by her family, but most importantly her drug dealing father. When the corrupt cop Stansfield (Gary Oldman) comes knocking at the door wanting to know where 10% of his drugs went....well lets just say he isn't pleased. In a fit of rage Stansfield kills Mathilda's entire family while she is at the corner store getting milk. As she returns she slowly walks past the carnage to Leon's door, praying he will let her in. He is the only one to ever show her kindness, he is her only hope.

This is where the story really starts picking up. Before I forget I will mention the performances of Oldman and Portman. The very young Natalie Portman was only 13 when she took this very complex role opposite the veteran actors Reno and Oldman, and she owns her performance like a veteran actress herself. Anyone watching it would have known that she would become the actress we know her as today. Oldman is also excellent as the crooked cop with a bit of a mental problem. Psycho yet calculating, he is the ultimate bad guy.

The reason The Professional is universally liked is it has two things - most films only have one or the other. Action and story. Very few films can nail both so that each end of the viewer spectrum is touched on. The story is great. A quirky drama that unfolds into a buddy comedy but still keeps the dramatic overtones. The action will also leave even the most hardened fan saying "Yeah!" during the violent sequences.

All in all an excellent film. The music and cinematography complemented the entire film and each other nicely though there was nothing special about either. I highly recommend watching though it is for sure adults only.

IMDB here.

Not a review

I just want to let all readers of NMP why I haven't posted in so long. Well: I graduated high school, I've been writing my own screen play, started college, took a week off and traveled (Redding), I've started a new training program and honestly my personal life has taken the front seat for a while. I needed it. But now I'm back to the grind, but I love reviewing movies so I don't mind. Keep recommending this to anyone that likes movies and I'll keep posting. Also become a follower if you aren't already. Thanks guys! Also (I keep thinking of things to say) I love have in depth conversations about films so any time you feel like talking about a particularly good one email me at: nic.g.thompson@live.com

Thanks everyone!

Full Metal Jacket

"In Vietnam. the wind doesn't blow, it sucks" poetic words from an intense movie. This is the best Vietnam war movie ever made. Better than The Deer Hunter. Better even than Apocalypse Now. Full Metal Jacket has some of the most gut-wrenching scenes ever put on film. Once again Stanley Kubrick shows what a meticulous director he was with such a superbly crafted movie.

The first half of the movie is only boot camp. We must see the marines before their journey into the unknown, and Vietnam is very much unknown. Boot camp shows humans breaking down at their most basic level. These boys want to kill, they are being trained to kill, but why is this? Why do they have a thirst for blood? That's an individual question so consider that yourself. What is certain is that some people do NOT know what they are getting themselves into. Unfortunately, Pvt. Pyle bears the brunt of the drill sergeant's wrath because he isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch. Kubrick's point to the first half is that soldiers don't have to be in a war zone to be in hell. This is Pvt. Pyle:


Later in the movie we learn of the 1000 yard stare, poor Pvt. Pyle already has it and he hasn't even left the country. It is very hard to watch this healthy, happy, human being turning into a deranged killer. But that is war, to say the least.

The second half is all "in country". This is when Pvt. Joker is tested. He goes in thinking he is a lean, mean, killing machine but see's very little action. When he finally does deal his first fatal bullet, there is a change in him. The same as Pvt. Pyle. Humans aren't meant to kill in this way. Without mercy or care. The second half is more poetic and nuanced than the first and must be paid close attention to to understand.

R. Lee Ermey is...vivid to say the least. When you watch this film, keep in mind that almost all of Ermey's lines were ad-libbed by him. Which for Kubrick must have been hard to get over, but the end result is very satisfying and will burn the ears of even the most hardened marine. Vincent D'Onofrio hits all the right notes as Pyle. Adam Baldwin is a sight to see as Animal Mother, a much more in depth character than he is portrayed as, pay close attention to him. Finally, Matthew Modine is perfect as Pvt. Joker.

Also, Kubricks use of music warrants mention. The score contrasts drastically with the subject matter and yet compliments it.

Many people love the first half of this movie and hate the second. I'm sorry to say, that's stupid. The entire first half of the movie is the set-up. An exquisite portrayal of the dehumanizing effect our military has on young men from all walks of life.

IMDB here.

It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life is one of the most moving movies of all time. I am very surprised that when it was first released, it was panned by critics. They hated it. It was released in 1946, so I can understand that, at the time, it would be hard to watch such an emotionally wrenching film. It really does bring tears to my eye every time I watch it.

James Stewart does an excellent job as George Bailey, a free spirit and dreamer growing up in Bedford Falls. As a kid he was a hardworking boy that actually saved his brothers life from a frozen pond - at the expense of hearing in his left ear. After that he gets a job in "old man Gowers" drug store. Gower fills a medicine bottle with poison accidentally. George sees this but doesn't know what to do. He eventually confronts Mr. Gower who beats him before checking the bottle, only to find that George was right. He apologises immensely and vowes never to hurt him again.

So before the age of 12, George Bailey has saved 2 people's lives. This says a lot about the character we will come to know that is the adult George Bailey. Constantly stopping his own quest or dreams to help someone else. This leads him to consider suicide on a cold winter night. Luckily, Angel Second-Class, Clarence is called in to show George what the world would be like if he had not existed.

Henry Travers does an excellent job as Clarence. His performance holds qualities of deep compassion, and childlike ignorance. He is truly a joy to watch.

For 1946 the production was extremely large for a film that did not do very well at the box office. Literally tons of chemical snow (that was created specifically for this movie and later used for years as the "new fake snow") was made to make every scene realistic. The music and cinematography lend itself to the story but nothing special here.

The ending really does make all the heartbreak the audience and George endured worth it. This film really shows the impact one man (and an angel) can have on a town and the world. It is deeply moving and cannot be scoffed at. Everyone can and will take something away from this great film. Recommended viewing for everyone.

IMDB here.

Pulp Fiction

Some call it a "cult hit". Some call it the best movie of all time. I don't agree with either of them. Pulp Fiction won an Oscar for Best Screen Play and was nominated for 6 others. Most "cult" movies do not achieve this kind of success if they pertain to a cult following. It is also not the best movie of all time. Extremely interesting, funny, exciting, violent, dirty, and foul is how I would describe it. Really nothing else has come close to being such an enigma.

What really makes the movie is the acting:

Samuel L. Jackson - This is probably his most enjoyable/best performance ever, here, as Jules the hitman. His lines are ridiculous at times and at others - deathly serious. But he gives such a stellar performance that you eat it up. You believe him. That is who Jules is. Not Samuel acting like him. That's Jules. Excellent performance.

John Travolta - Also great acting from a guy I was never a fan of. This movie changed my mind. Sure he hasn't done much of anything good since (a few exceptions) but this movie is his legacy. THIS is the movie he will be remembered for. His Vincent Vega is perfect, the best counterpart to Jules you could have asked for. His conversations are great, believable and interesting. Must be seen by a fan and non-fan alike.

Uma Thurman - There is something very understated about her performance. Quiet, out of it, and ready for some excitement, Mia Wallace gets much more than she bargained for with Vincent on their night out on the town. The "out of it" part of her performance stems from her characters drug habit. Great acting to be found here.

The list of famous actors and actresses that had parts in this movie is extremely long. Take a look at the IMDB page posted after the article and take a look. Tim Roth - awesome. Bruce Willis - doesn't pull any punches (haha). Ving Rhames - menacing as always. The list goes on and on.

The great writing is kept up with only through the quick editing and cinematography that accompanies it. The music also oddly aids the movie though it feels out of place in some parts.

Pulp Fiction is so interesting it takes multiple viewings to fully appreciate it. A must see for any film enthusiast.

IMDB here.

Goodfellas

Many people consider Goodfellas the perfect movie. It isn't. I don't think there is a perfect movie because no one knows what that is. What Goodfellas most definitely is, though, is an epic tale of mod brutality show in classic Scorsese style. From Henry working at the "taxi stand" as a kid to his eventual downward spiral into domestic boredom, Scorsese uses his signature style to keep things interesting, exciting, and true to life. In fact much of the story is true, of course artistic liberties were taken but more is true than you would think.

When Henry first joins the family everything is perfect. One because it is a family, more of a family than Henry had before he joined the mob. Two because literally everything is taken care of for him. Any bills - paid. Any problems - taken care of. Soon he even meets a girl and marries her so he always has someone to come home to. Of course, no one can have their cake and eat it too. Eventually, when Henry takes a lover, gets too caught up in the power of being a made
man, and develops a drug addiction things go downhill fast.

The production values are also stunning. All of the outfits, make-up, sets, cars, and props are spot on. The music is straight out of the 70's and works great.

All in all it's a great mafia tale, spun by the master of mafia movies (FFC not included) the end with Henry running all over town selling coke, dropping off guns, and trying to have dinner ready at a reasonable time gets you just as worked up as Henry is. While obviously the things he is doing are not the most respectable he is just like any of us: things to do, people to see, and places to go.

FFC stands for Francis Ford Coppola

IMDB here

The Shawshank Redemption

Obviously if you haven't seen The Shawshank Redemption you need to rent it right now. Or buy it be because you'll love it. I've never met anyone that didn't feel this way. The Shawshank Redemption is such a stunningly inspirational movie that it begs repeated viewings. Tim Robbins does such an excellent job as Andy Dufresne that he almost becomes Dufresne. It's an incredible performance that really needs to be seen. Any movie fan that calls himself a movie fan must see this movie. It becomes obvious why this is number one on IMDB's top 100 list. Morgan Freeman also does an excellent job (as always) as Red, the guy who can get anything in prison.

This is one of the very, very few movies that gets everything right. The acting, the directing, the pacing, the message behind the story, lighting, costumes, sets, music; literally everything works perfectly together - and that cohesion draws you into the story like few other films can. The Shawshank Redemption is modern film making at it's finest. This is a movie that will be talked about for years now. Most likely the Citizen Cane of our time.

I could go on and on (like I have) about everything The Shawshank Redemption stands for but I believe (like most) that it's a movie about hope. Hope is essential to the human race to survive. Andy endures some of the harshest punishments society has devised. He is framed for a murder he didn't commit, he is continually raped by "The Sisters" in prison, the guards beat him if he steps one toe out of line, he is locked in solitary confinement for weeks at a time.... more than most of us could bear. But Andy does. All because of the hope that one day he will be free on a beach with friends without a care in the world.

This movie will, without a doubt, go down in history as one of the greatest films of all time. You are really doing a disservice to yourself if you have not seen this movie.

IMDB here.

Milk

Milk is something of an opera, much like the opera's Harvey Milk was a fan of. I've always said that historical biopic's that are common knowledge (like the story of Harvey Milk) need to be told in a way that keeps you interested. Just enough drama to keep you interested and just enough true to life fact to be able to say based on a true story. You also need such a charismatic lead actor that he embodies the real person, not just acts like him. Sean Penn is such a convincing Harvey Milk (though I'll admit I've only seen TV interviews and old recordings of Mr. Milk and I was not alive during Harvey Milk's time in office) that he exudes the same appeal I think many gay rights activists saw in the real Harvey Milk. He has such a quiet, calming affect - it's really refreshing to see a lead role that isn't about how macho you can be. Penn nails exactly what he had to nail. It's really hard to explain the feeling he brings to the role. You really believe that he is the leader of this movement. That he really feels the pain of every oppressed individual in the country.

Milk is a multilayered story; a romance, a political satire, a human rights and freedom fighter movie all rolled into one. Through the movie Milk has two lovers. While many people will end there viewing right there, I beg you to continue watching. These characters care about each other. They love each other. James Franco is also a joy to watch as the first of Milk's lovers, Scotty. The sex scenes are not gratuitous or done in poor taste. They are there to show that Harvey is just like anyone else. Human to the very core. I believe Harvey Milk was one of the few people in this world that could truely and completely empathize with someone, anyone if they could at least look at the situation from his point of view.

The politics and Harvey's quest for civil rights for the gay community unfortunately get in the way of his personal life and one of his romances end tragically. This is the price the select few of us must pay for the greater good. I thank God that people like Harvey Milk are put on this earth and actually care enough about other people to make the sacrifice to make the difference.

Danny Elfman does the music and hits the perfect note with the score. Quiet, charming, inspiring, and poetic all at the same time.

Milk is a must watch for anyone interested in the gay rights movement or a civil rights movement in general. It's cute, funny, sad, inspiring, and moving all within the title and the credits. It moved me to tears the first time I saw it and by the third time it was still as moving as ever. A must see for everyone.

2001: A Space Odyssey

I am a huge Stanley Kubrick fan. This is one of the most awe inspiring movies I have ever seen. Every image that comes on screen is a masterpiece. Every frame is a work of art. This movie was made in 1968 but has more convincing FX than most of the movies coming out today. In 1968 a huge centrifuge was made so that an actor could hit 17 points at exactly the right time to look as though he could walk all the way around the perimeter. This movie will blow your mind with what Kubrick was able to accomplish is 1968.

The story starts with the dawn of man. According to Kubrick we evolved from apes in the desert when we found a huge rectangular monolith that gave us the knowledge to use tools. After that we have mastered space flight and interplanetary travel by 2001. Going from earth to the moon is as boring as your morning commute. The graphics are awesome, and I would cheapen the achievment by saying "The graphics are awesome for 1968" They are stunning period.

Each shot packs such a powerful punch, it's hard to really describe here. Take this one for example:
Probably the most easily recognized shot of 2001 besides the poster above. Just think for a second what you feel from this picture. Knowing little or nothing about the movie if you haven't seen it, what does the frame evoke?
To me just the loneliness of space is radiating from this picture. Dave Bowman is alone on a path. We can see where he came from but not where he is going. The cold, uncaring atmosphere of the corridor can also mirror the space all around him. It really shows that humans are just a tiny, insignificant speck in the grand scheme of the universe. While our accomplishments are great, we have so much farther to go.
That is what I think of when I look at this picture. Just this single frame. The movie is 148 minutes long - so you can imagine the rest of scenery.

Special note should be made of the use of sound - or lack there of sometimes. The booming classical music captures the essence of the film. Also the silence of space is highlighted in certain points at accentuate the loneliness and emptiness of space, and of Dave's quest. Also the sound of Dave breathing in space is annoying to some, but it consumes you. Every nerve is waiting for that next breath to make sure Dave is OK. Truly the sound/music is a masterpiece in itself.

While it's slow at times and has almost no dialogue in the first and last 25 minutes, it is well worth sticking it out. Hands down the best Sci-Fi movie of all time and rank's very highly in any other category. Well worth a watch or two.

IMDB here.

Fight Club

There are too many reasons to watch Fight Club before you die than I can mention here. For guys I think it brings up a lot of points about our generation - both bad and good - and is such a visceral and hard hitting (pun intended) movie that it's hard to look....and look away. It's hard to specify exactly why you should watch it, so I think bullets would be easier:

1. The story is awesome. This is not your typical beat em up, or stupid "boys will be boys" movie with no consequences to the violence. Ever punch is almost felt on your own face. When a fight goes to far and one of the combatants is left permanently disfigured the audience feels for him. But as the characters say - Fight Club is a release from the stress of a life they can no longer handle. While the violence may be extreme, it is better than suicide or other more harmful acts of aggression.

2. The acting is top notch. Ed Norton is so convincing as "The Narrator" (we never know his real name) that you really wonder if he is losing as much sleep as his character is. Brad Pitt is also excellent as Tyler Durden, a new friend of The Narrator's that is quite an enigma. Pitt brings the in-your-face performance that the role definitely calls for. Pitt nails the guy we've all met, the guy that doesn't care what anyone thinks and really means it. His whole deal isn't to make things easier for anyone - including himself, it's to make people stop and think and question why things are the way they are.

3. The visual style of the film really complements the subject matter very well. The film really feels dirty. Like if you had walked on set - I wouldn't touch anything. The locales that the two fighters visit are all low down dumps, reflecting how they feel on the inside. Really the whole movie is about how men in the 1990's and early 2000's feel about our situation. We're kinda pissed off. The gritty, dirty, and realistic feel of the movie mirrors the frustration many men feel everyday.

Those are the top three reasons to see Fight Club before you die. Once you see it you'll realize there are hundreds more.

IMDB here.

The Hurt Locker

Wow. Just saw The Hurt Locker and it's by far the most gripping war movie I've ever seen. And I've seen them all. Full Metal Jacket, Platoon, Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, The Deer Hunter, Glory, Inglorious Basterds, Flags of our Fathers, Apocalypse Now, and I'm sure more that I can't think of right now. THL is probably in the top 2 for sheer grittiness and engaging story. It's gory, it's violent, it's shocking, and enduring. You really feel the impact of each explosion. And each explosion is actually real. Meaning explosions aren't happening left and right. Each one has a purpose and consequences. Not like most movies where explosions could kill you but probably don't, each one is felt for what it can actually do. THL drives the point home about war - it's horrible. But some people are born for it.

Jeremy Renner stars as Will James, an IED tech with seemingly nothing to lose. While he does an excellent job in his performance, unfortunately his co-stars were not as excellent. Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty do an OK job. Mackie feels a bit forced as the second in command to James. Mackie's character is strictly by the book, rules are rules, and everyone communicates constantly. While his character drives this point home by repeatedly saying this exact thing, Mackie looks as though this is true....without saying it 18 times.

Geraghty also plays the cookie cutter token "guy who can't take it anymore and just needs to get out". Though it's convincing, its convincing because we've seen it a million times before and we already know the part.

The intro to this movie is by far the best part. The tension and excitment in the first ten minutes is palpable. The music is good but also classic cookie cutter war movie. Very good war movie.

IMDB here

Chocolat

Though I'm still wondering why Johnny Depp's picture and name are on the cover, this is a great little movie about how stirring things up can be the best thing for you, or in this case - a town.

Things have always been done the same way in the small village in the French country side. Everyone goes to the same church and those who don't are not spoken to or of. Of course when a drifter and her daughter blow into the village with a strong north wind and open a chocolaterie just in time for Lent, things get a little crazy.

The movie tackle's some tough issues (violence against women among them) but never lets you stop to realize what is actually happening. The movie has a way of presenting the story to you that makes you not worry - everything will be ok, then it wakes you up to the fact that, um, if you start an intentional fire on a boat that has people on it - people could get hurt. Who ever thought of that?

Chocolat is a GREAT date night movie because both parties can have a good time watching it. I highly recommend and thanks to A.K. and U.S. for lending it to me.

IMDB here

Taxi Driver

So I've decided to tell you why an old movie is great instead of a new one this time. Taxi Driver is an awesome movie for a few reasons.

One is the setting, 1970's New York. The way Scorsese shows how the people of this city act and react to some of the most atrocious conditions of living paints a stunning picture. Children prostitutes, blood on the back seat of his cab, gangs dealing drugs in broad daylight...

Two is Robert De Niro, in his prime, young as hell, and exactly perfect for the movie. He plays Travis, a Vietnam vet without much going on in his life. He can't sleep and figures he might as well get a job at night. He becomes a Taxi Driver without any trouble and works his nights away. He slowly sinks into despair however with the aid of "junk food and pills". He see's the horrible filth that fills the streets each night and see's how unhappy the people of New York truly are. He meets a 12 year old prostitute one night and is struck speechless when she is pulled from his cab by her pimp (Harvey Keitel). This is a turning point for Travis.

Around the same time he becomes enamoured with Betsy. She works for a local politician running for office. He sees her as the future. Free of the filth around her. She is pure above all else. Though he hasn't even met her yet. While Betsy is is good in the world, Travis is constantly reminded of the evil in this world by way of multiple run-in's with the young prostitute, Iris. After finally becoming fed up with the world after discovering that even Betsy isn't perfect, Travis takes drastic measures.

This early Scorsese masterpiece about urban decay and a little bit about how we percieve the people around us. The cinematography is excellent, writing is top notch, and the music lends itself to the story. Some people say it is boring but they MUST sit and watch it. It is a very important movie for any film buff to see.

I won't ruin the ending for you but it's evident that the only thing separating saints and sinners is sometimes one decision. I would recommend Taxi Driver to everyone.

IMDB here

Shutter Island

Does that poster not get you excited? First of all, as you know, I am a huge fan of Martin Scorsese. Sorry but he is such a great director. You have to give him credit on how exactly shot his movies are. Everything is so perfectly executed - it would be hard for any aspiring director not to give him credit for some of their style.

Shutter Island is basically Marty and Leo having a ball with a great story and great effects (when needed - unlike Mr. Cameron who can't make a movie without them) and making a movie that THEY want to make. Not really commercial, though this was really promoted by the studio execs. While many of the critics haven't really enjoyed it so far, I'll bet that in the future this will be considered a classic in the psychological thriller category.

Leo plays Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal in 1954 sent to investigate an island that has been converted into a prison- uhh- I mean a hospital for the criminally insane. Aided by his new partner Chuck, Teddy must sort through patients that are too crazy to tell him anything, and a staff that seems to be hiding something...

The sound warrants special mention, especially in the scene where Teddy visits the part of the hospital. Teddy continually must light a match to see because the power is out. It is completely silent other than very quiet talking and the match. Everytime the match bursts into flame it sounds louder and louder, but you realize it's just you hoping Teddy is ok. The match lighting means he is still there and ok. So you listen so intently for that sound, it's engrossing.

The ending is nothing short of the culmination of the artwork that preceded it. When you see it think about this. Who is telling the truth? Is the truth real or fictional? If it is fictional who made it up? I cannot think of another movie that in the last ten minutes has made me think and ponder every minute of the previous two hours searching for clues to those answers.

Shutter Island is a masterpiece of mystery film-making and should be viewed with an open mind by any fan of Scorsese's.

IMDB here