September 2009

The Royal Tannenbaums

This was a film that got recognition a few years back because of its cast and its content. Ultimately, it is an examination of dysfunctional families through satire.

I am sad that the satire wasn't more pronounced.

At first, I wasn't getting the film, it was missing something, and the pacing dragged. Here's how I know: I stopped the film partway through and almost didn't finish it.

Yep, I almost didn't finish watching a film.

However, I'm glad that I did. The performances by Gene Hackman and Angelica Huston are subtle and strong, and once the action got going, the point began to be made. Production design was great, and there was a lot of good stuff in the film, truly, however, it's a different kind of film. Again, the pacing is a little labored at the beginning, but it is an excellent example of Owen Wilson's talent, both as an actor and a writer.

Rating:
2.5 stars out of 5

Recommend:
If you're interested in the film, see it. It's not all bad.
If you miss it, that's okay. It's not all good, either.

Stranger Than Fiction

See this film.

See it for these reasons:
Emma Thompson in a different but perfectly executed role.
Dustin Hoffman in a character that fits him like his own skin.
Maggie Gyllenhaal with her characteristic edge but some sweetness thrown in.
Queen Latifah with her inherent strength, softened with a business suit.
Will Ferrell taking a stab at dramatic acting, and doing an unexpectedly good job.

But the real star of the show?
THE SCRIPT.

This is my favorite script this year.
Brilliant. Creative. Clever. Intricate. Unusual. Deep. Sweet. Lovely. Riveting. Provocative. Fantastic.
There aren't enough words to express my excitement about this film. So, my rating will just have to suffice.

Rating?
6 out of 5 stars. (That's 5 plus 1 for you Math Majors.)

Recommend?
You should see it at least once, but I recommend twice.

P.S. Thanks to Cuzn B for reminding me I wanted to see this film. Dude. You were so right!

Julie and Julia, the movie

I have one word for this film.

SUBLIME.

Meryl Streep does it again.
Stanley Tucci not only keeps up with Streep, but matches her beautifully.
Amy Adams is perfection.
Nora Ephron has outdone herself - as a writer and as a director.

I don't want to say anymore because you need to let Ephron take you on this journey herself. Just know that if you enjoy character-driven films, this is one worth seeing.

How many stars?
4.5 out of 5

Recommend?
ABSOLUTELY. And, it's a great date movie if you're looking for one.

Catch and Release: the film

Catch and Release is a charming romance with meat on its bones. This film takes on death and marriage in a fresh way. The main character's fiancee dies on a fishing trip, his bachelor party. From the opening images, we learn that the wake is the same day as her wedding day. As the film unfolds, we go through the process of the character questioning if she ever knew her now former fiancee, and ever-so-subtly we are posed with deep questions such as love and vulnerability, secrets and disclosure. Powerful ideas that the director, Susannah Grant, interweaves with a light but deliberate hand.

How do I rate this film?
4 out of 5 stars

Do I recommend this film?
Yes. Definitely. If you enjoy Hollywood style romances, and want to see one with substance, see this film. The dialogue is clever, the characters are wonderful, and the storyline is unusual. Best of all, writer/director Grant doesn't shrink from the tough moments, but instead glides through them with tenderness and grace.

Juno: the movie

I saw Juno earlier this week, and it was much better than I'd expected. Ellen Page's ability to give nuance to an experience as complicated as teenage pregnancy was inspiring. While the film began with dialogue that alienated me, it transitioned into regular speak-fast enough that I was able to forgive the opening scenes. The direction was well executed and unpretentious, and the editing was well done. What do I mean? I mean I didn't notice any cuts. I didn't wonder what they were thinking. This is a plus these days.

I must say, however, in the area of screenwriting, I don't feel it was so spectacular as to win the Oscar. I've seen films with better twists and turns, stronger dialogue, and more developed situations and characters. Films that challenge the viewer yet don't ostrasize. Good Night and Good Luck and Stranger Than Fiction are two films that come to mind that I felt were more well crafted in the area of screenwriting. That said, to take on a topic as taboo and controversial as teenage pregnancy and have it not be a preachy film is an accomplishment. Perhaps, then, it was for that reason the film was recognized by The Academy.

What is my rating on this film?
3.5 out of 5 stars.

Do I recommend it?
Yes. I think this film does an excellent job of addressing important issues, but doesn't preach or belabor them. And, it is a great catalyst to talk about a very complicated issue.

Love Lived On Death Row

Very exciting stuff happening with the film I'm marketing. Linda Booker, the director, and I are going to be marketing the film at the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte September 25 and 26. We are in major preparations for the event, and the momentum is building wonderfully. Tonight I met with my senior pastor, and his interest in the project was incredibly invigorating. It is my hope that we will be able to screen the film at St. Leo's this year, but we'll have to see what scheduling slots are available.

In the next couple of weeks, we will also be doing a postcard mailing targeting folks for the Charlotte event. I'm thrilled to be a part of this project, and to be back in film. People are interested, and it's fun putting all those skills from my younger days to use. Like sending out mailings.

Feel free to check out the website anytime & I'll keep you posted re: screenings in your area!

http://www.lovelivedondeathrow.com

Beauty and light.
mg