I’ve noticed a wonderful trend as of late … the showing of films in the park. I know, I know … other cities have been doing this since the dawn of time, but not Boise.
Of course, I’ve always thought this a splendid idea. As a matter of fact, one of my fanciful dreams consists of owning a big stone barn, where I’d host parties during the winter, and show films during the summer. *sigh*
Still, movies in the park is a start … if only they’d show a film I’d like to watch.
In the meantime, there’s always the traditional Theatre … where it just so happens I watched Knight and Day. It’s one to own; I mean really, how long has it been since a good action-comedy came out? Only forever!
Hasn’t this movie been receiving mixed reviews? Yes, yes it has; but here’s the thing: some poor, unfortunate souls have no sense of humor. A few of them were sitting in front of us as a matter of fact. In such cases it’s best to ignore said review … and pity the critic …
What about the whole ’Tom-Cruise-is-annoying’ bit? Doesn’t hold water. I was among the number who took a hiatus from Tom Cruise movies–this one reminds me why I liked him in the first place.
I’m telling you, this movie made us laugh–out loud–nearly the entire time. Such a feat, after a week like last? Well, it’s nearly enough to make me jump up on a sofa, flail my arms about, and wildly proclaim my gratitude. {poor guy will never live that one down}
Instead, I’ll simply tell you this: if you need some good, light-hearted fun, do yourself a favor and go see Knight and Day … then come back here and quote your favorite lines and we’ll throw back our heads back and LAUGH some more …
Rating: PG
Genre: Animation / Family
Verdict: A triumph!
The gist: Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner) has always dreamed of grand adventure – of discovering the lost lands of South America. But at 78 it seems all is lost. Then he fools everyone; one morning he unfurls thousands of balloons and he and his house soar up and away from the sadness and disappointment below. But he hasn’t left it all behind. He has a stowaway – 8-year-old Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai). All Russell wants is to earn his “Assisting the Elderly” badge. Together, they encounter a pack of talking dogs, an evil adventurer, a rare bird named kevin – and discover the greatest adventure of all.
My take: How is it an annimated film can mirror life so realistically? I don’t know either, but Up proves it to be true. The animation is, of course, spectacular in detail – but more than that, it’s the life breathed into each character. Carl and Russell are perfect examples of those easily overlooked in today’s society – children and the elderly. It’s animation. And it’s Oscar-worthy. The screenplay (Bob Peterson and Pete Docter) provides a little something for everyone – action, adventure, romance. You’ll laugh one minute, cry the next. But it is the story that makes the film. And it could not have been released at a more appropriate time. With more and more people breaking their banks simply to survive, it’s good to be reminded what lifts us up and sets us on our own adventure.
An aside: If you are at all prone to tears, take heed. You will bawl. I’m telling you this now so you’ll be prepared – so you won’t have to cry through 3 rough napkins that came with your kids meal, use the front of your hand, the back of your hand, your sleeve, until the gusher takes over and you are forced to grab the arm of the person sitting next to you – panic stricken – and demand “Kleenex! I NEED KLEENEX!!!!” Not that I would know any of this from experience, naturally …
Life has a mind of its own …
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Biography
The verdict: Loved
The gist: Columnist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) needs a story. Just when he’s nearly ready to give up on finding anything of any value, he happens upon Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx) – a homeless man living in LA’s Skid Row, playing a two-stringed violin. Amidst his stream of consciousness Ayers mentions he attended Juliard – that he’s “had a few setbacks.” Lopez discovers that Ayers was never trained on the violin, but the bass, that he did, indeed, attend Juliard for a time, that he dropped out due to mental illness. Finally, he has his story; but over time, he realizes he has much, much more …
My take: Based on the book by Steve Lopez, The Soloistis a powerful, heartfelt drama that truly does portray the way in which life has a mind of its own. Joe Wright orchestrates the film with intent. Much like life, it’s not clean and tidy. There are times when the creative direction can be a bit distracting – the voices Ayers hears, for instance. However, it does give a glimpse at what it would be like – and let’s be serious, it would be a little more than distracting. Susannah Grant (screenwriter) throws in humor every now and again, so the film does not get overly bogged down with drama. And the actors – Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener (who plays Lopez ex-wife) - offer superb performances. Perhaps one of the most amazing aspects of the film is the humanity. The cinematography surrounding the homeless and the destitute is awe inspiring in itself – for amidst the chaos, lies a certain dignity. It is a story of a story … a story of life’s setbacks … of friendship … of letting go … and coming home.
An aside: The Soloist has received mixed reviews – possibly more than usual. More than likely this is dependent upon two things: The release date was pushed back, which people view as a very bad sign; and the subject matter is difficult. We like things clean and tidy; things like homelessness or mental illness we’d rather pretend doesn’t exist, or – like Lopez – we want them fixed. Railing against these points, however, is a pity – because so much is missed. The performances truly are Oscar-worthy. And the story – while it may be difficult at times – is one we should hear. If you’ve been wondering whether or not to spend your time and money on this film, I would recommend it.
Life’s a messy business.
Rating: R (language, some disturbing images)
Genre: Drama – comedy
The verdict: Loved
The gist:Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) was a high school sweetheart – the cheerleading captain who dated the quarterback. Now she is a single mother; the ”other” woman. When her son (Jason Spevack) is expelled from school, Rose realizes she needs more than what she makes as maid. Following a suggestion by her lover (Steve Zahn), she starts a specialized cleaning service – Sunshine Cleaning. Together she and her younger sister Norah (Emily Blunt) erase the traces of murders, suicides, and other unpleasantsituations while her son helps their father (Alan Arkin) on his get-rich-quick schemes. Along the way they will realize that life may be messy, it may not turn out as you had hoped, but with a little cheer – and a lot of work – it is worth the living.
My take: Sunshine Cleaning is a charming story of life – and the beauty amid the ugliness. The screenplay (Megan Holley) is bright and original – boasting just enough humor to get through the rough spots. While there are themes aplenty, none of them are overplayed. Christine Jeffs’ direction is deft and smooth – creating a film that is at once slice of life and entertaining. To cap it all off, this film boasts a brilliant cast of actors and actresses. Each fit his/her role perfectly - portraying characters that remain endearing, despite their flaws. Clifton Collins, Jr., for instance, infuses pure heart into the character of Winston, the manager of the cleaning supply store. He may be a minor character, but he is not easily forgotten. Together the cast and crew prove it’s not what you have or haven’t that makes you great – it’s what you put into it.
An aside: In case you didn’t get it from the above review, I would highly recommend this film. Being independent, it may be a bit harder to come by. But take the time to seek it out – it will be worth the effort!
So, I’m at the store the other day when the following DVD catches my eye …
No joke! This is a real-life, honest-to-goodness movie from 1979. Who knew? Not I, apparently. Now that I do know, however, I must say that cover is some good times. I mean really … “The Villain” … they may be smiling on the outside, but one is low-down-and-dirty on the inside. Chances are this film is nothing but cornball … and yet, I think I must. I can’t help it. It’s drawing me in. Must. See. The Villain. Now would probably be a good time. After all, some movies are so much better when you’re either deliriously tired or, you know, on some kind of medication …
