Lars and the Real Girl

I watched "Lars and the Real Girl" last night when sleep was elusive, and I found myself very effected by the movie. It is very emotionally deep and, admittedly, I felt a somewhat pathetic sympathy for the title character, Lars. The movie is about a late 20's or 30ish shy man that has reached a mental breaking point in his life, and falls in love with a life-size plastic doll. Yes, it is that kind of doll, but the fact that it is that kind of doll is a very minuscule and unimportant part of the movie. Throughout the course of the film Lars projects and relates some of his own internal problems in and through his plastic affection. He fully believes that she is real, and those around him not only cannot convince him otherwise, but must end up embracing this "woman" as real. She helps Lars cope with the difficult life that he has to deal with around him, and in him. The emotions between Lars and the plastic woman are quite poignant, and the personal effect it had on me was profound. Lars is fighting through, among other things, the difficulty to find companionship, and love. I admit to really empathizing with his struggle in those areas. When you see that he reaches that point of desperation for friendship, companionship, and love that drives him to seek out those things in something inanimate, and somewhat absurd, I could relate on a certain level. I can relate to the feeling of loneliness, and need. My own life seems to coincide with some of Lars' needs and deficiencies in a similar way right now. No, I'm not going to go buy a giant doll, but the emotions are still similar to many of our own.

I don't want to give away the ending, or any major plot points, but I will say that it is NOT a movie that will leave you depressed afterwards. I tell you this because I know, through experience, that watching a drama that ends in pure, unresolved sadness is hard to like. This movie gives hope, and is thought-provoking. The actor who plays Lars (Ryan Gosling) is superb as well. I believe he was nominated for an Academy Award for this role. The movie sounds bizarre, but it is actually easier to accept the concept and the film than you might think. I was very skeptical, but was quite impressed. A must see in my opinion.

Rating: A

Fall Movie Reviews

A couple fall movies of note:

Surrogates:
Better than I thought it would be. You can tell that some of it's ideas are stolen, or unintentionally borrowed from other sci-fi, but most of the ideas are quite original. Not an amazing Bruce Willis performance, but it's almost always fun to watch him anyways.

Grade: B

The Invention of Lying:
The opening scenes of this movie, especially some witty commentary by Ricky Gervais over the opening credits are stupendously, and unavoidably hilarious! Almost from start to finish I was laughing out-loud. It's a story about a world where nobody can lie. Everyone tells the truth, and the truth about what's on their mind all the time...very funny! I only have one true gripe with the film, and that is a scene toward the beginning where there is some uneeded, semi-prolonged sexual humor. The premise is great, and a truly original idea.

Grade: B+

Whip It:
A surpising movie for me. A story about a 17 year-old girl that joins a women's roller derby team behind her parents backs, and becomes quite good at it. Tensions rise when it's found out that she is underage, and must get her parents permission to compete. The movie has good-taste heart-felt moments; some good small town Napoleon-Dynamite-esque humor, and a very funny coach character that is played by Owen Wilson's brother Andrew. Andrew's sense of humor, and diction is amazingly close to his brother's... and hilarious.

Grade: B+

Avatar Pictures

These are some still frames from the brand new trailer. I like these because it gives you a closer look at just how good the CGI is. The textures, etc. are simply amazing!

Happy AVATAR Day!










I can't wait for this movie. It's going to be breathtaking! Happy AVATAR Day!

2009 Summer Movie Grades

Letter grade standings of all the summer movies that I've seen from highest to lowest:

1. Up: A
2. Star Trek: A-
3. Harry Potter 6: B+
4. Angels & Demons: B+
5. Terminator Salvation: B
6. Wolverine: B
7. Drag Me To Hell: B
8. Transformers 2: B-
9. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra: C+
10. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs: C

Star Trek with JJ

The latest installment into the Trek-verse is wonderful, fun, funny, and plays near perfect homage to all bright spots of Star Trek past! I laughed, I goose-bumped, and I lurched forward in my seat as director J.J. Abrams brought me a new interpretation of a cast of characters that I've always held very dear. Abrams, the writers, and then ultimately the cast were able to accomplish something that I thought was impossible: make a Star Trek movie that fan and newcomer could like equally. With expectations so high I was impressed at how there was not an over-indulgence in total re-invention (there is some), or nostalgic shamelessness. It may not be as intellectually in depth as the older movies, but I really think it makes up for that in a variety of other ways. A victory to be sure!

One of the brightest spots for me, surprisingly despite so many wonderful things, was the sound of the movie--crisp, impactful, and intensifying. The acting is also top notch, and you won't be grimacing at any line due to cheese or poor delivery. The exchanges between Kirk and McCoy are my absolute favorite scenes, and the perfectly timed appearances of the great Leonard Nimoy brought a smile to my face multiple times. The only character complaint is that I had to find myself getting used to the newer incarnation of Spock, and his somewhat more emotional persona, but the actor playing him, Zachary Quinto, does well none-the-less. One other hiccup with Spock occurs in a weird, and almost wrong, kissing scene with Uhura...but i'll forgive it this time because a couple of old episodes had Spock in a similar state (i hope there isn't anymore in future movies, although there very well could be). And of course no movie can be truly great without a great villain. Eric Bana portrays a hate-mongering, very vengeful, and never too talky Romulan adversary to really top off a good cast. One major complaint is that it couldn't have been at least ten minutes longer to let us, the audience, soak in more of the excitement and nostalgic emotion that the film brought so fully to the viewers.
Rating: A-

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

This movie was better than what most critics seem to be saying. Maybe it got hammered because last years two major comic book movie entries were so good that we all got very spoiled (Iron Man & The Dark Knight). This movie isn't quite as good as those 2 last year, but it's not so bad that you'd regret seeing it by any means. Hugh Jackman gives a wonderful performance, and gives us the Wolverine that we love to watch. The story isn't brilliant, but it is grabbing, and engaging (with a few cool nuggets about the title characters past--like how he got the name "Wolverine"). The action is near top-notch as well. This movie deserves more respect than what the average joe critic is giving it. It is also much better than X-Men: The Last Stand (which wasn't quite as bad as everyone made it seem either). A fun watch!
My Rating: B

Darling "Coraline"

A fantastic movie from the same director of the movie "A Nightmare Before Christmas" (the director of "A Nightmare Before Christmas" is not Tim Burton as many people seem to think--he was the producer. The director's name is actually Henry Selick). Beautifully made, with a wonderful feel to the world that has been created. It's a story of a young girl, Coraline, her family, and their recent move to an interesting old apartment house amidst the hills, and trees. As Coraline explores about in her boredom she finds eccentric neighbors, an odd cat, and a hidden door to an alternate reality or universe behind some wallpaper. Many wonderful, amusing, and then delightfully frightening encounters occur there.
"Coraline" is a wonderful movie full of clever little twists, and it has a magical quality throughout. The story telling is top notch, and should not be missed. As a side note I feel the need to inform you that there are some genuine spooky/creepy moments in this movie, and any child under the age of 8 probably should not see it, unless they have a good tolerance for the spooky. I loved it, and for me it captures all the magic, and fun of "A Nightmare before Christmas", which is a great compliment. Good stuff! Great Movie!
My Rating: A-

A Lovely "Day & Age"

I recently had the privilage of hearing the latest Killers album "Day & Age". I was blown away by how good it is. My past impression of their previous albums was luke-warm, but this album really caught my attention song, after song, after song. Superb! I'm glad i gave it to my sister for Christmas so I could have the chance to listen to it. Now I feel I must pick up my own copy. Wonderful stuff. The best brand of The Killers to date!

Rosenstrasse

A couple nights ago I had the delight of filling my vision, and other associated senses with a wonderful German film that my sister, Emily, introduced me to: Rosenstrasse. A truly touching tale (I mean that in the best way) of struggling Aryan German women, in 1943 Berlin, fighting to discover the fate of their Jewish husbands. The true story also incorporates another moving tale about a modern day woman trying to discover her mother's repressed past, and in so doing crosses paths with a woman she can grow to call her adopted grandmother. The beauty, and precision in which the plot lines intertwine is undeniable. The acting never distracts, but simply enriches. I can honestly say that I would recommend it to all that I know. Give Rosenstrasse a peek and you won't be sorry.
My Rating: B+

"Get On Your Boots"

The rock band U2 does it again: manages to slightly reinvent their sound, and still make it amazing. After hearing, and downloading their latest single "Get On Your Boots" (which I got through an album pre-order on iTunes) I am thoroughly satisfied. U2 is one band that can do no wrong. Well, that is if you are a fan in the first place. I can't wait for the albums release on March 3! WooHoo! Go check it out!

A Hiatus From My Hiatus

Well, after a long blogging hiatus i'm back to update, inform, comment, and blab. Here's my brief thoughts on the movies i've seen or heard about over the past 4 or 5 months:

Bablyon A.D.: Wanted to see it at first because it seemed to have a cool sci-fi premise, but the reviews where simply dreadful. A big no on this one. Maybe I'll rent it sometime.

Traitor: Has anyone seen this movie? It stars Don Cheadle (black tech guy on Ocean's 11, 12, 13). I heard mixed reviews, but it did look interesting. Trying to decide if it is truly worthy of my viewing. Another one on the Maybe Rent list.

Play it Again Sam: Very, very funny. Woody Allen at his best. Unfortunately Woody Allen at his best also means that he'll sneak some off-color humor in there. Really impressed with it overall though.

Quantum of Solace: The newest Bond entry got knocked a little bit because it wasn't as sweepingly fresh, and emotionally moving as the first Daniel Craig installment. I feel that it didn't deserve the questionable reviews it got (though overall they were mostly positive). It has the same, if not better, action flair as the first Craig 007 movie, and the villian is truly on par with classic, creepy, power hungry Bond villians of yesteryear. Well crafted, intense, and enjoyable.

Valkyrie: Tom Cruise as a German Nazi??? If you can get past the weirdness of that concept, then this movie is wonderful. It's a tale of how higher ranking officials in the Nazi army attempted to assassinate Hitler. It was very refreshing to see another movie from the viewpoint of the other side (also see All Quiet On the Westfront). Very suspenseful even though you can guess closely as to what the outcome of the movie may be. Tom Cruise does a wonderful job.

Young Frankenstein: A classic that i had never seen before this past Christmas time. A weird, quirky, very funny comedy about the grandson of the great Dr. Frankenstein. Gene Wilder is delightful, and the supporting cast is bizarre (which is perfect). Unfortunately crude in a couple parts, but hilarious. A classic deserving to be so.

There are probably a couple other movies that i've seen recently that i've forgot about...probably because it is getting late and i should get to bed. There's my two cents on those movies. Blog you soon!