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Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Easily the best of the first half of 2006.
So far this year has definitely started on a weak note with films coming out. Sure there have been plenty of entertaining popcorn flicks like Talladega Nights, Superman, and Pirates Of The Caribbean 2. And the horror film genre has made leaps and bounds with releasing Hostel, The Hills Have Eyes, Slither, and The Descent which are all a major step forward from the recent crap in horror films that have come out over the previous 3 years (and yes the Descent doesn't really count cause it was released in Britain last year). But then comes along Little Miss Sunshine and completely renews hope in a better last half to the year.
Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed plenty of the theatrical releases so far this year but Little Miss Sunshine is definitely in a league of its own compared to the others. The basic story follows a very dysfunctional family on an eye opening journey across the country to enter young Olive into a pageant contest.
What I found most impressive was that the movie not only managed to be extremely funny regardless of its sometimes very dark themes, but the performances were phenomenal. Especially those of Steve Carrel, Greg Kinnear and Paul Dano. Carrel has without a doubt proved his potential as an actor with this one. When you first see him in the film its utterly shocking as he is sitting in a hospital chair after just having attempted to commit suicide. As the movie unfolds he obviously unleashes his humor but it is very sophisticated, natural, and professional. His oddball characters of Brick Tambland from Anchorman and Andy Stitzer from 40 Year Old Virgin pale in comparison to what he's created with Frank. Of course his other roles have been hilarious and great but in Little Miss Sunshine he really outdoes himself. Greg Kinnear was also very surprising. At first you hate the guy as he present himself as a very egotistic, mean, and somewhat uncaring man but as the story unfolds he takes this character and makes him something great. Then there's Paul Dano, the son of the family and textbook depressed teen. Yet again a character that is funny but seems very typical and kind of boring until about the midway point when he unleashes an amazing performance in quite possibly one of the most emotional sequences in the film.
So make time for Little Miss Sunshine. If you've seen all the big releases for the summer or even if your just looking for something dynamic and interesting, a change from the popcorn flicks, then make this the movie you see for the evening. Simply put its great and shouldn't be missed.
Masters of Horror: Sick Girl (2006)
Bizarre and unique entry to the series makes for a truly memorable installment.
I was actually very surprised upon initially hearing that Lucky McKee had been given a spot to make an episode for the Masters of Horror. I had seen May a long time ago and remembered not being very impressed with it (though a recent viewing of it made me appreciate it more) and wasn't expecting somebody with so little accomplished in the horror genre to have an episode so soon in the show. And in all honesty I wasn't really impressed with the trailer for it either but of course I had every intention to watch every episode no matter how much I thought it would be lacking.
Boy was my initial judgment wrong. Lucky McKee's Sick Girl is by far one of the most entertaining and memorable episodes to the first season. I would have to say that it easily makes my top 3 favorite episodes of the first batch. It is in every way a drama and comedy as it is a horror film. What Lucky does best in this episode is not only tell a horrific story about a bug monster terrorizing an apartment complex, but he surrounds it with a unique love story centralizing on a very fascinating main character. Angela Bettis is perfectly cast (yet again, see May) as the lonely, detached scientist looking for love. Her little gestures and personality traits are just as interesting to watch as the great scares at the end. And once the conclusion mounts its an emotional ride as its hard not to feel deep compassion and concern for the central characters.
And as unconventional and bizarre as the ending may seem its perfectly fitting and in many ways sort of happy. I loved Sick Girl and hope Lucky is invited back to do another episode. Initial criticism's aside, my first thoughts prior to viewing this film were pleasantly proved wrong. Bravo McKee.
Hauru no ugoku shiro (2004)
A profound and exhilarating Miyazaki creation!
Howl's Moving Castle is phenomenal. Presenting itself initially in an odd way, our protagonist Sophie seems somewhat dry and dull. But this lasts only a few moments until a series of fantastical characters pour into her world. Each of these characters, whether it be Calcifer, Markl, Turniphead, the Witch of the Waste (during the last half) or the quiet dog are immediately likable from the get go. You genuinely care about them and their constant references to one another as a family only make the group seem all the more close. It's not very often I'm immediately pulled in by a group of characters but the colorful cast of Howl's Moving Castle are quick to bore a place in memory.
The animation quality is also superb. Vibrant colors and visuals fill every frame and a great attention to detail is thoroughly evident from beginning to end. Though at times it may seem very basic in style, take a second look as every frame holds something distinctively unique and profound in its beautiful fashion. Howl's dazzling transformations are superbly animated throughout his personal endeavors of self-loathing, missing love, and thirst for power. Wheteher he be taking the form of an enormous blue bird or enshrouding himself in the company of dark spirits during a bout of depression, Howl is a spectacle all on his own. The castle he inhabits along with his family is also a treat to the senses. Other than the obviousness of how distinctively creative and complex the outermost appearance of the moving castle is; the magical functions it performs are just as remarkable and interesting. This magnificent creation serves not only as a haven to our heroes but also as a portal to both time and space. It is a mystical labyrinth filled with humorous and surprising secrets and feats at every turn.
The film has a lot to say on love, life, loyalty, war, bravery, and family. And it succeeds gracefully in bringing all these themes together in a very thoughtful and stirring manner. By the films end there is a lot left lingering with you. I found myself thinking about the film as a whole long into the credits' enchanting music. The overall brilliance of its unfolding story, captivating characters, moving relationships, strong themes, elegant visual beauty, and thrilling conflicts is more than I've experienced in a long time in terms of animated films. Yes his last too works Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke were also brilliantly captivating, but Howl's Moving Castle just stood out to me as something extra special in Miyazaki's body of work with Studio Ghibli.
I have seen all of Miyazaki's films with the exception of Kiki's Delivery Service and must say that Howl's Moving Castle is one of Miyazaki's most impressive accomplishes to date. The Academy Award for Best Animated Picture was robbed from this delightful and exciting adventure. I'd have to say that Howl's Moving Castle is my second favorite Miyazaki film, surpassed only by Nausicaa of The Valley of th Wind. Like Nausicaa, this film was grossly overlooked by both general viewers and critics alike. Heres hoping that the DVD release garners more great rating from viewers on this deserving gem.
Ma vie en rose (1997)
Loved every minute!
Wow! I just finished watching this movie today, a few hours ago and was really really surprised by it. Though somewhat weird at times, the powerful performances, thoughtful subject matter, and clever writing just amazed me. Prior to today, I had never heard of the film, which isn't really a big surprise I guess, foreign films in general don't do particularly well in North America on a whole. Yes its sad, but also true.
"My Life In Pink" definately ranks HIGH on the list of spectacular international films for me. I only wish I heard about it sooner but like every other thick headed westerner I was brainwashed into paying to see sub-par movies like "Men In Black", "Lost World: Jurassic Park", "Con Air", and "Face Off" in 1997 instead of this. Those movies weren't horrendous but they didn't have nearly as much depth and meaning as "My Life In Pink".
If you can find the video or DVD or even VCD then pick it up and watch it. Many will not like it at all because they may feel its weird or too taboo for them. But for those of you who are more open minded and are in search of a great piece of film making then this is for you. I felt nothing but sorrow and compassion for young Ludovic all throughout the film. His pain and sorrows, his sadness and loneliness, it brought some tears to my eyes seeing how horrendous he was treated. Everybody looked upon him like a monster. That him wanting to be a girl was outrageous and wrong. Yet again, an accurate interpretation of society. Nowadays your not allowed to be anything that society deems unacceptable. Frankly it sickens me. Whether your gay, straight, bisexual, lesbian, or transgender its your decision and nobody has any right to tell you other wise.
"My Life In Pink" accurately portrays the struggles that hundreds of youth face today. Youth that are struggling to discover their identities, having to deal with family and friends that tease and taunt them for being "different".
I really don't want to say much about the movie because you should experience it without knowing much to get the whole impact of its message. See this movie. Its a prime example of AMAZING French cinema.
A MUST SEE!!!! 4.5 OUT OF 5!!!
28 Days Later... (2002)
Dodges many of the faults that make most horror movies fall flat.
Nowadays, truly scary movies are hard to come by. People are subjected to a lot of WRETCHED horror films that contain poor character development, lousy dialogue, cheap thrills, and pointless plots. Most of the horror movies that have been released lately really don't offer much of anything to be honest.
With that in mind, one might assume that "28 Days Later" would simply be another one of those pointless/tedious films that slowly diminishes the intelligence of its viewers with poorly written stories chock full of mindless gore.
Well, I can honestly say that; in my opinion, 28 Days Later has managed to dodge many of these great faults that are usually very common in the horror genre. The film-makers have succeeded in bringing to the audience a terrifying story of primal violence and desperate survival in an apocalyptic world. The film is primarily a story showing the brutal aftermath of a deadly epidemic known as the "Rage". Those infected have entered into a state of blood-lust, driven only by a hunger for the flesh and blood of those who have not yet been subjected to the virus. We are shown only clips and portions of the chaos that had followed the outbreak. Massive riots and stories of barbaric killings are told through newspaper clippings and explanations given by other survivors. All of this and much more sets the tone of the movie from the start. Bringing us in immediately.
But beyond all of this is a simple tale of human nature. 28 Days Later captures the realistic circumstances of survival, highlighting the various ways people cope with things in such horrendous times. Throughout the course of the film, we come across about 13 non-infected people with entirely different personalities and entirely different means of survival. They all have their own opinions on how to survive, and they've all learned to cope with the conditions in their own way. its this aspect of the movie that really caught my interest.
Was the movie flawless? No not at all. NO MOVIE IS FLAWLESS. But like a few other memorable cinematic experiences, 28 Days Later presented something new. It was gritty, weird, wild, and creepy. Just the right mix to give us a break from the typical/cruddy box office "hits" Hollywood coughs up every month.
10 out of 10. Full points for being the most entertaining movie I've seen in theaters so far this year.
They (2002)
Boring, uneventful, simply uninteresting.
I went into the theaters not expecting much from the movie "They". I had seen a few trailers, read the synopsis, and thought that it might be a decent movie.
It began with a decent intro; setting an uneasy atmosphere as a young boy is tucked into bed by his mother and left alone in his room on a dark rainy night. Soon after, an exciting, short but sweet sequence is shown that really gets the adrenaline pumping. At this point I was pleasantly surprised, now looking forward to the following minutes that would come. Maybe this movie wouldn't be as bad as I had it cracked up to be.
Sadly this just didn't happened. In the hour and a half or so that occurred after this intro sequence, "They" rapidly declined into a boring... uneventful... uninteresting movie. The characters had NO... well... character it them. They lived boring lives, had boring personalities, and were portrayed by boring performers. A series of wooden boards with various faces drawn on them would have had more chemistry on screen then the actors casted in "They".
Basically I felt cheated. I felt cheated because we (the audience) are shown this pretty cool beginning, only to have our hopes for a good movie shattered almost immediately after.
On top of that, the protagonists final confrontation with the demons was VERY quick and VERY sudden. It wasn't thrilling or exciting at all really.
Finally, the ending. What a wretched ending. Sure its different, I mean its very unusual, but its also very abrupt. Nothing is answered, we are left alone in or dark dreary seats to ponder for the next few minutes why it is we payed any amount of money to see this excuse for a film in the first place.
2 out of 10. Simply cause the intro was pretty cool. Avoid it.
Darkness Falls (2003)
Darkness Falls-Flat
"Darkness Falls" was one of the top movies to see for me when it was released in theaters a few months ago simply because critics from film festivals were raving about it.
If this had been a 10 minute movie I would be raving about it too. The opening sequence was WICKED. After this fast paced beginning I was pumped and ready to go for what I was hoping to be an equally cool continuation once the credits went through. And yet again, like many horror films before it... things just did not hold strong.
Sure the whole tooth fairy story about a poor old disfigured lady being killed unfairly was kind of neat. But the whole vengeful spirit out to wreak havoc on its fellow towns folk was weak. I kept waiting for something that would set this movie apart from every other horror film with a high body count. Anything really, a twist or slightly unsuspected ending would have done nicely. But none of this ever came. All we (the audience) get is a cast of characters who are solely there for the purpose of a higher body count. 90% of those who get dragged off by the angry spirit have absolutely NO character development, so when they finally get it you don't really feel too sad at all. Well sure them dying is a bummer, but other than that, there is next to no connection developed that would make you feel much of anything for them.
I didn't hate this movie. But the simplistic story, cheesy dialogue, and stereotypical characters were pretty tiresome.
5 out of 10. For a few entertaining moments and a cool intro.
Silent Hill (1999)
Every town has its secrets, some are just darker than others...
Silent Hill is by far the creepiest and most disturbing video game ever to grace a gaming consol. Taking you deep into the abandoned Town, the game uses amazing lighting effects and frightening sounds to play on the gamers nerve. Whether it be a sudden crashing noise, the quiet eerie sound of static, the ring of sirens, or the simple sounds of a creaking old house, Silent hill manages to find any way possible to scare the gamer... and it does it in a big way.
The story follows Harry Mason as he is driving to the resort town of Silent Hill with his daughter Cheryl for vacation. Late during a mysterious woman jumps out in front of the car, causing Harry to panic and veer offroad. His car slams into the side of a big tree, knocking him out in the process. When Harry awakens a thick fog lingers about him and his daughter Cheryl is missing. Scared and confused he stumbles about, entering the town of Silent Hill.
Everything about his game is brilliant. Instead of being a typical zombie blasting, monster smashing horror game, Silent Hill focuses on the little, more disturbing things. Take for example the most simplistic chill of the game. Harry is standing in the derelict school when a toy phone rings, picking it up he hears his daughter Cheryl crying and pleading to him on the other end of the phone. While it may sound dumb in writting, when actually viewing the sequence, you cant help but shudder at the thought of what may be happening to her. In your explorations you will come across six key lcations: the School, the Hospital, the Church, the Docks, the Amusement Park, and the Sewers, all of which have their own horrifing secrets. I myself got most creeped out in the Sewers. Imagine yourself trudging through a disgusting tunnels in pure darkness, when all around you hear is gurgling noise of a creature and your own heartbeat. And at any moment it may attack you. But from where? You can barely see anything. Belive me when I say I nearly jumped out of my skin every time a creature jumped out or sewer grating dropped out from beneath my feet.
If your looking for a REALLY good scare, rent Silent Hill, turn off all the lights, and cuddle your favorite teddy bear. It is THE best survival-horror game ever. Every town has its secrets, some are just darker than others...
Mononoke-hime (1997)
Mononoke Hime is this centuries last "5 Star" anime.
Mononoke Hime is this centuries last "5 Star" anime. Its captivating story, amazing visuals, and intense characters are merely a cover for the true lesson being told. Its a story which forcasts the lifelong battle between our Earth and those who walk upon it. But even more meaningful, the battle every one of us fights each waking moment of our life deep inside as we struggle to find our place in this world.
Each character in Mononoke Hime is facing these very same struggles. On one side we have those who want to improve themselves but feel it is necessary to destroy what is around them in order to achieve it. Then on the other side we have natures Gods which are fighting to preserve the origins of life but are laying blame on a single race when it is all who is at fault. Finally there is the man stuck between both, confused as to why they are fighting a war when they could simply just find a way to coexist.
While simple at first glance, there is a lot of complexity to the movie in terms of morals and beliefs. Missing out on this brilliantly made piece of art would be a crime.
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
A stylish horror film with "CLASSIC" written all over it.
Jeepers Creepers is a stylish horror film with classic written all over it. In the fashion of the old black and white horror movies, Jeepers Creepers is meant to haunt you not necessarily make you jump out of your skin (although some scenes do). Its a simple story done in an old fashioned yet brilliant style. The story follows Darry and Trish, siblings on their way home from college to visit their parents. While driving they are nearly run off the road by a creepy old car, which they then find parked by a church. It is there that they see a man wearing a trench coat dumping bodies into a sewer duct. This of course leads to a hideous chase as the "Creeper" targets the two as his new additions.
What I loved about this movie is that it wasnt REALLY trying to impress anybody with big Hollywood visual effects and fascinating sets. Its all placed in the quiet, yet haunting, backroads and fields of the plains. With most of its action being seen in an old abandoned church, a hick diner, an old ladies darkened house, and the county's police station. It reminded me of those old monster movies where a small town was being plagued by an evil creature (ex. Swamp Monster). And I enjoyed seeing this on the big screen again.
In terms of the monster, The Creeper is right down to it BAD. He's the definition of a villain. No change of character whatsoever is seen by the Creeper. His one goal is to get what he wants, and nothing that may come in his way will change his sights, no pleading, no bargaining, he wont let up. This I liked, it really gave you the sense that he was out there to get them, and unless Darry and Trish found an incredibly smart way to shake him, or a method of killing him, they would have to run from him forever.
Sure the ending may have been a little dark and dreary, but it ended in the way it should have ended. I personally found the ending to be EXTREMELY fitting for the film, anything else would have been a sad attempt at trying to make all the viewers happy. What was so great about it was it set up the idea that there may be a sequel, without just forcing it in last minute like a lot of movie's have before ('I Know What You Did Last Summer', the killer is alive and all of a sudden attacks Jennifer Love Hewitt at the last possible moment... too forced).
The acting of a brother/sister relationship is really well done by Justin Long and Gina Philips, the Creeper does a great job at being a hated character, and overall payoff seemed well worth the time. I urge you to at least give this movie a try. It truly is a creepy and disturbing film that all horror fans should take a look at.
Thir13en Ghosts (2001)
Creepy, disturbing, fun!
Its rare to see a horror movie nowadays that manages to both creep you out and keep a solid plot. 13 Ghosts has succeeded in doing this, and while some of the acting may seem a little overdone (Mathew Lillard), overall the film was a great remake to a classic film.
As much as I love classic horror movies, the old black and white films with bad visual effects is only entertaining the first time through. thats how I felt towards William Castle's original 13 Ghosts, it was great for his time, and fun to watch once, but not again. Now that Dark Castle has revived the old experience with better visual effects, cool storyline twists, a cast of awsome ghosts (as well as the creative idea for the glasses), and a cool 1 location set, I really found I appreciated the movie better. Sure you may think at first that the glass house is a stupid idea, but honestly, its pretty brilliant. Not only has it never been done, but its succeeded in doing it. To make things interesting, strange latin (or something) is carved on the glass as containment spells to keep the ghosts from just walking about. And while the body count for such a small place may seem a little low, the thrills and effects make up for it.
Still, the greatest thing about the movie is the ghosts themselves. They are as follows: The Angry Princess, The Bound Woman, The First Born Son, The Great Child, The Torso, The Hammer, The Jackal, The Juggernaut, The Dire Mother, The Pilgrimess, The Withered Lover, and The Torn Prince. These are the ACTUAL stars of the film, and they do a great job at being freaky. I just could help but be creeped out by The Jackal and disturbed by the Angry Princess, and while some of the ghosts werent shown as much as others (Pilgrimess, Torso), what was shown of them was pretty cool.
So watch the movie, and judge it for yourself, but in my eyes, it was a blast. Dont miss out on this great remake.
Survivor (2000)
Not the best of the installments, but still a solid enjoyable weekly show.
Overall, Survivor Africa wasnt the best of the Seasons, and I didnt feel AS connected with the characters as I did in other installments, but overall it did have its strong points.
The game itself remains the same, 16 complete strangers forced to create and maintain a society, then vote each other off until 1 is remaining to claim the million dollar prize, and title of Sole Survivor. This time around though, Mark Burnett and the creative minds working under him, added in "The Switch". After the fourth member was cast out and both team were even, three members from both tribes walked to their original drop zone and were placed on opposit teams. This of course added a needed flare to the season by causing confusion and disarray at both camps as old alliances faltered and new bonds began to form.
Still, it wasnt until the tribes merged that I REALLY began to enjoy Survivor Africa, many of the members on Samburu (Generation X as they were called) were really bothersom. I just felt that MANY of the characters you tended to just plainly dislike (Lex, Brandon, Clarence, Lindsey, etc). And I dont know about the rest of you, but the location of Africa seemed to lose its appeal after about fourth or fifth episode. I became tired of looking at the thorn bush camps, dry fields and bushes pretty quickly aching for more excitement from the environment around them. The worst mother nature had to throw at the castaway's was the hot sun, dirty water, and occasional lion appearance.
But regardless of some unlikable cast members, and the not so interesting terrain of Africa. The season was an overall success with everybody' favorite, Ethan cashing out with the million dollar prize. Lex getting the chop at third place, and Tom asking his outrageously funny Tribal council question. Though not the best, Survivor Africa is still a solid enjoyable 60 minutes.
Survivor - Season Two: The Greatest and Most Outrageous Moments (2001)
Viewers just cant get enough of the phenomenon that is SURVIVOR!!!
I've watched Survivor religiously from the beginning of the beginning. The very idea of taking 16 complete strangers from different walks of life, with different beliefs and morals, then throwing them on a deserted island to create and maintain a society. While at the same time playing against each other in a game of wits and integrity for a grand prize of one million dollars is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT.
I just cannot get enough of the phenomenon that is Survivor. Season 4 was statistically the overall best season of Survivor thus far. It maintained a large audience which overshadowed many of season ones unwatched episodes (discluding the finale in which Richard Hatch became the first official winner). While the dirt of feuds, fights, and arguements werent as heated as in the first Survivor. The characters in season 2 were much more memorable. Whether it be the wonderful bond between sweet Elizabeth Filarski and gentle Rodger Bingham, or the love sherade between the wicked Jerri Manthey and texan cowboy Colby Donaldson, the bonds and interractions between the castaways were much more involved and interesting.
This tape helps highlight all the key events from Michael Skupins game turning accident to the dangerous river crossing of Keith Famie and Tina Wesson in an attempt to save a can of rice swept off by the flood. Included are in debth looks into the castaways lives and personalities as well as interviews with each of them on the Morning Show. Plus, this time around, it was interesting to see FULL immunity challenges shown in the highlights.
For the hardcore Survivor fanatic or casual viewer, this is a must have tape. Even for those who are simply curious about the show, buy the tape and try it out. For all you know it could spark some interest and you too may become a fanatic!
Session 9 (2001)
I need you to wake up now, and take a really good look at Session 9
It wasnt until 2 years ago that I fully began to show an interest in independent films. I myself am a striving writer and director who really enjoys to watch flicks being made by lesser known (but still very talented) individuals.
Session 9 is an amazing example of how great some low budget movies can be. It really is a truly deep and enigmatic film experience. It had a real sense of human psychosis and though the movie itself may only have had a few thrills, the overall structure to the film is where the real scary and disturbing factors lay. It was made in such a way that the story and characters were both introduced in a entwined fashion so that the characters themselves discover the truths of the asylum as they go about their business.
I never got the feeling that Session 9 was trying to necessarily impress anybody, but instead tell a story in a smooth and creative way. It was what it was, and nothing more. While some of you may not appreciate that, I found it really made the movie. As in every other psychological thriller, the twisted and unexpected ending was there, but unlike other titles of its genre, Session 9's conclusion felt very natural and unforced. I personally get frustrated when a horror movie keeps a certain pace throughout the film, then all of a sudden out of nowhere the conclusion drops an over the top typical ending that leaves us feeling only moderately entertained. session 9 does not do this, while at some parts the movie seems a little slow, the payoff is so well presented that you'll want to watch the movie again and again and again just to see it masterfully play out.
I loved this movie. The story unravelled so impressively that I couldnt help but pay absolute attention to what was happening. Everything said, and everything done, is forshadowing the shocking conclusion. I havent been this entertained with a psychological thriller since "The Sixth Sense" was released. Dont let the disturbing theme keep you from watching this Session 9, it truly is an incredibly told story. So wake up and take a really good look at this creative film!