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rpennyw
Reviews
Starman (1984)
Who doesn't wish friendly aliens would land in their back yard?
Jeff Bridges is insanely talented. (As proved by his repeated award nominations and wins). I have seen him in many of the films he was nominated for, but something about the Starman character really makes him stand out. His performance in this film is absolutely otherworldly. The way he moves, holds himself, and speaks..it's fascinating! Jeff Bridges gets all the praise, but Karen Allen does an exceptional job, as well. She has a great story arc and makes every one of her choices believable.
And just because I love a good geeky character, I really loved Charles Martin Smith's character.
Without a doubt, John Carpenter is an amazing director. I don't know why it took me so long to see this film.
The Messenger (2009)
A haunting film..
I am a huge fan of both Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster in just about anything they do, but they really touched me in this film. They both had stunning, eerie performances and the subtle tension and chemistry between the two of them is stunning. And Samantha Morton is fascinating to watch (I have only just recently started seeing her films and am becoming more and more of a fan). The story is so relevant to the world today. Over 4000 Americans have had to deal with the subject that this film tackles. It is a riveting film, but so very difficult to watch at the same time. (Especially if you have or have had family in the military). Ben Foster's character shows spectacular examples of humanity when you don't expect him to. These performances stick with you well after you leave the theater the feelings you have while watching this film continue to haunt you. A sobering, touching film very deserving of every award it has received.
Beeswax (2009)
Trying to be Woody Allen-esque?
I won't say this is the worst film I've ever seen, but it sure won't make it to the top of my recommended films list. I saw it at a film festival in North Carolina. The thing that kept me in my seat for the entire film was that I was fascinated with the actresses. Having only seen them in this one film, I don't know what kind of range they possess, but it seemed to me like they were (or could be) very talented.
The problem with this film does not lie in the acting, whatever they were doing was working! It was the story..or screenplay, if there was one. Mike Mellon posted in an earlier review that he was "having a hard time believing it was actually written instead of made up as the filming progressed." I absolutely feel the same way. Was there a screenplay written? I was also disappointed in the ending. I'd made it all the way through the film and then...it just...ended. What happened there? Another reviewer joked that the film may have run out. Yeah, where was the structure here? What was the point? The sisters were interesting characters (or people), I just wish they'd been given a more interesting story to portray.
Pirate Radio (2009)
It's only rock and roll!
I saw the trailer for this film once. Unfortunately, that was about the only advertising I saw for it, which is sad because it is such a GREAT film. I really wish they had spent a little more time and effort on publicizing it! It deserves it! Not only does it feature a fantastic, insanely talented cast, but the sound track is incredible. It's fun to watch with several laugh-out-loud moments and really likable characters! You're really rooting for them. This story is good and if you get a chance, watch the deleted scenes because it's really interesting to see the entire storyline that they chose to leave out of the finished film. It is definitely better that they did, but the scenes are still really entertaining to watch. Have fun with this one!
Up in the Air (2009)
An exceptional film that hits home for many viewers
I find myself thinking about this film quite often since I first saw it months ago. Ryan Bingham's job is to fly all over the country and fire employees for companies who do not want to deal with it themselves. Bingham prides himself on the amount of flight time he has logged over the years. He avoids returning home if at all possible, and because of this, has little social life to speak of. He is a loner and prefers it that way. Then he meets a woman on his travels and begins to fall for her.
I think my fondness for this film comes from the fact that it hits home so hard for me. My life is nothing like Bingham's, but the overall themes of his experiences mirror my life, and I believe, the life of most anyone who would watch this film today.
"Up In The Air" exposes Bingham's fear of attachment, and his lack of trust for other people. In today's busy world of "get there first" I think many people can relate to this, as so many people seem to only take note of another person if he/she can use him/her for personal gain.
In perhaps the hardest hitting message of this film, Bingham finds out the woman he has fallen in love with is married and has only been using him for an escape. This echoes an all too sad truth of today's world, where love seems to be a forgotten emotion. With constant pressure to do more and experience everything, people don't seem to have the time to truly love anymore. BIngham lets down his guard for a chance at love and gets burned.
This film speaks true and I highly recommend it.
I Am Number Four (2011)
Limited story, but entertaining overall
I had no preconceived notions going into this movie. I had not watched any trailers or read any reviews. I think, because of this lack of expectation, I was able to be genuinely entertained during the majority of this movie.
I Am Number Four combines action, sci-fi, and even a little romance, so most movie- goers can find at least something to enjoy. The basic premise is that alien refugees from another planet have fled to earth to escape capture by an evil alien species determined to wipe out life on the planets they travel to. Each of the alien refugees is given a number and a guardian accompanies them to protect them and prepare them to harness their powers and eventually strike out against the other race, bent on the destruction of worlds. The powers are definitely entertaining to watch on the screen.
I do have a couple complaints about this film. First, I think a little more back story would have made for a much more entertaining film. I also feel that the main character's development of his powers occurred unrealistically quickly.
If you are looking for a quick action fix, but are willing to forgo an in depth story, this is a movie you should check out.