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Reviews
Notes on a Scandal (2006)
Excellent Acting, Brilliant Score, but...
I saw this movie at a special screening in Hollywood. Philip Glass's score is absolutely brilliant (better than The Illusionist). Both Cate and Judi give mesmerizing performances and the main kid is very good as well. I found this movie highly disturbing and although it was well done and very clever, it left a bad taste in my mouth. In terms of Oscars, I would give Judi a nomination and Mr. Glass, but that's about it. I guess in terms of personal taste, this was not my kind of plot line, but I must admit I was interested in what was going to happen next the whole time. The characters became very alive for me. So, all in all a very good film, but not great. The main problem for me was the touchy subject matter. At times it even became ridiculous. I'm not sure if this was the story's fault or the director's, but there was an element of absurdity to moments of the piece which actually made the film less powerful.
Lost: S.O.S. (2006)
Terrible Episode
I don't know about everyone else, but I thought this was one of the worse episodes yet. It was like they were just stalling time with this episode, because they didn't know what else to do. So they did flashbacks for that couple, who frankly I am not that interested in. It was boring, melodramatic, and uneventful. The surprise ending to me was nothing special, because it really did not add anything new, and explained nothing, except that Michael is still alive. I think Michael Emerson (Henry Gale) is a genius and I thought he could have had a bigger part in this episode. I think Lost is the most brilliant show ever to hit television, but sometimes it gets a little too "soap opera like" and this really annoys me. I am also frustrated that at the end of each episode some major thing happens and you don't get to find out what it was all about during the next episode! (example: Libby). What do you all think? Was this episode not just dull and pathetic?
The Beautiful Country (2004)
An Incredible Film
I saw this film at the Tribeca Film Festival yesterday, and thought it was the best film in the festival. The cinematography was beautiful, the story was touching, and the characters were rich. There is one point in the movie where something tragic happens and it moved the entire audience to tears, including myself. The script is excellent, creative, and intelligent. The director did an extraordinary job and so did the lead actor, who had never made a feature film before. Tim Roth and Nick Nolte also give strong performances. I think this film will become a classic and end up winning some big awards. This is one of those epic monumental stories that should not be forgotten. An extraordinary and touching film.
Iowa (2005)
Tribeca Film Screening
I just saw this film at the Tribeca film festival and it had some great moments. It is reminiscent of Pulp Fiction, Blow, and Natural Born Killers, except it only takes place in a small town. Farnsworth did a brilliant job, especially considering it is his directorial debut and how young he is. There are some very gory scenes and it is definitely suspenseful. The camera work is very good. The beginning is a little slow, but most of the film is powerful. I have no complaints except that maybe there was a lot of stuff that was done for shock value. I am sure this film will get him some attention and more work. I recommend this to people who like films with drug and violent themes. There are some messages in it, but this is not a highly intellectual film. I don't normally write reviews, so I hope this is helpful.
-J