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Reviews
The Wrestler (2008)
Mickey Rourke's Resurrection
Rarely does a talent like Mickey Rourke get a second chance at stardom. As the star of popular 80s films such as "The Pope of Greenwich Village" and "Nine ½ Weeks," Rourke was on the verge of super-stardom when addiction to drugs and alcohol left him a "broken down piece of meat." But we don't want to hate Mickey, we love Mickey. He stole the show in Sin City a few years back but now he has completely returned to top form. We are looking at the Hollywood version of Lazarus.
The Wrestler is one of the most gripping and emotional films of the past few years it's brutally honest and very realistic in how it tackles its subject matter. The film is so realistic it feels like a true documentary on underground wrestling. The camera follows Rourke's character, Randy "The Ram" Robinson, inside and outside the ring and stays close at all times. He may be playing a wrestler here but this is not WWE. There's no championship belt, the life he leads is by no means glamorous. He gets locked out of his trailer for not paying rent, he has a struggling love relationship with a stripper by night./mother by day and the only family he has, his daughter, doesn't even want to talk to him.
Rourke is the star here, he makes the film great. The raw intensity in his emotions connects with everyone in the theater and those who appreciate good art will be left breathless by his performance. The Ram is a gladiator, a gentle giant, trying to reclaim the success of his past. Maybe it's because it mirrors Mickey's own resurrection that we find his character so intriguing, but nonetheless the man bears his soul in this very entertaining film. There is such an emotional complexity to his character, by the last frames of the picture the audience feels like they've been apart of something special.
Watchmen (2009)
Who watches the Watchmen?
Who watches the Watchmen? Well, those who want to be taken on a three-hour thrill ride extravaganza, that's who. This movie never lets up. It constantly pummels you with explosive action, twisting plot lines, steamy romance and first-rate special effects. It's a visual orgasm. It's popcorn for the brain. It's the ultimate superhero flick.
But that only scrapes the surface of WATCHMEN. It's also a dark and intricate story that challenges the viewer to care for a world where Nixon is still president, caped crusaders are real, and nuclear war is imminent. Word of caution: THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL COMIC BOOK FLICK! It's far superior in terms of intellect; it may even require a second viewing to catch all the minute details.
The characters are not all that relatable, they're likable - but they're cold and distant. Hell,they're superheroes what do ya expect? The manner in which each hero views the world is what brings them together, they understand the evil that lurks in the hearts of men.
The story is pretty deep - it may be very entertaining, yet it is no run-of-the-mill blockbuster. It isn't summertime yet, right? Those experienced with WATCHMEN already know it is by far the greatest graphic novel ever conceived. Translating it to the screen is no easy task. However, director Zack Snyder (best known for his film "300"), accomplishes this feat and still stays true to the novel's essence.
Of course, the film has its flaws, there are important pieces missing that only die-hards will notice and a couple cheesy scenes between Nite Owl and his love interest, Silk Specter, but all in all Snyder does the novel justice and presents a thrilling piece of art. Quite an achievement since many would argue the graphic novel is un-filmable, including WATCHMEN scribe Alan Moore.
Those of you who are impressed by the assertive tone of Clint Eastwood and the vigilante anti-hero demeanor of Heath Ledger's "The Joker" will love the soon to be infamous character and Watchman named Rorschach. Expect to see as many Rorschach costumes this October 31st, as there were Jokers last Halloween. Hopefully, no one goes as the Watchman named Dr. Manhattan, it might get a little cold out!
Let's be clear here, the film is not as brilliant as its source material. It doesn't break any new grounds in terms of genre-defining tactics but it manages to up the ante set by the Dark Knight, without following in its footsteps. It's darker, it's more violent, and it's more complex even to a point where it risks alienating viewers who don't know what to expect. The fact is some people will leave confused, some will leave frustrated but all with leave smiling :)