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Reviews
Gone Girl (2014)
Must have run out of money
The last 15 minutes of the movie were rushed, either they ran out of money or the director was bored to tears. Lame. "The Judge" was a far better film, much better acting and a better ticket for the money and time spent.
Aflec appeared bored and wishing for something better to do. Characters had no depth. If this gets anyone a SAG nod, I'll lose all faith in the film industry. Deserves more Rotten Tomatoes than stars.
This has all the attraction of a carousel with no horses. If you saw the trailer, you saw the movie. If you've read the book, don't spoil it by seeing the movie. If you haven't read the book, read it... if it only has twenty pages, it will still be better than the movie.
The Judge (2014)
In the top five of the year, for me.
I don't run to the theater for every new film. This one intrigued me. Yes, I like Downey and Duvall... but this is one of only two movies that compelled me to brave lines on opening weekend.
Good characters, excellent acting and a wonderful story. I read a few reviews that chipped at Downey's "typical" cocky aplomb, as though it was a bad thing, but the role is perfect for him. It's everything I expected and I don't like to be disappointed.
Chalk one up for team Downey! I go to the theater to be entertained. The Judge does that and more. It's an emotional tonic. The dialog flows and the antagonism between the two main characters is not wasted. Even the secondary characters hold up and make this a film to see... for the whole family.
Small Apartments (2012)
Smart, Quirky, a recipe for all appetites!
I read the novel this film was based upon, back when it was a gift from the author, a family friend. I found myself mentally casting actors to play the amazingly quirky but identifiable characters. A great amount of time passed before "Small Apartments" found its way into the hands of a director who "got it".
I have to say that it is difficult, for me, not to compare this work to that of Tarantino, if only for the raw emotional concept, quirky behaviors and "street view" filming process. However, the combination of Millis (who wrote both the novel and the screenplay) and Akerlund (the director) bring the dark side of everyday humanity into perfect view without glorifying the gore and violence so many filmmakers succumb to. The violence is acceptable, even necessary, as are the few sexual scenes that lend credence to the story and personalities that make up this labor of love. Tarantino's got absolutely nothing on these guys!
The cast is, well... correct! I can't imagine anyone other than the "heavyweights" who breathe life into characters like Franklin Franklin (Matt Lucas), Burt Walnut (Billy Crystal) and Tommy Balls (Johnny Knoxville) but it doesn't stop there. You've got the talent of James Caan, Amanda Plummer, Juno Temple, Dolph Lundgren and veritable unknown, Scott Sheldon, who makes his few moments as Officer Smith a lasting impression. The casting list is mighty and recognizable, but these folks were drawn to the characters created by Millis and the vision of Akerlund, rather than a paycheck.
There is a story, one that compels us to realize how little we understand one another in this all too short existence on the planet and lays bare our preconceptions and misconceptions of who we see and how we react and assign personal judgement. You don't need to be a "deep thinker" to get this film and that's the beauty of it.
The old saying that "money can't buy happiness" is true and untrue... both are addressed in Small Apartments, however, it brings home the very real point that true happiness lives in our mind, however small or large!
I was both eager and apprehensive about finally watching this film, especially knowing the author, screenplay writer and executive producer (Chris Millis) on a personal level... I'm so glad I gave in to eager! Bravo! This is a must see!
Arthur (2011)
Confirming that remakes are easier said than done.
I wonder what studios are thinking when they release movies like this... other than greed and desperation.
The original "Arthur", with Moore and Minnelli, held (and still does) top spot for my favorite comedy. Moore's Arthur was believable and offered moments of maturity, even in his inebriation. He was funny and endearing, but the film didn't condone the behavior.
In this, the new Arthur, Brand is silly, foppish and the film appears to celebrate and explain away the behavior. The dialog runs amok with back story and cliché, with the androgynous Brand performing endless, pointless and boring shtick. How utterly embarrassing for Helen Miren!
It goes to show that, these days, anyone can make at least one movie or music recording, regardless of talent and it seems creativity is at an all-time low in the industry.
If anything, it should drive people to appreciate the original, all the Moore/more! I rented it for my 14 year-old grandsons and promptly rinsed their minds out with a session of "Pay It Forward" and "To Kill A Mockingbird" bleach.
Brand should have taken on someone in his own weight class, instead he took a dive.