That's my dream, that's my nightmare. Crawling, slithering, along the edge of a straight razor, and surviving.

Apocalypse Now

This is something I've been wanting to see for a long time. This is a classic American film, Vietnam War films fascinate me, and I'm one of four people who love Heart of Darkness, the book Coppola based Apocalypse Now on. I wasn't sure what to expect when I watched Apocalypse Now, but it was high time I saw it.
Apocalypse Now has many levels and is many different films. The film begins as one film and ends as something different. At first the film felt like a satire. Kilgore and his men kind of treat Vietnam like a vacation. They blast Vagner and going surfing after bombing a village. While I enjoyed this, it was slightly off putting.

The film takes a dramatic turn in the second half. There's no longer humor. Things get dark, shocking, animalistic and insane. Sheen and his comrades go to army stations along the river and chaos is prevalent. The further they go, the darker things get. When Sheen finally reaches his destination, he comes into contact with a man who's gone off the map and does things his own way. He's reached the belly of the beast, the heart of darkness.

These two distinctly different stories are edited together kind of sloppy. It didn't quite feel right upon viewing. However, after taking a couple steps back, it kind of works. It represents the three dimensionalness of the Vietnam War. Some people didn't take it seriously at first, they treated it as a vacation. But as time goes on, as one ventures further down the river, the futility of war becomes more clear and the horror and insanity takes over. Killing and a loss of innocence can mentally unhinge a person. If war doesn't kill the soldier, memories will.

The sound is great. The music is great. The sets, lighting and cinematography are great. The acting isn't revolutionary, but it's good. Marlon Brando does what you'd expect, mutter and brood with his recognizable voice. He makes a statement and his presence is felt throughout the whole film. Robert Duvall is genius. He brings flamboyance, lunacy and audacity to Kilgore. I felt kind of uncomfortable laughing at Kilgore, he's ridiculous, not in a good way. I don't know about Martin Sheen, something about him just rubbed me the wrong way. Hundreds would disagree with me.

I don't know how Coppola is still alive after making this film. From everything I've read and after seeing it, I'm not surprised he went crazy. I'm really shocked no one was murdered on set. It's very powerful and has a strong voice that dares you to not listen. While many people say you either love Apocalypse Now or hate it, there is no in between, I put myself in the middle. I liked it. It's not one of my all-time favorites and I think that the more I watch it, the more I'll like it.

Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction

I would not hesitate to say this is one of my favorite films. It's just so good. The story, editing, the androgynous child, everything. Best part? Glenn Close. Girl is crazy! Her mannerisms and voice convey just how unhinged she is. Perhaps her most terrifying moment is when Close and Michael Douglas' daughter are on the roller coaster. Close just sits and stares, totally nuts inside, as her life twists, turns, and goes upside down. Close electrifies the screen and burns her image into the minds of people contemplating infidelity.

Netflix

Coco Before Chanel-I love a good biopic and I bet the clothes are fantastic.
The Talented Mr. Ripley-I watched this years ago and hated it. I was probably too young to appreciate it.
The Seventh Seal-Netflix Instant. I'll definitely have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this. But I've never seen any Bergman.

I hope life on earth is everything you remember it to be.

Moon

The most under appreciated film of the year. Hands down. I'd been waiting for months to see this film about astronaut Sam Bell preparing to return to Earth after living on a mining base on the moon for the past three years. Not only did the film not disappoint me, but it was way different than I expected.

Sam Rockwell constantly delivers great performances, he's incredibly under rated. Moon is his masterpiece. Being the only actor on screen for nearly the entire film, Rockwell keeps audiences interested with his three dimensional performance. He captures the emotional and psychological consequences of isolation brilliantly. Though he's never had a role this big, Rockwell rises to the challenge and succeeds. He carries Moon and the film is incredible due in large part to Rockwell. It's a travesty he wasn't nominated for an Oscar. I feel I can't say anymore about Rockwell without giving away the film.

Shockingly notable is Kevin Spacey. He provides the voice for Gerty, the HAL like computer assistant to Sam. Kevin Spacey has a pretty robotic voice so this is the perfect role for Spacey. Snaps for you, Kevin.

Moon is a unique sci-fi film. It has the essence of a typical sci-fi feature, the vastness of space, facing the unknown, a desire to get home. But there are no aliens, no time travel, and minimal CGI. Space provides the perfect backdrop for the film's themes. Explorations of loneliness, alienation, dehumanization and shock all intertwine in Moon. The film is sure to be remembered as one of sci-fi's gems.

First time director Duncan Jones (son of David Bowie) did a masterful job. Moon is nearly flawless. The story (conceived by Jones), the acting, the special effects, the tone of the film are well executed. His choice of using film composer Clint Mansell is one of Moon's biggest strengths. Props to Jones for getting one of the best film composers currently working. This is wonderful and memorable debut. Jones did so much with so little, the film's budget was $5 million.

It's really hard to write about Moon without saying too much. The story is familiar, yet original, and the twist is heartbreaking and appalling. Put this at the top of your Netflix queue and TP the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for not giving this film the love it deserves.

Mark Wahlberg in I Heart Huckabees

I enjoyed this slightly confusing, off the wall, slapstick meets intellectual existential comedy and Mark Wahlberg is the best part. He's over the top, and it's great to see an actor who typically does action, attempt and succeed at comedy. He's hilarious and endearing. Wahlberg one of my favorite actors and this is one of my favorite of his performances.

Netflix
The Hurt Locker-I have a strong feeling this incredible film will beat Avatar. Must see it again.
Paranormal Activity-I love scary movies.
Brick-Netflix Instant. I watched this for the first time the night before I took the SATs. It deserves my undivided attention.

I hate waiting.

The Princess Bride

A staple of the romance genre, The Princess Bride is the perfect film. My appreciation for it grows stronger after every viewing. Action, comedy, romance, The Princess Bride has everything. It's timeless.

One cannot grow tired of this movie. The script is just a riot. It's cheesy without being overbearing or fake. Everything spoken is genuine. The humor reaches all ages; it doesn't discriminate. There's the physical humor that children will understand and the ridiculous, tongue-in-cheek humor and sexual innuendo that adults will appreciate. The Princess Bride just has one brilliant line after another.

The performances are unforgettable. Cary Elwes is just a dish as Westley. He's dreamy when he's the quiet farm boy, melting your heart with "As you wish." His sex appeal reaches new heights when he returns as the swashbuckling hero. Though I could do without the 'stache. He's great with mixing the comedy and drama in his performances. He's got that Cary Grant way of delivery. Robin Wright made a great debut as Buttercup. Though her character isn't exactly a role model for young girls, she brings the allure and sweetness to all classic princesses. She's just so beautiful.

The backbone of the film comes from the supporting performances. Mandy Patinkin stole the show. He delivers the film's most famous line and has the most fun with the role. Andre the Giant is just lovable as Fezzick and Wallace Shawn is hilarious and annoying, as usual.

Christopher Guest and Chris Sarandon are the perfect villains. Before we have verbal or physical confirmation that they were villains, one knows. Their upturned noses, sneers, and the arrogance in their voices say it all.

I just love The Princess Bride. It's a great story with a rewarding ending. It leaves a wonderful impression on all viewers.


Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's

What a seducing performance. Hepburn seduces Paul, she seduces the audience. Holly isn't the world's greatest person but she makes it damn near impossible to see that. You just can't help but love her.



Netflix
Couples Retreat-I love Kbell and Jason Bateman, even though this movie got awful reviews.
Pretty in Pink-I think I'm on this kick of rewatching old favorites.
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men-Netflix instant. John Krasinski's directorial debut, I'll watch it just for that.

Anna Howard Shaw Day

It's Valentine's Day, a day where people are supposed to celebrate love. I think this is ridiculous, because love should be celebrated and appreciated every day. But to honor the day's message, below are some of my favorite romantic movies and some pretty hot and/or romantic kisses.

The Notebook


Atonement


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind


Moulin Rouge


Cinema Paradiso


Breakfast at Tiffany's


Life as a House


The Wedding Singer


Annie Hall


The Princess Bride


And finally, because love can make you do crazy things, this hot mess

Part, fools! Put up your swords, you know not what you do.

Romeo & Juliet

In my initial viewing of Baz Luhrmann's take on one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, I've had a roller coaster relationship with this film. I think I compare it too closely with Zefferelli's beautiful 1968 version. Luhrman and Zefferelli had two different visions, so I should treat these as two different films. Luhrmann's version has it's weaknesses, but it's overall a worthy adaptation of one of Shakespeare's finest.

With the exception of one, Romeo & Juliet is impeccably cast. Leonardo DiCaprio brings the pretty boy looks and the immaturity essential to Romeo. DiCaprio's great at capturing the hormones and extreme emotions teenagers have, especially with "love" and sex. This is one of my favorite DiCaprio roles. He's an immensely talented actor and it's great to see him in this, when he was just transitioning to stardom. One of the most powerful moments of his performance is when Romeo goes after Tybalt. DiCaprio brings an animalistic, desperate rage we've rarely seen come out of him. It's like a switch was hit and DiCaprio was gone for a moment.

Harold Perrineau Jr is hypnotic. He brings mental instability and extreme loyalty to Mercutio, the play's best character. He delivers the immortal words confidently. He can jump from the jokster to deadly serious in an instant. I really, really, really love him in this role. His performance is my favorite in the whole film.

A vast improvement from Zefferelli's is the casting of John Leguizamo as Tybalt and Pete Postlethwaite as Friar Lawrence. Leguizamo takes his time with language and honors it in his delivery. He is chilling when he faces down Benvolio in the opening scene. He portrays Tybalt as more menacing and slick, as opposed to Michael York who just made Tybalt look like a punk. Postlethwaite gives Friar Lawrence more credibility, bravery and an overall intelligence. Milo O'Shea makes the Friar look like a buffoon.

No matter how many times I watch this movie, I can't see the positive in Claire Danes. She delivers almost every line the same, and I don't think she understands what she's saying. Her and Leo don't have the chemistry a Romeo & Juliet need. I feel like Leo was giving it his best and Danes was holding back. I think she's gotten some serious acting classes since this film.

Luhrmann wonderfully mixes the old dialect with a modern look. The use of guns makes the feud between the Montagues and Capulets seem much more senseless. The imagery, filming, and acting makes the language very easy to understand, especially for those less familiar with Shakespeare. The language does not get lost in the modernity.

The film is eye catching and bold. The cinematography is beautiful, especially in the sexy, underwater scenes. The colors explode, the music sets the tone perfectly. The costumes distinguish each family. The editing and direction is snappy and fast-paced.

The latest Shakespeare adaptation coming out is The Tempest. It's directed by Julie Taymor and has Helen Mirren as Prospera. I don't know how I feel about this alternative casting, but we will see. I think it's high time Kenneth Branagh do a new adaptation, maybe Measure for Measure or Macbeth.

Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side

Not gonna lie, Sandra Bullock was great. She's a ball busting, tough as nails Tennessee woman who rescues a kid from the streets. Bullock totally disappeared into the role, there were many moments where I forgot it was her. This role was different for Bullock, she's usually the cutesy, mildly awkward girl next door. I applaud her for changing it up and succeeding. Regardless, she does not deserve an Oscar for this. I think the Academy has Julia Roberts syndrome in this situation. Remember Erin Brockevich? Roberts was really good and it was a different role for her. But it wasn't the year's best. Sandra Bullock is in the same situation. Nonetheless, I still love Sandra and even though I don't think it's the right call, I'll be okay if she wins.

Netflix
The Lost Boys-I've never seen the whole thing, and I love vampires.
Funny Games-I saw the remake, didn't like it. Wonder how I'll feel about the original, by the same director.
Splendor in the Grass-Netflix Instant. I *love* Natalie Wood.

Oscar Nominations 2009

The 2009 Oscar nominations came out this morning. There was pretty big lack of surprise. There was some Oscar success and, as fellow cinephile Fazila put it, Oscar fail. Here are my thoughts.

Actor in a Leading Role:
No surprises except the amazing Jeremy Renner. He was phenomenal in The Hurt Locker and he is getting some much needed recognition. He's a more talented Sam Worthington, this guy should be Hollywood's new go to action actor. Renner is this year's Ryan Gosling, he got a much deserved nomination and he won't win, but it's wonderful he got nominated. Congratulations Jeremy Renner!
Others who I would've liked to see: Sharlto Copley for District 9 or Michael Stuhlbarg for A Serious Man.

Actor in a Supporting Role:
Again, no surprises. Christophe Waltz is unstoppable.
Others I would've liked to see: Anthony Mackie for The Hurt Locker, Peter Sarsgaard for An Education or Alfred Molina for An Education. Even Zach Galifinakis for The Hangover. There's a place for comedy at the Oscars.

Actress in a Lead Role:
Another category with no surprises. Congrats to Meryl for a 16th career nomination. It's between her and Sandra, despite my desires. I'm wondering if this year's Best Actress race will turn out like last year's Best Actor race where Rourke pretty much gobbled up everything but Penn got the Oscar, with Bullock as Rourke and Streep as Penn. We all know who I'd like to see get this.
Others I would've liked to see: Marion Cotillard for Nine or Abbie Cornish for Bright Star. Cornish is great example of the (unfortunate) necessity for campaigning. Cornish has been busy filming and hasn't done the campaigning she needed. If only the work could speak for itself.

Actress in a Supporting Role:
Maggie Gyllenhaal was a bit of a surprise. And frankly I'm dumbfounded by Penelope Cruz. She was one of the worst parts of Nine, and that's saying a lot.
Others I would've liked to see: Julianne Moore for A Single Man (seriously, where is she?), Rosamund Pike for An Education or Melanie Laurent for Inglourious Basterds (SERIOUS OSCAR FAIL).

Directing:
Shocking, a lack of surprise. Go Kathryn Bigelow.
Others I would've liked to see: Marc Webb for (500) Days of Summer or Wes Anderson for Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Best Picture:
I swear if Avatar wins I'm knocking over The Bean. It is shameful that Avatar gets nominated for Best Picture but The Dark Knight didn't. Great that District 9 got nominated, I feared this film would be forgotten. The Blind Side, really? Is that a joke? Yeah it was enjoyable, but Best Picture? It has to be April Fool's Day.
Others I would've liked to see: A Single Man. Seriously, what the eff? This was brilliant. (500) Days of Summer. I would've been shocked if it had gotten nominated, but still. Love that movie.

Writing Adapted Screenplay:
These are deserved nominations. I haven't seen In the Loop though.
Others I would've liked to see: A Single Man. Um hello?? This is serious Oscar fail. What's wrong with you guys? Or Where the Wild Things Are. Or Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Writing Original Screenplay:
These are deserved nominations. I haven't seen The Messenger, but it's supposed to be good.
Others I would've liked to see: (500) Days of Summer. This is my biggest complaint. This movie was insightful, imaginative, just all around great. I have a bone to pick with you Academy.

It's kind of frustrating that the Academy nominates ten films this year, but every other category remains as constricted. A huge snub, Where the Wild Things Are. No visual effects or costume design. Same with Fantastic Mr. Fox, those costumes were handmade, not animated. Despite some of my wishes, my money's on Jeff Bridges, Christophe Waltz, Sandra Bullock, Mo'Nique, Kathryn Bigelow, and Inglourious Basterds. See you March 7th!