Thoughts on 'Drag Me To Hell'

Drag Me To Hell is two things: the funniest movie of the year and the most confusing movie of the year. It's hysterical really, introducing bizarre, "horrifying" situations that are just...crazy. I mean there's really no other way to explain it more aptly. The scene opens and then just builds on itself, piling on more insanity as it goes. I haven't laughed that hard in a theater in awhile. I mean, literally, my friends and I were shrieking with laughter.

The first episode of horror is really one of the funniest scenes I've seen in a damn long time. To say you have to suspend belief is an understatement (an old lady gets under a car, gets some sort of machinery from under the car, smashed a window with it and then go in the car and started to kick major senior citizen ass). Or when was the last time you had an eyeball in your cake? Or had an eruption of blood pour out of your nose, onto your boss? I could go on and on. This film is really built on its individual scenes that are unforgettable and borderline genius.

But do some great scenes build a great movie? Eh. The film itselft if a little bit all over the place. The story is a simple stage for building a ton of awful, hellish situations for poor Allison Lohman. It really sucks to be her. But the story has trouble resolving itself, as weird, illogical voodoo, psychic shit is thrown in, and then a terrible seance scene with Adrianna Barraza popping up in what will go down as possibly the most unintentionally funny performance of the year.

The plot's problems aren't glaring enough to dramatically take away from the film, as a whole. I mean, it comes down to entertainment in the end, and this is a ten out of ten in that department. An awesome experience at the cinema. I screamed, laughed hysterically, yelled at the screen and made a fool of myself. But I wasn't the only one. Calling a movie a thrill ride is so cliched and over-used, but on a thrill ride you do the same exact thing you're prone to do at a screening of 'Drag Me To Hell.' Lose all dignity and self-control.

Ghosts and Vampires

Let The Right One In
A totally unique story of a young, bullied boy who befriends a girl who's a vampire. Heart-stopping displays of vampire legend (ex: vamps burning up due to a speck of sunlight) and moving moments of interaction between two lonely kids ensue. It's about kids and it captures the whole schoolyard "phenomenon" just right. The way the kids act at school in the film is very true to life. Also, the film sets one of the oddest yet most effective atmospheres of the year. Snowy Sweden sets the stage for a very sinister tone that evokes the perfect grounds for a thriller. Yet this film has much more than just peoples' necks being bit to shreds, also telling a very emotional story. Who knew vampires were so sensitive? A-


Ghost Town
This Ricky Gervais-Greg Kinear vehicle was a total flop in the US, and I can see why. First, the story may come across as being inaccessible, though it really isn't. Also, the comedy comes across as slightly old-fashioned in the world of Judd Apatow and Borat. Yet I almost liked the old-fashioned, simplistic feel to it. There's no tension or pressure in the film, just a simple romantic comedy of a misanthropic dentist who sees ghosts. The thing is, it ended up becoming forgettable. The comedy wasn't engaging enough. Really the only laughs come from Gervais, who walks the tightrope of playing an insanely unlikable character. Yet Gervais keeps the character from getting annoying and injects the performance with sarcastic wit. In the end, will I remember the film in a month? Naw. But was it sort of pleasant while I was watching? Yeah, kinda. B-

Thoughts on Synecdoche, New York

I was slightly afraid I was going to be disappointed with Synecdoche, just because it's been so critically divisive. But it's just my kind of film, really. Quirky and mind-bending while never sacrificing beautiful drama to just be a mindf--ker

Okay, Charlie Kaufman can now do no wrong whatsoever. He is brilliant, from the direction to the screenplay. He creates Caden Cotard (played brilliantly by PSH) and a plethora of female characters. Cotard rivals The Joker as the best character of the year. He's neurotic as hell and so caught up in his neurosis, which is a strange emotion. He's also a hypochondriac, as he thinks he's dying if he was an itch or a slightly yellow shit. And he is so narcissistic. Caden Cotard is obsessed with Caden Cotard. So much so, that he uses his MacArthur grant to stage a play about his life and all of the stuff that happens in it.

Then it's trademark Kaufman. Who's acting as whom? Is she an actor? Is he real? It's the type of movie that occasionally you have to pause the DVD (from Netflix, by the way. I lost my Netflix virginity) and think about what the hell is happening. Such a smart and endearingly confusing film.

So, on instinct, I logged onto IMDb to see the reception of the film on the boards. It was all quite interesting, as everyone was trying to dissect every little part of the film. And I say, why? Why is it necessary? Art like this shouldn't be made so logical. To me, the explanation isn't important. I watched a character study of a messed-up guy and the people around him. And I loved it. But these people are trying to find the further meaning in it. I find that so exhausting. The lesson of the film? Don't be like Caden.

One theory on the film, though, that I found interesting [the following paragraph could be perceived as spoilers] was that, perhaps, Caden was dead the whole time. The evidence seems totally there. And that's why, if Caden was in heaven (or in some ways, hell), a thousand people would "realistically" follow this tortured director (Caden) for seventeen friggin' years to make a play that no one will ever see. I mean, something like that couldn't happen in real life, right?

Anyway, Synecdoche is a must-see. Total brilliance. A (By the way, the quote on the sidebar is from the film and I found it to be so effective of the film's meaning. And life's meaning)

The Great Ensemble of ... Burn After Reading

Not many of the performances in 'Burn After Reading' are Oscar-worthy, yet maybe considerable. Overall, they may be a bit too comedic and goofy to really stand as brilliant performances (in the eyes of the Academy). Yet all of the actors in this Coens' film and the characters they play work together to make a cast full of interesting people creating a very, very good film. All are well-written and contribute into the plot, one way or another. From best to worst, here they are...


Frances McDormand as Lisa Litzke

Probably the gem of the film. Pulls off Lisa's accent (whatever accent it is..?) in Marge Gundersoneque fashion and pulls off every line she needs to. Little, subtle parts of this performance make it a memeorable one. Kudos to Ethan and Joel's screenplay as Lisa is a very interesting character, both good-hearted and bad-hearted at times.

John Malkovich as Osbourne Cox

Pulls off about a hundred (or so it seems) F-words that are all done in perfect fashion. Malkovich looks like the character he plays. Ozzie Cox is a snob (graduate of Princeton, whaddya expect?) and a pissed-off sneer is his usual facial expression. He thinks he's much smarter than he is and has an air of unearned superiority that Malkovich plays perfectly.

Richard Jenkins as Ted Treffon

He's the meek guy who always is playing life on the safe side (SPOLIER: until the end of the film...) and he takes his role as gym manager quite seriously. Jenkins keeps up his string of subtle brilliance as just a twitch of the lip from him can show his inner-feelings of conflict.

Tilda Swinton as Katie Cox

One of the coldest bitches of the silver screen in 2008. Her constant sneers revealed feelings that made you feel as though you were three inches tall. She doesn't have time for you. You're below her. Swinton pulls off (this easy role/) this vile woman perfectly.

George Clooney as Harry Pfarrer

Probably the biggest asshole in the film and that is one difficult title to claim. This ain't the Peace Corps. Clooney is good and goofy as hell when he needs to be. Yet, I find the characters above a bit more distinct and entertaining. Clooney holds up in decent manner, though.

Brad Pitt as Chad Feldheimer

Chad is kind of ... high on life? I attribute the character's annoying ways more to the writing but I just lost the energy to care about him as the film went on. The lowlight in my opinion.

Album Update

Remember this post? Well, I just talked about four new CD's I grabbed; some Amy Winehouse, Belle and Sebastian and Devotchka. Well, let's see how I liked them, eh?

Belle and Sebastian: Dear Catastrophe Waitress

This album has a few great songs, and other than those, the rest of the songs are good. My first B and S, I sort of knew what to expect: folksy, acoustic songs that are, kind of, narrations. As it is, I'm not a big folk dude. I'm more into alt rock and pop, but I certainly warmed up to it. Very solid album.



Favorites:
Step Into My Office, Baby (listen to it here)
Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Piazza, New York Catcher (It's from Juno, so, yeah, it has to be good)
Asleep On A Sunbeam
You Don't Send Me

Good listen. A-

Amy Winehouse: Back To Black

The hype wasn't bull. I mean, it's all good. I'm about the 80 millionth idiot to say this, but her voice is so unique and catchy. The album consistently provides her vocals in great ways by throwing in interesting instrumentals. Really complete, well-written songs (I can't get the lyrics out of my head) with one really talented voice.



Favorites (Can I say all of them)?
Rehab
You Know I'm No Good
Just Friends
Tears Dry On Their Own
Me And Mr. Jones
Back To Black

Amazing. A

DeVotchKa: A Mad and Faithful Telling

Little Miss Sunshine triggered a mini-obsession with How It Ends and The Winner Is from Devotchka's 2004 album also named How It Ends. They were played on freaking loop on YouTube. So I got Devotchka's other album (because I'm illogical; the other one's coming soon, don't worry). Didn't like it at first, really. The songs weren't identifiable. All sort of the same, in a way. Quirky sounds all over the place. Yet, I still kept listening to it, despite the fact that I didn't like it (because I'm illogical; I come around to it, though, don't worry). Then, one day, I loved it. Then I narrowed it down to loving only a few of the songs. Still, though, I love some of the songs. That's good, right?



Favorites:
Basso Profundo
The Clockwise Witness (currently my favorite song in the world)
Comrade Z
Undone
Strizzalo

Takes some time to see the greatness, but it is there: A-

Wednesday Three-Peat: Some Chaplin...Some Brendan Fraser

So I was at two extremes these past few days with film. I saw two showcases of great comedy with Charlie Chaplin. Then I saw a vomit-inducing display of mediocrity with Brendan Fraser in The Mummy 3 (I'm not gonna' bother with the ridiculous name). Let's give the bad news first, shall we?

The Mummy 3 *
A really below-average movie here. With The Dark Knight, we saw what a action blockbuster could hold. A fascinating plot, interesting characters and probably the best FX we'll see all year. The Mummy 3 has none of those things. Plot? It's more like: let's see how many nonsensical storylines we can throw in there to keep the story going, thus created more chances for Brendan Fraser to spout cheesy phrases ("I really hate mummies!"...why you're a man of words aren't you, Mr. Fraser?). So, yeah, the screenplay is bad. The characters are brought to life by wooden actors. The special effects and sets are really bad. Couldn't they at least pull that off? I mean, the editors put fight scenes in slow motion, throw in quick cuts, but really, the scenes look comical. I haven't had to sit through much crap this summer, which is great. Last year, I had Transformers, Pirates and all that junk. But the Mummy ends a streak of good films. Just stupid. Stay away.



The Great Dictator ***
This film is very accessible, which, I must admit, kind of surprised me. It's also hilarious at some points (and I didn't think I liked slapstick..) and so simple. Up until the last ten minutes, I loved it. Chaplin, well, he "lives up to the hype". His screenplay creates funny, well-written character and his acting is classic. The faces, mannerisms..hell, his voice is funny. It's a satire, making fun of Adolf Hitler, or in this case Adenoid Hynkle , the leader of Tomainia. Never strays into stupidity, which it could have, and Chaplin really turns in a great performance (Oscar-nominated, I might add). See it. It's low-key fun, you won't forget easily.



City Lights ***1/2

I'm in a Chaplin phase, aren't I? Well, there's worse..like a Brendan Fraser phase. Yet, unlike the last film mentioned, this gets into brilliant territory. As funny as it can be, like a ridiculous boxing scene, or any scene with the Drunken Millionaire, the film is mainly about one thing: love. The message I got was that you know your true love instantly. That's a little vague, but see the last two minutes of this film, and you'll understand. Okay, freakishly simple. That's a good thing. In 87 minutes you see the story of The Tramp assist his love, a blind flower girl, and basically, try his hardest to give her a better life. That better life comes in the form of an eye operation, in which The Tramp dedicates all his time into making the flower girl able to afford the operation. Dedication, love, humor. All of it. Yes, it's silent, but honestly, I mean this, it's such a good film you eventually don't even notice the lack of words. Strongly recommended.

Monday Three-Peat: Rope, Pulp Fiction, Definitely Maybe

I actually saw all of these films in one day, as well as my second viewing of The Dark Knight. Busy, busy. Or maybe the opposite. It's been a rainy week. That'll be my excuse.

Rope **1/2
Got another Hitchcock under my belt (why am I laughing at that line?). Yet unlike Vertigo, I wasn't a huge fan of Rope. It was a good movie, and towards the end, during the interrogation, it got quite suspenseful. But the first hour of the movie was little, subtle conversation, that got a little dull. And the film is only 80 minutes long. The characters were interesting, and in their own way, led the story along. It was simple, plus effective (a rarity nowadays). It all takes place in one room the whole time, a plush apartment in the city. The basic gist is that two..idiots..decide to kill an "inferior" friend, just for the thrill of it. They hid the body in a trunk in which they have guests dine off of during a party later that day. It's a really cool plot, but not enough happened to make it really interesting, like it should have been. Still, recommended.



Definitely, Maybe ***
I enjoyed this movie, quite a bit. It was light (just what I happened to be in the mood for the night I saw it) and quite enteraining. The performances are all pretty good by the long cast, except..eh, Reynolds. He's kind of..annoying? And, this was a little disturbing, Abigail Breslin was annoying as hell during the beginning. She nearly redeems herself though, in a touching ending. Basically, Reynolds is telling his screen daughter (Breslin) about How He Met Her Mother. It basically chronicles his love-life over a decade. Cliched? Uhuh. Predictable? Yeah. Fun and entertaining? That too. It's a good movie that holds your attention and doesn't stray. If you're a rom-com fan, or if you like a good popcorn flick with romantic undertones (me..), then pick this up from the video store.



Pulp Fiction ****
I need to watch this again. Soon. I kind of loved this movie. I love it because it's structure. It's kind of random, very simple, and tied together impressively. Like, I was admiring Quentin Tarantino's talent throughout this film, because this is the first I have seen by him. The screenplay: unconventional and "cool". Direction: awesome (can't think of a better word, okay? It fits). Travolta, Jackson and especially Uma, are all great in this. I loved Uma Thurman in this. Plays a weird-o really well. Samuel L. Jackson is at times thoughtful, other times violent and hilarious. It's funny. It's bloody. It's insanely well done and thought-out. Right up my alley.

Classic Reviews - Apes and WWll Vets

So you know that little classic list I posted
a little while ago? Well, I've gotten to see two films off of it so far. One of then may just crack my top 20 all-time.

Here we go...

Planet of the Apes ***1/2

I actually am sort of a fan of the 2001 Tim Burton version. I mean, as a little kiddie, I thought it was really cool, but on a viewing two years ago, I realized it wasn't that great. So then I thought I'd watch the "real thing" and I must say, it was miles better. It's such a cool, yet sort of simple, yet you have to think about it a little, plot. Unfortunately, this is my first Heston film, but I thought he played this role pretty darn well. His life sucked. Every time an ape would come on the screen, I'd get this weird excitement. They look disgusting, really. Some have like wacko-Jacko no-nose syndrome, but others are just like, all hair, like Cousin Itt. Anyway, on a serious note, this is a surprisingly smart, purely fun film that's a staple for any sci-fi extraordinaire.



The Best Years of Our Lives ****

I didn't expect to love this film as much as I did. Three hours of war vets, bitching about how civilian life sucks. Well, the film really isn't like that (at all), but it's an extremely simple plot that stays entertaining the whole way. Two things stick out to me, and they both contribute to an incredible aspect of this film. One is the acting. Simple. All the, maybe say six, starring characters are so good and realistic. Then the screenplay. Holy crap. Never, have I watched a screenplay, on screen, that portrays such amazing character action. Little meticulous actions shape the characters so well and tap into their personalities that they are very multi-dimensional. Both of those aspects? Thye contribute into making ridiculously good characters that you get to know. It's one of those films, kind of like Forrest Gump, It's A Wonderful Life, and, recently, There Will Be Blood (those just come to mind..) that by the end you just think "Boy, we've come a long way in this film". With the characters, story, relationships, all of it. A truly amazing film.



So I'm liking the classics, so far. A lot. I'll be seeing The Apartment and Sleuth pretty soon, as well. Yay...

Weekend Watches - The Shining, Broadcast News, Rushmore

Broadcast News ***1/2



As I stated earlier in my James Brooks post a few days ago, I always like Brooks's films. Broadcast News is no different. All well-written characters that are brought to life perfectly with good to great acting. It's a simple, uninvolved story about a news producer, anchorman, and reporter and their lives. Doesn't sound terribly exciting, does it? But it works and it's entertaining as hell.

Rushmore **



I was a tad depressed through watching this movie, because I wanted to like it and I expected to like it. I didn't like it. Like, I mean, it's Wes freakin' Anderson so automatically it's going to be having a very good screenplay and soundtrack and be terribly picturesque. But the story wasn't structured enough, and I ended up not particularly caring about Max Fischer (played perfectly by Jason Schwartzman; go him). The story never really took off, and then POOF! it was over. Might need a re-watch, because this viewing came off the heels of my mind being blown by this film...

The Shining ****



The Horror/Thriller/Suspense family is slowly becoming my favorite genre; the group more aptly known as scary movies. I love them, and this is easily my favorite. So creepy. So weird. So frightening. So messed up. (In the Joker voice) Like me! Such a good movie and this solidifies Jack Nicholson as my favorite actor. Shelley Duvall was annoying so it was fun to watch her son become possessed and her husband plummet into insanity. And also, the ending. I won't say to much about it, but that it had a lot of meaning, and I always like that. It was definately up there in WTF Film Moments. I'm excited I actually enjoyed the genius of Kubrick after fighting to stay awake during 2001.

So two very good movies (one great, really) and a film that disappointed big-time. Still, a good weekend for movies. I urge you to check out each film and mull your thoughts about each.

Sunday Three-Peat - WALL-E, Untraceable, ESotSM

So over the past few days I have seen three films; two pretty good, one great. Let's start with the most recent...

WALL-E - The hype surrounding this film has been brimming with praise. Unfortunately, I'm not apart of the club that's deeming this film a masterpiece. By no means is it a bad film. It's beautifully crafted visually, it has an important message, and best of all, it features an unforgettable title character. The thing is, though, we never get too close to Wall-E because, as weird as it may sound, he isn't relatable. Other Pixar films feature characters, take Marlin of 'Nemo' for instance, that have feelings channeling our own (a worried parent, trying desperately to find his son). Wall-E, the little box of steel, is cute as hell, but not able to hold this film up. Overall, Wall-E tried a bit too hard and ended up making the storyline falter, making the overall entertainment value falter.

**1/2 (out of ****)

Untraceable - Untraceable is an average thriller that scores big points in the area of entertainment. It has an original story that captivates, yet predictability and minor, yet frequent, flaws hold the film back from being really good. Diane Lane stars, and she does a good job in being a heroic and admirable character that works as an FBI agent in some sort of computer unit. Yet, as stated I could predict, early on. certain major happenings in the film which is a case of unoriginal character development. Here and there, I found things that made me go 'huh?'. 'Would they really do that in real-life?'. Also, this film needed a big, smart ending to round out the film's plot and it didn't quite deliver. Hey, I was entertained and it was a good Saturday night flick with a few scares (the film is pretty graphic, I must say), but nothing brilliant.

**1/2

Speaking of brilliant...

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - A ridiculously good screenplay, deep characters that you love and a story we've never heard before makes Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind so original, great and maybe one of the best films I've ever seen. Whoa. Everywhere, performances, style, script,this film works. It's a curious plot, one you have to kind of step back and think over a moment, but it has no holes and it comes full circle perfectly. Charlie Kaufman is a damn genius (I should know that, shouldn't I?). Michel Gondry give this film it's infectious style with vivid and consistent colors and themes. A great, great film I couldn't stop thinking about. See it.

****