Date Watched: 1/16/10
Viewing: 1st
Don't judge this movie upfront based on the movie cover and the fact that it is German. It makes it look like an unsophisticated horror movie that involves lots of gore and little thought. Let me guarantee you, it's not. The police catch who they believe to be a serial murderer, but need a confession out of. At the same time, a local police officer believes a murder in his town a few years ago might be related and goes to the city to find out, so his town can finally have some peace.
This movie was so intense. The initial scene involves the aforementioned capture and gives you your first glimpse into the dark world of Gabriel Engel, the serial murderer. What I loved about this movie was, like the movie before this, they kept everything very realistic. But, at the same time they added such a dark and twisted antagonist that truly got in your head. The whole local cop talking to the serial murderer does mimic "Silence of the Lambs" (Anthony Hopkins was classic). However this killer is just as sophisticated, maybe not polished, but dark, twisted, smart, disturbed and most of all unstable. I think he is more frightening despite the fact that he doesn't eat his victims. The movie has lovely commentary on evil and where it comes from. How it is almost contagious and how it develops and evolves over time. The plot is very detailed and there are some twists along the way. The acting was very good and each character well thought out and developed. I was watching this alone at night, but it was the first time in a while that i was scared walking through my empty, dark, silent house to get water. It's because I believe there are people out there that are doing crazy things like this as hard as it is for us to believe. A movie like this provides much more frightening images and fears than something so ludicrous like "Paranormal Activity" or "Friday the 13th".
Overall, one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I love the thriller/mystery/murder genre so there might be something to that, but it was very original and well made. I loved almost everything about it.
I would recommend it if: you liked "Silence of the Lambs", like serial killer movies, want to see a good, timely discussion of evil, like disturbing movies, or want to further a bad stereotype of the Germans.
Rating: 5 Stars
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Movie #11: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Date Watched: 1/15/10
Viewing: 1st
This movie and its counterpart "The Girl who Played with Fire" recently showed up on my netflix radar. Then I was at Sam's club with my father and I saw a stack of books about 3 meters high (yes, I just used the metric system) of these books. Apparently they are currently best-sellers over here now and quite popular with the mainstream audience. And so I decided to watch the first of the trilogy of Swedish movies (based on the respective books by Stieg Larsson). The plot is actually quite interesting, it starts off with a journalist, Mikael Blomqvisk, who is sent to jail for libel (not slander) and thus has 6 months before he serves a short sentence (3 months, but they act like it's the end of the world). He is hired by a rich man to find out who murdered his niece a long time ago and he later gets help from a crazy computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander, in solving this mystery.
A quick caveat, I'm sure the book is far better than the movie is, as is usually the case, so I recommend you read the book if my review sounds interesting. Let me start off my saying I hate knowing exactly what a movie is about so I did not research what exactly the book was about or like. So I was very surprised when the movie was so dark. The rich family has quite the troubled past only equaled by Lisbeth's dark present life. The parallels are quite interesting and often quite gripping and traumatic. The character of Lisbeth is great. She has deep-rooted issues, is complicated, irrational, brilliant, distant, and reserved yet you fell somewhat drawn to her. I loved watching her various relationships with other characters unfold and progress. Although this movie wasn't too graphic visually, mentally it was fairly intense in the most realistic of ways. Then I watched the next movie ("Antibodies", review coming shortly) which made this look like a Disney movie. The plot kept me guessing a little and definitely spread the doubt early as to which family member it might be. The end wasn't necessarily great but it was conclusive and nice for the protagonists. I loved the questions posed about morality and whether evil is created or inherent. Also it asks if it is ok for revenge in some sense, especially if it's provoked in one capacity or another. When is it alright to either look the other way or take things into your own hands?
Overall, this movie was a dark, mystery type that does a good job keeping you engaged. It's realistic portrayals of abuse, family, and darkness is what makes this Swedish film quite brilliant.
I would recommend if you: like realistic mysteries, enjoy deeply disturbed and fragmented families, love foreign movies, or love puzzling protagonists (Lisbeth in this case)
Rating: 4 Stars
Viewing: 1st
This movie and its counterpart "The Girl who Played with Fire" recently showed up on my netflix radar. Then I was at Sam's club with my father and I saw a stack of books about 3 meters high (yes, I just used the metric system) of these books. Apparently they are currently best-sellers over here now and quite popular with the mainstream audience. And so I decided to watch the first of the trilogy of Swedish movies (based on the respective books by Stieg Larsson). The plot is actually quite interesting, it starts off with a journalist, Mikael Blomqvisk, who is sent to jail for libel (not slander) and thus has 6 months before he serves a short sentence (3 months, but they act like it's the end of the world). He is hired by a rich man to find out who murdered his niece a long time ago and he later gets help from a crazy computer hacker, Lisbeth Salander, in solving this mystery.
A quick caveat, I'm sure the book is far better than the movie is, as is usually the case, so I recommend you read the book if my review sounds interesting. Let me start off my saying I hate knowing exactly what a movie is about so I did not research what exactly the book was about or like. So I was very surprised when the movie was so dark. The rich family has quite the troubled past only equaled by Lisbeth's dark present life. The parallels are quite interesting and often quite gripping and traumatic. The character of Lisbeth is great. She has deep-rooted issues, is complicated, irrational, brilliant, distant, and reserved yet you fell somewhat drawn to her. I loved watching her various relationships with other characters unfold and progress. Although this movie wasn't too graphic visually, mentally it was fairly intense in the most realistic of ways. Then I watched the next movie ("Antibodies", review coming shortly) which made this look like a Disney movie. The plot kept me guessing a little and definitely spread the doubt early as to which family member it might be. The end wasn't necessarily great but it was conclusive and nice for the protagonists. I loved the questions posed about morality and whether evil is created or inherent. Also it asks if it is ok for revenge in some sense, especially if it's provoked in one capacity or another. When is it alright to either look the other way or take things into your own hands?
Overall, this movie was a dark, mystery type that does a good job keeping you engaged. It's realistic portrayals of abuse, family, and darkness is what makes this Swedish film quite brilliant.
I would recommend if you: like realistic mysteries, enjoy deeply disturbed and fragmented families, love foreign movies, or love puzzling protagonists (Lisbeth in this case)
Rating: 4 Stars
Movie #10: Zombieland
Date Watched: 1/13/10
Viewing: 1st
I'm really not one for the zombie like gore. I don't know why. Gore doesn't bother me in the least bit, perhaps it's a deeply buried fear of zombies. Thus I have not even seen the classics of the genre. The plot seems pretty standard. Some catastrophe, most of humanity wiped out, zombies still roaming about.
This movie does so many things right, I feel like I loved everything about it except the zombie issues. The main character was very Michael Cera (pathetic, funny, somewhat charming) but it still worked. The script was pretty funny and I loved the cast. Little girl from little miss sunshine, aforementioned Michael Cera clone, Emma stone, and Woody Harrelson (one of my favorite roles he's done). The violence is mostly stupid and zombie like. I feel like the characters were interesting enough to carry the movie though. Very solid acting throughout and for some reason a very entertaining film. Zombieland was very humorous and played with and off the stereotype of zombies in general. The plot itself is fairly boring and there's no deep message or commentary. And for once a movie gives a good reason why a good looking girl might end up with a goober (unlike "She's out of your League"). That reason being no one is left of earth...
Overall, I liked this movie so much more than I thought I would. I still dislike the zombie genre but this semi-satire was enjoyable. Expect some gore but not a whole lot of disturbing images.
I would recommend this if: you enjoy satires, enjoy zombie movies, want to see Bill Murray as a pseudo-zombie, like odd comedies, or haven't got enough of the "Michael Cera character" yet.
Rating: 4 stars
Viewing: 1st
I'm really not one for the zombie like gore. I don't know why. Gore doesn't bother me in the least bit, perhaps it's a deeply buried fear of zombies. Thus I have not even seen the classics of the genre. The plot seems pretty standard. Some catastrophe, most of humanity wiped out, zombies still roaming about.
This movie does so many things right, I feel like I loved everything about it except the zombie issues. The main character was very Michael Cera (pathetic, funny, somewhat charming) but it still worked. The script was pretty funny and I loved the cast. Little girl from little miss sunshine, aforementioned Michael Cera clone, Emma stone, and Woody Harrelson (one of my favorite roles he's done). The violence is mostly stupid and zombie like. I feel like the characters were interesting enough to carry the movie though. Very solid acting throughout and for some reason a very entertaining film. Zombieland was very humorous and played with and off the stereotype of zombies in general. The plot itself is fairly boring and there's no deep message or commentary. And for once a movie gives a good reason why a good looking girl might end up with a goober (unlike "She's out of your League"). That reason being no one is left of earth...
Overall, I liked this movie so much more than I thought I would. I still dislike the zombie genre but this semi-satire was enjoyable. Expect some gore but not a whole lot of disturbing images.
I would recommend this if: you enjoy satires, enjoy zombie movies, want to see Bill Murray as a pseudo-zombie, like odd comedies, or haven't got enough of the "Michael Cera character" yet.
Rating: 4 stars
Monday, January 17, 2011
Movie #9: Jaws
Date Watched: 1/12/10
Viewing: 1st
For some reason I refused to watch this movie because I just knew it would disappoint. The kind of movie your parents rave about and tell you it scared them so much that they never went swimming again (oh and that's why you never vacation by a beach, thanks Spielberg). But in the spirit of having a balanced genre pool, I gave it a shot. The basic idea of the plot is simple: There is a shark, he attacks people, eventually it is decided that the shark must be killed.
I have to humbly say that this movie earns its "classic" status. I feel like it's one of the movies that is so well made that you can't argue that it's not "good". Whether you truly love it or not, you know while watching it that it'd be hard to improve in any way (similar to "The Godfather"). Yes, you can tell that the movie is about 20 years older from the sheer picture, yet it's hard to find many complaints. It was a pretty excellent script that preys on a fear that still plagues many of us: sharks. The actual attack footage was more gory than I expected and actually was probably incredibly bold for its day (1975). It provides a great deal of suspense which is probably all credit to Spielberg and how it was shot. I looked away for a few seconds and heard a shrieking noise, so I decided to rewind it so I could see what happened. When I rewatched it and reached that scene, I still jumped even though I knew it was coming. It definitely did a great job of actually showing the shark which also didn't look half bad for the day. The acting performances were absolutely awesome and I believe why the movie has withstood the test of time. Dreyfuss was awesome (also rocked a huge beard) and Roy Schneider and Robert Shaw were very good as well.
Overall, a classic movie that deserves all the respect in the world. Personally classics and artsy movies aren't my genre of choice, but I did enjoy Jaws thoroughly.
I would recommend this if: you like classic, well-made movies, consider yourself a movie buff and haven't seen it, want to frighten your children from swimming in the water, or have an appreciation of good beards.
Rating: 4 Stars
Viewing: 1st
For some reason I refused to watch this movie because I just knew it would disappoint. The kind of movie your parents rave about and tell you it scared them so much that they never went swimming again (oh and that's why you never vacation by a beach, thanks Spielberg). But in the spirit of having a balanced genre pool, I gave it a shot. The basic idea of the plot is simple: There is a shark, he attacks people, eventually it is decided that the shark must be killed.
I have to humbly say that this movie earns its "classic" status. I feel like it's one of the movies that is so well made that you can't argue that it's not "good". Whether you truly love it or not, you know while watching it that it'd be hard to improve in any way (similar to "The Godfather"). Yes, you can tell that the movie is about 20 years older from the sheer picture, yet it's hard to find many complaints. It was a pretty excellent script that preys on a fear that still plagues many of us: sharks. The actual attack footage was more gory than I expected and actually was probably incredibly bold for its day (1975). It provides a great deal of suspense which is probably all credit to Spielberg and how it was shot. I looked away for a few seconds and heard a shrieking noise, so I decided to rewind it so I could see what happened. When I rewatched it and reached that scene, I still jumped even though I knew it was coming. It definitely did a great job of actually showing the shark which also didn't look half bad for the day. The acting performances were absolutely awesome and I believe why the movie has withstood the test of time. Dreyfuss was awesome (also rocked a huge beard) and Roy Schneider and Robert Shaw were very good as well.
Overall, a classic movie that deserves all the respect in the world. Personally classics and artsy movies aren't my genre of choice, but I did enjoy Jaws thoroughly.
I would recommend this if: you like classic, well-made movies, consider yourself a movie buff and haven't seen it, want to frighten your children from swimming in the water, or have an appreciation of good beards.
Rating: 4 Stars
Friday, January 14, 2011
Movie #8: Gossip
Date Watched: 1/12/10
Viewing: 1st
This little gem is from 2000 and had an interesting cast (James Marsden, Kid from Dawson's creek, Kate Hudson, brother from Boondock Saints) so I gave it a shot. Three students decide to start a rumor so they can study how it travels and evolves and later they can write about it for a college paper. Little do they know that their rumor may be a little true and things start to spiral out of control.
I gave this movie little potential because I couldn't see where the plot could go. Obviously I foresaw the first few complications of spreading the rumor and as they unfolded, I was less than enthused. However, what I did not anticipate was all the other inner workings of the plot. There are a few surprises that come up and for a while it becomes quite murky as to what really is true. Also the acting was solid given the cast and the characters' interactions are quite realistic. I think this movie is more gripping than an interesting discussion of gossip, as I feel like the movie was intended to be. I thought the movie was effective at showing how actions and words can be warped and twisted, and I thought the most interesting commentary might be on perception in general.
Overall, a surprisingly good movie that harps on what you should listen to and maybe more importantly what you should (or shouldn't) say.
I would recommend this if: you enjoy movies where you're not sure what is and isn't true until the end, like odd casts that work for some reason, really miss "Dawson's Creek" and want to see pacey in his prime.
Rating: 3 Stars (I was on the fence between 3 and 4)
Viewing: 1st
This little gem is from 2000 and had an interesting cast (James Marsden, Kid from Dawson's creek, Kate Hudson, brother from Boondock Saints) so I gave it a shot. Three students decide to start a rumor so they can study how it travels and evolves and later they can write about it for a college paper. Little do they know that their rumor may be a little true and things start to spiral out of control.
I gave this movie little potential because I couldn't see where the plot could go. Obviously I foresaw the first few complications of spreading the rumor and as they unfolded, I was less than enthused. However, what I did not anticipate was all the other inner workings of the plot. There are a few surprises that come up and for a while it becomes quite murky as to what really is true. Also the acting was solid given the cast and the characters' interactions are quite realistic. I think this movie is more gripping than an interesting discussion of gossip, as I feel like the movie was intended to be. I thought the movie was effective at showing how actions and words can be warped and twisted, and I thought the most interesting commentary might be on perception in general.
Overall, a surprisingly good movie that harps on what you should listen to and maybe more importantly what you should (or shouldn't) say.
I would recommend this if: you enjoy movies where you're not sure what is and isn't true until the end, like odd casts that work for some reason, really miss "Dawson's Creek" and want to see pacey in his prime.
Rating: 3 Stars (I was on the fence between 3 and 4)
Movie #7: Exam
Date Watched: 1/12/10
Viewing: 1st
Netflix brought this movie to my attention and I knew immediately it would be right up my alley. Exam is a British movie about 8 people who are apply for one mysterious job. They are put into a room and each given an exam. However, the exam is quite abnormal and they must try to decide if working together is helping or hurting them in the hopes of landing this job.
I am so thoroughly amused by movies that only use one set. I don't know what it is, but I think it is quite genius to have the movie do so much merely with the plot and character development. This movie is a close sibling to a "Saw" or "The Cube," however I would say it strays a little away from the horror genre. It is a thriller in its purest form. From the very beginning you are personally sizing each character up and trying to get ahead of them. You scan the room for clues, try to brainstorm ideas, think back on the instructions given by the proctor, wonder more about why things are the way they are. It's quite an enjoyable 90 minutes or so. The time will honestly fly because it moves very well from scene to scene. The acting was actually pretty good as opposed to "Saw" and there are enough twists to keep you guessing till the end. Ah, the end. Now it isn't nearly as epic, in my humble opinion, as you may hope. But just remember this movie is about the ride. It's a lot like playing Clue. You don't play Clue for an hour just to find out Scarlet did it with the rope. You play for the challenge and excitement of solving the mystery.
Overall, a mentally stimulating movie with solid plot twists and good acting. I feel as though it is original enough to keep you entertained.
I would recommend this if: you enjoy the thriller/mystery solving genre (Saw, Cube, Mindhunters,etc.), want to watch an original, low-cost, well-made movie, or like British people fighting over a job they know nothing about (oh those British).
Rating: 4 Stars
Viewing: 1st
Netflix brought this movie to my attention and I knew immediately it would be right up my alley. Exam is a British movie about 8 people who are apply for one mysterious job. They are put into a room and each given an exam. However, the exam is quite abnormal and they must try to decide if working together is helping or hurting them in the hopes of landing this job.
I am so thoroughly amused by movies that only use one set. I don't know what it is, but I think it is quite genius to have the movie do so much merely with the plot and character development. This movie is a close sibling to a "Saw" or "The Cube," however I would say it strays a little away from the horror genre. It is a thriller in its purest form. From the very beginning you are personally sizing each character up and trying to get ahead of them. You scan the room for clues, try to brainstorm ideas, think back on the instructions given by the proctor, wonder more about why things are the way they are. It's quite an enjoyable 90 minutes or so. The time will honestly fly because it moves very well from scene to scene. The acting was actually pretty good as opposed to "Saw" and there are enough twists to keep you guessing till the end. Ah, the end. Now it isn't nearly as epic, in my humble opinion, as you may hope. But just remember this movie is about the ride. It's a lot like playing Clue. You don't play Clue for an hour just to find out Scarlet did it with the rope. You play for the challenge and excitement of solving the mystery.
Overall, a mentally stimulating movie with solid plot twists and good acting. I feel as though it is original enough to keep you entertained.
I would recommend this if: you enjoy the thriller/mystery solving genre (Saw, Cube, Mindhunters,etc.), want to watch an original, low-cost, well-made movie, or like British people fighting over a job they know nothing about (oh those British).
Rating: 4 Stars
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Movie #6: Killer at Large: Why Obesity is America's Greatest Threat
Date Watched: 1/11/10
Viewing: 1st
Ah I've been slow on the posts, but I have been watching movies as if I was DiCaprio from the Aviator (the shut inside thing, not the peeing in bottles thing). Now, I don't rush out to see documentaries or look to preach to the world. I feel as though the hipster in me is usually suppressed a fair amount, but I wanted to switch up my movie genres to get an eclectic sample. This is a documentary from 2008 in the same vein as "Supersize Me". It's a little more credible and traditional in it's unfolding and less hands on. It talks to presidents, professors, gym teachers, and people who have personally struggled with obesity.
I was quite reluctant to watch this movie at first and it does play very much like a documentary. Caveat, it has a few brief graphic moments (liposuction, diabetic feet,). At first I didn't think I was learning anything new. I know about exercise and our diets and how consumerism is destroying our country, etc etc. But as the movie unfolded, I found out a lot of really interesting information. They give you great statistics, historic examples, and most importantly a lot of viewpoints of the issue at hand. It becomes a discussion and not a lecture which is exactly what a documentary should do. It draws you in and engages you. After seeing this movie I was absolutely floored (I stopped eating my dinner of buttered noodles and pizza rolls halfway through). There was so much I didn't know that was adding to this nagging problem that plagues our country.
Now the most important thing to take away is what this movie is. I read a review that said something along the lines of "oh yeah they say this and that but not what to do to stop it". That's missing the point. It is really more of a public service announcement to inform you of what's going on. Quite literally, it has a bit that says, the point of the democracy is to give you all the information and let you decide what you want to do with it. It's almost a challenge pointing that proverbial finger back at all of us. I thought the movie did a good job not placing the blame with any one party too. It's become such an ordeal that I don't think it should be looked at as a group of individual battles, but a collective war.
Overall, an outstanding documentary that could not have a more relevant topic of discussion. I'll flat out say that everyone should watch this so they can understand obesity and be better informed. Then you may think or say whatever you want.
Rating: 5 Stars
Viewing: 1st
Ah I've been slow on the posts, but I have been watching movies as if I was DiCaprio from the Aviator (the shut inside thing, not the peeing in bottles thing). Now, I don't rush out to see documentaries or look to preach to the world. I feel as though the hipster in me is usually suppressed a fair amount, but I wanted to switch up my movie genres to get an eclectic sample. This is a documentary from 2008 in the same vein as "Supersize Me". It's a little more credible and traditional in it's unfolding and less hands on. It talks to presidents, professors, gym teachers, and people who have personally struggled with obesity.
I was quite reluctant to watch this movie at first and it does play very much like a documentary. Caveat, it has a few brief graphic moments (liposuction, diabetic feet,). At first I didn't think I was learning anything new. I know about exercise and our diets and how consumerism is destroying our country, etc etc. But as the movie unfolded, I found out a lot of really interesting information. They give you great statistics, historic examples, and most importantly a lot of viewpoints of the issue at hand. It becomes a discussion and not a lecture which is exactly what a documentary should do. It draws you in and engages you. After seeing this movie I was absolutely floored (I stopped eating my dinner of buttered noodles and pizza rolls halfway through). There was so much I didn't know that was adding to this nagging problem that plagues our country.
Now the most important thing to take away is what this movie is. I read a review that said something along the lines of "oh yeah they say this and that but not what to do to stop it". That's missing the point. It is really more of a public service announcement to inform you of what's going on. Quite literally, it has a bit that says, the point of the democracy is to give you all the information and let you decide what you want to do with it. It's almost a challenge pointing that proverbial finger back at all of us. I thought the movie did a good job not placing the blame with any one party too. It's become such an ordeal that I don't think it should be looked at as a group of individual battles, but a collective war.
Overall, an outstanding documentary that could not have a more relevant topic of discussion. I'll flat out say that everyone should watch this so they can understand obesity and be better informed. Then you may think or say whatever you want.
Rating: 5 Stars
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