Reviews
RocknRolla (2008)
Welcome back, Guy.
I just saw this film and I obviously loved it. I had been a huge fan of Guy Richie's "Snatch" and "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." Then he married Madonna and made a few bum movies, especially "Revolver." Well rest easy, Guy Richie Fans, the man who made the two great movies I listed above is back and funnier, more intense, and a better writer/director than ever. The first ten or twenty minutes of the movie are a little confusing, but as long as you follow the characters and events (which isn't hard to do since they're fantastic and well acted) you'll understand and enjoy "RocknRolla". I'll also add that the soundtrack is great.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Possibly the best comedy today
There are very few comedies out there that are able to actually combine a rather serious plot with amazing humor. They are either just without plot (Meet the Spartans, Scary Movie) or are just depressing and unfunny (The Savages). Forgetting Sarah Marshall is brilliant in its ability to provide a real story with extremely frequent hilarious scenes. The jokes range from subtle to obvious, and almost every single one is worthy of laughing out loud. The pickiest movie-goer and the most easily amused could watch this film and enjoy it to the fullest unless they are just easily offended or not into this kind of humor or movie. The bottom line is that I enjoyed this movie more than I've enjoyed most new or old comedies.
The Killing Fields (1984)
Better as a documentary than a movie
I myself have been to Cambodia, I've seen some of these locations, I've looked at piles of skulls preserved from the genocide done by the Khmer Rouge. This has made me very interested in the workings of Pol Pot and the history of these atrocities, and I have been looking forward to watching this movie for some time.
When I finally did see this movie I was relatively disappointed, although I was intrigued by seeing what I had studied put to film, the movie was occasionally hard to follow and overall disappointing. If it had been a documentary I would have loved it, but it seems to fall by movie standards. Yes, it is about a very sensitive subject and gets a very important message about the terrible acts committed by man, but movies require more than just that for a great review, and I don't think the Killing Fields quite delivers. Sorry.
Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Rather good
It may be that recently I've only watched very serious movies like There Will Be Blood and The Last Emperor, making this a nice carefree break from it, but I very much enjoyed this film. Sure there are a few times in this movie where I didn't laugh when a joke may have been intended, but there were many times I laughed out loud. The characters are basic but enjoyable, and this is most likely Neil Patrick Harris's best role; as a drugged out version of himself. If you're not necessarily looking for a really deep or emotional movie, and you're relaxed and ready to be pretty offended, I would suggest this. If you are looking for an un-Hollywood/studio movie, look for Requiem for a Dream or maybe Donnie Darko.
Freedom Writers (2007)
A movie even better than its message
I am not the kind of person who watches bad movies and loves them for their messages, I did not enjoy Stop-Loss or Rendition. This move does have a message, but it does not lean on it in hopes that audiences will be so touched they will be afraid to criticize the film itself. It is backed up by a compelling story with some serious action to fit. This is by far the best MTV movie to date, which may not sound like much at first, but this film trumps many recent flicks, and that IS saying something because it's been a pretty decent year. I guess my overall point is that you can be a very picky moviegoer, a very sensitive person interested in the life of the less fortunate, or just your average movie fan, and love this film like I did.
I will add, this movie may look like it at first glance, but it is NOT about angsty teens, and it does not put "gangtas" on the pedestal.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
An Adventure of a Movie
This movie would most likely not appeal to most people with a short attention span, since it has long beautifully shot scenes with no dialog. I'll admit myself, if I wasn't at a screening of this film I would have probably stopped watching it not long after the Dawn of Man scene, but after staying through the entire length, I am more than happy to say that the movie is pure genius. The long shots assisted by orchestral music gives you the feeling that you're part of the odyssey as opposed to just watching another movie (which is probably the feeling that has made Kubrick so famous). It is an older movie, but the mechanical effects are fantastic (with the exception of the apes), and it feels like you're watching a film that is years younger. If you prefer a fast pace, I would not recommend 2001: A Space Odyssey, but if you're like me and enjoyed "There Will Be Blood" and similar films, then 2002 is a must see.
Thirteen (2003)
Angsty Waste of Time
The fact that this was actually written by a thirteen year old girl says it all. The movie begs sympathy for these girls while the only people actually doing harm to them are themselves. That alone is an extremely frustrating fact. In addition to that, the story is terrible and lacking in actual interesting points, and is obviously made only for angsty teens as delusional as these characters. If you are a depressed suburban kid under the false idea that your family hates you or that your mom's boyfriend is irresponsible for recovering from a drug addiction then I'm sure you would love this movie. If you are reasonable and mature, It would be a very good idea not to waste your time. The stupidity of the characters is not at all compelling and only frustrates you.
Aliens in America (2007)
Brilliant and Overlooked
This show is one of the best shows that I have come across in recent years. However, I am afraid Aliens in America, much like the other great shows (Freaks and Geeks, Arrested Development, etc.) will have an early death due to low ratings (while Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Girls Next Door continue to live). If you have any interest in checking this show out, please do, you will certainly not be disappointed with it's smart comedy and extremely original ideas. I will also add that although it may take place in high school about a nerd, it does not feel too much like a teen comedy and feels much more like a Judd Apatow film, but clean enough to be aired on television.