Reviews
WTC View (2005)
Exquisite
Haunting in it's simplicity. This movie captures the raw emotions of the days following 9/11 without sensationalizing nor cheapening the memories of those we lost. The limited cast performs an incredible range of emotions that draw us to them and allow all of the different types of emotions and reactions people moved through to be explored. The lead, Eric, draws us into his pathos as naturally as going for a walk and his descent is haunting. Despite all of the fear and anger that he (Eric) experiences, and the frightening awe of Alex's survival of Tower 1, you feel better for seeing their performances.
This movie serves to remind us of what we saw, felt, thought, and never said to anyone. It is refreshingly real and without the pretension of a documentary or newscast. Instead we see the rawist of human experiences in people we root for (and fear we are or have been).
I hope that this movie is picked up and at least given a DVD release. Future generations can learn a lot from it about how 9/11 threw us all off balance and changed the world forever.
Loggerheads (2005)
Haunting and refreshing
I loved this movie. The cinematography, direction, and acting are fantastic. The NC shoot is exquisite (particularly the scenes at the beach). Using three different story lines that ultimately converge is a great way of drawing the viewer into the story and making it much more intimate and meaningful. There is a certain level of shock at how antiquated adoption laws and mores have been (and still are).
The ending is uplifting without being a "Hollywood" saccharin sellout. The bittersweetness of the closure is a wonderful way of reminding one that we can always do a better job of being human to each other - even when we don't understand each other.
Lie Down with Dogs (1995)
Awful
The lighting was bad, the dialog was stiff, unnatural and awkward, the camera work was jumpy and distracting, the sound was in and out, and the acting was terrible.
There was nothing redeeming about this movie. Given the cheesy blue screen work (a montage P-Town scenes behind an actor as he marches/struts in place instead of actual film of the actor walking down a street), I should not have expected much, but this disappointed even my limited hope.
Low budget films have been done in the past - and done well (Clerks), but this one feels and looks schlocky. After watching it, you feel that your 8 year old niece or nephew could have done better with the family camcorder. What amazes me is that Miramax picked it up and released it.