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Reviews
Being John Malkovich (1999)
The Most Incredible Movie I Have Ever Seen
Wonderful. Spectacular. Extraordinary.
I normally don't write reviews but I had to contribute. I JUST finished watching this film from iTunes rentals. Ohmygoodness. The entire film is so beautiful. But a very different kind of beautiful. One I cant compare anything too. It is ironically beautiful like Stranger than Fiction. It is desperate. It is selfish. Just wonderful.
The plot is amazing, a puppeteer discovers a way to be John Malkovich. He is unhappily married to a selfless bride yet he is attracted to a selfish sensual coworker.
The Characters are each memorable and play so well. The best performances in any movie I've seen. I didn't recognize Cameron Diaz. I didn't know she could act - she plays someone selfless yielding to others. She's wonderful. I didn't think during the movie that she was Cameron Diaz. I thought she was Lottie. I still do. She became someone else disassociated from herself which is extraordinary. John Cusack is also wonderful as ultimate desperation. Catherine Keener (I usually hate her) but I loves and respected her as the ultimate selfish bitch. John Malkovich was given something INSANELY difficult. He had to play himself as a part. He was himself in an actor's part. Yet he also had to play himself being manipulated by someone else. Imagine playing yourself but being controlled by your mom. And he does a wonderful excellent job. He captures the essence of the person playing him.
WATCH IT. My favorite film. So unique. So different. Makes you realize how desperate and willing the human condition is.
Complete Savages (2004)
Surprisingly somewhat good
PLOT: pretty obvious - a single dad raising 5 boys. This show does go for some of the cheap jokes like the way "Raven" does, but there are some witty jokes such as "The dog goes more out than you, and he's fixed." Don't judge from the stupid theme song alone. Watch the 1st 5 minutes; if you don't like it, change the channel. CHARACTERS: The dad is a responsible fireman, oldest son is a football playing moron, next is a "cool" musician player, next is a awkward sensitive nerd, mischief causing menace, and the youngest is a lying cutie. There is a laugh track though. If there is nothing else on TV, I would watch this. I had low expectations so I was surprised. Those with okay/good expectations might not like this. As a point of reference my favorite shows are: "Entourage", "Golden Girls", "Grounded for Life", "Scrubs", "Avatar; The Last Airbender", and "Naked Brothers" - the latter 2 come from babysitting.
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
stylish
This is a stylish movie. It has the big classic stars in it rather than of the moment people like Paris Hilton. This movie doesn't have much emotion. The plot is a little dizzying so just pay attention. The music is just plain out "cool" - I don't want to sound like a teenager, but that is pretty much the only word for it. If you need one reason to see this movie, here it is: the laser dance sequence. Not many of these movies are made - stylish movies I mean. It's not stylish like James Bond or some other spy gangster movie; it just is cool. The plot is probably the best part of it; it will not have you rolling on the floor laughing but you might get a good chuckle out of it (especially the Julia Robert's scene - I found that rather amusing). It'll make you feel like smoking a Cuban cigar and buying a luxurious yacht afterwords.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
lush
A luxurious movie. The beginning of the movie is hysterical, weird, sexy and it gracefully transcends into true love and drama. Throughout the film, there is the apparent theme of beauty - the scenes and sets are lush and luxurious, the leading actor and actress are handsome and beautiful as opposed to the "circus freaks" who populated Moulin Rouge, the music is made up of remixed songs but it captivates you to a world of fantasy and love. The acting is superb as the sensual Nicole Kidman (satine)allures you into loving her. She plays a strong character who eventually gives into love. Ewan McGregor (Christian) voice will make you fall in love with him. He plays a romantic character whose gentle passion turns to strong fierce raging love. There is tenderness through his voice and eyes which will make every woman sigh longing for a man just as romantic as he is. He truly deserved the Golden Globe. John Leguizamo is just excellent - comedic and sweet. He gave his legs for this performance and should be recognized for it. Jim Broadbent is perfect - he plays a father like figure to Satine who believes her love affair with Christian is nothing until he discovers that they truly love each other. Richard Roxburgh plays a static character so it's not a difficult character to play but Richard pulls it off wonderfully. This movie will break your heart and make you sing and make you laugh. It makes you want to fall in love.
The Fountain (2006)
Beautiful story about death (not love)
Hugh Jackman plays 3 characters in 3 time periods who tries to use the tree of life to live forever. Rachel Weisz plays his lover/spouse who is not afraid of anything including death.
Basically Hugh Jackman's characters are afraid of death and his love played by Rachel Weisz is there to tell him not to be afraid.
Hugh Jackman is superb. If there weren't so many other great performances this year, Hugh would have definitely gotten a GG nomination. Rachel Weisz is also great. Her role is a subtle one; she's not supposed to win an Oscar. She acts wonderfully; she's just not a difficult character.
Darren Arronofsky does a spectacular job. He wrote and directed the whole thing. The camera angles are beautiful done. A wonderfully shot film (not crappy camera direction like Constant Gardener). It's quite surprising Darren hasn't been nominated for a GG.
The score is brilliant; one of the best I've heard.
The way the story is told (3 time periods, 3 characters) is highly original. The plot is different from all the biographies, sequels, and pervy teen horrors out there. It has a great message. The 1st 15 minutes are a little freaky, but then it just sucks you in. Darren uses motifs, reappearing symbols, same camera angles to tie the story together. The symbols (light, looking up, ...) deepen the story.
The effects are done very well. This film takes a risk. It is different; it's "arty" and intelligent. It is pure poetry. My mother who only like romantic comedies (Pillow Talk, Something's Gotta Give, ...) highly enjoyed this, so you may like it too. Give it a chance. It is a drama; no comical relief whatsoever. If you are in an intelligent mood or wish to see a drama, this is the film for you. You'll hate it or love it.
This is a very useful comment. I can't believe 4 people found this not helpful.
Grounded for Life (2001)
awesome
SUMMARY This show is excellent. It's about a Catholic couple who got pregnant young and their dealing life.
REVIEW This show is hilarious because they talk about real things like when teenagers have sex and horny parents. Most of the episodes have several flashbacks told by a character explaining a dilemma in the present.
CHARACTERS It works because of the diversity of the characters. There is an Irish irascible horny dad, a sexy horny mom, a shady naughty player brother, a spoiled stubborn daughter, a smart nerdy brother, a weird brother (like DJ on Roseanne), a geeky boyfriend who is devoted to his girlfriend, a strict grandfather, and a strict nun who sometimes doesn't act very saintly.