tvtiguy Reviews

Miss Representation (2011)

Worth watching, but not stellar execution

[6/10 · 26 October 2011]

First off - I'm a guy. Albeit a guy who had graduate level feminist media theory classes 20 years ago - I'm a guy none-the-less. And I think people who know me would probably consider me "a guy's guy" overall.

The film is filled with much of what we studied in graduate school in the early 90s. So I guess there was a lot of "no duh" moments for me in it. But if it opens some people's eyes then it's worth it. The messages are essential to the health of our daughters, sons and country as a whole. Many of what I thought were the most important parts of the film were "glossed over," but that may be my view/perspective. For example, to me THE MOST important point in the film is that TV shows are essentially "made for men 18-34." Why - because that demographic doesn't really watch TV unless they're driven to the set somehow. TV show creators don't worry about women - because women watch TV anyway.

Think about that - most of us can agree that most of what's on TV is crap. And yet, the people who make TV don't worry about losing the female audience at all. Until women turn off the crap on TV, I doubt that will change.

Hit or miss (no pun intended) outing for a first time director. Great messages, important content, mediocre execution. Probably too much "sexual imagery" for me to let my 12 year old daughter watch it - but soon. And everyone over 15 should be aware of the subject matter. This is as good a way as any.

Bridesmaids (I) (2011)

Terrible

[9 October 2011]

This movie is terrible. Rudolph is good (as she is in everything) but everything else is contrived nonsense. I heard it was a "girl's The Hangover" - but that couldn't be farther from the truth (except that they ripped characters and plot lines from The Hangover).

At least in The Hangover you could suspend your disbelief while you were watching the film. In hindsight, some it seems ridiculous, but almost all of the comic elements of this film are completely ridiculous. For example - the roommate brother/sister team? No one believes there are any humans on the planet like that. Every time they were on the screen it took me completely away from the film.

Don't see it.

Happy Feet (2006)

This film is not for young children

[3/10 · 25 November 2006]

To me, this film seems like it came together in 10 marketing meetings. All of the songs are of "an older generation" - if you're 40 you'll recognize them all. Making you want to buy a recycled sound track. By getting all the big names together they assure a big opening weekend too.

I took a 5 and 7 year old and of course they loved it. The animation was SPECTACULAR. And Robin Williams (in his many roles) was very funny. And the "overt" story is good - be yourself, you don't have to fit in to be happy, don't give up when things get tough.

But the entire sub-text is that finding a mate is the most important thing in life. Plus, the sexual innuendo was WAY to strong for me to feel comfortable with my young kids. Since when did Prince became acceptable for children? I love Prince, but I'm a 40 year old father of 2. The themes are just to "adult." I do think that if my kids were 11 or so, I wouldn't be writing this. But I use the comments on IMDb to help determine what movies might be OK for my kids before I take them. In this case it was spur of the moment and I didn't do my usual research. I admit that I tend to be overprotective when it comes to my kids and mass media. But if this review keeps someone from taking a 7 year old girl - then it's worth the time.

And I don't even have time to get into the silly ending (with the real humans) that entirely simplifies what would be a complex debate. And the stereotypical portrait of Hispanics that gets painted.

The Matador (2005)

Wonderful Little Film

[8/10 · 17 January 2006]

I have a Master's Degree in film theory - I know, a waste of time. However, it means that I've seen A LOT OF FILMS. So it's pretty rare for me not to see what's going to happen in advance. If it happens once in a film, I'm impressed. In The Matador it happened a few times. It's not going to change your life, but it is a cute, funny film that will make you think: "OMG, that's not going to happen, is it?"

I think it's tanking at the Box Office, so you'll probably only get a chance to see it on DVD or on Cable/Sat. It will be worth your time. I've never posted before, and I registered at IMDb (after being a long time user) so I could post this.