3 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema
I was too self-absorbed during the early eighties to pay more than scant attention to the Iran hostage crisis. Director Ben Affleck has given me a chance to redeem myself (well, kind of) with Argo, and I hung on every word and image.
I take back every snarky thing I ever said about the taller, darker half of the Good Will Hunting duo. He approaches this little piece of once-classified information with humor, a great sense of pacing and a keen eye for period detail (remember when everyone smoked?). It's just plain old great movie making. The cast of relatively unknown actors who play the six Americans makes you feel as though you're trapped inside the Canadian embassy with them, and the Hollywood connection (John Goodman and Alan Arkin) gives the film its warmth and somehow makes you proud to be an American.
Make sure you stay through the credits - the photo pairings and accompanying audio are well worth it.
Bonus Bones: 5
Look for the chained up guy who's howling like mad - he made the most of his short but incredibly focused screen time.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Searching for Sugar Man
1.5 Paws
Seen recently at Film Streams
The story is an incredible one, and it's true - a soft-spoken guy with a great look from Detroit makes a couple of records in the 1970s that go absolutely nowhere in the United States, but, unbeknownst to him (and apparently anyone else), he becomes a rock god in South Africa. Then, after years of living in obscurity while toiling away at tough manual labor jobs, two of his biggest fans track him down and bring him to their country for a series of concerts that parallel the hype surrounding the first U.S. visit of the Beatles.
It's too bad the documentary doesn't live up to its subject matter. Sixto Rodriguez is one of the most charming, unassuming artists I've ever seen on screen, but you don't get to meet him until you're almost halfway through the film's 86-minute running time. I dozed off prior to our introduction to the now 70-year-old poet/musician/day laborer who once threw his hat in the Detroit city council race, and I was left with a ton of questions. Why didn't he make it? (His sound is similar to James Taylor and the late great Jim Croce.) Can he recoup any of the money (not that he cares to) from record sales that should have gone into his pocket? What happened to the mother (or mothers) of his three daughters? Does he really live through Detroit winters with only a wood-burning stove to heat his home?
The film's saving grace is that it's introduced Rodriguez to an American audience, and he's experiencing a resurgence of sorts. I hope he books a gig in Omaha soon - maybe then I'll get some answers.
Bonus Bones: 0
No dogs, unless one made an appearance while I was dozing.
Seen recently at Film Streams
The story is an incredible one, and it's true - a soft-spoken guy with a great look from Detroit makes a couple of records in the 1970s that go absolutely nowhere in the United States, but, unbeknownst to him (and apparently anyone else), he becomes a rock god in South Africa. Then, after years of living in obscurity while toiling away at tough manual labor jobs, two of his biggest fans track him down and bring him to their country for a series of concerts that parallel the hype surrounding the first U.S. visit of the Beatles.
It's too bad the documentary doesn't live up to its subject matter. Sixto Rodriguez is one of the most charming, unassuming artists I've ever seen on screen, but you don't get to meet him until you're almost halfway through the film's 86-minute running time. I dozed off prior to our introduction to the now 70-year-old poet/musician/day laborer who once threw his hat in the Detroit city council race, and I was left with a ton of questions. Why didn't he make it? (His sound is similar to James Taylor and the late great Jim Croce.) Can he recoup any of the money (not that he cares to) from record sales that should have gone into his pocket? What happened to the mother (or mothers) of his three daughters? Does he really live through Detroit winters with only a wood-burning stove to heat his home?
The film's saving grace is that it's introduced Rodriguez to an American audience, and he's experiencing a resurgence of sorts. I hope he books a gig in Omaha soon - maybe then I'll get some answers.
Bonus Bones: 0
No dogs, unless one made an appearance while I was dozing.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Looper
1 Paw
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema
My brain is not wired for science fiction.
I spent the first part of the movie trying to figure out what they did to Joseph Gordon-Levitt's face. Then I was distracted by the soft-boiled egg hair (bald on top, shell around the sides) of Bruce Willis, who plays the older version of JGL's character "in the future." At this point, I felt like I was watching a foreign film minus the English subtitles.
Then the demon child (whom I at first thought was a CGI character) enters the picture. Ooooie - let's hope the kid (Pierce Gagnon) doesn't need therapy later in life. If it weren't for the calming presence of a blonde, shotgun-toting, American accented Emily Blunt, I would have headed straight for the exit.
Thinking back, I can only recall one time travel movie I really liked - 1980's Somewhere in Time. You just can't beat Superman and Jane Seymour falling in love at the historic Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island despite the different eras they live in.
Then the demon child (whom I at first thought was a CGI character) enters the picture. Ooooie - let's hope the kid (Pierce Gagnon) doesn't need therapy later in life. If it weren't for the calming presence of a blonde, shotgun-toting, American accented Emily Blunt, I would have headed straight for the exit.
Thinking back, I can only recall one time travel movie I really liked - 1980's Somewhere in Time. You just can't beat Superman and Jane Seymour falling in love at the historic Grand Hotel on Michigan's Mackinac Island despite the different eras they live in.
Bonus Bones: 0
Thank God there is no dog in this one - either Bruce Willis would have shot it or that disturbing child would have blown it up.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
End of Watch
2 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema
This one's a bit of a gorefest, so be forewarned.
There's something sincere about Jake Gyllenhaal's performances, and his turn as a cruiser cop on the mean streets of L.A. is exactly that. I liked watching the daily grind of his relationship with fellow officer and partner Michael Pena - it makes you realize that cops are people as well as badges. I also liked seeing Ugly Betty (America Ferrera) in blues instead of braces, even though her role is a small one and her partner couldn't act her way out of a wet paper bag.
I didn't like the storyline at first - is coordination between different law enforcement agencies (as to who's going after who) really that bad in 2012? Then, the very next day, I heard a story on NPR about a Mexican drug cartel - creepy. I don't think I want to know any more.
Bonus Bones: 5
I couldn't count all the junkyard dogs that crop up during the pivotal scene - it's too dark - but you sure can hear them.
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema
This one's a bit of a gorefest, so be forewarned.
There's something sincere about Jake Gyllenhaal's performances, and his turn as a cruiser cop on the mean streets of L.A. is exactly that. I liked watching the daily grind of his relationship with fellow officer and partner Michael Pena - it makes you realize that cops are people as well as badges. I also liked seeing Ugly Betty (America Ferrera) in blues instead of braces, even though her role is a small one and her partner couldn't act her way out of a wet paper bag.
I didn't like the storyline at first - is coordination between different law enforcement agencies (as to who's going after who) really that bad in 2012? Then, the very next day, I heard a story on NPR about a Mexican drug cartel - creepy. I don't think I want to know any more.
Bonus Bones: 5
I couldn't count all the junkyard dogs that crop up during the pivotal scene - it's too dark - but you sure can hear them.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Sleepwalk With Me
2.5 Paws
Seen recently at Film Streams
I admire standup comics, but I don't like watching them perform. It's too much pressure - on the comedian to be funny and on the audience to laugh. What if it's not funny? Life is already too full of awkward moments to purposefully set yourself up for more.
That being said, Mike Birbiglia (Matt Pandamiglio), the want-to-be-comedian, is kind of funny. His parents are kind of entertaining, and the visual depiction of his sleepwalking problem is kind of clever. It's also kind of nice to see Lauren Ambrose (Abby, Matt's girlfriend/fiance) on the big screen - her Claire was the best part of Six Feet Under before it got kind of boring in its later years.
Is this one going to pummel you into comedic submission like a Lewis Black performance? Nope. But kind of is okay.
Bonus Bones: 0
Matt can barely take care of himself, let alone a dog.
Seen recently at Film Streams
I admire standup comics, but I don't like watching them perform. It's too much pressure - on the comedian to be funny and on the audience to laugh. What if it's not funny? Life is already too full of awkward moments to purposefully set yourself up for more.
That being said, Mike Birbiglia (Matt Pandamiglio), the want-to-be-comedian, is kind of funny. His parents are kind of entertaining, and the visual depiction of his sleepwalking problem is kind of clever. It's also kind of nice to see Lauren Ambrose (Abby, Matt's girlfriend/fiance) on the big screen - her Claire was the best part of Six Feet Under before it got kind of boring in its later years.
Is this one going to pummel you into comedic submission like a Lewis Black performance? Nope. But kind of is okay.
Bonus Bones: 0
Matt can barely take care of himself, let alone a dog.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
3 Paws
Seen recently at Film Streams
He's a hulking man with an ego to match who apparently cheats on his wife - not exactly hero material in my book.
But there's something about his conviction that immediately puts you in his corner and makes you wish you had the guts to fight for your beliefs as he does, despite the consequences (imagine being whacked in the head so hard by the police that it requires brain surgery to alleviate the damage or being detained by the authorities for 81 days while no one - not even your family - knows what's become of you).
I first heard about Ai Weiwei on Bravo's Work of Art (the Project Runway-style show that's looking for the next great artist). In one episode, one of the "contestants" cited the Chinese artist/activist as his inspiration for a particular project. He's become an inspiration outside art circles as well, as thousands the world over follow him on Twitter (if you're interested, make sure you choose the English version). If you ever doubted that art is important, you need to see this documentary - wowwow.
Bonus Bones: 20
I counted at least four dogs in Ai Weiwei's compound, but I've also got to give it up for the cat who can open doors with his paws.
Seen recently at Film Streams
He's a hulking man with an ego to match who apparently cheats on his wife - not exactly hero material in my book.
But there's something about his conviction that immediately puts you in his corner and makes you wish you had the guts to fight for your beliefs as he does, despite the consequences (imagine being whacked in the head so hard by the police that it requires brain surgery to alleviate the damage or being detained by the authorities for 81 days while no one - not even your family - knows what's become of you).
I first heard about Ai Weiwei on Bravo's Work of Art (the Project Runway-style show that's looking for the next great artist). In one episode, one of the "contestants" cited the Chinese artist/activist as his inspiration for a particular project. He's become an inspiration outside art circles as well, as thousands the world over follow him on Twitter (if you're interested, make sure you choose the English version). If you ever doubted that art is important, you need to see this documentary - wowwow.
Bonus Bones: 20
I counted at least four dogs in Ai Weiwei's compound, but I've also got to give it up for the cat who can open doors with his paws.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Arbitrage
2 Paws
Seen recently at the Dundee Theatre (still musty, still waiting for the rehab to start)
There's no denying that Richard Gere, at 63, still has his swagger (I became somewhat obsessed with it after Breathless). But despite it and a cast full of big-time acting talent, this one's a bit of a disappointment.
I don't for a minute pretend to understand the lifestyles of the uber rich, although I do admire the wardrobe (I want that grey coat Susan Sarandon is wearing when she gets into her car after her conversation with Tim Roth). But if this is how they live and how they conduct their relationships, I could care less about learning more. That's the problem with this one - there's really no one to root for, other than Nate Parker (Jimmy Grant), the kid who does Gere's dirty work.
It was over for me after the car accident, when Gere turns into Zack Mayo from An Officer and a Gentleman. You remember the scene - Louis Gossett Jr. is busting his ass as punishment while everyone else is on leave and, while doing sit-ups at the end of a long, physically punishing day, he screws up his face and yowls, "I've got nowhere else to go - I ain't got nothing else." Maybe that's the only way he can do agony.
Bonus Bones: 1
Susan Sarandon is holding a fluffy white cutie when we first see her on screen, but that's it.
Seen recently at the Dundee Theatre (still musty, still waiting for the rehab to start)
There's no denying that Richard Gere, at 63, still has his swagger (I became somewhat obsessed with it after Breathless). But despite it and a cast full of big-time acting talent, this one's a bit of a disappointment.
I don't for a minute pretend to understand the lifestyles of the uber rich, although I do admire the wardrobe (I want that grey coat Susan Sarandon is wearing when she gets into her car after her conversation with Tim Roth). But if this is how they live and how they conduct their relationships, I could care less about learning more. That's the problem with this one - there's really no one to root for, other than Nate Parker (Jimmy Grant), the kid who does Gere's dirty work.
It was over for me after the car accident, when Gere turns into Zack Mayo from An Officer and a Gentleman. You remember the scene - Louis Gossett Jr. is busting his ass as punishment while everyone else is on leave and, while doing sit-ups at the end of a long, physically punishing day, he screws up his face and yowls, "I've got nowhere else to go - I ain't got nothing else." Maybe that's the only way he can do agony.
Bonus Bones: 1
Susan Sarandon is holding a fluffy white cutie when we first see her on screen, but that's it.
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