L'Histoire d'Adele H. (1975) - François Truffaut
7.5/10
Stunning performance by Isabele Adjani, who deserved the oscar for this. Overall a good film.
Last Seen Movie - The Latest Movie You Have Seen; ratings
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Franz Ferdinand
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JCVD (Mabrouk El Mechri) 7/10
An unusual quasi-docu-drama wherein the real Jean-Claude Van Damme is caught in a robbery in Brussels, and his celebrity is exploited for leverage for the robbers. A great performance from Van Damme, definitely a worthwhile movie.
Star Trek (JJ Abrams) 8/10
I have never been into any of the Star Trek series/movies, so I suppose I am the major demographic for this movie - I have a negligible knowledge of Trek lore, but I had a blast, it was a good up-standing movie of its own, even though the time travel (which Abrams seems to be all over these days) can get you lost (bad pun).
Terminator Salvation (McG) 3/10
I suppose you can't expect greatness from a series written off after a campy third installment, which is directed by the man who brought us "Charlie's Angels" and "The O.C." Visually and technically it is fantastic, but the story is weak, the acting questionable, and it is as serious as a heart attack - any lighter moments seen in T2 or T3 are eradicated for a self-important tone epitomized by Bale's black hole of a performance. Not the movie to see with conjunctivitis, that's for sure.
An unusual quasi-docu-drama wherein the real Jean-Claude Van Damme is caught in a robbery in Brussels, and his celebrity is exploited for leverage for the robbers. A great performance from Van Damme, definitely a worthwhile movie.
Star Trek (JJ Abrams) 8/10
I have never been into any of the Star Trek series/movies, so I suppose I am the major demographic for this movie - I have a negligible knowledge of Trek lore, but I had a blast, it was a good up-standing movie of its own, even though the time travel (which Abrams seems to be all over these days) can get you lost (bad pun).
Terminator Salvation (McG) 3/10
I suppose you can't expect greatness from a series written off after a campy third installment, which is directed by the man who brought us "Charlie's Angels" and "The O.C." Visually and technically it is fantastic, but the story is weak, the acting questionable, and it is as serious as a heart attack - any lighter moments seen in T2 or T3 are eradicated for a self-important tone epitomized by Bale's black hole of a performance. Not the movie to see with conjunctivitis, that's for sure.
Irreversible (Noe) - 7/10
The operative thesis is "There are no bad deeds. Just deeds." Because we do not know the context, we can only judge what happens in Irreversible by its visual moment-to-moment experience. We do not know which man is Alex's husband even. I would posit that by ending in a state of idyllicism, Irreversible short-changes its own morality by placing a counter-ellipses of heterosexual eden on the other end. The true masterpiece moves further down the story to the ellipses past the exhaustion to when boyfriend and girlfriend pass out in each other's arms after exchanging niceties that evaporate upon declaration. As it is, Irreversible is a brazen gesture that falls short of great moviemaking.
The operative thesis is "There are no bad deeds. Just deeds." Because we do not know the context, we can only judge what happens in Irreversible by its visual moment-to-moment experience. We do not know which man is Alex's husband even. I would posit that by ending in a state of idyllicism, Irreversible short-changes its own morality by placing a counter-ellipses of heterosexual eden on the other end. The true masterpiece moves further down the story to the ellipses past the exhaustion to when boyfriend and girlfriend pass out in each other's arms after exchanging niceties that evaporate upon declaration. As it is, Irreversible is a brazen gesture that falls short of great moviemaking.
"How's the despair?"
I started with his most cerebral puzzle of a film, Virgin Stripped Bare By Her Bachelors, and it's still one of my favorites.
Woman On The Beach and Turning Gate are probably his most accomplished films so far.
I haven't seen his latest two though yet. I'm seeing Night And Day tonight though, as it screens at a local cinematheque.
Woman On The Beach and Turning Gate are probably his most accomplished films so far.
I haven't seen his latest two though yet. I'm seeing Night And Day tonight though, as it screens at a local cinematheque.
Woman is the Future of Man (Hong) - 5/10
This is my first excursion into the world of Hong Sang-soo. I adore this man's aesthetic and this has to be one of the best scores of 2006. However, this film is beyond innocuous. I was busying forgetting it while it was going on. Rhythmically, I'm down. It just sucks he was playing the xylophone the whole time.
(speaking of help...this girl needs a hug that doesn't end in a blow job.)
Where should I journey next?
This is my first excursion into the world of Hong Sang-soo. I adore this man's aesthetic and this has to be one of the best scores of 2006. However, this film is beyond innocuous. I was busying forgetting it while it was going on. Rhythmically, I'm down. It just sucks he was playing the xylophone the whole time.
(speaking of help...this girl needs a hug that doesn't end in a blow job.)
Where should I journey next?
"How's the despair?"
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Big Magilla
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Catching up on British films:
The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950) Frank Launder 7/10
Side splitting comedy of boys school forced to share quarters with girls school during World War II and the two schools keeping each other hidden from tours of the boys' school by the board of directors and the girls' school by the girls' parents while the authorities sort it all out. Alastair Sim as the headmaster of the boys' school and Margaret Rutherford as the headmistress of the girls' are at their hilarious best.
Geordie (1955) Frank Launder 7/10
Released as Wee Geordie in the U.S., a big art house hit in the day. Puny Scottish lad takes a correspondence course in body building and grows into strapping Bill Travers who becomes an Olympic champion at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 (a year into the future at the time). Wonderfully done with charming supporting performances by the entire cast, especially Alastair Sim as the local laird, Molly Urquhart as Geordie's mum and Norah Gorsen as his girl.
Passport to Pimlico (1949) Henry Cornelius 5/10
Cleverly done but somewhat tedious account of a portion of London that secedes from Britain. Ensemble piece has no real star and therefore no one character to really identify with. They're all a bit odd. Stanley Holloway, Hermione Baddeley, Margaret Rutherford (in too small a part) and Naunton Wayne and Basil Radford as the inept British government representatives are the best known of the many faces.
The Case of the Frightened Lady (1940) George King 6/10
Old fashioned but well done mystery of murders at an isolated mansion. Lovely Penelope Dudley Moore who married Carol Reed and promptly retired from acting after making only a handful of films is the imperiled heroine, Helen Haye (not to be confused with Helen Hayes) is the redoubtable lady of the manor, Marius Goring her only son, Patrick Barr the architect who uncovers the secret of the house, Felix Aylmer the lady's doctor and George Merritt the intrepid inspector. Film has allegedly been out of circulation for nearly 70 years.
Edited By Big Magilla on 1242997185
The Happiest Days of Your Life (1950) Frank Launder 7/10
Side splitting comedy of boys school forced to share quarters with girls school during World War II and the two schools keeping each other hidden from tours of the boys' school by the board of directors and the girls' school by the girls' parents while the authorities sort it all out. Alastair Sim as the headmaster of the boys' school and Margaret Rutherford as the headmistress of the girls' are at their hilarious best.
Geordie (1955) Frank Launder 7/10
Released as Wee Geordie in the U.S., a big art house hit in the day. Puny Scottish lad takes a correspondence course in body building and grows into strapping Bill Travers who becomes an Olympic champion at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 (a year into the future at the time). Wonderfully done with charming supporting performances by the entire cast, especially Alastair Sim as the local laird, Molly Urquhart as Geordie's mum and Norah Gorsen as his girl.
Passport to Pimlico (1949) Henry Cornelius 5/10
Cleverly done but somewhat tedious account of a portion of London that secedes from Britain. Ensemble piece has no real star and therefore no one character to really identify with. They're all a bit odd. Stanley Holloway, Hermione Baddeley, Margaret Rutherford (in too small a part) and Naunton Wayne and Basil Radford as the inept British government representatives are the best known of the many faces.
The Case of the Frightened Lady (1940) George King 6/10
Old fashioned but well done mystery of murders at an isolated mansion. Lovely Penelope Dudley Moore who married Carol Reed and promptly retired from acting after making only a handful of films is the imperiled heroine, Helen Haye (not to be confused with Helen Hayes) is the redoubtable lady of the manor, Marius Goring her only son, Patrick Barr the architect who uncovers the secret of the house, Felix Aylmer the lady's doctor and George Merritt the intrepid inspector. Film has allegedly been out of circulation for nearly 70 years.
Edited By Big Magilla on 1242997185
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Precious Doll
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Vigo - Passion of Life (1999) Julien Temple 4/10
A Tale of the Wind (1988) Joris Ivens 7/10
Angels and Demons (2009) Ron Howard 1/10
Cargo 2000 (2007) Aleksey Balabanov 7/10
What Just Happened (2008) Barry Levison 4/10
The Model and the Marriage Broker (1951) George Cukor 7/10
A Tale of the Wind (1988) Joris Ivens 7/10
Angels and Demons (2009) Ron Howard 1/10
Cargo 2000 (2007) Aleksey Balabanov 7/10
What Just Happened (2008) Barry Levison 4/10
The Model and the Marriage Broker (1951) George Cukor 7/10
"I want cement covering every blade of grass in this nation! Don't we taxpayers have a voice anymore?" Peggy Gravel (Mink Stole) in John Waters' Desperate Living (1977)
Flash of Genius (Marc Abraham 2008)
Who the hell green-lighted this thing? It's an admittedly engrossing but ultimately failed film of the little guy up against Power (in the form of a major corporation) genre. The theme is Capra-esque but the handling is not, as the character is never very likeable or empathetic and gets even les so as the film continues, as he more and more puts his own pride above his family. Plus, it’s hard for a viewer to get worked up about windshield wipers. Kinnear is to be commended, I suppose, for not trying to sugarcoat the character or make him less nerdy, but his skill also works against the overall effectiveness of the picture. The family dynamics which are the main sub-theme are not very cogently developed. Until there’s a film adaptation of “Me and Bobby McGee” this will probably be the only movie in which windshield wipers play a prominent role. 5/10
Who the hell green-lighted this thing? It's an admittedly engrossing but ultimately failed film of the little guy up against Power (in the form of a major corporation) genre. The theme is Capra-esque but the handling is not, as the character is never very likeable or empathetic and gets even les so as the film continues, as he more and more puts his own pride above his family. Plus, it’s hard for a viewer to get worked up about windshield wipers. Kinnear is to be commended, I suppose, for not trying to sugarcoat the character or make him less nerdy, but his skill also works against the overall effectiveness of the picture. The family dynamics which are the main sub-theme are not very cogently developed. Until there’s a film adaptation of “Me and Bobby McGee” this will probably be the only movie in which windshield wipers play a prominent role. 5/10
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
demonlover (Assayas) - ?
Uh...I wasn't really feeling this while I was watching it. I'll just cop to that right now. I'm sure it's not a completely gonzo pointless experience in the right mind-set but I was bored as hell. Trying to cover all my blindspots of the decade. This one's just gonna have to stay one.
Uh...I wasn't really feeling this while I was watching it. I'll just cop to that right now. I'm sure it's not a completely gonzo pointless experience in the right mind-set but I was bored as hell. Trying to cover all my blindspots of the decade. This one's just gonna have to stay one.
"How's the despair?"
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Precious Doll
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Star Trek (2009) J J Abrams 5/10
Though like a breath of fresh air to a tired franchise it was undone for me with the time travel aspects of the plot which I usually find hard to swallow at the best of times.
Go Into You Dance (1935) Archie L Mayo 4/10
Tear My Heart Out (2008) Roberto Sneider 5/10
This was Mexico's official entry for 'Best Foreign Film' of 2008. It a lush production that moves very well but it's rather a soulless affair.
The Great Profile (1940) Walter Lang 4/10
Though like a breath of fresh air to a tired franchise it was undone for me with the time travel aspects of the plot which I usually find hard to swallow at the best of times.
Go Into You Dance (1935) Archie L Mayo 4/10
Tear My Heart Out (2008) Roberto Sneider 5/10
This was Mexico's official entry for 'Best Foreign Film' of 2008. It a lush production that moves very well but it's rather a soulless affair.
The Great Profile (1940) Walter Lang 4/10
"I want cement covering every blade of grass in this nation! Don't we taxpayers have a voice anymore?" Peggy Gravel (Mink Stole) in John Waters' Desperate Living (1977)
The Brothers Bloom - 8.5
Kinda awesome. Not sure how much. Moment-to-moment, had a great time.
/Casino/ - 3.5
Never before has Scorsese's emphasis of style over substance been more on display for the planet to see. At the heart of this tale is a great story: a man owes his entire success to another man that he despises and spends years working around the fact that at some point he must destroy him. Scorsese embarrassingly apes Goodfellas, failing at transitioning footnote into drama if only because every single person in this film is despicable. The film goes wrong from minute one with the casting of DeNiro as Ace Rothstein (?!?) and Pesci, leaving any chance of organic characterization in the dust. There is something in Casino and it's worth watching in fifteen minute chunks, but ye gods! What a repetitive experience!
Edited By Sabin on 1242721426
Kinda awesome. Not sure how much. Moment-to-moment, had a great time.
/Casino/ - 3.5
Never before has Scorsese's emphasis of style over substance been more on display for the planet to see. At the heart of this tale is a great story: a man owes his entire success to another man that he despises and spends years working around the fact that at some point he must destroy him. Scorsese embarrassingly apes Goodfellas, failing at transitioning footnote into drama if only because every single person in this film is despicable. The film goes wrong from minute one with the casting of DeNiro as Ace Rothstein (?!?) and Pesci, leaving any chance of organic characterization in the dust. There is something in Casino and it's worth watching in fifteen minute chunks, but ye gods! What a repetitive experience!
Edited By Sabin on 1242721426
"How's the despair?"
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Big Magilla
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Breakfast for Two (1938) Alfred Santell 5/10
Barbara Stanwyck needed a change of pace after a string of heavy dramatic roles including Stella Dallas so she chose very very silly screwball comedy in which she plays an heiress out to reform playboy Herbert Marshall. Maybe it would have worked with Gary Cooper or Henry Fonda with whom she had much bettter luck in the genre, but this one depends mostly on your tolerance for Eric Blore as Marshall's butler. A pitiable time waster,
Next Time We Love (1936) Edward H. Griffith 6/10
Strange little movie about a marriage in which the couple spends more time apart than together, notable as the first on-screen pairing of Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart who was cast in his first leading role at her insistence. Ray Milland provides the third side of this very amiable triangle. Worth seeing for the performances but no great work of art.
Kidnapped (William Beaudine) 1948 6/10
One of more than twenty film and TV versions of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel from the prolific director of between 350 and 500 films (the total count is unknown). Filmed on the cheap at Monogram, it was co-produced by its 19 year-old star, Roddy McDowall. Keeps its interest thanks to the performances of McDowall as the kidnapped Scottish heir and Dan O'Herlihy as the heroic swashbuckler who becomes his protector.
Down to the Sea in Ships (Henry Hathaway) 1949 8/10
Rousing martime adventure with Dean Stockwell as the kid who apprentices on grandfather Lionel Barrymore's whaling ship and Richard Widmark as the Boston educated second mate who clashes with Barrymore. Compares favorably to Captains Courageous as one of the two best adaptations of coming-of-age sea stories.
All the Brothers Were Valiant (Richard Thorpe) 6/10
Interesting but rather tame maritime adventure requiring more than a smidgen of suspension of disbelief to accept 42 year old Robert Taylor as 40 year old Stewart Granger's "younger" brother. Ann Blyth sends mixed signals as the woman who loves one brother, but marries the other, while Betta St. John, the original Liat of South Pacific, looks lovely and gets to die nobly.
Above and Beyond (Melvin Frank, Norman Panama) 7/10
Interesting account of the preparation for and actual mission of the first plane to drop an atomic bomb on Japan. Robert Taylor is the test pilot who wrestles with his conscience in making the choice to pilot the plane and Eleanor Parker is his long suffering wife who has no idea why he has become so cold and withdrawn. Mixes actual newsreel footage of the bombing with the narrative.
Edited By Big Magilla on 1242671116
Barbara Stanwyck needed a change of pace after a string of heavy dramatic roles including Stella Dallas so she chose very very silly screwball comedy in which she plays an heiress out to reform playboy Herbert Marshall. Maybe it would have worked with Gary Cooper or Henry Fonda with whom she had much bettter luck in the genre, but this one depends mostly on your tolerance for Eric Blore as Marshall's butler. A pitiable time waster,
Next Time We Love (1936) Edward H. Griffith 6/10
Strange little movie about a marriage in which the couple spends more time apart than together, notable as the first on-screen pairing of Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart who was cast in his first leading role at her insistence. Ray Milland provides the third side of this very amiable triangle. Worth seeing for the performances but no great work of art.
Kidnapped (William Beaudine) 1948 6/10
One of more than twenty film and TV versions of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel from the prolific director of between 350 and 500 films (the total count is unknown). Filmed on the cheap at Monogram, it was co-produced by its 19 year-old star, Roddy McDowall. Keeps its interest thanks to the performances of McDowall as the kidnapped Scottish heir and Dan O'Herlihy as the heroic swashbuckler who becomes his protector.
Down to the Sea in Ships (Henry Hathaway) 1949 8/10
Rousing martime adventure with Dean Stockwell as the kid who apprentices on grandfather Lionel Barrymore's whaling ship and Richard Widmark as the Boston educated second mate who clashes with Barrymore. Compares favorably to Captains Courageous as one of the two best adaptations of coming-of-age sea stories.
All the Brothers Were Valiant (Richard Thorpe) 6/10
Interesting but rather tame maritime adventure requiring more than a smidgen of suspension of disbelief to accept 42 year old Robert Taylor as 40 year old Stewart Granger's "younger" brother. Ann Blyth sends mixed signals as the woman who loves one brother, but marries the other, while Betta St. John, the original Liat of South Pacific, looks lovely and gets to die nobly.
Above and Beyond (Melvin Frank, Norman Panama) 7/10
Interesting account of the preparation for and actual mission of the first plane to drop an atomic bomb on Japan. Robert Taylor is the test pilot who wrestles with his conscience in making the choice to pilot the plane and Eleanor Parker is his long suffering wife who has no idea why he has become so cold and withdrawn. Mixes actual newsreel footage of the bombing with the narrative.
Edited By Big Magilla on 1242671116
Inky's weekly update:
The Wild Ones (1989; HK) - 4
Echelon Conspiracy (2009; USA) - 4
Emotional Girl (1993; HK) - 2.5
252 Signal of Life (2008; Japan) - 4
Monsters vs. Aliens 3D (2009; USA) - 4.5
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (1982; USA) (re-visit) - 5.5
The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008; Germany) - 6
The Wild Ones (1989; HK) - 4
Echelon Conspiracy (2009; USA) - 4
Emotional Girl (1993; HK) - 2.5
252 Signal of Life (2008; Japan) - 4
Monsters vs. Aliens 3D (2009; USA) - 4.5
Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan (1982; USA) (re-visit) - 5.5
The Baader Meinhof Complex (2008; Germany) - 6