Category: Motion Pictures

Outrageously vacuous extremism in unabashed and unapologetic display on tap, courtesy Bruno.

This is not to be filed in the ‘funny’ category; it is beyond funny to the point of forcing you to pause and wonder about what the appropriate reaction ought to be to such mindlessly shocking behavior. But the barrage of stupidity that comes flying right into your face leaves you wanting for an appropriate reaction, whatever that might be– which results in succumbing to the only crutch that is available: laughter.

That is the only thing that explains the large and impressive number of celebrities– from Ron Paul, the once-Presidential candidate to Bono, the rock star– who indulge Bruno with his shenanigans, and provide a semblance of normalcy to an otherwise ridiculous satire on the depravity of humankind.

If this is the best comedy of the year, I'd be disappointed. But having said that, you do get your money's worth for the laughs.

This is a story of stereotypical adult male behavior in full display in response to a life-altering event such as impending marriage the next day. Predictable storyline with lots of slapstick comedy along the way. One unexpected (only just a little bit) outcome is when that one dude finds himself toward the very end even as he is looking for the missing bachelor-buddy.

Reinforces the post-modern adage literally of 'what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'.

Run out and watch it if you absolutely cannot wait for the DVD.

A complex commentary on the politics and social landscape of Los Angeles in the 1930s.

A beautiful movie with brilliant performances especially by the dashing Nicholson and exquisite Dunaway.  But it needs more than one viewing to fully understand all the sub-plots and references throughout the course of the movie.

Suspense, glamor, drama, great cinematography– it has all this and more.

Reasonably well-planned plot, but not tight enough to be a memorable one.

Great cinematography, and impressive acting by the versatile DeCaprio. The CIA's satellite technology is fantastic, but makes me wonder why then some real-life terrorists are still at large… on another note, albeit DeCaprio's love interest is not sufficiently developed, it is in essence, the heart of the matter of an otherwise matter-of-fact narrative of the ruthless reality of the business of espionage, i.e., a business of varying degrees of creating and promulgating lies and more lies in order to uncover the truth. But even the pursuit of such truth for the greater good is overcome at times (and rightly so) by the even greater need to forgo it for the sake of love– the one and only thing that survives us all, time and time again.

You gotta do what you gotta do!

 

It’s a shame that it took me so long to get to this little thriller of movie, but I’m glad I finally did for more reasons than one.  Beyond the stunning acting of the two leading ladies, Blanchett and Dench, the story set in a seemingly-simple and small community in the UK suburbs forces you to sit up and take note of the not-so-simple circumstances that beset the most ordinary of people– people, who in their various roles of teacher, pupil, spouse, mother, friend, son, parent, sibling, child– struggle with moral and ethical dilemmas that have no clear-cut solutions at times…

And one can’t help but draw parallels to similar real-life stories of affairs between school-teachers and minors, and the consequences as they play themselves out, leaving most of the time a mangled mess of ruined relationships and wasted futures.

The added twist to this type of scandal in this story is the presence of the dark and scheming predator of a friend and colleague who is battling demons of her own where the concept of good vs. evil is turned on its head to the point that such a person will view themselves as savior, not predator.

Brilliantly acted, and masterfully presented, this is a movie meant to make you uncomfortable, even as you are being entertained.

Having read the book a long time ago, my memory was a little fuzzy in making the usual comparison between the book and movie adaptation, and well, I don't quite know if I liked it or not… which is neither here nor there, but then again, so also was the storyline.

A love that holds out for 50+ years has to grab you one way or the other, no doubt about that, but still, I wonder about the sincerity of it. Or perhaps I need adjust my perspectives on the concept of pining for a love that is beyond one's reach. Perhaps it is not all desolation and solitude; rather, perhaps it is the exact opposite of that which is employed as a coping mechanism. How else to explain away the incessant affairs through a lifetime whilst waiting for your true love?

Javier Bardem is good no matter what role and Shakira's haunting vocals in the backdrop of the lovely Colombian landscapes makes for a pleasant viewing, all things considered.