Category: Film

Going the Distance – A Refreshing Rom-Com

You have to be in the mood to see a romantic comedy. At least I do. And sometimes I’d rather subject myself to every Police Academy, Friday the 13th, or even Rambo film ever made to avoid seeing a terribly formulaic romantic comedy starring a skinny actress who is unfortunately so stuck with Botox that she is incapable of emoting anything except disdain…or maybe its hunger? Anyway – because of the fondness I have for Drew Barrymore (don’t ask me, I just like her) I hit the theater for Going the Distance.

I have to say the movie is a little confusing. The couple (Drew Barry and Justin Long) meet and almost immediately (with the help of the all important montage) have to embark on a long distance relationship. It takes place in the present, but doesn’t offer up any present day technology when it comes to staying in touch. There is not a text message to be found. And the jobs of the characters are throwbacks as well.

But the storytelling is refreshing. The couple are together (well, at least try to be together) because they really care for each other’s company. And the one real-world complication of the bad economy is a good twist as to why the couple can’t seem to get together.  It’s also truly invigorating that this rom-com doesn’t rely on the mostly crappy slap stick that non-creative executives almost always insist on adding to a character driven script.  Because of that, the movie is smooth and low-key. You’re not tempted to get up to go to the bathroom in order to avoid the stupid scene with someone either getting hit or “accidentally” having an important piece of clothing ripped from her body.

Bravo, Drew! You’ve come a long way, Gertie.

Solitary Man – A Great Little Movie on DVD

In this midst of the abysmal summer movie selection, I resorted to my good ‘ol pal Netfilix for something to watch and I came across Solitary Man with Michael Douglas. This is a great little film and excellent companion to the terribly underrated Douglas movie Wonder Boys. Written and codirected by Brian Koppelman, the film is quiet but extremely moving – primarily because of the performance of Michael Douglas.

Douglas plays, Ben Kalmen, a player, a dog, an old dog – a really unlikable guy, but played with such finesse that you find yourself actually routing for him. The movie is great storytelling. It shows conflict that could be construed as “a story that’s already been told over and over again.” Not the case with this film. It takes you somewhere. You are moved. You keep watching and hoping that Ben Kalmen makes it on his journey to redemption and forgiveness.

The crappy release date of this movie makes it difficult to be a contender for this year’s award season. But Douglas’ performance should not be overlooked. It’s a stunner and resonates even more with the news of Douglas’ cancer diagnosis. Hopefully its release on DVD will remind the industry of this great leading man performance. Fingers crossed!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Why Even Bother with an American Version?

After a long wait, Netflix finally delivered the Swedish version of the movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo based on the famous book of the same name.  Watching it, the main thing I think is, “Why even bother remaking it?”

The movie is so complete that I honestly don’t know how Hollywood believes it can improve upon it. But then again, I’m not searching for the next big moneymaking franchise. Maybe it’s because it will be in English? Maybe it’s because of the actor Daniel Craig in the lead role? Maybe it’s because of the media hoopla surrounding the casting of the unknown Rooney Mara as the computer hacker Lisabeth Salander? All of these reasons I see as major obstacles.

Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, the Swedish film is a good and solid adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s story and makes up for where the novel lacks – characterization and setting. And the actor’s do a brilliant job bringing the story to life. The strong and smart character of Mikael (played by Michael Nyqvist) comes across as soft and lonely…vulnerable. This makes the audience care more and the investment in his story is increased. Something that I fear will be lost with the character’s portrayal by Daniel Craig, known for hard, emotionless roles (I mean he WAS James Bond).  The very strange and violent and introverted Lisabeth (played by the fantastic Noomi Rapace) – now here’s the biggest problem. This role is so incredibly well defined by the Swedish actress that I think anyone else’s portrayal will fail in comparison. I worry for the poor unknown. Let’s just hope Mara has the depth, the bravery, to transform herself as well as Rapace and then bring something to the role that hasn’t already been seen. No pressure.

There are other issues – the Swedish film uses the cold, landscape of the countryside as if it were another character in the book. If they film the American version in a different location it could rob the story of an important authentic element. Also, the dialogue in the Swedish version, although subtitled in English, adds an extra an unexpected touch. The rhythm of the language just adds to its authenticity, to its mystique, to what makes the story something special.

It’s a waiting game now to see what the American version director (David Fincher – Zodiac, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) has in store for this movie. But at least the next Swedish installment – The Girl That Played with Fire – is available on DVD.

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – Michael Cera is Irresistible

Okay – I’m going to admit it, I HEART Michael Cera. I can’t help it. I just do. Ever since Superbad I really like him. Some say his breakout role was Juno, but since that film’s writing was mostly ripping off song lyrics I have to say that it was Superbad that I first started my little crush.

Now, he stars in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World a great adaptation from the comic series by Bryan Lee O’Malley.  Directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead) the movie is a little like other films that have been brought to the big screen from the comic book arena, mainly Ghost World, but this time it’s…well, really entertaining. Cera plays Scott Pilgrim who falls for the doe-eyed Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead – who you might remember from Sky High). In order to prove his love he has to fight her “seven evil-exes”.  I know…it sounds like it would never work, but it does…beautifully.

Michael Cera’s biggest strength is his comic timing. He zings his lines out with quite a punch and yet, they never feel over done or forced. I think that’s why I like him so much. Even with the nerdiness he has brought to his roles lately, he is funny. And let’s face it…there is nothing more attractive than humor.

Go see Scott Pilgrim. It’s a great escape. It’s fun. And it will make you laugh. What’s better than that?

Finally! A True Screwball Comedy Makes Its Way To DVD

For all you that own a Blu-ray player ( I have yet to to join the bandwagon…I know, its shameful.) then the recently released What’s Up, Doc? should be at the top of your list.  The 1972 Peter Bogdanovich homage to screwball comedies is my favorite Barbra Streisand film next to Funny Girl and is easily one of Ryan O’Neal’s must likable performances.

I hold this movie in a special place. After a rather difficult relocation, I found myself in an empty apartment with no radio, working TV cable – nothing to satisfy a really obsessive need for noise…or maybe it was just the need to hear voices…don’t know which. Anyway, I unpacked the rabbit ears to my portable TV and luckily it picked up the local PBS channel that was showing What’s Up, Doc? It was the perfect pick-me-up.

The plot, expertly crafted by Buck Henry, David Newton and Robert Benton, includes mayhem and romance. The story is a true lesson in conflict, pace and cause and effect. It’s when funny was just plain funny and didn’t rely on slapstick. Oh…the good ‘ol days. But mostly it’s the hilarious performance of Madeline Kahn combined with directorial sensibilities of older movies such as Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday and The Philadelphia Story that make this romp in San Francisco totally enjoyable.   A truly entertaining movie, it’s hard to believe that nothing gets blown up, no one gets shot and there’s not an obligatory boob shot to be found. Amazing, huh?