Micmacs - 2009

Movie #178

3.5 stars

Bazil has a bullet in his head.  The arms company that made the bullet is across the street from the arm manufacturer that made the landmine that accidently killed his father.  Having nowhere else to go, Bazil is adopted into a "family" that lives in a junkyard.  With the help of his new family and their nifty gadgets and unique skills, Bazil seeks revenge on the two weapon dealers.

Cast: Dany Boon, André Dussollier, Nicolas Marié, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Yolande Moreau, Julie Ferrier, Omar Sy, Dominique Pinon, Michel Crémadès

Writer/Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet [Amelie]

The characters are very unique.  There is a catortionist, a girl who is literally a human calculator, a daredevil, and ohers.  Their antics kept the movie interesting.  Overall, the characters lack depth and are almost there for show, not for their own personal story.  The character's made the movie entertaining but Jeunet only skimmed the water.

There were parts of the movie that were...boring.  I was asking myself, when is this movie going to end.  It starts off good and then trails off into a narrative that lacked focus.  However, the ending was very entertaining, with all of the cool tricks, so it made up for the middle.

The addition of the Max Steiner music did make the movie more entertaining but at the same time, it is just hiding the lack of story development.  As a whole...if you take away all of the gadgets then you are left with a shallow story that couldn't hold anyones attention.  If you watch MICMACS and you are expecting another AMELIE then prepare yourself for dissapointment.

Overall Recommendation:  I suppose it's worth seeing if you are a Jeunet fan but don't go out of your way to see it.

Budget: $42 million
Gross (so far): $14 million    bust?

My Best Friend - 2007

Movie #174

3.5 stars

Antiques dealer François Coste (Daniel Auteuil) has failed to make a single friend, he just hasn't realized it yet.  His business partner (Julie Gayet) gives him 10 days to prove that he has a best friend.  If he doesn't succeed then his Greek vase must be turned over.  When he hires a taxi driver (Dany Boon) to teach him how to make friends, he is even more oblivious to what is right under his nose.

Cast: Daniel Auteuil, Julie Gayet, Dany Boon, Henri Garcin, Jacques Spiesser, Marie Pillet, Marie Mergey, Elisabeth Bourgine

Writer/Director: Patrice Leconte

What makes this movie enjoyable is the acting.  We all know how this movie is going to end...just like every other comedy.  Dany Boon and Daniel Auteuil did a superb job.

The movie has a rather shallow plot but what it is about is a whole bigger subject.  It seems like life nowadays is all about contacts..who do you know, who are you "friends" with on facebook, who got you your job.  In a world like this, it is easy to have no friends...all you have are acquaintances. 

So basically this film takes a rather depressing subject and makes it into an enjoyable comedy.  But there are definitely some good parts and a twist!

Overall Recommendation:  If you are looking for something a little lighthearted (that isn't really that lighthearted beneath the surface) then watch this one. 

Gross: $14.7 million

Wake Up Sid - 2009

Movie #162 

3.5 Stars

After he graduates from college, spoiled trust fund brat Sid (Ranbir Kapoor) finds himself stuck in a rut of meaningless late-night parties and lazy irresponsibility -- until he meets Aisha (Konkona Sen Sharma), a significantly older woman and writer. As their unlikely relationship evolves, Sid discovers how to step into the world as his own person.

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Rahul Khanna, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kainaz Motivala

Director: Ayaan Mukherji

Filming Location: Mumbai, India

My question to you:  When is it time to grow up?  When it time to act like a child again?

Looking back on this film, there wasn't a lot going on.  Sid is a spoiled kid that decides to cut himself off, kind of.  Aisha has just moved to the city in order to gain independence.  It's the story of an unlikely friendship (how many times have you seen that in a plot summary). This film shows you that sometimes you just have to trust your instinct.

But there are some good characters and a few laughs.  I somewhat felt connected to the characters.  The little boy was my favorite.  The man thing that i liked was that film was not all about Sid or all about Aisha.  I got to know them both.

Oh, and there aren't any cheesy dances...maybe a few songs...but no dancing.

Overall Recommendation: If you have never seen a Hindi film then this is a good one to start with.

Gross: $4.3 million (83% non-US)

Trivia: The film got delayed three months during post production when Ranbir Kapoor grew a beard for a role in Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year and could not re-shoot some scenes.

Holly - 2006

Movie #160

3.5 stars

In this poignant drama, Holly (Thuy Nguyen), a young Vietnamese girl sold into prostitution by her family, tries to escape her dismal life by beginning a platonic relationship with a 40-year-old American named Patrick (Ron Livingston), a stolen-artifacts dealer. Twelve-year-old Holly has been smuggled into Cambodia, becoming one of countless children exploited in the sex trade; Patrick, who has his own troubles, may be her only hope.

Cast: Ron Livingston, Thuy Nguyen, Chris Penn, Udo Kier, Virginie Ledoyen, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Kosal Dang, Sethy Dy, Adi Ezroni, Hugh Kirk

Director: Guy Moshe

"Imagine you've been bought, sold, emotionally abused, and raped.  Now imagine you're 4 years old."

This was on a pamphlet that Virginie Ledoyen's character handed out to men outside of the brothels.  Her mission was to save young girls that had been sold into the sex trade by their families.  Don't let this or even the synopsis scare you away from this film.

The film sheds light on a touchy subject...a subject that most people either choose to ignore or are oblivious to.  And that's a shame.

Like:  The acting was all around pretty good.  Thuy Nguyen did an exceptional job...and she was only 14 when this was filmed.  She acted in scenes that people most people can't imagine living through...and that's exactly was she did, put herself in that position.  Sometimes I wonder about childhood actors and if they are even emotionally scarred from the roles they play.

My main dislike was that is was kinda slow in the beginning but eventually the story line picked up (I hate to say).  In the end I did connect with the characters.

Overall Recommendation: If you can deal with such a dramatic storyline then this is a pretty good one.

Man Push Cart - 2005

Movie #158

3.5 stars

Standing on a corner in midtown Manhattan every day, a Pakistani immigrant named Ahmad sells his coffee and bagels to the fast-paced New Yorkers from a cart -- all the while harboring secrets from a tragic past. After becoming friends with local newsstand worker Noemi and a wealthy man named Mohammad, Ahmad's inner demons begin to surface in this poignant examination of personal identity in the big city from director Ramin Bahrani. 

Cast: Ahmad Razvi, Leticia Dolera, Charles Daniel Sandoval, Ali Reza, Panicker Upendran, Arun Lal, Razia Mujahid, Hassan Razvi, Mustafa Razvi, Bill Lewis, Altaf Houssein

Director: Ramin Bahrani

This film takes simplicity and turns it into a message...not every film has to be action packed...filled with tragedy, love, comedy, bad guys, good guys...whatever the typical ingredients are for a Hollywood film these days.  Man Push Cart is simple compared to other films but in reality it is capturing....reality....and life is far from simple.

Day after day, Ahmad has the same routine...pushing a food cart down the busy streets of New York City at 3am.  We can all learn something from this film.  That is one of good things about most Iranian filmmakers...its up to your own interruption.

So why a 3.5...I don't know...it took me a while to get through it...a couple of weeks actually.  I would see it on my queue and not have a desire to watch...maybe because it is too real.

So my overall recommendation is:  just sit down and watch it...like you're in a theatre.  It's 87 minutes...you can do it.

Left: Ramin Bahrani and Ahmad Razvi

Invictus - 2009

Movie #156

3.5 stars

In this drama based on real-life events, director Clint Eastwood tells the story of what happened after the end of apartheid when newly elected president Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite his people in South Africa. Based on John Carlin's book, the film stars Morgan Freeman as Mandela and Matt Damon (both Oscar nominated) as Francois Pienaar, the captain of the scrappy South African team that makes a run for the championship.

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Adojoa Andoh, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Julian Lewis Jones, Marguerite Wheatley, Leleti Khumalo, Patrick Lyster, Penny Downie

Director: Clint Eastwood

Writers: Anthony Peckham (screenplay) [Sherlock Holmes]
            John Carlin (book)

Tagline: His people needed a leader. He gave them a champion.

Filming Locations: Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa


hmmmm....I just wasn't that impressed.  I was never bored (or should I say really bored)...but even with low expectations, I was unimpressed.  The biggest disappointment was Matt Damon.  His accent was terrible, almost to the point where it was distracting.  It would come and go....I just don't think he prepared enough that's all (accent wise). He definitely beefed up a bit...

I don't really know who would have played a better Francois Pienaar...Jonathan Rhys Meyers?  Maybe.

Morgan Freeman did a pretty good job I thought.  He definitely looks a lot like Mandela.  As far as his accent goes, he did an OK job, better than Damon that's for sure.

According to iMDB (the greatest site ever!): The actors playing the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, had to learn the traditional Maori war chant, the Haka, which is performed at every game to intimidate rival teams. Out of a sense of verisimilitude and respect, the crew contacted the New Zealand Rugby Association to make sure the Haka would be done correctly. They sent over a Haka expert named Inia Maxwell, who assisted in Haka/rugby training and was present when the Haka was filmed so that it was portrayed accurately.

This scene...or should I say little clip...was a huge disappointment too!  It was too short!  Here is a real one..



I almost think that the film Forever Strong did a better Haka. (that's a pretty interesting movie by the way)



Back to Invictus.....

Favorite Scene:  When the rugby team went and held clinics with the kids.  It was just fun to watch.

Another Dislike:  The film didn't really explore the relationship between Mandela and his family.  The film hinted at it but only for a couple of minutes.  The filmmakers either should have cut out all of the scenes with the daughter or added 5 more minutes.

Overall Recommendation:  If you like Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood then check it out.  But if you like Matt Damon then stay away---you may just lose all respect for him.  And if you aren't interested in history or sports then stay away too.

Budget: $60 million
Worldwide Gross: $122,231,655  (70% non-US)  

Good but cheesy line: I was thinking how a man could spend thirty years in prison, and come out and forgive the men who did it to him...

Last Line:
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.

Spiral - 2007

Movie #151

3.5 stars

Mason (Joel Moore), a socially awkward would-be artist, works as a telemarketer for a car insurance company run by his only friend, Berkeley (Zachary Levi). Enter Amber (Amber Tamblyn), a charming and friendly new employee who reaches out to Mason, not knowing how troubled he really is.

Cast: Joel Moore, Annie Neal, Amber Tamblyn, David Muller, Zachary Levi, Tricia Helfer, Arlene Ancheta, Lori Yohe, Jeremy Danial Boreing, Rileah Vanderbilt

Director: Adam Green, Joel Moore

Filming Location: Portland, Oregon

The most incredible thing about this film is that its budget was $1.5 million.  It may sound like a lot to someone who doesn't know a lot about movie budgets....so lets compare it to some other thrillers...

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - $25 million
Tell-Tale - $12 million
Gossip - $24 million

Do you realize how incredible a budget of $1.5 million really is now?  Part of the reason may be that Joel Moore both starred in and directed the film....and he did an incredible job.  Oh, and he wrote the film too.  But was all this hard work worth it?  I would say yes.  The film grossed $3 million----on only 2 screens.  That is pretty good I must say.

Adam Green and Joel Moore won the Gold Vision Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.  The award is given to the most innovative and unique film with an inspiring and groundbreaking vision.

When trying to pinpoint what makes this film enjoyable...its kinda simple...the film instance is simple.  It doesn't try too hard, the script is good, the cast is perfect, and most of all....the film was enjoyable.

Amber Tamblyn won me over again in this film...and I am starting to have moer faith in Zachary Levi.  He was also in Shades of Ray, which I enjoyed.  I just really do not like him in Chuck.

So...it seems like I really like this film...so why not a 4 or even a 5?  Well...it's a film that is forgettable. But that shouldn't stop anyone from seeing it.

Overall Recommendation:  Check it out!

Youth in Revolt - 2009

Movie #147
3.5 stars

Nick Twisp (Michael Cera), a cynical, sex-deprived teenager living a less-than-satisfactory existence, is pushed by the manifestation of his debonair, rebellious id (also Cera) to bed his dream girl, Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday).

Cast: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Jean Smart, Steve Buscemi, Fred Willard, Ray Liotta, Zach Galifianakis, Mary Kay Place, M. Emmet Walsh, Justin Long, Erik Knudsen

Director: Miguel Arteta

Tagline: He Wasn't a Rebel Until He Found His Cause.

I went into this movie with low expectations (very low expectations) and just wanting a few laughs. And thats what I got...a few laughs.

I don't know what I think of Michael Cera...I guess I like him in Juno...but c'mon...enough is enough. It was almost a delight to see his alter ego in the movie. It somewhat proved that Michael Cera may be able to play a character other than the sammmme character he has portrayed his entire career.

The supporting cast made the movie bearable. Zach Galifianakis can always make a scene funny.

However, the 90 minutes still kind of dragged.

Overall Recommendation: Don't rush to see it but I would say it's bearable.

Transformers - 2007

Movie #144

3.5 stars

Based on the popular toys that transform into giant robots, this live-action Michael Bay megahit finds the planet Cybertron inhabitants engaging in a secret war for control of Earth's natural resources, which they desperately need for fuel. But much of the action centers on young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), an unlikely hero whose first car turns out to be an Autobot and helps him win over his dream girl (Megan Fox).

Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Rachael Taylor, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, Anthony Anderson, John Turturro, Michael O'Neill

Director: Michael Bay



What can I say? The movie was somewhat entertaining. Isn't that the point of movies? On the other hand, the movie did get a little boring in the middle.

Like: The cast was awesome (minus Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox). Anthony Anderson was funny...as always...and Jon Voight and John Turturro were perfect. If the cast was filled with sub-par nobodies then I may have given it a 3...or 2.5

Like: The scene where the parents thinks Shia LeBeouf was masturbating was hilarious. The comic relief was definitely needed to keep my attention.

Like: The CGI was pretty cool....but...dislike: towards the end of the movie it was just action action action...the movie could have easily been an hour and 45 minutes...instead of 2 hours and 20 some odd minutes.

Dislike: I really can't see Shia LeBeouf without picturing him in Even Stevens. (see below)