Wow. I don't think I need to say any more. Because there really isn't anything I can say about this film to articulate what it means. I can try (and I will), but you simply have to see it for yourself. I mean that. I went to see this movie because I'm a sucker for Oscar buzz. And this movie has it. But forget all that. If you can't now, you will... I did. First of all, this movie had quite an effect on me. I would say the movie makes you want to go out and change the world, but I hope it doesn't... it should make you go out and actually change the world. Make some kind of a difference. Because that's what the young boy in the film did. And the world was better for it. On one level, the film is about three people... an altruistic 11-year-old kid, his alcoholic mother, and his physically scarred elementary school teacher. The teacher gives an assignment: "Think of an idea to change the world, and put it into ACTION." The kid comes up with "Pay it Forward" Do a big favor for someone else ... something they cant do for themselves, and instead of having them do something in return for you, they pay it forward... three big favors, for three other people. And that's just the setup... this film was incredible! Fantastic acting, an inspiring story, emotional, tragic, a total powerhouse movie. So I've told you... but what does it really mean... well you won't know until you see it. This movie pulls at you. You go through the same frustration as the boy when he wonders if the world can be changed. Or if it will just remain "s**t" and it would be hopeless for any of us, in all our vanity to attempt such a feat. Maybe it can't be done alone. Maybe it can start out small, and grow. Maybe this movie (as lame as this sounds) can be the beginning.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Get Carter
(2000)
Ho-Hum... nothing new
8 October 2000
Now I haven't seen the original version of "Get Carter," so be forewarned that this opinion does not reflect that film in any way. Ok, so... I saw the trailer. I was really hoping for a kick-ass flick (which is what the trailer left me with) but of course it wasn't. The problem with the movie is its story. Its script. It isn't the performances, although they don't fit so well. Stallone did well enough with the tough guy persona, Rachel Leigh Cook walked her way through (her "emotional" scene recounting the rape however was strained), Mickey Rourke was... well... Mickey Rourke, and Alan Cummings had some very exceptional moments but his quirkiness which usually brightens up his roles was very out of place in the film. But I digress... as I said, the story just doesn't move well. The "mystery" that Stallone investigates is so muddled that you don't get lost, but you don't care. The twists are stupid and introduce a number of characters who exist for only a scene or two, and they ultimately lead nowhere intriguing. Also, the script refuses to let go of the side story of Stallone's boss and girl back in Vegas until about 3/4 of the way through the film. Neither of those things has any effect whatsoever on the plot of the film other than to make Stallone's character look more like a "bad-ass." The only good thing about the film is that it is very well filmed. Fancy footwork, but no substance... maybe the guys who put the trailer together should have made the flick.
Dancer in the Dark
(2000)
Experimental, jarring, beautiful
8 October 2000
Dancer in the Dark haunted me. This film was an amazing view into the human mind as well as a tragic story of hopeless hope, betrayal by others, and still remaining true to yourself. Bjork produces an inspirational performance, of which one would never think she is not primarily an actress. Some of her moments in this film bring you to tears with their absolute honesty. The ensemble cast are a godsend as well. Peter Stormare, Catherine Denevue, and David Morse in particular. Morse, playing the most varied and difficult character, succeeds with apparent ease. The only complaint I had of the film is that it was slightly drawn out and slow paced. However, it is still spiked with moments of surprise that knock you so hard, you are pulled back in immediately. With an incredible closeness to these people, Dancer in the Dark will make you think and stretch your emotions to the limit.
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