Parker Posey truly shines in this highly enjoyable romantic comedy fantasia. It takes a lot for me to post a review and I'm dragging my feet but something has to be said. Nora is a 30 something single girl who just can't seem to find Mr. Right. What makes this a cut above the rest are the several very true to life characters and scenes. From her disaster dating: insincere actor, man still in love with his ex, to interactions with her best friend and mother, the film feels genuine. It even for a few seconds seems to ponder that perhaps clinging to ideas of a soul mate are unrealistic and destructive. But then Melvil Poupand swoops in as a potential French love interest. He is the most unrealistic character of the film as he is basically, well, perfect. Mild mannered, gorgeous, attentive, passionate, and insightful. This stock character, Mr. Right/prince charming usually makes me grind my teeth in annoyance but with Mr. Poupand... mmmm delicious.... I make an exception as he is a delight to watch and ogle. His only fault it seems is he has to go back to Paris after a few days of love and romance with Parker Posey/Nora who then must make a decision if she should go to visit him. I won't reveal much else except to say that its a thoroughly enjoyable romp filled with comedy and surprisingly dramatic weight. It doesn't pander or get too corny which is very rare these days. Kudos to Drea De Matteo and Gena Rowlands as the best friend and mother who lend some spice to this tasty dish.
Reviews
8 Reviews
To Be and to Have
(2002)
One of my favorite Documentaries
23 July 2006
I can't say much about the film except that I love it. I don't want to come across like a 12 year old fan club president, but oh well. The main problem I have with many contemporary documentaries these days is that they tend to go for maximum entertainment, and little else. Overly slick, often gimmicky in nature, with flash editing and a cynical tone, they are instantly forgotten (i.e. Super Size Me, Inside Deep Throat, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, among many many others)
To be and To have, beyond entertaining is an INSIGHTFUL look into us as human beings, I know I know, a movie about the human condition, sounds corny or worse dull but it is far from either of those adjectives. The film follows a class of kinder gardeners in the French rural countryside for a year. It is both profound and simple to watch these children learn the everyday lessons of life. Even more amazing is that it does so without becoming overly sentimental or sugary. The film's point of view inevitably takes on that of a five year old, finding magic and greatness in the everyday mundane aspects of life. Highlights: When the teacher explains the concept of infinity to the children. Marie and Jojo in general are a delight. The handwriting lesson as insight into personality. I could go on and on. Just see it
To be and To have, beyond entertaining is an INSIGHTFUL look into us as human beings, I know I know, a movie about the human condition, sounds corny or worse dull but it is far from either of those adjectives. The film follows a class of kinder gardeners in the French rural countryside for a year. It is both profound and simple to watch these children learn the everyday lessons of life. Even more amazing is that it does so without becoming overly sentimental or sugary. The film's point of view inevitably takes on that of a five year old, finding magic and greatness in the everyday mundane aspects of life. Highlights: When the teacher explains the concept of infinity to the children. Marie and Jojo in general are a delight. The handwriting lesson as insight into personality. I could go on and on. Just see it
The Grim Reaper
(1980)
Not Bad
23 July 2006
Antropophagus, or the more bland, less fun title The Grim Reaper is competent entry in the early 80's eurohorror cannon.
Eurohorror is not for everyone. You must be open minded to badly dubbed dialog, questionable character motives, acting, and giant lapses of logic. All this in exchange for great atmosphere, style, and creative violence. The emphasis is on the visual. A group of travelers (among them Mia Farrow's sister Tisa!) on a boating trip to some small Greek Island start to die. Pluses: The villain is creepy, a truly menacing presence. There is an effective blind character who knows when the killer is close because "he smells of blood!" There is a suitably disturbing sequence involving a pregnant woman. Now, the version I saw was edited, there was no baby munching, but that doesn't take away from the intensity/perverseness of the scene. Negatives: Standard shortcomings
Eurohorror is not for everyone. You must be open minded to badly dubbed dialog, questionable character motives, acting, and giant lapses of logic. All this in exchange for great atmosphere, style, and creative violence. The emphasis is on the visual. A group of travelers (among them Mia Farrow's sister Tisa!) on a boating trip to some small Greek Island start to die. Pluses: The villain is creepy, a truly menacing presence. There is an effective blind character who knows when the killer is close because "he smells of blood!" There is a suitably disturbing sequence involving a pregnant woman. Now, the version I saw was edited, there was no baby munching, but that doesn't take away from the intensity/perverseness of the scene. Negatives: Standard shortcomings
Sebastiane
(1976)
Queer Cinema Classic
18 May 2006
Atmospheric, lyrical, experimental, and with a distinctly queer gaze, Sebastiane is a must for those interested in gay cinema. The film explores the myth behind St. Sebastian whose paintings and imagery have always been linked to queerness as he was one of the only male figures to be sexualized, a rare occurrence, with his naked arrowed chest.
Sebastiane, a Christian, is exiled to a remote sort of military camp. The emphasis as has been said is clearly on the visual.The air permeates and oozes of sexual desire and longing. Soldiers are half naked throughout, often wrestling, joking, and talking a lot about sex. Sebastiane, stands apart because of his Christian beliefs, and the film explores the sado masochism inherent in martyrdom, the pleasure the pain brings, further strengthening his convictions. Sebastiane believes strongly in a higher power and the film itself seems em bused with a spirituality in its slow contemplative shots of nature. The film also deals heavily with unrequited love, both Justin and Severes have an eye for Sebastiane but express it in very different ways. There is also a gay couple among the soldiers whose love is tender and natural. Jarman has a distinct "voice", his films and imagery feel deeply personal and are generally in my opinion fascinating to watch.
Sebastiane, a Christian, is exiled to a remote sort of military camp. The emphasis as has been said is clearly on the visual.The air permeates and oozes of sexual desire and longing. Soldiers are half naked throughout, often wrestling, joking, and talking a lot about sex. Sebastiane, stands apart because of his Christian beliefs, and the film explores the sado masochism inherent in martyrdom, the pleasure the pain brings, further strengthening his convictions. Sebastiane believes strongly in a higher power and the film itself seems em bused with a spirituality in its slow contemplative shots of nature. The film also deals heavily with unrequited love, both Justin and Severes have an eye for Sebastiane but express it in very different ways. There is also a gay couple among the soldiers whose love is tender and natural. Jarman has a distinct "voice", his films and imagery feel deeply personal and are generally in my opinion fascinating to watch.
Savage Streets
(1984)
"She's deaf you a@# hole!"
4 April 2006
A pretty nasty/fun early 80's exploitation film that just couldn't quite be made today. Hot Linda Blair and friends are out on glamorous Hollywood Blvd (among all the drug dealers, hookers, and run down tourist shops) when they run into trouble with a group of no good punks.
Extremely low budget with some sloppy film-making to boot. Camera cranes are visible in many shots during the workout sequence in the gym.
Of course there is a huge entertainment factor for maybe the first 10 to 15 minutes. At school the next day the punks show up to wreck some havoc. There is a raunchy shower room scene that was very reminiscent of Carrie except without the grace or intelligence of De Palma. The punks decide to rape Linda Blair's deaf little sister in a scene that is truly disturbing and exploitive.
This act along with the death of ANOTHER of Linda Blair's friends who tragically was to wed the next day sets her out for revenge. She goes after the punks one by one. There are some pacing problems and the revenge scenes are tame and quick. A great soundtrack, Linda Blair, and some intense 80's sty lings make it worth a look.
Extremely low budget with some sloppy film-making to boot. Camera cranes are visible in many shots during the workout sequence in the gym.
Of course there is a huge entertainment factor for maybe the first 10 to 15 minutes. At school the next day the punks show up to wreck some havoc. There is a raunchy shower room scene that was very reminiscent of Carrie except without the grace or intelligence of De Palma. The punks decide to rape Linda Blair's deaf little sister in a scene that is truly disturbing and exploitive.
This act along with the death of ANOTHER of Linda Blair's friends who tragically was to wed the next day sets her out for revenge. She goes after the punks one by one. There are some pacing problems and the revenge scenes are tame and quick. A great soundtrack, Linda Blair, and some intense 80's sty lings make it worth a look.
Lady Sings the Blues
(1972)
Miss Ross
23 March 2006
Diana Ross gives in my opinion one of the top ten performances on screen in the last 50 years, possibly all time. It is that good. Fresh, daring, inventive, and highly influential her acting hasn't aged a bit. You BELIEVE she is Billie Holiday by the end of the film despite the heavy star persona that Diana Ross and Billie Holiday have respectively in real life. She doesn't go for a mimic, copycat performance but channels the essence of Holiday subtly. The acting is not over intellectualized or self conscious and never once hits a false note. The fact that the movie itself isn't very good and is wildly inaccurate in the portrayal of Holiday's life only seems to benefit Miss Ross. She lost the acadamy award to Minneli in Cabaret which was a charming performance but not even in the same league. Sadly, Miss Ross's promise as an actress did not pan out well due largely to poor role choices. Coming out of the Dark, her made for TV movie comeback owes a debt to this film. She basically rips herself off (yes, its true) as a manic schizophrenic channeling all the better breakdown scenes from Lady.
Sparkle
(1976)
Lonette McKee Makes Sparkle
12 March 2006
Standard rise to fame tale that has a few high points. Number one, Lonette McKee as Sister who gives a stunning, star making performance. The fact that she never became a huge sensation after this is beyond me. Sadly, she is a supporting character and we are forced to focus on Irena Carter's bland character, Sparkle, whose rise to fame is easy, boring, and unconvincing. However, whenever the girls go on stage and perform, the movie comes back to life. The original music by Curis Mayfield must be praised. The copy I saw was a very old VHS tape. The picture quality was pretty low, as well as the production values I'm guessing. All in all, its worth a gander.
Sleepaway Camp
(1983)
Judy, we love you
12 March 2006
One of the all time B movie greats of the 1980's. With a disturbingly young cast and bizarre queer subtexts this is a must for anyone into camp/cult films. Not to mention a great ending and some creative death scenes. Judy as the main bad girl truly makes this film for me,and her demise is tragic, a fate so terrible that the filmmakers don't have the guts to show the aftermath. Yes, a curling iron to the crotch is never a pleasant experience R.I.P Judy, R.I.P. The plot really is secondary, a tragic boating accident leaves a newly orphaned Angela, who looks a lot like Sarah Silverman, with her aunt Martha and cousin Ricky, and off to camp the kids go, where bad things start to happen. This is from a time when horror was an odd creature, the film is clearly made for 12 year olds, much in the way that Deadly Friend was too, but contains fairly graphic, albeit silly, death scenes and strings of profanity designed to make the young ones giggle. If this were made today, no doubt it would be neutered, given a PG-13 rating, with bland yet classy production values, and a cast from One Tree Hill.
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