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Reviews
Raising Arizona (1987)
The Ultimate Comedy
I remember when this came out there had never been anything like it. There still is nothing like it. Usually when something original comes around, several other filmmakers mimic it immediately. But no one has been able to touch the Coen Brothers yet. There sense of humor somehow combines cartoon violence (I think the Cage's tattoo is symbolic) and Laurel and Hardy, all the while remaining intelligent. There's also some things about it that I find touching. One thing a friend of mine pointed out to me: The Coens will carry a joke much longer than most writers, but the audience's interest is never lost. The cinematography of Barry Sonnenfeld, who later proved to be a terrible director, is first rate.
Canadian Bacon (1995)
I'll forgive Michael
Not a particularly good film. It proves that Michael Moore isn't nearly as good at telling a story than showing a story. Canadian Bacon will be remembered more as one of John Candy's last films than a brilliant satire. Although, it is interesting that the premise was totally recycled in the South Park movie. However South Park succeeded where Canadian Bacon failed, it made me laugh. There are too many unforgivable cliches. I found the way the black character constantly referenced the fact that he was black annoying. I don't recommend this film to anyone unless you are a die hard Michael Moore/John Candy fan. Moore redeemed himself with the follow-up documentary, The Big One.
Roger & Me (1989)
Most Important Film of the 80's!
I don't hesitate to call this the most important film of the 1980s because I cannot think of one film that is more life changing than this one. If every high school student in America was shown this before going out into the real world, we might eventually quit electing people into office that cater to these corporations that are destroying our culture. I'm not exaggerating. A lot of the rise in crime that our country has seen can be directly linked to corporate down-sizing. Roger and Me shows a real life example of the devastating effects of unemployment. This movie has everything: comedy, drama, and many moments that are stranger than fiction. And if you enjoy this movie, check out Michael Moore's book, Down-size This! A must-read if you are a concerned American.
Groundhog Day (1993)
My Favorite Comedy Ever!
What makes Groundhog Day special is that it is not only philosophically deeper than most movies, but also socially relevant. How many people in this world have often felt like they're living the same day over and over again? So many that Groundhog Day has now become a synonym for a monotonous lifestyle. People can often be heard saying, "I feel like I'm in Groundhog Day." How many movies have inspired a new expression in the English language? Not many.
While Jimmy Stewart's George Bailey finds out what life would be like had he never existed, Bill Murray's Phil Connors finds out what it's like to exist without consequences, to live like there's no tomorrow. I have often seen similarities between Stewart and Murray, and would say they are parallels of two different generations. Both are actors that are likeable enough to carry any movie. And Groundhog Day is Murray's best movie (so far).
I won't say much more about the movie because it's rich enough with meaning that it could be interpreted in many other ways. In fact, it's nearly impossible to cover everything that I got out of this movie.
The Contender (2000)
A little disappointing
I only encourage fans of Gary Oldman to see this film. This is one of his most interesting roles ever. Although the movie is fun to watch, it does very little with the issues that are presented. Joan Allen is good, but her character is too good to be true, and Jeff Bridges seems to disappear for the whole middle of the movie. I'm also curious if there had been more shot with Phillip Baker Hall that was cut out. It seems like a waste to even present his character, who could've made things interesting, if he's only going to appear in one scene. He plays a former Republican politician whose daughter (Allen) is a democrat and possibly the first female V.P. Although it certainly has its interesting moments, while viewing this film I was generally disappointed.
Festen (1998)
a great film (well, video)
I loved this movie. The camera work may be hard to get used to at first, but stick with it. The story and the acting are what dominate this movie. By far, the best of the dogma projects. It's a movie that reminds me just how much most modern American movies lack emotional depth. I have a feeling if William Shakespeare was alive today, he'd be making movies like this.