Reviews
Little Chenier (2006)
Refreshingly "Un Hollywood"
I enjoyed this film a great deal. In short it did what a film should do, (1) absorb you into its place (2) entertain (3) make you think. How did this film accomplish this? (1)Relatively genuine setting, characters, scenery. (2) Plot moved along swiftly and kept you engaged. Characters were believable. (3)Characters and setting made you think about life in their world.
This film had no "stars" to get in the way of itself which is a nice change of pace. The acting was solid, the plot was good albeit reminiscent of "Of mice and men". Parts of the plot were not spelled out for the audience allowing you to draw some of your own conclusions. In terms of where the movie could have been improved I would say some of the technical cinematography. While there were many beautiful shots that helped establish mood and setting some of the fades/ transitions were a little weak.
To summarize the strengths of this film far outweighed the weaknesses. I would probably have selected 7.5 given the choice, but chose 8 instead of 7.
Superbad (2007)
An indictment of our "culture"
This film is indeed super bad. In fact it is even super concerning. I'm no stranger to drinking under age or "partying". I recall many high school antics with amusement. What I cant get around is the horrific banality with which the obnoxious Jonah Hill character uses sexual dialog. Just disgusting. I mean really what the hell are quotes like: --"By the time college rolls around I'll be like the iron chef of pounding VAG!"
--Jules:" You scratch our backs, we'll scratch yours." Seth: "Well, funny thing about my back, is it's located on my cock."
--Seth: "stop being such a vagine!"
I have a few issues with this: 1) I'm not offended my bad language if there is underlying cleverness of any kind. 2)Why would any woman/girl tolerate such language? 3)Why are men/boys made out to be women degrading, mindless perverts on a regular basis in current films? 4)Why are women portrayed as accepting of such "men"?
If in fact such behavior is an accurate portrayal of high school aged male female relations I am truly amazed.
Reality check, neither of these characters would end up with girls of the attractiveness depicted by the film. I think this film is part of a new tradition of Hollywood crap that depicts slovenly men who are somehow accepted by model looks females. Is this catering to male fantasy or just crap that sells to young boys covered in acne?
I would really like to see some female reviews of this pathetic film.
Oh plot??? Umm yeah get alcohol to party to try to get laid --Genius!
The Benchwarmers (2006)
Absolute waste of film
Perhaps one of the worst films ever and that says a lot today. This film was not only offensive to film making but also baseball. I knew this film would be bad, but I thought maybe a few laughs, kind of like what I expected and got from Date Movie. But oh no, this thing is flat out terrible. This may be funny to 13 to 15 year olds with a below average IQ. Sadly this seems to be what most films target audience is today. Again, I knew this would be bad, anything with this cast would be. I will however give the movie credit for being only 80 minutes. Is this really what its come to? I am truly amazed that this film is rated a 5 + overall.
Floundering (1994)
Worth watching , rare find
This is a little movie with big things to say. There are some genuinely funny, thought provoking, and disturbing moments in this film. I was surprised to see it rated so low. Certainly not intended to be an academy award candidate nonetheless this film shines in its own way. Floundering takes you on a strange and comical trip that at times poignantly illuminates the absurd realities of modern life. This film takes on many issues through the "floundering" character of Le Gros; recycling, violence,sexuality, drug abuse, wealth disparity, family loss,mental health, and human fraternity to name a few. Look for some great cameos from the likes of Steve Buscemi, Billy Bob Thornton, and Kim Wayans.