#26 - The Last Waltz

If you claim to love rock and roll...no...if you claim to love, or even enjoy music, then you MUST watch this movie. This is what music is about at its very core. It is an expression of something rich and powerful that comes from within, but is derived from a place in the past and headed towards somewhere in the future. It is enjoyment. It is communal. It is hypnotic. It is social history. It is personal history. It is a celebration. This movie expresses all of that in what might be the best live concert documentary I have ever seen.

Ok, I haven't seen that many. The Song Remains the Same, some Rage Against The Machine, some Bob Marley, a little Woodstock, a little Metallica, and a little Pink Floyd is what comes directly to mind. But this movie is more than just a showcase for one band. Its more than a filmed documentation of a particular event. Its more than just interviews from musicians. Its all of these things combined to celebrate a band, its legacy, and an era of music that in all intents and purposes is no longer with us.

So what is The Last Waltz you ask? Its the next movie in the Marty S boxed set and is also a concert documentary of the last performance of the musical group The Band. They play their hits, which you may not think you know, but you do. Trust me. You do. But they have a number of music icons come and play with them. We are talking the likes of Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, Neil Young and more. What makes this a celebration of music is that they are playing their songs along with The Band. It's their songs, its the songs of their peers, and its the songs of their influences. It was a moment that wasn't intended for them to fulfill some self-gratifying ego. Instead, it was a moment for one last jam with themselves, their friends, and for an audience.

It was tremendous. The music was great. The interviews were great. Even the songs that were done in a studio at another time were good. Now, its not my usual plan to comment on the DVD extras because I'm not doing this for the extras. Sometimes I don't even watch them. But this one had something special. It was an improv jam with guys from The Band coming and going with Ringo Starr, Ron Wood, Neil Young and others jamming along. They just played on. This scene was not in the film because in the middle of this jam the film cameras stopped working. Apparently they had been recording this concert for hours beyond what the cameras were built for. How awesome is that. They just played and played and played. It wasn't about following a set list, having an encore and then leaving. They were there to play, and play they did. Fantastic. What music should be.

#25 - Constantine

Here we have another high budget, special effects driven vehicle for Ted Theodore Logan. I was looking forward to this because I was wondering if we could once again catch lighting in a bottle. I an of course referring to The Matrix. That was a movie that I didn't have very high expectations for because Ted ain't exactly Steve Guttenberg, if you know what I mean. But it looked interesting, so I went, and the rest is movie history. I had similar feelings about Constantine, but instead of leaving the theater pumped cause I just saw an awesome movie, I turned off the DVD player with a definite feeling of "eh".

In this movie Ted is a man who was sent to hell, but made it out. Because of this he cannot enter heaven and spends his days exorcising demons in an attempt to buy his way into heaven. Stuff happens here and there and a big ol battle between heaven and earth is on the way and he is right in the middle of it. Along with him is Rachel Weisz who plays a cop, but you couldn't tell it by looking at her. I know she just won an Oscar and all, but did anybody believe she was a cop? Did she even need to be a cop for this one? Did she even need a profession?

Visually, this movie was great. The special effects were well crafted, well designed, and well executed. It was everything else that led to the "eh" feeling. The story wasn't very smooth as it led from revelation to revelation and the suspense didn't build very much. the result was an ending that wasn't very exciting. I did however like the representation of Satan. Having him in a completely white suit and walking around with oily, black bare feet was a nice touch. Not a bad performance for a guy who would eventually try to get you to buy a Volkswagen.

Ultimately, I think the problem lies somewhere in between the writing and Ted's inability to pull it off. In The Matrix it didn't matter that he was a bad actor because the script didn't ask too much of him. This required a little more than he had. I found myself wondering if anybody realized that maybe the reason he isn't getting into heaven is because he is doing things for selfish, self-centered reasons. I just couldn't figure out if that was missing because of bad acting, or bad writing.

Oh, and can we STOP with the little one liners and unnecessary comic relief in these movies? I know we have 007 to blame for some of this, but in some movies it actually works because there is a lighthearted tone. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE MOVIES!!!!! I find it a little stupid that there is about to be a major shift of control in the powers that be, and Ted is upset because someone messed up his $100 shirt. Seriously. Did anybody laugh at that? Did anybody even snicker? That's not even worth throwing your Raisinets at the screen. I am sick and tired of those one liners creeping into places that don't need them. HOLLYWOOD...STOP IT!!!!

#24 - Raging Bull

This movie is not only the next film in the Marty Scorsese box set, but it's one that makes me say, "How have I never seen this movie?" This is more severe that not having seen a Woody Allen movie before Radio Days. This is more severe than going to Vegas, finding some old lady at 2 AM who is trying to look WAY younger than she is, and getting a fresh plate of desert crabs. Okay, maybe not that severe, but it's still kind of hard for me to believe.

As you probably know, or figured out by looking at the picture, this movie stars Bobby D playing...well...the same kind of character as he played in New York, New York. Both are self-centered men with a narrow vision of their own success and the ability to make the leading lady fall for them for no real reason whatsoever. Seriously, both guys persistent pricks who really didn't have as much charm as you would think. But Bobby D's performance of Jake LaMotta is so much more powerful in this movie than his performance in NY, NY. He is darker, more vicious, and way more unrelenting than I have seen from Bobby D in a while. The jealousy he displays in this film is so pervasive and destructive that you know the ultimate downfall is coming, but the only question is just how hard. Its quite the crash when dreams are unrealized and nothing is learned from it.

I know that this has been talked about at length before, but the choice to film this in black and white was so unbelievably good. The sweat, the blood, the crushed noses are all so real, so vivid, and so raw that it adds such a tremendous intangible quality to the fighting scenes that you are almost there taking the punches with Jake. And when when he's not fighting, there is such a stark tone that you get a strong feeling as to how empty a human being he became. Its not quite film noir, but there is a strong contrast that makes the dark scenes darker and the light scenes sad and empty.

I have noticed something watching these last two Scorsese films and thinking about other that I have seen, such as Goodfellas and Casino. His stories follow a pattern of what I want to call "intimate epics". Its intimate because it involves anywhere from one to three characters, but the scale and depth of their stories are tremendously vast. And the thing is, its the evolution of the characters that is so vast and not as much the plot itself. Think about it with his other movies.

#23 - The Commitments

I want to bring the Blues back to Dublin!!! I'm not sure that Dublin really had the Blues, but if this is how you bring them back, I will be along for the ride the entire time. I remember hearing the soundtrack for this movie and thinking, "this is a really good soundtrack for this movie." Or something like that. But now that I have seen the movie that the soundtrack was for, I enjoy it even more. This was a really fun movie to watch and I think it may have to be a purchase at some time in the future.

What we get here is a young guy living in Dublin who has a dream. A dream to shake up the music scene in his hometown. So he assembles a group of musicians and singers and starts to build a blues band. Of course this band is filled with a mix of people that just don't get along. They come from all walks of life from all around Dublin and they have a special knack for arguing with each other. Its so much fun to watch these people fight because they are so good at it and they do it with that quick Irish banter. You've got sassy Irish lassies and foul mouthed lads going at it over anything and everything.

As you would expect, when they get on stage, the fighting ends and the music begins. They are tremendous on stage together playing classics, standards, and just good ol tunes from blues and rock and roll. With talent and some strategic moves from the manager, it doesnt take long for them to gain a bit of a following in the Dublin club scene. But with the promise of fame seemingly just out of reach, it doesn't take long for the fighting to take over. Oh, what could have been.

If you havent seen this movie, I suggest you do so. The characters are fun to watch as they interact in various ways in and out of rehearsals and performances. The music is good and you can't help but get behind the story and want to see them succeed in spite of the fact that they don't really get along off stage. Its just a treat and most importantly, has music at the core as one man tries to "bring the Blues back to Dublin."

#22 - New York, New York

Oh boy, a little old school Marty Scorsese and Bobby D. He's the little one with the saxophone. Liza Minelli is the large one. Now follow me here, he is the sax player, and she is the one with the words, otherwise known as lyrics, because she is the singer. Turns out they are the two characters set for fame and fortune in the world of New York showbiz. Its an interesting story about two people with seperate dreams for the big time and what can result when a person sacrifices their dreams in order to fulfill anothers.

Okay, so that's not exactly what this movie is about. Sure, it's part of it, but I think it's just an element of the real point of the movie, which is the interaction and relationship of the two characters. I think it's as much of an element as Bobby D being the band leader and Liza just a singer but wanting some creative input. It's as much an element as who should get top billing, the singer or the band leader. All of these things help to build the tension between these two characters.

Now, I am not the biggest Liza Minelli fan, but I realize that I haven't seen too much of her work so its a preconceived bias without much of anything to back it up. It didnt really help that for the majority of this film she is pretty submissive to DeNiro's dominating character. I wanted her to stand up for herself so damn much that it was frustrating to watch at times. But it did make the scene in the car when she finally lets loose on him that much more powerful. It was a tremendous scene purely for the intensity and strength needed to go where she went. I was impressed. She was submissive no more and from then on was her own woman. Nice to see.

This is the first movie I received from a Martin Scorsese box set, so there are three more of his films to come. If you wanna do research to find out which ones because you are giddy with anticipation and can't wait to see whats coming(I'm talking to you Beth), then by all means, check it out. This wasn't a bad start for what's going to be a look into early Marty S's work. I think that the film was a bit longer than it really needed to be. The stage production towards the end didn't help, but that's only because I am not a big fan of musicals. It actually fits in this movie. Also, these characters could have been placed anywhere with a little script adjustment. I don't think iit really mattered that they were in showbiz. Having said that, they did a good job making showbiz an impetus for much of the action. Enough of this, I'm gonna go watch General Zod fight Superman.

#21 - Radio Days

I'm gonna be honest here. This was my first Woody Allen film. I don't know why I haven't ever seen any of his films before now, but I suspect its something like the 40 Year Old Virgin. It just never happened, and I gave up trying. Well, not really. I never really tried, but it just didn't happen. So this was my Woody Allen cherry, and I must say that I was entertained, but underwhelmed.

I know this isn't one of his classics like Annie Hall, but there were some high expectations and in the end I found this movie to just be okay. What we have here is a number of stories involving, relating to, or stemming from classic radio broadcasts. The main character is played by a young Seth Green and he is the child version of Woody, who is the narrator. We get stories about his favorite shows, his family's favorite shows, and even stories about the performers on the show. The stories are interwoven with each other and each one is pretty entertaining by itself, but as a whole, I'm not sure that there was much of a point to the film other than Woody being able to tell a bunch of short stories he had rolling around in his head.

I will say that even with all that, the performances were very good and it's clear that everyone had a good time working on this movie. It's quite an ensemble cast and everyone really fit their roles quite well. I wish I could give examples, but since I am still catching up on my reviews and watched this a while ago, I don't remember that many details. I think that speaks for how memorable this movie was. Remember, I didn't hate it, but it wasn't that great.

So there, I have busted my Woody Allen cherry, and I am certain that it has to get better than this. I guess I was a little nervous. Or maybe I was too excited. I didn't finish the movie early, and it certainly wasn't over as soon as I started, but there was an overwhelming feeling of "eh...". I guess I just need more practice watching Woody Allen movies and they'll get better. I swear. I could even watch two in one night. Maybe even three, but I'd have to really be in the right mood. I'm thinking it's not a good sign for the movie when my review is more about me watching the movie, and not the movie itself. Oh well.

#20 - The True Story of Alexander the Great

This was supposed to come right after Alexander. If I remember correctly, it was the second DVD to go into my queue list. But it got lost in the mail somewhere between point A and B, and for some reason they sent me eighteen DVD's before re-sending this one. And lucky me, Alexander isn't something you forget right away. If you haven't read my review, it's in the archives, figure it out. That big ol' H in the picture means that this was made for the History Channel. Doesn't that sound great? A basic cable documentary that was probably rushed out to be premiered in time with the movie. I smell high quality.

Actually, its not that bad. I'm not saying its that great either, but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. The crappy thing about it was that it didn't really tell any stories beyond what was told in the movie. A nice long segment on how a young Alexander tamed a wild horse that no one else could. Okaaaaaaaaay.....got that. A nice long segment about the assassination of his father. Alriiiiiiiight.....got that too. The only real thing it did in terms of telling the "truth" was to elaborate in words what was pretty much implied in the movie, and since this was probably made to coincide with the movie, I pulled out my penalty flag and penalized the History Channel ten yards and a loss of down for unnecessary redundancy. I also charged them a time out for losing the challenge. Enough football references? I've got more.

There was an interesting aspect to this little show that I would like to share with you. One of the things they did was that they acted like they did some serious research of some of the original historians in order to get a direct source into the life and times of Alexander. What made this particularly troublesome was that they had actors performing as the historians themselves. Hmmmm. I wonder where they may have gotten the idea to have someone who wrote about Alexander actually play a part. Could it possibly be the fact that Anthony Hopkins plays someone who wrote about Alexander? I think the most research they did was to watch an advance screening of the movie so they knew what to talk about. If I remember correctly, there was a point were the narrator actually threw over to one of the historians as if he was out in the field covering the story as it was happening. Or it was like they were covering a current issue and they were introducing some resident expert on the topic from the Institute of Tweed Jacket Wearer's for Historical Commentary in Documentaries Rushed Out to Coincide With Film Releases. Or the ITJWHCDROCWFR for short. Its a non-profit.

Also, can we not reuse the same footage of soldiers marching into battle over and over and over again? I know you only used five actors for it and zoomed in to give the appearance of a lot of people, but you don't have to show me them EVERY single time you talk about Alexander going into battle.

And hey, there was no mention of his mullet. Sounds like historical inaccuracy to me.

#19 - To Kill A Mockingbird

Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. I remember at one point in high school I had to read the book this movie is adapted from. Which, if any of you know me and my studying habits, means that I didnt really read much of it. I remember enjoying what I did read, but since it was homework, not much got read. Anyways, I was looking forward to watching this movie because it's a classic. Won some Oscars. Probably some Golden Globes, but who cares. Maybe some New York Film Critics awards, but again, who cares unless you're a New York film critic. Needless to say, this movie did not let me down. I have never been so engaged in a movie so quickly and then had my attention held throughout. From beginning to end, I was completely connected.

If you have read any of my earlier reviews you would know that I am not the biggest fan of child actors. It would be better described as a dislike for bad overacting done by cute, annoying little kids. I say that I dont like child actors cause thats easier than the explanation I just gave. Having said all that, the two kids in this movie were very good. They talked like kids. They acted like kids. They played like kids. The got into trouble like kids. None of it was artificial. All of it was honest. I did find it interesting that Scout shares the same haircut as the Incredible Hulk. But thats not a complaint. Just an observation.

Lets not forget Gregory Peck, if that were even possible. His perfomance as Atticus Finch might just be perfect. The stoicism in the midst of controversy and troubled times is strong but not to the point where he doesnt relate to his children. He is so honest in trying to raise them the right way and tell them truth of the world around them, but also protect them from the same harsh realities. The balance of letting people be and not judging them at the same time not giving in when the fight for truth and honesty is not popularly accepted. Even the Scout is the main character, Atticus is the spine of the story. It is his values that we are drawn to and his strength that keeps those values important even when events challenge the foundation of them.

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. If you have not seen it, what are you waiting for? It has such a strong, timeless message about how to be a better human being, but is in no way preachy or in your face. Subtle, understated, and unbelievably well done.

#18 - The Last Picture Show

Just so there's no confusion, this is the Larry McMurtry adapted film that DOESN'T have gay cowboys in it. Nor does it have an astronaut next door neighbor and all of the doves are popular with tremendous social lives. Having said that, this movie does have a town that is at the beginning of the road to nowhere. The story is centered around a young man who is transitioning from high school into adulthood in a town that is slowly losing its dreams and future. Even though he is the main character, this is truly a wonderful ensemble cast that works well with each other to represent the posibilities for the future, as well as the unrealized potential of the past.

The title of this movie is a sad metaphor for the lives of the people in this town. It refers to the local movie theatre going out of business, but it also represents the last chance for people to escape from the reality of their day to day existence. After this, the question is what do people have left. The spirit of the town has been lost and the only chance there is for a future or any happiness resides elsewhere.

It's hard to know where to start with this movie. There are the older women who have had their dreams but have not been able to see them through and are therefore unfulfilled in their current situations. The wife in the only rich family in town is not fulfilled because she married for money thinking it would make her happy, but she still yearns for the owner of the pool hall, her true love. She doesnt see any other way for her daughter and looks to have the girl go in the same direction she went. This is just a fraction of the layered stories that fill this movie with a sliver of hope and a tremendous amount of sadness. Jeff Bridges has an opportunity for a future in the military, but he doesnt want to leave. Cybil Shepard wants to lead a normal life, but she knows that she is different from everybody because she lives comfortable while everyone else struggles. Cloris Leachman looking for some sort of human connection is devastated when the truth about her situation comes crashing down upon her.

This film is so dynamic, so well structured, and so well crafted. The choice to film in black and white was a good choice because it lends to the stark, lifeless nature of the place. The performances are very well done and eveybody works with each other to create the world they live in. What I want to know is why the actor playing the main character, Tomothy Bottoms, didnt have a larger career. If you look him up on imdb.com, you see that he has done a ton of stuff, but never became a big name. I just find it interesting that nothing major seemed to build off of this performance. Go watch this movie.

Also, young Cybill Shepard is hot.

#17 - The Upside of Anger

Woohoo!! Four hot chicks...and Kevin Costner and Joan Allen. But don't forget about the four hot chicks!!! But seriously, it's more like three and a half hot chicks cause Alicia Witt isn't in the movie very much. Actually, its like two and a half hot chicks cause I will always think of Evan Rachael Wood as being a cracked out thirteen year old. Honestly, its like two hot chicks because even though Erika Christensen is pretty damn cute in this movie, she gets it on with the sleazy older dude. In all actuality its like five hot chicks because Keri Russell is such a cutie in this movie that she counts for four hot chicks. After crunching the numbers, it is officially five hot chicks...and Kevin Costner and Joan Allen.

Speaking of the two main characters, one of them is actually pretty good, and the other one has a character I just can't wrap my head around. If you guessed that I can't wrap my head around Kevin Costner's character, you would be dead wrong!! You see, he actually plays the kind of character he is good at playing. Its that romantic male lead with a bit of a swagger. But this time, he's not the one in charge of the relationship. I know what you're thinking. You are thinking that in Kevin Costner movies there is suppossed to be a female who falls in love with his pig headed character for no real reason at all. This movie flips it around. He actually falls in love with a pig headed Joan Allen for no real reason at all.

In this movie, Joan Allen plays a woman who has been left by her husband for his young secretary. The problem that I have with her character is that I felt no sympathy for her struggles. She has become an alcoholic and is drastically detached from the lives of her four...I mean FIVE daughters. If this was a dark comedy, some of her actions would be funny because they are in that style. But this movie has the feel to it of one where you are suppossed to sympathize with the main character. Its not quite a chick flick, but it is definately geared towards the female audience, especially the older female audience. But she doesnt start out as a good person. She is too involved in her own self pity and self loathing that she ignores the lives and feeling of her daughters and completely disregards the fact that they may be suffering too.

Overall, I was suprised because I didnt expect to enjoy any of this movie. The performances by the cast were pretty good. Is it possible to not enjoy a character, but enjoy the portrayal of that character? I was basically impressed because this movie wasn't completely filled by the cliches I expect from this kind of movie. The writer and director is also the sleazy guy who Erika Christensen gets it on with. I can't get over a sleazy guy writing something like this, but he did. In the end, don't rush out and get it, but if your not sure about what movie to watch and its there, give it a shot.

#16 - For Keeps

Oh boy. Where to begin with this one? Well, if you are looking for a movie that addresses the subject of teenage pregnancy, you could watch this one. I wouldn't recommend it, but you could. You see, this movie is so unbelievably bad on so many levels that your time would be better spent trying to lick the shell off of a peanut. Seriously, the writing is bad, the acting is bad, the story progression is stupid at best, and the overall feeling of "Why was this movie approved to be made?" stays with you throughout. Shall I go on?

First of all, there's the basic premise of the movie. Boyfriend and girlfriend sneak out for a weekend together and while they are making out in the woods during the rain they have sex for the first time which leads to a pregnancy and against the wishes of their parents they decide to have the baby even though they are still in high school and have no jobs but they move out of their homes into a crappy place with barely four walls and try to keep things together on after school jobs and with no help from the parents but things get hard because things arent as easy as they thought it would be because they are broke, boyfriends parents want nothing to do with the child because they are stiff traditional people and the girlfriends mom doesnt support them because she is an overbearing bitch who doesnt want her daughter to make the same mistake she did when she had the girlfriend but they stick it out through family squabbles, alcoholism, post partum depression and every things turns out okay. WHY? Because they love each other. AWWWWWW. Thats so sweet. The power of love will ultimately overcome all of your hardships and crappy decision making, and everything will be all right. It warms the heart. No, wait. That would be the strain on the heart as a result of excessive vomiting.

If you think that this movie properly addresses any of the issues of teen pregnancy, then you seriously need to get your head checked. An after school special is more hard hitting and has more poignancy that this piece of crap. The main character is played by the golden child of the Brat Pack, Molly Ringwald. Let me just say that I have no problems with Molly Ringwald, until she tries to act. Then I want to take a meat tenderizer to my nuts to distract from the pain going on in my skull. Oh, and she was excessively winy and pouty in this one, which is want you want to see from a young mother anyway. Seriously, watching her trying to be dramatic is truly difficult to do. You can tolerate it in her other movies where there is something else going on that can distract you, but when she is the main character in a romantic comedy kind of movie about teenage pregnancy, you are trapped praying that you were like Darby O'Gill getting tricked out of your wishes so that you can get out of the Banshee's carriage.

This is hands down the worst movie I have seen out of my DVD rentals so far. I have said before that if they showed Requiem for a Dream in high schools, no kids would ever do drugs. If they showed this in high schools, we might have a population explosion that would make the parents of Baby Boomers look like Puritans. A waste of celluloid.

#15 - Before Sunset

Well looky here!!! We gots us a sequel. Can you guess what movie came first?(Hint for MORONS: Look two reviews down.) Can this movie pass the test and rise above the tradition of crappy sequels? Can the unique love story structure of the first movie work again in another? Are they just saving money by only having two actors? Can Julie Delpy pull off the pretty little franch girl character again? Is Ethan Hawke going to rise above his pre-determined station in life by collecting DNA from the keyboards of people suppossedly more gifted than he? Answers to these questions and more are...well..right below.

Yes. Yes. Couldn't hurt. If Elke Sommers can do it...then yes. Yes, but he will need help from The Bride and Alfie. Thanks for stopping by. NEXT MOVIE!!!

Oh, you want more? Well, the structure of this movie is essentially the same as Before Sunrise, but its a few years later and they meet while he is in France on a book tour that is eerily similar to a story about two people who met on a train. The thing that is interesting is that the end of the first movie leaves you with a question about what will happen. This movie answers that question, and then builds upon that. They have obviously grown over the years, but they both held on to the connection they made. What propels this movie is the question of what they are going to do this time. Again he has to get on a plane and leave the country. Are they going to go through the same thing again, or will this time be different?

There is also a number of very powerful moments placed through out where you see each character wanting to reach out to the other in the way they have been thinking about over the years. But they don't. They hold back. It kills them because they desire it so much. It kills the viewer because you want to see them together as much as they want to be together. Its truly an excellent expansion of the original story. Its not just a rehash of the things that worked in the first movie. There is an evolution that has occured between the two and it is interesting to see if time has been too long to make a difference. Only watch this if you have seen the first one. Unlike Wrath of Khan, it would make a difference.

#14 - A Hole in the Head

Oh, this is what happy, warmhearted family friendly movies were like in the late 50's. Oh how far we have come and how little has changed. Some people ask why these silly little movies are made, and I always said that people go see them. Not my kind of movie, but if people like em, they'll keep makin em. It's not that its a bad movie, just not my kind of thing. Never has and never will be. I haven't seen many Sinatra movies and I just hope, nay, I KNOW they are better than this.

First of all, the guy really isnt a good parent. He's out all night carousing with some dame while his hotel is going bankrupt. But the little fellow still loves his Pop. Awwwww, gee that's swell. I just sat through the thing wondering why anybody would want an annoying little kid like that anyway. He really is a shining representation of that sassy little scamp you think of when you think of 50's entertainment children. Think of Beaver Cleaver with out being as much of a sissy and the "Gee Wally" meter is only at about 7.5, instead of exploding at 10. I'm not the biggest fan of young child actors in Hollywood, and this one really tries my patience.

Oh, but the kid isn't the worst part. No, no, no. I save that achievment for one of my FAVORITE things in all of moviedom. I am talking about the random, out of nowhere musical number. Don't get this confused with what happens all the time in musicals, they are musicals, its what they do. No, this happens in a non-musical movie FOR NO REASON AT ALL. Let me set it up for you. Father and son are having a heart to heart and to make things better, they break into song. They've got high hopes. That's right!! That's the song!! High Hopes and sung by a great performer and a stupid little kid who plays it up in the classic 50's Hollywood way that makes me wanna hang a lasso and pretend I can fly like R. Kelly. Seriously, just because you have someone in a movie who can sing, does not mean that they HAVE TO SING. And if they do, make it a solo. This annoying song won a freaking Oscar. I hear the Three 6 Mafia is planning a cover.

#13 - Before Sunrise

In the Waking Life review, I said that a non-animated movie that was one philosophical and metaphysical discussion after another wouldn't work. I was partially wrong. Before Sunrise, also directed by Richard Linklater, has almost the same structure as Waking Life. But there is a difference, and I think its what makes the movie work.

While the structure of having a series of dialogues about various subjects is similar, this movie is not just metaphysics. Dont get me wrong, it is in there, but it is included in with a number of discussions about life, relationships, and personal stories. This gives a connection with the characters who have met on a train in France and have struck a quick relationship.

Like Waking Life, there is no real plot in this movie. There's just a simple thru-line that becomes a vehicle for a number of discussions about life, love, and the world around us. The difference between the two movies is the emotional connection between characters. This is essentially a love story, but a different love story. There's more depth and insight of the characters on a personal level than the usual love story and the only challenge standing in their way is the clock.

I'm not the biggest fan of love stories. Just not my cup of tea. But this one is different. Its not sappy or over the top with unrequited love or a love that was always meant to be but the world stands in the way of true love, blah, blah, blah. Sappy cheese. Sappy cheese. Its two people who meet on a train and end up sharing a bond over the next twelve or so hours. They are drawn together over these few hours, but there is always the looming realism of their eventual departure. Its uplifting and tragic, but more interesting to me, its unique. They never say that they love each other, but you see it and feel it so stronger than any other love story I have seen. Okay, I admit it, I havent seen that many. Maybe if more were like this, I would have.

#12 - Garden State

I loved this movie!! There you have it. No setup like other reviews do. It was fun, exciting, engaging, unique, happy, sad, depressing, uplifting, all those things. I wanted to see it when it was released, but that just didnt happen. I feel lucky that it came along in the list so early. Its the only movie, of all the ones I have seen in this little rental journey of mine, that I have purchased the DVD. Remember, I am catching up with movies I have seen. Right now I am around 50 DVD's. Some of them I could buy, this one I had to buy.

First of all, Zach Braff is great. I have loved Scrubs since the first season and was pleased that he made a movie...and wrote it...and directed it. But this isn't his TV show character. Instead we are given a guy who has gone through his young life unable to relate or connect with anybody. Until he randomly meets a sweetie named Natalie Portman. For the first time he feels emotion, and he likes it!! He's not depressed and moody. There is no self pity in his character, just someone who is lost in the world because he hasnt been able to find himself or anything else. Thats one of the things I enjoyed the most about this movie, and what I also think makes it unique. So many movies have people who hate or dislike their parents, and are sad, miserable, and whiny about their lives cause they havent been perfect. Zach Braff is not angry or depressed. Instead he just hasnt been able to feel anything, until now. The scene when he finally talks to his father, was a simple, straightforward, yet completely honest and effective monologue.

Other than the characters and writing, some of the shots Zach created were completely effective in creating the feeling of anxiety that his character lived with. Now, I'm not always the first to pick up on symbolism, but there are two shots that stick in my mind as being extremely descriptive of the character. First, when he is looking at himself in the mirror and the break in the two pieces of glass goes right down the middle. Here we have a shot of an individual that is not a whole person, and when the door opens, we are shown why. Second, one of the popular shots of the movie, when he is standing in front of the wall that is made out of the same fabric as his shirt. Its not just blending in, its being lost in the surroundings. He cant stand out because he doesnt know who he is and has never been able to find out.

There is so much I can say about this movie, but I like to keep these short. The relationship between Zach and Natalie is as engaging as it is entertaining. The perfmance by Ian Holm as Zachx father is truly great. He doesnt know how to relate to his son because they have never actually talked about anything and what he thinks about Zach, isnt quite reality. But he's not an overbearing or bad parent. He just couldnt relate with his son who was unable to emote. The role of Zachs friend as someone who has felt, tried, and done numerous different things is in direct contrast to Zachs character, but still doesnt know who he is either. WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!

#11 - Music Box

What do you do when your father, whom you love, trust, and admire, is accused of commiting numerous atrocities in his European homeland during World War II? This is the struggle that Jassica Lange is faced with in Music Box. She is forced to legally defend her father after his imigration status has been revoked due to these accusations. What follows is an interesting struggle of a woman defending her fathers honor, when she knows very little about his past. In the midst of mounting evidence, she questions her actions as a daughter/lawyer as well as questioning the honesty and purety of her loving father.

The movie does a good job of bluring the truth for the majority of the film. Why would this be good? Because it is taking you on the journey of Jessica Lange's character who is struggling to uncover the truth about her father. We feel the highs and lows that she does as information is revealed about the past is revealed. This is a convention that is done quite often, but this one does is better than most. What makes it so effective is that the performance of the father is one of honesty and sympathy. He is what makes the struggle so hard because you want to believe that he is unable of performing such heinous acts. He is truly kind, calm, and quiet.

One thing that pops into my mind is a question of how daning ones past should be. Are there some acts that are so heinous that you can never escape them, even if you have proven yourself to be kind and honest in other respects? It's an interesting question and I think that a past such as activities during the holocaust would be unforgivable, but where is the line drawn? At what point can you forgive? Is it time that makes forgiveness a possibility, or is it the level of the initial atrocity?

All in all, this was a good movie. I can't say that I need to see it again, but it had good writing and good performances. It was a bit slow at times, but I guess thats the danger of dramas. More importantly, it raised questions other than "Why am I watching this?" or "Is this still on?" Good movie, not great.

#10 - Promised Land

Here we have a touching and tragic drama from the late 80's starring a quartet of up and coming stars. You have Jason Gedric playing...get this...a cop!! I know, its a stretch, but it did happen. Then you have Tracy Pollan playing something other than the wife of Michael J. Fox. You have Meg Ryan playing...Meg Ryan. And in the surprise of the whole film, you have Keifer Sutherland playing someone shy and impish. This was a surprise because it was such contrast to the current Jack Bauer character he plays, but it is also the only compelling performance in the whole movie. Did I say touching and tragic? I meant pointless and mundane.

The movie starts near the end of high school for Jason - The Basketball Star, Tracy - His Sweetheart, and Keifer - The Imp Who Nobody Talks To. Then it jumps ahead about 3 years or so, I dont remember, and it doesnt really matter. Jason lost his scholarship and is now a cop and angry at the world. Poor widdle guy. Tracy is doing her own thing with some other guy in some other town. Keifer left town for some reason and ends up in a little hut near some abandoned mining area...I think. He has recently met Meg and he decided to marry her. Are you sufficiently bored yet?

What follows is a series of pointless dramatic moments. Jason aint happy cause he isnt a stud anymore. He still loves Tracy who still wants to be friends but has another guy. Keifer is coming back to see his parents after he marries Meg. Meg was drunk when they got married...blah, blah, blah, blah....

I guess there is a message about lost dreams and things not turning out the way they were supposed to be. But it is so boring and pointless. I dont care about Jason, I dont care about Tracy, I dont understand the point of Meg or why Keifer likes her. I did feel bad when Keifer got accidentally shot(!!!SPOILER!!! - hate to ruin the movie...I really do...), but more than anything else I was asking the point of his character or the point of any of it. Did I say anything about the bad writing, other than the mention of boring characters and pointless plotline? Did I mention the fact that it rolls along at a snails pace in order to make all the unneccessary things tedious to sit through? My kingdom for a movie about drag queens.

#9 - Wigstock: The Movie

There was no confusion about this one. I put it in my queue around the same time as After Stonewall and The Celluloid Closet, but no amount of not paying attention could keep you from knowing what this movie is about. You would have to be stupid, or dead. As if the title isn't enough to make you turn your head...its freakin RuPaul on the cover!!!! And last I checked, the Statue of Liberty doesnt have a hot pink wig on it.

What is Wigstock? Very good question. Apparently, every summer in NYC there is a festival of drag queens. They set up a stage, pretty themselves up a bit, mouth the words to a few songs, and generally have a rogering good time. Thats what this movie is all about. It has performances from three years of Wigstock, but also follows a number of draggers(is that a word?) as they prepare for another festival. I have seen a number of various documentaries about rock bands and musicians and they all generally followed a format of interviews in between performances. Thats exactly what this movie does. Its not a gay pride film and other than a couple of moments, there really isnt any mention about homosexuality, other than the obvious fact that they are drag queens. Its a concert documentary, much like you would see about Woodstock or any other music festival.

Believe it or not, I actually learned a couple of things. First, there are female drag queens. Thats right, THERE ARE FEMALE DRAG QUEENS. I'm not talking about women dressing in plaid shirts and blue jeans. Oh no. I am talking about a woman, who gets all gussied up and performs in traditional drag queen style. I was shocked. I had no clue that such a thing was possible. Also, its all about the wigs. There was footage taken in a wig shop a few days before the festival and everybody was getting some wigs. An amazing amount of decoration and styling goes into these things. Big, wide, colorful, its actually quite an impressive aspect of the whole thing. I have no idea how some of these things stay on peoples heads. I always focused on the makeup, which in my opinion can become VERY frightening, but I guess that a performance in front of a large crowd requires more than just makeup for the people in the back row.

This movie wasnt without it moments of "ugh". For instance, I turned away when the one performer stripped down to his/hers skinny and pale nakedness. Didnt need to see that. Ugh. I also didnt need to see the fat drag queen sweat and slop out a nasty ass rock song. First of all, I wasnt aware that drag queens did anything other than Donna Summer and Judy Garland songs. But seeing this chunky thing head bang and slobber to an unexpected tune was quite disturbing. Ugh.

All in all, not a bad film. There were a number of good performances shown and the overall spirit of just wanting to go out and enjoy oneself was very strong. Sure there were times that tried my patience, but like I have said before, its not my favorite subject. I feel as though I have earned a bit more understanding about the subject and may be a little more comfortable with it as a lifestyle, and not just a stage performance. I said a little. Dont go crazy. I still cant completely wrap my head around transvestites, but that is a different thing than what a drag queen is.

I told you I would watch everything.