films in brief

More quick reviews....

Be Kind Rewind -

This is a loopy, crazy, not-all-that realistic film. But since when has Gondry been interested in realism? He's more determined to find creative ways to shoot things from a childlike perspective, and this lets him do that, as JB and Mos put together amateur remakes. It's fun and heart-warming, even if seemingly stupid at points.

Things We Lost in the Fire -

This overlooked drama didn't get much attention last year, but it should have. It features a great performance by Benicio Del Toro as a junkie who moves in with his best friend (DUCHOVNY!!!)'s family after said best pal dies (I know, it's sad to have Duchovny and then see him pulled away). His wife is Halle Berry, and his house is nice, but it's an awkward arrangement. This probably turned off people because it has the cliches of a typical indie relationship drama, but the performances are good (even Berry) and the pain seems real. Add Benicio to the lost of actors who couldn't get any notice last year.

Dead Again -

Back in 1991, Kenneth Branagh took a break from Shakespeare to direct and star in a supernatural murder mystery. It's funny to see him as a sarcastic 80's L.A. cop, but he pulls it off. He tries to help out amnesia victim Emma Thompson, who may have known him in a past life, as may have other crazy people. This has some interesting twists and enough suspense to make it worth watching.

King of California -

This likable quirkfest about a crazy guy who's still endearing (Michael Douglas, channeling good comedy vibes) is a solid pick. Read the Bill Wine review, it will give you everything I wanted to say.

http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/1037815.php?


Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban -

The only J.K. Industries film I hadn't seen all the way through was this, the third, which is when it really began to pick up. The kids are older, the stories are darker, and new characters are better (David Thewilis, Gary Oldman, and Timothy Spall all appear here). Also, they finally got a real director (Alfonso Cuaron). This is almost 2 and a half hours, but doesn't seem like it.

La Vie En Rose -

The film that got Marion Cotillard a surprise Oscar details the life of Edith Piaf. Like a lot of the recent musician biopics, it's got problems dramatically but the performances are amazing. Cotillard, a shy, soft-spoken, gorgeous actress, completely transforms into this wild, frightening, furious singer. The story moves around a lot, with flashbacks and flash forwards, which could have been smoother, but the imagery and the fire that she gives are great. The structure can be annoying, and the drama goes overboard, but you can't take your eyes off Cotillard for one second.