Movie reviews that I never got around to writing.

Oh, poor neglected blog. Remember the good times we used to share? You got me through some tough spots, and this is how I repay you! For shame!

I have seen several films over the past couple of months, both in the theater and in my film class. I had every intention of writing reviews for each of them, but have been staying pretty busy this semester with school, work, illness, and zombie car. The folder on my desktop titled "pics for film reviews" torments me whenever I turn on the computer, so I have decided to exorcise the demon and post some quick thoughts in lieu of the thoughtful and entertaining reviews that I had planned on writing. Sigh.

So, moving on. I believe that I will knock out my film class first, and then move backward with those seen in the theater.


Ladri di biciclette (Bicycle Thieves) - This is one of the great films of its day, existing both as a portrait of Post-World War II Italy and a timeless study of the human condition. The film stands up well against the test of time (I recommend seeing the Criterion edition, as it has much better translations for the subtitles), and asks moral questions just as relevant today as sixty years ago. Truly a masterpiece. 4 out of 5.

Psycho - Alfred Hitchcock. Robert Bloch. The introduction of the MacGuffin. The first toilet ever shown in American cinema. Need I say more? 4.25 out of 5.

Sunset Boulevard - Billy Wilder was a genius, and you need look no further than this film to understand that fact. Of course, if you did stop you'd miss out in classics like Double Indemnity, Sabrina, and The Apartment... 4.5 out of 5.

Modern Times - This may not be Chaplin's best film, but it is quite enjoyable. I literally laughed out loud when the silent star finally made the transition and spoke his first words onscreen, making a strong statement about talkie films. 3.75 out of 5.

Singin' in the Rain - What can I say that hasn't been said a thousand times already? This is one of the best musicals you'll ever have the pleasure of seeing! 5 out of 5.


Ho-kay, on to the silver screen experience (although we do have a pretty impressive screening room on campus). I saw the most recent of these about three weeks ago, and the last one I saw a couple of days after New Years. Yup, I am that far behind. Again, sorry for my brevity.


Coraline (in 3D stop-motion) - I have to say that this is a truly unique film experience. This movie is just stunning to behold, and 100% worth the price of admission for the visuals alone. Don't worry, the 3D is not distracting in the least; it is almost incidental that it is there in most cases, merely adding to the gorgeous visuals. Bruno Coulais created an equally impressive score in compliment; it will stay with you long after leaving the theater. The only thing keeping this from a perfect score is the addition of one element to the story and the lessening of one of my favorite aspects of the book. These are merely quibbles however; you absolutely must see this wonderful film in the theater. 4.25 out of 5.


Slumdog Millionaire - Danny Boyle consistently impresses and delights me with his choice of films. He seems to jump all over the board, almost never disappointing. I love it when people ask, "What else did he direct?" followed by the almost immediate response of "I love that movie!" Slumdog Millionaire deserves to sit close to the top of a list of excellent films by an excellent director. The soundtrack is fantastic, moving the narrative at a strong pace, and Dev Patel (of the excellent BBC show Skins) gives a commanding performance. Even though I have yet to see all of the Oscar nominees, I am pleased that the film won Best Picture. 5 out of 5.


The Wrestler - Darren Aronofsky is one of my favorite directors, and once again he has knocked it out of the park. Mickey Rourke deserves all of the accolades that he has received for this performance, as it is a beautiful marriage of strength and weakness. I will most likely come back and write a more in depth review of this film once it comes out of DVD, as I had a lot to say about it when it was fresh on my mind. It is still in theaters though, so check it out. 4.75 out of 5.


Labyrinth - Ah, good ol' Labyrinth. Loved this movie in my youth, still love it now. If you have not seen it you should; it's a piece of cake! I played the soundtrack for about a week after seeing this again, revisiting days gone by, and was pleased as to how well both the movie and the music hold up to the test of time. Sigh. I miss Jim Henson... 4 out of 5.


The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Although differing in many ways from its namesake by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this is a decent film. I found it to be an emotionally draining experience, as the film was both uplifting and depressing at the same time. Such is life though, and the ride is worth the journey. I will say that this film does have some serious flaws (for example, I did not care much for the framing story and found it somewhat distracting), and I admit to liking it much better walking out of the theater than I do today. Still, it is entertaining and merits seeing. 3.75 out of 5.


All-righty then, there you have it. I still want to see some of the Oscar films, but have a feeling that my next review will be for The Watchmen, which comes out next week. I am both charged and anxious about its release, as my love of comics and film are destined to clash.