Author: jbg

MY GIRL 2 (1994)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Howard Zieff 
Written By: Janet Kovalcik 
Based On Characters created by: Laurice Ehlewany 
Cinematography By: Paul Elliott 
Editor: Wendy Greene Bricmont 

Cast: Anna Chlumsky, Austin O’Brein, Richard Mausr, Christine Ebsrsole, Dan Ayckroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Gerrit Graham, Ben Stein, Keone Young, Devon Gummersall


Vada Sultenfuss has a holiday coming up, and an assignment: to do an essay on someone she admires and has never met. She decides she wants to do an assignment on her mother, but quickly realizes she knows very little about her. She manages to get her father to agree to let her go to LA to stay with her Uncle Phil and do some research on her mother. Once in LA, she finds herself under the protection of Nick, the son of Phil’s girlfriend, who at first is very annoyed at losing his holidays to escort a hick *girl* around town. However, he soon becomes more involved in the difficult search.

This film is just as warm and charming as the first film. Though weaker overall in feel and subject matter

This is the last film that Howard Zieff directed, because he became increasingly debilitated by Parkinson’s disease. Carrie Fisher was also an uncredited script doctor on this film

It’s character from the first film we feel a connection with and want to see what is happening in their lives, but the movie offers less of a reason. So that it feels more like we are dropping by while something is developing . Which might have. Even the movies aim, it just never feels as compelling and things seem to happen more in a leisurely pace.

Which makes it seem like a film that adults might appreciate more then kids. Unless they are just connected to the characters from seeing the first film.

It goes more into the hippie lifestyle that she is around as well as delving more into a friendship than romance

The thing that is missing is that in the first film it was a coming of age story and we were introduced to her making her way through the world and seeing how her family worked while this outsider came in. As well as including a tragedy that you knew was coming

Though this film feels less needed than that film As it feels more like an unnecessary continuation of a story and characters where we leave half of the character from the original who appear more in a cameo. Which also loses some of the charm. As it’s nice to see them but we don’t get to see as much of them as we would Like.

And now she is dealing more with her uncle form the first film who here has a bigger part and we get to see him more humanized in his relationship with her and a romantic one. So we are dealing with the original character in a whole new landscape which seems smart, but isn’t as precious as the character is older and a lot more knowledgeable. It stays clean but she isn’t as naive.

Here the character is doing research more into her deceased mother which is what take up most of the films actions and time. She is also in a strange location for her. So she is exploring new territory. While being around the counter culture she still manages to stay innocent.

Strangely though older she is less boy crazy and fascinated by relationships. Which seems to be why by the end she finds herself in a minor one. Though still not really having any female friends. Which the film starts with her having but losing them to jealousy.

Anna Chlumsky has always been an earnest actress her performances have always felt truthful and soulful full of confidence. She is charming and is energetic in her performance. That feels adventurous and guides each performance she has. Though at least throughout she stay confident. Which leaves a good message and role model for little girls watching it and seeing themselves In the character. Luckily over the years she has come back as a major actress in adulthood and been Emmy nominated quite a few times on the award winning television show VEEP

Maybe it is that I grew up watching and dealing with the first film emotionally so that when the sequel was finally announced. –I looked forward to it and built it up on my head so that when i finally saw it I couldn’t help but find it disappointing. More as me and other might have grown out of it. As it came too little too late.

Now this is not a bad movie at all. If anything it feels heartwarming

Though it works as a continuation of a character like in the films MY AMERICAN COUSIN to AMERICAN BOYFRIENDS, also THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE to FLIRTING, only skewing younger. Though offers motivation and moving into more adult themes for the characters here it maintains an innocence for everyone

The supporting characters are fun if not too memorable. The investigation is not that interesting or encompassing they seem only there to keep the story moving and the characters moving allowing for some developments.

Not too much of a side story by introducing another suitor for the uncle’s girlfriend.

This was a sequel that I was looking Forward to even though I was old enough to be skeptical and think how were they going to be able to equal the power (at least for me) of the original. As one Wanted to see the further adventures of Vada. 

Which is exactly what this film does. She is a little older abd the film transports her out of her hometown into sprawling San Francisco. Bigger city for bigger adventures. As this film comes off more as episodic.

The seed are planeted early in the film. When her friend who we last saw her playing. With st the end of the original. Is jealous and ditches her for a boy who seems to constantly be flirting by with vada and vada In turn has no interest in nor picks up on it. 

So as she searches for stories about her mother. The movie revolves around relationships. Her uncle and his girlfriends. Her and the girlfriends son who accompanies her everywhere In her fact finding mission and even her relationship with her mother and accepting her stepmother and her soon to be born Sibling.

That is what most films are about relationships. This one offers a bit of romance between her and the girlfriends son but other then a kids that is as deep as it gets.

One of the charms of the original so is that it came out of nowhere and had a more natural sense of character as well as generally good innocent humor for the most part. So that it felt like a gem out of nowhere that was also felt classical in A small town novel way. It felt comfortable.

Where as this film feels like most of the film it is stretching and feels way too planned out. It feels more designed then coming off natural and it kind of spoils it.

The film Still has some off the wall charm but not enough to make this film feel like it is worth the effort.

Though then Again I might be wrong as I was younger when the first film Came out and more cynical when the sequel came out and might have believed I was above it all. Kids might actually like it. So might those who took the first film to heart. Even though I did and still found myself disliking the sequels

Grade: C

COWBOYS & ALIENS (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Jon Favreau 
Written By: Robert Orci, Alex Kurtman, Damon Lindelof, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby 
Story By: Steve Oedekerk, Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby 
Based On The Graphic Novel By: Scott Mitchell Rosenberg 
Cinematography By: Matthew Labitque 
Editor: Dan Lebantal, Jim May 

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Paul Dano, Adam Beach, Clancy Brown, Sam Rockwell, Abigail Spencer, Ana de la reguera, Toby Huss, David Carradine, Walton Goggins

The Old West.. where a lone cowboy leads an uprising against a terror from beyond our world. 1873. Arizona Territory. A stranger with no memory of his past stumbles into the hard desert town of Absolution. The only hint to his history is a mysterious shackle that encircles one wrist. What he discovers is that the people of Absolution don’t welcome strangers, and nobody makes a move on its streets unless ordered to do so by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde. It’s a town that lives in fear. But Absolution is about to experience fear it can scarcely comprehend as the desolate city is attacked by marauders from the sky. Screaming down with breathtaking velocity and blinding lights to abduct the helpless one by one, these monsters challenge everything the residents have ever known. Now, the stranger they rejected is their only hope for salvation. As this gunslinger slowly starts to remember who he is and where he’s been 

This film you get exactly what you would expect from the title. A fun filled action extravaganza. That delivers the thrills. It is the very definition of a popcorn movie. It’s big loud and dumb and passes the time in a entertaining way. Impressive considering how much of a disaster it could have ended up being. It’s competently directed. Instead of feeling like it is based on a popular graphic novel. The film plays out instead more like a video game adaptation with familiar clichéd stories of proving yourself.


The effects certainly make the film lead that way and half the time it feels like you are playing a video game while watching it. The film feels overblown and just a genre mash-up with little other reason for its creation or to exist.

Strangely for such a big extravaganza it also oddly feels rushed.
 

This is the first time I have really seen Daniel Craig as a true lead and action star. He brings the Tall dark and quiet qualities that the led character of this film needs. He reminds you of a later day Steve McQueen. Craig is Mysterious dangerous and moral to a point.

Harrison Ford is nice to see giving a supporting performance. Rather then a lead one. It gives him a chance to play a character. Not an icon or heroic lead. It gives him more of a flavor then the vanilla he usually plays.  Olivia Wilde while very beautiful and nice to look at has a role that makes no sense.
 

Paul Dano is a good actor. Who I am starting to get annoyed with always playing the dweeb characters. Certain actors have their schtick when playing characters. As this seems to be his in particular usually in big-budget movie supporting roles. While he has an odd look, He is certainly better then the roles he plays. look at TAKING LIVES he is dangerous in. In THERE WILL BE BLOOD he holds his own against Daniel Day-Lewis of all people.  

Wait for Cable

 
 GRADE: C

SPARTAN (2004)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: David Mamet
Cinematography By: Juan Ruiz Anchia
Editor: Barbara Tulliver

Cast: Val Kilmer, Derek Luke, Kristen Bell, Tia Texada, Stephen Culp, Clark Gregg, Ed O’Neill, Aaron Stanford, Geoff Pierson, William H. Macy, Said Taghmaoui, Zosia Mamet

Maverick Ranger Scott, known for ruthless, unorthodox methods but good results, is called in to help the secret service after Washington big whig’s brat daughter is abducted while studying at Harvard. Scott quickly realizes the protection detail’s prime suspect, her boyfriend Michael Blake, is innocent and dumped her for being a drug-addicted slut. Next, he traces her to a bordello, only to realize the captors didn’t realize who she is but simply recruited her for the Middle Eastern white slavery market, and are likely to dispose of her rather than confront her father. But instead of the support expected in such a high-profile case, Scott gets orders to work in secret before the press catches on, and even finds his quest sabotaged.

This is a tight and taut film. Like a clock with airtight precision. It is also a strange film that has a rhythm and beat all its own.

It’s a top-notch thriller with a good story that plays small and close to the chest rather than a grand conspiracy blockbuster, but when you think you have it figured out. A twist you honestly didn’t see comes, then another one, then another one.

Truthfully I wouldn’t expect any less from playwright-writer-director David Mamet. Though I must say that while this is good. it is one of his lesser works. Which considering the excellent standing of his previous films isn’t bad.

His films specialize in sleight of hand movies. These days though he seems to take stories where you know and subvert them so you care more about the characters, their rapid-fire dialogue, and line delivery which have hidden meanings. Characters’ faces rarely betray emotion but do say so much with simple gestures and tone.

This film is noteworthy for a few reasons. It’s one of the closest Mamet will ever get to mainstream entertainment blockbuster type. Which is the direction. he has a top-notch low-key cast. Val Kilmer is the lead for one of the few times that a film he appears in makes it to the big screen. He really doesn’t get enough credit for how good an actor he is.

The film moves at a slow pace which adds to the slow burn of scenes, it is ultimately rewarding and gives the film more nuance. As it fleshes out characters. Which in other films would be strictly one-note. Mamet shows the procedures and what motivates their actions and reactions. So that you don’t get too far ahead of the lead, but doesn’t not leave you behind him in some scenes.

This film has action but is low on it. A fight scene for instance is started, but the camera stays on the face of Val Kilmer. while he watches it instead of on the actual action. So you can use your imagination to fill in the blanks while hearing it. Then you see the aftermath of the fight.

David Mamet performed rewrites during production using nothing more than a typewriter on a cardboard box between takes.

Except for a single day on a soundstage, the film was shot exclusively at practical locations.

Producer Art Linson and David Mamet were having lunch when Linson informed Mamet that he could not get anything more than a no-frills budget for the movie. Val Kilmer was literally at the next table. Linson knew Kilmer and asked him to come over, and they talked about the production. Kilmer was so impressed with the story and Mamet’s vision that he agreed to the role of giving a significant discount to facilitate Franchise Pictures giving a green-light to the production.

The film might be an acquired taste as I went to this film with one of my constant film companions my female cousin who was bored and really didn’t like the film. While I was quite captivated throughout

I don’t want to spoil too much, that would spoil the experience of seeing it with open eyes. Which I believe is where much of the film’s enjoyment lies.

One of the problems, with the film, is that one character does who is very close to the lead. When it happens he shows no emotions, but later when a character dies who the lead barely knows he tears up like a baby, delayed reaction as the person was hardly innocent. It feels out of place.

David Mamet incorporated a number of real-life experiences from various U.S. special forces members for the production, including Eric L. Haney who had served in highly classified operations during his 20-year military career. Haney’s experience included front-line combat units as a combat infantryman, as an Army Ranger, and as a founding operator within the elite Delta Force under Colonel Charlie Beckwith.

These experiences helped Haney effectively serve as a technical advisor, weapons expert, and actor’s mentor to Val Kilmer, ensuring that Kilmer reflected an accurate depiction of a special forces operative in every capacity. Haney retired as a highly decorated Sergeant Major, and his documented experience also includes security surveys, metro SWAT team arms training, oil company guard force management, executive protection, and the recovery of American children kidnapped and taken overseas.

The film never comes completely alive for all the thrills stays sedate and calm. While the size of production staying small and intimate brings a certain reality to the conspiracy it also feels like a letdown as the size of the story seems more on The scale of epic Or at least bigger proportions.

This is Mamet keeping his style for a major release that offers him a bigger palate. It actually reminds me of the minimalist style of Steven Soderbergh. I am surprised they never collaborated on a project.

 Grade: B

FOXCATCHER (2014)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Bennett Miller 
Written By: E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman 
 Cinematography By: Greg Fraser 
Editor: Jay Cassidy, Stuart Levy and Conor O’Neill 

Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller, Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Michael Hall, Guy Boyd, Brett Rice

The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul – a union that leads to unlikely circumstances.

The film sets a brooding tone from the beginning, Which feels like the air has been let out of the room throughout the film.

Seeing the humiliation and what life is like in his brothers’ shadow. it seems is already its own tragedy of sorts. The story is told stilted yet matter-of-factly. While it seems each gesture even in behavior is presented almost under a microscope as its own action, As far as detail. Proving that in this film everything means something no matter how minor or even if dealt with in an off-handed way. So that the film feels more like a clinical behavioral study with precision angles.

I give the director Bennett Miller accolades for sticking with his singular vision for the film. His style helps not only define the film but showcases his style as well. Which seems to be more clinical and observational.

In this film, it is the deepest we have seen Channing Tatum ever and not quite surprisingly as good as 21 JUMP STREET. Where he proved he could be intentionally funny in a star-making turn. Here he plays the type of character you would expect, but rather than a general type of character here the film gives him nuances and a certain depth. Not letting him fall and not letting him avoid and go into his bag of tricks as an actor. You feel him really being open and raw in this performance. Having to truly work more than ever before in this role.

At first, Steve Carell seems like a stunt casting in his role. He seems to be trying to break out of strictly comedic roles here. Unfortunately, he seems to become more of a slave to the prosthetics used on him. It could also be that they were so distracting it’s hard to pay particular attention to the complexities of his performance. Though as with many comedic actors he plays well in the confines of drama as serious, disturbed, and strange. Almost feels like a Real-Life Version of the strange comedic character Dan Ackroyd played in NOTHING BUT TROUBLE only not as loud.

Just as in DAN IN REAL LIFE and SEEKING A FRIEND AT THE END OF THE WORLD playing a vulnerable character suits him and he attacks the role with more relish. He tries harder. Taking it as a challenge and running with it. More than he does with comedy, which is his natural talent, and more in his training. Not seeking to be one thing or play one note. Showing his range.

Mark Ruffalo is good though his character is already set up as a saint and martyr and he might be playing the person as he actually was. Good-hearted and that is what makes what happens so heartbreaking. Here he gives the character shades and is obviously important to the story. He seems to be the only character who has sense and is a sobering presence to the lunacy of the other main characters dementia of sorts. 

Before filming a particularly dark scene, Bennett Miller made Steve Carell write on a piece of paper the thing that he hates the most about himself and then put it in his pocket. Miller told Carell, “Just have it right there, and know that it’s in a place where, if I was a dick, I could just grab it.” According to Miller, the result is the favorite thing that he has put on film.

Because the project took so many years to get off the ground, many actors were considered for the lead roles. Heath Ledger, Ryan Gosling, and Bill Nighy were strongly considered for the lead roles in the early stages of production.

More is said in silence and behavior throughout the film. It’s like a tragic buddy film. As soon as the main character’s relationship is close but ambiguous and never quite fully explained but suggestions are made silently as to the lengths of it.

The film never seems to drop its air of impending doom and tragedy. Setting a chilly mood and tone that never lets up and leaves things implied rather than explained.

Both characters are in a struggle to define themselves and impress family and others by standing on their own and defining themselves separate from how others might see them. Most of all they seem desperate to prove to themselves that they are more than the roles they have been offered in life. Then living up to it. Though one brings it about himself and the person, he is trying to prove himself to is more himself than his brother who is already proud of him. The other seems lost in his own mind to define himself not by actual talent but by what he finds interest in. As he has been given mostly what he has ever wanted and seems not to be that successful at it. But he has a passion it seems to showcase actual work and/or talent.

Eventually, the film leads to strained relations that seem to revolve between the characters at different intervals that keep seeming to mount more and more that you can feel that it is going to surface and bubble over at some point.

When it does it does rather simply and more out of the blue rather than. A showcase or a spectacular scene. I guess it’s like the facts just random and ordinary.

According to Bennett Miller’s comments at screening, a rough cut of the film was more than four hours long.

Steve Carell claimed that according to director Bennett Miller’s wishes there was no joking between takes, and he did not socialize with the co-stars after work.

According to Steve Carell, the real John DuPont was known for even more outlandish behavior than what is shown in the film, but he and director Bennett Miller wanted his madness to be gradually revealed to the audience.

The third act of deep resentment festering until a final act that you know is coming. Though still feels surprising when it happens and is just as senseless in the act as in the reasons.

The film feels downtrodden. It is based on a true story and real events. Though it keeps the story singular. It also makes the film feel barren and an island in of itself.

Too much of the people who love the good life. Go to extremes to feel something new and different. That registers and that they grant in control of to feel accomplishment in themselves. Here no one gets what they set out for, and their grand plan seems to doom them all to places that might have been inevitable but none planned to end up that way.

It’s a tragedy that feels like a boom as it sets the mood. It seems to be more about what is written between the lines though tells you the story fully as it happens. Nothing feels hidden.

The film ultimately comes off as a bit disappointing as we wallow but are given hints yet no definitive answers. The film immerses us in the drama and relationships yet still keeps them in the shadows a bit.

Grade: B

THE ONE (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: James Wong 
Written By: James Wong &Glen Morgan 
Cinematography By: Robert McLachlan 
Editor: James Coblentz 


Cast: Jet Li, Carla Gugino, Delroy Lindo, Jason Statham, Dylan Bruno, James Morrisson, Dean Norris 

This movie postulates what if there is more than one universe. And that all of these universes are held together by one single stream of energy and that energy is equally distributed to every living in each universe and if one of these beings die, that energy is reallocated equally to each other surviving member. And with each allocation, a person becomes stronger. Now one universe has master the ability of crossing into another universe, and a man named Shulaw who believes that if he can kill all of his counterparts, he will become invincible, but there are those who believe that it might have detrimental effects, so try and stop him. Unfortunately, he just has one more person to kill, Gabe Law, but the officers follow Shulaw but Shulaw has committed some crimes and Gabe is accused and is wanted. But Gabe discovers that he has changed and only wants to kill Shulaw not realizing what could happen.

Even for experienced writer-directors James Wong and Glenn Morgan who were also showrunners for THE X-FILES, this film feels especially weak for a science-fiction tale though I realize it is more action. That element could have been played up more. I am not even blaming the lackluster effects. It’s just that everything about this film feels uninspired.
This is a film I have seen beige and pretty much forgotten about until I re-watched it recently and all the old feelings and impressions came rushing back.

It feels uninspired though it takes elements from a bunch of different sci-fi films it never settles to use any of those inspirations to come up with spent anything different and original. I can accept that.

It also seems like a film where the directors were either fans or in awe of the star of the film Jet-Li and seem to just hang back on film ad let him do what he does best. Which would be fine of hey a least set him up with scenes that were somewhat Interesting and set up the action so that we can be amazed by his skills.

For the martial arts aficionados: Jet Li uses two distinct kung fu styles when portraying Gabe and Yulaw. The evil Yulaw uses Xingyi Quan, or “Mind-Form Fist” (loosely translated). As can be seen, when he is training, it is a very linear, offensive style. Gabe on the other hand practices Bagua Zhang, or the “Eight Trigrams Palm”. It is characterized by open palm fighting, with circular footwork. Both styles are two of the three main “internal” styles of Chinese kung fu – the third being Taiji Quan (Tai Chi).

The film LETHAL WEAPON 4 did it and look at how. Underwhelming that film was. He only played a supporting part and amazed audiences with his martial arts skills so much that soon after he was making film after film in the United States though he Barry spoke any English and most of those films while disappointing at least knew how to use him to his advantage and have at least one memorable scene with him.

This is a shame as Jet-li never really found his niche in America sure he starred In many American films though he never found a project that really defined him nor pinpointed his skills. None were truly showcases or even highlights. They all looked kind of like bargain-basement productions and paired him with a musician of some kind. They also seemed more to advertise him to more of an urban audience. (CRADLE TO THE GRAVE, ROMEO MUST DIE) Though usually, the films were multiracial. Though the films he made just as always from overseas were usually excellent to passable (HERO, FEARLESS)

This film feels like it could have been written for any action star. To use their skills in the role only here it happened to be martial arts. Truly this could have started anyone that is how much the lead character and the villain have no real personality or general-purpose other than to fill out their roles and work within the mechanics of the film.

When Dwayne Johnson’s’ The Rock’ was attached to a star, this film was known as The Rock Movie. When he left to work on THE MUMMY RETURNS, it was listed for a short while as Untitled Sci-Fi Project, and when Jet Li came aboard, it became The One. Now I will admit I can be a snob and at times hard on the action, that might be because growing up with action films I grew used to them and I just can’t take the run of the mill. There must be something special or some kind of passion about the film for me I appreciate it. Even of the film is lackluster there must be something in it even iconic that might bring me memories of yesteryear ones. This one though truly feels like a waste of time and talent. That seemed doomed from the beginning.

Skip it

 Grade: F

CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER (2012)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Lee Toland Krieger 
Written By: Rashida Jones & Will McCormack 
Cinematography By: David Lanzenberg 
Editor: Yana Gorskaya 

Cast: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor, Eric Christian Olsen, Chris Messina, Emma Roberts, Elijah Wood, Rob Huebel, Will McCormack, Joel Michaely, Chris D’elia, Rich Sommer, Janel Parrish, Rebecca Dayan 

Celeste and Jesse have been best friends forever. They dated in high school, got married, and now they’re getting divorced. Their best friends don’t think they can maintain their friendship throughout the dissolution of their marriage, but Celeste and Jesse don’t think there will be a problem. But that’s before Jesse gets into a relationship that Celeste doesn’t think he can handle, and Celeste finds it harder to move on than she originally thought.

This is a hipster romantic comedy, because as it seems to use it’s style and story as a sense of individuality. It also feels pretty basic.

The film revolving around life after the happy ever after Scenario and dropping it from a dream-like existence to a harsh reality while keeping it light is a welcome touch.

I will admit a bias as to being a fan of Rashida Jones. Who is luminous and who I applaud for making her character kind of complex by being the controlling type and not apologizing for it. While also being brave enough to be fearless and show herself in a non-flattering light as well as displaying her character’s more embarrassing misdirections.

She co-wrote the screenplay which has her playing what seems to be her type in many of her roles, but here allows us to see the person and depth of that character for once. She really makes it work and come through.  This is one of the new breeds of romantic comedies that I am thankful for not swimming In sentimentality and having beats that feel real where you don’t know how to react and moments that feel truthful though through the whole endeavor the film keeps a light comedic tone.

It’s also nice to see Andy Samberg play more of a straight role and not be a goofy type. His humor here comes through but comes off as more charming than anything.

The subplot with Emma Roberts seems a little unnecessary as it feels more like satire and just needed a new character to kind of tell her about herself and for her to actually take it under consideration.

For all the winning pieces that the film has the one problem I have is the direction style while I applaud trying to make scenes moody and artistic. it also comes off as pretentious and distracting. Using a lot of styles when it’s not really needed comes off more like an extra dressing when not that much was needed. I could see if the material was thin or the film asked us to read more into it through visuals, but all we need is pretty much conveyed through action, dialogue, and performances.

So the camera work seems like it’s trying to cover up for something lacking which the film isn’t really. Maybe it was the director liking to have a bunch of coverage or having a chip on his shoulder trying to masquerade its Limited budget. Which is a game as I have enjoyed the director’s previous film THE VICIOUS KIND so much. He still has made a good movie here it just feels like he went a little overboard in trying to be subtle.

I like this film even at times when it feels like it is trying too hard to impress, where it seems nothing can be basic it all seems like it has to be cool for some kind of mass appeal to the audience. The film isn’t shallow, bit you will only discover that if you Give it a chance

Grade: B-

DUCK BUTTER (2018)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Miguel Arteta Written By: Miguel Arteta & Alia Shawkat Cinematography: Hillary Spera Editor: Christopher Donlon

Cast: Alia Shawkat, Laia Costa, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Kumail Nanjiani, Lindsay Burdge, Mae Whitman, Hong Chau, Kate Berlant, Jenny O’Hara 

Two women, who are dissatisfied with the dishonesty they see in dating and relationships, decide to make a pact to spend 24 hours together hoping to find a new way to create intimacy.

This is a lesbian romance film that seems artsier. Where it seems like the actors get more outbid it than the audience.

While the film does offer a mismatched couple who affect each other in the end. By having one be the more negative over-thinker who is more afraid to try new things. Yet is an actress and the other a free spirit. Who seems to have no grounding. Whereby the end one is affected in a positive way the other in a more morose way. 

The aspect that the film offers is that these two characters hook up and decide on the morning to spend the next 24 hours together. After some initial conflict with the idea. The film explores the following 24 hours where they get to know one another, good and bad. 

It seems like they go through all the painful aspects and rewarding ones in the son of 24 hours. Which makes the film quirky. The characters and their problems always seem to bring it back to reality.

Even if it always has the aspect of a romantic and fantasy. The emotions at times are what ground it.

While Alia Shawkat is always interesting on screen and graduating to bigger roles. Here she is more nebbish, shy, neurotic, and a little depressed than every woman. Who hooks up with this beautiful free spirit played by the gorgeous Laia Costa who seems too good to be true and by the end. We do get to learn about each other a bit more and the dream girl still is unbelievable but at least we get to see her sweat (amongst other things)  and be human. 

Their relationship is believable and takes what most films would spread out over weeks and months and grounds it into the span of 48 hours for the characters. Where you feel that this is the first time they have ever been open not only with anyone else but maybe even themselves.

It’s an intriguing premise and I wish it had been more involving for the audience but while it offers some surprises. Again it is something that we have seen before and know where it is going. As it feels too familiar.

Not to mention interesting characters. You wish more happened or that they were a bit more interesting to keep your attention. This is why ever so often there is a sex scene between the two of them. Which are graphic yet erotic.

Which then seems to force the film into a third act. This reminds me of the movie CHASING AMY. Where a weird self-sabotage logic emerges and while it is understandable feels like a huge mistake out of nowhere. That is a challenge for the characters to one another where they both know will not have a happy ending so to speak 

Grade: C

EDGE OF SEVENTEEN (1998)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: David Moreton Written By: Todd Stephens  Cinematography: Gina Degirolamo Editor: Tal Bel-David 

Cast: Chris Stafford, Tina Holmes, Lea DeLaria, Andersen Gabrych, Stephenie McVay

A gay teen finds out who he is and what he wants, who his friends are, and who loves him, in this autobiographical tale set in middle America in the 1980s. Growing up, learning about life, love, sex, friends, and lovers.

This is a coming-of-age story only about a gay teen. What is remarkable is not only when it was made making it an early LGBTQ film but the fact that it is a throwback where the movie takes place in 1984. As it marks the film both nostalgic and kind of fun.

It also feels may be more personal or a testament to that time period. Culture, style, and fashion.

The film feels with some material that might be different for coming of age tales like being introduced to certain sexual acts. Though it does allow for a fresh spin for lifestyles that Have been missing g from these sorts of films or been more relegated to side characters where we never get to see their exploration.

This is definitely an independent movie as the production does offer a smaller story and a tight budget. That leaves some details to be vague.

Unfortunately, the film also leaves some characters or relationships between the characters to be that way also at certain points, but it also helps drive home a certain reality for the film and its characters.

In truth, this is a film all about the lead. So while there is the heartbreaking relationship/friendship between the lead and his girl/friend where the film gives her point of view not too much but enough to understand her confusion and pain. Where the relationship at a certain point remains ambiguous. Though it shows deep emotions. The same can be said of his relationship with his mother who reacts honestly and not necessarily cookie-cutter good or evil. In many ways, her character is the heart of the film. 

It’s also nice to see Lea Delaria in an early role. Where it seems like she is just being herself, but also a guide for the main character.

It also presents what seems like it will be first love but more one-sided. As one seems like it’s love and the other looking for a seduction and hook up but not necessarily wanting all the responsibilities of a relationship. This is a story that mostly involves youth.

One of the film’s major strengths is that It’s not a movie where once he comes out he is persecuted nor is he celebrated. It deals with the complications of coming out with some good things and some bad, but a general sense that it will be ok for the character.

Grade: B-

THREESOME (1994)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Andrew Fleming  Cinematography: Alexander Gruszynski  Editor: William C. Carruth 

Cast: Lara Flynn Boyle, Stephen Baldwin, Josh Charles, Alexis Arquette, Martha Gehman 

Eddy and Stuart share two-thirds of a dormitory suite. Due to bureaucratic error, a woman named Alex is added to their room. At first, relations among the three are tense. Soon, however, Alex falls for Eddy, and Stuart lusts after Alex. Eddy comes to realize not only that he’s gay, but that he’s attracted to Stuart. The three pledge not to act on any romantic (or lustful) feelings with each other, and become close friends . . . while bottling up a lot of sexual tension.

The film is a bit pretentious and naive but at the time one of the more relatable, humanistic, and provocative looks at a burgeoning gay man and his second life. As he slowly comes out. 

So you must give it credit for that and also after all these years. It’s a movie I might not think about often, but never completely forgot. Though at the time by the title you expect a sexual thriller or exploitation 

The gay sex scenes or more the title sex scenes are soft core and involve touching mroe than actual action. That comes off tame by today’s standards. Then again you have to look at the time period when it came out and what seemed like the powers that be thinking and level of acceptance.

The film plays like a coming of age relationship drama with some comedy but exploring sexuality at the same time. Though not as graphic as expected the heterosexual sex scenes are more graphic.

This love triangle tale has the feel of an indie film filled with artistic flourishes, That was advertised more as a studio film. Though a college story that feels like a perfect plot but sex seems to be the main interest. 

As for once from the perspective of a guy man and not necessarily a sexual one. As the film takes certain types and makes them human.

Surprisingly sensitive sexual type of softcore sex film  that you would commonly see on cable channels like Cinemax for over the next decade. That helped keep them in business but also feels Ike an artistic version of it.

Grade: B-

SERVICE (SERBIS) (2008)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Brillante Mendoza 
Written By: Armando Lao 
Story By: Armando Lao & Boots Agbayani Pastor 
Cinematography By: Odyssey Flores 
Editor: Claire Villa-Real 


 Cast: Gina Pareno, Jaclyn Jose, Julio Diaz, Kristoffer King, Dan Alvaro, Coco Martin, Mercedes Cabral 

A drama that follows the travails of the Pineda family in the Filipino city of Angeles. Bigamy, unwanted pregnancy, possible incest, and bothersome skin irritations are all part of their daily challenges, but the real “star” of the show is an enormous, dilapidated movie theater that doubles as family business and living space. At one time a prestige establishment, the theater now runs porn double bills and serves as a meeting ground for hustlers of every conceivable persuasion. The film captures the sordid, fetid atmosphere, interweaving various family subplots with the comings and goings of customers, thieves and even a runaway goat while enveloping the viewer in a maelstrom of sound, noise and continuous motion.

This is like Italian neo-realism only in the Philippines. The film-making is seamless almost like a documentary. The reason you know it’s not because little plot threads all come together in one day. The fact that the film takes place over one day doesn’t help.

As the movie goes I can’t say that you learn to like the characters. You Deal with them and see what they go through since they are the main protagonists.

The film Is about a family that runs a rundown porno theater that doubles as a place for hustlers to pick up a d be picked up. We more follow the in’s and outs of the duties and responsibilities that each member of the family must deal with which seems non-stop

Now, this is a true torture porn movie and it only Runs 85 minutes. It’s not a bad film, but after a while, it becomes hard to sit through all the hustle and bustle. They have to deal with and they manage to survive, but you have to remember. This is just an average day. Not like in horror movies where if you survive his you are safe or at least death comes eventually and relieves you of your pain.

Sitting here watching this film you remember that things are bad In Third-world countries like this and these people will most likely live their whole lives like this. And then pass it to the next generation. That is the true horror and nightmare of the situation.

The film. Is filled with gratuitous sex. Though that is clear in its background it is not the film’s focus. This is not a film that offers any hope or chance for some kind of change. It has a few, very few lighthearted moments.

The film gives you a glimpse into a foreign land and lifestyle that is gripping, but reminds you to be happy with what you have as it could be worse.

 Grade: B+