Category: Uncategorized

THE WAY OF THE GUN (2000)

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Written & Directed By: Christopher McQuarrie 
Cinematography By: Dick Pope 
Editor: Stephen Semel 

Cast: Benecio Del Toro, Ryan Phillippe, Juliette Lewis, Nicky Katt, Taye Diggs, James Caan, Sarah Silverman, Geoffrey Lewis, Scott Wilson, Kristin Lehman 

Two petty if violent criminals kidnap a girl being paid $1m to be a surrogate mother. As the baby is for a gangster the pair’s demand for money sees several henchmen and assorted other ruthless characters head after them to Mexico. Bullets rather than talking are always going to settle this one

The movie has tension that builds up until the end and then kind of slowly lets you down.

The violence that the film hints at, You expect a bloodbath by the end and for it to be over the top. Then once it happens it’s more a disappointment. Though the film gives hints of the violence coming in little increments. The final gun battle is such a let-down and ill-planned that it makes it that much more believable.

It seems that everyone especially our protagonists and the mood of the film is that everyone tries hard to be cool and moody. No matter what the situation.

The film tries to keep its dark humor that is prevalent at the beginning of the film. The first scene of the movie is comedically over the top and violent. Breaking taboos to show the unpredictable nature of the film. No rules that it never really cashes in on. Plus it’s the only real action sequence the film has until its ending. The action bookends the film. The opening really is politically incorrect, but it set’s the tone for the rest of the film. 

Benecio Del Toro is an actor you don’t see too much or not nearly enough. He seems to be very picky about his projects. It’s nice to see him when he’s in his element. Though some time like in this film it seems he isn’t putting up much of an effort. More hanging back and seeing when he has to really be aware and use his goods. I would love to see him try an out-and-out comedy. Here it is more of a dark comedy and hard-edged laughs. This film was made when he was a hot commodity. 

Likewise, this film was made when Ryan Phillippe was a hot commodity it feels like it was based more on look than talent. He is a good actor, yet here he seems like he is trying hard. Which leaves him to be a lightweight around all these heavyweight brooding veterans. 

The names of the main characters, Parker and Longbaugh, are the real last names of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In fact, The final shootout scene in the brothel is the same location where the final shootout scene in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid occurs. 

One of the things that keeps you interested in the film is that it’s clear these two are in over their heads and as they learn just how much, so do we. Though we are privileged to the twists and turns they only learn in passing. 

Christopher McQuarrie had written a considerable amount of dialog for Longbaugh’s character, however, Benicio Del Toro suggested the “less is more” approach and had him cut down his lines. 

The violence was scaled back because the MPAA threatened the film with the NC-17 rating. 

The film is ultimately a slow burn that has a lot of bark but very little bite. It feels like a genre exercises more from the ’70s and ’80s. 

The unusual car chase scenes after the kidnapping were Benicio Del Toro’s idea. He suggested it to Christopher McQuarrie after watching the show COPS were a couple of criminals did the same when cops were chasing them. 

It’s a pleasant viewing experience that I saw twice in the theater. The film has a vision. The problem is that it’s advertised more as an action film. Whereas it is more a thriller or drama with some action in it. 

Christopher McQuarrie’s brother, a US Navy SEAL, was technical advisor for the gunfight scenes, hence the realism of the coordinated movements, use of cover, and room-clearing tactics used by Parker and Longbaugh. 

Unlike many movies with action-packed gunfights, every round fired is accounted for and all characters reload when appropriate, with the exception of one sequence in the brothel courtyard where Parker and Longbaugh fire dozens of rounds in rapid succession without pausing to reload: an intentional sort of fun tribute to classic action movies. 

SPOILER 

The opening scene where Parker punches the loud-mouthed character played by Sarah Silverman is explained in the commentary as an idea Christopher McQuarrie had kicked around with his friends while heckling a large group of ultimate frisbee players at a dog park. They realized that if a group of people actually came at them, they would surely lose, but could “steal the victory” by giving the women bloody noses, making the womens’ boyfriends be the focus of their ire (reasoning that the women would blame the boyfriends for starting the fight in the first place) long after the fight was over. 

SPOILER END 

This film is truly a sleeper that is rarely mentioned and shown. It is definitely worth checking out. So much so that I have forgotten this film a few times, but there are so many scenes that come rushing to my mind. When the title is mentioned. 

GRADE: B

CORPORATE ANIMALS (2019)

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Directed By: Patrick Brice  Written By: Sam Bain Cinematography: Tarin Anderson  Editor: Christopher Donlon 

Cast: Demi Moore, Ed Helms, Jessica Williams, Karan Soni, Nasim Pedrad, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Jennifer Kim, Calum Worthy, Martha Kelly, Dan Bakkedahl, Leland Orser 

Team-building trips are the work of the devil. And if you think that’s not true, try telling it to the staff from the edible cutlery company run by the self-centered Lucy Vanderton, sent on a day-trip that ends with all of them trapped in a cave; an ideal scenario for labor unrest to literally lead to cannibalism.

The cast is better than the material and this feels like SUPERSTORE the movie is only way darker and with a smaller cast.

It reminds me of a failed cynical web series combined into a feature that never got a chance

Maybe I liked it as it is a Film that feels sitcom-ish and has the right cynical attitude that while it doesn’t quite work as a satire of that was its aim but shows the pettiness of a group who do manage to at first turn on one another but form a group synergy by the end. Out of necessity. 

Seeing Demi Moore tackle Comedy is a welcome fix that she hasn’t ventured too often and while she fails to impress she is game and has fun with the role. As it is called upon for a star and outlandish. Sharon stone was originally supposed to play the part and she would have fit the role better but with Demi Moore is mroe unpredictable and off-center which prepares you for the film really 

Though it is to the film’s benefit that she is here as the star. She draws an audience and plays the role broad. You trust her to pick good quality material and considering the cast is recognizable as talented yet no superstars yet. She takes center stage as kind of the leader even if she is an albatross as we come to see her but the others shine around her while orbiting around her 

While Ed helms is one of the bigger names attached in the cast he isn’t In It for long then the movie is just shy of 90 minutes. 

Not recommending this movie for everyone but I had fun With it and believe most audiences will too. As It isn’t the most energetic but a film that entertains

Written by Sam Bain of the British sitcom PEEP SHOW fame (Which I will admit to being a fan of)  it has that funny yet dark sensibility of characters who appear normal at first but are secretly selfish and petty who let that show once there are no rules. Kind of the same attitude he brings to the film FOUR LIONS screenplay. 

It also helped lift me out of a bad mood. In the end, this film amounts to A broad comedy in a small space. that is more low-key. 

Grade: C+

SOLO CON TU PAREJA (1991)

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Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron  Written by: Alfonso Cuaron & Carlos Cuaron Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki  Editor: Alfonso Cuaron & Luis Patlan 

Cast: Daniel Gimenez Cacho, Claudia Ramirez, Luis De Icaza, Astrid Hadad, Isabel Benet, Toshiro Hisaki, Dobrina Liubomirova, Ricardo Dalmacci 

A womanizer is falsely diagnosed with AIDS by a jealous lover and falls in love with a woman equally suicidal as he.

The film already feels outdated. The humor seems a bit lost in translation with the town being so dark. A misdiagnosed aids story played for laughs. As a kind of slapstick sexual comedy.

There seems to be so much in the slapstick situational first half of the movie. That it never feels quite enjoyable or cohesive.

There is plenty of sex yet the films never quite achieved becoming erotic. Instead, it feels crueler.

The last third of the film feels ridiculous as only one scene throughout the film truly feels actually funny.

Most of the film feels so far-fetched and then over-the-top romantic that it takes a lot to believe most of it. 

The thing the movie does have going for it. It is artistically directed by director Alfonso Cuaron making his feature film directorial debut for what ends up such a slightly heavily comedic premise. Which ends up coming off as soft and weak though. Ever seems to penetrate its own artifice.

The best friends are set up to be so over the top nerdy that they lend themselves to stereotypes.

The shocking part is that considering the subject matter you would expect more shocks but the film Is surprisingly bland.

Maybe looking back at the film through modern eyes. Makes what might have been cutting edge seem like an artifact that was of the time more of a fad and modern that fell out of fashion quickly. As it might have been looked at as In Bad taste.

It also seems like a film whose story was made to shock to get attention, for the rookie director to get noticed but ended up pretty lightweight 

Grade: C

THE TRAVELING EXECUTIONER (1970)

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Directed by: Jack Smight 
Written by: Garris Bateson 
Cinematography: Philip Lathrop 
Editor: Neil Travis

Cast: Stacy Keach, Bud Cort, Marianna Hill, Graham Jarvis, James J. Sloyan, M Emmet Walsh, Ford Rainey, James Greene 

Jonas Candide, an ex-carny who in 1918 travels around the bayou with a portable electric chair. At $100 a head, he rendered his services with loving care. But then he falls for a female “client”.

This movie is like a Coen brothers movie before their time, only less stylish. That kind of gets you into the mindset and expectations of the film.

A curiosity of 1970’s cinema as half of what makes the film Memorable are the characters who mostly come off as humorous or some more ridiculous but all feel lived in. They all also have loose morals. None more than the central character played with charm by Stacy Keach.

He is an actor who is considered a character actor but once you look at his resume. Not only has he appeared in some forgotten gems but also starred in many underseen movies. Usually in which he is a revelation in the lead. 

The film is freewheeling yet structured. It gets a bit macabre more in attitude but keeps your interests and moving right along with it. 

The irony of this film is then it begins and he is more of a freelance shady yet fun character. Everything runs smoothly but as soon as he tries to do the right thing in his own way his luck runs out and each act leads to things burying him deeper. Throughout his desperation, he stays strangely upbeat.

The villain of the film is one of the characters who is supposed to be the most moralistic. The lead guard at the prison. Who is one of the few characters who isn’t impressed or taken by his charm.

During all of this, there is a love story thrown in, that makes him have this change of heart.

Luckily the film is more cynical than anything else. It has a dark sense of humor, that is only highlighted by its downbeat yet happy ending. Which shows the film never loses its sense of humor. No matter how dramatic it might get.

This is a film that creeps up on you as you watch. But towards the end, we are surprised by how much we care. 

GRADE: B-

OFFICER DOWNE (2016)

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Directed By: Shawn Crahan 
Written By: Joe Casey 
Cinematography By: Gerardo Madrazo 
Editor: Meg Ramsay 
Production Design: Jeremy Reed 
Art Direction: Anton Tremblay 
Cast: Kim Coates, Lauren Velez, Sam Witwer, Meadow Williams, Mark Neveldine, Reno Wilson, Tracy Vilar, Alison Lohman 

Based on the Man of Action/Image Comics original graphic novel created by Joe Casey and Chris Burnham, written by Joe Casey, about a police officer who can’t be stopped by death so he returns to the streets time and time again to fight crime.

An opening scene that offers sex and Nudity for no other reason than it just seems to go a long with the cliches of the material and to at least have that In the film which might help viewership. Though doesn’t offer much of later.

Only in glimpses and really has nothing to do with the story other than to have an inside joke of an orgasm counter. Which pretty much sets up the type of film you will be watching. As it’s not clever. Nor does it try to include anything as jokey as it again. So after watching the opening scene at least you know what you are in for and if you wish to proceed. At least you were warned. As it doesn’t get any better.

The film tries too hard To be offensive. It Feels like a combination of bigger budgeted Troma studios film mixed with ROBOCOP (just as nihilistic but without the satire) and the animated AXE COP series. Even though I know it is based on a graphic novel. It feels like it as the film is continuously episodic though gathers no real excitement and the world it takes place in makes no sense and seems outrageous and colorful just to be with no real reasoning behind it.

It obviously owes a debt to the CRANK movies which this film shares co-director and co- writer of Those films Mark Neveldine here as a cast member and one of the producers of the films. The film also has cast member Rob McHenley Who suffers the same fate in this film as he does in the CRANK movies and seems deemed to keep co-Starring in dark violent over the top comedies that make it to the screen. One wouldn’t expect less from one of the creators and cast members of IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA.

The film is directed by Shawn Crahan of the band SLIPNOT a band that is heavy metal and he film feels like one of their songs or videos come to life. As it has a rocking soundtrack that always seems loud and has a rather nihilistic world view. That seems more exploitive and explosive, but never exactly tries to turn it down but never reaches the volume it clearly wants and seems building to.

Seems to want to be adrenaline pumping throughout. Though comes off more like a teenage boys wet dream, with Over the top violence and gratuitous sex. Three members of Slipknot make cameos in this movie. Corey Taylor as Headcase Harry, DJ Sid Wilson as a Thug and Percussionist Chris Fehn as Vulture

The film feels like it doesn’t have any reason or point to make. So it comes off more Like a fan film with It’s low budget quick cutting action sequences, quick editing and just off the wall humor. That seems like it was more intended as a highlight reel with a stitched together plot. That makes one believe this Seems like it would make an interesting short or even a series to go into more detail and explore this strange reality that the film takes place in as well as offering plenty of side stories.

I Wanted to like the film. As I enjoy the CRANK movies way more than I should, but this film leave one with a feeling of been there, done That and seen it before. that makes it feel like a copy rather then fresh even though it has it’s own original storyline. It also is barely 90 minutes and feels long. At least the CRANK movies while ridiculous knew how to keep the audience entertained and following along.

Though the CRANK movies were better maid and seemed to have a point and somewhat of a story. As this film only offers more do the same continuously while trying to seem like there is more to it.

I mean this film has killer Nuns and animalsor at least people in animal masks as gang leaders. Yet while fun it still never rises to the proper amount of lunacy. It reaks of attempts. Not out of passion. More like it was made up as it went along. Where the thinking was let’s include whatever silly thing we can think of to really mess with the audiences sanity.

I am usually always glad to see Kim Coates working. He is one of my favorite character actors. Usually playing villains of somebody of questionable morals. It is impressive here to see him Play a hero cop for once, of course one who is more extreme is not entirely surprising.

Also as a fan of Kim Coates I was more than willing to give the move a chance and actress Alison Lohman. Who I haven’t seen in anything in awhile who was once Hollywood’s new it girl. Disappointed in her small role in this film which might be a blessing as she might not have wanted to be too much in the film and be considered one of the major stars of it. As she is more in a small supporting role. It sets out to be a cult genre film and is mildly successful. Though it tries too hard and surpasses it’s aim and meaning. Especailly after starring a few years in the box office hit DRAG ME TO HELL

Though not a total failure. It’s not something I can imagine anyone wanting to see again more than once.

It’s an outsider film that seems desperate to fit in or gain an audience. As it does feel like a film made of youth and that is who it seems designed to appeal to. It’s Addicted more to cheap spectacle rather then detail.

The film is shot like a porno Film. There is always plenty of action. Only they use use the gore and violence as a kind of money shot with plenty of releases throughout.

Though this film is episodic and feels like informing the audience of an origin. The villains while a challenge, don’t seem that hard to defeat. So while predictable there is no suspense. Which is a shame as the film has all the ingredients. But the formula fails. This film makes like HARDCORE HARRY all the more impressive and fun.

Grade: D

ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST (2014)

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Directed By: Andrea Di Stefano 
Written By: Andrea Di Stefano & Francesca Marciano 
Cinematography By: Luis David Sansans 
Editor: David Brenner & Maryline Monthieux 

Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Brady Corbet, Benicio Del Toro, Claudia Traisac, Ana Girardot, Carlos Bardem 

Nicko and his brother take off from Canada in search of an easier life on the beaches of Colombia. Nicko meets a girl in the local village and they quickly fall in love, only for Nicko to later find out that Maria’s uncle is the drug trafficker, Pablo Escobar. His life takes a dramatic turn after meeting El Patron, and Nick is forced into impossible situations to try and keep his family safe, but does Pablo have other ideas?

The film is really shocking in its brutality and cruelty. The film shows, considering when the film first begins you believe it will probably stay on the fringes. Though slowly the film brings you in deeper as the character does. Until we are all in the middle.

Benicio Del Toro is top-notch though he is in throughout the film. Kind of haunting the scenes have isn’t in. He appears only in probably less than half of the film. You want to see more of him. Though him being a phantom character worked well. Like a horror film villain, you can’t wait to appear. Just as mean-spirited. Luckily the film doesn’t turn into a biography of his crimes.

What is not too hard to believe is that the main character doesn’t hide disillusionment well so I would suspect or not totally trust him one hundred percent either.

Hard to believe he didn’t see how dangerous and deadly he is though fictional was still riveting. as at first thought, it was based on a true story then realized it was impossible. For that reason thought the film would be filled with more hope

The last act is thrilling and filled with tension. Not so much action. The beginning of the film is kind of confusing as it seems to have quick flashes of aftermath edited together, but you can tell happened in different time periods.

I believe the film works just as it does for people discovering Pablo Escobar. At first, he seems like a genial nice guy. The boy realizes how ruthless, violent and brutal he can be. Just as the violence in the film comes more in the second half of the film.

Josh Hutcherson does what is required doesn’t really become effective until the last act when everything is on the line and vital as he is trying to escape. Though you wonder why his family didn’t leave earlier?

Too bad he doesn’t match the performance he is playing off of, but then again one is an acclaimed seasoned actor playing a charismatic larger-than-life role. At least he gets to try to match him. He stands his own, but not as memorable.

Would have been interested to learn more about the history of Pablo Escobar through enough films, television, Nolan, and information. This has a nice general overview.

It’s not an undercover tale, more a should have known better and what if kind of movies. Related it for more an American audience by putting a character we can relate to in this international situation and sensation.

Part of Making film more than just a potboiler is slowly presenting the thriller and dangerous moments and making the film about Pablo Escobar. Even if he is more in the background. even though the Canadian story could have been any random Colombians story who happened to cross paths close to Pablo Escobar.

Wish the film set its roots a little more rather than seeming like it speeds up to match its thriller premise when at first seems more like a drama.

Also not believable when he has tons of family, children, siblings that he moves his niece and her boyfriend into his living quarters. Even if he is Canadian. One would think he could use him more as an asset instead of all of a sudden seeing him as a burden.

One could see if it was more a result of him testing him and failing instead of guessing he needed a job done and all who could know except for him. The vital details eliminated, whereas henchman only knows the beginning and end. They don’t know the middle

Grade: C+

JEXI (2019)

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Written & Directed By: Jon Lucas & Scott Moore 
Cinematography: Ben Kutchins 
Editor: James Thomas 

Cast: Adam Devine, Rose Byrne, Alexandra Shipp, Ron Funches, Charlyne Yi, Michael Pena, Wanda Sykes, Justin Hartley, Kid Cudi

Phil has a major dependency issue – he’s addicted to his phone. He has no friends, he has a job writing pop culture “Top 10” lists, and his love life is non-existent. But his Facebook status is about to change. When he is forced to upgrade his phone, the latest model comes with an unexpected feature… Jexi – an A.I. life coach, virtual assistant, and cheerleader. With her help, Phil begins to get a real life. But as he becomes less dependent on his phone, Jexi’s artificial intelligence morphs into a tech nightmare determined to keep Phil all to herself, even if it means ruining his chances of finding success.

Directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, known to make comedic free for all films. Some that work and are quite funny and some that don’t, but while this one is scaled back it still has the chaos and anarchy run amuck in Certain scenes 

This is a comedy film that feels a little late to the party. As it seems to want to lampoon technology and the growing need of people to live by it. 

It also provides a movie that has a high concept story and comes off as simplistic as possible, but also trying to have a certain hipness to sell itself to a willing audience.

It feels like a script where it was better to pitch and spitball. Trying to build a Whole film around the concept. That was more fun in thinking about rather than in execution. 

As it still ends up feeling out of place to a degree like a 1990’s comedy. Even as the film is supposed to be more dependent on cutting-edge technology. Where it showcases the danger of technology, limiting it more  and the rewards of living life and experience.

Though the film Also shows what can happen when someone who is the center of your attention loses interest or has no dependence. How vengeful they can be in that loneliness.

It also in its own way shows what an addiction can do to us. Therefore love your life for your own enjoyment. 

The cast all seem to give it they’re all. As every character seems over the top to a degree. Adam Devine is a funny and able leading man, but needs to find better scripts than these subpar romantic comedies of the Netflix variety.

Alexandra Shipp is attractive as the love interest but is given nothing to really do rather than show independence early on day then fall into romance and be the most understanding cool, beautiful girl in the movie.

Though the late romantic square becomes awkward and doesn’t exactly work. Nor is it explained why Jexi is the way she is.

In the end, it was a perfectly ok time waster. As long as you know what you are getting into and don’t expect much.

Grade: D+

I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER (2009)

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Directed By: Chris Columbus 
Written By: Larry Doyle (Based Upon his novel)
Cinematography: Phil Abraham
Editor: Peter Honess

Cast: Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust, Jack Carpenter, Lauren London, Lauren Storm, Shawn Roberts, Jared Kesso, Brendan Penny, Alan Ruck, Pat Finn, Andrea Savage, Samm Levine 

A nerdy valedictorian proclaims his love for Beth Cooper–the hottest, most popular girl in school–during his graduation speech. That very night, she shows up at his door offering to show him the best night of his life.

I really loved the book this film is based on as it truly felt like a zany romantic comedy. While Playing in the expectations of a 1980’s style teen comedy. Yet had heart and twisted those expectations for the better. Still remaining identifiable and had just the right amount of Comedy, love, sex, and romance with a downbeat yet realistic ending.

I believe I feel so sharply and savagely about the film that it is my favorite coming-of-age romantic comedy and comes from a long line of films about getting to know your dream girl cinema. Where usually she never measures up to your expectations and the cute girl who was your friend is truly the one you were looking for or she Falls in love with you and you end up happily ever after. But this story also reminds us we have been there. When a crush is so overpowering that you fall For the idea of someone and not the actual person. 

Maybe I am taking the failure of quality when it comes to this film a little personally. Considering how much of a fan I was of the book. This was the film that made me really become worried when a book adaptation was made of a book I enjoyed. Even when it seemed like it was in capable hands. 

This coming from a man who read THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES novel adaptation before the movie, because the movie kept being sold out in its first week of release. While I eventually Loved the movie the adaptation for me was so much better and rich 

Not only was this film a big disappointment compared to the book. It would be even if you haven’t read the book. 

What was worse is how far it felt like Chris Columbus had fallen either not getting the material or being that far removed from it that he tried so hard with something he doesn’t seem to understand by making it far too general. What might have once been special feels generic. Maybe he was burned out from the HARRY POTTER films he helped produce and decided to Ames this project too quickly as the return to directing or was playing by 1980’s MTV teen movie rules in a more modern age and no one updated him about cultural and stylish change.

Is that this movie was made by writer/director Chris Columbus who is talented and is behind many teen and children’s movies before such as directing some and producing the Harry Potter series of films. Here he seems to have lost his touch or showing his age. As he would seem Like a Perfect choice for the material especially after returning to directing after a brief absence. Here he seems out of place.

Not to mention though the cast is likable they most ultimately feel miscast and instead of playing characters. Play more character types or fill in’s who never get to have a real personality.

The film is a mess as lead Paul Rust who fits the nerdy look but is so obviously too old to play the role. Which makes him look more like a child molester than a romantic leading man. 

The casting of Hayden Panettiere as the female lead is understandable. As she was a hot commodity at the time on a hit show. So this was her stab at being a big-screen movie star. She is good as the lead. As she is plucky yet she is supposed to be so memorable and her character isn’t. Especially not for the lead to go through all this trouble. As they live in a small town and while she is cute. Never see the World Class beauty she supposedly has. She comes across more as temptation or a more Willing femme fatale. 

Her friends in the film don’t exactly help. Casting Lauren London who could have played the lead more convincingly. As she has more a

World-class beauty and here is relegated to second fiddle with little to do or add to the story. Along with Lauren Storm, who is Just thick, and his best friend who gets the fantasy sex scene to become A Reality. Though comes off lame. 

Just like the casting of Hayden Panettiere the film tries too hard to fit in and be all things to all people and instead makes itself unhip and show that this is an older crowd either trying to influence youth or trying to fit in. 

The story is about expectations versus reality. The movie comes off more like a zany comedy where nothing feels honest or direct. It has a harsh ending where reality sets in. In the book, it feels more cruel yet just fine. Making home realize he has to put away childish things on the path to adulthood.

In the film, she seems just dropped and feels like an ending of hope while also getting a version of what he wants. Though lacking a kissing scene as if they did. It might look like a promotion of pedophilia. 

One aspect that is truly surprising other than the casting. Whereas every character doesn’t Look like a model so it does feel and look more like regular small-town folks. 

The film looks washed out. Like they are trying to make the Midwest surroundings dull. So you can see why some can’t wait to escape this town and for some, it’s a forever 

The worst crime the film makes is that it took a book of some merit and made it look generic. The lowly inspired teen film made by people too old and trying too hard to be down. Who ends up faking the funk.

Not all Of this falls on Columbus’ shoulders as the novel’s writer did own the screenplay also. If this was made today it feels like it would have been a limited series. 

Grade: F

DOWN TO YOU (2000)

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Written & Directed by: Kris Issacson 
Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman
Editor: Stephen A. Rooter

Cast: Freddie Prinze Jr., Julia Stiles, Selma Blair, Rosario Dawson, Shawn Hatosy, Zak Orth, Ashton Kutcher, Henry Winkler, Lucie Arnaz, Lauren German, Lola Glaudini, Adam Carolla, Jimmy Kimmel 

A young man wins and loses the first serious love of his life. Al Connelly falls in love with the girl of his dreams. After the summer she breaks up with him. As he tries to recover Al goes to desperate measures.

This was after Miramax studios had a hit with the movie SHE’S ALL THAT and seemingly green-lit a bunch of teen aimed romantic comedies. Usually starring their golden boy at the time Freddie Prinze Jr.

This feels like a budgeted student film for a studio release. Everything looks cheap and garish. As it feels amateurish in direction and story.

The film is a simple romance story about a relationship and distractions as well as temptations and the influence of friends who rotate around them.

Selma Blair plays a temptress and Freddie Prinze Jr’s crush but the film Never makes her look that attractive or tempting. Maybe because they make her more television teen movie friendly, a woman of the world supposedly who comes off like the movie and it’s character pretentious but have nothing to even back any of that up with. 

Rosario Dawson seems to be cast only to add some diversity, for Julia Stiles’ character to have one constant friend of her own. Even Dawson is barely used except to add stoner humor to the film. Why the only minority character for that? 

You have seen this type of film a thousand times, much better. This adds nothing new or original to the formula.

The worst is that the film believes itself witty. When it is clearly not. As obviously this film again is made more for teens than the older ones? Just going by subject matter. Though plays more for a younger audience as their ultimate idea of love and romance.

Maybe because it is set in college that everything comes off as what college can be frugal, fun, and messy with bad taste. Yet believing yourself sophisticated with glaze drunken confidence and room For plenty of overcompensation. 

Mainly because we get to know these characters. Yet never become interested in them. 

The film tries to be true to and force the time periods and is adorable. Like putting them In a blender filled with the then-current themes and styles. Trying to be naughty or edgy yet cool but so watered down to make it feel dormant and dull.

The film has a particularly uninspired music Video playback that feels like how one would play if the director needed to over compose with dialogue for lacking any visual panache or he’s forced into that Miramax/Dimension romantic teen comedy formula. 

The soundtrack is filled with basic or generic general music that might have been popular at the time. Except for a song from the band  Cibo Matto

To give the film a kind of indie feel. Not to mention matching its College setting and fits the film’s mindset. 

The film is a familiar tale where all the fun feels taken out of the way. While trying to seem fun. Including somehow cross-promoting with THE MAN SHOW.

The film does offer some creative touches and luckily has a cast of recognizable actors before and during their popularity. 

GRADE: D

A PERFECT DAY (2015)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Fernando Leon De Aranoa 
Written By: Fernando Leon De Aranoa & Diego Farais 
Based on the Novel “Dejarse Llover” By: Paula Farais 
Cinematography By: Alex Catalan 
Editor: Nacho Ruiz Capillas 

Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Tim Robbins, Melanie Thierry, Olga Kurylenko, Sergei Lopez, Fedja Stukan 

A group of aid workers work to resolve a crisis in an armed conflict zone.

The film has an international cast of actors from different nationalities and origins. As the film follows two days in the life of foreign aid relief workers.

While the characters aren’t perfect there is a humanity to them as in their hearts they want to help and do the right thing. Even if Benicio Del Toro’s character reminds he audience of the type of character who is only a few days away from retirement.

This is the most I have seen Benicio Del Toro play a normal average type person. It is kind of a relief as here there is no showing off or character tics to his performance and he is wonderful in it.

The film is a small film, but defiantly a crowd pleaser. With horrors that are more everyday or average for the people they are trying to help.

The film is mostly centered around the removal of a dead body from a well that is poisoning a towns water. Along the way there are roadblocks and bureaucratic rules that keeps getting in the way.

Throw in there an efficiency expert, who is an ex affair of one of the main characters and a child wondering around who they take with them. That the film ends up almost a political caper. Though with it’s breezy tone throughout never shoes away from reminding you of the dangers the characters face. Which seem to be just around the corner, but the film manages to stay bright and keep the town somewhat light throughout.

The film stays entertaining. As it keeps moving along. With various plot threads and personal stories of the characters that help define them and their time while away from home.

Wish I could say that the film was more noteworthy or that it sticks around after you watch it.

The film never rises above a certain level. Never showcasing or providing the stakes it wants about throughout. 

They keeps the film closer to the day to day real life of the workers, but also leaves some disappointment amongst the very few things they seem to achieve and help they are able to provide.

The cast is game and work together as a unit. As their energy is infectious to the audience.

The film allows for flirting and some sexual intrigue between the characters that comes up time to time, but stays verbal more than anything.

Though if looking for something hard hitting despite the description this isn’t the film for you necessarily.

The bureaucratic rules and loopholes they must jump through is what gives the story life. Plus the circumstances of host trying to complete this simple task lead them from one high wire situation to the next in the spacious bleak landscape they also informs us of the citizens and culture. As the film offers no real indulgences. Though seems to be very liberal.

Grade: B