Change Your Image
platinumpyrrs
Reviews
Small Town Murder Songs (2010)
brilliant acting, thoughtful screenplay, effective film
Recommended for watchers that appreciate the fine enactment of a well-crafted screenplay. Direction also very good. All the actors had their moments, and some were indeed memorable: I shall always remember the look between Rita and Steve at the end when Steve is in the back of the police vehicle. Let's just say brilliant acting, direction, and camera-work must culminate to capture something that good. Of course, one will need to watch what comes before to reach that point. The pace of the movie is deliberate, and dialog is often exchanged haltingly, especially from our main man, Walter (Peter Stormare depicts him from the inside out -- excellent all the way through; also loved the lingering accent, which fits Walter perfectly). Music and biblical quotes were a bit jangling, I must agree, as many other reviewers have noted. The quotes were more of a problem than the music for me, because I have a problem with quotes in general. As a viewer, I don't need to be told what a section of movie is going to be about. That's a bit of an insult, in fact. Anyway, take the quotes out and the movie would have been just as watchable from my perspective. Music -- OK, it adds atmosphere, though again I probably would have enjoyed the movie just as much without it. Reminiscent of another Mennonite-centric film I saw directed by Carlos Reygadas in Mexico, Silent Night, though that was brilliant in a very different way.
To recap, here, "Small Town Murder Songs" is a title that describes the movie literally; the acting, screenplay, and direction make this a watchable film, especially for the contemplative viewer.
The Fighter (2010)
enjoyable to watch, feelgoody, punchless, fare
Loosely based on the true story of Micky Ward, this movie ignores the genuine toughness, mental and physical strength, and immense perseverance necessary to become a champion boxer. Instead, it focuses on the family drama surrounding the fighter, as he endeavors to become his own person and emerge from the shadow of his older brother, himself a noted fighter.
The actors do nothing extraordinary: Melissa Leo renders her standard blue-collar, momma grizzly, Christian Bale essentially mimics the real-life Dick Eklund, and Mark Wahlberg plays himself, as usual, with his casual and likable reserve. The movie is missing what Micky Ward actually had, a punch. It portrays a triumph, without showing the real sacrifices -- physical pain, gruelling training -- necessary to get there. It feels unearned, and fake, and a discredit to Mr. Ward and any other champion.
A redeeming feature of the film, however, is that it reminds me of another that could be considered similar, but which is much more representative of reality in and outside the ring. That movie is "The Wrestler." Not based on a real life story, the lead actor there is able to create a memorable character which is a tribute to the craft of screen acting, and also to the American spirit. That film I recommend highly. You'll remember it. This one: you'll just feel good without wondering why.
Auf der anderen Seite (2007)
romantic
This movie has some powerful scenes. Lotte running through the streets in the stark sunlight, chasing someone she does not know because she is so in love. Found that unforgettable. Had not seen the actress playing Lotte before; she has a great face for cinema. Great casting here, all the actors faces under the microscope, most actors faces showing depth and compassion. Especially Yeter and Lotte. Also, Susanne and Nejat, the ones who find mutually satisfying relationship in conclusion. My kind of movie, I must say. Believable, honest, emotional, driven by the longing of the human heart.
PS. Also liked the scene where Nejat is driving through tunnels; the first one has light at the end. Then he enters one that is dark and the scene shifts. He is taking a risk to change his life away from the mundane, to find connections to his heart. He is a likable character, balanced and patient, but also brave. Also liked Yeter's deep dignity under her protective surface. Actress playing Yeter is superb on the bus when accosted by two #$$*oles. Memorable.
The Killer Inside Me (2010)
still laughing
5/10 for decent production value; enjoyed the beautiful New Mexico and Oklahoma light.
Surely meant to be surreal. Think "Ravenous" with female characters being beaten to death. Comic. I'm still laughing.
Ford is a goldmine of a character but only golden once, when Joyce slaps him. Director then prefers to put the genie back in the bottle and chemistry-less sex scene ensues. Tender? What? Yawn. Actors, why do you let that loss of intensity in a sex scene happen? It's just so unbelievable, especially given the unstable, surreal setting of the lead character's mind.
Jessica Alba, glamorous, ravishing, is portraying a prostitute. She is interesting. Kate Hudson also interesting. I was hoping the director would explore Ford's psychology by allowing Affleck a few more golden moments. But it never happened, and the promise of the early electricity dissipated as the movie progressed. Ludicrous ending? Remember, surreal. But by then I was already disappointed. Shame.