radonner Reviews

Atama-yama (2002)

Quite non-conventional

[7/10 · 5 February 2010]

This film is a little difficult to digest, much like the cherry pits consumed by the main character. I personally quite enjoy Japanese film, though as another commenter posted earlier, it can sometimes take some acclimation. And even I found this a little weird, though only for the story content itself.

The animation is quite striking and well done, and I disagree with some comments that objected to the singsong style of the narrator throughout the story; for myself, the Japanese language lends itself well to this type of iteration (if you've been to Tokyo, think of the "Irasshimase!" that greets you when you enter a shop) and I thought it added to the authenticity of the story.

The film probably comes across as weird and bizarre to some people, and for good reason: it is indeed a bit off kilter. But I don't think that's any reason to dismiss it. There is some clear talent here, and some very nice storytelling - and the ending had me laugh out loud, proving once again that comedy is 70% delivery.

At Night (2007)

Surprised by the Academy pick

[9/10 · 24 May 2009]

Like the other comment shown here, I thought this was going to win the Academy Award for a short film. Powerful script, and really just an overall brilliant film, but very hard to watch. Tremendous acting as well. I thought this was a better film than The Mozart Of Pickpockets, though that was a fun film and this one may have been too much for some people. Very heavy, but the quality shines through during the whole experience.

I can't believe this didn't win any awards. So far it's only been listed as having the single nomination by the Academy, and no others. This is one of the strongest shorts I've ever seen, and deserves recognition as such.

Miracle (2004)

Addressing some of the other comments

[9/10 · 12 February 2009]

Some people commenting on this movie are admittedly not hockey fans, and some are not good with their history, so I am going to offer some needed insight: 1. to the guy who commented that Noah Emmerich did a poor acting job, not showing enough emotion: This is actually a fairly representative portrayal of assistant coach Craig Patrick. Hockey coaches are often more level-headed than you might expect, and Patrick was no exception. Emmerich played him pretty darn well, actually.

2. Someone asked why Kurt Russell played Brooks with a polish accent. That's not a polish accent, it's a Minnesota accent - which sounds similar, especially given the number of Polish immigrants living in the upper Midwest. If you watched Fargo, you would hear a similar accent by many of those characters.

3. To the guy who said this: "The only part of the film that was totally unnecessary was the typical Liberal slant that Hollywood just has to put in our faces every chance it gets. Here, they do it by quick cheap shots against Republican Presidents while airing an inspirational speech by Democrat Jimmy Carter." You, my friend, are clearly no student of history. Carter's speech was considered by many then - and now - to be a disaster. Instead of having its intended effect, it instead resulted only in causing Carter's already-low favorability rating to plummet further. And it is indeed in context; the "Malaise" speech, as it became known, fits in with the other historical elements shown at the start of the movie.

4. Finally, a lot of non-hockey people complained about the lack of emotion in the characters and the acting. You would be very disappointed to find that hockey players are not over-the-top drama queens, I'm sorry to tell you. We get emotional for two things: scoring goals and winning games. At those points the movie portrayed the emotions, no? Otherwise you're not going to get a lot of drama, and the movie showed that accurately. You want drama, go interview Terrell Owens after losing a playoff game. And have fun.

Chappelle's Show (2003–2006)

Genius

[3 June 2005]

I just reviewed the two season DVDs, in anticipation of the third season (alas postponed), and I have concluded that this is the funniest show on TV in a long time. Yes it's a little too edgy and risqué for some people, but those aren't the people who I give a >bleep!< about anyway.

It's not just Dave who does it all; he has a great cast around him (Ashy Larry may be one of my favorites), gets major names to drop in (Anthony Anderson, Mos Def, Wyclef Jean) and to stay (Charlie Murphy), and his longer-serving characters are no less valid than the fresh ones (Tyrone the crack addict).

It is not for the uptight; it is not for the close-minded. What he pokes fun at is stereotypes, and that's a taboo for many people today. The barriers that political correctness attempted to break down over the last 15 years is exposed by Chappelle in 24 episodes, showing the truth behind the masks that we all wear. Those of us strong enough to handle it find him refreshing and downright hilarious. Those who don't will face the consequences as they manifest themselves in myriad other, humorless ways.

Life of Brian (1979)

One of the greatest comedies ever

[10/10 · 27 January 2005]

Absolutely the best movie Python put out, even though many will say Holy Grail was better - but I disagree. Both are phenomenally clever, though, so it's a close race. But I choose Brian for two scenes. The brilliance of the stoning scene, and the utter genius of the Latin lesson. Of course, John Cleese is in the middle of both, but do not make the mistake of thinking he carries the load; Palin's characters in the movie shine on their own (especially the sermonizer, with his long, drawn-out description of the thing they cannot find from the night before...that has an attachment), Idle is brilliant in his multiple roles (Ten shekels, you must be mad!), and the list just goes on. Perhaps the least-funny of all characters is Brian himself, but even here, Chapman's acting is superb in playing the straight man for all the jokes (which must have been tough for him!). Blasphemy? Don't be ridiculous. Even the most dogmatic would see that the movie does not poke fun at Christ; rather, it pokes fun at all of us who follow blindly, regardless of the contrary evidence put before us.

Talk to Her (2002)

Perhaps Almodovar's greatest work

[10/10 · 27 December 2004]

There are many who say that "Todo Sobre Mi Madre" is his best film, but now that I've seen both these movies, I give the nod - by a long way - to "Hable con Ella". This is a masterpiece, and not just because of the poignancy of the characters, or the story in general, or the way the scenes are shot - watching the matador get dressed was quite engrossing - but EVERYTHING comes together so wonderfully. The brilliance of Spanish-language films never fails to amaze me, and this is another one in that long line of greatness. There will be times where the viewer may feel somewhat uncomfortable with the characters and their actions, but that does not stop Almodovar from exploring such emotions; indeed, one sometimes gets the impression that Almodovar's entire purpose is to make you analyze your own feelings - and simply does it better than anyone else. Recommended for anyone who can read subtitles.

School of Rock (2003)

Outstanding performance

[9/10 · 22 December 2004]

I was never a Jack Black fan, but that was mostly because I wasn't all that familiar with him. But after this performance, he's near the top of my list. I shan't discuss the plot, since so many others here have. I'm here simply to make the case to any music lover - preferably, of course ROCK music - to see this immediately. First of all, the kids are all excellent actors. Some are better than others, of course, but overall the acting is great. The kids are also very good musicians, which is not surprising when you read their education resumes after the movie. Black's performance is superb, and it's obvious that he really took a liking to the kids, not just in his character but as the actor himself. The chemistry is magnificent, and the kids are a great bunch. I would love to see what these kids are doing in 10 years; right now they're all 12 or so, with entire careers ahead of them. I liked the writing, and the fact that the writer of the movie plays one of the main characters was a neat surprise. Sarah Silverman, of course, is gorgeous, and plays her role perfectly. One of the feel-good movies that everyone in a family could watch together, and that everyone should see - especially if it turns them away from hip hop and gets them on the ROCK tip!

Sex and Lucía (2001)

Sexy as can be

[13 December 2004]

With the recent release of Spanglish, the rest of America is going to find out about Paz Vega. I feel fortunate to have discovered her in Sex and Lucia, and she quickly became one of my favorite women to watch in the world. But enough about me.

This was a great film. I loved it for its uninhibited sexuality, and superb acting. Despite my infatuation with Paz Vega, I clearly recognize that the movie's best acting performance comes from Tristan Ulloa, who beautifully plays Lorenzo. I found myself angry with him for most of the movie, but eventually he finds his way into your heart, mostly perhaps as a result of his interaction with Luna - especially in the bedtime story scene.

I know, I know - the REALLY sexy scenes were played by Spanish porn actors. Big deal; Paz is still absolutely gorgeous, and don't think I am not in love with Najwa Nimri too!

Again, enough about me.

The sex is the overcoating of the movie, but the storyline and plot are great as well. Indeed, the first time I saw the movie, I was so distracted by the sex that I had to watch it a second time to clean up my interpretation mistakes so I completely understood the plot line. I wouldn't call it overwhelmingly complex, but it did take some thought. So if you watched this once and ended up scratching your head about a few things, try watching it again.