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Reviews
Mysterious Skin (2004)
Stunning performance by mature, but young, cast
To sum up this two hour movie would not only be quite difficult, but utterly fruitless. Given the complexity of the film, it's surprising how fluidly the plot moves and is never, ever muddled. Despite the graphic nature of some scenes, it's not superfluous. But this movie is not about the events, it's about how the two main characters, Neil (Gordon-Levitt) and Brian (Corbet) react to what happened to them at age eight. The two boys are quite different in many ways, Neil as a rebel and Brian as an introvert, and have different paths to self- discovery. While that is all I shall do to redress the plot, I would like to glow about the marvelous cast. While they may not be introduced by which awards they have won, they are no undoubtedly a capable cast that is able to pull off the difficult script. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, an actor who I've loved to watch since I was quite young (and I suppose he was too, since 3rd Rock From the Sun first aired 10 years ago). While other child actors who succeeded as adults have received more notoriety, there's something to Gordon-Levitt that seems so authentic in every character he's taken. While he is no longer precocious, a veteran in the acting business by now, he is certainly no less talented. If you found this movie of any interest, check out 'Brick' or 'Latter Days' (I'm sure his other work is well-worth it too). While Trachtenberg, Corbet and Licon were also in great form, there is something both to Neil and Gordon-Levitt that distinguishes him from the others. Perhaps it's the rape scene, which is clearly a big reason why the movie got slapped with the NC-17 rating, which is haunting. I don't consider myself to be a squeamish viewer, having watched Law & Order SVU since it came on (and I was 12), so I credit all involved for actually having gotten under my skin. While there are a variety of other scenes that are haunting in their own way, I do not wish to ruin the experience for anyone. I would recommend the movie to a viewer who appreciates very powerful and emotionally draining films. This is not Mel Gibson in Die Hard, this makes me think more of Tom Hanks in Philadelphia (in terms of being emotionally charged).
Drawn Together: Foxxy vs. The Board of Education (2005)
School House Rock on Crack!
This is definitely my favorite episode. The focus lies on Foxxy and to a lesser extent on Ling- Ling, Spanky & Xandir. Foxxy is confronted with the racism of the American Educational System and must confront the Board of Education, literally. She realizes this once Ling-Ling attempts to take the SATs in her place and is apprehended by the BOE. Look for the song in this one and for those of you who are over 20, you may recognize the parody to the School House Rock educational programs from way back when. They also make fun of this series in the Simpsons, also quite funny. Spanky and Xandir have a gay marriage, to the dismay of Princess Clara. While I think it pales in comparison to the Foxxy/Ling-Ling adventure, this subplot is filled with really funny jokes on Spanky's part. If you are one of the few sophisticated people who likes this show, this is a great episode. However, it gets a 10 for the Board of Education's song alone.
A Prairie Home Companion (2006)
American Comedy at its Finest
This movie features a phenomenal assembly of actors/actresses that are predominantly of earlier generations and are less known to those born after 1985 (save Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep, hopefully) than their parents. That aside, everyone will enjoy the antics of John C. Reilly (Chicago) and Woody Harrelson (Austin Powers II) on stage, with their hysterical jokes. If you've seen the trailers, then you understand how hilarious they get. Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin were a great duo, and Streep has quite a set of pipes. Tomlin, a normally boisterous character actress who is best known for her short stint on 'Murphy Brown' in the mid 1990s, is a bit more subdued but is still quite funny. Lindsay Lohan doesn't quite hold her own in this crowd, but it's quite understandable given the experience she gives up to this experienced cast. GK, the main character, was not an actor with whom I was familiar prior to seeing the movie. However, he was quite witty and obviously talented. His role is that of a wise, older man who has seen it all and has a wise word for all. Along with Maya Rudolph, a Saturday Night Live star, is quiet in her limited role. I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, which is not a far cry from 'A Mighty Wind' (also quite good). The only detraction from it is this, I did not care for the sub-plot with Kevin Kline. Normally I like him, but I found his character trite and predictable to a point where it was unnecessary to incorporate him at all. That, and it would've shortened the movie a bit. Perhaps there was a message with his character that I missed and others found meaningful, so please watch the movie and make up your own mind. I would give this movie an 8 because it is highly entertaining, interesting and unconventional in both the cast and the story it chooses to tell. Save for Kevin Kline's sub-plot and the movie feeling a bit long, it's very very funny. Of particular note in this movie is Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly, who in my opinion, steal the show with their jokes. Though I thoroughly enjoyed Lily Tomlin and Garrison Keillor.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Creative interpretation of Shakespeare's Great Love story
I will be the first to admit bias because I am a big fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. However, much credit must also be given to the creative team for their modern remake of R&J. The movie, like Moulin Rouge as one example, has put a great deal of time into costume, settings and music. As a side note, the soundtrack for R&J is phenomenal and I still listen to it nearly 10 years later. The story stays very true to the play with Elizabethan English instead of modern English. One big surprise is the portrayal of Mercutio. All I can say is that this definitely was not Shakespeare's intention, but it's quite amusing. The use of Elizabethan English in a modern interpretation of Shakespeare has one evident drawback; seeing people in the modern age speaking in such a fashion can make the movie seem a bit silly at times. Other than that, I loved it and the romantic aspect in the movie was so well done. I simply wish that the DiCaprio and Danes had a better cast working with them. Particularly for the parents. No excuses for not finding older actors who can handle Shakespeare, especially since they found the aforementioned stars who handled it quite well.