The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight
PG-13
Running Time: 152 minutes
USA

I have no idea where to begin with this review. My head is filled to capacity with geekdom and is ready to explode. Truthfully, I don't consider myself all that geeked-out or nerdy...but when I see a movie of this quality all my self-perceived "coolness" goes out the window and I revert to '92 when comic books and my imagination were king.

I won't bother with plot outlines, seeing as how this is one of the biggest movies to come out all year and I assume that most everyone will see it...

...which leads to the only thing I want to talk about: Heath Ledger. Oh-my-hell...words cannot express the shock and awe. There are some phenomenal actors working currently and there have been many notables in the past. However, I am here to prophesy that Mr. Ledger will go down in history for this role as one of the most memorable, powerful and believable performances ever captured on film. Truly, movie-goers everywhere should be saddened at his passing, not only for his human worth and goodness, that being the main reason, but also for the fact that this one performance would have rocketed him into acting immortality. He most certainly would have graced us with a myriad more characters and performances sure to shake the dust off our souls.

It is extremely rare to come across a character that is so creepy, so insane, so despicable and conniving...and yet so charismatic, so strangely charming and so spellbinding. This is how I always pictured the "real" Joker when I would read the comics. This is the character that I have had in my head all this time. This is the human portrayal of my inner demons. Truly, this is as close to acting perfection as it comes...I've only seen it a handful of times: Daniel-Day Lewis (There Will Be Blood) and Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) to name a few. However, Heath Ledger now joins that list and becomes a part of acting legends that will never be forgotten.

In fairness to the rest of the film, it was incredible all around. Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart and Michael Caine were outstanding. The script was tight and even the one-liners hit on all cylinders. The CGI was flawless and the fight choreography was fast-paced and exciting. Honestly, if you only see one movie this year, it needs to be this one. Let the geeks run free!!!

Chaos Theory

Chaos Theory
PG-13
Running Time: 87 minutes
USA

This movie review is dedicated to my mother who is in constant pursuit of truth, "normalcy" and sanity. Not to suggest that she is insane...only that we are all searching for a sense of validation and stability. Everyone's in the same proverbial boat...which is what director Marcos Siega tries to show his audience in this romantic comedy drama.

Ryan Reynolds plays an efficiency expert who meticulously follows a daily schedule that is hand written on index cards. He feels that by doing this his life will have order, through which he can maintain control of his surroundings. As the title suggests, however, his very structured life turns chaotic after a series of unsettling events, leaving him reeling and trying to regain any semblance of control that he once had. I'll leave the details vague...no spoilers here.

As I'm writing this review and reflecting back over what I just watched, I'm picking out more lines that struck me as profound. Which, really, is sort of odd given that the movie had more comedic overtones than I thought it would. Still, Siega and writer Daniel Taplitz were able to include several very insightful commentaries about just how randomized life tends to be. I would suggest picking this one up, mainly because Emily Mortimer and Ryan Reynolds give great performances (I've always liked Reynolds, in spite of some of his movie choices). It's very light hearted, in spite of some dramatic scenes and is one to watch with your spouse/significant other since it's got the romance element as well. Plus, it's got the nerdy stop-and-think-about-what-you're-watching tidbits that keep it interesting for geeks like me. I liked the movie a lot...but it's nowhere close to breaking into the top 50. Just a good Friday night flick in with the loved one. Enjoy!

The Tracey Fragments

The Tracey Fragments
R
Running Time: 77 minutes
Canada

Artsy flicks can be problematic for me. Some are extremely well done and others are, well, not. Truthfully, the factors that surround my enjoyment of each one are mysteries since there's no real criteria that I can pinpoint which would help me determine the individual quality. That said, I know a good artsy flick when I see it...and this is definitely one of them.

The human brain is a strange, sometimes scary and overall fascinating place. Trying to make sense of everything that goes on cerebrally is an impossible task...and one that has literally driven people insane. The Tracey Fragments attempts to tell a linear "story" in a VERY non-linear fashion by showing bits and pieces of the heroine's thoughts, fears and versions of the truth, all through divisions within the main frame of the camera, crazy montages of objects and mementos and flashbacks. Bruce Mcdonald visually takes his audience into the mind of a 15 year old girl that has gone through some very traumatic experiences and allows us individually to attempt understanding of what actually took place.

I have another confession to make: Hollywood-ites are generally uninteresting to me. Until recently, there were only 2 people that I would actually care to meet and converse with, those being Bill Murray and Wes Anderson. However, Ellen Page has not only made that exclusive list but she will be receiving a wedding proposal in the mail shortly. Ok...I jest about the marriage but honestly, this woman can act! Juno was good and showcased her talents well...but if you see this movie (and I STRONGLY suggest you see Hard Candy as well...she was unbelievable) your eyes will be opened to just how well she can perform. Honestly, besides the vision that McDonald brings to the story, Page's performance is what makes this a truly remarkable film. The subject material is pretty heavy (attempted rape, murder, sex, missing child, abuse, etc.)...but, like I've mentioned in previous posts, I tend to like these movies because they're more true to life. Maybe not mine, maybe not yours...but most of us know people who have experienced some of these things which hopefully brings us as close to real empathy as we ever have to come. This was a great film...I suggest you see it...and tell me what you think.

By way of brief introduction...

Just an FYI for all those who read this blog...I would like to introduce a good friend of mine who will be contributing posts from now on: Christopher Wallace, Jr.. Chris is living on the east coast (the EC as I like to call it) and will be able to add a fresh perspective to my west coast (yes...The WC) rants. He's EXTREMELY well versed in the ways of indie film and music so we should all be looking forward to getting introduced to some radical sweet shizzo.

Bienvenue, Chris!

Hancock

Hancock
PG-13
Running time: 92 minutes
USA

Ok...before you start wondering...I really DON'T have any physical attraction to Will Smith. Yes, I mentioned I have a man crush on him and this is the second WS movie that I've seen in the past week or two...it's nothing serious. Let's just leave it at imaginary friends and call it good. Deal? Ok. Moving on...(awkward)

A few people in the office and I went to see this movie at lunch today because it was one of their birthdays. It was a matinée, I was semi-interested in seeing it (thanks to Charlize Theron and Jason Bateman) and it got me out of work. Why not, right? I read the reviews this morning (it's getting panned almost universally), leaving me with extremely low expectations. Plus, it is a WS movie that's coming out on the 4th of July weekend which usually means huge explosions, little plot and some cheesy one-liners. However, I was pretty surprised at not only how entertained I was throughout the majority of the movie but at how well done it was. The story line concerns one John Hancock, a mysterious superhero that does inordinate amounts of damage to the city every time he helps someone. He's also an alcoholic which leads to several raucously funny scenes at the first of the film. After saving the life of a PR man (Bateman), Hancock decides to allow him a chance at reviving his image of the superhero that everyone thinks he should be...thus allowing the plot to unfold.

I'm keeping this post short for a few reasons: first, it's not anything masterful. It was never intended to be. Therefore, very little "insight" needs providing, in my opinion. Second, it's a summer blockbuster that needs little selling. If you're into this type of movie, you'll enjoy it thoroughly. Third, my fingers hurt (and now my back's gonna hurt 'cause I just pulled landscaping duty...anyone?). This movie was a pleasant surprise for me. WS, Theron and Bateman (I'm seriously SO excited for the Arrested Development movie...I can't even begin to tell you) make it what it is. They are very good mixes of comedic and dramatic actors...able to switch gears quickly and seamlessly. The explosions and CGI seemed a little hokey in places but for the most part I enjoyed them. All in all, go check it out...and see it in the theater during a matinée. It's meant to be seen on the big screen.

WALL·E

WALL·E
G
Running time: 97 minutes
USA

I've been looking forward to Pixar's latest installment for months and months. Finally, after overcoming laziness (which was strange, given my desire to see it) and the fact that I wanted to see it with London, I was able to see it last night. For anyone who doesn't know already, I have a strange fascination/love for Pixar (notice, I'm leaving out Disney because I'm not that big a fan without the Pixar addition). I'll spare you my petite soapbox and just remind you that these are no mere cartoons. They're cinematic masterpieces. Don't believe me? Go see another kids movie sometime and compare them (dare I say it? Ok...I will...Daddy Day Care! I just vomited all over my typewriter).

As I'm sure most of you already know, whether through personal viewings or the inundation of promos for the show, WALL·E is a small robot left on earth to clean up the trash of its previous inhabitants who now reside on a space station. He has picked up some knowledge of human culture by sifting through the junk and has developed a personality along the way. I won't go too much further into the plot as I think it's better left experienced than read. I will say this, though: Andrew Stanton and crew are fantastic story tellers and can take even robots that are programmed for mundane tasks and make them interesting characters.

Ok...now down to the nitty gritty. The question that I've already been asked by several people is "how does it rank in comparison with the rest of the Pixar library?" My honest opinion? Top 3 for sure. My favorites have been going back and forth from The Incredibles, Finding Nemo and Toy Story 2...and it's sad to say but WALL·E just knocked Toy Story 2 out of the top 3. Now, I'll address the concern that has been brought up by several people to me already...but only briefly. Yes, there is a "message" to the movie. Yes, it is a bit heavy handed in ONE part. Yes, it distracted me for a millisecond. However, that millisecond was not even close to being a detraction to the film as a whole. I don't consider myself an extreme environmentalist (ask my dad how I feel about recycling) but I didn't consider the underlying theme was obtrusive. I think Stanton kept it inline with the story about 99% of the time. And more power to him. That's what good story telling is all about. Every story has a point, moral, joke, etc. That's what makes them interesting. Again, I don't think Stanton/crew went overboard...they just got their point across, effectively enough to make some of us squirm.

I was absolutely blown away by the animation, again. Each installment makes me question whether or not they can top the previous one...and each time they come through with honors. The colors, the landscapes, the starscapes, the attention to detail...it's absolutely mind boggling how much work went into making this movie LOOK the way that it did. Let alone the writing, direction, design, physics, acting (which was minimal), etc. that tied the look together. There were some great sight gags and quite a few lines from the Captain of the vessel (voiced by Jeff Garlin) that got me laughing. Plus, and yes it's embarrassing to admit, I got emotional at the end. Yes, they were robots...ANIMATED robots at that. And they made me a little teary. In other words, and I'll leave it at this, I really enjoyed the movie. I'm frankly shocked at all the negative reviews and opinions from people so far. What's wrong with you people? Don't you know a good movie when you see one?! Get on board, fools!

p.s. j/k, lol, omg, rofl, brb

p.p.s. The animated short that plays before the feature, Presto, was hilarious...one more reason to go and see it and one more reason for me to love Pixar. Do you think Pixar's available? 'Cause I'd marry it...don't tempt me.

Running With Scissors

Running With Scissors
R
Running time: 116 minutes
USA

Such a head trip. A mind job, if you will. I'm still reeling from last night's viewing...even with a good night's sleep and some time to think about what happened. To me, that's the sign of a good flick...left me unsettled and picking up the pieces of my shattered subconscious.

This is another Sundance entry from a few years back (I got to be in the car fleet that drove them to the premiere...Evan Rachel Wood is FOXY btw) that I never got to see until now. It's actually based off of true events, which I didn't find out until the end of the movie. Augusten Burroughs (Joseph Cross) grew up in a CRAZY situation: a mother with delusions of grandeur (Annette Bening), an alcoholic father (Alec Baldwin) and a mixed personality that left him feeling like he didn't fit in anywhere. After a huge fight with her husband, Augusten's mother decides it's time to seek mental help and contacts a "doctor" named Finch (Brian Cox) to help her get out of the funk she's in. To make a long story short, this leads to the Finchs adopting Augusten when his mother goes to start a new life so that she can concentrate on writing poetry (or attempting to write, I should say).

Ryan Murphy did a fantastic job in this movie with attention to details. Set in the 70's, the costumes, cars, music, etc. are perfectly used. Most impressive, however, was Dr. Finch's house, one of three homes shown in detail throughout the picture. This was probably my favorite part of the movie in that each house was a different representation of the mental states that the characters were in. The Burroughs home was pristine...very ornate with that classic, HIDEOUS 70's furniture, linoleum floors and art all over the walls...to me, a representation of the attempt at maintaining appearances while underneath everything's in shambles. After Augusten moves out, Dierdre's new place is just as ultra modern but has a more disheveled look, again representing her slowly unraveling mental state. The pièce de résistance for me was the Finch house...an absolute train wreck, covered from head to toe in junk, oddities and, to top it all off, a fluorescent pink exterior paint job. Within its walls, the members of the household were no less strange. In fact, you realize quickly that they're all pretty much out of their minds (the casting/acting was really well done). However, (and this is where I'm still trying to wrap my head around how I feel) there are a few brief moments Murphy extracts from the chaos to show you that maybe there is more method to the mayhem than previously thought. In fact, there were a few really touching scenes, especially between Augusten and Mrs. Finch/Natalie, that I thought gave glimpses of hope and understanding where there appeared to be none at all. One of the reasons why I am so drawn to movies like this is because I see myself in them so much. Our minds have the tendency to appear like the Finch house at times while others can feel more like the Burroughs'. In the end, at least for me, I catch glimmers of sanity and understanding in very complex mental/emotional situations...which gives me hope. Good hell, I love film...when it's done well. I recommend you check this one out, if you're so inclined.