Writer/Director: Richard Kelly (Visceral Matter, The Goodbye Place)
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore
USA, 2001
Seen: on video sometime in 2002
Reason to see: Looked creepy, indie and was reccomended by a film buff friend
Very good. Very very good. Spooky. My first thought was that my Mom has to see this as it deals with math, time, physics and being able to manipulate them with your mind.
The sound & images still creep me out though, even thinking about them after the fact.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I would buy it
I highly recommend it
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Jumat, 20 Juli 2007
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber (Terry Tate, Office Linebacker)
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller, Justin Long, Stephen Root, Alan Tudyk, Joel Moore, Chris Williams
USA/Germany, 2004
Seen: June 26/06 on TMN on Demand
Reason to see: It was exactly the amount of time I had to watch a movie, and the tracking on my tape of The Maltese Falcon was too messed up to watch it
Never did I think I would watch this film. Based on a game about hitting.. oh.. I mean 'dodging' balls. I should not underestimate comedies, this one really made me laugh. There is some stuff that is just plain silly/rude/slapstick but on the whole its... funny. It really is. I also didn't consider that technically you could call it a team sport movie, and once you throw in the whole underdog theme, I was totally there. I was also impressed by Vince Vaughn whom I tend to just not see his films, but in this he was believable, likeable and almost... endearing. Totally unexpectedly happily surprized.
Shannon's Overall View:
I can't believe I'm saying this... I enjoyed it
I may or may not watch it again
I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates goofball humour
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Christine Taylor, Ben Stiller, Justin Long, Stephen Root, Alan Tudyk, Joel Moore, Chris Williams
USA/Germany, 2004
Seen: June 26/06 on TMN on Demand
Reason to see: It was exactly the amount of time I had to watch a movie, and the tracking on my tape of The Maltese Falcon was too messed up to watch it
Never did I think I would watch this film. Based on a game about hitting.. oh.. I mean 'dodging' balls. I should not underestimate comedies, this one really made me laugh. There is some stuff that is just plain silly/rude/slapstick but on the whole its... funny. It really is. I also didn't consider that technically you could call it a team sport movie, and once you throw in the whole underdog theme, I was totally there. I was also impressed by Vince Vaughn whom I tend to just not see his films, but in this he was believable, likeable and almost... endearing. Totally unexpectedly happily surprized.
Shannon's Overall View:
I can't believe I'm saying this... I enjoyed it
I may or may not watch it again
I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates goofball humour
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
Director: David Frankel ("Entourage", "Sex and the City")
Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Adrian Grenier, Simon Baker
USA, 2006
Seen: July 21, 2006 at Varisty with Jamie
Reason to see: A film about fashion is *always* a must see for me. Also, I'm on my second try of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is week 2/52 (try 2).
Totally loved it. It's a film that isn't just about fashion but dang there are some great clothes in it! I love stories that show people coming into their own, kinda like a grown up coming of age story. The performances are so great and Meryl Streep, whom I'm not normally a fan of, is absolutely perfect. I find it really odd that I don't have more to say other than I really really liked it!!
Favorite music: Gah, I don't know the name of the song but its also on "So You Think You Can Dance" and has the line She's such a beautiful girl in it. Haha I'm like one of those evil people that comes into the store only partially knowing what I'm looking for!
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I recommend it
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Cast: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Adrian Grenier, Simon Baker
USA, 2006
Seen: July 21, 2006 at Varisty with Jamie
Reason to see: A film about fashion is *always* a must see for me. Also, I'm on my second try of #7 on my 101 list: See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year. This is week 2/52 (try 2).
Totally loved it. It's a film that isn't just about fashion but dang there are some great clothes in it! I love stories that show people coming into their own, kinda like a grown up coming of age story. The performances are so great and Meryl Streep, whom I'm not normally a fan of, is absolutely perfect. I find it really odd that I don't have more to say other than I really really liked it!!
Favorite music: Gah, I don't know the name of the song but its also on "So You Think You Can Dance" and has the line She's such a beautiful girl in it. Haha I'm like one of those evil people that comes into the store only partially knowing what I'm looking for!
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I recommend it
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Derailed
Director: Mikael Håfström (Ondskan / Evil, Strandvaskaren / Drowning Ghost, )
Cast: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel, Melissa George
USA, 2005
Seen: April 20, 2007 on TMN
Reason to see: it was available on TMN on demand, I enjoy most of the actors in it
I will preface this by saying I did not watch the whole movie. It's been a while since I've actually turned a film off or better said that a film turned me off. I watched the first hour but after which it was clear that there were leading up to scenes that would contain sexual violence, for which I have little to no tolerance for, especially in 'thrillers'. I don't know who that thrills, and I don't think I want to.
Overall, I found the story a little implausible and I did not believe any of the words that Jennifer Aniston's character said would ever be said by a woman.
That being said, it did successfully create, maintain and build an great amount of sense of tension. For that I would have to give it some credit.
Warnings: Sexual violence
Shannon's Overall View:
I turned it off
I would not watch it again
I would not recommend it
This film goes under my list of "Non-Reviews"
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2007
Cast: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel, Melissa George
USA, 2005
Seen: April 20, 2007 on TMN
Reason to see: it was available on TMN on demand, I enjoy most of the actors in it
I will preface this by saying I did not watch the whole movie. It's been a while since I've actually turned a film off or better said that a film turned me off. I watched the first hour but after which it was clear that there were leading up to scenes that would contain sexual violence, for which I have little to no tolerance for, especially in 'thrillers'. I don't know who that thrills, and I don't think I want to.
Overall, I found the story a little implausible and I did not believe any of the words that Jennifer Aniston's character said would ever be said by a woman.
That being said, it did successfully create, maintain and build an great amount of sense of tension. For that I would have to give it some credit.
Warnings: Sexual violence
Shannon's Overall View:
I turned it off
I would not watch it again
I would not recommend it
This film goes under my list of "Non-Reviews"
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2007
The Decline of the American Empire / Le Déclin de l'empire américain
Director: Denys Arcand (Les Invasions Barbares / The Barbarian Invasions, Stardom, Jésus de Montréal)
Cast: Rémy Girard, Pierre Curzi, Louise Portal, Dorothée Berryman, Daniel Brière, Yves Jacques, Geneviève Rioux, Dominique Michel
Canada, 1986
Seen: Aug 7, 2006 via Rogers Direct.
Reason to see: It's on List of 101 Films I Can't Believe I Haven't Seen, its Canadian and I loved the sequel Les Invasions Barbares / The Barbarian Invasions.
I walked into this film with almost no frame of reference, beyond what I noted above in my reason to see. I really really loved Les Invasions Barbares / The Barbarian Invasions which makes it a hard act to follow, or would it be to begin? I thought the settings where great, and the frank sexual/relationship discussions throughout the film very interesting, and very forward thinking for a film that came out in 1986. Some topics it broached with ease are still considered taboo, getting more generally known, but still on the fringe. The ensemble cast was wonderful at creating a believable, simple yet also complicated group of friends. That aspect of the fiml was a real treat. But throughout the film I kept on thinking "What does this have to do with the title?". Although it was addressed from time to time through intellectual discussions the overwhelming presense of the film seemed to be about the life and times of these friends. I thought it was interesting but it didn't capture my heart like the sequel did.
Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was interesting, I wished I had liked it more
I don't think I'd watch it again
Would I recommend to? I'm not sure.
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Cast: Rémy Girard, Pierre Curzi, Louise Portal, Dorothée Berryman, Daniel Brière, Yves Jacques, Geneviève Rioux, Dominique Michel
Canada, 1986
Seen: Aug 7, 2006 via Rogers Direct.
Reason to see: It's on List of 101 Films I Can't Believe I Haven't Seen, its Canadian and I loved the sequel Les Invasions Barbares / The Barbarian Invasions.
I walked into this film with almost no frame of reference, beyond what I noted above in my reason to see. I really really loved Les Invasions Barbares / The Barbarian Invasions which makes it a hard act to follow, or would it be to begin? I thought the settings where great, and the frank sexual/relationship discussions throughout the film very interesting, and very forward thinking for a film that came out in 1986. Some topics it broached with ease are still considered taboo, getting more generally known, but still on the fringe. The ensemble cast was wonderful at creating a believable, simple yet also complicated group of friends. That aspect of the fiml was a real treat. But throughout the film I kept on thinking "What does this have to do with the title?". Although it was addressed from time to time through intellectual discussions the overwhelming presense of the film seemed to be about the life and times of these friends. I thought it was interesting but it didn't capture my heart like the sequel did.
Shannon's Overall View:
I thought it was interesting, I wished I had liked it more
I don't think I'd watch it again
Would I recommend to? I'm not sure.
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Dear Frankie
Director: Shona Auerbach (Seven)
Cast: Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, Gerard Butler, Mary Riggans, Sharon Small
UK, 2004
Seen: Aug 1, 2006 via Rogers Direct
Reason to see: I found the preview compelling
Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a great film about an unconventional family, which I will admit is something that really speaks to me. The secrets we keep, the white lies we tell to benefit ourselves or to protect others all come into play here. The created moments versus the real ones, which would you rather have? Is it ok to make those kinds of decisions for someone else? How does that change or perpetuate their world and your own. This film is a wonderful story with brilliant actors exploring these questions. I thought it was wonderful.
I would have to say that it is unfortunate that I watched this only a few days after In America as they are similiar in some ways and I believe I would have enjoyed it more if the two viewings were more seperate. That being said I still found it to be a great film.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I will watch it again
I recommend it (have kleenex on hand)
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Cast: Emily Mortimer, Jack McElhone, Gerard Butler, Mary Riggans, Sharon Small
UK, 2004
Seen: Aug 1, 2006 via Rogers Direct
Reason to see: I found the preview compelling
Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a great film about an unconventional family, which I will admit is something that really speaks to me. The secrets we keep, the white lies we tell to benefit ourselves or to protect others all come into play here. The created moments versus the real ones, which would you rather have? Is it ok to make those kinds of decisions for someone else? How does that change or perpetuate their world and your own. This film is a wonderful story with brilliant actors exploring these questions. I thought it was wonderful.
I would have to say that it is unfortunate that I watched this only a few days after In America as they are similiar in some ways and I believe I would have enjoyed it more if the two viewings were more seperate. That being said I still found it to be a great film.
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I will watch it again
I recommend it (have kleenex on hand)
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2006
Day Watch / Dnevnoy Dozor
Dir: Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor)
Cast: Konstantin Khabensky, Mariya Poroshina, Vladimir Menshov, Galina Tyunina, Victor Verzhbitsky
Russia, 2007
Seen: June 14, 2007 at Scotiabank Theatre
Reason to see: I loved the first one. It's also for week 25/52 #7 - See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year.
Watching this film I was a bit confused. I have recently read the book to Night Watch, and the story for this film comes from that book (and not the sequel of the same name) which surprized me. I went in not expecting to know the plot at all, and I did. Alas, getting over that I did think this was an enjoyable film. I tend to love things that are highly stylized and this sure was, from the costumes to editing to the sound it very clearly created a bizarre and full world. It cautiously walked the line between the familiar and the eerie which keeps you a bit off balance, but in a challenging good way. It pushes expectations, especially visually. Quite an interesting ride.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I`ll buy it
I'd recommend it, but not as strongly as Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor
16 minutes preshow included 3 commercials and 5 previews (The Kingdom, Paprika, 1408, Captivity, Sunshine)
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2007
Cast: Konstantin Khabensky, Mariya Poroshina, Vladimir Menshov, Galina Tyunina, Victor Verzhbitsky
Russia, 2007
Seen: June 14, 2007 at Scotiabank Theatre
Reason to see: I loved the first one. It's also for week 25/52 #7 - See 1 film a week in the theatre for a year.
Watching this film I was a bit confused. I have recently read the book to Night Watch, and the story for this film comes from that book (and not the sequel of the same name) which surprized me. I went in not expecting to know the plot at all, and I did. Alas, getting over that I did think this was an enjoyable film. I tend to love things that are highly stylized and this sure was, from the costumes to editing to the sound it very clearly created a bizarre and full world. It cautiously walked the line between the familiar and the eerie which keeps you a bit off balance, but in a challenging good way. It pushes expectations, especially visually. Quite an interesting ride.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I`ll buy it
I'd recommend it, but not as strongly as Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor
16 minutes preshow included 3 commercials and 5 previews (The Kingdom, Paprika, 1408, Captivity, Sunshine)
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2007
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)