The Princess Bride (1987): A classic fairy tale, with swordplay, giants, an evil prince, a beautiful princess, and yes, some kissing (as read by a kindly grandfather). (8.1)
Director: Rob Reiner
Writers: William Goldman (book), William Goldman (screenplay)
Stars: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Robin Wright
This is the movie that I've seen a million times and I'll never get tired of it. For the 25th anniversary (Yeah, 25! I know, right?!) NPR had an interview with Mandy Patinkin which in itself was fabulous (a must hear story for any fan of the movie; you'll never see Billy Crystal's MLT scene the same way again). By now, for me, the whole movie is one quotable line after another. Words to live by: "Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." My Rating: 8.5
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Johnny Got His Gun (PG) 7.0
Johnny Got His Gun (1971): Joe, a young American soldier, is hit by a mortar shell on the last day of World War I. He lies in a hospital bed in a fate worse than death --- a quadruple amputee who has lost his arms, legs, eyes, ears, mouth and nose. (7.8)
Director: Dalton Trumbo
Writers: Dalton Trumbo (novel), Dalton Trumbo (screenplay)
Stars: Timothy Bottoms, Kathy Fields and Marsha Hunt
Interesting timing for this anti-war book and movie in that the book had been written at the beginning of the WWII and the movie had been made during the Vietnam war. Most other such movies look at the "war is hell" in the larger context. They show how lots of people are killed, crippled, maimed, etc. This one looks at the same thing but from a single soldier's perspective and imagines the worst fate possible. Interesting thought experiment ... to be trapped inside ones own mind without any sensory input at all. I liked the use of color vs black-and-white, the non-linear flashback sequences, the conversations with his father, etc. Jesus as a carpenter making what appear to be white crosses ... ha, nice touch. As for the larger message of the movie, I dunno, documentaries such as Why we fight has made me question the need for war in a supposedly civilized society more than anti-war soldier stories. My Rating: 7.0
Director: Dalton Trumbo
Writers: Dalton Trumbo (novel), Dalton Trumbo (screenplay)
Stars: Timothy Bottoms, Kathy Fields and Marsha Hunt
Interesting timing for this anti-war book and movie in that the book had been written at the beginning of the WWII and the movie had been made during the Vietnam war. Most other such movies look at the "war is hell" in the larger context. They show how lots of people are killed, crippled, maimed, etc. This one looks at the same thing but from a single soldier's perspective and imagines the worst fate possible. Interesting thought experiment ... to be trapped inside ones own mind without any sensory input at all. I liked the use of color vs black-and-white, the non-linear flashback sequences, the conversations with his father, etc. Jesus as a carpenter making what appear to be white crosses ... ha, nice touch. As for the larger message of the movie, I dunno, documentaries such as Why we fight has made me question the need for war in a supposedly civilized society more than anti-war soldier stories. My Rating: 7.0
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Girl Who Leapt Through Time (PG) 7.0
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) 時をかける少女: A teenage girl finds that she has the ability to leap through time. With her newfound power, she tries to use it to her advantage, but soon finds that tampering with time can lead to some rather discomforting results. (7.8)
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Writers: Yasutaka Tsutsui (novel), Satoko Okudera (screenplay)
Stars: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida and Mitsutaka Itakura
Some anime sequences are beautifully done; others (such as those of people walking) not so much. I guess, I'm expecting all anime to be of Miyazaki quality. Very interesting story, considering that it centers around budding teenage romances, it does have a good emotional context. (Trying not to make this a spoiler ...) The reason for Chiaki to be there is quite weak for a time-travel story. A few loose-ends (w/ the painting, and the auntie) could have been closed giving it a more emotional second/back story. Someone who's heavily into anime would find this a superb movie. [English subtitles and dubbed dialog don't exactly match. Subtitles seem to be direct translations of Japanese.] My Rating: 7.0
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Writers: Yasutaka Tsutsui (novel), Satoko Okudera (screenplay)
Stars: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida and Mitsutaka Itakura
Some anime sequences are beautifully done; others (such as those of people walking) not so much. I guess, I'm expecting all anime to be of Miyazaki quality. Very interesting story, considering that it centers around budding teenage romances, it does have a good emotional context. (Trying not to make this a spoiler ...) The reason for Chiaki to be there is quite weak for a time-travel story. A few loose-ends (w/ the painting, and the auntie) could have been closed giving it a more emotional second/back story. Someone who's heavily into anime would find this a superb movie. [English subtitles and dubbed dialog don't exactly match. Subtitles seem to be direct translations of Japanese.] My Rating: 7.0
Thursday, October 11, 2012
In Love We Trust (R) 7.0
In Love We Trust (2007) 左右: A divorced couple learns that the way to possibly save daughter, who is suffering from blood cancer, is to have another child. Problem is: They're both already remarried. (6.7)
Director: Xiaoshuai Wang
Writer: Xiaoshuai Wang
Stars: Weiwei Liu, Jia-yi Zhang and Nan Yu
Language: Mandarin (w/ English subtitles)
While the movie contains a somewhat improbable (not impossible) story, it asks you to put yourself in each of the four main character's place. What would you do if you were in his or her shoes? What wrenching emotions are you willing to endure? The story is not about the daughter's sickness; and, at least to me, the hero in the story is the stepfather. I really liked the fact that the director wasn't afraid to use the normal contemporary scenes to give it a sense of authenticity. Good casting in picking four main actors with contrasting mannerisms well-suited for the roles. This is a movie you will think about long after you've seen it. My Rating: 7.0
Director: Xiaoshuai Wang
Writer: Xiaoshuai Wang
Stars: Weiwei Liu, Jia-yi Zhang and Nan Yu
Language: Mandarin (w/ English subtitles)
While the movie contains a somewhat improbable (not impossible) story, it asks you to put yourself in each of the four main character's place. What would you do if you were in his or her shoes? What wrenching emotions are you willing to endure? The story is not about the daughter's sickness; and, at least to me, the hero in the story is the stepfather. I really liked the fact that the director wasn't afraid to use the normal contemporary scenes to give it a sense of authenticity. Good casting in picking four main actors with contrasting mannerisms well-suited for the roles. This is a movie you will think about long after you've seen it. My Rating: 7.0
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
From Time to Time (PG) 6.5
From Time to Time (2009): When 13-year-old Tolly returns to his family's ancestral home to spend Christmas with his grandmother, he becomes so entranced by the history of the mansion and its inhabitants that he manages to travel through time to uncover their secrets. (6.3)
Director: Julian Fellowes
Writers: Lucy M. Boston (novel: The Chimneys of Green Knowe), Julian Fellowes (adaptation)
Stars: Alex Etel, Timothy Spall and Maggie Smith
I haven't read the Green Knowe series so this story is completely new to me. Sure, it is a children's book series, and so the storyline is heartwarming and feel-good, etc.; introducing a runaway slave kid from the West Indies almost as a member of the aristocratic family by the captain, all the while having household servants at a different class and all that ... Yeah, okay, whatever. The movie covers two distinct periods, the 1940s and almost two centuries prior to that. The decision to show one of them in warm summer colors and the other in winter blues is quite appropriate. Maggie Smith gives a commanding performance. I expected a bit more sci-fi-esque time-travel antics, but this isn't that kind of a story. My Rating: 6.5
Director: Julian Fellowes
Writers: Lucy M. Boston (novel: The Chimneys of Green Knowe), Julian Fellowes (adaptation)
Stars: Alex Etel, Timothy Spall and Maggie Smith
I haven't read the Green Knowe series so this story is completely new to me. Sure, it is a children's book series, and so the storyline is heartwarming and feel-good, etc.; introducing a runaway slave kid from the West Indies almost as a member of the aristocratic family by the captain, all the while having household servants at a different class and all that ... Yeah, okay, whatever. The movie covers two distinct periods, the 1940s and almost two centuries prior to that. The decision to show one of them in warm summer colors and the other in winter blues is quite appropriate. Maggie Smith gives a commanding performance. I expected a bit more sci-fi-esque time-travel antics, but this isn't that kind of a story. My Rating: 6.5
Monday, October 8, 2012
Waking Madison (R) 6.5
Waking Madison (2010): A woman suffering from multiple personality disorder tries to piece back together her life. (5.6)
Director: Katherine Brooks
Writer: Katherine Brooks
Stars: Elisabeth Shue, Imogen Poots and Sarah Roemer
There are those movies that you 'feel' are great even before you finish the first half. This isn't one of them. This is, however, a movie with an excellent story you think about afterwards; after everything has been said and done. That's the problem. This one strings you along way too long, seemingly jumping back and forth between time periods. The key to the puzzle only comes way closer to the end. Acting is good by the whole cast. The dialog, at certain places, could have used some help. Too bad that I tend to compare Angelina Jolie's acting in 'Girl Interrupted' whenever I see a strong female mental patient character. The set design is psychedelic and haunting at times. Maybe I might give this a second look, now knowing the storyline twists. My Rating: 6.5
Director: Katherine Brooks
Writer: Katherine Brooks
Stars: Elisabeth Shue, Imogen Poots and Sarah Roemer
There are those movies that you 'feel' are great even before you finish the first half. This isn't one of them. This is, however, a movie with an excellent story you think about afterwards; after everything has been said and done. That's the problem. This one strings you along way too long, seemingly jumping back and forth between time periods. The key to the puzzle only comes way closer to the end. Acting is good by the whole cast. The dialog, at certain places, could have used some help. Too bad that I tend to compare Angelina Jolie's acting in 'Girl Interrupted' whenever I see a strong female mental patient character. The set design is psychedelic and haunting at times. Maybe I might give this a second look, now knowing the storyline twists. My Rating: 6.5
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (R) 7.5
Map of the Sounds of Tokyo (2009): A dramatic thriller that centers on a fish-market employee who doubles as a contract killer. (5.9)
Director: Isabel Coixet
Writer: Isabel Coixet
Stars: Rinko Kikuchi, Sergi López and Min Tanaka
Languages: English and Japanese (w/ English subtitles)
I think, this is a story about quite a few people--almost all the main characters--being alone or, having just one other social connection in the middle of one of the most populous cities in the world. The two main characters are flawed; there is no back-story about how they've ended up where they are. And, because of that, I can't empathize with either one. Yet, they show the need for emotional connections, above all else. (How a dorky looking guy ends up with a beautiful girl is another mystery but that not part of the storyline. :-)) Interesting title and I'm not exactly sure what the "map" is. And, how the audio (sounds) from one conversation ends up feeding someone else is not straightforward either. The modern-day Tokyo provides the backdrop and the selection of locations are quite nice. Acting is good. Rinko Kikuchi is superb. My Rating: 7.5
Director: Isabel Coixet
Writer: Isabel Coixet
Stars: Rinko Kikuchi, Sergi López and Min Tanaka
Languages: English and Japanese (w/ English subtitles)
I think, this is a story about quite a few people--almost all the main characters--being alone or, having just one other social connection in the middle of one of the most populous cities in the world. The two main characters are flawed; there is no back-story about how they've ended up where they are. And, because of that, I can't empathize with either one. Yet, they show the need for emotional connections, above all else. (How a dorky looking guy ends up with a beautiful girl is another mystery but that not part of the storyline. :-)) Interesting title and I'm not exactly sure what the "map" is. And, how the audio (sounds) from one conversation ends up feeding someone else is not straightforward either. The modern-day Tokyo provides the backdrop and the selection of locations are quite nice. Acting is good. Rinko Kikuchi is superb. My Rating: 7.5
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Code 46 (R) 8.0
Code 46 (2003): A futuristic 'Brief Encounter', a love story in which the romance is doomed by genetic incompatibility. (6.2)
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Writer: Frank Cottrell Boyce
Stars: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton and Om Puri
Do not be deceived by the brief description, and the low score, on IMDB above; this is a fantastic movie. There is the main storyline; then there is the story told by the brilliant pictures and scenes. The attention to detail of how a futuristic world would look like, specially one that has an "inside" and an "outside," is superb. The use of the phrases from various languages, the mixing of ethnic looks of people regardless of the location of the city, etc. are in keeping with the theme of the story and a wonderful foresight. The movie reminds me a lot of Gattaca, but this takes it to the next level. The integration of live action and computer generated scenes are so good, they are seamless. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes futuristic sci-fi stories. My Rating: 8.0
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Writer: Frank Cottrell Boyce
Stars: Tim Robbins, Samantha Morton and Om Puri
Do not be deceived by the brief description, and the low score, on IMDB above; this is a fantastic movie. There is the main storyline; then there is the story told by the brilliant pictures and scenes. The attention to detail of how a futuristic world would look like, specially one that has an "inside" and an "outside," is superb. The use of the phrases from various languages, the mixing of ethnic looks of people regardless of the location of the city, etc. are in keeping with the theme of the story and a wonderful foresight. The movie reminds me a lot of Gattaca, but this takes it to the next level. The integration of live action and computer generated scenes are so good, they are seamless. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes futuristic sci-fi stories. My Rating: 8.0
Friday, October 5, 2012
Take Me Home (PG-13) 6.5
Take Me Home (2011): Soon after Thom starts operating as an illegal taxi driver in New York City, Claire hires him to drive her to California after her estranged father suffers a heart attack. (6.5)
Director: Sam Jaeger
Writer: Sam Jaeger
Stars: Sam Jaeger, Amber Jaeger and Victor Garber
Two strangers on a road trip across America! Okay, so the circumstances of their meeting and the mode of transportation are a bit weird. The humor is quirky and the acting is fine; it grows on you. Cinematography is quite nice, specially the scenes of the western states. Simple and hopeful story, but the Real Life <tm> isn't like that. The personal stories of the two characters didn't quite pull the correct emotional strings, at least, for me. My Rating: 6.5
Director: Sam Jaeger
Writer: Sam Jaeger
Stars: Sam Jaeger, Amber Jaeger and Victor Garber
Two strangers on a road trip across America! Okay, so the circumstances of their meeting and the mode of transportation are a bit weird. The humor is quirky and the acting is fine; it grows on you. Cinematography is quite nice, specially the scenes of the western states. Simple and hopeful story, but the Real Life <tm> isn't like that. The personal stories of the two characters didn't quite pull the correct emotional strings, at least, for me. My Rating: 6.5
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Slaughterhouse-Five (R) 7.0
Slaughterhouse-Five (1972): A man tells his story of how he became unstuck in time and abducted by aliens. (7.0)
Director: George Roy Hill
Writers: Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (novel), Stephen Geller (screenplay)
Stars: Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman and Eugene Roche
I just finished reading the book, so decided to watch the movie soon afterwards while the story is fresh in my head. The screenplay is surprisingly close to the book. Movie is actually funnier than the book. (But for someone who hasn't read the book, the storyline may be confusing.) The WWII scenes are very well done. The concept of time as a series of present moments is something that struck to me as bold idea to have come out from a sci-fi that far back in the day, and it is something the modern physicist find a lot closer to the truth. The story is a strange mix of science fiction and humor. My Rating: 7.0
Director: George Roy Hill
Writers: Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (novel), Stephen Geller (screenplay)
Stars: Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman and Eugene Roche
I just finished reading the book, so decided to watch the movie soon afterwards while the story is fresh in my head. The screenplay is surprisingly close to the book. Movie is actually funnier than the book. (But for someone who hasn't read the book, the storyline may be confusing.) The WWII scenes are very well done. The concept of time as a series of present moments is something that struck to me as bold idea to have come out from a sci-fi that far back in the day, and it is something the modern physicist find a lot closer to the truth. The story is a strange mix of science fiction and humor. My Rating: 7.0
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