Film Critical

Film reviews and coming attractions by NAnderson for your consideration. I will be writing critiques of as many films as I can see. Check them out and write a comment.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

THE LOOKOUT

A catchy thriller that sets itself apart.

The Lookout is an intriguing little film that makes you look back on it and think. The story is original and ultimately captivating. It delivers excellent direction and fine-tuned acting that create a stylish film. The story has elements that are characteristic of thrillers, but the way that these elements come together is anything but typical.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in the lead role, and once again steps up as a strong and capable actor. His roles in Brick and Mysterious Skin have set him apart as a young indie-film star and showcased his ability to not conform to Hollywood molds. This film presented him, and co-star Jeff Daniels, with difficult roles. Both succeed and pull them off with ease. The supporting cast does a great job as well, and this makes the film all around enjoyable.

The story is different and not nearly as predictable as one might think. Surprises come out of the woodwork, and keep the pace of the film up. The scenery sets a very specific mood and does it very effectively. It becomes an easy film to get wrapped up in. The Lookout also seems a little more deep than your average thriller. The fact that it is a thriller really comes second to the sensitive story that is told through the relationships of the characters. This is not even really realized until the film is over. So looking back I see more of this meaning now.

The Lookout is an emotional drama told through a psychological, crime thriller. The acting is good and the film is well made. Ultimately fun and entertaining, there are good stories being told that keep it unique.


GRADE: B
TRAILER: http://www.apple.com/trailers/miramax/thelookout/trailer1/

PARIS JE T'AIME

A story of love, page by page.

This whole film was fun to watch. It is actually a series of short films that flow from one to the other without the audience even noticing most of the time. The characters are rich and engrossing despite their abbreviated on screen time. The music that laced the Parisian scenes helped to stir emotions and poke at the soul. The collection of directors was phenomenal for one movie. To see that many great artists in one sitting is a whole new experience.

The acting was solid throughout. From the inexperienced new comers to the veteran faces of film Paris, Je T'aime had it all. Everyone was enjoyable to watch and brought something special to each story. The tales each revolve around love in some form or another. A mother's love, a daughter's love, renewed love, new-found love, potential love, and the list goes on. None of the films slow this movie down or out-shine the others. Each one is unique and meaningful.

Paris, Je T'aime has something for everybody. It showcases emotions in a very upfront manner. The music carries these stories pleasantly through all of Paris and what it has to offer. Setting each mood quickly. The directors all did a great job of telling their stories. Overall it was a fun film that not only showcased love and Paris, but great film making.


GRADE: A-
TRAILER: http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/parisjetaime/trailer/

OPENING FRIDAY JUNE 1-

Gracie
http://www.apple.com/trailers/picturehouse/gracie/trailer/
Mr. Brooks
http://www.apple.com/trailers/mgm/mrbrooks/trailera/
Knocked Up
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/knockedup/


Limited Release:
Day Watch
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/daywatch/trailera/
Rise: Blood Hunter
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/rise/
Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/peirrepointthelasthangman/trailer/

Monday, May 14, 2007

OPENING FRIDAY MAY 18-

There are some great independent films coming out this week including a new Wilson bros. movie. Check out the trailers.

Shrek the Third
http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/shrekthethird/


Limited Release:
Once
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/once/trailera/
The Wendell Baker Story
http://www.thinkfilmcompany.com/films/the-wendell-baker-story
Fay Grim
http://www.apple.com/trailers/magnolia/faygrim/trailer/
Brooklyn Rules
http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=13480
Even Money
http://www.yarifilmgroup.com/films/evenmoney/

Monday, May 07, 2007

OPENING FRIDAY MAY11-

Delta Farce
http://www.apple.com/trailers/lions_gate/deltafarce/trailer1a/
28 Weeks Later
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_atomic/28weekslater/
Georgia Rule
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/georgiarule/
The Ex
http://www.apple.com/trailers/weinstein/theex/trailer1/


Limited Release:
Home of the Brave
http://www.apple.com/trailers/mgm/homeofthebrave/trailer/
Blind Dating
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/blinddating/trailer/
The Hip Hop Project
http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/thehiphopproject/trailer/