Written, Directed & Cinematography By: Jonathan Caouette
Editor: Jonathan Caouette & Brian A Kates
Showing posts with label A-. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A-. Show all posts
Thursday, June 10, 2010
TARNATION (2003)
Written, Directed & Cinematography By: Jonathan Caouette
Editor: Jonathan Caouette & Brian A Kates
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN
Directed By: Terry Gilliam
Written By: Terry Gilliam & Charles McKeown
Cinematography By: Guiseppe Rotunno
Editor: Peter Hollywood
Cast: John Neville, Eric Idle, Robin Williams, Sarah Polley, Jonathan Pryce, Oliver Reed, Uma Thurman, Charles McKeown, Sting, Jack Purvis
While not the crowd pleaser his earlier works had been. This is truly watching a natural storyteller tell a story with all the materials he could get his hands on. It is quite a remarkable film a little long but definitely worth watching. The film is a feast of costumes, production design, make-up, mattes, models and special effects to tell a story.
This film s a epic yet very simple. It’s like a bedtime story that is adequate for children but made for adults who have a need to see sincerity for there mind to be open for wonder and imagination.
The plot is exactly as the title says we watch as Baron Munchausen a fantasy world traveler goes on many adventures trying to find members of his old gang to help him stop the sultan from attacking the town in which he is staying. As the film goes on though we see that there are stories within stories within stories.
The cast is all spectacular and while not all the adventures are exciting or interesting. They are there for a reason a piece of the puzzle that is needed to be completed. The fun of this movie is you truly never know what is going to happen next because whatever it is it could never be too outlandish.
It’s a fun ride with it’s unpredictability A scene could be violent, Funny, Heartbreaking or magical. It would almost be perfect for the whole family though some scenes may not be appropriate for younger children. Plus the film may be a little too visceral for the kids even though it has a childlike innocence.
It bombed when it came out I can see why some might not like it.
This is a film I remember all the commercials and posters when it came out. I really wanted to see it but was worried it was a little too arty for me. I was 11 at the time.the commercial/preview which is included on the DVD made it seem like a fantasy comedy filled with tons of one-liners and I still remember to this day the vision of Uma Thurman coming out of a shell barely clothed. It was her entrance onto the screen and into my mind as she still is a screen goddess. The star John Neville should have become a star off of this film. At least a more respected actor as this is one of the only times he played a lead role.
This film is amazing and just the scope of it amazes you to the imagination it took to make this film and come up with this story that gives you a partial Don Quixote like hero. This was in the days when director Terry Gilliam could still get budgets to match his imagination and make it come true. He was at his creative peak. Which I now wonder if it has wavered over his last few films and dealing with studios to make it or has his imagination just gone too far to alienate conventional storytelling and entertaining audiences that at this point he only makes sense to him and his collaborators.
Either way and I don’t throw this term around lightly the man is a genius and I always await news of his new projects with excitement
This is Definitely one for the home library.
GRADE: A-
Written By: Terry Gilliam & Charles McKeown
Cinematography By: Guiseppe Rotunno
Editor: Peter Hollywood
Cast: John Neville, Eric Idle, Robin Williams, Sarah Polley, Jonathan Pryce, Oliver Reed, Uma Thurman, Charles McKeown, Sting, Jack Purvis
While not the crowd pleaser his earlier works had been. This is truly watching a natural storyteller tell a story with all the materials he could get his hands on. It is quite a remarkable film a little long but definitely worth watching. The film is a feast of costumes, production design, make-up, mattes, models and special effects to tell a story.
This film s a epic yet very simple. It’s like a bedtime story that is adequate for children but made for adults who have a need to see sincerity for there mind to be open for wonder and imagination.
The plot is exactly as the title says we watch as Baron Munchausen a fantasy world traveler goes on many adventures trying to find members of his old gang to help him stop the sultan from attacking the town in which he is staying. As the film goes on though we see that there are stories within stories within stories.
The cast is all spectacular and while not all the adventures are exciting or interesting. They are there for a reason a piece of the puzzle that is needed to be completed. The fun of this movie is you truly never know what is going to happen next because whatever it is it could never be too outlandish.
It’s a fun ride with it’s unpredictability A scene could be violent, Funny, Heartbreaking or magical. It would almost be perfect for the whole family though some scenes may not be appropriate for younger children. Plus the film may be a little too visceral for the kids even though it has a childlike innocence.
It bombed when it came out I can see why some might not like it.
This is a film I remember all the commercials and posters when it came out. I really wanted to see it but was worried it was a little too arty for me. I was 11 at the time.the commercial/preview which is included on the DVD made it seem like a fantasy comedy filled with tons of one-liners and I still remember to this day the vision of Uma Thurman coming out of a shell barely clothed. It was her entrance onto the screen and into my mind as she still is a screen goddess. The star John Neville should have become a star off of this film. At least a more respected actor as this is one of the only times he played a lead role.
This film is amazing and just the scope of it amazes you to the imagination it took to make this film and come up with this story that gives you a partial Don Quixote like hero. This was in the days when director Terry Gilliam could still get budgets to match his imagination and make it come true. He was at his creative peak. Which I now wonder if it has wavered over his last few films and dealing with studios to make it or has his imagination just gone too far to alienate conventional storytelling and entertaining audiences that at this point he only makes sense to him and his collaborators.
Either way and I don’t throw this term around lightly the man is a genius and I always await news of his new projects with excitement
This is Definitely one for the home library.
GRADE: A-
Saturday, April 25, 2009
OBSERVE & REPORT (2009)
CAST: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, Michael Pena, Ray Liotta, Jesse Plemons, Colette Wolfe, Celia Watson, Aziz Ansari, Patton Oswalt, Danny McBride, Ben Best
Written & Directed By: Jody Hill
Cinematography By: Tim Orr
Editor: Zene BakerT
he reason the film works is that it takes so many unexpected turns that a normal studio comedy doesn’t take that it is refreshing to see. The film takes many chances with it’s comedy it doesn’t force feed you jokes and tell you when to laugh so much of the comedy comes from not only uncomfortable moments but the characters and there behavior. It’s not a typical comedy it has a lot of dramatic scenes that have comedy in them.
I like it because the film doesn’t fit into a nice little box if you tried to fit it in one, It would leave the box stained and beaten up. It’s a misfit. It is also one of the first roles that actually requires Seth Rogen to show and have range. He passes with flying colors.
In one sense it’s disturbing but it has a original voice that the film will not appeal to a mass audience but I think will gain a audience who appreciate it. Now it doesn’t help that PAUL BLART: MALL COP came out a few months before it now while both revolve around the same job of a main character they are totally different paul blart is more of a family comedy that goes with humor and jokes and crazy situations. Where as this film is more about character comedy
It’s not only the lead the supporting characters are memorable and hilarious on there own that any of them could be the star of there own movies but they are better to be taken in small doses as not to go overboard with there presence that you get tired of them and the possibilities there character can do in certain situations. Chief among them michela pena’s character who is just so bizarre and outlandish you can’t stop laughing at him whenever he is in a scene there is also anna faris who brings another memorable comedic character to her cannon like a movie Saturday night live cast member it seems like each time she is in a comedy she creates another comedic personae. Ray liotta who plays it more like he is in a drama then a comedy comes across as not only scary but a commanding maleovolent presence there are also a couple of stand up comedian cameos who that are brilliant
The film also has a few scens that will disturb a few audience members as they are controversial due to bad taste and questionable morals.
SPOILERS
The third act ending is almost like TOTAL RECALL in the way that it has a false happy ending that could take place all in his mind. It’s a joyous ending that ties everything in a happy bow or at least as happy as you can get in this warped tale and since Writer/Director Jody Hill calls this film a Comedic Version of TAXI DRIVER. Just like that film you can never tell at the end if it is truly a happy ending or all in his mind in fact everything after the jail scene or the scene at home taking his medication again could be a dream as good things start to happen immediately after the shot of him laying on his bed implying he is dreaming or that this is a fantasy because really after all he has causedwould the mall really give him his job back. Plus during the third act the pixies song WHERE IS MY MIND is played but performed by citywolf which maybe a clue but you look at it whichever way you want to.
SPOILERS END
Either way the movies a must see in my book and one that leaves itself to many conversations and great admiration
GRADE: A-
Written & Directed By: Jody Hill
Cinematography By: Tim Orr
Editor: Zene BakerT
he reason the film works is that it takes so many unexpected turns that a normal studio comedy doesn’t take that it is refreshing to see. The film takes many chances with it’s comedy it doesn’t force feed you jokes and tell you when to laugh so much of the comedy comes from not only uncomfortable moments but the characters and there behavior. It’s not a typical comedy it has a lot of dramatic scenes that have comedy in them.
I like it because the film doesn’t fit into a nice little box if you tried to fit it in one, It would leave the box stained and beaten up. It’s a misfit. It is also one of the first roles that actually requires Seth Rogen to show and have range. He passes with flying colors.
In one sense it’s disturbing but it has a original voice that the film will not appeal to a mass audience but I think will gain a audience who appreciate it. Now it doesn’t help that PAUL BLART: MALL COP came out a few months before it now while both revolve around the same job of a main character they are totally different paul blart is more of a family comedy that goes with humor and jokes and crazy situations. Where as this film is more about character comedy
It’s not only the lead the supporting characters are memorable and hilarious on there own that any of them could be the star of there own movies but they are better to be taken in small doses as not to go overboard with there presence that you get tired of them and the possibilities there character can do in certain situations. Chief among them michela pena’s character who is just so bizarre and outlandish you can’t stop laughing at him whenever he is in a scene there is also anna faris who brings another memorable comedic character to her cannon like a movie Saturday night live cast member it seems like each time she is in a comedy she creates another comedic personae. Ray liotta who plays it more like he is in a drama then a comedy comes across as not only scary but a commanding maleovolent presence there are also a couple of stand up comedian cameos who that are brilliant
The film also has a few scens that will disturb a few audience members as they are controversial due to bad taste and questionable morals.
SPOILERS
The third act ending is almost like TOTAL RECALL in the way that it has a false happy ending that could take place all in his mind. It’s a joyous ending that ties everything in a happy bow or at least as happy as you can get in this warped tale and since Writer/Director Jody Hill calls this film a Comedic Version of TAXI DRIVER. Just like that film you can never tell at the end if it is truly a happy ending or all in his mind in fact everything after the jail scene or the scene at home taking his medication again could be a dream as good things start to happen immediately after the shot of him laying on his bed implying he is dreaming or that this is a fantasy because really after all he has causedwould the mall really give him his job back. Plus during the third act the pixies song WHERE IS MY MIND is played but performed by citywolf which maybe a clue but you look at it whichever way you want to.
SPOILERS END
Either way the movies a must see in my book and one that leaves itself to many conversations and great admiration
GRADE: A-
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
GATTACA (1998)
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Elias Koates, Loren Dean, Alan Arkin, Jude Law, Blair Underwood, Gore Vidal, Xander Berkley, Maya Rudolph, Mason Gamble, William Lee Scott, Ernest Borgnine, Tony Shaloub, Ken Marino,
Written & Directed By: Andrew Niccol
Cinematography By: Slawomir Idziak
Editor: Lisa Zeno Churgin
Original Music By: Michal Nyman
Production Design: Jan Roelfs
The Scary thing about this movie is the thought that the film’s world is coming closer to being a reality. In the search for our planet to become a utopia instead of leaving things natural and up to chance or nature we constantly find ourselves wanting to control everything in our life and world. This film explores a world with those choices available and what it can do to people who strive for more then what has been decided for them.
The film is a eye opener just from a art direction stand point everything is post modern and clean. Nothing is out of place. The acting is phenomenal it is the film Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke fell in love on. Uma with her statuesque beauty was a natural for this film. This is one of the first times Ethan Hawke really impressed me as a actor it is also the first time I saw Jude law act. And it reminds me of what a wonderful actor he can be.
This is Andrew Niccol’s first film he wrote the Truman show and followed this film with the film S1mone and just like that film he is attracted to cold surreal images devoid of too much color very precise and very clean and clear. While having vivid ides and creativity and unforgettable surreal images like paintings
The film is one that is very unappreciated over time I would have hoped it would have become more popular but it is still a undiscovered gem. I like it as a sci-fi story that says more about the human spirit and humanity then it does about actual science. Then it also involves a murder mystery detective storyline. It does keep the story moving but it could have been dropped and still been a interesting film.
This is a film more for you to discover then me tell you too much about it just trust me see it I’m sure you will enjoy it. I could complain about the lack of minorities in this future but hey you have to pick and choose your battles and I don’t feel this film is overtly racist it just is what it is and as usual forgets about that component totally.
The story follows Ethan Hawke’s character who is deemed a genetic failure since he was born the natural way whose parents decide there next child will be designed. In his teens he runs away from home and ends up a janitor his future decided for him but he wants to become a astronaut so he goes underground and buys someone else’s identity and cells so that he can achieve this dream even going through painful and time consuming plastic surgery just to achieve it. He has the smarts for it but not the physical aspects and stamina says science and while he is going through preparations for his launch a murder happens at the facility and into his life a pair of detectives investigating it. It’s almost like CSI Where anything biological can give you away a spare hair, skin, Sweat. The enemy in this film that will betray you is your DNA
GRADE: A-
Written & Directed By: Andrew Niccol
Cinematography By: Slawomir Idziak
Editor: Lisa Zeno Churgin
Original Music By: Michal Nyman
Production Design: Jan Roelfs
The Scary thing about this movie is the thought that the film’s world is coming closer to being a reality. In the search for our planet to become a utopia instead of leaving things natural and up to chance or nature we constantly find ourselves wanting to control everything in our life and world. This film explores a world with those choices available and what it can do to people who strive for more then what has been decided for them.
The film is a eye opener just from a art direction stand point everything is post modern and clean. Nothing is out of place. The acting is phenomenal it is the film Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke fell in love on. Uma with her statuesque beauty was a natural for this film. This is one of the first times Ethan Hawke really impressed me as a actor it is also the first time I saw Jude law act. And it reminds me of what a wonderful actor he can be.
This is Andrew Niccol’s first film he wrote the Truman show and followed this film with the film S1mone and just like that film he is attracted to cold surreal images devoid of too much color very precise and very clean and clear. While having vivid ides and creativity and unforgettable surreal images like paintings
The film is one that is very unappreciated over time I would have hoped it would have become more popular but it is still a undiscovered gem. I like it as a sci-fi story that says more about the human spirit and humanity then it does about actual science. Then it also involves a murder mystery detective storyline. It does keep the story moving but it could have been dropped and still been a interesting film.
This is a film more for you to discover then me tell you too much about it just trust me see it I’m sure you will enjoy it. I could complain about the lack of minorities in this future but hey you have to pick and choose your battles and I don’t feel this film is overtly racist it just is what it is and as usual forgets about that component totally.
The story follows Ethan Hawke’s character who is deemed a genetic failure since he was born the natural way whose parents decide there next child will be designed. In his teens he runs away from home and ends up a janitor his future decided for him but he wants to become a astronaut so he goes underground and buys someone else’s identity and cells so that he can achieve this dream even going through painful and time consuming plastic surgery just to achieve it. He has the smarts for it but not the physical aspects and stamina says science and while he is going through preparations for his launch a murder happens at the facility and into his life a pair of detectives investigating it. It’s almost like CSI Where anything biological can give you away a spare hair, skin, Sweat. The enemy in this film that will betray you is your DNA
GRADE: A-
Friday, November 21, 2008
PRICELESS (2006)
Cast: Audrey Tatou, Gad Elmaleh, Marie-Christine Adam
Directed By: Pierre Salvadori
Written By: Benoit Graffin & Pierre Salvadori
Cinematography By: Gilles Henry
Edited By: Isabelle Devinck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)