Shevek (![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} shevek) wrote,@ 2008-04-25 17:06:00 |
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Films I saw on my last transatlantic hop:
Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi
An autobiographical film about the Iranian revolution. Interesting and worth watching. It's very difficult to explain or understand why certain things are, and this film makes no attempt in many cases. It simply states that they are, and gives a very simple, factual account of what happened. I think as a consequence of this, some people will fail to understand what is being said, and many will probably understand better than I. It was a beautiful film.
August Rush
A challenging film about the musical talents and ambitions of a young boy. Some unexpected twists to the plot kept me watching from start to finish. Unfortunately, for a film about music, the choice of music simply wasn't up to par. At one point, a waltz was announced, and played in 4/4 time, the use of the Elgar Cello Concerto as the "magnificent cello piece" at the end was simply soapy, and other pieces throughout were generally weak. Worth watching, but would have benefited very much from some musical direction from someone who loved music, rather than simply appreciated it professionally.
The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman
Clearly the first element in a serial, consisted mostly of expositions with one or two set pieces. An interesting universe, and after a while the acting settled down enough for me to actually care what happened to the characters. I think I'd rather watch the old Narnia TV series. I'll watch the sequels if they come my way, but I won't chase after them. I suspect the book is much better, from what I've read of it, and I will probably buy it.
I Am Legend
A highly competent rework of an over-told story. At several points, I found myself hoping that the lead character would just step off a building so I could watch something else. No surprises in either plot or acting. Thankfully it wasn't gun- or macho-heavy.
The Great Debaters
A powerfully acted feel-good movie which was an entertaining way to pass the time. I skipped the first half.
Enchanted
Not quite light hearted enough to qualify as a funny chick flick. She was annoying, he was annoying. I skipped the second half.
Sweeney Todd
I wasn't in the mood for a musical. I skipped both halves.
Other films which did not appeal
No doubt I am a heathen on several counts:
Atonement - bleh, does this plot really promise anything?
Becoming Jane - see above.
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep - see above.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets - what?
The Savages - see above.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story - bleh.
Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi
An autobiographical film about the Iranian revolution. Interesting and worth watching. It's very difficult to explain or understand why certain things are, and this film makes no attempt in many cases. It simply states that they are, and gives a very simple, factual account of what happened. I think as a consequence of this, some people will fail to understand what is being said, and many will probably understand better than I. It was a beautiful film.
August Rush
A challenging film about the musical talents and ambitions of a young boy. Some unexpected twists to the plot kept me watching from start to finish. Unfortunately, for a film about music, the choice of music simply wasn't up to par. At one point, a waltz was announced, and played in 4/4 time, the use of the Elgar Cello Concerto as the "magnificent cello piece" at the end was simply soapy, and other pieces throughout were generally weak. Worth watching, but would have benefited very much from some musical direction from someone who loved music, rather than simply appreciated it professionally.
The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman
Clearly the first element in a serial, consisted mostly of expositions with one or two set pieces. An interesting universe, and after a while the acting settled down enough for me to actually care what happened to the characters. I think I'd rather watch the old Narnia TV series. I'll watch the sequels if they come my way, but I won't chase after them. I suspect the book is much better, from what I've read of it, and I will probably buy it.
I Am Legend
A highly competent rework of an over-told story. At several points, I found myself hoping that the lead character would just step off a building so I could watch something else. No surprises in either plot or acting. Thankfully it wasn't gun- or macho-heavy.
The Great Debaters
A powerfully acted feel-good movie which was an entertaining way to pass the time. I skipped the first half.
Enchanted
Not quite light hearted enough to qualify as a funny chick flick. She was annoying, he was annoying. I skipped the second half.
Sweeney Todd
I wasn't in the mood for a musical. I skipped both halves.
Other films which did not appeal
No doubt I am a heathen on several counts:
Atonement - bleh, does this plot really promise anything?
Becoming Jane - see above.
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep - see above.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets - what?
The Savages - see above.
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story - bleh.
