Film: 1/25-1/31

Although I put up ratings immediately after I watch, I figured I'd write summaries for the movies I watched each week. So here goes...

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), Alejandro González Iñárritu: 3.5 / 4
I went to the theatre not knowing what to expect. I'd seen nearly all of Iñárritu's previous films (save 21 Grams), but this is a comedy, and certainly doesn't have the bleakness of his other films. I was particularly interested in the idea of a movie about theatre. The performances of Michael Keaton, Ed Norton, and Naomi Watts were particularly memorable. This is a film I'll surely re-watch.

The Social Network, David Fincher: 2.5 / 4
review

Aguirre, the Wrath Of God, Werner Herzog: 2.5 / 4
I watched this movie almost solely because of its supposed influence on Apocalypse Now. While there's certainly obvious plot similarities, I didn't enjoy nearly as much. Aguirre is unquestionably a complex and interesting character, just wasn't able to get emotionally invested in this movie. I found the depiction of animals in this movie to be perhaps the most unique facet of it. There was a particular camera shot near the end which reminded me of Nicolas Winding Refn's Valhalla Rising. So I'll potentially re-watch after I view Valhalla again.

Come and See, Elem Klimov: 3.5 / 4
I'll write a review on this one eventually.

The Untouchables, Brian De Palma: 2.5 / 4
I'll recommend this movie for two performances: Sean Connery (critics agree) and Robert De Niro (critics disagree). I can understand one's distaste for De Niro's performance, but I was certainly intrigued by his depiction of Capone; I certainly found his character more interesting that Costner's.

Palo Alto, Gia Coppola: 3.5 / 4
review

Django Unchained, Quentin Tarantino: 3 / 4
I chose to watch this movie because it's purely enjoyment. It's a great example of Tarantino's greatness in the humor (opening scene) and aesthetic (first Candyland shootout) in his depiction of violence. There are many good performances in this movie, two that stood out were Bruce Dern (albeit brief) and Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson's Uncle Tom was incredibly fascinating, especially in his interaction with Calvin Candie. Despite the setting, I find this movie to be very light, mostly because of the satirical nature of Tarantino's work.

The Grand Budapest Hotel, Wes Anderson: 3 / 4
This is the second Wes Anderson film I've watched; the other being Moonrise Kingdom. I liked this one less, mostly because of my attachment to the characters in Moonrise. This movie was pleasant stylistically, but that's about it. I enjoyed Léa Seydoux's character, the maid, and Agatha, especially her birthmark resembling Mexico. Also, the snow chase is phenomenal.

American Sniper, Clint Eastwood: 2.5 / 4
This movie really shifted my day. I spent several hours trying to determine my feelings on it. I wish I'd watched this movie without any prior knowledge of the actual story. That way I wouldn't feel obligated to have certain opinions about the movie. I certainly thought Kyle's (I'm speaking of the character) moments of indecision in pulling the trigger, notably the RPG kid, were valuable. I thought Bradley Cooper's Chris Kyle was well-acted. I just wish there'd been a better attempt of trying to portray the actual Chris Kyle. From what I've read he seemed like an great complex character that could've been written (at least better).