Sharknado, Anthony C. Ferrante: 2.5 / 4
This film film basks in its own absurdity. A tale of shark-filled tornados in Los Angeles, the ultimate location for cinematic disaster. I actually laughed out loud several times. Each of the characters was a stereotypical horror movie character and did stereotypical things. I watched this movie because I needed a light escape, and that's what I experienced. There is no level below the superficial here, pure sensory experience.
The Graduate, Mike Nichols: 2.5 / 4
Dustin Hoffman's character is weird here. His accomplishments don't seem to match his personality. Anyhow, watch this film, even if only to analyze the final scene.
Prozac Nation, Eric Skoldbjaerg: 3 / 4
The depths of mental illness are addressed in this film. Christina Ricci's character is portrayed honestly. The most profound event in this film was her transformation under medication. There is a legitimate question about the merits of using antidepressants. This question isn't medical, it's about identity. What will you sacrifice for stability? Is life worth continuing if identity is lost?
Another bright spot is Jason Biggs....never thought I'd say those words. He completely elevates above his standard character (OITNB, American Pie), becoming likable! Unfortunately the end isn't successful; an attempt to generalize Christina Ricci's character's story to everyone, identifying a "Prozac Nation," completely fails. It seems as though it's a book concept without enough explanation, just thrown in to sort of finish the story.
I Heart Huckabees, David O. Russell: 3 / 4
This is something that's experimental, yet was offered to the mainstream. It's a testament to Russell's reputation that he was able to create this. I'm writing this awhile after the fact and it seems I've over-rated this film. I don't recall anything profound, it was simply an interesting idea, a brief moment of philosophy entering the mainstream. Yet the philosophy felt mainstream, it's feeding the stereotype of what a philosopher is, possibly. There are certainly absurdist ideas here. In terms of the performances, Mark Wahlberg stood out; he captured the attention of every scene he was in. Also, for all its identification as a comedy, not that funny.
Lore, Cate Shortland: 4 / 4
review
No comments:
Post a Comment