![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sarea
I'm entering an Oscars poll at work. :D It's $5 per person to enter, and the winners each receive a certain amount of the pot. Since, as a whole on LJ, we all did fairly well last year (I believe as a group we only got 2 or 3 categories wrong), I'd really like to encourage you to fill out my Oscars poll, so I can use the aggregated responses as a guideline for the office pool, in which there is real money involved. ; ) Thanks! And come on, it's kinda fun, isn't it? Considering the stupid special assessment on my condo, I am trying to raise additional funds however I can. My methods so far include selling a bunch of things on eBay and office pool gambling. :">
I have seen so many movies this week! And of course, I must share with you my scintillating thoughts.
Million Dollar Baby: It was a good movie. It just wasn't a particularly interesting one. All the actors were great. The story was well told. I'm just not sure it was worth telling. Are you going to stone me now? I guess I sound pretty heartless, considering the subject matter. Can't help it, though, I'm just being honest. Maybe I went into it with too much expectation. Maybe all those 10s and the rave reviews from critics didn't help it, but hurt it. But at the end of the day, I just didn't find it to be that great. I love sports movies. I've seen a ton of sports movies. In fact, sports movies get an edge because I like them so much in general. And while I have zero interest in boxing, it didn't bother me that it was 'a movie about boxing,' because I knew it was more than just that. But you know what? THERE WAS TOO MUCH BOXING. I just didn't care. I still think it's a stupid sport, and the movie didn't (though maybe it should have) change my mind. Maybe that's why I know I didn't like it -- because if a movie's good enough, it will twist my mind and make it think things it didn't before (I didn't give a shit about ballet until Billy Elliot). But, you say, it's not about boxing. It's about a woman. Her dreams. Her ambitions. What she's achieved. And that part was fine. But you know, I've seen movies that dealt with that subject matter more convincingly, more compellingly. Or maybe it was about Frank and Maggie, and their relationship. Well, you know what? I've seen better mentor/mentee, father/daughter films, too. And it wasn't because it didn't end happily that I didn't like it -- ask Jade or Robbie, I seem to specialize in films that deal with tragedy. And it wasn't because of the euthanasia aspect, because I thought Frank did the right thing. I think it was just that when it came right down to it, the film was a conglomeration of a dozen other films, and didn't rise above any of them, which is the only way it would have stood out for me. That's not, again, to say that it wasn't a good movie -- it just wasn't a great one. Rating: 7
Hotel Rwanda: I had pretty much the same problem with HR that I did with MDB. It did everything it set out to do, but not in a particularly compelling way. I also really enjoy war movies -- from both perspectives -- so I've seen many of them, and HR did not particularly stand out amongst them. For a really great piece from the soldiers' perspective during war, watch Band of Brothers. For a great film from the perspective of how war affects civilians, watch Empire of the Sun (my favorite movie, in fact). HR only stands out in that it's a story that hasn't been told before, which has its own merits, and Don Cheadle was great. Rating: 6/7
Fall: This was one of the first movies that I got through the Blockbuster Online program. <g> And I got it because of the movie meme that![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kstanley did, because the line she chose from the movie was so provocative. (Michael to Sarah: You do that again, and I'm going to have to fuck you kind of hard.") I actually really enjoyed this one. I really liked both of the actors -- in particular, the woman who played Sarah -- and the progression of their relationship, as well as where it all leads, just felt right. The writing was smart, as were the characters, and while I don't think I can put this one in my 'repeat play' queue, I'd definitely recommend at least one watch. Rating: 7
First Daughter: Have you seen Chasing Liberty? If not, watch that one instead. It's almost exactly the same, except good. If you've already seen CL, either watch it again or watch FD, only go into it knowing you'll be disappointed. Given how similar the storylines are, I'm embarrassed for FD. Why would they do that?? The saving grace of the film is Michael Keaton, who I liked a lot, and also, I like Katie Holmes and Marc Blucas. I'm just sad for all of them that they're associated with this box office bomb (and now I know why it bombed, don't I?). It actually wasn't a terrible film or anything -- but like I said, it had already been done, and better. Also, for the kind of film it was -- or should have been (popcorn/candy fluff) -- it tried to do too many things. It kind of forgot itself at times ... probably because director Forrest Whittaker wanted it to be more than it was. Best part of the movie is seeing Katie in many cool outfits. :D Rating: 4
Shaun of the Dead: Heehee, a British zombie movie, what's not to like? Seriously, if you're looking for a silly comedy, watch Harold & Kumar, but if you've already seen it, SotD's worth a watch, too. I really enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek stuff more than the obvious gore (I don't think anyone would say differently), and though I found myself irritated with a few of the characters from time to time (Shaun's mother, the guy in love with Liz), I'd just remind myself this wasn't a movie worth getting worked up over and it was fine. As per the usual re: zombie movies, there's no real reason given for why the hell everyone starts turning into zombies, but this movie didn't need that and it knew it. I like that kind of smart movie making. Think 28 Days Later, only without any rationale, and funny instead of creepy. <g> Rating: 6
Collateral: I wanted to like this more than I did. I'd actually heard decent word of mouth about it, and with Jamie Foxx nominated for best actor, I figured I'd give it a try. I was really unimpressed with it at the beginning, but got better as the movie wore on. The ending was a complete disappointment, however, and instead of tying all the loose strings together, it just came completely unraveled. It couldn't decide whether it was an action film or a character drama, and thus suffered from the indecision. In an action film, I can forgive the contrivance of Jamie having picked up DOJ lady (given prominence by Jada Pinkett Smith filling the role) before picking up Vincent, and then having it come full circle. In a character drama? No. And yet the strength of the movie, I would say, was in the character stuff -- the scenes between Vincent and Jamie (can't remember his character's name...). And while Jamie did great, this was so not an Oscar-worthy role. If he wins the Oscar for Collateral, it will only be because people want to say "sorry I didn't vote for you for Ray, but Leonardo was just too good." Rating: 5
Trixie: Yeah ... this was a movie I wanted to see way back when it first came out, but then forgot. It seemed quirky and amusing, with a bit of plot on the side. Well, it's quirky, all right. But not amusing. I generally like Emily Watson, but there's something about her that can push me over to the other side pretty easily, and she does it in this movie. I don't like her, I don't like the character, and watching her try and communicate with people and solve a mystery is too much for me to handle. I wasn't able to finish this one, and that in itself says something. It's quite possible that people who've actually seen the movie straight through would disagree with me, but I couldn't put myself through any more of it. Rating: 2
Cellular: Bonus movie! :D Okay, I didn't watch this one, but Jade did. And as a PSA, she wanted me to tell everyone not to bother. (I'm like, "We weren't going to anyway..." Hahahahaha!) Anyway, so consider yourselves warned: Just Say No to Cellular.
Meanwhile, my cool custom computer will never be built, because I will keep forgetting this or that part, and everyone takes too long to mail stuff out. The latest thing is a heatsink for my CPU, which I ordered last week. Got a notice finally TODAY that it's shipped and I should get it in about 5 days. *headdesk*
I have seen so many movies this week! And of course, I must share with you my scintillating thoughts.
Million Dollar Baby: It was a good movie. It just wasn't a particularly interesting one. All the actors were great. The story was well told. I'm just not sure it was worth telling. Are you going to stone me now? I guess I sound pretty heartless, considering the subject matter. Can't help it, though, I'm just being honest. Maybe I went into it with too much expectation. Maybe all those 10s and the rave reviews from critics didn't help it, but hurt it. But at the end of the day, I just didn't find it to be that great. I love sports movies. I've seen a ton of sports movies. In fact, sports movies get an edge because I like them so much in general. And while I have zero interest in boxing, it didn't bother me that it was 'a movie about boxing,' because I knew it was more than just that. But you know what? THERE WAS TOO MUCH BOXING. I just didn't care. I still think it's a stupid sport, and the movie didn't (though maybe it should have) change my mind. Maybe that's why I know I didn't like it -- because if a movie's good enough, it will twist my mind and make it think things it didn't before (I didn't give a shit about ballet until Billy Elliot). But, you say, it's not about boxing. It's about a woman. Her dreams. Her ambitions. What she's achieved. And that part was fine. But you know, I've seen movies that dealt with that subject matter more convincingly, more compellingly. Or maybe it was about Frank and Maggie, and their relationship. Well, you know what? I've seen better mentor/mentee, father/daughter films, too. And it wasn't because it didn't end happily that I didn't like it -- ask Jade or Robbie, I seem to specialize in films that deal with tragedy. And it wasn't because of the euthanasia aspect, because I thought Frank did the right thing. I think it was just that when it came right down to it, the film was a conglomeration of a dozen other films, and didn't rise above any of them, which is the only way it would have stood out for me. That's not, again, to say that it wasn't a good movie -- it just wasn't a great one. Rating: 7
Hotel Rwanda: I had pretty much the same problem with HR that I did with MDB. It did everything it set out to do, but not in a particularly compelling way. I also really enjoy war movies -- from both perspectives -- so I've seen many of them, and HR did not particularly stand out amongst them. For a really great piece from the soldiers' perspective during war, watch Band of Brothers. For a great film from the perspective of how war affects civilians, watch Empire of the Sun (my favorite movie, in fact). HR only stands out in that it's a story that hasn't been told before, which has its own merits, and Don Cheadle was great. Rating: 6/7
Fall: This was one of the first movies that I got through the Blockbuster Online program. <g> And I got it because of the movie meme that
kstanley did, because the line she chose from the movie was so provocative. (Michael to Sarah: You do that again, and I'm going to have to fuck you kind of hard.") I actually really enjoyed this one. I really liked both of the actors -- in particular, the woman who played Sarah -- and the progression of their relationship, as well as where it all leads, just felt right. The writing was smart, as were the characters, and while I don't think I can put this one in my 'repeat play' queue, I'd definitely recommend at least one watch. Rating: 7First Daughter: Have you seen Chasing Liberty? If not, watch that one instead. It's almost exactly the same, except good. If you've already seen CL, either watch it again or watch FD, only go into it knowing you'll be disappointed. Given how similar the storylines are, I'm embarrassed for FD. Why would they do that?? The saving grace of the film is Michael Keaton, who I liked a lot, and also, I like Katie Holmes and Marc Blucas. I'm just sad for all of them that they're associated with this box office bomb (and now I know why it bombed, don't I?). It actually wasn't a terrible film or anything -- but like I said, it had already been done, and better. Also, for the kind of film it was -- or should have been (popcorn/candy fluff) -- it tried to do too many things. It kind of forgot itself at times ... probably because director Forrest Whittaker wanted it to be more than it was. Best part of the movie is seeing Katie in many cool outfits. :D Rating: 4
Shaun of the Dead: Heehee, a British zombie movie, what's not to like? Seriously, if you're looking for a silly comedy, watch Harold & Kumar, but if you've already seen it, SotD's worth a watch, too. I really enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek stuff more than the obvious gore (I don't think anyone would say differently), and though I found myself irritated with a few of the characters from time to time (Shaun's mother, the guy in love with Liz), I'd just remind myself this wasn't a movie worth getting worked up over and it was fine. As per the usual re: zombie movies, there's no real reason given for why the hell everyone starts turning into zombies, but this movie didn't need that and it knew it. I like that kind of smart movie making. Think 28 Days Later, only without any rationale, and funny instead of creepy. <g> Rating: 6
Collateral: I wanted to like this more than I did. I'd actually heard decent word of mouth about it, and with Jamie Foxx nominated for best actor, I figured I'd give it a try. I was really unimpressed with it at the beginning, but got better as the movie wore on. The ending was a complete disappointment, however, and instead of tying all the loose strings together, it just came completely unraveled. It couldn't decide whether it was an action film or a character drama, and thus suffered from the indecision. In an action film, I can forgive the contrivance of Jamie having picked up DOJ lady (given prominence by Jada Pinkett Smith filling the role) before picking up Vincent, and then having it come full circle. In a character drama? No. And yet the strength of the movie, I would say, was in the character stuff -- the scenes between Vincent and Jamie (can't remember his character's name...). And while Jamie did great, this was so not an Oscar-worthy role. If he wins the Oscar for Collateral, it will only be because people want to say "sorry I didn't vote for you for Ray, but Leonardo was just too good." Rating: 5
Trixie: Yeah ... this was a movie I wanted to see way back when it first came out, but then forgot. It seemed quirky and amusing, with a bit of plot on the side. Well, it's quirky, all right. But not amusing. I generally like Emily Watson, but there's something about her that can push me over to the other side pretty easily, and she does it in this movie. I don't like her, I don't like the character, and watching her try and communicate with people and solve a mystery is too much for me to handle. I wasn't able to finish this one, and that in itself says something. It's quite possible that people who've actually seen the movie straight through would disagree with me, but I couldn't put myself through any more of it. Rating: 2
Cellular: Bonus movie! :D Okay, I didn't watch this one, but Jade did. And as a PSA, she wanted me to tell everyone not to bother. (I'm like, "We weren't going to anyway..." Hahahahaha!) Anyway, so consider yourselves warned: Just Say No to Cellular.
Meanwhile, my cool custom computer will never be built, because I will keep forgetting this or that part, and everyone takes too long to mail stuff out. The latest thing is a heatsink for my CPU, which I ordered last week. Got a notice finally TODAY that it's shipped and I should get it in about 5 days. *headdesk*
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-02-01 04:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-02-01 06:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-02-02 11:01 am (UTC)However as you gave Million Dollar Baby a 7, I will trust your judgment and go and see it next time I get some cash!
no subject
Date: 2005-02-02 11:46 pm (UTC)MDB is definitely a good movie, but it might not be for everyone. You might want to spend your money on more of a sure thing. :D