Assignment 18 - New Top Ten

My Top Ten list of favorite movies didn't really change, however over the course of the trimester I have seen some movies that come dangerously close to bumping some of them out of place.

Some of those movies are:

1. Up - I saw this movie in theaters recently and I loved it. I thought it was sweet and adorable and funnier than some of the other Pixar movies to date.  I am a huge fan of all the Pixar films and I loved this one very much.  I think it is definitely one of my top 20 films.

2. Rushmore - I have seen and own this movie, however I haven't seen it in a long time before watching it in film class and I forgot how much I loved it.  It's quirky and funny and overall one of the most enjoyable movies I have seen.  

3. The Prestige -  I watched this movie and was very intrigued. I am surprised to have never seen it before this class and wish that I had because it is very enjoyable.  I will probably watch it again soon. 

All of these movies are very close to entering my Top Ten list, however, I still love all the movies in my original Top Ten list a little bit more than these newer ones.

Assignment 17 - The Bourne Identity

This action/thriller will have you on the edge of your seat.

The Bourne Identity is the film adaption of the Robert Ludlum novel.  Although the two stories are similar, they are also very different.  

Jason Bourne is an assassin who suffers from amnesia. While trying to rediscover who he is he meets Marie and together they travel around Europe trying to understand his past.  Unfortunately for them, the government that was Jason's previous employer doesn't want him to stay alive. 

The action scenes in this film are unparalleled by most movies and truly Doug Liman (director) has outdone himself.  Every sequence has a certain feel or emotion brought out by the unique setting, lighting, backdrop, sound effects and characters that give this film something that others often times seem to lack.  Every fight in the film makes to audience cling to the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen and the subtle suspense created through anticipation is undeniable.  

Matt Damon portrays the role of Jason Bourne like he was born to do it, he adds an element of strength that few actors could procure to the character.  Also, the sultry chemistry between Matt and Franka Potente (Marie) keeps the story alive with emotional drama. 

This film can be slightly confusing the first time you watch it, but it is also intriguing, which will make every audience member want to know more.  This story line is interesting and unique and it deals with the very serious moral issue of human life throughout.  This film will have viewer coming away understanding the intricacy of is message. 

Every angle of this film has the audience suspense-fully waiting for what will happen next throughout the movie. The film ties everything together and causes every viewer to want to watch it again and again.  

Assignment 16 - Meet the Parents

Meet the Parents is a comedic horror story. 

Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) dreams of proposing to his girlfriend, Pam Byrnes (Teri Polo) but first he must gain approval from her father Jack Byrnes (Robert de Niro).  When the couple goes back to Pam's home, Greg realizes he is in way over his head after a series of horribly awkward events occur.  This movie tells the story of every persons worst nightmare: terrible in-laws.  

Ben Stiller gives a classic performance as an awkward, funny man that constantly is put in the wrong situation at the wrong time.  This movie is also graced with Robert de Niro who gives a very intimidating performance as Jack Byrnes.  The strange situations that arise between these two characters will keep the audience chuckling all the way through.  Owen Wilson also makes a brief appearance as Pam's ex-boyfriend that is clearly favored by Pam's entire family over Greg.  Each person involved in this film brings something different to each scene and creates a very real atmosphere.

Each awful event that occurs to poor Greg has the audience twisting in their seats. Everything from Greg's ridiculous name (Gaylord Focker) to Jack Byrnes obsession with his sneaky cat, Mr. Jinks causes the audience to personally relate to this family on a real level.

This unfortunate weekend for Greg luckily makes a hysterical film for all who watch. Although not one of my most favorite movies, this is definitely a film that brings a lot to the table.

Assignment 15 - Juno

This quirky endearing tale touches everyone's heart. 

Juno is a sweet story about a unique teenage girl who becomes pregnant. Throughout the story we are able to see the relationships between Juno and her parents, friends, and the future adoptive parents of her unborn child. This insight leaves viewers wishing they knew someone like Juno to brighten their day.  

Ellen Page (Juno) does a phenomenal job at playing this funny but odd teenager, so well in fact that we have to wonder if perhaps this character is maybe a bit of Ellen Page herself.  The rest of the cast (including such gems as J.K. Simmons, Allison Janey, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) do not falter either.  Each character seems to fit the actor (or perhaps the other way around) superbly. The younger generation of cast members includes Michael Cera and Olivia Thrilby who also hold up in their acting abilities despite having such big shoes to fill.

This sweet story is unique unto itself for no other reason than the interesting array of characters assembled. Although the plot is relatively traditional, there are twists that only Juno could pull off throughout this film.  Also, director Jason Reitman does a wonderful job at interweaving several different thematic issues together flawlessly. 

Another spectacular element to Juno's success is the lovely soundtrack created to perfectly match the films themes and tones.  Music is really the center of the film, weaving in and out of each characters dialogue subjects and through each viewers mind.  This somewhat subliminal theme helps tie the film together while at the same time gives the viewer an audible delight.

Juno is a terrific movie that each viewer will want to watch over and over again. 

Assignment 14 - Prestige

Christopher Nolan's suspenseful film is full of twists.  This movie follows in the same spirit as Momento, Nolan's 2000 film.  

The Prestige goes through the lives of two rival magicians trying to discover the secrets of each others tricks. However, in typical Nolan style, the film jumps around from different perspectives and times from past to present to future.  This can to be confusing at times but always draws the viewer in, leading you on a wild goose chase that eventually ties together beautifully in the end. 

Each character does an amazing job at playing several different characters at the same time and constantly keeps the viewer unaware and wanting to know more.  Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play off each other in a very realistic way and seem to really be living in their characters heads.  The supporting cast is phenomenal as well, including prestigious members such as Michael Caine, Scarlett Johanson and David Bowie.

The only complaint I might have about this film would be that the big 'twist' in the end is not as impressive as it could have been, there could have been a more likely, yet still as unique answer for these magic tricks if the writers had put a little more thought into it.  Still, overall, there were plenty of other twists and turns to keep the viewer occupied. 

Christopher Nolan is somehow able to tie every twisted aspect of the movie together but the viewer never really knows how until the end. This is a movie that one needs to see twice in order to fully grasp.

Assignment 13 - Rushmore

Rushmore is a delightful movie with a quirky twist.

This endearing tale is about Max Fisher (Jason Schwartzman), a 15 year old student at Rushmore Academy who falls in love with a teacher at the school (Olivia Williams).  Along the way we realize that Max, although a devoted Rushmore lover, is a terrible student. However, we also see Max's love for extracurricular activities.  Max meets Miss Cross (Williams) and decides to build her an aquarium, with the help of the strange Mr. Herman Blume (Bill Murray).  The story progresses and Max is betrayed by his new, weird friend, Mr. Bloom, when he too falls for Miss Cross. Things really aren't going Max's way when he gets expelled from Rushmore and is forced to go to public school. Also he loses all of his friends because of a nasty rumor spread around campus.

This film is an interesting adaptation of a high school student.  It covers the role of Max from a completely unique perspective.  Mr. Blume and Miss Cross's relationship is also unique because Bill Murray and Olivia William's strange chemistry is prevalent throughout.  Also, one cannot help but love the quirky Max and all of his antics.  The supporting cast holds up splendidly as well and really delivers.

The comedic timing in this film is something to be admired, every moment is perfectly delivered and no line is forgotten.  After viewing this movie, one will have a tough time deciding which moment was their favorite, for their are just too many to choose.

Another thing that this movie excels in is it's unique plot.  It is not a run-of-the-mill dramedy, it is a new story filled with ingenuity and creativity. Something else interesting throughout this film is the recreation of Jacques Lartigue's photographs throughout the story, one in particular, Max sitting on a go-kart during a race behind him. This iconic image is subliminal in nature, but really helps tie the film together nicely.  As a long time fan of his work, I was very impressed to see it used so creatively in this movie.

This film will keep you laughing ironically at many of its beautifully crafted comical moments.  One will come away from this film wishing they knew a student like Max or wishing they could have been more like him in their youth.  This film really has something for everyone and never fails to deliver.  Though wildly unknown, the films semi-cult following prove its enduring qualities.  It is also a tribute to the film community because it accomplishes things that other films cannot; a beautiful sense of irony and endearment.  

Assignment 12 - Top Gun Critical Review

Top Gun leaves something to be desired.  

This movie it about Lt. Maverick (Tom Cruise) and his job as a pilot.  He is promoted after the number one pilot has a panic attack during flight. Maverick is sent to Top Gun Naval Flying School where he meets other pilots with bad attitudes and competitive spirits.  Maverick struggles to deal with his past and also to win over the flight instructor Charlie, a woman who he has had his eye on since their dramatic meeting in a bar. 

Top Gun is a cheesy story that is very flat, yet widely known.  This is the film that really launched Tom Cruises career and gave him the famous name that continues today.  This overly cliched film stays true to its cheesy and almost comical nature through and through.  It is the pinnacle 80's movie, and the romantic relationship between Maverick and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) is portrayed well through both characters, though very generic and impersonal.

The acting in the film in generally good, but the film really lacks anything to be remembered.  The actors do well at playing simple and generic parts that have been done much better and much to often before. Something interesting about this film is Meg Ryan's cameo performance. Though rarely recognized for this film, she plays a part very unlike any other she has since then. She pulls off the part well and comes off as the perfect girl for this film.

I guess if you're interested in seeing a cheesy 80's movie, with cheesy 80's acting and an equally cheesy soundtrack, then Top Gun is the perfect film for you. However if you long for something more profound, you could probably do better.