Jean-Pierre Jeunet, most widely known to Pop America as the Director of Amelie, continues to elate audiences with his comical appeal on the dark-side of life... Lighting up the screen with intricate props that appeal to the viewer as much as the jovial bunch cast in the unusually delightful story of Micmacs.
The tale moves quickly as it is charming, bringing the audience smoothly up to speed to a somewhat reserved individual whose soon to be shot-gunned fate brings him to the likes of a contortionist, an ex-con, and a slew of charming vagabonds. Creating ultimately this fantastically wheeled story of the humor in revenge & the beauty in what we disregard.
The charismatic energy of the films overall creation - plot/picture/& thought - makes it perfect for the big screen, seeing every detail in this spectacularly bizarre spectacle... Leaving you not only looking forward to a repeat to the theater, but smiling a bit more as you walk out the door.
...I'd say more, but I really believe you should just go see it for yourself - it's more fun that way!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Light of Day
Stories today have become muffled in blandness, lacking the depth and focus of what is said in the unsaid. Sadly, the A-typical story line in the Vampire genre has been no exception with its stories of fated loved and writing that lacks originality. The only thing that seems to be reviving this old classic has been seen through the use of humor with hits like True Blood, editing with graphic novels such as 30 Days of Night, and a reflection of our humanity lost in stories like Daybreakers - in which I find most intriguing for taking an approach yet seen. The movie begs watchers to wonder - how would our humanity survive, if humans no longer were?
Editors today have been able to grab the audience with their mood altering techniques, but with good writing and an original screenplay, that mood is not just exemplified but heightened for an overall feeling of cold climate in a world lacking the warmth of life. The film is a story devoured by a world overpopulated with Vampires and malnourished by the near extinction of the human race. I warn - this movie should only be watched by those who don't scare easily, or gluttons for the grotesque as some visuals can be less than appetizing.
As with any unbelievable story, the set decorator adds a touch of humor with anecdotes that poke fun at the possibility of a world run by the fabled creatures of the night. Not to mention a metaphorical twist as the Pulse-less begin to bleed each other dry in a strategically set corporate future. It leaves you noticing interesting comparisons between a story of regaining soul and the world we live in today.
Overall, I give props to the Director for sticking to the storyline and not side tracking off to an unfounded and illogical romance as so many Vampire tales do - allowing us to focus on the importance of the story at hand. I have to say, why stray with a mix of self tortured protagonist's like Ethan Hawke and quirky stage-men seen through Willem Dafoe. See if any others will suck you in for the taking for this recently released to DVD flick.
Editors today have been able to grab the audience with their mood altering techniques, but with good writing and an original screenplay, that mood is not just exemplified but heightened for an overall feeling of cold climate in a world lacking the warmth of life. The film is a story devoured by a world overpopulated with Vampires and malnourished by the near extinction of the human race. I warn - this movie should only be watched by those who don't scare easily, or gluttons for the grotesque as some visuals can be less than appetizing.
As with any unbelievable story, the set decorator adds a touch of humor with anecdotes that poke fun at the possibility of a world run by the fabled creatures of the night. Not to mention a metaphorical twist as the Pulse-less begin to bleed each other dry in a strategically set corporate future. It leaves you noticing interesting comparisons between a story of regaining soul and the world we live in today.
Overall, I give props to the Director for sticking to the storyline and not side tracking off to an unfounded and illogical romance as so many Vampire tales do - allowing us to focus on the importance of the story at hand. I have to say, why stray with a mix of self tortured protagonist's like Ethan Hawke and quirky stage-men seen through Willem Dafoe. See if any others will suck you in for the taking for this recently released to DVD flick.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Entertaining Enough
Numerous relationships leave some a bit lack luster in the most recent romantic comedy, Valentine's Day, by Garry Marshall. Although there exist a long list of stars, including Marshall usuals as well as a few up and comers, I would have rathered less people and more focus for some of the more interesting stories that were muffled in the mix (ie. Julia Roberts, who never fails to be none other than a great Marshall Muse). I think there was a bit of a Love Actually comparison when this film first hit theaters, but do yourself a favor, and don't compare the two, it will just set you up for disappointment.
However, besides the screen hogging for less than special characters by the Hollywood big names, the mesh of love and humorous little tid bits make the film perfect if you need a silly and sappy distraction. There are some characters that bugged the story line, but no doubt they'll grow on you after the eighth time of side swiping the film while spending a day in lazy indulgences and busy housework. Luckily, Garry Marshall is a great director, so the constant switchback between characters helps the flow of the film and allows you to keep interest with at least one of the couples - reminding us that all you need is love.
Best advice, this film is only for those who are truly foolishly amorous at heart, please don't invite the boyfriends along unless their fans of the 27 Dresses cheese fest genre of film. Also - just know it will be ridiculous and enjoy it, that's what films are for.
However, besides the screen hogging for less than special characters by the Hollywood big names, the mesh of love and humorous little tid bits make the film perfect if you need a silly and sappy distraction. There are some characters that bugged the story line, but no doubt they'll grow on you after the eighth time of side swiping the film while spending a day in lazy indulgences and busy housework. Luckily, Garry Marshall is a great director, so the constant switchback between characters helps the flow of the film and allows you to keep interest with at least one of the couples - reminding us that all you need is love.
Best advice, this film is only for those who are truly foolishly amorous at heart, please don't invite the boyfriends along unless their fans of the 27 Dresses cheese fest genre of film. Also - just know it will be ridiculous and enjoy it, that's what films are for.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Curiouser & Curiouser
…lines most memorable from the Lewis Carrol classic and revisited and evolved in a whimsical depiction of the classic fable portrayed through Tim Burton’s eyes in Alice in Wonderland. I had not much hope for Tim Burton’s take, as I was worried that he, like so many other directors before, had tried to reinvent an already used idea that was perfect as is. That was not the case as Burton took a modernized spin with a maladjusted Alice, shaped a vivid revival of characters, and put a twist on the ever present themes of both the original Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
The story begins with Alice lying in a colorless life with residual tell-tale pains that leave her seemingly crazy with bouts unworldly to those around her. As she drifts from choice and maturity, she discovers the necessity of her being in a world only once imagined in a reoccurring dream. The story plays on introducing and revisiting characters from the classic, but styled in, a slightly dark and mazy manner as Burton does best. Thus reminding the viewer that although the story may have been done before, you probably have never seen it with this rapport.
Burton’s imagery extends to every corner of the screen as small as a grinning cats coat to as detailed as a scene set against a crystalline sky with lines of linen across a spotted beast. Constant wardrobe malfunctions lead Alice through an array of clothing options; fashionable amusements give reason for style goers to be truly charmed. The wardrobe craft begins in a quiet and classical interpretation of a 19th century peasant gown, but eventually transitions through a series of chiffon, satin, organza, and occasionally toole, off the shoulder layered treasures. Costumes alone open up a dialogue of Burton’s silent interpretation of the madness and beauty of Wonderland.
The story was equally entertaining with Helena Bonham Carter’s humorously wicked depiction of the wretched Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the overly pleasant White, and Johnny Depp as the nutty, rage worthy, heartfelt confidant and hatter to the confused and somewhat lost protagonist – Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska. The cast fills out with an abundance of delicious little delights giving animals not only the ability to speak, but vary in attitude and class, as they are nothing more than the grieved slaves to the Red Queen’s whim. The animal cast includes timid basset hounds, a spunky door mouse, an “off the cracker” hare to a prophetic blue caterpillar.
My only discrepancy toward the film was a tweaked out dance series with an unfortunate rushed ending. Leaving the viewer hoping to believe the enlightenment achieved by the end, but stifled by the stiff rush of a 2 hour limit. However if you can overlook these few flaws, I’d say you were in for quite a trippy treat.
The story begins with Alice lying in a colorless life with residual tell-tale pains that leave her seemingly crazy with bouts unworldly to those around her. As she drifts from choice and maturity, she discovers the necessity of her being in a world only once imagined in a reoccurring dream. The story plays on introducing and revisiting characters from the classic, but styled in, a slightly dark and mazy manner as Burton does best. Thus reminding the viewer that although the story may have been done before, you probably have never seen it with this rapport.
Burton’s imagery extends to every corner of the screen as small as a grinning cats coat to as detailed as a scene set against a crystalline sky with lines of linen across a spotted beast. Constant wardrobe malfunctions lead Alice through an array of clothing options; fashionable amusements give reason for style goers to be truly charmed. The wardrobe craft begins in a quiet and classical interpretation of a 19th century peasant gown, but eventually transitions through a series of chiffon, satin, organza, and occasionally toole, off the shoulder layered treasures. Costumes alone open up a dialogue of Burton’s silent interpretation of the madness and beauty of Wonderland.
The story was equally entertaining with Helena Bonham Carter’s humorously wicked depiction of the wretched Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the overly pleasant White, and Johnny Depp as the nutty, rage worthy, heartfelt confidant and hatter to the confused and somewhat lost protagonist – Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska. The cast fills out with an abundance of delicious little delights giving animals not only the ability to speak, but vary in attitude and class, as they are nothing more than the grieved slaves to the Red Queen’s whim. The animal cast includes timid basset hounds, a spunky door mouse, an “off the cracker” hare to a prophetic blue caterpillar.
My only discrepancy toward the film was a tweaked out dance series with an unfortunate rushed ending. Leaving the viewer hoping to believe the enlightenment achieved by the end, but stifled by the stiff rush of a 2 hour limit. However if you can overlook these few flaws, I’d say you were in for quite a trippy treat.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Currently Underway
Site still in development, please excuse any delays, but I will be posting shortly.
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