Mafiascum Movie Club

[MeMe]

Mafiascum Movies

Current film

:

The Purple Rose of Cairo

(1985) -- due Wednesday, August 3

chosen by MeMe

Content information for films can be found at Screenit and/or CARA.

Basics

:
Every week (or so), whoever's at the top of the queue will be in charge of choosing our film. We will give a reasonable "due date" for completion and then everyone who's seen the film will post a letter grade and a review (at least a couple of lines -- but they can be as long as you like), and discuss the movie as much as desired. Easy-peasy, no?

If you'd like to get in line to choose an upcoming movie, just post a notice to that effect in the thread. Each member can only have one movie pick as the current film or in the queue at a time. I will be "clearing out" the queue weekly by removing those who've not submitted reviews for any of the last three films. If you'd like to stay in line, either watch the films or let me know why it was impossible to do so!

Anyone can hop on in whenever -- but if you want to choose a film, you must sign up to do so and wait your turn.

Recent Films

:
13. Run Lola Run (2001)

MeMe

14. Ocean's 11 (2001)

inHimshallibe

15. Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Internet Stranger

16. True Stories (1986)

Fishbulb

17. Spellbound (2002)

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Movie Queue

Lauritz Melchior -

The Marriage of Maria Braun

aka

Die Ehe der Maria Braun

mlaker

[MeMe]

Past films & Ratings

:
1. Series 7: The Contenders (2001)

MeMe

2. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

halo freak

3. The Thirteenth Floor (1999)

Mr_Gnome_It_All

4. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

KingEnigma

5. The Cutting Edge (1992)

big_kahunia

6. Whale Rider (2003)

halfpint

7. Night of the Hunter (1954)

inHimshallibe

8. The Village (2004)

Talitha

9. Edtv (1999)

Fletcher

10. Seven Samurai (1954)

Internet Stranger

11. Bubba Ho-tep (2003)

Fishbulb

12. Cube (1998)

LoudmouthLee

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[MeMe]

Well, in my opinion, anything is fine to pick -- except porn (sorry IS). One thing I'm kind of

hoping

for, though, is that through this "club" we'll be exposed to films we might not have picked up otherwise. So while, say, Shrek may be a favorite of yours -- most everyone's probably already seen it, so it'd be a kind of weird thing to make everyone watch. But, like I said, on your turn you can pick whatever.

If anyone's worried about the content of a film, they can check both Screenit (though sometimes you'll end up spoiling the movie it's so thorough about objectionable content -- check out the "violence" link on Mulan to see what I mean) and CARA (very basic information -- and only on newer releases).

roland: are you suggesting Vol. 1, Vol. 2, or both?

[MeMe]

No...it's not the Joan Allen movie.

The title is "Series 7: The Contenders" -- is

that

the way you've searched for it? It'd be under "S" not "C" in the video store.

I rented it from my local Blockbuster on Friday and, like I said, it's available on Netflix. Anyone else having trouble?

[MeMe]

Why don't you just tell us the movies you've either already seen or have in your video collection and we'll choose from those, Gnome?

[MeMe]

I was apparently far too subtle in my attempt at comedy there...

[MeMe]

Yes - wait 'til deadline. If we submit ahead of time, it could spoil the story for some.

[MeMe]

Out of the 9 films named so far, I've seen 8. Is this unusual? I'm curious about the rest of you...

[MeMe]

Oh, no -- halfpint. That's not been updated in more than a year and it only contained the movies I'd seen in the couple of years

before

that in the first place. I'm crazy enough to have a complete database of all the films I've seen...but lazy enough not to update a website.

Gnome - well - you know.

[MeMe]

Yes. The one I've not see is "The Thirteenth Floor."

[MeMe]

Series 7: The Contenders

I don't think it's any secret that I'm crazy about some reality shows (The Amazing Race, Survivor, American Idol) and have great disdain for others (Big Brother, The Swan, anything with a rose ceremony). This movie strikes me as "just right" for my love/hate feelings toward this genre. If this were a real show -- it'd definitely be compelling television...but I'd probably do my best to hide the fact that I was hooked on it (like Jerry with Melrose Place!).

The vibe was quite cool...the way that it seemed like it might really

be

a show. Even though I'd seen this movie before, during the first couple of "pre-break bumpers" you know, where they do "coming up on

THE CONTENDERS

..." I actually had my finger on the fast-forward button, ready to skip through the commercials. I also appreciated the fact that the "contestants" seemed like real people -- kind of uncomfortable in front of the cameras and without extraordinary back stories. And I couldn't help but crack up at the illustration of how Jeff's surgery...that felt SO much like something we'd see in a real show: a gratuitous invasion of his privacy masquerading as sympathy.

The fact that all of the newer contestants just hated Dawn, the reigning champion, was just right. They verbally attacked her morals, appearance, and perceived heartlessness...then quickly became just like her, never noting the irony. It reminded me of the abuse that Rob Mariano got in the wake of Survivor: All-Stars...it's the perception that if someone's better than everyone else at a vicious game, they can't be decent humans.

One thing about which I still have a question is the reason for the ending re-enactment. My interpretation is that the events did not go down as portrayed...but I can't figure out what could have actually happened that would require them to have "lost" the footage.

Anyway - I enjoyed it. Clever concept and fast-paced enough that I didn't have time to get bored.

B+

[MeMe]

Sure, Tally - anyone can just drop into whichever movies they can.

And I'll put you in the queue anyway as there's plenty of time for you to pick a different film.

[MeMe]

Four dollars

??

That Blockbuster is seriously overcharging...it was $1.99 for 7 days here! Even the new releases are, maximum, $3.49.

[MeMe]

I just got a letter published in EW!

I didn't want to start a new thread...and this seemed as appropriate as any (since it was regarding this year's Oscars).

I'm pretty proud of myself

despite

the fact they changed one of my words, making the letter grammatically incorrect.

[MeMe]

Yes, current issue.

They did - but they retain the right to edit for length and clarity. Having worked for a newspaper, I know they're within their rights -- I just hate that it makes me look dumb.

What they changed was one word. My version was "And, more importantly, blahblahblah..." Theirs was "And, more important, blahblahblah." Are both acceptable and I'm just more comfortable with my way?

[MeMe]

Halfpint - my thoughts on "the show" were that it's some kind of National Lottery...some contestants said things like "it could happen to any of us" and when they came to tell the girl she was a contender, her mom said "not my baby" or something like that...

I think it's just a draft and when your number's up, it's up.

As for Dawn, I think you have to win two series to be out. They said several times that "just 6 contenders stand between Dawn and her freedom."

I'm still confused about the reason for the re-enactment, though.

Thanks for reviewing, halfpint! And anyone who sees a film -- even if it's weeks after its "due date" -- please feel free to comment. I can always adjust the average score.

[MeMe]

A Beautiful Mind

I find it very difficult to grade this film without also grading the man (even in his fictional form) at the

center

of the story. This guy was a jerk who thought the rules didn't apply to him. He believed himself to be head and shoulders above others -- the only one with potential for originality. There's a tremendous scene in which he plays Go and, when he loses, blames the

game

for his loss, declaring that his play was perfect...knocking over the board in his hurry to escape from the failure.

The tragedy of this movie is that all of the amazing portions of it are simply inventions (either of his imagination or of the filmmakers). The secret government work? Awesome, but fake. The "stick with my man even in the rough times" attitude of his wife? Wonderful, but that's not the way it happened... Ron Howard seems incapable of trusting his audience with the truth, rough edges and all, about this unlikable man -- demanding that we not only respect his genius, but feel all warm and fuzzy about his behavior too.

This was the second time I've seen this film - the first time was in the theater after it'd been nominated. I remember that, at that time, I was quite irritated with Crowe's performance as it seemed to be just a collection of tics. This time, I appreciated the performance more -- due in no small part, I'm sure, to the fact that I was in my living room and able to rewind a bit to catch things he mumbled.

Certainly worth watching, but don't believe for a minute you're seeing an accurate bio-pic.

B

[MeMe]

As for John Nash, quite unlikeable, yes. Bah, I’ll be accused of being too PC, but is it accurate to call him a jerk when his behaviours are most probably a direct result of his mental illness?

This is a fair point, in general...but I'm also talking about his refusal to go to class...his contempt for others' ideas...etc., which seem more a result of his "I'm better than you" attitude (cultivated by his mother from a young age, according to several sources -- including his own sister who says he was always treated differently and given leave to behave antisocially in pursuit of his genius) rather than his psychosis. Granted, I know very little about mental illness, but I have a hard time forgiving people who dismiss me and/or my thoughts as inconsequential.

Basically, there may have ultimately been a

reason

for his behavior, but the outward manifestation was that he acted like a jerk a lot of the time.

halo - I, too, really like the scene in the bathroom where Connelly rages. I was pleased with her Oscar win (though I was rooting for Marisa Tomei).

[MeMe]

Oh - and I've also decided to change how this "club" works somewhat. If you've not graded any of the most recent three movies, you will be removed from the movie-picking queue (though they'll be eligible to get back in if they start reviewing).

I basically want to prevent those who aren't interested in participating by watching others' picks and submitting grades/reviews from choosing the viewing material.

While I know that some movies won't be findable for everyone -- I do think that everyone should be able to watch and grade at least one in every three films. If it so happens that you you've attempted to do so but have been unsuccessful, just let me know.

Does that seem reasonable?

[MeMe]

Wow, I didn't know that.

I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I've been told more than once that it's a good thing I'm not a therapist or I'd have quite a few suicidal patients. I have very little patience/understanding for those who have screwed up lives regardless of the cause and my idea of helping someone through a behavioral problem is to counsel them thusly: "Stop

doing

that." I have infinite compassion for children...but have to work really hard to extend it to adults.

So, I guess as a result of my ignorance/low frustration level I'd

still

call him a jerk. I'm not PC enough to differentiate between jerk-like behavior and actual jerk status. Probably not very fair...but it

is

effective in keeping my life relatively jerk free!

[MeMe]

I demand a letter grade!

[MeMe]

Sorry, I'm a movie geek.

Then why aren't you watching and reviewing??

[MeMe]

If Fishbulb can do it, so can I, dangit!

Cube (Natali - Canadian)
Rashomon (Kurosawa - Japanese)
Requiem for a Dream (Aronofsky)
Pi (Aronofsky)
Memento (Nolan)
Donnie Darko (Kelly)
Amores Perros (Gonzalez Inarritu- Mexico)
Brazil (Gilliam - UK)
Kalifornia (Sena)

Cube

- liked the concept...but there's still the big "WHY" I couldn't get around.

Requiem

- Heartbreakingly terrific; Connelly's story in particular

Pi

- Had an unusual vibe I really dug...but, after a while, felt more about atmosphere than story

Memento

- one of my favorites

Donnie Darko

- I was planning on choosing this for the club at some point...this is some of my original review "

My word. How did they cram so much inventiveness into one film? How did they know just how far to go with the characters to make them believable and sad and only slightly ridiculous? If they just got lucky, that's cool for them. If this was their master plan, they're freakin' geniuses.

"

Amores Perros

- first time I ever saw Gael Garcia Bernal and I fell in love with him here. Terrific movie all around

Brazil

- Ugh. I'll leave it at that.

Rashomon's been on my "to-see" list forever. It's a touchstone film -- I'm forever hearing other films being compared to it (isn't this the "several different and differing perspectives on one event" film?)

Kalifornia didn't interest me much...but I'll watch anything that's recommended to me by anyone who loves quality films (which excuses me from watching "Without a Paddle," thankfully).

Welcome LML! And it's

never

too late to submit a review. I'll add your grade into to the front page average.

[MeMe]

You're pushin' it, bub.

Why don't you watch & rate, as long as you're following the thread, Fish?

[MeMe]

Line or two is certainly enough -- I hope that

no one

feels obliged to type paragraphs if they don't want to.

[MeMe]

The Thirteenth Floor

OK - first,

very

cool premise. When "The Sims" for PC first came out, I would get immersed for hours at a time. I was definitely into this idea. But instead of just having fun with the concept of entering a fake world from a real world...which is actually a fake world conceived in THE real world...they had to get all silly.

Wouldn't it have made more sense just to enter the game as yourself in "costume"? Like, create a skin for each new user that just hangs out in an apartment digitalized just for that purpose?? But, no -- they had to make it all difficult. And then they insult me by turning it into a "bad guy" movie. He terminated a few fake people! And became eeeee-vil! And I also hated the end twist. I understood the bartender coming into the intermediary world because both of those were programs...a glitch could feasibly explain that. But a program taking the place of a flesh and blood reality? Come on now, people!

Listen, Number 5 isn't alive. Just because a computer program does what it's programmed to do...in this case, act human...it doesn't mean it IS human. The storyline of unhappy wife falling in love with a digital guy felt a little too much like naming your blow-up doll and toting it along to lunch with your friends.

So...concept = cool. What they did with the concept = not cool.

C-

[MeMe]

Dr. Strangelove...

Second viewing (first saw 5+ years ago).

Much better this time around...the first time, I watched it alone in the middle of the afternoon and my overwhelming feeling was "how overrated can you

get

"? I usually note where and with whom I watch films because I realize that mood has a great deal to do with enjoyment.

Sellers gets so much praise here, but his Strangelove is far too obvious to elicit any laughter from me. However, his President (phone conversations with Dmitri especially) and Mandrake are comedy gold; Sterling Hayden's precious bodily fluid talk and denying the ladies his "essence" also gave me the giggles. But if I'm going to praise the comedic acting in this one, I have to give George C. Scott the bulk of my applause. Everything he

did

had me grinning like a fool. I mean "I wish we had us one of those Doomsday Devices"??

Please

.

So: War Room scenes: A+; Burpelson scenes: A-; plane scenes: B

Adds up to an

A-

for me.

[MeMe]

The Cutting Edge

Second viewing (first saw 4 or 5 years ago).

Unlike Dr. Strangelove, this didn't get better the second time around for me. I cringed at Moira's huffing, I cringed at the mid-'80s-vibe soundtrack (what was music this bad doing in a '90s flick?), and I cringed at the wooden acting. But my biggest irritation was due to the fact that this is a movie against the beautiful backdrop of figure skating...and the actual competition scenes were filmed in such a way that I couldn't even see the moves clearly -- the camera was either tight-focused on the feet, utilizing quick-cuts, or panning so fast and blurrily that I couldn't figure out what was going on. I get it...I'm savvy...they weren't really able to do the stunts, but that's what body doubles are for, man. Give me some pay-off: I sat through the practice footage, now show me the result, dangit!

And what's with the "I did the Pamchenko because I looooooove you" lesson at the end? It's only true love if I'm willing to risk paralyzation for my man?

Again

with the cringing.

So, I could tolerate it -- but I can't imagine there will be a third viewing.

C-

[MeMe]

Whale Rider

Though the film is distinctively mystical in tone, I cried through so much of it the first time I saw it (during its theatrical run), my heart simply breaking for the parallels between this story and the struggles that many face in their churches and families. People don’t stay…true leaders are scarce…many who do stay are filled with sorrow that the powerful feeling of being a part of something worth belonging to is gone.

This time around, the film felt like a naturalistic fairy tale. These are people who lack leadership for their once-proud Maori tribe. Those who remember their past glory are discouraged or running away from the present, tattered reality. The elder tribesman is attuned to the state of affairs and that they're in desperate need of repair -- and forces those he deems most promising to undergo training. He is, of course, disappointed when results do not come. You see, it is not for him to decide who is or is not worthy to lead; it is the job of the mighty spirits to choose and to gift a leader.

Anyway -- both times I just loved it. This is a brave and beautiful movie. When Paikea gives her award-winning speech, I just

lose

it.

A

[MeMe]

But anyway - It’s a complete treat to see NZ on the big screen in such a realistic way and in such a beautiful story. (A necessary antidote for Once Were Warriors, I feel!)

"Once Were Warriors" just rips me to shreds...is it realistic at all? In, obviously, an ugly way?

[MeMe]

If you can't find it at Blockbuster, check the local library -- that's where I found it.

[MeMe]

Alright - we're slackers. Fletcher & I haven't had time this week to watch Night of the Hunter, but we plan to do it tomorrow evening.

Until that time, I'll just say that I watched this movie about 6 years ago and, although I didn't write a text review at that time, I can tell you that the grade I gave it after that viewing was "D-." I will be watching with an open mind and I'll change the grade if I find I've changed my mind!

[MeMe]

Night of the Hunter

Momma always told me if I didn't have something nice to say -- don't say anything at all.

F

Oh, who am I kidding...

Yuck yuck yuck yuck yuck. Seedy story. Bad acting. Horrible direction. Case in point: what was up with that ooo-eee-ooo-eee-ahh hop run that propelled Mitchum to the barn near the end of the film? I feel quite sure that the direction he was given was "Hey, Bob -- remember when Bugs Bunny gave Elmer Fudd a hotfoot? Do what he did, but with a Yosemite Sam accent. OK --

Action

!"

Ninety minutes that feel like several hours. I must've been in a really good mood the first time I saw it -- I can't think of any other reason to have given it anything above the lowest possible rating. At least I can be thankful that Charles Laughton never directed any other films.

[MeMe]

I wouldn't have been surprised if you'd chosen it because you loved it -- IMDb's average score (of 7,372 votes) has it at 8.2 out of 10 stars. I just don't understand

why

.

[MeMe]

The Village

Second viewing (first saw just a few months ago).

I'm a fan of Shyamalan -- even though his dialogue can be pretty stiff in all of his movies. Looooved Sixth Sense. Became an Unbreakable Apologist when it was widely misunderstood. Signs? Great.

But this one? What a huge disappointment. It was obvious what the "twist" was (I figured it out before I ever even rented the thing) -- but I thought that it wouldn't matter much if the film itself was well done. No such luck. The dialogue is laughable…the blind girl's not blind-acting enough...and the retarded man-boy is hostile and frightening for no discernible reason.

And while I empathize with the desire to keep family safe at all costs...and to live somehow more simply than society allows -- I just don't understand some of the ridiculous choices that were made in the founding of this settlement. For example: why on earth would they choose to speak like the Amish? What purpose does that serve? And why did they go to the bother of pretending that it was ACTUALLY the early 1800s (as the tombstone at the beginning said)? If I were born and was told it was 2130 I wouldn't think "well, shouldn't we be way more modern then?" I'd just assume that the world looks like THIS in 2130.

C-

(Saved from a D because I enjoy some romance -- and Ivy's "quit asking me" flirtation was somehow lovely. I know that's kind of a small thing...but sometimes just one beautiful moment can linger in my mind for years and that's certainly worth a slight bump in grade)

[MeMe]

Edtv

Fourth (maybe fifth?) viewing.

Well, it's probably pretty dang obvious that I like this one or I wouldn't keep watching it, eh?

It's a charmer -- and the casting is

fantastic

. I mean, Woody Harrelson & Matthew McConaughey as brothers? And Dennis Hopper as pop? Perfect. Ellen DeGeneres is also terrific -- her scenes crack me up despite the fact that I can quote them right along with her.

And I understand what halfpint's saying about Elfman - she does irritate me in almost every other role I've seen her do - but I think she really works in this role. It's

because

she's kind of whiny and not everyone's idea of a perfect woman that it makes

sense

for the TrueTV viewers to align against her.

B+

(and I'll agree it's no Truman Show...but seeing as I grade that one a "C" -- that's a

good

thing)

[MeMe]

And we've only got three pending picks in the queue -- anyone want to choose another?

[MeMe]

Erm...I don't think I'm

that

desperate yet.

Anyway, you'll have to wait until your movie is out of the "current film" slot before making another pick -- hopefully, by that time, someone else will have come to the rescue.

[MeMe]

Great, Nanook! Just read the first couple of posts -- those give all the information you need. Keep in mind that you have to review films to pick films!

[MeMe]

So...take out "EuroTrip" and make your next pick "Mask of the Phantasm"?

[MeMe]

Time to post the next movie -- though Fletcher and I've not yet finished watching Seven Samurai. The 3 1/2 hour length came as *quite* the surprise! Hopefully we'll have time to watch the rest of it tomorrow.

Incidentally, the copy we have is from the library - 2 nearly worn-out VHS tapes with white subtitles that get lost against the white robes and light-colored land. It's reminding me of Goldmember.

[MeMe]

Seven Samurai

I'd never seen this (so woo-hoo!).

I mentioned in my earlier post that the copy we had was pretty beat up and the subtitles were unreadable a full third of the time. But it would take a heckuva lot more than a jumpy picture and confusion about what's being uttered for me not to love this movie. I think I'll get a copy of the DVD and rewatch it...this is good enough that I don't want to be in the dark about anything that happened.

A

[MeMe]

Bubba Ho-tep

This is a cut & paste of my comments from when I watched it in June 2004 -- Fletcher and I have yet to watch it "fresh" (the fact that he now has a girlfriend makes scheduling two hours to watch a film together much more difficult than it used to be )

An extremely clever idea (Elvis traded places with an impersonator and is still alive in a southern rest home) nearly ruined by using it as a springboard for a schlocky mystical horror movie. Still - some extremely funny lines ("I'm thinkin' with sand here") and game performances make it somewhat entertaining. Gary

loved

it.

C

[MeMe]

Cube

This is a cut & paste of my comments from when I watched it in April 2004 -- Fletcher and I have yet to watch it "fresh" (yes, I

know

I repeated exactly what I said for Bubba Ho-tep's earlier review, but I've now watched that one again and upgraded it from "C" to "B-" -- perhaps just knowing what I was getting into this time around made it easier to go with the weird flow of it)

Effective mindgame of a movie. Moves along quickly and is rather tense. No big complaints, really -- except for Holloway's acting (really stiff) and the huge "WHY" that's impossible not to ask. Still…really cool. I know they made a sequel, but I think I'd have to employ a much larger font-type for the "why" on that one.

B

[MeMe]

Run Lola Run

Probably my fifth viewing.

This is a hard one to talk about without giving much away...so I'll just say that this is a movie I use to hook people who declare that they hate "reading" movies and usually give the foreign film shelves a wide berth. So alive that

none

of my strictly English-speaking friends have complained at being forced to watch this.

Once a few more people have seen it, I'll talk a bit more.

A-

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alright -- "Ocean's Eleven" is at the top of the list and I forgot to get clarification on whether inHim was choosing the 1960 Rat Pack romp or the 2001 update. So, the due date for the next film will be pushed back a week (to May 30) and I'll post which it is as soon as inHim tells me. And, you know -- I'm thinking that we might have a better turnout if we slow the pace a bit. I've been disappointed the last few weeks with the lack of reviews (and new queue suggestions) and I'm hoping that by simply giving everyone a bit more time to find and watch them, we might increase participation. Or is that just wishful thinking? Should I just let the club die?

[MeMe]

I'm going to extend the "due date" for Ocean's 11 another week -- to June 6.

[MeMe]

Ocean's 11

Third viewing -- but I'd have been quite content stopping after the first!

This is just lots of fluffy fun. All of the actors are appealing, though I

especially

like Matt Damon. The only things that bug me are Cheadle's accent, which makes me work way too hard for the lightness of this film (even requiring subtitles at times) and Julia Roberts, who's just so dang enamored with herself (it pleases me

no end

that others are sick of her too). And has anyone else noticed how ridiculous she looks walking in high heels?

B-

[MeMe]

Can I jump in, just to review at this point? How far back shall I go? (I've seen four of the current 13, not counting Ocean's 11)

Sure, jump on in! You can review all or none of the movies you've seen (I vote, of course, that you review

all

).

If you want to choose a movie, you'll have to review at least every third movie while waiting in line -- this is to make sure that those picking the movies are also watching picks others have made.

[MeMe]

Alright - we're officially moving on to the next film...

Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm

(chosen by IS). We'll give two weeks for this deadline.

Loudmouth & Talitha: if you've got film picks, I'd love to get them on the list!

[MeMe]

I love the "And Then" sequences in RLR. The concept alone is cool -- something I'd never seen -- but I thought it was especially awesome how the small shifts in what was happening

now

translated to huge changes in future stories.

[MeMe]

I just watched

Overnight

-- have you seen it, Flay?

[MeMe]

Ah. Interesting doc on the quick rise & fall of the writer/director of Boondock Saints.

[MeMe]

Sure, Lauritz. I'll put your film on the list -- but one of the requirements for selecting films is that you review at least one of the three films directly preceding your pick.

I look forward to your comments!

[MeMe]

I agree, Fishbulb. I looked at is as "if these choices are/were made...this will be/was the outcome" rather than a

Butterfly Effect

supernaturalism.

[MeMe]

When I saw Get Shorty, I laughed embarrassingly loud when John Travolta invited Renee Russo to Touch of Evil with, "Wanna go see Charlton Heston be a Mexican"?

I don't think anyone else in the theater got it...

[MeMe]

Batman: The Mask of the Phantasm

Second viewing.

It's got good-looking animation...though it's strangely inconsistent in regard to some characters' bodies. Andrea looked, at times, like a linebacker with stovepipe legs and, at others, like a willow.

Short and interesting -- I especially liked the flashbacks to his "straightening out the superhero kinks" days. Fine way to pass an hour…but not strong enough story-wise or beautiful enough visually to watch repeatedly.

B-

[MeMe]

So whats the deal? Is this getting abandoned?

No - but I might change the title to "MeMe & IS Grade the Movies!"

Sorry, just been a work week from hell and I've been doing the bare minimum on the site.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

True Stories

First viewing.

I love quirky. Makes me smile. This, however, veered from quirky to downright weird a few too many times for me. The fashion show, the dinner scene (which, despite the fact that I'm a fan of Spalding Gray monologues, bored me silly -- though I admit it was visually stunning), and the mere existence of Swoosie Kurtz's character went overboard -- while John Goodman's character, the lying woman, and walking through the mall (took me right back to my high school years: Jeans West, County Seat, and Kinney Shoes, baby!) were just right. I also really enjoyed several of the karaoke-ish numbers, especially "Wild Wild Night" (in the club), the one the 4-H Kids sang (but I forget what it was now) and "People Like Us" (Louis's Talent Show Song).

My absolute favorite scenes were the scenes in which Byrne was playing tour guide -- his deadpan just killed me. These probably aren't completely accurate quotes, but...

"This isn't a rental; it's privately owned"
"That's some fancy driving"
"They sell a lot of these, but I don't see anyone else wearing them"
"I have something to say about the difference between American and European cities, but I forgot what it is. I have it written down at home."

...I'd have loved an entire film of just him walking around commenting on what he saw and what was running through his head.

This is a true original, if not quite as good as it *could* have been. It almost hurts the film a bit to have several flashes of brilliance interrupted by boring stretches.

B+

[MeMe]

And it's time to change the current movie to Spellbound (and make sure you don't get the Hitchcock thriller...you're looking for a documentary here) -- which will be due, um, let's say July 20.

[MeMe]

Apparently I am the only one watching. I don't care.

Spellbound

Completely absorbing documentary following eight elementary to middle school kids as they prepare and compete at the 1999 National Spelling Bee. I watched this with my husband and, at one point, we cheered when a particularly difficult word was spelled correctly. We both kind of grinned embarrassedly afterward...but that's how well done this film is. You're drawn in despite the fact that the subject sounds rather dry.

A

~~~~~~~~~~

I'll let the club die if no one posts a review for Purple Rose of Cairo as that'd be three in a row I'll have watched alone.