500 Days of Summer

I have no (good) explanation as to where the hell my reviews have been… reviews for, oh gee, movies like Oscar winner Slumdog, or Drag Me to Hell, which literally felt that way for 2hours- and not in a scary way but a painfully bad way. I mean I can’t believe I didn’t even write a review for the new Transformer’s movie…

All I can say is, I write when I am inspired. And after seeing 500 Days of Summer, here I am writing again. This is a movie that I wish I made myself! It has just the perfect balance of smart and witty but still real and believable characters. The plot is so cliché- the “new take” on the boy meets girl love story- yet this movie is just that, an original, fresh way of telling that same old story (actually it’s just a boy meets girl story).

But the true star of this film, the real source of my inspiration comes from 3 simple letters: JGL. This is the point where the line gets drawn. This is his break out performance that allows me to make this next statement with confidence: Joseph Gordon Levitt is the real actor of his generation. And I don’t mean that as a knock at shia. I am a shia fan! But JGL is picking roles that showcase his talent and range as an actor! And in 500 days he matures from the “indie” costar, in to a real movie star, with the charisma and likability that cannot be taught! The dude is just cool, and so is this movie. JGL is on his way to be the next Edward Norton or Johnny Depp, and if he continues with the diversity in his role selection - he just might be the next LEO.

JGL is head of the class for the next generation of actors. If you don’t believe me, see 500 Days of Summer. And then watch transformers (again) and see which one you feel inspired to write about.

Rachel Getting Married

This is very exciting. The first “oscar buzz” movie I see, and its better than I was even hoping for!!! Anne Hathaway has been mentioned often for early oscar contention. I am always a little hesitant going into these movies where the “actror” is all that is mentioned in the reviews- ie “Monster”, where Caharlize Theron was the ONLY good part of that movie, … So my expectations where very guarded – trying not to expect too much, but really hoping for something good. .. Well, it was beyond good. It was great!!! Not only is Anne phenomenal, but her supporting cast was every bit as good- dad, sister, mom (deborah winger), random violinist, etc..)

It was probably the most realistic, authentic wedding experience every put on film. And although I didn’t have crazy relatives fresh out of rehab joining the wedding party, I felt such a connection with all the preparation and sincerity that was shown by family and friends throughout this movie – especially the “singing rehearsal dinner moments”.

It has a great story, relatable characters, and a cinematic style that at first borders on motion sickness but after a few minutes places you directly in this family amongst all of its emotional conflicts. If you are looking for a deep, emotionally raw film- this is the best of the year so far.. .. and im starting to feel a little bit confident in emphasizing the “SO FAR” part.

Rating: 9

Anticipation

Anticipation. That’s what this time of year is all about… Whether its turkey legs and Turkey Bowl, or Black Friday sales and Steak Escape, this is the time of year we start looking forward to things.

Besides the obvious number one (Santa), the release of serious Oscar contending movies is right at the top of my excitement list. Even with last years terribly disappointing films, I find myself itching to watch the vast number of films ive been reading about in fall movie previews now for months. The summer movies have set a pretty high bar with Iron Man, Wanted, and Dark Knight- three of the best summer blockbusters ive seen in a long time. And now my hope is that the drama comes full force this Oscar season. - Of course my hope is also that 2Me is going to be a blast Wednesday night before thanksgiving, which uh, doesn’t always work out quite that way - I just really hope the trend of crappy endings, un relatable characters, pointless storylines, and deserts don’t show up anywhere near a movie theatre this year.

I want the chemistry between Leo and Kate to jump off the screen and into my lap- Leo included as long as he doesn’t have some horrible south African accent. I want David Fincher’s Benjamin Buttons to be creepy and thought provoking and emotional and layered and brilliant. I'm hoping there is a surprise indy flick that isn’t trying to be little miss sunshine or juno, but has its own INDEPENDENT idea and style. I want Mickey Rourke to actually be good enough to claim a career comeback, rather than just be old enough.

I hope Will Smith doesn’t bug me. I hope Adrian Brody saves the Beyonce movie. Basically I want the movies to be good this year. People complain about piracy and a dying industry, but you know what, make GOOD movies and people will go to the theatres for them. o, here is to hope. Here is to change, and here is my oscar prediction….. The Dark Knight.

MOVIE REVIEW - W. and RELIGILOUS

I saw these movies within a couple of days of one another. And they both left me with a similar feeling, entertained, glad I saw it, but a little underwhelmed. They both were kind of what I expected. I didn’t learn really anything new about W. and I didn’t gain a new perspective on religion. And while W. did attempt to humanize quite possibly the worst president in our nation’s history, I often wondered where these “stories” came from… There wasn’t much beyond generalizations of “Daddy issues” and “stupidity.” …and Bill Mahr was funny, made some great points, …but man, if you are making a full feature movie, maybe have some better comebacks than …”Reeeallly???” ..or… “come on, really? Really?” I just wanted more from both of these movies…

However. After reading this article Titled “Jesus and Witches,” http://www.newsweek.com/id/166215/page/1 I couldn’t help but connect these two movies. Suddenly they both felt very important and necessary. It frustrates me that politicians not only feel a need to “be a person of faith” but HAVE to pander to the religious right so badly that literally a crazy lady like Palin gets the Republican VP nomination BECAUSE of her “strong religious background” – uh u mean her craziness? If Bush hasn’t taught this country enough about the disasters of ruling by Manifest Destiny, and the corruption of forming US policy with a a sense of entitlement from god, then I stand by my wife in saying “We are not coming back from Italy.” Whether its legislating a religious interpretation of marriage into general law, or relying on “jesus” as a serious advisor to policymaking for this country, Religion needs to back the Fck up out of politics. Waging a “war on evil” sounds like a bad movie script, let alone a legitimate US foreign policy. A few days ago Lex and I drove by some “Yes on Prop 8” activists (aka Christian evangelicals, crazies) and as lex was giving them the double bird I couldn’t help but wonder what politician is pulling the strings of these religious puppets. It is that tangled. As of late, religion has become far more concerned with political agendas than providing service to their communities. Something needs to change, quickly. Otherwise Im stuck wandering the Vatican walls, in my attempt to “protest to religion in this country.”

MOVIE REVIEW - Into the Wild

This movie inspires.

Ask Lexie. I spent one of the most sacred holidays of the year, Columbus Day, at home cleaning our disaster of a room. Two loads of laundry, 8 trash bags of filth, some dusting and half-assed vacuuming, a closet door that can actually be opened now, and, most importantly, a quaint little grin on Mattie Mckinnon's face each time he walks past our door. And all of this because of this movie. Thank you Sean Penn. Thank you for taking this story beyond just a movie, and making it a life-changing experience. Amazing cinematography, focused direction, surprisingly great (Eddie Vedder) music, and truly committed acting (by all, even Vince Vaughn) make this one of if not THE best movies of the year. I don't want to ruin this story like Oprah did, or the book (really just Oprah-who reads?) so I won't reveal the ending. Just know this is a very documented, researched, and accurately portrayed true story.

I'd like to close with this final thought. Emile Hirsch lost 41 of his 156lbs during this role. He performed all of his own stunts- including kayaking down the Colorado River and floating downstream nude in 35 degree water. It is a memorable performance to say the least. So memorable, that Rolling Stone recently wrote, "(Emile Hirsch) is the only hope for bringing down this Shia LaBeouf boy-wonder era."

Final score, on a scale from 1-10: I give this a 9.5

MOVIE REVIEW - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Oscar-winning actor, Casey Affleck.

Next year those words won't sound so ridiculous.

My first thoughts when hearing word of Brad Pitt's new movie were: "Fallout Boy is now writing titles for movies, not just crappy songs? That's annoying." However after seeing it, I am sold. It is an excellent film. As I mentioned, Casey Affleck is remarkable. A classic character, like that of Val Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Casey Affleck makes you understand why they crammed his character's name (and description) into the title. "That'd be a funny joke. If it were funny." A classic line.

Brad Pitt is awesome, as always (side note: Brad Pitt's good looks often prevent him from getting proper respect as an actor. Those who claim he "isn't that good" are simply wrong, much like their Madonna arguments). The tension and uneasiness Pitt creates as Jesse James is something that could land him an Oscar of his own. The film is poetic in its story telling and visual composition. It sits with you long after the credits, but unlike Rendition, for all the right reasons.

Final score, on a scale from 1-10: I give this a 9

PW Editor's Note: Casey Affleck did not win an Oscar. All I'm sayin'

MOVIE REVIEW - Michael Clayton

Mid-point of our movie marathon.

We were off to a slow start choosing "Rendition" Friday night, and with my mom nodding off to sleep next to me during the first 15 minutes of Michael Clayton (the 4:30pm showing nonetheless), we were not looking good. But then came Tom Wilkinson, who has to be one of the most slept-on actors, that ALWAYS delivers, and this movie just gains speed. Not to mention maybe George Clooney's Best performance ever. There is a classic style about this film that is refreshing. If you liked Erin Brokovitch, and would have loved it, if it wasn't for horse-faced Julia Roberts, then you need to see Michael Clayton. Very solid choice.

Final score, on a scale from 1-10: I give this an 8