Tweet
Have you seen the newest Count of Monte Cristo? That's in my top 5 movies of all time, I'm gonna watch the original as soon as I find it 0_0.
-
-
dell71, my wife is a big Cher fan so I was forced to watch "Tea with Mussolini" recently. I am eagerly awaiting your review.Comment
-
I can honestly say that neither of these is on my radar. At one time, I wanted to see The Count of Monte Cristo, just never got around to it. Maybe I still will. As far Tea with Mussolini goes...I had forgotten it even existed, much less watched it. Since you say you were "forced" to watch it, you'll have to excuse me for not rushing it to the top of "to watch" list.Comment
-
Tough crowdComment
-
Count fo Monte Crsico is the film that got the Count cast as Jesus Christ in Mel Gibsons movie.Comment
-
Just start downloading shit off. Be easier than going to Blockbuster/Netflix.
Comment
-
If you're a Scorsese completist, I'd recommend Shutter Island Dell.Comment
-
Whatever Works
Directed by Woody Allen.
2009. Rated PG-13, 92 minutes.
Cast:
Larry David
Evan Rachel Wood
Patricia Clarkson
Ed Begley, Jr.
Conleth Hill
Michael McKean
Henry Cavill
Plot: Old, pessimistic genius and New York native Boris Yellnikoff (David) meets young, impressionable airhead, country-girl-in-the-big-city Melody (Wood).
The Good: It sticks to the tried and true Woody Allen formula, stylistically. Boris talks almost incessantly, rambling about this or that, often directly to the audience. He often acknowledges us and even tells other characters about us. It's an interesting twist. In the course of his many diatribes, there are some sharp, funny criticisms and observations of society. However, instead of Allen himself playing the lead role, it's Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm fame. This works as the persona fits him perfectly. His performance is wonderful, never coming off like a Woody impersonator. Instead, he makes the character his own. Nearly stealing the show is Patricia Clarkson as Melody's mom. Her character grows more "worldly" as the movie progresses and Clarkson makes the transition naturally.
The Bad: Plenty of Allen's protagonists have been quirky and cynical. However, they usually possess an amiability, even a cute patheticness that endears them to both the women they love and the audience. Boris, on the other hand, has a thoroughly nasty demeanor and abrasive arrogance. Though smart may he be, this makes his ravings tiresome. He's not only unlikeable to us, we can't even fathom why Melody takes to him the way she does. She seems to be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome rather than actually falling in love with him. Then there's the constant anti-religious vibe hanging over everything. It's going to turn some people off, at first. Then, it'll turn many more off as that turns into full-blown atheism. Even more will be driven away simply because Boris seems obsessed with the idea and won't stop talking about it. Maybe if he were a little nicer the movie could get away with it, slide by with a wink and a nod. Instead, this eventually feels like an all-out attack on the very notion of God. Though uncomfortable for many, atheism is a legitimate school of thought, like it or not. Delivered a certain way, it might not change anyone's mind, but a palatable movie could be made. Spewed forth in a never-ending series of venomous barbs, it's just as overbearing and off-putting as those who try to repeatedly beat us over the head with their pro-religious beliefs. Subtle, this is not.
The Ugly: The band Melody goes to see. The name? Anal Sphincter.
Recommendation: If you're a devout Woody Allen follower or fan of Larry David or if cynicism gives you joy, take a look for yourself then come back and tell me I'm wrong. It's okay, I already know that's what you'll do. If you're not already a fan of his, I doubt this movie will convert you.
The Opposite View: Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
What the Internet Says: 7.3/10 on imdb.com (2/24/10), 47% on rottentomatoes.com, 45/100 on metacritic.com
MY SCORE: 5/10Comment
-
Comment
-
Can't find your review of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang since it's not on the front page, I just watched it and thought it was REALLY good, definitely one that I'll add to my collection at some point
Comment
-
Comment
-
man maybe Woody just isn't for you, i loved it
Whatever Works
Directed by Woody Allen.
2009. Rated PG-13, 92 minutes.
Cast:
Larry David
Evan Rachel Wood
Patricia Clarkson
Ed Begley, Jr.
Conleth Hill
Michael McKean
Henry Cavill
Plot: Old, pessimistic genius and New York native Boris Yellnikoff (David) meets young, impressionable airhead, country-girl-in-the-big-city Melody (Wood).
The Good: It sticks to the tried and true Woody Allen formula, stylistically. Boris talks almost incessantly, rambling about this or that, often directly to the audience. He often acknowledges us and even tells other characters about us. It's an interesting twist. In the course of his many diatribes, there are some sharp, funny criticisms and observations of society. However, instead of Allen himself playing the lead role, it's Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm fame. This works as the persona fits him perfectly. His performance is wonderful, never coming off like a Woody impersonator. Instead, he makes the character his own. Nearly stealing the show is Patricia Clarkson as Melody's mom. Her character grows more "worldly" as the movie progresses and Clarkson makes the transition naturally.
The Bad: Plenty of Allen's protagonists have been quirky and cynical. However, they usually possess an amiability, even a cute patheticness that endears them to both the women they love and the audience. Boris, on the other hand, has a thoroughly nasty demeanor and abrasive arrogance. Though smart may he be, this makes his ravings tiresome. He's not only unlikeable to us, we can't even fathom why Melody takes to him the way she does. She seems to be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome rather than actually falling in love with him. Then there's the constant anti-religious vibe hanging over everything. It's going to turn some people off, at first. Then, it'll turn many more off as that turns into full-blown atheism. Even more will be driven away simply because Boris seems obsessed with the idea and won't stop talking about it. Maybe if he were a little nicer the movie could get away with it, slide by with a wink and a nod. Instead, this eventually feels like an all-out attack on the very notion of God. Though uncomfortable for many, atheism is a legitimate school of thought, like it or not. Delivered a certain way, it might not change anyone's mind, but a palatable movie could be made. Spewed forth in a never-ending series of venomous barbs, it's just as overbearing and off-putting as those who try to repeatedly beat us over the head with their pro-religious beliefs. Subtle, this is not.
The Ugly: The band Melody goes to see. The name? Anal Sphincter.
Recommendation: If you're a devout Woody Allen follower or fan of Larry David or if cynicism gives you joy, take a look for yourself then come back and tell me I'm wrong. It's okay, I already know that's what you'll do. If you're not already a fan of his, I doubt this movie will convert you.
The Opposite View: Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
What the Internet Says: 7.3/10 on imdb.com (2/24/10), 47% on rottentomatoes.com, 45/100 on metacritic.com
MY SCORE: 5/10
Comment
Comment