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Top 10 MAF of 2008: #7- “Body of Lies”
Posted on April 13, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Based on David Ignatius’s exciting novel, “Body of Lies” is a drama/thriller with one of the year’s most intriguing pair of leads: Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. The story follows a journalist, Dicaprio, who is hired by the CIA to track down an Al Qaeda leader in Jordan. With the mixture of brilliant action story-teller Ridley Scott as the director and William Monahan (”The Departed”) as the writer, “Body of Lies” has strong potential of being the dark action film of the fall.
Anticipation Category: Possible Strongest Thriller of the Year
Director Notes: Ridley Scott- director of “Alien,” “Gladiator” and “American Gangster”
Possible Threats: The last time Monahan and Scott teamed up, the mediocre “Kingdom of Heaven” was produced.
Release Date: October 10th
“Loss” is Another Iraq War Film Casualty
Posted on April 1, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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“Stop-Loss”
**
MTV and the War in Iraq–just hearing them in the same phrase is rather uncomfortable. How could quick cuts, cheap camera tricks, jarring editing, and color filters, the characteristics associated with MTV films, be compatible with a film about such a serious, modern-day issue? Thankfully, most of these elements are absent, and it is the lousy script that is the real downfall. Sure, watching Ryan Phillippe try to be a tough guy while maintaining his fake southern accent can be funny, but it is the direction the story goes, which seems contrived and false, that is the real problem. “Loss” wants to be an action film so badly, so why not make it one? Instead, we are treated to one wonderfully-done, realistic battle scene in Iraq (in the first 15 minutes), that is extremely affective, and an hour and a half of a decent drama story that adds in random (and usually pointless) fight sequences to feed its own desire for action. Unnecessary violence, open-ended subplots, and a flawed ending make “Stop-Loss” an unsatisfactory movie-going experience. The film is consistently entertaining, and has some strong scenes, but its story does not work to prove a point, and provides too little insight.
Getting Played by “Games” is Quite an Experience
Posted on March 27, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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“Funny Games”
***
Never have I researched a film so intensely before the grueling, depressing “Funny Games.” Its promotion as an artsy horror film had me very curious, especially since I had never seen any of critically-praised director Michael Haneke’s (”Cache”) work. But it was when I started reading about fifteen film reviews of it on rottentomatoes.com, when things really got crazy. I learned that its creepy home invasion plot was not quite as simple as I had envisioned. Instead, “Funny Games” is Michael Haneke’s mockery of Americans, and American horror films, and a disturbing cinematic experiment. Most reviewers urged readers to avoid it: “Michael Haneke hates you,” “You will feel used,” “Avoid at all costs.” On top of that, in terms of its horror and psychological power, critics were also blunt and one-sided: “It completely ruined my day,” “It has stayed with me and in my dreams for a week,” “overwhelmingly repulsive.”
My anxiousness level was sky-rocketing. I wanted no part in being Haneke’s test subject for 100 minutes, nor did I want to be depressed for weeks after, nor did I want to endure watching such relentlessly sick and horrific events. But I had gone this far in the excruciating research process, and realized that I was just too curious. I prepared myself psychologically as much as I could, telling myself that I was aware how potentially dreadful the viewing experience could be, but I needed to feed my interest, step up, and witness this controversial film, instead of killing myself over wondering would it be like. I also needed to convince myself that I was not a sadist; my motivation for seeing this film was not because I was dying to see realistic “torture porn,” but that I was dying to see, as a film analyzer and someone interested in film-making, a movie that produced such strong feelings and reactions. Finally, I grabbed two close movie-goer friends and we head off to the Waltham theatre. As a last hype-up and warning, we noticed that there was a sign on the theater door reading, “Please be advised that ‘Funny Games’ contains extremely disturbing content and that you will not be given a refund if you leave 30 minutes or later into the showing.” There was no turning back now.
My friends and I walked out of the theater uncomfortably, almost in a state of shock. Relentless and horrifying? Yes. Mocking and rude? Yes. Unbelievably thought-provoking and expertly crafted? Definitely, yes. Deciding whether to give the film a good review was almost as difficult as stepping up to see it in the first place. It was almost impossible to know what I was basing my star rating on, which makes “Funny Games” almost a pointless film to examine with a critical eye, but undeniably a great film to have a conversation about. No one that is mentally stable can come out of the film saying, “I loved that.” But is that what Michael Haneke wants? Was his goal to completely turn us off? If we give the film a good review have we fallen into his trap? Is he hoping that we will criticize it? And, once again, what are we critiquing– the effectiveness of the point Haneke tries to make? The craft of the filmmaking? Or most simply, the story and the way it is presented? Whatever it is, after 24 hours of thinking about it, I needed to do the film justice, and did what I thought was right, and gave it a positive review.
“Funny Games” works in two ways: as a powerful thesis on the state of modern American horror and as a completely unique horror/thriller. The relaxing introduction of a first-class family traveling to their vacation home is rudely interrupted by the loud, heavy music accompanying the opening credits. This is the first slap in the face that Haneke delivers. He seems to be saying sarcastically, “here, don’t you love this? Isn’t this so cool? Isn’t real-life horror and torture just so sweet?” And Haneke dishes the gore and cruelty later. One of the most intelligent decisions he made was having the violence be extremely non-graphic. Since virtually all of the disturbing scenes happen off-camera, Haneke avoids being a hypocrite and turning his mockery film into what he is mocking.
The two evil-doers, twisted, creepy teenagers played by Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet work their way into the family’s house with such sinister finesse that you, as the viewer, immediately root for the rich family, and want the creeps out of there as soon as possible. Pitt’s character even talks directly to the audience, acknowledging that we are on their side. His asides, some verbal and some only done through facial expressions, are extremely haunting, and remind us that we are a part of this even though there is no impact we can make. It is brilliantly eerie and depressing trick Haneke plays on us. Even worse are the villains’ ability to literally rewind a scene in order to make it work for them.
“Games” is definitely a film that one should think long and hard about before seeing. In fact, unless you are either way too curious, have an interest in filmmaking or need to see what Germans think about American horror, stay away from this film. Its tricks are unique. I admire its craft. It makes its point well. But it is just so rough sitting through, especially when the performances, particularly Pitt’s, are so incredibly well-done and realistic. So play, if you must.
Top 10 MAF of 2008: #8- “Valkyrie”
Posted on March 18, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Bryan Singer is a director who I believe has enormous potential and has recently been under-appreciated. He was the man behind the two original “X-Men” and the offbeat remake, “Superman Returns.” While it is valid to accuse Singer of making all these films, particularly “Superman Returns” (which Singer even called more of a romance film), a little lacking in energy and fun spirit, it would be unfair to say that he does not have clear talent. Singer’s interpretation of the superhero films was not only unique but brilliantly poetic with its visuals and audio. With “Valkyrie”, a true story about a plot to assassinate Hitler near the end of World War II, I think Singer has finally found some serious material that will match his serious artistic style. The film could be Singer’s breakout hit.
Anticipation Category: Possible “Big Surprise” of the Year
Director Notes: Bryan Singer- director of “The Usual Suspects,” the first two “X-Men,” and “Apt Pupil”
Possible Threats: Tom Cruise in one of the leading roles
Release Date: October 8th
Top 10 MAF of 2008: #9- “Tropic Thunder”
Posted on March 13, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Ben Stiller directs this offbeat-looking summer blockbuster about a group of actors shooting a war film who, through a series of events, are forced to actually become soldiers. I have been craving a solid action comedy for so long, and I am hoping “Tropic Thunder” will come through. Its cast alone makes it compelling enough to see: the return of Owen Wilson, a black Robert Downey Jr. (as seen above), Stiller himself, and the always entertaining Jack Black. “Tropic Thunder” looks like a consciously ridiculous, very fun piece of popcorn cinema.
Anticipation Category: Possible Most Entertaining Film of the Year
Director Notes: Ben Stiller- director of “Zoolander” and “The Cable Guy”
Possible Threats: May be too trashy, or humor may be drowned out in action
Release Date: August 15th
Top 10 MAF of 2008: #10- “Step Brothers”
Posted on March 6, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Admittedly, Will Ferrell’s film career has been suffering recently, as he has made such miserable choices as starring in “Kicking and Screaming,” “Bewitched,” and even last week’s apparently very disappointing, “Semi-Pro.” After doing four sports films, each one having slightly less quality than the previous one, Ferrell finally finds himself back away from sports, with what looks like a virtually new character. What more? Ferrell is starring opposite John C. Reilly and the film is being helmed by “Anchorman” director Adam Mckay. The two ridiculously immature adults become step brothers, and form vicious rivalry that later transforms into a close, whacky friendship. Their chemistry, as can be seen in the film’s trailer, is incredible, and undeniably hilarious. This Judd Apatow-produced goofy comedy has potential of being the “Knocked Up” of 2008.
Anticipation Category: possible funniest film of the year
Director Notes: Adam McKay- writer/director of “Talladega Nights” and “Anchorman”
Possible Threats: concept may grow old, plot may be too thin
Release Date: July 25th
What to See on DVD: “Into the Wild”
Posted on March 4, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Today, my sixth favorite film of last year, Sean Penn’s “Into the Wild”, was released on DVD, and I highly recommend renting it out, just as I have, before it flies off shelves. It is hard to remember the last time I was so inspired by a film. Maybe its just my personal taste and interests, but “Into the Wild” compelled me and moved me significantly. Sean Penn makes Christopher McCandless’s epic journey an entertaining, beautiful, and engrossing piece of film work.
Sweet and “Kind” of Funny
Posted on March 1, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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“Be Kind Rewind”
**1/2
Michel Gondry’s newest strange cinematic experience is a goofy, immature comedy that succeeds with its sweetness and creativity, but has trouble delivering real laughs. After a bland start, “Rewind” starts to pick up pace once it shifts its focus from “Fats” (a jazz musician who the video store clerks idolize) to the video store itself. Jerry (Jack Black) and Mike’s (Mos Def) attempts at remaking such blockbusters as “Ghostbusters” and “Rush Hour 2″ is genuinely fun and consistently entertaining. Watching them devise new methods of mimicking the special effects in the originals never ceased to intrigue and impress me. But, while Gondry’s originality and bizarre style is enchanting, his comedic directing suffers, making it look as if he hasn’t seen a comedy in years. Part of blame lies with Mos Def, who cannot seem to hit the right comedic note either. In the end, the audience winds up chuckling at the incredible inventiveness of the two leads (along with a couple solid lines from Black), instead of the obvious jokes, which fall flat.
The Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2008
Posted on February 27, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Now that the two weakest months of the year for film are coming to a close, let’s look ahead at what we can look forward to in the year 2008. In the upcoming weeks, I will present a list of the films that I am most anxiously awaiting in 2008. As any other year, there is a lot to be excited about. Even though my two favorite directors, Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino (both whom had films released in 2007), are absent from the 2008 line-up, Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood, M. Night Shymalan, and Steven Spielberg are all back. Buckle up and get out your calendars.
What to See on DVD: “Gone Baby Gone”
Posted on February 13, 2008 by Graham Marvin
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Ben Affleck’s triumphant directorial debut came out on DVD yesterday, and I highly recommend checking it out. Ranking #9 on my top 10 of the year list, “Gone Baby Gone” is an emotionally intense thriller that works as a depressing drama and a suspense flick. Both Afflecks do great work; Casey’s acting is sincere and moving while Ben’s direction creates a sharp, dark atmosphere that compels you immediately. “Baby” is an entertaining, powerful, thought-provoking experience that establishes Boston as a great film setting and redeems Ben Affleck abysmal film choices in the past.
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