Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday August 10th, 2008
IDIOTS AND ANGELS
6/10
The last film of the festival. What a pity that I didn't enjoy it more, but admittedly, I was very tired and have a cold, so that might have adversely affected my abilities to fully appreciate it. It's an animation by Bill Plympton, whose film 'Hair High' was one of my favourites at MIFF in 2005. I really enjoyed the creativity in this film about a man who grows angel wings, but just couldn't get into it. I may try again one day if I have the chance, but in the meantime I'll rate it well based on the excellent animation work and poorly on the story itself.
6/10
The last film of the festival. What a pity that I didn't enjoy it more, but admittedly, I was very tired and have a cold, so that might have adversely affected my abilities to fully appreciate it. It's an animation by Bill Plympton, whose film 'Hair High' was one of my favourites at MIFF in 2005. I really enjoyed the creativity in this film about a man who grows angel wings, but just couldn't get into it. I may try again one day if I have the chance, but in the meantime I'll rate it well based on the excellent animation work and poorly on the story itself.
Saturday August 9th, 2008
SOMERS TOWN
8/10
One of my favourite films of the festival. Shane Meadows did last year's Closing Night film at MIFF, This is England, and also did Dead Man's Shoes at MIFF 3-4 years ago. I loved both of those films, and this one makes three out of three. It's a short one, only 75 minutes, and shot in black and white. It's the story of the friendship between a homeless boy (played by the main actor from This is England, Thomas Turgoose) and a Polish immigrant whose parents are divorced and is taken care of by his working class father. Lots of great moments and beautifully filmed with plenty to keep your eyes interested. Hopefully this will get a cinema release here.
THE WACKNESS
6.5/10
This film had all the ingredients for being fantastic, but for some reason it just didn't equal the sum of its parts for me. It's set in NYC in 1993(?) and is about a loner kid who's just finished high school and is whiling away the summer dealing marijuana to the locals, including a psychiatrist played by Ben Kingsley, who offers him advice in return for some stash. I can't help but think that it would have been better if they hadn't tried to set it in the early 90s and just updated the story for today. Maybe I'm missing the point, but the dialogue was distracting, yo. Word.
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF MY SEXUAL FAILURES
6/10
This was a documentary, but really, like Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me, it's really just made for entertainment and not for a factual unbiased representation of an event or set of facts. It's about a guy who's been dumped by nearly all his girlfriends over the years and sets out to try and find out why. Sorry if it's a spoiler, but jeez, if you're an unemployed, dirty lazy guy who plays with action figures and can't get an erection, what do you expect? There were plenty of funny and cringeworthy moments, but I couldn't help but think he was playing a part rather than being his true self when talking on film, and a couple of parts just seemed to much like stunts for entertainment rather than being relevant to the story (visit to the bondage mistress and the viagra episode, mainly). Not a terribly film, but I think it could have been better if he'd left the devices for entertainment out, or toned them down at least.
8/10
One of my favourite films of the festival. Shane Meadows did last year's Closing Night film at MIFF, This is England, and also did Dead Man's Shoes at MIFF 3-4 years ago. I loved both of those films, and this one makes three out of three. It's a short one, only 75 minutes, and shot in black and white. It's the story of the friendship between a homeless boy (played by the main actor from This is England, Thomas Turgoose) and a Polish immigrant whose parents are divorced and is taken care of by his working class father. Lots of great moments and beautifully filmed with plenty to keep your eyes interested. Hopefully this will get a cinema release here.
THE WACKNESS
6.5/10
This film had all the ingredients for being fantastic, but for some reason it just didn't equal the sum of its parts for me. It's set in NYC in 1993(?) and is about a loner kid who's just finished high school and is whiling away the summer dealing marijuana to the locals, including a psychiatrist played by Ben Kingsley, who offers him advice in return for some stash. I can't help but think that it would have been better if they hadn't tried to set it in the early 90s and just updated the story for today. Maybe I'm missing the point, but the dialogue was distracting, yo. Word.
A COMPLETE HISTORY OF MY SEXUAL FAILURES
6/10
This was a documentary, but really, like Morgan Spurlock's Super Size Me, it's really just made for entertainment and not for a factual unbiased representation of an event or set of facts. It's about a guy who's been dumped by nearly all his girlfriends over the years and sets out to try and find out why. Sorry if it's a spoiler, but jeez, if you're an unemployed, dirty lazy guy who plays with action figures and can't get an erection, what do you expect? There were plenty of funny and cringeworthy moments, but I couldn't help but think he was playing a part rather than being his true self when talking on film, and a couple of parts just seemed to much like stunts for entertainment rather than being relevant to the story (visit to the bondage mistress and the viagra episode, mainly). Not a terribly film, but I think it could have been better if he'd left the devices for entertainment out, or toned them down at least.
Thursday August 7th, 2008
BOY A
7/10
Interesting film about a young man who is about to re-enter society with a new identity after having spent years in a correctional facility for his part in the murder of a girl when he was a child. While he appears to be rehabilitated by the system, others wouldn't be so quick to forgive and forget, including the press. The film follows his story as he starts in a new town with a new job and starts making new friends. Definitely a well made film, and I thought worth watching based on its creating a protagonist out of a character that would usually be 'the bad guy'.
7/10
Interesting film about a young man who is about to re-enter society with a new identity after having spent years in a correctional facility for his part in the murder of a girl when he was a child. While he appears to be rehabilitated by the system, others wouldn't be so quick to forgive and forget, including the press. The film follows his story as he starts in a new town with a new job and starts making new friends. Definitely a well made film, and I thought worth watching based on its creating a protagonist out of a character that would usually be 'the bad guy'.
Wednesday, August 7th, 2008
A CONFUCIAN CONFUSION
N/A
Walked out. I just couldn't be bothered trying to get into this film, which appeared to continue to talk about emotion. I am pretty tired generally at the moment, and after 30 minutes the sunshine of outside was more alluring that continuing to watch.
IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS
8/10
This black and white film is about a lonely scriptwriter on New Years Eve whose career is going nowhere and is paranoid about standing at a party at midnight without someone to kiss. His housemates suggest he puts an ad on Craigs List, and the film follows his encounters with the woman who responds. Lots of good laughs in this lowish budget film. Reminiscent of Before Sunrise, so if you liked that, be sure to check it out.
SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO
4/10
I love a good Western and also am quite partial to Japanese films, so was quite looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, not even Quentin Tarantino's presence in a small role doesn't save this film. I suspect it's written with many clever nods to cultural and/or pop references that I know little about, and it just didn't make sense to me. One of the big flaws with this Japanese Western was that the Japanese actors spoke english in an attempted Western drawl. With their Japanese accents it was extremely hard to understand what was being said a lot of the time. Lots of nice camera work and style, but beyond that I I was lost.
N/A
Walked out. I just couldn't be bothered trying to get into this film, which appeared to continue to talk about emotion. I am pretty tired generally at the moment, and after 30 minutes the sunshine of outside was more alluring that continuing to watch.
IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS
8/10
This black and white film is about a lonely scriptwriter on New Years Eve whose career is going nowhere and is paranoid about standing at a party at midnight without someone to kiss. His housemates suggest he puts an ad on Craigs List, and the film follows his encounters with the woman who responds. Lots of good laughs in this lowish budget film. Reminiscent of Before Sunrise, so if you liked that, be sure to check it out.
SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO
4/10
I love a good Western and also am quite partial to Japanese films, so was quite looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, not even Quentin Tarantino's presence in a small role doesn't save this film. I suspect it's written with many clever nods to cultural and/or pop references that I know little about, and it just didn't make sense to me. One of the big flaws with this Japanese Western was that the Japanese actors spoke english in an attempted Western drawl. With their Japanese accents it was extremely hard to understand what was being said a lot of the time. Lots of nice camera work and style, but beyond that I I was lost.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Tuesday August 6th, 2008
MAD MAX 2
8/10
Champagne comedy! Oh, it's an action film? I'd seen Mad Max 2 about 20 years ago and thought it was pretty good at the time, but barely remembered anything about it. So, when I saw it was going to show on the big screen, I thought it was well worth checking out. And I was right - it's a great film given the time that's passed - the action sequences are really well done and the pacing of the film still keeps you watching. Some of the lines and many of the costumes and hairstyles are laughable now though - calling the bad guy 'Lord Humungus' and dressing all his cohorts in homoerotic assless leather chaps is hilarious. I know that if I was hanging out in the desert, I'd certainly think that leather pants and chains for a top made good sense. Anyway, a good romp and still entertaining. I was thinking while watching it that they could just about retell the story in the Star Wars universe with Han Solo as Mad Max, Chewbacca as Max's dog, and an ewok as the feral kid. Am I right or am I right?
Monday August 4th, 2008
BOOGIE
6/10
I'm not sure if Romanian films and I are going to get along. I went against the grain last year by disliking '4 Weeks, 3 Months, 2 Days', and this one while better, wasn't fantastic. It's about Bogdan (aka Boogie) who normally works excessively long hours, but is taking a well earned holiday with his wife and young son. He crosses paths with a couple of old high school friends, and goes out for a night of debauchery with them. As a new father who has trouble juggling everything on his plate, I identified a little bit with Bogdan - the difference is that I've chosen to prioritise what's important to me (entirely) differently, and therefore had a hard time empathising with the character.
6/10
I'm not sure if Romanian films and I are going to get along. I went against the grain last year by disliking '4 Weeks, 3 Months, 2 Days', and this one while better, wasn't fantastic. It's about Bogdan (aka Boogie) who normally works excessively long hours, but is taking a well earned holiday with his wife and young son. He crosses paths with a couple of old high school friends, and goes out for a night of debauchery with them. As a new father who has trouble juggling everything on his plate, I identified a little bit with Bogdan - the difference is that I've chosen to prioritise what's important to me (entirely) differently, and therefore had a hard time empathising with the character.
Sunday August 3rd, 2008
NOODLE
8/10
I'm a new father, and this is my first film festival as one. I've noticed that aside from a severe lack of sleep that my brain has been reprogrammed - I see the MIFF advert with the little baby there and think about how cute my boy is. Sad, but true. So, when I see films now, they have different a different effect on me than they might have in previous years... Which is all said because Noodle was a great little film that really pulled at the heart strings. It's about a chinese boy whose mother is a cleaning lady for a twice widowed Israeli flight attendant. She leaves her six year old son with the flight attendant for an hour after receiving a phone call, but never comes back. The story is cute and funny and at times sad. The little boy in this is great too. Highly recommended for those who like a sappy sweet film.
EMPTIES
6/10
This Czech film is about a teacher of retirement age who (you guessed it) retires. He's still an active person, more in mind perhaps than in body, and has some trouble adjusting to retired life. It follows him as he tries to pick up new jobs and the various people he meets along the way. It was a little drawn out, and to be honest I felt a little let down by the ending, but overall, it was enjoyable enough.
O' HORTEN
6/10
(Note that I fell asleep for about 20 minutes in this film, so if anyone wants to argue the review with me, they have every right to). This was a quirky film that got stranger by the minute - it's about Odd Horten, an engineer on a train in Norway who reaches retirement age, and how he spends his time. If it sounds familiar (see Empties) then it's pretty similar in premise, but quite different in execution. A far more appealing film visually.
SON OF RAMBOW
7/10
A nice and often funny film about a quiet school boy whose mother is very religious and whose father has died some time ago. When he crosses paths with a bratty class clown, a friendship forms and together they set about making their own film, where Rambo (yes, that Rambo) needs rescuing by his son. Probably would appeal to those who like Wes Anderson's Rushmore. The scene in the senior students common room was hilarious. Recommend it if you want a off-centre feel food flick.
8/10
I'm a new father, and this is my first film festival as one. I've noticed that aside from a severe lack of sleep that my brain has been reprogrammed - I see the MIFF advert with the little baby there and think about how cute my boy is. Sad, but true. So, when I see films now, they have different a different effect on me than they might have in previous years... Which is all said because Noodle was a great little film that really pulled at the heart strings. It's about a chinese boy whose mother is a cleaning lady for a twice widowed Israeli flight attendant. She leaves her six year old son with the flight attendant for an hour after receiving a phone call, but never comes back. The story is cute and funny and at times sad. The little boy in this is great too. Highly recommended for those who like a sappy sweet film.
EMPTIES
6/10
This Czech film is about a teacher of retirement age who (you guessed it) retires. He's still an active person, more in mind perhaps than in body, and has some trouble adjusting to retired life. It follows him as he tries to pick up new jobs and the various people he meets along the way. It was a little drawn out, and to be honest I felt a little let down by the ending, but overall, it was enjoyable enough.
O' HORTEN
6/10
(Note that I fell asleep for about 20 minutes in this film, so if anyone wants to argue the review with me, they have every right to). This was a quirky film that got stranger by the minute - it's about Odd Horten, an engineer on a train in Norway who reaches retirement age, and how he spends his time. If it sounds familiar (see Empties) then it's pretty similar in premise, but quite different in execution. A far more appealing film visually.
SON OF RAMBOW
7/10
A nice and often funny film about a quiet school boy whose mother is very religious and whose father has died some time ago. When he crosses paths with a bratty class clown, a friendship forms and together they set about making their own film, where Rambo (yes, that Rambo) needs rescuing by his son. Probably would appeal to those who like Wes Anderson's Rushmore. The scene in the senior students common room was hilarious. Recommend it if you want a off-centre feel food flick.
Saturday August 2nd, 2008
FIGHTER
7.5/10
Kind of a cross between Karate Kid and Bend it like Beckham (neither which are bad films in their own right). It's probably not a necessary film, and certainly not an important film but it was good fun and well put together with a nice style to the filming. I couldn't get this song out of my head while watching...
THE POPE'S TOILET
Review to come...
7.5/10
Kind of a cross between Karate Kid and Bend it like Beckham (neither which are bad films in their own right). It's probably not a necessary film, and certainly not an important film but it was good fun and well put together with a nice style to the filming. I couldn't get this song out of my head while watching...
THE POPE'S TOILET
Review to come...
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 1st, 2008
BEN X
8/10
Awesome and powerful film. It's about a teenager named Ben who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism. He's a smart kid, but doesn't really fit in as a normal high school kid, being unable to interact socially with others. As a result is he is horribly teased. However, when he plays his online games, his mind is freed and he can function in that virtual world just fine. This story is about how he's treated and how he deals with it. Highly recommended.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
5/10
A disappointing vampire film from Sweden. Similarly to Ben X, the story revolves around a boy that is bullied, however in this case, his aide is in the form of a young Vampire. The shots were nicely done, but other than that it was a very patchy story, which just didn't grab me at all, and was unable to give me any kind of idea as to what it was trying to say or be. Sometimes suspenseful, but it felt like there were a lot of subplots going on without a major actual plot to consider. Poorly constructed. It's based on a book which is meant to be really good, so perhaps invest your time in reading it before you watch it.
8/10
Awesome and powerful film. It's about a teenager named Ben who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism. He's a smart kid, but doesn't really fit in as a normal high school kid, being unable to interact socially with others. As a result is he is horribly teased. However, when he plays his online games, his mind is freed and he can function in that virtual world just fine. This story is about how he's treated and how he deals with it. Highly recommended.
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
5/10
A disappointing vampire film from Sweden. Similarly to Ben X, the story revolves around a boy that is bullied, however in this case, his aide is in the form of a young Vampire. The shots were nicely done, but other than that it was a very patchy story, which just didn't grab me at all, and was unable to give me any kind of idea as to what it was trying to say or be. Sometimes suspenseful, but it felt like there were a lot of subplots going on without a major actual plot to consider. Poorly constructed. It's based on a book which is meant to be really good, so perhaps invest your time in reading it before you watch it.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
July 31st, 2008
ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD
7.5/10
One of the few documentaries that I'm seeing this film festival. It's by Werner Herzog, whose film 'The Wild Blue Yonder' was at MIFF a couple of years ago, and which I particularly enjoyed. It's about a few of the base stations down in Antarctica. However, instead of the more typical documentaries which focus on historial expeditions to Antarctica, or the land itself, he primarily shows us what kind of people work down at the bottom of the world, and finds some real gems. The true quality though is in his narration, which is very humourous and makes the film.
WENDY AND LUCY
5/10
A few years ago I got suckered into seeing a couple of films by Andrew Bujalski, the 'new indie darling of American cinema' at MIFF (They were Funny, Ha Ha and Mutual Appreciation. Both were atrociously bad IMHO.) This year it's Kelly Reichardt's turn. Now, admittedly this film wasn't actually 'bad' - not like the two other films I mentioned, but anticipation was high for me that this may be the pick of the festival, so when it wasn't to my liking it was all the more disappointing. I think the main problem I have with the film was the lack of enough content to make up the already short at 80 minutes feature length film. This should have been a short film and it would have been fantastic if it had been. I don't mind slow pace (see my review for 'Time to Die'), but this just didn't deliver much. I don't think I was alone in my low opinion given the number of people who I saw leave during the session, and the groans I heard when the credits came up at the end followed by uncertain applause.
7.5/10
One of the few documentaries that I'm seeing this film festival. It's by Werner Herzog, whose film 'The Wild Blue Yonder' was at MIFF a couple of years ago, and which I particularly enjoyed. It's about a few of the base stations down in Antarctica. However, instead of the more typical documentaries which focus on historial expeditions to Antarctica, or the land itself, he primarily shows us what kind of people work down at the bottom of the world, and finds some real gems. The true quality though is in his narration, which is very humourous and makes the film.
WENDY AND LUCY
5/10
A few years ago I got suckered into seeing a couple of films by Andrew Bujalski, the 'new indie darling of American cinema' at MIFF (They were Funny, Ha Ha and Mutual Appreciation. Both were atrociously bad IMHO.) This year it's Kelly Reichardt's turn. Now, admittedly this film wasn't actually 'bad' - not like the two other films I mentioned, but anticipation was high for me that this may be the pick of the festival, so when it wasn't to my liking it was all the more disappointing. I think the main problem I have with the film was the lack of enough content to make up the already short at 80 minutes feature length film. This should have been a short film and it would have been fantastic if it had been. I don't mind slow pace (see my review for 'Time to Die'), but this just didn't deliver much. I don't think I was alone in my low opinion given the number of people who I saw leave during the session, and the groans I heard when the credits came up at the end followed by uncertain applause.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
July 30th, 2008
TIME TO DIE
7.5/10
A Polish film about an old woman, living alone in her house of many years. Her son's grown up and doesn't pay attention to her, and her days are spent monitoring the neighbours and talking to her best friend, Phila, her dog. It's filmed in black and white and beautifully done. The pace is quite slow, enough that I started to drift off. But if you're happy to sit and watch as the film goes by, may be worth looking at.
CARAMEL
7/10
A comedy/romance set in Beirut, at a hair salon. It's watchable, and probably would appeal to women more than men as it tracks the various relationships of the women hair stylists as well as a couple of others nearby. Favourite scenes were the ones involving the old mother of the seamstress across the road.
7.5/10
A Polish film about an old woman, living alone in her house of many years. Her son's grown up and doesn't pay attention to her, and her days are spent monitoring the neighbours and talking to her best friend, Phila, her dog. It's filmed in black and white and beautifully done. The pace is quite slow, enough that I started to drift off. But if you're happy to sit and watch as the film goes by, may be worth looking at.
CARAMEL
7/10
A comedy/romance set in Beirut, at a hair salon. It's watchable, and probably would appeal to women more than men as it tracks the various relationships of the women hair stylists as well as a couple of others nearby. Favourite scenes were the ones involving the old mother of the seamstress across the road.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
July 29th, 2008
APRON STRINGS
7/10
This is a NZ film, but mostly set in a shopping strip that once was once primarily caucasian, but now has many minorities including Vietnamese and Sikh. It mainly tells the stories of two different families; a caucasian and a sikh one, and how they've experienced a family related trauma in the past that continues to have effects today. Worth seeing, and thankfully plays through without turning into a hollywood 'everything turns out super in the end' ending.
IN BRUGES
8/10
A dark comedy that tends towards violent drama at points, set in Bruges (which is in Belgium), and starring Colin Friels and Blendan Gleeson as two english hitmen who are sent by their boss (played by Ralph Feinnes) to Bruges to 'cool off' after a hit goes wrong. A funny and original story which keeps you entertained throughout. It's getting a major release really soon, so if you miss it at MIFF you'll certainly still be able to watch it. Fiennes does a great job at the criminal boss.
7/10
This is a NZ film, but mostly set in a shopping strip that once was once primarily caucasian, but now has many minorities including Vietnamese and Sikh. It mainly tells the stories of two different families; a caucasian and a sikh one, and how they've experienced a family related trauma in the past that continues to have effects today. Worth seeing, and thankfully plays through without turning into a hollywood 'everything turns out super in the end' ending.
IN BRUGES
8/10
A dark comedy that tends towards violent drama at points, set in Bruges (which is in Belgium), and starring Colin Friels and Blendan Gleeson as two english hitmen who are sent by their boss (played by Ralph Feinnes) to Bruges to 'cool off' after a hit goes wrong. A funny and original story which keeps you entertained throughout. It's getting a major release really soon, so if you miss it at MIFF you'll certainly still be able to watch it. Fiennes does a great job at the criminal boss.
Monday, July 28, 2008
July 28th, 2008
FROZEN RIVER
6.5/10
Not a terrible film, but not fantastic either. This film was about a mothers doing what they have to in order to make a better life for their kids - one, a Mohawk (American Indian/Native American) and the other a 'white woman' (as referred to by the aforementioned woman) who is trying to get enough money together to upgrade her trailer home to a kit home. In this particular case, she does so by delving into a somewhat 'grey' area of the law relating to people smuggling between the Canadian and US border. I must admit that I was jumping ahead in my mind to guess the plot, and what I predicted didn't happen, so thumbs up there. It's just that some of the acting was so poor by the small parts that it really jarred.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
July 26th, 2008
A fantastic MIFF day today - caught four films (but missed Noodle - may catch it the next time it's on), and all of them were great!
RUMBA
7.5/10
This is what the film festival is about for me - a total risk and something I know I'd never see despite any potentials anywhere else due to time or other constraints. It's a very visual comedic film about a couple who love to dance - an unfortunate accident awaits them though which throws their world into disarray. Very little dialogue, but entertaining to watch throughout. A cute film to make you smile.
WELCOME TO THE STICKS
7.5/10
A light French comedy about a postal manager who is feeling a lot of pressure from home to get transferred to the Riviera. However, when his efforts go a little too far, and he gets caught out, he ends up being sent to Northern France as a punishment. Good fun involved, particularly the scene where his wife visits the town up North to see how bad it is for him.
THE VISITOR
8/10
Really touching film from the US which is about the collision of lifestyles between a university professor in a rut and a couple of illegal immigrants who are innocently living in his unused New York apartment without his knowledge. A strong message about detention centres in America, and how to the land of liberty and justice for all isn't necessarily so. At the same time it doesn't pander to too many cliches. Highly recommended.
THE BANK JOB
7/10
This one's getting a major release soon. UK Heist flick about a bunch of petty crooks in London who rob Lloyds Bank in the early 1970s, and the various types of trouble that ensues. The police aren't the only parties interesting in finding them... It's no Lock Stock, but still worth a watch.
RUMBA
7.5/10
This is what the film festival is about for me - a total risk and something I know I'd never see despite any potentials anywhere else due to time or other constraints. It's a very visual comedic film about a couple who love to dance - an unfortunate accident awaits them though which throws their world into disarray. Very little dialogue, but entertaining to watch throughout. A cute film to make you smile.
WELCOME TO THE STICKS
7.5/10
A light French comedy about a postal manager who is feeling a lot of pressure from home to get transferred to the Riviera. However, when his efforts go a little too far, and he gets caught out, he ends up being sent to Northern France as a punishment. Good fun involved, particularly the scene where his wife visits the town up North to see how bad it is for him.
THE VISITOR
8/10
Really touching film from the US which is about the collision of lifestyles between a university professor in a rut and a couple of illegal immigrants who are innocently living in his unused New York apartment without his knowledge. A strong message about detention centres in America, and how to the land of liberty and justice for all isn't necessarily so. At the same time it doesn't pander to too many cliches. Highly recommended.
THE BANK JOB
7/10
This one's getting a major release soon. UK Heist flick about a bunch of petty crooks in London who rob Lloyds Bank in the early 1970s, and the various types of trouble that ensues. The police aren't the only parties interesting in finding them... It's no Lock Stock, but still worth a watch.
Friday, July 25, 2008
July 25th, 2008
THE GUITAR
5/10
The premise of this film was pretty interesting, I thought. A girl finds out she has terminal cancer (with one month to live), and then on the same day, loses her job, and her boyfriend dumps her. So, with that as the introduction, the film proceeds to show how she deals with the short path before her. One of the recurring elements is her memories as a child of wanting a red guitar very badly, yet never realising that dream - until now. I thought the first 10 minutes of the film were excellent, and perhaps this set me up for a bigger fall ultimately. The problems are in the execution - the plot borders on ridiculous, isn't anywhere near realistic, and I had a lot of trouble empathising with Melody, the main character, which made it hard for me to go along for the ride. I really don't want to say too much about the plot points lest I spoil the film for others, but let's just say the ending would have been better had she wound up as the first president of the world, after solving world peace. Oh, and someone should tell her about eBay.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Future film junkie
Pic of my bub wearing last year's MIFF t-shirt, purchased while he was in utero. I rememember at the time being disappointed that they didn't have newborn sizes. But he's five months old now and he's almost outgrown it! Luckily I might spring the bucks for a new one in a couple of weeks :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Fourth Year
Hi,
Another year has passed and I return to the blogosphere for the fourth time for MIFF '08. I must say it'll be an interesting year. For the first time in a couple of years I'm taking a full two weeks off instead of trying to work full time (flexibly, mind you), *and* see lots of films. However, I am now a dad, so that will certainly cause some impact to the film watching (as it should). Hope to see some great films and be pleasantly surprised. I've got the official guide that came out with yesterday's Age, and am looking forward to making my pics. I'm usually pretty pre-organised, but am slowing things down a little this year. Hopefully I'll have read through the guide in the next few days and have made my picks, but if that never happens, and I end up picking films on the day, don't say I didn't warn you :-).
If you're running a blog, or would like to discuss any of the posts, please feel free to drop me a line!
Another year has passed and I return to the blogosphere for the fourth time for MIFF '08. I must say it'll be an interesting year. For the first time in a couple of years I'm taking a full two weeks off instead of trying to work full time (flexibly, mind you), *and* see lots of films. However, I am now a dad, so that will certainly cause some impact to the film watching (as it should). Hope to see some great films and be pleasantly surprised. I've got the official guide that came out with yesterday's Age, and am looking forward to making my pics. I'm usually pretty pre-organised, but am slowing things down a little this year. Hopefully I'll have read through the guide in the next few days and have made my picks, but if that never happens, and I end up picking films on the day, don't say I didn't warn you :-).
If you're running a blog, or would like to discuss any of the posts, please feel free to drop me a line!
Previous Blogs
To see my Melbourne International Film Festival blog posts from previous years, please click on the links below:
Mark's MIFF 2005 Blog
Mark's MIFF 2006 Blog
Mark's MIFF 2007 Blog
Mark's MIFF 2005 Blog
Mark's MIFF 2006 Blog
Mark's MIFF 2007 Blog
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)