Ren's Rapid Reviews

So I really didn’t think that my last blog was that long ago, but the movie of my last review just so happens to have had its DVD release about a month ago. That’s a good 6 months, and then some. So I’m going to list the films I saw this summer and fall with a few comments. This is Ren’s Rapid Reviews, take two!

X-Men 3: The Last Stand

Disappointing. There were funny moments, and a great love scene (Wolverine!), but so much of the plot felt like a cop-out.

The Break-Up

I liked this one. Yeah that’s right, I said it. Vaughniston makes a good team, off and on screen (I wrote this when they were still together). There really isn’t that much humor in it (which was misleading since advertising claimed it as a romantic comedy), even though Justin Long is quite entertaining with his straight black shoulder-length hair, but it is an interesting take on relationships, and a realistic one at that.

A Prairie Home Companion

I was worried going into this one thinking it was going to be a doozey, and the fact that I knew absolutely nothing about the original radio show made me feel like an outsider, but I am proud to say that this film charmed me into wanting to be a part of the production. It’s funny and witty with a twist of surrealism to it (strange, but it works) and the ensemble cast is entertaining and oh-so-talented. Even Lindsay Lohan is pretty darn good. Yeah, a little part of me just died writing that.

The Lake House

Man, this movie got a lot of crap but I loved it. Sure, you can’t time travel through a mailbox, but who cares—it’s a movie! And besides, who else didn’t get giddy by the reunion of Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves? I know you’re out there Speed fans.

An Inconvenient Truth

Eye-opening and scary. Also get a glimpse into Al Gore’s life, which I liked since I didn’t know a whole lot about him.

Click

I love Adam Sandler, but this was not good. The sentimental moments were nice, but the humor was immature, and I don’t think anyone wants to see Adam Sandler in a fat suit. Let’s get back to the days of The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates, Adam.

The Devil Wears Prada.

Predictable. And not nearly as hip and cool as I was expecting.

Superman Returns

I thought this was a solid movie, but Brandon Routh could bring more quirkiness to his Clark Kent and Kate Bosworth could, well, age and be a more realistic mother. I liked Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor and his sidekick played by Parker Posey, who is always good in my book.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Entertaining for sure. Loved the creative action scenes, but it was at least one fight scene too long.

Little Miss Sunshine

Can you say “running start?” Little Miss Sunshine is the little Volkswagen that could. It’s one of those comedies that just has perfect comedic timing and its life lessons are charming and moving. And Steve Carell is the man. Always.

Half Nelson

It’s harsh, and sometimes disturbing, but Ryan Gosling is just so darn good.

Who Killed the Electric Car?

Insightful and interesting. It’s quite intriguing to see all the work and effort behind the people trying to “kill” the electric car and those trying to revive it.

The Illusionist

Maybe I’m biased towards this story, which takes place in Vienna, since I saw it after just being in that glorious city for a month, but I was hypnotized but this little gem. And Edward Norton continues to impress in all that he does.

School for Scoundrels

I don’t know why I saw this. There are some funny comedians in it who just don’t have any good material to work with.

The Departed

Holy crap! I love Martin Scorsese. This film is riveting, funny, disturbing, and chock-full of superb performances. Leonardo DiCaprio is so convincing with his wigged-out paranoid persona that you’re not exactly sure who’s side he’s on or who’s going to believe him. I was completely caught off guard at the unpredictable chain of events in the ending. It’s bloody and intense and not for the light-hearted, but it is everything a Scorsese flick should be.

The Science of Sleep

I love the imaginative randomness of this film. Plus, Gael Garcia Bernal is quirky, funny, and cute.

Marie Antoinette

I was expecting a full-on modern soundtrack to this, but was disappointed at the mix of modern and traditional elements. I think it should’ve gone all out with the modern twist. But nonetheless, I still enjoyed the pretty film and it has grown on me the more I think about it. Jason Schwartzman, however, is the king with his subtlety and perfect delivery of teen awkwardness.

Borat

Very nice! Borat is funny on so many levels. The dialogue alone is unbelievable, the physical humor is explicit, but the movie is by far an intellectual feat by displaying the disturbing side of American ignorance and partriotism.

Babel

See my review previously posted.

Stranger Than Fiction

Will Ferrell gets a little bit more serious but is still just as funny in this sweet story. Cool music and nifty graphics accompany the film, and the best scenes are between the brilliant Dustin Hoffman and Ferrell.

For Your Consideration

A disappointing follow-up from the improv master, Christopher Guest. The characters still have eccentric habits and many enjoyable cameos make it fun, but the decision not to make this one in the traditional mockumentary style makes it difficult to fully appreciate the strange individuals.

The Queen

I envy Helen Mirren. She is flawless in her representation of Queen Elizabeth II in this very intriguing film about the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death. It’s also interesting to see a take on all of the formalities of the British government.

Casino Royale

Wild action scenes, a great leading lady, and a blonde Bond made for a fresh beginning to the James Bond franchise. This take on 007 is far more serious, grittier, and realistic than say the cheese-fest of Die Another Day.

The Holiday

For the most part, the movie was predictable in every way and doesn’t have a convincing conclusion, but there are some elements and characters that are quite surprising (for the better) and help the movie create that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling. I just wish Cameron Diaz wasn’t so smiley. It’s a tad annoying.