Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Sideways : WOW! I loved this movie for many reasons. First, Paul Giamatti as Miles was fantastic as a middle school teacher (hits close to home here) aspiring novelist & wine enthusiast (almost to the point of being an alcoholic.) He & His college buddy Jack (the very funny Thomas Haden Church) are going on a week-long wine tasting trip up the California coast to celebrate Jack's impending nuptials. While Miles has golf, wine and relaxing planned, Jack has other things in mind, namely getting himself laid. A lot. Enter Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie ( Sandra Oh) two local women the boys begin seeing. Miles is a regular visitor here, and has known (and has had a thing for) Maya for a while. Jack & Stephanie "hit it off" right away, and Jack begins to have doubts about his marriage plans. There are so many unexpected things about this movie! It's touching, hilariously strange and unlike most other films you'll see.
While the wines in this film are discussed almost like characters themselves, the real treat is watching these four play together. This is a very character-driven film, and if you are as sick of big-budget schlock as I am, you'll agree Sideways is a breath of fresh air. Alexander Payne has created this third great film in a row (Election & About Schmidt ) and I am looking forward to seeing his next film, Nebraska.
While the wines in this film are discussed almost like characters themselves, the real treat is watching these four play together. This is a very character-driven film, and if you are as sick of big-budget schlock as I am, you'll agree Sideways is a breath of fresh air. Alexander Payne has created this third great film in a row (Election & About Schmidt ) and I am looking forward to seeing his next film, Nebraska.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
I have seen a slew of films on DVD recently, and here's a quick rundown:
"Friday Night Lights" It was great to see the kid (Lucas Black) playing the quarterback and Billy Bob Thornton from "Sling Blade" together again! Directed by Peter Berg, this is a great sports film, and I would say the best since "Rocky."
"Collateral" Director Michael Mann is at the top of his game! Tom Cruise is a hitman on a 5 person killing spree. He hires a cabbie played by Jamie Foxx to drive him while he commmits his crimes. This tight crime-thriller is filled with tension and excitement, but the action never gets in the way of the characters!
"AVP: Alien Vs. Predator " I should have known better. This is the exact opposite of the Reeses concept two great things that DO NOT taste great together. In general, a waste of time unless you really like hokey concept movies.
"The Village" While not his best film, M. Night Shyamalan never ceases to amaze me. He is four for four with this film. Joaquin Phoenix and Bryce Dallas Howard lead a great cast through the suprising twists and turns of another terrific thriller.
More to come...
"Friday Night Lights" It was great to see the kid (Lucas Black) playing the quarterback and Billy Bob Thornton from "Sling Blade" together again! Directed by Peter Berg, this is a great sports film, and I would say the best since "Rocky."
"Collateral" Director Michael Mann is at the top of his game! Tom Cruise is a hitman on a 5 person killing spree. He hires a cabbie played by Jamie Foxx to drive him while he commmits his crimes. This tight crime-thriller is filled with tension and excitement, but the action never gets in the way of the characters!
"AVP: Alien Vs. Predator " I should have known better. This is the exact opposite of the Reeses concept two great things that DO NOT taste great together. In general, a waste of time unless you really like hokey concept movies.
"The Village" While not his best film, M. Night Shyamalan never ceases to amaze me. He is four for four with this film. Joaquin Phoenix and Bryce Dallas Howard lead a great cast through the suprising twists and turns of another terrific thriller.
More to come...
