Revolutionary Road

Title: Revolutionary Road
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, David Harbour, Michael Shannon
Genres: Drama, and Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour.59 minutes
Release Date: December 26th, 2008
MPAA Rating: R

Review:
I've wanted to see this film since I first heard of it; Sam Mendes with a fantastic cast and a great story, it just had to be a great film! But when December rolled around, and 'Revolutionary Road' was finally released, I held off. I've been holding off for quite some time now. The main reason: I heard it was dark, some even say too dark. And quite frankly, I have not felt up for a depressing film with everything going on with Hubby's illness in the last 5 months. We've been keeping the entertainment light and laugh-y lately, with no need to add any fictional devastation to the mix. However, after reading rave review after rave review, praising the performance of the cast, I felt like I was missing out.
And 'Revolutionary Road' really is a great movie. Yes, it is dark, devastating, and saturated with desperation, but it truly is a great film, and definitely worth seeing. I would not have wanted to miss it. I would highly recommend this film as one of the "Must See" films of 2008. But do take heed; it is not light and laugh-y popcorn entertainment, even though it is sometimes funny.

Grade: 7.5

Rachel Getting Married

Title: Rachel Getting Married
Directed by: Johathan Demme
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Debra Winger, Bill Irwin, Tunde Adebimpe, Anna Deavere Smith
Genres: Drama
Running Time: 1 hour.51 minutes
Release Date: October 3rd, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'Rachel Getting Married' has been out for quite a while, but I missed it when it was new. I recently heard a lot of good things about Anne Hathaway's performance in this movie, which spurred me to see it. It is quite different from everything else I've seen her in, and yeah, she did a good job.
The whole film is shot in a way that made me feel I was watching a poorly edited, much too long, awkward home video from the absurd wedding of some random (and severely dysfunctional) strangers. It felt very real, uncomfortably so. It is a close-up, too real to not be real, film of about a wide range of family-related issues. It is so close-up you can see every pore. And that fact alone made me cringe and squirm in my seat. Easily, not a film for everyone, and not something you would see to be entertained.

Grade: 5

The Reader

Title: The Reader
Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Karoline Herfurth, Hannah Herzsprung, David Kross
Genres: Drama, Romance, and Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hour.2 minutes
Release Date: December 12th, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: R

Review: 'The Reader' is long, a bit slow, but that does not take away from a film that is also original, sad, heartbreaking and telling a captivating story that is not black or white, but all shades of gray. Kate Winslet is fantastic in her role as Hannah Schmitz, and the film is definitely worth seeing, but wait for the DVD, and see it at home. That is about all I will say, I wouldn't want to spoil anything. That, and heads up for the nudity.

Grade: 7.5

He's Just Not That Into You

Title: He's Just Not That Into You
Directed by: Ken Kvapis
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Justin Long, Ginnifer Goodwin, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck
Genres: Comedy, Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hour.9 minutes
Release Date: February 6th, 2009 (wide)

MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: Oh my! I don't even know where to begin with this one...
Originally, there were two reasons that I wanted to see the year's first, big chick-flick;

1. The cast - It seems everyone is in this movie, and I was really curious to see what this group of people could come up with. Judging by their past work, it should be funny, cute, and maybe even great. And, since I don't watch a lot of chick-flicks I figured this one might be a good one for me, that I might actually enjoy.
   
2. The book - I've read it, and I honestly thought it would make a great adaptation to film.

Sounds like the recipe for the perfect chick-flick, right? Wrong. This film disguises itself as a chick-flick, but really, all it manages to do is portray women as completely ridiculous, clingy, delusional creatures. I sat through this [long] movie, in a theater packed with people, and every time I cringed with embarrassment for the behavior of these characters, [what seemed like] every other female in the room squealed with delight from completely recognizing themselves in those very same characters. I lost count of how many "OH MY GOD! That is SO me!"-s I heard exclaimed in there. I seriously do not know who the fuck these women are? But I guess that is a whole other post.
Secondly, with all the talk about "staying true to the book", they sure failed on that front. To appease the masses, they have attached a generic Hollywood "happy ending" to this film, that is just ridiculous in context. But I guess they did need to lie a bit to bend it to the target audiences' expectations. So, really, it ends up being just another RomCom, with a few funny lines about dating in the era of online profiles, instant message, and smart phones.
However, even though I would not straight-up recommend this film, I'm not saying don't see it. It all depends on what kind of chick you are; If you are on of those girly-girls that planned their wedding since the age of 3, who's been dissecting boy-relations with your girlfriends since kindergarten, and who after each new date spends hours waiting by the phone for him to call, you might like 'He's Just Not That In To You'. If you are not; prepare to spend 2 hours completely horrified and/or embarrassed.

Grade: 4.5

The Secret Life of Bees

Title: The Secret Lives of Bees
Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Starring: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Sophi Okonedo, Alicia Keys
Genres: Drama, and Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour.50 minutes
Release Date: October 17th, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: 'The Secret Life of Bees' came out quite a while ago, all the way back in mid-October. I meant to see it back then, but i did not get around to until yesterday. For those of you who've already seen it months ago, this review will be completely useless. But kudos to you for not missing out on a great film, and beating me to seeing it! And, in case you forgot all about this one, the DVD (released yesterday) would make a nice gift for a female in your life . And that is something, right(so maybe not completely useless...) ?
But if there is anyone still out there, who missed this film when it was new, then this review is for you.

Since October, I had sort of forgotten what 'The Secret Life of Bees' was all about, but as soon as it began I realized why I wanted to see it in the first place; its mainly female, absolutely brilliant cast! And they did not disappoint. Great performances throughout, and a great film.
It is one of those movies that tugs hard at your heartstrings, and might even trigger some tears [read: a lot of tears], but it leaves you uplifted at the end. Since I had forgot all about the premise of the film, it sort of caught me off guard when I was already tired, sick, and "soft", so before I knew it I was bawling my eyes out in front of the TV, but at the end it left me smiling, so I would not call it a depressing. I do recommend this film, but be aware that it is a total [old school style] chick-flick, and as such, should come with a bottle of wine, a box of tissues, and a gallon of Ben & Jerry's, and be watched with girl friend(s); not alone and mopey sans wine/ice cream.

Grade: 7.5

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Title: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Directed by: David Fincher
Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Jason Flemyng, Taraji P. Henson, Julia Ormond
Genres: Drama, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, and Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hour.47 minutes
Release Date: December 25th, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Review: It seems everybody loves this film, and when you watch it, it is not hard to understand why. I totally get why people love this film; the story is great, intriguing, and unique; it totally tugs at the heartstrings; the acting is good; and it comes with a great message. I am sure that most people who see it will enjoy it.
However, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' has a couple of flaws that brings it down, just a tad:

1. 'Benjamin' is a bit too slow, but not the the point of molasses. It is totally bearable.
2. It is the 2 hrs. 47 minutes that 'Benjamin' runs that is completely unreasonable. A film this long really needs to have you on the edge of your seat, so you do not notice the film's greedy time grubbing. Sadly, that is not the case with this film; and both Hubby & I clearly noted, and were [independently] annoyed by 'Benjamin's' excessive minute-hogging.
   

Even though the film totally was enjoyable, the excessive length still had us squirming in our seats by the end of it, and that is just wrong. With some more editing this film could have been even better, it totally has the potential to be brilliant, but does not quite reach it. And given the director's message about time, I am somewhat surprised to see him waste it like this. 'Benjamin' still receives a great rating, and I totally recommend this film, but [for once] I would have much preferred to have seen it on my own comfy couch instead of in the theater.

Grade: 7.5

Doubt

Title: Doubt
Directed by: John Patrick Shanley
Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis, Alice Drummond
Genres: Drama, Religion, Adaptation
Running Time: 1 hour.44 minutes
Release Date: December 12th, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Review: I've heard many great things about this film. That along with the incredible cast made my expectations skyrocket. However, I will admit, I was a bit worried since with great expectations, also come great disappointment, but 'Doubt' delivers; it really is every bit as good as rumor has made it out to be. I am a huge fan of Mr. Seymour Hoffman, and he was indeed great in this film (as was Amy Adams & the rest of the cast), but it is Meryl Streep who really shines here. The woman is absolutely brilliant, and her performance alone makes this one worth the 1 hr. 44 minutes of your life.
Also, hat's off to the director, Mr. Shanley, who showed amazing restraint in not giving away more than he should have; this one will have you guessing long after the credits are done. All in all, a great film that comes highly recommended.

Grade: 8.5

The Wrestler

Title: The Wrestler
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Judah Friedlander, Ajay Naidu
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Sports
Running Time: 1 hour.45 minutes
Release Date: December 17th, 2008 (limited)
MPAA Rating: R

Review: Mickey Rourke delivers the role of a lifetime in this film about a wrestling has-been, and I watched it with a sense of pity, sadness and heartache that can only come from a film that is so real you wonder if it isn't. An absolutely fantastic (albeit depressing) film, that definitely is worth watching, but not necessarily in the theater. Do not miss this one on DVD.

Grade: 7.5

Valkyrie

Title: Valkyrie
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Starring: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Biopic, Thriller and War
Running Time: 2 hour.0 minutes
Release Date: December 25th, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: I saw this movie in a drive-in theater which, although really fun, it was somewhat distracting (the cars in front of us which smuggled people into the movie in their trunks comes to mind) and it takes something away from the whole movie experience, and, perhaps from the movie itself. There is therefore a possibility that this movie would have received a better review/grade if watched in a regular movie theater.

The biggest problem with Valkyrie is that you know how it is going to end. That is, however, not an excuse (Titanic suffered from the same condition, but it was still a huge success). The difference is that, in Titanic, the storyline goes on from the beginning like it has no clue as to what is going to happen in the end, whereas Valkyrie has a dreary sense of impending failure throughout the whole film. The film has no hope. I found this surprising since I would expect, when you are plotting to kill Hitler, you would be hopeful; hopeful to succeed, hopeful to make a better world, hopeful for a better tomorrow.
But the film is not all bad. It is meticulously created with an eye for every detail, and it looks authentic. I would not waste a theater ticket on this one. If you want to see it, just Netflix it sometime later this year.

Grade: 5

Gran Torino

Title: Gran Torino
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Cory Hardrict, Bee Want, Ahney Her, Brian Haley
Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama
Running Time: 1 hour.56 minutes
Release Date: December 12th, 2008 (limited), January 16th (wide)
MPAA Rating: R


Review: I love, love, LOVE Clint Eastwood. Nobody does grumpy as well as Clint! He's a fantastic, iconic actor and a brilliant movie maker. So, obviously, I had some expectations for this one. And, I have to say, I was positively surprised. Clint is grumpy, unhappy, rude, and borderline-hateful as widower Walt Kowalski, but even through his familiar squinting growl & frequent racial slurs he obviously cares, and it [surprisingly] turn out to be a really heartwarming film. I laughed, I smiled, and I even shed a few tears... Freaking Brilliant! Easily one of the best damn movies of 2008! Definitely a must see!!

Grade: 9.5 - highest grade so far of the movies of 2008