Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Director Wes Anderson to me is a little bit of a God. Every one of his films inspire me to get out there and be creative. Take hold of my crazy ideas and make something of them.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is no exception. What makes this film so fantastic (brace yourself, the word "fantastic" is about to be used a lot) is that Anderson has taken on the works of another visionary Roald Dahl (my childhood God). The combined genius of these two great men cultivates in a film of style, flair, beauty, humour and creativeness that I have nothing but the utmost adoration for.

Mr. Fox, husband, father and ex-thief of chickens, ducks and the like is feeling the pull of past. Something is missing, his wild instinct and he begins thieving again from local farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. A mighty battle of skill and wit between farmers and fox n' friends begins.

The screenplay takes the original book and expands on it ever so slightly. Even though the book is alone fantastic, the film expansion is most certainly For The Win.

Wes Anderson is a wordsmith of wonder when it comes to dialog. His scripts are the kind I dream of being able to create. All his films could stand on the screenplay alone but then with the added beauty of his own personal signature visual style, you come out with a work of art.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is a little different than his past works, as it's all presented with fantastic stop animation (Oh! Every hair on their faces is a wonder!). A style that enhances the vision.. well.. fantastically.

Can I squeeze in another "fantastic"? Yes I can. See this film. If you have already, see it again. It is just.. fantastic.

What About Bob? (1991)

Not having seen this since I was probably around the age of 12, oh it was just glorious to watch What About Bob? again.

The delightful fun filled story of psychiatrist Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard Dreyfuss) who is driven into madness when he is tracked down while on a family vacation by patient Bob Wiley (Bill Murray), appropriately named as he's a wily, obsessive-compulsive man.

Having repeatedly watched this film at said age of 12, what I mainly recall is disliking Richard Dreyfuss as the villain of the piece with the sort of passion saved for the likes of cleaning my bedroom and kids who teased me for being skinny.

Watching now I have to say Dreyfuss is a genius. Every look and sneer is outstanding and his final look of acceptance is perfection. The film could easily have failed if the roll hadn't been played by such a talent. Teamed up with the Comedy Genius that is Bill Murray, you need a man who can hold his own and Dreyfuss most certainly did.

Now it almost goes without saying that Bill Murray pops from the screen with extreme vigor. Murray could just stand and read from the dictionary and I would laugh until my sides split.

Oh a wonderful stroll back into my childhood, What About Bob? would have to be a Murray comedy favourite. I'd be here all day if I listed all my favourites. The man wins in every role he takes on.

Gattaca (1997)

The concept of an alternate reality or future is always an interesting one.

Gattaca presents us with a world in which genetic manipulation is an everyday occurrence. Where you can be assured that you future child will be born without defects or illness. Going as far as to prevent bad vision and weakness. Argument being, that it will still be your child, just the best version of your child possible.

Of course this causes issues for those born naturally aka God's Children or alternatively "Invalids". Marked as an Invalid, your place in life is set as member of the lower class. Only Valids can win races and become presidents.

Enter Ethan Hawke, a man God born who refuses to succumb to his destined station in life. Fighting against the world around him to fulfill his life long dream of going into space. Opposite is Jude Law, a man who's fate has been altered along with his genetics.

Both Hawke and Law, along with Uma Thurman bring depth and honesty to their characters. I feel this is one of Jude Law's best roles, it is understated to perfection.

Gattaca is a brilliant film written and directed by Andrew Niccol who also wrote The Truman Show (1998). Niccol is able to imagine a world just beyond our own and make us question ourselves and just how far is too far.

Oh, and it has a little Ernest Borgnine cameo. Gotta love the Borgnine!

The Movie Catch Up Dance

Like a sloth doing slothy things, I have found myself in the terrible position of being several movie updates behind in my new task. I haven't stopped watching movies! As if life is even possible without them.

Look, I knew going in, this would be a difficult challenge and I suppose I got a little behind, I am a bad bad girl. Moving on. Let the movie catch up dance begin!

What does an American Spy, a genius detective, a fraternity, and a dead girl all have in common? Not much except that I've seen them all in the last week and a half, but lets see if I can find some sort of connection.

First up, xXx (2002)

Here's another not so secret vice of mine. I adore Vin Diesel. The man knows what he is, and makes no apologies for it. xXx is a perfect example. A homage to the Spy flick genre with a Gen-Y spin. Tattoos, illegal internet videos, extreme sports and Playstation references. All fun fun fun.

Oh for sure, most people think this movie is terrible. Don't get me wrong, it most defiantly is terrible. Call me shallow and you might never read this blog again, but I find a terrible joy in watching it and I don't care what anyone thinks. It's silly, and poorly scripted and I don't care!

Just when you think the movie can't get any sillier, Vin Diesel snowboards down a mountain in order to drop grenades into it to cause an avalanche to take out the bad guys. Gold! and don't try and tell me otherwise. I won't hear of it.

Some films are meant to be silly and fun. They won't win any awards but they aren't supposed to. They are the trash magazine you claim only to read because it's there, but secretly enjoy and get annoyed when the doctor calls you in, because you really want to finish this article.

Oh and it stars Samuel L. Jackson  who was in Iron Man (2008) with Robert Downey Jr. which brings me to my next movie.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

   

Yes again. My second.. err second viewing for the year. So glad I ventured forth and saw this movie again, and with an avid and understanding movie fan friend of mine as well.

We both enjoyed and were very pleased with our second viewing of Sherlock Holmes. Mr Robert Downey was as excellent this time round, and now that the initial viewings excitement has warn off some what, I can honestly say I still adore it.

At the same time, I can now understand why some people might not have felt the same as I. The film certainly slows in the middle. I feel this is the fault of the character Lord Blackwood, who would have been greater taken on by a much stronger actor. As my avid film friend pointed out, Lord Blackwood had two wonderful speeches to really make his own and inspire terror in us all, and well.. he didn't. For shame.

Another friend of mine was wondering just how long were the characters running for in order to get from London Parliament to the Tower Bridge? Indeed.

Moving on to the next movie, just as Robert Downey Jr. is in Due Date (2010) which also stars Juliette Lewis who is also in..

Old School (2003)

  

This was on TV one Saturday night, oh how I laughed. Having never seen it, my husband assured me it was a classic.

So it had some very cliche moments in the middle, regardless the whole premise was quite amusing. The likes of Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell and good ole' underrated Jeremy Piven (So glad Entourage happened for him, he makes that show.) really sell this movie. By the way, I think I have a little Luke Wilson crush. He's a cutie and I like his easy going attitude towards roles.

Geez, how am I going to link this movie to the next. Oh wait! So easy! Jeremy Piven is in Entourage which is produced by Mark Wahlberg who is now in..

The Lovely Bones (2009)

On the extremely hot Sunday that just past, the Husband and I went to cool off at a Gold Class Screening of The Lovely Bones.

I walked out of the viewing feeling cool but thoughtful and sad. If you're looking for a happy tale, this isn't for you.

Directed by Peter Jackson and taken from a book of the same name, The Lovely Bones is a story told to us buy a murdered girl named Susie.

I long to read the book now. Watching the film, it felt like there was so much going on that Peter Jackson had trouble tieing everything up at the end. As a result, the ending didn't really do it for me.

Maybe I just didn't like how they story ended, but I think more likely (though until i read the book, its only a guess), that the film failed to fit in everything that comes from a very complicated book. From a man who directed the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, you'd think he'd be a bit more practiced. Of course, I could be shooting my foot off as we speak. I'll read the book as soon as I get a copy just to be sure.

Here ends the Move Catch Up Dance. I'll try not to dance again too soon.

Gypsy (1993)

This movie, story of the life of famous stripper Gypsy Rose Lee is a nice little way to entertain a lazy afternoon.

Too be honest, it's not the most wonderfully made movie. I imagine this is due to budget and that it's made for TV and not the big screen. Although Bette Midler is wonderful in her role as Mama Rose, it's just not enough to make it a real hit.

Putting the films short comings aside, it's a fun little afternoon movie with wonderful costumes and great songs. Worth a watch if you come across it in your travels.

*The Kylie Comparison: A poor man's Annie (1982) but well.. with strippers.

Roman Holiday (1953)

Roman Holiday is perfection.

A beautiful tale of a Princess (Audrey Hepburn) who longs for a life outside royalty, a life of normal everyday things. She escapes and falls in love with a charming American News Reporter (Gregory Peck).

Audrey Hepburn's first film and she stole the show. She is a vision and Gregory Peck is a delight in his role that he plays with a natural ease. I'm glad Cary Grant turned down the role.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) has always been my favourite Hepburn film, but Roman Holiday is most certainly a close second.

Not only was the cast splendid, but Director William Wyler conducted this symphony to a standing ovation. Every moment, from Princess Ann's aching feet and losing a shoe, to the achingly beautiful ending which brings a tear to my eye every time.

All filmed on location in Rome, I highly recommend a visit if you haven't been. Take a Roman Holiday, you won't regret it.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

A new addition to my collection courtesy of my husband. A gift for my birthday. Perfect viewing for a lazy New Years Day.

Walking away from this film makes me feel rather 'erky' (I know this isn't a word, but it's how I felt none the less). Most of this story was a surprise to me, having never seen the musical or the film before. Armed with only a basic knowledge of the plot, I ventured forth into the movie with a large expectation that I would walk out the other side obsessed.

Well, I have walked away with an urge to change my wardrobe to the classic style of London in the 1800's (Sherlock Holmes (2009) might have something to do with this too) and put a glorious white streak through my hair, but I can't say I felt obsessed to watch the film over and over again, rush to iTunes and purchase the soundtrack, and change my desktop background to a picture of Johnny Depp in all his Sweeney Todd glory. These are usually sure signs of a movie obsession for me.

Director Tim Burton is a visionary who I worship and adore, but I have to say I'm a little let down by this film. I did like it and loved many moments, but I think perhaps the story might have played out better not as a musical for a change.

I still can't quite put my finger on it honestly. The musical aspect might not have been the problem. Maybe it was the way it all tied together. I just can't decide. You may believe I don't like musicals in general. This isn't true. I actually work in musical theatre. Maybe that's the problem. I see so many, maybe the film wasn't musical enough?

Oh this is a very confusing post and I apologise. Maybe I should stew on it some more. Perhaps view it a second time and come back with a more coherent response.

Regardless of the confusion, as I said in the beginning. I mainly walked away feeling 'erky'. I love dark and Gothic dramas, but as this film was reaching its end, a literal storm rolled in. Clouds darkened, the sky went a creepy red, thunder began to roar, lightening struck and the sky opened up and the rain came pouring down. On the screen Sweeney Todd came to its eerie conclusion. It was all a little too real. Enough to give anyone a creepy, 'erky' feeling.

*shudder*

Fanboys (2008) - Happy New Year

My first double viewing since I started this blog, and my first movie of 2010.

After much merriment in ringing in the new year and celebrating my 30th birthday (on New Years Eve!), there was no better way to chill out than to switch on the projector at 2 AM and share one of my latest favourite movies with my friends.

A great way to start the year. Fanboys is light, funny and excellent for alcholoically enhanced brains. Now everyone has gone home, the war zone has been cleaned and following the Kristen Bell link, I'm finishing off my day with some Veronica Mars: Season 3.

I'm so excited bout my year ahead, and continuing this movie blog. I'm enjoying it immensely and hope you are too.

To give you a taste of things to come, here's a few movies I'm looking forward to seeing in 2010:

Youth in Revolt, The Wolfman, Shutter Island, Alice in Wonderland, Hot Tub Time Machine, Kick-Ass, Iron Man 2, The Last Airbender, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Tron: Legacy, Prince of Persia, Cop Out, Green Hornet, Rapunzel, Salt, Robin Hood, Valentine's Day, Percy Jackson & The Olympians.

A few iffy ones in there most certainly, but that's part of the excitement right? Anyway, good luck in all your future movie endeavours. I hear they will be filming Ghostbusters 3 this year, lets all pray to the film gods for some sort of miracle on that one hey.

Happy New Year!