Review: Buried

This movie recently came out very quietly.  When I heard both the premise and that Ryan Reynolds was in it I had to watch it.  I'm glad I did.

The movie is about a guy who gets buried alive.

Intense.  That's how I would describe this movie in one word.  The entire movie is set in the coffin and the only person you ever see is Reynolds.   Thus, a very unique film and acting opportunity.  Over the course of the movie, other characters are introduced but never more then a voice over the phone.  There are some moments that are very over the top and almost silly but as the movie progressed those moments quickly faded.  Reynolds was able to display his harsh wit even in this suspense film, though it was a bit cruder then I'm used to.  The ending was SOOO good too.  I'm sure the avid watcher would figure it out but I allowed the film to get me there.  Overall, very pleased with this work.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Crazy. I know, right?

Review: The Killer Inside Me

When I added this movie to my NetFlix queue, it was when is first came out.  I had just watched "The Assassination of Jesse James..." and Casey Affleck was really good in it.  When this came out, I heard it was really disturbing, but overall, very good.  Figured, it was worth looking in to.  

This film is about Murder. In a small town.  

Messed up.  In a subtle, serene way.  The main character Lou is a small town cop.  Lou was so unassuming and non threatening.  This character was the beginning of the quiet polite killer profile.  The film really was about a man living two lives and trying to keep them separate.  Whenever something came to threaten that separation, he would just kill it.  This constant act was what was ultimately bringing him down.  It was great how the movie was told from his POV.  It gave a very unique look at the disturbed.  The ending was absolutely epic and fitting as well.  The plot was solid, no holes.  The pacing I thought was slow at times but ultimately fit the plot.  Overall I liked this movie and I recommend watching it.  Just beware, there are some very messed up situations that pop up.  4 out of 5 stars.  

Review: The Last Exorcism

I love horror.  And this looked like a horror film actually worth watching.  Just look at the poster.  Very simple, yet very disturbing.  So I figured it was worth a shot.

The film is about a man, a preacher.  He was reared to be a holy man but became faithless through some major events.  In his attempt to expose the truth in exorcisms, he finds he has much more then he can handle.

This film is a combination of The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Quarantine.  Both films are ones I really enjoyed.  This film gives a first hand account from the preacher's POV.  I liked this movie.  I am biased because it's a mix of two genres I like - horror and documentary.  It has its moments of creepiness.  Most of the movie moves a bit slow, though.  It doesn't have alot of sensational moments that other movies might have.  So it might turn some people off.  The ending though was crazy.  It definitely picked up the pace.  Now was it enough to make for the movie? Thats debatable.  I think so though.  Overall, I really enjoyed this movie, but more for a guilty pleasure.  As it stands its nothing new and definitely nothing done extremely well.  I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

LP

I don't understand why people love Les Pauls so much.  I don't like them as much as I do the SG.  Now that is a classic guitar to me.

Review: Easy A

I won't hide it.  I like Emma Stone.  Her face is weird to me but overall I think she is cute. Most of the roles she plays are ones I can relate to or are of girls I wish were in my life.  Mouthy, smart, self-repecting young women.  So I decided to give this one a shot.  I'm not sure but I think this is her first film where she is actually the lead.  Correct me if I'm wrong.

This movie is set in a California high school.  Olive Pendreghast is a young faceless teen whose lie about having sex with a fictitious co-ed leads to a journey of lies and ill attempts at helping the down trodden.  In the end, we learn that everyone, even smart, well-read high school seniors, have their limits.

I liked this movie.  I was in the mood for lighter fare when I watched it and it delivered.  I like smart sounding scripts and the dialogue here was great, especially given the setting.  I can't recall professional engineers who spoke as well as these high schoolers. Or with as much wit.  So I am biased a bit by that.  But it was a fun movie.  Olive finds herself caught in her own web of deceit.  I found it funny that she insisted on gift cards so much.  Pay attention to the store names by the way.  Some of them were TOTALLY random.  Anyways, I liked this movie.  It didn't change my life or give me anything terribly new to put in my back pocket of random movie references but it was cute and silly and a bit naughty too.  I say 3.5 out of 5 for this one.

Review: I'm Still Here

So, I'd had this movie at my house for over a month.  I was very hesitant to watch it mainly because I thought I had to be in a particular mood.  Finally, I figured "New Year, New Movies"  So I popped this in just to say I'd watched it.  Turns out the movie was a very unique experience.  And a pleasant surprise too.

The premise of the film is such - Famed and recognized actor Joaquin Phoenix (JP) has decided to quit acting and pursue is true love and creative outlet - Hip Hop.  The events that follow after this are an interesting mix of true ambition, confusion, and harsh realities.  The film begins with JP beginning his journey into music by officially announcing his foray into music.  What follows is a barrage of news outlets being confused.  His inner circle, though, trust his judgement and weather the storm with him.  These are where some of the more memorable scenes occur.  The genuine surprise of people like Mos Def hearing this is great.  Also there is a snow angel scene which I loved.  The prostitute arc was pretty funny too.  As things progress you see JP deal with all the haters.  Soon, the nay-saying, along with a difficult truth, takes its toll.

I put this movie in not expecting to get invested into it.  As it went on, I found myself hooked and putting off other things to watch it.  For one, the movie is very self aware.  There are numerous points where they mention how the press thinks the whole career shift is a hoax.  It even comes to the forefront. I thought that was very smart on the film makers part.  At times it was very funny and at other points very sad and moving.  Overall, I give the movie 4 stars.  I was expecting to give it 2.  I just thought the film was smart and honest.  You can't ask for more then that in a documentary or even a mockumentary.  I recommend this to those who enjoy the awkward humor of The Office, those you loved This is Spinal Tap, or for those possibly looking for a more mature Scott Pilgrim.