The Oxford Murders (film)

Earlier in the week, I was looking for something to watch.  after a long debate, I finally decided to go ahead and watch The Oxford Murders.  It had a strong cast with Elijah Wood and William Hurt.  Revolving around on murder and mystery, I figured I couldn't lose on this one.  The Oxford Murders became an engaging and unique film, in a most unexpected fashion.

Martin, Played by Elijah Wood

The Oxford Murders stars Elijah Wood as Martin, a grad student from the states.  He is hoping to further his work under Arthur Seldom, played by Hurt.  Seldom is a well renowned and highly respected professor but is also a recluse, shying away from any public attention. Martin resides in Julia Eagleton's home as a renter.  Eagleton is a dear friend of Seldom, a tidbit Martin is fully aware of.  After coming back to Mrs Eaglton's house, after being humiliated during a lecture held by Seldom, Martin is surprised to find Seldom is there on the front porch also.  As they both walk in, they make a grisly discovery.  Julia Eagleton has been murdered.  Piecing together what little they could, Martin and Seldom find they are caught in a web of mathematics and deception, as a serial killer is on the loose and leaving bodies as clues for a greater message for the pair.

William Hurt as Seldom

Good - When is comes to acting chops, The Oxford Murders is top tier.  Hurt and Wood bring their best to this flick.  The back and forth they have feeds each other.  They play off each other very well.  Still, the film is about Martin and how he can learn from Seldom's mistakes.  Hopefully, Martin does not become the jaded old codger that Seldom has become.  The focus is more on Martin, as he tries to figure out the balance that Seldom never did.  Seeing these two acting greats together is just plain fun and intriguing.

Bad - The plot is not something  would consider bad.  In fact, I really enjoyed it.  But it can be conceived as being convoluted or too complex.  It can be hard to follow for someone not paying attention.  So this is more a warning then a complaint.  If you plan on watching this movie, and I think you should, make sure you are paying attention.

The pair making a gruesome discovery

Overall - I really liked The Oxford Murders.  It was not at all what I was expecting.  Despite the title, this is less a murder mystery and more a cautionary tale for the obsessed.  Seeing Hurt and Wood really get into both their characters and the interaction between themselves really pushes this film into a high pedigree. I recommend this film for sure.  4 out of 5 stars.

Similar To: Pi, Deathnote

Like Crazy (film)

After watching The Parks of being a Wallflower, I was inspired to continue the trend of young love.  A friend recommended watching Like Crazy as a slight change of pace.  Despite falling into the young love category, it's was a darker and bittersweet tale. A sharp contrast to The Parks of Being a Wallflower.

Jacob

Like Crazy is about Jacob and Anna, two college students who find themselves falling head over heels for each other.  Anna is originally from England and is studying in the L.A. area.  Jacob and Anna begin a wonderful love affair.  In time, Anna has to head back to the U.K.  So madly in love, she stays past her visa time limit.  This seemingly innocent lapse of judgement follows the pair for the remainder of the film, as they struggle find a way to live with an ocean between them.  The love they first felt follows them everywhere they go and they struggle individually to find a way to live with such a huge part of themselves missing.

Good - Like Crazy was a tough film to watch.  By tough, I mean challenging, more so then being bad.    The love and adoration between Jacob and Anna is touching and charming.  At the beginning, the love they share gives you hope.  Seeing them struggle later to recapture that magic feels justified.  You are there with them when everything clicked in the beginning.  And you want them to get it back.  The challenge of the film is knowing how cruel reality can be.  Despite the effort, despite the patience, Jacob and Anna look to be on the losing side.  The reward of a fairy tale love just seems too far.
If this all sounds depressing, it is.  You have a heart! Watching Like Crazy was powerful in it's portrayal of blind young love meeting reality in head on.

Anna

Bad - It was tough to watch Like Crazy at times.  I felt there were a large number of scenes of seeing various couples just snuggling and general PDA.  I understand this was mostly likely to show the innocence and intimacy of the affection that was present.  Still, it got to be grating.  For a 90 minute movie, I feel about 20 minutes were scenes of Jacob and Anna being gushy, with no real dialouge or plot progression.  I hate that stuff in real life, so seeing it in a film that's meant to entertain was quite annoying.   Other then that, I can't find anything bad enough to write about.

Jennifer Lawrence shows up as Sam

Overall - I recommend this film but under certain conditions.  Don't expect to be uplifted after watching this film.  It doesn't have a happy ending, to say the least.  The way you listen to depressing music when you're down, Like Crazy is the film equivalent.  It is powerful but you need to make sure you handle this film responsibly.  3.5 out of 5 stars.

Similar To - The Pursuit of Happyness