Everyone at some point in their childhood experiences a bully. Except maybe those of us who were the bully. "Mean Creek" is a painfully realistic portayal of a prank gone wrong. Writer/director Jacob Aaron Estes has managed to blend realistic cinematography with an excellent ensamble cast of bright young actors to bring this story to life. As the film opens, we see a schoolyard fight already in progress. The bully (George), is played especially well by Josh Peck. More recently he has been seen in "What Goes Up" and my personal favorite of his, "The Wackness". Early on we get a sense that he is your typical everyday bully. Starving for attention, Held back in school, overweight, self consious, apparent single parent home. His target is Sam, played by Rory Culkin. Recently he has been in such films as "Igby Goes Down", and "Lymelife". Sam's older brother who looks out for him is Rocky, played by Trevor Morgan. He is tired of seeing his brother get beat up by George so he schemes with his buddies to give George "what fatboy has comming to him". The leader of Rocky's pack is Marty, played painfully accurate by Scott Mechlowicz. He has his own issues that fully explain the type of character he portrays. Humiliation is the plan for George and so the gang plans a fake birthday party for Sam. They invite George out boating with the gang for the day. Its here that we meet Sam's innocent girfriend Millie who wants nothing to do with any of this. Millie is played by the talented Carly Shroeder who hasn't done much big screen acting, but is now 19 and hopefully will have a good career ahead of her. When she finally gets word of the plan she is furious and demands that Sam put an end to it. All except Marty, who is looking to take out his aggression on someone else, sees that George is a nice kid who is just looking for friends. They all call off the plan, but once something goes wrong, the unimaginable happens and any more will ruin the intensity of film completley.
This film relys on its young actors to lead the way. Their performances are authentic and personal. Having grown up around the same time this film came out, and being just a little older than these kids were at that time, I remember how bullies acted and how they needed to fit in. This film was released in 2004 and is a real gem. Some parts may be too much for some viewers because of the intensity and how realistic it feels, but that is what makes this film flourish. A solid piece of work which can be held at the same level as "Kids", and even the similarly intense film "Bully".
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The third kind would be close enough for me.
Aliens have always been interesting to me. Hollywood has always portrayed alien encounters as being violently motivated. Steven Spielberg has avoided this trend in some of his movies such as 'Close Encounters of the third kind' and 'ET'. Now comes "The Fourth Kind". A part documentary, part Hollywood piece of garbage brought to us from director Olatunde Osunsanmi.
This film stars Milla Jovovich as Dr. Abigail Tyler, a psychologist investigating strange happenings in her small Alaskan Town of Nome. Jovovich is good here, there is no doubting that, but its unfortunate that she has nothing to work with. She works by hypnotizing her patients to look deeper into their uncontrolled thoughts. She notices that a few of her patients have had the same experience and seen the same things in the middle of the night. She relates because she too had a strange encounter in the middle of one night in which her husband was murdered. Original technique is what kills this film in my eyes. Osunsanmi layers "real documentary footage" with the films actors footage and it has them saying the same thing simultaniously. This is not only too much to look at, it is just downright annoying.
What doesn't work for me is the ethical portion of this film. You mean to tell me that I am supposed to believe that a Psychologist, crazy or not after her own encounter, would submit archived interviews with actual patients to be publicly viewed in a Hollywood film. This is illegal under the law. Sure they say in the film that the names have been changed. But they do not even blur out the faces. In one portion of the archived footage from a police mans dash cam, we see a man kill his entire family then blow his own head off. This is completley off the wall and innapropriate if it is truly real footage. There are also plot holes. Tyler has two children both under the age of 12. At one point she gets up in the middle of the night and leaves the house to help a patient that is in need of immediate assistance. Who is watching the kids? She is recently a single parent. Another portion that did not work for me is the completley over the top performance of Will Patton as an FBI agent investigating Tyler. Patton is usually very good but here he is unwatchable. Overall, what kills this film is the notion of reality. If it is real, which they give us a choice to believe it or not near the end, I will retract my statements. I do believe that aliens exist, but I do not believe in Dr Abigail Emily Tyler's Story.
This film stars Milla Jovovich as Dr. Abigail Tyler, a psychologist investigating strange happenings in her small Alaskan Town of Nome. Jovovich is good here, there is no doubting that, but its unfortunate that she has nothing to work with. She works by hypnotizing her patients to look deeper into their uncontrolled thoughts. She notices that a few of her patients have had the same experience and seen the same things in the middle of the night. She relates because she too had a strange encounter in the middle of one night in which her husband was murdered. Original technique is what kills this film in my eyes. Osunsanmi layers "real documentary footage" with the films actors footage and it has them saying the same thing simultaniously. This is not only too much to look at, it is just downright annoying.
What doesn't work for me is the ethical portion of this film. You mean to tell me that I am supposed to believe that a Psychologist, crazy or not after her own encounter, would submit archived interviews with actual patients to be publicly viewed in a Hollywood film. This is illegal under the law. Sure they say in the film that the names have been changed. But they do not even blur out the faces. In one portion of the archived footage from a police mans dash cam, we see a man kill his entire family then blow his own head off. This is completley off the wall and innapropriate if it is truly real footage. There are also plot holes. Tyler has two children both under the age of 12. At one point she gets up in the middle of the night and leaves the house to help a patient that is in need of immediate assistance. Who is watching the kids? She is recently a single parent. Another portion that did not work for me is the completley over the top performance of Will Patton as an FBI agent investigating Tyler. Patton is usually very good but here he is unwatchable. Overall, what kills this film is the notion of reality. If it is real, which they give us a choice to believe it or not near the end, I will retract my statements. I do believe that aliens exist, but I do not believe in Dr Abigail Emily Tyler's Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Cake Eaters
Anyone who knows me well can tell by now that I am a sucker for any Kristen Stewart film. I stumbled upon this little film of her's while watching 'At the Movies'. Most of society knows Kristen because she is the subject of tabloid Hollywood news magazines. She plays Bella in the Twilight Saga, and as for that movie, it is really minor work of her's. I have been a fan ever since I saw her in 'Panic Room' back in 2002. More work of her's include 'Speak', 'Into the Wild', 'Jumper', and 'Adventureland'. She is really one of the more talented young actors out there today.
'The Cake Eaters' is a small town film by first time director Mary Stuart Masterson. The film opens with a wonderful scene in which we meet two of the main characters; Easy played by Bruce Dern, and Beagle played by Aaron Stanford. We get a strong sense of the relationship that plays a major role in the plot of this film. Early on we also get introduced to Georgia, played by Kristen Stewart. Georgia is a terminally ill girl who gives an award worthy performance. Georgia cannot walk very well and speaks like she just underwent oral surgery. Knowing that she does not have much time left in this life, Georgia wants to experience love and sex for the first time. She takes a liking to Beagle when they meet at a flea market. She notices that he works at her school in the cafeteria and asks him to come over and help her with her homework. Although he is much older than her, we can already tell early on that Beagle is a gentle soul who is not after anything inappropriate. The two connect on a level that is not always easily portrayed on film. Also at the flea market, we are introduced to Marg. This is Georgia's grandmother and she is played by Elizabeth Ashley. There is an apparent relationship or connection evident between Easy and Marg that is not fully developed until later in the film.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a film about relationships. Beagle connects with his father and has, in a way, overstayed his run at the nest. This fact is however overshadowed and overlooked because he was helping his father care for his mother. She was on her way out. Beagles brother Guy (Jayce Bartok) enters the picture having been gone for years. He is a struggling musician who left for the big city. He didn't even make it back for the funeral. Old family ghosts resurface as tension rises between the three men of the house at this point. As Guy reunites with his ex girlfriend at the time of his departure from home, he discovers she has moved on and has a family of her own. He is completely disgusted by himself and the choices he made in the past. This, if anything about his character, is most evident. Although not belligerent, public intoxication follows. As Beagle and Georgia's relationship moves forward, we are exposed to an illegitimate fling between Easy and Marg that took place over many years even when the boys mother was alive. As Beagle discovers this, he explodes and there is a powerful confrontational scene involving the three men of that household. Georgia and Beagle go out for the day and night and explaining any more of these events would completely ruin the film.
'The Cake Eaters' is a film about family. That much is evident. But it is much more than that. Georgia's mother is present in the film, but their relationship is never fully developed. We understand that they don't understand each other. The mother treats her almost as more of a chore than a daughter. We know she cares, but does Georgia? I really dislike the mothers character. She subjects Georgia to photography that some misconstrue as pornography. No nudity, but suggestive poses. Marg explains it as a way for her daughter to bring awareness of Georgia's disability. I don't approve. Georgia's rocky relationship with her mother is complimented by Beagle's feelings of loss having lost his mother. This area of emotion is never discussed because it really doesn't need to be. I may be crazy by even looking into it. The mothers character is horrible in my opinion. I really was not expecting much visually from this film. The subject matter does not really call for it. Mary Stuart Masterson is new at the filmmaking game and shows no interest in lighting or cinematography. I am not saying I want hand held camera work and mood enhancing lighting in a drama that looks at family, but more interesting work could have been done. Overall, this is a strong film with strong performances and story. I recommend this film highly.
'The Cake Eaters' is a small town film by first time director Mary Stuart Masterson. The film opens with a wonderful scene in which we meet two of the main characters; Easy played by Bruce Dern, and Beagle played by Aaron Stanford. We get a strong sense of the relationship that plays a major role in the plot of this film. Early on we also get introduced to Georgia, played by Kristen Stewart. Georgia is a terminally ill girl who gives an award worthy performance. Georgia cannot walk very well and speaks like she just underwent oral surgery. Knowing that she does not have much time left in this life, Georgia wants to experience love and sex for the first time. She takes a liking to Beagle when they meet at a flea market. She notices that he works at her school in the cafeteria and asks him to come over and help her with her homework. Although he is much older than her, we can already tell early on that Beagle is a gentle soul who is not after anything inappropriate. The two connect on a level that is not always easily portrayed on film. Also at the flea market, we are introduced to Marg. This is Georgia's grandmother and she is played by Elizabeth Ashley. There is an apparent relationship or connection evident between Easy and Marg that is not fully developed until later in the film.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a film about relationships. Beagle connects with his father and has, in a way, overstayed his run at the nest. This fact is however overshadowed and overlooked because he was helping his father care for his mother. She was on her way out. Beagles brother Guy (Jayce Bartok) enters the picture having been gone for years. He is a struggling musician who left for the big city. He didn't even make it back for the funeral. Old family ghosts resurface as tension rises between the three men of the house at this point. As Guy reunites with his ex girlfriend at the time of his departure from home, he discovers she has moved on and has a family of her own. He is completely disgusted by himself and the choices he made in the past. This, if anything about his character, is most evident. Although not belligerent, public intoxication follows. As Beagle and Georgia's relationship moves forward, we are exposed to an illegitimate fling between Easy and Marg that took place over many years even when the boys mother was alive. As Beagle discovers this, he explodes and there is a powerful confrontational scene involving the three men of that household. Georgia and Beagle go out for the day and night and explaining any more of these events would completely ruin the film.
'The Cake Eaters' is a film about family. That much is evident. But it is much more than that. Georgia's mother is present in the film, but their relationship is never fully developed. We understand that they don't understand each other. The mother treats her almost as more of a chore than a daughter. We know she cares, but does Georgia? I really dislike the mothers character. She subjects Georgia to photography that some misconstrue as pornography. No nudity, but suggestive poses. Marg explains it as a way for her daughter to bring awareness of Georgia's disability. I don't approve. Georgia's rocky relationship with her mother is complimented by Beagle's feelings of loss having lost his mother. This area of emotion is never discussed because it really doesn't need to be. I may be crazy by even looking into it. The mothers character is horrible in my opinion. I really was not expecting much visually from this film. The subject matter does not really call for it. Mary Stuart Masterson is new at the filmmaking game and shows no interest in lighting or cinematography. I am not saying I want hand held camera work and mood enhancing lighting in a drama that looks at family, but more interesting work could have been done. Overall, this is a strong film with strong performances and story. I recommend this film highly.
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Troubled and Ambitious Young Woman
Not very often can a movie centered on kids draw me in as well as this film did. The film is "Have Dreams, Will Travel", and it is a wonder. The film centers on Ben as its protagonist and he is played wonderfully by Cayden Boyde. His previous work includes 'Mystic River', 'Dodgeball', and 'X-Men The Last Stand'. Ben is a typical twelve year old boy. He has dreams of pitching in the major leagues, and is still looking for comfort from his parents. Unfortunatley he is out of luck with his parents. They are completely preoccupied with their own lives and give Ben little attention at all. Then one night, a tragedy occurs right outside his mothers diner and he meets the person that "Change[s] [his] life forever".
The film takes place in the 1960s south, although it is difficult to determine the time period early on. Entering the film here is Cassie, the films heart. This character is interesting because I almost view her as a protagonist and antagonist. She is played by the emensly talented Annasophia Robb. Annasophia's previous work includes 'Bridge to Terabithia', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and more recently 'Sleepwalking'. She too is a twelve year old girl, however she is much more mature than Ben at this point in their lives. From the beginning, we can tell, as can Ben, that there is much more to Cassie's story than she is letting on too. After an accident which leaves her arm broken and kills both her parents, Ben's parents agree to take care of her untill she is back on her feet. This troubles Ben because he cannot understand why they care enough to take care of her when they act like he doesn't even exist. Ben embraces Cassie and falls in love. He mentions that for the first time in his life he "cares deeply for another person". This manipulative girl speaks like a professor of philosphy and Ben can't understand her confident and cocky attitude. Cassie swears and does not talk as a normal girl of that age would. Cassie convinces Ben that neither of them have anything here and that they need a "Plan". This includes leaving their current situation and heading to Baltimore to live with her modern aunt and uncle. The trip begins and along the way they meet interesting characters ranging from cops, farmers, and happy families
Val Kilmer plays Henderson, a farmer who allows the kids to stay in the barn for a week or so. They learn, by observation of Henderson and his wife, that all adult relationships are subject to imperfections. Their own parents are not that strange. Cassie informs Ben it is time to be married. It will help the plan. At times Ben seems to be just going through the motions. As if Cassie is his new authority figure. The two make it to Baltimore and we meet the Aunt and Uncle. The two are played by Heather Graham and Dylan McDermott. Cassie's story becomes completley evident at this point and the movie really takes a beneficial turn.
This film relys on character struggle to keep us involved. I found myself really caring for these kids. The adults are nearly nonfactors throughout and that really helps to focus on whats important here. So, whats wrong with Cassie? This is the impending issue looming. Cassie's problematic story stems further back then the auto accident which took her parents from her. The issue she faced in life was forshadowed beautifuly in dream sequences throughout the film. In the end, the outcome was satisfying. I do however wish that the film had gone into more detail with Cassie's past. Ben is the main character, but Cassie's story is just as important. Its run time is a brisk 86 minutes. The film is not incomplete, it is not even lacking anything important. I guess I was just left wanting more.
The film takes place in the 1960s south, although it is difficult to determine the time period early on. Entering the film here is Cassie, the films heart. This character is interesting because I almost view her as a protagonist and antagonist. She is played by the emensly talented Annasophia Robb. Annasophia's previous work includes 'Bridge to Terabithia', 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', and more recently 'Sleepwalking'. She too is a twelve year old girl, however she is much more mature than Ben at this point in their lives. From the beginning, we can tell, as can Ben, that there is much more to Cassie's story than she is letting on too. After an accident which leaves her arm broken and kills both her parents, Ben's parents agree to take care of her untill she is back on her feet. This troubles Ben because he cannot understand why they care enough to take care of her when they act like he doesn't even exist. Ben embraces Cassie and falls in love. He mentions that for the first time in his life he "cares deeply for another person". This manipulative girl speaks like a professor of philosphy and Ben can't understand her confident and cocky attitude. Cassie swears and does not talk as a normal girl of that age would. Cassie convinces Ben that neither of them have anything here and that they need a "Plan". This includes leaving their current situation and heading to Baltimore to live with her modern aunt and uncle. The trip begins and along the way they meet interesting characters ranging from cops, farmers, and happy families
Val Kilmer plays Henderson, a farmer who allows the kids to stay in the barn for a week or so. They learn, by observation of Henderson and his wife, that all adult relationships are subject to imperfections. Their own parents are not that strange. Cassie informs Ben it is time to be married. It will help the plan. At times Ben seems to be just going through the motions. As if Cassie is his new authority figure. The two make it to Baltimore and we meet the Aunt and Uncle. The two are played by Heather Graham and Dylan McDermott. Cassie's story becomes completley evident at this point and the movie really takes a beneficial turn.
This film relys on character struggle to keep us involved. I found myself really caring for these kids. The adults are nearly nonfactors throughout and that really helps to focus on whats important here. So, whats wrong with Cassie? This is the impending issue looming. Cassie's problematic story stems further back then the auto accident which took her parents from her. The issue she faced in life was forshadowed beautifuly in dream sequences throughout the film. In the end, the outcome was satisfying. I do however wish that the film had gone into more detail with Cassie's past. Ben is the main character, but Cassie's story is just as important. Its run time is a brisk 86 minutes. The film is not incomplete, it is not even lacking anything important. I guess I was just left wanting more.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A Movie with 3 different titles
I think my first review will be of this little film that I discovered that is listed with three different titles. The buisness portion of this particular film is what drew me to it the most. It is an American made film, with young and old American actors and actresses. Yet, it was only released in South America. Very strange to me. I purchased it from Amazon last week and watched it this week. Online, it is listed as being named "Em Busca da Felicidade", "Have Dreams, Will travel", and "West Texas Lullaby". Try researching a movie like this online. Not easy! I think I will post my review of this film tomorrow depending on my sleep and the time I have. It is quietly effective and wonderful little film.
first post
I am gunna try this blog instead. The other one wants you to look for friends and groups. I just wana write.
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