Edge of Darkness

This movie is like Taken, but without the happy ending. And without Liam Neeson, who is probably better liked by most of the population. Surprisingly, or not, I am not giving anything away by saying that. You can surmise most of the plot from any of the trailers. Actually, the only way the trailers may be deceiving is by making the movie appear to have more of a plot than it really does. You have hope when the movie begins, after the imminent death that you wait for for the first ten minutes, that you might get to watch Mel Gibson become a hero. Don’t hold you breath. Seriously, you will die.

The movie is a movie about revenge, nothing more. In many ways it also reminded me of Law Abiding Citizen – a man with nothing left to lose taking everything from others. But, while Gerard Butler attempted to take down the justice system, albeit because he was probably mentally deranged with rage, we see Gibson ruining the lives of everyone he encounters to accomplish very little, while also appearing nuts. Law Abiding Citizen also seemed to have some cleverness to it, like a mystery you were trying to solve, with characters that were intelligent and intriguing. While there were certainly things you didn’t know about in this movie, there were also a lot of gaps of logic in the characters’ actions, and so when they succeeded it seemed hard to credit the win to them.

Lots of people die. Like a lot. And the story you get to explain the deaths and the violence doesn’t quite seem like enough to justify even all those movie deaths. Gibson didn’t do a poor job; I just wasn’t sure why I was watching him. Possibly the most likeable character was the mysterious Englishman who’s role in everything was sporadic and confusing. The constant flashbacks to happy time’s Gibson had with the daughter are sad, but seem out of place in a movie where someone dies every other scene. So if you just kind of like watching people die, with some unexplained action thrown in there, go for it.

I don't feel like writing a song about this. Deal. Or just repeat the words death and kill over and over in alternating loud and hushed tones to some scary movie music.

Book of Eli song

You asked for it... now here it is. This is the Book of Eli song based on the tune Tik Tok by Ke$ha. I thought it only fair to give her the spotlight since I had to take it away before. The song can be found at http://www.lala.com/#song/504684639485065701, and good luck, this one's fun to match up.

Wake up in the morning wonderin’ if I’m still alive.

Get my knives, I’m out the door, just gotta try not to die.

Get on my case, I’ll bust your face and just keep walking.

Cause I gotta stay on the path, ain’t no chance that I’m stoppin’.

Listen up, you ain’t gonna get my book.

Don’t care if you give me that look.

I won’t share this cat that I cooked.

Hear this, I’m gentle as can be.

But, I’ll kill you if you mess with me.

Just let me be.

Keep goin’, never slowin’.

Determination we’ll be showin’.

West here we come, til we’re numb, to save the world from what it’s become.

Denzel, will make it through hell, and have a story to tell.

Correction:

Who I thought was Ke$ha is actually Ari Graynor. But, you can see how I mixed them up...

The Book of Eli

I went into this movie just hoping that that Mila Kunis didn’t make it unbearable. She did not. Hooray. And including that wondrous success, the movie was surprisingly good. From the commercials I had seen and the R rating, it looked as if the movie would consist of Denzel Washington brutally murdering people, but doing it for some gosh-darn good reason that made him a hero. Although, the film does include some of this, it’s not nearly as gory as one would expect from the advertisements. The post-apocalyptic setting also allows the audience to give Denzel a pass if he is occasionally violent, as his life is full of near-death experiences – usually involving other people trying to kill him when he’s already starving to death. Denzel’s character is set-up as the classic man on a mission. There is no doubt he is portrayed as the good guy – doing anything from sharing his meager food rations with a rat to sparing prostitutes their “duty.” The conflict between a seemingly peaceful man and one who can kill you in less than five seconds is an intriguing one – one you may not understand until the end of the movie.

The barren world after the end of the world is a very interesting creation. We never find out exactly what brought the world from what it is now to the desolate desert it is in the movie - which I like. It lets you imagine all the ways humans can completely screw up everything. The scarce resources, especially the value of items that now are considered worthless, and empty landscapes and towns draw you in and make the circumstances believable. Once you accept that the place you are seeing is barely related to the one you currently live in, it’s easier to allow certain less than likely things to happen. The desperation of the “bad guy” played by Gary Oldman is seen in some form or another in everyone’s eyes; he’s just the only one with the power to pursue his somewhat insane goal. Violence seems to be the main pastime in this society, as people have nothing else to believe in except fulfilling their desires. Whether this is a more honest reality or one lacking because there is no morality, is one of the themes the movie explores. Overall it’s pretty badass while still raising a couple somewhat interesting questions about civilization – at least that’s what I’m going to say in order to back my enjoyment of the film.

A song may be coming… or not.

The Young Victoria

Unexpected but enjoyable, the words I would use to describe The Young Victoria. I assumed it would be a somewhat dry historical film, really just made to give Emily Blunt a chance to take on a serious role. I discovered, however, that it is a charming romance with a very enjoyable cast. The movie is set in a somewhat tumultuous political time, and Blunt certainly does not take the role lightly, but the politics seem to take a back seat to the love story. This was not a bad choice, just one I was not expecting (probably one I would have expected though, if I'd bothered to read the tag-lines on the posters). The romance seems genuine, a bit of an oddity in a time of arranged marriages, giving it more of the fun of a fantasy to watch. Blunt does a wonderful job of showing the importance of her character’s perseverance and strength in a time when women were not known for either. The movie, as can be inferred from the title, is more about Victoria’s struggles rather than her kingdom’s. Her family matters, friendships, and courters, although all involved in the political scandal of the day, tell Victoria’s story instead of England’s. I was delighted to see that Paul Bettany is in this movie. Although, I do have to admit some bias here, as his character in A Knight’s Tale is one of my favorite of all time, and I have rather enjoyed most of his work since then. Overall, don’t take any males you know, but for a girls night, it will be quite suitable.

For this movie’s song I used John Mayer’s “Who Says.” My version is probably not the next big hit, but hey, the movie wasn’t exactly an action flick. The song can be found at http://www.lala.com/#song/504684652369972034

Who says I can’t be queen?

Don’t need a man on which to lean.

It’s not my intention to be mean.

But, who says I can’t be queen?

Who says I can’t fall in love?

Rule a country, and be politically tough

Have babies, hell, all of the above.

Who says I can’t fall in love?

It’s been a long time living with my mama.

It’s been a long time without a man.

I may fail on the road to my freedom.

But my baby says he’ll catch me when I land.

What’s this? A TV show? Insanity! Yet so intriguing…

Cold-hearted? Selfish? Brutally honest? Druggy? Yes, indeed, all of these words describe America’s new sweetheart, Mr. Gregory House. I too must admit to an addiction. I’ve spent many a day watching episode after episode in their delightful non-order. It’s possible that this is one of the show’s charms; you usually don’t really need to know what’s happening in the plot to watch. Occasionally, this is untrue as I am still unsure when Chase, Cameron, and Foreman were switched out for Thirteen, Taub, and Kutner and then switched back in, sort of. But, really, where does the addiction stem from? What is so appealing about watching a genius/jerk act like a genius/jerk? There are no surprises in that. Almost no one actually understands what the doctors are talking about, except when things go right or wrong, so that can’t be the answer. If people are finding themselves relating to House, that is both far too complimentary and extremely self-degrading. Do we enjoy watching the solving of a puzzle, possible, but as the show almost always has a happy cure ending that also seems unlikely. Do we watch for that rare episode where things do go terribly wrong and House falls apart? Maybe. But then we’re cruel little demons who like to watch failure and emotional haddicapedness. Perhaps we’re all just waiting for Hugh Laurie to screw up and talk in his British accent. Most likely of all, however, I think people like to watch the show because House can figure people out. Most of us spend our lives trying to understand those around us; House can know everything about a person in mere seconds. Although, his assumptions and fear of actually creating lasting relationships isn’t necessarily something to aspire to, people yearn to know how everyone works. Or maybe that’s completely wrong and you are a medical genius who finds these rare cases fascinating or you hate when people analyze other people. If so, you are either very boring or possibly very intriguing. Yes, that second part almost sounded like a compliment, but really I just can’t comprehend someone not wanting to know more about how the people around them act, so don’t go puffing your feathers up. P.S. Although this writer is a big fan of the show, she does not condone drug use, partly, because that woman who showed up when House was hallucinating was sooooooo annoying.

Youth in Revolt Song

The previous two reviewish things before Youth in Revolt were about movies that had music as a key component in them so I was unable to do this. My sister, who will be known as C Dagger, suggested that I write a short and entertaining song about each movie I see. She claims that it will be original and hilarious and I will instantly shoot to stardom, so blame her if you no likey. I will be parodying songs because coming up with original, witty songs out of thin air is extremely difficult. Who do you think I am, the writers from Family Guy (before this season)? Oh, yes I did. For this song you should play Jason Derulo’s “Whatcha Say” in the background and match up the words (at a fastish pace). See, isn’t this fun? You get an entertaining activity and get to see what music I’m listening to. You can find the song at http://www.lala.com/#song/360569449463382572

If you are looking for your newest star obsession, look no further than Francois.

He pushes over cereal and wears cool shades, and hangs out with Ke$ha.

He disregards authority, and always gets his lady.

So check him out, and see the movie too, there’s nothing left to do.

Cause when Berkeley burnt down and the car blew up, Nick just didn’t know what to do.

But Francois had a plan because he is the man, and you better believe it’s true. So listen up.

Omm Dillinger, his last name is like the bank robber. Oh yes he did.

Omm Dillinger, you should have your own movie, I’m not obsessed.

Omm Dillinger, his last name is like the bank robber. Oh yes he did.

Omm Dillinger, you a gangster!

The Weary Kind

Just because it's so good, I'm posting a place where you can find the theme music to Crazy Heart. You can listen to The Weary Kind at http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/4196

Also, it didn't get a picture, so I'm putting one here.

Youth in Revolt

Francois Dillinger is cool. He is the cat’s pajamas, the bee’s knees, and the otter’s sunglasses (the last one is something only Francois can be as it is too cool for the rest of the world). I know, I know, the point of the movie is that Michael Cera, or Nick as his character is called, finds true happiness in being himself instead of Francois, but who are we kidding, Francois is awesome. I rejoiced every time he came on screen and did something ridiculous and wonderful. I fear they ended with the wrong message in the charming film Youth in Revolt (yes, just remembered I should mention the title). I think perhaps Nick should have finally started taking chances and living his life, instead of hunching back over and returning to his squermy self. Oh well, enough hypothetical rubbish, onto what actually happened in the movie.

It was rather delightful. The characters were charming and likable. The plot was entertaining. Ke$ha was in it! Fun was had by all. I did find Sheenie, Nick’s love interest, mostly annoying, but it suited the role. Her sweater-wearing boyfriend and drug-using brother were fun add-ins. The ending didn’t much suit me, but I still left the theater happy. This all may seem a little vague, but that is because I’ve realized that talking too much about any part of this movie is bound to give something away, so just go see it.

NINE

NINE. The title of a new movie and the number of minutes into it when I realized I wanted to leave the theater. Not just clever line, completely honest. Sadly, this was a movie that had cost money, and so I felt I should stay and see it through. Unlucky me. Questions that went through my head as I left:

How did they get all those famous people to be in it?

Why were so many unnecessary characters in it?

Did it have a plot? No.

That last one was pretty easy to answer. There was no plot. There also were way to many people assuming that they were the lead. Why were they all there? What was their purpose? Oops, accidentally slipped into the question thing again. The one hope I’d had for the movie was then the music. I had quite liked Fergie’s “Be Italian” in the commercial and thought the film could have a few decent musical numbers. It did not. It had multiple almost not-bearable musical numbers. It’s not that the singing itself was bad, it wasn’t. It’s more that you wondered why on earth the people who were singing were singing or why they were in the movie at all. The ray of hope for the movie was Marion Cotillard, who the intolerable lead male was cheating on, which only increased my hatred of the movie. Penelope Cruz also put in a nice performance, but I can’t say I liked her burlesque style number. Judi Dench was charming as usual, but unnecessary. Kate Hudson’s character was boring, but her musical number was fun to watch for the first minute. Nicole Kidman was gorgeous, but who could even keep track of the fact that she was in the movie. I felt a wave of despair when each new scene started and I realized the film was not yet over. Once all the females had sung a song I sighed with relief that it must soon end, but then one of them sang again! Intolerable! Perhaps if a movie had been made with just Cotillard and Cruz, included a plot, had more singing from Fergie… nope, no hope. Just don’t see it. The stars will survive.

Crazy Heart

Latest viewing, Crazy Heart. I would say that I’m biased because I myself am a songwriter, (indeed commence the mocking of my cliché NYU self, but I was a songwriter before I started attending NYU so a small ha to you) but as I am completely clueless when it comes to country music, I think they cancel out. So, assuming I’m unbiased, the music in this movie is still incredible, as is the fact that Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell do all their own singing. What? Colin Farrell you say? Yes, he is in fact in this movie. It wasn’t highly publicized, with only a quick shot of him in the trailer, but his role is brilliantly done. I believe that the way the story is not meant to be about his character is also the same reason why they decided to make the advertising not about his famous self. But back to the fantastic music, did I mention that I loved it? The Weary Kind is a perfect song. No further comment.

Jeff Bridges also does an excellent job creating a character that you are aware is mostly a scumball, but that you still can recognize the humanity in. You’re watching a fallen hero try and find out what life is like without the cape. Yes, this movie is just a smidgen heartbreakingly depressing, just a warning. Maggie Gyllenhall is charming, but I’m not entirely sure I believe the initial attraction she has to Bridges’ character. He’s old, drunk, and a chain-smoker – va va voom? The relationship is interesting to watch though, as you’re not really sure if you want it to work out in the end. The boy who plays her son is adorable, pretty much awesome, and no doubt, a star on the rise, plus he’s adorable.

I was lucky enough to have the director of the film at my screening, who, aside from being very young and green, is apparently very talented. Some may say that this particularly gifted cast didn’t really need directing, but he was charming, so I’m giving him credit. Among other things, he called Robert Duvall “Bobby” and didn’t punch that audience member who decided to tell him what his movie is about (I would not have had the restraint). When I searched for Scott Cooper’s previous films, I found a very confusing list including an Austin Powers movie. This is because Crazy Heart is the first film he has directed, but he has been acting for some time. There is already a lot of Oscar buzz for this movie and this director, and I gotta say, that’s just cool. Seriously, who wins an Oscar for the first film they ever directed? Ya, ya, I’m sure some of you will go look up who actually did, but I still think it’s cool.

Overall, you should see it, especially if you’re a music lover. If you’re not a music lover, you should not only not see it, you should go check to make sure your soul is intact. Or just go see it, whatever.

Hello!

I fear that there is no non-cliché way to write an introduction to a blog. No matter how I put it, you are bound to find it either conceited or idiotic, or both if you’re a real jerk. So let’s go with… this is where I’ll be writing stuff. Probably stuff that is about the place I live, New York City, where I got to school, NYU, and what I do, that one you’ll just have to wait for you greedy little munchkin. If you think New York City is all hype and noise, or you believe NYU to be full of self-praising, unoriginal hippies, or that I really, in fact, do nothing with my time, I may occasionally agree with you, so stick around Señor pompous pants.

Now that that's done, let’s move on to talking about something I find interesting and something you’ll read in order to see what other delightful names I’ll call you. Movies, they’re my thing. A medium portion of this blog will be devoted to my mindless drawl about them. Excited? Dang right you are! I’ve recently discovered a way to see free screenings of movies, which essentially means that my happiness has grown from three sizes too small to sporadically joyous. It combines my love of free with my love of film equaling some f-filled fun nights.