The Easie Precis: Straightforward love triangle sort of story. Really, though, the focal point is the city of New York, beautifully shot in black and white. I could watch this movie, on mute, for three days straight and it still wouldn't lose any charm.
Compatible Movies: Ummm, something by Antonioni?.. La Notte (1961)
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 90%
Watch the Trailer? Sure. Watch it here.
A Little More Detail...
The story in this movie is typical Woody Allen: a sort of love-quartet type situation involving affairs and unrequited love, etc. Although I'm sure it's been analysed to death, I choose to take this movie as pretty shallow. There's some interesting dialogue and thoughts running through the movie, and some good jokes, but really I think it's just simply telling a story with some beautiful imagery to go along with it.
What's it About?
New Yorkers. New York. Pointless philosophical debates. Pseudo-Intellectuals. Older men with younger women - or, should I say, the value of realizing true love without giving into society's demands.
Best Viewing Company: By yourself
Movie Reviews and Bad Spelling!
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Movie Review: Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter
The Easie Precis: Follow a young woman's obsession to another world. See her disconnection from reality, from this foreign world.
Compatible Movies: Not that it's anything like it, but Fargo goes with this pretty well!
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 65%
Watch the Trailer? Yes, you can watch here.
A Little More Detail...
This film is about a young Japanese woman who becomes obsessed with finding the treasure (a bag of money) that is fictitiously buried in the 1996 film Fargo. She travels from Japan to the town in question.
The film is quite slow-moving, but in being so, really underlines Kumiko's disconnect from the world. It helps you empathise and feel that nasty notion of obsession where everything else in life is terribly mundane and represents time that just has to be killed until one can return to the only "important" thing.
This film does not have the feel of adventure I would have expected. In this way, it does present a more real picture, however, because the audience does not share Kumiko's obsession, this lack of excitement and adventure makes it very difficult to sink too deeply into the film. For this reason, the film presents as quite harsh and flat - deflated - at times.
There are some quite memorable visuals and solid performances all around.
What's it About?
Japan, Minnesota, Country Folk, Cold, Snow, Ice and a Duvet cover
Best Viewing Company: Any situation with no distractions - is quite slow and does not contain much dialogue
Saturday, 18 April 2015
Review: Leon: The Professional (1994)
The Easie Precis: Lolita learns how to become an assassin
Compatible Movies: Am yet to find anything that captures all the dimensions of this film.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 85%
Watch the Trailer? No, just watch the film
A Little More Detail...
I don't want to say too much about the plot of this film because the way it develops as a story is quite beautiful.
I will say that it is unique and touching and as "dumb action movie" stands on its own. The regular trappings of action movies, although littered throughout this film, do nothing to detract from the heart. In a weird way they even seem to reinforce the more tender moments.
The flip-side to this is that this film is pretty rad. Classic action scenes. The casting is spot on. The stripped back sets put all the focus on the relationships between the characters.
The flip-side to this is that this film is pretty rad. Classic action scenes. The casting is spot on. The stripped back sets put all the focus on the relationships between the characters.
What's it About?
An assassin, a daughter, revenge and loss
Best Viewing Company: Maybe best alone, however, perfectly fine with one or two friends or family
Saturday, 28 March 2015
Review: Pierrot le Fou (1965)
The Easie Precis: A quirky, French, bright, arthouse Bonnie and Clyde.
Compatible Movies: Not Bonnie and Clyde.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 78%
Watch the trailer?Yes. This is one of the best trailers I have ever seen for a film. The perfect summary without showing too much.
A Little More Detail...
This is one of those films that feels like it has deeper meanings than it probably does. It is bright and colourful and interesting. The story is not entirely linear, with some segmentation, but it is certainly not too complex and any complexity it uses does add richness. In this film, it isn't so much about the story as it is about the atmosphere, the visual and the energy between the characters.
This is one of those "artistic" films where the characters seem to discuss, at times, some philosophical (I use that term loosely) topics that are somewhat irrelevant to the film itself - but, as usual, without making any conclusions. However, there is plenty of time to get intimate with the characters and their "human" nature is still exposed in a warm and playful way.
Fantastic ending.
What's it About?
Being on the lam, relationships, primary colours
Best Viewing Company: Probably just yourself. Or with your friends that are into arthouse French movies
Compatible Movies: Not Bonnie and Clyde.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 78%
Watch the trailer?Yes. This is one of the best trailers I have ever seen for a film. The perfect summary without showing too much.
A Little More Detail...
This is one of those films that feels like it has deeper meanings than it probably does. It is bright and colourful and interesting. The story is not entirely linear, with some segmentation, but it is certainly not too complex and any complexity it uses does add richness. In this film, it isn't so much about the story as it is about the atmosphere, the visual and the energy between the characters.
This is one of those "artistic" films where the characters seem to discuss, at times, some philosophical (I use that term loosely) topics that are somewhat irrelevant to the film itself - but, as usual, without making any conclusions. However, there is plenty of time to get intimate with the characters and their "human" nature is still exposed in a warm and playful way.
Fantastic ending.
What's it About?
Being on the lam, relationships, primary colours
Best Viewing Company: Probably just yourself. Or with your friends that are into arthouse French movies
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Review: The Wicker Man (1973 & 2006) Double Review!
I will attempt to review 2 films at once: Wicker man (1976) and it's 2006 remake. BLUE text refers to the original, ORANGE text refers to the remake.
The Easie Precis: A creepy ridiculous story of one man's missing persons investigation. Set on an isolated island, while you can feel the trap bad-acting closing in on him. This film is a thoroughly entertaining watch.
Compatible Movies: These two films are NOTHING like one another.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 79 2%
Watch the trailer? Yes and yes.
A Little More Detail...
I'm not sure if it is solely because it is an English American film from the seventies noughties, but the creepiness cheesiness of this film is felt instantly and strongly. The film-makers clearly researched neglected the druids and pagans and as such are able to present a compellingly real fraudulent universe. The creepiness - the uneasy feeling hilarity you get from the film feels like it comes from a place of reality absurdity. It is not just typical Hollywood things trying to scare you. At times you almost feel like this movie is a documentary joke.
I would not recommend playing a drinking game while watching this film. A good one is here.
The lead actor gives a remarkable performance.
I recommend it to watch.
What's it About?
Isolated islands, Pagans, Missing Persons, THE BEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS
The Easie Precis: A creepy ridiculous story of one man's missing persons investigation. Set on an isolated island, while you can feel the trap bad-acting closing in on him. This film is a thoroughly entertaining watch.
Compatible Movies: These two films are NOTHING like one another.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 79 2%
Watch the trailer? Yes and yes.
A Little More Detail...
I'm not sure if it is solely because it is an English American film from the seventies noughties, but the creepiness cheesiness of this film is felt instantly and strongly. The film-makers clearly researched neglected the druids and pagans and as such are able to present a compellingly real fraudulent universe. The creepiness - the uneasy feeling hilarity you get from the film feels like it comes from a place of reality absurdity. It is not just typical Hollywood things trying to scare you. At times you almost feel like this movie is a documentary joke.
I would not recommend playing a drinking game while watching this film. A good one is here.
The lead actor gives a remarkable performance.
I recommend it to watch.
What's it About?
Isolated islands, Pagans, Missing Persons, THE BEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS
Monday, 9 March 2015
Review: American Psycho (2000)
The Easie Precis: A New York businessman whose life revolves around appearance, status, popularity and wealth. He is, of course, typical of his milieu... except for his bloodlust.
Compatible Movies: Again, a stand-out. However, aspects of the main character can be seen in Lou Bloom in Nightcrawler (2014). In philosophy you might see it share values with Exit Through the Gift Shop (2013), but they are completely dissimilar films in every other respect.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 90%
Watch the Trailer? No. There isn't any spoilers in it, but this isn't really the sort of film you worry about spoilers. Gradually knowing more and more about the main character is what this film is about - the trailer wrecks that.
A Little More Detail...
Entertaining in a twisted sort of way, this film does well to get you inside the main character's head. You almost even begin to understand him.
This section is called "a little more detail" and that is so appropriate to this film. The detail is fantastic. Facial expressions, little twists of reality, phrases, lines, beads of sweat are all just spot on and perfectly timed. When you make a film so exceptionally well, it becomes like a platform for audiences to begin questioning what the real message is. In this film, it is quite open to interpretation.
What this film does beautifully is to ironically - and hilariously, at times - show the corporate world as the pissing contest it is. The main character is merely a tool that is expertly used to by the film-makers to display how ridiculous this sort of thing is. I guess the point is that the axe-murdering maniac is not the real monster - it is all of us.
What's it About?
New York, Money, Prestige, Violent Murder, Returning some videotapes
Best Viewing Company: With a couple of friends. Potentially awkward with family
Compatible Movies: Again, a stand-out. However, aspects of the main character can be seen in Lou Bloom in Nightcrawler (2014). In philosophy you might see it share values with Exit Through the Gift Shop (2013), but they are completely dissimilar films in every other respect.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 90%
Watch the Trailer? No. There isn't any spoilers in it, but this isn't really the sort of film you worry about spoilers. Gradually knowing more and more about the main character is what this film is about - the trailer wrecks that.
A Little More Detail...
Entertaining in a twisted sort of way, this film does well to get you inside the main character's head. You almost even begin to understand him.
This section is called "a little more detail" and that is so appropriate to this film. The detail is fantastic. Facial expressions, little twists of reality, phrases, lines, beads of sweat are all just spot on and perfectly timed. When you make a film so exceptionally well, it becomes like a platform for audiences to begin questioning what the real message is. In this film, it is quite open to interpretation.
What this film does beautifully is to ironically - and hilariously, at times - show the corporate world as the pissing contest it is. The main character is merely a tool that is expertly used to by the film-makers to display how ridiculous this sort of thing is. I guess the point is that the axe-murdering maniac is not the real monster - it is all of us.
What's it About?
New York, Money, Prestige, Violent Murder, Returning some videotapes
Best Viewing Company: With a couple of friends. Potentially awkward with family
Sunday, 8 March 2015
Review: Melancholia (2011)
The Easie Precis: Sort of an apocalypse movie - not just the earth but also the human spirit.
Compatible Movies: Not very helpful, but I'd have to say other Lars Von Trier - Antichrist (2009)
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 97%
What's it About?
Depression. The destruction of planet earth.
Watch the Trailer? No worries, watch here.
A Little More Detail...
Firstly, it's not as bleak as it sounds. Okay, well, it's pretty bleak, but it seems to have some sort of uplifting feeling to it. Like, we're all going to die but that's what was meant to be so it's good.
This is one of the most perfectly made films I have ever seen. Now, that doesn't mean that it is entertaining or enlightening and it does take a bit out of you to watch. However, I still find it hard to fault.
What I really love about this movie is how real it is. I love that it is a movie about the concern of a giant meteor colliding with Earth and destroying all life as we know it. But that's not what it's actually about. It is actually about - like what all films should actually be about - what the characters are going through at the time. "Yes, there is a giant meteor that might obliterate the earth but that's not what is really concerning me right now." (not an actual quote from the film - the writing is better than that!) I've always felt watching sci-fi or murder mystery films that it was so shallow that something like finding the identity of the murderer seems to be the ONLY thing going on in the detectives life at that point. Yes, aliens might have landed, but my family member has just taken ill and that is more important to me right now.
For a film such as this I should go into ideas of the human spirit and depression and how that parallels to the destruction of the planet. But I feel like it would be empty intellectualising. Just go and watch this film: you will see what I mean.
Best Viewing Company: Just yourself. Can be slow at times, might be restless with friends. Should be okay with family. Personall,y however, I'd be aiming to reduce the chance of distractions
Compatible Movies: Not very helpful, but I'd have to say other Lars Von Trier - Antichrist (2009)
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 97%
What's it About?
Depression. The destruction of planet earth.
Watch the Trailer? No worries, watch here.
A Little More Detail...
Firstly, it's not as bleak as it sounds. Okay, well, it's pretty bleak, but it seems to have some sort of uplifting feeling to it. Like, we're all going to die but that's what was meant to be so it's good.
This is one of the most perfectly made films I have ever seen. Now, that doesn't mean that it is entertaining or enlightening and it does take a bit out of you to watch. However, I still find it hard to fault.
What I really love about this movie is how real it is. I love that it is a movie about the concern of a giant meteor colliding with Earth and destroying all life as we know it. But that's not what it's actually about. It is actually about - like what all films should actually be about - what the characters are going through at the time. "Yes, there is a giant meteor that might obliterate the earth but that's not what is really concerning me right now." (not an actual quote from the film - the writing is better than that!) I've always felt watching sci-fi or murder mystery films that it was so shallow that something like finding the identity of the murderer seems to be the ONLY thing going on in the detectives life at that point. Yes, aliens might have landed, but my family member has just taken ill and that is more important to me right now.
For a film such as this I should go into ideas of the human spirit and depression and how that parallels to the destruction of the planet. But I feel like it would be empty intellectualising. Just go and watch this film: you will see what I mean.
Best Viewing Company: Just yourself. Can be slow at times, might be restless with friends. Should be okay with family. Personall,y however, I'd be aiming to reduce the chance of distractions
Saturday, 28 February 2015
Movie Review: Donnie Darko (2001)
The Easie Precis: Do you believe in time travel? A disturbed high school kid is visited by a giant bunny rabbit, who tells him the world is going to end soon. The actual film is even more weird than that sentence makes it sound
Compatible Movies: I've been searching, but really a unique film. Perhaps a little David Lynch-esque.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 84% Love 16% Fear
Watch the Trailer? I recommend to not watch - it shows a little too much. It is however, a nice trailer and does serve the film well.
A Little More Detail...
It's hard to say too much about this film without giving anything away. Apparently Richard Kelly, the director had wanted to make a superhero movie. The end result is nothing of the like.
This is the sort of film where every little thing that happens feels like it has some double-meaning, or that it will be relevant later on.
This, coupled with a brilliant soundtrack combines to create a very atmospheric film. By atmospheric I mean creeeeeppppppyyyyyyyy.
This film has some great lines.... "Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion!"
What's it About?
High school, Suburban Neighbourhoods, Time Travel, Death
Best Viewing Company: Anyone!
Compatible Movies: I've been searching, but really a unique film. Perhaps a little David Lynch-esque.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 84% Love 16% Fear
Watch the Trailer? I recommend to not watch - it shows a little too much. It is however, a nice trailer and does serve the film well.
A Little More Detail...
It's hard to say too much about this film without giving anything away. Apparently Richard Kelly, the director had wanted to make a superhero movie. The end result is nothing of the like.
This is the sort of film where every little thing that happens feels like it has some double-meaning, or that it will be relevant later on.
This, coupled with a brilliant soundtrack combines to create a very atmospheric film. By atmospheric I mean creeeeeppppppyyyyyyyy.
This film has some great lines.... "Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion!"
What's it About?
High school, Suburban Neighbourhoods, Time Travel, Death
Best Viewing Company: Anyone!
Saturday, 21 February 2015
Movie Review: Argo (2012)
The Easie Precis: Ben Affleck rescues a bunch of Americans from Iran after the US Embassy is invaded, buy pretending to be making a film. Good because it is based on an exceptional true story.
Compatible Movies: ...
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 74%
Watch the Trailer? Be aware that it has all the best lines in it, and probably makes the film seem a little more stylish than it is, but it's here. You probably know how it ends anyway.
A Little More Detail...
This film won Academy Awards, so you may not believe me when I say it is almost a little dull. John Goodman saves this film. Don't get me wrong, aside from everything else it is very well-made (type of film you never think during it: "this is a good film" because you never think about the fact you are watching a film). Perhaps because the story is so compelling (especially since it actually happened - to an extent), this film rests on that just a little bit.
There are also many typical Hollywood trappings the film falls into. Yes, while it is very edge-of-your-seat this, "will they get out?" is well overplayed. Just little things like a car taking a bit to long to start. There is also the typical "let's meet the main characters family so we become emotionally involved in his life, despite the fact they have little or nothing to do with the story" - if you're going to be spending screen time on the fact that the main character doesn't see his son much, explore it properly.
Let me balance this by saying these negatives are minor. This film makes me feel like I should justify the 26% it didn't get rather than the 74% it did. I think that sums it up nicely.
Oh, and points lost for not being filmed on location in Iran, because that would be beautifully ironic.
What's it About?
Hostages. Iran and America. 1950s. Espionage. CIA.
Best Viewing Company: Anyone is fine
Compatible Movies: ...
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 74%
Watch the Trailer? Be aware that it has all the best lines in it, and probably makes the film seem a little more stylish than it is, but it's here. You probably know how it ends anyway.
A Little More Detail...
This film won Academy Awards, so you may not believe me when I say it is almost a little dull. John Goodman saves this film. Don't get me wrong, aside from everything else it is very well-made (type of film you never think during it: "this is a good film" because you never think about the fact you are watching a film). Perhaps because the story is so compelling (especially since it actually happened - to an extent), this film rests on that just a little bit.
There are also many typical Hollywood trappings the film falls into. Yes, while it is very edge-of-your-seat this, "will they get out?" is well overplayed. Just little things like a car taking a bit to long to start. There is also the typical "let's meet the main characters family so we become emotionally involved in his life, despite the fact they have little or nothing to do with the story" - if you're going to be spending screen time on the fact that the main character doesn't see his son much, explore it properly.
Let me balance this by saying these negatives are minor. This film makes me feel like I should justify the 26% it didn't get rather than the 74% it did. I think that sums it up nicely.
Oh, and points lost for not being filmed on location in Iran, because that would be beautifully ironic.
What's it About?
Hostages. Iran and America. 1950s. Espionage. CIA.
Best Viewing Company: Anyone is fine
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Movie Review: Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
The Easie Precis: John Carpenter directing Kurt Russel, Kim Cattrall with ancient Chinese magic - but set in Chinatown. Just about the most rad movie ever.
Compatible Movies: Nothing even comes close
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 97%
Watch the Trailer? Sure! Watch it here. It's a good taste of what it's about. Just don't take it seriously.
A Little More Detail...
I'm not entirely sure if this entire movie is a joke or not. It's certainly light-hearted... well, it doesn't matter because this movie is more radical than Milhouse.
You will probably watch this movie and then immediately dismiss my abilities as a movie critic. However, this movie is almost exactly what it is trying to be. It is ridiculous and it is brilliant.
What's it About?
Regular guy just trying to do his job gets sucked into an ancient world of Chinese magic. There's the big bad guy who kidnaps young women, etc.
Best Viewing Company: Small group of friends. Should also be fine with family
Compatible Movies: Nothing even comes close
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 97%
Watch the Trailer? Sure! Watch it here. It's a good taste of what it's about. Just don't take it seriously.
A Little More Detail...
I'm not entirely sure if this entire movie is a joke or not. It's certainly light-hearted... well, it doesn't matter because this movie is more radical than Milhouse.
You will probably watch this movie and then immediately dismiss my abilities as a movie critic. However, this movie is almost exactly what it is trying to be. It is ridiculous and it is brilliant.
What's it About?
Regular guy just trying to do his job gets sucked into an ancient world of Chinese magic. There's the big bad guy who kidnaps young women, etc.
Best Viewing Company: Small group of friends. Should also be fine with family
Thursday, 5 February 2015
Movie Review: The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Compatible Movies: Pierot le Fou (1965)
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 76%
What's it About?
Family relationships, India, trains, journeys, exploration and really cool luggage
What the Trailer? If you think you might like it, don't watch the trailer. Like most trailers, contains many of the best parts. If unsure, it won't hurt, you can watch it here.
A Little More Detail...
The most immediately pleasing features of this movie are the beautiful landscapes, the bright and colourful scenes and the interest of unique settings.
Look a little deeper and you find a film that is about family relationships. Families in India and the families of those visiting. Whether on purpose or not (probably not), the unique setting and story seem to highlight what the film has to say: families are unique.
The least immediate, but perhaps most lasting feature of this movie is how much respect it gives the audience. You get dropped in the middle of these characters' lives, yet the movie is absent of those exposition lines - for example, "don't you remember I got divorced two weeks ago?" No, this film trusts the intelligence of the audience to know what is happening and as a result creates a universe that feels so much more real - and therefore so much more true.
Best Viewing Company: Anyone
Saturday, 31 January 2015
Movie Review: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The Easie Precis: Bright, quirky, visually interesting adventure film. The most Wes Andersony Wes Anderson film yet.
Compatible Movies: Pretty much anything else Wes Anderson has done.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 92%
Watch the Trailer? Sure! Watch it here. Doesn't reveal too much. Might actually be a little misleading concerning what the film is really about.
A Little More Detail...
This film has scored so highly because it represents an artist coming to the point of really honing in on what they want the creations to be. This film is very much what it is trying to be which sort of helps makes you accept everything in it because even if it's not reality it's at least on purpose.
As to whether or not you should watch it? If you liked any other Wes Anderson films, then yes. If you never have then it's a fine introduction to him. It's very playful. Less of a film that makes you laugh (it does have its moments), more of a film that makes you smile.
What I love about this film is there is a bit more gore than in his previous work. Contrasted to the playful manner of the rest of the film, these parts seem really in your face.
However, this film also picks up on a theme which seems common in many Wes Anderson films: the fading of past glory. When we first meet the Hotel in this film it is only a shadow of its former self....
What's it About?
Old Europe. War. Art heists. Not as much about a hotel as you'd think...
Best Viewing Company: Anyone
Compatible Movies: Pretty much anything else Wes Anderson has done.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 92%
Watch the Trailer? Sure! Watch it here. Doesn't reveal too much. Might actually be a little misleading concerning what the film is really about.
A Little More Detail...
This film has scored so highly because it represents an artist coming to the point of really honing in on what they want the creations to be. This film is very much what it is trying to be which sort of helps makes you accept everything in it because even if it's not reality it's at least on purpose.
As to whether or not you should watch it? If you liked any other Wes Anderson films, then yes. If you never have then it's a fine introduction to him. It's very playful. Less of a film that makes you laugh (it does have its moments), more of a film that makes you smile.
What I love about this film is there is a bit more gore than in his previous work. Contrasted to the playful manner of the rest of the film, these parts seem really in your face.
However, this film also picks up on a theme which seems common in many Wes Anderson films: the fading of past glory. When we first meet the Hotel in this film it is only a shadow of its former self....
What's it About?
Old Europe. War. Art heists. Not as much about a hotel as you'd think...
Best Viewing Company: Anyone
Friday, 30 January 2015
Movie Review: Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)
The Easie Precis: Documentary about Banksy. Maybe made by Banksy. Who is Banksy? What is a documentary?
Compatible Movies: Unique.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 89%
Watch the Trailer? Definitely. Watch it here. Now.
A Little More Detail...
If you like meta, then this is for you. A guy tried to make a documentary about Banksy. Banksy decided to flip it around and make it a documentary about this guy making a documentary about him. Then this is documented in this documentary. Then maybe you think Banksy just made up this guy so he could make a documentary about this guy making a documentary about himself. Kinda like an autobiography-by-proxy documentary. You know what? I'll stop trying to explain it...
That's the brilliance of Banksy - that he will go the extra mile for his 'pranks' and 'art' so you imagine the same for any films associated with him.
It's consistently entertaining all the way through. If you have any interest in art (modern art / "graffiti" / stencil art) then worth a watch. If you don't - well, it's still pretty entertaining and an interesting concept.
What's it About?
Banksy - the stencil artist and the art world.
Best Viewing Company: Bunch of friends, or just yourself
Compatible Movies: Unique.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 89%
Watch the Trailer? Definitely. Watch it here. Now.
A Little More Detail...
If you like meta, then this is for you. A guy tried to make a documentary about Banksy. Banksy decided to flip it around and make it a documentary about this guy making a documentary about him. Then this is documented in this documentary. Then maybe you think Banksy just made up this guy so he could make a documentary about this guy making a documentary about himself. Kinda like an autobiography-by-proxy documentary. You know what? I'll stop trying to explain it...
That's the brilliance of Banksy - that he will go the extra mile for his 'pranks' and 'art' so you imagine the same for any films associated with him.
It's consistently entertaining all the way through. If you have any interest in art (modern art / "graffiti" / stencil art) then worth a watch. If you don't - well, it's still pretty entertaining and an interesting concept.
What's it About?
Banksy - the stencil artist and the art world.
Best Viewing Company: Bunch of friends, or just yourself
Tuesday, 27 January 2015
Movie Review: Oldboy (2003)
The Easie Precis: A man is recently released after being taken hostage and imprisoned without reason. Now he seeks revenge on whoever did this to him. Sounds like a Tarantino film? Feels like one also - just a bit more... quirky.
Compatible Movies: As mentioned above, shades of Pulp Fiction or Kill Bill.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 92%
Watch the Trailer? Yes. Watch it here.
A Little More Detail...
This film is an enigma wrapped in a... bla bla bla. Whilst getting almost philosophical at times the mystery delicately unravels at a well determined pace. This is important to make the story even more compelling than the action and fight-scenes that are typical of a revenge film.
These action scenes and the occasional flashes of playful lightheartedness are required to balance the intense often extreme aspects of the plot.
I have a theory that art is found more at the extremes of the human experience (hence, the plots of many operas). If this is true than this is one hell of an artistic film.
What's it About?
Revenge, The past, Toying with people's lives, One man's quest (with a little help from a hammer)
Best Viewing Company: A few friends or by yourself. I wouldn't watch with family...
Compatible Movies: As mentioned above, shades of Pulp Fiction or Kill Bill.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 92%
Watch the Trailer? Yes. Watch it here.
A Little More Detail...
This film is an enigma wrapped in a... bla bla bla. Whilst getting almost philosophical at times the mystery delicately unravels at a well determined pace. This is important to make the story even more compelling than the action and fight-scenes that are typical of a revenge film.
These action scenes and the occasional flashes of playful lightheartedness are required to balance the intense often extreme aspects of the plot.
I have a theory that art is found more at the extremes of the human experience (hence, the plots of many operas). If this is true than this is one hell of an artistic film.
What's it About?
Revenge, The past, Toying with people's lives, One man's quest (with a little help from a hammer)
Best Viewing Company: A few friends or by yourself. I wouldn't watch with family...
Monday, 26 January 2015
Movie Review: Nightcrawler (2014)
The Easie Precis: Scum-bag Lou (Gyllenhal) goes around filming night-time Los Angeles car accidents, murders, etc. to sell the footage to local news channels. Might make you hate humanity.
Compatible Movies: Lou Bloom's textbook-like sermons on business are very reminiscent of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000).
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 68%
Watch the Trailer? No. I wouldn't. Better to go in clean. However, if you really want to, you can here.
A Little More Detail...
This is a very well made film. The story, and pacing is good - and I am glad this film does not go down the route of what you would expect the typical Hollywood story to be: Lou films crime scenes. Lou wants to be the first at crime scenes. Lou realises if he commits crimes he will automatically be first at the scene.
This film doesn't do that. Rather, the characters become the focus. This makes for a more realistic film: one where the direction is focused on communicating the point as clearly and simply as possible.
On the flip-side, this is exactly what the film lacks. You'd think when I say crime, LA, cameras, that it would be a very stylish film. But it is not. The soundtrack and cinematography all seem to get out of the way and just allow the story and characters to come through. While I believe this film draws out the emotion intended, it does so with very little attitude - to the point where you might say it is quite plain. While I can't find great fault with what is presented I can't help feeling that there is a missed opportunity in what isn't presented.
What's it About?
Crime, TV news, gonzo
Best Viewing Company: Anyone
Compatible Movies: Lou Bloom's textbook-like sermons on business are very reminiscent of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000).
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 68%
Watch the Trailer? No. I wouldn't. Better to go in clean. However, if you really want to, you can here.
A Little More Detail...
This is a very well made film. The story, and pacing is good - and I am glad this film does not go down the route of what you would expect the typical Hollywood story to be: Lou films crime scenes. Lou wants to be the first at crime scenes. Lou realises if he commits crimes he will automatically be first at the scene.
This film doesn't do that. Rather, the characters become the focus. This makes for a more realistic film: one where the direction is focused on communicating the point as clearly and simply as possible.
On the flip-side, this is exactly what the film lacks. You'd think when I say crime, LA, cameras, that it would be a very stylish film. But it is not. The soundtrack and cinematography all seem to get out of the way and just allow the story and characters to come through. While I believe this film draws out the emotion intended, it does so with very little attitude - to the point where you might say it is quite plain. While I can't find great fault with what is presented I can't help feeling that there is a missed opportunity in what isn't presented.
What's it About?
Crime, TV news, gonzo
Best Viewing Company: Anyone
Saturday, 24 January 2015
Movie Review: Mulholland Drive (2001)
The Easie Precis: Unconventional thriller. Beautiful imagery. Intriguing story. Might bend your mind into a pretzel.
Compatible Movies: L.A. Mystery gives hints of Chinatown (1974). No time-travel, but Donnie Darko (2001 also) comes to mind for some reason - maybe the sometimes weird acting. General sense of creepiness that you get from most David Lynch movies.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 90%
Watch the Trailer? No, better to go in with no expectations. Trailers I have seen are very much focused on trying to sell tickets.
A Little More Detail...
The good thing about this film is that, for those who don't like things too art-house, 70% of this film is just plain beautiful and entertaining and intriguing and all-around good to watch.
The great thing about this film is the other 30%.
David Lynch manages to convey such a strong story without explicitly telling it - and that is why it is great. Consider, Hemingway famously had the "ice-berg" theory: you only tell the stuff on the surface, and by doing so readers will infer the real heart of the story that is concealed underneath. Well, David Lynch seems to go one better: you don't even really tell the stuff on the surface. Or, you do, but you make it fragmented or contradictory, or even meaningless at times. This way, the minds of your audience become so much more involved.
This is an important point, because it isn't a short film and it isn't an easy movie ("hey, that's the name of this blog!?"), but the entire time you watch it, you feel captivated. For myself, at least, the film managed to keep me not just watching it, but actively watching it.
The thing is, though, there are parts with pretty ordinary acting and parts that feel very cliche. As a part of the greater whole, however, they feel almost done this way on purpose. In danger of giving too much credit, you could at least say that these parts don't detract from the experience because the very essence of the film means that you shouldn't take everything you see literally anyway.
What's it About?
It's a mystery (probably the most apt 3 word summation, ever). Typical elements such as "person moves to a new city", amneasia, contract killers and tiny tiny people.
Best Viewing Company: By yourself or one or two friends. Too in-depth for crowds, potentially awkward for family
Compatible Movies: L.A. Mystery gives hints of Chinatown (1974). No time-travel, but Donnie Darko (2001 also) comes to mind for some reason - maybe the sometimes weird acting. General sense of creepiness that you get from most David Lynch movies.
The "for what it's trying to be" score: 90%
Watch the Trailer? No, better to go in with no expectations. Trailers I have seen are very much focused on trying to sell tickets.
A Little More Detail...
The good thing about this film is that, for those who don't like things too art-house, 70% of this film is just plain beautiful and entertaining and intriguing and all-around good to watch.
The great thing about this film is the other 30%.
David Lynch manages to convey such a strong story without explicitly telling it - and that is why it is great. Consider, Hemingway famously had the "ice-berg" theory: you only tell the stuff on the surface, and by doing so readers will infer the real heart of the story that is concealed underneath. Well, David Lynch seems to go one better: you don't even really tell the stuff on the surface. Or, you do, but you make it fragmented or contradictory, or even meaningless at times. This way, the minds of your audience become so much more involved.
This is an important point, because it isn't a short film and it isn't an easy movie ("hey, that's the name of this blog!?"), but the entire time you watch it, you feel captivated. For myself, at least, the film managed to keep me not just watching it, but actively watching it.
The thing is, though, there are parts with pretty ordinary acting and parts that feel very cliche. As a part of the greater whole, however, they feel almost done this way on purpose. In danger of giving too much credit, you could at least say that these parts don't detract from the experience because the very essence of the film means that you shouldn't take everything you see literally anyway.
What's it About?
It's a mystery (probably the most apt 3 word summation, ever). Typical elements such as "person moves to a new city", amneasia, contract killers and tiny tiny people.
Best Viewing Company: By yourself or one or two friends. Too in-depth for crowds, potentially awkward for family
Saturday, 17 January 2015
About
This blog contains simple, straightforward reviews of movies.
Easie Movie aims to answer the question: should I watch this movie? As such, we rate films based on what they are trying to be, and give you a brief description of what they're about.
Sometimes we go into a little more detail for the film buffs out there.
Easie Movie contains only positive reviews. Every film listed on this site is, at the very least, "worth a watch."
The reviews are short and sweet so you can quickly get the idea of whether it is something you are interested in or not.
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