I had never seen Almost Famous up until a few months ago. I had heard of the film, and of course heard how outstanding it is. I also was aware of Cameron Crowe's reputation as a director, so I was very excited to watch it.
What I was unaware of was that the film was somewhat autobiographical. Cameron Crowe wrote a cover story for Rolling Stone Magazine when he was 15 years old. He traveled with The Allman Brothers, which is represented in the film by the fictional band Stillwater.
One of the things I like I about the movie is that, at it's core, it really is a coming-of-age story. When William Miller returns home from the tour, he is very much a different man. It really captures how it feels when you find what you're passionate about. Your world is completely altered at that moment, and that is what the film represents.
I also like that the film takes place at time when classic rock is dying. That makes William Miller's cover story about Stillwater so much more meaningful. This is going to be the cover story to end all cover stories, and people are going to celebrate classic rock until its last breath!
I still miss Philip Seymour Hoffman to this day. The "uncool" monologue is so heartwarming to hear. Only an actor of his caliber can make someone feel cool about being uncool.
I've always loved Frances McDormand. She's a fantastic actress, and she nails it perfectly as Elaine, the overprotective mother of William. I cannot picture anyone else in that role.
Personally, I never thought I would a like a Kate Hudson movie, let alone own one. However, what I found with Almost Famous is that if you put her in the right role with the right director she can be great. I absolutely love her in this film.
The genius of Cameron Crowe is that his movies do not fit into any one particular genre. The dialogue that he gives his characters is so real and pure that just when you think it is going to get overly dramatic....it doesn't. I don't know how he does it.
I don't think Patrick Fugit is very good in the film, however there is an innocence that he brings to his character that is necessary to his role and to the story.
I have always been a fan of Jason Lee as an actor, and I think he has gotten considerably better over the years. Billy Crudup has grown on me in recent years. I thought he was quite good in Big Fish and Mission:Impossible III, and he is great in this film.
This is a wonderful movie to experience, with a story that sucks you right in straight from the beginning. The music is as much a character in the film as the actors are, and it immediately transports you to a time when music really meant something, in my opinion. This movie is a wonderful product of its time, and one that will last for many generations of music lovers.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Friday, May 1, 2015
A Tribute To Robin Williams
When I got the news that Robin Williams had died, I felt like I had lost one of my closest friends. Even though I never met him, he played a very big part in my life. Robin Williams was there for me at a time in my life when I needed inspiration, and he helped me get through my own depression. For that, I am incredibly indebted to him. Thank you, Robin Williams.
Good Will Hunting is, to this day, the most inspirational film I have ever seen. For the better part of ten years, I was in the same position as Matt Damon's character, Will. All I ever did was talk about how I was going to go back to school and pursue my dream. However, it was this film that gave me the metaphorical boot up the ass and said, "Stop talking about doing it. Just do it." I did not want to be 75 years old, lying on my death bed and saying to myself, "I wish I had given it a shot." Good Will Hunting gave me that inspiration.
I have always thought that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are decent actors. I think Ben Affleck becoming a director has made him a better actor, and ironically enough, it was the movie Interstellar that really made me a big fan of Damon. Matt Damon is perfect in his role as the cocky and confident Will Hunting. I also really enjoy the dialogue that he and Williams have together, because it shows that Will is struggling with some inner demons, and ultimately Williams gets it out of him in the classic "It's not your fault" scene.
Ben Affleck plays his role very well as Will's best friend, Chuck. He is supportive, protective, and everything else you would want in a best friend. He also does not have any reservations about telling Will what he really thinks of him. Near the end of the film, Chuck gives Will his thoughts on his potential, even risking their own friendship in doing so. To me, that's what a best friend is: supportive and protective as I said before, but also someone who doesn't bullshit you, and Ben Affleck is great in that role.
The gift of Robin Williams was his greatness. I personally think that term is overused, but Robin Williams was truly great in everything that he did. His Oscar is certainly deserved for his performance in this film for his portrayal of Sean Maguire. As someone who struggled with my own bout of depression, I began to have an utter disdain for therapists. Robin Williams made me like therapists. I wish more therapists were like him. His role in the film is to get through to Will Hunting, and get him to talk about his issues, and he does so by doing exactly what therapists are not supposed to do: he doesn't talk. He lets Will initiate the dialogue. It's a very emotion-fueled performance by Williams, one that moves me to tears almost every time.
Gus Van Sant directed this film, and he does so by getting excellent performances from his actors, and by using beautiful Boston images. The cinematography in the film is absolutely gorgeous. I could watch the transitional images alone for hours.
The gift of Robin Williams was exactly that: it was a gift. When someone you have never met becomes such a big part of your life, and then they are suddenly ripped away, it is very hard to come to terms with that. I still shed tears over his death. Allowing Robin Williams to come into my home via television screen is one of the greatest priveleges that I will ever know. The world will miss you, Mr. Williams, and I thank you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Can We Keep Him?
To say that E.T. The Extra Terrestrial evokes emotion would be an enormous understatement. That's what Steven Spielberg does best, and that is one of the reasons why he is who he is. If you don't tear up during this movie, then in my opinion there is something seriously wrong with you, and you should have yourself checked.
The writing in this movie is very simplistic, while at the same time being a genuine coming-of-age story. One of the things that I love so much about the film is that Elliott's household, due to a divorce, is very much a broken home....until E.T. shows up. The alien that is light years from home is what brings the family together. The script feels like a rough outline that you would write with your friends over the weekend. E.T. is a movie where the story is told through the emotions of the images on the screen.
The movie is told from a child's perspective, and that really shows in the masterful direction by Steven Spielberg. For the first hour of the movie, the movie is filmed using low angles. We never see an adult from the waist up, except if it's Elliot's mother. Adults are viewed as threatening, so we only see their feet. It is only after we learn that the scientists are friendly that we see their faces.
All of the actors, particularly the child actors, do a fantastic job of capturing the characters. For me, though, Drew Barrymore steals the show. It's such a genuine performance. It feels like Steven Spielberg just turned the camera on and let her go. The child actors all do a wonderful job of playing characters who have been affected by divorce. They all get mad at each other for no apparent reason, and yet when something bad happens to one of them, they're all there for each other. Personally, I love this aspect of the film because I am a child of divorce myself and I very much identified with that.
E.T. is a classic, and there's no denying that. It's a movie for all ages, children and adults. It's a beloved film, one that brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
The writing in this movie is very simplistic, while at the same time being a genuine coming-of-age story. One of the things that I love so much about the film is that Elliott's household, due to a divorce, is very much a broken home....until E.T. shows up. The alien that is light years from home is what brings the family together. The script feels like a rough outline that you would write with your friends over the weekend. E.T. is a movie where the story is told through the emotions of the images on the screen.
The movie is told from a child's perspective, and that really shows in the masterful direction by Steven Spielberg. For the first hour of the movie, the movie is filmed using low angles. We never see an adult from the waist up, except if it's Elliot's mother. Adults are viewed as threatening, so we only see their feet. It is only after we learn that the scientists are friendly that we see their faces.
All of the actors, particularly the child actors, do a fantastic job of capturing the characters. For me, though, Drew Barrymore steals the show. It's such a genuine performance. It feels like Steven Spielberg just turned the camera on and let her go. The child actors all do a wonderful job of playing characters who have been affected by divorce. They all get mad at each other for no apparent reason, and yet when something bad happens to one of them, they're all there for each other. Personally, I love this aspect of the film because I am a child of divorce myself and I very much identified with that.
E.T. is a classic, and there's no denying that. It's a movie for all ages, children and adults. It's a beloved film, one that brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
A Classic That Is More Than Good Enough
A few months ago, I had the pleasure and the privilege of watching The Goonies for the first time. I must say that I had heard so much about how great this movie is that I was a little worried that it was being overhyped. I have never been more wrong about a movie in my life.
The beauty of this movie is that both children and adults can enjoy it. The Goonies really captures the sense of wonder and the need for adventure that children have. This movie also communicates to the child in all of us. When I was watching this movie, I was reminded of the house in Montgomery, Ohio where I grew up. There was a creek in the backyard, and every day I would walk down the creek further and further, wondering what I discover. I did not have many fond memories in that house, but that was one of the few.
Richard Donner is the brilliant director of The Goonies. Yes, this is the same Richard Donner who gave us Superman and all four Lethal Weapon movies. I am such a huge fan of Richard Donner. He is another director who clearly has range with his work, although I think these days he is not appreciated enough.
The child actors in this movie certainly do not act like children. They have a certain chemistry together that makes them so unique and special, everyone from Corey Feldman to Sean Astin. You really feel that these kids have known each other their whole lives.
I wish I had seen The Goonies when I was a kid. I feel like I would love it even more than I do now.
However, even though I was late to the party I still had a blast the first time I watched it. I love this movie so much, and now I understand why it is such a special film.
The beauty of this movie is that both children and adults can enjoy it. The Goonies really captures the sense of wonder and the need for adventure that children have. This movie also communicates to the child in all of us. When I was watching this movie, I was reminded of the house in Montgomery, Ohio where I grew up. There was a creek in the backyard, and every day I would walk down the creek further and further, wondering what I discover. I did not have many fond memories in that house, but that was one of the few.
Richard Donner is the brilliant director of The Goonies. Yes, this is the same Richard Donner who gave us Superman and all four Lethal Weapon movies. I am such a huge fan of Richard Donner. He is another director who clearly has range with his work, although I think these days he is not appreciated enough.
The child actors in this movie certainly do not act like children. They have a certain chemistry together that makes them so unique and special, everyone from Corey Feldman to Sean Astin. You really feel that these kids have known each other their whole lives.
I wish I had seen The Goonies when I was a kid. I feel like I would love it even more than I do now.
However, even though I was late to the party I still had a blast the first time I watched it. I love this movie so much, and now I understand why it is such a special film.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
A Rockumentary For All Time
A couple of months ago, I watched This is Spinal Tap for the first time. Naturally, I had heard how funny this movie is from friends of mine who had seen it, but I must admit I was not entirely prepared for what I was about to see. Watching this movie was very memorable to me just for the simple fact that I was laughing so uncontrollably and unexpectedly.
The great thing about the writing in the movie is that it clearly makes fun of all the rock bands who take themselves entirely too seriously. You know, the bands who release DVDs that show them writing songs for all their albums and what the songs mean. This movie also pokes fun at bands that suffer from drama within them, which is one of the most hilarious things about the movie.
Rob Reiner, while he is the actual director of the movie, also plays the stereotypical director at the beginning of the movie, and he does it in such a profoundly hilarious way. While the movie is poking fun at bands who take themselves too seriously, Rob Reiner pokes fun at directors during the introduction of This is Spinal Tap. He is great at the "Let me take you on a journey" type of director.
Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer are brilliant together. I would not be surprised if this movie was more improvised than actually written. Their comedic timing in the movie is superb.
When I think of comedies, I usually think of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. Parodies and spoofs do not come to mind. However, it is always refreshing to watch one, especially one I have not seen. This is Spinal Tap was indeed that for me. It was, and is, hilarious in so many unexpected ways.
The great thing about the writing in the movie is that it clearly makes fun of all the rock bands who take themselves entirely too seriously. You know, the bands who release DVDs that show them writing songs for all their albums and what the songs mean. This movie also pokes fun at bands that suffer from drama within them, which is one of the most hilarious things about the movie.
Rob Reiner, while he is the actual director of the movie, also plays the stereotypical director at the beginning of the movie, and he does it in such a profoundly hilarious way. While the movie is poking fun at bands who take themselves too seriously, Rob Reiner pokes fun at directors during the introduction of This is Spinal Tap. He is great at the "Let me take you on a journey" type of director.
Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer are brilliant together. I would not be surprised if this movie was more improvised than actually written. Their comedic timing in the movie is superb.
When I think of comedies, I usually think of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. Parodies and spoofs do not come to mind. However, it is always refreshing to watch one, especially one I have not seen. This is Spinal Tap was indeed that for me. It was, and is, hilarious in so many unexpected ways.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Sweaty Nerd Fandom: Part 2
I was thirteen years old when Batman and Robin was released in theaters in 1997. At that age, I did not have the love and appreciation for movies that I do today. I was more concerned with the fact that I was seeing my first Batman movie in theaters. Seventeen years ago, I thought the movie was awesome. Today, I appreciate it for the glorious toilet bug that it is.
The lack of ingenuity of the writing in this movie astounds me. Akiva Goldsman must have thought he was writing a cartoon because Mr. Freeze says 27 "ice puns" in the entire movie. This is the same writer who, four years later, would win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for A Beautiful Mind, which is a far superior movie to say the least. The sad thing is that the exposition, when it is there, is very good. The banter between George Clooney is exceptional. Also, the scenes that George Clooney and Michael Gough are very good. Unfortunately, all these scenes are just put in the wrong places and there's not enough of it.
I'm as much an Arnold Schwarzenegger as any other man who grew up in the 80's and 90's. However, he is hugely miscast in the role of Mr. Freeze. Why would you cast a former bodybuilder as an elderly frail scientist?!
I will actually defend George Clooney in this movie as far as being Bruce Wayne. He did a decent job considering what he had to work with. As far as being Batman goes, you didn't even alter your voice in any way? Come on!
I do believe Chris O'Donnell is the best cast person in this movie. He brings a certain attitude to the character of Dick Grayson/Robin that plays well against George Clooney. Although it is a shame that we never get to officially see Nightwing in these movies, there are some nice nods to it in Chris O'Donnell's costume in this movie.
Alicia Silverstone is also horribly miscast in the role of Batgirl. Please note: In the comics, Batgirl's real name is Barbara Gordon not Barbara Wilson. In the comics, Batgirl is a computer genius. However in this movie all she does is come off as a valley girl who attempts to be a badass. How does being the lead in Clueless make you a prime candidate for Batgirl?!
I actually like Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, dialogue aside. In the comics, Poison Ivy is a very gorgeous woman, and Uma Thurman personifies that perfectly. It's just too bad she says out loud all her exposition so we already know what she is going to do.
I honestly do not think that Joel Schumacher should take all of the blame for this movie. There are a couple of action sequences that are particularly well done, and as I said the exposition is good. I have seen The Number 23 directed by Joel Schumacher and I think it is very good. I do not think Joel Schumacher is a bad director. I just think he should stay away from movies that are based on comic books.
When I think of bad movies, Batman and Robin is near the top of the list. Many people bash this movie, and rightfully so. However without the pile of garbage that is Batman and Robin, there would be no Batman Begins. Thank Odin for Christopher Nolan.
Friday, July 11, 2014
An Unlikely Paradise
I recently watched a movie called My Blue Heaven. It stars Steve Martin and Rick Moranis, and is directed by Herbert Ross. I had never heard of it before I watched it, and I must say it was a pleasant surprise.
Steve Martin plays an Italian mob informant named Vinnie Antonelli. He is in the Witness Protection Program. He has to bring in the other gangsters so he can go free. His character is a parody of a character you would find in gangster movies and film noir movies. Steve Martin's accent is so laughably terrible in this movie. It does not even come close to Italian, but because this is a comedy I think that was the point. I have always been a big fan of Steve Martin. He takes comedy very seriously, and I respect him very much for that. He always brings something fresh to every film he is in.
Rick Moranis plays Federal Agent Barney Coopersmith. I really enjoyed his character arc in the movie. He goes from being a nerd who has his own system for the way eats pancakes to being a very likable guy who can actually have a relationship with a woman. I had never seen Rick Moranis play a character like this. I was so used to seeing him play a nerd like he did in Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Seeing him play someone who is generally a good guy who has an actual story arc was very refreshing.
Director Herbert Ross brings a very genuine feel to this movie. The comedy is over the top at times, but it never gets completely ridiculous. This is a very heartwarming movie to watch.
I really enjoyed this movie the first time I watched it, and I have watched it again and again since then. It's always a pleasure to watch two comedic geniuses like Steve Martin and Rick Moranis do what they do best. If you're feeling like staying in on a Saturday night, then grab some popcorn and pick up a copy of My Blue Heaven.
Steve Martin plays an Italian mob informant named Vinnie Antonelli. He is in the Witness Protection Program. He has to bring in the other gangsters so he can go free. His character is a parody of a character you would find in gangster movies and film noir movies. Steve Martin's accent is so laughably terrible in this movie. It does not even come close to Italian, but because this is a comedy I think that was the point. I have always been a big fan of Steve Martin. He takes comedy very seriously, and I respect him very much for that. He always brings something fresh to every film he is in.
Rick Moranis plays Federal Agent Barney Coopersmith. I really enjoyed his character arc in the movie. He goes from being a nerd who has his own system for the way eats pancakes to being a very likable guy who can actually have a relationship with a woman. I had never seen Rick Moranis play a character like this. I was so used to seeing him play a nerd like he did in Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Seeing him play someone who is generally a good guy who has an actual story arc was very refreshing.
Director Herbert Ross brings a very genuine feel to this movie. The comedy is over the top at times, but it never gets completely ridiculous. This is a very heartwarming movie to watch.
I really enjoyed this movie the first time I watched it, and I have watched it again and again since then. It's always a pleasure to watch two comedic geniuses like Steve Martin and Rick Moranis do what they do best. If you're feeling like staying in on a Saturday night, then grab some popcorn and pick up a copy of My Blue Heaven.
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