The movie Richie Rich posed something very interesting to me when I was a kid. What was interesting was that Macaulay Culkin was coming to be known for more than just the Home Alone movies. I had always wanted to see this movie as a kid because of that fact, and now at the age of 31 I have.
Richie Rich is the story of the world's wealthiest boy who finds that his parents' adviser is plotting against them, and must use all of his resources to stop him. I actually really enjoyed this movie. It is good family fun that is very heartfelt at its core. Jonathan Hyde provides great comic relief as well playing Herbert Cadbury.
Macaulay Culkin is quite possibly the most popular child actor ever. He plays Richie Rich with confidence, yet with an underlying longing. Richie is a boy who has everything, and yet nothing at all. He has a daily schedule, and is being groomed for wealth. Ordinary children do not want him around because they think he is just a spoiled brat who gets whatever he wants. This is actually quite sad because all Richie wants is to have fun in his life. In the end, however, the other children see the kind of boy he really is underneath.
Donald Petrie directed the film. Although this movie is a comedy, the bond of family is a very important element here. Petrie knows this, and directs the movie with this in mind. There is also an underlying theme in the movie that a person is not necessarily defined by their wealth. I really enjoyed this aspect, especially considering this is "a kid's movie".
Richie Rich is another one of those films that you can enjoy with your family, no matter how old you are. It is good entertainment that is just pure fun all around. It is a movie that can identify with the child in all of us. That is what makes this movie special.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Futuristic Mind-Bender
I have always been a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan. I saw nearly all of his movies before I was thirteen years old. He is the heavyweight champion of action movies, and Total Recall is one of the reasons why.
Total Recall takes place in the year 2084, and is about a man called Hauser who goes for a virtual vacation of the planet Mars. During the vacation implantation, things go haywire and Hauser finds out his true destiny. While Total Recall is, for all intents and purposes, a typical Schwarzenegger movie, there are certain science fiction aspects to the film that really make your brain work. This is a surprisingly pleasant element to the film. However in all the hundreds of times I have watched this movie, I have always wanted more backstory involving the aliens and the reactor. Also at the end of the film, we never actually see Vilos Cohaagen die, or explode, or whatever it is people do when they are exposed to Mars's atmosphere. This is a very minor, but possibly important plot hole.
Arnold Schwarzenegger never was, and never will be a great actor. Although, I do not think he ever needed to be. I think he knows what he is good at, and I think we as film fans know what he is good at. He just needs to keep kicking ass until the end of his days, and everything will be right with the world. We seem be romantic in this movie, though, which is a rare thing in a Schwarzenegger movie. Of course, because he is Arnold Schwarzenegger, not only are the women stunningly beautiful, but they can kick ass along with him. Personally, I would have had Sharon Stone be his real wife. I mean, who wouldn't?
Paul Verhoeven really knows how to direct an action movie. Using many quick cuts, he leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end. He also uses great establishing shots of the landscape of Mars that really make you feel like this is what Mars will look like in the future. The sets are great, the effects are glorious, and everything else just screams, "Great action movie".
Total Recall could possibly be the most enjoyable Schwarzenegger movie. He carries the film in a different way than in his other movies. Also, Total Recall is a bit open-ended, so be prepared to think afterwards!
Total Recall takes place in the year 2084, and is about a man called Hauser who goes for a virtual vacation of the planet Mars. During the vacation implantation, things go haywire and Hauser finds out his true destiny. While Total Recall is, for all intents and purposes, a typical Schwarzenegger movie, there are certain science fiction aspects to the film that really make your brain work. This is a surprisingly pleasant element to the film. However in all the hundreds of times I have watched this movie, I have always wanted more backstory involving the aliens and the reactor. Also at the end of the film, we never actually see Vilos Cohaagen die, or explode, or whatever it is people do when they are exposed to Mars's atmosphere. This is a very minor, but possibly important plot hole.
Arnold Schwarzenegger never was, and never will be a great actor. Although, I do not think he ever needed to be. I think he knows what he is good at, and I think we as film fans know what he is good at. He just needs to keep kicking ass until the end of his days, and everything will be right with the world. We seem be romantic in this movie, though, which is a rare thing in a Schwarzenegger movie. Of course, because he is Arnold Schwarzenegger, not only are the women stunningly beautiful, but they can kick ass along with him. Personally, I would have had Sharon Stone be his real wife. I mean, who wouldn't?
Paul Verhoeven really knows how to direct an action movie. Using many quick cuts, he leaves you on the edge of your seat until the very end. He also uses great establishing shots of the landscape of Mars that really make you feel like this is what Mars will look like in the future. The sets are great, the effects are glorious, and everything else just screams, "Great action movie".
Total Recall could possibly be the most enjoyable Schwarzenegger movie. He carries the film in a different way than in his other movies. Also, Total Recall is a bit open-ended, so be prepared to think afterwards!
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
The Wrath Of Religion
Let me preface this particular blog by saying that I am an atheist. I do not believe in any deity or religious entity whatsoever. However, I do respect the beliefs of others. When it comes to religious films, I can be very picky. As long as a movie is not too preachy, I can handle it. Movies are art, and are meant to be taken as such. As an atheist, I look at religious movies from an artistic standpoint. Ok, now that I have that out of the way....
One of the fun things about doing this blog is talking about movies that I have heard about for years, but never actually seen. Dogma is another one of those films. I have always been a huge Kevin Smith fan, so six months ago when I watched it for the first time I could not have been more pleased.
Dogma is the story of two banished angels, Loki and Bartleby, who are trying to exploit a loophole so that they can reenter heaven. It is arguably Kevin Smith's most popular movie. This movie serves as a comedy that seems to be the result of years of Catholic upbringing being shoved down Kevin Smith's throat. Dogma is not meant to be taken seriously, and I believe one might be offended if they do.
This movie has a stellar cast, most notably Alan Rickman as the Metatron. It is amazing to see an actor of Rickman's caliber in a movie like this. He brings such a wit and sense of humor to his role that is pleasantly surprising and downright hilarious. The scene between him and Linda Fiorentino in the lake is actually quite moving. For me personally, Alan Rickman steals the show.
Kevin Smith's writing in the movie is brilliant. It just feels like he is venting for two hours. Of course, if religion was shoved down my throat all my life I would be venting too. There are many scenes that are quite well directed, such as the aforementioned lake scene. I feel like Kevin Smith knew what Alan Rickman would bring to the movie, because all of his scenes seem to be directed the best. Also, the scene where Bartleby and Loki massacre the people in the office building is very well done (and quite hilarious), and the ending scene in front of the church is just pure spectacle at its finest.
If you are religious and take your religion seriously, I would advise against watching this movie. However, if you are not religious and/or appreciate the fact that this is just a movie, you will thoroughly enjoy it. It has a great cast, a great story, and is an epic fantasy at its finest.
One of the fun things about doing this blog is talking about movies that I have heard about for years, but never actually seen. Dogma is another one of those films. I have always been a huge Kevin Smith fan, so six months ago when I watched it for the first time I could not have been more pleased.
Dogma is the story of two banished angels, Loki and Bartleby, who are trying to exploit a loophole so that they can reenter heaven. It is arguably Kevin Smith's most popular movie. This movie serves as a comedy that seems to be the result of years of Catholic upbringing being shoved down Kevin Smith's throat. Dogma is not meant to be taken seriously, and I believe one might be offended if they do.
This movie has a stellar cast, most notably Alan Rickman as the Metatron. It is amazing to see an actor of Rickman's caliber in a movie like this. He brings such a wit and sense of humor to his role that is pleasantly surprising and downright hilarious. The scene between him and Linda Fiorentino in the lake is actually quite moving. For me personally, Alan Rickman steals the show.
Kevin Smith's writing in the movie is brilliant. It just feels like he is venting for two hours. Of course, if religion was shoved down my throat all my life I would be venting too. There are many scenes that are quite well directed, such as the aforementioned lake scene. I feel like Kevin Smith knew what Alan Rickman would bring to the movie, because all of his scenes seem to be directed the best. Also, the scene where Bartleby and Loki massacre the people in the office building is very well done (and quite hilarious), and the ending scene in front of the church is just pure spectacle at its finest.
If you are religious and take your religion seriously, I would advise against watching this movie. However, if you are not religious and/or appreciate the fact that this is just a movie, you will thoroughly enjoy it. It has a great cast, a great story, and is an epic fantasy at its finest.
Monday, July 20, 2015
A Witch For The Modern Age
The film The Witches was recommended to me by my very good friend Hannah Sutter. Seeing as how her recommendations have not let me down yet, I naturally was enthusiastic to watch it. Of course, as I predicted, I absolutely loved it.
The Witches is about a boy, Luke, who encounters a witch convention at a hotel and must stop their evil plans. This movie is so imaginative and so magical, it is hard to put it into any one category. Anjelica Huston's performance, combined with Jim Henson's brilliant effects work, make this film enjoyable for children and adults. This is also one of those movies that could have teetered on the edge of silliness, but with the help of the brilliant writing that explores the lore of witches, this movie is grounded in a reality that makes you take the movie seriously.
Nicolas Roeg did a good job directing the film. Generally speaking, I do not care for the "shaky-cam", but it is used effectively in The Witches whenever the children are transforming into mice. The use of POV (Point-of-view) shots is well done, too. They make you feel the sense of danger that Luke and Bruno are in after they have become mice. Roeg also does a good job of combining horror with humor. You will enjoy the movie very much, but it will leave you wide awake at night.
There is so much to love about this film. Even though The Witches was released in 1990, it feels like an 80's movie because it is so much fun to watch. This movie is filled with wonder that will leave you clapping your hands in applause by the end of it.
The Witches is about a boy, Luke, who encounters a witch convention at a hotel and must stop their evil plans. This movie is so imaginative and so magical, it is hard to put it into any one category. Anjelica Huston's performance, combined with Jim Henson's brilliant effects work, make this film enjoyable for children and adults. This is also one of those movies that could have teetered on the edge of silliness, but with the help of the brilliant writing that explores the lore of witches, this movie is grounded in a reality that makes you take the movie seriously.
Nicolas Roeg did a good job directing the film. Generally speaking, I do not care for the "shaky-cam", but it is used effectively in The Witches whenever the children are transforming into mice. The use of POV (Point-of-view) shots is well done, too. They make you feel the sense of danger that Luke and Bruno are in after they have become mice. Roeg also does a good job of combining horror with humor. You will enjoy the movie very much, but it will leave you wide awake at night.
There is so much to love about this film. Even though The Witches was released in 1990, it feels like an 80's movie because it is so much fun to watch. This movie is filled with wonder that will leave you clapping your hands in applause by the end of it.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Love At First Sight
I do not care what anybody says, a good romantic comedy can be very fun to watch. However, in order to make a romantic comedy work, you have to get actors who have good chemistry together. This is one of the many reasons why When Harry Met Sally is the revered classic that it is.
When Harry Met Sally is, naturally, the story of how Harry Burns met Sally Albright. Even though they have different views on sex and relationships, they are close friends. There are many reasons to love this movie. When Harry first meets Sally in 1977, they cannot stand each other which is, of course, how many young relationships start. Harry is a jerk who thinks he knows everything about relationships, while Sally is genuinely happy and upbeat. Harry thinks that men and women cannot be friends because sex gets in the way, to which Sally vehemently disagrees. Even though they find out many things about each other, and obviously disagree constantly, they have made a lasting impression on one another. As they become better friends, they start acting like an actual couple, even though they do not see it. At one point they set each other up with their best friends and go on a double date, which of course does not work out. Naturally, the two of them realize that they have loved each other since they met. Their relationship has had hills and valleys, but it all works out in the end. The magic of this movie is that people can identify with it.
There is a very special place in my heart for Billy Crystal. He is truly one of the greatest gifts that the entertainment industry has given us, and he brings his natural talent to the character of Harry Burns. One of the things that I love about him in this movie is that he is not just being funny all the time. He is a very serviceable dramatic actor in this movie, particularly at the end of the film. He also can be a real jerk in the movie, which is surprising given that he has a genuine "nice guy" attitude in real life.
Meg Ryan plays Sally Albright. I have heard some people say, "If you've seen one Meg Ryan romantic comedy, you've seen them all", to which I completely disagree. She plays a wide range of characters. She can be intelligent in one movie, and be completely dimwitted in another. What makes Meg Ryan so special in this movie is that there are many times where you can see that Sally has loving feelings for Harry, but she never admits it to anyone or even herself. She also has no reservations about letting Harry know when his theories are completely wrong. Also, like Crystal, Meg Ryan is just so naturally gifted, and has highly under-appreciated comedic timing. It is too bad she has never been in a straight-up comedy (at least, not to my knowledge). That would have been great to see.
Rob Reiner, who directed the movie, is truly a legend. The movies he has directed span a wide range of genres, which is the mark of a great director. The thing that I love about his movies, and When Harry Met Sally in particular, is that he is able to create very heartfelt characters with his actors. In many ways this movie is a very human story, so you need great actors to make these characters feel human. Rob Reiner is a wonderfully talented director who tells stories with great characters, and When Harry Met Sally is no exception.
When Harry Met Sally is indeed a classic, for all of the reasons I mentioned and more. This movie has an enduring legacy that will last long after this particular movie blogger's days are done. There is something about this movie that struck a chord with people, and that is what makes it the gem that it is.
When Harry Met Sally is, naturally, the story of how Harry Burns met Sally Albright. Even though they have different views on sex and relationships, they are close friends. There are many reasons to love this movie. When Harry first meets Sally in 1977, they cannot stand each other which is, of course, how many young relationships start. Harry is a jerk who thinks he knows everything about relationships, while Sally is genuinely happy and upbeat. Harry thinks that men and women cannot be friends because sex gets in the way, to which Sally vehemently disagrees. Even though they find out many things about each other, and obviously disagree constantly, they have made a lasting impression on one another. As they become better friends, they start acting like an actual couple, even though they do not see it. At one point they set each other up with their best friends and go on a double date, which of course does not work out. Naturally, the two of them realize that they have loved each other since they met. Their relationship has had hills and valleys, but it all works out in the end. The magic of this movie is that people can identify with it.
There is a very special place in my heart for Billy Crystal. He is truly one of the greatest gifts that the entertainment industry has given us, and he brings his natural talent to the character of Harry Burns. One of the things that I love about him in this movie is that he is not just being funny all the time. He is a very serviceable dramatic actor in this movie, particularly at the end of the film. He also can be a real jerk in the movie, which is surprising given that he has a genuine "nice guy" attitude in real life.
Meg Ryan plays Sally Albright. I have heard some people say, "If you've seen one Meg Ryan romantic comedy, you've seen them all", to which I completely disagree. She plays a wide range of characters. She can be intelligent in one movie, and be completely dimwitted in another. What makes Meg Ryan so special in this movie is that there are many times where you can see that Sally has loving feelings for Harry, but she never admits it to anyone or even herself. She also has no reservations about letting Harry know when his theories are completely wrong. Also, like Crystal, Meg Ryan is just so naturally gifted, and has highly under-appreciated comedic timing. It is too bad she has never been in a straight-up comedy (at least, not to my knowledge). That would have been great to see.
Rob Reiner, who directed the movie, is truly a legend. The movies he has directed span a wide range of genres, which is the mark of a great director. The thing that I love about his movies, and When Harry Met Sally in particular, is that he is able to create very heartfelt characters with his actors. In many ways this movie is a very human story, so you need great actors to make these characters feel human. Rob Reiner is a wonderfully talented director who tells stories with great characters, and When Harry Met Sally is no exception.
When Harry Met Sally is indeed a classic, for all of the reasons I mentioned and more. This movie has an enduring legacy that will last long after this particular movie blogger's days are done. There is something about this movie that struck a chord with people, and that is what makes it the gem that it is.
The Cronenberg Way
Eastern Promises is a film that I had heard people talk about in a way that I had not heard people talk about a movie before. Everything from the way violence is shown in the movie, to the story, to the acting made me want to see this movie. I just watched it for the first time, and I am very glad that I did.
After a Russian teenager dies during childbirth, her journal is found which reveals that she was raped, with possible links to a Russian mob. The thing that I loved about this movie the most is that I cannot imagine any film-maker but Cronenberg tackling this story. I am becoming a bigger Cronenberg fan the more and more I see his films.
Viggo Mortensen portrays Nikolai in the cold way that only Mortensen can. You can see in his eyes that Nikolai has a great deal of experience and wisdom doing his job, and Viggo plays that very effectively. Viggo Mortensen is an actor who can say so much just by the look in his eyes, and when you see that look you are very afraid of what is coming next.
Naomi Watts plays Anna. Anna is a very strong and independent woman who is quite capable of thinking for herself and marches to the beat of her own drum. After the baby's mother, Tatiana, dies, Anna stops at nothing to find other family members who can take of her child, who Anna has named Christine. The sheer tenacity of this character is not something we find in female characters today, and it was quite refreshing. She also has no hesitation whatsoever about going off on her uncle.
Vincent Cassel plays Kirill, who parties too much and is extremely reckless. You can very effectively see in his eyes that he is disappointed that his father does not approve of the way he lives his life, which is probably why he drinks so much. You can also see that Kirill is jealous of Nikolai because Nikolai and his Kirill's father share a real bond that Kirill clearly does not have with his father. I have not seen much of Cassel's work, but the more I see him in film, the more I see that he is truly a chameleon actor.
What I love about David Cronenberg so much, especially after seeing this film, is that he clearly has his own voice. He pushes boundaries with his movies, particularly in the way violence is shown in his work. Sometimes there are scenes in his films that are difficult to watch, but that is what makes David Cronenberg the director that he is.
I loved this movie simply because of how it was portrayed on screen. I had never seen anything like it before. In an age where film-makers are constantly copying one another, David Cronenberg shows that true talent comes in originality. I also am looking forward to seeing Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen do more films together.
After a Russian teenager dies during childbirth, her journal is found which reveals that she was raped, with possible links to a Russian mob. The thing that I loved about this movie the most is that I cannot imagine any film-maker but Cronenberg tackling this story. I am becoming a bigger Cronenberg fan the more and more I see his films.
Viggo Mortensen portrays Nikolai in the cold way that only Mortensen can. You can see in his eyes that Nikolai has a great deal of experience and wisdom doing his job, and Viggo plays that very effectively. Viggo Mortensen is an actor who can say so much just by the look in his eyes, and when you see that look you are very afraid of what is coming next.
Naomi Watts plays Anna. Anna is a very strong and independent woman who is quite capable of thinking for herself and marches to the beat of her own drum. After the baby's mother, Tatiana, dies, Anna stops at nothing to find other family members who can take of her child, who Anna has named Christine. The sheer tenacity of this character is not something we find in female characters today, and it was quite refreshing. She also has no hesitation whatsoever about going off on her uncle.
Vincent Cassel plays Kirill, who parties too much and is extremely reckless. You can very effectively see in his eyes that he is disappointed that his father does not approve of the way he lives his life, which is probably why he drinks so much. You can also see that Kirill is jealous of Nikolai because Nikolai and his Kirill's father share a real bond that Kirill clearly does not have with his father. I have not seen much of Cassel's work, but the more I see him in film, the more I see that he is truly a chameleon actor.
What I love about David Cronenberg so much, especially after seeing this film, is that he clearly has his own voice. He pushes boundaries with his movies, particularly in the way violence is shown in his work. Sometimes there are scenes in his films that are difficult to watch, but that is what makes David Cronenberg the director that he is.
I loved this movie simply because of how it was portrayed on screen. I had never seen anything like it before. In an age where film-makers are constantly copying one another, David Cronenberg shows that true talent comes in originality. I also am looking forward to seeing Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen do more films together.
A Fresh Feeding
Vampire movies have become somewhat predictable in recent years. However, I just watched the movie Let the Right One In that completely changed all that, and gave me new hope for these kinds of films. Quite often in film, an original take on a particular genre is what is needed to reinvigorate your love of that genre, and that is exactly what this movie did for me.
Let the Right One In is a Swedish film that tells the story of Oskar, a young boy who gets bullied constantly at school who befriends Eli, a girl who just moved in next door. What is particularly moving about this story is that Eli does not desire Oskar in the way she desires other people. Oskar sees Eli as an opportunity to make a new friend, which intrigues Eli. There is also a certain innocence about Oskar that makes Eli believe they can be good friends, even in the face of her horrifying secret.
Tomas Alfredson directed this film brilliantly. Let the Right One In takes place during Winter, thus making the cinematography hauntingly beautiful because it perfectly captures the contrast of the white of the snow, and the red of the blood. I also loved the use of the camera in this film. The shots are just a little longer and wider at times than most films, which really gives you a sense of scope and overwhelming fear.
Vampire films are one of my favorite kinds of movies for many reasons. There is a certain mystery, a certain sensuality about vampire films that has always attracted me to them. After seeing their popularity dwindle within the past several years, it was quite refreshing to watch a movie that completely reinvented not only vampire movies, but horror movies in general.
Let the Right One In is a Swedish film that tells the story of Oskar, a young boy who gets bullied constantly at school who befriends Eli, a girl who just moved in next door. What is particularly moving about this story is that Eli does not desire Oskar in the way she desires other people. Oskar sees Eli as an opportunity to make a new friend, which intrigues Eli. There is also a certain innocence about Oskar that makes Eli believe they can be good friends, even in the face of her horrifying secret.
Tomas Alfredson directed this film brilliantly. Let the Right One In takes place during Winter, thus making the cinematography hauntingly beautiful because it perfectly captures the contrast of the white of the snow, and the red of the blood. I also loved the use of the camera in this film. The shots are just a little longer and wider at times than most films, which really gives you a sense of scope and overwhelming fear.
Vampire films are one of my favorite kinds of movies for many reasons. There is a certain mystery, a certain sensuality about vampire films that has always attracted me to them. After seeing their popularity dwindle within the past several years, it was quite refreshing to watch a movie that completely reinvented not only vampire movies, but horror movies in general.
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