Only and The Education of Charlie Banks

First up is the Canadian film Only. Premiering in Toronto last night, Only is an independnt movie on a shoestring budget with a close-knit crew. The story revolves around one day in Parry Sound when two young kids meet and wander for the duration of the day. First off, the look of the film turned out pretty well considering the lack of funds, especially apparent in the exterior shots. Like most Canadian films it's a gem, but nothing ground breaking. I'd still give it a chance though if you're flipping through the newspaper wondering what to see, since you'll probably never get the chance again. 3.5/5

The Education of Charlie Banks is the second film from Fred Durst. Yes, Fred Durst. People keep trying to tell me he's a smart guy, but I just can't get the image as him in Limp Bizkit out of my head. The film is no Longshots, that's for sure. The movie though raw and engaging, especially because of the acting ability of Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Ritter, plays like Durst read "Film Directing For Dummies". All the shots are basic and absolutely nothing is new. I did enjoy Charlie Banks, but mostly because of the interplay between the two lead characters. 3.5/5

Altman Diaries

Recently I've emerged myself into all things Robert Altman. With each movie I grow more and more sad of his demise. Still, watch more Robert Altman! Yeah you've probably seen the big/more recent stuff - Gosford Park, M.A.S.H, Nashville etc. but here's five more you should check out.

1 - Ready-To-Wear: The humour in this movie is definetely unique and refreshing. Also, it's cool to see al the wicked fashion from the 90's
2- The Player: With tons of cameos you'll find yourself saying "hey that guy!" but don't let that overpower the brilliantly self reflexive plot and the inspiring cinematography.
3 - 3 Women: I've said it before, it's a weird film, but in the best way.
4 - California Split: You can't help but love Elliot Gould in this movie, with all his sceems to win and all his short comings he still remains so resiliently positive.
5 - Short Cuts: more to come on this gem later!

Adventureland and Doc Suggestions

hey hey, so i got caught up with my watchmen list that I haven't posted in awhile. my bad. I've seen a lot of movies since my last post. We've been on a bit of a doc frenzy, some suggestions if you are in the mood are: Our Daily Bread (the lack of narration nuances the images of how farm rendered food is made perfectly). Gimme Shelter is another triumph for the Maysles brothers. Hell House is a Christian fundamentalist doc that is both humorous and frightening. Killer at Large is a doc that focuses on America's obesity problem. Ganja Queen had the whole store stop to watch the outcome of an Australian woman's trail for being caught with several pound of marijuana in Bali. Admittedly I watch the last one a bit ago but it blew my mind.

Adventureland was an enjoyable film. If you were looking for something as funny a Superbad, you'll be disappointed, but the soundtrack makes the film. I kind of have a crush on Kristen Stewart, so seeing her in Lou Reed tees added to the fact that I liked watching this movie. The acting was decently executed, and I left the film being glad I saw it but it's not something I would try to see again.

8 Things That SUCKED About the Watchmen

i should preempt this by saying that I SNUCK into the Watchmen, and I wish I could take it back. I know what you're thinking, too much film snobbery, but this is the most conservative right wing comic book adaptation i've ever seen. I don't care how true to the graphic novel it's supposed to be, it's 2009, it's not cool to present such a problematic film. So the list.

1) The sound track. Leonard Cohen for a raunchy less than romantic sex scene? Really? I feel the soundtrack was basically somebody's ipod left on shuffle.
2) Okay, "Pink Triangle" company being evil. The gay characters are either villains or are killed. What a positive representation. Also, thanks for saying "indecent life style" when talking about lesbians. Don't try to argue Rorschach meant it in a good way, because he was going on a rant about how awful and morally corrupt the city was becoming.
3) Too much blue penis. We see it, it's there, but seriously the au naturale thing is no fun on the big screen. Yeah, i don't like penis in general but this was too much.
4) Malin Akerman sounds like Drew Barrymore, and nobody likes her voice. She also looks like every other Hollywood starlet, but not in a good way.
5) The really cheesy sex scene, what is this 300? (edit: Oh man Zack Snyder directed that too...)
6) The script was trying too hard to sound film-noir-esq but came off as an excerpt from a 15 year old emo kid's diary.
7) At first I like the slow motion effect, but it got to be way too much. The effect was like watching my grandmother attempt to open a jar. You just want to take from her and do it yourself, but you can't.
8) I probably would have paid NOT to see it.

The Wrestler , Ben X

I FINALLY saw the Wrestler, and it's a bit later so a lengthy review would most likely be redundant. At work the review were mixed. Most people really loved it but a couple people detested it, especially a guy I work with who loves wrestling and Aronofsky. I end up being thoroughly entertained, especially by Mickey Rourke's portrayal of a two parts sad one part well-meaning Randy "The Ram" Robinson. We all (should) remember the wrestling craze of our childhoods if it was in the 80's or 90's, and even may remember a few mock WWF matches with siblings or neighbors, so a depiction of the life of a wrestler today is an interesting topic. The humor is really interesting. Also, Marisa Tomei does a good job as a stripper, she really thew herself into the role. I should give her props for being nude most of the film at 45 years old, she looks amazing. And the acting, well lets just say she looks amazing.
<4/5>

Ben X is a Belgian film about an Autistic boy who uses an online video game to escape the constant bullying. Films that attempt to delve inside mind with such a diagnosis often times get tripped up in the barrier that linear filmaking often puts up. Non-linear films to match non-liner thinking are almost the only way to be somewhat realistic, but at the same time loses touch with its audience. Ben X juggles this issues pretty well, despite the fact Ben is either victimized or vilified for the first half of the film. The ending has a compelling twist, which make us for some messing editting directly beforehand.
<3.5/5>

Fired Up!

Obviously Fired Up is not a film that should be taken seriously, but what is so great about it is that it doesn't take itself seriously. It's terribly quotable, and a lot of fun to watch. Yes, I'm predispositioned to the inclusion of a lesbian character, but the writers are careful that we are not laughing AT her but with her. It's not a homophobic film, though admittedly, it is problematic at times. By the end credits, where the laughs aren't over yet, it's a solid and satisfying film and worth my seeing it TWICE. Yes, Twice. what? there were CHEERLEADERS!
<4.5/5>

It's Not Me, I Swear!

A lot of good films have been coming out of Quebec in the past five years or so (read: C.R.A.Z.Y) and It's Not Me I Swear is no exception. It's both charming and heartbreaking, with such an adorable lead actor, it's hard to hate him for his evil deeds. Like most Canadian movies, it's hard to see so if you ever get the chance definitely check this one out! <5/5>