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spedteacher1976
Reviews
Room 237 (2012)
The Ultimate Film Lecture
This movie took my brain out of my skull and reconfigured it. I have never been this blown away by a documentary before as I was with this one. Writer and director Rodney Ascher took "The Shining" to another level that none of us could have ever imagined. I remember seeing "The Shining" a long time ago and what Ascher did with "Room 237" was phenomenal. Ascher took every aspect of the movie and revealed to us all that it was more than just a movie. There were so many twists and turns that I thought I wasn't going to be able to keep up, but it was shot and edited in such a way that it was so easy to stay on path. This was a lover letter to "The Shining" and to Kubrick as well for the subtleties that he has been known to place into his movies.
The movie starts off when a scene from "Eyes Wide Shut" where we see Tom Cruise at a movie theater buying a ticket. The voice over comes in and he describes him first time seeing "The Shining" and how his girlfriend wanted to go and see this movie with her. He wasn't too particular about movies like, "The Shining", however, after seeing this movie, he was hooked and really enjoyed it. There were many interpretations about "The Shining" in "Room 237" which gave me the feeling of being in a lecture hall, with a panel of amazing movie historians, directors and movie enthusiasts and I was lucky enough to be a part of a grand discussion. The little surprises like the airbrushing of Kubrick's face in the clouds at the opening credits as well as many others is what the viewer will find with "Room 237". Also the stickers on Danny's door were explained as well.
Another eye-opening aspect I would like to point out to the reader is the way the narrators also discuss the way the opening shot is in a dynamic sweeping motion that almost makes the viewer feel like they are flying. When I first saw this, many years ago, I did have the feeling of taking flight, but the way it was described gave me another way of viewing it. Even the music to the opening credits was also described. This is my kind of movie, because it drives to me to want to see more Kubrick films and look at them with an eagle eye. If you enjoy documentaries then you must check yourself in to "Room 237"
Standards of Living (2012)
Unique
I though that this film was completely unique, both in the way it was shot with an IPad 2 and the storyline as well. Aaron Mento took a leap and did what most people with an IPad haven't done before. A feature length movie on such a small device is something that is creative and innovative. You really do feel for the characters and they are all written very well. I highly recommend this movie, especially if you want to think outside of the box and break away from gore for a little bit. The movie reminded me of "Memento" and it plays with the senses. Mento has you going from one feeling to another in a flawless and effective manner.
I really enjoy movies that have you think, instead of a villain chasing someone through the woods with a machete. I enjoy a great slasher movie every now and then, however, a movie like "Standards of Living" certainly goes of the grid. What I enjoyed most about this movie was it's deeper meaning of freedom, equality, and peace. The clothes changed with how someone was feeling. It's more than just a horror movie, it's a conversation starter and daring.