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TishInMich
Reviews
Monday Morning (2012)
Monday Morning Review
I agree without the other reviewer who said that images and some philosophies in Monday Morning will offend some to the point that it will affect their opinion of the movie. I know from the reactions of my two roommates.
Two of us loved the movie. The other said he did not. But after some discussion about it, he said that he was actually moved by the movie and was drawn in, but that some of the images or scenes were so raw and realistic that it turned him off to the point that he took it out on the overall movie.
This makes me wonder about the lines between art, realistic depictions and what is acceptable in today's society. There are images in documentaries or channels like National Geographic, or paintings in museums that, out of context, could be considered "hard core". But within their contexts, they seem perfectly normal.
Monday Morning needs to depict what it shows uncensored. Too many times, in movies about this subject matter, some depictions are dealt with moor subtly. But to what effect? Certain movements in our times just lingered on and on until some noise was made by some. Then people took notice. Radicalism? Well, if it is cinematic radicalism, I'm all for it.
Monday Morning is a fictional story about a right wing radio personality, popular primarily in Minneapolis, who is asked by prominent politicians to run for the senate. He accepts, but first must make a trip to L.A. in order to take care of some personal business. Once in L.A. he is knocked out and loses his memory and wanders the streets as a homeless person (he is also diabetic). During this journey, he meets several homeless people and develops and affinity towards them. He then has to make a decision about what to do with his life
Written and directed by Nat Christian, Monday Morning is a very personal story about its characters that plays like an epic. The theme is epic, while the personal relations that the hero has with the homeless is very personal. The images, that caused such an adverse reaction with one of my roommates, are necessary, potent and effective. I realized, as did others, that this stuff is going on with these homeless people everyday. Yes, they beg, but they also experience very real and horrific episodes every day. Christian knows this and does not hide from it. He'll probably take the bad with the good as a result of it. No matter what, Christian's story and visuals are haunting. His actors are terrific.
Victor Browne plays the lead role of Thomas Bach with heart and honesty. He has the task of observing a lot of the time, and he does an effective job of allowing us to feel for what he sees. He is supported by a talented cast - Molly Kidder, who lends a sophistication reminiscent of some actresses from the past; Jessica Spotts, who delivers a powerfully sad picture of a homeless mom on drugs; and Christian himself who turns in a humorous and poignant portrayal of a homeless vet.
Robert Pike Daniel and Robert Axelrod and Ken Melchior also turn in excellent performances.
Monday Morning is the kind of movie that makes you think about it or still see the images after the movie is over.
The Three Stooges (2012)
Tough assignment
Wow. The Farrelly brothers have put out some really funny movies, but sadly this is not one of their better products.
Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly who have put out such funny movies such as Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary, can really make some pretty entertaining and funny movies. Those movies were not based on real life characters (I think). Trying to do the Three Stooges and win over the hearts of those who have loved the originals and those who have not been exposed to the originals had to be a daunting task.
They tried and so did the actors. They did a good job. But it was not what was expected at the outset.
In this movie, Larry, Curly and Moe grow up doing their trademark schticks. They eventually become involved in a murder plot and get on TV.
The problem with anyone doing the Three Stooges is that the title conjures up funny thoughts. But then the story and filmmaking have to live up to that. Daunting task
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Charming and entertaining
A fun, entertaining and actually moving story about a nerdy young Viking who isn't full of macho like the other Vikings, and who befriends a wounded young dragon. Both go through episodes where they learn simple but valuable lessons.
Animated movies face tougher tasks at grabbing one's heart, because they do not have the advantage of live actors emoting (god emoting), so when an animated feature does work, and so wonderfully as does How To Train Your Dragon, it is a tribute to those that made this happen. The creative team including all of the CGI people, animators, etc.
Direction is given to two directors, Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders. So kudos to both of them along with the writers William Davies, Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. And of course to Cressida Cowell for writing the book.
Bully (2011)
Weinstein brings on another worthy movie
Directed by Lee Hirsch and written by Hirsch and Cynthia Lowen with a cast that is fascinating to watch, BULLY depicts the effects of bullying on the victims those that do the bullying and those that stand by and do nothing about it.
The depictions are strong and hard. I would not characterize it as hard core, but it may be disturbing. The filmmakers have presented the audiences with a clear picture of what actually goes on every single day in a school anywhere in the U.S. (an the world). Young peoples' lives are changed forever form the effects of being bullied.
Crediting the filmmakers is correct, but one also has to mention the tireless efforts of the man who made this movie come to light, and created the right public relations campaign that has intrigued so many. That man is Harvey Weinstein, and he is a champion of quality independent movies, documentary or fiction, that probably would not have seen the light of day (bad reviews, no advertising money, etc. if not for his efforts
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
One of the best in the screwball genre
I love comedy, especially good screwball. My grandmother had mentioned this movie and so I finally saw it.
This movie about a nerdy (I'm not sure this word was used in those days) scientist who is befriended by a somewhat eccentric socialite and the antics that follow, hit a home run with me. BRINGING UP BABY doesn't pretend to have any underlying personal or social themes. However it was written by Dudley Nichols and Hagar Wilde with real sophistication, wit and tongues in cheeks.
Director Howard Hawks directed this masterfully. He obviously loves his actors and, even in the goofiest moments, they are very likable. Hawks also knows is comedic timing. Some of these scenes under another director's hand might not have worked very well.
Of course adding to all of this are the incredible charm and talents of the movie's two main actors, Cary Grant Katherine Hepburn. They have one of the best on screen chemistries that I have ever seen.
The Conversation (1974)
A great underrated movie
Written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this movie hit me very hard. It is one great movie. And it is great without much action or sex or any exploitive tricks and techniques. It is great based on the clever, sophisticated writing and directing.
The director respects his audience's intelligence and gives us just so much information at a time. The tension in this movie builds at a deliberately slow pace, giving it more punch as it builds.
The writing and directing is complimented by the superb and muted performance of Gene Hackman. Hackman plays it cerebrally quite, giving us a subtle, nuanced performance, which might be mistaken as being stiff, but it is wonderful. We get his obsession and his thought process without the "cool" moves that most actors almost always incorporate.
Other great performances are given by the cast. Notably, John Cazale and Allen Garfield.
Harold and Maude (1971)
A cult classic
Harold And Maude is a classic, or at least a cult classic. Whatever it is, I liked it a lot! This movie has charm and wit and humor and a delicious cynicism about things. I love movies that make you think. That make you want to change your perspective about how things should be.
A 20 something guy is obsessed with death. He attends funerals and pretends to commit suicide in front of his mother. At a funeral, he meets a 79 plus woman They spend a lot of time together. He announces that he is to going to marry her. But she may have other plans.
From a very sharp and smartly written screenplay by Colin Higgins, Harold And Maude fell into the hands of director Hal Ashby, who adds a real charm and sweetness to these seemingly eccentric characters. Ashby plays the satirical humor with a light touch that makes it palatable.
Actors Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon are exceptional in their respective roles as Harold And Maude.