Brüno (2009)

Brüno (2009)

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The moment Brüno(2009) started, the moment it ended, the only thought in my mind was "WTF!?" What a disturbing movie to watch on a Sun eve! It had some hilarious moments, yet the level of perversion superseded my expectations. On the other hand, it's a comedy and taking it seriously is just silly.
I wouldn't watch it again. I have tough times rating it - bizarre, funny, extreme. There are very few movies that left me undecided, and Brüno(2009) tops the charts.

Big Love (2006)

5-6/10

What a bizarre show! It took me by surprise... not many movies or shows out there about Mormons. Would I recommend it? Probably not, though getting to see lives of polygamous families is quite interesting and odd. The hubby's character seemed weak =(

PS: I enjoyed Jeanne Tripplehorn's performance quite a bit.

Burn After Reading (2008)

10/10

Burn After Reading (2008) - a surreal dark comedy, with an excellent plot development, hilarious twists and, most importantly, outrageously ridiculous characters. It's no family comedy, save it for a group of friends with an eccentric sense of humor. Loved it, really.

Mystery Train (1989)

3/10

Mystery Train (1989) is definitely a movie I would never recommend - it is slow, character development and most importantly the overall message are missing. Why spend over an hour of your life on a pointless movie.

If you enjoy artistic movies in general, the Mystery Train (1989) is just not good enough, still. So take a risk if you don't trust my good taste =)

Outfoxed(2004)

8/10

Outfoxed(2004) is a provoking documentary. It's definitely worth seeing - whether you watch Fox or CNN. Outfoxed(2004) makes you question pretty much the whole TV industry. As Robert L. Peters, the principal of Circle (http://www.circle.mb.ca), said: "Question answers. Assume nothing." Wish editing was of a higher caliber, including the background music.

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance(2005)

10/10

Sympathy for Lady Vengeance(2005) is absolutely my favorite kind of movie, except that it is not as uplifting. Other than that - a-m-a-z-i-n-g! It's rich, symbolic, deep. Watch it!

Wordplay (2006)

6/10

Wordplay (2006) is OK. It was similar to Spellbound (2003), but about adults. The subject matter - the world of crossword puzzles - is original, and the main characters, the New York Times crossword puzzle compiler - Will Shortz - and crossword puzzle solvers, are super intelligent and geeky at the same time.

For the first time I did not to like Jon Stewart. I think he took a part of a salesman for this movie. Wordplay (2006) also seemed too long at times. Overall I was glad to get out from the theater.

The Beauty Academy of Kabul (2006)

10/10

How can a world swapped by war and destruction be inspiring. Or was it the movie that was inspiring and not the actual situation. Either way, Beauty Academy of Kabul (2006) is stunning and heartbreaking at the same time. It shows the world outside our bubble: the perception on a woman in the non-western society. It is one of few documentaries that carry more than just entertaining information. It starts off with a fairly simple subject in a complex situation. The plot progresses beyond expectations, and grows into a thought-provoking personal story of regular women and their place in the eastern world.

Beauty Academy of Kabul (2006) is truly postmodern in the way it depicts the world: from inside out, with all the subjectivity and realism. It is a reminder of war atrocities through the dialog with women and their families. The Beauty Academy seems to drift away from being a focal point.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

8/10

As much as I resisted watching "Brokeback Mountain", I easily give it an A-/B+ on my movie rating scale. It was hard to push back the prejudice and expectations due to the loud criticism it received by media.

But let us push others' impressions aside and look why "Brokeback Mountain" is worth seen. First of, it is beautifully shot. The views of the nature are picturesque and memorable. Camera work is thrilling, it reinforces the magnificent landscape and convinces the viewer as if I am a part of the scene.

Second, the characters are amazing in all aspects - from development to performance. The cast of the "Brokeback Mountain" is beyond expectations. Each character is distinct and consistent: every move, every gesture, every facial expression - everything is real.

Third, the drama is powerful and nostalgic. The movie is not a Hollywood "happily ever after" story. It is truthful in the same way the characters are truthful to their believes. It is strange to see the ending, and want a better one.

"Brokeback Mountain" is one of its kind. Love drama is the essence of this film. Like or not, it brings us the rough truth and just one way of thinking. The movie is great if you accept this. It is rough and upsetting for the stubborn thinkers.

Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)

7/10

"Mrs. Henderson Presents" is relaxing and fun to watch. The plot is plain and characters are bold. There are no twists or secrets, however there is an inspiring story about the birth of London'’s Windmill Theater. This movie is definitely fun to watch over and over if you got nothing better to do.

Andrei Rublev (1969)

?/10

3 hours of still grey camera work, zero transitions, strange characters and monotonous Russian mutter is nearly impossible to enjoy on a Sat late night. The plot as we think of it, is absent. Instead, there is Rublev's life in its finest detail with all the surroundings, and a panoramic recording of XV century Russia. While the information presented might be of historical interest, Tarkovsky'’s style is overwhelming with complexity and depression.

100/100 rating as assigned on Rotten Tomatoes is to be questioned. I accept the respect of critics towards Tarkovsky, and I enjoyed his "Solaris" before. However, "Andrei Rublev" is truly "a wrenching testament" that has to be watched and understood ... and both are VERY difficult to do in this case.

Good Night, And Good Luck (2005)

9/10

Intellectual and "designed" to be a 1950s film in all of its aspects. Of course, it is black and white, dramatic in its plot and polished in its visuals, the movie has a steady pace that keeps you involved. Make sure don't be tired when you pick this one, or hold on to a cup of coffee to let your thoughts wonder about quality of the news reporting...
Strathairn does a superb job. It's a fact-based movie well worth your time.

The Island (2005)

3/10
There is a story line that could be believable, pretty nice sci-fi effects and absolutely sucky acting. A trying-to-be-"all-that" kinda movie. It could be a decent thriller overall.
Oh, did I forget to mention, the cast is absolutely gorgeous... Just one more proof that a good looking actor is not necessarily a good actor.

Capote (2005)

9/10

This is a movie that will affect you deeply, on a condition that you understand Hoffman speak. It is an intense drama that pushes you to encourage yourself once you walk out from the theater. What makes it good is that it is based on a true story. Non-fiction movies are the ones to watch for sure.

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

5/10

It's a fun romantic comedy about ballroom dancing world, where innovation is absolutely unacceptable. Tired of traditional stiff steps, the protagonist dances away against the conventions of the corrupt jurors and predetermined family. He has support from very few people, neglected romantics.
The movie has funky steps, few analogies, and great camera work in relevance to characters. Throughout the movie, main characters go through artificially fast progress. On the other hand, other characters stay as extreme in their artificiality as they first appear in the beginning of the movie. The good guys win, and the bad guys lose.
Final word.
This movie will make you grin few times. If you are not into ballroom dancing, pick something else to watch.

Layer Cake (2004)

8/10
      A type of movie you can watch over and over again. This movie is good for a little town boring party, and is definitely not for a relaxing eve with the family. The movie is thought-provoking, fast-paced and complex on many levels. Raw language and cold violence of modern drug dealing world are balancing out the twisted plot.
      The cast is perfect, acting is very believable and impressive, specials are expensive but not overwhelming, and scenes are beautifully composed.
      Final word.
      Although it is just another gangster movie, it is original and refreshing.

1st post

5th day of 2006. This is a blog idea from Dave.

I dedicate this blog to MOVIES, cause they ROCK!