A Friday At The Movies
January 7th, 2008 | by Scott |One of the directions that I will be taking this blog is to engage more deeply with what I have watched or read. Hopefully we can engage in some discussion on the best that the world of literature and film have to offer us.
This past Friday, Tracy gave me the gift of a trip to Tulsa to watch movies. I was able to see three staggering works that could make some noise in two weeks when the nominations are announced.
Juno
This movie is being considered as this year’s Little Miss Sunshine. A tight script, a likable cast and an independent feel are strong similarities that give it the momentum to take that fifth best picture spot that Sunshine achieved. But, really, that is where the similarities end.
The dialogue crackles throughout due to the hip and relevant writing of Diablo Cody. Ellen Page is a revelation as the titular character saddled with an unwanted pregnancy but determined to see the baby given to those who could provide better care. The scenes that she shares with her on-screen father are some of the most touching, yet real, father-daughter scenes in cinema without once resorting to cheesiness or sanctimony. And Michael Cera solidifies his place as the best young comedic actor of his generation. His sense of timing and delivery is impeccable.
Grade: A
The Kite Runner
This movie has been criticized for not maintaining the emotional and spiritual heft of the novel. That criticism is valid but understandable when comparing it to a densely layered epic that defies any preset genre and achieves a place in the pantheon of all-time classics. There had to be a letdown because there was nowhere else to go.
However, to dismiss the movie, and especially the riveting turns by the two child actors, would be a tremendous mistake. The movie captures the most important thread of Hosseini’s novel: redemption. It emphasized the idea that, even for the fallen, there is a way to be good again. And by the time the phrase “for you, a thousand times over” is uttered for a second time you can’t help but experience the power and heft of grace. Of God’s hand moving in such a broken world. Ultimately, it is a tale of hope and rebirth.
Grade: A-
Atonement
If I spoke too soon about Once being my favorite film of the year it is due to the fact that I was not prepared for the emotional impact of this stunning film. I did not know what to expect going into the theater because I had somehow remained unaware of the story-line.
Beautifully shot and expertly acted this is my pick for Best Picture. Although No Country For Old Men is probably the front-runner at this point this movie resonated so much more with me. Whereas No Country prescribes a bleak outlook for man, Atonement sees a way to redeem the past, to take where we have failed and recreate hope. It is that stunning portrayal of the quest for redemption, even in the midst of so much that we have done wrong, that leaps off the screen and leaves an indelible impression.
Grade: A+
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Now playing: The Frames - What Happens When The Heart Just Stops
via FoxyTunes
5 Responses to “A Friday At The Movies”
By jasonk on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
This is a little off topic, but since you are the resident movie expert, your opinion is most valued.
I saw “Boogie Nights” on IFC yesterday, and was really surprised at what a good movie it was. I had avoided it, because of what I thought the movie was. It was nothing like I expected it to be, and even though it came out more than ten years ago, it was an interesting character study.
Some research on IMDB revealed to me that it was nominated for three Oscars. What are your thoughts on the movie, and the fact that it did not win?
By Scott on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
If I remember correctly, Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore were both nominated for supporting in that. That was the tip of some great performances, Heather Graham most prominently.
*Just checked. That’s right.
There was no way that Robin Williams was losing that statue for Good Will Hunting. Kim Basinger won because she surprised the snot out of everybody in what, in hindsight, was the best film of that year, L.A. Confidential.
It’s a great film although I like Anderson’s Magnolia far better and I’m still a little scarred by that final scene.
In retrospect it probably warranted a best pic nod. The Full Monty was a cute little film that received a good-will nomination. The Sweet Hereafter was another indy. Either of those spots could have gone to Boogie Nights.
In a related note, Paul Thomas Anderson was also nominated for writing Magnolia and he was visibly crushed on the telecast when he did not win the statue. He very well could score a couple of nods this year for There Will Be Blood. Despite the fact that the trailer makes absolutely no sense it’s getting tons of raves and buzz.
By Scott on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Oh, I talked so much I forgot my main point. Even if it had been nominated for best pic there wasn’t anything that could have stopped the Titanic juggernaut.
By jasonk on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for lending your expert opinion. I have gotten to the place where every time I watch a movie, I start researching it on IMDB. It is fascinating.
I read that Burt Reynolds might have gotten more consideration for the Oscar for Boogie Nights, but he was so critical of it after it came out. He was not prepared for the critical acclaim he received. In fact, I read that he was so mad over that film that he fired his manager.
I also read that Leonardo DiCaprio was picked to star in Boogie Nights, but turned it down in favor of Titanic. After he saw it, he said he wished he had taken Boogie Nights instead. I don’t know if that is true, but it is what I read.
By Scott on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply
My wife will see if there is a listing for the movie on Wikipedia and read the story line. If she’s only slightly interested in the movie she’ll read the whole synopsis and save the time.
I can see how DiCaprio would say that. It’s taken a long time for him to be considered a serious actor after Titanic. Being tight with Scorcese has certainly helped him, though.