Fe Brewery

Sometimes I look at my calendar and think to myself: It's still January?? This month has been long and filled with graduate school applications, the start of Winter Term, and the beginning of award season, in which stations over-fixate on who's wearing what and spend far too little time considering the merits of the actual movies.

But the subcategory of movies that are up for awards is not the only worthwhile viewing for the upcoming month. Oscar nominees promise artsy composition and storylines that will not soon be forgotten. However, sometimes you need something a little less heavy, a little more indulgent to your personal viewing habits. So without further ado, I would like to draw readers' attention to the movies coming in February that might not get enough attention amidst all the award hubub.

Box Office Releases:

February doesn't look like a big month for box office releases. I suppose this makes sense, since a lot of the Oscar nominees will be dominating the screens. However, I will mention a few films that are receiving some hype.

1. "The Pink Panther 2" (Feb. 6) - I hope that this movie does not fall victim to the sequel curse. Not having seen the original series of Pink Panther movies, I cannot say how the newer Steve Martin films compare. However, the first film is entertaining and worth a viewing for some light fun. Steve Martin does reprise his role in the second film, as does Jean Reno for his stoic and competent sidekick (the two have good comic interplay). Kevin Cline does not return for the second film, though his role will be played by the amazing John Cleese! I know that a good cast does not equal a good movie, but Martin and Cleese have had enjoyable comic flair in the past.

2. "He's Just Not That Into You" (Feb. 6) - This movie's premise suggests it could really annoy me. Yet another movie about how women misunderstand men, men are jerks, etc -- not the most original topic. However, it is based on a well-acclaimed book and it does boast quite the impressive list of famous actors: Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, and Drew Barrymore, to name a few. In short, this movie has a lot of star power behind it. However, some of these actors are best known for some of those cookie-cutter romantic comedies, so it's a little hard to tell how impressive this movie might be.

3. "Confessions of a Shopaholic" (Feb. 13) - Another adaptation from a book, this movie looks like it will be bubblegum fun. It's obviously a romantic comedy and it's obviously not going to win any awards for depth or provocativeness. However, the previews make it look energetic, fun, and entertaining. Perhaps it will be a good movie for a girls' night out.







DVD Releases:

1. "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist" (Feb. 3) - This movie manages to be a sweet teen romantic comedy without all the gag-reflex cliches. The dialogue is refreshingly awkward -- which makes the movie more believable and identifiable, since high schoolers ARE awkward. It is real, in all of its awkward glory and obvious lameness that makes us laugh. Everyone can identify with the feeling of not having that pefectly witting thing to say. In particular, I am a fan of Michael Cera, who deftly portrays this high school awkwardness and angst. Any friend who wishes to view this movie, I have a hunch that it will soon join my collection.

2. "The Secret Life of Bees" (Feb. 3) - I have yet to see this film, though I hear it is a very touching adaptation of the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. The film boasts a very talented cast, including Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson. Let me know if you have reactions to the film.


3. "Religulous" (Feb. 17) - A Bill Maher documentary discussing religion. Maher interviews believers of different faiths and inspects some of religion's 'ridiculous' implications. Some synopses say the documentary mocks religion, but the film might be an interesting look at different belief systems and how they contradict. It would at least be interesting to see how the film inspects and talks about religion.

4. "Sex Drive" (Feb. 24) - I have no way of knowing whether or not this movie is actually worth your viewing time. Premise: a high school senior and his buddies take a road trip cross-country so he can hook up with a girl he met online. Obviously this is going to be a stupid-comedy sort of movie, not worth the attention of all movie-watchers. However, if you're in the mood for a brainless comedy and can tolerate some unnecessary humor, it might be worth a laugh or two. I have heard mention that the comedy is reminiscent of "Superbad," if that gives you any indication of what to expect.


And of course there are other films coming to DVD, such as the highly anticipated "High School Musical 3" or "Zach and Miri Make a Porno." But are those really worth mentioning?

"Report back to me when it makes sense."

Movie Review: "Burn After Reading"
(Lawrentian, published Jan. 23, 2009)

Movies typically portray our government as smooth-running, secretive, intelligent and highly powerful. Agents are suave, mysterious, sparing of words and intimidating, decked out in suits and aviator shades while toting briefcases with confidential materials. These movies typically portray the government as skilled, knowledgeable and always in control. However, "Burn After Reading" is not a typical movie.

The Cohen brothers completely overthrow this image of government relations with two clueless gym employees, played by Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt. When this overzealous duo finds a disk containing trivial CIA information, they manage to cause quite a lot of trouble and mass confusion for the government and everyone around them, including the audience.

And thus I cannot help but give the movie props for its original storyline. True, I watched most of "Burn After Reading" with my mouth hanging open and a very confused look on my face. When the credits rolled, I even checked online synopses just to see if I had missed some detail that would make sense out of the confusion.

But the confused, loose-knit storyline is part of the film's charm. The point: some actions are simply irrational, impulsive and ill-advised. The audience's confusion mirrors the confusion of the characters, which is all terribly appropriate for a movie whose tag line is "Intelligence is relative."

Besides its unique plot, the movie receives originality points for its captivating character lineup. George Clooney yet again provides the face for the suave charmer, but with a few perverse twists. Brad Pitt plays an energetic-but-dim fitness instructor whose hair defies gravity. Tilda Swinton plays an uptight adulteress with frigidity reminiscent of her role as the White Witch of Narnia, and John Malkovich plays an angry CIA retiree who swears profusely and sports a bathrobe and a scotch for most of the movie.

The standout performance, however, comes from Frances McDormand. She plays an ordinary, insecure-but-determined woman whose sole mission is to find enough money for a series of "necessary" plastic surgeries. Her ordinariness and insecurity are identifiable and her cluelessness is highly comical. Furthermore, her facial expressions are second only to the dance moves busted out by Pitt.

"Burn After Reading" is entertaining, often funny, and yes, I will watch it again, if only to better understand it in its entirety. However, I recommend it with a few qualifications. This movie is for people who: i) have an open sense of humor, ii) do not mind weird movies and iii) do not mind being a little confused. Just be forewarned: This is not your typical comedy.

More 'Spiderman' On the Way

While researching another film, I was surprised to run across the news that there are plans for a fourth installment in the "Spiderman" series. This news comes as surprising because: (1) Tobey Maguire had reported having back problems during filming Spidey 2 and was unsure whether he could make it through the 2nd (and 3rd) movie(s); (2) Trilogies are common and there was a lot of buzz about the 3rd movie being the final one; (3) Kirsten Dunst had reported in interviews that she would play Mary Jane for the last time in the 3rd movie, regardless of if more were made; and (4) The 3rd movie was beyond sub-par.

Can movie execs resurrect the Spidey series? Plans for the fourth movie are still sketchy, but here's the gossip:

1: Not only is a fourth movie in the works, but the script writer is working on a storyline that would span two movies. If all this holds, movies 4 and 5 could be filmed and produced simultaneously.
2: The 4th movie will have the same director as all of the previous films (Sam Raimi). Hopefully Raimi can recapture whatever worked for 1 and 2. How much of a movie's sub-par-ness is due to directing?
3: Maguire is signed on to again play Spiderman. Good; whether or not this ship sinks, it won't be sinking because of a major casting change. However, note to Maguire: your performance as Emo-Spiderman in 3 was tacky, cliche, and over-the-top. Hopefully the acting for 4 will be more character-appropriate, believable, genuine.
4: Dunst has been non-commital in interviews about her involvment in the film. However, there was supposedly an interview with MTV where she said she was 'in.' So much for stopping at 3. If we do enjoy her talents in 4, hopefully they will not include the whininess and damsel-in-distress performance of 3.

Let us cross our fingers that the Spidey movies can get back on track.

Also, there's talk of a spin-off for Venom from "Spiderman 3," though the film execs are not so sure about casting Topher Grace again in the role. Supposedly they worry that he cannot carry an entire film by himself -- probably true in this case, since he has more good-guy charm than is compatible with a villain.

According to spiderman4news.com: "After the success of 'The Dark Knight' [the folks over at Sony] see an opening for a movie based on a villain." What poor reasoning to make this film. Heath Ledger produced a brilliant performance as the Joker that was complex and believable. I fail to see how the success of this legend could translate to that of a second-rate villain from a huge disappointment of a movie.

And the winner is

A few cursory thoughts about the Golden Globe results:

1. Is the red carpet dialogue bad because of
a.) the questions asked by interviewers
b.) the answers of the interviewees are unscripted
c.) the noise level of onlooking fans
or d.) all of the above?

2. The first Globe of the night went to Kate Winslet for her supporting role in "The Reader." I am a fan -- Winslet is classy, charming, and has a subtle, but enjoyable humor. One of the best lines in an acceptance speech: "You'll have to forgive me, I have a habit of not winning things."

3. The teaser clips for Best Picture (both in the drama and comedic categories) were not very descriptive. I was hoping to get at least some indication of what "Happy-Go-Lucky" is about, but its clip was disappointingly vague. The clip for "Burn After Reading" was also vague, but perhaps that best fits the film...

4. Surprise surprise, "Wall-E" won for Best Animated film. It deserved it, but I maintain its optimistic solution to environmental problems is a little too simplistic. However, it is a kids movie and Pixar has a brilliant way with animation for all ages.

5. Thank GOODNESS the Best Actress Globe did not go to Meryl. Winner: Sally Hawkins, "Happy-Go-Lucky"

6. The "most talked-about award" for Supporting Actor rightfully went to Heath Ledger. Accepting on his behalf was Christopher Nolan, who had a touching remembrance speech. "He will be eternally missed, but he will never be forgotten."

7. The made-for-tv movie "John Adams" was a big winner, though this still does not encourage me to see it. Made-for-tv movies are not terribly accessible, nor does a movie about John Adams seem particularly scintilating.

8. Alec Baldwin is not that good! I cannot believe he, yet again, beat out both Steve Carrel (The Office) and Tony Shaloub (Monk). Baldwin has his entertaining moments on "30 Rock," but Tony Shaloub deserved this award.

9. Dwight births a watermelon this season on "The Office" and "30 Rock" STILL wins the Globe????

10. How much was the Hollywood Foreign Press Association swayed by Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression? Fey won Best Actress for her role on "30 Rock." Obviously the critics are huge fans of this show. I favor "The Office."

11. NOT "Mamma Mia!" won for Best Picture - Commedy (as it should be)! Winner: "Vicky Christina Barcelona"

12. "Slumdog Millionaire" was a big winner of the night: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score

13. Poor Leonardo DiCaprio -- he really does deserve an award by now. He has had major roles in blockbusters such as "Titanic," "Aviator," and now "Revolutionary Road." Hollywood needs to give him a little more recognition!

14. There was FAR too little Rainn Wilson in this award show. I cheered when they did a pan of his table and it was the highlight of the night when he presented an award, even if Blake Lively was his co-presenter.

For the full list of nominees and results:
http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/index.html

Golden Globe Nominations - Movies

The movie awards season is upon us! This Sunday (Jan 11) at 8:00 p.m. (7:00 Central) marks the 66th Golden Globe Awards. These are, admittedly, not my favorite awards in the business and somehow they don't quite have the prestige of the Academy Awards, but it's always fun to see and critique the nominations.

You can find a complete listing of the nominations here:
http://www.goldenglobes.org/nominations/index.html

I won't labor over typing them in this post nor will I comment on all of the categories. However, I do have some reactions to certain nomination choices and general comments about some of the nominees in general.

Best Motion Picture: Drama

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - I'm actually pretty tired of hearing about this movie. Maybe I just watched too much t.v. over winter break, but far too many commercial breaks included a promo for this film. And perhaps were it not over-hyped so much I would consider seeing it. The main idea is rather provocative -- instead of growing old, the main character (Brad Pitt) grows young. It sounds like it plays off the idea that life can only be understood backwards. All in all, a thought-provoking premise. However, there has been so much buzz about the movie that I can't currently bring myself to see it. Maybe when it comes out on video...

Revolutionary Road - I might actually have to see this one sometime soon. Pro: Its leading stars, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, are both very talented and have both been pretty classy with their role choices in the past. Con: when watching the movie, I might snicker inappropriately when I think to myself "ROSE!" or "I'll never let go, Jack!" It will definitely be interesting to see what dynamic their chemistry takes in this film. I'm guessing their acting styles have matured since "Titanic."

Slumdog Millionaire - I've been told that I need to see this film. According to IMDB, the basic plot is about a young Indian teen contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire." And that is about as much as I know about the film...

Other nominees: Frost/Nixon, and The Reader
(No opinion about who should win -- I haven't seen any of them yet!)

Best Motion Picture: Musical or Comedy

Burn After Reading - I watched most of this movie with my mouth hanging open and a very confused look on my face. I give the movie props for its originality and fresh storyline, but... huh. Yes, it is entertaining, yes, funny in some parts and yes, I might watch it again, if only to better understand it in its entirety. Would I recommend it to people? I suppose, but with a few qualifications. This movie is for people who: i) have an open sense of humor, ii) do not mind weird movies, and iii) do not mind being a little confused. Just be aware that this is not your typical comedy.

Mamma Mia! - I was surprised to see this nominated. Really, am I that spoiled by the mainstage performance that I completely underestimated the gem that is this film reproduction? For sure, I do not reccommend seeing this movie in lieu of seeing the actual stage performance. Furthermore, I think whoever casted this movie should have payed a little more attention to singing talent and who actually fit the roles instead of who had the biggest name. More on that mini-rant below. This movie does NOT deserve a Golden Globe.

Other nominees: Happy-Go-Lucky, In Bruges, and Vicky Christina Barcelona
Who should win: Undecided, but not Mamma Mia!

Best Animated Feature Film

Nominees: Bolt, Kung-Fu Panda, and Wall-E
Who should win: ?

I have seen all three nominees and this is a tough call. All of them are funny, original, and generally have a good messege. My personal favorite to win is Bolt, though I think Wall-E might have the better chances. Wall-E's commentary on our throw-away economy makes an important point that I think might appeal to whoever gives out those little globes. However, I do think the film's resolution is a little too simplistic and unrealistically optimistic. I suppose I favor Bolt because it's simply a feel-good movie that made me giggle a lot. Neither would I be dissappointed if Kung-Fu Panda won the globe, though I predict that it's not the forerunner.

Best Actress: Drama & Musical/Comedy

I can't really comment on any of the nominees for the subcategory of drama -- again, I haven't seen any of the movies to know. However, I do have a few comments about the musical/comedic nominees.

Frances McDormand (Burn After Reading) - I am still unsure about how I feel about the movie. However, McDormand was very good in her role. She plays an ordinary, insecure, but determined woman who works at a gym and she comically manages to screw up quite a few things for the government without quite knowing what she's doing. Perhaps a female Forrest Gump?

Meryl Streep (Mamma Mia!) - Gah, no! She did not manage to capture the correct emotion for the character. I felt like they cast Meryl Streep because she could sing and she would help hype the movie. I literally groaned at the part where she's moonily writhing on the roof of her house while singing (I forget which musical number). It felt contrary to Donna's strong character. Fine, the movie might not be complete wash and Meryl might be able to belt out a good number or two. But really, not an award-winning performance. Someone else, perhaps lesser known, could've done the job much better. What were the nominators thinking?

Emma Thompson (Last Chance Harvey) - Yay Emma Thompson! I have not yet seen this movie, but it looks like it could be a charming romantic comedy without falling prey to predictability or common formulas.

Other Nominees: Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky) and Rebecca Hall (Vicky Christina Barcelona)
Who should win: Not Meryl, but otherwise not adequately informed

Best Actor

I have but one stand-out opinion about any of the nominees for Best Actor roles: Yay Dustin Hoffman!! He has a history of amazing roles and I hope that "Last Chance Harvey" does not disappoint. Not having seen any of the movies for which actors are nominated, however, I cannot judge how stiff the competition will be.

Best Supporting Actor

Did the nomination committee simply draw some name(s) out of a hat to fill out the nominee ticket for this category? How in the world did Tom Cruise get nominated for his role in "Tropic Thunder?" Fine, he shakes his booty to the lyrics "Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur." Fine, the role is not like any other that he has previously played. But award-winning? I thought this was merely the type of role he had left once he fell out of Hollywood's spotlight.


And really, Heath Ledger deserves to win for "The Dark Knight." He managed to create a character that is so thoroughly despisable, unrational, complex, intriguing, and evokes deep discomfort. The performance is convincing and multi-dimensional. The only possible competition I forsee is Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt), who seems to be a favorite with award committees and who has beat out Ledger in the past. However, I think that this is Ledger's Golden Globe.



Other nominees: Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder) and Ralph Fiennes (The Duchess)
Who should win: Heath Ledger

Preliminaries

Welcome to One Hand Clapping, the site for my movie reviews, critiques, random thoughts, and ponderings. I am Elaine, a senior college student and movie columnist for my school's student newspaper. I may post some of these past reviews and any subsequent ones that I write. However, I'm also interested in providing more than just movie reviews: reactions to movies, fun facts, scintilating gossip (not...), movies that look interesting, movie news, award show coverage, etc. I'll make it up as I go along and I'll try to provide an interesting enough variety.

Feel free to comment on your own reactions to or questions about the movies I review. I watch quite a few movies and I have quite a few opinions about them. Furthermore, I like to discuss movies with anyone who is interested and I'm open to suggestions for movies that I should see.

So once again, welcome to One Hand Clapping -- actual movie coverage coming soon to a computer screen near you.