Like Warm Apple Pie...
THE 40 YEAR-OLD VIRGIN
by Shawn Snead / August 25th, 2005
Steve Carell is, undoubtedly, one of the funniest men alive.
He is Andy Stitzer. He's got a comfortable job at an electronics store, a nice apartment with a proud collection of various action figures and comic books, good friends, and a good attitude. He is also a virgin. A 40-year-old virgin.
His buds at the store want to change that. A couple of guys may think he's a bit strange, but get to know him as the nice guy he is. They take him under their wing and make it their duty to get Andy some.
It's hilarious watching Andy go through various adventurous outings with his friends and dates with a few interesting women. But, it's Trish (Catherine Keener), a 40-year-old mother of three, who steals Andy's heart. Andy forges a solid relationship with Trish and her kids (though, the kids take a while), but he's yet to go to that next step. Is Trish the one that Andy's been waiting fourty years for?
The film is a bit predictable in one area towards the end, but it's easy overlooked by the sheer sweetness of the film.
Carell is top-notch here and is very much deserving to be mentioned in the same group of current lead comedy actors of Ferrell, Black, Vaughn, Wilson, and Stiller. Paul Rudd, a favorite actor of mine since he showed up ten years ago, is perfect in the role of David, Andy's best friend. I can't wait to see these guys again.
"The 40 Year-Old Virgin" is probably best R-rated comedy in several years, along with July's "Wedding Crashers." It's nice to see that Hollywood still has some balls and can allow some good ol' R-rated fun.
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Universal Pictures
Running Time: 1 Hour, 56 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive sexual content, language and some drug use.
Release Date: Friday, August 19th, 2005
Viewed: Friday, August 26th, 2005
Starring Steve Carell (Andy Stitzer), Catherine Keener (Trish), Paul Rudd (David), Romany Malco (Jay), Seth Rogan (Cal), Elizabeth Banks (Beth), Leslie Mann (Nicky), Jane Lynch (Paula), Gerry Bednob (Mooj), Shelly Mahil (Haziz), Kat Dennings (Marla)
Produced By Judd Apatow, Shauna Robertson, Clayton Townsend
Written By Judd Apatow & Steve Carell
Directed By Judd Apatow
Fear Makes Right
RED EYE
by Shawn Snead / August 25th, 2005
'Red Eye,' contrary to first impressions based on the film's first theatrical trailer, is not about a man possessed by the devil on an airplane.
It would have been if it was directed by Craven twenty years ago. Nonetheless, "Red Eye" is new territory for Craven. He drops the knives, darkness and violins for a human action thriller. The suspense is solid and the film is very entertaining. After the meltdown that was "Cursed," a film such as "Red Eye" is most definitely appreciated.
After attending the funeral of her grandmother in Dallas, Lisa Reisert must take the red eye flight back to Miami to make it to work the next day. At the airport, Lisa meets Jackson Ripner, and not by chance. Of course, Lisa doesn't know this yet. She casually chats with Jackson and then takes up his offer for a drink before the flight.
A seemingly innocent encounter with a charming man takes an unexpected turn as Jackson reveals his true identity on the flight. Jackson needs Lisa's help, and if she doesn't oblige, Lisa's father is in some serious danger. Lisa is terrified, 30,000 feet in the air, with nowhere to escape.
Convincing acting really anchors the film. Rachel McAdams, America's new sweetheart, turns in a top-notch performance. She really anchors the film while Murphy also shines as the menacing antagonist.
The film is simple, and straight to the point. It's doesn't cut corners, and it doesn't mess around. It's a very enjoyable thrillride worthy of seeing.
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Dreamworks
Running Time: 1 Hour, 25 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of violence, and language.
Release Date: Friday, August 19th, 2005
Viewed: Tuesday, August 23rd, 2005
Starring Rachel McAdams (Lisa Reisert), Cillian Murphy (Jackson Rippner), Brian Cox (Joe Reisert), Jayma Mays (Cynthia), Angela Paton (Nice Lady), Jack Scalia (William Keefe)
Produced By Chris Bender, Marianne Maddalena
Written By Carl Ellsworth (Story by Carl Ellsworth & Dan Foos)
Directed By Wes Craven
Flawless 'Flower'
BROKEN FLOWERS
by Shawn Snead / August 20th, 2005
From the mind of Jim Jarmusch and the limitless talent of Bill Murray, comes "Broken Flowers." A generous, funny, moving film about letting go and facing your past. Some won't see it that way, but the film is layered enough, even in it's simplicity, for the viewer to pull varying emotions and feelings about the picture.
Don Johnston (Bill Murray) is a former womanzing bachelor, a true love-'em-and-leave-'em guy. He appears to be a self-centered, reclusive man, but he's hard to read. He can also be viewed as just another guy who can't deal with his past, and is facing the reality of age. Through Bill's remarkable performance, you see a very complexed aging man who is looking for something to grasp onto while it's slipping away, or onto something that's already gone. Bill's slight emotions and the little nuances of his performance convey that brilliantly. It's probably his best performance. At the least, he is right up there with his robbed-of-Oscar performance in "Lost In Translation." He is brilliant, he is gracious, he is Bill. Please, give this man an Oscar.
Then of course, there is the mysterious pink letter. The mysterious pink letter that Don receives, claiming that he has a nineteen year old son. There is no return address, no signature, nothing. Who is this from? Don doesn't care. At least, he appears not to. However, his Sherlock Holmes-like detective of a neighbor, Winston (wonderfully played by Jeffrey Wright), does care. He makes Don create a list of former flames that Don had around nineteen years ago. He finds information about each of them via the handy 'net, and plans an elaborate trip for Don to set off on, in search of his son.
Reluctantly, Don goes. He really could have said no, but he didn't. You can sense that maybe Don does care. Or, at least, maybe he's scared? Nevertheless, Don sets out on a soul-searching adventure that leads him to his past, his present, and his future.
His exs are played by Sharon Stone, Frances Conroy, Jessica Lange, and Tilda Swinton. All of whom are absolutely wonderful. In particular, Conroy, who is nothing short of extraordinary.
The film is a mystery. It may be the most calm, subtle film of the year, but it's deeper meanings and varying perspectives and interpretations under the surface really make this film great. The subtle metaphorical differences between Winston and Don, the various pink objects showing up with his exes, the scenes with Don alone, speak so loudly amid it's tranquility.
Jarmusch is obviously very minimalistic with the film, which helps it tremendously. It's not in your face, telling you to feel this way, manipulating you. It's one of the more interpretive films of the year. Jarmusch is brilliant in that regard.
I absolutely loved one scene in the film when Don is standing on the balcony at his motel. Just staring out onto the streets, as the camera slowly creeps closer to him. He doesn't even move, he just looks out onto the traffic and people moving through their lives. A truly poignant point in the film, I believe. What is he thinking? Is he thinking "what am I doing?" Is he thinking "Could my son be out there?" Is he thinking "I missed my chance." The film is really about missed opportunites, regret, age, and maturity. Not the relationship between a father and son.
Memo to the AMPAS: Don't forget about this film (particularly Murray) in March!
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Focus Features
Running Time: 1 Hour, 46 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R for language, some graphic nudity and brief drug use.
Release Date: Friday, August 5th 2005 (limited)
Viewed: Friday, August 19th, 2005
Starring Bill Murray (Don Johnston), Jeffrey Wright (Winston), Sharon Stone (Lura), Frances Conroy (Dora), Jessica Lange (Carmen), Tilda Swinton (Penny), Julie Delpy (Sherry), Christopher McDonald (Ron), Chloe Sevigny (Carmen's Assistant), Alexis Dziena (Lolita)
Produced By Jim Jarmusch, Jon Kilik, Stacey E. Smith
Written By Jim Jarmusch
Directed By Jim Jarmusch
'Saving' Grace
SAVING FACE
by Shawn Snead / August 15th, 2005
There aren't too many Chinese-American lesbian romantic dramedies out there right now. But, if they're gonna be as great as 'Saving Face,' I hope there are many more.
Alice Wu writes and directs a wonderful story about a Chinese-American surgeon, Wil, living in Manhattan, who is shocked when her traditional mother shows up at her doorstep pregnant. To help her mom save face, and avoid the taboo in the Chinese community of an unmarried pregnant woman, Wil tries to find Mr. Right for her mother. Of course, problems arise when Wil's mother is curious about what is going on in her daughter's love life.
Joan Chen is nothing short of fabolous as Wil's mother. She is so perfect for the part, I can't help but think that Alice Wu had Joan in mind when she was writing the script. Michelle Krusiec is also great in the lead.
It's a very sweet, lovable, funny, romantic film. It's heart is visible in every frame, a real credit to newcomer Alice Wu. I can't wait for her next film. Now, you may have to look for the film, it's playing in limited release. However, the DVD is due out on October 18th. Everyone, do yourself a favor, and check out this film.
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Sony Pictures Classics
Running Time: 1 Hour, 31 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R for some sexuality and language.
Release Date: Friday, May 27th, 2005 (limited)
Viewed: Tuesday, August 9th, 2005
Starring Michelle Krusiec (Wil), Joan Chen (Ma), Lynn Chen (Vivian Shing), Jin Wang (Wai Gung - Grandpa), Guang Lan Koh (Wai Po - Grandma), Jessica Hecht (Randi), Ato Essandoh (Jay), David Shih (Norman), Brian Yang (Little Yu)
Produced By James Lassiter, Will Smith, Teddy Zee
Written By Alice Wu
Directed By Alice Wu
A Masterful Display Of Humanity
MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
by Shawn Snead / August 1st, 2005
A wonderful, artistic beauty of a film. That's what director Luc Jacquet brings to us in this amazing documentary telling the story of Emperor penguins. From birth to mating to surviving to death, the cycle continues in the coldest, harshest conditions on Earth. It's a simple, sentimental, compelling story. It doesn't try to be more than it is, it thrives in it's poignant simplicity.
The photography is outstanding. From sweeping landscape shots to slower, intimate scenes that stay with you. The score adds another simple level of beauty that is unmeasurable. Morgan Freeman provides an engaging narration.
I think I'm going keep this review short and sweet. Just like the picture. A wonderful picture, it is.
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Warner Independent Pictures
Running Time: 1 Hour, 24 Minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Release Date: Friday, June 24th, 2005 (limited)
Viewed: Tuesday, July 26th, 2005
Starring Morgan Freeman as The Narrator
Produced By Yves Darondeau, Christophe Lioud, Emmanuel Priou
Written By Luc Jacquet, Michel Fessler (Narration by Jordan Roberts)
Directed By Luc Jacquet
