Another Happy Day (2011)
I was looking through all of the movies I’ve ever reviewed (a list you can see here) and I realized that I’ve hardly reviewed any movies about dysfunctional families. The only really good movie about a dysfunctional family that I’ve ever seen, is American Beauty (I also really like Lymelife, but to be fair- that film is basically American Beauty).
Another Happy Day looks at several different relationships and the dynamic of a broken family - both sides very much estranged, brought together for a family wedding. This is quite a simplification: this movie is much, much more. We get to know the different characters and the situation.
What I thouroughly enjoyed about Another Happy Day was that the problems that made this family so dysfunctional, were constantly vocalized by the characters and completely out in the open. Unlike most films about families, the deepest, darkest issues are -if not completely hidden, known by everyone but spoken aloud by no one.
Rating: 7
I actually enjoyed this movie. There was yelling, and I appreciated the dysfunctional family angle. You can never see enough dysfunctional family-esque movies. They’re the best.
My Week With Marilyn (2011)
My Week With Marilyn tells the story of Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), a young man who scores a job working as a director’s assistant in 1967 on the set of The Prince and the Showgirl. Colin, befriended by Marilyn Monroe, finds himself pursuing a relationship with her. Like most of the men she befriends, he finds his infatuation short-lived. His love for Marilyn seems to be no use - his love is no competition for her her mental health and fame.
Although I’m no expert on the life of Marilyn Monroe, I did appreciate that this film was based on a true story. I did find myself engaged into her emotions and life in some scenes, but overall I found myself feeling rather unaffected. In one scene it is mentioned that the filming of the movie took place over four months, but it felt as though the move took place over the span over two weeks.
Rating: 6
This movie was just OK - It really didn’t have any effect on me, which seems to be the case with a lot of the movies I’ve been watching recently.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Marie Antoinette takes us back to Versailles, France where Marie Antoinette lived a lavish life of parties, amazing clothes and an endless budget. Sofia Coppola’s take on this historical figure, although artistically outstanding, does make me question the historical accuracy situation at hand.
The truth is - the story of this movie doesn’t contain any real substance. It’s all about the outfits, the parties, the lavish lifestyle - not about the actual woman who was Marie Antoinette. Sometimes I wonder if the only reason Sofia Coppola made this film was to take advantage of the opportunity to put her own (fairly unrealistic, let’s be honest) spin on this woman’s life.
If you’re planning on watching this film for a real, hard-hitting period piece that will leave you breathless with information about this woman, I hate to break it to you, but this isn’t the film for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the artsy version, then I have just the film for you.
Rating: 6
Although I was fairly critical about this movie in this movie in my review, I would say that this is a good movie to watch. Although I would say that (in my opinion) this film is more of a “one-timer” watch, I think that a lot of people would enjoy it.
Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975)
In Picnic At Hanging Rock, two schoolgirls and their teacher go missing at a school picnic, only to never be seen again. The town is haunted by their mystery, given no clues as to why this happened, leading to the eventual downfall of the school’s reputation and representation.
What I love about this film is that the mystery is so reminiscent of one of my favourite movies, The Virgin Suicides. I did get genuinely creeped out at some of the more haunting scenes (I won’t give anything away), which I always love in a film. My only note about this movie is that I felt as though the mystery wasn’t always gripping enough. If you watch this film you’ll see - some story lines aren’t explained as much as I’d like them to be. But in the end, that is the biggest difference between Picnic At Hanging Rock and The Virgin Suicides: in Picnic At Hanging Rock, the majority of the film is about the aftermath - we don’t get to know the girls well enough before we’re expected to guess why this would even happen in the first place.
Rating: 8
If you like The Virgin Suicides (and even if you don’t), this is definitely a film you should check out. It’s my favourite type of mystery film: haunting, dreamy, and completely inconclusive.
Almost Famous (2000)
The year 1973: rock and roll is on it’s way of being “out” - but not quite yet. Aspiring journalist, 15-year-old William (Patrick Fugit) scores himself a gig writing an article on Still Water, an up and coming rock band. He’s sent on tour with the band, and their ‘Band-Aids’ (re: groupies that are actually there for the music). The ‘Band-Aids’ also accompany the band on the road, and the head ‘Band-Aid’, Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) catches the eyes of William, as well as the band’s lead singer.
William becomes a small part of the band, living their tour life as much as possible to write his article. He gets to know the inner workings of the band, and the lives of everyone he meets.
What I liked about this movie was that (the majority of movies about bands on tour have a fairly strong emphasis on drugs and sex, presumably) was that the underlying message was about being faithful…to the music. It wasn’t a sugar-sweet movie about life on the road, but instead a story about truth and loyalty.
Rating: 7
The verdict: I liked this movie, although it didn’t have any effect on me. I didn’t feel anything after watching it, which I usually do with movies.
Titanic (1997)
Titanic takes us back to 1912, where luxury, strength and speed were combined in the RMS Titanic. Rose DeWitt Bukater, our main character, steps aboard the ship with her mother (Frances Fisher) and fiancee, Cal (Billy Zane).
When she meets Jack Dawson, Rose rediscovers happiness and love. Rose is inspired to break free from her high-society lifestyle. At the peak of their relationship, when Rose is prepared to abandon her life of unhappiness, high society and money - the unthinkable happens. Titanic is going to sink.
It’s easy to say that Titanic is one of the most “epic” films in movie history, and I definitely agree. What I love about Titanic is the amazing effort that went into making it, and the authenticity in the sets. Being able to go back to a historical event as significant as Titanic through this film is amazing, and also being able to enjoy a love story is even better.
Rating: 10
Titanic is just one of those films that everyone should see. Point blank. The historical and romantic elements were combined flawlessly, and it truly is one of the best films ever made. That’s it.
Hi everyone
I’m making this post to let you know that I’ll be MIA for the next three weeks. I will try my best to watch as many movies as possible, but my exams are rapidly approaching and are a top priority right now. Don’t worry - after they’re finished, I’ll have all the time in the world to watch movies!
I hope you’re all having a good week and I’ll try to post my next review soon
-Ven
Afterschool (2008)
Robert is a student at a boarding school, who spends a lot of time on his computer. He has a small crush on a girl in his AV club, and gets along fairly well with his roommate, Dave (Jeremy Allen White).
Robert’s school life changes when he accidentally captures the death of two popular seniors on video while filming an assignment for the AV club. As Robert deals with his association in the twins’s death, he finds that his roommate Dave is struggling with the deaths as well.
Honestly, I’m finding it extremely difficult to write this review. This film is amazing.
Overall: I absolutely love this movie. It is one of those rare films that digs deeper, offers a different insight and radiates originality. A true gem.
Something I found interesting (although not surprising) was that the producer of Martha Marcy May Marlene directed this film. The style of filmmaking definitely reminded me of Afterschool, and vice-versa. I must admit - while something about MMMM felt off for me, this film scores high in my book.
I recommend to: Any fans of MMMM may be interested in this, but really I think any film buff would find this film to be unique and interesting.
Rating: 9
Assassination of a High School President (2008)
Assassination of a High School President is a pseudo-detective/mystery film centring around a high school’s SAT mystery. When Bobby Funke (Reece Thompson) finally gets a chance to write for the school paper, he takes it. During his research, he finds that he has discovered the person who stole the SATs. Or has he?
After publishing the article and realizing his mistake, Bobby must uncover the truth in order to keep the journalism scholarship for the summer program he has been submitted for.
Between searching for the truth and his new girlfriend, Francesca (Mischa Barton) - Bobby finds himself caught up in the tangled web of lies surrounding the mystery.
I have deep admiration for this film. The stealth, witty narrative and the general storyline make this film entirely worth watching.
Overall: Again, another teen movie that definitely doesn’t suck. Although it isn’t much of an intimate, coming of age film, it really is a good watch.
I recommend to: Anyone looking for an out of the ordinary teen flick.
Rating: 8
Paranoid Park (2007)
Paranoid Park is a film about the life of Alex (Gabe Nevins) who struggles to deal with his involvement in the death of a security guard. Taking the advice of one of his friends, Alex writes a letter about the night.
Amidst keeping everything to himself, he deals with his parents divorce and clingy, immature girlfriend (Taylor Momsen).
What I appreciated about Paranoid Park was the interjecting then and now scenes, opposed to a more basic storyline in which all events occur one after another. The film was made in such a way that a sense of time was somewhat insignificant, but present.
I really liked this film, although I can’t help but feel that something was a bit off. Despite my opinion, it is definitely a well-made movie.
Overall: A good film, the way this film was made was quite nice.
I recommend to: Any aspiring filmmaker will appreciate the techniques used in Paranoid Park.
Rating: 7
Ghost World (2001)
Ghost World is a film about two best friends that decide to forgo college and end up spending the summer figuring out who they really are. As Rebecca (Scarlett Johansson), prepares for their new apartment and gets herself a job, Enid finds herself spending more time with her new friend, Seymour (Steve Buscemi).
As Rebecca grows up, and Enid avoids the idea altogether, their friendship quickly becomes distant. Enid finds herself at odds with her best friend, father and at times, Seymour.
I watched this film for the first time a few years ago, after always seeing it in the movie section of my local library. When I finally checked it out, I was astonished with the quirky character of Enid and the way it depicted really growing up without being overly dramatic or overdone.
Overall: Another original teen movie that I adore.
I recommend to: Anyone looking for a good teen flick that focuses on the coming of age stage past high school.
Rating: 8
Saved! (2004)
Saved! is a coming of age, teen movie about the life of Mary (Jena Malone), a senior at an extremely Christian high school who questions her religion after getting pregnant. In attempts to help her gay boyfriend “overcome” his gay thoughts, Mary sacrificed her virginity after mistakingly believing that Jesus told her to.
Mary finds herself dealing with backstabbing friends - especially Hilary Faye (Mandy Moore), who wants nothing less than for everyone to accept Jesus into their hearts, and a possible new love interest, Patrick (Patrick Fugit).
I love the light-hearted, fresh storyline and the appreciable humour.
Overall: A really unique, well made teen movie.
I reccommend to: Anyone looking for a good teen movie that won’t have you rolling your eyes 99% of the time.
Rating: 8
Fight Club (1999)
Fight Club is a movie about a fight club (surprise!) formed after our main character (refereed to as “The Narrator” - no real name) finds that his condo has been completely destroyed in an explosion.
He moves in with Tyler (Brad Pitt), whom he barely knows, only having met him on a plane mere hours before. The duo form the fight club - which quickly grows in size and popularity.
Tyler decides to expand the fight club and steer his new group in a different direction, but his co-creater (“The Narrator” aka Edward Norton) isn’t on board with his new ideas.
As the film goes on, we realize that Tyler and “The Narrator” are more alike than we know…
Overall: I love films that make me think about them long after I’ve watched them. This is one of those films. It’s unique, dangerous but not dark - a definite thumbs up.
I recommend to: Any fans of films such as Big Fish will like this. It merges real life with an extra element of imagination.
Rating: 8
Young Adult (2011)
Young Adult follows the life of Mavis (Charlize Theron), a young-adult fiction writer. She returns to her hometown in Minnesota in attempts to re-connect with her ex-boyfriend. The only problem is, he’s married and just had his first kid. Along the way, Mavis finds comfort in a new friendship and her frequent alcohol abuse.
Truthfully, I found this movie to be disappointing. I felt as though I never really got to know Mavis, and her character never changed.
Overall: Not a huge fan. The whole “Young Adult” theme (if you watch the movie, you’ll truly understand) was a weak storyline and I found it ineffective.
I recommend to: Any Diablo Cody fans might like this.
Rating: 3
The Dreamers (2003)
Paris, 1968: Matthew is an American in Paris, literally. He is befriended by Isabelle and Theo, a pair of French twins that live by their own set of rules.
Matthew moves in with the duo, and finds himself intrigued and confused by their relationship. As time passes on, the film-loving trio grows closer than ever.
Matthew begins to pursue a romantic relationship with Isabelle, and encourages her to grow away from the dependent relationship she has with her brother.
Matthew soon learns that perhaps not even his love for Isabelle is strong enough to fully capture her heart.
The Dreamers is one of those rare movies that you come across that pulls of an unusual storyline and plays the emotions we rarely experience whilst watching movies.
If you decide to watch this film, be forewarned: there is a fair amount of nudity and some scenes are spoken in French (although, nothing you can’t figure out for yourself).
Overall: I really liked this movie. It was different, beautiful. Definitely worth watching.
I recommend to: I’m stumped at this one. Any one that enjoys an unusual film.
Rating: 9
