Nosferatu the Vampyre

Rate 5 stars

The only redeeming element of this film is Klaus Kinski's stunning performance. I am a HUGE Werner Herzog booster, but I must disclose that I utilized the "fast-forward" button liberally throughout my viewing of "Nosferatu". Whenever Kinski is onscreen, you will be mesmerized, but in my opinion, there is little else to redeem this remake.


Written 9/23/07

Danielson: A Family Movie

This film is a portrait of a unique artist who happens to be Christian. If mere mention of this faith causes you to gag, then don't watch the movie. Danielson's musical offerings can be bizarre, but his conviction and dedication should be universally admired. Sufjan Stevens' fans take note: Sufjan's rise to prominence and mid-level fame is documented here as well. He and Daniel Smith appear to be great friends who have inspired and nurtured one another's artistry in their admittedly disparate career trajectories. As Daniel puzzles over his next career move, Sufjan hosts Scarlett Johansson backstage and gains rave reviews in seemingly every major music publication. There's a lot to digest here; fans of their music will walk away with many new insights.


Written 8/5/07

Rififi

I've waited some time to see this movie, having heard countless raves about the wordless, 30-minute heist that occupies a central position in the film. I was not disappointed. Said heist is masterful - a perfect execution of pacing and restraint. Considering the release date, I was surprised at how gritty some elements of the story are. But the edginess works, and contributes to the unrelentingly charged atmosphere.


Written 8/5/07

The Comedians of Comedy: The Movie

An entertaining travelogue. Not revolutionary filmmaking. The male members of this comedy tour engage in too much lame homo-erotic humor in their downtime between performances; their antics become tiresome. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie, and this could become a cool model for self-sustaining comedy tours of the future.


Written 8/5/07

Catfish

"Catfish" is a documentary film in which a New York City-based photographer and his two comrades unravel a 21st century mystery. The less said about their discoveries, the better. Let's just say that "Catfish" will make you question the validity of web-based social networking. Interesting to witness how the subject of the film copes with the fallout as his optimistic outlook is stomped upon. The story ends up feeling slight, but there are some riveting moments.

Talk to Her

I can understand why some viewers would be disturbed by the subject matter of this film. Much of the proceedings occur within hospital walls and thus the visual presentation is sterile and unsettling. I think what redeems the film as a whole is its presentation of characters who find themselves in a crisis. This crisis is not some unoriginal, "I've seen this 10 times before, in 10 other movies" type. It is unique and it is provocative. One is not likely to watch this movie and have nothing to discuss afterward. Exceptional art should provoke dialogue, and Almodovar does just that here. "Talk To Her" is a worthy entry into his exceptional canon.


Written 8/5/07

Volver

Director Pedro Almodovar is a master filmmaker. "Volver" is full of memorable images and characters. Penelope Cruz is luminescent in a starring role, only faltering when asked to lip-sync a Spanish folk song. Other than that less-than believable low point, this film was a joy to behold and now I'm excited to go back and discover more of Pedro Almodovar's work.


Written 7/5/07