Encounters at the End of the World

Beautiful images abound, but the many scientists profiled in this documentary are rarely compelling screen presences. The director Herzog is our tour guide. He is ever-curious, but his search for poetic truth among Antarctica's residents is mostly disjointed and futile. I would argue that he fails to capture any images more profound than the ones comprising the opening shots of the film. These stunning "under ice" scenes were shot by "Encounters" producer Henry Kaiser. Herzog unfortunately doesn't top these. But his tireless quest for more knowledge, more untold stories, and more otherworldly images is certainly worthy of high praise.


Written 5/11/09

The Namesake

The first half-hour of this film is great - a touching love story laced with beautiful scenery and interesting color schemes. Unfortunately, things go downhill fast from there. Kal Penn, who plays the son, is playing against type here (usually he's a stoner comedy lynchpin), and fails miserably. He is rarely believable. The script is hackneyed at best. It feels like the book adaption that it is, desperately cramming in source material whether it fits or not. Time lapses in the storytelling are jarring and ineffective. If your jaw is not hanging loose in disbelief at the end of this mangled tale, then you may not be a discerning, critical human being.


Written 5/7/09

Cinemania

A portrait of obsessive white people. Hungry children in Africa will be unable to relate to the "struggles" of these film buffs. The documentary delivers a true, unflinching picture of addiction. Does joy continue to arise when one is about to sit through their fourth screening of the day? Or are these simply hapless efforts to fill a gaping life void? By film's end, none of the subjects is sated. This is either a negative or positive, depending on how you decide to spin it.


Written 5/3/09

Rachel Getting Married

Nothing feels forced. I had misgivings about this film, based on press clippings I'd read and Anne Hathaway's huge head screaming from the poster, "give me an award, already - I'm playing 'tormented'". But I was surprised, nay, shocked at the sincerity and genuine tenderness I encountered. All the casting is perfect. Bill Irwin is particularly wonderful as a doting, challenged father. The expressions of love portrayed by Rachel and her beau encourages me to love and give more in my life. Live music is brilliantly interlaced through almost the entirety of the film. Yes, the camerawork is jarring. It's an intentional technique! If hand-held camera footage is a turn-off to you, then do stay away. But you will be missing a warm, though sometimes brutally stark, portrait of an American family.


Written 4/30/09

Role Models

This would merit a better rating if the language wasn't so crass, but I guess some people just like to hang out in the sewer. Men: when do we begin to reject this content? This redundant "men-will-be-boys" schlock ushered in by Judd Apatow and co. and now seemingly unavoidable at the local cinemaplex. The writers of "Role Models" decided to resort to including the "cute kid with a filthy mouth" character, so you're presented with every generation of the cast writhing in debased verbiage. The dénouement wraps everything up in a pretty bow for viewers, despite our inevitable disbelief at the loss of realism.


Written 4/16/09

Happy-Go-Lucky

I was disappointed by this film, considering the many critical raves I had read and heard. The female lead, Polly, is certainly a unique character. Unfortunately, she grates. She never gained my sympathy. Though some of the humor is effective, often the style of dialogue is too frenetic to deliver useful comedy. Much of the banter Polly shares with her flat-mate is performed as sped-up, hyper infantilism; it didn't much appeal to me. And then some dark elements creep into the storytelling. These twists are quite unsettling and awkward for the viewer to square with the bulk of the content.


Written 4/9/09

WALL-E

The character Wall-E is an unlikely protagonist. But viewers will warm to his R2D2-esque mannerisms and his "robot that cares" persona. This film is highly imaginative and beautiful to look at. Once again, the Pixar animators have struck upon a delightful array of characters to present a story that holds the potential to enthrall audiences both young and old.


Written 3/16/09