Tiny Furniture (2010, Lena Dunham)

So I first heard of this film at the Maryland Film Festival, but I didn’t get a chance to see it. But wow, this film is fantastic. It’s a very niche look at the post college world. Lena/Aura doesn’t really have it all figured out, she’s flawed, doesn’t know how to get things going in the right direction, but shes knows she has to try…. something. It may not be the best film ever made, but I like it. It has a lot of charm and enough character for me to stick with it. The end is a bit weird and could be stronger but I get what she was going for. I liked it. I’ll probably buy it. But it’s on netflix now so you should check it out. Enjoy!

9/10

Jane Eyre (2011, Carey Fukunaga)

This is the best version of Jane Eyre that I have ever seen. The lighting, the score, the acting, the script, all are amazing. Especially considering that this is upcoming director Carey Fukunaga’s second film. He picked such an ambitious project to take on and he nails it. The candle lit scenes remind me of Barry Lyndon except instead of emphasizing the light as a palette of atmosphere, here it is used as mood and tone. Fassbender is great, no big deal, he’s great in everything, that doesn’t matter though because Mia Wasikowska is phenomenal; the confrontation by the tree makes the entire film.

One of my favorites of 2011. Amazing! Enjoy!

10/10 

Attack the Block (2011)

Alright, so, it’s awesome. It has that comedy/action/horror mixture that has been gaining more popularity since S.O.T.D. and it has a really good impossible to understand cast of unknown teens leading the film. There is one role that should’ve been cast with a better actor and Nick Frost is not utilized as much as he should have been. That aside, I think it’s great. A film where kids are graphically dying on screen? Who has the balls for that?? The British apparently.

If you were once a kid and liked films like Jurassic Park and The Goonies, then I’m sure you’ll be into this. Check it out. Enjoy!

8/10

Check out this hand written reply to a 14 year old fan of Quentin Tarantino.

This particular response was prompted by a letter from the young fan in which he asked a technical question relating to screenwriting: Whether or not Tarantino wrote “CONTINUED” at the top/bottom of each page of script.

I think this is awesome and wish I thought of this when I was little. 

I saw this last night and after some time to think about it, I’ve made a decision about it.

There may be parts that are predictable, but that isn’t what concerned me while watching the film. The thing is, I’m willing to forgive the predictable or weak parts because of the journey we take with the protagonist, Rhonda Williams. I was able to relate to her struggle and metamorphosis as a character which made we want to take this journey with her. For a film who’s surface is about the latter, the journey was much more important than the destination.

That being said, I wish there was bit more disscussion in the film about theories pertaining to this other Earth.

The sound and music design for this film was great. A great compliment to the images throughout the film. And I absolutely adore Brit Marling, she is going to blow up because she is a fantastic talent.

8/10

——————Spoilers/For after viewing the film—————-

The end is what helps reimburse the film for it’s lack in originality. That is what people need to focus on and discuss. What is the meaning for that, and what does that mean about events on the other side. Was it all for not? Her gesture to John.

Enter the Void (Soudain le vide) (2009)

Review:

It’s a bit odd to experience a movie that is simultaneously dull but incredibly visually stunning. To say it’s dull is a bit of a misleading term, but the film follows an idea to a “T” and never deviates from it. The idea/concept of the film is very interesting and inventive, but when it’s executed at such a slow pace, it could a bit off putting. Don’t get me wrong, when something does happen, it’s incredibly powerful. But other than that, like the character, you just sort of float around in purgatory. I definitely agree with Tarantino that the title sequence is one of the best in recent years. However, the film can be tough for a lot of people. If you’ve made it through Noe’s “Irreversible” get ready for something similar in style at the pace of “L’Avventura”.

Not for everyone. Watch to satisfy your curiosity.

8/10

Das Experiment (The Experiment) (2001)

Description: A man taking part in a scientific study finds the fine line between play-acting and reality has been blurred beyond recognition in this taut drama. 

Review: 

 Yea ok, so by design, you pretty much know what is going to happen. Well at least if you watch the trailer, I don’t think you’ll get it from the description, but once you start watching, it’ll make sense. However, there is enough tension by the end of the film that when the release finally comes, it leaves you incredibly satisfied. I got to admit, it was slow goings for a while, but when it finally started getting good, it got really good. If you’d rather check out the American remake, you can discover why it was straight to DVD. If you want something that experiments in form along side with the film, check out this one, the original. Enjoy!

8/10

One of the better films to come out recently. Its very British charm sort of lulls you to a bit of complacently somewhere in the middle of the film. Then it hits you with a third act that leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more. The acting gets a bit too British in some spots, but it definitely fits the tone. I wish the film was in widescreen and I’m not exactly sure why Mrs. Arnold decided for the 4X3 ratio, but regardless the film is beautiful. If you get the chance, check it out.

8/10

The Messenger

(dir. Oren Moverman, 2009)

Wow. This a beautifully powerful film. Everyone is on point and not a beat is missed. I’m a bit upset how pushed under the rug this film was, it was not only incredibly well done, but extremely well done. It’s a character study war film, but plays that role with no shooting or killing. It takes the war home and makes it just as strong as anything in the trenches. Do yourself a favor, watch this. This is something that will, years down the road, get more recognition as one of the defining war films of this generation. Watch it, watch it, watch it!

10/10