THE PLAYER

Clay

I have watched this movie more than 5 times. Tara had never seen it before, so we rented it. I believe this movie is one of the "overlooked fabulous". I suppose that aspects of this film may be too strange for "ma and pa average folk". I dont think that people should be afraid of this movie. I think that this movie is postmodern, although that term is commonly regarded as being empty or problematicly vague. Don't concern yourself with words--the film is good.

The movie's biggest strength is a creepy, mysterious vibe that is best described (to my best knowledge) as indebted to Alfred Hitchcock. I have not done my research on this film, but I think Altman is a director with attitude. I really do recommend this 'sleeper hit' to anyone who likes Po-Mo films. Tara was initially suspicious but she came around. I think she liked it because Woopie was in it.

Rating: 8 out of 8 slices

BABE (1995)

Clay

This is a movie about a Pig. It is not a new film. Tara thought I was stupid for renting it; she didn't know it was going to be TOTAL GREATNESS= AWESOME. Seriously, this movie is propaganda for "dont eat meat". I have heard people say everything is propaganda. Therefore, I will be glad to say I like propaganda that agrees with me.

Babe's biggest strength may be how well it is shot. The closeups and vivid colors create an excellent mix of humor and attractive lighting. You might have heard that this movie is for kids. It is much more inteligent than the average kid movie. Movies like this do not come along every day. When they zoom in on the faces of the human characters, a guffaw may pass your fridgid lips. Let it escape. It will feel very good.

I believe that Jim Henson's studio did portions of the puppet work. If you are missing a section of your brain, then you would not instantly know that this means the film will have quality. It does have quality. It has more quality than you are prepared to handle. It will pull your heartstrings in "just the right places". It will buy your house at a reduced price and leave you feeling like you want to hug the realtor.

Rating: 7 out of 8 slices

TARA

This is not just a children’s movie. I agree with Clay: Babe is a totally innovative, agreeable film. The viewer is quickly drawn into the characters (even though most of them are talking animals), while the film’s surreal colors and visual appeal make it a worthy piece of art. Especially notable is the way the human characters become larger-than-life personalities that dominate the universe of the animals.

I thought the movie seemed to make loose references to the Animal-Farm hierarchy of society, offering insights into the workings of power and societal position. The movie also appeals to the ingrained ‘american’ identity . . .if one struggles hard enough, one can succeed against all odds.

Clay may be somewhat biased in his review since he’s a strict vegetarian (and the movie takes a somewhat anti-carnivore perspective), but I really did enjoy it.

Rating: 6/8 slices. Watch it!

BORAT

Clay

Scooter, Tara, and I made a point to see this film in the theater. 9 days after the premire, the theater was packed. The word is out, Borat is genius. I hate all of these people who think they are "big Ali G" fans. They are not. I am the only one who has ever seen Ali G. I am the only one who was laughing in the theater.

I am lying. Everyone was laughing. Favorite scene/biggest strength: The audience is cleverly manipulated into a sentimental moment regarding the prostitute with a heart of gold. Our expectations cause us to love Borat and this woman of ill repute. I really liked the construction of this scene--the only character who isnt portrayed as a hypocritical a*hole is the one most reviled by a moral society.

The genius of Mr. Cohen reminds me of Andy Kaufmann. I don't know what else to say.

Rating: 8/8 slices