The Odd Couple (1968)

CLAY

One cant go wrong with these old-timey comedy classics. If you didn't already know it--FYI--tOC first lived as a popular stage play that was converted into this full-length feature, and eventually into the inevitable television series. The movie stars the unforgettable Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau (who later reprise VERY similar roles in 1993's Grumpy Old Men) as two men discovering an age old truth: friends don't always make good roommates.

I hardly feel the need to say much about this movie, other than that it is an essential element of Americana film. The film is, at its core, a black comedy of angst and annoyance. Lemon's neuroses are so bitingly real and frustrating that the audience empathizes with Matthau's fury, while Matthau's own hostility and selfishness are simultaneously understandable and reprehensible.

Its a fun film, great for a laugh, a solid classic. I give it 6/8 pizza slices; "Average Great".

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

Clay

Since Russell Crowe (Fishman) stars in this one, I went into it expecting the standard-fare blockbuster action epic. I was not disappointed, but I was not entirely displeased, either.

The film is indeed an action-epic type film, replete with a cast of noble, idealistic characters. The basic plot of the film--as well as its development and resolution--are standard fare for the genre. We've got struggle, we've got violence, we've got the occasional death and a pervasive sense of heroism. If you've got an appetite for a film like Braveheart, Gladiator, et all..M&C will satisfy your hunger.

I thought that the filmwork and cinematography were fine examples of the genre. The film's strongest suit is, undeniably, the epic battle(s) that occur in the final scenes. The weakest aspects, IMHO, are the predictability and sentimentality of the narrative. Quite a bit of patriotism flying around toward the end that might turn a viewer's stomach.

Interestingly, the movie flirts with specific aspects of Moby Dick symbolism. Clearly, the pride and obsession of the ship's captain is a parallel to MD, but there seem to be more subtle 'references', such as the crew's attempt to kill a phantom bird, along with other moments of superstitious mysticism in the ship's crew.

Nitpickers: I assume that Russell Crowe has a magical violin, since you can see his hands come off of the instrument while his part of the music keeps playing.

I give it a 5/8 pieces...many of those slices were tasty enough to recommend it with the warning: "Standard Genre Representative, yet entertaining".

(Tara did not view this film)

Tarnation

Clay

I dont have a whole lot to say about this one. It is incredibly artistic, but simultaneously, suffers from the main problem of many 'art films'...hard to watch.

I would never damn this film. Its a visual diary / scrapbook of a young, very disturbed man growing up in a mentally-deranged family. The music and visuals are meticulously arranged, leading a viewer to feel as though they are looking at something that took many years to produce. The sheer sense of overwhelming sadness that pervades the work makes it a worthy element of art, even if I don't really find it watchable.

I couldn't finish viewing this item, but I am adding my comment because Tara seemed to enjoy it quite a bit. I'd recommend this film if you typically enjoy art-house depression and documentaries about mental patients. Overall, hmmmm..difficult to rate. 4.5/8 slices, but this doesnt mean it's bad. Just not highly recommended.

Tara

Clay said “Not highly recommended”?! I totally disagree. I highly recommend this film. Imagine opening your private diary for the world to read and critique. If you only watch one scene of the movie, I recommend the one in which an 8-10 year old boy provides an astute theatrical interpretation of an abused southern housewife. Tarnation is very reminiscent of “Capturing the Friedmans” (2003).

Lucky Number Slevin

Clay

If I had one word to describe this movie, it would be "derivative". However, as a man of many words, I'd probably use a plethora of other terms such as, "self-important", "shamelessly imitative", "what an ass-biter", "too cute for its own good", "wishes it was directed by Quentin Tarintino", and a host of many other negative comments.

I can imagine the pitch for this one: "Pulp Fiction meets Usual Suspects, plus we'll throw in some Godfather shit...we can't lose! We're gonna have some jive-talkin' hit men, a mysterious Super Killer ('Big Cat/Keyser Soze'), two warring families, witty dialog, and Lucy Liu will reprise Uma Thurman's role...no sweat!"

God, I had high hopes for this one. Early write-ups for the film made it sound like another great high-action Pulp Fiction style film...unfortunately, the whole damn thing is an attempted rip-off of every other film in the genre. Perhaps the only thing that saves this film whatsoever is the decent performance (IMHO) by the lead actor, Josh Harnett (Sleven). And I can still see how some people might hate his extremely-smug delivery. I even felt bad for Morgan Freeman..how the hell did he get roped into this one. I guess he fell for the pitch.

Overall, 3/8 slices. Some might love it...not me.

TARA

My reaction to this film, in a nutshell: let me pick my knitting and chart intarsia (i.e. the film is best used as an excuse to go do something else--even something extremely boring.)