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.)

The YES Men

Clay

I vaguely recall hearing about this movie on NPR. The Yes Men is a cross between social commentary (i.e. Michael Moore, who provides a cameo in tYM) and prankster sensibility, ala Borat.

Overall, the film is worthwhile, although slow and meandering at parts. tYM is a grassroots documentary about a few guys who have made it their mission to prank the WTO. By disguising themselves as suits from the World Trade Organization, they infiltrate the bohemouth. Its very similar to the Ali G formula of commentary via mockery. It is absolutely hilarious. . . at parts.

The biggest drawback is that the Yes Men don't seem to have enough material to fill a movie, so much of the film ends up being footage of them preparing for their pranks. However, the pranks themselves are hilarious. If you don't have a lot of time, skip ahead to the scenes where they present their stunts.

Overall rating: 4/8 slices, only because a lot of the film feels like filler. An enjoyable film.

TARA

I agree with Clay on most points for this film. Not enough material to leave you feeling satisfied; even the special features leave you feeling incomplete. You can’t help but wonder, are theseguys being sued? What are they doing now? Etc…

Batman Begins

Clay

I was surprised: I liked this one a lot more than I expected to. In spite of the fact that Nerd is my dominant Tao, most comic book movies really gross me out (i.e. Fantastic 4, Spiderman, etc) due to the typically poor acting, wretched dialog, and predictably childish action scenes.

I am not suggesting that Batman Begins lacks any of these things; indeed, the dialog is often sub-cliche (low point: a character witnessing the batmobile rip shit up: "I gotta get me one of those") and Katie Holmes' character is a predictably 'strong, independent femme who nevertheless needs rescuing' sort...but beyond these occasional annoyances, BB does a really good job of rejuvinating a familiar theme via great cinematography, ambiance, and constant movement.

The lead actor (Christian Bale) is a bizarre, plastic fellow who's lack of facial emotions is both appropriate and somewhat annoying IMHO. K. Holmes is hot and competent, enough said. Morgan Freeman is a bit character who seems directly lifted from his role in Shawshank ("They keep me down here..don't think they'll ever let me out!"..sound familiar?), but my favorite character was, by far, The Scarecrow. This lesser-known actor (Cillian Murphy) who plays the insane psychiatrist brings a freakish twist to a 'stock baddie' role, managing to keep his performance fresh thanks to great directorial decisions. For this, the kudos must naturally go to the director, Christopher Nolan [Memento!!], who clearly knows how to use cameras, effects, and props to freshen up what might otherwise have been a really trite action flick.

I'd easily give this one a 6/8 pizza slices. Perfect for anyone who liked the first Batman film but hasn’t really enjoyed them since. Very solid action movie with twists and great effects.

The Weatherman

CLAY

Nicolas Cage...a risky bet these days.

The Weatherman is entertaining, bleakly humorous, and at points, stretches itself into a realm that could be considered almost enjoyable. The movie suffers, however, from an overall sensation of pointlessness and bland tragedy.

I suppose the thing that keeps me from really liking this movie is a vague desire for something redeeming in the main character. The Weatherman is a kind of 'worst day of your life / born loser' sort of plot, but the problem for me, as a viewer, is that I guess I want the lead character to make me root for him. He's a pathetic, hopeless, saddening figure throughout the movie, and even though he seems to learn about life, I still end up falling asleep toward the end of the film, wishing we were getting somewhere, or at least coming to an understanding that his life is irreparable.

Hard to describe this movie in print. I feel as though Cage's performance is 'spotty', sort of frenetic and bizarre..but he's still Nicholas Cage, playing a sort of rewarmed-Adaptation role. I won't tell people NOT to watch this movie, but overall, there are better uses of one's time. Rating: 4/8 pieces of pizza.