Into the Woods

Into the Woods
December 25, 2014
Disney etc.
Musical, Fantasy
DVD
B-

When I saw this in the theater months ago, I would've given it a B+.  I'd seen two stage productions and I thought it translated very well to the big screen.  This time, I was less drawn in.  The music (especially those intricate Sondheim rhymes) seemed more contrived, and I found the film less emotionally moving.  That said, there are some good performances, most notably Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, probably the most complex character.  Christine Baranski and Meryl Streep are not quite reunited from Mamma Mia!, because (as Cinderella's Stepmother and The Witch) they don't really have any scenes together.  Johnny Depp again plays a creepy character, this time Little Red Riding Hood's wolf.  And Anna Kendrick is a bit miscast as Cinderella (as always, she seems like the smartest person in the room) but she does sing well.

Frances de la Tour is sort of typecast, since she was Madame Maxime in the Harry Potter series and is a much larger giantess here.  Gioacchino Jim Cuffaro was a Wizard Parent in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and is a Villager here.

Warm Bodies

Warm Bodies
February 1, 2013
Summit etc.
Comedy, Romance, Horror, Sci-Fi
DVD
B-

My review of the book is here:  http://rereadingeverybookiown.blogspot.com/2014/01/warm-bodies-novel.html.  The main thing I want to add is that my enjoyment has faded after so many viewings in 2 1/2 years, although it remains better than the book.  I think part of the problem is that as the film goes on, it loses its contrast between R's internal monologue and his inarticulate zombie shell.  The movie becomes more of a standard apocalyptic narrative, although still with moments of humor and sweetness.  And it remains impressive that a zom-rom-com is actually a workable sub-sub-genre.

Dave Franco, who plays Perry, would do the voice for Wally in The Lego Movie.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
August 3, 2012
Fox
Comedy
DVD
B-

Diary of a Wimpy Kid regulars include:

1. Dalila Bela as Taylor Pringle
2. Devon Bostick as Rodrick Heffley
3. Karan Brar as Chirag Gupta
4. Robert Capron as Rowley Jefferson
5. Christopher Thorgard De-Schuster as Chris the Bass Player
6. Connor and Owen Fielding as Manny Heffley
7. Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley
8. Rachael Harris as Susan Heffley
9. Bryce Hodgson as Ben Segal
10. Alf Humphreys as Mr. Jefferson (this time actually with lines!)
11. Terence Kelly as Grandpa Heffley
12. Jeff Kinney as Mr. Hills
13. Peyton List as Holly Hills
14. Laine MacNeil as Patty Farrell
15. Andrew McNee as Coach Malone
16. Melissa Roxburgh as Heather Hills (formerly Rachel in DWK2)
17. Grayson Russell as Fregley
18. John Shaw as Mr. Draybick

As the subtitle suggests, this is set in the summer, which means we get much less of school, and classmates and teachers, than in the previous films.  I don't know if it's this, or that Zachary Gordon has hit puberty (like Harry and Ron in Chamber of Secrets, his voice seems to have dropped several octaves), but I generally didn't find this entry as entertaining as the first two.  And yet I am giving another B-, because it contains what is easily the funniest sequence in the series:  Rodrick's cover version of Justin Bieber's "Baby."  (Yes, each of my 2012 movies has a song or a band called Baby as the highlight.)  Bostick remains the best thing about these movies, and he has the moves like Jagger as well as a very expressive face.  Even the moment between Rowley and the bestie of the girl that Rodrick has spectacularly failed to impress is good.  If only the rest of the movie were on that level.  Still, it's nice that Zahn has more to do, with the central relationship this time being between Greg and his dad.  It's not a bad place to leave the characters onscreen, although of course in the books Greg and company continue to not age.

Dawn Chubai was a newscaster in the second movie as well.  Nicole Fraissinet, who was a Megastore Girl in Josie and the Pussycats, plays Receptionist Julie here.

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids
May 13, 2011
Universal
Comedy
DVD
B-

When I first saw this movie, it made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me consider walking out at the really gross food-poisoning scene.  My reaction on watching it for I think the fifth time was not as extreme in any regard.  I still think Kristen Wiig does a good job, as star and co-writer, of capturing a particular kind of woman who's messed up her life but not as much as she thinks.  Also, it is nice to see female friendship, in various forms, put at the center, even if the subject is ostensibly a wedding.  This does mean unfortunately that the men are really short-changed, some of them not even getting lines.  I certainly would've liked to have seen more of Chris O'Dowd's nice Irish cop.  And even some of the women have unresolved plot threads, including Wiig's own.  (Does she start another bakery or what?)  That said, Melissa McCarthy comes close to stealing the movie in what I recall as her first significant big-screen role.

Wilson Phillips appear as themselves, and Chynna Phillips was the love interest Cindy in The Invisible Kid.  Nancy Carell was the Health Clinic Counselor in The 40 Year Old Virgin but is less memorable here as Helen's Tennis Partner, while Joe Nunez was Man Buffing Floor there and is Oscar the Security Guard here.  Jessica St. Clair, who plays Whitney at the bridal salon, would be Deena Schuster in Wanderlust.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
March 25, 2011
Fox
Comedy, Children's
DVD
B-

DWK regulars are (* means new to the series but will be back for #3):

1. Dalila Bela as Taylor Pringle*
2. Owen Best as Bryce Anderson
3. Devon Bostick as Rodrick Heffley
4. Karan Brar as Chirag Gupta
5. Christopher DeSchuster as Chris the Bass Player*
6. Connor and Owen Fielding as Manny Heffley
7. Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley
8. Rachael Harris as Susan Heffley
9. Bryce Hodgson as Ben Segal
10. Ava Hughes as Marley
11. Alf Humphreys as Rowley's Dad, Mr. Jefferson
12. Terence Kelly as Grandpa Heffley*
13. Peyton List as Holly Hills
14. Laine MacNeil as Patty Farrell
15. Andrew McNee as Coach Malone
16. Belita Moreno as Mrs. Norton
17. Samantha Page as Shell(e)y
18. Melissa Roxburgh as Rachel (although she'd be Heather Hills in the next one)*
19. Grayson Russell as Fregley
20. John Shaw as Mr. Draybick*
21. Jake D. Smith as Archie Kelly

Also, author Jeff Kinney makes his first appearance as Holly's Dad, Mr. Hills.  Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs again collaborated on the script, but the director is new: David Bowers, who did Flushed Away. I would say that this movie is a shade better than the first, not quite a B since it's not quite as funny and it does feel a little unbalanced, focusing much more on Greg's home life than on his school life.  That said, everyone, especially the kids, seem to have settled into their characters more, so that much less time is spent on set-up.  Just as DWK1 gave us Greg's friendship with Rowley, #2 tracks the shaky brotherhood of Greg and, as you may've guessed from the subtitle, Rodrick, allowing the whole Heffley family to shine.  There are funny moments (like Susan's "mom dance") but also more heart and realism than in the first movie.  A B- and a half I guess.

Dawn Chubai would return as a newscaster in DWK3.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
August 13, 2010
Universal
Comedy, Sci-Fi, Romance, Action
DVD
B-

This is based on a graphic novel series I've never read, other than what appears in the movie itself and its DVD extras.  As such, I'm not going to get into a discussion of how well it translates to the screen, but I will note that I like the comic-like elements, such as the sound effects that we can read as well as hear.  There are also elements of video games, especially but not limited to the fight scenes.  And then are bits of less classifiable whimsy, such as some characters' ability to do things very quickly, even if asleep.  It is an interesting stylistic blend.

Unfortunately, the central couple in this anti-rom-com are the two least appealing characters in the movie (well, other than some minor characters we see much less of).  Scott is in a way the typical adorkable Michael Cera character, but he has to do a lot of very un-Cera-like things, including make various women unhappy, although this is admittedly unintentional.  And his dream girl Ramona Flowers has no real personality; she's just as much of a cypher at the end as she is at the beginning.  It's hard to be invested in their relationship, and I'm not even sure if we're supposed to be, but it does get a lot of screen time.  Luckily, the supporting characters are much more vivid and, even when they do unlikable things, entertaining.  My favorites are Wallace, the gay roommate, and Julie, the foul-mouthed friend of an ex.  The title of the movie is somewhat of a misnomer, since Scott battles Ramona's seven evil exes, but there is a sense that everyone, even his friends, is against him.  This viewing, I was rooting for the world, and I completely agreed with Knives Chau when she said that she's too cool for him.

Nelson Franklin was one of Sydney's Buddies in I Love You, Man and has the small but scene-stealing role of Comeau here.  (He's the one who says the comic book is always better than the movie.)  Bill Hader, who is The Voice, would be Kyle in They Came Together.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
March 10, 2010
Fox etc.
Comedy
DVD
B-

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid regulars are:

1. Owen Best as Bryce Anderson
2. Devon Bostick as Rodrick Heffley
3. Karan Brar as Chirag Gupta
4. Robert Capron as Rowley Jefferson
5. Connor and Owen Fielding as Manny Heffley
6. Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley
7. Rachael Harris as Susan Heffley
8. Ava Hughes as Marley
9. Alf Humphreys as Mr. Jefferson (Rowley's dad)
10. Laine MacNeil as Patty Farrell
11. Andrew McNee as Coach Malone
12. Belita Moreno as Mrs. Norton
13. Samantha Page as Shelley
14. Grayson Russell as Fregley
15. Jake D. Smith as Archie Kelly

Also, Steve Zahn, who was the brother in Object of My Affection, plays Greg's dad.  The movie is surprisingly well-cast, considering it's based on a book with exaggerated characters who look and act like cartoons.  As the book is very episodic, there are some changes in terms of plot and characterization, with self-absorbed Greg learning a few life lessons here, although not changing entirely.  Which is just as well, since there would be two more movie sequels, and the book series is still running.  (Book 10 is due out this Fall.)

Watching this again, I realized that a lot of my favorite moments came in the later movies.  I do have to single out Bostick as giving my favorite performance.  He looks nothing like Rodrick in the book but he puts a lot more into the mean-big-brother role than expected, even in a simple line like, "And then they planted trees!"  Also, as a Gen-Xer I enjoyed the little moments of '80s-ness, like the Awesome to Be Me classroom movie.  DWK itself is designed to not look like it's from a particular time period and, as in Juno, there are no cell phones.

Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs would also co-write the second movie in the series.  Brandon Barton was on the Dancing Elk Track Team in Juno and is the '80s Jock Boy here.

The Princess and the Frog

The Princess and the Frog
December 11, 2009
Disney
Children's, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Historical
DVD
B-

Partially based on E.D. Baker's The Frog Princess, which I can't remember if I've read, this is a Disney Princess movie with a difference, well, many differences.  It has a relatively modern and real setting, New Orleans in the 1920s.  (The prologue is set the day Wilson is elected President, but I'm guessing this is 1912 rather than '16.)  The "princess" is an African-American waitress who dreams of opening her own restaurant.  She does get her prince, but he's not her main goal.  And, yes, both of them are turned into frogs, because of voodoo.

Co-writers/directors Ron Clements and John Musker also did Aladdin and, while this isn't as dazzling, it is a worthy successor as a "not a typical Disney Princess movie."  There's no razzle-dazzle performance on the level of Robin Williams's genie, although the voicework and acting are generally solid.  The two biggest standouts are Keith David as villain Dr. Facilier and Jenifer Lewis as wise-woman Mama Odie, who, in their songs especially, show the dark and light sides of voodoo, and of changing your life.  The use of light and color is sometimes impressive.  And a couple of the characters, particularly Charlotte and Ray, end up having more substance than expected.  I would say the biggest flaw in the movie is pacing, too many stops and starts.  Otherwise, I would probably go with a B, as with Aladdin.

Phil Proctor did additional voices in Aladdin well.  (And, yes, this is the Firesign Theatre Phil Proctor, who co-wrote Americathon.)

Since I've gotten more 21st-century films in recent months, and since there are more films from 2000 to '09 than there were in, for instance, the 1970s, I've decided to split off the 2010s, unlike with my book blog.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
July 15, 2009
Warner Bros.
Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Drama
DVD
B-

Harry Potter regulars this time include (* for newbies):

1. Afshan Azad as Padma Patil
2. David Bradley as Argus Filch
3. Jim Broadbent as Professor Horace Slughorn*
4. Scarlett Byrne as Pansy Parkinson (new to the role)*
5. Jessie Cave as Lavender Brown (new to the role)*
6. Shefali Chowdhury as Parvati Patil
7. Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid
8. Louis Cordice as Blaise Zabini*
9. Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick
10. Alfred Enoch as Dean Thomas
11. Amber Evans as Twin Girl #1*
12. Ruby Evans as Twin Girl #2*
13. Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy
14. Michael Gambon as Professor Albus Dumbledore
15. Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley
16. Josh Herdman as Gregory Goyle
17. Rod Hunt as Thorfinn Rowle*
18. Ralph Ineson as Amycus Carrow*
19. Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy
20. Isabella Laughland as Leanne*
21. Dave Legeno as Fenrir Greyback*
22. Georgina Leonidas as Katie Bell (new to the role)*
23. Katie Leung as Cho Chang
24. Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom
25. Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood
26. Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy*
27. William Melling as Nigel
28. Devon Murray as Seamus Finnigan
29. James Phelps as Fred Weasley
30. Oliver Phelps as George Weasley
31. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
32. Anna Shaffer as Romilda Vane*
33. Geraldine Somerville as Lily Potter
34. Timothy Spall as Wormtail
35. Freddie Stroma as Cormac McLaggen*
36. Natalie Tena as Nymphadora Tonks
37. David Thewlis as Remus Lupin
38. Suzanne Toase as Alecto Carrow*
39. Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
40. Jamie Waylett as Vincent Crabbe
41. Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley
42. Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley

My review of the book is here:  http://rereadingeverybookiown.blogspot.com/2014/01/harry-potter-and-half-blood-prince.html.  And, yes, I consider the movie to be roughly equivalent in quality to the book, although the flaws are different.  As I noted there, the Horcruxes are mishandled in the movie in the sense that Dumbledore says they could be the most commonplace of objects, when in fact this better describes Portkeys (like the "manky old boot") and it's unlikely that Voldemort would entrust pieces of his soul to worthless objects.

One flaw is that, as in Order of the Phoenix, a romance is left unresolved, in this case that of Ginny and Dean.  (Poor Alfie Enoch is once again underused, even as a point in a triangle.)  We're told that Ginny and Dean argue, but we never actually see them break up, so when Ginny flirts with Harry at Christmastime and later, it's difficult to know how to take it.  I will say though that the girls and women are less out of character here than in the book, and I think this is Emma Watson's best performance so far.  (When she attacks Ron with conjured birds, he's not actually pecked and injured, like in the book, just frightened.)

My other gripe is that while some of the shots are lovely and/or haunting, too many of them are dark, which means losing detail on a television screen.  On the plus side, Yates turns out to have a gift for comedy, especially when characters are acting drunk or stoned, most notably Daniel Radcliffe's "pincers" moment.  And the Ron-on-Love-Potion scenes are everything they ought to be, with Radcliffe a fine straight man to Rupert's loopiness and handsiness.

Paul Davies is again a Death Eater, as he was in Goblet of Fire and would be again in both Deathly Hallows movies.  Tabatha St. Vincent was an extra in Order of the Phoenix as well.  Nathan Clarke is a Gryffindor Student, as he was in Order.  Neil Findlater was a Ministry of Magic Panel Member there and is a Wizard Teacher here.

Ifeoma Oboko would again be a Hogwarts student in Hallows I, although not specifically Gryffindor.  Elliott Francis would again be a Slug Club Member there.  Ninette Finch is an extra here but would be Augusta Longbottom in Hallows 2.  Arthur Bowen, who's Boy at Chestnut Stand, would be more prominent towards the very end of the series, as Albus Severus Potter.

I Love You, Man

I Love You, Man
March 20, 2009
DreamWorks etc.
Comedy
DVD
B-

This is one of the better not-quite-Apatow movies to emerge in the last dozen years or so, although not without its flaws.  It is not, perhaps surprisingly, very gross (a couple vomiting scenes aside), although it is undeniably crude.  (Mostly in sexually frank dialogue.)  It is much less sexist than average for the sub-genre, and in fact Rashida Jones as Zooey Rice, the patient but not infinitely patient fiancee of the "I" of the title, gives the most believable performance.  The "bromance" at the center of the movie, between uptight and awkward (but self-aware) Peter Klaven, played by Paul Rudd, and uncivilized but nice Sydney Fife, played by Jason Segel, generally works.  However, the three characters have a lot of issues with each other that are brought up but not fully resolved.  There are moments when it feels like the movie is going to go dark and it never quite comes back from them, as if, just like in a rom-com, this bro-com has to get its happy ending no matter what.  Also, some of the humor has faded after six years, although I did still laugh out loud a few times.  Furthermore, I wish there had been more of J.K. Simmons and Jane Curtin as Peter's parents, although they're perfect in their few scenes.

David Krumholtz was Michael in 10 Things I Hate About You and is Sydney's Buddy #3 here.  Carla Gallo, who's one of Zooey's Friends here, was more memorable as the Toe-Sucking Girl in The 40 Year Old Virgin.  Jon Favreau was Leo in Something's Gotta Give and is the utterly despicable Barry here.  (And meanwhile had done Iron Man, not a remio movie obviously.)

Nelson Franklin, who plays another of Sydney's Buddies, would be Comeau in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.  Greg Tuculescu, who's I believe the guy who "farts at the open house," would be Kevin in Bridesmaids.  Mather Zickel, who's Gil here, would be Jim Stansel in Rudd's Wanderlust.  Wedding Photographer David Wain would be Keith in Rudd's They Came Together, while Wedding Band Member Craig Wedren would be Saxophone Player there.  (And they both have non-acting credits in common, such as Wet Hot American Summer.)

Sarah Burns, who plays Hailey here, would if I recall correctly have a similar single friend role as Harper in Going the Distance.

Rushing into it.

Music and Lyrics

Music and Lyrics
February 14, 2007
Castle Rock etc.
Comedy, Romance, Musical
DVD
B-

Writer-director Marc Lawrence did Two Weeks Notice and there are some obvious similarities, most particularly the coasting on Hugh Grant's chemistry with his leading lady, in this case the equally rom-com-prone Drew Barrymore.  Also, the film is set in New York and there's a sounding-board sibling, this time an older sister for Drew's character Sophie.  As such, the movie also has parallels with Going the Distance, although that movie would turn rom-com tropes inside out.  This one is more standard, but amiable enough to make me wish it were better.  The best aspect is undoubtedly Grant's character's former stardom in an '80s pop band called Pop!  (With the exclamation point, à la Wham!)  A perfect parody video opens the movie and nothing after that can live up to it.  My advice: put your expectations low and just enjoy this movie for what it is. 

Stephen Detherage was a News Intern in Groundhog Day and is Al the Concert Shirt Vendor here.   Carlos Velazquez was a Musician in School of Rock but is a waiter here, while Kathleen McNenny was Freddy's Mother there and is Gloria here.  Charlotte Maier had played Hugh Grant's ex-wife Helen Wade in Two WN and plays Barbara here, while Adam Grupper was her lawyer before and is Gary here, and Jason Antoon was Norman there and has a more memorable role here as angsty songwriter Greg Antonsky.

Thelma O'Leary plays a Concert Attendee here and would soon be a Park Attendee in Enchanted, while Robert Sciglimpaglia is a Class of 1987 Alumnus here and would play a Ball Room Guest there.  Mark A. Keeton is Sloan's Dinner Companion here and would be Denim Suit Guy in Baby Mama.  Zack Orth was Mike in In & Out and J.J. in Wet Hot American Summer, and is David Newbert (TV Executive #1) here.  (He would also go on to be a Waiter in They Came Together.)

This Film Is Not Yet Rated

This Film Is Not Yet Rated
September 1, 2006
Netflix etc.
Documentary
DVD
B-

This film promises to be better than 1987's Hollywood Uncensored, offering as it does a more contemporary look at the movie-ratings system, although there is some historical background of course.  (Hello again, Mr. Hays.)  The problem is that the aptly named Kirby Dick strays from the subject of why and how the movies are rated by the MPAA and onto who these raters are.  Not that the thread of the lesbian private investigator is without entertainment value, but I feel like this aspect of the documentary is much less interesting than the clips, sometimes side by side, of what got an R-rating (usually violence, some straight content, and big studio) vs. what got an NC17 (usually penetration, anything remotely gay, and independent).  Watching the extras, I realized that the true "stars" of the movie are a trio of outrageous, funny, and insightful directors: Matt Stone (who had appeared in Bowling for Columbine), Kevin Smith (his line about Jersey Girl's poor box office should've been in the actual movie), and John Waters (the thing about "felching" is hilarious).  Instead of playing private dick, Kirby should've kept the focus on the people who make the controversial films.  Still, definitely worth watching, especially if you like movies about movies.

Obscene?

"I know a lot of perverts...."

The 40 Year Old Virgin

The 40 Year Old Virgin (no hyphens originally)
August 19, 2005
Universal
Comedy, Romance
DVD
B-

I went back and forth between a B and a B- on this, because when the movie is good, it's very good, as in the Hair tribute at the end.  And I didn't want to be overly influenced by hindsight, that the Judd Apatow weaknesses which would be more obvious in subsequent films, from Knocked Up to Trainwreck, are evident here, in his first theatrical release.  But the truth is, the crude humor has not aged well, that what was shocking but funny a decade ago is now just gross and at best mildly amusing.  Also, far too much time is spent with the male bonding and the false leads that the title character (played by Steve Carell) faces in his search to no longer be a virgin, and not enough on the genuinely sweet romance between Carell and Catherine Keener.

And I do have to say that the main Apatow weakness is a tendency to contrast "bad behavior" with personally conservative behavior and have the latter win out, but only after we've sat through a lot of swearing, drinking, dope-smoking, homophobia, and women being treated as bitches and ho's.  In this case, the virgin loses his virginity on his wedding night.  (In Knocked Up, an unplanned pregnancy between two incompatible strangers leads to marriage, while in Trainwreck what would've once been called a party girl learns the error of her wicked ways and of course embraces monogamy.)  If you want to make an old-fashioned story, fine, but this isn't the 1920s and I get tired of the morality plays where the audience is shown the worst of wildness and then we get a Hays Code ending, like these are the only two possibilities.  That said, it's not as bad here, and the virgin does end up with a "hot grandma" who brings out the best in him, not exactly the usual Hollywood ending, in the 20th or 21st centuries.

And the male bonding does have chemistry of a different sort (even if the guys, even "sensitive" David, played by Paul Rudd) keep gay-baiting each other.  (And not that this is never funny.  The "spinach dip in a loaf of sourdough bread" line is still golden.)  Carell, Rudd, Romany Malco (who would be Oscar in Baby Mama), and Seth Rogen play off of each other well.  And Jane Lynch, as their boss, also has some great lines, mostly improv apparently.  Overall, the movie is still worth watching but I don't know that I would buy it again, given the choice.

Marilyn Dodds Frank was Alison's Mom in High Fidelity and is Woman Who Bought Television here.  Wayne Federman was an Admissions Guy in Legally Blonde and is a Smart Tech Customer here.  Carla Gallo is Toe-Sucking Girl here and would be Zooey's Friend in I Love You, Man.  Joseph A. Nuñez is Man Buffing Floor here and would be Oscar the Security Guard in Bridesmaids, while Nancy Carell is Health Clinic Counselor here and would be Helen's Tennis Partner there.

Kinsey

Kinsey
November 12, 2004
Fox etc.
Drama, Historical
VHS (the last in my movie collection)
B-

While I think  Liam Neeson, as the title character, and Laura Linney, as Clara "Mac" McMillen Kinsey, give great performances here, aging convincingly from their 20s into their 50s or 60s, this movie is too depressing (especially in the second half) for me to give it a higher grade.  Furthermore, while the passage of time (not just the characters aging, but various period details) is well done, there is a feeling that the movie tries to take on too much, tries to condense one complex life, and the lives related to it, into two hours.  Still, I have never seen a Hollywood film address such issues as bisexuality and polyamory somewhat sympathetically.  On the other hand, the film is appropriately clinical in its approach to sex, so even the nudity and simulated sex acts are not particularly arousing.  I actually thought the sexiest moment is when Alfred and Mac try not to let his parents overhear them being silly in bed.

Nearly 30 years after The Big Bus, Lynn Redgrave is almost unrecognizable in the small but pivotal role of Final Interview Subject.  And Don Sparks, the Prince in 1978's Fairy Tales, is somewhat recognizable as the Middle-Aged Businessman.  Kate Jennings Grant, who was Kennedy in The Object of My Affection, is Marjorie Hartford here.  Joe Badalucco, who was Construction Foreman in Two Weeks Notice, is Radio Repairman here.  Heather Goldenhersh was Sheila in School of Rock and is Martha Pomeroy here.

Not the usual triangle

Fahrenheit 9/11

Fahrenheit 9/11
June 25, 2004
Dog Eat Dog
Documentary
DVD
B-

Although this movie starts out very well, with a look at the 2000 Presidential Election and some of the events leading up to September 11, 2001, I don't think it sustains that promising beginning.  Too often this Michael Moore movie gets sidetracked into minutiae, like exactly what the ties of money and friendship were between the Bush family and the Bin Laden family.  (Both Presidents Bush, as well as Clinton, appear here, as they did in Bowling for Columbine.)  I also felt that it could've done more with the subject handled in Columbine of how the government and the news media play on Americans' fears for their own profit.  The movie is nonetheless worth a look, revisiting that time that we're still dealing with the consequences of, a dozen years or more later.  And I will say that Moore's ego seems less out of control than in the previous film; he's better able to step back and let others tell their stories.

Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give
December 12, 2003
Columbia
Romance, Comedy, Drama
DVD
B-

I bought this movie on accident.  I was thinking it was As Good As It Gets, because they both have forgettable, almost meaningless titles and they're both rom-coms with dramatic streaks and Jack Nicholson.  By the time I realized my mistake, I wasn't sure if I had ever seen this movie.  Possibly but not necessarily.

It turns out I had but it hadn't particularly stayed with me.  Not that it's bad but it's so I don't know, genteel (even in the crude moments), with characters dressed in white and beige (and sometimes black) and spending much of their time in a Hamptons beach house out of a design magazine, that I had blocked it out.  Watching it again, I remember thinking I couldn't imagine any circumstance in which I would choose Nicholson over Keanu Reeves.  It's not just a matter of looks and age.  Keanu is absolutely sweet but not stupid in this movie, and in my head-canon he later hooks up with the heroine's sister Zoe, played by the wonderful Frances McDormand, who's off the screen far too much.

The heroine is playwright Emily Barry, played by Diane Keaton in a deservedly praised performance.  She hits so many emotional tones and it doesn't hurt that she was still a knockout at 57.  I could've done without the way Emily pretty much libelously "fictionalizes" her relationship with Nicholson's character, especially since the things that writer/director/producer Nancy Meyers finds funny, like "the dancing Henrys," just aren't.  It makes the whole thing feel like the sort of wish-fulfillment yet life-inspired fiction you get in the smarter chick-lit, like the works of Marion Keyes or Susan Isaacs.  (See my book blog for examples.)

Getting back to the Nicholson-Keaton romance, I think we're just supposed to accept that they're in love and right for each other, despite their differences, including his general preference for younger women and inexperience at "being a boyfriend."  Maybe it's that I've always found Nicholson a bit creepy and insincere that I just couldn't buy not only his appeal but his change of heart.  That said, I wasn't repulsed, just not invested.  And I do find it ironic that for a movie about people in late middle age, this movie is more "modern" than some of its peers, with IMing, cell phones, and of course Viagra.  Oh, and note, as when Keanu was paired with Barbara Hershey as an older woman in Tune in Tomorrow..., the film ends in Paris.

At least he makes her laugh.

But she doesn't look all that miserable with Keanu.

School of Rock

School of Rock
October 3, 2003
Paramount
Comedy, Musical
DVD
B-

This movie isn't as funny as I remembered, although Jack Black (cast to type) does well in the lead role, as does Joan Cusack (cast somewhat against type) as the uptight school principal.  There are a lot of stereotypes in the roles, particularly the kids (although "Fancypants" amuses me), and I could've done without the extent to which writer Mike White plays the best friend role as a doormat.  Also, there are too many moments when Black's character cons people too easily.  That said, the movie is likable enough and the music is pretty good.

MacIntire Dixon was Cole Oyl in Popeye and a Bachelor Party Guest in In & Out, while he's the Bus Driver here.  And Kate McGregor-Stewart was Aunt Becky in In & Out and plays Mrs. Lemmons here.  Lian Moy was a Patron in The Royal Tenenbaums and is a Student here.  Mandy Siegfried was Hana the Hostess in Two Weeks Notice and is Female Employee here.  Heather Goldenhersh is Sheila here and would be Martha Pomeroy in Kinsey.  Carlos Velazquez is a Musician here and would be a Waiter in Music and Lyrics.

Any questions?

Two Weeks Notice

Two Weeks Notice
December 20, 2002
Warner Bros.
Comedy, Romance
VHS
B-

Marc Lawrence, who co-wrote Sandra Bullock's Miss Congeniality and would go on to Hugh Grant's Music and Lyrics, wrote and directed this formulaic but mostly satisfying rom-com that pairs Bullock and Grant.  They play respectively, a driven left-wing lawyer and a lazy but intelligent rich man.  Their chemistry fuels the movie, both of them playing off of their established personas, but putting little twists on the lines.  There is an extra layer of political subtext to the movie in that his character is named George Wade, and the W figures prominently.  But not much is done with this.  It's just sort of there.  And, yes, there should be an apostrophe after the S in "Weeks."  I think this is symbolic of how the movie feels thrown together but nonetheless works, most of the time.

Heather Burns has a much smaller role here than she did as Cheryl Frasier in Miss Congeniality, but she's again sweet and funny as Bullock's best friend, here named Meryl Brooks.  Jeannette Gould was an Audience Member in In & Out and is a Senior Center Woman here, while Adam LeFevre was a Bachelor Party Guest there and is the RV Man here.  And John Cunningham, who was great as the "Be a Man" Tape Instructor, plays a Justice of the Peace here.  George Gearhart King III was a School Child in Object of My Affection, and his appearance here as RV Son is his only other credit.  Iraida Polanco, who was Carmelita there, is Rosario there.

Steven Weisz, who's a Charity Ball Attendee, would be a Stunned Pedestrian in Enchanted.  Adam Grupper, who's the Lawyer for Wade's ex-wife, would in Gary in Music and Lyrics, while Charlotte Maier, who's Helen Wade here, would be Barbara there.

The Cat's Meow

The Cat's Meow
April 12, 2002
Lions Gate etc.
Historical, Mystery, Drama, Comedy
DVD
B-

I don't think it's just that this follows Gosford Park that makes me feel that it's a lesser film.  It doesn't quite work, although it's interesting.  Unlike Gosford, it's based on a real-life mystery, the death of producer Thomas Ince in 1924, possibly on board William Randolph Hearst's yacht.  The main characters are based on real people, notably Hearst, played by 59-year-old Edward Herrmann (who was one of the on-screen "swells" in Purple Rose of Cairo), and his long-term mistress Marion Davies, played quite well by Kirsten Dunst at 19.  Others in the cast include Eddie Izzard as Charlie Chaplin, Joanna Lumley as Elinor Glyn (who came up with the concept of "It" for sex appeal), and Jennifer Tilly as Louella Parsons.  I will say that the costumes, particularly "Lolly's," are much better than in Gosford, where they are either plain (for the servants) or genteelly bland.  The Hollywood setting helps.

Claudie Blakley is almost unrecognizable as Didi the flapper here, compared to her role of mousy but strong Mabel Nesbitt in Gosford.

Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde
July 13, 2001
MGM
Comedy
DVD
B-

Fifteen years after a blackface C. Thomas Howell made it from an L.A. party school to Harvard Law School, Reese Witherspoon follows in his footsteps but strikes quite another blow for "diversity."  As Elle Woods, the blonde of the title, Witherspoon is sweet and bubbly, not to mention smarter and more determined than anyone gives her credit for.  The movie, like Soul Man, manages to both embrace and question stereotypes, although the script (by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith of 10 Things I Hate About You) is much sharper and of course more plausible.  (Then again, there are moments when Plan Nine is more plausible than Soul Man.)  Blonde includes not just the juxtaposition of Elle's Cosmo Girl outlook with the seriousness of the law, but also little moments that bounce off its peers, like the Josie and the Pussycats references, and the moment when Elle, like Bridget Jones, mistakenly shows up at a party dressed as a Playboy bunny.

I came close to giving this movie a B, but in the end I decided that, like Bridget Jones's Diary and Miss Congeniality (the latter almost the funhouse mirror reflection of this movie), this is something I enjoyed more at the time, enough to see the sequel as well.  That I laughed harder at a couple moments on the commentary than anything in the actual movie is telling.  Similar to Elle herself, the movie is likable and pleasant to be around, but I can't see forming a lasting attachment.

I decided not to go with the "romance" tag, since, although 29-year-old Luke Wilson is also likable as Emmett, the movie is actually more about Elle forming and preserving friendships with all sorts of women.  Among them is Selma Blair as Vivian Kensington, initially her preppie rival, but won over by Elle's sweetness like almost everyone else.  Victor Garber, who plays Professor Callahan, had Goldie Hawn as his first wife in The First Wives Club, and this is another "bland sleazeball" role.

John Kapelos, who plays the punningly named Dewey Newcombe, was Chuck in Roxanne.  Alanna Ubach, as Elle's friend Serena, is almost unrecognizable compared to her role as Noreen, Marcia's lesbian friend, in The Brady Bunch Movie.  Ted Kairys, who's Gerard here, was an Eastern European Technician in the first Austin Powers movie.  Corrine Reilly was the Aquarium Tour Guide in Josie and the Pussycats and is a Reporter here.  Wayne Federman, who's an Admissions Guy, would be Smart Tech Customer in The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

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