Peace, Love and Misunderstanding

Deb 5         Me 4

Its a weird phenomenon that sometimes two or more movies come out within a few weeks or months of each other which are strikingly similar. This is one of those times. PL&M is extremely similar in story line to Wanderlust, in that they both deal with city people being introduced to the stereotypical hippie commune lifestyle. Its kind of a tough line to walk, portraying or even making fun of a lifestyle that people pursue in earnest, with deepest philosophic resolve, can turn ugly if not handled well. Wanderlust was a comedy and all the fun that was poked at the communal lifestyle was very very funny. In PL&M there wasn't very much fun, it wasn't worst case but it was pretty bad. It's just a chick flick in a different setting, with all the traps that lightweight movies fall into. There's a bit of pseudo-intellectual banter and lightning like personality transformations, it tries to be nice but ultimately is about as deep as a birdbath and very unsatisfying.

Moonrise Kingdom

Deb 10                Me 8

Funny movie. It was top of list to go see because it features Bill Murray. It’s not a Bill Murray movie, but he’s in it and he’s excitingly listless as usual. There are other actors too. Frances McDormand seems to gravitate towards off center projects and Harvey Kietel is here in a family friendly role. Bruce Willis is another big star here who usually plays either a warrior or a wuss and here he ably plays a simple nice guy. I had no idea about this movie, didn’t see trailers or read anything about it so I was surprised to see it’s a movie filled with kids. Two main players are young folks, early teens I’d guess and they’re fine.

The movie is quirky. It tries to be quirky and succeeds despite trying too hard at times. There are some nice background oddities, ala Harold and Maude, but the main thing seems to be emotional detachment, dry and somber most of the time with a few punctuation marks thrown in for contrast. There’s an odd little man from Seinfeld who adds nice touches here and there.

It’s a comedy with a few holes in the storyline that need to be overlooked and some formulaic tedium that film-makers seem compelled to include; but I liked it.

First Position

Deb 7           Me 8

It seems like we've sen a lot of dance movies in the last few years and a whole lot of these competition films. This is another one that follows the successful formula laid down several years back. And its good. Charming and talented young people trying to do the best they can, either to satisfy an inner passion or fulfill the dreams of a crazed and inadequate parent. I've really come to appreciate the strength, dedication and physical power of dancers, really amazing. Their strength is such that they can toss each other around like rag dolls and done without the bulk of wrestlemania. 

This film follows the paths of a diverse cast of dancers through to an international contest where they compete in their age category. Their stories are varied and interesting and of course they're all good looking. My only gripe is that the footage of the actual competition is just horrible. I mean BAD. All the action has a digital strobe going on, so a kids arm might be in two places in the same frame. The director went with dissolves instead of cuts from camera to camera so you get the feeling time has passed between angles, only to find its confusingly real time. There's no excuse for it and turns a top flight effort into the look of a Jr. High class project. 

But I liked it fine.

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Deb 9         Me 9

I didn’t expect to like this movie. First of all it’s English. I usually have trouble understanding what they’re saying and the references and humor often escape me. The movie is filled with English stars and I figured it to be a sort of Oceans 11 for old limies. And I’m no fan of India, Its over run by monkeys and too busy, crowded and chaotic for my taste. They still endorse the caste system, one of the most horrible strikes against human rights; where humans count for less than cattle. Although it’s not their fault, I resent that we send our jobs there.

But it’s a really good little movie. The cast lives up to their living legend status. There are new people too and they do a swell job. It’s a good-looking movie, I’m guessing it was shot on location and has the same sort of old world charm that Cuba offers. But there’s a story there, actually about seven stories that are all interesting and connected like different flowers in a garden. Its not a travelogue, as many of these things turn out to be and its not an overly preachy story about old people, but offers a valid message in an entertaining and effective way. I think you outta see it.

Marley

Deb 9        Me 9

This is a straightforward well done documentary on Bob Marley, one of the originators of reggae music and an advocate of the Rastafari movement. Now this is embarrassing to admit, but I knew nothing about Bob. I'm not a fan of reggae and turn the radio channel whenever I hear that peculiar rhythm, so I don't know Bob's songs. That's all changed now.

The documentary takes us from Marley's mixed lineage, the social circumstances he was raised in and his development as a musician. It is really an inspiring rise as told by friends, family and collaborators in archival footage and new interviews that are artfully woven.

Like so many great men with a universal vision, they often overlook those closest to them. The cat is not a god and even though this film focuses on the buttered side of the toast, flaws are revealed too. But in the movie the things he stood for and accomplished so heavily outweigh his weakness that some of them seem almost incidental. 

The little bit I heard about the Rastafarian religion, the little bit of the music I have heard (not knowing the artist), the little bit I've seen of his mug on tee shirts for the last forty years did nothing to prepare me for what a dynamic cat this is. The things that influence him are explained to a satisfying point without loosing sight that the subject is Marley the man, not his religion or music or environment. 

But these elements shape his vision. His impact on individuals collectively moved nations to change. I am really enthused about what this film gave me, a reminder that one man armed with universal positive values can have global impact. It could be and should be you and me doing the same things with whatever tools we have, there is a way to get good messages out there.

There were a few things brought up that weren't revisited or resolved, but the basic package of telling a life story in two and half hours is done Very well. Whether you are a fan or not, I hope you see it. The next time I hear that peculiar rhythm I will turn up the radio and listen to the words.

We Have A Pope

Deb 7     Me 6

I thought I saw this billed as a comedy; it's not. Had some light moments, but not a comedy. I don't mind giving the movie away because you probably wont see it. Its a movie about non-resolution. Ostensibly the movie is about the appointment of a new reluctant Pope. But really everything in the movie is unresolved which holds a modicum of interest, but not a lot of affection. It is beautiful to look at and I love the sound of the Italian language used in the film. The regency of the religious garb is pretty cool and the actors do a fine job in this beautifully directed film. But in an industry that has bred generations of viewers who rely on conflict AND resolution, they have really stirred the pot here by ignoring a key ingredient. This is to be expected in more guerilla type 'o underground flick and strangely out of place here. Whether dealing with parental deprivation or a game of football, there isn't one thing that gets taken care of here. On one hand I like that. Should the scenario that takes place in the movie actually happen, it would probably look And feel like this. Perhaps it is accurate, just not great to watch on the screen.

Jeff, Who Lives At Home

Deb 7 Me 8

Based on the previews, this is not the movie I thought it would be. The synopsis is much better, it reads: "On his way to the store to buy wood glue, Jeff looks for signs from the universe to determine his path. However, a series of unexpected events leads him to cross paths with his family in the strangest of locations and circumstances. Jeff just may find the meaning of his life... and if he's lucky, pick up the wood glue as well."
Jeff is a big and kind guy played very well by Jason Segel; I've never seen him before and I like him. His brother is played by Ed Helms who I've seen on TV and the previews for Cedar Rapids. He seemed pretty one dimensional but it works for him here. Susan Sarandon is her usual self and it was nice to see Rae Dawn Chong again. But their part in the movie is pretty incidental and really had little to nothing to add to the movie.
As a movie it's just fine. Nothing earth shattering but an enjoyable buzz. There are unanswered questions, a few holes and a lot of laughs. Short at an hour and a half so there's no big investment here, but I liked the payoff. The opening has a graphic with a Jeff quote about everything in the universe being connected. I like that thinking and enjoyed the rest of it with that perspective in mind. Sarandon seems to gravitate toward that sort of theme, here it is played out in a fun and plausible story.