Reviews
Trouble the Water (2008)
Go see it!
A worthwhile trip through the disturbing events of Katrina, an honest film, even if on occasion not so subtly directing its viewers towards particular and easily-held opinions.
There are several striking images in the film, including a recording of a 911 call in which an woman requesting help can't get out of her attic which is flooding. The 911 attendant has to inform her that there is no help at this time, and the victim replies, "So I'm going to die?" Silence on the other end of the line.
It seems like the majority of the film is snatched from the video camera of a survivor, as such the footage can be, well, not professional, but in the end it doesn't matter, perhaps even adding to the realism. It turns out that the couple filming is a set of intriguing characters with admirable qualities. They are from the ninth ward, a poor section of New Orleans hit hardest by the storm, yet for those of us without that much contact with society's underbelly or the semi-destitute, they will probably surprise you with their values, intelligence, resolve and resourcefulness.
The strength of the film for me was not in any attempts at blame or inciting anger at a lack of assistance and the seeming complacency of leadership, but in a reflection on the human struggle, manifested through an inspiring family, and in a basic reminder to examine, nourish, and befriend your own community.
Casino Royale (2006)
Not a traditional Bond film.
I've seen a few self-proclaimed Bond lovers who think this is one of their favorites -- that seems so strange to me since this didn't feel like much of a Bond film at all. No crazy gadgets, no fun flirting with everyone, not much dodging of close calls, just a regular good guy bad guy movie without much of a good guy to get behind or much of a bad guy to hate, I was disappointed. The highlight for me was the chase seen in the beginning, and it was downhill from there.
Bond committing himself to love a single girl forever? That was ridiculous and it should lose the 'Bond' title for that alone! Some nice scenery is about all it had going for it. Well, at least I tried, several people I know really liked it.
Bottle Rocket (1996)
Amazingly funny movie for lovers of idiosyncratic and subtle humor
I couldn't believe some of the bad reviews here. I just read a post which said "most of the material just falls flat. The gags are also a bit lame, half of the time." Wow....all I can say is that I have a totally different opinion!
This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. I suggest you read some of the quotes from the "memorable quotes" section on IMDb and if they don't peak you're interest, stay away as you're probably among the bad reviewers here whom I guess have a more mainstream view of what is humorous.
But if you like Rushmore and the Tannenbaums, there's a chance you might like this one even more.
I also don't understand the reviewers who say the movie is not good because it doesn't "have a point" or the "plot is not so great" or "not a good ending"....huh?????....did you people see and like Rushmore and Tannenbaums? These are subtle movies, if you want a nice ending go watch some more Hollywood dribble and don't pan movies that aren't your cup o' tea!
Smala Sussie (2003)
had me laughing the whole way
I saw this movie a week or two ago at the Seattle intl film festival and it was one of my favorites.
The characters were all very funny in a clumsy and idiosyncratic sort of way. Much like a Coen bros. movie plot they are a bit too dumb and small-town-naive to pull off their objectives without screwing themselves up, but that's what makes it funny, right?
The dialog was great as well, with a few funny Tarantino-esqe side narratives. In fact, the screenplay also reminded me of Tarantino or Guy Ritchie films as it jumped around chronologically and repeated some of the story from different characters' perspectives.
I imagine if you like those directors (well, who doesn't?), you'd find this one very worth your while as well (although a bit less stylized and certainly less violent then most of Tarantino's work which I happen to think is a plus!)