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(500) Days of Summer is an exceptional movie in the notoriously weak genre known as the romantic comedy. It's a category defined by Matthew McConaughey's numerous back alley abortions. The movie starts with the stark proclamation "this is not a love story" and for once, it isn't. Ladies, don't worry however romance is the driving force and it's the most prominent feature. It's set in LA and makes the city look beautiful, no small feat, considering the geography of the city.

500 Days of Summer Joesph Gordon Levitt Zooey Deschanel

Joesph Gordon-Levitt shares an elevator with Zooey Deschanel

The storyline begins with Tom Hansen falling in love with Summer Finn and how the relationship progresses. It's told through a flashback / jump forward format which seemed a bit hectic at first. As the movie progresses however the anti-climatic nature of such an arrangement really adds to the interest in the events in between. This was a great call by rookie director Marc Webb and shows the depth of emotion he is capable of mining.

It's as much a coming of age story as it is a love story as Joseph Gordon-Levitt turns from a love-stoned boy into a cynical man. His performance throughout the transformation was remarkable which helped carry Zooey Deschanel's average performance as the distant Summer.

As, a straight male I wasn't overly excited to see this but was gently coerced, as is always the case, by my significant other. To my skepticism it was an enjoyable movie and notably complimented by the leading inclusion of the Smiths music. I found myself humming "There is a light that never goes out." by the Smiths as I left the theater, hand in hand.

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September 5th 2009 @ 05:27

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

A very strong showing from a series whose movies started weak and have gradually picked up steam. The fanfare may not have been as fanatical but the movie was defitely polished as well as enjoyable.
The film industry bandwagon has been applauding the restrained use of special effects and I'm jumping on. The fact the special effects took a back seat to the story and plot is a welcome improvement over the previous movies. The dependence on the effects is normally used as a crutch and sadly overshadows the characters and acting.

The acting is much improved; it seems the actors and

actresses are learning how to act. I would have preferred starting with actors who already knew how to act but learning on the job works too if your willing to wait a couple of movies to see the results. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Tom Felton had much an improved showing on screen as Harry, Hermione and Draco, respectively. Granted Tom Felton's past acting has been horrible an improvement to mediocre, while nice to see, is nothing to brag about.

Alas this movie falls into the familiar trap of trying to convert a mammoth book, filled with side plots and details that aren't crucial to the plot. It's always difficult to condense and one has no option but to gloss over certain things. This leads to many aspects of the story being left out in the screen adaption. One issue that pops up in this movie is how scenes which are relevant in the story lose their relevancy as you cut accompanying scenes out of the book rendering them less effective and a bit puzzling.

I vaguely remember reading the book yet even I was left with a slightly puzzled expression on my face during a couple of the scenes. Overall I give it a good score but It seems to give to much deference to the book in some of the items emphasized holding it back from being otherwise noteworthy.

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August 4th 2009 @ 06:40

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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List Of Racial Slurs In Gran Torino (2008)

Walt Kowalski, (Clint Eastwood) an unabashed racist, begins a journey

Walt drives home one of his Hmong neighbors, Sue

to a slightly softer viewpoint through his encounters with his Hmong neighbors. However, this in no way stops him from using a wide variety of racial slurs throughout the movie, even from the grave. The huge number as well as the diversity in names, spurned me to document them. I've listed the collection of racial epitaphs, in order of appearance, used by Walt in Gran Torino (2008).

1. Swamp Rats
2. Zipperhead
3. Chinks
4. Gooks
5. Gooks
6. Dago
7. Spooks
8. Fish Heads
9. Gooks
10. Gook
11. Egg Roll
12. Slopes
13. Swamp Rats
14. Dragon Lady
15. Zip
16. Gook
17. Zipperhead
18. Mick
19. Zips
20. Chink
21. Gook
22. Ginny
23. Swamp Rat
24. Gook
The final two are read from his will.
25. Beaner
26. Zipperhead
(I feel Jungle Bunny was in there some where but unfortunately it looks like I missed it.)

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June 30th 2009 @ 04:31

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Gran Torino (2008) - Clint Eastwood Steals the Show

After watching this movie I was taken aback. It was a very good movie. It's not what I was expecting from Clint Eastwood but I can see why this received the reception it did. You can definitely tell this film has a director with a deft touch. It's definitely a true 'Auteur' film as you can feel Clint Eastwood's character.

Gran Torino (2008) Clint Eastwood Steal Car

Walt (Clint Eastwood) Confronts a gang member attempting to steal his car

This creates a bit of an issue as Clint Eastwood outshines all of his costars. Therein lies the only problem with the movie and that there's just something off about the other actors. Their lines seem slightly forced and lacking sincerity. It's unfortunate as this is a good movie but this holds it back from becoming a classic.

I love the racial dynamic; it's an important concern throughout the duration of the movie. It realistically reflects what's happening in many parts of America today. One thing that really impressed me was the variety of racial slurs in the movie. I heard slurs I didn't know existed. They are a constant throughout most of the movie; they even taking a prominent place in the final scene. Here's a collection of racial names used by Walt, check it out.

One of the strongest suits of the movie is how complex and detailed each issue is. Like in real life each side has merits and the movie allows you to decide how to interpret his actions. This is important because it forces you to really think and analyze it. It keeps you on your toes.

Bottom Line: I strongly recommend this movie and hopefully we'll see more movies of this caliber from Clint Eastwood.

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June 22nd 2009 @ 06:01

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Casablanca (1942)-Analysis of Lighting pt. 2

This is a continuation from Part 1, please read it first if you haven't already.

The filmmakers employed some of the more fanciful lighting effects used in the movie in Rick’s café, in particular the setting up of lights at low angles. “Edeson lit his scenes upward from the floor or across from sidelights, casting shadows of people high on walls that would be physically impossible in real life” (Lebo 142).

Odd Background Lighting in Rick's Cafe

Long shadows appear high on the café’s wall in most scenes even though it would be awkward, if not impossible, to light a café that way in real life. This effect was created using cross backlights also known as ‘kickers’ (Alton 54). John Alton actually refers to it as ‘Criminal Lighting’ (Alton 54), as it is often used to light and demonize people, but this might be too strong of a characterization, as it also can be used to create an odd, or mysterious feel . The effect in Rick’s Café was that it helped create a feeling of distress that many patrons feel due to their desperation in their attempts to leave Casablanca. Rick transcends these issues and he himself is never lit in this manner. This kind of fanciful lighting creates a very interesting and sketchy atmosphere that allows Rick to operate freely. The café is also where we first develop an opinion of Rick’s character, which starts out slightly unsavory and who projects a cold persona.

One of the most important uses of lighting for the characterization of Rick was to show his power and when he briefly loses it. Throughout the story one of the major themes is Rick Blaine’s power; how extensive it is, who he has power over, and who holds sway with him. It is established from the very first shot of him that he has considerable power around town. He holds his power mainly through the sway he holds with many of the authorities and business men that work there. Lighting helps create this persona and is illustrated in the scene where Rick is retrieving cash from the safe.

Rick retrieves money from the safe

You cannot see him directly; however you can see his shadow cast on a wall. Captain Renault, a police prefect, stands respectfully at the doorway, behind his shadow. As we can only see Rick’s shadow it creates mystery about him and we wait as the safe door slowly swings open to reveal a silhouette counting large sums of money nonchalantly. The distance given by Louis is an important sign as it signals the government’s respect of Rick.

Rick’s face is well lit throughout the movie, another signal of his power, however, there is one incident when his face is obscured.

Shadows on Face = Loss of Power

This happens when he’s drunk waiting for Ilsa after hours in his café the first time. This indicates that Rick has lost his power and that Ilsa holds considerable sway and influence with him. Later in the movie however, roles reverse, when Ilsa tries to get the letters of transit from him. He has the upper hand here and she knows it. She eventually defers responsibility to him and says “Do the thinking for both of us.” As he cradles her, his face is softly lit and hers in shadow. The lighting, working in conjunction with the dialogue and action, helps convey the power structure to the audience, an important dynamic of the sub-plot.

Another reoccurring motif is the spotlight that appears throughout the movie.

Spotlight Searching Casablanca

This helps develop the implications of the light. Later, when we are first introduced to Captain Renault outside of the café, it sweeps by multiple times further connecting the two. Another notable use is during the scene where Lazlo and Carl are escaping the Free French meeting, pursued by police. They seem to be chased by the light itself as it sweeps around, giving the light a dangerous and forbidding presence.

Ilsa’s relationship with Rick is a powerful force affecting the plot and a couple of lighting elements help create this tension. The most significant is the use of eyelights, also known as catch lights, while filming Ilsa. It gives her eyes a sparkle and is primarily used to convey the connection she and Rick share. The sparkle in her eye makes her appear very human and as a soft caring person, as well as being a hallmark of Hollywood glamour lighting.

Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Lund

It is always employed in the scenes with Rick and sometimes he has the sparkle as well, softening his tough character. Along the same lines is the clip of Ilsa entering the café after hours the first time to see Rick. As she enters the spotlight silhouettes her in the doorway, giving her an angelic glow. This not only affects our opinion of her as one might expect but also of Rick. With Rick in the foreground we’re exposed to how he feels about and thinks of Ilsa, he sees her in some sort of heavenly light. As in this example in almost all of her scenes she is given the Hollywood star lighting, helping to create her glamorous persona on screen as well as off. She is always lit from the front at a slight upward angle with a diffused light giving her a beautiful, soft glow(Alton 83). This was typical of the time period and Curtiz, banked that audiences would see her in a positive, admiring light, much like they did the other stars of the day.

The lighting techniques were really what brought the movie to life and helped

Title Scene

same factors as film noir rather than the glamour lighting of the thirties. This helps the impact on the viewer and also which contributes to its reputation as one of the best in film history. The lighting was a vital part of this film contributing to varied aspects of the film’s story. The influence of Arthur Edeson and his prior work on film noir is noticeable, especially with some of the more blatant examples. Combine the dark feel, the great writing, the reserved acting and you get a very unique movie, one that will be entertaining people for many years to come.

Works Cited

Alton, John. Painting with Light. Ann Arbor: Macmillan Co., 1949.
Biesen, Sheri Chinen. Blackout. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005.
Grant, Barry Kieth. Film Genre Reader III. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2003.
Harmetz, Aljean. Round Up the Usual Subjects. New York: Hyperion, 1992.
Lebo, Harlan. Casablanca: Behind the Scenes. New York: Fireside, 1992.
Nelmes, Jill. An Introduction to Film Studies. New York: Routledge, 2003.

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June 1st 2009 @ 16:00

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Casablanca (1942)-Analysis of Lighting pt. 1

The Lights of Casablanca

-An indepth look into the lighting techniques employed and the context in which they were used, caught between film noir and the classic Hollywood style.

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May 30th 2009 @ 15:00

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Valkyrie (2008) - Nothing Ever Goes According to Plan.

The movie, while hyped, fell off the radar soon after its release; I blame the poor acting and weak plotline. Tom Cruise does a disappointing job considering everyone’s expectation of him; he just seems too much of a wimp to actually fight in a real war. Some of his co-stars steal the show at certain critical points further lessening his impact. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful with rich vibrant colors pervasive throughout the entire film. The colors scheme is an odd one with brown, greens and a subdued red. It works out beautifully with the colors contrasting without harming one another or the piece as a whole.

Valkyrie (2008) Movie Poster

Tom Cruise seems to get into the role as the movie goes on but I still feel he has too much Jerry Maguire to pull it off, too much swagger. As a kernel constantly in the presence of generals and even the furor himself, his self righteous whining bitching would hardly be tolerated. Beyond that however, I think there are some great performances particularly by Bill Nightly in the role of General Olbricht. You could see the worry and indecision on his face. He seems to be genuinely worried about the possible ramifications of their actions and the best course of action

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May 27th 2009 @ 14:00

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - Maybe it's Written.

Maybe it's written.
Throughout it's duration you know this movie is going places and really captures your imagination. Even more impressive is that it manages to create a good movie with a seemingly cliche ending. The good guy wins and the bad guys lose. The writing / relatively true story is what really brings the movie to life. It seems like everything probably happened to somebody, doubtly though all to the same person.

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May 19th 2009 @ 03:23

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Fast and Furious (2009)

I think that the acting of Vin Diesel is a pretty good metaphor for the movie as a whole. His emotional range is non-existent but seeing him in some of the action scenes is him at his best. The entire movie is built on a weak premise and some of the writing is bordering on

unwatchable. Don't get me wrong however, it is watchable but enjoyable? Not so much.

The only caveat is some of the stunts and action sequences, which are the only redeeming quality. When you go and see the Fast and the Furious, though you don't expect a deep storyline, you expect action. I'd say better than the other sequels not as good as the first one

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May 15th 2009 @ 15:02

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

The movie was fairly successful in it's effort to create an emotional touching story. The science of aging backwards may be a little sketchy but it does nothing to diminish the emotional connection that Brad Pitt creates with the audience. His circumstances were some of the lowest a person could start from and this makes you feel sorry for him. This interest in his life never wanes even though the plot develops intentionally slow.

The DVD Cover

Brad Pitt really plays a different character then his cliche action hero but does a spectacular job. He out shines his co-star Cate Blanchett, who plays his lover, and the meet in the middle of both their lives, he getting younger, she older. She didn't seem to get into the part. With the huge periods of time elapsed fake aging makes make-up an important topic. The actor's make up is not bad but on the age extremes it starts looking mediocre. Another strong suit of the film are the beautiful sets. It was shot in New Orleans and just looks magnificent. They intentionally altered the coloring of the film with spectacular results. This is a very solid film with a strong emotional draw.

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May 15th 2009 @ 07:47

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Overall a good flick, I definitely had low expectations going in to this movie but it turned out well. It is, however, a very genre specific piece. It's a family friendly movie and as such it has no overtly raunchy content and a predictable ending. The script was well written and Burt Reynolds plays his character very well; it looks like he's having fun throughout the film.

His smooth manor allows him to carry most of the film with down to earth, backcountry ways. He combines well opposite of Carrie (Sally Field) and their light-hearted conflict provide for much of the comic relief. They are being relentlessly pursued by the vengeful sheriff and other officers. However, their techniques have more in common with the Keystone Kops then with serious lawmen. The movie ending is satisfying, to put it as vague as possible

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May 14th 2009 @ 03:39

Posted By: Rojo - Category: Movie Reviews

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