Real Movie Review-Movie Reviews, Movie Quotes, Movie Trivia

Director: Todd Haynes

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Ben Whishaw, Richard Gere, Marcus Carl Franklin, Heath Ledger, Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg

I’m a Bob Dylan fan. I am, however, more of a bubble gum Dylan fan. You know; his 60s radio stuff: Times They Are a Changing, Like a Rolling Stone. I’m that kind of a Dylan fan. This movie was not made for me, and believe me, if you are not a Dylan fan at all, then this movie was sure as Hell not made for you, either. This film is made for those knowledgeable, got-all-his-albums-and-know-his-life-story, kind of fans. I did go to this flick with two such fans and they were still grinning like idiots 20 minutes after, so I guess they liked it. For me it was like clouds; pretty, but way over my head and can’t hold my attention for two hours. The acting is good and there are some nice visuals here, but the story is a metaphoric mess, that only makes any kind of sense if you are quite familiar with his Royal Dylaness.

This is a roughly autobiographical story of Bob Dylan, but because he is such a flake (ok, some prefer the term, enigmatic, since he’s successful), they tell the story with about five different characters. Cate Blanchett (yup, as an androgynous, male Andy Warhol-type character), Christian Bale, Ben Wishaw, and Heath Ledger all play differently named fictional characters in alternating storylines, representing Dylan at different stages in his life. Add in, as well, Marcus Carl Franklin, playing an eleven year old black folk singer (and, wow, this kid IS good!) who apparently represents a younger, wandering Dylan. There is also another storyline that has Richard Gere playing an aged Billy The Kid in a weird Halloween western town, that ties in to Bob Dylan somehow I guess. As you may have surmised, the end result is a surreal, metaphorical tale that is as cryptic as Dylan and his songs.

The I’m Not There movie poster should have a giant disclaimer of “For Dylan Fans Only” stamped across it, and admittance to the film should be restricted to those who can answer five skill-testing Dylan questions. It has received some early critical acclaim, but once the self-important, band wagon crowd finishes lauding its uniqueness, and some impressive performances, it will be relegated to stuffy film classes and music maniacs’ film libraries. But, hey if you are a real (not bubble gum), Dylan fan, enjoy. If you are forced to accompany a real Dylan fan to the cinema on this one, choose a multiplex and go see Walk Hard while they are sucking up this lemon.

I’m Not There – movie quotes:
Movie lines from I’m Not There
“I’m Against Nature. I’m Not Cool With Nature.”
“Sleep? Sleep is for dreamers, man.”
“I accept chaos. I’m not sure if chaos accepts me.”

Director: Tim Burton

Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jayne Wisener, Ed Sanders

Stephen Sondheim’s Demon Barber of Fleet Street, has escaped Broadway, with Tim Burton’s help, and has landed on film critics’ lists all over the country. Burton’s style is stamped all over this visually splendid and atmospheric musical. The writing is grimly humorous and most of the dialog is delivered through rapid fire song lyrics. Depp is hypnotic as the butchering barber with Fleet Street’s fastest razors, and the rest of the cast is strong, as well.

Depp is Benjamin Barker, a happy young married barber, whose beautiful wife is coveted by the evil Judge Turbin (Alan Rickman). Barker is framed and sent to a penal colony. When he returns twenty years later, he meets Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter), owner of the worst pie shop in London. She informs Barker that his wife has killed herself and that his daughter is now the ward of Turbin. Bent on revenge, Barker adopts the name of Sweeney Todd and plans to bring about the downfall of the judge and his goon/lackey, Beadle (Timothy Spall). Revenge is a dirty business, in general, but it rarely gets as dirty as it does here.

Dark humor, dark atmosphere, dark characters and dark story. Did I mention that it is dark? Think back to the Little Shop of Horrors for a similar genre comparison. Tim Burton fans will love it and Broadway musical fans will probably love it, too. Tim Burton knows his business, so if his tastes match up with yours, then this one is for you.

Director: Taylor Hackford

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Regina King, Clifton Powell, Harry J. Lennix, Bokeem Woodbine, Sharon Warren, C.J. Sanders, Curtis Armstrong, Richard Schiff.

The musical bio-pic is a popular Hollywood staple and this one further immortalizes the great Ray Charles. Jamie Foxx is stunning in the Oscar winning title role of this Taylor Hackford (who also did a fine job directing) and James White, screenplay. The character of Ray Charles is refreshing open, with some nasty character flaws, that are often left out of works like this. The film offers a wide emotional range, that goes from lonely and sad to frustrating, to energetic, but never boring. The theatrical version is long enough at two and half hours, and the extended version is choppy and distracting, so I recommend sticking with the original.

This story spans several decades, as it tells Ray’s story from the time he was a healthy, young boy losing his younger brother, through the experience of losing his eyesight, and trying to find his place in the music world and follows him through his life as a major star, dealing with a disability and other treacherous character issues.

This is a strong film that holds up well to repeated viewings, particularly if the viewer is a fan of Charles’ music. It was robbed of Best Picture at the 2005 Oscars, by Million Dollar Baby, but, it is the better film. If, however, bio pics are not the kind of film that usually enjoy, or you don’t like Ray Charles’ jazzy rock sound, then this may not be the one for you.

Director: Henry Selick

Starring: Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page.

Now, Tim Burton has more fans than the New York Rangers. I know this and I know that most of them love this clever, animated musical with a simple story set in a wonderfully, unique world. So, I guess Mr. Burton will be fine without my support. I didn’t like the dark, offbeat look of this film, nor did I enjoy the operatic, musical style and the childish, fable-style story did not hold my interest.

Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, sets out on walk on one restless day and discovers Christmas Town. Enthralled and excited by this new idea, he sets out to create Christmas in Halloween Town. He finds supporters and resistors, but when he decides to have Santa Claus kidnapped to help his understanding of this special day, soon things get out of control and go to pieces on him.

I understand and appreciate that many people adore this effort as one of their favorite films, but I can’t share their opinions. Perhaps my sense of wonder and playful imaginativeness was beaten out of me as a child, but while, I recognize, and appreciate, the fine craftsmanship and creativity that went into making this much beloved feature, it holds no appeal for me. Now, please stop booing and throwing things.

Director: Adam Shankman

Starring: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney

In a tepid summer of tired sequels and action orgies this film is a breath of fresh air. I am not usually a big fan of musicals, but this one won me over! The young cast seems to be bursting with joy and the experienced performers are clearly having a ball, as well. The songs are exuberant and the story, well-known to many because of its long run as a stage show (based on a 80’s flick and starring Ricki Lake at one point), is very good for a musical and even addresses the civil rights’ issues of the 60s.

Teenage newcomer, Nikki Blonsky, won the celebrity lottery and landed the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, a Baltimore high school student who is obsessed with becoming one of the dancers on the local Corny Collins Show and stealing the heart of the lead dancer, Link Larkin (Zac Efron). Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad, played frighteningly well in drag by John Travolta, is worried that Tracy will get hurt. This role has traditionally been played in drag going back to the 1988 feature with the famous transvestite, Divine. Christopher Walken is great as Tracy’s dad, who supports her dream. Look for a funny cameo by original writer, John Waters as a neighborhood flasher. Michelle Pfeifer and Brittany Snow star as the nasty mother/daughter team of Velma and Amber Von Tussle who are determined to prevent any changes to lily white, homogenous look of the show. Queen Latifah and Elijah Kelley’s characters of Motormouth Maybelle and Seaweed, performers on the show’s ‘Negro Day’ march to fight for the rights of all, when even that tiny representation on the air is threatened. Tracy disregards the risk and marches with them.

Well, I don’t want to start gushing, but this is the most appealing and energetic musical since Grease and if you liked that wonderful fifties romp, then this should be a can’t-miss movie for you. The performances and charming cast combine with a strong story, along with catchy tunes and nifty dance numbers, to create a winner that will be remembered long after the summer and all of its mediocre films have been forgotten.

Director: Tom Hanks

Starring: Tom Everett Scott, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn, Ethan Embry, Tom Hanks, Charlize Theron, Obba Babatunde

That Thing You Do, written, directed and co-starring the versatile Tom Hanks, is one of those comedies that holds an inexplicable appeal for me. The simple story is clean and well-written with wonderfully, appealing characters performed by a talented, young cast, that included Liv Tyler on the verge of stardom. Add this to a snappy, 60s style Oscar-nominated song and all the elements are there for a feel-good movie that I can happily watch a couple times a year.

Guy Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) is spending 1964 selling appliances in his Dad’s store, and playing jazz music on his drums in the basement, until his friend Lenny (Steve Zahn) recruits him to join a band for a local talent show. Along with lead singer, Jimmy, (Johnathon Schaech), his stunning girlfriend, Faye (Liv Tyler) and a hopeless bass player, the Oneders are on the brink of a special time. They follow Guy’s input, and win the show. Things really take off when they are signed by Mr. White (Tom Hanks) for Playtone records and soon the whole group is on a crazy, rock n’ roll, roller coaster ride, but when things fly up so fast, can avoid a crash?

This is an excellent, light drama/comedy with natural characters and catchy tunes to go with a sixties musical fable. I consider this to be Tom Hank’s most under-rated project and it is a favorite film of mine.

Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Levi Stubbs

Director: Frank Oz

This is a musical, black comedy, remake of a 1960 cult classic of a long-running Broadway play. The film takes a light, fun tone set by the SNL comedy crew that makes up the cast and adds a few high-energy, comical, musical numbers to create a cute little film.
Rick Moranis is Seymour, a lovable loser working in a struggling flower shop for Mr. Mushnik, as he pines for a ditzy flower arranger named Audrey, played by Ellen Greene, cast to play her Broadway role. Seymour’s life suddenly changes when he discovers a new kind of plant, but all isn’t as flowery as it seems when he learns that it needs blood to survive and has an ever-increasing appetite! Look for Steve Martin as a sadistic Harley-riding dentist (The Leader of the Plaque) with a great song. Christopher Guest, John Candy, Bill Murray (reprising Jack Nicholson’s early role in the 1960 original) and James Belushi sparkle, as well, in wonderful cameo roles.

Don’t expect too much. This film is really just about the SNL crew getting out and having some fun. It’s entertaining enough for a late movie, or lazy Sunday afternoon. I would not recommend going out of your way for it.

Director: Sylvain White

Starring: Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Ne-Yo, Darrin Henson, Brian J. White, Laz Alonso

Stepping is an element of African-American culture that has been under-represented in cinema. That’s a shame. It’s also a shame that its eventual representation had to come in a weak formula movie like this one. Forgetting the gaping holes in logic (and they are damn hard to forget), the characters are one-dimensional cardboard cutouts. The clichéd self-important script manages to go 115 minutes without a single original scene and the dialogue flirts with unintentional humour. The dancing and stepping scenes are not as good as I had hoped and in a movie like this, that is fatal.

Columbus Short is DJ, a member of some kind of street dancing group (I didn’t know such things existed. Are they for real?) that performs dance like its some kind of violent explosion, and soon it erupts into real violence. After a tragedy, DJ ends up going to an African American university where two rival fraternities compete; primarily on the stepping stage. DJ, naturally finds himself in conflict with one of the groups over a girl (Meagan Good), and this rivalry will eventually be settled in a group dance competition. Ummm, ok, then.

If this is your thing, watch and enjoy, but I don’t see it winning any new converts. Rent 8 Mile if you want an edgy, urban, music drama. If you are in the mood for some cool dancing, Riverdance is available on DVD. If have seen too many clever, original movies, lately, Stomp The Yard is sitting on the shelf, no doubt.

Starring: Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson,Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose.

Director: Bill Condon

This is a high-energy musical film with the rare ability to keep moving seamlessly while the singers do their thing while staying in the context of the story rather than the add-on style of a traditional musical. Director Bill Condon showed a lot of creativity in steering this project to success. The acting talent is here, the performers ooze screen presence and the soundtrack is infectious, but, though I enjoyed it, the long story-telling songs became tiresome as they went on. For many, who loved Chicago and Moulin Rouge, this what they enjoy, but give me more story.

A trio of African-American female singers, Deena (Beyonce), Effie (Jennifer Hudson of American Idol fame) and Lorrell (Rose) are struggling for success in the 60s when they hook up with an established performer, Jimmy Early (Murphy) and an ambitious, aspiring producer, Curtis (Foxx) to find their way to the charts and all that success brings. Danny Glover lends his talents as Early’s manager. All of this is set in the changing world of the 1960s and I would have liked to have seen more done with that.

I didn’t see this one until video and had high expectations from its Oscar attention and from what others had told me. It easily surpassed those expectations at first, but the wall-to-wall music interfered with my enjoyment. This is a very good musical and worth seeing if this is a genre you enjoy. Be warned, if you don’t like 60s Motown sound, this one is not for you.

Director: Randall Kleiser

Starring: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn, Dinah Manoff

Now, I may be overly sentimental at times, but I’m a sucker for a high energy musical with catchy tunes and an upbeat predictable story. In return for this, I’m willing to overlook that twenty and even thirty somethings are playing high school seniors. The story is simple, but the performers are great as they pound out songs that are still familiar thirty years later.

Set at a 1950s high school, Danny Zucho (John Travolota) is torn between pursuing true love with Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) or maintaining his cool, tough guy image for his friends. Sandy, in the meantime, has to adjust to a new school, where her new friends include the tough chick, Rizzo (Stockard Channing) and the sweet girl, Frenchie (Didi Conn). There is a drive-in party, dance contest and a drag race climax. What more do you need?

For those of you who missed this one because of an extended jail term, or simply because you are too young, it is worth catching on video, particularly if you enjoyed the recent Hairspray release.