The Movie Review and Discussion Thread

[Steve46]

40. Freedom Writers (2007)
Drama, Biography, Crime, 123 minutes
Directed by Richard LaGravenese
Starring Hilary Swank, Imelda Stanton and April L. Hernandez



I would imagine that Freedom Writers will be considered an unusual choice for a list of movies that you must see. The title makes the movie sound boring. How can you make the act of writing something worth filming? Don't worry, you won't have to watch two hours of people writing. This story is based on Erin Gruwell, who helped establish a new way of teaching.

If you somehow trust my opinion enough to give this movie a try, there's still a chance that you won't make it past 30 minutes. The movie seems extremely predictable and covers well-trodden ground in that time, but it blossoms into something worth your time if you stick with it. Like Lord of the Rings, it's not what they achieve, but the journey itself that is interesting and important.

The movie starts with a rookie teacher, Erin Gruwell (Swank), arriving at a "problem school" in Long Beach, CA. She's wide-eyed with optimism and thinks that she can change the world, despite what her seasoned colleagues tell her. The harsh reality soon sets in, but Gruwell is tougher than she looks. You can see where this is going, can't you? Gruwell somehow persuades the students to use their ability and everything works out well for everybody.

It doesn't matter that you know she will succeed.

Gruwell tries all kinds of ways to capture the attention of the students. Will they respond to rap music? What about books that detail the story of someone in a gang? Her first problem is to break down the boundaries in her own classroom. Students divide into four ethnic groups and hate each other. They think that Gruwell, who is white, doesn't automatically deserve their respect just because she's a teacher. They are right. If you have been continually disappointed by people in your life, will you assume that the next person will be any different? It takes time for trust to develop.

I love watching Gruwell break down their resistance so that they can start to live up to their potential. She takes the students on a couple of trips which provide some of the most emotional scenes in the movie. The price of these successes come at a high personal cost as the relationships outside her job are threatened by her drive to succeed.

The actors playing the students were largely unknown at the time, but many turn in convincing performances. Some of the revelations are shocking, some sad, and others heartwarming. What Gruwell eventually achieved puts most people to shame.

Seriously, trust me on this one. Ignore the title and don't judge the movie based on the first 30 minutes. This is an important story which deserves to be heard. It should be shown in schools.

If you like Freedom Writers:

Hilary Swank turns in a wonderful performance in Freedom Writers. You can also see her at her best in Clint Eastwood's brutally honest Million Dollar Baby. If you enjoy seeing movies about teaching methods, take a look at Dead Poets Society.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Steve46

The Artist (2012)
What few laughs there were usually came in response to the antics of Uggie the dog. In fact, that's the problem right there; involvement. The Artist was clever. I applaud the idea and the execution, but I just wasn't emotionally invested with the characters and the outcome. I found myself smiling at the technical feat of showing us 1927 and creating the atmosphere of the silent movie experience, but I didn't care enough about the characters.

Like Squid and DJ have said, I did feel quite invested. Here is a guy who

[Show spoiler]is a dying breed and hence, feels worthless. I've felt like a dying breed at times. Does it matter that he is a silent actor? No. Its 2012, just look at people of today: it could be a photo film developer who realizes digital cameras have done him in. It could be a newspaper editor who realizes online news has done him in. It could be a guy who designs art on bank checks who realizes online banking has done him in. It could be a phone book advertiser who realizes smart phones have done him in. Or it could just be me and you when we realize we're just no longer that good at some hobby or job, and then believe our stinking thinking that this means we're worthless. It happens every day to tons of people.

The fact that they did it without dialogue made it more powerful, not less powerful to me, because it was akin to a boxer who still knocked out the other guy with one hand behind his back - that boxer is more talented than the one who needs both hands!

Most of my favorite movies are driven by dialogue

What about your favorite movie and my #2 movie? Mulholland Drive? I'd say that film is driven by (1) direction (2) score (3) acting/expression, (4) dialogue. I know you said "most" of my favorite films, but to me Mulholland is like the Artist in the sense that dialogue is not the primary driver - its a mood/feeling conveyance by direction and score. I could be wrong, but that's how it comes across to me.

When the credits started rolling at the end of The Descendants and Midnight in Paris, I would have been happy to watch them again immediately.

Glad I got the chance to watch The Artist twice

Haven't seen Descendants or Midnight in Paris, need to get on them! Glad you liked The Artist though. Nice review!

[surfdude12]

Catfish
Film: 5/5
-thanks Squid for the recommendation (yes, in case you didn't notice, I'm on a Squid referral plan!)
-awesome documentary about a guy who meets someone on facebook, talks to them and....some stuff goes down. CANT SAY ANY MORE!!! MUST SEE!!!
-Squid: if there is anything else that can be said without spoiling it, post it.
-AWESOME DOCUMENTARY

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Like Squid and DJ have said, I did feel quite invested. Here is a guy who

[Show spoiler]is a dying breed and hence, feels worthless. I've felt like a dying breed at times. Does it matter that he is a silent actor? No. Its 2012, just look at people of today: it could be a photo film developer who realizes digital cameras have done him in. It could be a newspaper editor who realizes online news has done him in. It could be a guy who designs art on bank checks who realizes online banking has done him in. It could be a phone book advertiser who realizes smart phones have done him in. Or it could just be me and you when we realize we're just no longer that good at some hobby or job, and then believe our stinking thinking that this means we're worthless. It happens every day to tons of people.

The fact that they did it without dialogue made it more powerful, not less powerful to me, because it was akin to a boxer who still knocked out the other guy with one hand behind his back - that boxer is more talented than the one who needs both hands!



What about your favorite movie and my #2 movie? Mulholland Drive? I'd say that film is driven by (1) direction (2) score (3) acting/expression, (4) dialogue. I know you said "most" of my favorite films, but to me Mulholland is like the Artist in the sense that dialogue is not the primary driver - its a mood/feeling conveyance by direction and score. I could be wrong, but that's how it comes across to me.



Glad I got the chance to watch The Artist twice

Haven't seen Descendants or Midnight in Paris, need to get on them! Glad you liked The Artist though. Nice review!

Good points. I'm glad it bowled you over.

Mulholland Dr. encourages me to think, evokes sadness and makes me lough out loud (rare). I know that I won't be remembering the expression on someone's face from The Artist, whereas I will remember tons of scenes from Mulholland Dr.. It creates an entire world.

The Artist was fine, but not great in my estimation. I'm sure nobody will lose any sleep over that

I hope you like The Descendants and Midnight in Paris as much as I did.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by Steve46

I will remember tons of scenes from Mulholland Dr.. It creates an entire world.

I already have one in my head as I write this

[Show spoiler]Betty's OMFG face as the old woman says "someone is in trouble, something bad is happening"

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

I already have one in my head as I write this

[Show spoiler]Betty's OMFG face as the old woman says "someone is in trouble, something bad is happening"

I'll never forget:

[Show spoiler]Diner
Cowboy
Botched hit
Pink paint
Blue box
Club Silencio
Audition
Car crash
Party (reality sets in)

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by menaceuk

Take Shelter - 9/10

Think this goes down as my second favourite movie of 2011. Simply fantastic.

Michael Shannon is amazing and even though it is billed as a drama. I found it to be more of a Horror. It has a very Eerie feeling right from the opening scene to the last.

[Show spoiler]
I really thought they were going to end it as him being a schizophrenic and then they showed those last few awesome scenes So glad it ended as it did. otherwise it would had felt very anti-climatic

If you haven't seen this movie I strongly suggest you do so A.S.A.P

Cool. In my Netflix queue, but doesnt become available until the 14th.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by surfdude12

Catfish
Film: 5/5
-thanks Squid for the recommendation (yes, in case you didn't notice, I'm on a Squid referral plan!)
-awesome documentary about a guy who meets someone on facebook, talks to them and....some stuff goes down. CANT SAY ANY MORE!!! MUST SEE!!!
-Squid: if there is anything else that can be said without spoiling it, post it.
-AWESOME DOCUMENTARY

The only thing I could say is that its a documentary that you are supposed to begin with a very suspicious attitude simply because the internet dating thing frequently leads to surprises.

In this film, ALL of your suspicions will be WRONG and so far off the mark that the surprises are what makes it entertaining. There are some nervous moments and some massive U-Turns and a general tone of WTF, another twist?

[Steve46]

Bonus review because I had some free time:

I just watched the UK Region B import of Arrietty for the second time. My blog has other Studio Ghibli titles for the few of you here that aren't familiar with them.

Here's my Arrietty review with minor spoilers:

[Show spoiler]The Secret World of Arrietty (2011, UK version)
Animation. Adventure, Family, 94 minutes
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Starring the voices of Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and Tom Holland



For the benefit of those who have never read any of my reviews, I consider Studio Ghibli's films to be the most beautiful and moving stories that the genre has to offer.

The studio was founded by Directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata as well as Producer Toshio Suzuki, but is entering a transitional phase with that trio now in their 60s and 70s. So how does this debut effort from Yonebashi hold up?

After two viewings, I would say extremely well.

Fans of Miyazaki need not despair. He had a hand in the screenplay, adapted from Mary Norton's book, and his imprint is all over this film. Like all Studio Ghibli efforts, Arrietty has so much heart that it's almost impossible to avoid being emotionally moved by the story. The animation style is exactly what you would expect too, with a two-dimensional look and a faded color palette. The music comes from Cecile Corbel, Simon Caby and Dale Sison, but it often feels like a Joe Hisaishi score. Studio Ghibli's future is in good hands.

Arrietty Clock is 14 years old and four inches tall. She's a Borrower and lives with her mother and father. Borrowers acquire items that humans don't really need and then use them as food or to make tools. She collects leaves, sugar lumps and pins and puts them to good use. Humans are considered dangerous so the Clock family tries to remain out of sight, living in the foundations of the humans' house.

Arrietty and her father adapt a variety of items and turn them into useful gadgets. Thread, earrings and sticky tape enable them to climb and move around large objects. Dangers are everywhere if you are four inches tall. Think of how a cat or bird might view someone of that size. Despite the danger, Arrietty seems at one with nature. She tries not to hurt any small bugs and is accepted by most of the creatures in her world.

I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot as the film hasn't yet been released theatrically in North America, but here are a few important points:

A boy named Sho comes to stay at the house while he awaits a heart operation. Imagine that in a Disney movie; it just wouldn't happen. Sho defies the expectations of the Clock family and seems friendly. However, not everyone is his household is as harmless. If humans discover the existence of the Clock family, they will have to vacate their home and move on.

Moments of peril are few, but intense, although there is no real violence. The film plays out like an adventure and can safely be viewed by people of all ages. The ending leaves a few loose threads. Mary Norton's series consists of four books, so it's possible that Studio Ghibli could release a sequel one day.

The film is a coming-of-age story in which Arrietty tries to prove her value as a Borrower. It touches on illness, love, trust, superstition and greed, but its world is filled with beauty and innocence for the most part. Look at Sho's expression when he meets Arrietty and see how non-threatening it is. Notice how Arrietty's nods of understanding convey respect and love for her father. See how imaginative the story is in terms of using Arrietty's stature to show the world from her perspective.

The film ends on an optimistic note, despite the feeling that some story threads are unresolved. That's exactly how I feel about the future of Studio Ghibli. If you are a fan of the studio, please consider seeing the film in theaters. It's due to be released in North America on February 17. It certainly has a lot more heart than typical animated fare and perhaps our support will encourage Disney to release more Studio Ghibli films on Blu-ray in North America?

This version features a British voice cast and the imported Blu-ray is locked to Region B. The eventual North American release will feature a completely different voice cast. If you prefer to see the film in its original Japanese, that's also an option on this release.

It would be hard to give a higher recommendation. I've seen the film twice and its world embraced me like a familiar warm blanket on both occasions.

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Steve46

Bonus review because I had some free time:

I just watched the UK Region B import of Arrietty for the second time. My blog has other Studio Ghibli titles for the few of you here that aren't familiar with them.

Here's my Arrietty review with minor spoilers:

[Show spoiler]The Secret World of Arrietty (2011, UK version)
Animation. Adventure, Family, 94 minutes
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Starring the voices of Saoirse Ronan, Mark Strong and Tom Holland



For the benefit of those who have never read any of my reviews, I consider Studio Ghibli's films to be the most beautiful and moving stories that the genre has to offer.

The studio was founded by Directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata as well as Producer Toshio Suzuki, but is entering a transitional phase with that trio now in their 60s and 70s. So how does this debut effort from Yonebashi hold up?

After two viewings, I would say extremely well.

Fans of Miyazaki need not despair. He had a hand in the screenplay, adapted from Mary Norton's book, and his imprint is all over this film. Like all Studio Ghibli efforts, Arrietty has so much heart that it's almost impossible to avoid being emotionally moved by the story. The animation style is exactly what you would expect too, with a two-dimensional look and a faded color palette. The music comes from Cecile Corbel, Simon Caby and Dale Sison, but it often feels like a Joe Hisaishi score. Studio Ghibli's future is in good hands.

Arrietty Clock is 14 years old and four inches tall. She's a Borrower and lives with her mother and father. Borrowers acquire items that humans don't really need and then use them as food or to make tools. She collects leaves, sugar lumps and pins and puts them to good use. Humans are considered dangerous so the Clock family tries to remain out of sight, living in the foundations of the humans' house.

Arrietty and her father adapt a variety of items and turn them into useful gadgets. Thread, earrings and sticky tape enable them to climb and move around large objects. Dangers are everywhere if you are four inches tall. Think of how a cat or bird might view someone of that size. Despite the danger, Arrietty seems at one with nature. She tries not to hurt any small bugs and is accepted by most of the creatures in her world.

I'm not going to go into too much detail about the plot as the film hasn't yet been released theatrically in North America, but here are a few important points:

A boy named Sho comes to stay at the house while he awaits a heart operation. Imagine that in a Disney movie; it just wouldn't happen. Sho defies the expectations of the Clock family and seems friendly. However, not everyone is his household is as harmless. If humans discover the existence of the Clock family, they will have to vacate their home and move on.

Moments of peril are few, but intense, although there is no real violence. The film plays out like an adventure and can safely be viewed by people of all ages. The ending leaves a few loose threads. Mary Norton's series consists of four books, so it's possible that Studio Ghibli could release a sequel one day.

The film is a coming-of-age story in which Arrietty tries to prove her value as a Borrower. It touches on illness, love, trust, superstition and greed, but its world is filled with beauty and innocence for the most part. Look at Sho's expression when he meets Arrietty and see how non-threatening it is. Notice how Arrietty's nods of understanding convey respect and love for her father. See how imaginative the story is in terms of using Arrietty's stature to show the world from her perspective.

The film ends on an optimistic note, despite the feeling that some story threads are unresolved. That's exactly how I feel about the future of Studio Ghibli. If you are a fan of the studio, please consider seeing the film in theaters. It's due to be released in North America on February 17. It certainly has a lot more heart than typical animated fare and perhaps our support will encourage Disney to release more Studio Ghibli films on Blu-ray in North America?

This version features a British voice cast and the imported Blu-ray is locked to Region B. The eventual North American release will feature a completely different voice cast. If you prefer to see the film in its original Japanese, that's also an option on this release.

It would be hard to give a higher recommendation. I've seen the film twice and its world embraced me like a familiar warm blanket on both occasions.

Did you listen to Japanese or English?

[Steve46]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Did you listen to Japanese or English?

English both times. I will watch the US release in cinemas then compare both to the original Japanese.

[jhiggy23]

Well, I just wrote long reviews for all of the following films (except To Kill a Mockingbird), but when I hit submit the post was cancelled for some reason. If anyone would like to discuss or ask my opinion about a specific film just ask and I'll reply.


Moneyball: 3 (out of 4); gf rating: 2 1/2 (out of 4)

To Kill a Mockingbird: 4 (out of 4)

Ides of March: 3 (out of 4); gf: 3 (out of 4)

50/50: 3 1/2 (out of 4); gf: same rating

Drive: 3 1/2 (out of 4); gf: same rating



Rankings for 2011, for awards-type films only:

1) Tree of Life
2) Midnight in Paris
3) Sarah's Key
4) Drive
4a) Warrior
6) 50/50
7) Moneyball
8) The Help
9) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
10) The Ides of March

[volcomsocal]

Gettysburg -1993

I like history and war movies, but this was hard to watch. It almost felt like a made for tv movie, with low production costs. The script was dull, the acting was dull, the story moved at a snail's pace, and I never felt a connection with the characters. I fast forwarded some of disc 1 and couldn't even put in disc 2. This movie was a letdown.

DVD rental

PQ - n/a
AQ - n/a

1.5/5

[Al_The_Strange]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

To Kill a Mockingbird: 4 (out of 4)

Just got that one in the mail yesterday.

[Al_The_Strange]

Next greatest blind-buy: "The Tingler."

Oooooohhhhhhhh, there's nothing scarrier than a movie called "THE TINGLER!!!"

This was one of many films spawned by William Castle, who made his claim to fame by using practical gimmicks to freak his audience out. In the case of "The Tingler," theater audiences were rigged with vibrating chairs and electric buzzers, while the film itself encouraged them to scream for their lives. This would have been especially emphasized during the climax, when the film cuts to black, and Vincent Price warns that the Tingler is loose in the theater!

I'm not sure how much mass hysteria this film would have really produced, but on home video, the effect is totally lost. It'll come off as an interesting novelty of a bygone era of horror filmmaking, and little more. So without the scares, and an awful lot of dry space in the first hour, the film comes off as rather dull by today's standards. On the other hand, parts of it could induce laughter, thanks to the fake rubber bug thing and some rather iffy acting. The only other thing that will stand out will be the bathtub full of blood (with a real red color!), which must have been really edgy for its time.

The story for this is somewhat flimsey, and defnitely lacking in any kind of conflict or intensity. Similar subject matter has been more successfully implemented in "Alien," "The Thing," "Invaders from Mars," "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," and heck, even "Dreamcatcher." None of the characters really grabbed me either. It's just a fine and dandy excuse to "tingle" the audience.

The film looks slick, with quality photography and editing, all in glorious black and white (and red). Acting is not bad; Vincent Price is the man. Writing is a bit silly. This production looks a little cheap with its sets, props, and costumes. Music is okay.

3/5 (entertainment: 3/5, story: 2.5/5, film: 3.5/5)

Recommendation: For fans of the genre/era/producer/actor.



So now, five blind-buys remain. Three of which are Hitchcock, so I'll give them the benefit of the dobut and save them for later. That just leaves two left in my pile, before I consider my blind-buy clearout complete. Yay!

Then I'll start my clearout of movies in my collection I'm not sure about.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Well, I just wrote long reviews for all of the following films (except To Kill a Mockingbird), but when I hit submit the post was cancelled for some reason. If anyone would like to discuss or ask my opinion about a specific film just ask and I'll reply.

No question about a specific film, but I do have this question:

What kind of bullying tactics does Higgy unleash on the poor gf to ensure her rating isn't unacceptably outside the "correct" Higgy rating?

I can envision the following dialogue:

[Show spoiler]
Higgy: so what was your rating baby?

Gf: 2 out of 5

Higgy: no! its a 4 rating scale! How many times do we have to go over this? even some of my seemingly non-dumb movie friends on blu-ray.com don't get this yet!

Gf: ok, sorry, calm down. 1.5 out of 4

Hggy: What? 1.5 stars? That's impossible! How did you account for the film's impact on modern directors in the last 20 years? If you haven't done that then your rating needs to be revised. Think about it some more and give me a proper rating.

Gf: I thought it was my rating

Higgy: you're funny.

[surfdude12]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

Rankings for 2011, for awards-type films only:

1) Tree of Life
2) Midnight in Paris
3) Sarah's Key
4) Drive
4a) Warrior
6) 50/50
7) Moneyball
8) The Help
9) The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
10) The Ides of March

nice rating list, I still haven't seen most of 'em

have you seen The ARtist yet? Would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[SquidPuppet]

Attack the Block

Could..... not..... make it..... past..... 20 minutes.

No score since I didnt watch the whole thing.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet

Attack the Block

Could..... not..... make it..... past..... 20 minutes.

No score since I didnt watch the whole thing.

I'm going to guess the characters are the reason for this, judging by what I thought and what a lot of others did, you actually like it in the end if you push through with it. If not, well it's not a long film, so not a lot of wasted time

[SquidPuppet]

Originally Posted by Foggy

I'm going to guess the characters are the reason for this, judging by what I thought and what a lot of others did, you actually like it in the end if you push through with it. If not, well it's not a long film, so not a lot of wasted time

It just didnt click for me at all. I didnt have the problem that a lot of people did, understanding the accents was easy enough. It was too "odd" for me. I was kinda hoping for the "Shaun of the Dead" humor. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood. Quite possible.