Willing to admit I’m missing something and maybe don’t “get it,” but the inclusion of “Blood for Dracula” mystifies me. There are so many other great exploitation flicks, camp films, or even some giallos worth including. Someone care to enlighten me on the film’s inclusion and on “Flesh for Frankenstein”, as well, which I have not seen yet.
I’m with you on "Slumdog. The love for Morrissey’s horror films stymies me. I was mesmerized by “Fight Club” up until its cheap happy ending. And maybe this is sacrilege, but “The Wild Bunch” was a bit of a slog for me.
About half of “The Wrestler” works well. The film features a fascinating performance by Mickey Rourke who owns the role of a once notable entertainer cashing in on his former fame with diminishing returns. The only place Randy “The Ram” Robinson feels comfortable, the only arena in which he consistently succeeds, is the wrestling ring. Even though he is aging and his body is starting to turn on him, The Ram keeps heading back into the ring. It is the only place where he can be whole and fully realized.
And then there’s his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and stripper friend Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), the Mary Magadalene to his suffering servant. Assigned to Randy by Syd Field, they keep getting in the way of the authenticity that Rourke and Aronofsky establish in other scenes. For every seemingly unrehearsed scene focused on the backstage bonhomie of the Ram and the other wrestlers, there’s a screenplay required confrontation between Randy and his daughter or Randy and Cassidy. These might not stand out as glaringly in a movie that employed less of a stripped down aesthetic. The film uses the over the shoulder, day in the life technique of the Dardennes, a grainy washed out presentation, and a raw performance by Rourke and the other wrestlers. These faux-verite elements clash with the pedestrian drama provided by the women in The Ram’s life. But don’t blame actresses Wood and Tomei. They’re hindered by a predictable script.
Well worth seeing for Rourke’s tremendous performance, but the movie as a whole comes up short.
Now, how about CRITERION issued films you just don't like!! over 3 years ago
Willing to admit I’m missing something and maybe don’t “get it,” but the inclusion of “Blood for Dracula” mystifies me. There are so many other great exploitation flicks, camp films, or even some giallos worth including. Someone care to enlighten me on the film’s inclusion and on “Flesh for Frankenstein”, as well, which I have not seen yet.
Go to Comment
What Is "Movie Hell" For You? over 3 years ago
Gary Marshall. Gary Marshall. Gary Marshall.
Except when he’s acting. I find him bracing and hilarious.
Same goes for most anything Pollack has done in the last ten years.
Although, he is a captivating character actor. Plays seemingly upstanding but actually corrupt very well.
Go to Comment
When I say "A Perfect Film", What One Film Pops Into Your Head First? over 3 years ago
Casablanca.
Go to Comment
The most beautiful films? over 3 years ago
“Sweet Land” and “The Golden Door.”
Go to Comment
Movies you love, but everyone else hates. over 3 years ago
Anaconda, Deep Blue Sea
Go to Comment
The Emperor's New Clothes over 3 years ago
Films that everyone seems to love but you find empty.
Go to Comment
The Emperor's New Clothes over 3 years ago
I’m with you on "Slumdog. The love for Morrissey’s horror films stymies me. I was mesmerized by “Fight Club” up until its cheap happy ending. And maybe this is sacrilege, but “The Wild Bunch” was a bit of a slog for me.
Go to Comment
The Wrestler over 3 years ago
About half of “The Wrestler” works well. The film features a fascinating performance by Mickey Rourke who owns the role of a once notable entertainer cashing in on his former fame with diminishing returns. The only place Randy “The Ram” Robinson feels comfortable, the only arena in which he consistently succeeds, is the wrestling ring. Even though he is aging and his body is starting to turn on him, The Ram keeps heading back into the ring. It is the only place where he can be whole and fully realized.
And then there’s his estranged daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) and stripper friend Cassidy (Marisa Tomei), the Mary Magadalene to his suffering servant. Assigned to Randy by Syd Field, they keep getting in the way of the authenticity that Rourke and Aronofsky establish in other scenes. For every seemingly unrehearsed scene focused on the backstage bonhomie of the Ram and the other wrestlers, there’s a screenplay required confrontation between Randy and his daughter or Randy and Cassidy. These might not stand out as glaringly in a movie that employed less of a stripped down aesthetic. The film uses the over the shoulder, day in the life technique of the Dardennes, a grainy washed out presentation, and a raw performance by Rourke and the other wrestlers. These faux-verite elements clash with the pedestrian drama provided by the women in The Ram’s life. But don’t blame actresses Wood and Tomei. They’re hindered by a predictable script.
Well worth seeing for Rourke’s tremendous performance, but the movie as a whole comes up short.
Go to Comment