Little Miss Sunshine

"Oh my God, I'm getting pulled over. Everyone, just... pretend to be normal."

Wow! I just saw the funniest movie..."Little Miss Sunshine". I sat in a theater packed with college students: every seat was filled and almost all the floor space as well and we were all moved to tears by this film...no it's not cheesy or overly sad and tragic, we were just laughing so hard the tears ran down our cheeks.
The plot revolves around a family of odd characters. The dad, Richard (Kinnear) is a motivational speaker aspiring to write a book with his nine-step program which teaches losers how to be winners. He relates everything to the struggle between winning and losing. His wife Sheryl (Collette) tries to keep the family together, and balance family time with a career (although we never learn what she does for a living...if she even has a job). His father Edwin (referred to as Grandpa, played by Alan Arkin) is a crotchety old man who wants to experience everything: he swears like a sailor, talks frequently about porn and sex, and uses various drugs (when we are introduced to him, he is snorting cocaine). Sheryl's suicidal, homosexual brother, Frank (Carell) has just moved in with the family, and is trying to find his place...and some personal space. The couple has two children. Their teenage son Dwayne (Paul Dano) has taken a vow of silence, training day and night to become a pilot in the military. He is pretty miserable, and generally hates his family (and everyone else generically), but he is one of my personal favorite characters. His sister is the star of the film, Olive (Breslin). Olive is 7 years old and by default the winner of a local beauty pageant. She has to travel to California in a few days to participate in the Miss Sunshine Pageant. The family takes a road trip from their home in Albuquerque to Redondo Beach in California, it's about 700 miles.


It's a film about finding yourself...and reaching for your dreams. While that may sound cheesy, the film is low on the cheese levels. Each of the characters is well defined and has a moment of personal change and potentially growth. Beyond just a film about family growing closer, this film keeps you guessing...although they do setup most of the "shockers".

Along the way the clutch on their van breaks...so instead of taking the time to fix it ("It's the weekend") they opt for a more comical approach. They are able to get into 3rd and 4th gear, but the car has to get a rolling start to get to that point. So they need to park on a hill and get natural momentum, OR the whole family needs to get out and push, and then take a running leap into the van. Although this appears several times in the film, it doesn't get old!

Dude, it's quotable!: ok, some of the dialogue should not be repeated in the presence of young children (or your parents...or senior citizens), but overall this is film is a riot
Buy it without seeing it: this is at the top of my wish-list...don't waste your money through continually renting it, just suck it up and buy the film!!

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) 101 minutes (R)
Director: Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris
Starring:
Abigail Breslin as Olive
Greg Kinnear as Richard
Toni Collette as Sheryl
Steve Carell as Frank

Chinatown

"Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."

Jake Gittes (Nicholson) is a private detective with a past. He alludes to his previous life (job) in Chinatown with a mixture of horror and pain where he lost the woman he loved. In the story, he is a successful detective who has a loyal team to assist him in their quest to find cheating spouses. Early in the story, a woman approaches him concerning her husband, Hollis Mulwray (Darrell Zwerling). Gittes and his team accept the case, and find Hollis with a young girl. They print the story in the paper and approached by an irate Evelyn Mulwray (Dunaway), the REAL wife of Hollis. Gittes is outraged that he has been setup, especially when Hollis is murdered. Who is guilty? Why was Gittes setup? Is Evelyn telling the truth? Gittes must discover the truth amid growing feelings for Evelyn, the interference of her wealthy father Noah Cross (Huston), a group of hitmen (ironically the director, Roman Polanski appears with this group of people), and Lt. Escobar (Perry Lopez) the man in charge of the murder case who also used to work in Chinatown.

Although this film was made in the 1970s, it feels like the traditional detective noir films of the '40s. Differing from these films, Gittes doesn't sink to melodrama with a bottle of alcohol, he continues his pursuit of the truth! Also, the story is hard to predict. I had read about the dialogue in a late scene, and I still was shocked by the content and the sharp filmmaking involved. Until the ending you are on the edge of your seat waiting for the murderer to be brought to justice. And the ending is the real kicker. I watched this film for a film class, and the ending of this film has become the standard to which my class judges the endings/resolutions of all other films.

Despite the superior story, this is not a film I can consciously advocate or even encourage you to see. Not to be a prude, but there is an overabundance of foul language and grotesque scenes (blood...lots of blood), definetly earning the R rating which it carries. Nicholson is amazing: gritty and yet likeable, it's a one-of-a-kind performance, but that does not excuse the depressing/violent nature of the overall film.

Rent it once: or read Roger Ebert's "The Great Movies" (volume 1) and read about the film
--: it's not the type of film you can look away from, so if you start it you should know what you're getting into


Chinatown (1974) 131 minutes (R)
Director: Roman Polanski
Starring: Jack Nicholson as Jake Gittes
Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Mulwray
John Huston as Noah Cross

Shawshank Redemption

"I believe in two things: discipline and the Bible. Here you'll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord; your ass belongs to me. Welcome to Shawshank."

The above quote is said by the warden of Shawshank prison (Bob Gunton). This man views himself as god since he has the ability to control every aspect of their life, and claims to have designs on their immortal souls as well. When new prisoners are brought to Shawshank he tells them the only rule is no blaspheming, he won't accept that in his prison, although pretty much everything else is acceptable. While the Warden may think he's Christ, we (and everyone else available) see him as a devil, or more appropriately the antagonist...but back to the story.

Andy (Robbins) is convicted for murdering his wife and the man she was having an affair with. Andy is sent to Shawshank prison where he enters a new world. He eventually teams up with a man named Red (Freeman): " a man who knows how to get things" and the "only guilty man in Shawshank". Together the two men try their best to survive their prison terms with a shred of dignity/humanity. Andy also befriends the prison librarian Brooks (James Whitmore) who has been in prison for many years and is raising a crow he calls Jake. Other noteworthy inmates are Heywood (William Sadler): one of Red's friends who isn't too bright (doing the library inventory he finds "The Count of Monte Crisco" [Cristo] by Alexandree Dumb-ass [Dumas]), Tommy (Gil Bellows): a young convict who Andy takes under his wing, and Bogs (Mark Rolston): the leader of the Sisters. Keeping the inmates in check are the Warden (mentioned above) who doesn't allow prisoners to take the Lord's name in vain, and his right hand man Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown) the strict but corrupt head of the guards. The camera angles (sometimes subtle) and the score are also worthwhile...wow!! (we watched this in one of my film classes) And according to Roger Ebert, it is a Great Film (he has two books called The Great Films)

This is an excellent film...not always the easiest to watch but definitely worthwhile! Also, it's adapted from a short story by Stephen King called "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" and King was involved in the adaptation process. I've never read the short story, but according to the screenplay they ended up changing a good chunk of the story to make it more watchable.

Dude, it's quotable: not all the quotes are repeatable (especially with small children around) but the film has its funny moments, its sad moments, and sometimes its just disgusting
Rent it multiple times: this is a powerful film but not necessarily one you NEED to own, but I would suggest seeing it a few times before making up your mind. The first time through it's intense...but then you know the twists and turns of the plot and are able to see how each twist is set up (I would explain my favorite one, but it would give away the ending so I can't...but you really have to pay attention to the things they are saying and how those events play out...literally) which is the ultimate payoff. It is the type of film you want to see every-so-often because it is so memorable and well done, but it isn't the happiest film (it is more uplifting than you would think) and parts do drag a bit...but bear with it (or skip those parts) and it will be worth it!!

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) 142 min
Rating: R for language and prison violence
Director: Frank Darabont
Starring: Tim Robbins as Andy
Morgan Freeman as Red

The Family Stone

"Don't dilly-dally there, pretty lady. We're all gonna be down here talking about you"

Thank goodness this isn't my family! Practically every review I have read about this film has been negative, and most comments about the film are negative (look at the discussion boards on imdb.com). What is it that people hate about this film?

Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Meredith, an uptight workaholic and perfectionist. She dresses well and is posessive of her clothing (especially her shoes). She is dating Everett (Mulroney), the oldest son of the Stone family. He is the stereotypical perfect oldest son, good job, well-liked, attractive, etc. Everett decides to bring Meredith home with him to meet his family and get THE ring from his mother so he can propose. Of course, his family hates Meredith and they clash over just about every topic.

Although it is not revealed till later, his mother Sybil (Keaton) is dying from cancer and wants to see her son with the right girl, which is obviously not Meredith. She is very protective of her family, and does not make life easy for Meredith. His father, Kelly (Craig T. Nelson) is more of a free-spirit and is caught (or accused) or smoking pot throughout the film. His brother, Ben, follows in the footsteps of their father (also smokes pot) and is just a wild and crazy guy. His baby sister Amy (McAdams) is bitter...and coincidentally the only single member of the family. She does not like Meredith, and is the only member of the family who meets her before this "special visit". His other sister Susannah (Elizabeth Reaser) is married (although we barely see her husband), and pregnant. Her daughter Elizabeth is also around to reak havoc. Susannah is not really a major character like the rest of the family, and does not appear in as many scenes (which is sad, since she is the most likeable member of the family). His other brother, Tad (Tyrone Giordano) is deaf and gay...a deadly combination for Meredith (who manages to insult him in many different ways). Tad's boyfriend Patrick (Brian White), is a well-loved member of the family, and the most accepting of Meredith (since he knows what it's like to join the Stone family). When Meredith can't handle much more of the family, and their extreme dislike for her, she calls her sister Julie (Claire Danes) to come to her rescue. The family LOVES Julie, and she joins their ranks thus not helping Meredith at all.

My biggest problem with the film is the Stone family: they are supposed to be this loving and open family, but they are unable to accept the woman Everett wants to marry. For the majority of the film they are unwilling to even try to get to know her or like her...but, Meredith is also a difficult character to like: she makes obtuse statements without thinking and is just overly unrealistic. I can understand what Bezucha was trying to do, and I respect him for it...and the acting is excellent, BUT it is hard to empathize with these characters...

Don't waste your money: it's not a classic, there have been other family films which have been made better that deal with the same issues.
Watch while doing homework: if you do watch it...some parts are unnecessary to understand the film, so either just skip to the good parts or do something else at the same time (i know it sounds harsh...but thats how it is)

The Family Stone (2005) 103 minutes
Director: Thomas Bezucha
Starring: Diane Keaton as Sybil
Sarah Jessica Parker as Meredith
Luke Wilson as Ben
Rachel McAdams as Amy
Dermont Mulroney as Everett

Rat Race

"I can do whatever I want. I'm eccentric. Grr!"

While it will never be "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World", this film has a fun modern twist on this treasure hunt. Eccentric billionaire Donald Sinclair (Cleese) hides six golden coins in his slot machines, and challenges the finders to a race. To the winner he will award $2 million. Unknown to those people, this is an elaborate game to a group of high rolling billionaires, who are betting on the winner. This race includes the straight-laced Nick (Breckin Meyer) who believes in playing by the rules...and his eventual partner, Tracy (Amy Smart) a crazy but lovable pilot. The international sleep apnea victim Enrico (Rowan Atkinson) who randomly falls asleep throughout the film...and then wakes to yell, "It's a race". There is Owen (Cuba Gooding Jr.), an umpire who makes a bad call at a game (thus all sports fanatics hate him) and then he hijacks a bus of Lucille Ball impersonators. And a reunited mother and daughter duo Vera (Whoopi Goldberg) and Merrill (Lanei Chapman) who are complete opposites, but grow closer throughout their crazy adventures: "we should have bought a squirrel". Conartist brothers Duane (Seth Green): the "smart one" and Blain (Vince Vieluf) the crazy one with piercings (he's hard to understand b/c he just pierced his tongue). These two are my favorites! And finally the Pear family: Randy (Jon Lovitz) who has a gambling problem, his wife Bev (Kathy Najimy) who wants a nice family vacation, and their two children. As expected, along the way they encounter obstacles, in the form of comedian cameos and other crazy mishaps (flying cow anyone?). It's definetly a "must-see"!

Dude, it's quotable: where do they get this stuff?
Rent it once: at least once...more is better!!

Rat Race (2001) 112 minutes
Director: Jerry Zucker
Starring: John Cleese as Donald Sinclair

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

"So good luck and may the best man win!"

"Except you lady, may you just drop dead!"

They don't make comedies like this anymore (although the remake was pretty good, see "Rat Race"). This is the ultimate chase/treasure hunt film. About 15 years before the film, Smiler Grogan (Jimmy Durante) stole $350,000 and is on his way to retrieve said money when he wrecks his car. The four cars which are following him pull over and five men make their way to the crash site to check on Smiler. When they get there Smiler tells them about the treasure he was going to dig up, and tells them to get to the money before the cops do. His final advice is that it's buried under a "Big W", and then he kicks the bucket (literally). After much deliberation,

"We've figured it seventeen different ways, and each time we figured it, it was no good, because no matter how we figured it, somebody don't like the way we figured it! So now, there's only one way to figure it. And that is, every man, including the old bag, for himself!"

So it's a race. Just to make it easier for you to follow here are the major breakdowns...

Captain Culpepper (Tracy) is the police detective who has been tracking Smiler for the past 15 years. He has his men tailing each of the cars and recording their progress. This is his big break, he can retire and take his wife on a nice long vacation, which sparks new family drama.

Then there's Melville (Sid Caesar), the rational dentist, and his pretty wife Monica (Edie Adams) who are going on their second honeymoon...but this race is testing their marital bliss, "Why can't you have a little confidence in me?"

Followed by Dingy (Mickey Rooney) and his pal Benji (Buddy Hackett), who run into trouble at every turn...including a frightening plane ride, "What, am I supposed to everything? You want me to fly the airplane, you want me to work the radio, what are you gonna... What are you, the hostess?"

And the neurotic Russel (Milton Berle), wife Emeline (Dorothy Provine), and her high maintenance mother, Mrs. Marcus (Ethel Merman)...who are later joined by her crazy son Sylvester (Dick Shawn) and the anti-America, Englishman Hawthorne (Terry Thomas). They make up the most remarkable team (when they aren't trying to kill one another), "Why couldn't you listen? Why couldn't you shut up when I was trying to tell you to listen?"

And finally the truck driver Pike (Jonathan Winters), who just can't get a break...and when he finally tells someone his secret, he tells the wrong man, the swindler Otto (Phil Silvers).
Also, watch out for some fabulous cameos by the top comedians of the time: Jerry Lewis, Don Knotts, Buster Keaton, Jack Benny, and the 3 Stooges (just to name a few).

The lines are funny...the story is funny...the cast is great...what could be better??

Dude, it's quotable: with that many comedians how could it not be quotable?
Buy it without seeing it: you won't regret it (unless you have no sense of humor...in which case, why are you watching comedy?)

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963) depending on the version it is anywhere between 154-192 minutes
Director: Stanley Kramer
Starring: Spencer Tracy as Captain Culpepper

Notorious

"Wouldn't it be a little too much if we both grinned at her like idiots"

Nazis! Uranium! Hitchcock! While the major themes and names in the film may not strike terror into the hearts of modern audiences, there is something timeless about this classic Hitchcock film. Alicia (Bergman) is the daughter of a convicted Nazi. She drinks a lot, has many male admirers, and has no sympathy for her father, or his cause. This causes her to meet Devlin (Grant), an American agent, who needs her help. She is to use her particular "skills" to infiltrate the underground Nazi plot in South America, led by her former love interest Alex Sebastian (Rains). Like all other Hitchcock films, the plans of these Nazis are not important...more important is the twisted love story (love triangle) and the amazing camera angles.

To deal with the first, prior to going to South America, Alicia falls in love with Devlin (and potentially vice-versa)...as can be illustrated through the longest kiss ever recorded. They have an interesting relationship, since he must help her "fall in love with Sebastian". When she begins seeing Sebastian, Devlin begins reacting. The man Alicia loves doesn't trust her, and the man that trusts her shouldn't. Also, thwarting Alicia at every turn is Sebastian's domineering mother (Leopoldine Konstantin). The only other main character is Captain Prescott (Louis Calhern), who is Devlin & Alicia's boss.

One of the best things about this film are the amazing shots...pay close attention to the beginning of the party at Sebastians: you start by panning down the stairs, focus on Sebastian & Alicia, and slowly zoom in on Alicia's hand and the key that is inside. It's AWESOME! Of course, that is just one...but I'll let you find the others on your own. Technically, the final scene is the best, and most memorable. I love this film...

Dude, it's quotable: the dialogue is fascinating:-)
Rent it multiple times: it's impossible to completely understand this film after only one viewing...as it is with any Hitchcock film. tis a beautiful thing

Notorious (1946) 101 minutes
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Starring: Ingrid Bergman as Alicia
Cary Grant as Devlin
Claude Rains as Sebastian

Manchurian Candidate (1962)

"Why don't you pass the time by playing a little solitaire?"

Question: when is the game of solitaire creepy? Answer: when you watch "The Manchurian Candidate". While this film was made in the sixties and the main terror of the film is no longer a threat, this film is still relevant and gripping today. The basic story, a company of men are taken kidnapped and brainwashed (during the Korean War). When they return to the states they "remember" the heroics of one of their own, Raymond Shaw (Harvey). Their commanding officer, Bennett Marco (Sinatra) has nightmares about the ACTUAL events, and confronts Shaw (who has been conditioned to forget the real incidents). The majority of the film is Marco's struggle to learn the truth and help his friend, who has been trained as an assassin (and is called through the game of solitaire).

In general the acting is pretty bad, with the exception of Angela Lansbury who plays Shaw's domineering mother Mrs. Iselin. She is ruthless and unlikeable, but she steals every scene she is in. The other two women in the film serve as the romantic foils of Shaw & Marco. Shaw's love interest is Jocelyn Jordan (Leslie Parrish): the daughter of his mother's political enemy. Jocelyn's character is not fully developed, and only appears in a few scenes, but she is a tragic character, sigh.

Marco's awkward love interest is Rose (Leigh). Their relationship is awkward since they meet on the train, and after only knowing each other for a few days are discussing marriage. It is my personal opinion (one which is shared by Roger Ebert, check it out), since Marco was conditioned about Raymond, he could potentially also be conditioned for something else. If this assumption is correct, Rose is probably his controller. Take a close look at their dialogue on the train: the random questions she asks, and the quick response and ability to remember the details, but I digress.

The only other "main" characters are Chunjin (Henry Silva) and Senator Iselin (James Gregory). Chunjin served as the companies translator in Korea (he was the one who set up their capture and subsequent brainwashing, "his brain has not only been washed, as they say... It has been dry cleaned". After the war, he becomes Shaw's manservant in order to keep an eye on him. Senator Iselin is Shaw's stepfather (whom he hates). The Senator is not the brightest man out there, "I keep telling you not to think! You're very, very good at a great many things, but thinking, hon', just simply isn't one of them", but he is good at doing what he is told, and his wife is a willing party.
It is a fascinating film...overlook the acting (or lack thereof) and you'll be hooked! I suggest seeing this film prior to the 2004 version (which stars Denzel Washington, Merle Streep, Liev Schreiber).

Watch while doing homework: if you can tune out the majority of the film it's pretty good..and its not too hard to follow, especially after you understand the flow
Wait till it comes on tv: i wouldn't pay money to see this film...(i was sorely disappointed that i paid to see the 2004 version), but it could potentially be worth it, if this is the kind of film you're interested in

The Manchurian Candidate (1962) 126 minutes
Director: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Frank Sinatra as Marco
Laurence Harvey as Shaw
Janet Leigh as Rose
Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Iselin

Riding in Cars with Boys

"I'm just another angry house wife, standing on her lawn and yelling at her husband! Oh yeah, that's me! "

Imagine being sixteen years old and knowing exactly what you want to do with your life, in this case attend college and become a writer, and in one moment have those dreams taken away. Thats what happened to Beverly D'Onofrio. In her thirties she wrote a book chronicling her life and the choices she made, which she titled "Riding in Cars with Boys", which is also the name of the film adaption.

At the age of 16 Bev (Barrymore) was a smart, poetic girl who wanted a relationship. After being humiliated at a party (she wrote a love poem to a handsome football star, the poem was then read in front of a large group of mocking boys), she meets Ray (Zahn) an older but incredibly messed up boy. He protects her honor by slugging the football player, and then escapes with Bev and their friends where they find they have a lot in common and are attracted to each other. Bev's father (James Woods) forbids her from seeing Ray, although she still does. She eventually finds out she's pregnant and Ray proposes: "Please marry me, Bev. Because I'm shit without you", and she responds with "Oh how romantic...a marriage proposal that contains the word shit". They marry and move into a house of their own. With the help of Bev's mom (Lorraine Bracco), they manage to survive together until the baby is born: his name is Jason. Bev's best friend Fay (Murphy) also finds herself pregant (she has a daughter) and they begin motherhood together. Bev unconsciously (and at times consciously) blames Jason for her losses in life: being married to Ray, not going to college, living in squalor, etc. These scenes are flashbacks as Jason (Garcia) drives Bev to get her book published. It is their journey to reconcilation.

The film has a lot of heart, the acting is well done and you understand the positions of all the characters (or atleast Bev and Jason). It's funny, honest, and heartwarming.

Watch it while doing homework: some scenes are spell-binding, but at other times you only need to half pay attention (the outcome is pretty predictable)

Rent it once: it's worth it once...although a second viewing may also help

Riding in Cars with Boys (2001) 132 minutes
Director: Penny Marshall
Starring: Drew Barrymore as Bev
Steve Zahn as Ray
Brittany Murphy as Fay
Adam Garcia as Jason

Million Dollar Baby

"There is magic in fighting battles beyond endurance"

I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this film...yes I know it sweeped the Oscars (it won Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture), but after watching "Mystic River" (also by Eastwood) I wasn't sure what to expect. I saw "Mystic River" in theaters, I didn't know anything about the film (or that I was going, until about 5 minutes before it started). Needless to say I was shocked and incredibly depressed when it was over. A friend had given me a basic plot summary of "Million Dollar Baby", including the ending, so I assumed it would follow the pattern of darkness found in "Mystic River"...thankfully I was wrong.

The story follows the intertwined lives of three boxers: Frankie (Eastwood) the trainer, Scrap (Freeman) former boxer who lost an eye and now cleans Frankie's gym, and Maggie (Swank) a 30ish bosing hopeful. Frankie is a unique character: he attends mass daily (much to the annoyance of the priest), he tells his fighters they aren't good enough (usually during a fight to make them mad enough to do something about it), but has heart. He is hurting, carrying a burden of regret and guilt which is slowly killing him. He is a no-nonsense guy, and he doesn't "train girls". Maggie left her home and everything she knows to live in squalor and work as a waitress to support her dream of becoming a boxer. She is willing to do anything. Through the intervention of Scrap (who gives Maggie training tips, and extra practice time), Frankie agrees to be Maggie's manager.

The characters have raw emotion (including the supporting cast of Maggie's family, and the other boxers in the gym) and the plot keeps you guessing. I've seen every film Clint Eastwood has been in (my grandfather's love his old westerns), but it was only after watching this film that I truly understood his appeal.

- : if you're going to watch this film you need to commit to your time and attention to it fully

Buy it without seeing it: this is a powerful film and while it may not be for everyone it is a film worth owning

Million Dollar Baby (2004) 132 minutes
Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Clint Eastwood as Frankie
Hillary Swank as Maggie
Morgan Freeman as Scrap

The Producers 1968

"How could this happen? I was so careful. I picked the wrong play, the wrong director, the wrong cast. Where did I go right?"

This is the first film directed by Mel Brooks...the rest of his films reference this film, or something about the Nazi party/Germany. Basic plot summary: Max Bialystock (Mostel) and Leo Bloom (Wilder) team up to produce a Broadway flop. They get the play "Springtime for Hitler", which shows the softer side of Hitler: the synopsis says "a gay romp with Adolf and Eva at Berchtesgaden". The play is written by the crazy Nazi Franz Liebkind (Mars), "I am the author. You are the audience. I outrank you!". To direct the play they get the worst director: the very gay Roger De Bris (Christopher Hewett):

Roger "Ah, Bialystock and Bloom, I presume! Heh heh, forgive the pun!"

Leo [to Max] "What pun?"

Max [to Leo] "Shut up, he thinks he's witty. "

When we meet Roger he is modeling his costume for the Coreographers Ball. He is going as the Grand Duchess Anastasia (thus wearing a dress, and eventually a wig). To star in their play they find the druggie L.S.D. (the incredibly funny Dick Shawn):

Goebbels: Danke schön, mein Führer

LSD: Hey, you're a German.

Goebbels: We're all Germans.

LSD: That's right. [gasps] That means we CANNOT invade Germany.

And to complete this crazy ensemble are Hold Me, Touch Me and Ulla. Ulla (Lee Meredith) their sexy, Swedish secretary: "Max, have you gone mad? A receptionist who can't speak English? What will people say?". Hold Me, Touch Me (Estelle Winwood) is one of Max's financiers (she's a rich, little old lady): "And after that, we'll play, "The Abduction and the Cruel Rape of Lucretia", and I'll be Lucretia."
Max: "And I'll be Rape!"

Since this is a Mel Brooks film you can expect some funny dialogue and crazy situations, and that's what makes this a must see film!

Rent it multiple times: the first time it's hard to process...the second time it's funny
Dude, it's quotable: is there a Mel Brooks movie that isn't funny??

The Producers (1968) 88 minutes
Director: Mel Brooks
Starring: Zero Mostel as Max
Gene Wilder as Leo
Kenneth Mars as Franz

The Producers 2005

"I want everything I've ever seen in the movies!"

Ok, see if you can keep up...this film is based on a play which is based on a movie (The original Producers) which is based on a play...confused yet? Unlike the 1968 film, this version of the Producers is a musical. Max Bialystock (Lane) is a Broadway Producer. He used to be a god, but his recent plays have turned out to be flops (which we learn in the opening number of the film). In order to continue his career he begins "seeing/dating" little old ladies with lots of cash...these women become his financial backers. After his most recent play "Funny Boy" (a Hamlet story) flops, his accounting firm sends neurotic Leo Bloom (Broderick) to check his books. While there Leo makes the discovery that it is possible for one to make more money with a flop than with a hit (because with a flop you don't need to pay the backers), but you have to raise extra cash. Together they decide to raise 2 million dollars (from the little old ladies), find the worst play, director and lead and make a flop. For the play they find "Springtime for Hitler" written by Nazi Franz Liebkind (Ferrell): who wears an army helmet, talks with a thick German accent, and loves his birds (he has a large number of carrier pigeons). They hire gay director Roger DeBris (Gary Beach) and his assistant/lover Carmen (Roger Bart) to destory the play: "that second act has to go...they're losing the war". Then they cast Swedish actress Ulla (Thurman) along with making her their secretary (even though her English is lacking), and convince Franz that he must play the lead. On opening night Leo is in love with Ulla, Franz has a broken leg, and Roger takes the stage to play Hitler as a straight man (yes, he fails miserably).

Personally I prefer the original, but there are aspects of this film I like as well. Will Ferrell is excellent as Franz: his accent is good and you really believe he's crazy: "Stand still! How can I shoot you if you keep moving! ". In general this version has a lot more sexual humor (and underlying themes) which I think take away from the mastery of this film. Also, even though I love musicals, I do not like this one...perhaps on stage it works, but the film doesn't work as a musical. Overall I would give it a B-/C+ because it is entertaining but the original is better!

The Producers (2005) 134 minutes
Director: Susan Stroman
Starring: Nathan Lane as Max
Mathew Broderick as Leo
Uma Thurman as Ulla
Will Ferrell as Franz

Grease

"You can't walk out of a drive-in!"

The quintessential teen musical. I think every high school choir has performed "We Go Together" to say goodbye to their seniors. The music is good, the characters are fun and it just makes you think about high school (so it's nostalgic). Plot wise the movie follows ten friends during their senior year of high school: the highs, the lows, the hookups and breakups, the friendships, and that BIG dance! The film takes place in the 50's when guys greased up their hair (thus the title) and girls wore poodle skirts (although none of the girls wear them...hmm). The five guys are car crazed, school hating, girl chasing, leather jacket wearing T-Birds (if you forget, just look at their jackets). And the girls are the Pink Ladies (they don't seem as unified as the guys). The story opens on the first day of school (well actually it starts at the beach, but i'll get to that later). Theres Kenickie (Jeff Conway) the leader of the group, Danny (Travolta) the ladies man, and the three stooges: Doody (Barry Pearl), Sonny (Michael Tucci) and Putzie (Kelly Ward). The Pink Ladies are Rizzo (Channing) the tough as nails leader, Frenchy (Didi Conn) the future beautician, Marty (Dinah Manoff) who is guy crazy, and Jan (Jamie Donnelly) who likes to eat, and newbie Sandy (Newton-John) who is "too pure to be pink".

Over the summer Danny and Sandy met and fell in love, but due to Danny's reputation he can't be seen dating her. While they decide if their relationship is worth fighting for, the rest of the gang pairs off (Kenickie & Rizzo, Doody & Frenchy, Sonny & Marty, and Putzie & Jan). Their relationships encounter obstacles and fights, as do their friendships. To the side, waiting to give advice or help are their teachers and their favorite waitress, along with a "fairygodmother" for Frenchy (played by Frankie Avalon).

Dude, it's quotable: you may need to censor some of the lyrics, but you'll be humming along and even quoting the characters in no time...

Rent it once: it's a teen classic (see if so you can understand why people sing "We Go Together")

Grease (1978) 110 minutes
Director: Randal Kleiser
Starring: John Travolta as Danny
Olivia Newton John as Sandy
Stockard Channing as Rizzo

Moulin Rouge!

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be love loved in return"

According to imdb.com, the plot of this musical was based off of 3 operas...personally I thought it was a modern day Romeo and Juliet, except with much less death (which is ironic since Baz Luhrmann also directed the newest version of Romeo & Juliet). Christian (McGregor) is an idealistic young writer (i.e. Romeo) who travels to France to write. He obsessed with the quest for love. Shortly after arriving he meets a strange group of Bohemians, led by Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo). They are trying to write a musical which will exemplify their Bohemian beliefs of Beauty, Truth, and Love. They are impressed by Christian and ask him to pitch their idea that evening. Together the men dress up and go into the underworld of the city to the Moulin Rouge (which is basically a whore house). While there, they set up a meeting with Satine (Kidman) the most beautiful courtesan. That evening Satine is supposed to meet a Duke (Richard Roxburgh) who wants to be their patron. After several scenes of mistaken identity, the Duke agrees to finance their show Spectacular, Spectacular and Christian and Satine fall in love. This film also stars Jim Broadbent as Harold Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge.

The first 20 or so minutes of the movie are thrown at you, and you have to decide to either accept them or stop watching. If you accept them, you are eventually treated to a real plot line (which is easy to follow...and to predict the ending). The music featured in this film are modern songs (Madonna, David Bowie, Nirvana, etc), sung by the cast. Also, the song Lady Marmalade (which is sung at the Moulin Rouge) was recorded by Christina Aguillera, Little Kim, Pink, Mia, and Missy Elliot although they do not appear in the film. The only orginal song in the film was actually written for a different Baz Luhrmann film (ironically it was supposed to be used in Romeo & Juliet), "Come What May". The film is beautiful, and you get sucked in so that by the end your heart is completely broken and if you are female you fall in love with Ewan McGregor, ::sigh::

?...i wouldn't say this film is quotable, but the soundtrack is pretty sweet

Rent it multiple times: if you can survive it once, watch it again so you can completely enjoy it (or just watch the musical numbers). I would also suggest purchasing the soundtracks (I have both and they are wonderful!!)

Moulin Rouge! (2001) 127 minutes
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Ewan McGregor as Christian
Nicole Kidman as Satine

Chicago

"In this town, murder's a form of entertainment"

Ladies and gentlemen, please check your morals at the door! I saw Chicago the week it was released with a friend of mine. I picked the movie based on the fact that it was a musical...lets just say we were a bit scandalized by the time it was over. I suppose i should explain...main character Roxie (Zellweger) is a pretty, mechanics wife who dreams of showbiz. She starts messing around with a furniture salesman (Dominic West) who tells her he has connections and can get her a job singing at a bar. Within in the first few minutes of the film we learn that he lied just so she'd sleep with him. Roxie is so upset with him and mad at herself for believing him that she pulls her husbands gun and fires at him multiple times. When the police come she has her husband cover for her and say that the man was a robber and he shot him...after actually seeing the corpse he recognizes the man and he realizes what happened. Roxie is thrown in jail and confined to murders row where she meets the other women awaiting their murder trials. Among the women is actress Velma Kelly (Jones) who shot both her sister and husband (they were messing around and she caught them). After only a few talks the women realize they hate each other. The other colorful character are Momma Morton (Queen Latifah): the jailer who accepts bribes to make the prisoners more comfortable, Billy Flynn (Gere): the lawyer who hasn't lost a case (even if his methods are unconventional), Amos (John C. Reily): Roxie's simpleminded but sincere husband, and Mary Sunshine (Christine Baranski): the sentimental reporter who covers Roxie's case. While this film is a musical, director Rob Marshall chose to have all the musical numbers appear in Roxie's mind: she sees every interaction as a potential idea for a show. Introducing each of the numbers is the bandleader/pianist (played by Taye Diggs). Some of the scenes, such as the courtroom number "Razzle Dazzle", seem like daydreams.

The costumes show A LOT of skin, and no one shows remorse for their crimes or even hesitates to continue lying...it's hard to agree or even sympathize with the characters (in my opinion). Personally, the only character i like is Taye Diggs...but i like everything he's done so i suppose i'm biased. Anyway, you feel dirty after watching the film and incredibly guilty for actually enjoying watching it. If it wasn't a musical i probably wouldn't like it at all. Also, the original Velma Kelly (Chita Rivera), from the Broadway show, has a small cameo as a prisoner.

Watch while doing homework: personally i just like to watch the musical numbers

Rent it once: it's an interesting film, and worth seeing once, but just remember what it's about so you aren't shocked within the first 10 minutes

Chicago (2002) 113 minutes (PG-13)

Director: Rob Marshall

Starring: Renee Zellweger as Roxie

Catherine Zeta Jones as Velma

Richard Gere as Billy

Willy Wonka: the magic of chocolate

"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple"

"That's 105%!!"

Most books, well-loved classics, do not translate well to the screen. Regardless how faithful it remains to the book, some fans of the book won't be impressed with the film... As a child I remember curling up on the couch and reading Ronald Dahl's "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory". Sadly, over all these years i cannot separate my feelings about the book and my feelings about the film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory": i enjoy them both. Doing a little research about the film (by watching the DVD extras) I discovered Ronald Dahl was not impressed by this film, in fact he never saw the whole thing...learning that, it makes me wonder why this film has been so popular, and why a more recent adaption of the film has been made (personally i didn't like the newer film as a whole...some parts were better, but for nostalgic reasons i perfer this one).

Just a disclaimer, I love musicals. While this film isn't usually performed on stage, I have always had a soft spot for this film. Although, I can sing most of the words by heart (although my pitch may be slightly off...especially if i have an audience) I am still struck by the humor of the spoken lines. Gene Wilder, who plays Wonka, delivers his punch lines and continues on, making it seem more realistic: he's mocking the others, but they don't pick it up.

The basic premise of the film is that eccentric candymaker Willy Wonka has hidden 5 golden tickets in his chocolate bars. The recepients of these tickets are granted a tour of Wonka's factory and a life supply of chocolate, and can be accompanied by a family member. The recepients are Augustus Gloop (German glutton), Veruca Salt (spoiled brat), Violet Beauregarde (proud gumchewer), Mike Teevee (annoying tv addict), and Charlie Bucket (humble, sweet boy). Wonka takes them all for a ride, "Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous" while showing them his dream "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it".

This film differs from the book in several plot related devices, but i think it enhances the story...BEST LINE: "If God wanted us to walk he wouldn't have invented roller skates!"

Watch while doing homework: some parts drag, and even if you miss a large chunk of the film it is still possible to follow the story
Rent it once: see it once, just to say you've seen it...it isn't necessary to own it to enjoy it, but i love it:-)


Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1970) 100 minutes
Director: Mel Stuart
Starring: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe
Peter Ostrum as Charlie

The Magnificent Seven

"You think I am brave because I carry a gun; well, your fathers are much braver because they carry responsibility. And this responsibility is like a big rock that weighs a ton. It bends and it twists them until finally it buries them under the ground...I have never had this kind of courage"

Gunslingers have this mystique, it's hard to describe, but one looks at them with a mixture of awe and admiration. Are they role models, not at all, and yet they are considered heroes. The film "The Magnificent Seven" shows a different side to the life of a hired gun: the morality issues. A small Mexican town is run by the bandit Calvera (Wallach). Several times a year he rides into town, with his gang of bandits, and takes all the food the people have. The peasants reach their breaking point and decide to buy guns. Three of their men ride across the border where they meet gunslinger Chris (Brynner) who suggests "why don't you hire men? Men are cheaper than guns these days".

Chris agrees to help the men by assembling a team of gunslingers: seven in all. These men are the best of the best with their respective trades, but they are hardly the nicest men to be around. There is Vin (McQueen), O'Reily (Bronson), Harry (Dexter), Lee (Vaughn), Chico (Buchholz), and Britt (Coburn): each is his own biggest competition "if he's the best, with whom does he compete?", the answer is "himself". Each is flawed, hardened to this lifestyle which he hates but can never be rid of, with the exception of Chico (this is his first job). When Calvera rides into town he is met by 3 of the 7. Having a crew of 40, he is not worried and knows the village is poor (thus unable to hire many men). One by one the rest of the men make their presence known, and while he still isn't worried, he is shocked that so many professionals would help a poor village:

"We deal in lead friend"

"Me too, that makes us the same"

"Only as competitors"

...but his shock leads to outrage when they stand their ground and fight him. This is the best scene in the film: the dialogue as Calvera meets his competition, the battle, and the satisfied looks at the end (don't worry, the film doesn't end here), it doesn't get much better than that:)

This film has a little bit of everything, there is even a love story. As I was watching the film I was impressed that they added authentic cricket noises in the background...and then I realized my window was open. Each of the characters is flawed, but it's hard not to like them despite or perhaps because of their flaws. As Chico raves about their job, and how their gun has given them everything, they explain the things they don't have: a family, a home, security: the things so many people desire. Perhaps they don't have any enemies...alive, but they have to live with the decisions they've made. In the end, each character finds redemption: they may be bad men, but they are willing to risk everything, including their lives, to free this small village.

 
Dude, it's quotable: the dialogue is excellent...mmm, i love a film with good dialogue

Buy it without seeing it: it's a classic!!

The Magnificent Seven (1960) 128 minutes
Director: John Sturges
Starring: Yul Brynner as Chris Adams
Eli Wallach as Calvera
Steve McQueen as Vin Tanner
Horst Buchholz as Chico
Charles Bronson as Bernardo O'Reilly
Robert Vaughn as Lee Basset
James Coburn as Britt Avery
Brad Dexter as Harry Luck

Good Night, and Good Luck

"There's no news, boys, so go out there and make some news. Rob a bank, mug an old lady, whatever - just do something!!"

As a writer (who hopes to work for a newspaper in the near future) i was intrigued by this film... Writing is an art form: you need to persuade, inform and at times entertain. The film "Good Night, and Good Luck" is about the confrontations between Sen. McCarthy and the CBS news team, led by Edward Murrow (Strathairn). Murrow and his team watch in horror as men and women are accused of being communists (or sympathizing with the communists) and are brought to hearings, some where even blacklisted (they were banned from working). The "hearings" are presided by Sen. McCarthy, and his aim is to get the accused to admit to being communists and give details about other communists. Murrow and his team watch the trials, interview witnesses and then present their views of the charges during their evening show. Eventually they attack Sen. McCarthy himself, which many other newsmen consider a death warrant.

The film is shot in black and white, which makes it appear to be a tape from the archives chronicling the actual events. Choosing to shoot in black and white allows the actual footage of the trials to be added to the program without making it obvious. Unlike most modern films, "Good Night, and Good Luck" does not make any apparent statements about modern politics (although if it did i probably wouldn't understand the references...sorry, my interests are literature and films, NOT politics...or philosophy, but thats a different story). The majority of the film takes place at the CBS headquarters, with only a few scenes in the "real world". And although many of the actors and actresses are well-known figures, their reputations/personalities do not appear on screen: they are their characters (meaning George Clooney is Fred, not George Clooney playing George Clooney in the 50's).

Personally, i found this film to reenforce high school history lessons. I remembering learning about the McCarthy Era and watching a few of the actual trials, but i'm a visual person, so it didn't really sink in...and a few years ago i saw "The Majestic" which is a fictional portrayal of the same time period, but this was MUCH better. If you don't know anything about the timeperiod i'd suggest researching it before seeing the film, just so you don't get lost. Remember, it is a fictional film BASED on history (sorry, i took a class about politics in films, specifically about how history is portrayed in films..my advice, don't take movies as the gospel truth, they need to keep it interesting, not necessarily historically accurate). End Rant.

I don't have a good way to describe...whether you're interested in history or politics (or like me you don't really care) this film is definetly worth seeing...
Buy it b/c it's good: it feels like a classic, but is a recent film (black & white films just seem so classy!)


Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) 93 minutes
Director: George Clooney
Starring: David Strathairn as Edward Murrow
George Clooney as Fred Friendly

Cars

"I"m serious. He won 3 Piston Cups!"

"He did WHAT in a cup?"

So in general I LOVE Disney & Pixar movies. I was very excited about their newest film "Cars"...even though the reviews i read were unfavorable i decided to chance the $7 needed to see it in the theater. Thankfully i enjoyed the film!
The film focuses on a rookie racecar named Lightning (Wilson) who is in a 3 way tie for the Piston Cup (this major racing trophy). He is tied with the retiring champion (The King: Richard Petty) and an arrogant, mean car who always comes in second place (Chick Hicks: Michael Keaton). The three cars finish the race at the same time, so the judges decide to have a special race to determine who will win the Piston Cup. The 3 cars need to go to a different race track, and along the way Lightning gets separated from his truck (Mack: John Ratzenberger) and ends up wrecking a small town called Radiatore Springs. The resident judge (Doc: Newman) sentences Lightning to community service: fixing their road.
The movie is very funny, although younger kids may not understand all of the jokes. Larry the Cable Guy is funny as Mater, and he only uses his trademark "Git-r-done" once. The film is riddled with puns, and i know i didn't catch all of them... Also, the film does some interesting parodies of the racing industry (Dale Earnhart Jr does the voice of the number 8 car, and Darrell Waltrip is Darrell Cartrip), and pop culture in general (Jay Leno is talk show host Jay Limo). If you see this film make sure you stay and watch the credits b/c they have some funny parodies of previous Pixar movies: Toy Story, A Bugs Life, and Monster's Inc (all played by cars).
One of my favorite parts was when Mater and Lightning go cow tipping (the cows are spotted tractors): "Tractors are so dumb"...growing up in a hicktown i could totally appreciate little Radiatore Springs. "No! Don't leave me here, in hillbilly hell! My IQ's dropping by the second! I'm becoming one of them!"
Actually, there wasn't anything i didn't like about this film. See it!

Dude, it's quotable!: check out the quotes at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0317219/quotes
Buy it without seeing it!: this is already on my movie wish list

Cars (2006) 116 minutes
Directors: John Lasseter & Joe Ranft
Starring: Owen Wilson as Lightning
Paul Newman as Doc
Bonnie Hunt as Sally

Legally Blonde: stereotypically funny

"You're breaking up with me because I'm too... blonde"

Blondes everywhere, REJOICE!! Elle (Witherspoon) is a ditzy college girl who is waiting for her hunky boyfriend Warner (Davis) to propose. He takes her out to dinner, and calmly explains that they are breaking up because he needs a serious girlfriend, i.e. someone his family doesn't think is a complete waste of time. Heartbroken and confused (about Warner's grandmother "She loves me, she said I looked like Brittany Spears. Why would you say that to someone you didn't like?") Elle decides to win him back by going to Harvard as a "serious lawstudent". Her first day of classes she is mocked multiple times by her classmates and professors. After class she discovers her main tormentor is now engaged to Warner. After careful contemplation, and some major girl talk at the local beauty parlor, she decides to continue her studies at Harvard to show Warner she is serious. Over the course of her studies, and with some supportive new friends Elle finds a passion for law.

Interesting things:
1. character progression (bubbly airhead, to brainy beauty, to confident cutie...yes, i like alliteration): you truly believe she is changing (but are her reasons sound?)
2. colors (in L.A. everyone wears bright colors and is happy...at Harvard Elle stands out b/c everyone else is in drab boring colors. As she takes her law career seriously her colors fade to black and gray, especially when she joins the court case...but in the end she returns to her "signature color" of bright pink and combines her newfound wisdom with some old girl info)
3. was based off a book by Amanda Brown (apparently there is no Emmet...pity)
4. the final graduation scene was filmed 2 years after the rest of the film (Witherspoon and Wilson are wearing wigs b/c they changed hairstyles for other films).

Overall i love this film, it has Reese Witherspoon and Luke Wilson, she wears a lot of pink, and its all about beautiful blondes...what more could it have?

Legally Blonde (2001) 96 minutes
Director: Robert Luketic
Starring" Reese Witherspoon as Elle
Luke Wilson as Emmett
Matthew Davis as Warner

Buy it without seeing it: i'm blonde, so i guess i'm biased
Dude, it's quotable: yes, yes it is...

Mean Girl

"Well, I mean you wouldn't buy a skirt without asking your friends first if it looks good on you"

"I wouldn't?"

"Right. Oh, and it's the same with guys. Like, you may think you like someone, but you could be wrong"

They have a dresscode ("On Wednesdays we wear pink"), they have reputations ("She's a life ruiner"), they rule the school ("...she knows everything about everyone"), but mostly they are just MEAN. The teen flick Mean Girls shows the world of high school girls: the trials and tribulations of popularity (or the lack of it) by a girl who doesn't understand the system. Cady (Lohan) was born and raised in Africa and has been homeschooled her entire life. After this sheltered life, public high school is a rude awakening. Luckily for Cady she is a "regulation hottie" and quickly accepted into the popular group called the "plastics". She makes real friends with some of the less cool students who ask her to spy on the plastics so they can mock them in private...

This is a funny movie. I mean it is an exaggeration of the life and times of high school girls, but as a girl i could identify with the struggle to be and remain popular. Is popularity really worth it? Good question. There is this fascinating mystique associated with being popular...but if you have to follow all of these rules i don't think i could do it. I think the ending is a little too happy, too perfect but after all that drama it is probably necessary... Overall i like the film, but i would tend to say most guys wouldn't like it.


Mean Girls (2004) 97 minutes
Director: Mark Waters
Starring: Lindsay Lohan as Cady
Rachel McAdams as Regina
Tina Fey as Mrs. Norbury

Buy it b/c it's good OR Rent it multiple times: it's funny and there is always a place for funny films
Dude, it's quotable: i think it's pretty much self-explanatory

The Color of Paradise: Limiting our Perspectives

The Iranian film "The Color of Paradise" is a beautiful film. While the film has a good storyline and fun characters, the best part is the scenery. The majority of the film is cinematography shots: lots of nature imagery. It is impossible not to fall in love with the Iranian countryside after watching this film. Some of the best scenes in the film are the outdoor scenes: specifically when the characters are in the fields. The film also asks some interesting questions about life, focusing on the question "who is really limited?".

Mohammad, the main character is blind. He attends a special school in the city which teaches blind children how to live with their limitations. They write with special Braille equipment, and love listening to music recordings. As the film opens we see the joy in the children as they prepare to go home for a break. All the other children are promptly picked up, but Mohammad's father is late. While he waits for his father, he hears the distress call of a baby bird who has fallen from its nest. Mohammad eventually finds the bird and manages to find and climb the tree where the nest is, and then deposits it back in the next. As he places the bird into the nest a beautiful smile covers his face, and it is impossible not to completely love this character.

Sadly not everyone loves him. His father sees him as a problem. He is in the market for a new wife (Mohammad's mother recently died), and having a blind child is not a positive trait. In an effort to make himself look good, he makes Mohammad an apprentice to a blind carpenter. The women of Mohammad's family: his two sisters, and his grandmother, love Mohammad. When he arrives at their farm for his break, they run to him and hug him and go running through the fields as if nothing was wrong. They treat him like a normal child. Also, the grandmother allows Mohammad to go to school with his sisters, where he impresses the entire school by knowing their lesson better than everyone else.

Mohammad is physically limited by his inability to see. His father is limited by the belief that his son is a liability (because he is blind). HIs grandmother is limited because she cannot protect her grandson. The audience has a limited perception of reality: we can only see what the filmmaker wants us to see. In this film we also limited by the sounds we hear, focusing on the sounds Mohammad hears. Mohammad loves birds, and when he is alone in nature all we hear are the bird calls. I know this could be stretching it a bit, but Mohammad is also like a bird (well atleast the baby bird he rescued). He wants the ability to fly away, to do whatever he wants, BUT like the baby bird he needs a little help to get started.

The Color of Paradise [Rang-e khooda/] (1999) 90 minutes
Director: Majid Majidi
Starring: mohsen Ramezani as Mohammad
Hossein Mahjoub as Father
Salameh Feyzi as Grandmother

Buy it without seeing it: yes, it's that good...and its beautiful :-)
Dude, it's quotable: actually, it's one of those films you just like because it's beautiful

Yadon ilaheyya: Divine Intervention

"I think humour can be a poetic sight with a poetic dimension and this is something that cannot be captured by the dominant order" ~Elia Sulieman

What is humor? Is it the little absurd moments in daily life or something more? For Palestinian director Elia Sulieman humor can be found anywhere, even when you live in an area occupied by another country. His film "Divine Intervention" uses humor to comment on life in the Israeli occupied Palestine. The opening scene establishes the tone for the remainder of the film: a rocky hillside is shown. Then the camera follows a man dressed as Santa who is running up the hill. He is followed by three men. Ocassionally "Santa" turns around and throws candy at his pursuers, which only slows him down. As he reaches the top of the hill, he tries to seek refuge inside the building (which looks like a church of some kind) situated there, but his quest is ended when he is impaled with a knife. Overall the scene is funny, but it is a dark humor.

The scenes of the film are long looks at a character or event, but Sulieman wisely splits these scenes and intersperses them throughout the film. At first it is hard to follow, but the pattern becomes more apparent the longer you watch. Each of these scenes are a snapshot of life, but unlike a photograph which can only show one perspective, we are able to see multiple views and laugh at the absurdity of the moments. Also, each scene is like a poem...Poems are snapshots of life. The life can be real or a figment of the author's imagination. Regardless of its truth and origin, poetry is making a statement about life and belief, specifically those of the speaker. It can be broken apart and analyzed until nothing remains, but the meaning of the poem and the way it affects you change over time. I see "Divine Intervention" as a collection of connected poems. Each scene is a snapshot of E.S.'s world (the main character). The details of the scenes are what make them beautiful and funny, despite their bleak surroundings. In poems there isn't much dialogue, it's more about the the experience and language of the poet than the spoken words of the characters. More than anything i can appreciate this film as a journey of the imagination. The absurd scenes, the ones that are physically impossible, remind me of daydreams when anything is possible and just thinking about the "justice" that will be served is the most satisfying experience. I know it's not realistic, but that's what makes it appealing.
At the heart of the film, "Divine Intervention" is a love story (no pun intended): the story of E.S. (played by director Sulieman) and the unnamed woman he loves (Khader) who cannot be together. They are separated by an Israeli controlled checkpoint. Every day they drive to the checkpoint and sit in E.S.'s car, dreaming about crossing the border and being together, although this does not happen in the film.

Divine Intervention [Yadon ilaheyya](2002) 92 minutes
Director: Elia Sulieman
Starring Elia Sulimean as E.S.
Manal Khader as the Woman
NOTE: the film is Palestinian, so the film is in Arabic. There is minimal dialogue, which allows you to watch the film instead of starring at the subtitles at the bottom.

Rent it mutliple times: this film is complex and you need to see it at least twice before you can fully appreciate the film
Dude, it's quotable: ok, there isn't much dialogue, but this is my highest personal rating