2007 Review Blog
The Darjeeling Limited
Grade: B- 08/27/2014
I revisited this film after seeing the wonderful "Grand Budapest Hotel". With my love of that 2014 movie and my admiration of "The Royal Tenenbaums", I figured I missed the boat on this one. I don't think I did. There is not much of a plot here and I think the story of three estranged brothers meeting up for a transcendental, spiritual train ride is pretty hollow. I think it all hinges on the three leads and how they play to type...and they do exactly. I like Adrien Brody...and he Adrien Brodys very well. I'm indifferent to Schwartzman, and indifferent to his schwartzman-ness. I have come to dislike Owen Wilson...and he is equally unlikable here. The film has the usual Wes Anderson gorgeousness and creativity...but it is almost confusing as to how much is NOT happening in this film...and when some serious occurrences arise, it feels abrupt and manipulative. I almost downgraded this film to a C+...but not quite. Compared to other Anderson faire...its a disappointment.
Grade: B- 08/27/2014
I revisited this film after seeing the wonderful "Grand Budapest Hotel". With my love of that 2014 movie and my admiration of "The Royal Tenenbaums", I figured I missed the boat on this one. I don't think I did. There is not much of a plot here and I think the story of three estranged brothers meeting up for a transcendental, spiritual train ride is pretty hollow. I think it all hinges on the three leads and how they play to type...and they do exactly. I like Adrien Brody...and he Adrien Brodys very well. I'm indifferent to Schwartzman, and indifferent to his schwartzman-ness. I have come to dislike Owen Wilson...and he is equally unlikable here. The film has the usual Wes Anderson gorgeousness and creativity...but it is almost confusing as to how much is NOT happening in this film...and when some serious occurrences arise, it feels abrupt and manipulative. I almost downgraded this film to a C+...but not quite. Compared to other Anderson faire...its a disappointment.
There Will Be Blood
Grade: A 07/22/2014
This movie is straightforward. Oil Baron drills for oil, finds oil, makes it rich. Daniel Plainview is a straightforward character with only one trait...ambition. It is a testament to Daniel Day Lewis in his portrayal beacause he is so damn good that he elevates the movie to astonishing heights. I hung on every word and every eyebrow rise with an almost unbearable anticipation. It helps that the cinematography is insanely gorgeous and Paul Thomas Anderson directs with almost surgical precision. This is the kind of movie Kubrick would have made if he were alive. Pessimistic, minimalistic, and almost nihilistic. WOnderful!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: A 07/22/2014
This movie is straightforward. Oil Baron drills for oil, finds oil, makes it rich. Daniel Plainview is a straightforward character with only one trait...ambition. It is a testament to Daniel Day Lewis in his portrayal beacause he is so damn good that he elevates the movie to astonishing heights. I hung on every word and every eyebrow rise with an almost unbearable anticipation. It helps that the cinematography is insanely gorgeous and Paul Thomas Anderson directs with almost surgical precision. This is the kind of movie Kubrick would have made if he were alive. Pessimistic, minimalistic, and almost nihilistic. WOnderful!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die