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Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sundance 2009 - Uncle Bukkake Strikes Back With More Sundance Reviews - For Immediate Posting
Harry,
Yesterday was a disturbingly long day of observing rather mediocre flicks at Sundance, but I have nonetheless learned one very important fact: Bukkake rules! Uncle Bukkake, that is......
Here are some brief reviews of hideous movies splattering on the page for your geek amusement (and to the talk-back gentleman who recently opined that I am a movie plant, I just pray that you never see me on the opposite end of a deposition, scumbag!):
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men: A number of mixed reviews have already surfaced concerning John Krasinski's writing and directorial debut. I had high expectations for this flick, but must report that this movie is sometimes uninspired, frequently incoherent, and constantly pretentious. I am entirely baffled by what Mr. Krasinski intends to say with this feature - nor do I care. My best guess at the plot finds graduate student Julianne Nicholson preparing her thesis which apparently explores the purported effects of feminism on the modern male by way of male test subject interviews (which invariably deviate from said topic). The motives for Ms. Nicholson's "thesis" are never fully developed in this film - and her character's story arc throughout the film remains uninvolving. Instead, the flick devotes countless minutes to directionless vignettes featuring one man after another delivering intriguing (however pointless) diatribes which never progress the rather anemic plotline. Terrific comedians (notably Will Arnett and Will Forte) and capable dramatic actors (Josh Charles, Timothy Hutton, and Mr. Krasinski himself) are wasted in scenes that meandor without relevancy. In fact, several sequences within this film (including extended scenes involving Mr. Charles and Christopher Meloni) are indecipherable and fail to fit within the cinematic matrix of the story. There is no denying that Mr. Krasinski is a talented artist; however, his first film is all passion without a voice.
Shrink/The Informers - I found both films disappointing given the enormous talent involved and overall enthusiasm expressed by both directors prior to the screenings. Both films are intense meditations on Hollywood and loss ('Shrink' is modern, 'The Informers' is set in the early 1980's), as well as the drugs and alcohol, excessive lifestyle, and uncommon loneliness which pervade the Hollywood populace.
In 'Shrink', Kevin Spacey delivers another solid performance as a shrink to the stars who numbs himself with an unhealthy (and likely unrealistic) amount of pot smoking to cope with the sudden loss of his wife. Mr. Spacey is touching and hilarious in this role, and it becomes all too clear early in the film that the movie's title is purposely misleading, given that Mr. Spacey's character is in no position to advise anyone - most importantly, himself. My disappointment ultimately is with the script, which contains numerous one-note characters (other than Mr. Spacey) who provide utility to episodic detours which are primarily uninteresting and without poignancy.
'The Informers' suffers from similar script issues, even though the production and visual images are all first-rate, and the ensemble cast provides solid performances. The movie features drug-addicted rock stars, bi-sexual film directors, a Hollywood studio executive's crumbling family, and a rather gruesome subplot involving the kidnapping of a child. The movie weaves said stories with litte craft and the results are sloppy and often mean-spirited. In particular, the subplot involving Mickey Rourke and his botched attempt to barter a kidnapped child for money is horrific and without any redemptive elements. The final sequence, which takes place on a beach, is perhaps intended to be a profound criticism of the conduct/behavior previously witnessed on screen, but I found the ending to be intellectually dishonest - as this movie is all too comfortable with excess.
Uncle Bukkake is presently consuming scary amounts of alcohol before the 'Moon' screening later tonight.
Brief interviews with hideous men
About a graduate student whose thesis is on feminism but whose
research is from lens perspectives including her boyfriend john k. It
was incoherent and the ivy league characters often times spoke down to
the audience causing most of the audiences issues. There was no truly
moving or human aspect to the film except one "gotcha" where a paper
discussing a scenario of rape and how it makes the victim truly free
is played on from alternate perspectives. But when this is finished
one is left wondering what it had to do with the movie at all. There
was an interesting use of the classsic Greek "narrator" by the
omniscent bus boys who are present in a few scenes and who dialog with
themselves as well as the camera. Overall it was not very noteworthy
and although john k is a good writer his work will not speak to a
larger audience and this film belongs in an art house or kept to the
short story it was adapted from.
research is from lens perspectives including her boyfriend john k. It
was incoherent and the ivy league characters often times spoke down to
the audience causing most of the audiences issues. There was no truly
moving or human aspect to the film except one "gotcha" where a paper
discussing a scenario of rape and how it makes the victim truly free
is played on from alternate perspectives. But when this is finished
one is left wondering what it had to do with the movie at all. There
was an interesting use of the classsic Greek "narrator" by the
omniscent bus boys who are present in a few scenes and who dialog with
themselves as well as the camera. Overall it was not very noteworthy
and although john k is a good writer his work will not speak to a
larger audience and this film belongs in an art house or kept to the
short story it was adapted from.
The informers
Set in the mid eighties, this film is more about mood than plot. The
plot takes you from the life of a bisexual drug addicted musician to
the drugged up lives of Hollywood elite children dealing with drug and
sexuality issues compiled with a lack of knowing what is considered
right and wrong all the way to a thoughtless child snatch and grab
mickey rourke. Although this film has an abundance of production value
and a good cast - it suffers from a lack of coherence in the fact that
other than a wierd love triangle and an drug use there was little to
keep the characters together. There were only two instances of
redemption but those came from two nobody actors given a chance to
shine which was ultimately non impressive. I would have loved to have
seen rourkes character developed more in this film as he was solely
there as a loathesome character meant to do nothing than further a
minor plot point. Considering his character and the character played
by kim basinger, it is no wonder they didn't show for the world premier.
plot takes you from the life of a bisexual drug addicted musician to
the drugged up lives of Hollywood elite children dealing with drug and
sexuality issues compiled with a lack of knowing what is considered
right and wrong all the way to a thoughtless child snatch and grab
mickey rourke. Although this film has an abundance of production value
and a good cast - it suffers from a lack of coherence in the fact that
other than a wierd love triangle and an drug use there was little to
keep the characters together. There were only two instances of
redemption but those came from two nobody actors given a chance to
shine which was ultimately non impressive. I would have loved to have
seen rourkes character developed more in this film as he was solely
there as a loathesome character meant to do nothing than further a
minor plot point. Considering his character and the character played
by kim basinger, it is no wonder they didn't show for the world premier.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sundance 2009 - Review of the Greatest - currently on aintitcool.com!
Harry,
(Spoilers ahead)
I am a corporate slave/defense attorney situated in Los Angeles, California, who defends "the machine" against personal injury lawsuits related to asbestos exposure. Before you delete this e-mail, I am also a tremendous movie fan, an avid reader of your website, and am presently at the Sundance Film Festival for the second year in a row. I am planning on watching at least ten flicks this year, including Brief Interviews, Moon, Cold Souls, the Informers, and Shrink. Aware of the fact that there is no AICN presence at Sundance this year, I now offer my Sundance 2009 reviews - starting with the Greatest:
The Greatest, competing in the dramatic competition at Sundance this year, is a well-crafted film from first-time filmmaker Shana Feste, who recounted at the Q and A that she wrote the script while providing nanny services in Los Angeles. The film is remarkable in that the performances from Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, and Carey Mulligan are first-rate and carefully nuanced. In particular, Ms. Mulligan is a terrific find who perfectly balances the heart-break of losing her partner with understated understanding of her present condition and uncertain future. Ms. Mulligan's performance is flawless and should be recognized on the indie circuit this year. While there is no tour de force scene per se for Ms. Mulligan, I was particularly impressed how her presence in almost every scene is entirely uplifting and involving. I should also note that Mr. Brosnan is perfectly transitioning his carrer from lead to supporting/character roles (not unlike Alec Baldwin), and that the resulting performances are touching and captivating (i.e., The Matador).
The story commences with two amazing shots, one involving a startling car crash (resulting in the death of Mr. Brosnan and Ms. Sarandon's son), and the other showing the grieving family in a limo following the funeral. The latter shot, which holds for over two minutes, is representative of the entire movie - a family devastated by sudden loss unable to verbally communicate the looming fear and overwhelming sense of numbness. Ms. Feste revealed at the Q and A that there was enormous pressure on her to cut this scene. I, for one, am thankful that it remains in the film.
When Ms. Mulligan arrives unexpectedly (and announces that she is pregnant with the decedent's child), the script unfolds with careful detail to manner and every day circumstance. Ms. Mulligan's character, no stranger to tragedy herself, quietly recognizes a family in crisis, as Mr. Brosnan retreats into his profession (and incessantly associates life's details with its numeric scorecard), and Ms. Sarandon obsessively laments the details of her son's final moments (wondering how much pain was likely associated with his death). One key scene in which Mr. Brosnan accompanies Ms. Mulligan to a party is perfectly acted and sets up an emotional turn from Mr. Brosnan which is nothing less than transcendent.
Despite the wonderful acting performances, some of the scenes in this movie ring false - and I wish that Ms. Feste had further developed the storyline concerning the decedent's brother, who is unfortunately marginalized as the comedic relief. Ms. Feste is nonetheless a talented filmmaker who I will definitely monitor (not unlike Jonathan Levine, who premiered "The Wackness" last year at the festival). Her inspired decision to inter-cut sequences involving the initial encounter between Ms. Mulligan and the decedent and the subsequent turmoil of the decedent's family sans crash is extremely moving without any sense of exploitation.
Overall - this movie is deserving of an audience for the spectacular performances and first-time directorial/writing efforts from Ms. Feste, who added at the screening that she has additional screenplays from her "nanny days" which remain undeveloped.
If you use this review (or any of my subsequent reviews), please call me "Uncle Bukkake." I think said name proclaims class, no?
The Greatest
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Food Shopping - Check!
We wentfiid shopping just now so we have a bit if snacks for the week and actual makings for at least one dinner! Huzzah!
Posted with LifeCast
SUNDANCE 2009 SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
No movies presently scheduled. Travel day. If we want to just get
situated, that is fine. If we want to catch a late movie in the evening,
that is fine too.
WEDNESDAY
We only have one movie. Easy day.
THE GREATEST at 11:30 AM at the Library - This is the Pierce B. - Susan
Sarandon tear-jerker that is getting some buzz.
We can go bar hop after the screening or catch another movie if we wish.
This might be the day to do some Sundance shopping.
THURSDAY
Because of the movies we had on our MUST SEE LIST, this is going to be a
busy day. Sorry. We have 4 movies to take in - but three of the four are
at the Eccles, so we should be close to home.
SHRINK at 9:15 AM at the Eccles - This is the Kevin S. - shrink flick.
ARLEN FABER at 12:15 PM at the Eccles - This is the Jeff Daniels - sci-fi
flick.
BRIEF INTERVIEWS at 5:15 PM at the Racquet Club - This is the John K. (the
Office)-directed film which is supposed to be the highlight of the
festival.
THE INFORMERS at 9:30 PM at the Eccles - This is the Mickey Rourke -
Hollywood/Drug flick.
FRIDAY
We have a mellow Friday with just two movies. No early morning - thank
god.
DARE at 12:15 PM at the Eccles - This is the high school - teen angst
flick.
MOON at 6:15 PM at the Eccles - This is the Sam Rockwell - space flick.
SATURDAY
Another busy day:
COLD SOULS at 8:30 AM at Prospector Square - This is the Paul G. movie
dealing with soul stealing.
FIVE MINUTES OF HEAVEN at 2:15 PM at the Library - This is the Liam N. -
war flick.
At this point - we have time to chill and then go to the PARTY. We have a
late night movie later:
LYMELIFE at 11:30 PM at Prospector Square - This is the Martin Scorsese -
produced movie that has some buzz.
SUNDAY
We are going home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We can post via email now!
Just wanted to say we can post via email now!! Expect frequent posts
from both mike and Jason!!
from both mike and Jason!!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Mikes Excellent Writing Adventure
I'm very happy to announce that mike will be writing reviews of all 10 movies we are attending at sundance 09' for aintitcool.com - be looking for posts from "uncle bukkake" in the near future!!
Posted with LifeCast
Friday, January 16, 2009
Sundance Next Tuesday!!
I am so excited about going to sundance again for the third straight year in a row!
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