In a TIFF » DJM

Review: A Serious Man

DJM — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:03:45 +0000

The latest work from the Coen brothers is a lot more like Fargo and a lot less like No Country For Old Men. It’s a grass-roots story set in a Jewish community in suburban Minnesota in the late 1960s. The Serious Man in the title seems like a normal, typical, nice guys whose world starts crashing down around him. This is a story of faith as much as anything else. Despite the compounding problems of the main character he keeps true to his Jewish beliefs and even though easy outs are readily available he still strives to do the right thing. But this loveable looser just can’t catch a break (in true Coen brothers fashion).

I think this film will appeal to die hard Coen brothers fans and the Jewish community. Otherwise I think it’s a little too far off the mark for mainstream audiences. If people were pissed with the ending of No Country For Old Men, then they’ll really feel cheated with the abrupt, Sopranos-esk cut to black of A Serious Man.

Derek’s grade: C

Review: Suck

DJM — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:02:35 +0000

This is one of the best Canadian movies I’ve ever seen. It’s not going to win an Oscar, but it was great nonetheless. It’s about a struggling rock band whose hot female bass player becomes a vampire. Her abilities begin drawing notice of the few fans attending the gigs and suddenly the band’s popularity explodes.

This is a very tongue-in-cheek comedy about both vampires and the music industry. It’s got a lot of laughs and a lot of inside jokes. A lot of recognizable musicians make excellent cameos (Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Henry Rollins and Moby). The story is great, the performances are strong and the music is excellent. Throw the whole vampire thing in there and you have a hit movie.

This film has one of the best vampire deaths ever. You’ll have to see it to judge for yourself.

Derek’s Grade: A

Review: Daytrippers

DJM — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:01:56 +0000

This movie was great. Set in 2019 the world’s population has been infected by vampirism. Only 5% of the human population remains human and most of them are harvested for their blood. Society has advanced considerably now that everyone is a vampire, but everything takes place at night. Homes and offices have no windows and cars are equipped with daytime shielding and cameras.

Our hero (played by Ethan Hawke) is a scientist working for the corporation that supplies the world with blood (lead by Sam Neil). While Hawk’s character attempts to synthesis human blood, the vampire society is on the verge on collapse as the dwindling supply of humans die. But Hawke is a reluctant vampire and is sympathetic to humans. He meets a human who has been cured of his vampirism (played by Willim Dafoe) and together they try to create a cure that can be massed produced.

This film is a good balance of sci-fi, horror and action thriller. The look and style of the move reminded me a lot of the original Matrix and Minority Report. Expect this one to hit mainstream theaters and when it does go see it. You’ll be glad you did.

Derek’s grade: A

Review: Last Ride

DJM — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:00:06 +0000

Kev (played by Hugo Weaving) and his son (played by newcomer Tom Russell) take an impromptu road trip. As the story unfolds we learn that Weaving’s character is an ex-con with a temper. We get the sense that the two are on the run even though the boy isn’t aware of it in the beginning.

Realizing that his recent actions will send him to prison and away from his son, Kev takes his son on a one last road trip. Kev has clearly not been the worlds greatest father and he uses this trip to try and make up for that. He also tries to teach his son some important life lessons along the way.

The boy begins to understand why they’re taking the trip about the same time we learn how much of an ass the father really is. Although his motive may be pure in this instance, usually he finds trouble around every corner.

The film is slow, but the performances were excellent. Weaving again demonstrates his incredible range as a dead-beat dad. You forget that he played such different characters in The Adventures of Pricilla Queen of the Desert, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings. If this film had a little more flash I’d expect Weaving to get nominated for awards come year end. Unfortunately I don’t think that will happen with this Australian film.

Derek’s Grade: B-

Review: Backyard

DJM — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:18:10 +0000

Based on a true story, Backyard is at its core a murder-mystery. But why just make a murder mystery when you can shine a spotlight on a real-life atrocity that are not getting the media attention they deserves? This film brings the atrocities happening in Mexico and other thired world countries to the forefront. The number of sex-related murders against women committed in Mexico is unbelievable.

The film has top-notch production values and great performances (especially from Ana de la Reguera best known to North American audiences from her role in the Jack Black comedy, Nacho Libre). Jimmy Smits has a small role as a dodgy character which certainly gives this film some additional star power.

The film ends with some staggering statistic about the number of murdered women in third world countries around the world. It’s kind of hard to applaud the movie when they end it on that kind of reality-shock, downer. Overall this was a good movie with a powerful message.

Derek’s grade: B+

Review: Dirty Saints

DJM — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:17:25 +0000

This movie was terrible. When I read the description and saw the “post-apocalyptic” description I got very excited. But as it turns out this was the post-apocalyptic genre movie I was expectant. I don’t understand why the film was called Dirty Saints. It is the tale of six very different people, possibly the only remaining survivors in an area devastated by war, as they try to return to humanity and civilization. There is very little dialogue in this film, but loads of imagery and metaphor. It’s a film studies professor’s wet dream, but for the movie-going masses it boring and slow. If you have a ticket for this film I’d strongly recommend that you trade it in for something else.

Derek’s grade: F

Review: The Informant!

DJM — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:16:38 +0000

If you’ve seen the trailer for this movie then you’ve only glimpsed act one of a two act play. I expected the majority of this move to be Matt Damon undercover, but that’s really just the first act. The second act (and a full half of the movie) is the fallout and reproductions of Damon’s whistle blowing. I didn’t dislike this film, but I have a hard time recommending it.

The direction was great. This is Steven Soderbergh at his best. Matt Damin did a fantastic job and may even see some love come awards season. But the movie itself, especially the second act, was too slow and dragged on way too long. I’m sure this will find some measure of success simply because of the A-list talent associated with it, but it’s just an average movie at best.

Derek’s grade: B-

Review: Cleanflix

DJM — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:55:25 +0000

This documentary explores the entrepreneurial brilliance of a few guys from Utah who realized that there was a whole pile of money to be made by editing Hollywood blockbusters and removing the sex, violence, and morally questionably content. The documentary covers the expected topics of censorship, freedom of speech, religious convictions, and artistic integrity. The real-players involved in the thick of things make the story even more interesting. Many famous directors provide great comments on both sides of this issue.

The two co-directors introduced this film personally, and one of the guy actually began to cry because he was so thrilled to be premiering the film. It’s this kind of genuine emotional display that makes TIFF great.

DJM grade: A-