Tag Archives: Drama

DVD

Being John Malkovich, DVD

Being John Malkovich, 1999

Being John Malkovich 3

What?  That is right, an entire film about literally becoming John Malkovich.  Not being like him.  Actually taking over his body.

This film is inspired by puppeteers.  John Cusack’s character is a puppeteer and discovers a tiny door that leads into John Malkovich’s mind, the actual John Malkovich.  Cameron Diaz’s character is John Cusack’s character’s girlfriend and pushes him to take this too far.

They take over John Malkovich’s life as well as his body.  It is a crazy concept and makes you think about the ethical ramifications.

I give this one a 5/5.

If you want to see more go to IMBD.

DVD

Juno, DVD

Juno, 2007

Juno 4

Juno, Ellen Page, decides to have sex with her friend.  She gets pregnant and now has to deal with the situation.  A pregnant teenager in Minnesota, what is she to do?

Give the baby to a loving family of course, but she doesn’t just give the child up.  No she goes out and finds the right family to raise her child.  Getting the know the baby’s future parents and dealing with the pregnancy is a big deal for Juno.

J.K. Simmons as the dad is great.

For a movie about a pregnant teen this has a great story to it.  Ellen Page gives a great performance.  You will love this movie.

I give this one a 5/5.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

King of California, DVD

King of California, 2007

King's of California 2

This is one of those diamonds in the rough films.

Her father is crazy and just getting out of a mental institution.  There are Asians washing up on the beach.  There is Spanish gold buried in California.  Her dad knows where to find it.

This movie is great.  Michael Douglas and Evan Wood are at the top of their game.  Watch and enjoy, really.  This is a crazy story.  It all ties together.  It is just overall well done.

I give this one a 5/5.

To see more go to IMBD.

DVD

Smart People, DVD

Smart People, 2008

Smart People 1

I believe this film is written by a liberal who believes this is exactly how Republicans behave.  This is not a political film, but some of the actions in the film will leave you scratching your head.

Move past the slightly unrealistic writing and get to the actual story on this one.  The idiocracy of smart people and their lazy brother/uncle.  Thomas Haden Church as the brother gives a nice contrast to the self absorbed Professor, Denise Quaid.  Ellen Page does pretty well as the too intelligent for her own good daughter.

This is a  movie about a dysfunctional family with some members with high intelligence, but not necessarily socially function behaviors.

For its uniqueness this movie has something, but it isn’t a great movie.

I give this one a 3.5/5.

For more information go to IMBD.

DVD

The Invisible, DVD

The Invisible, 2007

A young man, Nick Powell, is beaten and left for dead.  He is left in a limbo and only Annie can hear him.  We watch these two try to solve his murder and possibly save his life.

It is a strange premise.  It also it a lie.  The invisible is about a kid who is invisible in life and in near death.  You know you should care about him, but what about him is worth missing?  Is he alive or is he dead, who cares?  And Anne, sigh, oh Anne, wow, not sure what to say about her.

This is well filmed, but dull.  The premise is kind of interesting.  There is nothing good about this film, but at the same time nothing all that bad.  I just really wish it made me care more.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch this, but it makes pretty good background noise.

I would give this a simple 3/5.

To find out more go to IMDB.

The Invisible sketch
The Invisible sketch
DVD

Proof, DVD

Proof, 2005

This is a fine performance by Gwyneth Paltrow.  Anthony Hopkins and Jake Gyllenhaal do their parts, but Gwyneth really nails this roll.

Gwyneth Paltrow plays Cathrine who just lost her father and needs to face her owns demons.  There are lots of flash backs and you need to pay attention.

This is an intellectual movie centered around a math proof, but in reality it is a lot more.  This is a drama so it can be slow at times.  There are also math jokes.

4/5 for this one.  Overall this is a well directed movie, the story is interesting, the acting is good, it isn’t great, but it is better than average.  Keep in mind it is a drama.

If you want to know more check out the information at IMDB.

proof sketch
proof sketch