Celluloid #112

In Theaters

Heartbeats (2011) Dolan - Super stylish and hipstery take on love and obsession. Two friends - Marie in her 50s-style vintage and Audrey Hepburn updo and gay Francis with his James Dean-inspired haircut and loud pants both lust after the same guy. Nicolas flirts equally with both of them in a way that can be easily construed as being friends. Francis and Marie compete with and undermine each other until a physical fight actually breaks out. I loved the attitude of this film - mean-spirited, neurotic, and totally exaggerated. My only complaint is that the boom mics kept getting in the shot and were quite distracting. 4.5/5

the Taqwacores (2011) Zahra - An interesting premise: a scene of Muslim punks, all dealing with feeling like outcasts from both communities and balancing seemingly contradictory ideologies. Based on a fictional novel presenting punk as a unifying force, but this novel has managed to inspire a real-life scene. Despite the promising subject, the movie is awkward and clumsy due to bad acting and preachy or forced dialogue. Rule #1 in movies: Show Don't Tell. Plus, our protagonist is a hopeless outsider that never makes any real strides in development. 2.5/5

In Home

Carnival of Souls (1962) Harvey - A strange cult movie where a girl somehow survives a crazy car accident then proceeds to become the church organist for a local town. Her neighbor pursues her relentlessly, and even though he's a creep, she hangs with him sometimes because she is scared of the dead-looking dude that randomly pops up. The highlight is the abandoned pavilion where dead couples waltz, and when the girl goes into a "devilish" trance and starts playing crazy music on the organ. 3.5/5

Destiny (1921) Lang - A woman makes a deal with the Grim Reaper that if she can save a life, he will bring her fiance back to life. Three times she tries and either fails or cannot bring herself to sacrifice the life of a baby. Bizarri, bleak, gothic, romantic ending redeems an admittedly confusing story. 3/5

Frenzy (1972) Hitchcock - Hitchcock is known for creepy and stylish thrillers - this film doesn't particularly deliver on either of those qualities. Instead, this is a pretty typical serial killer story where the main character is innocent but his buddy goes around strangling ladies. Few gaggy parts and overall very easy and entertaining to watch. However, I don't see this as very original or memorable. 3.5/5

One-Eyed Jacks (1961) Brando - Rio and Dad used to be bank-robbing buddies until Dad betrays Rio, leaving him stranded in a job gone wrong. After Rio serves five torturous years in prison, he goes looking for revenge on Dad. Dad is now the sheriff of a coastal California town. Married and with a lovely stepdaughter that Rio promptly seduces. For a western, pretty typical, but Rio plays such an extreme antihero (he's so despicable! why does Luisa or anyone ever do anything nice for him?) that it's hard to root for anyone. 3/5

Single White Female (1992) Schroeder - Well done entertaining thriller. Allie and her boyfriend break up because he's a cheater. In order to not give up her rent-controlled apartment, she searches for a female roommate. Hedy moves in and almost immediately becomes possessive and a little off. Her craziness soon gets out of control and at least one person dies as a result. There are some lesbian moments and so many shots of Jennifer Jason Leigh's boobs! (and none of Bridget Fonda's!) Sleazy and over-the-top, but still creepy and engrossing. 4/5

Celluloid #111

In Theaters

Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2011) Weerasethakul - In a Thai film, you come to expect a very slow pace and very lush beautiful scenery. Uncle Boonmee doesn't fail to deliver on those expectations, but also goes somewhere very strange...This film not only includes ghosts (that don't seem to be a big deal), but black Chewbacca-like creatures with red glowing eyes, bestiality, and general permeation of the supernatural. What is initially comically shocking eventually becomes commonplace, and while this essentially plays like a series of dreams, I really ended up enjoying it. 4/5

In Home

Performance (1970) Roeg - Roeg always does an interesting job at incorporating rock stars into his films (Bad Timing with Art Garfunkel, Man Who Fell to Earth - with David Bowie), and this time Mick Jagger gets a fair amount of screen time. A British gangster gets himself into a position where he needs to hide out - and what better place to hide than an apartment full of bohemians. He's freaked out by their free love and drugs, and initially the hippies don't really like him either. That is until they feed him some special mushrooms. Fun and one step above a B-movie. 3.5/5

Who's That Knocking On My Door? (1967) Scorsese - Early movie by Scorsese starring a very young and handsome Harvey Keitel. Mostly a love story between J.R. and a girl he meets on the ferry. However, things go sour when she reveals that she was a rape victim. The movie draws great attention to the gender double standard (he doesn't want to believe her and certainly doesn't want to date her, despite the fact that he has slept around plenty). J.R. wants to make an unfair classification of "broads" vs. "girls you marry." If gender issues doesn't make you interested, there are also a lot of really sexy make-out scenes. 4/5

Celluloid #110

In Home

Badlands (1973) Malick - One of my all-time favorite movies. The landscapes are beautiful and ominous - so much flat and dry and moody sunsets. Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen are great as Kit and Holly, a young couple who goes on a killing spree through South Dakota and Montana. Kit is totally charming in this cool, indifferent way that it's easy to see his appeal to fifteen year-old girls as well as to the cops that eventually catch him. Normally, I do not like voiceovers in movies, but Holly's gives her a character a numb and innocent quality that I find so fascinating. 5/5

the Gold Rush (1925) Chaplin - Another charming Chaplin film where the Little Tramp gets in on the gold rush in Alaska. He doesn't actually look for gold, but frequents the town where everyone is lodged and lives with a couple mountain men. He of course falls for a local girl, who initially makes fun of him. The scene with the fork and rolls dance is great, as is the comedy of the house on the cliff. 4/5

How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It) (2007) Angio - I had no idea what a Renaissance Man Melvin van Peebles is! This documentary covers his life so far (he's 78) and all of its turns. He is most famous for directing, writing, and starring in Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song which jumpstarted the blaxploitation genre. He also wrote four novels in french, directed a film in the 1960s, made several Gil Scott-Heron - styled albums (in fact, influencing Gil), producing a couple Broadway plays, and writing a book about Wall Street. A total ladies' man and throughly entertaining to watch. 4/5

Old Joy (2006) Reichardt - Two old friends go camping and talk about old times, their current lives, and basically nothing. They both seem melancholy and like a wall has built up between them over time. The story itself is pretty boring, and the idea of dissatisfaction in your 30s is nothing new. However, this film is gorgeous if mostly for the recognizably lush Oregon landscapes - enough to make me feel a little nostalgic for the Northwest. 3/5

Celluloid #109

In Home

Carlos (2010) Assayas - If you can imagine watching a five hour plus film (technically broken up into a miniseries now), you really should consider watching this. Carlos Martinez was a terrorist who primarily in the 1970s and 80s committed attacks on Europe in an effort to protest Israeli occupation of Palestine. He also claims to be a part of the "Internationalist Revolution" pertaining to support for Third World countries. This movie is really fascinating because Carlos is such an interesting and complicated character; totally charismatic and quite handsome. Assayas is a director that I often enjoy and that tackles such a variety of topics. This film is great to look at with a pacing that helps this film seem much shorter than its runtime. As a bonus, I also loved the soundtrack, even though the songs often seemed like strange choices other than their ability to tap into some nervous tension (artists featured include: the Feelies, Devo, and Wire). 4.5/5

the Counterfeiters (2007) Ruzowitzky - During the Holocaust, a "professional" counterfeiter is captured after he fucks up in his attempts to copy the dollar. Once taken to the concentration camp, he is separated to be part of a special unit dedicated to forgery. Unfortunately, creating perfect fakes of the British pound may save himself and his fellow jewish prisoners in the short term, but could ultimately tip the balance of the war towards the Nazis favor. Something seemed lacking in this film, and rarely is there a Holocaust-based film that doesn't evoke some emotional response. Also, it just seems a little too "Hollywood-approved foreign film." 3/5

I Fidanzati (1962) Olmi - A man and his longtime girlfriend seem to have reached some sort of lull in their relationship. He decides to take a job in Sicily for a year and a half. While there, he has a little fling, but ultimately realizes that he really wants to be with his girlfriend. Lots of charming scenes, including a really great party. Small town life looks pleasing, but not totally satisfying. 3.5/5

In the Year of the Pig (1968) de Antonio - Documentary about American involvement in the Vietnam War. Incorporates footage (memorably of the burning monk) with interviews of various government officials. All together, it adds up to a harsh, but not undeserved critique of the United States. 3.5/5

Celluloid #108

In Theaters

Kaboom (2010) Araki - While the actual theater-viewing experience was horrible (one man could not stop cackling or yelling inane things, while another man was eating the neverending bag of popcorn in a way that popcorn-chewing has never sounded so disgusting), I still found enjoyment in this admittedly stupid movie. Smith and his lesbian friend Stella are first year college students who have a lot of sex. Mysterious and sometimes supernatural events start to occur, leading them to believe that the world may be coming to an end. 3.5/5

In Home

Alamar (2009) Gonzalez-Rubio - This documentary features very little dialogue, but incredibly beautiful scenery and a fairly touching subject. A man and his wife have a child. After some time, they decide to split up and she decides to take their young son back with her to Spain. Before she leaves, they decide to let the 6 year-old spend a few weeks with his father. Together they paint, spear fish, identify plants and birds, and wrestle around. Nothing much really happens, but it is really great. 4.5/5

Breakin' (1984) Silberg - Fun campy movie where a traditional dancer with proclivities towards ballet befriends some breakdancers. The breakdancers are currently embroiled with another crew, so the three team up to win the battle. Anyway, lots of dancing, bad acting, sorta fashionable clothes, montages, and an awesome soundtrack. 4/5

Careful (1992) Maddin - Too much desire! In an isolated mountain town, there's incest, murder, curses from dead relatives, animals with their vocal chords removed, and the constant fear of an avalanche. Guy Maddin is a master of the dreamy feeling film, and this one is no exception. Pastel light filters, weird saturation of color, and overly shiny things. Despite some confusion over plot and characters, overall I just love Maddin's style. 4/5

the Craft (1996) Fleming - Silly teen film about a group of girls that try to be witches. At first their powers are an uniting force in an environment that belittles girls and where guys always take advantage. After a while, jealousy gets the best of the former leader and the new girl Sara (a natural witch). They use magic to become beautiful, to get revenge, and to make boys fall in love, but the balance is not kept, so there are consequences to bear. 3/5

Flirting (1991) Duigan - Since this movie can be found in the "Cult" section of my local video store, I expected more gags and camp. Instead, what we see is a pretty normal coming-of-age story combined with an interracial teenage love story. It's always enjoyable to root for the underdogs. The only thing I would have changed was leaving out any politics. In addition, you get to see a young Nicole Kidman (looking like an amazon woman) and Naomi Watts (as the ugly girl!) 3.5/5

Hardcore (1979) Schrader - A girl from a religious and conservative family in Michigan goes on a trip with her church to California. Shortly after her arrival, she goes missing only to be discovered in a porno. Her dad goes out to CA to find her, but due to the secretive nature of the porn industry and his square looks, he can't get any information. He basically has to get deeply entrenched in the porn world. I though this was a good '70s style film, but not really as sleazy as I would have imagined. 3.5/5

Persona (1967) Bergman - A former actress has suffered from immense depression or some other mental hangup to warrant a stay in the hospital. She doesn't talk and when her nurse is invited along for her recuperation trip by the sea, she fills the silence with anecdotes revealing all sorts of personal information. Something happens to the women where they don't exactly switch places, but a bleeding of personalities and disorders seems to occur. In Bergman's impressive filmography, his crazy lady psychological thrillers are my favorite. 4.5/5

Stripes (1981) Reitman - Bill Murray stars in this party movie where he and his friend decide to take a break from their dead end lives to have some fun in the ARMY! Unfortunately this film hasn't aged the best. The jokes aren't funny and there's a weird problem with a premature story climax. I guess at least excessive boob shots are always a popular choice...3/5

Test Pattern #6

America's Next Top Model (Cycle 15) - The high fashion cycle! (all though apparently cycle 16 will be a high fashion cycle). This cycle was good for all of the weirdos...big boobs Ester, spunky lesbian Kayla, the beautiful but shy Kendall, but there was never a doubt that the gangly awkward Ann would win the whole thing...I hope there's a little more tension next round.

Bored to Death (Season 1) - Hipster detective stories. I really like Jason Schwartzman. I think he's cute and weird and endearing. I've never really had a crush on him before, but this show makes it really hard to avoid. Basically "Jonathan" puts out a craigslist ad, offering his unprofessional detective services and occasionally people respond. He's also recently dumped and suffers from drinking too much white wine. Zach Galifinakis is enjoyable as is Ted Danson.

Caprica (Season 1) - Caprica was never going to be as good as the show it spun off from (Battlestar Galactica) but the season got kinda fucked by taking a long hiatus in the middle. This is the story of how cylons came into existence, but also features a heavy plotline focused on virtual reality. The religious differences between the colonies are more apparent than ever, and much drama stems from a fundamentalist monotheist group. There's a lot conceptually that could have worked for the show, but I have to admit that I got bored after a while, and I guess everyone else did too because it's been cancelled.

Dexter (Season 5) - Julia Stiles looks like a Cabbage Patch doll. I seriously got tired if seeing her every episode because she's not a good actor either. While I don't think this season was anywhere near the greatness of season 4, I did appreciate the break from the usual plot pattern.

Louie (Season 1) - Famously, I am known for not being into jokes and stand-up, so I was quite surprised to find myself enjoying Louis CK's new show. It helps that most of the twenty minute episodes are in skit format, and that Louis does a great job with self-deprecation and being a sympathetic slob.

Mad Men (Season 4) - The smaller version of Sterling Cooper was doing just fine, then the primary account, Lucky Strike decides to discontinue business. Of course this news hits everyone hard. Meanwhile, Don is dealing with being a divorcee and pursues a couple relationships. Betty continues to be a bitch. Peggy continues to be successful at her job, but less so in her personal life. Her friendship with Don is interesting and complex. Joan is back and I am worried for her for next season. The true star of the fourth season is Sally. She's approaching adolescence, the child of a broken home, and confused about the world. Every episode that featured her was a treat. For a more professional take on the show, read this article by Daniel Mendelsohn that just came out today.

Sons of Anarchy (Season 3) - Jax and his crew need to rescue his son from the IRA and somehow protect Gemma from ATF for a crime she didn't commit. I think this season spent way too much time in Ireland, but I am happy to see some characters meet their violent ends. Jax, Opie, and some of the more peace-oriented guys seem to be backing down from that position. It will be interesting to see if the action is upped next season.

Ugly Betty (Seasons 1-4) - While in Argentina on vacation, I got hooked on Betty Suarez and her great family and snotty work friends. This show had never really been on my radar before, but as something on in English to watch before going out..the best. After vacation, I had to watch the whole series. So melodramatic with the most ridiculous plots imaginable, but it's too hard not to love what you see here.

Celluloid #107

In Theaters

Biutiful (2010) Inarritu - Critics seem to be lambasting this film for two main reasons: 1.) It's too long (which I can agree with...a good 30 minutes probably could have been shaved) and 2.) It's too depressing. To the second point, I don't really care. This is Inarritu's best film since Amores Perros. I think Inarritu has a problem with moralizing, but at least this time, he has kept the focus on one compelling character rather than his usual gimmick of intertwining lofty global narratives. Bardem's praise is deserved for his portrayal of a man involved in low-level crime, yet always trying to do the right thing, especially when it comes to his children. The list of obstacles is almost comical as they reach Book of Job proportions: bipolar estranged wife, problems with immigrants, financial hardship, and oh yeah, terminal cancer. However, this is still a really gorgeous film with interesting imagery and I found it to be a huge improvement over Babel. 3.5/5

Rabbit Hole (2010) Mitchell - Parents dealing with the death of a child could have easily entered well-worn cliched territory, but instead John Cameron Mitchell departs from his homosexual and sex-positive stories to bring this unsentimental portrayal to life. Becca and Howie have each found their own secret ways to cope with their loss (domesticity and regular chats with the accidental killer or attending group therapy and smoking a lot of weed). The film doesn't go for any easy tears, and I was surprised at how much I liked what I saw. 4/5

In Home

Dogtooth (2009) Lanthimos - A strange Greek family. The three children, all in their late teens or twenties, have been shut off from the rest of the world. Only the father can leave their lush compound. They learn alternate vocabulary for problematic words (ex. "telephone" means salt) and the parents lie to them constantly. The dad brings in an outsider, a female security guard from his work, to satisfy his son's sexual needs. After a couple meetings, sex begins to permeate the house in a disturbing yet somehow innocent way. From there, some scenes get really graphic and dark, venturing into Michael Haneke territory. Maybe it sounds horrifying, but I thought this film was so stylish and interesting...the best thing I have seen for a while. 4.5/5

Last Tango in Paris (1972) Bertolucci - An American whose French wife has just killed herself and a young woman with a dumb boyfriend both look at the same vacant apartment. For some inexplicable reason, they spontaneously have sex. Marlon Brando as Paul is a total jerk and abuses Jeanne. I guess we are supposed to root for them, but ultimately I couldn't buy into Jeanne really being into this dude. She's young and hot, and maybe not the smartest, but at least seems like she needs someone who will at least pay attention to her, and Paul seems like the worst option. I was into the ending and the tango scene is really great...it just seems too fickle or rushed in the plotting to finish things up. 3.25/5