#224 - Don Jon (2013) Review & Analysis

Don Jon (2013), Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3.5/ 5

When I first saw the trailer for this film I instantly lost interest thinking this was going to be one more mainstream comedy about a lothario who finds love in the typical romantic comedy style. When I first started watching it I was still a little dubious, but it's humorous style in editing, use of voice over and sound captured my interest pretty quickly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jon plays a really convincing womaniser stepping away from his traditional hipster romantic type cast role. Instead he embraces this role of a nice guy who loves porn and explores his relationships with women. For the most part it's pretty accurate about relationships and it's pretty funny. It was great to see Scarlett Johansson and Gordon-Levitt play across from each other in these different roles. The way they play these Italian-American style characters really reminded me of The Sopranos even down to specifically Tony and Carmella, but of course there wasn't the same depth of development. Showing the frustrations of being in a committed relationship in a genuine way, that isn't arduous, but is instead are funny. You really find yourself on Jon's side for a lot of the movie and it's interesting to see his story arc. Especially since unlike other movies there's no montage of the token supporting characters story lines about their relationships. Instead it's really solidly focused on Jon's arc which is great. For the most part I thought it was pretty sex positive in this movie, but I found the ending to be a little too neat and brought into cliche somewhat and returned to a somewhat sex negative approach. Overall this is a pretty funny film that deals with some interesting issues, and while it isn't a deep drama it was very enjoyable to watch.

#223 - Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) Review

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), Ethan and Joel Coen
3/5

The Coen brothers latest feature is pretty interesting, but perhaps not their best work in my opinion. With a really slow pace it focuses on the winding life of a folk singer trying to make it. Some may find the slow pace and lack of typical story ark kind of arduous and pretentious, but I quite liked this quirky story. It defies your expectations at every turn and it's humorous in a dry way rather than laugh out loud.

#222 - I love you, Man (2009) Review

I love you, Man (2009), John Hamburg
3/5

A funny and charming film. Good performances and Jason Segel is a favourite comedic actor of mine. It mimics the romantic comedy genre and is pretty truthful. It's great to see the male friendship being re-kindled in film. Overall pretty light hearted with some good laughs.

#221 - Boy, Interrupted (2009) Review

Boy, Interrupted (2009), Dana Heiz Perry
3.5/5

This is a heart wrenching documentary of a young boy suffering with severe mental illness and the struggle of their family. Includes many interviews and looks at the past including different treatments that were tried. Incredibly sad and hard to watch but an interesting eye opener to childhood mental illness.

#220 - Broken Flowers (2005) Review

Broken Flowers (2005), Jim Jarmusch
3.5/5

A strange and absurd film that feels like an old detective film, and is an oddball comedy. Bill Murray is great in this restrained role in this mid-life crisis character that is reflecting over his life. It has a great supporting cast dominated by strong female actors. This isn't a typical comedy, it has a very dry understated humour. Overall not really mainstream but a really interesting film which reminds me of films like Rushmore, The Royal Tennenbaums and Moonrise Kingdom (all directed by Wes Anderson) as well as The Squid and the Whale (Noah Baumbach).

#219 - Sex and the City (2010) Review

Sex and the City (2010), Michael Patrick King
2/5

Much more ridiculous than the first film. This film suffers from too much budget and the glossiness overrides any of the supposed portrayal of women. It's over the top with elaborate scenes including dance numbers and songs. Overall a lot of fluff and no substance to speak of.

#218 - Sex and the City (2008) Review and Analysis

Sex and the City (2008), Michael Patrick King
2.5/5

After my initial reaction of loathing and feminist outrage at this sappy romantic film that follows on from the hit television show I have come to appreciate it somewhat. It pretty much starts where the 6th season of the show finished and while it is predictable it retains some of it's edginess from the very beginnings of the show in the 90s. At first glance it has turned into it's polar opposite spouting the perks of monogamy, marriage, and children and it certainly is to a degree. However it still strives to retain some essence of underscoring the reality versus the fairytale and the fact that women can be happy alone or without children. The ending seems to beget that premise, but the ending actually perfectly rejects it by depicting a non-traditional style fairytale ending. Having said that, it still does end with all the loose ends tied up perfectly continuing the romantic paradigm of man-woman-child and the dominant understanding of women in society. Putting it in perspective this is a large bit of fluff and has disseminated from it's original edginess with frank and "vulgar" discussions of their intimate sex lives that was somewhat groundbreaking from television standards of the time.

#217 - Kung Fu Hustle (2004) Review

Kung Fu Hustle (2004), Stephen Chow
3/5

An absolutely ridiculous mash up of stuff from Kung Fu, amazing wire work, comedy and more. This film reminds me in it's mis-matched genres very much like Big Trouble in Little China. The acting is beautifully over the top melodramatic and the fights are great. The devil is in the details in this film with lots of laughs in small moments that will keep you going back for more.

#216 - Machete Kills (2013) Review

Machete Kills (2013), Robert Rodriguez
3.5/5

Utterly ridiculous this film is amazingly fun to watch. It even tops the first film (Machete) with both it's kill count and the method of kills to absurd proportions. With a highly regarded cast (as per usual in a Rodriguez film) that doesn't disappoint. Cast includes a humorous Mel Gibson, Walt Goggins (for fans of The Shield) Lady Gaga as basically herself, and her flamboyancy fits well with the subject matter and many more great names. With lots of loughs at the crazy plot, both paying homage and parodying the action genre beautifully while at the same time retaining some small funny moments as well. Definitely on my top list of 2013 films, and a must see for Rodriguez and neo-exploitation fans.

#215 - Seeking a friend for the End of the World (2012) Review

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012), Lorene Scafaria
3.5/5

Funny, absurd, truthful. This is a cute little film and the performances from Steve Carell and Kiera Knightley are subtle and humorous. While the premise might seem morbid it is actually really a great oddball quirky romantic comedy.

#214 - American Hustle (2013) Review

American Hustle (2013), David O. Russell
2/5

Awful acting, awful writing, awful music choice, just plain awful. This movie is such a disppointment to such a great genre. It has nothing on Sopranos which granted you may ask how can you compare 6 seasons to 2hrs of film, but even the worst 50 minute episode of Sopranos was far better than this film. Another great film that surpasses this is Scarface. For me, the worst aspect of the film is the casting choice and it's beyond me why Louis C. K. is in this film at all, and every one of the "big name" cast were terrible with sloppy accents, with Christian Bale being the one exception and he was only just good. And that's saying a lot considering I'm not a Christian Bale fan. Overall the plot was uninteresting and not very stimulating and like the many revealing dresses in the film, it revealed too much and had no class.

#213 - The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) Review

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), Ben Stiller
3.5/5

Great at the beginning this is an awkward, quirky and funny film. While it does devolve a bit in the middle into cliche it peaks at the end. Overall a surprisingly good film from Ben Stiller.

#210 - The Big Chill (1983) Review

The Big Chill (1983), Lawrence Kasdan
4/5

Depressing, moving, funny this is a great film with a stellar ensemble cast. It has a dark edge to the humour and it is subtly played by the high calibre actors.

# 212- The Tracey Fragments (2007) Review

The Tracey Fragments (2007), Bruce McDonald
1/5

Awful, just awful, pretentious, bad cinematography that's meant to feel "artsy" but comes off looking like a really bad cheap student film. Ellen Page plays the overwrought and overacted "Juno" type character but with way less charm and humour. I confess this film was just too distracting with it's multiscreen/ split screens that I couldn't make it through the whole film.

# 211 - Wilbur wants to kill himself (2002) Review

Wilbur wants to kill himself (2002), Lone Scherfig
3.5/5

A surprisingly comedic and heartfelt film. Good performances and while it is a strange film with a seemingly morbid edge it is funny and warm. Overall a really nice film.

#209 - The Beaver (2011) Review

The Beaver (2011), Jodie Foster
4/5

A really interesting unique story exploring depression. Mel Gibson gives a stunning performance alongside Jodie Foster who also directs this film beautifully with subtle, yet interesting cinematography and set design. Her character acts as the audience mouthpiece, voicing the concerns and questions that are rational. However the story follows Walter (Mel Gibson) and his attempts at healing his own depression, which seems a bizarre way to the rest of the characters and audience. The subplot involving the son doesn't seem that relevant and perhaps could have been edited out. It beautifully conveys both the distress of depression, while also highlighting the madness of society in general. Overall a surprisingly evolved, realistic and compassionate look at mental illness without sinking into cliche and stereotype.

#208 - Some Like it Hot (1959) Review

Some Like it Hot (1959), Billy Wilder
3.5/5

Truly brilliant this film is so funny and lots of fun. The performances are melodramatic to hilarious affect. The sexism and gender roles get twisted with interesting affect for the time. Great performance from the sex icon, Marilyn Monroe. Overall just a whole lot of fun and a great comedy.

#207 - Rebel without a cause (1955) Review

Rebel without a cause (1955), Nicholas Ray
3/5

While this is a classic, the story is rather arduous and ridiculous at times and overly lengthy. However, it is in many ways iconic and James Dean gives a great performance.

#206 - The Graduate (1967) Review

The Graduate (1967), Mike Nichols
3.5/5

A great piece of dramatic cinema with really interesting visual style. While it is a predictable drama, it is well written and shot making this a classic film.

Year in Review - The Best Films of 2013

1. Before Midnight (2013), Richard Linklater - 4/5

The third instalment in this relationship drama (Before Midnight and Before Sunset) brings together once again, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy and Richard Linklater. In true form, the writing is smart and witty. If overtly laden with meaning and also pretentiously intellectual. Amongst this I think the film and the characters (brilliantly played by Hawke and Delpy) which have great chemistry and drama that feels authentic. They delve into the same issues that they've confronted throughout the three films as well as dealing with getting older and the complexities of their lives now. These films definitely improve with age and this film is real and bitterly funny at times, but also authentically frustrating at times.

2. Lovelace (2013), Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman - 4/5

This excellent and disturbing film follows the intriguing and infamous public and private life of porn star Linda Lovelace. Amanda Seyfried is excellent as Linda supported by a great cast. The film isn't overly dramatic, but it is disturbingly believable. While the film doesn't feel like it has any overall agenda, rather it delves into Linda's personal experience, which is subtly portrayed and doesn't revert to voice over or other simplistic means. Instead it uses back and forth jumps in timeline to convey this fractured and interesting story. Overall the film focuses on the tension of the very public portrayal and inner experience of "Linda Lovelace" i.e. Linda Boreman. This is an excellent drama, with great visuals and performances.

3. The East (2013), Zal Batmanglij - 4/5

Don't be fooled by the poster, this is an intense thriller a notch above the rest. Starring Brit Marling (Another Earth) as Jane/ Sarah an intelligence agent assigned to infiltrate an eco-terror group this is an ethically and emotionally ponderous film. While the plot is relatively predictable Marling's performance gives the whole story an authentic emotional centre and you find yourself really drawn in. The visuals are good and the dialogue quite restrained, allowing the visuals and performances to tell the story. While the scenes with the cult seem outlandish to begin with, it's pretty tame in comparison to depictions of cults like that in Martha Marcy May Marlene (2012). The supporting cast is excellent including Alexander Skarsgard (best known for his role in True Blood), Ellen Page (Hard Candy, Juno) who is surprisingly restrained, Patricia Clarkson (Vicki Christina Barcelona) who takes a break from her usual bubbly or excitable roles for this more restrained, cold and corporate look and Jason Ritter (Good Dick) who plays Jane/ Sarah's real life boyfriend. On the whole, a really interesting film and although it had some obvious plot flaws the subject matter and performances are enjoyable and intense.

4. Upstream Colour (2013), Steve Carruth - 3.5/5

This film is probably too strange for mainstream audiences, with it's minimal dialogue and disjointed plot. However it uses visuals in a stunning way, with repeated images complemented with amplified sounds make this film a sensory experience. The plot is circuitous and is a psychological thriller that doesn't make much sense. It highlights themes such as the fragmented and changing nature of memory and how that is connected to memory. Overall as strange and compelling film with amazing performances.

5. Blackfish (2013), Gabriela Cowperthwaite - 3.5/5

A stunning and thoroughly disturbing documentary about the terrible confinement of killer whales in theme parks. Not only that the documentary also focuses on the spate of "accidents" and deaths of trainers of orca's. While the interviews and agenda are mainly one sided, it does show a good deal of footage demonstrating their points about the mistreatment of both orca's and their trainers. Overall just a disturbing and heartbreaking film. 

6. Drinking Buddies (2013), Joe Swanberg - 3.5/5

While this is a low key quirky film it is the performances that really cement it as a great character study. It focuses on best friends Kate (Olivia Wilde, Butter) and Luke (Jake Johnson, New Girl,Safety not guaranteed). On the whole it's a small film, but it's charming and humorous and has substance. There's truth and authenticity in the story, while it is understated and doesn't fall into cliche or melodrama. Overall the performances just give it such a familiar feel as if you know these people or they could be some of your friends.

7. Side Effects (2013), Steven Soderbergh - 3.5/5

This is a surprisingly excellent psychological thriller. The performances are excellent by Rooney Mara who plays Emily and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Dr. Siebert. Jude Law and Channing Tatum are average at best and this film is really dominated by the female characters. Exploring some interesting themes it is beautifully shot and not overly dramatised. The writing is great and the twists a little obvious, but still intriguing to capture your interest. The first 2 acts are great and it comes a bit apart by the third. Overall a beautifully shot excellent psychological thriller.

8. Machete Kills (2013), Robert Rodriguez - 3.5/5

Utterly ridiculous this film is amazingly fun to watch. It even tops the first film (Machete) with both it's kill count and the method of kills to absurd proportions. With a highly regarded cast (as per usual in a Rodriguez film) that doesn't disappoint. Cast includes a humorous Mel Gibson, Walt Goggins (for fans of The Shield) Lady Gaga as basically herself, and her flamboyancy fits well with the subject matter and many more great names. With lots of loughs at the crazy plot, both paying homage and parodying the action genre beautifully while at the same time retaining some small funny moments as well. Definitely on my top list of 2013 films, and a must see for Rodriguez and neo-exploitation fans.

9. Don Jon (2013), Joseph Gordon-Levitt - 3.5/ 5

When I first saw the trailer for this film I instantly lost interest thinking this was going to be one more mainstream comedy about a lothario who finds love in the typical romantic comedy style. When I first started watching it I was still a little dubious, but it's humorous style in editing, use of voice over and sound captured my interest pretty quickly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jon plays a really convincing womaniser stepping away from his traditional hipster romantic type cast role. Instead he embraces this role of a nice guy who loves porn and explores his relationships with women. For the most part it's pretty accurate about relationships and it's pretty funny. It was great to see Scarlett Johansson and Gordon-Levitt play across from each other in these different roles. The way they play these Italian-American style characters really reminded me of The Sopranos even down to specifically Tony and Carmella, but of course there wasn't the same depth of development. Showing the frustrations of being in a committed relationship in a genuine way, that isn't arduous, but is instead are funny. You really find yourself on Jon's side for a lot of the movie and it's interesting to see his story arc. Especially since unlike other movies there's no montage of the token supporting characters story lines about their relationships. Instead it's really solidly focused on Jon's arc which is great. For the most part I thought it was pretty sex positive in this movie, but I found the ending to be a little too neat and brought into cliche somewhat and returned to a somewhat sex negative approach. Overall this is a pretty funny film that deals with some interesting issues, and while it isn't a deep drama it was very enjoyable to watch.

10. Stoker (2013), Chan-Wook Park - 3.5/5

From the director of Lady Vengeance (2005) and I'm a Cyborg, but that's ok (2006) comes this powerfully atmospheric and sensual thriller. The performances are mostly good, especially Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, 2010) who plays the main character India opposite Nicole Kidman who plays her mother Evie. However, the strength of this film is it's cinematography by Chung-hoon Chung long time film partner with director Chan-Wook Park and the art and sound design. Each frame is remarkably edited by Nicolas de Toth (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 2009). There is an impeccable eery quality to the film from the very beginning. The visual imagery is just stunning, using soft camera movements in contrast with sharp cuts as well as the use of reflections which are just some of the reasons this film is a visual feast. The use of POV's and the emphasis of sound are paired with editing to match India's (Mia Wasikowska) perceptions, focalising her experience as the experience as that of the audience. In spite of the gorgeous visual style and sound design, the plot is rather predictable and implausible despite the restrained tight dialogue. Overall Chan-Wook Park brings he's very unique and exquisite style to the film, lifting it above what might have been just another trashy predictable Hollywood thriller.

11. Computer Chess (2013), Andrew Bujalski - 3.5/5

This hilariously awkward film from the mumblecore director Andrew Bujalski (Funny Haha, Mutual Appreciation, Beeswax) brings a whimsical and warm note to something that could have been dry and all too nerd centric. Focusing on the dawn of the computer age, the film is set at the computer chess tournament in the 1980s in a hotel, this seminal point in history is awkwardly portrayed alongside ageing hippies and the naiveté and hopes of the technological advances. Filmed as a quasi documentary in black and white, true to form Bujalski has created a film that focuses on a select group of people and in this case a subculture that is both humorous and telling. While it has a great nostalgia about it for those who grew up in that time it is also highly accessible and funny. It also satisfies those who prefer a rougher video look, in todays age of high definition and blu ray quality. This film isn't Bujalski's best work, as it fails to hit some of the more poignant notes explored in Mutual Appreciation  and Funny Ha Ha, but it does however show a great tenderness and more humour in both the writing and the visuals that is really enjoyable. If you missed it at MIFF it's definitely worth a watch for all those fans of 80s computers and anyone who just loves a funny film.

12. Paris-Manhattan (2013), France, Sophie Lellouche - 3.5/5

This is a really nice light hearted film focusing on Alice (Alice Taglioni, The Pink Panther) an odd young woman obsessed with Woody Allen. Alice is quirky and funny which compensates for the rather generic romantic comedy plot. Much of the film is a homage to Woody Allen and his films, even down to Alice's reflections talking to her poster of Woody Allen. Overall it's a sweet and funny film, not too serious or deep.

13. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), Ben Stiller - 3.5/5

Great at the beginning this is an awkward, quirky and funny film. While it does devolve a bit in the middle into cliche it peaks at the end. Overall a surprisingly good film from Ben Stiller.

14. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), Ethan and Joel Coen - 3/5

The Coen brothers latest feature is pretty interesting, but perhaps not their best work in my opinion. With a really slow pace it focuses on the winding life of a folk singer trying to make it. Some may find the slow pace and lack of typical story ark kind of arduous and pretentious, but I quite liked this quirky story. It defies your expectations at every turn and it's humorous in a dry way rather than laugh out loud.

#205 - Blackfish (2013) Review

Blackfish (2013), Gabriela Cowperthwaite

3.5/5

A stunning and thoroughly disturbing documentary about the terrible confinement of killer whales in theme parks. Not only that the documentary also focuses on the spate of "accidents" and deaths of trainers of orca's. While the interviews and agenda are mainly one sided, it does show a good deal of footage demonstrating their points about the mistreatment of both orca's and their trainers. Overall just a disturbing and heartbreaking film. 

#204 - Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) Classic Review & Analysis

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Blake Edwards
3.5/5

A great romantic classic with the beautiful Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly the shallow manic pixie dream girl who befriends sensitive writer Paul Varjack (George Peppard). A light humorous film with great performances despite it's dated racist and sexist references.

Analysis

***Spoilers***

Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) may seem to be forward for the time the film was made, but she merely represents the female stereotype of a flighty naive and promiscuous woman. It has all the classic romantic comedy scenes including the party, and the extended date sequence. 

Holly dressed in a man's tuxedo shirt represents both her promiscuity and her adoption of male independence while incorporating femininity. 

The film is quite provocative and suggestive in nature with numerous scenes in which Hepburn is scantily clad or undressed in towels, or night gowns. She even invites herself into bed with Paul whom she calls "Fred". Issues of identity are brought up as neither main character is referred to by their real names. Holly Golightly is revealed to be Lula Mae Barnes and she refers to Paul as Fred because he reminds her of her brother. Holly is portrayed as flirtatious and frivolous, also the dramatic and neurotic type who is bubbly one minute and then destroys her apartment when she learns of her brothers death, or gets blind drunk after her ex-husband leaves. 

Holly and Fred wearing stolen masks

Also, Holly lives on the wealth of rich men, with no real furniture and possession and a cat named "cat". These three characters Holly, Fred and Cat are merely placeholders for characters in the genre. On the other hand Paul represents the typical white male stereotype of the sensitive writer, also he is somewhat ironic as he quotes a review of his writing from the New York Times "Mainly they're angry sensitive, intensely felt, and that dirties of all dirty words - promising". Here this dialogue seems to be a self-conscious reflection of the character trope of the sensitive male love interest. In the end a flirtatious wild spirited woman is transformed into the traditional good woman by conforming to male standards of marriage and role, by uniting with Paul in favour of love rather than money. This theme of identity is exemplified by the image of the two lovers wearing masks (see above). In addition this demonstrates how at the resolution both have taken off their metaphorical "masks" where Paul demands that he loves her in the library saying "My name isn't Fred it's Paul Varjack...", but it isn't until the end where Holly admits "I'm not Holly. I'm not Lula Mae, either. I don't know who I am! I'm like Cat here, a couple of no name slobs. We belong to nobody and nobody belongs to us. We don't even belong to each other."

Paul, Holly and Cat unite

This image supports this notion nicely as the trope of man, woman and child is reunited, with Cat the placeholder representing the child (which implies the inevitable of marriage and children). Disappointingly this continues the notion that wild independent women eventually conform to the will of males becoming what the patriarchy deems their role to be as wife and mother. 

#203 - Upstream Colour (2013) Review

Upstream Colour (2013), Steve Carruth
3.5/5

This film is probably too strange for mainstream audiences, with it's minimal dialogue and disjointed plot. However it uses visuals in a stunning way, with repeated images complemented with amplified sounds make this film a sensory experience. The plot is circuitous and is a psychological thriller that doesn't make much sense. It highlights themes such as the fragmented and changing nature of memory and how that is connected to memory. Overall as strange and compelling film with amazing performances.

#202 - Quartet (2012) Review

Quartet (2012), Dustin Hoffman
2.5/5

Mostly a light hearted affair, this film is as I expected. Performances are ok, but the melodramatic themes failed to truly reach some depth and remained rather surfacy. Overall funny at times, and light hearted and enjoyable.

#201 - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) Review

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
3/5

Much improved from the first film, it is very close to the book, with good adaptation choices. Performances are also improved, with Jennifer Lawrence playing a more convincing Katniss. Pace was also good, and while audiences may be disappointed that the games themselves don't dominate screen time, it nicely reflects the book experience and focuses on the interesting themes. Having said that, there was a lot of plot holes and silliness, some of which can be faulted with the book. Overall a very enjoyable watch and only sappy a few times.

#200 - Sharktopus (2010) Review

Sharktopus (2010), Declan O'Brien
1/5

Mildly humorous at times, this film is just trying too hard to be bad and ending up just plain bad. It works as a horrifying (in the filmic sense) remake of Jaws, I wouldn't bother watching, it doesn't reach any good cheesiness, it just plays like a tv movie, the acting terrible, really, really bad CGI, but not funny enough to be worth it.