asdalin

I just had the pleasure of seeing the best documentary made about the music world. It's about the unsung heros of Motown -- the musicians. The Funk Brothers played on everyone song that came out of Motown, but no one knows it. Now they will finally get the recognition they so deserve. Allan Slutsky, over the course of 16 years put together a movie that includes archival footage, live interviews with the remaining Funk Brothers, and performance sequences that had the audience almost dancing in the aisles -- okay, just rocking in their comfy theater chairs to the beat of the songs. It also includes new versions of many of the most famous songs done by Joan Osborne, Chaka Chan, Ben Harper, and others. During the course of the film the audience applauded at least 3 times after a song, then CHEERED at the end of the film.

This is a poignant film and one that will show how some of the best musicians in the world never got the credit they should have, but this film brings them into the spotlight, and boy do they shine.

Can you tell that I loved this film? It's impossible not to.

I just saw "Elling" and found it to be the most charming film I've seen in ages. The two main characters are totally engaging, and I found myself falling in love with them.

I just hope an American film maker doesn't buy the rights and Americanize it to the point of stupidity. Elling is an intelligent, sensitive film, but also laugh out loud funny. From the round of applause at the end of the film, I'd say it was certainly a crowd pleaser.

One important detail was extremely well-done. The subtitles for this Norwegian film were clear and easy to read, unlike some others I've seen.

I just had the pleasure of seeing Just a Kiss at my sneak preview symposium. It was the first film of the semester and it was a great start.

It's rare that I see a film that is so original and brilliant. The story is fresh, all the actors are perfectly cast, and it had my full attention from the very first scene. Patrick Breen has written a story about a group of people who's lives are interconnected and we see the stories unfold from 4 or 5 perspectives. Not an easy feat to accomplish, and it's done so well in this film. Patrick Breen is also one of the leads in this film. When he's on screen, it's great fun to see what his next move will be, how he'll move his eyebrow or cock his head -- his performance is right on target and totally charming. Marisa Tomei gives another unforgettable portrayal of a woman who isn't what she appears to be. She also looks as if she's having the time of her life as Paula, the waitress at the bowling alley.

The film also makes use of the rotoscope -- a way of animating a live performance, which was used in Waking Life. It's used to much more effectively in this film to highlight and focus in on certain elements, and even to soften certain harsh images. The movie would not have been as much fun without this element -- it would have been much flatter and I don't think the humor would shine the way it does. Without the vivid use of the rotoscope, the movie would have taken a darker tone.

Fisher Stevens directorial debut is an auspicious one and hopefully the start of an enduring new career. I have a feeling Just a Kiss may become a hit, just like Big Fat Greek Wedding. It had a small budget and was shot in 21 days, but comes across as polished as a big budget studio film, but with a much a much better storyline and final result. This movie proves that a having a big budget is not what makes a good film (which audiences already know, but the studios don't) -- it helps to have an intelligent screenplay, and characters we care about, and are interesting to follow from start to finish.

I hope Just a Kiss becomes a huge hit...so spread the word. You're friends will thank you.

I was lucky enough to see American Chai in my sneak preview class. I'm wary of seeing some first time attempts at movie making, but this film was a total treat. I was drawn in from the first 5 minutes. The characters were completely believable and engaging, the story right on the mark, and the way the writer/director portrayed the cultural and generational differences resonated with many of the stories I've heard from my Indian friends. I found it completely charming, funny, and touching. I heartily recommend seeing this film if it comes to your local theater.

I had the pleasure of seeing The Emperor's New Clothes. What a treat. The story was delightful, the cast sublime, the cinematography glorious, and the soundtrack one I would like to purchase...so, you can tell I loved everything about the film. The story is a lovely fairy tale and the best I've seen since the "Princess Bride."

Ian Holm plays Napoleon and is perfect, as are all his co-stars. There is so much I'd like to say about the film, but I don't want to give anything away since the film won't be out until later this Spring.

Run out to see this film if you crave a feel good movie that's intelligent, not sappy, and simply fun to watch. I have not been this satisfied with the ending of a film in ages. We talked about the film all the way home. By the way, the entire audience gave it a solid round of applause as the lights came up. That should say it all.

I sense some Oscar nods for this film in 2003. It's a hit.

I saw Festival in Cannes this evening in my film class and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was far from a documentary (as was posted earlier), but rather an interesting insight into some of the things that can go on at this, or any other festival. The characters were fun to watch and to follow through their few days in Cannes. I found the film interesting and the end was extremely satisfying -- it all made sense. It was beautifully shot and made me wish I could see Cannes in person. Of course it showed how people can be wooed with simple words, but it showed so much more than that. The cast was superb. If you enjoy movies, see this one. It was a treat.

From the trailer this movie was not on my "must-see" list. But, last night we got to see it in our movie preview class...and I loved it. Everyone in the film was terrific, the story was funny, and hearing the audience laugh out loud was something that I rarely hear much anymore. I won't say much more, but go see it.

I just saw "About Adam" last night and loved it. What a fun, quirky, and original film. As brave as it was to cast Rene Z in Diary of Bridget Jones, it was just as brave to cast Kate Hudson in this Irish film, and she was wonderful. You will be blown away by her singing of Gershwin and Cole Porter tunes...just amazing. The entire cast is delightful to watch as they romp through this film. I'll keep this short, so as not to give away anything, but please see it if it comes to your local cinema. You'll thank me.

What a shame to waste such terrific actors on a story that goes nowhere. I didn't mind the slow start, but then the momentem never mounted and when new things happened...I sure didn't care. What was amazing was the lack of chemistry between the actors. Some of the scenes between Pierce Brosnan and Geoffry Rush were okay, but the "love" scene between Brosnan and one of his female co-stars had absolutely no heat.

Too bad. Spend your money on something else.