|
Milk (2008) - 4.5/5
Gus Van Sant has done it; he's harnessed his passion for total creative control and intertwined it with absorbing story-telling, and the result is one of the finest pictures of the year. It must be said that Sean Penn's portrayal of Harvey Milk is flawless- he completely inhabits the man and his spirit. It isn't Penn carrying the film, though; the entire cast is phenominal, especially James Franco. This story is fantastically told via a breed of documentary and narrative style of cinema, and everything about it is not only accessable but totally human.
Black Christmas (1974) - 4.5/5
Scary as hell. This is a horror movie for adults; though it takes place at a sorority (which would now be cliche ground), it takes time to set up distinct characters and a uncomfortability around the house. Bob Clark never rushes the story, and it pays off; the last twenty minutes are some of the most frightening ever made. The most admirable thing about the film is its brave ending, one that does not go off with a bang but instead a cold shiver. Also, I could watch Olivia Hussey paint walls.
Three...Extremes (2005) 2.5/5
Sometimes interesting but never compelling, this anthology is a colaboration of three of Asia's most influential modern directors- which has me wondering why the stories were so bland and one-dimensional. This is all familiar ground; two of the three stories go for flat-out shock value, but unfortunately, when that layer is peeled off, there's nothing left. The tales do get better as they go along, and the stark imagery and creepy finale of Miike's tale leave a better taste in the mouth than the other two, but after the film is done it doesn't linger.
__________________
|