The Help is one of those films that rolls out every so often with the idea of reaffirming a generalized point of view that no one can possibly deny having anyway... now, in any sufficiently large public forum. It's the 1960s, we're in Jackson, Mississippi, and there is some technical sense in which people of color are no longer slaves. The film lays out the conflicting attitudes of white … [Read more...]
The romantic-comedy genre takes a beating like nothing else, with the possible exception of horror, but we all know that it's a genre that not only must exist, but must churn out titles at an incredible rate. There simply has to be a date option at the theater. So far gone is the genre in the collective psyche, that when something comes along that we find ourselves loving - let's say When … [Read more...]
Paper Man is one of those incredibly rare films that make me wish I could somehow get people to see it without knowing anything about it at all. It's the sort of quirky number (in many respects like such recent, indie masterpieces as TiMER, (Untitled), and especially Lovely By Surprise) that delivers much of its power by getting the chance to explain itself to you. For those willing to take a … [Read more...]
Even a mild John Hughes reference can send your teen angst movie into a tailspin of expectation failure, and Easy A doesn't merely nod at the legendary writer/director, but provides a video montage and dares to include the line, "My life isn't a John Hughes movie." That's treading dangerous ground, but the film pulls it off, largely by way of being smart enough to know exactly what it is, and … [Read more...]
The most fun you've had in a while, especially from the realm of films relating to school, may be on its way to you. Coming in September is what looks like a real treat of film. Easy A, starring Emma Stone, and showcasing a very cool cast of supporting actors, is a unique look at "screwing" with High School life. Take a look at the trailer, and let me know what you think. After a little white lie … [Read more...]
I was already roped into Paper Man just by the summary, but then came the trailer, and now four new clips. Not everyone will think it looks great, but it's practically custom-made for me. Check these out, and let me know what you think of this one. Paper Man is an inspirational comedic drama about an unlikely friendship between Richard (Jeff Daniels), a failed middle-aged novelist who has … [Read more...]
Here comes something practically tailored made for me, Paper Man. God love Jeff Daniels' penchant for signing on for some off-kilter efforts once in a while. Now that Ryan Reynolds is getting as much press as anyone could want, it's nice to catch something like this from him as well. Written and Directed by Kieran and Michele Mulroney (brother and sister-in-law of Dermot and Sean), the film … [Read more...]
Zombieland is one of those little Hollywood jokes that's going to come at us once in a while. Two guys who never really did anything before and/or a director who never really did anything before, are at a party with a couple of producers and Woody Harrelson. Well, you almost hope that's how it happened anyway, because the alternative is worse. When we're lucky, as is pretty much the case here, the … [Read more...]
