DJG's Weekend Watcher

Happy-Go-Lucky * * ½
Directed by: Mike Leigh / 2008

I don’t get why the critics ga-ga’d and top-ten’d and I feel I’m missing the boat with “Happy-Go-Lucky”. Or, maybe my movie hopes were too high and especially after Mike Leigh’s masterpiece from a couple of years ago, “Vera Drake”? Mike, what is the point of your new movie? And Sally Hawkins, you did a great job of making me like and dislike you with every other scene. It was like you were on laughing gas, though my laughing response turned to annoyance after fifteen minutes. I respect you, but am still perplexed at your Golden Globe win for this one. I tend to dislike it when people say, “I’m not sure what I was supposed to get out of that movie.”, but I am now one of those people.

Hairspray * * * *
Directed by: Adam Shankman / 2007

I haven’t seen the original 1988 movie “Hairspray”, but I’ve seen the Broadway production and now this new adaptation. I’m sold on it and can’t recommend this musical enough, based on the original idea from John Waters. What a treat and fun time at the movies…and backed with a message. There should be an Academy Award for Ensemble Cast because this one is a joy to watch. Also, an Oscar for Best Scene because you can’t paint a more brilliant one than John Travolta in drag dancing in the moonlight with Christopher Walken.

Twilight *
Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke / 2008

Catherine Hardwicke, your "Twilight" movie STINKS. If I were writer Stephenie Meyers, I would have been P-O'd (but not once I cashed the checks). However, at least you’ve made something more watchable and more somewhat enjoyable than Richard Kelly’s “Southland Tales”. A movie which I judge all form of low-grade-BAD to since 2008. I’m so glad I’m not interested in reading this vampire series because I’d have your terrible movie stuck in my head the entire time. Yikes. Pre-Teens, Teens and Housewives, go grab your Edward Brood-Up Doll at Hot Topic and keep this movie adaptation to yourselves.

The Transporter * *
Directed by: Corey Yuen / 2002

Why even bother to slow things down and have a plot in a movie like this!? I wanted more stupid-awesome in this opening film that put the muscle on Jason Statham’s stupid-awesome movie career as the new Steven Seagal. Fans who think that the series went downhill with the sequels will probably transport me to a prime butt-kicking at Action Island once they read that I actually like the third one better than the first. -djg

DJG / Covering Three Classics Quickly

Modern Times * * * *
Directed by: Charlie Chaplin / 1936

Charlie Chaplin pretty much does it all, inside and out of the frame in this 1936 classic. He writes, directs, produces and puts the music to his silent treatment of “Little Tramp” commentary on the times that were a’changin’ during the Great Depression. It’s a movie that has influenced many a picture since and in 1989 was given a “Culturally Significant” stamp of protection by the Library of Congress. If you love film and fun, then you need to bump this up on the list. There’s a little bit of Chaplin in all of us.







Amarcord * * *
Directed by: Federico Fellini / 1973

I’ve only seen two Federico Fellini films (“8 ½” and “Amarcord”) and have come away from both quite unsure. Fellini is widely considered by many to be one of the greatest film makers of all-time and I recognize him as a talent. That’s a pretty tall order (all-time greatest), so maybe either I’m putting too much expectation on his work or Fellini just isn’t for me? “Amarcord” appears to be a very personal film and possible exaggeration on Fellini’s youth and there were certain things that I really enjoyed and struck either a visual or internal accord with, but overall “Amarcord” just didn’t do it for me. Though, it won’t keep me from watching “La Dolce Vita”, which from what I understand might make the third time a charm for me and Fellini.


Repulsion * * * * ½
Directed by: Roman Polanski / 1965

Roman Polanski’s “Repulsion” is a great engineering film feat of psychological suspense and paranoia. I haven’t seen all of his work, but this might be one of his best and his best version of Hitchcock. Yet, it’s completely his own and quite inventive in the use of unique character development/deterioration, camera work and sound. "Repulsion" is a mini-masterpiece.

-djg

"Where the Wild Things Are"

Director Spike Jonze is bringing Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" to the big screen and I couldn't be more tickled. The project has been through a lot of red tape in recent years, but it will finally be in theaters this fall/winter. This is my most anticipated film of 2009! Check out these new images! It looks like Spike Jonze is going to nail it! -djg (ps: you'll have to sit through an advertisement, but it's worth it.)

DJG / Rachel Getting Married

Rachel Getting Married * * * *
Directed by: Jonathan Demme / 2008

Rachel’s marriage is like none that I’ve been too, yet it feels like I really was there, complete with wedding awkwardness and exhaustion. What could have been disastrous and trite with “Rachel Getting Married” is turned into another unexpected gem from the expert hands of director Jonathan Demme (“Philadelphia”, “The Silence of the Lambs”), who has carved one of the more unique careers in Hollywood. And I’m not certain if this wasn’t the hardest movie for him to make and more than ever I’m curious as to where film will take him. “Rachel Getting Married” feels like the best movie that Woody Allen hasn’t made in the past decade or so, but yet it’s a movie that I don’t feel he could make. My congratulations to the ensemble cast, especially to Anne Hathaway for pulling off such an acting achievement, I look forward to watching her bring more characters to life, ones I truly care about. I didn’t come away with the same scale of high-praise like a lot of critics last year, but I came away with an odd high of being pleasantly surprised and feeling good about where film can take me, even if I have to spend that time at a wedding.

-djg

DJG's Weekend Watcher

Transporter 3 * *
Directed by: Olivier Megaton / 2008

If you’re looking for a modern and smart action hero trilogy look for Jason Bourne (“The Bourne Identity”). If you’re shooting to dumb-down your search, then hire Frank Martin. Having not seen more than a handful of butt kicking scenes from “The Transporter” and hearing how awful “Transporter 2” is, I doubt I really missed much by starting off with “Transporter 3”. This is stupid- awesome-action and I knew what I was getting into. Though, extra heavy on the stupid! And of course there is always a broken-English speaking babe with the worst acting ever. Frank Martin is no John McClane (“Die Hard”) and he’s no John Rambo (uh…“Rambo”) but he can kick some butt and you can bet he’ll more than likely be back in a fourth installment, and if not, look no further than every other character that actor Jason Statham portrays.


High School Musical 3: Senior Year * * * *
Directed by: Kenny Ortega / 2008

It didn’t affect me like the original “High School Musical”, but “Senior Year” is my favorite of the trilogy. It’s a joy to watch the maturing take place in acting and production, a fine parallel to that of high school and coming of age. A real man admits he not only watches these movies, but also of his own submission and enjoyment. I can’t help but want some “College Years” now (which, I understand another movie is in the script department)! Surely they can pull off a fourth, as this cast and crew is insanely talented and have tons of heart. I’m also curious as to how far these kids will spring board from Disney. My guess is pretty far.



Nick & Norah's Infinite Play List * * ½
Directed by: Peter Sollett / 2008

“Pitchforkmedia.com: The Movie” might be a better title for this one, a film that ran out of gas way too early for my meager adolescent indie rocker tank, just like most new music does these days. Laughs were cheap and I don’t wish to hang with irresponsible teens and woo-girl drunks in real life, and definitely not in this movie. Some movies of similar slacker sensibilities pull it off well, inviting me in, but this one didn’t. I was left out in the uncool nightclub cold. There is no doubt that Michael Cera and Kat Dennings have silver screen headlight chemistry (with and without each other) that could make them even more bankable in years to come. There is something real to them that I appreciate watching, here and elsewhere and I look forward to watching them grow up in the movies. I finally got into the film when the hip-wading soundtrack finally took a breather, and right before Nick and Norah started making their, uh, own music. Though, even then I was rubbed the wrong way in its oh-so-too-lates-to-win-me-over. And gosh, I would despise watching this movie with somebody who loves to announce to the world that they have “awesome” music taste. The kids were on an all-night search through Manhattan to find themselves as well as an obscure hipster band called Where’s Fluffy? Uh, who cares? What about parents? In a city that never sleeps, I bet their parents couldn’t either, knowing that their babies were running the streets until daylight. Entertaining at times, especially Cera and Dennings, but I don’t wish to play this one again.

Milk * * * * *
Directed by: Gus Van Sant / 2008

I didn’t want “MILK” to run out. Not only because I knew that Harvey Milk’s assassination was impending, but because “MILK” was so absorbing in the master film making and acting unfolding before my eyes and mind. I don’t think the purpose was to have complete fun while watching this, but Gus Van Sant waves his film making wand to create his best movie, and possibly the best picture of 2008. It’s a treat and a fine tribute to a great life. I never thought Sean Penn would morph into this roll, and if you still have doubts about the man’s many great roles and talent look no further than his Harvey Milk. It’s astounding and Penn has definitely cemented himself as his generation’s finest actor with a second Oscar win. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t know who Harvey Milk was before this movie came out, but his name should be honored up there with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others. No matter your opinion on the issues at hand, please see this movie. -djg

DJG / OH BOY! OH BOY! OH BOY! OH BOY!

DJG's Weekend Watcher

Let the Right One In * * * * *
Directed by: Thomas Alfredson / 2008

Subtle-yet-striking, "Let the Right One In" is more than just one of the best vampire movies, it's a masterful work of art. Lots to chew on with this after seeing it three times in as many days.











Smiley Face * * * 1/2
Directed by: Greg Araki / 2007

There is such a thing as a smart stoner movie. Add "Smiley Face" to the list with other recent loser-winners like "Harold & Kumar go to White Castle" and "Pineapple Express". It would also serve well with anything by Mike Judge ("Office Space").









































A Decade Under the Influence * * * * 1/2
Directed by Ted Demme & Richard LaGravenese / 2003

Feeding from the times that were a' changin', this three part documentary had me salivating at the buffet of groundbreaking filmmaking and filmmakers of the 1970s. The only problem...I wanted more! I guess my eyes and mind have some work to do!



Silent Movie * * * *
Directed by: Mel Brooks / 1976

Mel Brooks delivers one of his best in this fantastic fun ride that is nothing short of a live-action "Looney Tunes". It's premise is pure joy and it's use of randomness, visual puns and special guest stars is quite timeless and priceless.

-djg