"The Force will be with you. Always." One of the most popular movies of all times (not to mention one of the highest-grossing, if not THE highest-grossing, films of all time), Star Wars is one of those rare films that just gets better with each viewing. A classic story of good versus evil, set against a mythical, intergalactic background, Star Wars takes us on a magical journey that is far deeper than the two hours that the picture runs for. It is this film that introduces us to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Darth Vader, and, of course, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca.
Since virtually everyone is familiar with the story, there is little else to be said. Unfortunately, director George Lucas keeps going back to the saga to re-edit it again and again and again, as he attempts to perfect the films. Someday, perhaps, we will get not only his final vision, but also that original cut that charmed millions of children (of all ages) back in 1977 (the same goes for the rest of the saga).
By the way, Lucas is gonna put all the films into 3-D. And, by God, it will be epic.
Rating:4/4
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Hangover
"I'm not supposed to be within 200 feet of a school... or a Chuck-E-Cheese." One of the funniest movies ever made (and certainly one of the funniest in recent years), The Hangover rises above the level of simple sophomoric humor to one of genuine humor. The story: a few guys go to Vegas for a bachelor party (one of them is getting married in a couple of days). After a wild night that they can't remember, they can't find the groom... and he's getting married within less than 24 hours! Not only that, but the only clues they have (which are also problems) are a tiger (evidently belonging to boxer Mike Tyson) in their bathroom, a baby, a missing tooth, and a banged-up car, among others. If it sounds weird, don't worry: it all will eventually make sense.
Told mostly in flashback, the film features one of the all-time greatest comedic performances ever put onto celluloid: Zach Galifianakis as Alan Garner, the perpetually weird soon-to-be brother-in-law of the missing groom. Trust me, he must be seen to be believed.
Available both in an R-rated and extended, "Unrated" editions.
Rating: 3.5/4
Told mostly in flashback, the film features one of the all-time greatest comedic performances ever put onto celluloid: Zach Galifianakis as Alan Garner, the perpetually weird soon-to-be brother-in-law of the missing groom. Trust me, he must be seen to be believed.
Available both in an R-rated and extended, "Unrated" editions.
Rating: 3.5/4
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tootsie
"I'm just an untalented old has-been." "Were you ever famous?" "No." "Then how can you be a has-been?" Hilarious, charming, and engaging, Tootsie is the story of Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), an unemployed actor who lands a role on a famous soap opera (clearly a spoof of "General Hospital" by making himself into actress (i.e. female) Dorothy Michaels (still played by Hoffman). It gets even better: she (he?) finds herself (himself?) the object of affection of one of the leading actors, while having feelings for another actress (Geena Davis), while at the same time dealing with his/her new-found fame.
Jessica Lange (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role), Terri Garr, Bill Murray, and even the film's director, Sydney Pollack, feature in supporting roles (with Murray having what has got to be one of the funniest lines in any movie that I've ever seen during the film's sidesplitting climax).
Rating: 95/100
Jessica Lange (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role), Terri Garr, Bill Murray, and even the film's director, Sydney Pollack, feature in supporting roles (with Murray having what has got to be one of the funniest lines in any movie that I've ever seen during the film's sidesplitting climax).
Rating: 95/100
Midnight Cowboy
"I'm walkin' here!" Joe (Jon Voight) wanted to be a hustler in New York City; instead, he ended up getting hustled. The first (and only) X-rated film to win an Academy Award (for Best Picture, no less, as well as Adapted Screenplay and Directing), Midnight Cowboy is the story of Joe, a Texan who moves to NYC in hopes of becoming a male prostitute. There, he meets Rizzo (a.k.a. "Ratso") (Dustin Hoffman), a fast-talking bum who becomes his manager (and friend). Rizzo dreams of one day moving to Florida, where sunshine, women, and coconuts are plentiful.
Both Voight and Hoffman give exceptionally moving performances here (especially Hoffman, who is always a delight to watch). The chemistry between the two men is undeniable, even if both characters claim to be straight. Joe's peculiar visions (in stark black-and-white) give the film an eerie touch, while the finale is truly heartbreaking.
On an interesting note, after winning its Academy Awards in early 1970 (the film was released in 1969), the MPAA re-rated the film R in 1971. The film carries this rating to this day, although it is completely uncensored.
Rating: 4/4
Both Voight and Hoffman give exceptionally moving performances here (especially Hoffman, who is always a delight to watch). The chemistry between the two men is undeniable, even if both characters claim to be straight. Joe's peculiar visions (in stark black-and-white) give the film an eerie touch, while the finale is truly heartbreaking.
On an interesting note, after winning its Academy Awards in early 1970 (the film was released in 1969), the MPAA re-rated the film R in 1971. The film carries this rating to this day, although it is completely uncensored.
Rating: 4/4
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