Filmsy - Movie Reviews Blog

Tom Ford: new director on the block

By

Tom Ford shifts his focus from creating expensive designer suits to directing films with Single Man.

The story draws inspiration from a short story written by Christopher Isherwood. Set in the 1960s, it centers around George (played by Colin Firth), an English professor still grieving the death of his partner. Though several years have passed, he’s still trapped in the past — or miserably trying to escape it. In his depression, he, uhm, “seeks comfort” from his best friend (played by Julianne Moore). We all know how that goes.

So George decides to kill himself. And that would be a pretty horrible way for a Christmas movie to end (although, interestingly, suicides tend to rise during the winter season — must be the combination of the dreary weather and dysfunctional family reunions). But in the spirit of another holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” George has a “moment” that convinces him that yes, life is meaningful.
.
Colin Firth was pretty darned good in this movie, and all things considered, Tom Ford did a fantastic job, too. It is his first film, and he took creative risks, including the subtle use of color to express mood or even shift time frames (must be the designer in him). Even the placement of objects is symbolic.

It won’t win any Cannes awards but “Single Man” is a brave directorial debut that tackles a powerful topic of enduring love, triumph over tragedy, and hope. All in all, it’s a thought provoking film, and one that will have you in a suitably reflective mood when you think about the holidays “and what really matters.”

Looking Back at the Decade-Old “Bicentennial Man”

By

It’s been almost ten years since “Bicentennial Man” was released and we have yet to see a robot come even remotely close to Andrew Martin’s (Robin Williams) caliber. Of course “Bicentennial Man” is sci-fi but with all the advances in technology we know that the line between sci-fi and reality gets blurred more and more each day.

I felt like writing about “Bicentennial Man” though not because of the sci-fi element but because, having seen it again lately, I remembered just how much of a tearjerker the movie was, and still is. If you haven’t seen “Bicentennial Man” yet don’t expect to be surprised by an unexpected twist in the plot or a sci-fi film full of imagination that is truly out there but do expect to be do expect to be immersed in a story of a robot reaching for his destiny, which is to be recognized for his humanity.“Bicentennial Man” is a remarkable film not for its novelty but because it is a great example of good old storytelling. It is one truly compelling film.

Other similar films that I enjoyed are “AI” and “I Robot”. For me AI was as good as tearjerker as “Bicentennial Man”. I think I almost died from a clogged nose right at the end when he “slept” with his mom. “I Robot” was also enjoyable with more action scenes and hence a bigger hit but for me it’s storytelling just wasn’t at par with the other two “humanized robot” stories.

Titanic Coming Back in 3D

By

“Every night in my dreams I see you, I feeeel you…” Still really sticks once it you remember the titanic of a film – “Titanic”. Well next year a new crop of teenage girls will surely go crazy over the film since it is being remade into a 3D movie.

I know there would be people out there who’ll be less than enthusiastic about the news. But who cares? For girly girls like me who swooned and cried repeatedly during the countless time we saw the film back when we were in high school there’s no doubt that we’ll be awaiting the 3D remake of “Titanic”. For those involved in the film who’ll be making a titanic of a paycheck again once the blockbuster comes out, we can also be sure that they’ll probably be even more excited about the return of “Titanic”. The only one I can really think of who will benefit from the film that might not be too thrilled about its return would be Leo di Caprio simply because he is sooo over the crazy attention, especially from the paparazzi, from being a huge star. Of course he’s grown up a lot and should be able to handle the paparazzi thing now so maybe he isn’t to averse to the idea of “Titanic” coming back to make him the center of attention once more.

As for the actual 3D experience I am yet uncertain as to how that will pan out. Pretty sure that the once the boat starts sinking 3D aspect will make it more exciting but for the first part I don’t see how it’ll make much of a difference. Maybe cinemas should turn on fans (as in electric fans) during the famous “I’m flying” scene with Jack and Rose. Now THAT would be immersive.

My Sister’s Keeper: Boxes of Tissue Hit

By

The movie to watch in my book this coming weekend will require me to bring a whole box of tissue. “My Sister’s Keeper”, an adaptation of Jodi Picoult’s book, has captured my attention the first time I saw it’s trailer, tugging at my heartstrings with the few scenes revealed. “My Sister’s Keeper “ is a film about a family of a dying child and a sister “created” to save her . Sofia Vassilieva plays the role of the suffering 15 year old Kate who’s dying from leukemia. Abigail Breslin plays the role of her sister, Anna, who was literally conceived/created using science to be Kate’s genetic match. Anna, who from infancy has been constantly giving blood and bone marrow to her sister, finally refuses to be a spare parts factory when one of her kidney is required to keep Kate alive. Now that is a story to make one’s head spin.

So far judging from the handful of film reviews I’ve read it seems that the director Nick Cassavetes succeeded in what he set out to do – flood the cinema with tears. Cameron Diaz is also garnering praise for her performance of the mother who desperately keeps on putting her dying daughter’s needs above Anna’s. This is a great role for her and one that might just give her the break she needs to get more challenging roles than those that merely require her to be the cute girl with a great smile that she is.

Gracie’s Choice Review

By

More than 5 years old and this TV movie still moves me to tears each time I see it. Gracie’s Choice is about a 17 year-old girl who all her life has taken on the responsibility of raising her siblings, a sister and three brothers who all have different fathers, because of the irresponsibility of their addict mom. Kristen Bell plays the part of Gracie and Anne Heche, who was nominated for an Emmy for the role, played the mother.

The family’s state has been horrible for years but things came to a boiling point when the mom was jailed sending the kids to institutions that meant tearing the whole family apart. Gracie steps up to the plate with their grandma helping her as she struggled to provide for the family, do well in school, and somehow raise the kids well. Things go well enough for them with Gracie even meeting a wonderful guy who loves her and helps expand her horizons, until her mother gets out of jail. The grandma, who is very easily manipulated by her daughter agrees to let her stay with them despite her continuous drug use and the financial strain she brought by cashing in the kids welfare checks and using it all on herself and her boyfriends. Gracie finally fights back, knowing full well that she’ll lose her family if they stay with their mom, and decides to adopt her own brothers.

Kristen Bell and Anne Heche played their roles very convincingly so much that it tears my guts up just watching the movie. Anne Heche is so effective in her role that you can’t help but pity her despite the utter disgust you’ll also feel at seeing how bad her kids has it because of her.

What’s even more remarkable about the TV movie is that it is based on a true story. Reader’s Digest first published the story of Amy and her family. I’ve been looking for updates on them but so far haven’t found any. You can’t help but really admire the real Amy and hope for the best for the whole family.

This is one must watch TV movie. I should know I’ve seen it several times and it never fails to tug at my heartstrings and inspire to be better at the same time.