Marie Antoinette…
I go to the movies to be entertained. Marie Antoinette was not
entertaining, in fact it just sucked. An absolute waste of 2 hrs and 15
minutes, I really wish I could get my money back. The movie was long
and boring. Child services should give Sophie Coppola a visit, because
if this is a reflection of her work life, her personal life must suck.
And Kirsten Dunst has Down syndrome.
-* (that’s right, negative stars!)
The Departed…
So I was surprised by this movie. But what was weird was that I knew it
was going to be good and I knew I was probably going to like it...yet I
was surprised by both. Why? Well I have despised Scorsese’s last couple
of films. It bothers me to no end that The Aviator won the Oscar for
best editing. The film was an hour fucking too long, how the hell does
it win an award for editing!?! Yes, yes I know there is more to editing
that length of film, but still, to me, that is like job number one of
editing. Anyway, The Departed still feels long, maybe 15 minutes or so,
but it delivers oh so much. I truly enjoyed so much about this film,
and I can't recommend it enough. Perhaps the only thing I really did
not like were the cards that Leonardo's character was dealt, but that
is only because his performance and character is so engaging you can't
help by sympathize and root for him. I can't think of a character in
recent films that I rallied behind as much as Leo in The Departed.
Now
my only thoughts days after are to watch the original film, Infernal
Affairs (i actually lost a bet on what the title of the film was, silly
me). I have heard from many that it is better, and Tony Leung's
performance is even better. Is it? I don't know, The Departed puts the
bar quite high. I'll let you know.
****
The Prestige…
This magician movie kicked ass. All of the magic performed (with the
exception of the last trick, but hey this is a movie, we have to give
them one) was real, tricks that you could actually see in real life,
something that can not be said about a certain other magician movie.
They even tell you how the tricks were done which is a very nice treat.
Although I did find it a bit of a let down when they reveal how Bale
performs his version of the Transported Man. But then again, sometimes
we often overlook the simplest explanation. The disjointed story
telling made it somewhat confusing at times, but I dug that about the
film, it was like this was Nolan’s own magic trick, with his own
Pledge, Turn, and Prestige. The twist at the end, while interesting,
was easy to guess as the movie started to wind down, but regardless
Nolan hits the mark and pulls off a rousing applause.
***