tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13788407741198545432012-02-23T13:04:07.553-06:00Joe and Rosanne (RoJo) are a married couple who have very different personalities. We both love foreign, independent, and obscure films with a passion; so friends and family have told us for years to start a blog. Our goal is not to be film critics, but to share our love of cinema with kindred souls out there. We don't read each others reviews before we post, so we aren't influenced by our spouse's opinion. Hope you enjoy!jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.comBlogger301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-82855662310942881232012-02-23T11:41:00.001-06:002012-02-23T13:04:07.564-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4LeI5GunYw/T0aNl2nn1eI/AAAAAAAAAIA/vnWC5BfljRQ/s1600/City.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4LeI5GunYw/T0aNl2nn1eI/AAAAAAAAAIA/vnWC5BfljRQ/s320/City.jpeg" width="221" /></a></div>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112682/">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XnMdb1zFow">Trailer</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Year: 1995<br />Country: France<br />Directors: Marc Caro &amp; Jean-Pierre Jeunet</div></div><br />Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; An adult fairy tale in which a mad scientist kidnaps children in order to steal their dreams.<br /><br />Ro: 4 Star - With <span style="font-style: italic;">The City of Lost Children</span> Caro &amp; Jeunet managed to create a fantasy world that captures the fascination and wonder of adults just as when they were children. There are so many unique elements to this film that gave it a cult-following appeal from the get-go. The flipside being that the viewer has to work to follow the exact narrative trail, and the trip can be a dizzying one. I think the best way to watch this one is to just follow Caro/Jeunet through their Rube Goldberg-like machinations and simply savor the characters- lovable and zany alike. In this manner, there is no reason to search for preciseness, which can be as elusive as the dreams that the mad scientist Krank tries so hard to grasp; things happen because this is a fantasy world where fates are meant to intersect.<br /><br />Joe: 4 Star -&nbsp; What is better than a film with Dominique Pinon?&nbsp; A film with FIVE Dominique Pinons!&nbsp; :-)&nbsp; All joking aside, this is really an enjoyable albeit disturbing film.&nbsp; The society and city created by Caro and Jeunet are both fantastic and repugnant.&nbsp; Like most of Jeunet's work, the characters in this film are very quirky, unique, and endearing.&nbsp; I find it fascinating how Jeunet and Caro can take something as terrible as kidnapping or cannibalism (<i>Delicatessen)</i> and turn it in to a fun-quirky ride.&nbsp; I recommend this film to viewers who appreciate a good adult fantasy with a very dark sense of humor.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-8285566231094288123?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-56202763919120648202012-02-11T12:21:00.001-06:002012-02-11T21:16:51.585-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcNTnG8bTBk/Tzapjw-9pSI/AAAAAAAAAHw/GPPkfRCAuKM/s1600/Evil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcNTnG8bTBk/Tzapjw-9pSI/AAAAAAAAAHw/GPPkfRCAuKM/s1600/Evil.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338309/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq78hdCILaI" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2003</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Sweden</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Mikael Hafstrom</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; An expelled high school student gets one last chance to finish his education by enrolling in an elite boarding school.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 5 Stars - <i>Evil</i> is definitely one of my favorite foreign films.&nbsp; Yes, the story is one of good triumphing over evil, which all current film aficionados are automatically supposed to be weary of.&nbsp; I found it extremely refreshing, however, to be able to root for a truly good hero.&nbsp; Erik Ponti is not an <i>antihero, </i>and he is not operating through any dark motivations.&nbsp; Erik is a young man, with a chip on his shoulder and one final shot at graduating, who finds himself in a situation where he is compelled to fight for basic human principles that are worth believing in. &nbsp; I even feel like some sort of cheesy motivational cheerleader after typing all of that, but when a movie captures these ideals so well I think you have to get behind it.&nbsp; Of course it is always a bonus when one of the Skarsgard family is thrown in, even if he is a supremely detestable duchebag.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 5 Stars - Man, oh man.&nbsp; This is a 5 star film in every single aspect.&nbsp; The screenplay for <i>Evil </i>is an excellent metaphor for fascism and how terrible it can be.&nbsp; Erik enrolls in a private school and just wants to be left alone to focus on his academics.&nbsp; However, the older kids have a compulsion to control every aspect of his life, and they want to break him.&nbsp; The level of emotional depth that the director and cast achieve is astounding!&nbsp; I felt every emotion that Erik did throughout this entire film, and it's quite a ride.&nbsp; This is steadily climbing its way up my top 10 list, and may break my top 5 in the near future.&nbsp; If you love a good drama, and want to be spellbound for the duration of a film: CHECK THIS OUT!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-5620276391912064820?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-82945774406308391372012-02-11T11:45:00.001-06:002012-02-11T11:45:24.359-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHvdn1B2YoQ/Tzadpj3evaI/AAAAAAAAAHo/SSjm966jAaE/s1600/special+treatment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iHvdn1B2YoQ/Tzadpj3evaI/AAAAAAAAAHo/SSjm966jAaE/s1600/special+treatment.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1590157/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/specialtreatment/" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2010</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; France</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Jeanne Labrune</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; A psychological character study that follows a high class hooker and a psychiatrist.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 4 Stars -Special Treatment takes a very interesting approach to psychotherapy.&nbsp; Isabelle Huppert portrays a high-end call girl, Alice Bergerac, who carries and presents herself as a professional in every sense of the word.&nbsp; Her story is juxtaposed with that of a professional psychiatrist, Bouli Lanners, who has grown jaded due to his own personal issues.&nbsp; The parallels are drawn between how these are two people who have made a career of being used for the benefit of others at their own emotional detriment.&nbsp; So naturally they are both at a point in their lives where they want someone to cater specifically to their needs, this is where the two intersect.&nbsp; Originally, I had trouble accepting the premise that men using a prostitute is psychologically bettering for them.&nbsp; Once I flipped the coin, however, one could argue that seeking counseling is just a softer form of self-serving narcissism.&nbsp; Ultimately, that is the benefit that Alice and Xavier gain from one another, that they are strong enough to recover from their own will.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 3 Stars -&nbsp; This was an interesting film that didn't quite live up to my expectations.&nbsp; I am a big fan of Isabelle Huppert, so naturally I was very excited about this one.&nbsp; Her performance, as always, is right on the mark.&nbsp; The story, however, didn't really challenge me like I expected it to.&nbsp; There are obvious parallels made between the profession of a psycho-analyst and a hooker, but I didn't feel like there was any true insight or revelation.&nbsp; We basically get to see how each character has found himself in the doldrums, and his/her attempt to find happiness.&nbsp; There were some great scenes, and very likeable characters.&nbsp; I would recommend this to anyone who loves Huppert, psychology, or French drama.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-8294577440630839137?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-69845067409611900312012-02-06T18:27:00.001-06:002012-02-06T18:27:29.373-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5t59bCW-gc/TysWhIg-IpI/AAAAAAAAAHg/oeXNPWgBo8I/s1600/diabolique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5t59bCW-gc/TysWhIg-IpI/AAAAAAAAAHg/oeXNPWgBo8I/s1600/diabolique.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046911/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://weirdovideo.com/wv68/content/trailer-diabolique-1955" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 1955</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; France</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Henri-Georges Clouzot</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; The wife and mistress of an abusive man conspire to murder him, but will every thing go as planned?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 3 Stars - <i>Diabolique</i> is one of those movies that I love in concept, but when I sit down to actually watch I have trouble making it all the way through.&nbsp; The story and actors are splendid; and the director really helped set the precedent of what modern-day thrillers look like (which may or may not be a good thing).&nbsp; That is probably the lowest point for me, the format is so replicated that it is difficult to separate the unique aspects of <i>Diabolique</i> from just another straight-edged thriller.&nbsp; Of course, it seems unfair to hold that against the film, which was original for the time.&nbsp; So, I appreciate the work, but just don't love the artistry.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - <i>Diabolique</i> is an excellent film with a great narrative.&nbsp; Shot in beautiful black and white, Criterion's blu-ray edition is a superb addition to any film buff's collection.&nbsp; This film has a deliberately slow pace that allows us to patiently savor each scene.&nbsp; The performances and directing are solid, and the supporting characters are quite likeable.&nbsp; Clouzot and Hitchcock both tried to buy the rights to this novel, but Clouzot got the bid.&nbsp; I wouldn't call this film suspenseful by today's standards, but it does have some rather tense moments.&nbsp; We watched this with Ro's mom recently, and she says it was very racy for the time period.&nbsp; I would recommend this film to fans of Hitchcock and cinephiles who want to see a great classic film.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-6984506740961190031?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-57414984281948114742012-01-31T21:05:00.000-06:002012-02-02T09:27:18.475-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VLB4Dl6MY4/TyhuO1l1bPI/AAAAAAAAAHY/dn9tFQ_Ss20/s1600/Good+dick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VLB4Dl6MY4/TyhuO1l1bPI/AAAAAAAAAHY/dn9tFQ_Ss20/s1600/Good+dick.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944101/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH8TdstZDV4" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2008</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; USA</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Marianna Palka</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis - A pair of oddballs share an awkward courtship.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 4.5 Stars - One of the first things Joe said to me while watching this film was, "I really don't get why you love this movie so much, you have nothing in common with the characters."&nbsp; While it's true that I'm not a stalker, or an emotionally damaged porn-addict; Marianna Palka and Jason Ritter still provide characters that one can empathize with.&nbsp; They are two very damaged, very lost people who are essentially unable to deal with the demands of life.&nbsp; She had created so many defenses and walls that she needed someone slightly obsessive and amazingly patient to break through.&nbsp; He needed someone to take care of who is also more of a mess than himself.&nbsp; They bond while watching erotica, but the trust of the relationship that forms is surprisingly edifying.&nbsp; The directing isn't always the most polished, but in the end, I love<i> Good Dick</i> and the idea of people being better by having one another. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - <i>Good Dick</i> is really not my type of film, so this will be a challenging review for me.&nbsp; I'm not into romance stories, but I enjoyed the uniqueness of the characters involved in this one.&nbsp; Jason Ritter's character is a homeless video store clerk who is extraordinarily creepy in his courtship of Palka.&nbsp; On the other hand, she is a tortured soul with no confidence and deep-seeded psychological issues.&nbsp; These two have great chemistry, and capture the viewers' empathy.&nbsp; I found myself rooting for them to achieve a happy ending.&nbsp; Speaking of happy endings...the couple spend most of their time watching erotica together.&nbsp; Sexuality is the main theme behind Palka's insanity.&nbsp; There is plenty of coarse sexual banter that is sometimes funny, and sometimes sad.&nbsp; I felt that the ending was completely appropriate and it left me satisfied.&nbsp; I thoroughly enjoyed this flick.&nbsp; Highly recommended!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-5741498428194811474?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-85676701488337601972012-01-30T17:48:00.001-06:002012-01-30T17:48:14.889-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvYqnJq5JbM/TycliSj11OI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/M13M4XuejXU/s1600/bucktown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvYqnJq5JbM/TycliSj11OI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/M13M4XuejXU/s1600/bucktown.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072747/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJR2Q45Jvz0" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 1975</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; USA</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Arthur Marks</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis - Duke Johnson visits a small town to bury his brother and sell off his night club.&nbsp; However, when he finds out that the town is being shaken down by a corrupt white police force, Duke must call in his buddies to take back the town.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro - 3.5 Stars:&nbsp; Sometimes I forget what all the fuss is about when it comes to 70s genre exploitation, but then we'll happen upon a film that is so unapologetically stylish and groovy that I find myself entertained.&nbsp; <i>Bucktown</i> accomplished this.&nbsp; The story is set exactly like an urban western, even naming the lead character Duke.&nbsp; It was easy to root for the good guy as he fought against corruption and greed.&nbsp; The film has a bit of a slow start, getting to know the characters and what not, but always manages to keep the audience engaged.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe - 3.5 Stars:&nbsp; This is a classic example of a great Blaxploitation flick.&nbsp; I honestly didn't expect this film to be this good.&nbsp; The cast is phenomenal.&nbsp; Fred Williamson is absolutely mesmerizing; flawlessly delivering cheesy lines like "jive turkey" and "ya dig".&nbsp; The story was well written, and somewhat original.&nbsp; This could never be mistaken for an Oscar contender, but there were a few scenes of dialogue that were so gripping that my wife and I both commented on it.&nbsp; The action sequences were probably the weakest part of the film.&nbsp; They were a bit lengthy and dated.&nbsp; However, the presence of Williamson, Grier, Rasulala, and even Carl Weathers makes this flick well worth while.&nbsp; If you like style, swagger, and attitude check this film out. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-8567670148833760197?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-10685891053792404102012-01-25T21:26:00.001-06:002012-01-25T21:26:52.340-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLbJpbQbPJk/TyC8Ezom-MI/AAAAAAAAACY/PEeAEkUikRo/s1600/Substitute.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701763919017081026" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLbJpbQbPJk/TyC8Ezom-MI/AAAAAAAAACY/PEeAEkUikRo/s320/Substitute.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 259px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478394/">IMDB</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6mRLoblEA4">Trailer</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Year: 2007<br />Country: Denmark<br />Director: Ole Bornedal<br /><br />Mini Synopsis: A sixth grade class receives a new substitute, an alien from a violent planet.</div></div><br />Ro:&nbsp; 4 Stars - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Substitute</span> is one of those films that is far more enjoyable than it really has a right to be. I believe Joe and I are pretty synched on this one. Bornedal can deliver deeply odd movies so well. The kids are great and easily likeable. Cliches, goofiness, and sloppy CGI can all be found- but man, this is such a fun movie to watch. One of Bornedal's signature marks is his fascination with viewing love from different perspectives, dark love stories are explored in <span style="font-style: italic;">Just Another Love Story </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;">I Am Dina</span>. Both are better films, but here he is directly stating the uniqueness of people's ability to love (in a very playful way) and the idea of how that can effect us. In his other films though, it's almost as if Bornedal is the alien himself trying to dissect human emotion in a calculated manner. <br /><br />Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - <i>Vikaren</i> is just plain old fashioned fun.&nbsp; This has every bit of cheese, suspense, and cliches you would expect from a late-night sci-fi flick.&nbsp; What sets this one apart from the other cheesy movies is the quality of the artists involved.&nbsp; Ole Bornedal has been one of my favorite directors ever since I saw <i>Just Another Love Story.&nbsp; </i>He has a very unique style of direction that is hard to put a finger on; but if you see any of his movies, you recognize his touch.<i>&nbsp; </i>This flick has a fantastic atmosphere that made me feel like a kid watching a scary movie.<i>&nbsp; </i>The performances are also top-shelf for this type of film.&nbsp; I was able to empathize and relate to the children as they feel threatened by the sub, and ignored by their parents.&nbsp; I recommend this film to sci-fi nerds, horror junkies, date night couples, or late-night cinephiles!&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-1068589105379240410?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-34648794173545479022012-01-23T18:35:00.000-06:002012-01-23T18:35:23.473-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkD0lUzVYK4/Tx1qFMWA0tI/AAAAAAAAAGE/fFMpmQ9Itog/s1600/Penalty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkD0lUzVYK4/Tx1qFMWA0tI/AAAAAAAAAGE/fFMpmQ9Itog/s1600/Penalty.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0011565/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.archive.org/details/ThePenalty" target="_blank">Full Length Film (no score)</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 1920&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; USA</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Wallace Worsley</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; An evil mob boss takes revenge on the world for having his legs mistakenly amputated as a child.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro: 3 Stars - I had fun watching this silent, creepy film.&nbsp; The Penalty has an intriguing concept with great performances.&nbsp; However, the story did drag a bit, and for a movie that's only an hour and a half to begin with, the audience is left wanting to explore Blizzard's (Chaney) personal story in greater depth.&nbsp; I could not stop comparing Lon Chaney to today's Jack Nicholson, the depth of evil that these two men can portray is truly a rare theatrical site.&nbsp; I feel that Chaney set the standard for a lot of the cliches that we have come to expect of the exaggerated villains of present cinema, but he managed to pull it off with his legs tied behind his back- not something easily replicated, but extremely impressive. &nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - It's amazing to discover what people in showbiz went through in the old days to produce works of art.&nbsp; Lon Chaney (who is amazing) harnessed his legs behind his back to allow him to play the part of an amputee.&nbsp; This was so painful that they could only shoot for 10 minutes at a time.&nbsp; In fact, this role caused permanent muscle damage to his legs!&nbsp; It's fascinating watching him climb stairs and navigate the set with his knees.&nbsp; As for the film, this is an interesting story with a monstrous lead character.&nbsp; I've heard a lot about Lon "man with 1000 faces" Chaney, but experiencing this film gave me a deep respect for him.&nbsp; The direction is solid, but the lack of an original score leaves a bit to be desired.&nbsp; Kino Video released a DVD copy with a composition using a single synthesizer.&nbsp; Although repetitive and sometimes annoying, the music adds an additional dimension which is very dark and creepy.&nbsp; I felt the ending could have been a little more dynamic, but for 1920 this was pretty darn good.&nbsp; I recommend this one to viewers who love dark films and viewers who appreciate excellent performances.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-3464879417354547902?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-5149616290245892992012-01-17T20:40:00.001-06:002012-02-06T18:14:49.588-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHlcWDh-u8s/TxWIsJ807lI/AAAAAAAAAF8/E2XDsJRosVU/s1600/Il+Postino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHlcWDh-u8s/TxWIsJ807lI/AAAAAAAAAF8/E2XDsJRosVU/s1600/Il+Postino.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110877/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXCC7SdJW1o" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 1994</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Italy</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Michael Radford</div><br />Mini - Synopsis:&nbsp; A humble postman forms a friendship with a famous poet who has been exiled to his simple island in Italy. <br /><br />Ro: 3.5 Stars - For the majority of Il Postino I had settled on a solid 4 Star rating.&nbsp; This is an absolutely delightful film.&nbsp; I was afraid that my not being familiar with Pablo Neruda would be a hindrance to my enjoyment, but quickly found that such knowledge, while probably enhancing some background understanding, was inconsequential to the story.&nbsp; The narrative focused on Mario becoming inspired to appreciate and navigate life in greater fullness through his time and discussions spent with Neruda.&nbsp; Ultimately, this was a very sweet fairy tale experience of an earnest man finding love.&nbsp; The very last half hour, however, shifted from the fairy tale into our characters facing unpleasant reality.&nbsp; While it still worked to highlight the way Neruda had truly impacted Mario's life, I found the change abrupt; and wished I could have been left with just the "happily ever after."<br /><br />Joe:&nbsp; 2.5 Stars - This was a very pleasant film to watch.&nbsp; The relationship between Mario and Neruda had a genuine sentiment to it.&nbsp; The locations shot in the film were breathtakingly gorgeous as well.&nbsp; However, I felt like the film missed its perfect ending point, and went a little too long.&nbsp; There were also several political points made during the narrative, which almost ruined the simple sweetness of the film.&nbsp; I'm not a fan of romantic films OR poetry, and this flick was heavy in both.&nbsp; This deserved more stars, but it just wasn't up my alley.<br /><br />On a side note, Massimo Triosi (Mario) postponed heart surgery so he could complete this film.&nbsp; He was so weak that they could only shoot about an hour a day. He suffered a fatal heart attack the day after filming was completed.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-514961629024589299?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-16060067876055653802012-01-12T18:17:00.000-06:002012-01-18T10:49:58.929-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpvg8QbUltc/Tw4_YpoxoDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/KRgsnElJo9Q/s1600/Sheitan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpvg8QbUltc/Tw4_YpoxoDI/AAAAAAAAAFw/KRgsnElJo9Q/s1600/Sheitan.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450843/" target="_blank">IMDb</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.terrorfeed.com/index.php?id=sheitan-trailer" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2006</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; France</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Kim Chapiron</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-synopsis:&nbsp; A sexy femme lures a group of young clubbers to her country house where her satanic family resides.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro: 3 Stars - For Sheitan to be so derivative, this is a very well done horror film.&nbsp; The story is very standard horror-fare; obnoxious/horny young people, inbred country folk, strange doll collections, and continual religious allusions.&nbsp; All elements work together just as a horror movie should.&nbsp; This would be&nbsp; a great Halloween watch.&nbsp; I suppose this movie just didn't click with me because after a while the standard horror-fare just gets old, and feels done.&nbsp; I also found myself slightly confused by Vincent Cassel.&nbsp; While he is a fantastic actor, I found his character Joseph to be demented more like an offensive Roger Rabbit than someone I would feel disturbed by.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 2.5 Stars - Vincent Cassel is by FAR my favorite French actor.&nbsp; His presence and range are extraordinary!&nbsp; However, this wasn't my favorite horror flick.&nbsp; There was a lot to like about this one because it isn't as unoriginal as the synopsis would lead you to believe.&nbsp; Yes, there are plenty of young hormones, dumb decisions, a creepy old house, titties, fog, blood, inbred hillbillies, ect...all you would expect from a horror film!&nbsp; The director unfolds the story in an engaging way while creeping out the audience with uneasy settings and characters.&nbsp; The cinematography is a bit raw, but it works for this film.&nbsp; It's hard for me to pinpoint why I didn't love this, but I can say that I didn't like the characters at all (except V.C.).&nbsp; Maybe the detachment and disdain I had for the douchy guys in this flick completely ruined it for me.&nbsp; To some viewers this will be a diamond in the rough.&nbsp; Cassel is hilarious and creepy at the same time, but he alone wasn't enough to save this flick for me.&nbsp; I recommend this to horror buffs (especially FRENCH horror buffs) who wanna find a hidden gem.&nbsp; You may or may not love it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-1606006787605565380?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-40530880573391883222012-01-04T20:29:00.006-06:002012-01-18T10:50:14.144-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCnLlXHjPeo/TwUL5n5V3iI/AAAAAAAAABY/rVmaJNeVXUo/s1600/thetrap_hi.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693970388469800482" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qCnLlXHjPeo/TwUL5n5V3iI/AAAAAAAAABY/rVmaJNeVXUo/s320/thetrap_hi.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 228px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478813/">IMDb</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRtZynBJCcg">Trailer</a></div><br />Year: 2007<br />Country: Serbia<br />Director: Srdan Golubovic<br /><br />Mini Synopsis: A father is offered a sum to pay for his son's life-saving surgery in return for taking another man's life.<br /><br />Ro: 3 Star - There are a lot of things that work for The Trap; it has a believable cast and a fantastic story. While I was interested in where the tale was leading throughout, I never found myself truly invested. The tension was as drab as the color palette, and The Trap could have greatly benefited from a bit of suspense. There were moments that seemed to be aiming to give the viewer a chance to absorb the emotional impact, that were really just kind of dragging and meh. The Trap is a well written story that lacks in the execution that would have made it into a gut wrenching thriller.<br /><br />Joe: 3 Star -&nbsp; This film really could have been great.&nbsp; Awesome story, but no raw emotion.&nbsp; There were dozens of scenes throughout the film that were platforms for emotional impact, but the atmosphere and mood left us uninspired.&nbsp; The performances seemed believable and natural, but still I was not moved.&nbsp; I am one of those guys who resists remakes (especially when American studios steal brilliant foreign films), but in this case I would be in favor of seeing a different version.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-4053088057339188322?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-83343716516103261932012-01-03T21:06:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:50:25.967-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jscu_TVbQ0A/TwO5myaXIyI/AAAAAAAAAFo/wFLXj5W8DGM/s1600/Bronson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jscu_TVbQ0A/TwO5myaXIyI/AAAAAAAAAFo/wFLXj5W8DGM/s1600/Bronson.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XzmR6Pmmgw" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2008</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; UK</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Nicolas Winding Refn</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; Biopic/character study of England's most famous prisoner: Charlie Bronson.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 3.5 - Bronson has a very specific feel to it that becomes instantly watchable.&nbsp; Through Refn's direction and Hardy's performance, the audience is compelled to explore the depths of Bronson's psyche.&nbsp; The film quickly jumps into wading through documented points of his life; and his own narrative of&nbsp; being Bronson.&nbsp; He saw himself as a star and had the will to make the rest of the country see him as just that, a star.&nbsp; Bronson is a difficult persona to identify with or even understand; and the recounting of his life has an equal wildness that doesn't bother with a conventional narrative.&nbsp; This is a bold movie, but on some level the normal, every-day-viewer will find himself perplexed when presented with someone who is so far removed from the basic social contract of humanity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 2.0 - This was an extremely unique film that showcases excellent execution from the director and lead actor, Tom Hardy.&nbsp; I was intrigued at first, but after spending time with Mr. Bronson I began to greatly dislike him.&nbsp; This guy was an idiot who got off on beating the shit out of other people.&nbsp; The whole flick is basically him going from prison to prison while fighting anyone in swinging distance.&nbsp; I felt like the story flat out sucked.&nbsp; However, Refn delivers this story in such a creative way that I found myself in awe of his raw talent.&nbsp; I've seen one other Refn film, Valhalla Rising, and I'm convinced he is going to be a star.&nbsp; I'm looking forward to seeing his earlier films as well as Drive with Ryan Gosling.&nbsp; In conclusion: great direction, great performance, shitty story, shitty character.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-8334371651610326193?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-90817395489487638302011-12-28T18:37:00.002-06:002012-01-18T10:52:42.211-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsxIrA0SbaM/TvuyakAC_PI/AAAAAAAAAFc/uGJZsX7ME9s/s1600/fish+tank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HsxIrA0SbaM/TvuyakAC_PI/AAAAAAAAAFc/uGJZsX7ME9s/s1600/fish+tank.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232776/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg1yMOdjyp0" target="_blank">Trailer</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2009</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; UK, Netherlands</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Andrea Arnold</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; A 15 year old girl struggles with coming of age while being infatuated with her neglectful mum's new boyfriend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro - 4.5 Stars: Fish Tank manages to tell a familiar story using original, fresh devices.&nbsp; The film takes its time letting the audience get to know Mia.&nbsp; She has a hard exterior gained by growing up in a difficult world, but in fact she holds on to a very fragile view of life and creates expectations that are destined to collapse.&nbsp; The greatest success of Fish Tank is that while watching one can obviously see that she is chasing pointless whims, but we wish for them to come true if for no other reason than the fact that everything else in Mia's life is so bad and she's so isolated in her own existence.&nbsp; There's also a raw believability that lends strength to Fish Tank, which makes this a good film to chew on long after viewing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe - 2.5 Stars: This was actually a pretty good film; I just didn't personally care for it.&nbsp; The cast did a nice job with their performances, and I was engaged throughout the film.&nbsp; I really enjoyed the setting of a poor family in Essex; and the British dialect is always fun.&nbsp; However, I didn't like the characters at all.&nbsp; I thought Mia was a selfish brat, mum was awful, and even Fassbender's character was a total douche-bag.&nbsp; Having never been a 15 year old girl, I really couldn't identify with the protagonist.&nbsp; The only character that I even liked was the foul-mouthed little sister.&nbsp; This is a very well-made film that I would recommend, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed it.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-9081739548948763830?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-5465519928790424532011-12-26T16:30:00.005-06:002012-01-18T10:52:46.418-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nU99CU0plw/Tvj12E-K_RI/AAAAAAAAABM/noQcusV7fxs/s1600/Joan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690568438578871570" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nU99CU0plw/Tvj12E-K_RI/AAAAAAAAABM/noQcusV7fxs/s320/Joan.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 317px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0019254/">IMDb</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAqnUPqj3JY">Clip</a></div>Year: 1928<br />Country: France<br />Director: Carl Th. Dreyer<br /><br />Mini Synopsis: An exploration of Joan of Arc's heresy trial.<br /><br />Ro: 4.5 Stars - It is remarkable to think of films that have been lost through the decades. The Passion of Joan of Arc was considered lost for a long time and its reemergence is a gift for film historians and cinephiles alike. Dreyer managed to create every shot with, as the title describes, passion. I've seen a few modern-day tellings of Joan's story and none of them were near as moving as Dreyer's vision, which stayed completely focused on her trial and the tragic results thereof. Criterion's addition of <span class="st">Richard Einhorn's "Voices of Light" was a lovely enhancement to the viewing experience. </span>The musical piece was written specifically for this film. The Passion of Joan of Arc is a terrific specimen from the early film era- highly recommended.<br /><br />Joe: 5 Stars - Lately, I have developed a great affinity for silent-era films. I expected this one to be good, but I did not expect to be moved as strongly as I was. Dreyer does an excellent job of using harsh closeups of unique faces to spellbind the audience. The actors give captivating performances using facial expressions and body language to communicate to the viewer. I really enjoyed the simple narrative this film had to offer, we only are with Joan during her trial and subsequent execution. I recommend the viewer to be familiar with her story before viewing this masterpiece.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-546551992879042453?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-41234602576292080462011-12-14T20:39:00.000-06:002012-01-18T10:51:20.048-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUGV7YIE2U4/TulY0R0lUtI/AAAAAAAAAFM/uTXcyel1F_A/s1600/Kontroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUGV7YIE2U4/TulY0R0lUtI/AAAAAAAAAFM/uTXcyel1F_A/s1600/Kontroll.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373981/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJQnWCPMrII" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2003</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Hungary</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Nimrod Antal</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; Shot entirely in the Budapest subway, a ticket inspection team finds its hands full with obnoxious passengers, ball-busting superiors, and "jumpers" who may not be jumping after all.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 3 Stars - Kontroll opens with a disclaimer from the Budapest Transport Authority chairman explaining how the metro does not uphold the image that is created in the film, but still supports a young film maker creating his fictional story.&nbsp; Thinking of Antal as a young director is good to keep in mind while viewing Kontroll;&nbsp; it's actually his debut.&nbsp; This film was created as a primarily conceptual piece of a young man dealing with his demons.&nbsp; Bulcsu, Sandor Csanyi, is the team leader of a group of men who check passengers for tickets.&nbsp; The group had a delightful dynamic and quirky humor that was very straightforward and enjoyable.&nbsp; While the story itself was not anything mind-blowing, it was handled with an ambiguity that kept it from being irritating.&nbsp; However, I couldn't stop trying to figure out how no one seemed to notice Bulcsu's lack of bathing/laundering- I mean someone would notice eventually, and we were led to understand that he had worked/lived in the tunnels for some time.&nbsp; That really goes back to the film focusing on concept over story, I suppose.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Joe:&nbsp; 2 Stars - First, let me say that Kontroll is and will be loved by many film aficionados.&nbsp; This film was interesting, but it just wasn't for me.&nbsp; Kontroll delivers a hefty dose of grit, style, and witty humor.&nbsp; However, I was left feeling like it could have been more.&nbsp; I was not captivated by this flick like so many others have been; even with the trendy soundtrack and hip editing.&nbsp; I won't blow the ending for you, but it was cliche' and we both saw it coming.&nbsp; Boredom sets in around the last 30 minutes of the film when the style finally wears off and all the viewer is left with is a mediocre, semi-boring story.&nbsp; Disappointing.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-4123460257629208046?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-83672861002249460692011-12-11T19:30:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:51:32.872-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuq7gJW_6Zw/TuVZI87JZfI/AAAAAAAAAFE/AQ7GdeGaq3E/s1600/Wedding+Song.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vuq7gJW_6Zw/TuVZI87JZfI/AAAAAAAAAFE/AQ7GdeGaq3E/s1600/Wedding+Song.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1264074/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CJaTPUKZOw" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2008</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Tunisia, France</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Karin Albou</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini-Synopsis:&nbsp; Set during WWII, racial tension and propaganda test the relationship of two best friends, a Muslim and a Jew, who are also brides to be.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 3 Stars - After watching so many WWII films it is interesting to see this story told from the perspective of such a different land's struggles.&nbsp; The Wedding Song highlights the wedge that the Nazis preyed upon within Tunisia between the Muslim and Jewish people.&nbsp; By telling the story through the trials of the two young girls, still innocent and yet entering in to womanhood, it became a much more personal separation.&nbsp; The leads were believable within their roles, however, the film moved in a way that was not very engaging to the viewer.&nbsp; The Wedding Song is a good exploration of a unique perspective of the war, but not exactly a must-see.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 2 Stars - The Wedding Song wasn't quite my cup of tea.&nbsp; It was a beautiful story, but i found myself a bit bored at times.&nbsp; This isn't a very captivating film, but the director does have some very good qualities.&nbsp; I really enjoyed the use of silence, facial expressions, and body language to convey to the viewer what the characters were feeling.&nbsp; This wasn't a dialogue heavy film...which is a good thing in this case.&nbsp; This was a seemingly simple story, but the undertones were very complex.&nbsp; This film touches on a wide array of social issues.&nbsp; The film doesn't really take a hard stance on any issue, but really focuses on the relationship of our two leads in a dismal setting.&nbsp; I'm not sure who I would recommend this to; perhaps someone looking for an unfamiliar story during WWII.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-8367286100224946069?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-7611767525194009162011-12-06T20:38:00.006-06:002012-01-24T16:10:34.493-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdhm7Y5A8xY/Tt7S8WYQx2I/AAAAAAAAABA/tFlJAemRHWA/s1600/the%2Bprop.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683211714029471586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xdhm7Y5A8xY/Tt7S8WYQx2I/AAAAAAAAABA/tFlJAemRHWA/s320/the%2Bprop.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0421238/">IMDB</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7V-CW_SUos">Trailer</a></div><br />Year: 2005<br />Country: Australia, UK<br />Director: John Hillcoat<br /><br />Mini Synopsis: An Australian western where a Captain gives an outlaw a choice- kill his older brother or his younger one will be hanged.<br /><br />Ro - 5 Stars: The Proposition is excellent through and through. It's a brutal narrative given life through Hillcoat's skillful film-making, Nick Cave's delicate artistry, and an ensemble of electric performances. John Hurt deserves especial note for his role as an adventuring bounty hunter, in which I've rarely seen him be so dynamic in character. Every element of The Proposition has been deliberately crafted, and it pays off immensely as the kind of film experience we all hope to find.<br /><br />Joe - 5 Stars: I am a HUGE western fan, but this is not exactly a western. Set in the Australian Outback, The Proposition is a beautifully harsh film. Think modern-day Sergio Leone. The atmosphere is thick and rich; with vast dusty landscapes, close attention to detail, weighted scenes of dialogue, excellent picture quality, and a soundtrack that will make your heart ache. The performances in this film are top-notch. In my opinion, Guy Pearce is the most underrated actor in the biz. This is one of my favorite films of all time. I recommend this film to everyone! Must see!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-761176752519400916?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-61577207529101027362011-12-05T20:50:00.005-06:002012-01-18T10:52:11.196-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3yoBd4Ghg/Tt2DO37TcZI/AAAAAAAAAA4/xE8ivsWKpkM/s1600/Dream-Home-Poster.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682842596365529490" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-3yoBd4Ghg/Tt2DO37TcZI/AAAAAAAAAA4/xE8ivsWKpkM/s320/Dream-Home-Poster.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1407972/">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4dD1Fvw6XI">Trailer</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Year: 2010<br />Country: Hong Kong<br />Director: Ho-Cheung Pang<br /><br />Mini Synopsis - A crazy chick kills off a bunch of apartment residents in hopes that she can buy a flat.<br /><br />Ro - 1.5 Stars: This movie was very icky overall. Perhaps the cultural gap made it difficult to empathize with the struggles of Cheng, but the flaws in concept are extremely hard to overlook. Two thirds of the movie is spent creating sympathy for the heroine's plight and presenting her as a basically rational, human being. The other third of the film is spent watching her tailspin and creatively butcher randoms. The slasher parts are cut back and forth between the story parts to keep things moving at an adequate horror movie pace. My favorite part was the credits; very trippy building shots. In conclusion, no.<br /><br />Joe - 2 Stars: This is not a terrible movie for a slasher flick. There are a few great death scenes surrounded by mindless back-story. First, the positive: this one is very gory with some creative kills. The director has a unique style that makes this film stand out...for better or worse. It's also very interesting to be submersed in the culture of Hong Kong. Now the negative: the story has no flow whatsoever; the murders seem pointless and excessive; I couldn't empathize with the killer; and the awesome death scenes weren't fun for some reason. It just seemed tragic and sad. If you enjoy watching slow, drawn out murder scenes this could be for you </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-6157720752910102736?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-75802603512153858192011-12-03T19:47:00.009-06:002012-01-18T10:52:51.894-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A6w9CYpKJHk/TtrWv79rdxI/AAAAAAAAAAo/prZsuEWkyLs/s1600/freaks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682089998919890706" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A6w9CYpKJHk/TtrWv79rdxI/AAAAAAAAAAo/prZsuEWkyLs/s320/freaks.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 223px;" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022913/">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv93FCi4daA">Clip</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Year: 1932<br />Country: USA<br />Director: Tod Browning<br /><br />Mini Synopsis - A trapeze artist and macho man try to fool a little person out of his fortune.<br /><br />Ro: 4.5 Stars - This is a very basic concept of a film playing off a very inherent, natural fear. It is so human to fear being truly different from the norm, and Freaks immerses the viewer into a world where real people have always existed as different. The execution is concise and effective in creating this discomfort very thoroughly. Exploitative in nature, I can envision why it was banned in various countries; even though, some horror aspects can be considered humorous by today's standards. Freaks is a fascinating and unique example of early cinema.<br /><br />Joe: 5 Stars - Tod Browning's Freaks is a unique and disturbing film. I am so fond of this one that I actually have a framed movie poster on my wall. This is very short (about an hour), but incredibly effective. The dialogue can be sometimes hard to follow because of the age of the film, but subtitles can help you through your first viewing. This has some very creepy elements involving actors who were authentic circus "freaks" at the time. If you've never seen a Tod Browning film you're in for a treat. He has a very distinct style that is both engaging and charming while being unsettling at the same time. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking to find an excellent atmospheric horror movie.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-7580260351215385819?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-67784616357351059662011-11-30T19:22:00.004-06:002012-01-18T10:53:16.964-06:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OBJtIxJBRM/TtbXP10l23I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/7I-UMzM6wk4/s1600/12%2Band%2Bholding.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680964647120132978" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OBJtIxJBRM/TtbXP10l23I/AAAAAAAAAAQ/7I-UMzM6wk4/s320/12%2Band%2Bholding.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 317px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 214px;" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417385/">IMDB</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Agbf5VzXH0">Trailer</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Year: 2005<br />Country: USA<br />Director: Michael Cuesta<br /><br />Mini Synopsis: Three twelve-year-olds cope with the loss of a friend after a tragic accident.<br /><br />Ro: 5 Stars - 12 and Holding is absolutely my favorite coming of age tale. While dealing with heavy themes of loss and self-identity; each child's story feels unique and different from most films of this nature. There are three primary plot lines and each one is as equally fascinating as the other two with remarkable performances from all the kids involved. They all follow life-changing paths and their decisions lead to powerful consequences. This is a definite must-see.<br /><br />Joe: 5 Stars - 12 and holding is a gem that caught me off guard. It's a heavy coming of age film that focuses on three unique but intertwined stories. There is a constant feeling of subtle uneasiness and suspense as the story unfolds. The director dives deep into the lives of these kids where the viewer is confronted with difficult situations. The performances of the three leads are stunning, considering the age of the actors. The supporting cast is outstanding as well; led by Jeremy Renner and Annabella Sciorra. I would confidently recommend this film to anyone and everyone because of the raw power and emotion achieved by director Michael Cuesta.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-6778461635735105966?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09481444468552809054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-5620577734157523412011-11-29T16:58:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:53:28.776-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oPfGqZZ--4/TtVjgsgVKdI/AAAAAAAAAE8/uTL3_dDKNJc/s1600/Cashback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oPfGqZZ--4/TtVjgsgVKdI/AAAAAAAAAE8/uTL3_dDKNJc/s1600/Cashback.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460740/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2drFZbHH4" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2006</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; UK</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Sean Ellis</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; Art student Ben is fresh off of a painful breakup which causes a bout with insomnia.&nbsp; To kill time, he goes to work the night shift at a supermarket where he meets a lovely cashier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 4 Stars -When looking at just the structure of Cashback it has a very typical rom-com sort of feel; unlucky in love leads, zany supporting characters, and even a wacky montage!&nbsp; Upon closer inspection, however, there are quite a few elements that set Cashback apart from the standard chick flick fare.&nbsp; There is a healthy dose of dry British wit and a bit of slob humor that really blend nicely together.&nbsp; The collection of relatively unknown actors lends an air of honesty to the romance.&nbsp; And the greatest strength for me is how the direction unfolds in a way that reflects Ben's (Sean Biggerstaff) personality and perspective as quirky, romantically-inclined, and intrigued with beauty.&nbsp; An enjoyable film night, indeed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - The biggest adjective I would use to describe this film is "delightful".&nbsp; Sean Biggerstaff (awesome last name by the way) is fantastic as both the lead and the narrator of this film.&nbsp; The director allows the viewer to see this story through the eyes of an artist; there is subtle beauty in everything.&nbsp; The supporting cast is hilarious and lovable, and there is an abundance of T&amp;A for us to enjoy.&nbsp; This is a great flick to sit back, have a beer, and just enjoy.&nbsp; Cheers!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-562057773415752341?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-33347143322710269262011-11-28T19:52:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:53:46.290-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_w_k7DeyMs/TtQ66pUxZ4I/AAAAAAAAAE0/kXCoQEBTNwc/s1600/metropolis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_w_k7DeyMs/TtQ66pUxZ4I/AAAAAAAAAE0/kXCoQEBTNwc/s1600/metropolis.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSExdX0tds4" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 1927</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Germany</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Fritz Lang</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; Futuristic film about an important upper class man who falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to serve as an arbitrator between the classes.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 5 Stars - I knew going in that Metropolis is considered a classic and expected to find myself respecting the movie for its impact on films overall. I was surprised by how thoroughly captivating it is. The story remains engaging and, while the acting is over-the-top by today's standards, I was impressed by the range Metropolis provides, particularly Brigitte Helm. My biggest disappointment was the large chunks of footage lost; I definitely could have used more of the Thin Man. However, I have heard that they have recovered even more footage and I will definitely seek out the more complete edition.&nbsp; I totally agree with the sentiment that this is a must-see for all the film buffs out there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 5 Stars - This was actually the first silent film I had ever watched.&nbsp; Going into it I thought "A two-and-a-half hour silent film?&nbsp; Ha!&nbsp; I'll get soo bored!".&nbsp; To my pleasant surprise, this was one of the most engaging and mesmerizing films I've ever seen.&nbsp; The set pieces were stunning for the 20's.&nbsp; I believe this was the single most expensive silent film ever made, and most of the investment went into the complex and colossal set pieces.&nbsp; Each scene in Metropolis is its own work of art, and leaves an impression in your mind.&nbsp; The plot and politics of the film have been debated for better and worse, but ultimately they have to be chalked up to the time and place where this gem was created.&nbsp; I would recommend this film to everyone.&nbsp; It's that good.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-3334714332271026926?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-7475453421688007942011-11-27T20:59:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:54:00.051-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8xHdB5BG0g/TtL5SmJdIbI/AAAAAAAAAEA/omfpJGFwXXg/s1600/last+circus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8xHdB5BG0g/TtL5SmJdIbI/AAAAAAAAAEA/omfpJGFwXXg/s1600/last+circus.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1572491/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8sEZAB13_o" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2010</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Spain</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Alex de la Iglesia</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; Twisted horror film about two demented clowns fighting over an acrobat in 1970's Spain.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 2.5 Stars - Ah, the classic story of a beautiful woman torn between two psychotic clowns.&nbsp; I went into The Last Circus with high expectations after seeing the trailer.&nbsp; I was hoping for the next awesome cult classic.&nbsp; I suppose it had the potential for such awesomeness, but just didn't achieve that goal.&nbsp; The cinematography, costumes, sets and make-up were superb; but everything else was reaching.&nbsp; Circus seemed to be going for a black, shocking commentary that only managed incoherency- while not being quite absurd enough to be a blow-your-mind cult film. While I truly appreciate symbolism in storytelling, I believe the story needs to stand on its own even without the double meaning to really reach the audience.&nbsp; Had the story been further developed and the editing taken down a notch, this could have been a fun film.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 1.5 Stars - This was a film that was interesting at times, but terrible at times.&nbsp; There were some decent moments in the film, such as creepy costumes, a sexy female (Carolina Bang), and excessive violence.&nbsp; However, the bad far outweighed the good.&nbsp; The director never found a rhythm or flow with his choppy, abrupt style.&nbsp; The story was absolutely unbelievable.&nbsp; There were at least 5 times during this flick when I looked at my wife and said "Really?&nbsp; This is ridiculous.".&nbsp; Style was the obvious focus of the director, and it just didn't work for me.&nbsp; There will be a niche that loves this flick, but for me...this was a stinker.&nbsp; </div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-747545342168800794?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-8182549288605107272011-11-27T13:14:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:54:15.382-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcRHhA9qZrM/TtKMFu0tKzI/AAAAAAAAABs/daI8sAxhg5E/s1600/xxy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcRHhA9qZrM/TtKMFu0tKzI/AAAAAAAAABs/daI8sAxhg5E/s1600/xxy.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0995829/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFTmunT0ujc" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2007</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; Argentina</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Lucia Puenzo</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; A coming of age film focusing on a 15 year old hermaphrodite, and her friends and family.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 3 Stars - XXY is a film that should probably receive more than three stars, however, the content and intentional execution are difficult for most people to relate to.&nbsp; Simply put, this is a hard film to watch.&nbsp; Ines Efron played the main character with an honest sincerity; and the movie went to all the tough places a coming of age story such as this can go.&nbsp; While this was an emotional story, I found myself a little too uncomfortable due the personal and vulnerable depiction of this story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 5 Stars - This was a beautiful film overflowing with heavy emotion.&nbsp; Director Lucia Puenzo does a fabulous job of guiding the viewer through the feelings and emotions of our main character, Alex.&nbsp; Coming of age stories are one of my favorite subjects to explore through film.&nbsp; This one is incredibly unique because Alex is both a "he" and a "she".&nbsp; The performances are great, and Ricardo Darin is one of Argentina's finest actors.&nbsp; I would recommend this film to fans of foreign cinema who can handle uncomfortable situations.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-818254928860510727?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-60362990331013748992011-11-27T12:37:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:54:37.211-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUgVYrQLWGU/TtKDaHuyIRI/AAAAAAAAABk/vO1iHhtgL-M/s1600/Wicker+Man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUgVYrQLWGU/TtKDaHuyIRI/AAAAAAAAABk/vO1iHhtgL-M/s1600/Wicker+Man.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070917/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FdV-O8o7ok" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 1973</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; UK</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Robin Hardy</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; A detective is called to a strange island village in search of a missing girl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 2.5 Stars - I generally hear of the Wicker Man referred to as a horror film, but for me it is very asynchronous with what a horror film is.&nbsp; While I give it points for originality and oddity, the movie is just kind of weird without really having an impact. At certain points it was fun to follow the young detective's journey, but at other times I found myself ready to just get to the big reveal, and not suffer any more of that "Wheat grass and Barley" singing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - I love old cult classics like this one.&nbsp; There is a subtle uneasiness throughout this film that exists behind an excessively upbeat exterior. &nbsp; The soundtrack is totally lame, but really works with the vibe of the film.&nbsp; In fact, I love the way that the director uses the music in this flick.&nbsp; It adds to the odd atmosphere.&nbsp; There are strange sexual undertones in this one that also increase the uneasiness of the film.&nbsp; The ending is one of my favorites!&nbsp; I would recommend this to fans of old-school horror films, or to fans of Christopher Lee (who is always amazing).&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-6036299033101374899?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-38959161136027916102011-11-26T14:49:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:54:57.968-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqeaR8Hx16o/TtFQzXq0BFI/AAAAAAAAABc/rrP94B2e1mQ/s1600/MV5BMTI3NTQyMzU5M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTM2MjgyMQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_CR0%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SqeaR8Hx16o/TtFQzXq0BFI/AAAAAAAAABc/rrP94B2e1mQ/s1600/MV5BMTI3NTQyMzU5M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTM2MjgyMQ%2540%2540._V1._SY317_CR0%252C0%252C214%252C317_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364569/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLn1y9v6yno" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2003</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country: South Korea</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Chan-Wook Park<br /><br />Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; A tale of ultra-vengeance. </div><br />Ro:&nbsp; 5 Stars - I am thinking that South Korea has some serious anger issues because they can pull off extreme revenge stories like nobody else.&nbsp; I loved Oldboy for all its twisted, dark crazy.&nbsp; The only thing more disturbing than the ending is the fact that Hollywood is trying to import this story for American audiences.&nbsp; Min-sik Choi is perfect in this roller coaster of a movie.&nbsp; This is one of those films that creeps around the back of your mind for a while, with a disturbing edge that is hard to shake.<br /><br />Joe:&nbsp; 5 Stars - This is one of my favorite films of all time.&nbsp; It's engaging, mysterious, demented, and totally fu*#ed up.&nbsp; Min-Sik Choi does a fantastic job of carrying this film as the pissed-off-but-loveable Oh Dae-Su.&nbsp; I weirdly felt a connection with his character, and empathized with him throughout his predicament.&nbsp; This sets itself up as a straight forward revenge flick, but it's so much more than that.&nbsp; South Korea is emerging as a diamond in the rough for excellent foreign cinema.&nbsp; We'll definitely have more reviews from this country on the way...count on it!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-3895916113602791610?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-42790903203561701082011-11-26T13:57:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:55:13.791-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgsl06oRIXs/TtFErfeT8KI/AAAAAAAAABU/OHS4whbxugk/s1600/cyrus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgsl06oRIXs/TtFErfeT8KI/AAAAAAAAABU/OHS4whbxugk/s1600/cyrus.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1336617/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G0bYpMQ-fI" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2010</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country: USA</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass<br /><br />Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; An awkward romantic comedy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 4.5 Stars - This movie manages to capitalize off deeply awkward situations happening to characters portrayed by three very self-possessed actors.&nbsp; For such an unconventional comedy the laughs come easily.&nbsp; The chemistry is spot on and the rivalry between a good-hearted doof and the manipulative, oedipal-complex-ridden son is executed effortlessly.&nbsp; Cyrus has a lot to love and is a thoroughly enjoyable watch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - Three words: JOHN. C. REILLY.&nbsp; This guy is one of the most talented and unheralded actors in the biz.&nbsp; He is a natural on screen, and he is so damn likeable.&nbsp; The film is about a 20ish son being possessive and territorial when his hot mom starts dating.&nbsp; The performances are great, and the dynamic between Hill and Reilly is fantastic.&nbsp; We have shown this film to multiple friends, and have never heard a poor assessment. &nbsp; I don't even like romantic comedies, but this one I can watch over and over.&nbsp; This is just about the only movie I mention when sappy women ask me for a movie recommendation.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-4279090320356170108?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-50283368668898600682011-11-26T13:14:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:55:26.893-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URs_23R1OqU/TtE6j8nbTjI/AAAAAAAAABM/s5VSs2mRFWY/s1600/amer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URs_23R1OqU/TtE6j8nbTjI/AAAAAAAAABM/s5VSs2mRFWY/s1600/amer.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1426352/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U5v0Rufhf4" target="_blank">Trailer</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2009</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; France</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Helene Cattet, Bruno Forzani<br /><br />Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; A throwback giallo horror film focusing on a single character in three phases of her life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Ro: 2 Stars - I will first preface this review with the fact that between Joe and myself, Joe is definitely the expert on films of this genre.&nbsp; Overall, Amer had a lot of style and nostalgia, but was scant in substance.&nbsp; Broken into three segments of a woman's life; the first, being her childhood, was definitely the best.&nbsp; The strongest moments possessed a Polanski chill.&nbsp; Sadly, each segment was a bit weaker than the one before- primarily due to the directors' use of repetitive cut shots and minimal dialogue throughout.&nbsp; Ultimately, I would say this film spent so much energy on style that the viewer is left with nothing to digest but pretension.<br /><br />Joe: 2.5 Stars - This is a film that had massive potential.&nbsp; This was like watching an Argento film crossed with a cheap 70's giallo.&nbsp; While that may sound awesome, the problem occurs when the film reaches it's second and third acts.&nbsp; It goes from creepy atmospheric horror, to wannabe exploitation, to wannabe art-house horror.&nbsp; Each act focuses on the same girl when she is a child, a young adult, then a grown woman.&nbsp; The first act is fascinating, albeit incoherent.&nbsp; I did enjoy the feeling of watching an authentic 70's eurohorror, but this wasn't enough to warrant a third star from me.&nbsp; There are better films out there for art-house horror fans.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-5028336866889860068?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-18098743608692240402011-11-26T10:50:00.001-06:002012-01-18T10:59:59.441-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjvOkz4xih0/TtEY4Mdr0oI/AAAAAAAAAAg/fZ2sgbClGCs/s1600/MV5BNjc5OTA2NDUyNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDk2NDg5._V1._SY314_CR2%252C0%252C211%252C314_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjvOkz4xih0/TtEY4Mdr0oI/AAAAAAAAAAg/fZ2sgbClGCs/s1600/MV5BNjc5OTA2NDUyNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDk2NDg5._V1._SY314_CR2%252C0%252C211%252C314_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0168629/" target="_blank">IMDB</a><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Oc3Oe_LpQ&amp;feature=related" target="_blank">Trailer</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">Year:&nbsp; 2000</div><div style="text-align: left;">Country:&nbsp; International Co-Production (10 countries included)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Director:&nbsp; Lars von Trier<br /><br />Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; A European immigrant with a degenerative eye disease works to support her son in Washington State during the 1960's. &nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ro:&nbsp; 5 Stars - I cannot emphasize how much I adored Dancer in the Dark.&nbsp; Von Trier constantly proves that he is a fearless director, breaking the rules to create a totally original film experience.&nbsp; When first immersed into this world it seemed like a random collection of odd circumstances that could only exist in real life.&nbsp; As the story continued, and began revealing its narrative purpose, one could quickly grasp the beauty of Bjork's performance and von Trier's brilliant storytelling.&nbsp; The only criticism I must point out was the jarred feeling I had when any of the supporting cast sang (sorry David Morse), but this was a limited occurrence. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Joe:&nbsp; 4 Stars - This was an extremely moving film about an immigrant from Eastern Europe living in Washington State during the 60's.&nbsp; Shot using a handheld camera, it has a raw/grainy feel that accentuates the harshness of the story.&nbsp; I was skeptical about Bjork's acting talent because she's a singer, but she captivated me from the first scene.&nbsp; She carries this film from start to finish with her presence, positive attitude, and quirky personality.&nbsp; Heavy film, great film.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-1809874360869224040?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1378840774119854543.post-31097749307833763372011-11-26T10:13:00.001-06:002012-01-18T11:00:14.784-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_b0acJaQ1hs/TtEQLhKCuRI/AAAAAAAAAAY/s9aKvuLURGw/s1600/north-face-movie-poster-f81cc6ceeaa96d8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_b0acJaQ1hs/TtEQLhKCuRI/AAAAAAAAAAY/s9aKvuLURGw/s320/north-face-movie-poster-f81cc6ceeaa96d8a.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844457/" target="_blank">IMDB</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLmjaimm2Ug" target="_blank">Trailer</a>&nbsp;</div>Year:&nbsp; 2008<br />Country:&nbsp; Germany<br />Director:&nbsp; Philipp Stolzl<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;Mini Synopsis:&nbsp; True story of two young Germans who aspire to be the first team to successfully climb the Eiger in 1930's Switzerland. </div><br />Ro:&nbsp; 5 Stars - The North Face is one of those films that reels you in and then delivers a mighty punch.&nbsp; Few films have so effectively made me feel such a high level of intensity, while utilizing an essentially classic means of cinematic storytelling.&nbsp; The two leads, Furmann and Lukas, quickly won me over and were so easy to root for as believable, real adventurers.&nbsp; Overall, it was a fantastic movie experience that tells a small story set during such a tumultuous time.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;Joe:&nbsp; 5 Stars - This is a brilliant cinematic experience that combines excellent performances, top-notch cinematography, and breathtaking scenery.&nbsp; Set in 1930's Germany and Switzerland, this is the true story of two young climbers who attempted to be the first team to conquer the "last great mystery of the alps"...the Eiger.&nbsp; Highly recommended.<br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1378840774119854543-3109774930783376337?l=rojomovie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>jtwoody1http://www.blogger.com/profile/16115598713016537040noreply@blogger.com1