2009 Mini-Reviews
by George Watches Things
District 9
District 9 had an interesting premise, but I was not pleased by the follow-through. I never bought the story, scenes (and lives) at the end go on too long, and there is little depth. This is just a popcorn movie, but it could have been so much more.
Humpday
Humpday too had a great premise. And it’s more memorable than District 9. Unfortunately, I’m not an accomplishment-less 30-year-old, and that’s who this movie was made for. The movie could have been meatier, and some of the personal drama of these two men could have been played up more, but I’ll hold off on too much criticism until I am a 30-year-old without an accomplishment. At least I enjoyed it more than Old Joy (which some of you may remember that I slammed for being ‘boring’ last year)!
Star Trek
Star Trek is not just typical summer fare. JJ Abrams knows how to make a movie. The action sequences are compelling and everything is so slick. The film maintains originality, despite being a reboot of an old franchise. The scenes with Old Spock didn’t particularly bother me when I last saw it, but I recognize the idea is silly.
Up
This is what we’ve come to expect from Pixar. You’ve got the great, colorful visuals and the highly complex, equally colorful characters to match. Up is firmly rooted just a little outside reality, but it’s consistent, and that’s all that matters. And what Up mini-review would be complete without mentioning how touching the montage at the beginning is?
Where the Wild Things Are
I am not Max from Where the Wild Things Are. From what I remember, I am none of these characters, in fact. And I didn’t really connect with this kid and his quest for answers at all. I don’t remember the “bookend scenes” that some people enjoyed so much, so I do plan to rewatch at least parts of the film.
Next time: Up in the Air (available for rental on iTunes).
I thought where the wild thing are was immensely emotional, a horrendously dark comedy, and a wonderful adaptation of the book. You should read up on some of the film analysis, especially the one about max’s role reversal that finally drives him to go home. And district 9 was also another film I’m disappointed that you didn’t like. apartheid aliens resonates a lot with how we treat people we don’t understand. Anywho, good to see you’re back!
I understand the Apartheid connection, but I don’t think the film tried to make it much at all. It set the action in South Africa, but it let us as viewers either make the observation or not. If it had been set elsewhere (say, even Alabama), nothing would have been different.
“where the wild things are” started out great, but it’s just not enough for a feature length film. “up” was fabulous. “district 9″ started out great and turned into a sci-fi version of an episode of “the office.” you’re going to like “up in the air” i hope. i know i liked it. the woman who played george clooney’s love interest is great and also did a great job acting and directing an indie film i saw recently.
http://brainsnorts.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/ebertfest-2012-higher-ground/
I saw Up in the Air last week, and I did indeed enjoy it. So far, this 2009 marathon has been great. Everlasting Moments, Inglourious Basterds, Somers Town, Objectified, Up in the Air, and A Serious Man have all been of the highest quality.
I’ve heard of Higher Ground, and I hope I get to see it.
I was trying to find your email address here but couldn’t locate it. I literally browsed everywhere.
movieblogger8@yahoo.com
I am not a big fan as others of Up, but I agree 100% with District 9. It is executed in a poor and inconsistent fashion. It can’t decide if it wants to be a biting sociopolitical mockumentary (in a non-comedic form) or a straight up Hollywood sci-fi action film. The aesthetic is confusing in how it alternates between the two on the fly. Yet, I would give it props for Sharlto Copley’s brilliant performance. I believed every second of him.
Star Trek is fantastic. I couldn’t connect with Where the Wild Things Are either. Oh well.
I was blown away at Up. Feels like one day we will not need real people to act anymore.