The movie ticket stubs are piling up!
WITH THE END of the year rapidly approaching, Junkie1, zRose 25 and I resolved to cram as many 2009 film releases into the holiday weekend as we could. I managed to make it to eight, all in the service of my upcoming year-end film review. I wanted to see as many of the year’s 277 releases as I could. Here’s what I thought of last weekend’s crop:
Have You Heard About the Morgans? Lackluster comedy that trades too much on urban and rural stereotypes (New Yorkers in Wyoming), apparently hoping to transcend them, but instead falling flat. The normally wonderful Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker (who looks like she needs a good steak dinner) must be listed as casualties.
Avatar. The second viewing was in a posh theater with big seats (only $18!), spurring Junkie1′s disdain for James Cameron to stratospheric heights. Meanwhile, zRose25 and I liked it a bit more than the first, which I reviewed here.
Me and Orson Welles. Yes, man-pixie Zac Efron shows off some acting chops but it’s Christian McKay who walks away with the movie with his portrayal of the mercurial, manipulative and massively talented Orson Welles. And how nice to see Claire Danes again.
Sherlock Holmes. Simply put: Rollicking good fun. Amazing chemistry between a career-ascendant Robert Downey Jr. and a rebounding Jude Law. Astounding visuals coordinated by director Guy Ritchie propel a plot so complex you don’t care as long as Downey’s there to explain it to you.
Up in the Air. I found it a poignant testimony to discovering the possibility, even in middle age, that you may yet change your life’s course. The twentysomethings found that depressing. You dang kids get off my lawn!
Nine. Slow start, first couple songs were meh, but it came alive whenever Judi Dench was onscreen. Overall: Enjoyable.
Invictus. This based-on-real-events film about how Nelson Mandela knit together his divided nation through rugby featured intense and understated performances from Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, and tight storytelling from director Clint Eastwood.
It’s Complicated. A more cheerful take on the difficulties of making emotional connections in middle age than Up in the Air. Nuanced performances from Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin contribute to many hijinks. Also, the screen lights up whenever John Krasinski comes on.
In my next post, I’ll share the joys and woes of seeing so many movies at the theater in so little time.
You didn’t see Precious??
I haven’t seen it yet. Definitely before the Oscars, though.