Overall Impression — A confused movie that delivers more sizzle than steak. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s the main character? — Giselle. What’s she trying to accomplish? — Sort of return to Andalusia (her fairy tale realm) but she doesn’t actively try to do that much after a few first efforts. Her main drive is to… Continue reading ENCHANTED
Category: Reviews
INTO THE WILD
Overall Impression — A beautiful movie experience which DELIBERATELY DEFIES NARRATIVE STORY STRUCTURE. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s your main character? — Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch). What’s he trying to accomplish? — Go to Alaska and have an existential experience living in the wild. Who’s trying to stop him? — Nature, resources, the amazing people that… Continue reading INTO THE WILD
HAIRSPRAY
Overall Impression — Infectious fun that compensates for a certain lightness of story. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s the main character? — Tracy Turnblad. What’s she trying to accomplish? — She’s trying to fall in love with Link, get the Corny Collins show integrated, and win the Miss Teenage Hairspray competition. Who’s trying to stop her? — Station manager… Continue reading HAIRSPRAY
3:10 TO YUMA
Overall Impression — A well-crafted movie that tries to do everything right and succeeds from a structural viewpoint, but is ultimately undone by some unclear character motivations. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s the main character? — Christian Bale’s Dan Evans. What’s he trying to accomplish? — Save the family ranch by getting the outlaw Ben Wade (Russell… Continue reading 3:10 TO YUMA
KNOCKED UP
Overall Impression — Crass, rude, and I loved it. THE FOUR QUESTIONS Who’s the main character? — Seth Rogen’s slacker-stoner, Ben. What’s he trying to accomplish? — Ben’s trying to figure out how to be a good boyfriend and potential father. Who’s trying to stop him? — To an extent, his slacker buddies as well… Continue reading KNOCKED UP