August 10, 2006

  • movies I've seen recently...

    Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby  (2006)  A-

    "Talladega Nights" is probably the best Will Ferrell movie I've seen so far. Every scene had a joke or a punchline in it, and I was laughing practically throughout the whole movie. Just like what director/writer Adam McKay did with "Anchorman," the ensemble cast, the dialogue, and the crazy scenarios are what gives the movie a lot of charm, despite the seemingly overall cliche plot. Will Farrell not only made yet another memorable comedic role in Ricky Bobby, but he also helped out in the writing, which cements him as one of the best success stories from the Saturday Night Live alumni. The racing scenes also hold their own really well, and are much more entertaining than I originally would have imagined (especially coming after "Cars"). This is definitely one of the best comedies I've seen this year, and will most definitely be a future classic (especially if you like Farrell's brand of humor).

    Chasing Amy  (1997)  A+

    Out of all the Kevin Smith films I've ever seen, "Chasing Amy" is my absolute favorite of his work. Out of all the movies I've ever seen in my life, "Chasing Amy" ranks very high on my list, and could even possibly be my overall favorite. High praise? Sure, but I honestly feel it deserves it as one of the best comedic dramas I've ever seen. I'm completely in love with the characters, dialogue, and the very unconventional romantic plot. Speaking of the dialogue, this movie does not shy away from any taboo material and is most definitely not for kids, but it works so well for a mature and open minded audience. I recently got a chance to rewatch this personal classic of mine, and I was once again captivated by it. Kevin Smith, I thank you for this movie, and for giving Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams, and Jason Lee roles that will forever resonate in my life.

    A Scanner Darkly  (2006)  B-

    Well this was a surreal film. First you got the funky rotoscope animation, the eccentric characters, the bizarre yet fascinating dialogue and plot. Wierd for sure, but there's a bit of dryness to the tone of the movie. There's no main coherence to the story, and while the premise is definitely interesting, it's still not necessarily exciting. What this movie does do though, is make you feel just as lost the characters are, which works really well. There are scenes like when they argue about how many gears they have in a bike, that totally feels like a good representation at the meaningless conversations you might have in a drug induced state. "A Scanner Darkly" is definitely not for everyone, because it'll either keep you wide awake fascinated, or bored enough to sleep.