Tigerland is one of those films that begs the question “why?” It treads familiar territory, adding nothing new to the impressive vault of Vietnam films already in existence. It is not in the league of the classics of the genre, and while it attempts to tell a smaller scale story than, say, Platoon, it doesn’t even achieve that in any memorable way. But there’s no such mystery about the reason for this blu-ray release; it’s clearly an attempt to cash in on the popularity of Colin Farrell. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Indeed, his American debut is a performance of charismatic splendor, and deserves every effort to rescue it from obscurity.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Tigerland (2000) ✭✭½
Tigerland is one of those films that begs the question “why?” It treads familiar territory, adding nothing new to the impressive vault of Vietnam films already in existence. It is not in the league of the classics of the genre, and while it attempts to tell a smaller scale story than, say, Platoon, it doesn’t even achieve that in any memorable way. But there’s no such mystery about the reason for this blu-ray release; it’s clearly an attempt to cash in on the popularity of Colin Farrell. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Indeed, his American debut is a performance of charismatic splendor, and deserves every effort to rescue it from obscurity.
Tigerland (2000) ✭✭½
Tigerland is one of those films that begs the question “why?” It treads familiar territory, adding nothing new to the impressive vault of Vietnam films already in existence. It is not in the league of the classics of the genre, and while it attempts to tell a smaller scale story than, say, Platoon, it doesn’t even achieve that in any memorable way. But there’s no such mystery about the reason for this blu-ray release; it’s clearly an attempt to cash in on the popularity of Colin Farrell. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Indeed, his American debut is a performance of charismatic splendor, and deserves every effort to rescue it from obscurity.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Gone With the Fuzzy-Wuzzys: The Four Feathers (1939)
Gone With the Fuzzy-Wuzzys: The Four Feathers (1939)
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Sunlight Jr. (2013) ✭✭✭½
Writer/Director Laurie Collyer (Sherrybaby) has obviously studied the works of Haneke and the Dardennes and brings a similar gritty sensibility to this production. Some will also find the film reminiscent of Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine from 2010, but Collyer’s approach is more assured and natural, rendering superior results. Sunlight Jr. never relies on jiggly cameras, overlapping muttering or other tropes of cinema verite to sell viewers on the film’s authenticity. Collyer tells her downtrodden tale with appropriate vigor, but refreshingly doesn’t feel the need to beat up her audience in the process.
While the film’s overall rating barely nudges it above “worth seeing,” the aspects it does well it does very well, and its crafting of an impoverished human landscape gives a fascinating glimpse at the results of 30 years of economic trickle-down. It is one of the few recent films to look soberly at the plight of poor women facing unplanned pregnancy and the crucial safety net offered by those women’s health organizations red state politicians so despise. Sunlight Jr. neither celebrates nor demeans the working poor, but paints an involving, unsentimental portrait of an American Dream gone off the rails.
Sunlight Jr. (2013) ✭✭✭½
Writer/Director Laurie Collyer (Sherrybaby) has obviously studied the works of Haneke and the Dardennes and brings a similar gritty sensibility to this production. Some will also find the film reminiscent of Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine from 2010, but Collyer’s approach is more assured and natural, rendering superior results. Sunlight Jr. never relies on jiggly cameras, overlapping muttering or other tropes of cinema verite to sell viewers on the film’s authenticity. Collyer tells her downtrodden tale with appropriate vigor, but refreshingly doesn’t feel the need to beat up her audience in the process.
While the film’s overall rating barely nudges it above “worth seeing,” the aspects it does well it does very well, and its crafting of an impoverished human landscape gives a fascinating glimpse at the results of 30 years of economic trickle-down. It is one of the few recent films to look soberly at the plight of poor women facing unplanned pregnancy and the crucial safety net offered by those women’s health organizations red state politicians so despise. Sunlight Jr. neither celebrates nor demeans the working poor, but paints an involving, unsentimental portrait of an American Dream gone off the rails.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
New on TV - January 2015
Episodes ✭
Season Four - ShowtimeYes, that's right, one star. Considering I could barely make it through a single 30 minute installment, I was stunned to learn that this show has been running for 4 years. Complete rubbish. How can we miss Matt LeBlanc when he won't go away?
Togetherness ✭✭✭
Season One - HBOThis show was created and written by the Duplass Brothers and apparently some people consider that a good thing. It has some potential, namely the presence of Melanie Lynsky. The first episode was heavy on backstory and light on laughs, but hopefully that will get sorted as things progress.
Downton Abbey ✭✭✭✭½
Season Five - PBS
We're two episodes into the fifth season here in the States and so far not a lot has happened. The biggest deal is it looks like Lady Mary is about to do the wild thing with one of those indistinquishable fops that keep chasing her. However, you can tell much awkward unpleasantness is being set up for later in the year. And yes, a season six is in the works. I bet Dan Stevens is glad this show isn't holding him back anymore. (cough)
New on TV - January 2015
Episodes ✭
Season Four - Showtime
Yes, that's right, one star. Considering I could barely make it through a single 30 minute installment, I was stunned to learn that this show has been running for 4 years. Complete rubbish. How can we miss Matt LeBlanc when he won't go away?
Togetherness ✭✭✭
Season One - HBO
This show was created and written by the Duplass Brothers and apparently some people consider that a good thing. It has some potential, namely the presence of Melanie Lynsky. The first episode was heavy on backstory and light on laughs, but hopefully that will get sorted as things progress.
Downton Abbey ✭✭✭✭½
Season Five - PBS
We're two episodes into the fifth season here in the States and so far not a lot has happened. The biggest deal is it looks like Lady Mary is about to do the wild thing with one of those indistinquishable fops that keep chasing her. However, you can tell much awkward unpleasantness is being set up for later in the year. And yes, a season six is in the works. I bet Dan Stevens is glad this show isn't holding him back anymore. (cough)
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