Multimedia

Scott Pilgrim vs. The World – Review

Writer guy

A more apt title for this movie is how an engaging film filled with good actors and a tight story died one weekend in August at the side of the box office. Scott Pilgrim oozes with everything a large budget Hollywood flick usually avoids: creativity, edginess and passion.

With all those character flaws stacked against it, I have no idea how this movie ever got made, but I’m glad it was. Because the film at its heart is funny.

One need not be a graphic novel geek to appreciate the familiar framing and composition of the shots and the meter of a storyboard driven plot. At times it’s campy, maybe even sompy. Other moments are satirical or snarky. Always though, Scott Pilgrim entertains.

What works about Scott Pilgrm:
1) Translating a graphic novel for the screen can be very difficult. The director bridges the different forms while preserving the spirit of the story, and yet does so while recognizing the strengths of the live action medium. The end results hits the audience in a way only a good movie can.
2) Combat scenes: Who knew Michael Cera could fight so well? Or even fake fighting so well.
3) Very witty.
4) The stunts. Surprisingly.

Verdict: DVD purchase.

Greatest Dad

Writer guy

Kind of like this virtual tour business. I get to watch Netflix and chill with the cats at night in my own living room, and yet the promotion machine marches on.

Speaking of DVD’s really, really liked World’s Greatest Dad, which was written and directed by Bobcat Goldthwait ( Yep, that Bobcat from One Crazy Summer ). A dark comedy, and the heir apparent to Heathers, the movie goes where few satires dare breach.

Doubt

Writer guy

When steadfast certainty collides with unrepentant righteousness, a doubt is born. And in the hands of a skilled author, such conflict makes for one hell of a film. John Patrick Shanley has exploited this situation–and done it beyond compare–for a his magnum opus, Doubt. The plot is elegant, yet simple.

An old guard nun perceives a transgression by an up and coming priest involving one a middle school students under her supervision. When she questions the priest, the sparks fly.

Had any other actors besides Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman attempted this material, it would have been larceny. God bless them both for A-plus performances. Believable and credible, Meryl and Phillip deliver the goods.

More impressive than the acting, the movie transcends the usual snares that derail play adaptations. Namely a key plot point that sets the story in motion occurs off-stage, “before” the story. Often the genesis–when it is revealed–proves more interesting than anything in the production, which is why I dislike most plays. Good casting and direction often compensates for such mangling of plot; however this is generally a distraction, clever though it may be.

There is no such ruse at work in Doubt. It delivers the goods, scene after scene.

What works about Doubt:

1) Cast. Hoffman deserves an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

2) Direction. Kudos for making something that appears on the surface religious, so secular and universal.

3) Texture. Lots of little subtleties develop and demonstrate character.

What to keep in mind:

1) Like a play, there are less scenes than in a typical movie. At the same, those scenes trend on the longish side.

Verdict: Theater full-price. Buy the DVD. Oscars all around.

Wedding Crashers

Writer guy

Just got back from a late night showing of Wedding Crashers. Hysterical! A review of this, plus Fantastic Four and the Longest Yard will follow in the next few days.

Day Four of Atkins: no serious hunger pangs or sugar cravings. Yum.