review: "Where the Wild Things Are"

never has a movie come so close to identifying the feeling of being a child as "where the wild things are".

this is not a sappy, sweeping, childhood fantasy film.  it is more an allegory for childhood and growing up than anything else.  it's big and beautiful and bittersweet and confused.  it's dreamlike and mesmerizing.

on a technical side, the wild things themselves look incredible.  a perfect, seamless blend of cg effects and practical animatronics.  the actors voicing the characters do a great job, particularly james gandolfini who lends his gruff, fragile voice to carol.

people have been saying kids won't enjoy this film, or won't get it.  that's probably partially true.  however, i do believe kids will see something different in it, and it'll certainly be one of those films that gets stuck in their heads.  later in life they'll watch it again and see more.  truly, the movie has a lot of depth and soul to it that you don't see in many films these days.

go see it.

the rules of attraction

synchronicity.

i hope the mysteries of the universe are someday explained to me.  there's too much coincidence and happenstance in this life, both good and bad, for everything to be random and out of control.

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review: "Paranormal Activity"

As if life doesn't suck enough without having to deal with demonic ghosts and alien abductions and zombies and the like.

For those that enjoy things going bump in the night, is there ever a movie for you.

Paranormal Activity will gladly rest among the pantheon of "documentary"-style fictional films that really make good use of their gimmick. The best thing about the gimmick is it plays on nothing but the strengths afforded it. It does not call too much attention to itself and avoids being self-referential.

The film also plays on the strengths of it's two leads. The two unknowns will surely be highly sought after following a wider release of this film. This is slightly unfortunate, given that the unknown factor is very much a part of the films charm. The actor who plays Micah, the brave and devoted, yet headstrong boyfriend, is instantly likable with his down-to-earth humor and believable demeanor. Likewise, the actress who assays the role of Katie is equally likable and sells the tortured desperation with ease. It is her performance that keeps the audience interested.

This is far from a special-effects extravaganza. The minimal effects work is highly appreciated and a breath of fresh air in this gore-fest driven genre. Again, this leads the film an air of credibility. You buy that everything is happening to these people. You don't believe it in the way that, say, "The Blair Witch Project" had some people believing it. That's more a sign of the times. Information is available instantly.

This film is evenly paced. Methodical. It slowly eases you into a sense of dread, as well as a sense of curiosity. The same things it's protagonists are feeling.

This is not a film that needs to be seen in theaters. The theater-going experience was quite unbearable. Audiences are getting increasingly difficult to see films with, which is unfortunate. And, whatever you do, do NOT watch the theatrical trailer if you plan to see this film. It flat out reveals half of the good scares in the latter half of the film.

Enjoy, and remember, never buy a ouija board to deal with spiritual beings. it just pisses them off.

guess who's back, back again

i don't know folks, i may have gotten over this whole blog thing. maybe not though. stick around and i might delight you with some thoughts and sentiments on very important subjects and issues. although, i'm beginning to think rossa vino may become my writing partner from here on out.