When I feel like the world is going down the drain — something that I have been sensing quite often lately — I turn to the movies. For me, films provide an especially needed escapism. My movie obsession began at an early age, from that point driving many around me crazy, particularly my mother. My addiction was emboldened after I tied the knot with another proud movie buff. Watching films is our favorite past time. We rent, buy and discuss movies constantly. Those following Mental Mayhem may have noticed that cinematic discussions are an integral part of this blog. Well, enough rambling. Let’s talk movies. We have seen a number of good films lately, thanks laregly to Netflix. Here is my take on a few of them:
- Match Point: This Woodey Allen movie is simply brilliant. I fully enjoyed both the acting and the story, which uses tennis to explore the irony that is life! Two thumbs way up!
- La Communidad: A Spanish black comedy that takes place primarily in an apartment complex in Madrid. As one movie critic said, La Communidad is a mesh between the works of Hitchock and Almodovar.
- Kinsey: A film following the life story of an entomologist who decides to study the sexual habits of humans, the scientist, Kinsey, undertakes unorthodox research methods, which prove shocking at times. This is not exactly a family flick and might not be a good choice for conservative viewers.
- Me, you and everyone we know: This independent flick is not your usual viewing, proving entertaining but shocking at times. If you are like me and currently traumatized by the events in the Middle East, then this movie is a wonderful distraction from the madness around you.
- Lord of War: Nicholas Cage is fanstastic in this intese drama about the corrupt world of international arms sales. I would definitely watch this movie again.
Match point is officially on the list, I’ll give Woody another chance. Honestly, his comments about Stanley (the man) Kubrick are what annoyed me most.
Jeff and Natasha, have you gotten ahold of “To End All Wars”? It is based on the true story of a Scottish soldier and his regiment interned in Japanese prison camps in Thailand.
It is an excellent take on the degradation and resilience of the human spirit and does not demonize the Japanese but gives excellent examples of East/West differences. Kiefer Sutherland and Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting)star. Of course, there is a faith element as well.
Hamako, that’s why you should watch Match Point. Woody’s face is nowhere to be seen. I was wondering while watching how many of his films exclude his presence. I thought of the Purple Rose of Cairo. That one won an Oscar I believe. This one could do the same. I’m on about the same page as you Hamako. Woody can get a bit overbearing. But this one is different. It’s really worth a watch. You’ll be surprised.
Lord of War is a great movie, good choice. Woody Allen, in my opinion, needs to stop making/directing/participating in movies, his humor is mediocre at best, his ironies are not subtle and it seems that he is trying so hard to say “LOOK AT MEEEEE, IM SMART AND FUNNY” in a very undertoned way. I hate his face.
On a less extreme note, watch Dr.Strangelove, best comedian, best director and a little eccentricity…my favourite movie of all time, not that that counts for anything 😉
-Hamako Shako Mako
Haven’t seen any of the movies you mentioned,but finally watched “National Treasure” and “The Green Mile.” They were both excellent,especially National Treasure because it had a lot of American history facts.
Have you heard about the new Turkish movie called “Valley of the Wolves,Iraq?” It stars Gary Busey,and is not very respectful of Americans or the US Army.However,I doubt there will be violent protests on the streets of America,or bombings of the Turkish embassy,thanks to the principle of free speech.