MOVIE REVIEW: The Kids Are All Right (2010)

The American "modern family"; the phrase has become the politically correct term in our contemporary lexicon for any family that defies standard preconceptions of a nuclear family. In this case, the "modern family" is helmed by a lesbian couple. I found it interesting how the back cover of the DVD for The Kids Are All Right so blatantly used the phrase in lieu of explicitly mentioning "lesbians" or "homosexuals", but it's nevertheless refreshing to see LGBT culture gaining more and more presence into the mainstream. This easily could have been a film about a heterosexual couple under similar circumstances; the fact that it isn't and the manner in which the couple are portrayed makes Kids believably grounded in it's realism. Oh, and the film also happens to be very good, too.

Nic, a doctor, and her partner Jules, an entrepreneur specializing in landscape architecture, are parents of two children, Laser and Joni. Both children were fathered by an anonymous sperm donor. As the children come of age, the teenaged Laser and Joni decide to set out and identify their biological father. After doing some research, they find out he is Paul, the proprieter of a Southern California organic foods restaurant. When the children bring Paul home to meet their mothers, personalities clash as the free-spirited Paul and Jules connect with their newfound appreciation for their children's interest in bringing together the distantly-tied family, while Nic feels unease about the new developments.

What impressed me most about Kids was the complexity of the way in which relationships are dealt with in the story. Granted, things are complicated enough when the family has to assess their present status once Paul is in the picture, but it makes for really interesting dynamics between everyone. Among the themes presented in the film, also include (believe it or not) adultery. Now, while I won't spoil who does what to whom, I will say the manner in which the problem is handled is done in one of the most honest and frank confessions I've ever seen in a film. The acting is also very good, I don't have to go too in-depth on everyone's performances, but I think they are serviced quite nicely by Lisa Chodolenko's sharp screenplay. She comes off like a more adult version of Diablo Cody; both are incredibly hip, but Chodolenko has much more dramatic restraint and her characters have amazing nuance. While I wish the final conflict towards the end was resolved a little more succinctly (rather than seemingly leaving one of the main characters out to dry), I can see why Chodolenko might have made this choice, even if I don't agree with it. Kids was definitely deserving of the accolades it had received last year, and I'm glad to have finally seen it.

8/10

Peace,
- Jon

The 2011 Japanese Earthquake, and Some Friendly, Neighborhood Advice...

I'm sure by now news of Japan's recent major earthquake has long gone under the radar, thanks to the conflict going over in Libya, as well as Washington's so-called "budget disputes". To be frank, I would've written something earlier about my reaction to the earthquake, but last month was absolute bedlam, in terms of getting the time to sit down and compose something lucid. It's easy for me to write reviews (hence the glut I've bestowed upon you all, lately), but posts like these take me a good 30-45 minutes or more, to put together. Now, my life's schedule has slowed down considerably; I'm still waiting to hear back from one more of my law schools that I applied to, but things are finally starting to come together. Anyway...

As many of you are well aware of, Japan just recently had a catastrophic earthquake. Moreso catastrophic because of the damage brought onto several of the coastal nuclear reactors, and the radiation breaching into the water supply during the aftermath. As it so happens, my next-door neighbor is Professor Frank von Hippel of Princeton University. Von Hippel is a nuclear physicist who worked in the Clinton Administration as Assistant Director for National Security in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. And on a far less-important, but sentimental note; I've personally known him since I was at least four years old. Back on March 15th, he appeared on NBC Nightly News to discuss the nuclear crisis. The following link provides the video from said interview:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42093747/ns/nightly_news/?fb_ref=story_header&fb_source=profile_oneline

Sound advice, but what concerns me even more strongly is how much of a Pandora's Box the media has made nuclear power out to be. And I ask myself: Is the mainstream media, for all it's sensationalism, correct on this one, for once? How prepared are we to grapple with the consequences of a nuclear meltdown, when many of these plutonium powder kegs threaten the existance of adjacent human settlements; built to accomodate the plant employees, or otherwise? I look at the response the Japanese government took towards remedying the initial catastrophic situation of the damaged plants with disturbance. Dumping water onto the exposed components that were the main threat of a meltdown may have been the only option, but it may have also been partially responsible for the contamination of Japan's water supply with significant levels of radiation, due to the runoff slipping into the country's groundwater. Needless to say, who knows whether or not the government made the right choice?

I still don't know a lot about the disaster response perogatives or how extensive the radiation levels have reached in the affected areas of Japan, but I do hope this event serves as cautionary evidence that proposals towards alternative energy research should be taken more seriously. The sooner societies can adopt safer power sources, the less likely we as a global community may face domestic, and even environmental ruin from such unpredictable energy implementations like nuclear power. I know my views may seem quixotic to some, but I would hope that others out there are taking the initiative to figure out some sort of solution to challenging problems, like these.

Peace,
- Jon

MOVIE REVIEW: 300 (2007)

There are some people I know who really love 300, and others I know who really hate it. Mostly it's due to the fact that the source material's author, Frank Miller, has a strong cult following, and the film adaptation follows the graphic novel to a tee. Others that I know, find the film disgustingly innacurate and offensive to both Persians and Greeks, alike. Also, add to the fact that the action has no redeeming values, other than it's shot entirely in slow-motion. For me, 300 is just a fun movie that happens to have some glossy, edgy production values. It's safe to say, it's unlike anything I've ever seen before.

Set at the time of the Battle of Thermopylae in Ancient Greece, King Leonidas decides to settle a score with his longtime rival; the Persian king, Xerxes. Leonidas gathers an army of 300 Spartan warriors and sets out on a bloody campaign across Asia Minor. The stubborness and tenacity of his army tests Xerxes' patience, and challenges the will of Leonidas. Meanwhile, turncoats threaten the Spartan army at every turn. Back home in Sparta, even Queen Gorgo, the wife of Leonidas, must deal with skeptical politicians who wonder if the pride of Leonidas is getting the better of him.

Shot entirely within a studio on green-screen sets, 300 looks magnificent for a film. This is an instance in which I embrace any artificialty that the film exudes in it's practicality, due to the fact that the filmmakers made no secret about it being an artistic choice. Yes, it can be a little too glossy at times, but everything remains consistent, up until the very end. The acting is average, as one would expect. No one really knocks me out in this film with performances or characterizations. This is a movie you watch as an experience. 300 is style over substance at it's best, but it always manages to be entertaining, no matter what.

8/10

Peace,
- Jon

MOVIE REVIEW: Waiting for "Superman" (2010)

In America, most of us are critical about the educational system in some way, shape, or form. Some of us are lucky enough to have matured reasonably well from a good public school system. Others; like my parents, for example, were just lucky to have survived the more destitute examples. Waiting for "Superman" examines the gross miscarriages and failures of the American public school system through the eyes of multiple families. We see their experiences in trying to enroll their progeny into charter schools, and how the teachers unions, as well as the government put American schools into the quagmire they're in, today.

Speaking as one of the rare few that had the opportunity to attend a public school system whose town was centered around the prestige that came with it, it's amazing how much I took for granted what other public school systems could have been lacking for me, in comparison. At the same time, I was surprised and enlightened by a lot of the stories, ranging from the "lemon swap" system of changing teachers in school districts, the "tracking" system done to determine students futures, and efforts some families went through in order to make the winning lottery numbers of their charter school of choice. I only wish in retrospect I'd have gone to a charter school, simply because my personality has always been very school-oriented. Yet, I've spent a good deal of my time trying to also fight the frivolous bureaucracy that came along with it; from my parents protesting to my elementary school teacher it was unnecessary to put me on Ritalin, to convincing my high school guidance counselor that I was worthy enough for honors classes (and I sure as hell was!). School has always been an uphill battle for me. Yet, in spite of the detriments that came with the positive environment, I always made sure I managed to emerge victorious.

Now, for the film itself: this is a very pathos-oriented documentary. The facts that are presented are alarming, but I found myself, a lot of times questioning the validity of the sources. Granted further inquest showed much of them to be true, but isn't it rather silly for documentarians to avoid disclosing the source of their information when it is being presented in front of you? Also, I appreciated the elaboration of hypothetical solutions towards fixing the educational system from elite figures, like Bill Gates and Geoffrey Canada. But why didn't we get to hear about any from some actual teachers (besides those of the KIPP program) or other visionaries that are not in the upper-class elite, in order to get a more representative view? It goes without saying that the documentary wasn't exactly a perfect experience for me, but it does a good job of provoking one to think about these issues. Therein lies the real power of media to question our belief system, and do something about it.

8/10

Peace,
- Jon

MOVIE REVIEW: Your Highness (2011)

If any of you thought the conventions of the fantasy genre were dead and outdone, Your Highness brings them back in a rip-roaring, raunchy romp (woah, alliteration...). Overly advertised as the next offering from the director of Pineapple Express, anyone whose seen it will expect an equally comparable spate of weed, dick, and fart jokes. However, in the trappings of a fantasy film, the odd juxtaposition is just a hilarious concept unto itself. On top of that, Natalie Portman makes an appearance as a sharp-tongued amazon; a role against type that she does beautifully. With enough action, gags, and swashbuckling to go around, this is a pretty good way to spend a night at the movies.

In the Middle Ages, Prince Thadeous lives in the shadow of his older, and more physically appealing brother Fabious, who is heir apparent to their father's throne. Upon returning from his latest quest, Fabious presents the young, virginal Belladonna to the court as his new consort. On their wedding day, Belladonna is snatched up by the evil wizard Leezar; who plans to produce a devastating dragon via a forced sexual ritual, known as: "The F*ckening". The two princes and their meek assistant Courtney set out into the wilderness to rescue Belladonna, encountering a feisty warrior named Isabella, who also has plans for taking out Leezar.

I haven't seen many comedies this year yet, but I will say, I already like what I'm seeing so far (and I should, with how ridiculous the price of movie tickets is, these days). Even so, this is a comedy that also displays some excellent creativity in it's visuals and story. What I find brilliant about the blatantly trashy writing is that the dialogue is completely accented and reflective of fantasy cliche's, yet, it is so effortlessly punctuated with vulgarity. The neologisms and profanities that didn't exist back then resurface in a hilarious way. Apparently, most of the dialogue was improvised, too. The script only consisted of a basic outline. The cliches of the fantasy genre are present, throughout, but they're done well, and creatively combined with the fresh humor. Fans of the fantasy genre, along with those who enjoy humor of this kind should find Your Highness to be an enjoyable ride.

8/10

Peace,
- Jon

MOVIE REVIEW: THX 1138 (1971)

Star Wars is one of my all-time favorite movies. Yet somehow, George Lucas' first film; THX 1138 eluded me. However, this was probably for a good reason - as a science fiction work, it's incredibly esoteric; a rough example of storytelling from a director who's arguably biggest masterpiece turned him into a businessman who squandered any hope of furthering his talent. I'll get off my soapbox now. But I guess what I'm really trying to say is, while the film itself presents a unique vision of the future and promise of Lucas' creativity, the film itself is marred by somewhat amateurish storytelling.

In the future, humans are controlled by a greater network of machines and love is outlawed by libido-suppressing drugs. THX 1138 and his female roomate LUH 3417 discover desire and sexuality when they abandon their drug regimen out of curiosity. Upon arrest, THX becomes suspicious of the totalitarian bureaucracy when he becomes acquainted with other outlaws alike. He bands together with them, in order to make an escape, amidst the difficulty of constantly standing out in a world where almost everyone is fitting in.

Most directorial first efforts are challenging to come across as masterpieces, even though they set the tone for what the creator has to offer. With THX, I think the movie comes off as a little art-y for it's own good. While the imagery is nice, the film depends mostly upon that for the audience to make their assumptions; it's like when Kubrick did 2001: A Space Oddysey, only the storytelling is much more vague. Add to the fact, the acting comes off as rather stale at times; most of the dialogue seemed stilted or muddled, and often hard to follow. Even with the changes made for his directors cut, to further increase the visual scope of the picture, I'm not sure Lucas had extensive clarification or exposition in mind, when writing THX. Still, it is visually stunning, and somewhat thought-provoking, but not as interesting as you would think, based on first glance.

6/10

Peace,
- Jon

MOVIE REVIEW: Gone with the Wind (1939)

As I watched Gone with the Wind for the first time in my life, on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I decided to do a little something different than my traditional review. I'm going document what I'd been thinking the whole time during it's near-four-hour length since I'm feeling very ADD at the moment. Think of it as a mental audio commentary for anyone who's really familiar with the film. Needless to say, I was quite entertained -

OVERTURE - Oh great, a friggin' overture...oh wait! That was quick!

00:5:00 - Wow, acting has come a long way since 1939...

00:5:30 - I have no idea what the hell Mammy is saying...

00:7:00 - They weren't kidding when they told me this was Hollywood's biggest soap opera

00:10:00 - I've just realized: Vivien Leigh and her sisters are GORGEOUS! Good God...Natural beauty, wherefore art thou?

00:15:00 - So, apparently Scarlett O'Hara was the "Snooki" of her time? I guess acting glib in front of men was more scandalous than premarital sex.

00:25:00 - WOW! REALLY?! Before electrical fans there was...um...yeah...

00:26:00 - Don't worry Rhett, I can totally relate to being the loser in the room...

00:30:00 - Leslie Howard looks WAYYYY too old for his role...someone fire the makeup artist!

00:31:00 - ...I feel like I'm back in high school...

00:31:47 - Oooh, someone got TOLD!

00:33:00 - Craig Christ! Guys were THAT excited about going off to war? You'd think Abraham Lincoln was Cameron Diaz with the way they ran off like that!

00:34:00 - If it was that easy to get hitched back then, I'd be a married man by now!

00:35:00 - Pneumonia and measles...ick....

00:38:31 - The way they're dancing with those dresses, I'm surprised no one tripped...

00:39:01 - Shake it like a Polaroid picture.

00:39:36 - GREEN SCREEN! (did they have those back then? It sure looked like it!)

00:40:30 - Captain But-ler...I'm so immature...

00:43:00 - What the hell is this?! Prostitution? Civil War mail-order bride auctioning??

00:45:22 - Rhett Butler is THE man, that's a smooth operator, right there!

00:46:50 - The way Rhett is being so brutally honest, it's a good thing Scarlett didn't ask if her dress made her look fat (...she doesn't, quite honestly).

00:49:30 - Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaamnnnnnn...what a list...

00:51:34 - "The ants go marching, one by one, hurrah! hurrah!..."

00:52:57 - Scarlett is green with envy...get it?

00:53:55 - That's an inch and a half away from being a Charlie Brown Christmas tree...

00:58:25 - Ashley Wilkes is a player...

01:01:50 - I'M THE JUGGERNAUT, BITCH!

01:03:37 - No chlorophorm?...wow, that sucks...

01:05:13 - If I ran outside in that wildebeast stampede, I'd be sh*tting my pants, right then and there...

01:07:17 - Rhett Butler and his green screen horse-and-buggy to the rescue!

01:08:41 - I can't understand what Prissy is saying...I'm starting to notice an obscurely racist trend here that's taking me back to my Theatre History II class in college...

01:09:57 - The way this film portrays the treatment of slaves back then makes the South look like Disneyland...<sigh> theatrics. Why is Scarlett always hatin' on everyone?

01:18:32 - You know they're gonna show something not-kosher when the cameraman breaks out the silhouette lighting

01:19:00 - Rhett Butler - Pimp Daddy

1:20:21 - Prissy can't pack a trunk, even if her life depended on it.

01:23:23 - That's one BIG fire! Scarlett O'Hara would not survive a zombie invasion if she wanted to lock the front door THAT badly.

01:24:51 - Rhett should've invested in a six-shooter...

01:25:01 - Such...realistic fire...

01:27:32 - Us Yankees and our "...swaggerin' and boastin'", pretty much sums it up.

01:28:30 - RHETT'S JOINING THE ARMY! YOU'RE A MAN, NOW!

01:30:09 - In all seriousness, this scene is really beautiful. Wow...

01:31:52 - Oh, that lightning...wow, must suck being stuck under a bridge, but oh! Look at that rainbow! I'm having really bad ADD, can't you tell?

01:33:37 - Wow, them Yankees done messed up Twelve Oaks!

01:34:50 - They found a cow, how random...

01:35:45 - Tara sure is one tough egg...

01:37:30 - This is actually a pretty genuine shift from what was once a soap opera into a dark tragedy. Impressive...

01:43:16 - I really can't poke fun at this anymore, because Vivien Leigh's acting is pretty phenomenal right now.

INTERMISSION - Whew, finally some quiet music!

ENTR'ACTE - That is a fine-looking sunset, I'll say...

00:01:57 - SHERMAN! :-D

00:03:31 - This film is a slap-fest!...what the heck are darkies?? Sheesh...

00:06:15 - WOAH! That's gory, even by 1939 standards! Scarlett's gone from Snooki to Sarah Connor!

00:08:57 - Olivia de Havilland did a very bad job of hiding the fact she wasn't naked...

00:09:55 - After all that and you're still this spiteful Scarlett? For shame...Ahh! The carpetbaggers!

00:13:29 - You know, I'm glad I haven't seen any of the women parading in those bloomy-skirted 1860s dresses anymore

00:14:30 - Ashley lives, hmm...

00:19:47 - "Looove me, looove me, say that you loooooove me!"

00:22:17 - Oh, someone got TOLD! That's how you fight foreclosure in them days...oh but did you have to go that far Mr. O'Hara?? <sigh>

00:24:00 - ...I've got $300...oh wait, they're talking about 1860s dollar bills...

00:24:26 - Scarlett O'Hara apparently invented the Derelicte clothing line before Mugatu from "Zoolander"

00:25:00 - Well, the poofy dresses strike back, I guess...

00:28:31 - Her hands don't look THAT bad! Whine, whine, whine...

00:34:20 - Oh there she goes again...Cue "Golddigger" by Kanye West...

00:40:56 - ALL HAIL RHETT BUTLER! YOU TELL SCARLETT! YEAH!

00:42:29 - Oh, I was wondering what happened to her gun...Worst, fainting, ever...

00:50:02 - Partying like it's 1865...

00:52:53 - They did NOT have electric lamps back then; you can see that wire clear as daylight...

01:03:20 - Now THAT'S how you woo a woman!

01:06:05 - I think Scarlett O'Hara's just about committed all of the seven deadly sins in the past three hours

01:08:15 - I SWEAR TO GOD, IF I HEAR SCARLETT SAY "OH, RHETT!" ONE MORE TIME!...God, it's like Titanic all over again.

01:11:50 - When the hell did they have a kid?!

0:1:15:37 - RHETT SMASH!

01:22:30 - BUSTED!

01:38:20 - Wow, spoke too soon, Rhett...

01:43:52 - Oh boy, this doesn't look good...Oh God, really?! Poor Bonnie...

01:53:02 - So much death in this film, when did this suddenly become Hamlet?

01:58:15 -"Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn!" - TOLD!

02:00:29 - Oh my sweet Lord! It's over! EXIT MUSIC!

Now it may seem like I roasted it quite a bit. Admittedly, Gone with the Wind is a little dated in some aspects of production, but it's a fine piece of work. A classic, without a doubt.

9/10

Peace,
- Jon