Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Hopper























I loved this overview of Edward Hopper's career. Some of the text is overwrought but remains insightful for the most part. The reproductions are wonderful. Some captions go beyond the basics with added commentary. This title turned my Hopper fever up a degree or two, which is welcome.

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Sunshine Cleaning

The story of how a missing component affects lives: missing mother, missing arm, etc.

The art of the deal escapes Alan Arkin's character as he disposes of gobs of shrimp. Why? Board of Health ruins his plan. Also, the Cleaning Company needs to get certified to get insurance. It seems the direct path to entrepreneurial success is burdened by bureaucracy.

Are these characters growing up? High school affair remains in force. Everybody knows. Even the wife.

This movie is full of life but subtle.

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Two Lovers

This dark and downmarket Woody Allen ripoff got worse and worse as the film progressed (or better, regressed). Pass.

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Duplicity

I saw this movie starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen a week ago and can't remember anything about it except is was forgettable.

It was all plot driven and very complicated resulting in...not much.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Adventureland

Finally, a good film! It occurred to me that this is the type of film where many scenes left this wannabe director thinking "I wish I had thought of that".

Random thoughts:

A moving scene shows a silent car ride to "Pale Blue Eyes". It's a beautiful scene. The bridge structure overhead floats by.

References to Lou Reed permeate the film.

Ryan Reynolds brings back memories of the Matthew McConaughey character in "Dazed and Confused".

Good soundtrack effectively used.

Funny as hell. "Strong-ish" is the response when the nerd saves a drunk girl from falling. The delay between syllables is perfect.

The lights outside the bus in New York resemble the lights of Adventureland; the next adventure starts in New York.

I might even see this one a second time.

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Sunday, April 12, 2009

Perfect Easter video

Thursday, April 09, 2009

I love this TV commercial

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