Reviews

This movie is supposed to be about the redemption of two men on opposite sides of the moral line in life. This in itself is a good theme, and the production and acting more than hold up their end of the bargain in achieving it. The problem is in the script and direction, for by the time the climax arrives too many illogical and out-of-character moments have happened for the audience to believe what is actually occurring. Specifically (without giving away spoilers) pay attention to who does and doesn't get shot at during the course of the film, and ask yourself why the villain Ben Wade would go along with certain things when he is, in fact, a cold-blooded killer who wants to escape. If not for these illogical acts that go against the character traits already established, this might be a good film.

Wes is my favorite director, and THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS my favorite film, but something about this film just seemed off. He seems to be rehashing the same material and themes over and over and over again, and as a viewer, this was by far the least rewarding experience I've gotten from any of his films. It was less funny, less emotional, and there was less action than in any of his other films. In summary, THE DARJEELING LIMITED offered nothing new to the viewer already familiar with Anderson's work. In this way, it seemed like a tremendous waste of an opportunity to do something more. Perhaps Anderson should welcome Owen Wilson back as his writing partner? Whatever the case, I, as a fan, make the plea that Anderson should attempt writing something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT for his next film, because right now he seems to be stuck.

From a technical standpoint, this film is top-notch - the acting is brilliant, the cinematography is beautiful, and the George Gershwin soundtrack is excellent.

But the content of the film is another thing. Basically, Woody Allen comes across as an egomaniacal creep who writes parts for himself in order to make him look like he's God's gift to women (there are so many references to his sexual prowess one could start a group drinking game based off it).

And anybody with even a beginner's understanding of adolescent psychological development knows that men who pursue teenage girls are sick and sadistic bastards who find joy in ruining promising young lives.

So my summary is: Like the film for its craft, but loathe the creator for his statement.

There was nothing in this film which even began to interest my intellect or emotion and I could see every "twist" coming from a mile away. I'll never understand why in stories like these the characters just don't come out with the truth and tell everyone so all can be okay, but then I guess you've got no story and no reason to make your film (which is what I felt should have been done in the first case).

Expect no action, lots of "secretive" dialogue (which anyone with a knowledge of subtext will figure out in the first five minutes), overwrought camera work, and gratuitous "I'm so beautiful but this has nothing to do with the story" shots of Penelope Cruz. Or just save yourself the time and money and don't watch it...

I saw The D's new film tonight at a special advance screening, and I was so blown away by its sheer greatness that I felt I had to come onto IMDb and get the word out. Admittedly, I was already a huge fan of the D's work - I loved the HBO series and listen to their music weekly (there's nothing better to sing along to), but this appreciation actually made me more apprehensive going into to tonight's screening (for we've all been disappointed one time or another by something we love when it attempted to make the jump to the big screen). With Tenacious D's "The Pick of Destiny," this is not the case.

Simply put, this film rocks harder than anything I've seen and is funnier and more majestic than anything Peter Jackson, Pixar, and Will Ferrell together could produce. It tells the story of the D before we came to know them, setting up intriguing histories of Kage and Jables' upbringings, their comings together, and how they were inspired to write songs about such things as Lee, Sasquatch, and Dio. Most importantly, they reveal the true inspiration to the Greatest Song In The World, "Tribute," and how it came to be (which is different than the HBO Series' version). After you've witnessed it you probably won't be able to remember it (hence the Tribute), but your mind forever be changes by its genius.

I don't go out to movies very often anymore due to the high ticket price and the hassle of getting parking, paying outrageous concession prices, etc., but I usually make exceptions when it's starring someone I really love or concerning something of the the same variety. "The Pick of Destiny" was so good that I have no qualms going back to see it again when it releases nationwide, and I plan on convincing all of my friends to go, too. Last week we saw "Borat" and loved it, but this is honest to goodness TEN TIMES BETTER. For anyone who truly loves rock music and comedic brilliance, see this film. These guys' talent is so great you should have no hesitation supporting their cause. You will not be disappointed, and the Rock Lords will smile upon you favorably.