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alandaguegreene
Reviews
April Showers (2009)
Absolutely pointless
I find it incomprehensible that a movie about such an important subject could end up being so inept, but that's exactly what this is. As other reviewers have said, the shooting takes place early in the film, and then we are treated to slow motion tears for the next hour.
This isn't a film about the shooting itself, that's plain to see. But unfortunately, it's not about anything else, either. The contrived love story is devoid of meaning or motivation, and gives the audience nothing to anticipate or mourn. The main character is completely unlikable as the good- looking, do-nothing romantic, and the object of his affections is equally vacuous.
The film aims to honor anyone who has been subjected to such tragedy, whether they're a victim or a survivor. But the aim is disingenuous. So many details are lifted directly from the Columbine shooting, it's impossible to think of this film as anything but a re-enactment that gets a few obvious details totally wrong.
For a film that faces the senselessness of school violence, look no further than "Elephant": it is understated, poignant, brilliantly performed, and unbearably tragic.
Ink (2009)
Lives up to the hype, and then some
The enthusiasm I had heard about this film had me intrigued, but the result is far beyond what I was expecting. Don't dismiss this one if you're not into dark tales with fantastical creatures and super-human fight sequences. I'm not into those films either. But what sets Ink apart is that it is simply a beautiful film, founded on highly original storytelling, that doesn't get caught up in trying to be too cool for its own good. Its stylized treatment genuinely serves the story and ties the film together visually, and brilliantly.
My guess is that this one will make its way around the country in a successful theater run, and have a loyal following for some time to come. Anything less would be a disservice to this excellent film.