Short Reviews #46
Moon (2009)
I have so much praise for this sci-fi flick, I can hardly contain my excitement. Whether it be the excellent performance from Sam Rockwell, the visuals, the set design, the direction, the score and an overwhelming sense of abandonment and loneliness you feel in every frame make this easily one of the year’s best films. The simple premise finds Sam Rockwell positioned on the moon, along with GERTY, a computer (similar to HAL from 2001) to send back to Earth parcels of a resource that has helped diminish our planet’s power problems. He’s been there three years and strange things start to happen. Directed by Duncan Jones (who is actually David Bowie’s son!), Moon is an ambitious film yet shot on extremely low-budget (around US$5 million). However it looks more expensive than it is and Jones throws around grand thematic content that any serious sci-fi film fan will embrace with open arms. Clearly inspired by 2001 both visually and in tone, the themes are different for the most part however and it will stay with you long after the credits roll, much like 2001. Although Star Trek made all the money this year at the sci-fi box-office, Moon is certainly the more fascinating of the two.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (3D) (2009)
Although this year’s best animated film is most definitely UP, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs comes in second. This is a hilarious, 3D family film with a strong sense of originality and a well chosen voice cast. SNL’s Bill Hader plays the lead Flint Lockwood, a local scientist who accidently discovers how to make it rain food. Anna Faris provides the voice of Sam Sparks, a local female reporter and love interest for Flint. Other strong voice cast members include Andy Samberg, James Caan, Mr T and Bill Campbell. Cloudy is based upon the 1978 children’s book of the same name and from all reports it’s quite faithful. Although it’s stylised for 3D, some of the shots are very close to the original illustrations from Ron Barrett and this will keep fans happy whilst intriguing newcomers.
Twilight: New Moon (2009)
Right well how do I explain this one? Let’s see – I saw the original not too long ago on blu-ray and felt awkward throughout the entire film due to the stilted performances. But then this sequel made an absolute shit ton of money at the US box office and I wondered “Could they have improved the formula?”. The answer? Heeeeeeeeeeeeeellll no! This is still another awkward instalment in a series of films based upon the Stephanie Meyer books. This time one of the teens juices up on the roids and runs around shirtless for nearly the entire movie – it’s essentially porn for schoolgirls, a trashy teenage novel come to life. But in all fairness, the filmmakers know EXACTLY how to appeal to this target audience and if those box office numbers are anything to go by, then they must be doing a pretty good job. If we leave the entire concept of solid filmmaking out of the equation, then this is perfect teenage girl fodder. Under the terrible performances, pathetic script and actually decent soundtrack, I can start to see why these films have done so well. Yes I hated the film generally but I still admire what Chris Weitz has done for the most part – making the fans happy.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
One minute you’re hot property, and the next you’re making B-grade horror. Welcome to Hollywood Diablo Cody! Actually, that’s not true. People love to rag on Cody but you just have to watch The United States of Tara (and of course Juno) to know the woman can write dialogue. Sure it dates fairly quickly but there’s a charm to it. Unfortunately with Jennifer’s Body, Cody seems to be channeling some 80’s Heathers vibe yet it doesn’t come across overly successful. The third act stumbles a great deal. I actually think Megan Fox is perfect in the role – it’s not a stretch and works with her errrr assets but ultimately the film offers nothing fresh and slides into mediocrity fairly quickly. The trailers looked fun and I had high expectations for this one, but the film even by-passed an Australian cinema release and is nowhere to be found on DVD here. That can’t be good.
The Final Destination (3D) (2009)
They don’t get much more C grade than The Final Destination. I actually enjoyed the first two films somewhat and director David R. Ellis did a decent job with Final Destination 2. The stuntman/director has a twisted sense of humor that occasionally works (Snakes on a Plane wasn’t one of them) but I don’t think he even read the script this time around (was there even one?). No, he clearly decided “What’s the most violent way I can kill this person using bad CGI in 3D?” and took a big fat paycheck for his work. The 3D effects are terrible though, and how this made over US$60 million at the box office is a total shock although never underestimate the power of franchise. Anyway, I’ve said too much about this pile of craphola. Review out.
2 Responses to “Short Reviews #46”
In the interest of full disclosure – it was James’ wife who asked him to come see “New Moon”, but he was very patient and good humored! We tried to keep our giggles to ourselves for the most part in the cinema, but I challenge anyone to get through the twenty or so shots of Jacob without his top on without laughing! Will make one heck of a drinking game once the demographic finishes puberty!
Diablo Cody’s dialogue can be like nails on a chalkboard to me, I cringed through much of Jennifer’s Body although did, for the most part, enjoy it – definitely no need to see it again though!
Dying to see Moon. I miss my cinema card. It’s on my rental list, anyway.