Unrelentingly, irredeemably dark with no story, no arc, and lots of unnecessary frames left onscreen. Too long by 1/3
Phoenix delivers a fine performance, better because the material he had to work with was so weak and thin. I wanted to walk out from the halfway point onward but kept hoping for a redeeming 3rd reel.
Nope. Just more and increasingly gratuitous violence, more darkness and attempts to clumsily weave in origin stories we have all seen. Saw this for $1.72 on a Season Pass and wanted my money back.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Song to Song
(I) (2017)
Emperor Malick is Wearing No Clothes. Or Plot. Or Characters.
24 March 2017
The first movie I have walked out of in as long as I can remember is still on the screen at Austin's Arbor Theater but I am sipping a beer and wondering if I will ever pay to see a Terence Malick film again. As utterly bored as I have been in a theater since Tree of Life (which SHONE in comparison), I gave up waiting for something to happen to wrap this turkey up or make me care. News Flash: it had not appeared on screen at 2 hours in.
I want those 2 hours back.
Malick's latest "Song To Song"? Beautifully-lensed images of characters I know little about and care even less about looking mostly beautiful and doing stuff I don't care about or understand. Any Calvin Klein "Obsession" advert from the 80s had more substance, a more compelling story line and infinitely more ability to hold my interest. This was like a cinematic Austin Architectural Digest showcase of homes, but less interesting. Oh. It was about "struggling musicians"? Malick's definition of "struggling" is as far from reality as Gigli is from good.
The Patti Smith cameo and song snippets in a soundtrack (seemingly created by 20 or 30 misguided people who did not know each other and apparently had not seen the film) were my sole high points. They were enough to make me go all the way to 2 stars, but minus one because I looked at my watch about 8 times waiting for it to end. It may STILL be running and I am halfway through a beer down the road.
Can we chip in to buy Malick a screenwriter, and an editor? Emperor Malick is buck naked folks. Maybe a Kickstarter campaign? SKIP IT.
I want those 2 hours back.
Malick's latest "Song To Song"? Beautifully-lensed images of characters I know little about and care even less about looking mostly beautiful and doing stuff I don't care about or understand. Any Calvin Klein "Obsession" advert from the 80s had more substance, a more compelling story line and infinitely more ability to hold my interest. This was like a cinematic Austin Architectural Digest showcase of homes, but less interesting. Oh. It was about "struggling musicians"? Malick's definition of "struggling" is as far from reality as Gigli is from good.
The Patti Smith cameo and song snippets in a soundtrack (seemingly created by 20 or 30 misguided people who did not know each other and apparently had not seen the film) were my sole high points. They were enough to make me go all the way to 2 stars, but minus one because I looked at my watch about 8 times waiting for it to end. It may STILL be running and I am halfway through a beer down the road.
Can we chip in to buy Malick a screenwriter, and an editor? Emperor Malick is buck naked folks. Maybe a Kickstarter campaign? SKIP IT.
Masterminds
(1997)
A bland, scenery-munching imitation of "Toy Soldiers"
1 June 2004
If Hollywood keeps making bad copies of movies, at least they could see fit to copy a decent movie. Instead these bozos decided to copy the 1991 barely-B-Movie "Toy Soldiers" in this overacted cliche-filled steal wherever we can excuse for a film. It has the school kids held hostage, gadget-freak semi geek with a heart of gold, bad boys doing good and even the cute teens of Toy Soldiers, without the benefit of the dimples of Sean Astin or even the acting prowess of Wil Wheaton or R. Lee Ermey. Skip this one.
Investigation of a Flame
(2003)
A Lesson For Today As Well
25 May 2004
I had the privilege of meeting Daniel Berrigan, one of the Catonsville 9, when he returned to speak at my alma mater, LeMoyne College in Syracuse NY, where he had taught in the 60s.
I was struck by how profoundly peaceful a man he was, and this is key to understanding the civil disobedience in which he, his brother Philip and others participated during the Vietnam War. On the surface, this film chronicles the events leading to and the motivations of the participants in the burning of Selective Service records in Catonsville, MD in 1968, but it is more about what we can all do to speak out against injustice.
These 9 individuals DID something about the war in Vietnam; Catholics all, they helped to wake the faithful throughout America, inspired by the liberation theology typified by Pope John 23rd, who had convened the second Vatican Council before his death in 1963. The Nine fueled a debate with homemade napalm poured on draft records outside an office, and by sacrificing their freedom. All were sentenced to Federal Prison for their actions.
There is a lesson in this film for all of us, especially today. Seek this out--the Sundance Channel is running it--and invest 45 minutes in a lesson for our time.
I was struck by how profoundly peaceful a man he was, and this is key to understanding the civil disobedience in which he, his brother Philip and others participated during the Vietnam War. On the surface, this film chronicles the events leading to and the motivations of the participants in the burning of Selective Service records in Catonsville, MD in 1968, but it is more about what we can all do to speak out against injustice.
These 9 individuals DID something about the war in Vietnam; Catholics all, they helped to wake the faithful throughout America, inspired by the liberation theology typified by Pope John 23rd, who had convened the second Vatican Council before his death in 1963. The Nine fueled a debate with homemade napalm poured on draft records outside an office, and by sacrificing their freedom. All were sentenced to Federal Prison for their actions.
There is a lesson in this film for all of us, especially today. Seek this out--the Sundance Channel is running it--and invest 45 minutes in a lesson for our time.
American Psycho II: All American Girl
(2002 Video)
Stupefyingly, Spectacularly Bad
10 May 2003
William Shatner is the acting high-point in this vapid, phoned-in excuse for a film. If that doesn't send you running to another aisle of your video store you should be looking in the S&M section. Related to the first film in name only, it has none of the style, the irony, nor the plot to say nothing of one shred of the acting. And I didn't even like "American Psycho." Lose the catchy soundtrack and there is no reason to even listen to it. Mila Kunis, while pleasant, is a flyweight made-for TV actress and this stinker does nothing to expand that role.
Skip it. Sitting in a dark room for two hours would be infinitely preferable. I bet the echo of the last "Cut!" had not faded before this was on its way to the video plant. What a waste of tape.
Skip it. Sitting in a dark room for two hours would be infinitely preferable. I bet the echo of the last "Cut!" had not faded before this was on its way to the video plant. What a waste of tape.
My Flesh and Blood
(2003)
Unforgettable Characters in an Amazing Family
14 March 2003
If not for bumping into the filmmaker at another SXSW Film Festival screening, I would have dismissed this as potentially a tear-jerker freak show. The synopsis did not grab me. Mr. Karsh did--he is as passionate as his subject matter.
Don't make the mistake I almost made--see this and prepare to meet some of the most indelibly etched characters life has ever created on screen. HBO/Cinemax has apparently agreed to pick this up for showing in late 2003/early 2004 so you should have a chance to see it there, but I really hope it finds release on DVD.
Karsh creates and incredibly moving portrait of a family like no other, built on the solid foundation of one amazing mother. With an engaging, suspenseful dramatic arc that could not possibly have been scripted, the film shows laughter, fear, anger, rage, love, frustration and difficult resolution. As in any family, there are no easy answers to life's daily challenges. With unique access and a "cast" of dreams, it is an absolutely unforgettable slice of life that should make each of us aware of how much we have for which to be thankful. Part documentary, part cinema verite, it is 100% engaging till the last frame. See it and prepare to meet the Toms.
Don't make the mistake I almost made--see this and prepare to meet some of the most indelibly etched characters life has ever created on screen. HBO/Cinemax has apparently agreed to pick this up for showing in late 2003/early 2004 so you should have a chance to see it there, but I really hope it finds release on DVD.
Karsh creates and incredibly moving portrait of a family like no other, built on the solid foundation of one amazing mother. With an engaging, suspenseful dramatic arc that could not possibly have been scripted, the film shows laughter, fear, anger, rage, love, frustration and difficult resolution. As in any family, there are no easy answers to life's daily challenges. With unique access and a "cast" of dreams, it is an absolutely unforgettable slice of life that should make each of us aware of how much we have for which to be thankful. Part documentary, part cinema verite, it is 100% engaging till the last frame. See it and prepare to meet the Toms.
Showboy
(2002)
Let it wash over you--enjoy the fun!
28 August 2002
Fiction? "Faction?" A "Mockumentary?" Whatever you call it, Showboy is good fun. A showing at the 15th annual Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival filled the house, and elicited howls of laughter and cheers of appreciation. The film works best if you just go with it--don't think too much about it, suspend disbelief and let the characters get under your skin, as they will. Think "Blair Witch Project" pseudo-reality meets the antic desperation of "Living In Oblivion." Sort of.
Christian Taylor is wonderful, and his dance lesson with Adrian Armas truly smolders. It is easy to get caught up in the fun, and the trials and tribulations of a nice guy currently down on his luck. Well produced, nicely shot and featuring a look behind the scenes in Las Vegas and the movie and television industry, Showboy is not what you might expect--a pleasant surprise.
Christian Taylor is wonderful, and his dance lesson with Adrian Armas truly smolders. It is easy to get caught up in the fun, and the trials and tribulations of a nice guy currently down on his luck. Well produced, nicely shot and featuring a look behind the scenes in Las Vegas and the movie and television industry, Showboy is not what you might expect--a pleasant surprise.
Zig Zag
(2002)
A Moving, Impressive Debut
11 March 2002
This film premiered to a packed house in Narrative Feature competition at the South By South West film festival in Austin on 3/10/2002. It was a well-crafted, touching directorial debut by a David Goyer, a writer/director whose screenwriting efforts have given him a keen sense of story.
John Leguizamo shines as a "Big Brother" to the mildly retarded/autistic 15 year old "ZigZag" Fletcher, played with uncharacteristic maturity by young Sam Jones III. Their rich and mutually supportive multi-level relationship casts Leguizamo as brother, father, protector, social worker and buddy, extending even to a hilarious semi- paternal explanation of human development. Jones captures the internal dialogues of autism with a restrained, mostly tic-free performance, yet delivers a believable teen's view of the syndrome.
Oliver Platt revels in a wonderfully rich and funny supporting role, Natasha Lyonne delivers a rich performance as a hooker with a heart and Wesley Snipes casts a dark shadow indeed as a crack-addicted abusive father. But it is Sam Jones III who is the heart and soul of the film, and ultimately why we care to see it unfold. Goyer has made an impressive film indeed, richly characterized and genuinely moving, if a bit muddled in parts. But I was willing to forgive a bit of muddle for a chance to share the difficult lives of characters about whom I grew to genuinely care .
John Leguizamo shines as a "Big Brother" to the mildly retarded/autistic 15 year old "ZigZag" Fletcher, played with uncharacteristic maturity by young Sam Jones III. Their rich and mutually supportive multi-level relationship casts Leguizamo as brother, father, protector, social worker and buddy, extending even to a hilarious semi- paternal explanation of human development. Jones captures the internal dialogues of autism with a restrained, mostly tic-free performance, yet delivers a believable teen's view of the syndrome.
Oliver Platt revels in a wonderfully rich and funny supporting role, Natasha Lyonne delivers a rich performance as a hooker with a heart and Wesley Snipes casts a dark shadow indeed as a crack-addicted abusive father. But it is Sam Jones III who is the heart and soul of the film, and ultimately why we care to see it unfold. Goyer has made an impressive film indeed, richly characterized and genuinely moving, if a bit muddled in parts. But I was willing to forgive a bit of muddle for a chance to share the difficult lives of characters about whom I grew to genuinely care .
Friends and Family
(2001)
Original Comic Twist on Old Theme
2 September 2001
The cliche? A surprise visit from Mom and Dad sends a gay couple into a tizzy. The twist? Mom and Dad KNOW Stephen & Danny are happy and gay and have no problem with it--what they DON'T know is that they work for the mafia--the Patrizzi family, as enforcers and bodyguards. In this surprise parental visit, the ruse is not acting heterosexual for Mom & Dad but acting like, well, caterers. Throw in an unexpected visit from the militia, a fierce drag queen or two and mob enforcers acting like gay cater-waiters and hilarity ensues.
This visit scenario is but one way in which this film shows and old dog some very funny new tricks. Make no mistake--this is a farcical, screwball comedy with broad humor and somewhat unbelievable situations, but it goes for the laughs and usually gets them. The writing is crisp and intelligent, the sub-plots funny and well-defined and the acting uniformly excellent, with Tony LoBianco's "Don Patrizzi" an understated stand-out.
The underlying twists--fathers disappointed in sons, secrets kept from family members, "mixed marriages" and such are played for laughs, and almost always differently than we have seen these themes played out in other films. The film does not take itself too seriously, yet it has a sweet message of love and romance and truth to ones own ideals that runs throughout and helps us get more out of the film than just laughs.
Friends & Family had a regional premiere at Austin's 14th annual Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival in September, 2001, where it played to packed houses on two nights, but this film deserves mainstream release. It is unrated, but might garner a PG-13--it has little coarse language, sexually suggestive scenes or violence (save the cartoonish sort), and is a film I would readily take my 13 year old niece and nephew to as well as Mom and Dad. Tovah Feldshuh, Anna Maria Alberghetti and Mesach Taylor co-star.
The gay characters are likable, fairly realistic, and actually the heroes of the story; the film might well serve to introduce an awareness and tolerance that is often lacking in film (and in life).
This visit scenario is but one way in which this film shows and old dog some very funny new tricks. Make no mistake--this is a farcical, screwball comedy with broad humor and somewhat unbelievable situations, but it goes for the laughs and usually gets them. The writing is crisp and intelligent, the sub-plots funny and well-defined and the acting uniformly excellent, with Tony LoBianco's "Don Patrizzi" an understated stand-out.
The underlying twists--fathers disappointed in sons, secrets kept from family members, "mixed marriages" and such are played for laughs, and almost always differently than we have seen these themes played out in other films. The film does not take itself too seriously, yet it has a sweet message of love and romance and truth to ones own ideals that runs throughout and helps us get more out of the film than just laughs.
Friends & Family had a regional premiere at Austin's 14th annual Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival in September, 2001, where it played to packed houses on two nights, but this film deserves mainstream release. It is unrated, but might garner a PG-13--it has little coarse language, sexually suggestive scenes or violence (save the cartoonish sort), and is a film I would readily take my 13 year old niece and nephew to as well as Mom and Dad. Tovah Feldshuh, Anna Maria Alberghetti and Mesach Taylor co-star.
The gay characters are likable, fairly realistic, and actually the heroes of the story; the film might well serve to introduce an awareness and tolerance that is often lacking in film (and in life).
Macbeth in Manhattan
(1999)
A fine modern romp through the skullduggery of Macbeth
21 October 2000
This was a hit in the South By Southwest (SXSW) Film festival in Austin last year, and features a fine cast headed up by E.R.'s Gloria Reuben, and a scenery-chewing John Glover. Though shot on a small budget in NYC, the film looks and sounds fabulous, and takes us on a behind the scenes whirl through the rehearsal and mounting of what actors call "The Scottish Play," as a reference to the word "Macbeth" is thought to bring on the play's ancient curse. The acting company exhibits all the emotions of the play itself, lust, jealousy, rage, suspicion, and a bit of fun as well. The games begin when an accomplished actor is replaced (in the lead role) by a well-known "pretty face" from the TV soap opera scene in order to draw bigger crowds. The green-eyed monster takes over from there, and the drama unfolds nicely. Fine soundtrack, and good performances all around. The DVD includes director's commentary and some deleted scenes as well.
Macbeth in Manhattan
(1999)
Shakespeare Brought Home
29 May 2000
Though it had the misfortune to hit the festival circuit here in Austin (SXSW Film) just as we were getting tired of things like Shakespeare in Love, and Elizabeth, this movie deserves an audience. An inside look at the staging of "The Scottish Play" as actors call "Macbeth" when producing it to avoid the curse, this is a crisp, efficient and stylish treatment of the treachery which befalls the troupe. With a wonderfully evocative score, and looking and sounding far better than its small budget would suggest, this is a quiet gem, not world-class, but totally satisfying.
Velvet Goldmine
(1998)
A remarkable trip back to glam
8 November 1998
Forget the comparisons to Bowie, or Iggy, or other real life characters. This is a well-drawn snapshot of the rise and fall of a gorgeous _fictional_ glam-rocker, replete with fully realized characters, gorgeous scenery and make-up, and a healthy dose of the sexual ambiguity that made the era so unpredictably fun.
Rhys-Meyers is stunningly attractive, and Ewan McGregor is transcendent as the heroin using rocker experiencing his decline and fall and rise. Bale is multi-faceted as the tormented gay youth, ashamedly aroused at the very sight of the elegant "Maxwell Demon" and still wrestling with issues later in life as a reporter.
See it with an open mind, leave your homophobia at home, and enjoy a trip back to the glamour days of glam-rock, and Todd Haynes guided tour of the glam-psyche.
Rhys-Meyers is stunningly attractive, and Ewan McGregor is transcendent as the heroin using rocker experiencing his decline and fall and rise. Bale is multi-faceted as the tormented gay youth, ashamedly aroused at the very sight of the elegant "Maxwell Demon" and still wrestling with issues later in life as a reporter.
See it with an open mind, leave your homophobia at home, and enjoy a trip back to the glamour days of glam-rock, and Todd Haynes guided tour of the glam-psyche.
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