Instead of digging up old favorite films of mine, ive decided instead to do quick reviews of some of the movies i see each week.
Happy Go Lucky - Dir: Mike Leigh 2008
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. It didn't have as devastating an emotional kick as his darker films like 'Vera Drake' and 'Naked', but it still taught an equally important lesson. This film is similar to his other films in that it is essentially an extremely in depth character study, this time concentrating on Poppy, played perfectly by Sally Hawkins. If you constantly say movies had "too much talking", then i don't recommend this or any of Mike's films, but if you enjoy sophisticated movies, this one is particularly charming.
Miral - Dir: Julian Schnabel 2010
Julian Schnabel is a director who i always stick up for due to his roots in the new york art movement, but i never actually was that drawn to his films. I thought 'Basquiat' and 'Diving Bell' were both nicely done films, but neither demanded repeat views in my opinion. With 'Miral', his most poorly reviewed movie yet, i found a lot to hold on to. I loved this dissection of the cycle of violence in the middle east. It had strong characters with a lot of heart, and Julian's obvious passion about the issue came through in the direction. I definitely recommend this film, especially if you have interest in the middle east situation.
The Trip - Dir: Michael Winterbottom 2010
This was another disappointing outing from director Michael Winterbottom. I always get excited about his films, and always feel let down when their done. I remember being so geeked to see '24 Party People' (because i love the music of the 80's manchester scene), and being amazed by how shallow the film seemed. Steve Coogan is entertaining as always, but i found the film to be severly lacking in the essential comedic departments of wit and emotion, and while its a slightly nice, light watch, i cant recommend it (maybe if your hungover).
Serge Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life - Dir: Joann Sfar 2010
I was lucky to see an advance screening of the new biopic on everyones favorite enfant terrible, Serge Gainsbourg. Overall, i enjoyed this film a lot. It was frequently hilarious, and Eric Elmosnino did a fantastic job breathing life into Serge. The first 45 minutes documenting his childhood and young life was particularly enjoyable, while the second half ran into problems as the director tried to shove all his outlandish female relations into far too short a time. Really, this should have been two films (maybe three), as each one of his famous relationships could have been a great film in its own right. Leaving the theatre though, i felt inspired and alive, so i definitely give this one all my thumbs up.
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