Since I don’t have a “real” job right now, I’ve been watching a lot of movies. This will be my way to remember which ones I’ve watched and which one’s I’d recommend.
My scale is 1-5.
The Maiden Heist (2009): 2 1/2 stars
Starring Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy and Christopher Walken.
Three men are all obsessed with different art pieces at the museum they work at. After hearing news that the pieces are being transferred to Denmark, the trio decides to steal the art for themselves.
I watched this probably for the same reason most people would; Christopher Walken is in it. It’s a trick I often fall for. I love him, but I should remember it doesn’t guarantee a good movie.
Orphan (2009): 2 stars
A wife and husband decide to adopt a child named Esther after a freak miscarriage. The adopted child ends up being a manipulative, psychotic brat.
This movie just made me upset. It wasn’t scary at all, I just ended up hating Esther’s character and her bad Russian accent.
Whatever Works (2009): 4 stars
Starring Larry David.
Boris Yellnikoff, an older man who is a pessimist as well as a quantum mechanics genius bumps into a sheltered runaway from Mississippi and begins an unlikely relationship.
Even as Boris Yellnikoff, Larry David can’t help but play the same role as he does in Curb Your Enthusiasm. I’m sure Woody Allen had that in mind when casting him for the part.
Watching Larry David be condescending and rude to everyone he meets is nothing new, but it never gets old.
Moon (2009): 3 stars
Starring Sam Rockwell.
Working on the moon as a harvester of Helium-3, a clean energy source used on futuristic Earth, Sam Bell discovers he isn’t alone.
I had no idea what this was about when I started watching it. I’m just a fan of science fiction and “Moon” sounded like a good choice. The plot was interesting enough to keep my attention, but I felt the conflict needed to reach more of a climax. The HAL-like GERTY artificial intelligence system, voiced by Kevin Spacey, was probably one of the more interesting aspects of the film. Expecting the typical robotic mutiny, it was refreshing to see A.I. actually help the protagonist.
Up (2009): 4 stars
After his wife dies, Carl Fredricksen, an elderly man, decides to accomplish their life-long dream of exploring South America. Unexpectedly, a young boy named Russell finds himself tagging along for the trip.
This is probably one of the funniest and saddest movies I’ve seen in a long time. In other words, I loved it. It definitely has its silly and unrealistic parts, as most animated films do, but the underlying themes of grief and loneliness keep the story intact.
Paranormal Activity (2007): 3 stars
A married couple move into a new house only to discover the wife’s demon, which has been haunting her since a child, has followed her to her new home.
I watched this by myself in my room in the dark and only jumped once. Maybe I don’t get scared easy, but I would expect more out of a film with such hype. This movie shows that as long as you have a good concept, a small budget can go a long way.
Away We Go (2009): 3 1/2 stars
Starring John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph.
A couple with a baby on the way travel the US to find a new home for their family.
I mainly watched this because I had just seen Where The Wild Things Are and wanted to see another movie written by Dave Eggers. Away We Go started out slow and had the feel of a cheap Garden State-esque self discovery plot, but soon turned into something more. I really enjoyed the humor, which was to be expected with Eggers and I was pleasantly surprised by Krasinski’s acting as I only know him from The Office.
Primer (2004): 2 stars
Four entrepreneurs discover they’ve built something far more complicated and important than anticipated.
This movie makes no sense. Time travel is over my head. I’d probably have to watch it again, but I just don’t want to. Overall, the acting and filming style was interesting though.
